Immigration.ca - Canada Immigration News - February 2010
Canada’s immigrants face many challenges in resettlement. However, one problem that is not often talked about is the declining health of many new arrivals.
"The immigrants when they come here, the first five years they are healthy," said Abdirizak Karod, who is with Ottawa’s Somali Centre for Family Services. "After that, they join the club - the Canadian club: they [are] facing…diabetes, autism, blood pressure, depression and all those things."
“All those things” are rare in many parts of the world. In Canada, such ailments are practically common, not only to citizens born here, but apparently also to those who migrate here. As awareness of the trend grows, more and more officials are seeking to address the problem.
Health officials are studying the possible reasons for the disparities. Current view is attributing the trend to Canada’s more sedentary lifestyle, easier access to sugary, processed foods as well as a lack of Vitamin D, being so far from the equator.
"It turns out that vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation and expression of hundreds of genes in the body," said Dennis Kenney, a genetic researcher at Harvard University. "It's also very important for protecting DNA against damage and then repairing it once it occurs."
The stress of relocation can take a physical toll on immigrants as well. Moving, finding a new job, learning a new language and being separated from friends and family causes a lot of stress which can manifest in physical ailments.
Doctors, as well as immigration service centres, are now recommending Vitamin D supplements, and encouraging participation in sports to keep immigrants physically active. Many are even taking up more “Canadian” sports such as skating and skiing.
Source: www.cbc.ca
