Wed Oct 28, 2:24 AM
By Kate Kelland
LONDON (Reuters) - Tackling just five health factors could prevent millions of premature deaths and increase global life expectancy by almost 5 years, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday.
Poor childhood nutrition, unsafe sex, alcohol, bad sanitation and hygiene, and high blood pressure are to blame for around a quarter of the 60 million premature deaths around the world each year, the WHO said in a report.
But while not having enough nutritious food is a big health risk for those in poorer countries, obesity and being overweight pose yet bigger risks in richer nations -- leading to a situation in which obesity and being overweight causes more deaths worldwide than being underweight.
"The world faces some large, widespread and certain risks to health," the WHO said in its Global Health Risks report. It examined 24 major health risks, and said recognizing and assessing them would help policy makers draw up strategies to improve health in the broadest and most cost-effective ways.
"As health improves, gains can multiply," it said. "Reducing the burden of disease in the poor may raise income levels, which in turn will further help to reduce health inequalities."
The report warned that although some major health risk factors, such as smoking, obesity and being overweight, were usually associated with high-income countries, more than three-quarters of the total global burden of diseases they cause now occurs in poor and developing countries.
"Health risks are in transition: populations are aging owing to successes against infectious diseases; at the same time, patterns of physical activity and food, alcohol and tobacco consumption are changing," it said.
"Understanding the role of these risk factors is important for developing clear and effective strategies for improving global health."
The Geneva-based U.N. health agency listed the world's top mortality risks as high blood pressure (responsible for 13 percent of deaths globally), tobacco use (9 percent), high blood glucose (6 percent), physical inactivity (6 percent), and obesity or being overweight (5 percent).
These factors raised the risk of chronic diseases and some of the biggest killers such as heart disease, diabetes and cancers, and affected "countries across all income groups -- high, middle and low," it said.
The WHO said its study, which used data from 2004 -- the latest available -- showed how health was becoming "globalised" and warned that developing countries now increasingly face a double burden of risks to health.
"The poorest countries still face a high and concentrated burden from poverty, undernutrition, unsafe sex, unsafe water and sanitation," it said. "At the same time, dietary risk factors for high blood pressure, cholesterol and obesity, coupled with insufficient physical activity, are responsible for an increasing proportion of the total disease burden."
The WHO added that if the risks in its report had not existed, life expectancy would have been on average almost a decade longer in 2004 for the entire global population.
Showing posts with label Discussion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Discussion. Show all posts
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Healing Cycle GranFondo
I'm back. I have been away from the blog over the past two months because of business trips looking at new bicycle products from Cannondale, Giant and Trek. As well a back injury removed me from racing for the rest of this season. I am on the road to recovery, exercising to become a stronger rider. I want to enjoy hours in the saddle and my riding season is not over.
The Healing Cycle, a charity ride that was born in our bicycle store has embraced a new concept and I am encouraging you and your friends to join me on a journey that will challenge your endurance.
What is a GranFondo?
Take a scenic, hilly course and add several thousand cyclists ranging from pros to eighty-year-old cycle tourists. Mix in roving and fixed mechanical and medical support, feed zones manned by cheerful volunteers serving up sandwiches, fruit, and drinks, and traffic halted at intersections to let you pass. Garnish with enthusiastic and supportive spectators lining the course. Top it off with coverage by news and other media. Energy, excitement, atmosphere!-- this is gran fondo, a phenomenon that has taken Italy by storm. Gran fondo means long distance or great endurance. Some cyclists ride for the satisfaction and pride of just making it to the finish line. Others want to improve upon their previous times, and to challenge themselves, their friends, their teammates. And some ride to win!
Gran fondo races are usually 160-225 km long. The majority offer an additional fondo course (120-160 km) and sometimes even a medio fondo course (under 120 km) for those not willing or able to ride the longer distance(s). These shorter courses are just abbreviated versions of the longer ones, utilizing most of the same roads, but taking shortcuts to avoid some of the climbs. There are also events which are fondo or medio fondo only (see below). (NOTE: there are no universal regulations specifying distances, so there are so-called gran fondos that are less than 160 km, and the terms medio fondo and fondo are sometimes reversed, with the medio being the longer course. It's a matter of interpretation.)
