Public Health SPONSORS MAIN SPONSOR SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2017

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1 PHCC urges the elderly to be more active SPONSORS Healthy lifestyle must become a regular practice MAIN SPONSOR PAGE 2 PAGE 6 SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT PHCC calls on residents to improve quality of life through physical activity As our societies become more sedentary, more people are spending their days surfing the web, socializing online and generally avoiding exercising. In the drive to promote healthy living in Qatar and to mark the month in which Qatar National Sports Day falls, Primary Health Care Corporation is keen to drive forward the nation s efforts to promote healthier living. The Corporation is committed to raising awareness of the benefits of regular sports and physical activities, by promoting a healthy culture and encouraging citizens to take up the habit of exercising regularly. Given the overwhelming evidence of the benefits of sports, it seems obvious that we should all be physically active, this is essential if you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life into old age. It is medically proven that participating in regular physical activity not only aids physical and mental health but also has numerous positive effects later in life. Participation in sports not only offers excitement and fun, it reduces the chance of being overweight, building healthy bones and muscle and reducing the risk of chronic disease, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer Active people tend to live longer with a stronger circulatory system, including cardiovascular, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis diseases, increasing muscle fiber size and reducing the chance of aging diseases. For example, aerobic exercises (walking, swimming, cycling) increases the level of good cholesterol in blood, therefore reducing triglycerides, which leads to positive impact on our health. Many studies have also confirmed regular exercising can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer s disease.there are several types of exercises that increase the ability to deal with stress and social pressures, and help defeat depression. To stay healthy, adults should try to be active daily and aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week through a variety of activities. PHCC is supporting the nationwide drive towards fostering a healthier active society through online campaigns on their social media platform and sharing educational material across health centers and in public platforms. Citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the various programs provided by health and wellness facilities across the health centres. The Corporation is committed to raising awareness of the benefits of regular sports and physical activities by promoting a healthy culture and encouraging citizens to take up the habit of exercising regularly. T he Emiri Decree No. 80 of 2011 designated the second Tuesday of February of each year shall be a Sports Day for the State, when everyone is encouraged to participate in sporting activities with colleagues and family. The first National Sport Day was held in 2012 and was designated for sporting endeavors by the citizens of Qatar. The day s main purpose is to promote sports and to educate the local population on ways to reduce health risks associated with an inactive lifestyle, such as coronary heart disease and diabetes. Many government ministries and private sector companies organize hundreds of activities and sport day events for employees and the general public. Notably the Ministry of (MOPH), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Aspire Zone, and various other sporting organizations play a prominent role at a number of events across Qatar. Activities range from football to basketball, tennis to taekwondo, cycling to swimming, with countless free sporting sessions and social competitions, available to all. The day is also viewed as an opportunity to bring communities closer together through sport, based on the sporting principles of team building, inclusion and unity, participation, fitness and health. Along with the extensive sporting events across the country, National Sport Day also focuses on Qatari culture with traditional Al Shawahef rowing championships, acting as a reminder of Qatar s ancient sporting heritage and the role it has played in the country s most recent developments. Every year, the Sport Day is getting bigger with the participation of more companies and already participating companies expanding the range of their actitivities. The National Sport Day, since its launch in 2012, has had a positive impact on the general culture of the community. The event over the past years has helped increase women's participation in sports activities and nurture a sporting culture in the younger generations in the country, according to H E Salah bin Ghanem Al Ali, Minister of Culture and Sports. NSD, which is marked on the second Tuesday of February every year, is much awaited by all. The day is not just about competition, but the public events that are open to all to express the extent of community involvement in sports, the Minister said. We are also seeing an increased participation of women in sports activities, as a result of the sport day initiative. Women account for half of the community here and they have a key role in creating sport values among the children, which builds cooperation and social coherence, he added. With more women participating, the NSD committee this year has prepared exclusive facilities to cater to them. The exclusive facilities ensuring privacy are being set up in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport and Culture, Aspire Park and women sport committee. Special trainers and sport activities are also planned, according to the authorities. Meanwhile, the minister also stressed that all National Sport Day venues in the country will be made available to everyone. CHAIRMAN Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi ACTING MANAGING EDITOR Mohammed Salim Mohamed SUPPLEMENT EDITOR Hussain Ahmad SUPPLEMENT COORDINATOR Ahmed Eltigani Idris DESIGN Abraham Augusthy PRODUCTION Viswanath Sarma IMAGE PROCESSING Mohd Sajad Sahir

