Dubai: Dubai Health Authority on Thursday launched its World Heart Day campaign to educate people about the importance of lifestyle changes to avoid developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of DHA, inaugurated the campaign at the authority’s headquarters.
The campaign is in line with the World Heart Federation’s global campaign to mark World Heart Day 2016.
Al Qatami said: “Preventive health care is an important aspect of the Dubai Health Strategy 2016-2021 and such campaigns help educate the community on how to lead a healthy lifestyle and prevent the onset of disease.”
As part of this campaign, DHA cardiologists and specialists will conduct free tests for blood sugar, blood pressure, BMI, full lipid profile and HBAIC (three-month average blood sugar test). After the results of the tests are obtained, DHA physicians will provide free consultation for visitors.
The campaign will take place across different venues in Dubai, including hospitals and labour camps, to reach out to the community.
Dr Fahad Baslaib, head of the Cardiology Department at Rashid Hospital, said: “A majority of the cases of CVDs can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle and avoiding tobacco. The UAE has a high prevalence of diabetes, obesity and hypertension — all factors that can trigger heart attacks. Given these facts, it becomes vital for people to take control of their health because poor lifestyle choices are one of the main reasons for CVDs.”
The DHA will carry out free comprehensive screenings to mark World Heart Day 2016. On October 3, the screening campaign will take place at Rashid Hospital. On October 6, it will take place at MBR University, and on October 28 and November 4, it will take place at Dulsco Worker’s Accommodation, followed by Mirdif City Centre on November 14.
More information is available through the DHA helpline number, 800342.
