To promote physical activities at workplace, health ministry started aerobic classes for their employees beginning yesterday. Health officials say physical inactivity increases the trend of non-communicable diseases in the country.
Aerobic is an exercise that stimulates and strengthens heart rates and breathing rates, thereby improving the body’s utilization of oxygen. Health officials said aerobic exercises can help prevent or reduce the chance of developing non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis.
Department of Public Health’s Chief Programme Officer, Kinga Jamphel said through such initiative, other organizations are expected to follow them in promoting physical activity within their organizations.
A trainer from Thimphu, Dorji Tsheten said “such exercises regulate blood pressure and cholesterol and combat diseases because it makes the immune system stronger.”
Employees said they welcomed the idea as it is a means of achieving long-term health.
Aerobic classes are open to employees from other agencies as well.
