About 60 percent of respondents in a recent survey are keen on inclusion of health education with a focus on healthy lifestyle in school curriculums. The survey was conducted by the Healthcare Development Holding Co. in collaboration with the Health Ministry and Tam Development Co. Ltd.. The public opinion was based on the need for children to have awareness of healthy lifestyle from an early age since they can adopt it and stay healthy and combat diseases in later years. Dr. Faisal Asad, project manager at Tam Development and director general of Health Award, said the public feedback was received following an electronic survey taken up on the issue. The public also suggested that there should be strategic communication between the Ministries of Health and Education to promote healthy lifestyle and health education with traditional methods that will have a positive effect on the public health sector in Saudi Arabia. The health award winner, which was also announced simultaneously, will be done in April with Health Minister Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah expected to honor the winner in a ceremony. According to the website of the award, so far 1,304 people had given suggestions, while 238 projects have also registered for the health award. He added that till now the number of viewers had touched 132,415 and number of voters 4,753. He said the health award carries a cash prize of SR500,000, and the 10 best projects will be selected by 30 percent votes of the public through the website, 60 percent on the decision by a jury and 10 percent by the decision of the participants at the awarding ceremony. The aim of the award in its first edition is to attract 100 projects and 2,000 ideas from people to select the best which can be applied to improve and promote healthy lifestyle as an essential tool for the prevention of many physical, mental and psychological diseases. He said that the importance of this award is to spread awareness of healthy lifestyle and health projects to make the society a healthy society. People can participate in this through website http://www.HealthAward.net.

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Survey shows most people want health education in schools