Regional Government steps up efforts to promote prevention and healthy lifestyles among young people - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

The Regional Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security and the Regional Secretariat for Education, Culture and Sport, is stepping up its commitment to an integrated approach to the prevention of ill health and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among young people, highlighting the growing role of digital behaviours in health and well-being.

In this regard, the initiative held today in Ponta Delgada marked the inclusion of Sport in the Regional Calendar for the Prevention and Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles, a key difference from previous editions.

“Promoting healthy lifestyles also involves promoting balanced digital behaviours, hence the importance of initiatives on the ground such as this one,” Mónica Seidi stated, calling for greater emphasis on digital literacy, online wellbeing and family involvement.

In turn, the Regional Secretary for Education, Culture and Sport, Sofia Ribeiro, highlighted the importance of integrating sport and education into this strategy: “Sport and physical activity are areas of excellence in promoting healthy lifestyles,” she said.

According to the Secretary for Education and Sport, the Government has been “increasing investment and programmes in these areas, with a view to reaching a wider population across all age groups, prioritising the youngest age groups."

The government officials highlighted the work that has been carried out in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, in collaboration with schools, health services, law enforcement agencies and prevention teams, with a view to empowering young people to make more informed and responsible choices.

The activities held throughout the day included a cycling circuit, a Zumba class, a road safety awareness session and the creation of a mural featuring messages about healthy lifestyles.

The Government of the Azores emphasises that preventing illness and promoting the well-being of the Azorean population are a collective commitment that requires the active involvement of public entities, families and society as a whole.