Free health checkups for residents

The RAK Hospital’s Diabetes Centre, Jumeirah, is offering free health checks for residents during Ramadan. The centre is providing residents free guidance on health matters related to diabetes, cardiac and eye health, diet, nutrition and wellness said a spokesperson for the centre.
The health checks, scheduled from 10am-3pm every day are extremely helpful for people wanting to monitor their health mid way through the fasting regimen. The programme includes free checks such as ECG, random blood sugar test, BMI, eye check-up, and complimentary cardiologist and ophthalmologist consultation said Dr Raza Siddiqui, the CEO for Arabian Health Care Group and Executive Director of the RAK Hospital.
He cautioned: “With Ramadan crossing the half way mark, the long hours of fasting is beginning to take its toll, particularly during hot summer days. If we are not careful of proper food intake during suhur and iftar, there is a risk of low blood pressure and blood sugar resulting in weakness. People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiac issues have to be more careful, and through this camp, our aim is to guide people on planned diets and specific lifestyle guidelines.”
Dr Mukesh Nathani, Specialist Cardiologist at RAK Diabetes Centre, Jumeirah, added: “People also tend to consume more unhealthy food during Ramadan, and combined with the ‘all you can eat’ deals, this can be quite detrimental to cardiac health. As a resul, we see patients suffering from acidity, indigestion, ulcers, sleep deprivation and a feeling of lethargy. This is where camps such as these send out alarm signals in time, and help convert many people to a healthier lifestyle.”
The free health check will particularly be beneficial for diabetics since loss of vision, or diabetic retinopathy, is one of the most common fallouts of the disease. People working long hours on computers can also avail the opportunity to test their vision.
Dr Mohit Jain, specialist opthalmologist at the centre pointed out : “Excessive screen time has an adverse effect on our eyesight, but since it’s gradual, we do not realise it until the vision deteriorates noticeably. By availing this complimentary screening for vision, people can actually take proactive measures. We’ve even had cases of patients who have experienced light flashes and floaters, but could not recognise the severity of the problem and eventually needed surgical intervention.Since diabetes is the root cause of a number of health issues, sugar levels in particular need to be observed with a watchful eye. Studies also suggest that diabetic patients have a three-fold greater chance of heart failure than non-diabetics, while the risk of transient ischemic attacks is two to six times higher. The disease also affects other vital organs including nerves, kidney, and feet.
“This necessitates the need for a holistic, 360-degree approach in the management of diabetes which will help diabetics lead a quality Long life and this is what we, at Dubai’s RAK Diabetes Center, aim to provide,” added Dr Siddiqui.
Source : Gulf News