Latest news with #physicalActivity
The National
15 hours ago
- Health
- The National
More than a third of children spend over seven hours a day on screens, UAE study finds
More than one third of children in the UAE spend over seven hours each weekday on screens, according to new research. The findings, published as schools in the country take tougher action to restrict mobile phone use, also highlighted a link between the excessive use of electronic devices and a lack of exercise. Carried out by University of Sharjah and American University of Beirut, the research reported that 37.7 per cent of students spent more than seven hours on screens each weekday, outside of lessons. 'High screen time was associated with lower physical activity levels, as 68.8 per cent of children who exceeded seven hours of screen time did not participate in any physical activity,' the study said, referring to time outside of lessons during the school week. Based on data about mobile phone, laptop, television and tablet use submitted by parents of 300 children in the UAE aged from four to 17, the paper also found that screen time increased with age. What can parents do? The findings highlighted, the researchers said, 'the need for families to take proactive measures to limit screen time and encourage more physical activity in their children'. 'Parents should be encouraged to set clear limits on screen time and promote alternative activities, such as sports, outdoor play and family outings,' the researchers said. With more than six in 10 children eating sweets while using screens, the researchers said that 'addressing dietary habits is crucial'. The new paper is titled, 'Assessing the effect of screen time on physical activity in children based on parent-reported data: a cross-sectional study,' and is published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science. Aine McGlue, head of secondary at the British International School Abu Dhabi, said that previous research showed that today's children were less active than young people from previous generations. 'So much of it is caused by inappropriate use of digital media,' she said. 'To expect a child to have the social and emotional maturity to detach themselves from a phone is unreasonable … Schools have to take a proactive stance.' In August, at the start of the 2024/25 academic year, BISAD, a Nord Anglia school, introduced a ban on mobile phone use by pupils during school hours. It is one of many UAE schools to have brought in such restrictions. Ms McGlue said that the policy was 'quite contentious at first', but parents were invited to coffee mornings during which the rule was explained, with the school highlighting research around the link between reduced screen time and improved mental and physical health. The rationale was also explained to pupils. 'Kids need to know that we're not implementing this as a punishment: there's research and evidence behind this to say this is in their best interests,' Ms McGlue said. 'The policy is clear: if you're seen with your phone, the phone is confiscated. If your phone is taken a second time, it's the parents' responsibility to come in and get the phone themselves.' Alternatives to screen time By, for example, installing table tennis tables, the school has given students additional things to do outside of lessons, instead of using phones, she said. 'At lunchtime, when kids might be feeling a little unsure about how they're going to use this time, they're actually out now playing football, they're out playing basketball,' Ms McGlue said. 'We've set up open mic sessions so that kids can creatively perform using their music skills. They have an audience around the things that they're doing.' Research from many other nations has highlighted the potential harms linked to excessive use of screen devices. In a study based on data from New Zealand, Dr Ladan Hashemi, of City St George's, part of the University of London, found that when families had stricter rules about using screens when children were of pre-school age, obesity rates were lower later on in childhood. Dr Hashemi told The National that excessive screen time, poor diet, lack of physical activity and poor sleep were all linked. Using screens too often can, for example, encourage unhealthy snacking, while late-night screen use can disrupt sleep. 'Families who had better regulation around the use of screen devices, their children were more likely to have better sleep, longer sleep, and they were less likely to spend time on screen devices, which means they have more time for physical activity. These are strong contributors to reducing childhood obesity,' Dr Hashemi said. She said that for school-age children, less than two hours per day on screens was widely recommended – but also that parents should set an example. 'You can't just tell children to abandon devices if you as a parent are spending too much time on screens. You need, as a parent, to set an example as a role model,' she said. Dr Hashemi said that parents may 'use screen devices as a babysitter' to occupy their children, so cutting down on screen time meant that parents should provide alternative things to do. 'If you restrict the children's screen time, you need to give them more means to spend their time – family time, activity time, school-based activities, community-based activities,' she said. The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends that for children aged two to five, non-educational screen time should be limited to about one hour per weekday and three hours per day at weekends. For children aged six and older, the academy recommends that parents 'encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens'. Screens should be turned off during family meals and outings, the academy suggests, and turned off and removed from bedrooms at least half an hour before lights out. In March, the UAE's first digital detox clinic for children has opened in Abu Dhabi offering a programme to address the growing problem of screen addiction in young people.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Getting in more steps may prevent the leading cause of disability in the US, study says
