Dubai: The third annual Family Health Festival endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and sponsored by AstraZeneca, officially began yesterday to bring the latest health information to visitors.
The event was inaugurated by Dr Hanif Hassan, UAE Minister of Health, and attended by Ebrahim Saleh, Festivals Coordinator General and Deputy CEO of Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment.
This year's primary focus of the festival is based on AstraZeneca's Safe at Heart Initiative, which aims to raise awareness about the growing burden and prevention of cardiovascular disease in the region.
For the third consecutive year, Safe at Heart is visiting an array of venues including malls, select DSF locations and corporate houses to make the public understand, address and prevent common health conditions.
Specific activities will highlight cholesterol awareness through preventive screenings and education.
"DSF has always been sensitive about generating awareness effectively on several health issues. We have partnered with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in the past to deliver such information through very innovative channels.
"An event of this nature is perfectly suited for the people as they are relaxed and in a mood to absorb. DSF is an ideal platform to bring such issues to their notice in a fun manner that could affect their lives. We are proud to be associated with the third edition of this very unique concept," said Saleh.
Sound advice
The Safe at Heart Initiative, which is also endorsed by the Emirates Cardiac Society, brings seminars and counselling with health care professionals on how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Changing into a healthier lifestyle is the first step before resorting to medication. Once high cholesterol levels are medically treated, it is important to monitor values to ensure they are maintained at a safe level. European research has shown that 50 per cent of patients on cholesterol lowering medication are not adequately controlled.
Results from the Gulf-wide Cepheus study, to be revealed later this year, will provide local data on the status of cholesterol control.
"Awareness is the key to managing and controlling any disease effectively. It is perhaps more relevant in heart conditions as their onset is largely preventable.
"Our region is particularly affected due to disproportionately high rates of obesity and diabetes. A multi-disciplinary approach, involving all levels of the community, is required to combat the rise of cardiac conditions in the face of this dangerous combination. Events such as these are very powerful tools, they allow us to generate awareness about heart health and screening for its increased levels amongst visitors," said Tarek Rabah, President of AstraZeneca Gulf.
