*EPF513 04/05/2002
Text: Pan American Health Organization Urges More Physical Activity
(Says much of Western hemisphere population too sedentary) (930)
Increasing physical activity is the theme for World Health Day April 7, as health organizations worldwide urge people to "Move for Health" in order to prevent the range of diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports in an April 4 news release that World Health Day marks the beginning of a year-long campaign to draw attention to the importance of including physical activity in a healthy lifestyle.
Throughout the Western Hemisphere, three-fourths of the population -- children and adults -- is too sedentary, according to Dr. George A.O. Alleyne, director of PAHO.
"The epidemic onset of obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases affect the poor and rich alike as well as persons of diverse cultural and ethnic origins," Alleyne said in the PAHO release. "Along with the problems of excess caloric intake and high fat consumption in our contemporary diet, the sedentary lifestyle of urban life is the most serious problem confronting us today."
Further information is available at http://www.paho.org/English/hpp/hpn/whd2002.htm or in Spanish at http://www.paho.org/spanish/hpp/hpn/whd2002.htm
The following text is available in Spanish at http://www.paho.org/Spanish/DPI/100/100feature14.htm
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PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION
PAHO Commemorates World Health Day with the slogan: 'Move for Health'
Washington, DC, April 4, 2002 (PAHO) -- "Move for Health" is the slogan of World Health Day for 2002, with the idea of raising consciousness that regular physical activity is key in the efforts to improve the health of people in all the countries of the Americas.
Every year, April 7 is designated World Health Day with the objective of increasing awareness on a specific subject of health, pointing out a priority for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Day serves as a launch for a long-term advocacy program for which activities will be undertaken and resources provided well beyond April 7th.
"Living an active lifestyle today is inarguably imperative. Over the last quarter century, strong scientific evidence has clearly and repetitively shown us that exercising regularly and practicing sports open the doors to a healthy life and prevent or delay the onset of diseases that increasingly dominate the panorama of health in the Region," says Dr. George A.O. Alleyne, Director of PAHO, in a message for World Health Day.
"The epidemic onset of obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases affect the poor and rich alike as well as persons of diverse cultural and ethnic origins. Along with the problems of excess caloric intake and high fat consumption in our contemporary diet, the sedentary lifestyle of urban life is the most serious problem confronting us today. In North America, the Caribbean and Latin America, nearly three fourth of the population, including children and adults, perform very little physical activity, and more than a third are victims of sedentary lives. This is the silent epidemic concealed behind the prevalent chronic diseases previously mentioned, and it is also the new challenge of public health", Dr. Alleyne added.
Dr. Enrique Jacoby, regional adviser of PAHO's Food and Nutrition program, says, "Physical activity is not only the responsibility of individuals, but also of governments, municipal authorities, and the community in general, since we need resources to create environments that allow people to carry out physical activities at no cost."
Physical activity does not need to be arduous in order to be beneficial. The World Health Organization defines physical activity as "all movements in everyday life, including work, recreation, exercise and sporting activities." In fact, physical activity is a broad term that encompasses activities that range in intensity from taking the stairs regularly, dancing and walking briskly to jogging, biking and practicing sports. Moderate physical activity can be carried out by anyone, at no cost, and it can be easily accommodated into a daily life schedule. Physical activity can be incorporated in many different ways throughout the day. Its countless benefits for health inspire the spirit of the celebration of World Health Day and of the slogan, "Move for Health!"
Moderate physical exercise for 30 minutes daily or most days is equally positive for health. Daily activities such as walking, going up stairs, doing domestic chores, or riding a bicycle, among others, bring health benefits and help fight damages from sedentary lifestyles.
"Health professionals have a new battlefront in the promotion of physical activity. We rely on a powerful weapon: the great credibility of our professionals. However, our counseling and advises will serve little if we do not call upon new alliances in this crusade. In order to design a new health paradigm that emphasizes the need for physical activity, it is necessary to change our environment and promote policies and spaces that encourage us to be active. The lack of safety in our cities, the lack of recreational places, the lack of respect to pedestrians, and the absence of health promotion activities in schools and workplaces are all among the factors that discourage physical activity. All health promotion programs should be directed to combat these obstacles to physical activity," adds Dr. Alleyne.
For World Health Day, PAHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are co-sponsoring an award to recognize the outstanding cities and municipalities in the Region of the Americas for their efforts in improving public spaces for safe recreation and promoting physical activity.
More information is available in each PAHO country office or on the web site http://www.paho.org/English/hpp/hpn/whd2002.htm
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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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