Sports boost health and save from lethal diseases: Sharmila

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP ) MPA Sharmila Farooqui said on Monday that sports, including cricket, football, hockey and racing, boost health of youth and save them from danger of lethal diseases including heart attacks and diabetes.

Sports activities help release harmful chemicals from human body that makes players feel happy and refresh, Sharmila said while talking to media on the occasion of her participation at the concluding ceremony of CSP U-19 T20 Championship organized under the banner of Young Social Reformers Sports Foundation in Karachi today.

She said sports have always been a good way not just to get fit, but help mental health by meeting new people. She said physical activities play a vital role in the development of human health and can help prevent many diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression and osteoporosis.

Aside from preventing various diseases, playing sports is a good physical health, she added. Sharmila said there is an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence on the positive effects of sport and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

The positive, direct effects of engaging in regular physical activity are particularly apparent in the prevention of several chronic diseases, including: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression and osteoporosis, she added.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities, she added.

She said adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits. Only a few lifestyle choices have as large an impact on your health as physical activity.

“Sport and physical activity can make a substantial contribution to the well-being of people in developing countries. Exercise, physical activity and sport have long been used in the treatment and rehabilitation of communicable and non-communicable diseases,” Sharmila informed.