EU Council recommendation on promoting health-enhancing physical activity across sectors
The Council recommendation states that physical activity is a prerequisite for a healthy lifestyle and a healthy workforce, in a rapidly ageing European society. It also links the benefits of physical activity with lowered risks for a number of chronic diseases (cardiovascular, some types of cancer). The EU Council recommends that "the Member States work towards effective HEPA (Health Enhancing Physical Activity) policies by developing a cross-sectoral approach involving policy areas including sport, health, education, environment and transport, as well as other relevant sectors." Full text...