“The effects of physical activity in countering non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are tremendous. Adults between the age 19 and 64 should engage in 150 minutes of physical activity (of moderate intensity) per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more strengthening exercises,” said Dr Habiba Thawer, a registered physiotherapist and International Overseas Volunteer & Consultant in Canada.
Dr Thawer spoke at an event titled ‘Women and Wellness: The Attack of NCDs…Let’s Fight Back!’ organised by the Working Group of Women (WGW) at Aga Khan University. The event aimed to appreciate and highlight the importance of physical activity in combating NCDs and how best one can integrate physical activity in the work space and overcome barriers while executing them.
Physical inactivity or insufficient physical activity is among the leading risk factors for NCDs and deaths worldwide, according to World Health Organization (WHO). NCDs account for 41 million deaths globally every year. In Pakistan, an estimated 0.8 million people lost their lives to NCDs in 2016. Inadequate levels of physical activity increase the risk of cancer, heart diseases, stroke and diabetes up to 30 per cent and shortens lifespan by 3-5 years.
Dr Thawer said adults should also engage in muscle strengthening exercises such as yoga, and exercising with weights atleast twice a week. In an interactive session with attendees, Dr Thawer demonstrated a few exercises such as neck, trunk and arm stretches that can be performed whilst sitting at their desks.
“The effects of physical activity in countering non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are tremendous. Adults between the age 19 and 64 should engage in 150 minutes of physical activity (of moderate intensity) per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more strengthening exercises,” said Dr Habiba Thawer, a registered physiotherapist and International Overseas Volunteer & Consultant in Canada.
Dr Thawer spoke at an event titled ‘Women and Wellness: The Attack of NCDs…Let’s Fight Back!’ organised by the Working Group of Women (WGW) at Aga Khan University. The event aimed to appreciate and highlight the importance of physical activity in combating NCDs and how best one can integrate physical activity in the work space and overcome barriers while executing them.
Physical inactivity or insufficient physical activity is among the leading risk factors for NCDs and deaths worldwide, according to World Health Organization (WHO). NCDs account for 41 million deaths globally every year. In Pakistan, an estimated 0.8 million people lost their lives to NCDs in 2016. Inadequate levels of physical activity increase the risk of cancer, heart diseases, stroke and diabetes up to 30 per cent and shortens lifespan by 3-5 years.
Dr Thawer said adults should also engage in muscle strengthening exercises such as yoga, and exercising with weights atleast twice a week. In an interactive session with attendees, Dr Thawer demonstrated a few exercises such as neck, trunk and arm stretches that can be performed whilst sitting at their desks.