2 2 PHCC urges the elderly to be more active Stemming from its commitment to educate and raise the awareness of the community about healthy lifestyles which can enhance individuals health and as part of celebrating the country s Sports Day, the Primary Health Corporation calls upon all segments of the community to take up physical exercises to encourage better health, particularly that of the elderly people. The older we get, the weaker our bodies become and every 10 years we lose about 2-5 Kgs of our muscle mass, reducing strength which can only be combated by regular exercise Dr Mahmoud Al Duraini, Family Medicine Doctor at PHCC has stressed the the importance of staying active for people of different age groups, highlighting that regular exercise can be considered a great weapon to fight old age and diseases. He commented energy levels of the elderly are much less than those of young people, there are some exercises that are well suited for the elderly, such as walking which is considered an ideal activity because it is easy and has many useful benefits on mental abilities, energy levels and can also help maintain healthy functioning organs.. Commenting on the importance of practicing sport activities, Dr Duraini said, Regular exercise can help old people reduce the risks of cardiac, brain and cancer diseases. It also helps reduce sleeping disorders and insomnia. Sport helps us to sleep well because the elderly people who do not do any sport activities can lose 30% of oxygen consumption, whereas the elderly who do practice regular sports consume the same amount of oxygen a person at the age of thirty who does not do physical activities consumes. Therefore, sports can improve the general condition of our bodies through consuming and distributing more oxygen to all cells and organs as well as strengthening ning muscles, aments and joints. This would lig- inevitably help the elderly to remain independent without the need for help from others and reduce the risks of bone fragility. Sport can prevent strokes, heart attacks and chronic diseases. The older we get, the weaker our bodies become and every 10 years we lose about 2-5kg of our muscle mass, reducing strength which can only be combated through regular exercise.

3 Nutrition and sports: Step up your game There is no doubt that good nutrition is one of the most important factors that benefits our health and encourages the uptake of physical activity by providing the body with the right level of energy particularly athletes require a balanced diet, consistent with his effort and practiced sport. In order to learn more about nutritional diets for athletes, Dr Modi Al Hajere, Nutritionist at PHCC shares some tips on a healthy diet required for practicing regular sports and how sport enthusiasts can follow a good and balanced diet that helping to achieve the best results in physical fitness and sport. She commented, When a person completes a set of exercise, he will burns more calories, so it is important to achieve a healthy balance between exercises and nutrition. One should follow a balanced diet, and try to have foods rich in carbohydrates, such as whole-grain pasta, rice, sweet potatoes and grain meals, because carbohydrates are the most important fuel for muscles, and the key source of energy for the brain and central nervous system. Whereas carbohydrate are stored in muscle and liver as glycogen. Dr Modi highlighted that the needed carbs and protein for the body vary depending on the type of sports; therefore, it is better to consult a qualified specialist to determine the individual needs Regarding the appropriate time to eat during exercise, Dr. Modi pointed out that when you have a meal, you should not exercise before one hour to 4 hours, the body needs time to complete the process of digestion, the meal should contain lots of carbohydrates, little amount of fat and low amount of protein, because eating a large amount of protein or fat slows the food in stomach, and that s what makes a person feel uncomfortable. The Nutritionist concluded that food and drinks play a major role in the restoration of body condition after exercise. Good recovery is important to avoid drop in energy levels, and help in muscles growth and repair. 3 Too much sitting ages you faster Y ou might age a lot faster if you sit too much, a new study warns. Researchers who assessed nearly 1,500 older women found those who sat most of the day and got little exercise had cells that were biologically older by eight years than the women's actual age. "Our study found cells age faster with a sedentary lifestyle. Chronological age doesn't always match biological age," said lead author Aladdin Shadyab. He's from the University of California, San Diego's School of Medicine. The women, aged 64 to 95, answered questionnaires and wore a device for seven days to track their activity The study doesn't establish a cause-and-effect relationship between accelerated aging and lack of exercise. Still, "discussions about the benefits of exercise should start when we are young, and physical activity should continue to be part of our daily lives as we get older, even at 80 years old," Shadyab said in a university news release. Specifically, the researchers found that women who sat for more than 10 hours a day and got less than 40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily had shorter telomeres. These are caps on the end of DNA strands that protect chromosomes from deterioration. Telomeres naturally shorten with age, but health and lifestyle factors -- such as smoking and obesity -- can accelerate the process. Shortened telomeres are linked with heart disease, diabetes and cancer, the researchers explained in background notes. "We found that women who sat longer did not have shorter telomere length if they exercised for at least 30 minutes a day, the national recommended guideline," Shadyab said. He and his colleagues plan future studies to examine the link between exercise and telomere length in younger adults and in men. The study was published online Jan. 18 in the American Journal of Epidemiology.

