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"One of my priorities as the Minister for Health is to address the Latvian public to pay more attention to their health. Human health is not only a personal matter of each individual, but also the common public good. Every day we are able to make healthy choices: today - climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator, tomorrow - give preference to fresh fruit and vegetables instead of snacks with salt and sugar. Therefore, I invite everyone in Europe to be active and to be the best example for others. Today, let us go for a walk, climb the stairs, eat healthier and be healthy!" said the Latvian Minister for Health Guntis Belēvičs.
Sedentary lifestyle continues to be one of the most dangerous habits of the modern society. As reported by Eurobarometer, 59% of Europeans rarely or never do any sports. According to the data provided by the World Health Organisation, lack of exercise is a greater threat to health than smoking. 600,000 people in Europe die each year due to insufficient physical activity. These issues are addressed also by the Latvian Presidency of the EU Council.
In order to facilitate changes in the society, the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) for the first time organises No Elevators Day campaign. The campaign takes place all over Europe, during which the Europeans are encouraged to think about their health and take advantage of the opportunities to move more actively in everyday life: climb the stairs instead of using elevators, and instead of driving private vehicle or using public transport take the opportunity to ride a bike or walk.
International Sport and Culture Association is a non-governmental organisation representing more than 190 sports organisations around the world. One of the organisation's major projects is the Now We Move Project, which promotes the need for the physical activity and the benefits for health. Last year, the association organised more than 1,500 events throughout Europe, focusing more active lifestyle of millions of people around.
