Commemoration of first Africa healthy lifestyles day / Theme: “Healthy Diet and Regular Physical Activity for all Age Groups”
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 26, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The first Africa Healthy Lifestyles Day will be commemorated on Friday, 27 February 2009, in Member States and at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Department of Social Affairs explained that the AU Executive Council in July 2008 adopted the Decision, declaring the last Friday of February each year as Africa Healthy Lifestyles Day upon the recommendation of the AU Conference of Ministers of Health.
The Department of Social Affairs is organizing this event in collaboration with AU Medical Center, Communication and Information Division, and other relevant units.
On this occasion a number of activities have been lined up for Saturday, 28 February 2009, including a Health Fun walk and demonstration on martial arts which will take place at the AU Commission. The walk will begin from the AUC premises at 7:00 a.m. with buses taking participants to the Addis Ababa University, Sidist Kilo campus, followed by a fun walk back to the AUC. At the end of the walk, AU officials will address participants on how to promote healthy lifestyles such as good eating habits and regular physical activity.
Marking the event is important, because Africa faces a progressively increasing burden of non-communicable disease, many of which can be prevented by adaption of healthy lifestyles through lifelong healthy diets and physical activity; as well as regular medical assessment, the organisers urged.
A healthy and balanced diet should include a high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, adequate amounts of water, protein, starch, fat, and micronutrients. Lifelong physical activity should also be actively promoted, especially in educational institutions and work places. Smoking and abuse of alcohol and other substance should be avoided.
All journalists are kindly invited to cover the event on Saturday, 28 February 2009. The buses will be ready at the AU Commission at 7:00 a.m.
SOURCE : African Union Commission (AUC)
