Get Active and Help Support Daffodil Day

Get Active and Help Support Daffodil Day

SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) is encouraging all New Zealanders to get active this Friday in support of the Cancer Society's Daffodil Day.

Daffodil Day is the major fundraising opportunity for the Cancer Society every year. To coincide with this year's Daffodil Day Health Minister Annette King has launched the New Zealand Cancer Control Strategy.

The World Health Organisation suggests that it is possible to prevent at least one third of cancer through lifestyle changes.

"The launch of the strategy is a significant step in both reducing the number of people who develop cancer in New Zealand and improving the quality of life of those who develop the disease," says Richard Gray, President of the Cancer Society.

Nicholas Hill, Chief Executive, SPARC says, "physical activity can help achieve both these aims".

There is a strong link between physical activity and cancer. Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of developing cancer in the bowel or breast. The Cancer Control Strategy identifies the need to increase physical activity to reduce the number of people developing cancers. Between one quarter and one third of these cancers are directly related to being overweight and not doing enough physical activity.

"It only takes 30 minutes of moderate physical activity a day to be active. It's about everyday people leading everyday lives. People need to understand that at least 30 minutes a day of moderate level physical activity will add hugely to their health prospects and quality of life" says Hill.

Wash the car, mow the lawns, take the stairs instead of the lift or just play with the kids - it is that simple!

Push Play is SPARC's campaign to get New Zealand more active. Push Play is about getting more Kiwis more active more often. Regular moderate physical activity makes you feel great, gives you energy and has many health benefits. Regular activity can not only help reduce the risk of cancer but also prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, reduce feeling of depression and the risk of high blood pressure.

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