Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention launched the second stage of the ‘Healthy and Positive Environment Initiative 2018’ on Tuesday at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development in Dubai.
The initiative seeks to create a supportive health environment to help employees adopt healthy habits and lifestyles as well as increase their health awareness.
It targets employees at 15 federal and local government entities across the country, and is a part of the ministry’s bid to promote happiness and positivity in the local society.
During the launch ceremony, free medical examinations were lined up, including A1C (HbA1c), cholesterol and blood pressure tests, carbon monoxide screening, and body mass index calculation. Experts were also on hand to discuss the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and give medical advice and guidance with regard to maximising the ministry’s offered health services.
Dr Hussain Abdul Rahman Rand, assistant undersecretary for the Ministry’s Health Centres and Clinics, said the second phase will further boost the gains made during the successful first phase, which focused on encouraging lifestyle changes among employees.
The second phase forms part of the national initiative called ’Promoting awareness of healthy lifestyle in the society.’ This national initiative is aligned with the ministry’s strategy to provide comprehensive and integrated health care delivered in innovative and sustainable ways to ensure community protection from diseases. It also looks to improve the country’s scores in national healthy lifestyle indicators in line with UAE Vision 2021.
“Focusing on healthy lifestyles is expected to impact the performance of both companies and their staff and is seen as an effective measure to protect employees from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and depression,” said Dr Rand.
He called on companies to build areas in the workplace dedicated to physical activities as well as highlight the benefits of healthy eating and the harms of bad habits such as smoking.
