Economy Exacting a High Toll on Canadians' Health

A news release about the Desjardins Financial Security National Health Survey said a significant number of Canadians feel they have lost control of their lives as the economic recession grinds on.

A third of those surveyed say they are more stressed now than a year ago. About 30% of employees across Canada are experiencing anxiety, losing sleep, and/or suffering from headaches, muscle aches and other physical tension, the news release said.

Among their worries, three of the most stressful aspects of their lives are associated with their employment-money, workload and job security. The vast majority (83%) agree that they pay more attention to their personal finances and spending habits now than prior to the recession, according to the announcement.

Employees also appear to be working longer hours, as 54% feel the current recession is having an impact on their work/life balance. Additionally, 43% are now concerned about losing their jobs.

SOM Surveys, Opinion Polls and Marketing conducted the Web survey on behalf of Desjardins Financial Security between March 30 and April 15, 2009. In total, 1,062 interviews were conducted with a sample of Canadian workers who work for a company or organization with at least 10 employees.

More information is available at www.healthiscool.ca .