King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah launches a "Fasting in Health" campaign for Ramadan
As part of the health sector's preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah conducted a large-scale field awareness campaign under the slogan "Fast in Good Health," targeting visitors to parks and public markets in Jeddah. This initiative is part of the hospital's social responsibility to promote health awareness and a culture of prevention before the start of the fasting season, a period that requires special preparation of the body to cope with physiological and nutritional changes.
The importance of proactive awareness before Ramadan
The timing of this campaign is crucial given the radical changes in diet and sleep patterns during the holy month. Medical studies indicate that preparing for fasting significantly reduces fatigue, headaches, and digestive issues that commonly occur in the first few days of Ramadan. Therefore, the campaign focuses on providing scientifically sound guidance on gradually reducing stimulants and adjusting meal times to ensure a smooth transition to fasting without health complications.
Medical services and direct consultations
The campaign saw a significant presence of specialized medical and volunteer teams who provided services to visitors in public spaces. The activities included offering direct health guidance on correcting common unhealthy eating habits, such as excessive consumption of sugars and fats at Iftar (the meal to break the fast). The medical teams also paid special attention to those with chronic illnesses, providing detailed advice to diabetics and those with high blood pressure on how to manage their medication dosages and monitor their vital signs while fasting, thus ensuring a safe and risk-free fast.
Integration between field and digital awareness
King Fahd Hospital in Jeddah's efforts weren't limited to field presence; they were complemented by the launch of comprehensive digital awareness content across its various platforms. The digital messages emphasized the importance of light physical activity before or after breakfast to boost metabolism, as well as raising awareness about the importance of drinking sufficient fluids to avoid dehydration. This combination of field presence and digital content reflects a modern strategy to reach the widest possible segment of the community.
Enhancing quality of life and community partnership
The "Fasting in Good Health" campaign falls within the broader context of the Ministry of Health's efforts and the objectives of the Quality of Life Program, one of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programs, which focuses on promoting public health and preventing diseases before they occur. The hospital's Community Engagement Department emphasized that extending healthcare services beyond the hospital walls to public spaces reinforces the concept of "health everywhere" and strengthens partnerships between healthcare institutions and community members, transforming health awareness into a sustainable daily practice.
