Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Canadian obesity rates differ by geography, income: report
CBC
Last Updated Wed, 25 Feb 2004 22:20:47
"OTTAWA - A new report reinforces the long-held view that rich people tend to live longer, healthier lives than the middle class and low-income Canadians. The Canadian Institute for Health Information's population health branch released the report, Improving the Health of Canadians on Wednesday. The report's authors measured measured inequalities in health among children, Aboriginal Peoples and low-income Canadians. "This report highlights how long-term choices in social policy – from physical activity in schools to pensions for seniors – can also have profound implications for our health," said Dr. Cameron Mustard, chair of the population health council in a release. ...The report recommends five strategies to prevent obesity: 1) Encourage breastfeeding because evidence suggests the longer a baby is nourished by breast milk alone, the lower the risk of developing obesity in childhood.
..." [Yay, not only is this a recommendation, it's the top recommendation of a list of five. - JC]