S'pore launches world's first Healthy Lifestyle Index

SINGAPORE - Singapore marked the 20th anniversary of its 'National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign' with the release of the Healthy Lifestyle Index (HLI) - the first tool of its kind to be rolled out nation-wide in the world.

Developed by the Health Promotion Board (HPB), it is an online questionnaire that seeks to assess the overall health behaviour of the participant.

It is designed for those aged 18 years and above and comprises 10 questions from 10 different health domains.

The health domains are Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol, sleep, stress, depression, social/emotional support and health screenings.

Examples of questions asked include how many days of physical activity done in a week, how many servings of fruit eaten daily and whether the participant has the emotional support of family and friends.

Based on the score assigned to each health domain, a customised report summarising the overall health behaviour of an individual is generated.

With this score, advice and recommendations on appropriate HPB programmes is dispensed to individuals, to help them improve their health behaviours.

The questionnaire is free and available in four languages at www.healthylifestyleindex.sg . Users can also access the index using their mobile devices.

HPB also launched HealthyMEtv, the first digital health channel in the region.

From short videos on a range of medical conditions to TV programmes on exercise, healthy eating and relaxation, it is designed as a one-stop destination where the public can learn about healthy living.

It is available at www.healthymetv.com.sg and can be viewed via any Internet connected device, such as on a computer, tablet, smart phone or smart TV.

It's also available as a free app that can be downloaded on their iPhones.

yamadak@sph.com.sg