Couch Potato Alert.

Canada and the World Backgrounder, January, 2000

Canadians are so lazy they're putting their lives at risk.

In 1995, 2,500 adults were questioned about their physical activities, and the results were cross-referenced with medical data.

The bad news was published in 1998. "If you are inactive," said Dr. Nick Busing, "the impact on your health is on a par with smoking a pack of cigarettes a day."

And, how many of us are inactive? About two out of three Canadians.

As little as one hour of exercise a day dramatically reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, adult-onset diabetes, colon cancer, osteoporosis, and depression.

Researchers have found it is equally important for children and adolescents to exercise. During the first 20 years of life physical activity builds...

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