Physical activity to improve fitness

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is planning to implement international best practices guidelines for physical activity in schools. Plans are also under way to introduce a unified education curriculum in physical activity in schools. The DHA conducted a survey on physical activity in Dubai schools last month and based on the findings, which are expected soon, it will formulate a comprehensive unified action plan to improve physical activity and education in schools. "We are looking to introduce [an] optimal physical education programme and we are working with various stakeholders in this regard," said Laila Al Jasmi, CEO of Health Policy and Strategy Sector at the DHA, at a seminar on physical activity held in Dubai. "Ultimately, improved coordinated school health programmes, of which physical education is a central component, will augment other prevention efforts and help reverse the growing epidemic of childhood obesity which threatens to increase the incidence of cardiovascular and other diseases. Effective efforts will help prevent children from developing lifetime chronic diseases," she added. Article continues below The DHA has met relevant stakeholders to discuss their experience in terms of school physical activity and the way forward to implement unified programmes for the benefit of schoolchildren.