The idea is to share our passion on a ride that will challenge our bodies as well fundraise for The Healing Cycle's objective of raising 1 million dollars for the new palliative care department at Credit Valley Hospital.
The course has been set. If your interested check out www.thehealingcycle.ca for the course details. If you have any questions please post your comments and let's make this a great and fun ride on September 13.
The Healing Cycle, a charity ride that was born in our bicycle store has embraced a new concept and I am encouraging you and your friends to join me on a journey that will challenge your endurance.
What is a GranFondo?
Take a scenic, hilly course and add several thousand cyclists ranging from pros to eighty-year-old cycle tourists. Mix in roving and fixed mechanical and medical support, feed zones manned by cheerful volunteers serving up sandwiches, fruit, and drinks, and traffic halted at intersections to let you pass. Garnish with enthusiastic and supportive spectators lining the course. Top it off with coverage by news and other media. Energy, excitement, atmosphere!-- this is gran fondo, a phenomenon that has taken Italy by storm. Gran fondo means long distance or great endurance. Some cyclists ride for the satisfaction and pride of just making it to the finish line. Others want to improve upon their previous times, and to challenge themselves, their friends, their teammates. And some ride to win!
Gran fondo races are usually 160-225 km long. The majority offer an additional fondo course (120-160 km) and sometimes even a medio fondo course (under 120 km) for those not willing or able to ride the longer distance(s). These shorter courses are just abbreviated versions of the longer ones, utilizing most of the same roads, but taking shortcuts to avoid some of the climbs. There are also events which are fondo or medio fondo only (see below). (NOTE: there are no universal regulations specifying distances, so there are so-called gran fondos that are less than 160 km, and the terms medio fondo and fondo are sometimes reversed, with the medio being the longer course. It's a matter of interpretation.)
The idea is to share our passion on a ride that will challenge our bodies as well fundraise for The Healing Cycle's objective of raising 1 million dollars for the new palliative care department at Credit Valley Hospital.
The course has been set. If your interested check out www.thehealingcycle.ca for the course details. If you have any questions please post your comments and let's make this a great and fun ride on September 13.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Jarvis Street bike Lane
I have been listening and very interested in how the City of Toronto has moved forward in the planning of bike lanes to eliminate traffic congestion on the Jarvis Street Corridor. My understanding is that this is an important thru way from upper Toronto to the downtown core. There are many articles concerning this issue. I am presenting the recent media coverage so that you are informed, as well I am interested in your comments because these changes can and eventually will be spread through suburban areas like our city of Mississauga.
CityPulse24
City Council Votes In Favour Of Bike Lanes On Jarvis St.
Staff
Monday, May 25, 2009
For cyclists, it's the best news possible.
For motorists, it conjures fears of instant gridlock.
City councillors have voted 28-16 in favour of eliminating that alternating lane on Jarvis St. and putting in two bike lanes instead. The controversy has been brewing for some time, with advocates arguing it will eventually reduce gridlock and opponents insisting it will cause it.
At present, Jarvis is a five lane street that has a single lane that goes southbound during one rush hour and northbound the next. It's designed to ease traffic flow when the most cars are heading in one main direction. Under the new idea, the lanes would be reduced from Bloor to Queen to make way for bike lanes on either side.
Councillor Kyle Rae believes it's a good decision. "I have constituents who live on Jarvis, who refuse to cycle on Jarvis because it's so unsafe," he claims.
But opponent Councillor Karen Stintz doesn't buy the argument that the lanes will solve anything. "We say on the one hand the TTC won't be expanding yet we know somehow if we put these bike lanes in, the masses will come and 27,000 cars will also be replaced with bicycles? I don't believe that's a reasonable assumption."
