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Physical activitywho.int

6th April 2020


Do you know that …

today it is celebrated the 

World Physical Activity Day?


"Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure. Popular ways to be active are through walking, cycling, sports and recreation, and can be done at any level of skill and for enjoyment. Regular and adequate levels of physical activity:

• improve muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness;
• improve bone and functional health;
• reduce the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, various types of cancer (including breast cancer and colon cancer), and depression;
• reduce the risk of falls as well as hip or vertebral fractures; and
• are fundamental to energy balance and weight control.

Physical inactivity (insufficient physical activity) is one of the leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCD) and death worldwide. To individuals, the failure to enjoy adequate levels of physical activity increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes by 20–30% and shortens lifespan by 3–5 years. Moreover, physical inactivity burdens society through the hidden and growing cost of medical care and loss of productivity.

The term "physical activity" should not be confused with "exercise", which is a subcategory of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and aims to improve or maintain one or more components of physical fitness. Beyond exercise, any other physical activity that is done during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person’s work, has a health benefit. 

Increasing physical activity requires a whole of society and culturally relevant approach and therefore demands a collective effort across different sectors and disciplines.(…)"

(in https://www.who.int/health-topics/physical-activity)

In times like the one we are living we shouldn't forget our physical activity: 

important to the body and important to our mind!

Every steps counts

Every Step Counts: Why Even 5 Minutes ...moyerwellness.com