More active people for a healthier world
Physical inactivity is a health challenge and involves a significant economic cost. The World Health Organization notes that it is necessary to redouble efforts to reduce sedentary lifestyle and presents for this Plan of global action on physical activity.
In the world, one in three adults and three in four adolescents do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity and, as countries develop economically, inactivity increases due to advances in transportation and technology. In fact, the level of inactivity reaches 70% in some nations .
Staying active is crucial for health
For this reason, the World Health Organization has presented this week the new "WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030: More active people for a healthier world ".
"Staying active is crucial for health. However, in our modern world this is a growing challenge, "said the Director General of the Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "We need leaders at all levels to help people take a step towards health. This is possible especially in the cities, where the responsibility of creating healthier spaces is mainly manifested. "
The benefits of sport
Performing regular physical activity is essential to prevent and treat non-communicable diseases , which cause 71% of all annual deaths in the world, including 15 million people aged between 30 and 70 years.
Physical activity is not only a health issue, but also an economic one. It is estimated that its absence produces expenses of about 54,000 million dollars per year , as well as 14,000 million for loss of productivity.
In addition, it is estimated that the most active societies generate other benefits such as reducing the use of fossil fuels, cleaner air and safer roads.
The Action Plan
The document seeks to reduce physical inactivity by 15% by 2030 . Recommends twenty measures to improve environments and opportunities so that people of all ages and abilities spend more time walking or cycling, playing sports or creative leisure, dancing or playing.
"It is not necessary to be a professional athlete to decide to stay active. Going up the stairs, rather than the elevator, is already an important change, or move on foot or by bicycle instead of driving, "said Tedros.
Leaders must help make these options easy
The Plan also urges to support, for example, the training of health professionals, the strengthening of data systems or the use of digital technologies.
WHO also encourages national authorities to make it easier for people to stay physically active and healthy. Among its recommendations, it proposes to the governments that they improve the infrastructures to facilitate that the citizens move on foot or in bicycle instead of being forced to resort to transport of motor.
They also suggest that the population be made aware through outreach campaigns and that leisure activities be organized to encourage physical activity.
"What we choose every day is what can keep us healthy. The leaders should help make these options easy, "he added.
