Approximately 850 households in the Weyburn area have been selected to participate in the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), a national survey conducted by Statistics Canada. For the next six weeks, the selected participates will each undergo tests and measurements relating to their health and wellbeing. The data from the survey will be used by researchers to further understand disease risk factors and risk conditions. “We are looking at diabetes, cardiovascular rates. Different types of exposures. We look over time if it has changed, if it has improved,” said Stephanie Lavoie, the unit head of the CHMS Collection Team. A testing lab is located at the appointment site. This will allow for quicker results for those participating. Having this access has been a draw for participants in the past. The CHMS began in 2007 and is now currently in its eighth cycle with16 locations across Canada selected to participate in the survey. The long-term project has revealed certain health traits among Canadians. This includes obesity, diabetes, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure becoming more common. Exposure to toxic chemicals has dropped significantly. Since the CHMS started, levels of lead, mercury and cadmium have dropped by more than 30 per cent. During the 2022-24 cycle, it was determined only 49 per cent of adults met the guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity a week. “There is a large portion of data that we gather, and we are looking at proving this information back to the public, researchers and partners,” Lavoie said. The information gathered could also be used to alter various guidelines in Canada. People ages one to 79 will be taking part in the survey. They will receive $150 for their time.
