" Move for Health "

The World Health Organization invites students in all Member States of the Eastern Mediterranean Region to participate in a drawing and painting competition on the theme of the World Health Day 2002

Have you ever thought how the organs and systems in your body work. And how to help them to improve their performance in a way that maintains and promotes your health?

Research and experience tells us that good balanced nutrition and physical activity are essential to maintain and promote health. These two factors renew human energy, ensure oxygen and food to the blood stream, and keep the body healthy and protected against many diseases .

Did you know that some dangerous diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, cancer and hypertension can be prevented through physical activity ?

Did you know that 2 million deaths can be saved through physical activities and balanced nutrition?

Because of these facts, the World Health Organization has chosen physical activities as the theme of WHD 2002 under the slogan:

Agita Mundo… Move for health.

Movement and activity are important and necessary for people of all ages. They are necessary for children so that their energy can be utilized in a healthy way, to strengthen their muscles and help build healthy bodies.

Activity and movement are also important for adolescents, who go through tremendous physical changes as they move from childhood to youth, accompanied by growth in weight and height. By performing suitable physical activities, their growth can be controlled and their bodies protected against obesity. Physical activities also help adolescents to strengthen their bodies.

In middle age, for both men and women activity is the most effective way to protect bodies against flab and loss of muscle tone. As for the elderly, movement and activity are essential factors to maintain health. Doctors often advise the elderly on how to keep their organs working with the saying " use it or lose it !".

For all ages, sport protects people from serious diseases. In addition to the health aspects of physical activity, there are other important aspects: through physical activities, young people spend their leisure time doing something useful instead of something harmful: People who do sport have no time for or interest in tobacco, drugs or violence; people who do sport are sociable and make a contribution to the welfare of society.

Sport and physical activity help people towards success, distinction and honest competition, in both sport and life equally. There is truth in the well known wise saying " a good mind lies in a healthy body." There is no doubt, both mind and body are essential for success.

1. Entries may be submitted in any form of drawing or painting by school children aged 8-18

2. Entries must be made on normal drawing paper, not exceeding 30x40 cm.

3. Any type of colouring may be used. It is acceptable that the drawing is made on ordinary paper, but it should be stuck to drawing paper of the above dimensions.

4. Entries should be sent to the WHO Representative or the Director of the Department of International Relations, Ministry of Health, so that they can be forwarded to the Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office.

5. The last date for receiving entries is 10 March 2002

6. entries shall be judged according to age groups as follows:

8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16-18.

7. Referees will sit at the Regional Office in Cairo to judge all entries and their verdict shall be final.

8. Every entry must show the following information: the full name of the entrant, age, full home address, name and address of the school, telephone number( if any).

9. five prizes will be given in each age group. The winners will receive prizes equal to 150, 125, 100, 90 and 75 American Dollars respectively, as well as a Certificate of Merit.

10. Winners will be declared before World Health Day, 7 April 2002.

11. Schools and individuals may also send their contributions directly to the following address:

Public Information Officer

Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office

World Health Organization,

P.O. Box 7608, Nasr city(11371) Cairo- Egypt

NOTE FOR SCHOOLS AND ART TEACHERS

It would be highly appreciated if schools are selective in the entries they submit. While all children are encouraged to take part as it will benefit them to learn about physical activities, it will help the referees to consider promising entries only.

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