Transcript Slide 1

Setting the context – why is Physical Activity important
to Health ?
Introduction
Physical Activity
Health
Relationship
Challenges
Introduction
Robert Kielty
University of Strathclyde,
Founder - Full Life Partnership.
Physical Activity
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Daily living – Activities that are physical in nature that are part of your everyday life.
For example - Walking; housework; shopping; DIY; lifting; carrying;
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Recreational – Activities that you do for enjoyment in your free time. This includes
structured exercise and personal interests, like skiing or dancing.
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There are also different types of physical activities that are components of physical
fitness.
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Cardiovascular activities – Strengthen your heart and lungs
Strengthening activities – Strengthen your muscles and bones
Stretching activities – Prevent injury and maintain range of motion
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Physical activity is anything that gets you moving. Physical activity does not have to
be very difficult, and does not require athletic skills. Physical activity also isn’t just
sports, going to the gym, or working out.
Department of Health, Rhode Island USA
Integration Model
Physical Activity
Active Living
Recreation
Sport
Exercise
Nutrition
Nutrition / Diet
/ Healthy Eating
Play
Dance
Integration Model
Physical Activity
Active Living
Walking
Household
Shopping
Employment
Recreation
Ski-ing
Travelling
Games
Camping
Hill walking
Outdoor Pursuits
Sport
Team
Individual
Elite
Conditioning
Intensity
Commitment
Football
Gymnastics
Rugby
Hockey
Athletics
Swimming
Exercise
Running
Swimming
Cycling
Gymnasium
‘Aerobics’
Nutrition / Diet / Healthy Eating
Play
School
Age related
Structured
Unstructured
Dance
Social
Competitive
Age related?
Community
Movement
Modern
Health
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1 a : the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially :
freedom from physical disease or pain b : the general condition of the body
<in poor health> <enjoys good health>
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2 a : flourishing condition : WELL-BEING <b : general condition or state
<poor economic health>
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3 : a toast to someone's health or prosperity
Webster's Dictionary
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A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely
the absence of disease or infirmity
World Health Organisation
Position Statement
"There is insufficient action and limited policy orientation for encouraging the
adoption and maintenance of physically active lifestyles within supportive
political, social and physical environments... political leaders and decisionmakers need to be convinced of the importance of physical activity for
health."
World Health Organisation
Physical Activity Benefits
Evidence shows that active people have:
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a longer life;
less risk of developing many diseases;
greater wellbeing;
fewer symptoms of depression;
lower rates of smoking and substance misuse; and
more ability to function better at work and home.
twice the risk of coronary heart disease that active people have;
higher blood pressure - which in itself is a major risk factor for coronary
heart disease;
Physical Inactivity
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a higher risk of colon cancer - 3.6 times more at risk than active people;
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a higher risk of developing Type II diabetes - regular activity can reduce
risks of Type II diabetes by 50%;
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lower bone density leading to a higher risk of osteoporosis leading to
fractures - up to 50% of hip fractures could be avoided with regular
physical activity;
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a greater risk of being overweight or obese - which also increases risks of
other types of cancer as well as osteoarthritis and back problems and
more injuries and accidents.
Physical Inactivity
contd
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These are serious health problems with serious consequences. Although
the social and economic costs of inactivity are not often stated, they are no
less severe. (e.g. - NHS costs; Health Insurance)
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Inactive children are at risk of poorer self-esteem, higher anxiety and higher
stress levels. They are also more likely to smoke and use alcohol and illegal
drugs than active children are.
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Among working adults, inactive employees have double the number of days
off work compared with active employees.
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In later life, inactive people lose the basic strength and flexibility for daily
activities and so many lose independence and have poor mental health.
How much Physical Activity?
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Physical activity does not need to be strenuous to have significant
effects on people's health, general wellbeing and productivity.
Reviews have led to the following recommendations:
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Adults should accumulate (build up) at least 30 minutes of moderate
activity on most days of the week.
Children should accumulate (build up) at least one hour of moderate
activity on most days of the week.
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('Moderate activity' is using about five to seven calories a minute the equivalent of brisk walking.)
Scottish Executive
Scottish Health Survey (2003) - MALES
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Proportion of men (16-74) meeting recommendations increased significantly
from 41% in 1998 to 44% in 2003
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Proportion of boys (2-15) meeting recommendations increased from 72% to
74% in 2003
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Only those ages (16-24) and (24-34) meeting the % recommendations.
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Implications & challenges especially for older age groups therefore
Scottish Executive Physical Activity Strategy
Targets
50% of all adults over 16 and 80% of all
children under 16 meeting the minimum
recommended levels of physical activity by
2022
To meet this goal will need average increases of 1%
per year across the population
Challenges
Decrease
Barriers to Participation
Social exclusion
Costs
Public apathy
Increase
Information access
Education
PA provision
Environment
Safety
Positive thinking
Political Comment
“Physical inactivity is clearly a very common and certain risk to health and
wellbeing in Scotland… The action needed is not something we can deliver
overnight.
 Evidence shows that successful approaches are long term involve many
sectors and agencies…. In short, it will take a lot of us, working together
over many years, to change the social, cultural, economic and
environmental roots of this problem.”
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Jack McConnell, Let’s Make Scotland More Active, 2003
Useful reading
Health Scotland
Scottish Executive’s Physical Activity
Strategy
Sport Scotland
World Health Organisation
01419503492 / 3711
07815075902
[email protected]
www.fulllifepartnership.co.uk