4 4 5 Healthy lifestyle must become a regular practice: Al-Ahli Hospital experts Qatar National Sport Day One should start exercises at you are doing exercise for a long It s good for children s muscles, porting normal growth and development. celebrations are set to be a low level of intensity and then time also shouldn t be over challenging yourself, said Dr Alkhayer. strong, if the bones are strong frac- food, avoid deep fried items, have home- posture and it makes the bones Schedule the eating time, have balanced held as an integral part build up the intensity. If someone of commitment to promoting a healthier the Qatar National Sports Day and who aren t doing physical activi- added. and canned food, says Jayanthi. is deciding to make a resolution on He also said that some people tures wouldn t happen easily, he made food, have whole fruit and avoid sugar lifestyle among the nation s population and to building a should start walking for 20 min- cautious while taking part in the tures on the wrist bones, collar all need stamina. For that people need to adopt a healthy life style, they ties on daily basis should be According to Dr Jones, frac- Either a person is a sportsman or not sports-loving culture in Qatar. utes a day: five days a week and sports day activities. bone, leg bones and sprains are incorporate, proteins, vitamins, minerals, It aims to promote a sporting make sure walking on a proper They should always listen to common among the teenagers. carbohydrate and little amount of fat in culture in the society in order to surface. Then should gradually their body. Stop when a pain develops, don t over exhort the body, taking part in sports activities According to Jayanthi every person need Keep children engaged and every meal, she added. increase awareness about the increase the time and activities as importance of physical activities exercises or riding bikes or to have a good sleep the day before shouldn t be limited to one occasion. Activities they do on the Qatar depending on height, weight, body struc- different percentage of calories per day, and adopting a healthy life style. swimming. What is most important is to do what you like to do. overdo, said Dr Alkhayer. National Sports Day should be folture and nature of lifestyle. and do activities rationally, don t Experts at the Al-Ahli Hospital highlight that adopting a healthy Then over a time of six weeks the Learning healthy habits at a lowed through the year, he said. She says that many people get mislead lifestyle isn t something limited to person will develop it as a habit, young age is important for living a A healthy lifestyle is not completed without healthy eating and healthy living. Don t go for a dramatic by promotions and myths about weight lost a day, it has to be adopted as a he added. fulfilling lifestyle as an adult. Starting healthy habits at an early age habits. A combination of healthy weight lose, many promote weight lost pro- practice. Maintaining a healthy According to Dr Alkhayer over lifestyle from young age is important and promoting healthy habits tions and doing high intensity them later in life. lead to a healthy lifestyle. Parents should encourage children weight lost within a short period. This is not eating time, have doing exercise, taking wrong posi- makes it much easier to stick to eating and physical activities will grams and supplementary saying it will help Schedule the If you limit activities to the sports day, that s not useful. You should early encourages a lifetime continuum of healthy choices. starting to exercise after a break Orthopaedic Surgeon, who is a ing time, proper planning of the expecting to win a race or score muscles not the fat and carbohydrate, she avoid deep-fried exercises at the beginning or when Dr Stanly Jones, Consultant A balanced diet, scheduled eat- to take part in sports activities not true, what happens is that people lose the balanced food, follow it every day of the year to achieve the real goal of the Qatar Dr Ahmad Alkhayer, Head of can lead to shoulder, elbow, knee specialist in pediatric orthopedics meal will help body be healthy, goals in football, but participate. It s said. items, have National Sport Day. You should physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at Al- Ahli Hospital says, If Two types of theology is cises, and eat healthy at the very tary Department at the Al - Ahli healthy diet. Water does more than just homemade food, and hip injuries. said, If they don t do some exer- says V Jayanthi, In Charge of Die- good for children s muscles, posture Not food alone, water is also part of a do regular exercise, at least for and it makes the bones strong. If you limit activities to the sports there in into developing a injury, young age we are finding children Hospital. quench thirst and regulate body's temperature. moderate to vigorous exercise or other and avoid sugar have whole fruit 20 to 30 minutes a day outside day, that s not useful. You should either a person is beginning or a being overweight, once you get Eating is an art and discipline the bones are strong, fractures the normal work