‘Disease hasn’t spoilt my life’

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 27 May 2011

DUBAI: The future of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients has become more promising, as right attitude and proper medication can help in leading an active and happy life, said MS sufferers and specialists in the country.

Patient networking forums and care groups have boosted support for patients with the disease in the Emirates by educating them and helping them avail best treatment options.
In celebration of World MS Day, two support groups in Dubai organised such awareness initiatives that were focused on enhancing possibilities for MS patients.
MS is one of the world’s most common and complex diseases, which disables nerves in the brain and spinal cord.
The auto-immune disease affects the central nervous system by impairing myelin, the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers. When the myelin gets damaged, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord fail to communicate with each other, resulting in derailing the connection between the brain’s messaging system and other parts of the body.
On Thursday, more than 30 MS sufferers congregated, along with friends and family members, at Wafi City Mall in Dubai to observe World MS Day. The programme was organised by the UAE MS Platform, bringing together MS sufferers in the country.
(During the event), the UAE MS Platform launched an interactive online forum, titled UniteMS.net, aimed at encouraging MS patients to register with this website and share their difficulties to seek instructions to conquer the complications. The UniteMS.net forum will help UAE patients get connected with the global platform of MS patients, said the organisers.
Meanwhile, earlier in the week, ‘Taking life to new heights’ was the theme raised by the UAE MS Support Group, which organised an indoor skydiving programme for its five members at iFly in Mirdif City Centre.

The patients took part in the skydiving experience, flying high in the art wind tunnel, to show that chronic disease sufferers can still live life to the fullest if they adopt a positive attitude and their disease is controlled with the correct medications.
MS affects patients’ behaviour from walking and talking to eating and even feeling pain and other sensations. Patients suffer from a range of difficulties including motor impairment, balance problems, visual, sensory and cognitive (memory) issues.
Dr DM Kayed, specialist neurologist at Open MRI for Spine Surgery Centre in Dubai, explained that MS sufferers can experience a variety of symptoms as the condition develops.
“Such patients can experience attacks that may be present with blurred vision, sensory disturbance affecting the face body or limbs, lack of coordination and imbalance, weakness as well as memory and concentration difficulties,” he added.
“Injection therapy for MS reduces the frequency of attacks and thus may slow disease progression and help control symptoms. New oral treatments have recently become available; however, clinical experience with these agents remains limited,” pointed out Dr Kayed.
UAE MS support group member Dr Budoor Al Shehhi, pointed out, that these patients, however, can continue to take life to new heights despite their illness.
“The patients’ celebration [at iFly] was about having the right attitude and the right treatment that will allow them better manage their condition gaining the capability to work, play, and even fly,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Morsi, area therapeutic manager at Merck Serono Middle East, organiser of the MS Platform meet at Wafi Mall, said the objectives of the forum is to identify the patients in the UAE in order to help them enjoy an active and normal life, despite suffering from the chronic disease.
Sultan Al Nuaimi, a MS sufferer and active member of UAE MS Platform, said, “The UniteMS.net is a social network on which MS patients across the world log in and interact with fellow patients, doctors, specialists, researchers and support groups.”
“The Middle East MS Platform was launched in the UAE last year to streamline care activities and research programs throughout the region. The forum, an affiliation of several independent MS organisations, key opinion leaders, healthcare groups and commercial corporations, will move us patients closer to a world free of MS,” he added.
Sultan, aged 23 years, has been suffering from MS symptoms like poor vision, tremors and fatigue for the past three years.
“MS patients can make their life shining and vibrant with proper medication and changes in lifestyle, along with indulging in entertainment and social activities. I have never felt that the disease is spoiling my life,” he elaborated confidently, discussing his survival saga.
Another member of the UAE MS Platform Sahar Rahma agreed, saying that the secrets of survival for her, too, are a positive approach towards life, proper course of medication and a healthy lifestyle.
“I gained more strength and confidence by communicating with other patients, and joined on the networking platform to share our worries as well as joyous moments. Since I started the medication, the difficulties of the MS in my body have significantly reduced,” she added.
Rami, member of the MS Support group who took part in the iFly experience, was diagnosed with MS last year at the age of 32; however, he has not let his illness prevent him from living a normal life, even continuing to travel across the region for work.  
“Initially when I was diagnosed I was very much in denial. I would tell myself that even though I was diagnosed with MS it would not affect my life at all and nothing would happen to me,” he added.

Global statistics show that MS affects approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. Around 25 to 50 people per 100,000 in Arabic populations and about 100 per 100,000 in Northern Europeans also suffer from the disease. MS affects women more than men, and often the symptoms appear between the ages of 20 and 40.

(Pix: Supplied) 

World Health Day focuses on challenges of drug resistance

By PMA RASHEED 

7 April 2011, The Gulf Today 

As drug resistance has become more severe, many infections are no longer easily cured and the condition leads to prolonged and expensive treatment and even greater risk of death, warned World Health Organisation (WHO) on the occasion of the World Health Day on Thursday.
The World Health Day is observed to coincide with the date of the WHO’s establishment.
The WHO on Wednesday has issued a policy package to get everyone, especially governments and their drug regulatory systems, on the right track, with the right measures, quickly.
The health authorities in the UAE have also raised concerns over the issue of resistance of microbes to anti- drugs and the misuse of drugs.
The UAE Ministry of Health (MoH) will observe the day in solidarity with the international communities and organisations.
The WHO, under the theme “Combat Drug Resistance,” called for urgent and concerted action by governments, health professionals, industry and civil society and patients to slow down the spread of drug resistance.
A spokesperson of the MoH said the activities in the UAE focuses on the ways of preserving the valuable wealth of drugs in order to benefit the future generations, with the theme “No action today, no cure tomorrow.”
“The activities in the UAE will highlight WHO’s role in creating awareness in the community in rationalising the use of drugs and anti viruses,” he added.
Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi will open the World Health Day celebrations in Ajman. The minister of health Dr Hanif Hassan Ali Al Qassim will deliver a keynote speech on the issue of drugs and disease resistance.
Salah Amiri, Assistant Director General of the Environment and Public Health Services at the DM, said, “Antimicrobial Resistance” is the theme of world health day activities at Dubai Municipality’s (DM) public health services department.
“The civic body’s health awareness activities focused on the need for the correct use of medicines, and the need to work together for the conservation of these medicines for the future generation,” he added.
Zohoor Hussein Sabbagh, Director of Public Health Services Department at the DM, said “Antimicrobial resistance on the global level threatens continued survival of many of the drugs currently used to treat patients, as well as important achievements in the fight against major infectious diseases.”
“We need to work with all our energies on promoting health awareness in all health, environmental occasions for entire categories of public employees, students, associations, clubs, libraries, centres and others around Dubai,” he added.
According to WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan, the world is on the brink of losing these miracle cures. In the absence of urgent corrective and protective actions, the world is heading towards a post-antibiotic era, in which many common infections will no longer have a cure and, once again, kill unabated.

