About the secrets of longevity in the year of wellness
2013 has been announced the year of wellness by Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. A great number of events will be organized as well as discussions, experts‘ opinions and considerations on the factors that promote public health: do we maintain healthy lifestyle, how beneficial are strategies and do we exercise only watching TV?
Researchers of Lithuanian Sports University will prepare public lectures on factors that have a beneficial influence on health. It will be possible to get acquainted with them on the university website. The community is being intrigued by the lecture ‘‘Healthy lifestyle: the secrets of longevity“ delivered by Rector of Lithuanian Sports University Prof.Dr.Habil. Albertas Skurvydas. This is one of many public lectures available to the community.
According to the Professor, the most important steps to maintain healthy lifestyle is to reduce the amount of calories,promote physical, social and cognitive activity and reduce stress.“Physical activity has a significant impact on our longevity. Other important factors are: exciting and complete environment, a wish to change and improve.“
Every year in the USA 200000 people die because they do not meet the threshold of activity
whereas 300000 deaths is a consequence of obesity.“The situation in Lithuania is not better: 60% of the population are overweight and 80% are physically inactive. What must be done in order to change the situation? Ideally, 30 minutes of moderate or 15 minutes of vigorous intensity exercises 5 times per week are recommended. It is also important to choose the exercises that you like and do them of your own free will,“ said Albertas Skurvydas.
Research data show that aerobic exercises (sports games) may not only have a significant impact on good health but also they improve mental efficiency and memory.
“Physical activity is of primary importance to promote health. It may have a significant impact on reducing overweight and high blood pressure as well as boost our immune system. Aerobic activity is the right antidepressant for women. Exercises for building strength are also essential: they are responsible for muscle strengthening, increasing muscle stability, enhancing muscle and nerve regeneration processes,‘‘ said the Professor. He emphasised the significance of mental activity. Daily routine should include reading, writing, playing musical instruments, learning languages , travelling, listening to music, playing games and solving everyday problems.
Consequently, the Committee on Health Affairs of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania with reference to resolutions adopted at the General Assembly of the UN at its 65th session of April 7, 2011 on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, the encouragement of WHO and EU to fight chronic non-communicable diseases as well as Memorandum on Promoting Public Health in Lithuania, signed by 300 social organizations and 500 individuals, has announced 2013the year of wellness.
A full public lecture (as well as others) by Professor Albertas Skurvydas can be found:
https://vips.liedm.lt/irasas/4132
