Life & Style | Health
By no means a small problem
Obesity among children and adults is rising rapidly. take this opportunity to shed a few pounds this summer.
- By Eva Fernandes, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:13 June 28, 2009
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- Obesity among children and adults is rising rapidly. take this opportunity to shed a few pounds this summer.
As I walked through BurJuman recently, my eyes were drawn to two bustling children; only they weren't lively - far from it.
The older of the two was preoccupied with a Pepsi he was guzzling down and the other, a pink-faced girl, was puffing for breath, tired from climbing a flight of stairs.
Seems like all food and no exercise not only makes Jack dull, but plump too.
The sight - all too familiar to any Dubai resident - begs the question, why do we continue to condemn our children to a life of ill-health despite knowing the sugary treats we give our kids are, quite literally, killing them?
Childhood obesity is a serious problem. The International Obesity Task Force set up to monitor this global phenomenon estimates there are at least 155 million overweight or obese children worldwide of school-going age.
In recognition of the growing number of child obesity cases in Dubai, the DSS office and ExHealth launched the Summer Health Festival - a 10 week long programme designed to spread health awareness through talks, entertainment and fun.
During the festival, visitors to Dubai Mall, Modhesh World, BurJuman and Times Square Centre will be informed of healthy eating habits, physical fitness, mental wellbeing and hygiene. Visitors will also be provided with free health check-ups.
ExHealth CEO and Summer Health Festival organiser Dr Prem Jagyasi says the first two weeks of the Summer Health Festival have been well received.
"In keeping with the theme of the first two weeks, we provided mall-visitors with the opportunity to be counselled by dieticians, nutrition counsellors and healthcare professionals for free.
"We have also designed food pyramids, puzzles and health golf games to promote healthy eating," he says.
Dr Delia Fayyad, a paediatrician at the Lifeline Medical Centre in Dubai Marina, says while she is alarmed to see the increase in the number of obese children in her daily consultations, most of the children who are overweight have obese parents.
"This is not a sign of a genetic problem, rather a sign of poor dietary habits. Most children put on excess weight because of lifestyles which include unhealthy diets and a lack of physical activity," she says.
The consequences of child obesity are severe. Fayyad says the medical problems associated with this growing phenomenon include glucose intolerance, high blood pressure, bone structure problems, asthma and sleeping disorders.
She warns these health problems are not limited to childhood: "Obesity often persists into adulthood. Obese teenagers are 15 times more likely to become obese adults. In adulthood, obesity can lead to serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and arthritis."
Don't miss the rest of the Summer Health Festival
All activities are carried out at BurJuman, Times Square, Modhesh World and Dubai Mall throughout mall timing with specialised activities from 4-8pm.
Physical Fitness Week (June 25 - July 8) Game-a-thons, races, fitness activities plus WII Nintendo Kiosks to pull in the kids.
Beautiful You (July 9 - 22) Learn the secrets from the experts. Open the doorways to looking good with tips on skin care, hair-care and personal-care.
Health & Hygiene (July 23 - August 5) Take a close look at what makes up personal, oral and skin hygiene. Participate in specially designed games to acquaint you with simple hygienic practices.
Health Check-up (August 6 - 14): Get a free health check-up for your family. Get your body mass index, blood sugar and blood pressure tested by trained medical experts. Visit: SummerHealth-Festival.com or call 04-4370170
Get Healthy at Modhesh World
In-Motion Kid's Gym: Bring the kids so they can enjoy exer-gaming (video games that provide exercise).
All About Fruits Zone: Drop by to enjoy some tasty fresh bites in an exhibition that is all about fruit.
Sports Fun Zone: Enjoy interactive sports games and activities for children and parents.
Join the Mall Walkers: Be at the Mall of the Emirates customer information desk on the ground floor at 8.25am to join the Mall Walkers for a quick aerobic work-out and a high-paced walk.
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