PRESS RELEASE

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia

Physical Inactivity Directly Linked to Physical Space

Halifax, September 15, 2004 – A major barrier to physical activity is physical space. How cities and towns are developed and planned directly affects our ability to be physically active - and Nova Scotia’s economy - according to a new report released today by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia entitled, The Cost of Physical Inactivity in Halifax Regional Municipality.

Physical activity provides proven health benefits, protecting against heart disease, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and depression. The report indicates that in HRM 30 per cent of heart disease and 16 per cent of stroke, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes are attributable to physical inactivity. In addition to the human cost, the report also estimates the total combined direct and indirect costs of inactivity in HRM to be $68 million a year or $180 per HRM resident.

“Well-planned cities contribute directly to the enhanced health of a population by making activity- whether for recreational or utilitarian purposes- a true possibility for residents,” says Clare O’Connor, Director of Policy and Government Relations Department for the Foundation. “Halifax’s 25-year planning process is a great opportunity to highlight the need to build communities with health in mind.”

O’Connor sees the report’s value as a contribution to the HRM’s planning effort based on the link between physical activity and physical space.

The report, prepared by GPIAtlantic, notes: “Urban planning offers excellent opportunities to increase chances for physical activity of residents by making walking or cycling viable alternatives to motorized transportation and by providing access to sports and recreation facilities. A recent study conducted in Atlanta, Georgia, found walkability and connectedness of neighbourhoods are strongly associated with a decrease in the risk of obesity, while increased time spent in a car is associated with increasing risk of obesity.”

The report demonstrates that even a 10 per cent improvement in Haligonians’ level of activity would yield a savings to the province of $4.75 million and save the lives of some of the 200 people who die prematurely every year in HRM from diseases related to physical inactivity.

“Our communities need to support activity at the recreational level but to have the biggest impact we need to ensure that biking and walking are options for everyday mobility. Walking or biking to work, grocery stores, dry cleaners, are all ways of incorporating physical activity into our daily schedules,” O’Connor says.

The report is available on the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia’s website at www.heartandstroke.ca (Nova Scotia page).

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia provides significant funding for research in Nova Scotia and delivers health information and health promotion programs based on the best science. The mission of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia is to further the prevention and reduction of death and disability from heart disease and stroke through the support of research, education and the promotion of healthy living.

For further information, please contact:

donalee Moulton
Quantum Communications
Ph: (902) 443-9600
Fax: (902) 445-4364
www.quantumcommunications.ca