His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau led a morning walk organised by the Westpac Bank as part of efforts to encourage healthy lifestyle amongst Fijians.
His Excellency led the morning walk in Suva today and was joined by close to 2000 people including officials representing various organisations such as the Ministry of Health, the Westpac Bank and the Fiji Physiotherapy Association.
Association president, Usha Krishna, said the morning walk was to kick start the year for people who wanted to do some form of exercise but do not know how.
“This is to raise awareness on the need to carry out some form of physical activity and also to help combat non-communicable diseases because there are many people in Fiji suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure,” she said.
Ms Krishna said people in Fiji were now also leaning towards healthy eating as they realise that physical activity does not work on its own but needs to be backed by the right nutrients and a proper sleeping pattern.
Fifty one year mother of three, Verenaisi Dokomuavalu of Nasese, was happy with the free health checks provided before the walk and hopes to start her weight loss journey with the walk.
“I am a housewife and have not been able to do much exercise so I have put on weight which I hope to lose and this is a good way to start,” she said.
The walk started at Albert Park with health checks and a warm up session.
It was a good hour walk along Nasese and back to Albert Park where the participants were treated to a small healthy snack consisting of fruits and coconut water.
Police officers including the acting Commissioner of Police, Mr Ravi Narayan, joined the public in the walk which was similarly held in other parts of the country.
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