World Health day 2002

Move for health-we in India need to do it faster...

The lack of physical activity is a major cause of death, disease, and disability. Preliminary data from a WHO study on risk factors suggest that inactivity or sedentary life style is one of the 10 leading global causes of death and disability.

Low- and middle-income countries suffer the greatest impact from these and other communicable diseases-77% of total number of deaths caused by non-communicable diseases occur in developing countries. These diseases are on the rise.

Look at the alarming statistics from India:

	Current projections suggest that by the year 2020 India will have the largest cardiovascular disease burden in the world.
	One fifth of the deaths in India are from coronary heart disease. By the year 2020, it will account for one third of all deaths. Sadly, many of these Indians will be dying young.
	Heart disease in India occurs 10 to 15 years earlier than in the west.
	There are an estimated 45 million patients of coronary artery disease in India. An increasing number of young Indians are falling prey to coronary artery disease. With millions hooked to a roller-coaster lifestyle, the future looks even more grim.
	There are at least 20 million diabetics in India, which is the highest ever reported number from anywhere in the world. The prevalence of diabetes varies between 6-8% in urban and 2-3% in rural adults.
	Indians tend to be diabetic at a relatively young age of 45 years which is about 10 years earlier than in West
	The prevalence of diabetes varies between 6-8% in urban and 2-3% in rural adults.
	There appears to be a steady increase in hypertension prevalence over the last 50 years, more in urban than in rural areas. Hypertension is 25-30% in urban and 10-15% in rural subjects.

Sedentary lifestyle is a major cause of death, disease and disability. Physical inactivity increases all causes of mortality, doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and obesity. It also increases the risk of colon and breast cancer, high blood pressure, lipid disorders and anxiety.

Dr VK Bahl, Professor of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences stresses on, "re-emphasizing the importance of a balanced vegetarian diet, increasing the levels of physical activity and cessation of smoking would be crucial in containing the rise of risk factors and Coronary Artery Disease prevalence induced by urbanization and industrialization"

Developing countries like India are struggling to manage the impact of infectious diseases simultaneously with the growing burden on society and health systems caused by non-communicable diseases. Physical activity in addition to healthy diet and a smoke free life style is an efficient, cost effective and sustainable way for promoting public health in low and middle-income countries.

There are some wonderful things about physical activity:

	Physical activity can be done almost anywhere and requires no equipment. Walking, perhaps the most practiced and most highly recommended physical activity is absolutely free.
	At least thirty minutes of moderate physical activity every day are recommended to improve and maintain your health. Even if you are very busy-you can still work in thirty minutes of activity in your daily routine.
	Patterns of physical activity acquired during childhood and adolescence are more likely to be maintained throughout the life span, thus providing a basis for an active and healthy life.
	Physical activity can improve quality of life in many ways for people of all ages.
	Benefits of physical activity can be enjoyed even if regular practice starts late in life.

So come on let us start right now...........

Adapted from IEC material provided by World Health Day 2002 team of WHO; article 'Heart disease and the young' by V. Radhika in The Week 27th December 1998; information available at www.diabetes-india.com and article 'Coronary artery disease in Indians' by Dr. VK Bahl et al available at www.procor.org