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- 77% of women and 74% of men in Canada are considered physically inactive making this one of the most serious health issues facing Canadians today.1
- In other words, the majority of adults in Canada are at increased risk of chronic disease and premature death due to sedentariness.2
- In 1999, approximately $2.1 billion of the total direct costs to Canada?s healthcare system were attributable to physical inactivity.3
- A 10% reduction in the prevalence of physical inactivity among the Canadian population might reduce direct healthcare expenditures by $150 million per year.3
- The workplace is an appealing venue for physical activity and fitness promotion because of the convenience, familiarity, peer support, flexibility, and reduced expense to employees.4
- There is evidence that wellness programs in the workplace improve productivity, enhance job satisfaction, reduce sick leave/absenteeism, job stress, injuries and workers' compensation claims, and lower turnover.5,6
- In 2002, an average of 7.3 workdays among full-time employees were lost as a result of illness and disability.7
- Sedentary employees were absent a total of 38.9 days, while active employees were absent only 12.5 days according to a study conducted over 10 years by the Canadian Life Assurance Company.8
- A five-year review of Prudential Life's physical activity program noted a 20 percent reduction in disability days for active employees.8
- The majority of adults spend over half their waking hours (10.5) at, and commuting to and from, work.9
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