-Healthy Lifestyle

Prime Minister's Health Message:

Your Health Is In Your Hands

An avid tennis player, Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong   tried his hand at a rowing machine designed to give added flexibility and strength.   

All Singaporeans have a personal responsibility to stay healthy. This was the message to the nation by the Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong at the launch of the $3.5 million National Health Fair'92.

The Fair was part of a ten-year campaign aimed at getting the healthy life-style message home to all Singaporeans.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Goh pointed out how Singapore had avoided the pitfalls of a free health care system by ensuring that individuals bear responsibility for their own health. " By emphasizing personal responsibility, we have curbed the dangers of a free health care system which will only lead to abuses, over-use, wastage and runaway costs."

Kicking off the campaign will be a $25 million five-year programme to give civil servants every incentive to lead a healthier, fitter lifestyle. The government will spend up to $150 on each employee in the first year of the programme and will cover activities ranging from health assessments, counselling, exercise corners and nutrition talks. Mr Goh stressed that the programme was entirely voluntary and that employment would not be tied to results of any health assessment. If the programme proves to be a success, he added, the Government may consider extending the duration.

To assist the private sector, the National Productivity Board will also set up a Health Management Centre to help private organisations facilitate healthy lifestyle programmes for their employees.

Later, the Prime Minister toured the fair, visiting the six main pavilions at the Fair. These included the Lifestyle Studio, Nutricentre, Jungle Gym, Home Front, Stress Factory and Life's Deadend; each representing different facets of a healthier lifestyle. From sumptuous healthy food workshops to high energy aerobic displays, the Fair had something for everyone interested in keeping fit and healthy.

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