Paediatricians Unite to Diffuse Lifestyle Time Bomb

Doha, May 09 (QNA) - The Excellence in Paediatrics Institute (EiP) has announced the launch of a dedicated education campaign to help paediatricians Promote Energy balance, Active and Real Living (PEARL). The multi-stakeholder initiative called the PEARL project is supported by many international organisations such as the International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE), the European Food Information Council (EUFIC), and the International Alliance of Patients' Organisations (IAPO), as well as national obesity associations from around the world. Sedentary lifestyles have adversely affected children's health. Lack of exercise and minimal physical activity have increased the prevalence of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases, such as type-2 diabetes. As such many families globally need expert help. However, many pediatricians are often ill-prepared to advise families on necessary lifestyle changes. To close the current knowledge gap, the PEARL project will educate the educators through a series of free-to-view e-learnings, online support materials for paediatricians and parents and a global needs survey. A dedicated policy summit will also take place at the fifth Excellence in Paediatrics Conference in Qatar from December 4 to 7, later this year, which will be hosted by Sidra Medical and Research Center. In addition, a dedicated network of like-minded paediatric healthcare professionals will join together to fight a generational 'lifestyle' time bomb that means children are now expected to live five years less than their parents. EiP, non-profit association registered in Switzerland, is a global community that connects paediatric healthcare professionals. It primary aim is education and professional development in pediatrics. (QNA)