Some people believe the best way to enhance public health is building sports facilities, whereas others believe different measures are required. While sports facilities have certain benefits, I strongly believe addressing air pollution and fostering bicycle transport can be far more effective.
Those who believe building sports facilities would improve public health argue that it would encourage individuals to do regular physical activities. Research shows doing sustained movement of sports such as basketball and football enhance cardiovascular activity. As a result, obesity can be combated and can prevent related diseases such as cancer. However, sports facilities alone cannot safeguard public health. Such facilities attract people who are already interested in sports, while others do not, contributing little to public health.
Conversely, mitigating pollution can play a decisive role in enhancing public health. Due to air contamination, people are frequently diagnosed with respiratory illnesses. Two major contributors to air pollution are exhaust fumes and emission from power plants. By transforming to renewable energy, which emits little to no carbon emission, and prohibiting the use of second hand cars, governments can reduce smog levels. The EU exemplifies this, where air quality has improved following the energy reform and regulation amendment.
Encouraging bicycle transport – such as building bike lanes – can also be instrumental. Bicycles require people to do a sustained movement to maintain their balance. Consequently, people do physical activity while commuting. Netherlands and Belgium illustrate this, where the obesity rate has fallen after the introduction of comprehensive bicycle lanes in cities like Amsterdam and Brussels.
In conclusion, while sports facilities may have certain advantages, they cannot surpass the benefits of clean air pollution and bicycle use. Given the increasing concern on public health, these conditions are not only advocated but essential.