“At a time of multiple calamities in the world, we cannot allow the loss of essential medicines and essential cures for many millions of people,” she added.

“The recommended policy steps included developing and implementing a comprehensive, financed national plan, strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines of assured quality, regulating and promoting rational use of medicines, enhancing infection prevention and control and fostering innovation and research and development for new tools,” Chan elaborated.

'Traffic accidents No.1 infant killer in UAE'

By PMA RASHEED 

18 March 2011, The Gulf Today 

About 62 per cent of infant mortality in the UAE is a result of car traffic accidents, revealed a senior official at Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Thursday.

Dr Ali Al Marzooqui, director of Public Health and Safety Department of the Health Policy and Strategy Sector at the DHA said that the statistic is not surprising, when one notes that only 2 per cent of infants are actually restrained in a proper car safety seat.

“It is a well-documented fact that traffic injuries and accidents are the UAE’s number one infant killer as more than 62 per cent of baby mortality cases are related to car accidents,” he added.

Dr Al Marzooqui was speaking as part of the DHA’s campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of using a car seat for babies and infants in Dubai.

“Given the statistics, raising awareness and enforcing a law to ensure that babies and infants only travel by car when restrained in a car seat is the obvious way forward. It is everybody’s responsibility to keep our babies safe,” he elaborated.

“The campaign will run from March 17 to 19 at the Mall of the Emirates and a booth will be set up to educate the public about how to use an infant car seat and its importance to protect babies and infants from accidents and fatalities,” a DHA spokesperson said.

“The campaign coincides with the 27th GCC Traffic Week which runs from March 13 to 19. The programme under the slogan ‘Working together to reduce traffic injuries’ will reach out to a large section of society and educate them about health and safety issues,” he added.

Dr Ziad Al Najjar, senior public health promotion specialist, Public Health and Safety Department, Health Policy and Strategy Sector at the DHA, said, “Scientific research supported by independent testing, shows that these seats can reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 71 per cent.  It is important for families to understand the importance of using a safety seat for babies and infants.”

Ben Boenk, director of Dutchkid FZCO that joins the DHA in the campaign, said that the stand at the Mall of Emirates will be located at the Carrefour Entrance on the first floor and team members from Dutch Kid and Health Bay Polyclinic will be present to demonstrate how to use infant car seats.

“The public will be educated about the functionalities and benefits of using these seats as well as distribute brochures and discount vouchers,” he added.

45,000 residents to join ‘Yalla Walk’ in Dubai

By PMA RASHEED 

28 Feb 2011, Th Gulf Today

DUBAI’S public walking tracks will receive over 45,000 residents, as part of the Emirate’s largest health awareness campaign, ‘Yalla Walk,’ which will run between March 5 and 19.
Dubai Municipality (DM) has developed 23 walking tracks at different public parks across the Emirate, and the Yalla Walk campaign will introduce these tracks to the general public, according to DM officials.

Announcing the campaign on Sunday, the DM’s Director General Hussein Nasser Lootah said the programme would raise awareness among people on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“The Yalla Walk campaign will be launched at Safa Park on March 5 at 5pm, followed by activities on Sunday at Al Mamzar Park, Al Khawaneej Walking Track, Zabeel Park and Al Barsha Park. The closing ceremony of Yalla Walk will be at Al Mamzar Park on March 19 at 5pm,” Lootah added.
A DM spokesperson said the registration process for the campaign would be from March 1-6. Residents can also register through the special web portal, www.yallawalk.ae. Participants will be provided with a coding number through e-mail, upon registering online.
“The registration number must be printed on the badge to get entry to the contest. People can also register directly or the parks or at Fitness First branches. The participants will be provided with a badge, in addition to a wristband containing a barcode. The barcode must be scanned on the device, provided at the beginning of each track, and the badge should be swiped on the device again when a participant has completed the walk,” he elaborated.
“This is for calculating electronically the distance walked by each participant, who can also visit the website and access the page devoted to him to get all the details and distances. The campaign will also include medical examinations and various events for children,” added the DM official.
Lootah noted that the civic body set up walking tracks in various areas in order to enhance community health supporting tools in the Emirate. The walking tracks will positively change behaviour, thinking and lifestyle of thousands of residents from different nations and at different ages, he pointed out.

According to him, the walking tracks project is one of the most important and vital projects in the Dubai. “The DM does not target a particular age group or specific segment of the society through this campaign. The focus is on the promotion of the walking tracks for people from all walks of life,” he added.

“The Municipality also has kept numerous gift hampers and prizes in store for residents to attract them to the walking tracks, where various activities and contests will be conducted during the campaign period,” he concluded.

Ras Al Khaimah gears up for 2nd annual Terry Fox Run

By PMA RASHEED 

23 Feb 2011, The Gulf Today

THE second edition of annual RAK Terry Fox Run will be staged at the Ras Al Khaimah Corniche on March 4, aimed at raising funds for cancer research in the UAE. 

The RAK Terry Fox Run is the newest of the four Terry Fox Runs in the UAE and the inaugural run last year had been a tremendous success, organisers said.

Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member of the UAE and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah will inaugurate the charity run, which will start off at 9am at the RAK Corniche near the Sheikh Zayed Mosque opposite the Al Safeer market area.

Kris Panday, Canadian Consul General in Dubai, said that the initiative will set the stage for a broader public participation this year to create awareness on a wider canvas and raise funds for cancer research programmes in the UAE. 

“The Terry Fox Run is a great example of how a community like in Ras Al Khaimah can work together towards a common goal and in this case it is about joining hands for a worthy cause of raising funds for cancer research,” he noted.

According to him, all the proceeds from this year’s run will be donated to the UAE University Hospital in Al Ain where a number of ongoing and impressive cancer research projects are being conducted. 

Jane Shaw, Member of the RAK Terry Fox Organising Committee, said the event will feature a five kilometre distance aimed at runners and joggers and a three kilometre distance for adults, children and families to walk, run, and skateboard or rollerblade, jog or even push the baby stroller in this non-competitive event.

