Letters: November 20, 2011

Controlling diabetes

My father is diabetic (“Thousands go for free health checks in UAE”, Gulf News, November 15). He was not even aware of the fact that he had it until his condition deteriorated over the years. Most people in this part of the world are very casual when it comes to their health. Consequently, we realise that we are sick only when the condition worsens. However, people suffering from diabetes should make it a point to have check-ups on a monthly basis or once every two months to monitor their condition. Apart from this, most patients think that because they are on continuous medication, they can get away with eating anything and everything they desire. This is wrong. Medicines alone cannot help curb this disease — it requires a positive attitude and a lot of precaution with a great deal of exercise, or at least brisk walking on a daily basis.

From Ms Fatima Suhail
Dubai

Preventive steps

A campaign is merely to promote awareness and is meant for people to start thinking about changing their lifestyles to become healthier. But yet, people want to talk about medication being expensive, forgetting that medicines are not even necessary. If we can spare just 30 minutes of our day taking care of our body, engaging in some sport or regular exercise as well as diet control, then we would not need medication. It is high time we stop complaining and start taking interest in these kinds of programmes that are there to help us.

From Ms Preeti
Abu Dhabi

Still expensive

Hospital managements should also know that offering free check-ups will not affect a patient’s pocket. Overpriced medication has to be brought under control.

From Mr Fadi
UAE

Beneficial

Bringing down the prices of medicines would greatly help patients in managing diabetes. I believe that campaigns might just benefit the companies selling the medicines and not patients.

From Mr Mohammad Shakeel Khan
Dubai

Free of nuclear arms

I enjoyed reading Linda Heard’s comment (“Make no mistake, Iran is not Iraq”, Gulf News, November 15). However, there is one way out of this nightmare scenario. Israel should sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and bring all its nuclear activities under the supervision of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) — this is the first step. All countries in the region should then be pressured into relinquishing any nuclear weapons and the entire area should be declared a nuclear weapons-free zone. If Israel were to do this then the entire international community would support it. Until then the reality on the ground remains that Israel is the only undeclared nuclear power in the region, and this has led to genuine fears of security.

From Mr Kaif
London, United Kingdom

Not the same

Well said — Iran is not Iraq. Also, Pakistan is not Afghanistan, so please keep that in mind.
From Mr S. Adeel
Lahore, Pakistan

Better conditions

This is a good move by both Pakistan former foreign minister Shah Mahmoud Quraishi and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) (“Imran Khan’s party ready to welcome Quraishi”, Gulf News, November 16). Let us hope that politicians joining hands to improve the country’s condition will turn out for the better.

From A Reader
Dubai

Improving quality of life

It is a very good gesture from the authorities in the UAE to reduce the prices of generic drugs (“Ministry slashes generic drug prices”, Gulf News, November 14). Ithelps patients with chronic health problems who are dependent on these drugs. This clearly shows that the authorities are concerned about the people’s problems and concerns. Every little concession and discount matters.

From Mr R. Farooq Al Rahman
Dubai