The news comes as the city officially takes the wraps off Bike Week, with a lot of events centering on the two wheeled conveyance. But car drivers fear that 'week' is how long it will feel to get through Jarvis on a daily basis during rush hour once the idea is put into place.
The construction will cost about $6 million.
Toronto Star
New bike lane symbol of city's commitment to the bicycle, Heaps says
By: Tess Kalinowski
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
It only represents 2 per cent of the city's bike-lane total,
But the two-kilometre stretch just opened along Wellesley, from Parliament St. to Queen's Park, is symbolic of Toronto's determination to transform a cycling patchwork into a network, Councillor Adrian Heaps, chair of the city's cycling committee, said today.
The Wellesley lane was on the books for years before it finally materialized late last year, he said at a news conference near Sherbourne St.
The city is still putting some of the finishing touches at intersections along Wellesley.
Traditionally, Toronto has installed bike lanes in the "path of least resistance," making them scarce in the most heavily trafficked areas, such as the narrow and busy Wellesley.
"Cycling is not the panacea. It is a viable transportation option," he added. That means it has to be part of an integrated transportation network.
The city's alliance with cyclists came to a head this week with a council decision to build bike lanes on Jarvis St. The plan, which involves removing a reversible north-south car lane, was approved despite fierce opposition from motorists who use Jarvis to commute from homes north of Bloor St.
The city also opened its first bike station at Union Station this week.
About 600 kilometres of bike lanes, shared roadways and off-road paths remain on the planning books, and Heaps acknowledges that Toronto lags behind other North American cities with comparable climates in providing cycling infrastructure.
"Traffic is the reason you put bike lanes downtown," said Heaps. "The (city's) population is expanding 35,000 to 40,000 people every year, and every year we're not building more roads."
But even the existing lanes are mostly unpassable in winter. Last winter, the city kept the Martin Goodman Trail clear along the lakeshore. This winter, Heaps said, the city will consult with cyclists on a second lane designated for snow clearing, probably a north-south path.
But he acknowledged there's a lack of hard data showing how much use people are making of the bike lanes. The city has committed to building $70 million worth of cycling infrastructure over the next five years.
The Best Way to Commute
Staff
Monday, May 25, 2009
Today is the first day of Toronto's annual Bike Month. As usual, there was a group commute from various corners of the city, converging on City Hall for a City-sponsored pancake breakfast.
So how was it? I have no idea, really. I did the complete opposite and rode out of the city this morning, as usual, since my job is in that scary hinterland that few downtown Toronto cyclists ever venture out to: Mississauga. Actually, it's not that scary. I enjoy my commute, and it's often the best part of my day.
Last year I did the group commute to Toronto City hall from High Park, ate breakfast, then turned around and rode back west to work. It was a great way to start the day off, but perhaps a bit too much cycling so early in the day and I got to work even later than usual.
This year, however, the City of Mississauga, via Smart Commute Mississauga and the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee hosted their Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast on the same day as Toronto's, so I headed straight west this morning.
My lovely wife and I stopped in High Park just as the Toronto Pancake Ride was heading out. Most of the riders were already assembled, so I just had a quick chat with a few friends before everyone departed. It was certainly fun seeing all of these cyclists together at High Park, especially the three or more teams of tandem cyclists. But I was soon on my own, as the number of cyclists I see on the roads seems to diminish the farther I get from home.
The ride to work was pretty uneventful, but since I left earlier than normal and took a different route, I beat the worst traffic and felt like I was exploring new territory again (Bloor St., all the way to the end!). I even noticed more cyclists than usual today, and exchanged some friendly waves and nods.
I arrived at the Mississauga Central Library Square, across the street from City Hall, a couple of minutes before the Mississauga group commutes arrived. I grabbed a banana, and patiently waited for the pancake breakfast table to open up.
The cyclists started to arrive around 8:00am. I counted about 50 cyclists during the time that I was there, which to me is a pretty good turnout, considering that there are days when I don't see a single other cyclist during my commute. Good diversity of ages, and a mix of spandex road warriors and dressed-down casual riders. However, I noticed that the commuter cycling population here doesn't seem to represent the ethnic diversity of Mississauga, especially compared to my bus commutes.
