Researcher's Blog, October 2014

Released: 2014-10-27

You could call it Canada's ongoing health check-up.

The Canadian Health Measure Survey (CHMS) is the focus this month as Statistics Canada launches its Researcher's Blog. The aim of this blog is to provide Canadians with insights into the nuts and bolts of how the world-class researchers at the agency conduct their work. This is their venue to discuss their research projects and methodologies, and to give Canadians and other researchers the opportunity to comment and ask questions.

The CHMS is a perfect example of the ongoing research and work being done by the agency. The survey involves a team of health specialists working together to gather precise and in-depth information about the health of Canadians by collecting data from a nationally representative sample.

The survey is far more than interviewers simply asking Canadians how they feel. Hands-on specialists also measure the health characteristics—height, weight, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio—of survey participants as well as monitor their heart and lung functions. In addition, some participants provide blood and urine samples that are used to analyze a variety of nutritional and environmental biomarkers as well as ascertain the presence of chronic disease.

In all, the CHMS provides solid, scientific insight into the health and well-being of Canadians.

The first edition of the Researcher's Blog is now available from the Stay Connected module of our website under Blog.

On October 30, 2014, from 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time), you are invited to chat with an expert on the latest Canadian Health Measure Survey data.

Contact information

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (613-951-4636; statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@canada.ca).