British Columbia living healthy as compared to rest of Canada

The Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) released yesterday by Statistics Canada shows that B.C. continues to lead or be highly ranked in many healthy living categories compared to other jurisdictions, re-affirming the province as the healthiest population in Canada, announced Healthy Living and Sport Minister Ida Chong.

“This is the second time in a month that a national health report has recognized B.C.’s leadership in healthy living, supported by statistics that show we are truly the healthiest population in Canada,” said Chong. “We are pleased to see that the latest data from the Canadian Community Health Survey finds that British Columbians are the most physically active, have the lowest smoking rate and self-reported obesity rates and that we are the second-highest consumers of fruits and vegetables in Canada.”

The 2009 Canadian Community Health Survey shows that:

· B.C. has the lowest smoking rate in Canada at 16 per cent.
· British Columbians rank second in Canada for fruit and vegetable consumption (five or more servings per day) at 45.7 per cent.
· British Columbians (ages 12 and over) have the highest physical activity rates in Canada at 60.3 per cent.
· British Columbians have the lowest self-reported obesity rates in Canada at 45.1 per cent.
· B.C. ranked second among provinces for functional health at 82.7 per cent. Functional health measures eight categories, including hearing, vision, communicating, mobility, dexterity, pain, cognition and emotion.

“The Canadian Community Health Survey shows that British Columbians are leading healthy and active lives, which is good news,” said Kevin Falcon, Minister of Health Services. “Whether it’s being physically active, eating more fruits and vegetables or quitting smoking, we can all take steps to lead a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”