“Get up, get out, get active” – President Ali urges 30 minutes of exercise daily

President Dr Irfaan Ali is urging Guyanese to set aside at least 30 minutes each day for physical activity, as concerns continue to be raised about cardiovascular disease and other non-communicable diseases affecting the population.
Ali made the call on Friday morning in a video posted to his social media page, encouraging citizens to incorporate exercise and other forms of physical activity into their daily routines.

“This morning [Friday], I want to encourage every Guyanese to get ready, wake up and make 30 minutes for your body. Take 30 minutes of your time for your body and for you,” the President said.
He said the body is exposed to different levels of stress each day and should be prepared for the demands of daily life.
According to Ali, physical activity can help provide the energy needed to start the day and contribute to maintaining a healthier and stronger body.
“30 minutes to keep you healthy, to keep you stronger. 30 minutes to ensure that you give your body and yourself the chance of beating primary health care challenges and issues,” he said.
Ali acknowledged that he too, has neglected dedicating 30 minutes each day to his physical health.
“I’m telling you this because I know I’ve neglected giving the body that 30 minutes every single day,” he said.
He encouraged Guyanese to use whatever space is available to become active, whether in their yards or communities.
“Get up, get out, in the yard, in the community, do something, get active. For 30 minutes, get active,” Ali said.
The President’s call comes amid growing attention to non-communicable diseases and cardiovascular health in Guyana.
In May, Head of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Mahendra Carpen, raised concern over what he described as an apparent increase in sudden deaths among young adults in Guyana. Carpen said cardiovascular disease was a leading cause and noted that individuals in their 20s to 40s had been dying unexpectedly, including during sleep or while engaged in routine activities.
Carpen identified several factors associated with serious heart disease, including blockages in the heart, inflammation or infection of the heart muscle, severe uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking. He also urged people experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations or light-headedness to seek medical evaluation and encouraged regular health checks.

Greater attention
The President has previously called for greater attention to healthier lifestyles and prevention of non-communicable diseases.
In February, Ali announced plans for Government to work with religious communities on public health and primary healthcare initiatives. He said the programme would involve health checks, counselling and efforts to change lifestyles and living habits, with initiatives involving temples, mosques and churches.
Ali had also called in 2023 for a holistic approach to nutrition, arguing that healthier eating habits and health education should be incorporated into the education system. At the time, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony highlighted unhealthy diets, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity as factors contributing to non-communicable diseases.
On Friday, Ali again urged Guyanese to make physical activity part of their daily routine.
“Give your body the energy, give your body the fuel, give your body the chance to be victorious. Give your body the chance to be optimal. Let us do this together, Guyana,” he said.