Sign up for CNN's Fitness, But Better newsletter series. Our seven-part guide will help you ease into a healthy routine, backed by experts. Getting your steps in is good for your health, but it may also help keep you from being affected by disability later, new research has found. Walking 100 minutes a day was associated with a 23% reduced risk of chronic low back pain, according to a study published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. 'This is an important finding because walking is a simple, low cost, and accessible activity that can be promoted widely to reduce the burden of low back pain,' said lead study author Rayane Haddadj, a doctoral candidate in the department of public health and nursing at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in an email. An estimated 600 million people worldwide experience low back pain, which is considered the leading cause of disability, said physiotherapist Dr. Natasha Pocovi, a postdoctoral research fellow in health sciences at Macquarie University in Sydney. She was not involved in the research. By 2050, the number of people with chronic low back pain is expected to grow to 843 million, according to the World Health Organization. And yet prevention of low back pain is often overlooked in research and clinical practice, Pocovi added. The results from this latest study show there is the possibility of using physical activity as prevention. Pocovi said the research also 'suggests that we don't need to complicate our exercise routines to protect ourselves against chronic low back pain.' To investigate the connection between walking and back pain prevention, the research team analyzed data from more than 11,000 participants age 20 and older from the Trøndelag Health, or HUNT, Study in Norway. Between 2017 and 2019, HUNT researchers asked study participants to wear accelerometers for seven days to track their walking patterns. The HUNT team then followed up from 2021 and 2023 and asked if participants experienced back pain, according to the new study. People were divided into four groups: those who walked less than 78 minutes in a day, 78 to 100 minutes, 101 to 124 minutes, and more than 125 minutes. The findings showed that as the amount of daily walking increased, the risk of chronic low back pain decreased, and preliminary evidence revealed moderate or brisk walking was more protective than a slow pace, Pocovi said. There are reasons to have confidence in the study results, including the large sample size and the use of accelerometers instead of people reporting their own levels of physical activity, she added. However, the walking data was only captured over one week, which might not be reflective of people's patterns over a month or year, Pocovi said. The study is also observational, which means that while it can show associations, researchers can't say for sure that the walking caused reduced risk of low back pain. Not only is low back pain a leading cause of disability –– it's also expensive. On average, people spend more than $30,000 on back pain-related costs over the five years after first diagnosis, according to an April 2024 study. Easy, inexpensive changes that prevent chronic low back pain can make a big difference, Haddadj said. The study wasn't able to address if walking 100 minutes straight had more, less or the same impact as accumulating that same amount of time in short bursts, Pocovi said. But in most cases, unless there is an underlying medical condition, any amount of walking is better than none, Pocovi said. 'Start with short walking sessions, either by planning specific walks or finding small ways to integrate a brief stroll into your daily routine,' she said. She likes to take stairs instead of the elevator or walk to a coffee shop a little farther from her home, Pocovi said. 'The key is to gradually increase your walking in a sustainable and enjoyable way,' she said in an email. 'Additionally, it can be helpful to have a friend, partner, or colleague join you for walks to keep yourself motivated and accountable.' You can add walking as a way to spend time with friends in addition to dinner and drinks, CNN fitness contributor Dana Santas, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and mind-body coach in professional sports, said in a previous article. And if you want to move past getting a couple of extra steps and get more physical activity, you can still start small and build your way up, Santas said. Some workouts can even be completed from the comfort of your couch while watching an episode of your favorite TV show, she added.
