By Matt Mayer, MSc
Canadians are living longer on average.But research shows there’s a 10-year gap between how long we live, and how long we live in health. This gap is largely due to heart disease, stroke and other chronic conditions.
We know that nine in 10 Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but did you know that nearly four in 10 have three or more risk factors?
To reduce that 10-year gap, the Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends being physically active, eating well, being smoke-free, reducing stress and avoiding excessive drinking.
Get moving toMake Health LastPhysical activity can be a lifesaver – literally. Inactivity can shave over two years off a person’s expected lifespanand results in nearly four quality years of life lost.
Yet 85 per cent of Canadian adults don’t get the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
To start on the path to shrinking the 10-year gap, take these tips to heart:
• FIND YOUR SWEET SPOT: Not a gym rat? Not a problem: any activity can have a positive impact, including gardening, dancing and more. • MIX IT UP: Mix and match your activities, varying your level of intensity. Do an hour of yard work one day, bike with the kids the next and head to a yoga class the day after that.
• HANG 10: Short on time? Exercise in bouts of 10 minutes. For example, a quick stroll burns 47 calories.
• CREATE YOUR CUBICLE GYM:Find a space at work for yoga poses, chair squats, running in place and stretches.
• GET INTO CHILD’S PLAY: Have fun and rediscover your youth.Throw a Frisbee, go for a swim or paddle a canoe.
• WALK THE SIDELINES:Don’t just watch your kids on the field. Get up and walk around.
• STEP IT UP: Get off the bus or subway a stop early, or park a few blocks from the office, and walk the rest.
• DO THE HOME STRETCH:Do some stretches when you get home tonight.
Want to find out about your personal risk? Take the free Heart&Stroke Risk Assessment, get personalized tips and set goals for a healthier you at makehealthlast.ca.
www.newscanada.com