Physical activity
 
Move for Health Day
 
Move for Health days
 
  
arrowWhy should we be physically active? 
 Physical activity benefits health, society and the environment, and should be available to everyone. 
   
arrowThe background of Move for Health Day 
   
arrowPrevious Move for Health Days 
 Themes and country activities from previous Move for Health initiatives 
   
arrowCountry activities 
 How Move for Health Day is promoted in countries 
   
arrowMove for Health day logo [WHO headquarters] 
 English, French and Spanish 
   
 

Move for Health day logo"Move for Health" refers to moderate to vigorous physical activity of any type that anyone can perform anywhere to improve health. In addition, it refers to how individuals, communities and nations can promote their health and well-being through healthy lifestyles.

Move for Health Day

Every year, around 10 May, Member States are encouraged to promote physical activity with national activities - the day is known as "Move for Health Day". The day provides a focal point to generate public awareness of the benefits of physical activity in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases. It is up to each individual Member State to plan and organize the activities.

Four main objectives

The main objectives of national and global actions on "Move for Health" are to:

  • generate public awareness of the benefits of physical activity in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases
  • advocate the benefits of physical activity and give attention to good practice
  • increase population wide physical activity participation in all domains (leisure time, transport, work) and settings (school, community, home, workplace)
  • promote healthy behaviours and lifestyles and address health related issues through sports and physical activity such as no tobacco use, healthy diet, reduction of violence, stress and social isolation.

Teams of kayakers Morning exercise in assisted living centre