10 benefits of physical activity

• April 16, 2024

The physical inactivity it is the fourth most important risk factor of mortality worldwide, and is increasing worldwide, in both high-income and low- and middle-income countries.

If there is a favorable environment, the increase in physical activity It is beneficial for health in all age groups, so this April 6th commemorates the World Day of Physical Activity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made recommendations on the optimal amount of physical activity , but doing some activity will always be better than none. Inactive people should start with small amounts of physical activity and gradually increase its duration , frequency and intensity .

All sectors and all levels of government, international partners, civil society, non-governmental organizations and the private sector have an essential role to play in shaping healthy environments and promoting physical activity .

1. Physical inactivity is the fourth most important risk factor for global mortality

6% of global deaths are attributed to physical inactivity. Only the hypertension (13%) and the consumption of tobacco (9%), and equals hyperglycemia (6%).

In addition, physical inactivity is the main cause of approximately 21-25% of the colon cancers Y mom , 27% of cases of diabetes and 30% of cases of ischemic heart disease.

2. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy body

Physically active people have:

1. Less frequency of: coronary cardiopathy , arterial hypertension, cerebral vascular accidents , diabetes , colon and breast cancer, Y depression ;
2. Less risk of falls and vertebral fractures Or the hip ;
3. More likely to maintain a weight healthy.

3. Do not confuse physical activity with sports

Physical activity is any body movement produced by the skeletal muscles , with the consequent consumption of Energy . This includes sports, exercise and other activities, such as play, walking, housework, gardening or dancing.

4. Physical activity is beneficial, whether it is moderate intensity or vigorous

Intensity refers to the rate at which the activity is performed, that is,"The effort that one puts into performing the activity".

The intensity of the different forms of physical activity It varies according to the people. Depending on the physical form of each, some examples of physical activity moderate they would be brisk walking, dancing or doing housework. Some examples of vigorous physical activity they would be: running, riding a fast bike, swimming fast or moving large weights.

5. The group of 5 to 17 years old

This group should perform at least 60 minutes per day of physical activity moderate or vigorous . If these 60 minutes are exceeded, more health benefits will be obtained.

6. The group of 18 to 64 years old

Adults from 18 to 64 years old should complete at least 150 weekly minutes of moderate intensity physical activity , or 75 minutes of vigorous, or some equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous activities. All activities should be carried out in periods of at least 10 minutes each.

7. Those over 65

The main recommendations for this group are the same as for the previous one. In addition, the elderly with low mobility should perform physical activities to improve balance and avoid falls, at least 3 days per week. When they can not perform the recommended amount due to health problems, they should remain as active as their abilities and health status permit.

8. These recommendations are relevant for all healthy adults

Unless there are medical conditions that contraindicate it, these recommendations apply to all people, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity or income level. Likewise, they apply to people with diseases noncommunicable chronic diseases not related to mobility, such as hypertension wave diabetes , and may also be valid for adults with disabilities.

9. It will always be better to do some activity than none

Inactive people should start by making small amounts of physical activity , and gradually increase its duration, frequency and intensity. Inactive, elderly or limited adults will gain additional benefits by increasing their activity.

Pregnant women, women with recent births and people with heart problems may need additional precautions, and have to seek medical advice before attempting to reach the recommended levels of physical activity.

10. Favorable environments and community support can help increase physical activity

Urban and environmental policies have an enormous potential to increase the physical activity of the population.

Some examples of these policies are to ensure the accessibility and safety of mobility on foot, by bicycle and other forms of active transport, or the existence in schools of facilities and safe spaces for students to carry out. physical activities during his free time.

Video Medicine: The Importance of Physical Activity--Teenology 101 (April 2024).