Better Infrastructure for Active Lifestyles – Cork GP Says
- A new report from the Irish Climate and health Alliance, a coalition of over 30 medical, health, and social care professional organizations, estimates that physical inactivity costs Ireland...
- Cork city GP and Fianna Fáil councillor John Sheehan emphasized the profound impact of physical activity on overall health.
- He highlighted the wide-ranging benefits, stating that increased activity demonstrably improves outcomes related to falls, diabetes, blood pressure, and mental health.
physical Inactivity costs Ireland Over €1 Billion Annually, Report Finds
Table of Contents
Key Findings of the Irish Climate and Health Alliance report
A new report from the Irish Climate and health Alliance, a coalition of over 30 medical, health, and social care professional organizations, estimates that physical inactivity costs Ireland €1.13 billion each year in healthcare expenses. The report underscores the important economic and health burden associated with sedentary lifestyles.
The Benefits of Increased Physical Activity
Cork city GP and Fianna Fáil councillor John Sheehan emphasized the profound impact of physical activity on overall health. “Physical activity is, other than not smoking, the biggest thing we can do to benefit our health,” Sheehan told The Echo.
He highlighted the wide-ranging benefits, stating that increased activity demonstrably improves outcomes related to falls, diabetes, blood pressure, and mental health. The greatest gains, however, come from even small changes.
“the biggest benefit comes from that shift from doing vrey little to doing something, like going from driving all the time to walking 30 minutes or more. Further walking or jogging will add more value, but the biggest benefit is that first shift.”
Dr. John Sheehan, Cork City GP and Fianna Fáil Councillor
Creating a More Active Environment
Dr. Sheehan explained that addressing physical inactivity requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing both individual encouragement and infrastructural changes. He noted that his advocacy for increased physical activity is informed by both his medical practice and his role as a councillor.
“We have to be able to facilitate people to exercise,that means more greenways,walkways,cycleways - we need to make it much more conducive to get people out of the car and active,” he stated.He stressed the importance of providing safe and accessible spaces for physical activity.
“It’s very easy to tell people to exercise more, but if they have no safe place to do it then they can’t. We need to make public and active travel the default option rather than cars.”
Dr. john Sheehan,Cork City GP and Fianna Fáil Councillor
Dr. Sheehan also pointed to the unsustainability of relying heavily on cars,noting that Cork city center reached maximum traffic capacity five to six years ago. He advocates for exploring alternative transportation methods to alleviate congestion and improve public health.
Implications for Urban Planning and Public Health
The report and Dr. sheehan’s comments highlight the critical link between urban planning, public health, and environmental sustainability. Investing in infrastructure that supports walking, cycling, and public transportation is not only beneficial for individual health but also contributes to a more enduring and livable city.