The Tribune

Health coach Ethan Quant, of Elite Wellness Solutions, has succeeded in his weight loss journey and now wants to share his methods with the Bahamas in an effort to foster a culture of wellness and conquer the obesity epidemic.

Obesity is a serious health issue that increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers. In the Bahamas, we have the highest rate of overweight and obese people in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Moreover, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has estimated that over 70 percent of all deaths in the Bahamas annually are as a direct result of non-communicable diseases. Our country is in a health crisis.

Physical inactivity is now identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Physical inactivity levels are rising in many countries, including the Bahamas with major implications for the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and the general health of the Bahamians.

When I was 306 pounds the last thing I wanted to was to exercise. It was hard, so and I made excuse after excuse as to why I could not be more physically active. I started walking, then gradually got to a slow jog, then a fast jog, then a run. Then I joined a fitness group where we played physical games that got me moving. There are so many benefits associated with increased physical activity.

As a part of Sports Heritage Month with the Ministry of Sports I wanted to share some benefits of incorporating sports into your life as a fun and effective way to increase physical activity.

1. Control diabetes

Playing sports can help your insulin perform in a better way. Besides, this can help people who suffer from diabetes to make almost all the insulin found in their body. Plus, physical activity aids in reducing the risk of developing type-2 diabetes. It can also help to manage weight since it can burn excess calories.

1. Lower hypertension

Hypertension, known as high blood pressure, may lead to heart disease or stroke. This may make the control of hypertension necessary. In fact, hypertension can be prevented by playing sports or being physically active. Playing sports can keep your heart as well as your blood vessels healthy and can simultaneously prevent high blood pressure from developing.

1. Improve blood circulation

Your blood circulation will be better when you play sports. This supports the proper circulation of essential nutrients all over the body. Meanwhile, the body will remain well-oxygenated, so it can stay more active and healthier. Aside from blood circulation, being active can also increase the volume of blood and the amount of haemoglobin.

1. Reduces stress and depression

When you are physically active you will forget your daily stressors. This can help you get rid of negative thoughts. Playing sports reduces the stress hormone levels in your body and it encourages the production of endorphins at the same time. These are natural mood boosters that can keep you away from stress and depression. Endorphins may even leave you feeling more optimistic and relaxed after playing sports.

1. Improve sleep habits

Sports as well as other forms of physical activity help improve your quality of sleep. You will fall asleep faster. And sleeping better can help improve your mental health the next day and improve your mood. Just remember that you should not play sports too late. Evening exercises within several hours of bedtime may make you have too much energy.

So I encourage you to find some sport that you actually enjoy and start playing it. It could be something that you enjoyed when you were a child, or maybe your company or your church has a sports team of some kind. Or maybe you can just start walking like I did. Whatever you decide to do to increase your physically activity, your body will thank you.

• You can contact Ethan Quant at ethan@elite-wellnesssolutions.com or on Instagram at @ethanquant.