Promoting health through physical activity at all ages. ASL CN2’s initiatives

Abstract

Physical activity and, in particular, walking programs, offer a moltitude of benefits like preventing chronic diseases, reducing associated mortality, increasing socialisation opportunities and improving mental well-being. A significant proportion of the population of all ages does not reach the recommended levels of physical activity to maintain good health, so sedentary behaviour is a widespread problem. To address these challenges, ASL CN2 promotes several projects aimed at raising awareness of healthy lifestyles. Among these, Walking Groups are an effective way to promote physical activity among adults. For children and adolescents the Muovinsieme project has been implemented: , following the good practice of the Mile a Day it promotes a walk as part of didactics activities. The project involves training teachers and it promotes healthy behaviours for pre-school, primary and secondary school students.
The results of these initiatives are encouraging: both the walking groups and the Muovinsieme project involve a good number of participants and they encourage ASL to continue to work on these topics, with the support of local organisations and volunteer associations.