The Importance of Healthy Eating and Active Living
Healthy eating and regular physical activity are essential for health and well-being. People who eat nutritious foods and are physically active are more likely to lead longer, healthier lives:
• Children and youth who eat fruits and vegetables at least five times a day are less likely to be overweight, and those who participate in team sports have higher averages in school and are more likely to graduate from post-secondary education.
• Diet, physical activity and maintenance of appropriate body weight can prevent between 30% to 40% of all cases of cancer and other diseases.
• Researchers suggest that 90% of type 2 diabetes and 80% of coronary heart disease could be avoided by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, avoiding smoking and drinking moderately.
• Physical activity helps to reduce the risk of falls and fractures, and prevents further bone loss from osteoporosis.
• While estimates show that the number of Canadians in their 60s will increase by 50% over the next 10 years, a recent study indicates that 52% of Canadian baby boomers are inactive.
• For seniors – even seniors with chronic health conditions – good health is associated with being physically active three or more times a week, being a healthy weight and eating fruits and vegetables at least five times a day.
Healthy people use fewer health care services. Right now, Ontario spends almost half of its provincial budget on the health – or illness – care system. A healthier population could save us billions every year in health care costs. We know that healthy eating and physical activity can lead to improved health throughout an individual’s life span. While most Ontarians believe that health is a personal responsibility, there is a large gap between what we know and what we do.
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