PHE Canada Responds to Vital Signs Obesity Report

PHE Canada Responds to Vital Signs Obesity Report

OCTOBER 4, 2011 –Community Foundations of Canada released a report today that highlights the rising rates of obesity across several Canadian cities and communities. Though some action is being undertaken to tackle this health condition by policymakers, business and the not-for-profit sector, these findings show that it is still not enough, especially among children. Currently, one child out of every 11 suffers from obesity.

“The rising rates of obesity across the country demonstrate a profound need for a national commitment to address this public health issue,” said Andrea Grantham, Executive Director and CEO of Physical & Health Education Canada (PHE Canada). “With the recent passage of a United Nations declaration on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), recognizing the significant role that physical activity has towards reducing the rates and prevalence of NCDs such as diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases, we are seeing further evidence that an investment in physical activity is a critical step towards tackling our obesity rates.”

As evidenced in ‘Vital Signs‘, we need to act now. Studies have shown that an investment in physical activity will pay off in the long-term. Increasing physical activity levels by just 10 per cent would save Canadians over $150 million annually in health care costs alone. Research also shows that children and youth who lead physically active lives are better learners, more productive, and develop to become good public citizens. 

“We call upon the federal government to demonstrate a commitment that includes significant federal investment dedicated to disease prevention strategies, not just treatment, to support and enable a more healthy and physically active Canada,” said Grantham. “It will only be through this investment and commitment to physical education and activity that we can begin to turn these shocking statistics around.”

PHE Canada works tirelessly to ensure that all children and youth in Canada lead healthy, physically active lives. This includes advocating for the adoption of Quality Daily Physical Education in schools, improving access to active after-school programs, and developing resources to teach life-long healthy living practices.

Contact:

Andrea Grantham
Executive Director & CEO
Physical & Health Education Canada
613-523-1348 x224
Andrea@phecanada.ca

 To read the full report please click here.