As part of their celebration of World Nutrition Day, students of the College of Medical and Health Sciences at Ahlia University launched a health day under the slogan: “Your mental health begins from your plate.” The day included speeches, lectures, events, and an exhibition, with the aim of highlighting the deep intersection between healthy nutrition and mental health, in a remarkable presence that included a number of university leaders, a number of members of the academic and administrative bodies, and a large number of students. University. Professor Abdullah Al-Hawaj, the founding president and Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, opened the health day activities, stressing in his speech to the students their pivotal position as representatives of the message of science and humanity, and that they are the true value of the academic project. He also stressed the commitment to the open education model and active community participation, and the importance of student activities in raising the level of community awareness. For his part, Professor Mukhtar Al-Hashemi, Vice President for Academic Affairs, addressed the scientific foundations of the reciprocal relationship between diet and mental and psychological performance. He presented applied models that showed how taking care of nutrition and physical activity reflects positively on academic achievement and reducing stress. In turn, Professor Muhammad Al-Issawi, Dean of the College of Medical and Health Sciences, stressed that the link between nutrition and mental health represents an opportunity to establish awareness of the necessity of comprehensive care for physical and mental health, as they are two basic pillars for achieving success and a balanced life. The event held interactive scientific lectures, during which Dr. Enas El-Blat provided an in-depth explanation of the basic nutritional components and the mechanism of their effect on mental and mood functions, warning against wrong nutritional practices such as neglecting meals or relying on supplements instead of balanced meals. Dr. Fatima Marzouk also reviewed the latest global statistics issued by the World Health Organization regarding the high rates of anxiety and depression, and called for adopting strategies for psychological care within the university environment, including students and faculty members alike. The event culminated in a presentation of the initiatives and ideas of college students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics and Bachelor of Physical Therapy programs, in addition to a number of educational projects they presented, which embody their active role in spreading awareness and translating scientific knowledge into practical practices, which enhances the spirit of social responsibility and encourages the adoption of healthy, sustainable lifestyles.