“The track is accessible for wheelchairs. However pets and bikes are not allowed due to safety reasons. The registration procedures and submission of sponsorship forms will begin at 7.30am on March 4,” she added.

“Numerous institutions, schools, government departments, social organisations and private establishments in the emirate have already extended significant support for the charity run. About 1200 people are expected to take part in the run, which will be a fun-filled day for families and residents,” elaborated Shaw.

“The scenic setting at the RAK Corniche will provide a wonderful backdrop for the Friday morning event. The funds are being raised either through direct donations or by individual sponsorship sheets available online at www.premiermarathons.com/rakterryfoxrun,” she said.

“We are currently arranging presentations on Terry Fox at various schools and educational institutions to promote the charity run,” she added.

Shaw urged the public to contact the committee via email at terryfoxrak@gmail.com or get updates through the online platform RAK Terry Fox Run group on Facebook.

Terry Fox was a young Canadian amputee who attempted to run across Canada in 1980 to raise awareness on the need for more money and effort to be given to cancer research. 

Sadly, Terry's bone cancer returned during his run and he died shortly after at the age of just 22. His dream to further cancer research, however, lives on and Terry Fox Runs are held around the world every year to bring communities together to raise money for cancer research.

According to www.terryfoxrun.org, about $500 million has been raised to date worldwide for cancer research in Terry's name.

The inaugural RAK Terry Fox Run held last year had attracted around 700 participants and collected over Dhs65,000 in funds.

Painkillers develop peptic ulcer bleeding, warns expert

By PMA RASHEED 

9 Feb 2011, The Gulf Today

EXCESSIVE use of painkillers for joint and bone diseases leads to increased incidences of peptic ulcer bleed (PUB) in the UAE, warns an expert.
The PUB is a common and potentially life-threatening complication of peptic ulcer disease.
Compared to similar cases across the world, the percentage in the UAE is high as it is a multicultural country.
Dr Saeed Al Shaikh, a Gastroenterologist at Dubai Healthcare City and Welcare Hospital, has called for regular general checkups to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the PUB diseases in the emirates.
Speaking at a medical symposium organised by AstraZeneca Gulf, Dr Shaikh warned that that if not treated properly, the GERD could lead to serious complications, such as inflammation, narrowing of throat, ulcers and bleeding. “The PUB is a major development of stomach ulcers, and it occurs in all ages, especially in older people who excessively use painkillers for bone and joint diseases. It is common in the UAE as it is in other parts of the world, especially amongst elderly and ladies,” Dr Al Shaikh pointed out.
Professor Ernst Kuipers, chair of Gastroenterology, Herpetology and Internal Medicine Departments at Erasmus University Medical Centre in Netherlands, elaborated that a peptic ulcer is a deep and sharply demarcated break in the lining of the stomach.
“Currently, approximately 20 per cent of patients with the PUB may experience a re-bleed even after endoscopic treatment. Such patients are at a three-fold risk of death,” he said.
“When the disease is in the stomach it is described as a gastric ulcer and when in the duodenum (the part of the small intestine between the stomach and the jejunum) its called a duodenal ulcer. The PUB occurs when the ulcer erodes into an underlying blood vessel. In Europe, the PUB affects approximately 50 people per 100,000 people every year,” Kuipers added.
“Patients in most of the cases are not aware of the bleeding, which makes it more critical. They often see black excreta or black or dark red vomiting. If not treated, the PUB can cause death. In many cases, rebleeding occurs due to non-adherence to treatment or eating restricted foods,” he noted.
According to Kuipers, upto 15 per cent of the patients die as a result of the severe condition all over the world.
“Continuous usage of painkillers damages the superficial layer of the stomach that bleeds when the damage becomes bigger and deeper,” he revealed.
Dr Fadel Shaker, the medical manager AstraZeneca Gulf, said that until now there has not been an approved pharmacological treatment to reduce the risk of rebleeding after endoscopic treatment.
“Newly introduced Esomeprazole medication for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal acid reflux (GERD) and the PUB has been approved by health authorities in Europe and the UAE,” he added.
“The medicines prevents peptic ulcer rebleeding in adults and fills a significant gap to manage the PUB after endoscopic treatment,” he pointed out.

According to him, it’s the first proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to be indicated in the UAE and Europe for prevention of rebleeding following therapeutic endoscopy for acute bleeding gastric or duodenal ulcers.

40% at risk of diabetes in the MENA region

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 5 Dec 2010

ABOUT 40 per cent of people across the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region are at a high risk of developing diabetes, a latest survey revealed.

The study disclosed that the prevalence figures in the region are among the highest in the world with 18.7 per cent in the UAE, 16.8 per cent in KSA, 11.4 per cent in Egypt, 10.2 per cent in Iraq and 10.1 per cent in Jordan.
Despite a notable awareness level of the scale of the disease, only one out of two respondents considers diabetes to be a severe or a very severe disease, revealed the study directed by global healthcare establishment Novo Nordisk.
The survey, carried out in October in collaboration with healthcare research firm IPSOS Emirates Health, indicated that incidences of diabetes have been escalating across the region’s 10 countries.
The study interviewed over 3,000 from Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the UAE. According to officials, the ignorance on the causes and risk factors that the condition poses is “worrying.”
Lise Kingo, executive vice president and chief of staffs at Novo Nordisk A/S, said that about 54 per cent of people in Egypt, 52 percent in KSA, 45 per cent in Lebanon, 44 per cent in Iraq and 42 per cent in the UAE, are at risk of developing diabetes.
“The respondents, representing the demographic and socio-economic profile in each country, were quizzed based on a risk score methodology. About 62 per cent of them answered that they are somewhat likely or very likely to develop diabetes in the future,” he added.
“About 37 per cent of those at risk of developing diabetes have never been screened for diabetes nor had a blood sugar measurement, while 40 per cent of those at risk of developing diabetes consider the disease as a condition that can be severe but not always,” said Kingo.
Professor Tawfik Bin Ahmed Khoja, director general of the GCC Health Ministers’ Council, said that the study revealed vital information on the gaps and challenges that region needs to face together to improve the awareness, detection and treatment of diabetes.
He called for the need to align and unify the fight against diabetes in the GCC countries, as six countries in the region are among the world’s 10 highest for diabetes prevalence. The countries include the UAE along with Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, and KSA.
According to Kingo, “The main causes of the rapid increase of the number of people with diabetes listed by respondents are bad eating habits (44 per cent) and stress (39 per cent) -the latter not being a leading cause of diabetes in comparison with obesity, congenital factors or age.”
Moreover, the myths about diabetes still remain common, he pointed out. 68 per cent of respondents in the UAE answered that they believe that a child with diabetes cannot participate in sports, with differing responses to the question in other parts of the region.
Additionally, in Egypt, more than half of respondents were not aware that diabetes can cause blindness. “In reality, diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss in adults of working age (20 to 65 years) in industrialised countries. More than 2.5 million people worldwide are affected by diabetes-related blindness,” indicated the survey.
“In Iran and the UAE, 37 per cent and 32 per cent respectively are not aware that diabetes can lead to amputations. In fact, people with diabetes are 15 to 40 times more likely to require lower-limb amputation. Diabetes is the most common cause of non-accident-related amputation,” it added.
The study also said that 89 per cent of respondents in Iran, 76 per cent in Morocco, 71 per cent in Algeria, 60 per cent in Iraq and 54 per cent in Egypt consider that diabetes cannot cause stroke.  In fact, strokes are 200 per cent more likely in people with diabetes and hypertension as in those with hypertension alone.
Kingo pointed out the apparent need to further educate the general public about the risk factors, complications and the severity of the diabetes. “We hope that the initiative will inspire authorities to tackle this issue. Early detection of diabetes, prevention and education can only tackle this issue helping the people lead longer and healthier lives, and also supporting the health systems save substantial costs,” he noted.
“Diabetes is sweeping the region affecting an estimated 26.6 million people today, imposing overwhelming demands on the region’s healthcare institutions and excessive financial burdens on its governments.”
“The pandemic is the one of the greatest healthcare challenges being faced by the region currently, as a consequence of rapid economic boom, changing diet and sedentary lifestyles.”

