P-Noy bikes with Cabinet to promote exercise

MANILA, Philippines - A bicycle-riding President Aquino Sunday launched along with some Cabinet members a national campaign of the Department of Health to promote exercise.

Aquino pedaled the entire Quezon City Memorial Circle, where he was joined by Health Secretary Enrique Ona and other Cabinet members in promoting “Ehersisyo Pangkalusugan Para sa Lahat 2011.”

Aquino said exercising regularly reduces the risk of being vulnerable to lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases – all of which have been the primary cause of deaths among Filipinos.

“Too many Filipinos are in danger because of the lack of exercise and improper lifestyle habits. So this is why we are embarking on the campaign on this program seriously,” he said.

Ona said the exercise program featuring different sports activities is meant to encourage all Filipinos to get into the healthy habit of exercising regularly to combat illnesses.

Presidential Communications for Strategic Planning and Development Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said Aquino finds time to pedal around Malacañang to work up a sweat.

“When he gets the chance he bikes. Even if he goes home to Tarlac, he brings along the bike with him,” he said.

When asked if Aquino had quit smoking, Carandang evaded the question.

“It wasn’t discussed. He didn’t say anything about that. It wasn’t discussed and it wasn’t asked,” he said.

Ona, on the other hand, encouraged all Filipinos to take up an exercise program.

“Exercise is for everyone. All ages from all walks of life can and must engage in regular physical activity,” he said.

Ona said lifestyle diseases, mainly cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes represent a leading threat to human health and development.

To address this, the DOH is working in close coordination with the Civil Service Commission, and other stakeholders to prevent, control and reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases through advocacy and promotion of healthy lifestyle practices.

The DOH suggested regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, running, biking, volleyball, sipa, arnis, futsal, wall climbing, badminton, basketball, aerobics for kids and tai-chi/pilates and yoga.

One said the program will be participated in by government and local government employees, non-government organizations, government and privately owned hospitals, medical professionals, schools and private individuals.