04 Discover the health benefits of a cuppa

06 A highly effective fat- loss exercise routine Your weekly dose of health A GULF NEWS SPONSORED SUPPLEMENT, ISSUE 106 DECEMBER 17, 2018 Life-saving cardiac surgery at Rashid Procedure aired live to delegates at the World

Congress of Shutterstock and Cardiovascular Health Screen regularly KAMAKSHI GUPTA DHA to prevent CVD ashid Hospital cardiologists recently DHA and partners hold free saved the life of a 40-year-old Indian expatriate who was rushed to hospi- cholesterol screenings to raise R tal after he suffered a heart attack. awareness of heart disease Upon diagnosis, it was found that the patient had an 80 per cent blockage in his main coro- KAMAKSHI GUPTA nary artery as well as an 80 per cent blockage in DHA the side branch of the main artery. The patient was stabilised and interventional ubai Health Authority (DHA), Emir- cardiologists successfully performed angioplasty ates Cardiac Society and the World of the coronary artery to widen the artery and Heart Federation discussed the im- insert stents to open the blockages. D portance of regular health screening The procedure was aired live from Rashid Supplied to protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hospital to participants of the World Congress ●● Cardiologists performed an angioplasty on the 40-year-old patient to remove two blockages CVD is the number one cause of death globally, of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health, which claiming more lives than all cancers and chronic recently took place in . a shorter recovery time than surgery. It is also consuming medication does not allow him to eat lower respiratory diseases combined. More than done to increase blood flow to the heart muscle. sweets and junk food. Similarly, people with hy- 30 million heart attacks and strokes occur every Minimally invasive procedure Stents are placed during angioplasty that help pertension, high cholesterol, etc. need to adhere year. Of those who experience a heart attack or Dr Fahad Baslaib, Interventional Cardiologist maintain blood flow in the arteries. to proper lifestyle modification, which includes stroke, one in three will live to suffer another and CEO of Rashid Hospital, said the procedure An angioplasty is done using a thin, soft tube healthy eating and regular exercise.” episode. was complex as it involved an important side called a catheter. A doctor inserts the catheter Dr Nadim Shah, Interventional Cardiologist at World-renowned experts discussed ways to branch from the main artery, which also had into a blood vessel in the groin or wrist. She then Rashid Hospital, said, “Tobacco and cardiovas- prevent further escalation of heart diseases at an 80 per cent blockage. “Such procedures need carefully guides the catheter through the vessels cular disease is a known link and our statistics the World Congress of Cardiology and Cardio- precision and we incorporated the most scien- until it reaches the blocked portion of the coro- over the years have shown that one in two peo- vascular Health, which recently took place at the tifically proven method to conduct such a com- nary artery. ple who get a cardiac arrest are smokers. Dubai World Trade Centre. plex angioplasty procedure. In effect, we treated “One of the youngest patients I treated was “The difference between our region and other two blockages simultaneously. The other option Focus on lifestyle changes a 25-year-old who suffered from a heart attack. places in the world in terms of heart disease is in such cases is an open-heart surgery but the “We perform approximately 1,000 angioplas- Further investigation revealed that he was a that we have a high incidence of diabetes,” said patient was young and we preferred treating the ties a year at Rashid Hospital,” said Dr Baslaib. smoker.” Dr Fahd Baslaib, Interventional Cardiologist and patient minimally invasively.” “Our average age group is about 50 years, of He added that research advocates that every- CEO of Rashid Hospital. Participants of the congress viewed the live which 94 per cent are male. Approximately 50 one should exercise regularly for heart health surgery and Dr Baslaib explained the procedure per cent have diabetes, high blood pressure, high even if they do not have any risk factors. In fact, High incidence while performing it. cholesterol and are smokers. Therefore, we con- a new research published in the European Heart “In the Middle East, the average age of heart “Rashid Hospital is a cardiac centre of excel- stantly advocate the importance of managing Journal suggests that even people with no signs attacks is 50-55 years as opposed to 65 years in lence and we are thankful for the opportunity modifiable risk factors to protect against heart of cardiovascular disease should exercise to pre- Western countries. This is a significant differ- the congress presented to us to air this surgery disease. Genetic history is a non-modifiable risk vent a heart attack. ence and advocates the need for urgent lifestyle live so that cardiologists from all over the world factor but diabetes and other lifestyle diseases Cardiorespiratory fitness can be a predictor modification.” can see the latest technique involved in minimal- can be managed through medication and life- of future problems, warn the researchers of the Dr Baslaib added that a high incidence of dia- ly treating blocked coronary arteries,” he said. style modification. study. betes coupled with other lifestyle-related diseas- Coronary arteries carry blood to the heart “The problem we often find is that people “Regular exercise should be treated as preven- es is the main reason for the high prevalence of muscle. Angioplasty is a procedure in which with these diseases often think that consuming tive medicine,” said Dr Baslaib. “Add to that reg- CVDs. “We need to educate our community to a narrowed section of the coronary artery is medications is sufficient to tackle the disease. ular sleep patterns and sensible healthy eating regularly screen themselves so that they can pre- widened. Angioplasty is less invasive and has However, a diabetic needs to understand that patterns.” n SEE OVERLEAF

DHA breaks Guinness World Record for most participants in a bicycle relay Three hundred and seven people took part in the event, which was aimed at raising awareness of the importance of regular exercise

