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Conference stresses on home safety for children

AL AIN — For every child who dies, at least a hundred more are hospitalised while a few thousands are treated in emergency departments.

This was revealed by Dr Michal Grivna, Assistant Professor, UAEU, at the Health and Wellness Conference organised by the Higher Colleges of Technology, Al Ain Women’s College (AAWC).

The one-day conference was held under the slogan ‘Health for happiness, fitness for fun’.

In his presentation on ‘Home Safety for Children’, Dr Michal Grivna, the keynote speaker, stated that injury is the leading cause of disability as well as death in children. Many of the injured children who end up with permanent disabilities prove to be a burden on the families and society, he said.

"In developed countries more children die of injuries than any other childhood diseases put together," he said. “Most of the deaths from injuries in children aged less than five take place at home,” he added.

This year’s conference has provided a forum for sharing ideas and practices for the development of a healthy life-style, which will enhance success in life. Professor Peter Scott, the acting Director of the AAWC inaugurated the conference, which was attended by a large number of students from the women's colleges.

An impact study conducted by the AAWC Counselling Centre on students’ health seeking behaviours in June 2005 reflected the students' interest in fitness, wellness and weight loss.

Professor Scott said the goal in organising this conference was to motivate the participants to actively take responsibility for their life-styles. “The good thing is that, this can be accomplished while you have fun,” he added.

Topics discussed during the conference included allergies, alternative medicine, bereavement, blood pressure, calorie count, child behaviour, choking, fitness, etc.