AusLeisure

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is urging the Australian Government to implement preventative health policies that invest in actions that promote walking, cycling, sport, active recreation and play which promotes community well-being and quality of life for all.

ESSA’s call is linked to the World Health Organization’s goal to reduce physical inactivity by 15% by 2030, as highlighted in their recent Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030. World Health Organization’s plan encourages countries to increase levels of physical activity through strengthening their response with evidence-based policy solutions, guidelines and implementation tools.

ESSA Practice Innovation Advisor, Beth Sheehan explains “Accredited Exercise Scientists (AES) play a significant role in prevention and health promotion.

“However, these solutions to combat physical inactivity globally, especially in Australia, requires a whole of government approach.

“With the release of the recent National Sports Plan by Sport Australia, it’s encouraging to see that the Australian Government is aware that an increase in physical activity is needed, but the implementation of a Federal Government National Physical Activity Action Plan is now vital.”

With 50% of Australians having at least one of eight common chronic conditions (cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, arthritis, back pain, lung disease, asthma and/or diabetes), and 23% having at least two or more, $467 million is spent on health every year - $19 per person, per day.

Although the leading causes of death in Australia ranges from coronary heart disease, to dementia and Alzheimer’s, and lung cancer and lung disease, most are preventable with exercise assisting in the prevention, management and treatment for all conditions.

Sheehan advises “there’s no denying the benefits physical activity has on the health and well-being of all Australians. Physical activity assists in reducing the burden of disease, mortality and morbidity, and improves social interaction and community networks.”

Exercise assists with the prevention of risk factors for chronic disease - 32% of Australia’s total burden of disease is attributed to modifiable risk factor. Physical activity also increases endorphin release, improves mental health and can prevent or reduce the impact of mental health conditions, as well as reducing stress and anxiety.

Sheehan adds “an Accredited Exercise Scientist provides an evidence based practice approach to exercise and promotes and delivers individualised exercise programs to assist in preventing risk factors of chronic disease and promoting health.

“The future of Accredited Exercise Scientists will be best placed in environments and work places such as active transport, corporate health, health promotion, community health projects, but the Australian Government has an important role to play in initiating support to implement these community partnerships.”

The ESSA for an Active Nation campaign is therefore calling on the Federal Government, as well as state and local governments, to commit to building a nation where everyone is supported to be active.

Sheehan concludes “too often the blame for inactivity is levelled at the individual. This is unfair. ESSA have launched the Active Nation campaign to get physical activity and exercise higher up on the government’s agenda and promote the benefits of the general public working with Accredited Exercise Scientists for prevention and health promotion.”

Click here to find out more about the ESSA for an Active Nation campaign.

Related Articles

1st August 2018 - Federal Government releases new national sport plan

1st August 2018 - Sports Commission to rebrand as Sport Australia

29th July 2018 - Australian Sports Commission joins global movement to get children active

20th July 2018 - Report shows few Australians of all ages meeting physical activity guidelines

4th June 2018 - World Health Organization launches Global Action Plan on Physical Activity

12th May 2018 - More children trying sport, but desired activity levels still not being met

11th May 2018 - Sports Commission welcomes funding to get Australians active

28th September 2017 - ESSA highlights how physical activity is beneficial for all ages

8th February 2017 - ESSA concern over falling fitness levels among Australian children

31st October 2016 - Exercise Right showcases strong women in latest celebrity exercise campaign

10th June 2016 - Fitness industry says ‘yes’ to Global Wellness Day

28th December 2015 - Parents concerned over children’s excessive screen time

9th December 2015 - 37 compelling reasons why Australia needs a National Physical Activity Action Plan

22nd November 2015 - Australia needs a National Physical Activity Action Plan

26th March 2015 - Federal Government aims to get more Australians playing sport

24th March 2014 - Exercise & Sports Science Australia calls for Governments to recognise exercise physiology in health

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.