Perils of inactivity

“The only exercise some people get is jumping to conclusions, running down their friends, side-stepping responsibility, and pushing their luck!”     – Unknown

A 2019 international study on laziness resurfaced online this week, causing a stir on social media, as it pointed out a dangerous trend that may have serious consequences for the nations mentioned. In November of that year, The Daily Mail’s online service reported findings based on global data from the World Health Organization. The country-by-country survey of youth from 11 to 17 years old pointed out that 94.2 percent of teenagers in South Korea had less than one hour of physical activity per day, worst in the world. However, what was alarming was that the Philippines was second-worst, with 93.4 percent of its youth being inactive, followed closely by Cambodia and Sudan.

Physical activity is defined as movement carried out by the muscles that requires one to burn energy. According the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.” Furthermore, there are four types of physical activity that help one improve endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.

What is alarming is the realization that the study was published four months before the COVID-19 pandemic made the world stand still. The Philippines had the longest and highest number of lockdowns on the planet, diminishing opportunities for physical activity even further. Although some may see that it affected everybody, it did not affect everyone equally. The pandemic has greatly stifled physical mobility and forced millions into a more sedentary lifestyle. This is corroborated by the explosion of chess and e-sports which, ideally, should be supplemented by a physical regimen that enhances the mental faculties needed for prolonged seated play. Given two years of confinement, it is more challenging to break out of the rut of being stuck at home, or in a chair, immobile. We’re all familiar with the long-term health risks of being inactive. And when you’re already at the bottom, any little worsening is magnified. This has spurred some sports leaders to raise an urgent call to arms.

“Sports stakeholders and duty-bearers must collectively and purposefully address this,” urges Atty. Alberto Agra, president of the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation. “Our teenagers must be active and must have dreams through and with sports.”

The POSF has made great strides in promoting physical activity throughout the country. In recent months, they have earned two Guinness World Records and have built permanent facilities in several locations around the country.

Individually, what can we do? We can influence our children and youth to work up a sweat every day. A minimum of 15 to 20 minutes day, just enough to raise the body’s temperature and get the metabolism going. Playing tag, jumping rope, any movement-based activity that can be fun for children will save the day (while staying hydrated, of course). The good news is that children are resilient, and can be directed towards a path of activity, health and fitness, to make the next generation of adults stronger. Luckily, the Philippines has an abundance of sports heroes to likewise inspire our youth to get off their butts.