KAMAKSHI GUPTA and in turn raising awareness about exercise is a key component for better DHA the importance of regular exercise,” Dr health. We thank all the participants who Fahd Baslaib, Interventional Cardiologist helped us break the record.” ubai Health Authority (DHA) and CEO of Rashid Hospital, said. “This Norah Al Saja, Marketing Manager at in partnership with Nature Val- initiative is in line with the recently con- Nature Valley, said, “I would like to ex- ley broke the existing Guinness cluded Dubai Fitness Challenge, which press my sincere appreciation to our D World Record for the most was launched for the second consecu- partners at DHA who generously helped participants in a bicycle relay. tive year by His Highness Shaikh Hamdan us make this event a great success. At Three hundred and seven people took Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Nature Valley, we always want to inspire part in the relay, breaking the earlier Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of people to eat well and be active. There- Guinness World Record of 2016 when the Dubai Executive Council. fore, we recently launched our app NV- 302 participants took part in a bicycle “Dubai Fitness Challenge intends to MOVE that encourages people to stay relay in China. The participants cycled make Dubai the most active city in the active and rewards them accordingly. We Supplied for 100 metres at the event, which took world. At DHA, we are keen to continue are committed to such awareness initia- ●● The participants cycled for 100m in the relay organised place last week at City Walk Dubai. raising awareness about the benefits of tives that encourages the community to by DHA in partnership with Nature Valley “We are proud of breaking this record leading a healthy lifestyle and regular lead a healthy lifestyle.” n 2 Health News Monday, December 17, 2018

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Screen regularly Director general inspects to prevent CVD vent heart diseases. There is a close link between hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, tobacco use and heart attacks.” progress of expansion To raise awareness about high LDL-C (also known as bad cholesterol) which is one of the key modifiable risk factors The authority is expanding in line with Dubai’s growing population for CVD, free cholesterol screenings took place on December 6 at the Dubai Foun- tain area. KAMAKSHI GUPTA More than 1,500 people benefited DHA from the free screening. Campaign partners also displayed a eeping pace with the growing pop- LED video on Burj Khalifa, the world’s ulation and the need to enhance tallest building, to highlight the impor- specialised care, Dubai Health tance of early screening in the preven- K Authority (DHA) has undertaken tion of CVD and the link between high major expansion plans in areas of need to cholesterol and CVD. provide high-quality medical services to the The three-minute public awareness population and visitors. video was broadcast in English and Ara- His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, Direc- bic and hundreds of people witnessed tor General of Dubai Health Authority, re- the event. cently inspected the progress of some of the “As part of Amgen’s long-term com- under-construction projects at DHA. mitment to advancing cardiovascular health, we are raising awareness against Al Qusais Primary Health Centre the misperception that high cholesterol The new Al Qusais Centre will add to the is a relatively normal and harmless part network of 14 DHA primary healthcare cen- of ageing,” said Mohammed Nasser, Gen- tres (PHCs) in the emirate. DHA has the eral Manager, Amgen GCC. largest number of internationally accredited “The awareness drive encourages primary healthcare centres. In addition to high-risk patients, such as those who the Al Qusais Centre, which is expected to be have already suffered from heart attack completed by mid-2019, DHA will also com- or stroke, to speak with their doctor to plete construction of two new PHCs — Umm help reduce their LDL-C. We know the Suqeim and Abu Hail — by the end of next prevalence of heart attack and stroke is year. projected to rise. The authority replaced the old centre with “Ongoing monitoring and evaluation the new one to keep pace with population of LDL-C levels help us identify patients growth and provide highly specialised medi- who may need additional treatments to cal care. lower their high cholesterol.” The one-story centre will cater to the med- Professor Abdullah Shehab, Consult- ical needs of the community and provide a ant Cardiologist, Professor of Medicine wide range of health services including child and President of the Emirates Cardiac health, family medicine, chronic disease clin- Society, said, “This campaign offers edu- ics, ENT services and it will have a modern cation for patients and caregivers, par- department. ●● His Excellency Humaid Al Qutami, ticularly those who have already had a Nearly 500,000 residents (both nationals Director General of Dubai Health cardiovascular episode and live in fear and expatriates) visited the primary health Authority, recently inspected the of having another. The campaign aims care centres in 2017 for consultation in fam- expansion sites to encourage a heart-healthy diet, exer- ily medicine alone. Pictures: Nadeem Rashid cise and therapies, especially for those Al Qutami highlighted that primary patients who remain at risk of cardio- healthcare is frontline care and DHA focuses ing high-quality geriatric care to its popula- Snoezelen room that is designed to provide vascular disease due to high levels of on providing a wide range of medical servic- tion and along with high-quality care, the multisensory stimulation for residents and cholesterol.” es at the level of PHCs to ensure easy access aim of this centre is to provide a stimulat- elderly visitors at the centre who are cop- Professor David Wood, Garfield Wes- to care, regular follow-up care and to incul- ing, positive and motivating environment ing with various conditions including poor ton Professor of Cardiovascular Medi- cate the concept of preventive care. and promote interaction with family mem- memory, irritability and agitation as well as cine and President of the World Heart The specialities at the centres include fam- bers and the community through common cognitive impairment. Federation, said, “The World Heart Fed- ily medicine, radiology, childcare, gynaecol- areas such as the majlis. The centre was established in 1993 and eration is pleased to support this public ogy, paediatrics, , nutrition, den- As per 2017 statistics, the percentage of presently it has 24 inpatients and 240 out- awareness initiative in conjunction with tistry, chronic diseases, pre-marital testing, Emiratis above the age of 60 in the UAE is patients. the World Congress of Cardiology and pharmaceutical services and intermediate- 7 per cent. This figure is expected to reach Cardiovascular Health 2018, which re- level urgent cases. 11 per cent in 2032 and 19 per cent in 2050. Long-Term Care Centre cently took place in Dubai and brought PHCs also provide additional services such Life expectancy is also increasing. In the This centre will be located at the Seniors’ together cardiologists to discuss experi- as home care services, community health Nearly 1960s, life expectancy in the UAE was Happiness Centre complex. The 120-bed fa- ences, challenges and solutions to lower- services like anti-smoking clinics and 500,000 53 years; today, according to DHA sta- cility will cater to the needs of long-term care ing risks of heart disease and ultimately they offer a range of screening packages residents tistics, average life expectancy for the patients and will provide them with a posi- saving lives. as part of their preventive outreach and (both nationals and elderly in Dubai is 81 years for women tive environment to promote healing. The “The public awareness initiative will educational health programmes. expatriates) visited the and 78 for men and it is higher com- ground floor will provide diagnostic services empower more patients to play a more Since 2015, two DHA centres — Al Primary Health Care pared to some other Middle Eastern such as laboratory and radiology services. It active role and reduce the risk of anoth- Barsha and Nad Al Hammar — have Centres in 2017 for countries. will also have a pharmacy. er life-altering heart attack or stroke.” been providing round-the-clock servic- family medicine These statistics highlight the impor- The first floor will have 36 specialised clin- Dr Baslaib added, “A significant num- es and offer urgent medical care so that consultation tance of expanding and focusing on ger- ics, including ENT. ber of heart attacks can be prevented by only emergency cases need to be seen in a alone. iatric care as well as healthy ageing and The second floor will have 44 speciality managing and reducing modifiable risk hospital setting. rehabilitation services. clinics, including cardiac, endocrine and gen- factors. Some risk factors such as fam- The expansion project is expected to be eral surgery. ily history cannot be modified, while Seniors’ Happiness Centre completed in 2019. The centre will have a The third floor will have 49 speciality others, like high blood pressure, can be The Seniors’ Happiness Centre is the sole majlis area, a mosque, enhanced space for clinics, including for gynaecology, women’s modified with treatment. The more risk centre for the elderly in the emirate; it pro- specialised clinics and a long-term patient health and dentistry. factors a person has, the greater the like- vides a host of inpatient and outpatient geri- building in its vicinity. Al Qutami says the expansion plan will lihood of developing CVD, unless action atric and rehabilitation services. The centre provides a range of specialized provide highly specialised services to UAE is taken to modify the risk factors.” n Al Qutami says DHA is focused on provid- geriatric services and has facilities such as a residents and visitors alike. n

