The Department of Public Health at the College of Health Sciences member of QU-Health at Qatar University (QU) held their annual health promotion event “This is Public Health” virtually on 3 November with a focus on the topic of joyful movement.
Dr. Manar Elhassan, Head of the Department of Public Health, welcomed the audience and highlighted the aim of the event to expose participants to the concept of joyful movement.
The event featured three esteemed keynote speakers. Dr. Emma Green, a writer, editor, and researcher, introduced the concept of joyful movement, which is approaching physical activity with enjoyment and pleasure, and demonstrated the scientific evidence of its importance for health and wellbeing.
Dr. Bryna Chrismas, an Associate Professor in Exercise Science at the College of Education at Qatar University, highlighted the importance of physical movement for a sustainable and healthy future for people and the planet.
Dr. Tarryn Paquet, Assistant Professor of Architecture and Urban Planning at Qatar University highlighted the role of urban design in creating environments for people to enjoy movement. She provided international and local examples from Qatar of walkable areas where people can enjoy movement, such as the Katara Cultural Village.
Dr Hanan Abdul Rahim, Dean of CHS, spoke about the importance of paying attention to our immediate environment to support behaviors that enhance health for all. She spoke about the department’s focus on the university campus environment, and the various activities in which students are involved to promote health and wellbeing.
Dr Hanan also talked about the photo and video competition, held as part of ‘This is Public Health’ celebrations each year. Dr Hanan said, “We were delighted to see 54 photo and video submissions from QU students highlighting how they personally engage in joyful movement and what it means to them.” The TIPH event concluded with the announcement of the winners of the competition. First place in the photo competition went to Shaden Abunasser from the College of Health Sciences, second place went to Ruqia Alsharshani from the College of Pharmacy, and third place went to Maryam Abuhaliqa from the College of Health Sciences. Aisha Lutfi Anwar Tag won the video competition, with Fatimah Abdulwahab Alshahrani in second place, and Mariem Tlili in third place, all from the College of Business and Economics.
Source: QATAR UNIVERSITY
