2005
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Need to dry after ablution
Doctors are urging Muslims to dry themselves properly after ablution to avoid fungal infections, particularly from damp feet. Novartis Consumer Health is organising an educational campaign with religious authorities as part of its social commitment. Drying the body is one of the desirable actions shown by the hadeeth of Aa'ishah, according to scholars.
Vitamin D to cut cancer
Scientists believe vitamin D deficiency - higher in people with darker skins and those that avoid sunlight - may be responsible for thousands of cancer deaths a year. New research shows that a large daily dose of vitamin D can halve the chance of developing cancer, as well as several other chronic diseases such as MS, diabetes and high blood pressure.
UAE recycling ignored
Only 360,000 of over one billion beverage containers used in the UAE each reach recycling bins, according to waste management experts quoted in 7Days. Container waste is growing by 10% each month, with most being dumped in landfills. Experts say it is possible to recycle nearly 90% of beverage container waste, using reverse vending machines.
UAE donates $50m for hospital
The UAE has donated $50m to Pakistan to build a hospital as a gesture of goodwill between the countries. President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan made the offer following talks with Pakistan's President Purves Musharaf, in which they discussed ties between the two countries.
Health cover to offset fee hike
A planned rise in fees for gynaecological and obstetric services at UAE government hospitals will be covered by a health insurance scheme to be introduced soon, senior health official Ali Al Qimzi told Gulf News. He said fees will be raised on 1 January, right before the implementation of the insurance plan.
Anti-tobacco draft dispute
UAE health officials say that tobacco companies should be excluded from giving input into the drafting of anti-tobacco laws, according to Gulf News. British America Tobacco and Phillip Morris say they support regulations, but there should be a dialogue between the industry and government regarding the laws. The UAE is a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Emaar raises funds for charity
Emaar Properties raised over $136,000 for two local charities through a golf day at the Desert Course at Arabian Ranches. The two charities to benefit from the fundraising event are the Dubai Centre for Special Needs and the Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation.
Yemen polio vaccination drive
Yemen has opened the seventh part of nationwide polio vaccination campaign which is targeting 4m children under the age of five, reported Gulf News. Four future vaccination drives will take place in 2006. Six deaths have been reported from a documented 473 cases of the virus in the country.
RAK, unhygienic clinic crackdown
Ras Al Khaimah medical authorities are targeting clinics that do not use sterilised equipment, in a major drive against unhygienic practices. The move comes after an inspection team had found a private dental clinic with unsterilised implements, according to Gulf News. Several clinics were also found to be employing unlicenced nurses.
Novartis stop smoking seminar
Novartis Consumer Health, which has started a Smoking Cessation Clinic by Nicotinell in UAE with the Ministry of Health and under the supervision of Dr. Ahmad Abdulla, Head of Preventive Medicine Department in Abu Dhabi, organized a seminar at the InterContinental Hotel Dubai to provide healthcare practitioners in Oman, Bahrain and Yemen with relevant smoking cessation information and experience necessary to enhance the same in their respective institutions.
Qatar free of bird flu
Qatar is free of bird flu and is expecting stocks of Tamiflu very soon, officials told a health congress in Doha. They said that there had been no cases of bird flu reported in Qatar and that the emirate was not at risk because it is away from the migratory routes.
Birds watched for flu signs
Bird watchers in the flamingoe sanctuary of Ras Al Khor outside Dubai are now keeping a sharp eye out for signs of bird flu, reported Gulf News. Fifty five inspectors and private bird watchers have joined forces to monitor birds at the wildlife sanctuary and in public parks.
No bird flu Hajj checks
Saudi Arabian health authorities will not be making special arrangements for screening Hajj pilgrims from Asia, where the virus is causing the most concern, according to media reports. Officials randomly check the health of individual travellers against medical books issued by their home country.
DHTC diabetes open day
Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre is holding a free open day on Thursday 22 December to help raise awareness about nerve and foot complications in diabetics. An estimated 25% of UAE residents suffer from diabetes, and the centre wants to make people aware of alternative and complementary treatments available to help with symptoms, according to Dr Manoj Kumar.
Five-year Aids campaign
Dubai Police are developing a five-year Aids awareness campaign with Unicef, reported Emirates Today. The campaign will focus on preventing the spread of Aids to children and adolescents, and transmission from mother to child; providing care and treatment to children affected by Aids; and caring for orphans and vulnerable children.
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