DHA LAUNCHES SMART BREAST CANCER SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE ON EMERGENCY DHA TO HOLD DUBAI HEALTH FORUM SCREENING PROJECT MEDICINE HELD 2019 IN JANUARY

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will launch a first-of-its-kind The fifth edition of the Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine With the aim of creating a healthier world by incubating ideas smart breast cancer screening project in the Middle East. The Scientific Conference was inaugurated last week by His Excellency and promoting innovation through research, education and Mammography Information System, the smart technology used Humaid Al Qutami, Director General of DHA. The conference pro- interdisciplinary discourse, Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will in the project, integrates all five DHA Radiology Screening Cen- vided specialists with an opportunity to expand their knowledge hold the Dubai Health Forum 2019 from January 21-22. The tres (four Primary Healthcare Sector radiology units and Hatta and skills in emergency medicine and learn about the latest innova- forum, which attracts a host of ministers and high-level poli- Hospital’s Radiology unit) with the DHA Diagnostic Referral tions in the areas of pre-hospital care, trauma, toxicology, disaster cymakers from around the world, will be held under the pa- Centre ( Radiology). The project aims to meet medicine, paediatric emergency, sports medicine, environmental tronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al international standards for breast cancer screening, establish emergencies, emergency nursing and other sub branches. It pro- Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and guidelines and processes to streamline screening, reporting vided hands-on experience throughout the four days. To support Ruler of Dubai. DHA’s goal is to transform Dubai into a leading and referrals, and standardising programme data management research, a committee has been appointed and winning abstracts healthcare destination by building an engaged and connected and quality control. will be published in PubMed-indexed journals. healthcare community.

Pictures: Shutterstock and supplied Monday, December 17, 2018 Health News 3

International Canadian accreditation for smart home care services The authority’s services reduce waiting times and complications for patients

NOOR NAZZAL waiting time, incidences of complication changes to enhance the level of services DHA and guarantee timely availability of services, provided to patients. which is in line with the authority’s goals of She added that the authority was able ubai Health Authority’s achieving a healthier and happier society. to achieve international recognition due (DHA) Primary Health- The DHA ‘s Primary Healthcare Sector to being in constant contact with the care Sector has been received this prominent recognition after a community and taking their suggestions D granted a “Diamond team of specialised experts from the Canadi- into consideration, which enabled the Status” accreditation from the an accreditation programme evaluated the centres to develop services that directly Qmentum International accred- smart homecare initiative and concluded it meet the public’s demands. itation programme for its smart to be an innovative service, in terms of the Dr Taryam revealed earlier that so far homecare services. service’s performance and ease of integra- 1,372 clients benefited from homecare The DHA launched the smart tion, that benefits patients. services. With the introduction of the homecare services earlier this Receiving almost a 100 per cent satisfac- smart technologies, this number is ex- year to provide homebound pa- tion rate for the smart homecare services est state-of-the-art medical equipment and pected to increase by 50 per cent increas- tients with safe, quality and timely qualified the Primary Healthcare Sector to skilled specialists. ing efficiency of the services provided healthcare services and to allow the receive the Diamond status of the accredita- He added while the authority takes pride and reducing the waiting time for getting homecare team to contact doctors tion. in its capabilities that have enabled the a specialist consultation from two weeks via smart applications and devices Commenting on this achieve- authority to utilise smart technolo- to instant real-time consultation elec- for instant consultation. ment, H.E Humaid Al Qutami, gies and adapt them to best ben- tronically. Linking the devices to Salama These smart technologies also include Director General of the DHA efit the community of Dubai it ensures the accuracy of data and allows wireless devices that are directly linked said that providing a compre- also takes pride in its medical healthcare specialists to keep track of pa- to DHA’s electronic health record system hensive treatment experience and administrative compe- tients’ overall health condition and rou- SALAMA, ensuring that patient records to homebound patients with- tencies who spare no effort to tine health consultation or assessment are updated in real-time during home out leaving the comfort of their serve the community. from the comfort of their homes instead visits via a secure web server. homes is among the authority’s Al Qutami commended the of having to make the tiresome and tedi- The wireless devices include non- priorities, which constantly works efforts of the primary healthcare ous visit to healthcare facilities. contact thermometers, auto-arm blood towards enhancing services pro- sector and its dedicated teams who Dr Taryam concluded by stating that pressure monitor, 4g router, smart tablet, vided to patients to achieve customer have contributed to the centre’s quality the implementation of the smart home- pulse oximeter, connected pocket elec- satisfaction. services and to achieving this international care initiative is in line with DHA Strat- trocardiogram, blood glucose monitor, Al Qutami stressed that the authority accreditation. egy 2016-2021 to protect and improve the wireless stethoscope and a digital scope strives to continuously develop the primary Dr Manal Taryam, CEO of the Primary population’s health, enhance home and system. healthcare sector’s services and facilities and Healthcare sector said the authority’s pri- remote care and implement an innova- The smart homecare services reduce to ensure that they are equipped with the lat- mary healthcare sector is undergoing major tive care model. n

