News Release                   For Immediate Release

June 17, 2003

“Physical Activity … Repeat Daily”  -- A Prescription for Good Health

Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health for Grey Bruce, says it’s time to get active about inactivity.  To highlight the urgency of this message, a personal request from the Medical Officer of Health is being delivered to residents in Grey and Bruce Counties this week.

“The reason for sending this message to every household in Grey and Bruce is to encourage everyone to get more active, every day,” said Dr. Lynn.  “The health benefits of physical activity are considerable. The problem is, most of us spend long periods of our day sitting in cars, at work, and at school.  Our lifestyle is dangerous for our health.”

“The good news is that physical activity can significantly improve our health and well-being,” said Dr. Lynn.  “Physical activity slows the aging process, improves our ability to handle stress, increases energy, and helps to control weight. In the long run, active living results in fewer falls and injuries and reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.”

“We know physical activity is good for us, but we find it difficult to do.  The bad news is we are becoming less, rather than more active. Physical activity levels drop dramatically as we age.”

Local statistics show that two-thirds of residents are not active enough for good health. After age 20, about 2 out of every 10 people in Grey and Bruce are getting enough physical activity. Canada-wide, more than half of children are not active enough for good health.

The Message from the Medical Officer of Health includes an easy way to track physical activity and gives examples and suggestions on how to add physical activity to your life.

The special report highlights an important issue regarding the health of Grey and Bruce residents. It was last released in April 2000 and addressed smoking and second-hand smoke.

The Health Unit offers physical activity programs and resources for workplaces, schools, families and seniors.  For further information, call Public Health at 376-9420 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments:  Message from Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health [PDF]

For more information, contact: Dr. Hazel Lynn, Medical Officer of Health, 376-9420.