The launch of the latest ‘Live Well’ challenge in Khayelitsha yesterday, 4 April 2019, was perfectly timed to coincide with World Physical Activity Day which is taking place tomorrow on Saturday 6 April 2019. On this day, the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle are showcased.

The City of Cape Town’s Community Services and Health Directorate launched the rollout of the latest instalment of the Live Well Challenge at the Desmond Tutu Hall in Khayelitsha on Thursday 4 April 2019.

The launch included a host of activities, including a talk by the marathon runner, Mr Mandisa Ndyasi, on how running changed his life and helped him to develop a positive attitude.

City Health staff were also on hand to provide information and tips on healthy eating which can help to curb the risk of developing chronic lifestyle diseases such as Type 2 diabetes. Attendees also participated in an aerobics session which was led by the staff from the Recreation and Parks Department.

The Live Well Challenge is an ongoing programme which has been rolled out to nine sites since the initial launch in 2018.

Each programme runs over eight weeks and consists of a weekly health education session and exercise classes. Residents have the opportunity to participate in the training and are encouraged to be champions for healthy living in their communities.

‘It’s quite interesting that the majority of the residents who are enrolled are women who, to a large extent, are still performing the role of primary family caregivers in our society. They can use the knowledge and skills acquired to improve their families’ diets and ensure that children maintain adequate levels of physical activity. Women often take the lead in community activities and we are grateful that they are willing to play such an important role in this programme,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

The launch comes just ahead of World Physical Activity Day which promotes a culture of activity and the many advantages that exercise and an active lifestyle hold for healthy living.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) lists physical inactivity among the main risks contributing to a global increase in chronic disease, morbidity and mortality, along with unhealthy diets and tobacco use. Worldwide, it is estimated that over 60% of adults are not active enough. There is a great need to develop a culture of physical exercise to benefit their health status.

Preventable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, cancers and respiratory diseases, as well as obesity and being overweight, are now the major causes of death and disability worldwide.

A minimum of 30 minutes per day of moderately intense physical activity, according to the WHO, is the solution to producing health, social and economic benefits from physical activity to people of all ages and conditions including persons with special needs.

The City recognises that physical activity is an important action that individuals can take to prevent serious disease and to improve their health. As such, the City promotes physical activity for all ages through the Live Well Challenge.

In addition, the Recreation and Parks Department provides numerous recreational opportunities across the metro and a chance for residents of all ages to participate in physical activities. This includes aerobics, fitness and gym programmes offered at community centres, parks and outdoor gyms.

‘We should all invest in exercise and an active lifestyle as it will improve our physical wellbeing and set an example for others to follow. The City recently held a successful Camp Cape Town for youth where they had the opportunity to participate in many outdoor activities.

‘Another flagship event is the Games for Older Persons which was held earlier this week at the Green Point Athletics Track. We will keep on creating opportunities for residents to participate in events that promote an active lifestyle and I hope that this will inspire us all to be more active,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Source: City Of Cape Town