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Health Study Shows that Northern Alberta Residents are More Likely to be Heavier than Average

A new health study show that residents of Northern Alberta, including those in the Fort MacMurray and Wood Buffalo areas, are more likely to be heavier than average when the national and provincial weight averages are calculated in. The Health Quality Council of Alberta released a report on July 29, 2015 that detailed the findings. According to the report 59% of the adults from Northern Alberta who were surveyed, out of 4,424 adults in all, were either overweight or obese. On average across the entire nation 54% of Canadians are either overweight or obese according to the statistics released by Statistics Canada. To be considered overweight or obese an adult will have a body mass index that is considered higher than what is acceptable for good health.

According to the health study estimates for Northern Alberta 7 out of 10 adults in the north zone area are overweight or obese. This area includes all communities north of Edmonton, which means Wood Buffalo and Fort MacMurray. South zone adults fared a little better, with 6.4 out of 10 people categorized as overweight or obese according to their BMI. Wood Buffalo Primary Care Network communications advisor Jordan Hiltunen explained “There’s so many factors at play, and what makes us as one community more prone to obesity than another, outside of years and years of data and analysis, that’s very hard to speculate on. One of the most common anecdotal bits of feedback that we get is that people find it a lot harder to incorporate regular daily exercise into their lives when we hit those epic winters. You don’t see that playing as big of a role in, for example, Vancouver.”

Recent Heat Wave Caused Heat Advisory to be Issued

Northern Alberta recently suffered a big heat wave, causing a heat advisory to be issued for the region and people staying in instead of going outside. The Alberta Health Services issued a heat advisory which affected Mildred Lake and Fort Chipewyan. Parents and seniors are being warned that the excessive heat can cause serious conditions up to and including heat stroke, sunburn, and heat exhaustion. Dehydration and an imbalance in electrolytes are also possible during excessive temperatures. Those most at risk according to the Northern Alberta heat wave advisory are the very young and the elderly, anyone who works outside, and anyone who has any cardiovascular problems or respiratory conditions. Everyone is advised to avoid being exposed outside for extended periods, and to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day whenever possible.

The heat wave in Northern Alberta does not have to cause problems when you know what to do and how to stay cool. Make sure that you drink plenty of water and other fluids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine because these can dehydrate you faster. If you must be outside then wear sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat that protects your head from the direct sun and extreme heat. If you suspect heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or severe sunburn you should seek immediate medical attention. According to AHS North Zone Medical Officer of Health Dr. Gerhard Benade “Normal activity that may be safe on a cool day might be dangerous in current weather conditions. If you start to feel overheated, stop your activity immediately, seek shade and drink fluids. eek medical attention immediately for any individual feeling faint. While awaiting medical attention, move the individual to a shaded area, and remove his or her outer clothing and shoes. You should also wrap the person in a wet towel until medical care is being provided. Excessive heat can aggravate underlying medical illness such as congestive heart failure, and can also be of heightened danger to children and seniors.”