“As alarming as this picture is, the number of people with diabetes is expected to double to 51.7 million people by 2030. The toll this will take on the MENA region will be enormous in both human and financial terms,” he added.

(Pic used for illustrative purpose)

Survival of the diabetics

By PMA RASHEED 

14 Nov 2010, The Gulf Today

ESTABLISHED by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organisation, Sunday Nov. 14 is globally observed as diabetes day - dedicated to raising awareness about the condition.

On the occasion, specialists shared their insight with The Gulf Today on how residents can continue to their live to the fullest - even with diabetes.
One expert, specialised in diabetes treatment, explained that diabetes is a condition where the quantity of glucose in the blood is too elevated.
The condition, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when the body doesn’t produce sufficient insulin or produces no insulin or the patients’ cells do not respond properly to the insulin that the pancreas produces, added Dr Ghada Aoun, specialist endocrinologist at Medcare Hospital in Dubai.
“This results in excess glucose building up in the blood, eventually passing out of the body as urine. So, even though the blood has plenty of glucose, the cells are not getting it for their essential energy and growth requirements,” she added.
People with diabetes must know that as long as they follow their doctor’s advice and manage diet and exercise properly, they can still eat anything, but of course, in moderation.
Speaking on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, Dr Aoun presented a mandatory agenda about the dietary habit for diabetics and pre-diabetics.
“Having high-fiber foods which are rich in complex carbohydrates, will improve digestion, stabilise blood sugar levels and make the diabetics feel satisfied after meal,” she advised.
Meanwhile, the list of foods to be controlled includes sweets, simple carbohydrates like sugar, all baked items made of white flour, soda pops, fatty foods and salt, she said.
“Have six small meals a day consisting of three main meals (One meal approximately every 3 hours) and two or three snacks,” advised Dr Aoun.
However, pre- diabetics can eat small portions of simple carbohydrates like desserts, white bread, rice, jams, and controlled amounts of butter or margarine.
“Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly, thus raising the blood glucose levels suddenly. As it rises suddenly, it also goes down suddenly within one to 1.5 hours,” she elaborated, pointing out the dangers of diabetics eating the wrong kinds of foods.
“The unstable glucose level increases hunger and dizziness, increasing the chances of the patient going into a coma as low glucose level affects all body organs and their functions,” warned Dr Aoun.
She advised diabetics and pre-diabetics to control simple carbohydrates to keep the blood sugar levels in normal range. “Hypoglycemics have limited freedom to eat simple carbohydrates like pasta, white rice and white bread, but a hyperglycemic has to be on constant alert.”
Meanwhile, Medha Bhaskaran of Modern Pharmaceuticals also shared simple but essential steps in dealing with diabetes.

“Apart from eating regularly by having smaller and more frequent meals at regular intervals, diabetics should also exercise regularly after discussing with their doctor the type of exercise they should be involved in, such brisk walking, swimming or jogging, which could be adapted as a best routine,” she said.
According to her, patients should also examine their blood glucose regularly to be aware of the kind of food and activity affecting their levels.
“Diabetics must end all their ties with the habit of smoking, as diabetes is already a serious disease with high risk of heart disease and stroke. Smoking may complicate the patient’s condition with high blood glucose levels, and the nicotine in cigarettes can increase heart pulse rate and the carbon monoxide reduces oxygen in the blood,” she warned.
Patients always should strictly follow their doctor’s guidelines in taking medications. “Ensure that you only take medicines that are prescribed to you by your doctor, and with the right doses and at the right time.”
“Stress, whether physical, mental or emotional, should also be eradicated as it can raise the blood sugar levels. Stress hormones like epinephrine and cortisol are known to raise blood sugar in boosting energy when your body needs it,” Bhaskaran elaborated.
“Try to effectively manage day-to-day things along with engaging with relaxing activities. If you just can’t avoid stress, try to learn some measures that can help you relieve stress like taking time out to breathe some fresh air or have a good talk with a loved one,” she advised.
Bhaskaran invited attention to another matter of significance - educating people around the patients. “Don’t keep your condition a secret. Letting your family and close friends know about it enable them help you watch out for your health. Any possible tragedy could be avoided if your loved ones are informed of the signs for dangerous high or low blood glucose levels.”
It’s important for diabetes patients and their dear-ones to also follow-up on health reports and changing treatments about diabetes, as the process may help them understand their condition better through the help of various sources, she explained.

Bhaskaran also advised diabetics to join a health group, be it a weekly group gatherings or online forums where diabetics can interact and gain knowledge from other’s experiences. “Sharing different thoughts and raising questions will ultimately aid you grab better solutions to manage diabetes.”

