Physical activity for better health
HEALTH authorities and specialists call to action is for Filipinos to do more physical activity, as inactivity due to today’s modern lifestyle is fast becoming a global health concern.
This accounts to a growing number of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colon cancer, musculoskeletal problems among other health concerns.
A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that 23% of adults and 81% of adolescents ranging from 11-17 years old in today’s global population do not meet the WHO global recommendations on physical activity for health.
Adding to inactivity, risk factors such as Tobacco use, Alcohol use, poor and unhealthy diet, and air pollution also contribute to prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Manolete Guerrero, a practicing neurologist, physical therapist and College dean of Physical Therapy of the San Pedro College, sees the need for Filipinos to be aware of the chronic pain they may be experiencing.
He said there is also a need for health specialists to be knowledgeable on how to distinguish and classify pain as treatment varies. He said pain is either seen as a sensory and emotional experience.
“One of the causes of chronic pain is inadequate treatment of the initial pain. As life expectancy increases then pain also increases.” Guerero said.
Geco Christopher Lozada, faculty and a clinical instructor at the same college, chronic pain can be avoided if an individual gets enough exercise and avoids risk factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and a poor diet.
Young students and professionals, especially those working in Business Process Outsourcing firms who work long hours sitting down, should take time to do physical activity, even as simple as stretching or taking a short walk, Lozada said.
He said workplaces and institutions like schools should consider adopting ways to promote physical activity among their workers or students to avoid seeking medical help in the event they get to contract chronic pain or non- communicable diseases.
Elaine Joyce Lalisan, also a clinical instructor for Physical Therapy, said on September 8, health professionals across the globe marked it as a day for world physical therapy day, with the aim of promoting physical activity for better health.
Lalisan said their faculty along with their students introduced their own version of a dance craze, just to illustrate their advocacy. She also said they also encourage city government offices to adopt a policy on taking a break by exercising or any kind or form of physical activity.