With World Mental Health Day a few days away, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli together with Superintendent for Public Health Professor Charmaine Gauci launched an initiative to increase awareness on mental health through physical activity.
Parks Malta within the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development launched a new concept of Parks Fitness, so as to further encourage the public to do exercises in parks around Malta through videos published on the website: www.parksmaltafitness.com .
During a press conference at St. Clement Park in Zabbar, Minister Dalli explained how physical activity combines with mental health.
“We need to move away from the thought of using parks purposely for picnics. With today’s initiative, we are combining physical activity with that of mental health, as we are encouraging the public to use these parks for physical activity. Parks Fitness will be providing exercises which vary from beginner, intermediate and advanced levels,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.
Parks Malta’s objective is to further strengthen and offer a better quality of life to the public through more open spaces. St. Clement Park is one example of how parks and open spaces around Malta and Gozo can be used for various recreational activities. Therefore, Parks Malta is continuously investing to regenerate more open spaces so that the public can enjoy a secure and clean environment.
“Parks Malta is constantly investing in secure open spaces, where the public can exercise while relaxing,” remarked Minister Dalli.
On the other hand, Professor Charmaine Gauci explained on the importance of these initiatives, which are promoting mental health and physical activity.
“As the Superintendency for Public Health, it is our role to support healthy lifestyles, to invest in quality of life and to encourage the public to adopt a healthy lifestyle. With today’s initiative, we will be promoting a better quality of life through safer open spaces,” remarked Professor Gauci.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister