BMI Singapore Context Annex 2

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AND BMI

Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Programmes Held in conjunction with Community Development Councils (CDC)

HPB works closely with North West and Central Singapore CDCs to promote healthy living among their brisk walkers. They include members of all ages who participate in regular walks led by lay leaders. Monthly health talks with a host of interactive activities are organised to raise awareness of healthy lifestyle and impart knowledge and skills on Healthy Lifestyle practices. BMI checks are also conducted to increase the awareness of the importance of healthy weight (BMI).

Two programmes to promote healthy living will be launched with South West CDC and Central Singapore CDC in April and June 2005 respectively.

"Towards Healthy Family Meals" - An initiative to promote healthy cooking and eating in collaboration with culinary professionals and Peoples' Association

Homemakers, especially those who cook for the family, can be great influencers in determining the family’s diet. “Towards Healthy Family Meals” is a new initiative which aims to encourage family to eat healthy.

Four weekly sessions will be offered jointly with the People’s Association, from April – September 2005 in 5 selected Community Centres/Clubs (Sembawang, Ulu Pandan, Chong Pang, Nee Soon Central, Ace the Place @ Admiralty). This interesting programme will equip participants with knowledge and skills on how to buy, prepare and cook healthily. It includes a nutrition talk, practical cooking sessions and a supermarket tour. Participants will also be given a small budget to shop for ingredients and whip up a healthy family meal to “test” their nutritional knowledge and showcase their creativity.

In addition, 2 programmes, "Healthy Cooking with Kitchen Diva Mdm Asmah Laili" will be organised at 8 Community Clubs and "Secrets to Staying Trim" weight management seminars will be organised at 5 Community Clubs. Both programmes include nutrition talks delivered by a nutritionist and BMI checks.

Exercise at the Park ( 3 Apr 05) East Coast Park
A half-day event “Exercise at the Park” will be organised at East Coast Park on 3 April 2005. Organised jointly by HPB, MUIS, Yayasan Mendaki, Berita Harian/Berita Minggu and MERAK (a network of women's committees in mosques), the event is specially organised for the Malay community to incorporate regular physical activity in their daily lives. Highlights of the event include fitness assessments, mass workout, sports stations, family games/competitions, mammography, complimentary BMI checks and dental screenings.

“Heart Health Exhibition”
HPB’s healthy lifestyle exhibition centre will be organising a 3-month long Heart Health Exhibition with the theme “Your Heart.Your Life” from April. This special exhibition aims to educate Singaporeans on the importance of good heart health through innovative exhibits and computer games, forums and workshops. A prelude to the exhibition is a 2-day launch event on 8 & 9 April which will be packed with workshops, contests, health quizzes, celebrity performances and game booths.

Free BMI checks for public at selected Caltex Petrol Stations and NTUC Fairprice Supermarkets
Machines measuring BMI will be available at 6 selected Caltex petrol stations (Caltex Ang Mo Kio 3, Bukit Batok, Dunearn, East Coast, Holland & Tampines) and 10 NTUC Fairprice Supermarkets (Jurong Point, Clementi, Bukit Merah, Tiong Bahru Plaza, Thomson Plaza, Ang Mo Kio, Junction 8, Toa Payoh, Bedok and Marine Parade). BMI measurements at these machines are available free of charge to the public.