A new survey conducted by Desjardins saw one in four Canadians admit that they are not in good physical health.
The online survey was conducted in March 2018 and 2,964 individuals across Canada were polled for the report.
According to the survey, 24% of respondents do not believe they are in good physical health. When it came to physical activity, 55% of female respondents rated their physical activity as fair or poor, while 45% of male respondents answered similarly.
In terms of exercise, nearly 30% of those surveyed said they do not participate in any form of physical activity. Among those who do, 26% indicated that the costs associated with exercise (on programs, equipment, memberships, classes, etc.) required a “significant financial compromise” on their budgets.
Desjardins also found that one in five respondents said they do not regularly eat fresh foods. Additionally, almost 30% said they do not pay attention to portion sizes, while 23% admitted to frequently overeating to feel good. And, just like with exercise, a good number of those who ate healthy – 44% – had to make financial compromises.
To coincide with the launch of the survey’s results, Desjardins announced a partnership with the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. Through the partnership, Desjardins will donate more than $1 million over the course of three years to programs spearheaded by the two healthcare organizations – programs that would fund research into breakthrough drugs and educate the public on how to live healthier.
