MUSCAT: The Sultanate on Wednesday observed the Physical Activity Day with the aim of promoting active lifestyles among people especially at their workplaces as a mean of reducing daily life pressures, and thus raising the level of productivity. Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saeedi (pictured), Minister of Health, emphasised the growing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) on the international as well as on the national level. Insufficient physical activities put a person at risk of NCDs such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, acute and chronic respiratory diseases and chronic kidney diseases.
Al Saeedi said the national surveys and studies have shown that the physical activity in the Sultanate is much less than should be at the global levels. Therefore, observing this day would send a clear message for the community to take care of their health and nutrition. The studies also proved that 40 per cent of these diseases can be prevented by changing the lifestyle such as spending 30 minutes a day for walking or other physical activity.
The celebration followed the National Campaign to Promote Physical Activity, which was launched by the Higher National Committee of Non-Communicable Diseases Control last year under the slogan of “Health Begins with One Step”.
This campaign is part of the Sultanate’s efforts to emphasise the growing health burden due to Non-Communicable Diseases. Studies have indicated that the unhealthy life styles resulted in diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol level. Moreover, it is the number one cause of deaths around the world and responsible for premature deaths.
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