The Independent
01-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Exercise slashes risk of death in patients with colon cancer
Exercise slashes the risk of death in patients with colon cancer by more than a third, a trial has found. Physical activity could also prevent the disease from coming back, as well as lifting mood, reducing fatigue and boosting strength, according to researchers. Colon cancer develops in the part of the large intestine known as the colon, part of the large bowel, which also comprises the rectum and anus. It can sometimes be referred to as bowel cancer or colorectal cancer. Cancer Research UK estimates about 31,800 people every year in the UK are diagnosed with the disease, with around 9,500 deaths. The CO21 Challenge trial, led by researchers in Northern Ireland and Canada, involved 889 people with colon cancer from six countries, including the UK. All patients had had surgery and chemotherapy for their cancer and were deemed well enough to exercise, but were not meeting recommended physical activity levels. Around half were given a three-year tailored exercise programme, which included the likes of brisk walking, circuit classes, cycling, or swimming. The plan included in-person coaching sessions for the first six months, as well as regular meetings with a physical activity consultant. The other group were offered materials that promoted exercise and nutrition. The study found that after five years, the risk of dying, relapse or developing a new cancer was 28% lower in the group with a tailored exercise plan. After eight years, patients in the physical activity group had a 37% lower risk of death. Professor Vicky Coyle, UK lead researcher for the trial and clinical professor at Queen's University Belfast, said: 'During the trial, we supported people to reach their weekly exercise target in a way that worked for them. 'This could be a brisk walk for around 40 minutes every day, but some patients were also doing circuit classes, cycling, swimming, and many other activities. 'Our study gives clear, encouraging evidence that physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer returning for some people with colon cancer. 'We now need to work with policymakers and healthcare providers to embed exercise into treatment plans where appropriate.' Dr Joe Henson, associate professor in lifestyle medicine at the University of Leicester, said: 'Leading the exercise sessions in Leicester, I saw first-hand that this reduced fatigue, lifted people's mood, and boosted their physical strength. 'We know that physical activity regulates several key biological processes that could explain these results, and further research will help us uncover why exercise is having such a positive impact.' The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), could 'transform clinical practice', according to experts. Caroline Geraghty, senior specialist information nurse at Cancer Research UK, which part-funded the CO21 Challenge through Stand Up To Cancer, said: 'Being active has many benefits, and this study shows that exercise doesn't only improve well-being – it can also boost people's chances of surviving colon cancer. 'Everyone recovering from cancer should have access to tailored support to help them live longer, better lives. 'This trial has the potential to transform clinical practice, but only if health services have the necessary funding and staff to make it a reality for patients. 'It's important to remember that every cancer journey is different – starting new activities after treatment can feel overwhelming, and it may not be the right option for everyone. Take things at your own pace and speak to your doctor to discuss what is safe for you.' Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: 'These exciting findings add to the growing evidence of the benefits of physical activity for people affected by cancer, not just in helping them be fitter for treatment and boosting their immediate recovery, but reducing the risk of the disease coming back. 'This is why we've asked cancer alliances across the country to look at ways to encourage and support patients to do physical activity and ensure every healthcare professional they see can help them be in the best possible place – both physically and mentally – before, during and after treatment.'
