“Physical activity for all” is the theme chosen for the “Move for Health” day, taking place in Malta today. This was announced yesterday during a news conference at the Ta’ Qali National Park to launch the “Move for Health” campaign.

According to health parliamentary secretary Joe Cassar, 600,000 people die in Europe every year as a result of a lack of exercise. A recent Eurobarometer study also showed that the Maltese are the least physically active people in Europe.

The “Move for Health” activities are being organised in view of this and to promote more physical activity for better general health among people of all ages, genders, abilities and incomes. The growing risk of death due to non-infective disease also needs to be addressed.

The booklet Caqlaq ghal Sahhtek is being distributed for free in schools, work places and places providing sports facilities.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Director Charmaine Gauci said that the general notion behind exercise is for one to lose weight. Moreover, one should be aware and keep in mind that physical activity helps people to keep healthy.

Dr Gauci mentioned studies carried out in Denmark and the UK showing that the life span of physically active people increases by three to five years.

Physical activity is also known to reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks even in people who have already suffered from a first attack.

The Health Department together with the St Patrick’s Athletic Club, the Maltese Council for Sport and the Scout Association of Malta is organising a three kilometre fun run in Ta’ Qali on Saturday, 24 May at 4pm. This is a non-competitive activity in which everyone can participate. “All participants will be winners for life,” Dr Cassar said.

The Health Department is also organising aerobic sessions free of charge for those above the age of 20. The initiative is being set up with the help of the Malta Council for Sport and the local councils of Floriana, Birkirkara, Mosta, Naxxar, Fgura and Zejtun. More information and applications for classes can be downloaded from the website: www.sahha.gov.mt/entities/aerobicsclasses.html