Home Healthy Living Physical Activity Physical Activity Information

Physical Activity Information

Physical Activity is defined simply as movement of the body that uses energy. There is compelling and indisputable evidence that physical activity performed on a regular bases, is good for you, for use as a society, for our environment and our economy Increasing our levels of physical activity is shown to contribute to prevention and management for over 20 chronic health conditions including, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, some cancers, obesity, all of which can lead to premature death. These conditions can impact not only life expectancy but healthy life expectancy and disability free life expectancy. These 20 chronic health conditions, account for nearly 60% of deaths annually (WHO, 2010)

It is perhaps less well known that physical activity can improve the educational attainment of our children, help to reduce anti-social behaviour, build self-esteem across the life span, contribute to urban regeneration and help increase work productivity, quality of life and employment. A physically active society will also result in a major decline in loneliness and social isolation, along with a reduction in depression and poor psychological health. The CMO (2019) states that “If physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure due to the many illnesses it can prevent and help treat”.