Running Room launches Boomer focused Active-Aging online walking clinic

Nearly 6 out of 10 Canadians over the age of 65 are not getting enough exercise, and may be at risk for cardiovascular disease

TORONTO, Ontario April 26, 2011 (Canada NewsWire) - With age and physical inactivity considered risks for developing cardiovascular disease, nearly six out of 10 Baby Boomers are in danger of dying from Canada’s second leading cause of death and disability – cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Recognizing the risk to the Canadian Baby Boomer population, Running Room founder John Stanton is spearheading the launch of his new program - the Active-Aging online walking clinic. This easy-to-follow and convenient program is specifically aimed to Canadians over the age of fifty looking to add exercise into their lives – one step at a time.

“As we start to age, we need to realize that we can’t become inactive,” says John Stanton. “One of the reasons I wanted to start this online clinic was to help people age in a healthy way and walking is a great way to do so.”

The Active-Aging online walking clinic can be found by visiting www.active-aging.ca. Its goal is to inspire people about the virtues of walking, and provide information on how exercise and a healthy lifestyle are an important part of managing risk for cardiovascular disease.

“Thirty to 60 minutes of walking daily offers many of the same health benefits as running, and is a great place to start for someone being introduced into a fitness regime. A lack of exercise can contribute to your risk for cardiovascular disease,” explains Dr. Robert Welsh, Associate Professor and Academic Interventional Cardiologist at the University of Alberta Hospital. “The good news is that by incorporating physical activity, this risk factor is modifiable.”

Inactivity, along with age, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history and diabetes, is considered a risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Nearly 60 per cent of Canadians over the age of 65 are inactive, which can lead to a decline in bone strength, muscle strength, heart and lung fitness and flexibility. Since cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death and disability in Canada, accounting for 29.5 per cent of all deaths nationally,6 incorporating exercise is one of many ways Canadians can begin to address this problem.

“We know that physical activity on a regular basis helps maintain strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, and can help reduce the risk of falls, which is why it becomes more and more important as we age.” says Dr. Welsh. “Walking is a great way to ease into a new exercise routine, and if done properly, it can offer many of the same health benefits as other types of exercise. Be sure to speak with your doctor before starting a new fitness program.”

To learn more about the Active-Aging online walking clinic, or to view educational videos and heart-healthy content sponsored by AstraZeneca Canada, visit www.active-aging.ca.