Shutterstock Dubai Hospital launches swallowing clinic The highly specialised clinic will treat patients for dysphagia, which is common in people with neurological conditions

KAMAKSHI GUPTA DHA

n a bid to provide highly specialised medical services, I Dubai Hospital re- cently launched a swallowing clinic. Swallowing difficulty, or dys- phagia, is common for people with neurological conditions, head and neck cancer or after some surgeries or illnesses. Pa- tients are referred to the Swal- lowing Clinic to undergo assess- ment of their swallowing for identification, management and treatment of dysphagia. Dr Gamal Youssef, consultant phoniatrician in Dubai Hos- Getty pital’s ENT department said, ●● Numerous types of swallowing disorders exist, causing a “There are numerous types of variety of symptoms among patients swallowing disorders, causing a variety of symptoms. Our clinic “Sometimes due to a stroke The strategies are tailor-made is fully equipped with the latest or a neurological disease, depending on the problem. technology and specialised care there is lack of control or He said that swallowing dif- professionals. Depending on the strength in the mouth. Biting ficulties, such as acid reflex, cause and severity of the case, we and chewing takes place in which is quite common, is plan the line of treatment. Swal- the mouth but due to lack of caused by weakening of stom- lowing takes place in four stages. control, the food may directly ach muscles. Different problems can occur at go into the throat and cause Dr Youssef said that patients each stage to disrupt the normal choking and can lead to aspi- often ignore symptoms of dis- swallowing process.” ration pneumonia comfort, which leads to late The clinic receives a high num- “Such cases are urgent cases diagnosis. Symptoms such as ber of stroke, dementia and Par- and the line of treatment in- heartburn, choking on food, in- kinson’s patients. The clinic also cludes dietary modification, ed- ability to swallow liquids, per- treats children with swallowing ucating the patient and family sistent cough and sore throat, difficulties usually caused due to on modified feeding patterns, a ‘lump’ in the throat sensation some neurological issue. and some swallowing exercises should not be ignored. Dr Youssef said, “In many cas- to regain muscle strength. Elec- Additionally, he said that el- es, just learning different physi- tric stimulation of the pharynx derly patients without a histo- cal techniques is enough to im- is often needed.” ry of asthma or excessive mu- prove swallowing ability. Other There are various strategies cus often face difficulties such times, medical intervention is that are used to offer patients as wheezing after coughing or needed and in rare cases, sur- a more comfortable eating eating, should visit a health gery may be required. and swallowing experience. practitioner. 4 Nutrition Planet Monday, December 17, 2018 Monday, December 17, 2018 Nutrition Planet 5

