The Chief Medical Officer today published his annual report 2009. The report draws attention to major health challenges requiring immediate action and details progress made in key areas identified in previous annual reports. The annual report addresses the benefits of physical activity, preparation for cold weather to reduce health risks, treatment for rare diseases, grandparenting and health, and the link between climate change and health.

Key points on physical activity:
* Inactivity affects 60–70% of the adult population: that is more people than obesity, alcohol misuse and smoking combined.
* The physical fitness of children is declining by up to 9% per decade.
* By increasing the risk of developing more than six major diseases, inactivity poses a significant risk to the population’s health.
* Physical activity tends to decline with age, but this decline is not inevitable.
* The potential benefits of physical activity to health are huge. If a medication existed which had a similar effect, it would be regarded as a ‘wonder drug’ or ‘miracle cure’.

To view the full report click here

Posted Mon 15 Mar 2010 15:40
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