Sport and Health

Health, Sport & Well-being

During recent decades, there has been a progressive decline in the level of physical activity in people's daily lives in developed countries. For a majority of people, little physical effort is involved any more in their work, domestic chores, transportation and leisure. Whilst specific health risks differ between countries and regions, the fact remains that physical inactivity is a major risk factor for most common non-communicable diseases and physical activity can counteract many of the ill effects of inactivity.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that, with the exception of sub-Saharan Africa, chronic diseases are now the leading causes of death in the world. The WHO cites four non-communicable diseases that make the largest contribution to mortality in low- and middle-income countries, namely: cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes.

How can sport help to reach specific health objectives through these approaches?

Read the sections on: the physical and mental health benefits of sport and physical activity; how sport tackles HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases; the practical implications for sport for HIV/AIDS prevention programmes; and the use of sport in public health campaigns.

Defining Health

One of the most widely-used definitions of health is that of the WHO, which defines health as: “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. This definition goes well beyond a condition of physical health but includes mental health and general well-being.

Physical Activity and Health

Sport and physical activity has long been used as a tool to improve mental, physical and social well-being. Physical inactivity is a major risk factor associated with a large number of lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Sport projects that specifically focus on health outcomes generally emphasise:

• The promotion of healthy lifestyle choices among children and young people as well as adults to combat inactivity;
• The use of sport as a tool to raise awareness on communicable diseases in developing countries, for example, through district or national health campaigns supported by athletes and sports competitions;
• The use of sport as a didactical tool to communicate vital health-related information to ‘at risk’ groups;
• The use of sport to mobilise hard-to-reach groups as part of large-scale health campaigns, including for example, communities with low population density;
• Sport is considered to contribute to achieving mental health objectives, including addressing depression and stress-related disorders.

 
Sport and Health
Sport and health really do go hand in hand. When you play a sport you’re fitter and healthier. You also get into great shape. You lose weight. And your energy levels rise.
Sport and Health for everyone – So, what’s the best sport for you to play?
Good question?
Start by asking yourself, “What do you like doing?” Do you like running? Do you like ball sports? Do you like doing water sports? Perhaps you like adrenalin sports and the thought of climbing a sheer cliff makes your heart beat faster.
Once you know the answer to this question then you’ll have a clearer idea. You see, you’ve got to enjoy the sport you do. Otherwise that sport will become a real chore and you’ll stop doing it.
And once you’ve playing an active sport then you should follow some sensible guidelines.
When you do a sport it’s important for your health to drink plenty of water. Yes I know everybody says this. BUT, think about it. If you’re sweating you need to replace that fluid. And replacing that fluid with tea or coffee isn’t very sensible. You wouldn’t put diesel into a petrol engine would you? Of course you wouldn’t.
Drinking in moderation will help as well – even though you may want to wash away the cobwebs now and again. It’s like anything do everything in moderation.
Sport and health conclusion: there is a sport that will be right for you. You might have to try a few different sports but that will be an enjoyable process before you’ve found the right sport for you.
Sport Supplements
Taking supplements can be a good idea as well. Especially if you’re doing impact sports. A supplement like glucosamine can help rebuild your cartilage. Or a supplement such as vitamin C if you’re having to train hard for your sport such as a triathlon.
If you get muscle strains then you should contact a sports therapist. They’ll know how to massage your body so as to get you back being active as quickly as possible.
Sport and Health Conclusion
There is a sport out there that is right for you. Sometimes you might have to try a few different sports until you find it but that will still be a fun process. Here to more sport and better health.