University of Southern Queensland experts are amongst those calling for global action to remind everyone of the vital role physical activity plays in our lives.
The International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) has issued a call to action for everyone, everywhere, including professionals, academics, civil society and decision-makers, to embed physical activity in national and sub-national policies. It focuses on increasing physical activity across settings, in schools, workplaces and healthcare, through inclusive sport and recreation for all, and investment in active transport systems and healthy built environments.
ISPAH provides a summary of eight settings for action which are supported by scientific evidence and have worldwide applicability. University of Southern Queensland’s Associate Professor Tracy Kolbe-Alexander led the Workplaces investment. She said it outlined a brief overview of holistic workplace health promotion initiatives that encourage workers of all abilities to be physically active.
“Globally, one in four adults and four in five adolescents are insufficiently active, accounting for more than five million deaths annually, and leading to substantive adverse health and economic outcomes,” Associate Professor Kolbe-Alexander said. “The workplace is one of the most opportune settings for health promotion as most adults spend at least one-third of their day at work.
“Workplace based physical activity interventions can provide numerous physical, mental and social health benefits, as well as reduced absenteeism and burnout among employees. Some steps businesses can take to increase physical activity in the workplace include establishing a healthy workplace committee and champions, including a range of employees and stakeholders.”
ISPAH’s Investments complement the World Health Organisation Global Action Plan for Physical Activity 2018-2030, assisting communities and countries looking to respond to the physical inactivity pandemic.
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