Physical activity for women stressed

Effat University’s “Health Day” initiative, supported by one of the leading pay-TV networks, OSN, reiterated the importance of exercise and physical activity for Saudi women.
Prominent panelists from the health care industry, as well as leading female athletes from Saudi Arabia, addressed over 500 students at the Effat University auditorium.
They highlighted the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the wake of the rising incidence of obesity and diabetes. Speakers also underlined the negative repercussions of smoking and irregular sleep patterns on the human body.
Alaa bin Salman, King Abdulaziz University medical student and director of the YouTube show “Your Choice”, reinforced the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle changes and creating more awareness among Saudis on how to take the first step toward a better and fitter tomorrow.
“A number of people are uninformed on how the intake of fast food, coupled with a lack of physical activity, can result in illnesses, from heart disease to cancer,” she said.
Lina Almaeena, coach of the Jeddah United Basketball team, stressed that lack of opportunities for women in sports in Saudi Arabia was one of the reasons women were not as physically fit as men.
“There are numerous opportunities for men to participate in sports, while the areas available for women are relatively lower. The importance of physical activity must be emphasized and young Saudi women should be encouraged to become more active and invest in their health and well-being as part of the educational curriculum,” she said.
OSN presented an inspiring video to encourage Effat University students to take the first step toward a healthier and better tomorrow. Health tips and messages from celebrities of popular OSN shows, including Diana Hamdan, presenter of Sisters Soup, Chef Jenny Morris from the Food Network Channel and Basma Wahba, anchor of Bimeet Ragel, conveyed how simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference.