Don't take the easy way
I am so sad to hear this (‘Woman dies after weight-loss surgery', Gulf News, January 28). Gastric bypass surgery is very common these days and a lot of people do it. But like any surgery, there are risks involved and hospitals always make you sign papers that tell you that if you die, they are not responsible. I used to weigh 150 kilograms, and after two years, I am now 125kg. I am still working on it, but I'm getting there. I was offered surgery many times, but thankfully I stayed strong and refused. It is not easy and you suffer a lot, but in the long run, it pays off.
From Mr James
Dubai
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No shortcuts
I do not understand why people look into shortcut measures to lose weight. Brisk walking and cardiovascular exercises are the best way to lose weight. I offer my condolences to the family.
From Mr Abdul |
Sharjah
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Selfless act
Hats off to you, brother (‘Ultimate test of Bin Thaneya's determination', Gulf News, January 28). Most youngsters today are obsessed with themselves, but you decided to do something for those in the community who need help, sympathy and understanding. We are proud of you.
From Mr Shahid
Dubai
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Not without a prescription
This is such tragic news (‘Girl in coma after pesticide used on hair', Gulf News, January 28). People need to be careful when it comes to their children. Whichever medicine you use, please do not apply it without a prescription.
From Ms Sophy
Sharjah
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Consequences
It is surprising that despite being a chemistry teacher, the child's mother hadn't thought about the consequences of using these chemicals.
From Ms Reem Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
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Give way to ambulances
It's a pathetic situation when cars try to bump into each other when an ambulance sounds its siren. There is a special way created for motorcycle drivers. Similarly, there should be a separate lane for ambulances or special sensors installed to detect a siren that gives a green signal right before an ambulance reaches a traffic junction. It is heart-wrenching when the driver cannot find a way to reach the hospital when someone is in danger. Every time an ambulance arrives, the first priority should be to give way to the vehicle — there should be no red signals for them. Life is a gift, retain it.
From Ms Aisha S.
UAE

 

Short and simple
We are willing to apply and pay for the fees in issuing the card, but the process should be realistic and fast (‘Instant processing of ID cards for first-time applicants planned', Gulf News, January 25). I don't think it is necessary to spend four hours to apply for and issue a card. I like the initiative to make the issuance on the spot.
From Mr Naldro
Dubai
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The only way out
I think that a compromise political solution is the only way out for Syria, but it has to spell out what sort of reforms are required (‘Syria merits a political solution', Gulf News, January 26). However, any government pushing for such reforms would look hypocritical if it did not lead by example and implement the same at home.
From Mr Ahmad Mousa
Sydney, Australia
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Atrocity
So if Ajmal Kasab, the man involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, also pleads guilty, then should he also be given only three months and let go (‘Marine's plea deal for Haditha massacre sparks outrage', Gulf News, January 25)? Crimes against humanity should not be dependent on whether it was done in civilian clothes or in uniform. If he felt so guilty, then he should have confessed without any deal — that would show repentance. There are many young men in Guantanamo Bay who are sometimes made to admit to crimes they haven't committed and they don't get punishments as lenient as this. Atrocities of any nature on any race should never be tolerated and should be punishable by law.
From Ms Mahnaaz Shaikh
Dubai
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Making a difference
I think the public should be made aware if there is a shortage of blood in hospitals. Telecommunication companies send so many text messages for different offers, so I am sure that if the hospitals work with them, they could send such requests. These are life-saving matters and I am sure we can all make a difference.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Editor's Note: If you would like to share your views or write to the newspaper, log on to www.gulfnews.com or email us at readers@gulfnews.com