Sharjah24: Experts at the 10th My Health Conference, organised by the Health Promotion Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) in Sharjah, emphasised that psychology is vital for personal growth and resilience, relevant to everyone, not just mental health patients. They also highlighted the ongoing risks of e-cigarettes, dispelling the myth that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking. These discussions took place during a panel session titled “Future Dialogue: My Health, My Responsibility,” on the second and final day of the conference.
The panel featured Dr. Banna Yusuf Bouzbon, Mental Health Specialist at Kanaf within Sharjah’s Child Safety Department; Dr. Amal Abdulrahman Al Jowder, Positive Psychology practitioner and Health Promotion Expert from Bahrain; and Dr. Widad Al-Haj Al-Maidour Al-Muhairi, Director of the Emergency Operations Centre at Emirates Health Services. Together, they underscored the significance of mental and physical health in creating a balanced, fulfilling life.
Psychology: A tool for personal growth and resilience
Dr. Banna Yusuf clarified that psychological challenges and life crises are part of the human experience, but these do not equate to mental illness. “Seeking psychological support is a normal step in addressing life's challenges," she said, emphasising that people often face difficulties not due to events themselves, but due to how they perceive and react to them.
Willpower, health and balanced lifestyle choices
Dr. Amal Abdulrahman highlighted the central role of good health in achieving personal and professional goals. "Willpower, combined with clear objectives and decision-making skills, is key to success in any field,” she said. She also raised concerns about families allowing excessive screen time for children, which she warned comes at the expense of developing skills and hobbies.
E-cigarettes are equally harmful
Dr. Widad Al-Maidour cautioned against the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, particularly among younger generations. “Scientific evidence shows that e-cigarettes are as addictive and damaging as conventional cigarettes, contributing to the same serious health issues, including lung diseases and cancers. All forms of smoking are harmful; make the right choice,” Al-Maidour noted.
Overcoming psychological challenges is a shared responsibility
Representatives from the Sharjah Youth Council attending the session highlighted that today’s fast-paced lifestyle, coupled with social media pressures, can be overwhelming for individuals. Effective solutions, they emphasised, require positive community engagement and cooperative efforts.
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