'SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE DANGEROUS'



D

Dr. Jai Maharaj

Guest
WORLD HEALTH DAY

'Sedentary lifestyle dangerous'

Tribune News Service
The Tribune
Monday, April 8, 2002

Chandigarh, April 7 - Obesity among north Indians due to
dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle is the major cause
of rise in cases of diabetes, hypertension and heart
diseases. This was stated by Dr Rajesh Kumar of the
Department of Community Medicine, PGI, here today while
talking to TNS on the occasion of World Health Day.

A special function to mark the day was organised by the
PGI, where the warning issued by the WHO that physical
inactivity is one of the leading causes of diseases and
disability was reiterated by Dr S.K. Sharma, Director,
PGI. ''If people continue regular physical activity they
can prevent many diseases. Physical activity could be
enjoyable and fun,'' he said.

Dr Rajesh Kumar also warned that north Indians, in
general, have to change their lifestyles from sedentary
nature to a more physical one and take the WHO action
plan for 2002 seriously.

Quoting the WHO World Health Day report, Deputy
Commissioner M. Ramsekhar who was the chief guest at the
function, stated that approximately 2 million deaths per
year are attributed to physical inactivity.

The WHO, through a worldwide press release, had issued a
warning that sedentary lifestyle could very well be among
the 10 leading causes of death and disability in the
world. ''The habit of maintaining a healthy lifestyle,
including regular exercise and a nutritious diet ideally
begins in childhood and we hope that parents and schools
everywhere will use this day to spread this message,''
said Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, WHO's Director-General.
''We should all be ready to move for health and to adopt
healthy and active lifestyles. World Health Day 2002 is a
call to action to individuals, families, communities
governments and policy-makers to move for health.''

Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of cardiovascular
diseases, diabetes, obesity, and increase the risks of
colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, lipid
disorders, depression and anxiety. According to the WHO,
60 to 85 per cent of the people in the world -- from both
developed and developing countries -- lead sedentary
lifestyles, making it one of the more serious yet
insufficiently addressed public health problems of our
time. It is estimated that nearly two-thirds of children
are also insufficiently active, with serious implications
for their future health.

Among the preventive measures recommended by the WHO are
moderate physical activity for up to 30 minutes every
day, tobacco cessation, and healthy nutrition. In
addition to individual lifestyle changes, governments and
policy-makers are also recommended to ''move for health''
by creating a supportive environment for people.

Meanwhile, students of the Sector 38 Guru Harkrishan
Model School performed yoga and demonstrated various
''asanas'' on the occasion. A cycle rally was flagged off
by the DC from PGI to Sukhna lake who also rode with the
250 schoolchildren. Prizes were also awarded to some of
the cyclists by the Chandigarh Amateur Cycling
Association.

Dr Inderjit Walia, Principal, College of Nursing and
president, IPHA, had earlier welcomed the guests and Dr
Rajesh Kumar thanked them.

More at:
http://www.tribuneindia.com

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