World Health Day proclaimed for April 7

Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith and Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Julie Bettney are pleased to proclaim April 7, 2002 as World Health Day.

World Health Day is celebrated each year by the 191 member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO). It was established to provide a forum for discussion regarding various health challenges worldwide.

This year�s theme, Move for Health, underscores the growing recognition among public health experts worldwide that physical activity can and should play an increased role in improving and maintaining the health of the global population.

"Scientific evidence tells us that physical activity plays a key role in improving health and in preventing disease, disability and premature death," said Minister Smith. "It is necessary for healthy childhood growth and development and it reduces the incidence and suffering from heart disease, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and other diseases. It also prolongs independent living in later life."

However, statistics show physical inactivity is still a major health concern for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the country at large.

"The number of overweight and obese people is increasing at an alarming rate and the current level of physical activity is far below the recommended amount," said Minister Bettney. "Approximately 66 per cent of our population is not sufficiently active to benefit their health."

Each year in Canada alone, physical inactivity results in more than 21,000 premature deaths and contributes at least $2.1 billion in direct health care costs.

The ultimate message of World Health Day is that physical activity can be enjoyable, inexpensive and easy. Anything involving movement � even if it isn�t vigorous � results in positive benefits to health and well-being.

To help build momentum around World Health Day 2002, a number of resources are available through Health Canada at www.healthcanada.ca/worldhealthday.  The resources provided there, which include posters and fact sheets, are meant to be used by community leaders to organize various events.

"Regardless of physical or mental health, gender or age, physical activity can greatly enhance quality of life," said Minister Smith. "Physical activity must be a priority for everyone throughout all stages of life. As the ministers responsible for health and for physical fitness/active living, we urge all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to get moving and get active."

Media contact:

Carmel Turpin, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377.
Simon Lono, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, (709) 729-0928.

2002 04 05                       11:35 a.m.