Dear BBS Parents February, 2020
As Obesity tends to be one of the major health concerns in Kuwait and world wide, we would like to share with you the following article in order to reinforce heathy eating habits and healthy life style among our students and school community as well.
The Kuwait’s ministry of health is “ringing the bell”; obesity rate in Kuwait reaches 40% among kids & teenagers (2 – 18 years old) . It’s really crucial to solve this issue at its early stage to avoid serious future complications such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Obesity turns to be a great obsession to almost every family in Kuwait & the whole world, according to Dr. Salman Al-Sabah ( Head of surgical department in Jaber Al-Ahmad hospital & head of Kuwait’s surgeons committee). Scientific studies show that 80% of obese kids will grow up being obese, suffering from the complications of this disease, if their problem is unresolved earlier.
Dr. Salman announced the launching of a national campaign against obesity which includes community awareness / education & a Marathon aiming to fight obesity problem. The Marathon will take place on the 22nd of February for 3 KM around Jaber Al-Ahmad hospital. The Marathon will look like a carnival & it will include biking / cycling not only walking / running. The organizer announced that there won’t be a winner, however, people sharing will all be winners since its main goal is to spread awareness against kids’ obesity.
Dr. Dana Al-Hakkan, a senior pediatrician & a member of child’s protection committee in the ministry of health, added that obesity among kids is increasing yearly & it tends to be a disease in itself. She also emphasizes on the importance of natural breast feeding in preventing future obesity; Kids who were breast fed are less prone to obesity than kids who were bottle fed.
Also, following healthy eating habits, exercising , involving in different physical activities or joining sports clubs, as well as walking or jogging will prevent obesity problems among kids & adults too, Dr. Dana added.
Thank you for your cooperation May Salloum/ Head of school nurses
Bayan Bilingual School