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19 March 2024

Workers' heart health in the spotlight

Spot heart checks are being conducted across the city all week (FILE)

Published
By Staff

City health authorities will reach out to labourers in the UAE as part of a campaign for World Heart Day 2010.

World Heart Day 2010 falls on Sunday, September 26, and several Dubai hospitals are rolling out awareness initiatives to reach out to the public.

“Heart disease and stroke claim over 1.7 million lives every year and globally heart disease is a leading cause of mortality. Eighty per cent of premature deaths are preventable if people follow a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoid tobacco,” said Dr Ahmed Ibrahim Kalban, CEO of Primary Healthcare at the Dubai Health Authority, which has spearheaded the campaign.

“Therefore, awareness campaigns to reach out to the public are imperative; especially to tackle lifestyle related diseases. Such campaigns are a platform for us to encourage people to modify their dietary and exercise patters so that they are less susceptible to heart diseases,” Dr Kalban added.

Keeping this year’s theme in mind, ‘workplace wellness,’ cardiologists will also highlight the benefits of healthy eating habits in a work environment.

Dr Nooshin Bazargani, Cardiologist at the Dubai Hospital said, “This year’s theme is very important because almost half of those who die from chronic disease, including heart disease and stroke, are in the most productive period of their lives, between 15 and 69 years of age. Since this age profile spends a considerable amount of time at work, it is essential to teach people to inculcate healthy eating habits at work to minimize a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.”

She quoted a recent study that found men who work for long hours and have low physical activity are at an increased risk of mortality from heart disease. “Therefore it is necessary that men, especially those who have stressful jobs involving long working hours, to remain physically fit and consume a healthy diet.”

Employer benefits

Dr Khalifa Omar Muhammed, Cardiologist at Rashid Hospital said, “It is in the interest of employers to encourage a healthy workplace environment because it means an increase in productivity, lower medical cost for employers and employees as well as a decrease in loss of working hours.”

Dr Nooshin mentioned ways in which employees can develop positive working habits in a work place environment. She said, “People should try and incorporate some form of physical activity during work, they can use the stairs instead of the lift and in terms of diet they should find healthy options in the cafeteria and eat more of fruits and salads rather than fast foods and greasy food which is readily available nowadays.”

Dr Muhammed mentioned that heart disease is preventable provided people follow a healthy lifestyle and avoid tobacco use. “Smokers are at a high risk of heart attacks and therefore if a person quits smoking, their risk of heart disease will be halved within a year.”

He mentioned that cardiologists will be present during all awareness campaigns to provide consultation and advice people on how to follow a lifestyle that is heart-friendly.

At the awareness booth, the DHA will conduct free blood pressure, BMI and cholesterol check-ups.

Dubai Hospital kick started a three-day campaign in partnership with the Majid Al Futtaim group at Deira City Centre on Saturday, in an attempt to educate people about the importance of regular check-ups.

The Rashid Hospital campaign in partnership with the DHA primary health care centre team will begin on Sunday at the DHA headquarters. Campaigns will be held over the week at DEWA, Rashid Hospital Trauma Centre, PHC centres such as Al Twar and Al Khawneej.

The campaign ends at the Sonapur labour camp on September 30, where labourers will be given lectures and information on how to maintain a healthy heart.