Exercise The Best Gift Of All, Australia

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 19 Dec 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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The AMA is encouraging people to give active gifts this festive season - gifts that can help friends and family get moving and participate in physical activities over the holidays.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said it can be tempting just to put your feet up and rest during the holiday season, so giving gifts that promote exercise is a great way to tempt people off the couch.

"Many children spend more than two hours a day in front of the TV or computer screen despite health warnings that this can be dangerous for their health," Dr Capolingua said.

"Cricket sets, bicycles, balls, frisbies, kites, or 'hacky-sacks' are all great gift ideas that help kids get some regular exercise over the festive season.

"Active gifts don't even need to be expensive. There are a lot of low-cost toys and games out there that promote physical activity.

"Active gifts can be good presents for teenagers and adults too. Family games are a fun way to get some exercise and help ease all the tension and stress from the past year.

"Adults who physically active are also setting a great example for their children and helping them learn to look after their health from an early age."

Exercise is effective in the prevention of many chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, depression, and osteoporosis.

Regular exercise is also effective in helping prevent overweight or obesity.

"Exercise doesn't need to be gruelling or time consuming - adults only need 30 minutes of moderate activity most days to enjoy better health and fitness, and children even less," Dr Capolingua said.

"A casual game of cricket with the family or kicking a ball around is a great way to get some exercise and have some fun at the same time."

Australian Medical Association