Cansa issued a newsletter about research done in South Africa over the past 15 years that indicates high levels of physical inactivity across the life span.
According to them, a recent study found that only 57 per cent of children aged eight to 14 years were moderately active, while 31 per cent did not meet the recommendation of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Cansa said childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death and disability in adulthood, and parents/guardians should take responsibility to ensure that children are physically active and are making smart choices with regards to food and drink.
The following recommendations were made:
• Make the decision to get moving daily.
• Check with a registered healthcare practitioner before beginning, especially if you’ve had a long period of physical inactivity or if you have an existing medical condition.
• Choose movement you enjoy that gets your heart-rate up.
• Choose a practical time to exercise daily, that fits in with your daily routine.
• Be on the lookout for opportunities for movement in your everyday life, like choosing to climb the stairs instead of taking the escalator or lift, or walking instead of driving, carrying your groceries instead of using a trolley, getting up and stretching regularly if you sit at a desk all day, doing your own gardening or house work, etc.
• Decide on the length of time and type of physical activity that matches your current fitness level, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of physical activity. Work your way slowly from mild, to moderate and then vigorous exercise (if you’re enjoying it and feeling strong). Your end goal should be 30 minutes of moderate activity five times per week (adults) or 60 minutes moderate to vigorous activity daily (children/ teens).
• If you find it difficult to be motivated to exercise on your own, ask friends, community members or colleagues to join you. Or join community events or clubs which involve physical activity, such as your local parkrun, Run Walk for Life, hiking, bowling, or dance club, etc
• Find ways to make physical activity a way of life for your family and a time to bond.
Examples of moderate activity include brisk walking; slow cycling and gardening, while vigorous activity include fast running or cycling; competitive sports, etc.