It was a pretty casual and friendly atmosphere. Lots of smiles, laughter, and people out enjoying the sunny morning while eating their free breakfasts. Thinking back on it now, as I type this from my office, I feel like Mississauga's downtown often lacks this friendly laid-back vibe that cyclists and pedestrians bring to an area.
One of the main attractions this morning was the Mississauga Transit bus outfitted with a new bike rack on the front. These are the same style of rack that the GO buses use that I have raved about here in the past. Many people queued up to try their own bikes on the racks, while a Mississauga Transit employee explained how to use it and answered everyone's questions.
I tried my recumbent bike on the bus rack, but the wheel lock arm didn't close down far enough on the 20" front wheel. This is unfortunate, as the stated minimum wheel size is 16", and I have had no trouble with my 20" wheeled folding bike on the GO racks. I wonder if there's some kind of adjustment that can be done to make those wheel locks tighten down better.
I was a bit bummed that my 'bent didn't work on that bus bike rack, but it's still exciting to see that so many of the GTA's transit systems are already equipped or in the process of equipping their buses with bike racks (GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, York Region Transit, Oakville Transit, Burlington Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, etc.) This will certainly make car-free travel even more accessible.
After chatting with a few more people, I hopped back on my bike and rode the short distance to work. And now I sit here, wishing I was still out in the sun riding my bike. It was a nice start to Bike Month, and I'm excited to take in as many other events as I can. I can hear my bike calling me, telling me to skip out of work early and take the long way home.
CityPulse24
City Council Votes In Favour Of Bike Lanes On Jarvis St.
Staff
Monday, May 25, 2009
For cyclists, it's the best news possible.
For motorists, it conjures fears of instant gridlock.
City councillors have voted 28-16 in favour of eliminating that alternating lane on Jarvis St. and putting in two bike lanes instead. The controversy has been brewing for some time, with advocates arguing it will eventually reduce gridlock and opponents insisting it will cause it.
At present, Jarvis is a five lane street that has a single lane that goes southbound during one rush hour and northbound the next. It's designed to ease traffic flow when the most cars are heading in one main direction. Under the new idea, the lanes would be reduced from Bloor to Queen to make way for bike lanes on either side.
Councillor Kyle Rae believes it's a good decision. "I have constituents who live on Jarvis, who refuse to cycle on Jarvis because it's so unsafe," he claims.
But opponent Councillor Karen Stintz doesn't buy the argument that the lanes will solve anything. "We say on the one hand the TTC won't be expanding yet we know somehow if we put these bike lanes in, the masses will come and 27,000 cars will also be replaced with bicycles? I don't believe that's a reasonable assumption."
The news comes as the city officially takes the wraps off Bike Week, with a lot of events centering on the two wheeled conveyance. But car drivers fear that 'week' is how long it will feel to get through Jarvis on a daily basis during rush hour once the idea is put into place.
The construction will cost about $6 million.
Toronto Star
New bike lane symbol of city's commitment to the bicycle, Heaps says
By: Tess Kalinowski
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
It only represents 2 per cent of the city's bike-lane total,
But the two-kilometre stretch just opened along Wellesley, from Parliament St. to Queen's Park, is symbolic of Toronto's determination to transform a cycling patchwork into a network, Councillor Adrian Heaps, chair of the city's cycling committee, said today.
The Wellesley lane was on the books for years before it finally materialized late last year, he said at a news conference near Sherbourne St.
The city is still putting some of the finishing touches at intersections along Wellesley.
Traditionally, Toronto has installed bike lanes in the "path of least resistance," making them scarce in the most heavily trafficked areas, such as the narrow and busy Wellesley.
"Cycling is not the panacea. It is a viable transportation option," he added. That means it has to be part of an integrated transportation network.
