March 2016
Let’s Move!
A Childhood Obesity Awareness Event Kinza Ahmed Usmani
EMSS - United Arab Emirates Dubai Medical University scoph@emss.ae
30th December, 2015 was a big day for SCOPH-EMSS as we organised one of our most successful events titled ‘Let’s Move’, aimed at raising awareness on childhood obesity. Childhood obesity is a serious epidemic that has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were found to be overweight or obese. Conducted at Dubai Hospital, in conjunction with the Dubai Health Authority, this event helped us reach out to the masses and educate them towards leading a healthy lifestyle to secure their children’s future.
SCOPHeroes educated young kids and children on the same by conducting interactive storytelling sessions and teaching them the importance of avoiding junk food. The conventional concept of ‘playing outdoors’, which is declining in modern times was re-introduced, encouraging children to play more in order to stay fit and healthy. SCOPHeroes also designed special colouring books which included images that promoted exercise and physical activity, and through these, a positive body image. To promote the idea of physical activity among the kids, races and competitions were organised. Skipping ropes and hula hoops were handed out to all children as an incentive. A big bouncy castle was blown up for the children to break the idea that physical activity is boring and monotonous. This also kept the children occupied, giving families the opportunity to approach us and the doctors for help and guidance. SCOPHeroes also set up a message board, for people to leave their feedback, advice or tips.
Multiple booths were set up where SCOPHeroes interacted with the public, explaining the importance of staying healthy in the form of fun games and activities. At the first station, the BMI of children was assessed by a certified nurse. The next step involved a consultation with paediatricians, where attendees were educated on how to make dietary and lifestyle modification to ensure their child’s fitness. SCOPHeroes also distributed recipes for healthy snacks to the public, to motivate them to make a switch to healthy alternatives. Apart from reaching out to parents about the importance of good nutrition and adequate physical activity, www.ifmsa.org
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It was truly heartening to see children and parents motivated and encouraged to make changes towards a healthy lifestyle. Well, I’d say with pride that SCOPHeroes saved the day! Reference for childhood obesity statistics: CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)