routine. follow it every day of the year to person who is returning to exercise after a break or somebody you grow healthy. A balanced diet is getting the als, mostly through sweat. into a routine at the young age then makes some one fit, she said. wouldn t happen easily. activities increases the loss of some miner- and canned food. achieve the real goal of the Qatar Dr Ahmad Alkhayer National Sport Day. You should do who is doing it for long time and is Parents should encourage children to take part in sports activities and drinks to supply nutrition and Consultant liters of water for every 20 kilos of their body right types and amounts of foods Dr Stanly Jones, Adults should drink an average of two V Jayanthi, Head of Physical and Rehabilitation regular exercise, at least for 20 to over confident. If you are starting In Charge of Dietary Medicine 30 minutes a day outside the normal work routine. shouldn t go beyond your limit. If goals in football but participate. tissues, and organs, and for supfresh or staring after a break, you not expecting to win a race or score energy for maintaining body cells, Orthopaedic Surgeon weight. Department Al-Ahli Hospital The PMR Department "Together Toward Quality Life" The Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine (PRM) Department is proud to offer consultant led quality services for the diagnosis and management of pain and disability. The PRM consultant and the physiotherapists combine their expertise and knowledge in an interdisciplinary approach to provide detailed assessment and tailored treatment plans for Al Ahli hospital guests. Furthermore, robust links exist with all other hospital We appreciate the degree of suffering of patients with pain and disability. We recognize the immeasurable value of physical wellbeing in all facets of life. We also advocate that the maintenance of overcome your condition and to achieve optimum recovery and the best possible quality of life. The department is equipped with a PRM clinic, variety of electrotherapy and adjuvant treatment modalities, pediatric rehabilitation room, and a well-equipped exercise gym. The team offers a wide spectrum of rehabilitation services including: For more information please call:

5 6 Triglycerides are the most common fat in the body. Most of the foods that people eat, whether from animal or plant sources, can have an impact on the levels of triglycerides in the blood. There are many different types of fats, from polyunsaturated fats found in olive oil to the saturated fats found in red meat. They all contribute to triglyceride levels in the body, but they do so in different ways. When a person eats more calories than their body needs, the body stores these extra calories in the form of triglyceride fats. Then later, when the body needs more energy, it consumes these fats instead of needing more calories. Triglycerides are important for health, but high levels of triglycerides in the body can lead to conditions such as heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Taking steps to lower triglyceride levels and reduce other risk factors can decrease a person's chances of developing heart disease. It is important to understand triglyceride levels in order to adjust them. The normal range for triglyceride levels is considered to be less than 150 milligrams per deciliter. At-risk levels are anywhere from milligrams per deciliter, and high triglyceride levels range from milligrams per deciliter. Anything above 500 milligrams per deciliter is considered very high. Ways to lower triglyceride levels There are many ways to reduce triglyceride levels safely. These can depend on the reasons why triglyceride levels are high in the first place. If an individual regularly consumes more calories than the body can burn, it will result in an excess of triglycerides in the body. One way to lower triglyceride levels in the blood is to reduce the overall number of calories ingested every day. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there is evidence that a 5-10 percent weight loss can decrease triglyceride levels by 20 percent. The decrease in triglycerides is directly related with losing weight. What to eat In order to lower triglyceride levels, an individual must watch what they eat and adopt a nutrient-rich diet. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds is a great way to increase the nutrients consumed, while also reducing calories. A diet that is good for the heart and the blood also includes reducing the amount of sodium, refined grains, added sugars, and what are known as solid fats in the diet. Fats Solid fats come from meat, full-fat dairy products, and some tropical oils, such as coconut and palm oil. These foods contain trans fats and saturated fats. Trans fats and saturated fats raise triglyceride levels, so people should try to replace them wherever possible. Unsaturated fats, especially polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), actually lower triglyceride Omega-3 fats found in cod liver oil, cold-water fish, such as salmon and sardines, and flaxseeds are great ways to add PUFAs to a diet. For