The city's alliance with cyclists came to a head this week with a council decision to build bike lanes on Jarvis St. The plan, which involves removing a reversible north-south car lane, was approved despite fierce opposition from motorists who use Jarvis to commute from homes north of Bloor St.
The city also opened its first bike station at Union Station this week.
About 600 kilometres of bike lanes, shared roadways and off-road paths remain on the planning books, and Heaps acknowledges that Toronto lags behind other North American cities with comparable climates in providing cycling infrastructure.
"Traffic is the reason you put bike lanes downtown," said Heaps. "The (city's) population is expanding 35,000 to 40,000 people every year, and every year we're not building more roads."
But even the existing lanes are mostly unpassable in winter. Last winter, the city kept the Martin Goodman Trail clear along the lakeshore. This winter, Heaps said, the city will consult with cyclists on a second lane designated for snow clearing, probably a north-south path.
But he acknowledged there's a lack of hard data showing how much use people are making of the bike lanes. The city has committed to building $70 million worth of cycling infrastructure over the next five years.
The Best Way to Commute
Staff
Monday, May 25, 2009
Today is the first day of Toronto's annual Bike Month. As usual, there was a group commute from various corners of the city, converging on City Hall for a City-sponsored pancake breakfast.
So how was it? I have no idea, really. I did the complete opposite and rode out of the city this morning, as usual, since my job is in that scary hinterland that few downtown Toronto cyclists ever venture out to: Mississauga. Actually, it's not that scary. I enjoy my commute, and it's often the best part of my day.
Last year I did the group commute to Toronto City hall from High Park, ate breakfast, then turned around and rode back west to work. It was a great way to start the day off, but perhaps a bit too much cycling so early in the day and I got to work even later than usual.
This year, however, the City of Mississauga, via Smart Commute Mississauga and the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee hosted their Bike to Work Day Pancake Breakfast on the same day as Toronto's, so I headed straight west this morning.
My lovely wife and I stopped in High Park just as the Toronto Pancake Ride was heading out. Most of the riders were already assembled, so I just had a quick chat with a few friends before everyone departed. It was certainly fun seeing all of these cyclists together at High Park, especially the three or more teams of tandem cyclists. But I was soon on my own, as the number of cyclists I see on the roads seems to diminish the farther I get from home.
The ride to work was pretty uneventful, but since I left earlier than normal and took a different route, I beat the worst traffic and felt like I was exploring new territory again (Bloor St., all the way to the end!). I even noticed more cyclists than usual today, and exchanged some friendly waves and nods.
I arrived at the Mississauga Central Library Square, across the street from City Hall, a couple of minutes before the Mississauga group commutes arrived. I grabbed a banana, and patiently waited for the pancake breakfast table to open up.
The cyclists started to arrive around 8:00am. I counted about 50 cyclists during the time that I was there, which to me is a pretty good turnout, considering that there are days when I don't see a single other cyclist during my commute. Good diversity of ages, and a mix of spandex road warriors and dressed-down casual riders. However, I noticed that the commuter cycling population here doesn't seem to represent the ethnic diversity of Mississauga, especially compared to my bus commutes.
It was a pretty casual and friendly atmosphere. Lots of smiles, laughter, and people out enjoying the sunny morning while eating their free breakfasts. Thinking back on it now, as I type this from my office, I feel like Mississauga's downtown often lacks this friendly laid-back vibe that cyclists and pedestrians bring to an area.
One of the main attractions this morning was the Mississauga Transit bus outfitted with a new bike rack on the front. These are the same style of rack that the GO buses use that I have raved about here in the past. Many people queued up to try their own bikes on the racks, while a Mississauga Transit employee explained how to use it and answered everyone's questions.
I tried my recumbent bike on the bus rack, but the wheel lock arm didn't close down far enough on the 20" front wheel. This is unfortunate, as the stated minimum wheel size is 16", and I have had no trouble with my 20" wheeled folding bike on the GO racks. I wonder if there's some kind of adjustment that can be done to make those wheel locks tighten down better.
