Crack down on illegal pesticide outlets in Dubai

By PMA RASHEED 

23 Nov 2010, The Gulf Today

About 110 litres of prohibited pesticides have been seized in Dubai, in addition to heavy fines being imposed on 119 erring pesticide warehouses and agricultural establishments for non-compliance with civil specifications.

Several vehicles were also booked for selling date palm plants without permission from the authorities, according to Dubai Municipality (DM), which carried out a massive inspection campaign jointly with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
Officers at DM's public parks and horticulture department have confiscated the unlicensed pesticides and destroyed them at the disposal site for hazardous waste at Jebel Ali.
A fine of Dhs6,000 has been issued to owners of the establishments for running warehouses without a valid permit from the municipality, said a DM spokesperson.
"The 'illegal' warehouses, with low-quality pesticides and imitation fertilizers were refilled in plastic containers, and were mainly found in Karama area as the inspection covered a total of 642 such establishments including flower stalls, nurseries, fertilizer plants and horticultural pesticide traders," he added.
According to him, the warehouses in Karama area were caught for filling agricultural pesticides and liquid fertilizers from the original containers to other plastic containers of different sizes.
"Ten pesticides (Vindona) in one litre containers; 71 insecticides (Mouseblan) in packets of 100 gms; 93 refilled pesticide containers with no labels to indicate capacity of the packages; an eight litre of target cockroach gel; and three rolls, each one with 620 empty plastic containers with a total of 1,860 containers were included in the seizure," elaborated a DM statement.
It added, "The unlicensed street vendors were found random-selling date palm plants, taken from unknown sources, in residential areas such as Oud Al Muteena, Al Khawaneej, Al Mizhar, Al Aweer, Al Hibab, Al Warqa and Al Barsha. About 76 palm trees were offered for the illegal sale."
"Nine vehicles, used for sale of the date palm plants in these areas, were also seized by the inspectors. The owners were warned for unlicensed horticultural activities in addition to fines imposed by the DED."
The offenders were trapped in a drive to prevent the spread of horticultural pests in the emirate, while stopping practices of bogus establishments in offering pest protection to consumers.
The Municipality has urged the public not to deal with illegal pesticide traders, in view of the hazardous impact of inferior types of palms that help spread of agricultural pests, especially red palm weevils.
"The farmers should only rely on palm pants traded by specialised and licensed companies," said municipality.

(Photo used for illustrative purpose only)

Indians ‘cyber-socialise’ to connect with family back home

By PMA RASHEED 

17 Nov 2010, The Gulf Today

EID Al Adha turned out to be an auspicious occasion for many Indian expatriates living in the UAE to meet, greet and improve their relationship with their near and dear ones scattered across the country.
Happy holidaymakers were seen taking group photographs using small cameras and mobile devices after offering special Eid prayers early morning.
Several people were busy making friendly visits to places of their dear ones, while many expatriates were seen attached to their cell-phones making a round of calls to their kin back home and vice versa. Eid falls on Wednesday in India.
A lot of expatriate bachelors and the younger generation were hooked on to their laptops or PCs chatting with their friends.
Cyber-geeks were bombarding social networking sites with Eid messages and details with pictures about their outdoor activities and line-up of celebrations during the day.
The others simply sent out bulk Eid texts or colourful graphic cards to friends and all those who were in the mailing-list. Smart-phone users were also found flying high with multi-communication functions on their devices.
“Cyber socialising or chatting has become immensely popular due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness. Many people have converted from their traditional communication modes to the cyber socialising tools,” observed Nisar Sayed, an Indian media personality and managing director of Asia Vision Advertising agency in Dubai.
“But, the latest communication modes and options on social networking sites lack the spirit of intimacy and power of verbal communication or joy of a face-to-face greeting,” he pointed out.
“I always prefer to wish Eid greetings on the phone and pay visit to my relatives and friends’ homes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Yasmeen Ul Mulk, a tele-imaging expert and managing partner of the Global Hawk Tele Medicine Services, said, “The greetings on the Eid day cannot be limited to the traditional methods of communication, as many people are unable to follow that due to their busy schedules even on holidays.”
“The warmth of maintaining your friendship can be attained through the cyber world too, if you sincerely make your efforts to catch them up online in the middle of your work,” she opined.
“I managed to say hello and share Eid feelings through my emails, chatting and posting messages on Facebook and Twitter, even though I was busy with my project to be completed soon,” added Dr Yasmeen.
According to Salahudheen Vazhakkad, an insurance network professional who constantly travels across the Gulf countries, a synthesis of modern and traditional methods is the better solution when it comes to Eid greeting of the expatriates in this part of the world.
“It’s obvious that many people will be unable to have face-to-face or verbal greetings. I used to ring up a list of close people, send out texts or emails to those in my professional circle and post Eid greetings online for buddies on my social networking circle,” he concluded.

