Abu Dhabi: Keeping one's teeth clean to prevent dental problems and bad breath are just a few tips that health professionals plan to discuss with the community, during Ramadan under the second annual campaign titled ‘Healthy Living During Ramadan 2010'.
Members of the public are offered free medical check-ups and educational guidelines about healthy lifestyle habits via booths located in various shopping centres, namely: Abu Dhabi Mall, Marina Mall, Al Raha Mall, Al Ain Mall, Bawadi Mall, as well as various health centres in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.
Some of the health topics covered by the Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) initiative, an Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha) facility, includes blood pressure, diabetes, oral hygiene, skin care, and the harmful effects of smoking.
"AHS have organised events on health education and nutrition to promote health awareness among citizens and residents, especially during Ramadan. In addition, it provides a number of free health check-ups, and distributes booklets and brochure guides. These events are part of our commitment to provide high quality health care services as a response to the needs of the individual and society," said Dr John Evangelista, Director of AHS.
Guidance
A group of AHS specialists will offer members of the public visiting the booths, tips and guidance on healthy food and physical fitness during Ramadan.
"A lack of oral hygiene for instance can affect different organs of the body. If a person loses their teeth, their digestion is affected. Also if someone develops a tooth infection, they stand a risk of developing heart disease. For that reason we are distributing free toothbrushes during a question and answer programme that discusses healthy lifestyle habits," Dr Sa'ad Awale, Special Projects Manager at AHS told Gulf News.
With approximately 3,000 visitors during the campaign's first week, and expectations of more, the AHS is stressing physical education and the importance of eating healthily, whether during or after Ramadan.
"In general, people should have five fruit servings and at least one and a half litres of fluids a day, and should not refrain from exercise because it's Ramadan. The best exercise is brisk walking three times a week after Iftar, for as long as they can, until a person can gradually increase their walking time," said Dr Awale.
Diabetic patients who decide to fast or exercise during Ramadan, advised Dr Awale, must consult a physician first.
"Diabetics must adjust their lifestyle habits during Ramadan, and this requires consulting a doctor, especially for those taking insulin."
Venues: Check the Malls
- Ambulatory Healthcare Services will be providing its services through the Campaign's booth in shopping malls during the week throughout Ramadan from 8.30pm until midnight.
- The Healthy Living During Ramadan 2010 campaign offers free health check-ups from August 11 to September 9 in Abu Dhabi Mall, Marina Mall, Al Raha Mall, Al Ain Mall, Bawadi Mall as well as in the various health centres in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.
