Streetcage Sports can Improve Health and Well-being of children & adults through Physical Activity and Sport. Physical activity and healthy sports are essential for our health and well being. Appropriate physical activity and sports for all constitute one of the major components of a healthy lifestyle, healthy diet, smoke free life and avoidance of other substances harmful to health. Our organisation works closely with PCT’s, NHS trusts and organizations such as D.A.A.T teams and charities to use sport to tackle these issues.

Available experience and scientific evidence show that the regular practice of appropriate physical activity and sports provides people, male and female, of all ages and conditions, including persons with disability, with wide range of physical, social and mental health benefits. It interacts positively with strategies to improve diet, discourage the use of smoking, alcohol and drugs, helps reduce violence, enhances functional capacity and promotes social interaction and integration. Physical activity is for an individual; a strong means for prevention of diseases and for nations a cost-effective methods to improve public health across the population.

Alarming Global Trend of Physical Inactivity

World wide, more than 60% of adults do not engage in sufficient levels of physical activity
which are beneficial to their health. Physical inactivity is more prevalent among women, older adults, individuals from low socio-economic groups, and the disabled. Physical activity also decreases with age during adolescence, and this decline continues throughout the adult years. In many countries, developed and developing, less than one-third of young people are sufficiently active to benefit their present and future health. Female adolescents are less active than male adolescents. Decreasing physical activity and physical education programmes in schools is an alarming trend worldwide.

At the same time, high body mass Index (obesity/overweight) rates are increasing among
young people as well as among middle-aged adults. This is related in part to lack of physical
activity in leisure time, but is even more likely the result of people spending increasing amounts of time in sedentary behaviours such as watching television, using computers, and excessive use of “passive”modes of transport (cars, buses and motorcycles). Sedentariness is consuming a great deal of people’s time, and the health consequences are significant.

Direct and Indirect Health Benefits

Regular physical activity, active play and sports can be a practical means to achieving
numerous health gains, either directly or indirectly through its positive impact on other major
risks, in particular high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, tobacco use and stress.
Physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes. These benefits are mediated through a number of mechanisms: in general, it improves glucose metabolism, reduces body fat and lowers blood pressure. Physical activity may reduce the risk of colon cancer by effects of prostaglandins, reduced intestinal transit time, and higher antioxidant levels. Physical activity is also associated with lower risk of breast cancer, which may be the result of effects on hormonal metabolism. Participation in PA can improve musculoskeletal health, control body eight, and reduce symptoms of depression.

Regular physical activity

· reduces the risk of dying prematurely
· reduces the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke, which are responsible for one-third of all deaths
· reduces the risk of developing heart disease, colon cancer and type 2 diabetes
· helps to prevent/reduce hypertension, which affects one-fifth of the world’s adult population
· helps control weight and lower the risk of becoming obese
· helps to prevent/reduce osteoporosis, reducing the risk of hip fracture in women
· reduces the risk of developing lower back pain can help in the management of painful conditions,like back pain or knee pain
· helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints and makes people with chronic,disabling conditions improve their stamina
· promotes psychological well-being, reduces stress, anxiety and depression
· helps prevent or control risky behaviours, especially among children and young people, like
tobacco, alcohol or other substance use, unhealthy diet or violence