Physical Inactivity in Punjabi Community

Hello, my name is Piyusha Kaur and I’m a freshman at UC Berkeley majoring in Neuroscience. I

want to bring to your attention a growing concern of physical inactivity in our community. Many

of us are not getting enough movement in our daily lives due to our busy schedules and

dependence on cars, which is contributing to more and more health issues.

Impact of a Sedentary Lifestyle

Physical inactivity is a common risk factor that may lead to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and

mental health issues. Studies show that South Asians are at a higher risk for heart disease and

Type 2 diabetes compared to other ethnic groups. One reason for this is genetics, but another

factor is lifestyle.

Many in our community prioritize their work and family commitments and tend to neglect their

own well-being. The traditional Punjabi diets that are high in carbs and fats can only make the

risk of health problems worse with physical inactivity.

Nowadays, we can drive everywhere and that has cut down the amount of movement we do

each day. In earlier generations, Punjabis naturally incorporated physical activity into their daily

routines through activities such as farming and walking between places. But the modern lifestyle

has drastically reduced the need for movement. These lifestyle changes can damage our bodies

over time and result in chronic health problems that could have been prevented.

How we can Stay Active

Some simple ways we can incorporate exercise into our daily lives include:

• Taking daily walks of 20–30 minutes, whether it’s in the morning or after dinner. This can improve cardiovascular health.

• Choosing Stairs Over Elevators: A small but effective way to incorporate physical activity in daily life.

• Joining group fitness classes that community centers organize such as yoga and zumba programs.

• Stretching while watching TV , instead of sitting for too long, which can help improve blood circulation

• Limiting Screen Time: Many of us spend hours on our phones or watching TV. The addition of daily movement helps us to avoid extended periods of sitting.