WHO policy summary “Physical activity promotion in socially disadvantaged groups”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has released an important policy summary entitled “Physical activity promotion in socially disadvantaged groups: Principles for action”
By: Activ8rlives
 
 
Figure 1 Frequency of physical activity
Figure 1 Frequency of physical activity
HUNTINGDON, U.K. - July 28, 2013 - PRLog -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has released an important policy summary entitled “Physical activity promotion in socially disadvantaged groups: Principles for action”, which presents the main conclusions of EU projects and provides suggestions for national and local action on interventions and policy formulation to support physical activity in socially disadvantaged groups.

Summary

The effects on health of obesity, inadequate nutrition and insufficient physical activity have been documented in detail and result in lower health outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases and hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer and depression. The European Charter on Counteracting Obesity (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2006) recommends linking actions against obesity to overall strategies addressing non-communicable diseases and health promotion activities, acknowledging that both improved diet and higher levels of physical activity have a substantial impact on public health. Since the adoption of the Charter, physical activity has increasingly been recognized as a priority for public health policy. In response, many Member States have embarked on policy development and interventions supporting an increase in levels of physical activity in the population. WHO has provided direct input to the development of evidence-based policies through the production of guidance, tools and platforms for networking to support interventions that facilitate physical activity throughout all the settings of daily life.

Reflecting this requirement, the WHO European policy framework for health and wellbeing, Health 2020 (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2012), not only focuses on health promotion and disease prevention but highlights the reduction of inequalities and the creation of supportive environments.

A public health challenge

This WHO report states that the health effects of physical activity go well beyond preventing overweight and obesity; it also improves physical and mental wellbeing. Evidence shows that heart disease and type 2 diabetes can be reduced by up to 50% and significant reductions can be achieved for hypertension and some forms of cancer. Furthermore, physical activity helps to reduce stress reactions, anxiety and depression.

Inactivity has been estimated to contribute to a mortality burden comparable with tobacco smoking.

It has been estimated that within the WHO European Region, almost one million deaths per year are attributable to insufficient physical activity. In many countries, therefore, physical inactivity is now considered one of the major causes of death.

A variety of studies around the world have shown that physical activity levels tend to be low in socially disadvantaged groups (SdG).  The earlier in life that young people leave education, the less likely they are to engage in regular exercise (Fig. 1). WHO report that it can be very difficult to promote physical activity in such population groups.

“Public health agencies have been identified as key actors in action terms. They have been requested to ensure that strategies to reduce inequalities in physical activity are implemented, in addition to organizing general physical activity promotion campaigns addressing the whole population. Guidance on good practice and policy formulation on targeted approaches is needed to address the existing inequalities in physical activity among diverse population subgroups and to successfully promote physical activity in SdG.

Activ8rlives says: We welcome the WHO support of physical activity and the recommendations that these initiatives bring. This report states that physical inactivity is now one of the major causes of death.

There are clearly major inequalities in young disadvantaged groups, in which a lack of involvement in physical activity will set the stage for their future unhealthy lifestyle.

Changing our behaviour to an active lifestyle does not have to take a lot of additional time or cost a lot of money. Often it is about very small changes which we introduce into our day and these can make a big difference. Being mindful of our activity levels is a key first step. When people of all ages and backgrounds start using our Buddy step counter and dedicated group-focused website and Smartphone apps, most are surprised to discover how little activity they undertake during the day or how their activity varies throughout the week. With this greater awareness, our activity increases with small and easy additions to our daily routine and these subtle changes bring significant health benefits. Behaviour change occurs one day at a time, one step at a time!

For more information about how schools, colleges, health workers and parents can use Activ8rlives with groups of young people of all abilities and from all backgrounds, please contact Jessica Auton at jessica.auton@aseptika.com
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Source:Activ8rlives
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