(Pix used for illustrative purpose)  

19.6 % of UAE residents suffer from diabetes

By PMA RASHEED 

9 Nov 2010, The Gulf Today

IN wake of statistics that reveal that about 19.6 per cent of the UAE residents suffer from diabetes, the health ministry has prepared a comprehensive action plan to combat the disease and to build up a health conscious diabetes-free generation.

The strategy plan to fight diabetes will provide complete medical care for the patients, especially to protect residents in their tender ages. Cases of type II diabetes among residents has reportedly shot up alarmingly in recent years, indicated a senior health official.

Dr Mahmood Fikri, executive director for Health Policies at the MoH, said that the action plan will ensure latest medicines and development of specialised medical centres to cater to the needs of the diabetics in the country.

“The ministry also will establish a specialised centre for scientific, genetic and epidemiological researches in the field of diabetes,” he added.

Chairman of the National Diabetes Committee quoted the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) statistics, which said that the UAE ranks as the first Gulf country and second country in the world in terms of prevalence of diabetes.

“The rate of diabetes among the residents is increasing and currently it has been estimated at 19.6 per cent,” he revealed.

The national diabetes prevention committee at the Ministry of Health (MoH) on Monday introduced prevention methods and treatment for diabetes for students across the country in tandem with the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Around 150 teaching and nursing staff from the educational and medical districts all over the UAE participated in a workshop organised by the MoH at Dubai Women College to equip them with strategies to protect school students from diabetes. The session focused on health education and scientific basis for nutrition for diabetic students and the prescription of physical activity for patients with diabetes.

Dr Fikri elaborated, “The preventive programmes to be applied at schools are expected to be witnessing positive results among the student community to change their food habits and practices and protect them from obesity, which increases the dangers of type 2 diabetes and future cardiac disorders.”

“The action plan includes legislations and programmes to fight diabetes with healthy meals and physical education to protect them from chronic diseases due to diabetes,” he pointed out.

“The most common form of diabetes in the region is Type II diabetes, so school nurses, teachers, students and parents are advised to adopt the methods of diet and exercise to tackle the disease,” said Dr Fikri.

Blue November to beat diabetes

By PMA RASHEED 

3 Nov 2010, The Gulf Today

THE federal health body of the UAE is on a warpath against the alarming prevalence of diabetes among the residents of the country.

As researches and studies indicated that cases of diabetes are enormously increasing in the emirates, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has planned to orchestrate a line-up of in-depth community education programmes and active global debates on the menace of diabetes.

The health ministry is currently staging a month-long nationwide anti-diabetes drive, coinciding with the World Diabetes Day, which falls on Nov.14.

All strategic locations in the UAE will be illuminated in blue colour from Nov.11-18, as per international guidelines to spread rays of knowledge about the dangers of diabetes, according to a senior health official.

Dr Mahmood Fikri, executive director for health policies at the MoH, said that the country’s first international conference on the complications of diabetes will be conducted on Thursday at Rashid Centre for Diabetes Research (RCDR) in Ajman. 

“The global medical symposium will discuss the issue of gastric emptying that mainly contributes to the stressful complications of diabetes in the region, especially in the UAE,” he added.

“Recent studies have revealed that delay in eating sufficient quantity of food often reduces the chances of curing the complications due to diabetes, but also adds to the suffering of the patients.”

“The conference will review the correlation between diabetes and empty stomach for the Gulf’s diabetics, as well as the latest medical solutions to improve their health status,” pointed out chairman of the national diabetes committee.

“Meanwhile,” he said, “the month-long drive to fight diabetes will raise potential awareness among the community members about the fatal consequences of the chronic lifestyle disease that mainly pop up as a result of incorrect health behaviours and habits.”

“Numerous activities are taking place to implement the MoH’s strategies to battle against the disease during the last quarter of the year. The diabetics will be educated on special care to prevent damages to their feet and eyes,” he pointed out.

“All the activities are focused on teaching the general public to adopt new healthy lifestyles and the importance of having healthy meals and engaging in regular physical exercises to avoid risks of diabetes,” Dr Fikri elaborated.

He urged the public to conduct regular tests to measure their blood sugar percentage and receive early treatment to avoid disastrous complications. 

According to him, several free tests will be conducted for school students during the month. Teachers and nurses of public schools will be given training on Nov.8 at Dubai Women’s Union hall on the methods to save children from diabetes.

“An anti-diabetes march will be staged on Nov.11 by the MoH, in association with Ajman University and Gulf Medical University, beginning from the RCDR in Ajman and moving towards Ajman City Centre. Different health establishments will showcase their anti-diabetes programmes at a large health tent set up by the MoH,” he informed.

“The ministry will also supervise free blood sugar tests for the public provided to the visitors of shopping malls and health centres in Dubai. The diabetes early detection and awareness campaigns will continue in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Al Fujairah shopping malls,” Dr Fikri added.

“Meanwhile, the global awareness initiative ‘Changing Diabetes Bus’ will arrive in the UAE on Nov.6 and will carry out about 7,500 early diabetes screening tests as it tours across Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The bus will be touring in the emirates until Jan.4”

“A series of medical conferences has also been designed to disseminate results of anti-diabetes strategies to help doctors, nurses and technicians learn the new trends in curing the disease,” he noted. 

“The international conference at the RCDR in Ajman, in tandem with Lund University in Sweden, aims at providing the best treatment methods for diabetes patients and transferring knowledge quality for government and private sectors to improve the health services in the UAE,” he added.

According to him, the conference will also discuss nutrition interference and its impact on gastric emptying, and role of radiology in examining gastric movement as a main tool in nutrition. 

“The MoH has also approved five credit hours for continuous medical education (CME) for the doctors and other medical professionals participating in the RCDR diabetes conference,” said Dr Fikri.

(Pic for illustrative purpose)  

Changing Diabetes Bus to test 7,500 in UAE

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 29 Oct 2010

The global awareness initiative "Changing Diabetes Bus" will reach in Sharjah on Nov.6 and will carry out about 7,500 early diabetes screening tests as it tours across three emirates of the UAE.

The diabetes education vehicle's world tour arrives in the emirates, after covering five continents to enhance the role of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in protecting the society from diabetes, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Health (MoH).

Traversed 31 nations

Dr Mahmood Fikri, Executive Director for Health Policies at the MoH, said that the worldwide diabetes management awareness initiative by health major Novo Nordisk is aimed at creating awareness on the social, humanitarian and economic consequences of the lifestyle disease.

"The changing diabetes bus had received a total of 260,000 visitors, out of which about 127,000 people made the early diabetes screening in 31 countries all over the globe," he added.

"The first round of the tour in the Gulf region begins in the UAE, with the bus conducting 2,500 free diabetes tests each in the emirates of Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi," indicated the chairman of the ministry's national diabetes committee.

Bus's UAE itinerary

The bus has been scheduled to station in Sharjah between Nov.6 and 19, in Dubai from Nov.23 to Dec.6, and in Abu Dhabi from Dec.20 to Jan.4," elaborated Dr Fikri.

He noted, "Focusing on social awareness about the early screening for diabetes, the bus will carry out tests for manifold complications due to the diabetes such as visual risks, glycerin levels, body mass and blood pressure."

"However, no tests will be carried out on adolescents under the age of 18 years, according to the contract with the UAE's ethics committee for health researches," he pointed out.

"The MoH will assign five nurses and doctors to work with the diabetes bus and exchange its shifts from 5pm till 11pm in weekdays. The tests will include blood pressure, BMI, HBA1c, waist and hip circumference, cholesterol to diagnose the disease, determine its dangers and complications," Dr Fikri elaborated.

He said, "The visitors will be distributed with educational materials on healthy lifestyle, significance of physical activities, dangers of smoking and other information that would prevent the dangers of diabetes."

"The changing diabetes bus was unveiled by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Copenhagen in 2006. The tour selected the blue circle color as a theme for the world diabetes days. A medical fully equipped car is escorting the tour in all the places.

According to Novo Nordisk, the tour has called for global change in diabetes prevention and care and played an integral role in the adoption and implementation of the United Nations Resolution on diabetes.

“The tour targets the broader public, patients, healthcare professionals and decision makers to detect, treat and stabilise the disease before it progresses into irreversible complications,” it said patron of the bus.

“A total of 285 million people worldwide are estimated to have diabetes, many of which are unaware of their condition, which can only be rectified by improving the quality of life for people with diabetes,” revealed Novo Nordisk.

(Pic used for illustrative purpose)

Ensuring a healthy Haj

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 22 Oct 2010

PRIOR to starting the holy trip to the KSA to perform Hajj, pilgrims should adopt effective health safety measures to protect themselves from various communicable diseases, according to the health regulator of Dubai.

Pilgrims suffering from existing health challenges should also take additional cautions, to avoid catastrophe due to worsening of such diseases while performing the ceremonies in the holy land, advises Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Dr Ahmed Ibrahim Saif Kalban, CEO for Primary Health Care Services Sector at the DHA, said, “The dreams of the pilgrims could be spoiled by falling sick, as numerous health risks have been associated with Hajj.”

“The health risks are caused by the highly overcrowded conditions, chances for transmission of various diseases among the pilgrims and practices associated with the Hajj ceremonies,” added Dr Kalban, who patrons the Hajj health services campaign for the year.

According to him, a number of other health challenges faced by the Gulf region as well as the chaotic climatic conditions of the region are also threats to the safety of pilgrims.

He urged all the Hajj pilgrims from the emirate to receive all recommended vaccinations and empower their health conditions before they begin their travel to the holy land.

“Each pilgrim should consult their doctor at least three weeks prior to the trip,” advised Dr Kalban.

Dr Fatma Mahmoud Al Attar, head of Preventive Services Centres Department at the DHA, discussed the common food or water-borne diseases that may make the pilgrims sick during the Hajj days.

“Diarrhea is one of the most common diseases affecting many Hajj pilgrims. Poor hygiene, improper sanitations in crowded conditions and some particular types of food items like green salads, fish or ice-cream are the main reasons for diarrhea,” she elaborated.

“The symptoms of diarrhea include abdominal pain, vomiting, fever and dehydration,” she added.

To protect oneself from diarrhea, Dr Fatma advised the pilgrims to avoid eating exposed food, roasted items or nuts, fish, milk, ice creams and salads, etc.

“However, no medical treatment is needed for most of the diarrhea cases. If one suffers from diarrhea, the best remedy is to drink adequate amount of liquids to prevent dehydration. The recommended food items are rice, banana, yoghurt, boiled egg, etc.,” she said.

“Do not buy food from street vendors, especially raw foods. Drink only bottled and boiled water and wash hands often,” she warned.

Dr Fatma explained about blood-borne diseases that may affect the pilgrims, as most men shave their head at the completion of their Hajj.

“Local barbers often reuse razors and grazes or abrasions from the razor nicks are common. The practice may increase risks of Hepatitis B and C. So, the pilgrims are advised to go to barbers licensed by the government,” she said.

“All the pilgrims should take vaccines against the Hepatitis before traveling for the Hajj, as the fatal disease can strike any moment,” she added.

According to her, outbreaks of Meningitis are also common among the pilgrims.

“Overcrowded conditions, high humidity and dense air pollution contribute to high meningococcal carriage rates at 80 per cent. The Meningococcal Meningitis caused by W135 is lethal. Upper respiratory tract infections may predispose people to Meningitis,” she said.

“Thus, the hajj pilgrims should be vaccinated before travel. Receiving Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine ACW135Y is mandatory for all travelers to enter Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. The vaccine is effective for three years and should be taken at least 10 days before travel,” she elaborated.

Dr Fatma added that “the overcrowded conditions also cause falling prey to respiratory infections and airborne infections. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for travelers above 65 years old. The pilgrims also are advised to wear a mask at crowded areas, and change the masks often. Administering flu vaccine is also required.”

“With regard to chronic diseases, patients suffering from diabetes should take extra care about their health conditions,” she said. “There are higher risks of high and low blood sugar problems during the Hajj. The patients should consult their doctors before leaving for the pilgrimage in order to manage the diabetes while at the holy land.”

“The diabetics should learn symptoms and signs of hypoglycemia and the methods to treat it. Wearing protective diabetic shoes, wearing identifying wrist bands or bracelets, keeping extra bottles of insulin and syringes, using a thermos-type jar to transport insulin, and avoiding take-away tea and juices are also advised.”

Moreover, Dr Fatma pointed out cases of people with high blood pressure. “If you are consuming certain high blood pressure medications, extra care should be taken to prevent from getting dehydrated, in addition to strictly controlling the BP before traveling. Take all medications exactly as prescribed, as the BP will rise again if the medication is stopped.”