example, instead of a steak or hamburger, which are high in saturated fats, people can opt for a filet of salmon or a tuna sandwich. Animal products, such as lean meats, skinned poultry, fatfree or low-fat dairy, and seafood are also good options. Carbohydrates Individuals should limit their total carbohydrate intake to below 60 percent of their recommended daily calorie allowance. Diets with a carbohydrate intake above 60 percent are associated with a rise in triglyceride Ways to avoid carbohydrates include, for example, choosing lean burgers wrapped in lettuce instead of a high-carb bun. For dessert, opting for fresh or frozen blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries instead of sugary baked goods can reduce sugar cravings while also lowering overall carb intake. Sugars How to lower high triglycerides The types of carbohydrates in the diet can also contribute to triglyceride Foods high in simple sugars, especially refined fructose, are known to raise triglyceride Drinks make a large contribution to overall carbohydrate intake. Fruit drinks, soft drinks, and other sugar-sweetened beverages are some of the main sources for added sugars in the diet. Added sugars should be avoided to help reduce triglyceride Added sugar comes in many forms, including: White sugar,brown sugar, Honey, Cane juice or cane syrup, Corn sweetener or corn syrup, Fruit juice concentrate, Glucose, Fructose, Dextrose, Maltose, Lactose, Sucrose, Syrups, such as maple, agave, and molasses Taking steps to avoid drinks containing added sugars can greatly reduce overall calories. Every 4 grams of sugar is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of sugar. The recommended daily maximum sugar intake for women is 24 grams (6 teaspoons) or 36 grams (9 teaspoons) for men. Instead of drinks that contain high levels of added sugars, people can opt for low calorie drinks, such as water or tea. On a warm day, instead of reaching for a soft drink, a splash of 100 percent fruit juice to a glass of sparkling water is a better option. Alcohol also has a direct effect on triglyceride levels in some people. In people with high triglyceride levels, refraining from drinking alcohol is a helpful step to reducing triglycerides. People should work directly with their healthcare provider to gradually make any changes to the diet, and be certain there are no complications with any medicines they are taking. Exercise Physical activity also plays an important role in reducing triglyceride Burning calories ensures that more triglycerides from within the body are being used up. Any exercise is beneficial, but the effects of exercise will vary based on initial triglyceride levels, the amount of exercise, and the level of intensity of the exercise. A 30-minute walk each day is a great way to begin, as is engaging in low-stress activities, such as cycling or swimming. The AHA recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day, 5 days a week. Why are triglyceride levels important? If the triglyceride levels in the body are too high, the risk of certain diseases and disorders is also increased. According to a study posted to the Lancet Diabetes Endocrinology, high triglyceride levels play a role in cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis. This can happen because high triglyceride levels in the blood can cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is a combination of cholesterol, triglyceride fats, calcium, cellular waste, and fibrin, which is the material the body uses for clotting. Plaque buildup increases the risk of heart diseases, as the buildup blocks the normal flow of blood in the arteries. Plaque may also break off, and the sudden clot formed can cause a stroke or heart attack. Triglycerides and cholesterol levels make up two of the most High triglyceride levels in the blood can cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque is a combination of cholesterol, triglyceride fats, calcium, cellular waste, and fibrin, which is the material the body uses for clotting. When a person eats more calories than their body needs, the body stores these extra calories in the form of triglyceride fats. Then later, when the body needs more energy, it consumes these fats instead of needing more calories. important things to monitor for a healthy heart. There is also an increased risk of damage to the pancreas if the levels of triglycerides get too high. Causes of high triglyceride levels The most common causes of high triglyceride levels relate to diet and metabolism. A study posted to Nutrients listed the most common contributing factors of high triglyceride These include: Family genes, Obesity, Highcalorie diet, High-fat diet, Alcohol consumption, Diabetes (mainly type 2), Renal diseases such as uremia, Pregnancy, Some medications, such as oral estrogen, corticosteroids, antiretroviral drugs, and tamoxifen, among others. Statistically, some groups of people are more at risk for high triglyceride levels than others. These groups include: People who have developed heart disease before the age of 50 Women, especially pregnant women or women taking estrogen.

