The Regional Director for Prevention and Control of Dependencies challenged today young people to adopt the habit of drinking water for better health and better environment.
Suzete Frias spoke at the "Health Fair" in Furnas, an initiative promoted by the Furnas and Povoação school group. On the occasion, she presented the SMS@Água project, which provides for the creation of the Water Brigades that will be responsible for promoting the consumption of water among middle and junior high school students.
This project developed in the area of School Health stems from a partnership with municipalities. It is based on the distribution of water from the public network using distribution backpacks supported in a Portable Water Station.
"The concept is being launched at this Health Fair with the aim of raising the awareness of youngsters for the importance of drinking water on a daily basis and, while motivating them to be the promoters of this healthy habit in school context," explained Suzete Frias.
The water distribution backpacks containing recycled cardboard dispensers will be transported by students to dispense water during class breaks.
Under the Regional Plan for the Reduction of Alcohol-Related Problems and the Regional Programme for the Promotion of Healthy Eating, the Regional Directorate for Prevention and Control of Dependencies, through the school health team S. Miguel Health Unit, proposes the extension of this initiative to the Summer Festivals and to the bathing areas during school holidays.
"Considering the motto of this Health Fair "Water is the Principle of All Things,' I say we must not forget that 65% of our body composition is water, thus consuming at least 1.5 litres of water on a daily basis is one of the best ways to keep our organism healthy," said the Regional Director.
As for the main benefits of water consumption, Suzete Frias pointed out the improvement of gastrointestinal functioning, adequate hydration and the proper functioning of the renal system.
"We also intended to bring up the issue of sustainability to this initiative, because we will only have better health if we have an environmentally sustainable planet," said the government official.
The "Health Fair" involves the participation of more than 250 students from Furnas and Povoação school group. The project is a privileged means of promoting health literacy as it uses the different resources of the community.