Physical exercises and healthy diet can help us reduce disease burden

Adults aged between 18 to 64 years should do at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. [iStockphoto] According to a joint report by Lancet and the World Health Organisation ('WHO'), the world is likely to see a surge in Non-Communicable Diseases ('NCDs') as a result of physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits. It's projected that by 2030 there will be around 500 million new NCD cases and mental health issues. Further, it may cost an estimated 27 billion dollars per year globally to treat these ailments. The NCDs in question range from cardiovascular diseases, several cancers, diabetes, hypertension, dementia as well as depression in adults. Given the sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits, it is no surprise that this surge is likely to happen. The notion that our forefathers did just fine and so will we is a blatant lie. Our lifestyles and those of our ancestors do not align. Take a walk or drive outside your house and it won't be long before you find a mall, fast food joint or drive-through, where we spend most of our time nowadays. To drive the point home, it was noted during the National Cancer Summit which was held recently that 75 Kenyans are dying daily as a result of cancer. One of the key contributors of the surge in cancer cases is changing lifestyle, including dietary habits. For instance, cancers such as prostate, uterine and lung cancers are directly linked to poor dietary habits. While cancer is gaining increased attention, it is only a matter of time before the other NCDs become issues of national concern. While these statistics are disheartening, this is just the surface and it is likely to get worse past 2030. Nonetheless, there is an optimistic route for those who wish to avert such disasters. Physical activity is one of the ways that can be used as a preventive measure to avoid some of these diseases. This could range from high intensity workouts to simple activities such as walking, jogging and cycling among others. Apart from maintaining a healthy body weight, physical activity helps to prevent diseases, reduces stress and improves mental wellbeing and the overall quality of life. In addition, exercise is an alternative to stress relief. A recent study also revealed that exercise improves working memory and mental processes such as planning and organisation. A sedentary or reduced physical lifestyle, on the other hand, is associated with poorer brain power. WHO recommends physical activities for various age groups. Adults aged between 18 to 64 years should do at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity; or at least 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity; or an equivalent combination of moderate - and vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week From physical inactivity to poor nutrition and mental wellbeing, these factors will have a huge economic impact on Kenya and the world at large if not addressed. Policies to nip these issues in the bud are essential in helping us make strides towards the health and wellness goals. More than ever, governments should implement public policies and programmes to address physical inactivity if we are to deal with health crises and avert spiraling economic costs. There is a strong positive correlation between a population's well-being and a government's goals. In order to achieve our goals, be it the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, Vision 2030 and even corporate strategic goals, we need a healthy and sound workforce. Lack of policies that advance physical activity, proper nutrition and individual wellness will diminish the workforce through premature deaths and increase the cost of health-care spending. The need for solutions grows even more pressing as we grapple with escalating NCDs. Governments should embed wellbeing into ministerial positions and set aside funds to support physical and wellness activities and processes. United Arab Emirates (UAE), for instance, has a Ministry of State for Happiness that is responsible for promotion of wellbeing and happiness as a lifestyle, among other things. It is no wonder that UAE was ranked first on the happiness scale for the sixth consecutive year in 2020, according to the World Happiness Report. Complementary to the official agencies, governments can offer low-cost public sport facilities and secure more green space that will allow people to conduct their exercise and recharge. In addition, public education and awareness campaigns on the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles will help to change people's perception. Further, subsidies should be given to healthy foods or inputs that go into growing such food. After all, people can't be healthy if they cannot afford healthy food. The private sector should advocate and partner with governments for the above-mentioned policies. Corporates also have to walk the talk on employee wellbeing. In a post-Covid environment, individual wellness has become a powerful movement and companies that embrace this will reap huge benefits in recruitment and retention. Casually throwing around the term wellness and superficial commitment must be done away with. For instance, encouraging time off or sending emails on well-being whilst at the same time supporting a toxic culture counteracts the efforts. Companies should offer facilities and programmes and invest in holistic programmes that promote healthy habits such as exercising and eating healthy.

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