From its inception in 1948 and taking effect in 1950, the World Health Day marks the celebration of World Health Day every year. Over the past 70 years, this has helped bring to light important issues such as mental health, maternal and child health and climate change. The celebration serves as an opportunity to focus worldwide attention on important aspects of global health.
The theme for the World Health Day 2019 is Universal health Coverage, which is about ensuring all people and communities have access to quality health services when and where they need them, without suffering financial hardship and is based on a strong primary health care system.
Under the primary health care approach, the focus is on preventing illness and promoting health, screening and early intervention, and improving quality, safety, performance and accountability.
Health does not mean taking care of only weight, blood reports or diseases. It also means to think positively, exercise daily, eat healthy, work hard, stay strong, dance more, worry less, and be happy.
And that brings us to a recent study by researchers at Yale and Oxford, who may have proven that exercise is important to your health. In the study, scientists collected data about physical behavior and mental mood of over 1.2 million people. Participants were asked to answer the following question: “How many times have you felt mentally unwell in the past 30 days, for example due to stress, depression, or emotional problems?’ Participants were also asked about their income and physical activities and were able to choose form 75 types of physical activities – from gardening, childcare, housework to weight lifting, cycling and running.
The scientists found that while those who exercised regularly tended to feel bad for around 35 days a year, non-active participants felt bad for 53 days – which is 18 days more on average. The team also noticed that certain sports that involve socializing have more of a positive effect on your l health than others. The scientists found that those who keep more active tend to be happier overall.
Exercise is defined as any movement that makes your muscles work and requires your body to burn calories. There are many types of physical activities, including swimming, running, jogging, walking, dancing, weight lifting, to name a few. Being active has been shown to have many health benefits – both physically and mentally. Here are the top 10 physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise.
- Exercising regularly can improve your mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Exercise is crucial to supporting active metabolism and burning more calories. It helps maintain muscle mass and weight.
- Physical activity helps build muscles and strong bones and may help prevent osteoporosis.
- Engaging in regular physical activity increases your energy levels. This is true even in people with persistent fatigue and those suffering from serious illnesses.
- Daily physical activity is essential to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Exercise can provide antioxidant protection and promote blood flow, which can protect your skin and delay signs of aging.
- Regular exercise improves blood flow to the brain and helps brain health and memory. Among older adults, it can help protect mental function.
- Regular physical activity, regardless of whether it is aerobic or a combination of aerobic and resistance training, can help you sleep better and feel more energized during the day.
- Exercise has favorable effects on the paid associated with various conditions. It can also increase pain tolerance.
- Exercise boosts the hormones circulating in your body and can improve organ function, physical appearance and state of mind.
Number of Years lost due to disability, ill-health or early death – accrued by Age Group
Source: A heavy burden: The productivity cost of illness in Africa: Brazzaville: WHO Regional Office for Africa; 2019.