Public health authorities in St James are seeking to raise awareness about the negative impact of physical inactivity with the hosting of Wellness Day on May 9.

The Wellness Day initiative, which is being held under the theme, Move for Health, Fit for Life, is in keeping with the 2002 recommendations of the 55th World Health Assembly on diet, physical activity and health.

Global health authorities report that each year, at least 1.9 million people die as a result of physical inactivity, although at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity physical activity daily reduces the risk of several common non-communicable diseases.

An estimated 35 million people died in 2005 from these diseases, representing 60 per cent of all deaths worldwide. Furthermore, 80 per cent of deaths from non-communicable diseases occur in low- and middle-income countries.