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Cali promotes healthy lifestyles

By Manuel Rueda, Editorial Director

Thursday, April 12, 2010

Some 200,000 Calenians marched across the city on Tuesday as the local government kicked off a week of activities aimed at encouraging local residents to live healthier lifestyles.

 

Local authorities in Cali say 80% of the city's residents are not doing any excercise and living sedentary lifestyles that lead to obesity, heart problems, hipertension, and diabities.

 

In response, the city governmnet has decided to organize a “Cali health week” which is aimed at encouraging local residents to lead healthier, more active lifestyles.

 

Calis health week will include a series of free activities like special night-time bikerides, walks for senior citizens, and outdoors aerobics classes.

 

Local health authorities in Cali say that 54% of deaths from chronic diseases in the city can be attributed to the lack of physical activity, adding that 8 out of 10 Caleños are failing to do at least half an hour of exercise per day.

 

According to the latest public health figures, 82% of the citys resident have inadequate eating habits, with diets that are overloaded with sugars and carbohydrates.

 

Epidemiological studies show that obesity, diabetes, and hipertension are the leading causes of heart and kidney failure in Cali, where about one third of the population is thought to be obese.

 

The latest studies for Colombia, show that 46% of the countrys inhabitants suffer from obesity..