Museveni to grace national physical day

Jul 09, 2019

The President will lead a 10km-walk, which will be followed by screening for cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, among others.

Museveni, Aceng (third-right), State Minister of Health for General Duties Sarah Opendi(second-left) and other participants take part in the 10km-walk at Kololo Independence Grounds last year

President Yoweri Museveni will grace this year's national physical celebrations at Kololo Independence grounds on Sunday.

The President will lead a 10km-walk, which will be followed by screening for cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, among others. There will also be sports activities, such as football, netball, volleyball and basketball.  

The Government last year designated the second Sunday of every July as a day to commemorate the physical activity national day. 

Health minister Ruth Aceng in a press release, said the day will be held annually as a way of strengthening government efforts in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

Aceng said the day will be commemorated under the theme; My health, My responsibility in order to inform the population about the importance of physical activity and its relevance in the prevention of NCDs.

Aceng said despite global commitments by all World Health Organisation (WHO) member states to reduce physical inactivity by 10% by 2025, increasing levels of physical inactivity are being observed globally and specifically here in Uganda.

Aceng said physical inactivity is reported as the fourth leading risk factor for death globally, causing 6% of deaths globally. It is reported that at least one out of four adults globally is not physically active enough.

According to WHO, at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, 75 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity or 30 minutes of moderate physical activity among adults is recommended.

In the Uganda NCD risk factor survey conducted in 2014, it showed adults aged 50-69 are more physically inactive compared to the younger age groups aged 18-29.   

Aceng also revealed that urbanisation characterised by the use of motorised transport such as motorcycles and cars, use of computers and all electronic gadgets is one of the factors associated with physical inactivity among our population.

She added that other factors that resulted in physical inactivity include some work settings that require long sitting hours, such as in offices, markets and shops associated with minimal movement.

"Besides being a major risk factor to NCDs, physical inactivity results into bone, joint and back problems and lack of physical fitness among others," Aceng said.

 

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