Stressed out Canadian office workers are becoming “desk potatoes” which is threatening the well being of Canadians. As a nation we need to promote physical activity, wellness and optimal nutrition for all.
The prevalence of obesity is rising quickly for many inactive Canadians, especially those who are juggling family, careers and responsibilities! Many spend their days at their desk, on the computer, on the phone, sitting for 8 hours a day!
We need employers to make physical activity and wellness a priority in their strategic planning so that stress, workplace injuries, absenteeism and benefit claims would decrease! Employers need to boost morale, productivity and job satisfaction with activity and wellness for all.
Physical activity and healthy eating not only reduces the risk for diabetes, heart disease, obesity, stroke, depression, premature death and disability, it will give the private sector a competitive edge.
An inactive person on average costs the health system $300.00 more each year than an active person. (dr. Robert Cushman, spokesman for the Canadian public health association).
Considering that the total cost of dealing with diabetes is 9 billion yearly and that physical activity can reduce the risk factors by 50 %, it’s clear that urgent steps need to be taken.
Many Canadians work through lunch at their desks, we need to encourage them to get out for a noon hour walk or fitness class. Nurturing physical activity at work will produce better workers and better outcomes, a win/win for both employers and employees.
Our public health system is in trouble and we all need to look at the long term of reducing the burden of illness!
So ask your employer for support to start up a lunch hour fitness class, walking club or have some wellness lunch and learn sessions!
To your health!
Lynn Callaghan RHN, PTS, FIS
