Sidra Launches Health Programme on Qatar National Sports Day

Doha, February 12 (QNA) - Sidra Medical and Research Center Tuesday launched its new 'Wellness at Work' programme called 'Bil Afia' to spread the culture of a healthy lifestyle among its cadres on the sidelines of its Qatar National Sports Day activities that were held at the Corniche this morning. Sidra staff and guests participated in a five-kilometer walk along Doha's Corniche on Sports Day and hosted employees, their families and guests for a health breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel. Bil Afia is a comprehensive programme that consists of initiatives that will help Sidra employees improve general health and productivity, while creating a workplace culture focused on long-term wellbeing. Sidra Communications Project Director Khalid Al Mohannadi, commenting on the importance of health and helping employees create a sustainable path for improvement, said, "The idea of health and wellness is a bit of a buzzword right now, but it doesn't always have the substance behind it." The name of the programme Bil Afia literally means 'in good health' in Arabic and is usually said to someone while they are eating or when they have finished a meal. "At Sidra, we are serious about transforming the way people think about health and nutrition and Bil Afia is one step in this direction. Our participation in Qatar s National Sports Day is a matter of great pride and is an extension of our mission to nurture the health and wellness of women and children, regionally and globally," said Al Mohannadi. The aim of the programme is to create a healthy path for employees by making fitness a priority at Sidra, listening to employees in order to empower them to succeed in improving their lifestyle, and maintaining overall corporate wellness. Sidra Healthcare Marketing Head Shefa Ali, "Sports Day was an ideal opportunity to launch Bil Afia as the beginning of the year is a meaningful milestone to reflect back on personal health goals. By choosing a local name for the programme, we will generate interest right from the start that will go to the heart of the programme's objective." Bil Afia's motto is simple: Eat Well, Live Well, Be well - for yourself and for others. The name was selected because the programme will have a significant emphasis on nutrition. This initiative will be supported by Sidra s Clinical Nutrition department, which will offer regular educational sessions, weekly nutrition and diet counseling sessions, and work in close coordination with the cafeteria to provide healthy food options for employees, among many other activities, officials said. The programme dovetails with Sidra's mission as an academic medical center that will provide the people of Qatar and the region with access to world-class health care and a healing environment to support health and wellbeing, they added. (QNA)