World Health Day - April 7th
In the Netherlands, people use their bikes as transportation for
about 1/3 of their errands and outings. In Malaysia, women often sit in
a deep-squat pose to do housework. In France, many citizens shun going
to a gym in favor of using everyday activities and chores to strengthen
muscles, and utilizing the outdoors for their cardio. In America, we
tend to favor fitness instruction and fad diets. Differences between
countries and cultures abound across the globe, even in the arena of
fitness and health. Given the vast variances, the World Health
Organization has their work cut out for them in their yearly task of
dedicating one global health concern to be its focus for World Health
Day. Since its induction in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO)
has named April 7
th as World Health Day; a specified day to
call attention to a world-wide health issue of immediate concern. In
2001 the theme was mental health. In 2008 it was protecting health from
climate change. This year’s theme is a pretty steep call to action:
“
Beat Diabetes.” If you’re questioning the appropriateness of this topic
as a global focus, consider that, as stated on the WHO website, “In
2012, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths. More than 80%
of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. In 2014
the global prevalence of diabetes was estimated to be 9% among adults
aged 18+ years.” Nearly one in ten of us around the world? What makes
these statistics even more disheartening is that type 2 diabetes is
often preventable by simple lifestyle habits.
If you’ve ever needed yet another reason to keep at those
appointments with your trainer, add this world-sized reason to the
checklist. Exercise helps to slash your diabetes risk in a few ways:
- When you exercise, your insulin sensitivity is increased, making
your cells more receptive to use up insulin and process the glucose in
your body.
- Strength training, which builds muscle and burns fat, is helpful
for people with type 1 diabetes, and can also help prevent the onset of
type 2.
- Consider that some of the major risk factors of developing type 2
are being overweight, having high blood pressure, and being inactive.
When you adhere to a regular exercise routine, you’re swiftly kicking
those blood sugar bullies to the curb. Also, if you have a family
history of diabetes, you’ll want to maintain your exercise routine all
the more, as having a family member with diabetes increases your risk.
It’s estimated that 350 million people world-wide have diabetes, and
this number is expected to double in the next twenty years. That’s a
party that you do NOT want to be invited to. The good news? With regular
physical activity, not smoking, and
eating a smart and healthy diet
(your Fitness Together personal trainer can give you some diabetes-repellant diet tips), your
chances are greatly reduced. As the WHO works to “Beat Diabetes”
globally, you can do your part to avoid it in the lives of you and your
loved ones.
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