For the past 2 1/2 days I ‘ve been attending the Minister’s Wellness Forum at the Westin Hotel in Edmonton.  This small gathering (250 delegates) from across Alberta have been discussing how Albertans, and for that matter Canadians can help lead a change from a reactionary health care system to a pro-actionary value system for us all.  How can we take advantage of our environment, make better choices, work towards a better lifestyle?

Can we take the stairs instead of the elevator?  Can we walk to the corner store rather than driving the car?  Can we eat carrot sticks instead of potato chips?

Here’s a startling fact from a recent study.  The present generation – that is the present generation of children will be the first generation to NOT outlive their parents!  That’s right – their sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits are going to cost them years of productive living.  They currently spend 6 to 8 hours a day on “screen time” outside of school.  They are developing health problems associated with middle age.

What can be done?  One of the delegates said to me: “face it – we are a lazy people…we would rather be comfortable than healthy”.

Do you think he is right?