Jamaica's women, particularly mothers, have been warned to whip themselves into shape to avoid health problems that are gender-dominant.

This health alert comes in the wake of a recent released Healthy Lifestyle Survey that reveals that majority of Jamaicans are engaged in little or no physical activity.

Levels of physical inactivity are especially high among women. The survey reports a total of 96 per cent of women being sedentary or involved in light physical activity compared to 82 per cent of men.

Dr Eva Lewis-Fuller, director of health promotion and protection in the Ministry of Health, said the northern Caribbean island is currently experiencing an increase in non-communicable lifestyle diseases which come at huge cost to the individual, the family and the health sector.

Attributable to diseases

Lewis-Fuller said, "Over 50 per cent of deaths are now attributable to cardiovascular disease, cancers, diabetes, respiratory disease and other non-communicable conditions, which last year cost approximately US$170 million to treat."

Lewis-Fuller said for women to maintain a healthy physique, it is important that they become active and pay keen attention to their waistline. She explained that a woman's waistline should be 31 inches and below. Any measurement beyond this suggests increased risk for developing chronic diseases. For men, the ideal waist limit is 35 inches.

"Physical inactivity, poor dietary choices, and tobacco use are among the leading risk factors causing chronic illnesses," said the health-promotion director.

She appealed for women to include household chores and other activities into their fitness regime.

"As women, we need to get out there and engage the family in gardening and other household chores. Take dance, skipping breaks and fun walks with the family. The family that plays together grows together."

A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five times per week is recommended by the World Health Organisation.