Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Combatting physical inactivity with preventative health promotion

Combatting physical inactivity with preventative health promotion
August 8, 2018

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


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Vivaticket

As of the 1st July 2018, Enta Australasia Pty Ltd/Best Union has been rebranded as Vivaticket Pty Ltd.  Vivaticket is the ideal strategic partner for the organisation and management of your…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Sport / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

Smart Connection Consultancy

Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…

read more

Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Surfaces

 
 

The Jump Pad

The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Play

 
 

TJS Services

TJS Services is a leading national facility services provider. We deliver quality cleaning, maintenance, construction and facility management services to over 1,500 sites Australia wide.  Our…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Venues

 
 

AUSTRALIAN WATERSLIDES AND LEISURE

A leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 

SLE WORLDWIDE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

SLE Worldwide Australia is a Managing General Underwriter specialising in insuring risks in the world of Sports, Leisure and Entertainment. Be it relaxing, playing, organising or watching sports,…

read more

Insurance / Venues

 
 

Ticketworx Pty Ltd

Ticketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

BODY BIKE APAC

BODY BIKE® International is a leading manufacturer of indoor bikes with a 20-year track record of creating the best indoor bikes. Stay connected with Body Bike Australia…

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Sport / Technology / Wellness

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business