In Portugal, obesity and diabetes remain significant public health challenges. According to the 2023 Annual Report of the National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PNPAS), the latest data from the COSI Portugal study indicate that 31.9% of children between the ages of 6 and 8 are overweight, and 13.5% are obese, representing an increase compared to 2019. 1 In addition, poor eating habits are identified as the fifth most significant risk factor contributing to the loss of healthy life years in the country, being associated with diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney diseases. 2 These data reinforce the importance of initiatives that promote prevention and health literacy within the community.
With this goal in mind, during the month of May, MAR Shopping Algarve becomes particularly active in promoting health and medical literacy. As part of its Screening Agenda, the Meeting Place hosts three different events, open to the public and with free admission, which aim to raise awareness of different areas of health and well-being.
On May 24, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., MAR Shopping Algarve will join in the National Day to Combat Obesity with an initiative focused on promoting healthy habits. The initiative includes body assessments with Tanita scales, blood pressure measurements, and blood glucose screening, as well as personalized advice on
balanced lifestyles and physical activity.
On May 25, the Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC)'s latest infrastructure will be presented to the public: the Experimental Surgery Center and Magnetic Resonance Unit. This event will provide a technological immersion into the innovations that are transforming healthcare in the region. Visitors will have access to virtual reality demonstrations and interactive experiences that show how these tools are used in medical training and diagnostic advances, with the ABC team of specialists also in attendance.
