The importance of participating in physical activity regularly cannot be overemphasised for improvement in the health and well-being of the individual and the general population. You would think, with the ease of assessing information on health, our population would be well aware of the risk associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Nevertheless, the number of people who are sedentary or insufficiently physically active in Jamaica is alarming.

Physical inactivity is one of the most significant public health issues of the 21st century. According to the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey III (2016–2017), one in two Jamaicans surveyed is categorised as overweight, one in three suffers from hypertension, while approximately one in eight Jamaicans aged 15 and older are living with diabetes.

World Health Organization (WHO) listed physical inactivity as one of 10 leading risk factors for premature death globally. Coronary heart disease (CHD); stroke; type 2 diabetes; some cancers such as colon, rectal, and breast were listed as primary causes of these premature deaths. In response to this crisis, the WHO outlined a Global Action Plan on Physical Activity to guide national efforts to increase engagement in physical activity, of which Jamaica is no exception.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness is earnestly advocating for physical activity in the workplaces, communities and schools to promote and facilitate greater participation. This advocacy is critical in reducing the economic cost of health care for people with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

In a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) (2018) report, it projects between 2015-2030 that Jamaica is on course to spend an estimated US$18.45 billion on medical care for these people. Now is the time that all well-thinking Jamaicans make a concerted effort to do their part in engaging physical activity as a preventive means for maintaining good health and to reduce the economic burden of health care.

It is imperative to develop a strong commitment to improving levels of physical activity engagement. The physical activity recommendation for adults is at least 30 minutes, five times per week at moderate intensity to reap physiological benefits. An active lifestyle, coupled with pharmacological treatment, aids those people affected by NCDs, while reducing the risks for those who don’t have these diseases.

Physical activity is that proverbial pill that when taken every day will make you profoundly stronger, improve your mood, and reduce symptoms of NCDs. The aim is to change the health and wellness landscape, by creating awareness in our citizenry, so we can all live long, healthy, and productive lives. Get up and move your way to wellness today.

Michael Huggan is regional physical activity specialist in the Southern Regional Health Authority. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or michaelhuggan42@gmail.com.