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ESSA marks World Health Day by highlighting that exercise is for everyone

ESSA marks World Health Day by highlighting that exercise is for everyone
April 7, 2021

With 7th April each year marking the celebration of World Health Day, and this year’s theme focusing on building a fairer, healthier world for everyone - Exercise and Sports Science Australia is highlighting the statement that ‘exercise is for everyone’, and shouldn’t discriminate against age, gender, abilities, ethnicity, or geography.  

Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA) Chief Executive, Anita Hobson-Powell notes “exercise, or any form of physical activity, can be beneficial in a wide variety of ways. Whether you have a chronic condition such as diabetes, cancer or heart problems, have an injury, live with a disability, are wanting to prevent a health condition or look after your well-being, or are simply looking to age actively – keeping active will help.”

Although the impact of COVID-19 was varied among different communities both within Australia and globally, exercise remains as important as ever to help keep our population healthy. Not only does exercise support our immune system, it can also boost our mental health and help to keep us connected.  

As little as 60 minutes of physical activity per week could prevent up to 17% of incident cases of depression and something is always going to be better than nothing, with no one type of exercise shown to be better than another for improving your mental health.  

Hobson-Powell adds “although exercise is for everyone, not all Australians know how to exercise safely for their individual needs. This is where Accredited Exercise Physiologists, the experts of exercise prescription, play an important role in protecting the health and well-being of our population, especially during this pandemic.  

“Accredited Exercise Physiologists are university-qualified allied health professionals that specialise in designing and delivering safe and effective exercise interventions for all populations – regardless of their medical conditions, injuries, or disabilities. They can help to break down barriers that may exist for those wanting to utilise exercise as medicine.

“When it comes to the prescription of exercise, they are the most qualified professionals in Australia.”

The key issue during COVID-19 has been the required long periods of isolation and restricted access to health care, however, the introduction of telehealth has allowed the safe delivery of Exercise Physiology services to continue, supporting the physical and mental health of Australians throughout the pandemic.

“Exercise was deemed essential by the government and the World Health Organisation when lockdown restrictions were put into place, and Exercise Physiology services were also placed in the essential health care category due to the important role exercise prescription plays in supporting the health care system,” continues Hobson-Powell.

“Even despite the rapid changes within state and territories and their lockdowns, Accredited Exercise Physiologists throughout the country have been agile and responsive in developing processes to deliver telehealth services. Their commitment to their clients and the community remains unwavering.

“No one person should be disadvantaged from being active and gaining the benefits of exercise and physical activity, and ESSA accredited professionals can serve as a safe and qualified helping hand.”

If you wish to access the services of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist either in-person or via telehealth, you can locate a provider who can support you via the ESSA online directory. It’s important to note that access to an Accredited Exercise Physiologist can also be rebated through Medicare if you have a referral from your GP.

Related Articles

8th March 2021 - ESSA celebrates female leaders in the exercise and sports science industry

10th February 2021 - ESSA highlights the benefits of a virtual workout buddy

2nd February 2021 - ESSA celebrates 30th anniversary of supporting health through exercise

27th January 2021 - ESSA encourages parents to introduce positive exercise habits outside of school activities

17th November 2020 - ESSA partners with 10,000 Steps to encourage participation in the After Work Walk campaign

3rd November 2020 - ESSA releases free ebook promoting physical activity benefits for older adults

13th August 2020 - ESSA releases free eBook promoting physical activity benefits for Australian children

16th June 2020 - ESSA highlights the importance of movement for men’s mental health

10th June 2020 - ESSA urges a considered return to the gym

19th May 2020 - ESSA highlights the importance of movement this Exercise Right Week

23rd March 2020 - ESSA launches campaign promoting physical activity during COVID-19

14th January 2020 - ESSA delivers government subsidised classes to older Australians

24th December 2019 - ESSA highlights the benefits of staying active over the festive season

3rd September 2019 - ESSA highlights the power of exercise this Women’s Health Week

11th June 2019 - ESSA highlights the importance of movement this Men’s Health Week

29th May 2019 - ESSA launches Reconciliation Action Plan during National Reconciliation Week

10th May 2019 - ESSA focuses on Active Ageing during Exercise Right Week 2019

21st March 2019 - ESSA highlights the role of physical activity in closing the health gap for Indigenous populations

8th March 2019 - ESSA celebrates industry pioneers on International Women’s Day

12th February 2019 - ESSA releases free eBook outlining the benefits of exercise for women’s health and wellness

5th February 2019 - ESSA’s Exercise Right secures Active Ageing program funding

27th January 2019 - ESSA urges not to give up on resolutions to get active

21st January 2019 - ESSA emphasises the importance of science in Australian sport 

19th December 2018 - ESSA encourages GPs to refer more patients to exercise physiologists

29th November 2018 - ESSA highlights the key role of physical activity in breaking down disability barriers


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