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The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) has relaunched its successful awareness campaign, “My Medication in Ramadan”. The campaign rolls out every year during the holy month of Ramadan to increase public awareness of the need to be aware of your health status while fasting and, if taking medication, to take it in accordance with their physician’s and pharmacist’s instructions.
The campaign also aims to raise awareness amongst the public about the optimal use of medication during the holy month and how to avoid any negative reactions in the use of medication during fasting. The campaign also promotes the message of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and avoiding complications that may result from fasting, particular for those who have certain diseases which may make them more vulnerable.
A team of pharmacists will be present at SEHA”s various hospitals to communicate with the public, especially those with medical issues, answer their questions and inquiries, and introduce them to the best ways for taking their medication during the holy month. The team will also be available to inform the public on how to safely adjust medication intake times. This is especially important for this year since the fasting period will reach nearly 15 hours a day.
“My Medication in Ramadan” focuses on essential health topics for people with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma and epilepsy, as well as pregnant and lactating women. It covers topics about dehydration, fluid loss, thyroid gland disorders, and other health issues that need care and attention during the fasting period.
Commenting on the 2013 Ramadan campaign, SEHA’s Group Director of Marketing and Communications, Ms. Salama Al Mazrouei said, “The goal of SEHA’s Ramadan campaign is to educate the public on how to enjoy this holy month in good health, and enable patients who suffer from certain diseases that need attention and care during the fasting period to navigate the holy month without distress.”
“These campaigns will be supported by SEHA’s many hospitals and clinics, with many activities and events that contribute to the delivery of messages to the public. Brochures will be distributed to raise awareness. SEHA has produced a number of video clips that will play on LCD screens within waiting areas in all SEHA’s hospitals, clinics and at SEHA educational events. SEHA also plans to distribute gifts and organise games and competitions, all of which will serve to educate the public and familiarise them with the objectives and purposes of these campaigns,” Al-Mazrouei added.
She explained that in the past year, nearly 12 thousand people within SEHA’s hospitals benefited from this campaign, either through visits to SEHA’s facilities or by responding to phone inquiries. “About 9 thousand visits and 3 thousand phone calls have been reported, along with nearly 3 thousand follow-ups via SEHA’s social media networks,” Al-Mazrouei stated.
Medical Guidelines and Tips
“My Medication in Ramadan” campaign for the current year 2013 focuses particularly on health issues of concern to many people with chronic health problems and whether it is medically advisable for them to fast. Such people are encouraged to meet with a specialist physician for appropriate guidance about their illness, and whether or not it’s medically advisable for them to fast.
Diabetics
During the campaign, tips and guidelines will be provided to those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes. The campaign reaffirms that safe fasting requires that diabetics exert a great deal of discipline and a commitment to guidelines given to them by their doctors, including monitoring blood sugar at home in order to avoid health complications associated with high or low blood sugar. The diabetic must also be aware of the need to adjust blood sugar level in coordination with doctors and dieticians’ recommendations, the systemisation of food and commitment to diet, the organisation of daily activities and exercises, and the importance of drinking a lot of water.
Information for diabetics in SEHA’s Ramadan campaign provides, as an example, an indication of numerous symptoms of low blood sugar (known clinically as hypoglycaemia) namely, extreme hunger, shivering and trembling, cold sweats, numbness and tingling in the lips and tongue, increased heartbeat, headache, double or blurry vision, difficulty concentrating, slurred speech or difficulty speaking, anxiety, inability to focus, behavioural changes (especially in children), agitation and emotional instability, and loss of consciousness (should severe hypoglycaemia not be treated properly).
High Blood Pressure Patients
If a person is afflicted with high blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) the guidelines of the “My Medication in Ramadan” advise that there is no reason why HBP patients must not complete their fasting, especially if they are experiencing no other complications. There are some simple recommended health tips that HBP patients should consider during fasting, including drinking a lot of fluid when breaking the fast (Iftar time) until abstinence (Imsak time) to avoid dehydration the next day and further complications, reducing salt intake as much as possible and following an appropriate diet in terms of food quality and quantity. They should also engage in physical activity and exercises such as brisk walking for half an hour several times a week and avoid foods and liquids that contain a high percentage of fat or caffeine such as coffee and soft drinks.
It is also advisable to monitor blood pressure several times during the day, especially in the first days of fasting, as a lack of food and fluids during the day may cause low blood pressure (less than 120/80). Consequently, those fasting may experience a general weakness, dizziness, or other symptoms such as the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. In the event of recurrence of these symptoms, patients should consult their doctors who may adjust the patient’s dosage of medication or change the medication to one more appropriate to the patient’s condition.
The guidelines indicate that in most cases, Ramadan fasting does not cause any problems for the majority of asthma patients, since they can use their inhalers during Suhoor and Iftar. With regard to inhalers, which are usually blue in colour, patients should use them at any time required during the day in Ramadan, essentially whenever any symptoms of asthma are encountered. It is advisable to consult the Fatwa Authority to learn more about the fasting rule in that case. As for patients who are taking tablets, such as Singulair or Claritin, they should consume them at night, just before bedtime. This also applies to patients with sinusitis.
The “My Medication in Ramadan” campaign will continue throughout the holy month of Ramadan at all 12 SEHA Hospitals and 60 clinics across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Anyone who wishes more information is invited to stop by any SEHA location for more information and guidance on any health issue of concern.
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