November 21, 2012 TORONTO (Canadian Press) -- A new report says
Canadians aged 50-plus who are diagnosed with a chronic
condition like heart disease or diabetes rarely make lifestyle
changes that could extend their lives. The Statistics Canada
study found quitting smoking or cutting back on cigarettes were
the changes most commonly reported, but most tobacco users
continued to smoke. People diagnosed with diabetes were the most
likely to make changes, although the lifestyle improvements were
still modest. The 12-year study of more than 17,000 Canadians
found those diagnosed with diabetes reduced smoking, drank less
alcohol, exercised more, and ate more fruit and vegetables. But
those who developed a respiratory disease like asthma or
emphysema reported little change in smoking behaviour or eating
habits, and they also became less physically active. The study
found a reduction in excessive drinking was the only change in
health behaviours by people with a respiratory disease. Heart
disease, cancer, stroke, res