Editorial: run for your life

Photo: Urmas Nemvalts

National Institute for Health Development has completed a study showing that health of Estonian males goes into steep decline after turning 35 as also related to diminished physical activity. In other words, that’s when the time and desire to run or work out fade out. Once out of shape, it is ever harder to get going again.

Who would argue that keeping fit will greatly enhance overall health. The bigger picture, however, will reveal the social and mental aspects. And there, society, state and family play a role.

Heath scientists say it takes three components to stay healthy: the physical, the social and the mental. Socially, this is provided by work, social status, respect by peers. Mentally, family is vital. With family support and better social status, people have an easier time to keep fit and recover from serious illness – as long observed by medical science and also underlined in the study. In other words, for people these needs are basic and must be met – more or less – for making it health-wise.

So what does it take for Estonian guys to be happy? The question was recently and resoundingly answered by University of Tartu research delving into the values deemed important by men in Estonia. Unlike the presumed stereotype, Estonian guys prize love, kids and a home. Thus, family relations are key to keeping our males sound. So the support of loved ones, the encouragement and the occasional question «Have you jogged today?» may be rather decisive.

No doubt, state or citizenship initiatives play a part. Thankfully, two Tallinn Health Care College graduates have launched a free will «Behold the Man» programme pointed towards paying attention to health issues.

A signal by the state would be heartily welcome. The support may be indirect... like tweaking the taxes. Abolishing the fringe benefit tax from training sessions would be one healthy step forward.