Step into health: Aspetar to go beyond pedometer

By Joey Aguilar/Staff ReporterAspetar, a member-organisation of Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF), is planning to go beyond using the pedometer for its “step into health” programme in a bid to reach out to more people, especially this summer.Dr Abdulla al-Mohannedi, researcher on health promotion at Aspetar, told reporters that they would soon launch a new smartphone application to monitor the number of steps each individual takes every day.“The programme should be continuous. After the pedometer, we will go for a new application for smartphones to make it easier for everybody,” al-Mohannedi said during a programme to mark World Health Day.He stressed that they are continuously conducting research on the impact of their programme. Aspetar will disclose the results of its studies by the end of the year. “It has good impact and results for sure.”Al-Mohannedi also noted yesterday that of the 15,000 individuals who participated in the “step into health” programme, 6,000-8,000 had become active.This summer, Aspetar will put up signages and information materials at places such as malls and parks to persuade people to walk even while it is hot outside.Meanwhile, many Qatar residents trooped to Aspire Park at 4pm yesterday - despite the windy and dusty conditions - to participate in various activities for the said event.  Children had the opportunity to try the mini golf course set up by Doha Golf Academy while several of the adults took part in the 5,000-step competition. The AZF also hosted a social media contest, an Instagram platform for the “Best Filter of Picture”.The prizes included an iPad for the winner, a lunch or a dinner at Three Sixty Restaurant at The Torch-Doha for the second spot and a free one-month membership of Aspire Active for the third place. Besides, there were other gifts like free t-shirts. Two active “step into health” members were given prizes such as free gym memberships, massage treatments, spa and swimming lessons.Nurses also provided free blood pressure testing for participants at the venue.Todorka Vladimirova, a senior registry nurse of Aspetar, said those with high blood pressure should see a doctor before going for a physical regime. “They should get treated first and receive medication from their doctors. Then, they will be advised to probably reduce weight, eat the right food and do some balanced activities,” she said.Many of the participants lauded the AZF’s programme, explaining how the activities had benefited them and their family members.Awarded as the top walker, Shagrah al-Mohammadi recorded 38,000 steps per day and vowed to break his record.The AZF also distributed flyers and leaflets as part of its health awareness campaign, focusing on the risks of having high blood pressure. In a press statement, Ooredoo sponsorship analyst Manar al-Muraikhi said they partnered with the AZF to celebrate World Health Day. “One of the pillars of Ooredoo’s corporate social responsibility programme is sports and health. So, it is only natural that we join forces with the AZF and step into health to improve the quality of life among our community,” al-Muraikhi said.This year’s theme for World Health Day is high blood pressure. Al-Mohannedi said “high blood pressure is generally a result of a sedentary lifestyle, playing as much of a role as genetics in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes”. “At Aspire, we are entrusted with realising the goals of a healthy nation that enjoys both a healthy mind and a body,” he added.The World Health Organization had noted that 69% of the total deaths in Qatar were caused by non-communicable diseases. Of these, at least 23% were CVD cases.