2.3.2 Physical activity
Physical activity refers to any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires expenditure of energy (37). Regular physical activity can help in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and breast and colon cancer. It can also help to prevent hypertension, maintain body weight, and improve mental health, quality of life and well-being. Activities such as walking, cycling, sports, active recreation and play can meet the health needs of the heart, body and mind. Member States can create an environment that promotes physical activity for health benefits,
and can use legislation and policy to facilitate programmes that promote physical activity. For example, legislation on urban development can lead to zoning and creation of urban environments that facilitate modes of transport that incorporate active movement (e.g. walking and cycling). Schoolbased programmes can be used to ensure that children meet recommended levels of physical activity. Box 2.2 summarizes WHO recommendations for physical activity (8, 38).
Box 2.2. WHO recommendations for physical activity • • • • •
Physical activity should be integrated into daily life across all age groups. Infants aged under 1 year should be allowed to be active throughout the day, not be restrained for more than an hour at a time and have zero screen time. Children aged 1–4 years should, in a 24-hour period, be active for at least 180 minutes throughout the day, not be restrained for more than 1 hour at any given time, and be allowed sleep time of 10–14 hours (including naps), with regular wake-up times in between. Children and adolescents aged 5–17 years should spend an average of 60 minutes per day engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity and at least 3 days per week on vigorous physical activity and muscle strengthening exercises. Adults should spend 150–300 minutes each week doing moderate-intensity physical activity, or at least 75–150 minutes of vigorous aerobic physical activity or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous physical activity.
2.4 Exercises
1. Explain the relationship between gender and NCDs. 2. Describe local practices that may have implications for women’s access to healthy diets and engagement in physical activity. 3. Explain why men may be more likely than women to suffer from cardiovascular disease. 4. Suggest five actions that could be taken to promote healthy diets and physical activity among women and girls in your country.
Toolkit on regulatory approaches to noncommunicable diseases: healthy diets and physical activity
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