Why physical activity matters for adults on low income

Today’s Purpose

● Learn how health is affected by inequity

● Learn about benefits of physical activity

● Recognize our role

About the Organization

[Include some information about you/ your organization and why you are advocating for access and inclusion for active living]

Health and Inequity

Inequity – through poverty and exclusion – has more impact on health than the choices people make in their daily life.

(Turning the Tide)

Determinants of Health

The social, economic, political, environmental and cultural factors – outside of our individual control – that affect our health.

Barriers to physical activity

These determinants of health can manifest as barriers to participation.

Lower income is correlated with lower levels of physical activity.

Health benefits

Regular physical activity:● Prevents chronic illness● Reduces heart diseases● Protects against obesity● Prevents some cancers● Contributes to mental health

Social benefits

Physical activity opportunities can also:● Provide opportunities to build social

skills and develop relationships● Reduce social isolation● Promote active participation in the

community

We also save tax dollars

In BC, physical inactivity costs us $211 million in direct health care costs.

Poverty in BC

● In 2006, BC had the highest provincial poverty rate in Canada – 13%

● 23% of Canada’s working poor live in BC (2001)

Poverty in our community

● XX% or X,XXX people live below the poverty line

Adults are being left behind

● In Canada, 44% of adults, 35 to 54 years, are not active enough to gain health benefits.

● In our community there are XXXX adults in this age group.

● Approximately 44% = XXXX adults are not active enough

A case in point…

[Insert testimonial or local real-life story here.]

We can work “upstream”

Promote and maintain health upstream

or

Pay for medical costs downstream

A call to action

[Insert your “ask” here]

Beginning the conversation

We are just beginning to make a difference in our community.

Let’s get Everybody Active!

Questions?

Contact Information

Name

Title

Phone number

Email

Website

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Additional slides

[Use these slides to add further information about your community.]

[To fill in the following slides, find statistics for your own community by clicking http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/prof/92-591/index.cfm?Lang=E to search for your community profile.]

Income

% of low income persons (after tax):

BC:Total - 13% (2006 Census)Children & youth - 15%

In our community:Total - %Children & youth - %

Lone Parent Families

% of lone parent families

BC - 15% (2006 Census)

In our community - %

Aboriginal

% of the population that identifies as Aboriginal:

BC - 4% (2006 Census)

In our community - %

Immigration

% of the population who immigrated to Canada:

BC - 27% (2006 Census)

In our community - %

Health of community members

In our community:● % heart disease● % diabetes● % obesity

For health statistics, contact your local Health Authority or the First Nations Health Council.