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The “Seki Siksi” movement campaign will be reintroduced on Sunday, June 6 at 6 pm. “Seki Siksi” is a media campaign on exercise in the context of preventing and controlling non-communicable (chronic) diseases “NCDs” and promoting a healthier lifestyle. This is an initiative of the Department of Health in conjunction with the Department of Regional Development and Sports, and supported by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).
Practice shows that life is becoming more and more ‘sedentary’. Television, computer, computer games, mobile phone games, less physical work due to increasing automation are responsible for this. One of the aims of the campaign is to introduce a new trend that encourages the Surinamese community to exercise regularly.
Regular exercise has been shown to help prevent and treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. It also helps prevent high blood pressure, overweight and obesity and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Physical activity can be done in many ways: walking, cycling, sports and active forms of recreation (such as sweeping, raking). Physical activity can also be undertaken at work and around the home, but given the current Covid-19 situation, it is recommended to exercise as much as possible at home. All forms of physical activity can provide health benefits if performed regularly and of adequate duration and intensity.
Globally, women are less active (32%) compared to men (23%) and in most countries inactivity declines with age. According to the STEPS study (2013) of the surveillance of risk factors for NCDs, only 55.5% of the total population met the WHO recommended exercise level (urban coastal area: 55.7%, rural coastal area: 57.9%, rural inland area: 49.1%). Women were less likely to achieve the recommended exercise level. It has been concluded that approximately half of the population meets the WHO recommended exercise level.
With the reintroduction of the “Seki Siksi” exercise campaign, people are encouraged to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day or at least 3 times a week. The campaign is an extension of the Ministry of Health’s ‘Sranan Lus A Skin’ exercise program. The practice sessions are still available on the facebook and web pages of the Bureau of Public Health and the Ministry, which people can use to exercise at home.
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