From 24 April to 5 May, the Belgian Heart League will offer three types of free activities to citizens as part of its efforts to promote cardiac well-being: brief challenges to take on at home or at work; exercise and stretching sessions; and practical tips for being more mobile.
In a press release issued on Friday, it invites companies and individuals to sign up on its website, https://liguecardioliga.be/please-stand-up-and-move-2023-inscriptions/.
The initiative, which is part of its "Please Move for a Healthy Heart" campaign, aims "to show that exercise is simple, accessible and should be part of everyone's lifestyle." More than sports activity strictly speaking, it is about getting bodies moving, the cardiologists say.
The World Health Organisation's recommendations for physical activity for adults are 150-300 minutes per week of moderate exercise (walking, gardening, light cycling) or 75-150 minutes per week of higher intensity exercise (jogging, hiking, cycling).
The Belgian Heart League gives some tips on how to achieve this: walking while on the phone, taking the stairs rather than lifts or escalators, setting a target in terms of steps or minutes of physical activity to be done, giving priority to walking or cycling, and getting up every hour.
According to a WHO document relayed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), nearly 40% of Belgians did not exercise enough in 2016.
Lack of physical activity remains one of the main causes of health problems worldwide, both physical and mental. According to the Belgian Heart League, it promotes a 24% increase in the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease, a 16% increase in the risk of stroke and a 42% increase in the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