HOLISTIC NUTRITION Natural

From improved bone along, and studies have not only report- more sensitive to the effects of insulin, solutions to ed significant additional benefits but the primary hormone responsible for health to reducing also discovered some of the compounds metabolising blood glucose. your dietary associated with improved health. Tea may not literally warm the bones, stress levels, tea but its benefits certainly steep right needs has long been The flavonoid factor through. In 2013, Texan researchers “Tea is a great source of catechins showed that epigallocatechin, a poly- Dr Saya Pareeth associated with [and epicatechins], which are antioxi- phenol abundant in green tea, decreases Homeopath and Medical All in dants belonging to the flavonoid family,” the number of cells that break down our Director, The Healers’ Clinic good health. Ahead explains Victoria Tipper, a UAE-based bones and increases the activity of cells of International Tea nutrition coach who is experienced in that build bone. In November, after a managing chronic disease through diet. “Catechins have been study of more than 20,000 people, Chi- Day, Better Health “Catechins have been shown to be pro- nese researchers agreed that prolonged What foods would you recommend if I want to tective against cellular damage, protect- shown to be protective moderate tea consumption improves boost my metabolism? looks at the many ing heart health, brain function and hav- against cellular damage, bone health in women particularly. The best way to boost metabolism is to eat a Pictures: Getty and Shutterstock Pictures: the health benefits of ing anti-cancer properties.” In the brain, flavonoids have been balanced meal with moderate serving of protein 5 Together with flavonoids, theafla- shown to be neuroprotective, says Tip- and vegetables. Foods containing zinc and sele- protecting heart health, this ancient brew vins and thearubigins, catechins form per, explaining how they protect the nium may have some effect on boosting up the FOODS THAT a group of antioxidant plant chemicals brain function and [has] brain from oxidative stress. “This is metabolism. Spices such as ginger (and spices called polyphenols whose detoxifying anti-cancer properties.” something that can help with condi- of the same family), bell pepper, green pepper KEITH J. FERNANDEZ effects are thought to be responsible tions such as Alzheimer’s and memory and most of the natural spices may have me- CAN HELP SPECIAL TO BETTER HEALTH for tea’s many health effects. They fight Victoria Tipper loss,” she says. Research at Kings College tabolism-boosting activity. Proteins, vegetable inflammation, which may consequently Nutrition Coach in the UK showed that epicatechins can as well as animal, can have an action on metab- here’s a moment in The Hitch- reduce the build-up of plaque inside our pass through the blood-brain barrier olism-stimulating effect. It is because they need BURN FAT hiker’s Guide to The Galaxy arteries, and reduce so-called bad LDL and protect our brains from free radicals more energy from your body to break down. when protagonist Arthur cholesterol and triglycerides, according liver health and help reduce fat by com- and the development of beta-amyloid You should probably look to the choice of hav- T Dent realises something’s to separate studies by American and In- bating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, protein plaques found in Alzheimer’s. ing a balanced meal with more proteins from If you looking to shed a few not quite right. “Is there any tea on this dian researchers. They also protect the one result of our sedentary lifestyles. the vegetable side, little from non-vegetarian — kilos, these foods can help spaceship?” he asks, even as he’s being cells from free radicals, the unstable Large, long-term studies of health pro- Increased life expectancy both based on your ability to digest and com- abducted by aliens. Readers everywhere molecules that damage our cells. fessionals at the Harvard School of Pub- However, the best news is that people patibility — with the right amount of vegetables. you achieve your goal bag felt his pain both then and later, when in While those eating a heavy meal may lic Health determined that tea drinkers who drink tea regularly appear to live It is also worth noting there are foods that the face of a looming battle, he crashes claim that a cup of hot tea helps settle the are also less likely to develop diabetes longer than the rest of us. A 2015 Aus- also slow down metabolism, such as soya and Grapefruit a supercomputer merely by asking it to stomach, a 2015 study in the World Jour- over the long term, as compared with tralian study published in The Journal few from brassica family of vegetables. It may A 2006 study by the produce real tea. In fiction and in real nal of Gastroenterology went further. A people who drink less tea. Boffins think of Clinical Nutrition in 2015 found that be a good idea for you to check your other met- 1 Department of Nutrition life, few drinks have proved as restora- research team from the University of Syd- it’s the polyphenols at work again, help- women in their 70s and 80s reap the abolic indicators if you feel your metabolism is and Metabolic Research tive as an energising cuppa during life’s ney found that green tea may improve ing regulate blood sugar by making cells strongest rewards in terms of life expec- slow, even after careful eating and working out. in California concluded that eating most trying moments. tancy. Drinking the equivalent of two half a grapefruit before meals It turns out there’s reason to believe cups a day was associated with longer Is there any relationship between diet and anx- can lead to weight-loss. The the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant TEA MUCH OF A GOOD THING? lives, possibly due to tea’s impact on the iety? study, which involved 91 obese might be good for you, as a slew of stud- body’s genetic code. “Blue zones refer to Foods that you are highly allergic to may have people who were monitored for ies have proved in recent years. Just Research shows that all forms of help keep the body protected from areas where the residents have a higher some effect on anxiety. There is nothing that a period of 12 weeks, established putting the kettle on is relaxing for tea, whether minimally processed pathogens.” life expectancy than other parts of the proves specific food creates anxiety, however that the practice led to significant many, but a 2009 University Col- white, lightly cooked green or fer- Nevertheless, you can have too world; Okinawa in Japan is one such there are a few things that may be triggering weight-loss. lege London study demonstrated mented black tea all work their much of a good thing. Indeed, for area, and it is believed that the daily factors. These are primarily high-energy foods how black tea can reduce the charms, and each has its own health all its benefits, excessive amounts consumption of green tea plays a role in and heavy spices. Practices such as leaving the injurious effects of stress in a benefits. Each different type of tea of some teas may damage the kid- the residents’ longevity,” Tipper says. stomach empty for a long time and overeating Chilli peppers group of 75 young men. Levels comes from two principal varieties neys, as described in The New Eng- Increased longevity appears to be a re- could also be a trigger in some people. If you like to add a bit of spice of the stress hormone cortisol of the same plant, Camellia sinensis. land Journal of Medicine. Black tea is sult of tea’s more stirring effects. Drink- 2 to your meals, the good news fell by 47 per cent in a group of Their difference lies in where they’re a rich source of oxalates, which can ing tea might change the way genes www.thehealersclinic.com; 04 385 56566 is that it might also help burn participants who were given black grown, when they’re picked and how cause kidney stones. express themselves, researchers from fat. The consumption of capsaicin, tea as compared to a control group. they’re treated. Tipper is in line with general ad- Sweden’s Uppsala University said in a which is what gives chillies their The beverage was disguised so the Dubai nutrition coach Victoria Tip- vice: stick to two or three cups a day 2017 study published in the journal Hu- kick, triggers protein changes in subjects could not make custom- per favours white tea over the other on average, of either kind. She also man Molecular Genetics. the body that were shown to ary comforting associations, but forms. “Many think of green tea as cautions against drinking it too hot. Our behaviour and immediate envi- assist in fat burning. The study, those given tea reported a greater being the healthiest and overlook “Be careful to allow tea to cool a little ronment can trigger chemical modifi- which was carried out by the degree of relaxation. the equally healthy white tea,” she as a study released this year found cations in the body that turn genes on American Chemical Society, With the value of the global tea says. “White tea has in fact got more an association between high-tem- and off, and women who drink tea may involved feeding two groups of market pegged at $49.5 billion (Dh181.8 potent anti-bacterial and antiviral perature tea drinking and oesopha- be affected by as many as 28 changes in rodents high-fat diets — one that billion), according to Zion Market Re- properties than green tea, which geal cancer.” genes that interact with cancer or oes- contained capsaicin and one that didn’t. search, the science has since steamed trogen metabolism. n They discovered that on average, the rats who consumed capsaicin weighed 8 per cent less than those who hadn’t consumed chillies.

