Fewer Canadians getting checkups

A new study suggests the majority of all Canadians are forgoing their annual physical exams with their primary care physicians.

The poll, conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of RBC Insurance, found that just 45 per cent of respondents said they go to their doctors for checkups, down from 49 per cent in 2007 when a similar survey was conducted.

While physicals are down in Canada at large, they have been trending downward more aggressively in certain provinces. For instance, British Columbia residents are the least likely to see their doctors for physical exams at 37 per cent. This isn't happening everywhere, however, as Albertans are the most likely to see their physicians to check on their health status at 52 per cent. Physical examinations among Ontarians were in line with the national average at 46 per cent.

In addition to detailing the regions in which Canadians may or may not be getting checkups, the survey also looked at their occurrences among men and women. At 49 per cent, Canadian women were more likely to go for regular physical examinations compared to men at 41 per cent. However, women are going far less often than they have in the past, as in 2007, nearly six in 10 saw their doctors regularly.

Cathy Preston, vice president of RBC Insurance, said that even though exams are typically covered by provincial health care, women may be getting them less often because they have more on their plates.

"Women are generally more attentive to their health and more disciplined with respect to visiting the doctor," said Preston. "The drop in the statistics may be attributable to women juggling much busier lives. However, the fact is that it's critical for all Canadians to see their doctor on a regular basis to screen for various medical conditions."

Preston added that by making positive lifestyle changes suggested by their doctors, people could see lower life insurance rates. But even when doctors inform patients of health concerns, many don't always follow their counsel. Just 67 per cent said they always followed their doctors' advice, down from 77 per cent four years ago.

Something both Canadian men and women may have been cautioned to do is lose weight. According to Statistics Canada, nearly one quarter of all men and women aged 18 and older, or roughly 5.5 million people, are obese. An additional 8.6 million were classified as overweight.