Promoting Healthy Lifestyle

777 Words4 Pages
Have you been exercising? According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is ranked second after smoking as a health risk in developed countries. The National Health Surveillance Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health between 2007 and 2008 found that among residents aged 18 to 69 years, only 1 in 4 exercised regularly. Leading an active lifestyle is important for the body and the mind. It helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like coronary heart disease and hypertension. It is also beneficial to our mental health. Since an active lifestyle is so important to our health, we should all think about how we can encourage residents to lead an active lifestyle despite of our hectic schedule. I have come up with three ideas that I feel are suitable solutions. My first idea is a “Cycle to Work” scheme. Cycling is not only a good way to exercise, but it can also be an efficient mode of transport. We should encourage cycling as a mode of transport to and from work. A good “Cycle to Work” scheme should make it convenient and beneficial for people who choose to use cycling as a form of transportation. If cyclists are able to switch easily between cycling and commuting on public transports, then cycling will be more convenient. This can be done by encouraging sales of foldable bicycles, increasing the number of bicycle parking near bus interchanges and MRT stations. Tax incentives can be useful in encouraging employers to support employees who want to cycle for part if not their whole journey to work. For example in UK employers who participate in the “Cycle to Work” scheme get tax cuts for employees who sign up and use bicycles under the scheme. The initial costs of implementing the scheme may be high but in the long run residents will benefit from better air, less congestion and better health. Second, we should have more outdoor sport
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