Physical Activity

"48% of young Pacific people and 37% of all adult Pacific people are inactive"
(Sparc facts)

Regular physical activity, fitness and exercise are critically important for the health and well being of people of all ages.

There is clear scientific evidence that being active on most days of the week benefits health. Active people not only feel better, but also reduce the risk of developing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and some cancers which can lead to premature deaths.

New Zealand physical activity guidelines (Movement=Health: Guidelines for Promoting Physical Activity (Hillary Commission, 2001)) remind us that all it takes is 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days (at least five) of the week to enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

While there are health benefits from doing at least 2.5 hours of physical activity per week, it is considered that there are further health benefits from being physically active on most days of the week (i.e. regularly active) as recommended in the physical activity guidelines Movement=Health.

Pacific Heartbeat supports the Push Play Programme