ADVERTISEMENTIn an update of its physical activity guidelines, the UN health agency stressed that exercise was vital to physical and mental health, while sedentary behaviour can have serious repercussions. “WHO urges everyone to continue to stay active through the Covid-19 pandemic,” the agency’s head of health promotion Ruediger Krech told reporters. “If we do not remain active, we run the risk of creating another pandemic of ill-health as a result of sedentary behaviour.”There are still no clear statistics on what impact the pandemic has had on physical activity, but lockdowns, movement restrictions, gym closures and other measures have clearly forced many people to stay home and have disrupted regular activities and exercise routines. “Every move counts.”ADVERTISEMENTRegular physical activity is key to preventing and helping to manage heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and cancer. The guidelines encourage women to maintain physical activity throughout pregnancy and post-delivery, and also stress the benefits of physical activity for people living with disabilities.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 25, 2020 23:15 UTC