Healthy Lifestyle Activity Sessions for Thuwal Teenagers

KAUST and Nahdi Medical Company have been working together to create a series of fun, informative advice sessions on healthy living for Thuwal Intermediate and High School students.  As part of KAUST’s Community Well-Being Program, Dr Mohammed Alkadi of Al Nahdi delivered interactive health lectures about making the right food choices and the benefits of exercise. 

Dr Alkadi gave the first phase of presentations at Thuwal Intermediate School for Boys and at The Harbor Recreation Center to the Intermediate Girls.  Each event took the form of an illustrated talk, followed by a question and answer session.  The students were introduced to the ‘healthy plate’ – a visual guide for creating nutritionally balanced meals.  Additional recommendations targeted various wellness areas including advice on getting the right amount of sleep, how to manage stress and the importance of age-appropriate exercise, with detailed examples and instructions.  After the information sessions, the students participated in more practical application of the advice with some energetic games of basketball and badminton.

Through engaging teenagers in entertaining and educational activities, the aim is to enable and encourage them to take charge of their health, to learn to make responsible decisions.  Adolescence is a key period for lifestyle and health behaviors to become embedded so inspiring teenagers to adopt healthy habits has a real advantage.  Diet and exercise patterns established at this age can have sustained, positive effects, for their long-term health and happiness. 

The feedback from the students was enthusiastic, with post-event comments including praise from Razan and Shoroq for the motivating talk and a request from Asmaa for football and bowling events.   The implementation of this latest project in the Community Well-being Program stemmed from KAUST’s engagement with Thuwal schools through its Young Learners Development Program and from the joint venture with Nahdi that began in 2018.  

  

Part of KAUST's Young Learners' Development Program - read the Program Overview here