6 Doctors and their specialisations Pathologists are specialist scientists who are doctors that study abnormalities in living organisms and study DNA, tissue, blood and other various human and animal cells. They are also responsible for performing autopsies on dead bodies to determine the cause of death. 7 There are many different types of doctors. Knowing some of these types and what they do will be helpful in an emergency. When a doctor has to be channeled, the specialization should be chosen as per the illness. Doctors are categorized into different types according to their specialties. There are doctors for heart problems, ENT problems and for bone and muscle problems to name a few. Having a proper knowledge of these different specialty areas of doctors will be quite useful when you need to make a visit to the doctor for a particular illness. Certain designations for doctors are common. These include general practitioner who is a neighborhood doctor and provides medicines for almost any ailment, and trauma doctors who offer medical aid in emergency rooms. Below is a list of some medical professionals. Audiologist This is a doctor who handles problems with hearing. These doctors also help hearing impaired children learn to communicate. Allergist This is a doctor who helps with allergies. Any allergies you may have, such as, hay fever or asthma will be checked out by this doctor. Andrologists An andrologist is a specialist doctor that helps in diagnosing and treating male reproductive system disorders. Anesthesiologist This is the doctor that helps you to sleep through painful operations and medical diagnoses. They are responsible for administering the anesthesia and be present during surgeries to help in complications arising from anesthesia medications. Cardiologist A cardiologist is certified to treat any problem dealing with heart diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular Surgeon This doctor carries out surgical and invasive techniques dealing with cardiovascular diseases. Clinical Neurophysiologist This is a doctor that diagnoses any problem dealing with the central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system with the aid of electrophysiological tests. Dentist Any dental problem from tooth decay to dentures to retainers are handled by a dentist. They also treat any gum diseases and oral defects. Dermatologist This is a doctor that treats any ailment related to the skin and its appendages such as hair, nails etc. Emergency Doctors These doctors handle trauma and emergency conditions in the Emergency room (ER) and are available at all times. Emergencies treated may vary from poisoning to broken bones, burns, heart attack concussions, accident trauma etc. Endocrinologist Thyroid problems, hormone problems or any problems with the endocrine system is handled by an endocrinologist. Epidemiologists This is a doctor who specializes in epidemic illnesses which are highly viral. They are more of scientists who identify new diseases, virus mutations and develop cures and modes of prevention of diseases with vaccinations, etc. ENT Specialist This doctor treats problems with the ear, nose and throat. An ENT surgeon would be a specialist who will be performing surgeries on these parts of the anatomy. Family Practitioner A family physician is the neighborhood doctor who is general physician treating illnesses and medical issues of all sorts, at all ages & medical non-emergency conditions. If the condition is serious they will refer to a specialist relevant to the field of the illness. Gastroenterologist A doctor for illnesses related todigestive system including the common problem of gastritis and acid reflux. Gynecologist Any problems with the female reproductive system is referred to and treated by a gynecologist. General Psychiatrist Any person with mental illnesses such as, schizophrenia, depression and anxiety problems is treated by the general psychiatrist. Hematologist Blood and its diseases is studied by a hematologist. Hepatologists This doctor is responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases of the liver. Immunologist This is a doctor responsible for studying everything about the immune system and treats any diseases related. Infectious Disease Specialist An IDS studies and treats diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and will identify outbreaks of epidemics and pandemic situations. Internal Medicine Specialists - These doctors are responsible for diagnosing any illnesses and managing them with nonsurgical treatment. These are usually unusual or serious diseases. Internists These doctors focus on medicines related to adults and have special expertise in the areas related to the prevention and treatment of adult diseases. Medical Geneticist A doctor who is responsible for testing, identifying and treating patients with genetic diseases and disorders. Microbiologist A microbiologist is a doctor who studies the causes, diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases where microbes are involved. Neonatologist A doctor for new-born babies, premature or critically ill babies. Nephrologists This is a specialist doctor that treats kidney diseases and renal problems with treatments such as dialysis. Neurologist This doctor studies various brain disorders, such as, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Neurosurgeons These are the specialist doctors who carry out surgeries on central and peripheral nervous system diseases and the brain. Obstetrician This is a sub specialization in the gynecological field of study and handles various aspects of the female reproductive system, such as, childbirth, caesareans etc. Oncologist An oncologist is a specialist physician that diagnose and treat cancer patients with drugs, chemotherapy, radiation and where needed, surgical interventions. Ophthalmologist This is a doctor that treats eyes and various eye defects, blindness and performs different eye surgeries. Orthopedic Surgeon If you suffer from arthritis and osteoporosis and other bone related illnesses, or broken bones, an orthopedic surgeon needs to be consulted. Orthopedist Broken bones from falls or osteoporosis is treated by an orthopedist. Primatologist