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Stats Can to probe Terrace's physical fitness level

Testing includes taking urine and blood samples from participants
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STATISTICS Canada is moving a mobile health testing clinic to Terrace and Kitimat next week.

Approximately 350 Terrace and Kitimat residents are being asked if they're willing to be weighed, measured, poked and prodded by Statistics Canada employees to determine their general fitness and health level.

Participation is voluntary and begins with questions asked in a participant's home about nutrition, alcohol and tobacco consumption, medical history, and level of physical activity.

They'll then be asked to go to a Statistics Canada mobile clinic in the Sportsplex parking lot where their body dimensions will be taken along with undergoing testing for blood pressure, respiratory function and hearing.

“Finally, urine and blood samples will be collected to assess participants’ cardiovascular health, nutritional status, and exposure to environmental contaminants,” indicates a Statistics Canada press release.

Data “helps to provide an accurate portrait of the health of Canadians. Various health care stakeholders, including professionals, researchers and public health planners, use this data to adapt programs and services to the population’s needs,” the press release continues.

“Moreover, well-known national organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross and the Heart and Stroke Foundation have shown their support for the survey.”

Statistics Canada says all information gathered is kept confidential.

The surveys and testing begin May 5.

"Respondents are selected at random (you must be selected to participate) however it is not a mandatory survey," said Statistics Canada spokesperson Joel Roy. "The selected respondents are asked to participate but can refuse if they wish not take part in the survey. This being said, each respondent is randomly selected to represent others in his/her community therefore they cannot be replaced by anyone else."