Highlights | ||
 | 1000 cities, 1000 lives - World Health Day 2010 [WHO headquarters] | |
| The theme ‘1000 cities, 1000 lives’ focuses on urbanization and health. The campaign calls upon cities worldwide to open up streets to promote health activities during the week of 7-11 April 2010. Many cities have taken this campaign as an opportunity to create awareness of the benefits of physical activity for health by organizing sport events or promoting walking and biking for health. | ||
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Regular physical activity - such as walking, cycling, or dancing - has significant benefits for health. For instance, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, help control weight, and promote mental well-being. Taking part in physical activity increases opportunities for socialization, networking and cultural identity.
Active living benefits health at all ages. It is especially important to the healthy development of children and young people, and active ageing can make a dramatic difference to the well-being of older people.
Despite the benefits of physical activity, people are not sufficiently active. Each year, at least 1.9 million people worldwide (including over 600 000 in the WHO European Region) die as a result of physical inactivity. In addition, a lack of physical activity is an independent risk factor for chronic diseases.
Most people's daily living environments - including transport, housing and occupational, school and leisure settings - have great potential for increasing physical activity. All sectors are called upon to engage and collaborate in effective policies and interventions. WHO supports policy and promotion of physical activity through several approaches.
