Canadians not checking in for check-ups: RBC Insurance
Almost half would rather scrub the tub than go for a physical
TORONTO, October 29, 2007 — Half (51 per cent)
of all adult Canadians do not go for regular medical examinations
but of those who do, women are by far more likely than men
to check in for a check-up. This is according to an RBC Insurance/Ipsos-Reid
survey that shows 59 per cent of women regularly go for complete
physicals, compared to 39 per cent of men.
The RBC Insurance survey confirms 73 per cent of adult Canadian
women and 59 per cent of Canadian men have had a physical
in the last two years. However, one in five men (22 per cent)
have not been for a check-up in at least five years and one
in ten claims to have never had one at all.
"It is alarming that so many Canadians are neglecting
their health by foregoing general physicals," said John
Young, president and CEO, RBC Life Insurance Company. "Regular
check-ups are essential for everyone. Maintaining health and
fitness also means screening for potential illnesses, particularly
the ones that can be treated successfully when caught early."
The RBC Insurance survey further indicates many Canadians
would prefer to avoid physicals altogether. In fact, almost
half would rather tackle tedious household chores such as
cleaning their bathrooms (48 per cent) or closets (46 per
cent) rather than going for a physical. Even preparing income
tax returns (32 per cent) or going without the Internet/e-mail
(29 per cent) for a week is preferable to a medical check-up.
Heeding the advice of one's doctor should make good sense,
but even the results of a physical may not be enough to make
some Canadians take better care of their health. The survey
shows 42 per cent of Canadians who have been for a check-up
in the last five years were told to make lifestyle changes.
Although 77 per cent of those instructed to change their lifestyle
did so, almost one-quarter (23 per cent) chose to ignore doctor's
orders regarding eating, exercise, or smoking.
RBC Insurance is also encouraging Canadians to include medical
check-ups, along with healthy eating and exercise, as part
of a regular health maintenance plan. "Taking care of
your health should be top of mind for everyone although many
don't consider regular check-ups until it's too late,"
added Young. "It's similar to insurance in that respect.
By taking initial action, you can help yourself and your family
if something comes up in the future."
For information about life, critical illness, and long-term
care insurance, visit www.rbcinsurance.com/lifeinsurance,
or a local RBC Insurance branch, or call 1-800-991-0707.
About this survey
These are the findings of an RBC Insurance/Ipsos Reid survey
conducted through Ipsos Reid's telephone omnibus, August 28
to August 30 and September 6 to September 9, 2007. The poll
was based on a randomly selected sample of 2,002 adult Canadians
who were interviewed by telephone. With a sample of this size,
the results are considered accurate to within ±2.19
percentage points, 95 times out of 100, of what they would
have been had the entire adult Canadian population been polled.
The margin of error will be larger within regions and for
other sub-groupings of the survey population. The data was
statistically weighted to ensure the sample's regional and
age/sex composition reflects that of the actual Canadian population
according to the 2001 Census data.
About RBC Insurance
RBC Insurance, through its operating entities, including RBC
Life Insurance Company, provides a wide range of health, life,
creditor, travel, home, auto and reinsurance products to more
than five million North American clients. As a leading provider
of individual living benefits and life insurance products
in Canada, RBC Life Insurance Company offers a comprehensive
portfolio of individual and group life and health insurance
solutions, including term and universal life insurance, group
benefits, disability, critical illness, and long term care
insurance as well as segregated funds. These products are
distributed through more than 17,000 independent brokers affiliated
with producer groups, financial planning firms and stock brokerage
firms, as well as through direct sales and a network of career
sales representatives. For more information, please visit
www.rbcinsurance.com.
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Media Contacts:
Judi Levita, (416) 974-8810
Kerry Gaetano, (905) 816-5583
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