The lack of daily physical activity is a factor in the growing rate of obesity among adults, children and teens across Canada.
Almost half of Canadians are overweight and one in six is obese. Obesity has been linked to serious health problems, including, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, some cancers and osteoarthritis.
Often the design of our communities makes it difficult for residents to walk or ride their bikes to carry out even the most basic errands, making travel by car the fastest, most convenient and, sometimes the only, way to get around.
One way to get people walking, cycling and being physically active everyday is to build better, healthier communities where residents can choose not to drive. Urban planners are beginning to deal with the health costs of urban sprawl by designing communities that encourage walking, cycling and other physical activity.
On Wednesday, May 9, Go Green Delta is presenting Radiant City, Population Restless, an award-winning film from the National Film Board that has been described as an enlightening and disturbingly funny critique of North American suburban sprawl.
Guest facilitator Sepia Sharma, a community health specialist with Fraser Health, will lead a discussion following the film.
The free public program will be held at the Tsawwassen Library from 7 to 9 p.m.
"As citizens, it is our responsibility to look at the way we build, work and live our lives," said Sharma.
"Climate change and the rise of chronic diseases are encouraging us to look at communities not only as places where we live, but also our means to promoting health and well-being.
"It is time to support our local governments in their efforts to make our communities a well connected healthy place to live, learn and play."
