In the presence of the team, the doctor of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health and President of the Bahraini Diabetes Association, the Bahraini Diabetes Association, in cooperation with the Friends of Health Association, concluded the activities of the fifth edition of the community walking challenge competition, with the support of Karim from the Bahzad Medical Foundation, which ensured the presentation of the competition awards, as well as the care of the company “Ijis”.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa stressed in his speech on this occasion the prominent role played by NGOs in raising the level of health awareness among various groups of society, especially with regard to the dangers of obesity and diabetes and their prevention by adopting healthy lifestyles, including the practice of regular physical activity and proper nutrition. Pointing to the great attention that the Kingdom of Bahrain pays in combating noncommunicable chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, which is one of the most prominent challenges of public health because of its direct effects on the health of individuals and the quality of their lives.
This societal initiative is the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as it was allowed for all individuals inside and outside the Kingdom to participate in the challenge, by implementing 10,000 steps daily and documenting them through the account of the Friends of Health Association on Instagram (@Health_mates_sochety). The competition allowed wide flexibility to the participants by walking or running in public and closed places, or even from home using a walking device or a fixed bike, so that the concept of making walking a daily lifestyle is available to everyone.
The organization of the competition came in conjunction with the month of celebration of “Bahrain Sports Day”, to highlight the importance of sport as an essential pillar for building a healthy and active community, and an effective way to prevent chronic diseases by adhering to physical activity and balanced nutrition.
The competition witnessed the participation of 45 people from inside and outside Bahrain, including one participant under the age of 18, and 22 participants (7 males and 15 females) managed to complete the ongoing daily walking challenge for more than 80 days. Regular participation contributed to achieving positive health results for the participants, some of them lost approximately 5 kilograms, while others maintained their natural weights, as well as improving levels of fitness, mental health and public mood.
At the end of the ceremony, the Bahraini Diabetes Association and the Friends of Health Association confirmed that such community initiatives contribute to enhancing the culture of health awareness in a fun and stimulating manner, and embodies the spirit of partnership between institutions and individuals in facing health challenges, up to a healthy and more productive society
