Physical Activity in the workplace

60% of Canadian adults spend their entire workday seated, and 56% are classified as "Physically inactive".

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The vast majority of Canadian adults (over 15 million) spend half their waking hours at work - and that's before taking into account the time they spend commuting.

Countless studies have shown a correlation between physical inactivity and the following outcomes:

and, to put a fiscal slant on it:

• lost productivity
• more absenteeism
• lower employee satisfaction
• increased short- and long-term disability payments
• greater employee benefit costs
• higher worker's compensation claims

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada - Healthy Living Unit:

• Physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer by as much as 50 percent.
• Regular physical activity reduces the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and coronary heart disease - the latter by as much as 50 percent.
• Physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 50 percent. Diabetes is a complicating factor in heart disease and stroke.
• The risk of osteoporosis is reduced through regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence and there is also evidence for maintenance of bone mass through physical activity and calcium supplementation in adulthood.
• Regular physical activity improves function and relieves symptoms among people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In many cases, fewer medications are then necessary.
• There is evidence that persons who are overweight can reduce their risk of disease by being active and fit

Fitness and the Workplace

There are many options for bringing physical activity into the workplace - from a lunchtime walking group to the Physical Activity Challenge. Visit the Workplace Fitness page on NaturalHealthcare.ca for some downloadable tips and tools - and then contact us for more ways we can help you bring physical activity to your workplace.

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Thank you to WELCOA for generous use of the concept. All artwork copyright © 2010 Natural Healthcare Canada. All rights reserved.