I wholeheartedly agree with your line of thinking with regard to needing to invest more in sport, and sport-related activities (TMID, 29 December).

Yes, we do lead a sedentary life, which means that we do not do enough exercise. It is not enough to walk up the stairs to your office, or walk to the canteen to make a coffee. That is not exercise. Exercise is a brisk walk – not a leisurely one – that helps the body to burn excess fat.

You point out that government schools should be open in the evenings so that the public at large will be able to make use of the sport facilities there. I go a step further, and suggest that the schools should also open on weekends and public holidays.

The government should play its part in encouraging people to lead a healthier lifestyle. To tell them not to smoke or not to drink alcohol excessively is good, but to push them into doing more physical exercise will be better.

Sandro Caruana

San Gwann