24.11.2009 

A national campaign to use sports and exercise to fight against certain major diseases and promote healthier lifestyles has been launched. 

Health for Life is a five-year crusade aiming to combat non-communicable diseases (NCD) -those that cannot be passed on, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

It will do this by promoting physical activity, educating people on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, launching nutrition guidelines, holding screenings in public and work places, and generally raising awareness of healthy lifestyles.

The campaign seeks to cut the number of smokers, increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables, raise the number of people who exercise regularly and encourage more people to be tested for NCDs.

The official launch of the campaign by Mrs Lloyd

Various outlets including the media will be used to raise awareness of risk factors related to NCDs and how to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The campaign was officially launched on Friday by Minister for Health and Social Development Marie-Pierre Lloyd at the Roche Caiman fitness trail, in the presence of Minister for Community Development, Youth, Sports and Culture Vincent Meriton, public health commissioner Jude Gedeon and National Sports Council (NSC) chief executive Alain Volcere.

Mrs Lloyd reminded all present that health does not mean only the absence of illness but represents a state of social, physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, as defined by the World Health Organisation.

“Over the years a lot has been done by the Ministry of Health and other sectors to promote health and reduce such diseases. In spite of that, our statistics show that we have to do more otherwise we will lose the battle,” she said.

Mrs Lloyd said out of every 100 people in the country, at least 40 have the potential to die from a cardiovascular disease and 20 from cancer. Among Seychellois adults aged 25 to 64, 60% are overweight, 40% have hypertension and 11% have diabetes. 
Mr Volcere said that according to a recent survey, 400-500 people use the Roche Caiman sports complex each week, and efforts to promote its use will be stepped up. Measures include the current resurfacing of tennis courts, repair of the fitness trail, installation of signs and better security measures.

“Existing physical and sport activities organised by the NSC in collaboration with its partners at district level will continue,” he said.

“A special effort will be made to increase the number of employees from the public and private sectors taking part in such activities.”

Mr Volcere also announced plans to build a skate park and facilities for a sport called paintball – both firsts for Seychelles.

A number of local companies and organisations were also present to take part in the campaign, such as Airtel, Pilgrims Security, the National Consumers Forum, Seychelles Breweries, the Red Cross Society of Seychelles, staff from the Ministry of Health and the National Sports Council, and students from various schools.

The launch was followed by everyone taking part in track activities on the fitness trail, including walking, jogging and doing stretching exercises.

Forrás: http://www.nation.sc/