“Those who suffer from bronchial asthma should be aware about the risks of asthma exacerbation during the Hajj. Such patients should also consult their doctors before the trip to have a plan to manage it, if symptoms aggravate during Hajj,” cautioned Dr Fatma.

She also advised them to carry a Nebulizer Machine with necessary medications if possible. “The patients should also learn the symptoms of acute attack and methods to overcome the situation immediately,” she noted.

Gulf’s first private mobile mammography unit offers free testing

By PMA RASHEED

17 Oct 2010, The Gulf Today

The first mobile mammography unit in the private sector of the GCC countries has been unveiled by Lifeline Group Hospital in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

The unit will offer free mammograms to the residents in the UAE and other Gulf countries with community outreach programmes for preventive medicine and early diagnosis of cancerous diseases, a spokesperson of the hospital told The Gulf Today.

The Lifeline Hospital Group has showcased the mobile mammography unit at the Abu Dhabi Medical Congress 2010.

Dr Shamsheer VP, managing director of Lifeline Hospital Group, said that the free mobile mammography unit is specifically adapted to the requirements of patients and healthcare providers in the Middle East.

“Initially the free breast cancer detection campaigns will be conducted in different parts of Abu Dhabi Emirate, in tandem with NGOs, universities, and corporate organisations,” he added.

“The campaign will specially address women in remote areas and places with less accessibility in the UAE and other Gulf countries. The free mammography in the unit is offered to those who fit the criteria for being at risk of developing breast cancer,” noted Dr Shamsheer.

“Our aim is to create awareness among the women in the age group of 40 to 69 years, as around 400 breast cancer cases are reported in the UAE every year. Most of them come for treatment in the advanced stage of cancer,” he pointed out.

Dr Shajir Gaffar, Corporate Relations Manager of the group, said, “The unit has been manufactured with complete digital programming systems, so any doctor can see the patients’ diagnosis report from anywhere in the world.”

“The vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art screening solution, the Mammo Diagnost DR, ambience lighting system in the mammography examination room, doctor’s consultation room and space for awareness lectures,” he elaborated.

He pointed out, “The unit is customised to handle the often severe weather conditions in the region while traveling long distances to remote areas.”

“Services of the mobile breast cancer screening vehicles will be taken to new heights by reaching out to people with the life saving message on the importance of breast health and early detection of cancer,” said Dr Gaffar.

According to Dr Shamsheer, introduction of the mobile mammography unit and breast cancer prevention education unit with free services is the first-of-its-kind step by a private hospital in the region.

“The mammography unit is dedicated to the care of the womanhood of the region, in an initiative to reduce the number of mortality rates due to breast cancer among the region’s woman community, and empower them to maintain their good health,” he said.

The mobile mammography unit was unveiled by Dr Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (Haad).

Meltdown takes toll on mental health

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 4 Oct 2010

One-fifth of people show symptoms of mental illnesses -- more commonly depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, say the Emirate's health officials.

THE global financial turbulence, which heavily upset individual lives, has contributed much to the increase in mental health issues of residents in Dubai, according to a senior psychologist.

Dr Layla Abdulwahab Asamarai, Head of Psychology Section at Rashid Hospital in Dubai, said that it was common for normal people to plunge into psychiatric disorders - brought about by a stressful life weighed down by unbearable financial burdens and professional insecurity.

"However, a conclusive research has not yet been carried out in this matter. Such a study would have shocking revelations on the mental health status of the Emirate's residents," she told The Gulf Today, on the sidelines of a press conference held in Dubai on Sunday to announce a six-week mental health awareness campaign.

The campaign has been jointly organised by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Community Development Authority (CDA) to observe the global mental health day, which falls on Oct.10.

Dr Asamarai elaborated, "The number of mental illness cases has been increasing quite shockingly over the past few years in the Emirate. Numerous factors such as workplace strain, anxieties over job security, problematic relationships, isolated life, unhealthy and irregular lifestyle, have contributed to the increase in mental health issues."

According to her, in-depth awareness mechanisms should be developed to alleviate the situation.

"One among every five residents in the Emirate is faced with mental health risks and psychological challenges in any given year," revealed the health officials, "Among the widespread symptoms of mental illnesses, more common are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) had estimated that depression will be the second leading cause of premature death or disability worldwide.

A couple of days ago, the UAE Ministry of Health (MoH) had revealed that mental disorders among mothers, children and adolescents in the region have emerged as a crucial public health issue.

"Among the mothers, an estimated rate of 15 to 36 per cent was suffering from mental disorders in the Gulf countries. Meanwhile, the rate is ten to 36 per cent among the children and adolescents," said Dr Mahmood Fikri, Executive Director for Health Practices at the MoH.

"The rates were shocking, as the mental challenges Middle East people faced were analysed as being stiffer than those faced by people in developed countries," he pointed out.

"The WHO's 57th regional conference currently on in Cairo, will discuss the alarming issue and would bring out strategies to be implemented to eliminate the stress of mental diseases among the region's people," added Dr Fikri.

Meanwhile, Dr Asamarai said that most of the mental problems among the residents were caused by employment-related stress. The role of genetic component, to cause the mental disorders were comparatively less, albeit it might multiple the symptoms coupled with the issues of work stress and globalisation.

"The stigma attached to mental health problems makes the patients reluctant to seek early advice from experts or timely treatment at a specialty centre. They think they would be alienated from the society, if their mental problems come to fore. Eventually, they plunge into deeper mental disorders," she added.

"Comprehensive awareness programmes can only save those who show symptoms of falling mentally sick. People have to be educated on methods of preventing depression through an engagement in various activities, and also on the importance of building up healthy relationships," noted Dr Asamarai.

(Image used for illustrative purpose)

Work pressure puts men's heart at increased risk

By PMA RASHEED

26 Sept 2010, The Gulf Today 

MEN who work for long hours and have low physical activities face an increased mortality risk from heart disease, according to a health expert.

So, those who have stressful jobs involving long working hours should remain physically fit and follow a healthy diet regimen, advised specialist cardiologist at Dubai Hospital Dr Nooshin Bazargani.

According to her, almost half of those who die from chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke are in the most productive period of their lives, between 15 and 69 years of age.

“Since this age profile spends a considerable amount of time at work, it is essential to teach people to inculcate healthy eating habits at work to minimise a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease,” she pointed out on the occasion of the World Heart Day that falls on Sunday.

To mark the day, in line with the global theme “workplace wellness,” Dubai Hospital and Rashid Hospital have planned to conduct various health awareness activities.