Daily Mail
01-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Simple lifestyle switch can slash colon cancer death by a third: 'It's better than any drug', according to top expert
An hour an a half of daily exercise could slash the risk of dying from colon cancer by more than a third, a pivotal trial has suggested. Regular exercise has long been lauded as a crucial way to not only help stave off cancer, but also lower the chances of it spreading. Now, groundbreaking research has shown patients with the disease saw their risk of death cut by 37 per cent by completing 10 hours of physical activity per week. Anything from a brisk walk to high intensity interval training (HIIT) counted, meaning patients could also choose an activity that best fitted into their lifestyle. Researchers, presenting the findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago today, said the study was 'one of the strongest bits of evidence that exercise works' to keep cancer at bay. ASCO president and top cancer specialist Julie Gralow added that findings suggested exercise was 'better than a drug because it doesn't involve side effects'. 'This study shows it's not too late to start exercising even once diagnosed or if patients have started treatment.' The research comes amid a rising ride of colon cancer striking people in their 20s, 30s and 40s —a phenomenon that has baffled doctors around the world. Bowel cancer can cause you to have blood in your poo, a change in bowel habit, a lump inside your bowel which can cause an obstructions. Some people also suffer with weight loss a s a result of these symptoms Over the last 30 years, young diagnoses of the disease have shot up by 80 per cent across the globe. In the world-first trial, a group of international researchers tracked 889 people from six countries, including the UK, Australia and Canada, all of who had undergone surgery and chemotherapy for colon cancer that had spread to nearby lymph nodes but not reached other organs or tissues. Half were prescribed a structured exercise programme, with the other half given health education materials alongside standard follow-up care and surveillance. Those on the exercise regime received in-person coaching sessions every week for the first six months and once a month for the following two and a half years. After five years, scientists found 80 per cent of volunteers in the exercise group remained cancer-free, compared to 74 per cent in the control contingent. They also discovered the risk of death was a third lower in the exercise group. The benefits remained after eight years—patients who stuck to the exercise programme had a 37 per cent lower risk of death, the authors reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. Professor Vicky Coyle, UK lead researcher and clinical professor at Queen's University Belfast, said: 'We supported people to reach their weekly exercise target in a way that worked for them. 'This could be a long, brisk walk every day, but some patients were also doing circuit classes, cycling, swimming, and many other activities. 'Our study gives clear, encouraging evidence that physical activity can reduce the risk of cancer returning for some people with colon cancer.' Dr Joe Henson, study co-author and associate professor in lifestyle medicine at the University of Leicester, added: 'I saw first hand that the exercise reduced fatigue, lifted people's mood, and boosted their physical strength.' He added more research is needed to uncover the reasons behind the positive impact of exercise. Previous research has suggested that exercise can trigger the release of chemicals in the blood that help the immune system hunt and destroy cancer cells. Studies have also found that regular exercise reduces levels of inflammatory proteins in the body that are known to fuel the development of tumours. Natasha Wood, now 40, who lives in London, was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer in 2015 at the age of just 30. She had surgery, followed by six months of chemotherapy and has been in remission since 2016. Ms Wood, who completed half-marathons before her diagnosis, was told by doctors that her baseline fitness level would improve her outcomes. She said: 'The results of this trial corroborate my own personal experience whereby exercise has played a pivotal role both during treatment and in the years following. 'Throughout my treatment I continued to run, swim, cycle and lift weights, habits I've retained in the decade since. 'Exercise has been a cornerstone of my own healthy lifestyle and supported my physical and mental health in equal measure.' The disease, the third most common cancer in the UK, is the same type that killed Dame Deborah James aged 40 in 2022. Although the vast majority of diagnoses affect those aged over 50, rates in older age-groups has either declined or held stable while diagnoses in younger adults have soared over the last 30 years. Doctors have suggested obesity, antibiotic over-use, mobile phone radiation and even invisible particles of plastic in drinking water are potential triggers. However, a growing number of experts are also pointing to ultra-processed foods as a cause. Around 32,000 cases of colon cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK and 142,000 in the US. Symptoms include changes in bowel movements such as consistent and new diarrhoea or constipation, needing or feeling the need to poo more or less frequently and blood in the stool. Stomach pain, a lump in the stomach, bloating, unexpected weight-loss and fatigue are among other common signs.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Knowsley extends free school holiday swimming sessions offer
Thousands of children on Merseyside will continue to be offered free swimming sessions during school has the highest childhood obesity rates in England and the free swimming scheme aims to remove the financial barriers faced by many young people and families to participating in regular physical Council confirmed the scheme, launched in 2024, would continue to be funded for the next two leader Graham Morgan said there had so far been a "fantastic take-up" from people in the borough. "It is clear that over the last year the scheme has had a huge impact on the number of children and young people accessing health and wellbeing sessions and taking up swimming in the borough," said Morgan."By removing the financial barrier to these swim sessions, not only are we providing young people with a free fun activity to take part in during the school holidays, but we are also ensuring that they enjoy active and healthy lifestyles."The sessions are provided in partnership with Volair, which runs the borough's leisure August 2024 and February 2025 a total of 8,719 free sessions for under-16s were taken up across Volair's four public health director Dr Sarah McNulty welcomed news of the scheme's said being physically active "is a really important way of combating obesity". Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
