Sports and quality air for a healthy lifestyle
Physical and other benefits
Playing sports, in addition to bringing physical benefits, generates a positive impact in promoting human rights and economic and social development.
”Sport has the power to align our passion, energy and enthusiasm around a collective cause. And it is precisely then that hope can be nurtured and confidence regained. It is in our collective interest to harness the enormous power of sport to help build a better and more sustainable future for all.”
Why we need sports
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes physical activity as any bodily movement that requires energy expenditure.
WHO explains that lack of physical activity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide.
In addition, physical inactivity is the leading cause of diabetes and heart disease.
Sports also improve hormone regulation and strengthen the immune system, as well as contribute to adequate rest and reduce fatigue.
The benefits of sports are not only physical, but also affect mental health, reducing the onset of depression and stress, improving self-esteem and even social relationships. In today’s society, jobs that require physical activity are becoming increasingly scarce, which is why sports are becoming increasingly important.
How important is air quality during physical activity?
Practicing sports therefore is beneficial and brings many benefits to our health both physically and mentally, but what also needs to be taken into consideration is the context in which we train.
Not always, it is possible to train in perfect conditions that is, in places where we are sure to breathe healthy air.
Just think of the restrictions imposed during the ongoing emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic where many of us started exercising at home.
In the common imagination, the air in the home would be cleaner than the air outside, and we all consider the home as a kind of shelter in which we feel safe.
Unfortunately, in home environments the air we breathe can be much more polluted than outdoors and consequently, much more dangerous.
Many of the pollutants found indoors can cause more or less serious damage to our health.
Therefore, it is very important to consider the impact of the atmosphere in which physical activity takes place, because when you are physically active you breathe in more air and particles can penetrate deeper into your lungs.