Cinnamon Research has shown that the 3 presence of the chemical Getty Getty polyphenol in cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This was confirmed by a 12-week study on animals by the American Heart Association, which found that a Broccoli pizza with courgette Vegetable tagine high-fat diet, supplemented with cinnamon led to less weight gain Serves 3 Method Serves 3 Method than the equivalent diet without the spice. Prep and cook time: 1. Preheat oven to 200C. Line two oven Prep and cook time: 1. To make harissa trays with baking paper; mark a 22cm chickpeas, preheat oven 20 minutes round on each sheet of paper, turn 30 minutes to 200C. Green tea paper over. 2. Oil a large oven tray; line Green tea contains virtually Ingredients 2. Process broccoli in blender until finely Ingredients with baking paper. 4 no calories and it can also chopped. 3. Pat chickpeas dry with boost your metabolism, ◆◆ 1kg broccoli, trimmed 3. Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, ◆◆ 2 tsp ground coriander paper towel; place in a which helps the body burn fat and cut into florets cover with plastic wrap; microwave ◆◆ 2 tsp ground ginger medium bowl. more efficiently. The drink is ◆◆ 4 tbsp coarsely grated on high for 12 mins or until tender (or ◆◆ ½ tsp ground cinnamon 4. Add remaining loaded with antioxidants called cheddar steam instead, do not boil as it will ◆◆ 400g canned crushed ingredients to chickpeas; catechins, the most important of ◆◆ 1 egg, beaten lightly make the crust very soggy.) Drain. tomatoes stir to combine. Season which is epigallocatechin gallate ◆◆ 60g coarsely grated 4. When cool enough to handle, place ◆◆ 500ml vegetable stock to taste. (EGCG), a substance that boosts Parmesan broccoli in the centre of a clean tea ◆◆ 500ml water 5. Spread chickpeas in a metabolism. EGCG is a natural ◆◆ 130g tomato passata towel; gather the ends together, then ◆◆ 300g lady’s finger, single layer on a tray. ingredient in green tea and studies ◆◆ 180g courgettes, thinly squeeze out as much excess moisture trimmed 6. Bake for 20 mins, stir have shown that drinking green tea sliced into ribbons as possible. Place broccoli in a large ◆◆ 1 tbsp harissa paste 3 times during, or until regularly can reduce body fat by up to treats ◆◆ 1 cup fresh basil leaves bowl with cheddar, egg and 4 tbsp of (available at most well browned and 10 per cent. Try these healthy, meat-free recipes ◆◆ 1 fresh small red the Parmesan; stir to combine. Season. supermarkets) slightly crunchy. serrano chilli, thinly 5. Divide broccoli mixture between trays; ◆◆ 200g Greek-style yoghurt 7. Meanwhile, heat oil in sliced spread mixture inside the marked ◆◆ ½ cup finely chopped a large saucepan over Eggs ◆◆ 100g buffalo rounds, smooth the surface. Bake bases fresh flat-leaf parsley medium heat; cook Not only are eggs a mozzarella, torn for 25 mins or until golden. ◆◆ ½ cup finely chopped onion and garlic, stirring, 5 nutritional powerhouse roughly 6. Spread bases with passata, top with mint for 5 mins. but studies have shown ◆◆ 1 tbsp olive oil half the courgette and half the basil, 8. Add aubergine and that eggs can also reduce hunger ◆◆ 1 tbsp finely grated the chilli, mozzarella and remaining For harissa chickpeas pumpkin; cook for a and promote a feeling of fullness lemon rind Parmesan. minute each side or until for several hours. A study by ◆◆ 1 tbsp lemon juice 7. Bake for 20 mins or until golden and ◆◆ 400g canned chickpeas, vegetables are lightly the Department of Psychology, crisp. drained, rinsed browned. covered for 15 mins or until 12. Fold harissa through Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, 8. Meanwhile, combine oil, rind, juice, ◆◆ 1 tbsp harissa paste 9. Add spices; cook for a vegetables are tender. yoghurt, season. of 21 men found that those who remaining courgette and basil in a ◆◆ 1 tbsp olive oil minute or until fragrant. 11. Meanwhile, boil, steam or 13. Serve tagine topped ate eggs for breakfast consumed on medium bowl; season. 10. Add tomatoes, stock and microwave lady’s finger with yoghurt mix, harissa average 400 calories less each day than 9. Serve pizzas topped with courgette water; bring to the boil. until tender; drain. Stir it chickpeas and herbs. those who didn’t. salad. Reduce heat; simmer, into tagine. Season with pepper.

Pictures and recipes: Camera Press 6 Maximum Fitness Monday, December 17, 2018

Sprint on S-Drive This machine is non-motorised treadmill that forces your body to generate velocity. It 1 is naturally 7 per cent inclined and mimics uphill running, which increases the intensity and challenges your core and lower body differently than the conventional treadmills. 2

Gerald Gregorio is a Fitness FAT-BURNING, Manager at

TRX mountain climber A hybrid form of core exercise HIGH-ENERGY that is performed while your body is suspended in the air, adding more tension and stability challenge to your exercise. This does wonders for your core and shoulder WORKOUT stability. Add efficiency to your exercise routine Facebook: METROFITT Instagram: METROFITTUAE with this intensive set www.metrofitt.com

ViPR ice skater drill It’s an opposite arm and leg arrangement coordination, 4 the key to this movement is to maintain a tall back as you drive side to side. This is a full body exercise which helps improve your agility, coordination and neuromuscular activity. 3

Kettlebell swings An exercise that works very well on your core and posterior chain, such as the lower back, glutes and hamstring muscles, by performing a swing and creating a hip thrust movement together.

