"That regular physical activity is one of the most important things that you can do for your health is an easy conclusion. Benefits span from the reduction of risks associated with some forms of cancer and type 2 diabetes to weight control to ameliorated mental health and mood. Getting all on board but requires a pervasive endeavour permeating a vast spectrum of players - health promotion, education and sports policies, local council dynamics, national transport initiatives, and more", said Parliamentary Secretary for Health Chris Fearne, this morning during his address at the WHO European Regional Stakeholders Meeting being held in Malta.
Going by the European Health Interview Survey [EHIS], 43.4% of Maltese aged 15+ reported that they perform high to moderate levels of physical activity, a percentage which has almost doubled over the last decade. Men follow the European trend, especially in the younger generation, and exercise, play sport or take on physical activity more readily than women. The proportion of Maltese children engaging in daily physical activity is on the other hand lower than the EHIS average, although the participation in daily physical activity across all age categories and gender is trending favourably.
"Inactive children will become inactive adults", affirmed Dr Fearne, who augured that educating the population through various sources, by adopting an approach across society and across government ought to go a long way to integrate physical activity in one's daily routine.
Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Innovation, Youth and Sport, Chris Agius also addressed the meeting and said that; "Grassroots sport, which covers all sport disciplines by non-professionals, is not only the backbone of a healthy lifestyle, but also the trigger of positive social attitudes, as well as the learning of skills and competences. Such skills are not only beneficial in the practising of sport in itself but also and furthermore in daily life."
He emphasised that a lot is being done, however, this is never enough. "Policy makers should work towards a cross-sectorial approach involving other policy areas such as education and training, youth and employment to reach one aim. In doing so resources are being tapped, since the lack of resources problem is very much persistent in a small island like ours", added the Parliamentary Secretary.
The WHO European Regional Stakeholders Meeting dealt with the salient theme encompassed in the European Physical Activity Strategy. The opening session was also addressed by WHO Programme Manager Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Dr Joao Breda.