I was a bit bummed that my 'bent didn't work on that bus bike rack, but it's still exciting to see that so many of the GTA's transit systems are already equipped or in the process of equipping their buses with bike racks (GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, York Region Transit, Oakville Transit, Burlington Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, etc.) This will certainly make car-free travel even more accessible.
After chatting with a few more people, I hopped back on my bike and rode the short distance to work. And now I sit here, wishing I was still out in the sun riding my bike. It was a nice start to Bike Month, and I'm excited to take in as many other events as I can. I can hear my bike calling me, telling me to skip out of work early and take the long way home.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Change the World
By expanding and integrating useful bike lanes and paths we make it easier, more enjoyable and safer for everyone to ride a bike.
We do this through our influence, persuasion, partnership building, communication, public relations, facilitation and political efforts. Our efforts are powered by our collective membership strength, our stakeholder relationships, and our leadership in bicycle facility planning and design.
I have been thinking about riding through the city of Mississauga and I came across this community group in Victoria, Australia. http://www.bv.com.au/
Their mission: Help get More People Cycling More Often.
Our community needs your voice. Your passion is persuasive and infectious. We are faced with real decisions about how to get around the city by bicycle, the Spring is coming and cyclists need a safe places to ride.
Advocacy may be the first step but how?
Submit your comments and let's discuss the issues and join a bike club it's the second step to find others who share similar ideas. Your voice and options need to be shared.
What ideas do you have about making cycling safer in Mississauga?
We do this through our influence, persuasion, partnership building, communication, public relations, facilitation and political efforts. Our efforts are powered by our collective membership strength, our stakeholder relationships, and our leadership in bicycle facility planning and design.
I have been thinking about riding through the city of Mississauga and I came across this community group in Victoria, Australia. http://www.bv.com.au/
Their mission: Help get More People Cycling More Often.
Our community needs your voice. Your passion is persuasive and infectious. We are faced with real decisions about how to get around the city by bicycle, the Spring is coming and cyclists need a safe places to ride.
Advocacy may be the first step but how?
Submit your comments and let's discuss the issues and join a bike club it's the second step to find others who share similar ideas. Your voice and options need to be shared.
What ideas do you have about making cycling safer in Mississauga?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
What Is Cycling?
Cycling is…
…befriending the wind, no matter where it greets you.
…knowing the right tire pressure and releasing your own.
…acquainting yourself with yourself, again and again and again.
…pleasure and pain in no particular order, and gratification always.
…2 wheels, 2 legs, and 1 heart.
…never losing sight of the finish line.
…remembering that pain is momentary.
…a creative adventure with every ride.
…building healthier, longer, more fun lives.
…living in the moment to the max.
…regeneration with every pedal stroke.
…choosing to live better.
…feeling the road, not using it.
… like a game of chess and each kilometer is a move towards the next start line
… knowing that the grueling ride up the hill, becomes the exhilarating ride down.
What is cycling to you?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Death To Cars
An article of interest from the TheStar.com
A cleaner way to work: City launches clean commute plan; Citing 'overwhelming' employer response so far, Miller announces latest 'Smart Commute' group
By: Tess Kalinowski
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The TTC might be the better way, but then again so could a bike, a brisk walk or a lift from a neighbour. That will be the message of the
Thursday, November 13, 2008
What is mountain biking
What a big question, when I think of Mountain Biking I think of everything from my first race when I was 14, 24 hour events and that last night ride after a few to many beers. There is one common goal of riding a mountain bike, having fun. Everyone’s definition of fun on a bike varies, while most racers will relish in tearing the legs off of their competitors most of us normal folk just like having a good story to tell. It’s the stories and places that a mountain bike can take you that make it all so enjoyable; crashing, cleaning that technical rock garden or finally conquering that climb that has haunted you for years. It doesn’t matter if you’re the fastest or even the most technically skilled, once you’re out there, away from civilization, covered in mud you are truly free. Mountain biking will always be my first true love, it’s one of those things that defines me. Every one should be so lucky.
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