Pictures: Stefan Lindeque

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY A DUBAI-BASED FITNESS PROFESSIONAL How do I tone my legs through exercise? Cloe Sommadossi, Pilates master trainer, owner and founder of the Pilates Academy Dubai

want to tone my legs and legs in the air, Pilates exercises on the specifically my thighs. What equipment (such as reformer, cadillac, would you recommend? chair, barrels) are the most effective I Most women like the idea way to tone thighs and glutes by shap- of having toned lean legs rather than ing lean, flexible muscles, while improv- bulky muscled thighs, but do not know ing the lymphatic circulation. No won- how to achieve such result. Many fit- der Pilates is the favourite discipline ness disciplines help reduce the body of all actresses and models to keep a Shutterstock fat percentage through aerobic forms sinewy body shape without any bulking 30 minutes of walking every day lymphatic circulation, lower the stress of exercise (running, spinning, HIIT), side effect. Walking is the best free form of ex- level and enhance a better sleep, while but at the same time are likely to give ercise for the legs as it engages all shaping toned and lean legs. women’s thighs a bulky musculature. Time to try a Pilates session muscle groups in the lower limbs. We Here is my recipe to toned, lean, femi- Dream of strong lean thighs, rounded should all walk a lot more than we actu- Deep tissue massage nine legs. glutes, flexible hips and reduced water ally do. After dinner, go for a 30-minute The cherry on top of the cake to your retention? If you keep training your legs walk instead of slouching on the sofa. dream legs? Two sessions of 30-minute Classes on the equipment and all you achieve are bulky quads and This healthy practice will engage your deep tissue massage every week. Focusing on eccentric muscle contrac- swollen ankles, then it is time for you to body in a soft cardiovascular exercise, tion and offering exercise options with book your first Pilates equipment class. improve your digestion, stimulate your Instagram — @Pilates.Academy.Dubai Monday, December 17, 2018 Lifestyle & Disease Management 7 DIABETES DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON How should you approach the condition when you are travelling or meeting with family during the holidays?

PETER FEELY DHA

ast year, a Dubai Health Authority survey revealed that the prevalence L of diabetes in Dubai is 15.2 per cent. The survey also established that the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes sits at 11.3 per cent and that 16 per cent of the population are pre-diabetic. One aspect of the UAE National Strategy is to reduce the national prevalence of the condition from 19 per cent to 16.4 per cent by 2021. The government is implementing a number of pre- vention policies such as DHA’s Dubai Diabetes Risk calculator. Despite the widespread nature of diabetes in the UAE, if you take sensible lifestyle decisions and manage your blood glucose levels, you can still enjoy the holiday season, even if you’re diabetic. Dr Muhammad Hamed Farooqi, Director and can adapt their diet plans accordingly. “If you’re in mind that the extra sugar is going to end up Consultant Endocrinologist, Dubai Diabetes Cen- at a festive dinner and there’s something that you as weight in your body. If you’re on insulin and tre, says that people who suffer from the condi- really wish to have, you have to plan for it, so that you don’t match that with your food, then it can tion should be free to enjoy the holiday season, if, for example, you want to eat a slice of pie, that lead to problems. provided they take the correct precau- becomes your source of carbohydrate,” “Many people put on weight during the holi- tions. “If you look at the holiday he says. day season therefore, if you diabetic, you should season, there tends to be a lot of “Not only does the content of keep your exercise going.” food around and a lot of this meals change over the holi- food tends to be carb-rich days but our meal times can Planning travel and sweet. also change. You have to “If you are on a long flight you have to make “The second issue is that be quite careful with this sure that not only do you pack your medicine but we can get into a holiday because of the medica- also that you are taking your medication while mode and lose our regu- tion that you might be “If you’re at a festive dinner you travel on time,” he says. lar exercise regime. on. Different medica- and there’s something that you If you are on a long drive, you should ensure “The third issue for di- tions are most effec- that you check your blood sugar levels before you abetics is that often, dur- tive at different times. really wish to have, you have embark on the drive. ing the holiday season, For example, you could to plan accordingly.” “If you are exercising more frequently or you we are travelling, either be on tablets that help are suffering from a loss of sleep because you across different time zones lower your blood glucose Dr Muhammad Hamed Farooqi have been travelling across time zones, then you to see our family or driving levels by increasing your Dubai Diabetes Centre should check your insulin levels more frequently. for long periods, which adds insulin. You can’t just have “Generally, blood glucose do go a little bad af- a certain dimension. the tablets at home before you ter the holiday season but largely, people with “[However] the most important leave for a dinner without plan- way of managing diabetes in the long term. “If diabetes are educated enough to make the right thing to remember is that we have to ning.” you’re on insulin and depending on what type of choices. enjoy the period and the New Year and that Another option for people suffering insulin you’re on, one of the advantages of insulin “The problem is that not everyone does the you don’t have to be too tough on yourself.” from diabetes is altering the doses of insulin to is that you can look at your meal and adjust the right thing during the holidays, particularly in Dr Farooqi says that diabetics should be able to compensate for blood glucose spikes although he amount of insulin accordingly. You can take a lit- the case of young adults or adolescents due to enjoy festive treats in moderation and that they is keen to remind them that this is not the best tle more insulin and enjoy but you should keep peer pressure.” n

Pictures: Getty and Shutterstock

Study reveals how brainwaves enable creative thinking Scientists have identified alpha waves in the brain which are believed to inhibit cortical areas when these are not necessary

PETER FEELY area of the brain at the frequency of they came up with more creative EDITOR alpha waves, while the participants word associations. were given a range of creative tasks. The co-author of the study and cientists have long puz- The researchers then used an elec- Professor at Goldsmiths College zled over the reason for troencephalogram (EEG) to modify in London, Joydeep Bhattacharya, creativity and how to the effect of the brain wave stimula- said, “Two roads diverged in a wood, S identify it. Now new re- tion and the participants were asked I took the one less travelled by. And search has provided further insights to carry out a word association ex- that has made all the difference,’ into the functionality of the brain by ercise. Ordinarily, in word associa- wrote Robert Frost in his famous discovering that higher alpha brain tion tests, the brain starts with the poem. Taking a less travelled route is wave activity correlates with peo- most common associations such as needed for thinking creatively, and Getty ple’s ability to deliver less obvious the words, ‘cat’ and ‘animal’ before our findings provide some evidence cillations is a key neural mechanism much as possible at first, and then or well-known thoughts and ideas — gradually moving to less familiar as- on how this is done in our brain.” for overriding these obvious asso- analysing them in context, before essentially creative thinking. sociations such as ‘human’ and ‘an- The lead author of the study, Car- ciations. In order to understand the putting them back together to un- To reach their conclusion, the re- thropoid.’ The researchers discov- oline Di Bernardi Luft, Ph.D., from processes underlying the produc- derstand the process as a whole.” searchers from the Queen Mary Uni- ered that when the participants had the Queen Mary University said, tion of novel and adequate ideas, we The study was published in the versity in London used electrical cur- higher levels of alpha brain waves in “Our study’s novelty is to demon- need to break down its constituent journal, Proceedings of the National rent to stimulate the right temporal the right temporal area of the brain strate that right temporal alpha os- processes, dissecting creativity as Academy of Sciences of the USA. n 8 Life Alternatives Monday, December 17, 2018

