By Thulaja, Naidu Ratnala written on 29-Sep-2003
National Library Board Singapore

Comments on article: InfopediaTalk

The National Healthy Lifestyle Programme was launched in 1992 by the Ministry of Health to promote healthy lifestyles among Singaporeans. It was officially inaugurated by Goh Chok Tong, Prime Minister. The programme is focused on an annual, month-long campaign, the National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, which aims to increase awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle among the general public. The entire programme adopts a multi-pronged approach to create and foster a supportive environment for Singaporeans to practice healthy behaviour.

Description
The National Healthy Lifestyle Programme was instituted by the Ministry of Health to help improve the lifestyle of Singaporeans in terms of physical, social and mental well-being. Since its inception in 1992, it has come up with different activities, events and even awards to promote its cause. Its core activities are to promote healthy eating habits and regular exercise. It encourages people to quit smoking, helps in managing stress and emphasises the practice of healthy behaviour, such as greater community interaction and avoidance of casual sex. The programme includes surveys and feedback to check on the progress of the population and is targeted at all age levels.

In 1996, a civic committee was set up to facilitate and improve healthy activities among Singaporeans. The committee is made up of ordinary citizens from various community organisations, professional groups, members of the media and private industry. This was to bring in greater community participation and facilitated better interaction and flow of ideas among the public to enhance lifestyles of the Singapore society. In 1999, the National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign introduced the Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H. Award and A.C.T.I.V.E. Day programme. A.C.T.I.V.E. is an acronym for "All Companies / Communities Together In Various Exercises". An A.C.T.I.V.E day is a day set aside for staff to exercise and learn the finer points of healthy living. The programme brings together private companies, unions, and government departments to promote health awareness at the workplace. The purpose is to improve work efficiency in terms of saving on medical leave, and improving staff performance through stress management.

The programme's activities differ every year with new features being added in each year. Some of the wide-range of events included in the programme are the Great Singapore Workout, Mental Health Education Programme, National Smoking Control Campaign, AIDS Campaign, Family Run Run, Supermarket Programme, 'Ask For' Programme, Restaurant Programme, National Floor Ball Carnival, Soccermania, Dance-a-thon, National Fitness Fiesta, Healthier Food Exhibition, Sheares Bridge Run & Army Half Marathon, the 2+2 Innovation Exhibition, FunFITT aerobic workout and 'Vote For Your Most Helpful Stall' Contest. The programme also includes health assessments, talks, forums, various campaigns, education programmes, telematches and exhibitions. Over the years, the programme's achievements have included teaching healthier cooking methods to hawker stall owners and restaurateurs, increasing awareness of women related ill-health problems in women, helping the public reduce obesity levels and quit smoking.



Author
Naidu Ratnala Thulaja



References 
Health campaigns succeed in raising public awareness: Survey. (1994, October 24). The Straits Times, p. 19.

Healthy Lifestyle Campaign targets those between 30-49. (1995, August 24). The Straits Times, p. 25.

Khalik, S. (1999, September 10). Panel to promote workplace health. The Straits Times, p. 1.

Let's get FITT together. (2003, September 6).The Straits Times, Prime News.

Lim, A. (1996, October 18). Healthy lifestyle drive to be civic movement. The Straits Times, p. 40.

More greens, less oil and salt, please. (1998, August 22). The Straits Times, p. 34.

PM Goh to kick off healthy lifestyle drive on Sunday. (1994, September 6). The Straits Times, p. 3. 

Health Promotion Board. (2001-2002). National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign 2002. Retrieved October 2, 2003, from
www.hpb.gov.sg/hpb/pro/pro0102.asp

Health Promotion Board. (2001-2002). National Healthy Lifestyle Programme. Retrieved October 2, 2003, from
www.hpb.gov.sg/hpb/pro/pro01.asp

Ministry of Health. (2000). Speech by Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Health and 2nd Minister for Finance at the launch of National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign 2000 cum the Singapore H.E.A.L.T.H award 2000 presentation ceremony, 7 September 2000, Suntec City at 7.40 pm. Retrieved October 2, 2003, from www.gov.sg/moh/speeches/2000/ms%207%20Sep%202000.html 



The information in this article is valid as at 2003 and correct as far as we can ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.