Public initiative: Every second Irish adult is overweight or obese but people in sedentary jobs frequently do not have time for a regular workout or any regular physical activity.
The increasing prevalence of obesity and possible resultant health problems present Ireland with a major health challenge.
The Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children seeks to tackle this problem of overweight and obesity, and has urged all adults, especially employers and employees, to get active and stay active through its public information initiative "Get Ireland Moving".
Working with the physical activity co-ordinators in each of the local health boards, the initiative forms part of the Department's programme themed "Every Step Counts, Small Changes Make the Difference".
Running from November 15th, the week-long initiative is aiming to communicate key messages relating to the importance of physical activity, specifically targeting people in the workplace and their employers.
Last week the Health Promotion Unit organised the "Get Ireland Moving Day" to remind Irish people that regular physical activity is required to tackle overweight and obesity.
"Get Ireland Moving" is simply about driving home the importance of including activity as part of our daily routine and not using the fact that you are office bound or car bound as an excuse," said Sean Power TD, Minister of State, Department of Health and Children. "Just because you work in a sedentary job doesn't mean that you can't clock up exercise through out the day," he said.
The initiative involves national and regional radio promotions, on-street sampling of campaign materials and activity demonstrations at key locations nationwide.
The key messages of the programme include that all adults are required to be active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week to fight obesity and that people can be active even if they work in sedentary working conditions.
"A key part of the campaign is to encourage employers to facilitate activity in the workplace through organising yoga classes, subsidising gym memberships or encouraging the formation of walking clubs," said Mr Power.
Several workplaces have already taken an active role in providing exercise for employees.
The Laois County Council has formed a walking club called the Physical Activity Nutrition Group. The members go out walking twice during the week and once at the weekend.
Diageo Ireland offers a range of activity options for its employees including a swimming pool and a gym which are available for staff use free of charge. The company has also introduced Pilates and yoga classes during lunch hours.
CityJet, the Irish partner of Air France, also put forward a range of activities for its employees, such as survival courses and hikes in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains.
"Given the hectic nature of the aviation industry, we are keen to support these initiatives to ensure our staff stay fit and healthy," Jerry Lynch, general manager of human resources of CityJet, said.
AIB is also a keen promoter of exercise among its staff. Besides promoting a wide range of sporting activities including rugby, soccer, sailing and tennis, the company organises competitions between branches and departments within the bank.
The Physical Education and Sport Sciences Department of the University of Limerick and the Health Promotion Department of the Mid-Western Health Board have developed a programme called "Active Ways - 10 weeks to Living Actively".
The programme aims to increase the physical activity levels of women in the workplace by teaching them how to incorporate and increase physical activity levels over 10 weekly sessions. Each participant receives their own 'active ways workbook' and a pedometer which counts the steps walked each day.
At the end of the programme in the Regional Hospital, the majority of participants had increased their physical activity levels substantially.
"There is no doubt that a physically active employee has more to offer the workplace, with research providing that activity results in higher levels of concentration and less fatigue during the working day," said Mr Power.