As a result of huge social, environmental and lifestyle changes over the last 100 years, humans no longer 'have' to be as physically active as they used to be, to the extent that it is damaging health.

One-third of New Zealand adults are not physically active at levels sufficient to benefit their health (Ministry of Health 1999a). Physical inactivity is second to smoking as a modifiable risk factor for poor health. It is associated with 8 percent of all deaths and is estimated to account for over 2000 deaths per year.

Improving the level of participation in physical activity addresses most of the priority health objectives in the New Zealand Health Strategy.

Physical activity reduces the risk of death or bad health from many non-communicable diseases and conditions, including:

· cardiovascular diseases

· some cancers

· diabetes

· osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

· obesity

· Mental health (depression and anxiety).

We need to be role models for our children and remember that 30 minutes is all it takes. There is good evidence that undertaking at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity every day benefits health.

To attain health benefits, physical activity does not have to be undertaken at a single session. It is possible to build up smaller quantities of physical activity throughout the day (e.g., 10 minutes at a time) to improve health.

Visit the GKA Shop for some great products you can use to help motivate your children to get physically active.

For more information on any physical activity or nutritional topic please feel free to drop a line in our live chat or drop me a line personally on