Walk and shop campaign promotes healthy living

Women are encouraged to take walks in big shopping centers, where they have a large space and safe environment.
The campaign started on Wednesday in Jeddah. Many women attended the seminar then went for a walk inside the city’s Roshan Mall.
“Women are faced with many pressures in their daily life, and the best way to get that out of their system is to exercise,” said campaign founder Elhab Bafarat.
“Walking in a mall is refreshing for women, because they are allowed to move their feet as well as shop and see different faces.”
The campaign will be held in Jeddah, Yanbu, Riyadh and Madinah for a month.
“We specifically choose to start the campaign in March because that is when two major occasions involving women takes place — Mothers’ Day and International Women’s Day. So we decided to do something of real benefit to women rather than give her a materialistic gift. We gave them the gift of health,” said Bafarat.
Participants were very happy with the seminar and took notes on how to lead a healthy life.
“Saudis need more than one campaign to raise awareness of filthy habits and to encourage them to exercise and eat a healthy diet,” said participant Mariam.
The seminar covered how women can change what they think of food and the importance of eating breakfast.
“Almost half of Saudi women are obese and this number is growing at an alarming rate. Women should hurry up and change their lifestyle so they can save themselves from developing long-term chronic diseases,” said dietician Rana Shokri.
“Women should eat balanced meals and always start their day with a healthy breakfast so they gain energy at the beginning of their day.”
 “Change your Lifestyle” lasts for a month and has a lot to offer Saudi women for free.
 “The campaign is a great idea because it offers free diet tips from nutritionists, doctors and physicians. And it is held in public places where everyone can join in,” said participant Razan.