If someone is having a high risk pregnancy, this is the doctor who should be consulted for special care and treatment. Pale pathologist A doctor that studies ancient diseases. Parasitologist A doctor that is responsible for study of parasites, their pathology and parasitic diseases and treatment of these diseases. Pathologists Specialist scientists who are doctors that study abnormalities in living organisms and study DNA, tissue, blood and other various human and animal cells. They are also responsible for performing autopsies on dead bodies to determine the cause of death. Paediatrician This is a doctor who treats children for any illness from birth to adolescent. Plastic Surgeon If you are not happy with how you look, a plastic surgeon can change your appearance by performing cosmetic surgery on you. Physiologists A physiologist is a life science doctor who specializes in physiology and help rehabilitate. Physiatrist The doctor whose specialty is medicine and rehabilitation of the body and muscles. Plastic Surgeon A plastic surgeon is a doctor that can transplant skin, muscles or change the structure of a face or other body parts for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. Podiatrists This is a specialist doctor who treats disorders of the foot and ankle. Psychiatrists These doctors specialize in mental illnesses and will study, diagnoses and counsel and treat mental illnesses such as Bipolar, dementia, depression, Alzheimer's etc. Pulmonologist A doctor who is responsible for diagnosing and treats lung conditions and treating or managing critical care patients admitted in the ICU with ventilator support. Radiologists A doctor who specializes in use of X-rays or other imaging technologies in order to diagnose various illnesses. Reproductive Endocrinologist This doctor treats various reproductive problems that include sexual disorders and infertility problems etc. Rheumatologist A physician responsible forhandling autoimmune disorders and allergic conditions. Surgeon A surgeon is a doctor that specializes in surgical operations and will have their own specialties such as orthopedic, ENT, brain, nuro, cardiovascular, maxillo-facial surgery, plastic surgery, and transplant surgery. Thoracic Oncologist This doctor deals with cancer of the lungs, esophagus and chest. Urologist Any urinary problems and urinary tract infections are treated by an urologist. Veterinarian While other doctors are responsible for treating humans, the veterinarians are responsible for the treatment of sick animals. Apart from these main categories of specialization, there are other lesser known specialization areas for doctors. However, having a proper knowledge of these common types of physicians is a good starting point.

7 8 The health benefits of sport and physical activity Sport, physical activity and risk factors for major diseases Sport and physical activity, however, remains an attractive low-cost strategy to promote healthy behaviours and lifestyles throughout the lifespan and reduce the burden of chronic diseases on public health systems. Although research interest on physical activity and health dates back to the 1950s, the breakthrough in the scientific evidence on health benefits of physical activity largely took place during the 1980s and 1990s. There is an overwhelming amount of scientific evidence on the positive effects of sport and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. The positive, direct effects of engaging in regular physical activity are particularly apparent in the prevention of several chronic diseases, including: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression and osteoporosis. The Report from the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Sport for Development and Peace states that young people can benefit from physical activity as it contributes to developing healthy bones, efficient heart and lung function as well as improved motor skills and Providing physical education both inside and outside of schools is crucial in helping young people to learn and develop life skills. A number of crucial components to the delivery of quality education have been identified by UNICEF. These include sport and opportunities for play, consistent with the rights of the child to optimum development. Despite recognition of the positive impact sport has on education and child development, physical education is being increasingly challenged cognitive function. Physical activity can help to prevent hip fractures among women and reduce the effects of osteoporosis. Remaining physically active can enhance functional capacity among older people, and can help to maintain quality of life and independence. Physical activity and psycho-social health The WHO has estimated that one in four patients visiting a health service has at least one mental, neurological or behavioural disorder, but most of these disorders are neither diagnosed nor treated. A number of studies have shown that exercise may play a therapeutic role in addressing a number of psychological disorders. Studies also show that exercise has a positive influence on depression. Physical self-worth and physical self-perception, including body image, has been linked to improved self-esteem. The evidence relating to health benefits of physical activity predominantly focuses on intra-personal factors such as physiological, cognitive and affective benefits, however, that does not exclude the social and inter-personal benefits of sport and physical activity which can also produce positive health effects in individuals and communities. Sport and physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle A number of factors influence the way in which sport and physical activity impacts on health in different populations. Sport and physical activity in itself may not directly lead to benefits but, in combination with other factors, can promote healthy lifestyles. There is evidence to suggest that changes in the environment can have a significant impact on opportunities for participation and in addition, the conditions under which the activity is taking place can heavily impact on health outcomes. Elements that may be determinants on health