Thousands dying from lack of exercise

A lack of exercise could be contributing to up to 600,000 deaths a year in Ethiopia, an expert from the ministry of health told IRIN on Monday. Wolde Tsadik Mekuria said that coupled with poor diet and smoking, lack of exercise was leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths. His comments came as Ethiopian government ministers and the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched World Heath Day in the country. "I expect around one percent or about 600,000 people could be saved each year by doing exercise," said Wolde, who is team leader of 'Other Diseases and Prevention Control' at the ministry. His team concentrates on cardiovascular disease. Launching World Health Day, Ethiopia's Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Teshom Toga called on Ethiopians to do more exercise to improve their fitness. "Physical exercise is of major importance," he told delegates at the ministry of health. He also urged other ministries and organisations to help promote sports among the youth. Dr Michel Jancloes, who is the head of the World Health Organisation in Ethiopia, echoed his comments. The WHO estimates that a third of cancers can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet, normal weight and carrying out physical exercise. Jancloes warned that urbanisation was leading to more sedentary lifestyles as people became more physically inactive. "Unemployment, poverty, harsh physical environments, social instability and wars are preventing young people in the region from engaging in healthy physical activity," he stressed. He called on the government, communities and the private sector to promote exercise. The WHO is promoting the importance of exercise throughout 2002.