Description
Physical activity is a key factor in maintaining good health and fitness. Being physically active has a number of significant health benefits, including chronic disease risk reduction, helping in the control of body weight and improving mental wellbeing.
There has been a decline in physical activity over recent decades due to the sedentary nature of many forms of work, changes in transportation and increased ‘screen time’. A lack of regular physical activity and related overweight and obesity is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity from certain cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart and vascular diseases. Physical inactivity has been ranked second only to tobacco smoking, in terms of the burden of disease and injury from risk factors in Australia. Globally, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality.
This book reveals the extent of participation in physical activity by Australians, and explores ways of overcoming sedentary behaviour and inactivity through appropriate forms of exercise to suit your age and situation. Are you active enough?
