Having five portions of fruits and vegetables a day can keep health problems at bay. This is the overarching message of the health and tourism campaign that the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) in Sharjah launched on Tuesday.

Set to run throughout the month of August, the campaign is in its sixth edition and has been based on the World Health Organisation's (WHO) '5 A Day' recommendations.

"This year's drive comes in line with the WHO's recommendations of eating at least 400g - or five portions - of fruit and vegetables per day to reduce enormous health risks, such as heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer," said Iman Rashid Saif, director of the health promotion department of the SCFA, at the launch.

Based on the theme, the department will be organising a large-scale campaign to raise the public's awareness of the importance of eating fruits and vegetables.

There will be educational workshops, free check-ups, fun competitions and shows at public places, as well as in summer camps for youngsters. The #5aday drive is also set to take over social media.

Iman Turki, head of programmes at the health promotion department, explained: "Everyone can learn about the goals of the campaign through the hashtag #5aday on the health promotion department's Instagram and Twitter accounts."

The initiative wasn't just about eating healthy, it would also have a tourism thrust.

"Through the hashtag, people will learn more about the tourist destinations in Sharjah, along with the importance of eating vegetables and fruits," Turki said. People at tourist spots, parks and walking tracks will be given gift items and pamphlets on nutrition as part of the campaign.

"The health and tourism campaign, organised for the sixth year in a row, comes in line with the vision of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and chairperson of the SCFA, to raise health awareness and shed light on the emirate's unique and attractive tourist destinations," Saif added.

Other partners and sponsors of the drive include the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Sharjah Cooperative Society, Sharah Ladies Club, and Souq Al Jubail.

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