MOHW identifies need for more exercise in Taiwan

2015-04-23

Around 76 percent of all ROC nationals aged 15 and above do not have enough physical activity on a weekly basis, according to an islandwide survey released April 21 by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

“This is a serious problem as insufficient physical activity is one of four major health risk factors and contributes to more than 2 million deaths worldwide every year,” said Chiou Shu-ti, director-general of the MOHW’s Health Promotion Administration.

“A study by the World Health Organization shows that the problem is linked to between 21 percent and 30 percent of diseases like breast cancer, colon cancer, coronary artery disease and diabetes, which are also among the top 10 causes of death in Taiwan.”

The MOHW’s 2014 Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey found 83.1 percent of females and 69.5 percent of males failed to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week as recommended by the WHO.

Miaoli County residents were the worst offenders, with an average of 78.8 percent failing to meet minimum exercise standards. They were followed by their counterparts in Yunlin County at 78.3 percent and Hsinchu City at 78.2 percent.

Citing a study by ROC National Health Research Institutes, Chiou said 15 minutes of physical activity per day can reduce the number of deaths overall by 14 percent, as well as 10 percent and 20 percent of deaths caused by cancer and cardiovascular diseases, respectively.

Chiou called on the public to start exercising regularly, recommending cycling and taking public transportation as two cost-effective ways of enhancing weekly physical activity.

“The ministry will continue promoting awareness of the issue and working with all parties involved to build a friendlier community-based exercise environment.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=229616&CtNode=413)