Amal Al-Sibai Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The woman is one of the strongest pillars of any society: holding it upright, caring, giving, nursing, encouraging, and teaching. Since her health is integral to the development of a flourishing society, she is deserves to dedicate at least four days to women's health concerns, nutrition during pregnancy, and how to counteract and prevent many female illnesses. To highlight the importance of women and contribute to the improvement of women's health in Saudi Arabia and the world, Dr. Abduallah Al-Rabiah, Minister of Health, was the guest of honor who opened the Mother, Baby, & Kids Expo Tuesday, which will continue till Friday, at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center. Such a grand event aimed primarily toward women and children's health, and maternity — expected to draw more than 20,000 visitors — is one of the biggest family events to be held in the Kingdom. Mother, Baby, & Kids Expo has organized a collection of seminars and workshops presented by highly esteemed physicians including pediatricians and obstetricians, health educators, dieticians, and education specialists. Several lectures will emphasize the importance of regular physical exercise as a scientifically proven tool to prevent and manage conditions such as diabetes, depression, obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels. A collaboration between health care professionals, policy makers in the government and private school systems, emphasized that women need to exercise daily, and in fact it should be a routine part of every woman's and child's life. The percentage of women in Saudi Arabia who have been medically diagnosed as obese, has reached an alarming 30 percent, so physical exercise is a necessity in the Kingdom and should no longer be a matter of preference. The movement for introducing sports programs in all girls' schools in the Kingdom is gaining momentum and should be applied by next year. The main organizer of the event, Lana Al-Fadhl, president of Reed Sunaidi, an event management company, said: “Women are strategic partners to the growth and development of our society and her health is at the focus of our attention at this event. “Around the world, there are 14 women heads of state and prime ministers. A woman sits in the CEO seat of 13 of the 500 largest companies in the world.” “One of the main goals of this event is to foster more awareness on the importance of healthy nutrition during pregnancy and lactation because a healthy mom means a healthy baby, child, and future generation,” added Al-Fadhl. Dr. Ahmad Abdullah, consultant dietician who will be offering lectures and workshops on pre-natal nutrition, said: “It is normal for a woman to gain up to 18 kg during pregnancy however I must point out that pregnancy should not be viewed as an invitation to eat junk foods. “Women are in need of education and support to help them lose the pregnancy weight and regain their original weight and body. Gentle exercise during a non-complicated pregnancy, such as walking, is safe and very beneficial to the pregnant woman's general health, strong bones, a positive emotional state, self-esteem, and as a form of protection against cancers such as colon cancer.” With 22,690 babies born every year in Saudi Arabia, we have a large young population and the Saudi culture is family oriented. Mother, Baby & Kids Expo promises visitors an unforgettable and unique experience filled with live entertainment shows with the famous “Sesame Street” characters, interactive demonstrations, and play areas for children. Children can join a kids' exercise and fitness class or attend a book reading and signing from well-known children's authors. Families can watch a catwalk fashion show for children's apparel and cooking demonstrations that promote healthy eating habits. Visitors can enjoy world class shopping as exhibitors will be offering a wide range of the latest and most advanced products and services including maternity, baby, and infant clothes and accessories, baby strollers, carriers, car seats, nursery furniture, bedding, decoration, an exceptional display of children's books, educational toys, outdoor toys, and much more.
The exhibition will be divided into the following zones: Health, safety, and nutrition, Expecting moms and maternity, Education and entertainment, Nursery and childcare, and Fashion and beauty. There are also play and nap areas and comfortable baby changing facilities.
