(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The way we live impacts our health as individuals and as a society. And the UAE pays great importance to the health of all its residents. Each month, health authorities launch several campaigns to remind residents to put their health at the very top of their priority lists. These reminders have made a significant impact on creating awareness on common lifestyle diseases and how to manage them.
Following the success of Khaleej Times' first 'KT For Good' campaign that focused on road safety issues, this month, we will tell you how to avoid or manage four common lifestyle diseases: Diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cardiac issues. In the course of two weeks, we will get experts to answer questions related to these diseases. The experts will also list out tips on avoiding or managing the disease, treatment options, best medications and diet plans and exercises. We will also feature interviews with people who are battling the diseases.
So, why are we spotlighting these four conditions? Over the years, health authorities and surveys have shown that by controlling these lifestyle conditions, we can drastically reduce the risk of serious diseases such as cancers. Additionally, each of these four disorders are intrinsically linked.
Diabetes: An epidemic
Figures from the International Diabetes Federation revealed that in 2017, 17.3 per cent of the UAE population between the ages of 20 and 79 have type 2 diabetes.
There are over one million people living with diabetes in the UAE, placing the country 15th worldwide for age-adjusted comparative prevalence. It is important to note that diabetes is a regional affliction with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, which feature in the top 20 countries in terms of prevalence worldwide.
Trends also indicate that the prevalence of diabetes in the UAE is rising at a faster rate than both the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and the rest of the world. Rapid economic growth, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets are all risk factors. However, efforts by the health authorities showed results and the prevalence of diabetes dropped to 11.8 per cent of the total population in 2017, from an alarming 19.3 per cent in 2013.
Obesity: A weighty issue
Diabetes is directly linked to obesity and the number of obese people in the UAE is also a matter of concern. Studies show that 47.5 per cent of UAE residents are overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) of between 25 and 30, while another 13 per cent are obese, with a BMI of over 30. Since the average BMI in the UAE is 25.6, the average UAE resident is considered overweight. Obesity does not end in adults.
Forty per cent of 11- to 16-year-olds and 20 per cent of children under the age of 11 in the UAE are obese. Rates of obesity are higher in expatriates than Emiratis.
Hypertension: A silent killer
Obesity also leads to hypertension or blood pressure, which is also termed as a 'silent killer'. Alarming stats show that more and more young people fall prey to hypertension. Also, every hour, one person suffers from stroke in the UAE due to hypertension. Stats show that in Dubai alone, almost 30 per cent of residents are hypertensive. However, alarmingly, 44 per cent of people quizzed for a survey recently did not think that the condition was fatal.
Heart diseases: The Biggest killer
All the above-mentioned conditions, in the end, impact the heart. Heart disease in the UAE is the biggest killer. According to statistics, in Abu Dhabi, cardiovascular disease accounted for 35 per cent (1,105) of all deaths in the emirate in 2015, and in Dubai it was responsible for 30 per cent of deaths. This is in line with the global average of 31 per cent of deaths, which makes it the number one cause of death globally. Another study showed that almost 12 per cent of Emiratis in the UAE suffer from cardiac problems brought on by obesity, an inactive lifestyle and smoking, among other risk factors.
Simple steps towards a healthy life
Other than hereditary factors, many conditions are brought on by poor lifestyles. Experts opine that by tweaking our lifestyles and adopting a few simple measures, we can improve the quality of our health and increase longevity.
> Stop smoking: Quitting smoking can re-wire your brain and help break the cycle of addiction. Smoking is the leading cause of heart attacks and heart disease. Quitting can lower your blood pressure and heart rate almost immediately. Your risk of a heart attack declines within 24 hours.
> Weight loss: If you are overweight, take steps to lose weight by diet control and regular exercise. Losing weight means you've reduced the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and a whole lot more.
> Exercise: Commit yourself to a brisk walk of 30-60 minutes, 4-6 times a week and you are good to go.
> Healthy diet: Increase fruits and vegetables and high-fibre intake, including cereals. Avoid trans-fatty acids and saturated fats; limit intake of red and processed meats; and get enough omega-3 fatty acids (from fish, fish oil supplements).
> Hypertension control: If you are hypertensive, it should be controlled adequately. Restrict salt in your diet.
> Diabetes: If you are diabetic, strict control of blood sugar is essential. If you are non-diabetic and have risk factors to develop diabetes and/or are over the age of 45 years, check your fasting blood sugar.
> Check your blood cholesterol: Consult your doctor if it is abnormal.
> Avoid stress: Socialise, be cheerful.
> Risk of heart disease: If you are at risk of developing heart diseases, opt for regular heart check-ups.
Asma Ali Zain Associated with KT for 15 years. Covers health issues, Pakistan community, human interest stories as well as general topics for daily news or features.
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