UAE: Ministry of Health and Prevention launches Back-to-School health awareness campaign

UAE: Ministry of Health and Prevention launches Back-to-School health awareness campaign

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has launched a back-to-school health awareness campaign from August 17 to 31 to equip parents and students with insights into the significance of adopting healthy lifestyles as they return to school, emphasising the benefits of physical activity, a balanced diet, regulated sleep patterns, and controlled electronic screen time.

In collaboration with the Ministry's representative offices across the UAE, six community events were held at Lulu Hypermarkets. Additionally, an exclusive awareness session was organized specifically for MoHAP employees.

These events involved a series of activities, including healthy cooking workshops for parents and children, guided by expert chefs, where they learned how to prepare nutritious school meals.

Nutritionists provided participants with tips on how to preserve food in school lunch bags during prolonged school hours. They also introduced parents to the 5,210 health concept, which emphasises five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, an hour of physical activity, limiting screen time to under two hours, and avoiding sugary and energy drinks.

Moreover, the events featured discussions with health educators on packing a balanced school lunch, body mass index (BMI) screenings, health counseling for parents, and engaging quizzes. To complement these activities, health prescription booklets were distributed, and virtual awareness