HPB Voices Reloaded
September - October 2007
This year, the Campaign adopts the theme “Healthy Mind, Happy Life”. It aims to increase awareness among Singaporeans that mental health is an integral part of overall health and to impart knowledge on how to maintain mental well-being.
The Campaign was launched on Saturday 22 Sep by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Palm Valley at 9 am. From 7am onwards, registered participants started streaming into the Palm Valley and took part in the various fringe activities provided like stage performances, art and hobby crafts, board games, and exercise trials like yoga and tai chi. Roughly about 5000 participants were there by 8.30 am in excitement for the launch to commence.
About 9 am, the launch commenced with PM releasing a kite into the air, followed by a dance and a relaxation routine to spread the 5 key messages of this year’s campaign – Be Happy, Be Active, Just Relax, Make Friends, Love Yourself. Thereafter, the PM proceeded to the GOH route joining participants in the pavilion activities showcasing activities that were in line with the 5 key messages.
Another highlight of the launch event is the fringe activities at the Botany centre. It is a series of classroom activities and workshops teaching participants how to manage stress, manage anger and simply just how to relax in our busy lives. One participant remarked that these talks were very insightful and interesting as the speakers shared their real life experience with them.
All in all, the NHLC 2007 in the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a success. By all accounts, it created a golden opportunity for family and social bonding. We all wait in anticipated breath for the next NHLC to climb even greater heights.