World Health Day Theme – ‘Move for Health’ - Article from WHO (World Health Organization)
In most parts of the world, noncommunicable diseases have become a major epidemic. This is due, in part, to a rapid transition in lifestyles leading to decreased physical activity, changing diets and increased tobacco use. This trend is present in all societies, rich and poor, developed and developing. WHO is seeking to stimulate a global health debate on the epidemiological shift in the global burden of disease and the factors that are fuelling this process of change. It believes that this is the time for the global debate to be directed as much towards prevention as to cure.
Unfortunately, technological advancement has led to a more sedentary lifestyle when compared to the past, when a fair amount of physical activity in daily life was common. The frenetic pace of urban life has brought on ailments more serious than premature mid-life crises on the youth of our countries. A whole range of lifestyle diseases – from hypertension to heart disease to diabetes is killing younger people at an alarming rate. A major cause of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity is lack of physical activity, which leads to more than 2 million deaths per year as per WHO estimates. Lifestyle diseases are not communicable, nor are they triggered by skewed genetics. They only require our frenzied, unhealthy way of life, and our exhausted out-of-shape bodies to breed in. A combination of improper diet, lack of physical activity and tobacco use are estimated to be the cause of up to 80% of premature coronary heart disease. It is likely that one-third of cancers can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet, normal weight and physical activity throughout one’s life.
To draw the attention of policy-makers, the public health community and civil society to these issues, WHD 2002 emphasized the importance of fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The need for, and the beneficial effects of, physical activity formed the theme of WHD activities worldwide. Physical activity can be a practical means to achieve numerous health gains, both directly and indirectly. It can bring down rates of violence among young people, promote tobacco-free lifestyles, and decrease other risky behaviours.
Changing lifestyles means giving up bad habits. All lifestyle diseases are preventable, but most are not curable. Exercising regularly, eating sensibly, learning to relax, giving up smoking and alcohol, and spending more time with family and friends are some of the simple things one could do to ward off lifestyle diseases.
One should make an effort to find ways to move one's body. A simple prescription is to increase physical activity in the daily routine like climbing stairs instead of taking the lift, parking your vehicle further away and walking; standing periodically; not sitting too often; walking your dog; washing clothes or dishes instead of using machines; bending and stretching whenever possible and replacing TV and video-watching with playing simple games with the children. Any of the following is recommended at least four times a week to keep in shape: cycling (8km/hr) for 50 min; running 9.6 km/hr) for 25 min; jogging (8km/hr) for 25 min; brisk walking (6km/hr) for 40 min.; swimming for 40 min or tennis for 35 min.
Anything that moves one's limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's also a great stress buster. Recognizing things that upset you, employing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation, massage therapy and getting adequate rest and sleep (6-10 hours a night) are some ways of reducing the effects of stress. Above all, a balance between activities and goals, work and leisure, lifestyle choices and health risks, personal needs and expectations of others is necessary.
