This year World Physical Activity will be celebrated on 6 April with the fitting theme of “Active life! Longer life!”
Many South Africans are not aware of the risk profile of ordinary South Africans, which is very concerning. Nearly seven out of every 10 women and one in three men are overweight or obese; one in three women and one in five men have hypertension. Between 11-13% may be diabetic or have impaired glucose tolerance.
Results from 2014 Healthy Active Kids South Africa report showed that overweight and obesity in children continue to increase due to unhealthy eating and a lack of physical activity. Based on these startling findings the current generation of children may experience a shorter life expectancy than their parents.
The 2018 World Health Organisation Country Profiles for 2018 reports that the risk of premature death in South Africans between 30-70 years in males is 32% and 21% in females.
World Physical Activity Day provides the ideal opportunity to change one’s lifestyle choices and take on a healthier lifestyle by being active! Physical activities can be fun! Choose physical activities that you enjoy! You don’t need the gym! Sitting less and standing more is healthy! Just moving more and faster makes you stronger and fitter, helps to manage stress and helps you sleep better, and helps to manage a healthy weight! Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days – and remember to have FUN!
