The Costs of Not Being Physically Active
Now, more than ever before, Canadians have become increasingly inactive in many aspects of their lives. This has had a very large impact on the overall health of Canadians, even more so than cigarette smoking. In fact, while 26% of Canadians are smokers, more than 35% are inactive, and a whopping 63% of all Canadians are “not active enough to derive positive benefits of healthy living and are putting themselves at risk for a number of life-threatening illnesses (CFLRI 1998).”
The benefits of being physically active and following a healthy active lifestyle throughout your entire life are known to reduce the chances of many illnesses, including cardiovascular disease (CVD); certain types of cancer, including breast cancer; diabetes; osteoporosis; obesity; and even some mental disorders.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD):
Research has shown that physical activity is one of the four main risk factors for Cardiovascular Disease that people can directly control, along with smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. CVD is the leading cause of death among Canadians, accounting for about 75,000 deaths per year, or 40% of the total number of deaths in Canada each year.
Cancer:
Physical activity can also reduce by as much as 50% the chance of colon cancer; and if done during adolescence, can reduce the chances of breast cancer among women later in life.
Osteoporosis:
Physical activity can reduce the risk of Osteoporosis among children and youth by maximizing the peak bone mineral mass, and among adults by slowing the rate of bone mineral loss.
Obesity:
In the last two decades, the number of obese children in society has increased by as much as 50%. Obesity increases the risk high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis and various cancers, as well as being a major contributor to the development of diabetes. Regular physical activity helps prevent obesity by reducing body weight, body mass index and body fat.
- Taken from the Canadian Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD)
The Economic Costs of Illness in Canada, 1993
A 1993 report by Health Canada showed that the total cost of illness in Canada for 1993 was $156.9 billion. This is roughly equivalent to 22% of the Gross Domestic Product or $5,450 per capita.
All costs, except $27.6 billion in direct costs, were classifiable by diagnostic category. Those with the highest costs were:
- Cardiovascular disease - $19.7 billion
- Musculoskeletal diseases - $17.8 billion
- Injuries - $14.3 billion
- Cancer - $13.1 billion
These four categories represented 50.2% of the total cost of illness classifiable by diagnostic category.
Health Canada Economic Burden of Illness in Canada, 1993