Physical activity means any movement of the body that uses energy. This includes activities during free time, getting around, work, or daily tasks. Both moderate activities, like walking and cycling, and more intense activities, like sports, are good for health and can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their skill level. Being active promotes health and well-being. On the other hand, not being active increases the risk of diseases and other health issues. A mix of inactivity and sitting too much is leading to more health problems and putting pressure on healthcare systems. Increasing physical activity has great health benefits and helps meet global goals for reducing diseases. To achieve this, countries need to commit and invest, while non-governmental groups can bring innovative ideas. It’s also important to work together across different areas. At Lifekare Medical Equipment Trading LLC, we sell medical equipment products to support health and encourage everyone to stay active.
The Critical Role of Physical Activity in Health and Cost Savings
Regular physical activity is crucial for our physical and mental health. For adults, it helps prevent and manage diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It also helps reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, improves brain health, and boosts overall well-being. For kids and teenagers, being active is essential for strong bones, healthy muscle growth, and development. It also improves their motor skills and thinking abilities. Unfortunately, 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. If we don’t increase physical activity, it could cost healthcare systems around $300 billion globally between 2020 and 2030, or about $27 billion each year. Reducing inactivity is essential for better health and lower healthcare costs.
Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
Regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits. These include:
- Reduced risk of a heart attack.
- Better weight management.
- Lower blood cholesterol levels.
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Stronger bones, muscles, and joints, and a lower risk of developing osteoporosis.
- Reduced risk of falls.
- Improved recovery from periods of hospitalization or bed rest.
- Enhanced mood, more energy, better relaxation, and improved sleep.
How Much Physical Activity is Recommended?
The WHO Global Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour provide clear recommendations for different age groups, including children (age 5 and up), adolescents, adults, older adults, pregnant and post-partum women, and people living with chronic conditions and disabilities. These guidelines specify the frequency, intensity, and duration of physical activity needed to achieve significant health benefits and reduce health risks. They emphasize that any amount of physical activity is better than none, and all activity counts. Additionally, all age groups are encouraged to limit sedentary time and engage in muscle-strengthening activities. For children under 5 years of age, the WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, and Sleep offer recommendations on how much time they should spend being active or sleeping within 24 hours. They also advise on the maximum amount of time young children should spend on screen-based activities or being restrained. An infographic summarizes the current WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour for all age groups. These guidelines are developed through a thorough process involving the review of scientific evidence and expert consultations. Preparations are already in progress for the next set of guidelines, expected to be published in 2030.
How Member States Can Increase Levels of Physical Activity
The WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity offers guidelines for countries and communities to promote physical activity, ensuring everyone has ample opportunities to stay active. Key recommendations include policies that improve access to walking, cycling, and non-motorized transport, increase physical activity options in schools, workplaces, childcare centres, and healthcare settings, and enhance community sports and public open spaces. Effective implementation of these policies requires coordinated efforts across multiple government departments such as health, transport, education, employment, sports, and urban planning. It also relies on engagement from NGOs, various sectors, stakeholders, and disciplines to tailor solutions that fit each country’s cultural and social context. Priority should be placed on policies that address disparities in physical activity levels, aiming to promote and enable physical activity for everyone.
Conclusion
Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. It reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, strengthens muscles and bones, and enhances overall well-being. Engaging in exercise also improves mood, reduces stress, and promotes better sleep. To lead a healthier lifestyle, it’s essential to prioritize regular physical activity. Whether through simple activities like walking or more vigorous exercises, staying active contributes significantly to long-term health and quality of life. Adopting a routine of physical activity not only boosts physical fitness but also supports mental clarity and emotional resilience. At Lifekare Medical Equipment Trading LLC, we are dedicated to selling high-quality medical equipment products designed to support your health and well-being.
