20 minutes thrice a week

Star: KUALA LUMPUR: Exercise 20 minutes daily at least three days a week. This is Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's advice to inactive Malaysian adults.
He said an inactive lifestyle could contribute to an increase in chronic diseases.
“Every individual, family and community must regard physical activity as an important practice,” he said in his speech read by Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek at the launch of “Jom Makan Secara Sihat 2006” campaign at Dataran Merdeka yesterday.
“Physical activity encompasses daily routine, including work, recreation, exercise and sports. It does not have to be rough activities.”
Najib cited the Second National Morbidity and Health Survey, which showed that 31% of Malaysians had never exercised, while only 12% exercised adequately.
“The number of Malaysians who exercise is lower than in countries such as Australia, Canada and the US which is about 40%; and the situation is worrying. If the people are healthy, the country will prosper.”
Besides exercising, Najib also reminded Malaysians to adopt a healthy lifestyle by ensuring a balanced diet, developing healthy minds, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
He said Health Ministry estimates showed that each year, about 10,000 Malaysians died from illnesses related to smoking.
“Although we have achieved progress, we cannot be satisfied and have to work harder to improve our health. I hope the 'Jom Makan Secara Sihat' programme this year will be able to open up people's minds to focus on healthy living,” he added.
He said Malaysians must choose suitable food for their health.
He also pointed out that the survey showed that mental problems such as depression were apparently more prevalent among children and teenagers.