The University of Almería (UAL) joins the celebration of Healthy University Day, observed throughout Spain on October 1st. This initiative, spearheaded by the UAL's Healthy Campus Secretariat and promoted by the Spanish Network of Universities Promoting Health (REUPS), aims to foster the health and quality of life of the university community.
For this year's event, students from the UAL's Nursing Degree are actively participating, taking on the role of health advocates. Several second-year students have organized the distribution of fresh fruit at strategic points across the campus, including the main building's entrance, next to the shield's SoyUAL, and the entrance of the Nicolás Salmerón University Library.
Students Valeria, Paula, Irene, and Isabel emphasized the importance of a balanced diet. Valeria recalled that "the better your diet, the less risk you have of developing diseases." Paula expressed gratitude for the positive reception, explaining that "people approach us, ask questions, we inform them about structuring a healthy diet and achieving good habits, and they take one or more pieces of fruit." Irene highlighted that "many people have passed by, and everyone is aware that correct eating habits are very beneficial," while Isabel advocated for "a bit of everything, but never forgetting that Almería has excellent fresh products."
Gabriel Aguilera, UAL's Vice-Rector for Health, Sustainability, and Sports, praised the students' enthusiasm and the activity's educational value, noting that "being good health advocates is key" for their future careers. He announced that the program will conclude with the presentation of services by the Health Promotion Unit and the distribution of salads, in collaboration with the Cátedra Primaflor, to those who complete a survey. The overarching goal is to "raise awareness within the university community about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and promote initiatives that improve health and encourage helping others."
Lorena Gutiérrez, Director of Healthy Campus, detailed that the event aims to "promote a healthy lifestyle among the entire university community" and raise awareness about the significance of nutrition. The program will continue throughout the following week, including a blood donation campaign at the Aulario II, operating in both morning and afternoon sessions. Gutiérrez stressed the importance of university participation to surpass previous years' figures, recalling that last year's campus collections accounted for 5% of all extractions in the province of Almería. The UAL is also participating in the #Reto1.000 for bone marrow donor registrations.
