DATE=04/07/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=WORLD HEALTH DAY

NUMBER=2-288411

BYLINE=LISA SCHLEIN

DATELINE=GENEVA

CONTENT=

INTRO: The World Health Organization says sedentary lifestyles are contributing to about two million deaths a year that could be easily prevented. Lisa Schlein reports the Geneva-based health organization is using today's celebration of World Health Day to urge people to get more exercise.

TEXT: The World Health Organization says the world is experiencing a

rapidly spreading epidemic of inactivity. It is urging people to walk more,

eat better and stop smoking. It says the statistics show this simple

formula will help keep people healthy and save a great many lives. W-H-O official, Pekka Puska says sedentary lifestyles double the risk of

cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity. He says inactivity also increases the risks of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety.

///PUSKA ACT///

We estimate that somewhere between 60 and 85 percent of people in the world are quite sedentary, with practically no physical activity. I mean occupations are changing, transportation is motorized, people sit at home and watch television. We estimate in W-H-O that out of a little bit more than 50 million deaths annually in the world, something like close to two million could be attributed to physical inactivity.

///END ACT///

W-H-O says these so-called lifestyle diseases no longer are just a problem

in rich countries. They also have become big killers in poor countries. It

says chronic diseases caused by lack of physical activity, increased smoking

and poor diet now are leading causes of death in every part of the world.

The only exception is sub-Saharan Africa where infectious diseases such as

AIDS are still the major problem. Mr. Puska says more than 60 percent of

Americans are overweight and 26 percent are obese. But, he notes countries

such as Egypt and Mexico are catching up. And, in cities in China and India, more people are adopting a sedentary lifestyle and indulging in fast food diets.

///2ND PUSKA ACT///

If there were a pill that could help prevent heart disease, several cancers, hypertension, osteoporosis, depression, headache and so on, that would be an enormous commercial success that pill. And, actually, our collaborating project in San Paulo has such a pill. It is called "Agitol." The instruction is that before you take a pill, you must walk for 15 minutes and after the pill, you walk for another 15 minutes..(laughter)

///END ACT///

The World Health Organization says regular exercise and a nutritious diet

can prevent most of these chronic illnesses. It says fancy gyms and

expensive equipment are not necessary. A 30 minute walk everyday or a bit

of dancing will do the job. But, W-H-O adds governments also have a job to

do. They must create a good environment for physical exercise by making

sure streets are safer for people to walk and ride bicycles and ensuring

that sports are a part of every child's school day. (Signed)

NEB/LS/KBK