It may not rain on Eid day, dusty wind expected

By PMA RASHEED

16 Nov 2010, The  Gulf Today

SHARJAH: Eid day could be cloudy and cool, but rain or thunderstorm is unlikely, officials at Dubai Meteorology office said on Monday.
A spell of modest to heavy rain, coupled with thunderstorms and hailstorm, lashed different parts of the UAE on the eve of the Eid Al Adha. 
Tuesday will have “slight to moderate” winds that could also raise dust and affecting visibility, the weather office says. 
The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) warned public to be extremely vigilant while engaging in outdoor activities, which involves risks owing to unstable weather conditions.
“Hazardous weather patterns of exceptional severity are forecast. The public should keep abreast of the weather situation and comply with safety measures.” Sharjah received 4 mm water as the rain lasted for about two hours in the afternoon on Monday. Hailstorm was also reported in some parts of the emirate.

Showers across UAE on eve of Eid

BY PMA RASHEED 

16 Nov 2010, The Gulf Today

A spell of heavy and modest rain, coupled with thunderstorms and hailstorms, lashed different parts of the UAE on the eve of the Eid Al Adha.

Meteorology sources revealed that 4mm of water fell in the emirate of Sharjah as the rains lasted for about two hours in the afternoon on Monday.

Numerous motorists complained about Sharjah’s traffic situation saying that they were stuck in jams for hours as water clogged many parts of the city.

Retail traders in Rolla and other commercial areas of the emirate also faced disruptions in business due to the sudden climatic change and downpour.

A duty forecaster at Dubai Meteorology office told The Gulf Today that further chances of rain or thunderstorm are unlikely for Eid day.

However, the skies over the mountains will be blanketed by towering clouds with a decrease in temperatures on Tuesday afternoon.

“Slight to moderate winds have also been predicted, which may cause dust or sand blowing over some open-land areas sometimes, thereby reducing horizontal visibility at times. But the sea will be moderate in general, becoming rough at times,” he added.

The weather officer elaborated, “The thunderstorm witnessed in and around the Sharjah Airport and the surrounding areas originated from the mountainous region of the emirate. A hailstorm was also reported in some parts of the emirate during the rain.”

“The downpour continued in border areas of the UAE since morning itself, especially in the areas of Al Ain closer to Oman,” he indicated.

The National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology (NCMS) warned the public to be extremely vigilant while engaging in outdoor activities, which involves risks owing to unstable weather conditions.

“Hazardous weather patterns of exceptional severity are forecast. The public should keep abreast of the weather situation and comply with safety measures.”

“The rain witnessed in parts of Ajman on Monday was heavy and badly affected brisk businesses for the Eid at the central vegetable and meat market of the emirate,” said Saidul Abideen, a foodstuff retailer in the market.

But Qadeer Siddiqui of Salt and Pepper Restaurant in Sharjah said that the impact of the rain for over two hours time had a good result for them. “An unusual rush of customers, who sought shelter at our restaurant, increased the business during the rain.”

According to Shafeek Sha, Eid celebrations could have been badly affected had the rain continued for more than two hours. “Most areas of the city were already clogged in water leaving me worried.”

“Smooth movement of vehicles was affected by the downpour and motorists were forced to face bumper-to-bumper traffic situation for a long time, even though the rain didn’t last long,” he observed.

Rameez R said, “I would have headed out driving for the thrill in the rain, but then again, Sharjah roads fail! I need to get my hands on the four-wheel drive.”

Industrial Engineer Mustafa Yusuf, called it on Twitter, “sweet rain in Sharjah. Although the weather was lovely, the wind was stronger.”

Mariam Ali also tweeted on the heavy rain, lightening and thunder she witnessed on the Sharjah airport road.

Fathima Molly said she woke up to sound of rain for the first time after her family shifted to Sharjah. “The drizzle was amazing over the Buhaira Corniche for me and my kids, husband and sister.”

Another cyber geek responded to the rain as being a respite for the emirate, after two major fire incidents.

(Pic by Prashanth Mukunthan) 

Beach-goers asked to follow safety standards during Eid

By PMA  RASHEED 

15 Nov 2010, The Gulf Today

THE civic body in Dubai has alerted beach-goers during the Eid Al Adha days to adhere to safety measures so as to avoid disasters while celebrating the occasion.

