General Article Start active, stay active

Topic Selected: Fitness
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These guidelines are issued by the four Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They draw on global evidence for the health benefits people can achieve by taking regular physical activity throughout their lives. Even relatively small increases in physical activity are associated with some protection against chronic diseases and an improved quality of life.

Key features of this report include:

  • a life-course approach
  • a stronger recognition of the role of vigorous intensity activity
  • the flexibility to combine moderate and vigorous intensity activity
  • an emphasis upon daily activity
  • new guidelines on sedentary behaviour.

Each of us should aim to participate in an appropriate level of physical activity for our age.

 

Early years (under-fives)

Physical activity should be encouraged from birth, particularly through floor-based play and water-based activities in safe environments.

Children of pre-school age who are capable of walking una...

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