Military service is a good start towards a healthy lifestyle

The effects of military service on young people's health and lifestyle are remarkable, writes Ayesha Almazroui

Military service can have positive impacts on young people's health. Christopher Pike / The National
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This month, the third batch of young men – and some women – started basic military training, while the second batch finished their training and started the second stage of the UAE’s national service programme. Perhaps it is still too early to measure the effect of military training on these young Emiratis, but what I have heard from the cadets and their families seems encouraging.

A few mothers told me that they have noticed a difference in their son’s personality and behaviour after military service.

One of them said her son had became more interested in fitness and had enrolled in a gym to exercise regularly. Another said her son seemed to have a greater sense of purpose in life and was more willing to take responsibility for his actions. A third said that her son now seemed more aware of the challenges facing this country.

The increased awareness of personal health and the importance of physical activity are critical outcomes of the national service programme.

One of the cadets who finished his training this month said he was trying to maintain the habit of waking up early, even on weekends and holidays. Rising early, he said, had helped him improve physically, mentally and spiritually, and had taught him that “there is more to be done during the day” than he had previously thought possible.

The young man – who, like others I spoke to, doesn’t want to be identified – is now keen on exercising in the early hours of the morning. Jogging was something he previously detested, but he now finds himself looking forward to it.

Another said that as someone accustomed to a sedentary lifestyle, he felt challenged by the drastic changes during basic training in terms of punctuality and continuous physical activity from 4am to 8pm daily. He said it made him realise the importance of staying in shape.

Others who didn’t exercise regularly before said they had lost a substantial amount of weight – up to 15 kilograms in one case – and are remarkably fitter now. They said they’re now more alert, more able to do chores and don’t feel so tired or lethargic.

Adopting healthier habits will help tackle the country's obesity epidemic and the high rate of type 2 diabetes, which has been described by doctors as a "national health emergency", especially among younger people.

The required medical check-up before basic training has helped some people recognise their current health issues and the risks they face. Some candidates have been diagnosed with illnesses of which they were unaware before they signed up for national service.

While unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles put young people at risk of physical conditions such as diabetes, there are other risks that should be taken into consideration.

Many parents and social commentators think that young people face more serious risks in terms of their mental health than any previous generation. Risk factors include deteriorating family structures, growing violence in schools, increasing substance abuse and exposure to extremist ideologies.

In the military, there is more of a focus on physical health. Of course, this is necessary, but there is also a need to identify and monitor the military recruits’ psychological needs. Military service could provide an opportunity to identify and monitor at-risk youth.

The National has reported recently on cases of vulnerable young people being targeted by extremist groups. Lt Col Omar Al Zood, of Sharjah Police's preventive security department, told the newspaper that there have already been reported cases of young men travelling abroad to join ISIL.

Tackling radicalisation requires education and awareness, but also a strong sense of belonging, which could come from signing up for national service. Research says that effective counter-radicalisation strategies must address the need for a collective identity and a sense of belonging in young people.

The wider community should encourage positive behavioural changes in young men. Higher education institutions could take the opportunity to launch health and fitness programmes for their students, and major employers could develop workplace wellness strategies for their staff. As part of their social responsibility efforts, private fitness companies could offer special gym membership deals for those who have completed national service. This would encourage them to continue to be physically active.

These young men are going through an important experience that will have a far-reaching national impact. The community ought to show them support and encouragement.

aalmazrouei@thenational.ae

@AyeshaAlmazroui