Living
Healthy through Salsa Dance
The
18th World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education
recently concluded in Melbourne Australia was a cultural and social
get away, writes SEUN AKIOYE
Imagine hundreds
of people, of all color from all races representing all the continents
in the world, gathered together to discuss peculiar issues arising
form Healthy living in their various countries. Imagine a Japanese,
African, Vietnamese, Korean and those from the distant East all-trying
to speak English in funny accents. Imagine them, exploring practical
way to improving health, like doing the Salsa, belly dancing,
and Agoro drumming.
The conference
organized by the International Union for Health Promotion and
health Education (IUHPE) has at its theme " Valuing Diversity,
Reshaping Power, exploring pathways for health and well being"
encapsulates issues that border on the health of the world. According
to the organizers, one objective is seeking better solutions for
everybody, adding politics and arts to the science of health promotion
and expanding the range where health promotion is practiced. The
conference explored all angles to living healthy. There were 250
sessions, 800 oral presentations, 2550 abstracts received, 2920
delegates registered making it one of the most exhaustive health
conferences ever.
Topics ranging
from HIV/AIDS, tobacco control, Obesity/diet, women trafficking,
Schools response to health education, the media and health promotion
etc. Not to be missed are the indigenous and scientific programs.
There was the Bunjilaka event at the Melbourne museum, which showcases
the best of Australian Aboriginal culture and history, the Luna
Park and the Great Aussie Barbeque, a great Aussie tradition of
indoor/outdoor barbeque. More is the Lunchtime diversions at the
conference to showcase the rich international musical culture
and dance. As part of health promotion, the conference used the
most practicable method to drive home its message, thus, there
were outdoor events like jogging, Tai Chi and power walks. There
were also visits to places of interest in Melbourne like the National
Gallery of Victoria. The youths were also not left out as they
were organized to discuss about issues that affect them, which
adults may never notice.
A public forum
put into action, big issues in health including HIV, Sexual harassment,
violence and drug addiction. It culminated in song, dance, and
theater. Of importance is the attention given to indigenous peoples.
Reshaping power through the education of many of the worlds deprived
indigenous peoples, changing cultural norms, helping to reduce
crime, and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Sessions showcased indigenous
health promotion initiatives with 34 Australian Aboriginal presenters,
the largest and most diverse group of indigenous people ever to
participate in one conference.
As the conference
rolled to a close, many delegates were able to take along with
them memories of the togetherness and practical application to
the various health problems if not the salsa dance and the beautiful
Melbourne secenery.