The World Heart Foundation (WHF), in its 10th edition of observing the World Heart Day, aims at promoting cardiovascular health within the workplace, as it’s proven that a healthy workforce is the backbone of every economy. The WHF raises the slogan “I work with my heart.”

Mentioning ways in which employees can develop positive working habits in a workplace environment, Dr Bazargani, said, “People should try and incorporate some form of physical activity during work.”

“They can use the stairs instead of the lift and in terms of diet they should find healthy options in the cafeteria and eat more of fruits and salads rather than fast foods and greasy food which are readily available nowadays,” she elaborated.

According to Dr Khalifa Omar Muhammed, specialist cardiologist at Rashid Hospital, employers should encourage a healthy workplace environment as it means an increase in productivity.

“Such environment also will lower medical costs for employers and employees as well as result in losing less working hours. Heart disease is preventable provided people follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid tobacco use,” he said.

Dr Mohammed warned that smokers are at a high risk of heart attacks and therefore if a person quits smoking. “Their risk of heart disease will be halved within a year.”

The world heart day programmes, under the patronage of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), will educate people about the importance of regular check-ups, according to a spokesperson of the Authority.

“Cardiologists will be present during all awareness campaigns to provide consultation and advice to people on how to follow a lifestyle that is heart-friendly,” he added.

Dubai Hospital has already started a three-day cardiac health campaign at Deira City Centre, setting up a special booth offering free check-ups for blood pressure and sugar levels, body mass index and cholesterol. 

Dr Ahmed Ibrahim Kalban, CEO of Primary Healthcare at the DHA said that the awareness sessions will reach out to the public educating them to tackle lifestyle diseases and encouraging them to modify their dietary and exercise patters so that they are less susceptible to heart diseases.

“Eighty per cent of premature deaths are preventable if people follow a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoid tobacco. The DHA also highlights the benefits of healthy eating habits in a work environment,” he added.

According to him, heart disease and stroke claim over 1.7 million lives every year and globally heart disease is a leading cause of mortality.

“The Rashid Hospital check-up drive happening on Sunday at the DHA headquarters, will be held on the following days at Dewa (Sept.27), Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre (Sept.28), and at PHC centres in Al Twar and Al Khawneej areas (Sept.29),” said the DHA spokesperson.

“The conclusion of the campaign will be held at Sonapur labour camp on Sept.30. The inmates will be given lectures and easy-to-follow information on how to maintain a healthy heart,” he added.

Gulf youth more susceptible to cardiac diseases

By PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 21 Sept 2010

THE younger generation in the Middle East region is dangerously gripped by the fatal clutches of heart disease, when compared to youth in other parts of the world, according to a senior health official. 

Dr Wafaa Ayesh, director of the clinical nutrition department at Dubai Health Authority (DHA), said that the average age for Middle Eastern and UAE patients suffering from heart attacks is 10 years younger than that in many western countries. 

"The dominance of diabetes among the younger age group in the UAE has elevated the rates of cardiac disorders onto an alarming level of challenges," she added. 

While speaking at an awareness seminar conducted on Monday by the DHA on the occasion of World Heart Day 2010, Dr Ayesh pointed out that the alarming rates of diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure that prevail in this region are factors that lead to cardiovascular diseases. 

The three-day seminar conducted by the DHA will highlight this year's global heart day theme, "Workplace Wellness," promoting healthy habits and methods of maintaining them, while in a work environment. 

Quoting research results, the clinical nutrition expert stated, "It is a known fact that cardiovascular disease, which results in heart attacks, heart failure and strokes, is the leading cause of death globally, and the UAE is no different." 

"The irony is that these are mainly lifestyle diseases and lifestyle modification can significantly reduce the chances of developing a cardiovascular disease," she pointed out. 

"The reasons for cardiovascular diseases, besides physical inactivity, also lie with the region's existing dietary patterns, which include a high level of daily consumption of fat and carbohydrates," said Dr Ayesh. 

"Despite having such a huge number of diabetics in the country, a large percentage of people do not know of the link between the two diseases," she added. 

According to her, the public is still unaware of the damage to the heart that is caused by lifestyle diseases including diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. 

She advised people to focus on the need of regular screenings: "Normally, all healthy adults, above the age of 40, should check their cholesterol level every six months." 

"But, the cholesterol should be monitored on a three-month basis if it's hereditary, as the patient's condition may be worse in such cases," she warned. 

"While the cholesterol level should be monitored once in three months, blood sugar and pressure may require to be monitored on a more regular basis as per the directions of the physician," she elaborated. 

"A yearly check-up should suffice for people below the age group of 40, with no hereditary factors at play and for those who do not have any of these conditions," added Dr Ayesh. 

"Apart from providing healthy and nutritious food to the community, proactive community initiatives such as these are a fundamental way to raise public awareness on managing health and wellbeing," she opined. 

Muna Al Shammar, head of the nutrition education unit in the clinical nutrition department at DHA, said, "This test is important because it reveals the actual physical age of a person's heart and thus is a good indication to find out the damage caused to the heart by unhealthy lifestyle choices." 

"The test provides us a scale to measure the amount of change which will need to be incorporated in a person's diet and lifestyle to ensure further damage is prevented," she added. 

"Several clinical dieticians from the hospitals and public healthcare clinics are involved in this seminar and workshop and the focus is to promote a suitable diet plan for patients with heart disease," said Samya Al Sayegh, head of development and follow up section in the clinical nutrition department at the DHA. 

"A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre will help reduce cholesterol levels," she added. 

The DHA's heart wellness programme, in cooperation with Al Ghurair Foods, highlighted a healthy and active lifestyle for the whole family. The clinical nutrition department at Rashid Hospital conducted all these tests for individuals at the workshop and conducted a test to check the age of an individual's heart. 

"On [Tuesday], visitors have the opportunity to get their body mass index, blood sugar and blood pressure tested by trained medical experts. Dieticians will also explain the food pyramid to visitors so that they can play their diet keeping in mind the required calorie count and nutrition," she explained. 

"[Moreover, an] in-depth workshop will be conducted on topics ranging from ways to examine the age of our heart, learning the importance of physical activity and how we can lose calories, learning about common food myths and facts, being aware about the benefits of Omega-3, the role of dietary fiber and most importantly, the ideal way of healthy cooking," elaborated Djamal Djouhri, CEO of Al Ghurair Foods. 

According to him, a healthier lifestyle for everyone should be the top most priority in the community.

(Pic: Supplied)