This is in view of the significant increase in the number of visitors to the city’s open beaches, especially during the weekends, since the beginning of winter in November.

The authorities are equipped to ensure protection of the heavy turn out of beach-goers, especially those who come for swimming and relaxation, during the Eid holidays.

The Dubai Municipality (DM) on Sunday has called upon swimming enthusiasts to avoid swimming after sunset or in unstable weather conditions.

Alya AbdulRahim Al Harmoudi, head of the Coastal Zone and Waterways Management Section at the DM, advised swimmers to stay away from dipping near the breaking waves or rock barriers due to the strong currents near these areas in the season.

“All beach-goers should properly plan their trips, checking out the status of the sea or weather forecasts,” she said.

She suggested the public check the DM’s coastal zone monitoring web portal www.dubaicoast.ae, which displays real-time data on the status of the sea and meteorology, as well as aerial snapshots that show the developments in public beaches.

Al Harmoudi asked families and youth groups to abide by the conditions for swimming only in designated areas and to not go out further.

“In many of the open beaches, areas for swimming have been identified through floating buoys and ropes,” she noted.

“The visitors should also preserve the coastal environment and not leave garbage and leftovers of food on the beaches. DM has provided waste containers at all public beaches,” she added.

The Municipality recently set up about 50 new safety information signboards at different beach sites across the emirate, in order to enhance the procedures to better safeguard the lives of thousands of holidaymakers.

According to Al Harmoudi, the signboards educate beach-visitors of different nationalities and of different age groups about the methods of using the public beach and the safety measures to be taken.

“The umbrella-shaped signboards, designed to match with the coastal environment, have been put up in popular beaches including Al Mamzar Creek, Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh and Dubai Marina,” she elaborated.

She pointed out, “The instructions clearly mention banned practices such as barbecuing, smoking shisha, lighting fires, overnight camping and taking animals to beaches.”

“This is to protect the coastal environment from pollution and to not disturb people who visit the beach with the aim of recreation or peace of mind,” she added.

(Pic by Nisham Manaf)

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)  

Nearly 409,500 diabetics in UAE suffer from nerve pain

By PMA RASHEED

12 Nov 2010, The Gulf Today 

About 26 per cent of diabetics in the UAE suffer from the risk of nerve pain making it a leading and costly healthcare problem for the UAE, warn pain management experts ahead of World Diabetes Day, which falls on Nov.14.

According to them, diabetic nerve pain is a major challenge for the UAE with around a quarter of diabetics at risk of the complication. This number rises to 50 per cent for those who have had diabetes for more than 10 years.

Dr Mohamed Saada, consultant neurologist at Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi, said that the condition, a painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, affects more than 400,000 people having type-2 diabetes in the UAE, although research reveals that not all patients report their symptoms.

“Diabetes is reported to affect up to one fifth of the UAE’s adult population, which was estimated to have hit 8.19 million in May 2010. This means that right now around 1.6 million people in the UAE suffer from diabetes,” he added.

“Approximately 409,500 of these diabetic patients could be suffering from nerve pain and needing treatment,” noted Dr Saada.

According to him, the complication occurs due to damage to the nerves as a result of raised and uncontrolled blood glucose levels seen in diabetics.

“It presents as either a burning pain, numbness or tingling in one or more of the limbs. The pain can be very severe with some patients not even able to tolerate the weight of their bed sheets on their thighs,” he said.

“The pain associated with the diabetic neuropathy varies in severity depending on the type of nerve damage caused. The pain can be localised to the feet or can spread up the legs to the knees and to the waist and trunk. It can involve one limb or all four limbs and sometimes there can be facial or back pain,” he elaborated.

“However,” Dr Saada pointed out, “despite suffering severe pain, many patients fail to seek medical help due to cultural conventions that frown on voicing concerns over pain. As a result, only around 10 per cent of patients with painful diabetic neuropathy seek medical help.”

Dr Ammar El Salti, Consultant anaesthetist and pain management expert at the ZayedMilitary Hospital in Abu Dhabi said, “The local population fails to come forward for treatment due to social constraints, even when diabetic nerve pain is having a detrimental effect on their quality of life.”

“Chronic pain causes physical disabilities, as well as sleep disturbances, insomnia and mood disturbances, eventually plunging into anxiety and depression damaging the quality of life,” he warned.

According to him, pain-sufferers also have to take time off work which costs the country’s economy millions of dollars.