People in Bahrain are being challenged to walk for 30 minutes every day for the next three months, as part of efforts to raise awareness about diabetes and other illnesses.
It aims to encourage the Bahraini community to adopt walking as a gateway to a healthier lifestyle and avoid non-communicable diseases.
The Walking Challenge, in its second edition, will begin this Saturday until April 11 and participants are encouraged to walk for 30 minutes for five days a week, in addition to a group walk every Saturday.
It is being organised by the Bahrain Diabetes Society under the patronage of Supreme Council for Health (SCH) president Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.
Health Ministry public health consultant Dr Kawther Aleid, who is spearheading the challenge, said the importance of this initiative was to create awareness among all members of society regardless of their age, gender or nationality.
“It’s crucial to include daily exercise as part of the daily routine and ensure it turns into a habit that will ultimately aid in achieving a healthier lifestyle,” she told the GDN.
“We are aiming to achieve a healthier lifestyle by the end of the three months and through this challenge we will create an environment in which people strive to reach this daily exercise goal.
“Fitting in daily exercises as part of your routine helps you avoid non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol as well as heart diseases and others.”
She explained that people suffering from these diseases could prevent their complications by including exercise into their daily routine – adding that the challenge also aimed to combat obesity.
“For people who struggle with knee problems or suffer from asthma that may prevent them from pursuing physical exercise, I recommend they consult their physician at their health centre to receive the appropriate treatment,” she said.
“Once the appropriate treatment is administered and the condition stabilises they can pursue physical activity or they can be given an exercise plan that fits their health conditions.
“This is all in line with the purpose of our initiative which aims to spread the culture of ‘health is for everybody’ and encourage everyone to take up exercise and strive towards a healthier lifestyle and disease prevention.”
The initiative is open to citizens and residents. The top three winners, who adhere to the conditions of the challenge, will be awarded prizes at a ceremony to be announced at a later date.
For more details, follow the Bahrain Diabetes Society, @bah_diab_society, on Instagram.
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