pandemic COVID-19 has created a great demand for public health systems around the world and has revealed care deficiencies in terms of public health. And while things may seem negative, it has sparked a genuine interest in public health, individually and collectively.

In recent years, a global debate on health has begun, as well as a comprehensive questioning of the measures taken by governments to access physical activity. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Mexico was no exception. “Physically active people doing sports or physical exercise increased from 11.2% in 2020 to 21.8% in 2021 in public facilities or private places.”

Under this term, Knowledge Base Mexico I had the opportunity to talk to him Dr Kent Bradley, US public policy expert; most Dr Dana Ryan, Specialist in the special nutrition of high-performance athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo and his team Los Angeles Galaxy; beside Dr Rocio Medina, Nutritionist specializing in obesity prevention in Mexico.

At a meeting held before the start of the event Herbalife Surprise 202At 2 National Auditoriums, these characters voiced their views on some of the public health measures that could be replicated in Mexico. coaching privileges by new digital generations or existing mental health relationship or being able to do sports.

It is important to understand in the first place that, according to Kent Bradley, a graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Master of Public Health, “Public health principles are universal and complement each other between the individual and the collective”.

According to the expert, there are some strategies that the authorities of each region can implement to contribute to the creation of a healthier society.

Some of these are those:

– Providing a safe and healthy environment to do some physical activities

– Promote healthy lifestyles

– Create alliances and more spreads

– To conduct scientific research

– Community mobilization for action

Implementation of public policies for a healthier life is not a strange thing among Mexicans, it is enough to remember the campaign. Check yourself, measure yourself, move It was implemented by the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) in 2013 to prevent obesity and overweight in the population. The first three fruits of this strategy were aimed at being medically monitored, eating healthy and being physically active.

But the government’s impulses to stop the sedentary lifestyle did not end there, as the National Physical Activation Strategy was implemented in 2017. Go on, Its aim was to “improve physical culture among the general population through the massification of Physical Activation”.

For this reason, a doctor graduated from the Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Dr. He emphasized that for Rocío Medina, this medium is “reproducible in every aspect of sport” and that this participation is largely supported by civil society.

“These sports attract the attention of young people” […] I see a more active youth who has come out of the society towards the state,” he said. In addition to this, the obesity prevention expert in Mexico has urged local, state and government governments to promote a sports culture at all levels.

Things that seemed distant to many Mexicans began to happen on February 28, 2020, with the confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 in the country. Therefore, although it did not seem like a very relevant fact at the time, it was only the beginning of the implementation of more than two years of extraordinary measures to protect the lives of citizens.

For March 23, 2020, National Healthy Distance Day began, promoting social distancing measures to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2. From that moment on, part of the population was confined to their homes and began to go out only for basic needs.

In this sense, sports have also undergone a change since gyms and sports centers have closed their doors for a long time.

With the gradual reopening of activities already in the past year and a half, some Mexicans have left their homes again to exercise in public or private places, but others have set aside this sporting culture, others for structural factors. these came to light.

this Dr. Rocio Medina The Master of Nutrition and Obesity added that one of the reasons why people do not exercise is due to lack of space and the lack of transparency of the authorities.

“We are facing a problem where insecurity reigns in society, it is no longer so simple to just go for a walk because of fear, pollution, really governments should provide us with safe and adequate spaces to do any physical activity. It will definitely be costly,” he said.

Dana Ryan, a nutritionist, pointed out that the state of health from COVID-19 also has consequences for the mental health of the population, and this can also affect the way and intensity of being physically active.

“We’ve seen an increase in depression and anxiety after the pandemic, mental health has been the most important thing, so it’s important to know who you’re following because you often ask yourself, ‘I’m enough, that’s the right body’. An unprofessional type of questioning can do a lot of harm. ” said.

In conclusion, “Exercise saves us from physical health problems, chronic and metabolic diseases, stress, addictions, obesity,” said Rocío Medina.

Mexico ranks fifth in the world in obesity, according to the latest report of the World Obesity Federation, and this figure is expected to increase by 35 million adults over the next decade.. However, beyond blaming individuals, beef ryan He stated that the obesity problem in the country should be addressed as a structural problem.

“For many people, sport is a privilege” He pointed out strongly and added: “Exercise and moving the body is something we have to do but it’s a fact that not everyone can do it, sometimes some think you can exercise with what we have and it starts with very simple things, like going down stairs, walking, running.”

Expert working with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, commented that being an athlete is a lifestyle that should be applied in many areas of daily life. He also stressed that small changes in habits can have broad health benefits.

“Being an athlete is a lifestyle, it’s not just about what you do at work, it’s about the decisions you make all day, you don’t have to be a high-performance athlete, but you can be inspired by your routines. “This may help her education and life so she can adapt her diet to the life of an ordinary person.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, certain digital platforms such as TikTok They have become a part of people’s daily lives. And he started a discussion with them on practices known as coaching.

Dr. Kent Bradley A coach’s role is to encourage people to achieve their goals.

“Look at the effect this has had in the United States. coachingHe encouraged people to realize their goals, most importantly, that someone is always with you, we call them health services.”

However, retirees from the American Armed Forces also emphasized that it is necessary to be careful with people or influencers who are not sufficiently trained to perform such a practice, as it may carry a risk.

“The internet is a double-edged sword, much of the information is not up-to-date or accurate so coaching should be given by experts, it is not for everyone because it is very serious because if someone trusts you and so are you. You don’t prepare and you give advice, instead of benefiting you, you will do harm,” he said.

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