Children’s National Medical Centre give tips on healthy lifestyle during Ramadan

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Doctors at the Children's National Medical Centre, home to the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Paediatric Surgical Innovation on the Sheikh Zayed Campus for Advanced Paediatric Medicine in Washington, D.C., are promoting drinking plenty of water and eating fruits instead of traditional sweets for a healthy lifestyle during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Noura Al Dhaheri, MD, and Children s National s first Emirati Paediatric resident, in her tips for Ramadan says, "Ensure you drink a glass of water every 2 hours from Iftar time until Suhoor. Staying hydrated means drinking between 2 to 2.5 litres of water a day. Muslims will be fasting during the heat of the summer months, making it important to hydrate during the short window between Iftar and Suhoor. It is better to substitute traditional sweets with fruits and ensure you have salad as part of your daily Iftar meal," she said.
"After a long day of fasting, we need to replenish and nourish our bodies with nutrients. By simply prioritising fruits and vegetables at Iftar, you will make a world of difference to your body s nourishment," she added.
Meanwhile, Faisal Qureshi, MD, General and Thoracic Surgery at Children s National, recommended moderation and gentle activity during Ramadan, saying, "At Iftar, only fill half your plate. Eat, then pray, and if you're still hungry, have another half plate. We can often overeat at Iftar time due to our hunger throughout the day but we need to be careful in how much and how quickly we consume food after fasting. Take a 20-30 minute walk prior to night prayers and engage in at least one sporting activity.
"It is important that we get exercise and maintain our normal routines during Ramadan. Exercise after Iftar and before night prayers will keep your metabolism healthy and active. "Have a protein dominant diet in the morning prior to the beginning of fasting," he said.