FROM LEFT: Professor Khalid W. Bibi, Chair of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science at Qatar University; Dr. Nasser Al Rawahi, Associate Professor of Physical Education; and Bryna Chrismas, Associate Professor of Exercise Science
Doha: Every year on the second Tuesday of February, the nation marks Qatar’s National Sport Day to promote sports and educate the community about the importance of exercise and physical activity.
Health is humankind’s greatest wealth. Since physical activity plays a critical role in preventing many of today’s chronic diseases, a nourished society understands the importance of adopting an active lifestyle. This year the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science in the College of Education at Qatar University celebrates Qatar National Sports Day under the slogan ‘Exercise is Medicine.’
Professor Khalid W. Bibi, the Chair of the Department, said, “One of the most effective ways to improve one’s physical health and mental wellbeing is to adopt and maintain an active lifestyle. Integrating regular physical activity in one’s daily life in a maintainable manner is a very effective tool to reduce the risk of many contemporary chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. As importantly, physical fitness plays a powerful role in enhancing psychological wellbeings, such as lowering depression boosting self-esteem, irrespective of age, gender, or physical ability. Physical activity - under the appropriate guidance is an excellent medicine for the population.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Maha Sellami, Assistant Professor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, said, “Aging of the immune system is an essential topic for enhancing the mental and physical health of the elderly since the immune response contributes to maintaining good health. Physical activity and exercise linked to immunological aging play a role in this quest. According to research, people who engage in physical activities regularly, particularly moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, have a more efficient immune response during an upper respiratory infection.”
Dr. Nasser Al Rawahi, Associate Professor of Physical Education, emphasized the importance of sports in schools. According to Dr. Al Rawahi, school sports is one of the best ways to propagate sports culture and teach students to adopt active lifestyles throughout the rest of their lives, as it is in many developed countries. “Sport in schools improves a child’s strength and motor skills. Their muscles grow, physical and mental fitness improves, acquires many positive values and morals, and his mental and social skills develop over twelve years of education.”
Stefanos Volianitis, Associate Professor of Exercise Science, said cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death from non-communicable diseases in Qatar. Among many risk factors that predispose to the development and progression of CVD, a sedentary lifestyle characterized by persistently low physical activity levels is now recognized as a significant contributor to poor health.
“Conversely, regular exercise and physical activity are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Exercise has numerous advantages, including heart-strengthening and improved blood circulation. It can also help in the maintenance of a healthy weight as well as the reduction of cholesterol and blood pressure. All of these changes can help lower the risk of heart disease,” Dr. Stefanos noted.
Dr. Monoem Haddad, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology and Conditioning, disclosed that adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity five days a week, or 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise three days a week.
Dr. Haddad said resistance training should be done at least twice a week. Weight training exercises should include 8-10 muscle groups exercised for at least one set and 8-12 repetitions. Children and teenagers should engage in 60 minutes or more of moderate to intense physical activity daily. People who are symptomatic and those with known diseases should seek medical advice to tailor physical activity guidelines to their specific health needs.
Bryna Chrismas, Associate Professor of Exercise Science, noted that Qatar’s social, economic, and environmental activities and solutions provide a long-term, sustainable, and secure future.
“Looking at this year’s FIFA World Cup (the first carbon-neutral World Cup) and Doha Expo 2023, sustainable mobility and exercise are critical to the countries and people’s long-term health and wellbeing. It also supports Qatar’s economy, which is essential to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”