include nutrition, intensity and type of physical activity, appropriate footwear and clothing, climate, injury, stress levels and sleep patterns. Sport and physical activity can make a substantial contribution to the well-being of people in developing countries. Exercise, physical activity and sport have long been used in the treatment and rehabilitation of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Physical activity for individuals is a strong means for the prevention of diseases and for nations is a cost-effective method to improve public health across populations. Physical education in schools Despite recognition of the positive impact sport has on education and child development, physical education is being increasingly challenged within education systems across the world. within education systems across the world. Challenges include a decrease in: The amount of time allocated to physical education The number of trained staff The amount of training provided for physical education teachers, and spending on resources required to deliver physical education in schools Girls and young people with disabilities face additional barriers, which limit (and in many cases prevent) participation in physical education and sport in many countries. Whilst physical education systems are vastly different across the world, a recent study conducted in 126 countries indicated that the marginalisation of physical education is near universal. A large number of researchers are focusing on comparative studies in physical education and there have been examples of good practice, however, the situation in developing countries and regions has changed little in the past decade. This has serious implications for access to holistic and quality education for young people, particularly those living in developing countries. It is important to note that in some countries where physical education is minimal or non-existent within the school system, children and young people may access sport and physical activity through community programmes. These may be introduced by community clubs, a range of other organisations, or through unstructured or casual games and play. Given the very poor rates of school attendance, opportunities for physical education and sport outside of schools can also provide educational advantages to children and young people. For the period 2005 to 2006, UNICEF estimated that 90 million children were not enroled in school. Net secondary school enrolment is only 52 percent for boys and 44 percent for girls, compared to 90 percent enrolment rate for both boys and girls in developed countries. Young people in developing countries therefore face an uncertain future given these reports on school enrolment. An understanding of the most prevalent diseases and associated risk factors is crucial to conceptualise the role of sport in health prevention and promotion. In developing countries, sport is widely used as a tool to educate individuals and communities on the risk factors associated with HIV/AIDS. There is a significant increase in the global burden of non-communicable diseases related to lifestyle changes in physical inactivity, unhealthy diets and tobacco use. Cardiovascular diseases Cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease and stroke and are the leading causes of death globally. Causes of cardiovascular disease are unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and tobacco use. Physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving glucose metabolism, reducing body fat and lowering blood pressure. Diabetes Diabetes is a disease which occurs when the body does not produce or properly use insulin and this may result in Type I or Type II diabetes. Diabetes may be prevented, or at least delayed, by weight loss, a healthy lifestyle, in particular, regular physical activity. Diet, drug therapy and physical activity are also major components of the treatment of diabetes. Obesity Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of fat that may impair health and unlike other diseases, social and environmental factors play a significant role in defining obesity. The incidence of obesity is a growing concern internationally with an estimated 400 million obese people in The global rise in the incidence of obesity is related to a shift in diet and decreased physical activity Cancer Cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment and in fact, there are over 200 types of cancer involving abnormal growth of cells in different parts of the body. It has been estimated that 40% of all cancers may be prevented by a healthy diet, physical activity and no tobacco use. Mental health One in four patients visiting a health service has at least one mental, neurological or behavioural disorder (such as depression, anxiety or mood disorders) that may not be diagnosed or treated. There is evidence to suggest that physical activity can reduce the symptoms of depression and can also be help to ameliorate mental well-being through improved mood and self-perception. Communicable diseases Global trends in physical inactivity claim that more than 60% of adults do not participate in sufficient levels of physical activity and physical inactivity is more prevalent among women, older adults, people from low socio-economic groups and people with disabilities. In 2005 it was estimated that 80% of cardiovascular disease deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of those suffering from overweight and obesity is increasing in developing countries and even in low-income groups in richer countries. The rise of chronic disease, coupled with the existing burden of communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, produces a double burden of disease on low- and middleincome countries. There are a range of methodologies utilised around the world to deliver health promotion and prevention strategies and an interesting example is the emergence of internetbased health information for developing countries. Sport and physical activity, however, remains an attractive low-cost strategy to promote healthy behaviours and lifestyles throughout the lifespan and reduce the burden of chronic diseases on public health systems.