A public health approach to increase physical activity and health education: The Biokinetic Humanitarian Project

Abstract

Physical activity has comprehensive benefits promoting well-being, health and improving quality of life. Unfortunately, physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of deaths due to NCDs worldwide which contribute to over three million preventable deaths. Currently, more emphasis is placed on lifestyle convenience through the use of technology while there is less emphasis placed on the meaningfulness and importance of physical activity and health. Due to the epidemic, it is noteworthy that there are distinct differences between both the modern and early eras regarding health and lifestyle. Behaviours and determinants attributed to physical activity regarding these lifestyles include age, gender, ethnicity, the environment, fitness levels, nutrition and health status respectively. Previous research has stipulated that public health interventions should focus on the management and positive outcomes of such determinants. Interventions advocating both physical activity participation and exercise education are needed across all domains, locally and internationally. It is vital to have intervention strategies that target individuals so that they are able to adjust to the environment they’re in. Among these interventions is the Biokinetic Humanitarian Project (BHP) which aims to provide exercise testing, exercise prescription and health education in underprivileged communities, sport and university settings, primary health care and other settings in need. The BHP intervention hopes to inculcate the meaningfulness and disseminate physical activity and health education to individuals. It is imperative that the spotlight in physical activity research is drawn towards future interventions, where NCDs and health status around the world will improve and potentially be alleviated.

Keywords: Physical activity, health education, NCDs, Biokinetic Humanitarian Project.