THE LAST WORD New technique I would like to invite you to the may reduce need for EFMS Congress

Dr Wadeia Mohammad Al Shareif Abdulrahim breast biopsies EFMS 2019 President and Deputy Director of Medical Education A method that uses mammography to determine the biological and Research Department composition of potential breast cancer tumours could help lessen the necessity for women to undergo biopsies n behalf of the Emirates Family Medi- cine Society (EFMS), we would like to invite our delegates, esteemed fac- ammography has been an effective O ulty, committees, industry partners weapon in the fight against breast and friends to the second edition of the EFMS cancer. Many women’s lives have Congress. M been saved by mammographies, Registration for the second edition of the although they are often called back for addi- EFMS Congress, which is taking place from Jan- tional diagnosis, which can include biopsies. uary 10 to 12, 2019 in Dubai, is now open. Now, a new technique called 3-compartment The three-day event will see more than 1,000 breast (3CB) imaging may reduce the necessi- physicians and healthcare professionals come ty of these call-backs according to a new study. together to address different topics in the field The 3CB technique involves measurement of family medicine. of the water, lipid and protein composition of We are proud of the long-standing partner- the breast to provide a biological signature for ship between our society and the American the tumour — a method that was developed Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). We by a team at the University of California in would like to invite all interested healthcare pro- San Francisco. fessionals to join us in the 2019 edi- For the study, the researchers looked at tion for a new plethora of highly mammograms from 109 women with suspi- educational scientific sessions cious masses on their breasts. They were the developed by top AAFP fac- type of cases that would ordinarily require a ulty in the US. biopsy. The biopsies on the cases found that Those participating in 35 of the masses were cancerous tumours and the event will benefit from that 74 were benign. The researchers then receiving 32 hours of con- assessed the patients’ mammograms with a tinuing medical educa- combination of 3CB images and mammogra- tion (CME). Our mission is phy radiomics, which is a method that uses to ensure that physicians AI to analyse the features and patterns in the in this region have access images to diagnose the cases. They found the to quality CME, expertise and results were positive in terms of being able to Getty skills, in order to provide quality predict cancerous tumours. comprehensive healthcare services to “There are costs and anxiety associated patients. with recalls, and our goal is to reduce these We sincerely hope that you will make the costs but not miss anything that should be most out of your participation in the EFMS Con- biopsied,” said Karen Drukker, PhD, research gress 2019 and look forward to meeting you for associate professor from the University of another memorable and valuable experience in Chicago’s Department of Radiology. The study the field of family medicine. was published in the journal Radiology. Getty

BMI confirmed as a sound indicator of health New research from the UK has found the simple measure based on weight and height is a reliable means of assessment

lthough using BMI to assess if some- Dr Joshua Bell, epidemiologist at the Univer- one is healthy has received criti- sity of Bristol and leader of the study, said, cism due to the fact that it does not “BMI is often criticised. Our study asked how A distinguish between fat and mus- useful it really is for detecting the health ef- cle, a new study from the University of Bristol fects of obesity by pitching it against more has shown that BMI is a useful way of indicat- objective body scan measures. We found that ing someone’s health. trunk fat is the most damaging to health, but The study used body scans from 2,840 that simple BMI gives very similar answers young people between the ages of 10 and 18 to more detailed measures. This is good news and then compared the people’s BMI results since BMI is widely measured and costs virtu- against more detailed measures of fat. This ally nothing.” Getty included studying the effects of fat on 230 The results from the study also found that different traits that are related to metabolism higher total fat at the ages of between eight and future cardiac disease risks, such as high and ten is associated with damaging levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. cardio metabolic traits such as hypertension Microbiomes in the gut The researchers found that when com- and inflammation. The study was published pared to BMI, it can be a useful indication in the Journal of the American College of Car- found to affect of overall health. Referring to their results, diology. anti-diabetes drugs The bacteria in the stomach may be the reason why some drugs for the condition are ineffective for some diabetics

hile some orally-administered drugs given intravenously and go directly to the circu- are effective for some people, they lation, but when they are taken orally and pass can be ineffective for others. Now re- through the gut, they don’t work. Our review W searchers have found that this could showed that the metabolic capacity of a patient’s be related to the effect that the microbiomes in microbiome could influence the absorption and the gut have on orally-administered medication function of these drugs by making them phar- as it is digested. A review of more than 100 pub- macologically active, inactive or even toxic. lished studies in human and rodents has found “We believe that differences in an individual’s a relationship between gut bacteria and the ef- microbiome help explain why drugs will show fectiveness of anti-diabetes drugs. The study a 90 or 50 per cent optimum efficacy, but never found that the metabolic capacity of a person’s 100 per cent.” microbiome could influence the absorption and The researchers said their research indicates effectiveness of anti-diabetes drugs. that modulating gut microbiomes with drugs Hariom Yadav, PhD, assistant professor of could improve the effectiveness of medications molecular medicine at the School of Medicine, a that are used in the treatment of type 2 dia- part of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Centre, said betes. The study was published in the journal of the research, “Certain drugs work fine when EBioMedicine. Getty