First Lady Esther Lungu says lack of physical activity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality.
Mrs Lungu observed that a negative effect of physical inactivity has also contributed to the increase in non-communicable diseases worldwide.
She noted that being physically inactive is considered as a risk factor because of several illnesses and medical conditions.
ZANIS reports that the First lady said this when she officiated at the 2015 Lafarge Lusaka Marathon yesterday.
Mrs Lungu said participating in physical activities assists in social development of the young people by promoting opportunities.
She noted that being physically active also helps young people to adopt other healthy behaviours such as the avoidance of drug and alcohol abuse.
The First Lady has however hoped to see more involvement of persons with disabilities participating in such community –based programmes.
She has since congratulated the winners of this year’s marathon as well the winners of the 10 kilo metre race.
And Sports Minister Vincent Mwale has commended the second Lafarge Lusaka Marathon event which supports efforts by the Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) towards transforming amateur athletes into professionals.
Mwale said his ministry prioritized sports development as an important catalyst for development.
He added that government‘s expectations are that Lafarge PLC grows the Lusaka marathon to gold medal standing which will attract athletes across the world.
Speaking earlier, Lafarge Zambia Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Rigaux said the Lafarge Lusaka marathon remains a major part of wellness program as their corporate social responsibility.
He further said the marathon would also help to promote endurance and discipline among employees.
Lead by example kabili…..
Great to see the first lady shake that thing.
ba Ester kekeke, that’s what I always told Edgar to work out. Now my friend Lungu tawakwanishe Ba Ester.
Tell them Mrs Lungu. Zambian women think being fat is cute. Once they get married, the goal is to get as fat as they possibly can and wonder why their husbands end up with the slim, shapely maid who is doing all the physical work. All they know to do is drive to kitchen parties, eat and get drunk! Get up and walk. It’s not that hard!
Running with a handbag ka! Pa zed you have to be very careful with your belongings as they can be stolen. Ki kikiki!
‘Chobs’ where are you in the pic? Must have been fun eh!
In Zambia women who wear pants on the “streets” are called prostitutes. Zambians can even strip you naked for wearing trousers or shorts.
Shall they now wear chitenges when jogging??
Ha! Esther so you can say that now that you have graduated from shabeen drinking!
The lady with a handbag is part of the first lady security team. That hadbag is not a make-up kit.