Physical activity guidelines launched

National guidelines on physical activities have been launched by the Department of Health and the HSE.

The aim of the guidelines is to highlight the importance of physical activity to the health of Irish people, outline the recommendations for physical activity for people of all ages and abilities, provide information to support those promoting physical activity in their everyday work, and direct people to where they can access information and support to become more physically active.

The guidelines have been produced to reduce the levels of overweight and obesity among Irish people.

They recommend that adults aged 18 to 64 years need at least 30 minutes a day of moderate activity on five days a week, or 150 minutes a week.

Adults with disabilities should be as active as their disability allows, the guidelines stress, and they should aim to meet the adult guidelines.

Young people under the age of 18 should be active at a moderate to vigorous level for at least 60 minutes everyday.

The guidelines can be accessed online at www.getirelandactive.ie.

[Posted: Thu 11/06/2009]