HELSINKI – The Finnish government launched a national program aimed at increasing everyday physical activity among citizens, backed by an €80 million budget.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said at a press conference that the program will be carried out over the next three years. A working group of several ministers will supervise the project.

The project’s secretary-general Minttu Korsberg said the project intends to return personal movement to daily life. Tax incentives would be one of the tools.

Sami Kokko, professor of health promotion in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at Jyvaskyla University, said even small increases in movement can be important. “If every citizen adds some movement to his or her daily routine, health hazards can be reduced, even if the person does not reach recommended levels,” he said. (Xinhua)…[+]