Live healthily

With typeA (H1N1) influenza spreading across the kingdom, thousands of healthconcious people flocked to the Thailand Health and Wellness 2009 fair yesterday.

Besides a free physical checkup at various hospital and clinic booths, many fairgoers packed the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (THPF) stall highlighting doityourself exercise and wellness equipment made of recycled materials such as glass bottles, used tires and everyday objects including elastic bands. 

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai demon¬strated stretching using an elastic band at the THPF booth. Nearby was innovative footmassage equipment made from dozens of empty bottles packed in a motorcycle tyre. The bottles are designed for filling either warm or cold herbal liquids. Watertap pipes and antique bicycles were modified into new exercise bikes.

"We aim to educate people to be concious of living a healthy life," said the THPF's Wiwat Wikrantanoros.

"A healthy lifestyle means a healthy body, mind - and society," added Assoc Prof Vichit Khanuengsukkasem of the Thai Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (TAHPER).

Longtime alcohol drinker Prakob Panngam checked out the "Stop Alcohol Drinking" campaign at the THPF booth.

"Drinking has destroyed my health down the years, especially when I've been getting older. So I need to learn how to stop drinking alcohol permanently," explained the 41yearold engineer.

Hosted by THPF, TAHPER and Nation Multimedia Group, the fair features a variety of workouts, with professionals on hand demonstrating everything from muay Thai and tai chi to aerobics and yoga.

The fair runs until Sunday at Impact Exhibition Centre's Hall 506, Muang Thong Thani.