According to the report
card released by the Conference Board of Canada, British
Columbia gets an A+ for being the province with the
healthiest Canadian population. Residents have the lowest rate of disease, and
the highest level of physical activity, resulting in low obesity rates as well.
Newfoundland has the highest rates of
obesity, while Ontario came in second with Quebec,
P.E.I. and Alberta not far
behind.
B.C. and Ontario has the least amount of daily smokers
and heavy drinkers. We find at the
bottom of this list Newfoundland and Labrador,
as well as the three territories.
In the categories of life
expectancy, infant mortality, cancer deaths and suicides, Canada received a B
overall, ranking 8th in a list of 16 countries.
New Brunswick earned a C,
while Nova Scotia, Manitoba
and Saskatchewan earned a D.
Other Country Rankings:
Switzerland, Sweden - A
Australia, Norway, France,
Japan, Netherlands, Canada,
Germany - B
Finland, United Kingdom, Austria,
Ireland, Belgium - C
Denmark, United States - D
Canada compared favourably to other
countries on risk factors that lead to chronic diseases, but the report indicated
that the country's obesity rate is cause for concern, especially childhood
obesity.
