The Health Promotion Department, HPD, at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah organized on Monday a virtual workshop on the importance of physical activity in workplaces, as part of the “Wazen” program, the first health survey for Sharjah government employees, which was launched by the HPD under the patronage of HH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.

Amid remarkable participation from the staff members of government institutions, the workshop, which was moderated by the coach Eng. Abdul Rahman Al Awadi, dealt with the most important exercises that can be practiced whether at home or at work and how to perform them properly and to get the most of them, as well as to avoid the consequences of incorrect exercising.

HE Iman Rashid Saif, Director of the Health Promotion Department, said: “The workshop seeks to raise the health awareness of the employees about the importance of health practices and the need to adopt a healthy lifestyle at workplaces to maintain their health and fitness. In addition, the event aims at enhancing the culture of providing a healthy workplace supportive of the employees.”

“The individual spends at his/her workplace about 8 hours, which represents around 30% of their day, hence the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles and exercising during working hours, especially for the employees who are involved in desk jobs for long hours,” she added.

Coach Abdul Rahman Al Awadi spoke about the significance of exercising and mobility for different age groups and the side effects of inactivity and immobility, in addition to the role of physical activity in boosting the immune system and the public health. He emphasized the need to implement the preventive measures in sports clubs and to disinfect all surfaces prior to touching or using them.

In addition to featuring some light workouts that can be performed at home or work to improve blood circulation and prevent joint pains, the workshop offered some tips about the incorrect practices that should be avoided during the workout.