Media Release
Ajman, Jan 20: Under the patronage of Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, member of the Supreme Council of UAE and Ruler of Ajman, a conference on ‘Lifestyle and Family Health-towards healthier Lifestyle’ was organized by Umm Al Moumineen Association in collaboration with Gulf Medical University on January 17 and 18 at Kempinski Hotel, Ajman.
Eminent speakers included Dr Mohammed Raad Al Qaissi, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Preventive Medicine and Imaging, University of London, Dr Mustafa Al Izzi, Chairman-Emirates Osteoporosis Society, Prof Manda Venkataramana, Consultant Surgeon and Dean, College of Medicine, GMU, Sara Al Marzooqi, National Rehabilitation Centre, Abu Dhabi, Dr Ali Al Harjan, Consultant Psychiatrist, Sharjah, Sameera Al Shar, Department of Police, Ajman were among the distinguished speakers from the medical fraternity who attended the conference.
The grand event started with the National Anthem of UAE followed by recital from the Holy Quran. The Congressional address on “Prevention of new lifestyle emerging diseases” was delivered by Dr Mohammed Raad Al Qaissi, Clinical Senior Lecturer in Preventive Medicine and Imaging, University of London and Senior Research Fellow-Imperial Weight Centre.
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Advisor to the Ruler of Ajman in Financial and Administrative Affairs declared the conference open by distributing mementos to the Speakers and Chairpersons. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President, Board of Governors of Gulf Medical University was presented with a memento by Umm Al Moumineen Association in appreciation for his great efforts, support and encouragement in the Conference on Lifestyle and Family Health.
Dr Noura Marzouki, organizational committee member of the Umm Al Moumineen Association asserted, “The convening of this conference comes with the implementation of the objectives and strategic plans of the association for the next five years which aims to strengthen the role of women in building society and promote the cultural values and right directions in the community, to achieve constructive interactions with the target groups and community organizations in the state and also in the efforts of Gulf Medical University to serve the community”.
The first session of the conference based on ‘Lifestyle and Women’s Health’ was chaired by Dr Awatif Al Bahar, Medical Director, Dubai Gynecology and Fertility Center, Dubai. Eminent speakers spoke on various topics related to lifestyles and health related issues. Dr Mustafa Al Izzi, Chairman- Emirates Osteoporosis Society spoke on the Etiology of Osteoporosis and recent advances in its management. Prof Manda Venkataramana, Consultant Surgeon and Dean, College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University spoke in detail about the recent advances and Lifestyle modification in the prevention of breast cancer. Dr Muhawib Abd Salman spoke elaborately on the marital relationships and its effect on fertility and cervical cancer. Sara Al Marzooqi, National Rehabilitation Centre, Abu Dhabi stressed on the ‘Mindfulness’ in everday life and the practical guidelines for easy practice.
The second session based on ‘Adolescent behavior and addiction issues among youth’ was chaired by Ali Al Harjan, Consultant Psychiatrist, Sharjah. The seminar on the first day concluded by panel discussion comprising of a group of panelists such as Dr Ali Al Harjan, Dr Saeed Al Hashimi, Sameera Al Shar, Social Counselor, Department of Police, Ajman, Dr Ali Al Dori, Teacher.
The third session on the second day of the conference based on lifestyle health issues was chaired by Dr Abdul Razzak Al Madani, Director, Dubai Hospital and Chairman of Emirates Diabetic Society. Dr Salah Abusnana, Specialist Internist and CMO, Rashid Centre for Diabetes Research, Shaikh Khalifa Hospital, Ajman spoke on the lifestyle changes and its effect on global and national challenges of the growing diabetes pandemic while Dr Dhafir Al Bhadri, Consultant Internist, Corniche Hospital, Sharjah elaborated on metabolic syndromes and Lifestyle and Dr Ehab Elsheiba, Cardiologist, GMC Hospital, Ajman brought out the facts on the Lifestyle changes and heart diseases. The third session ended with panel discussion on life modifications.
The fourth session based on Obesity and Endocrinology was chaired by Dr Fadhil A Douri, Endocrinologist, Head of Internal Medicine, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital, Ajman. Diabetes, Obesity and Bariatric Surgery – experience from Rashid Center for Diabetic Research was the topic on which emphasis was laid by Dr Mortada Elbagir, Specialist Internist and CMO, RCDR, Shaikh Khalifa Hospital, Ajman. “The existing evidence based guidelines for the management of diabetes convinces the diabetic professionals to accept that a combination of lifestyle change (involving diet and physical activity) and medications is the cornerstone for achieving the targets of glycemic control. Despite these problems, there is some overall consensus on the dietary management of diabetes to prevent further complications. The facts versus the fallacies in the area of diabetic dietary recommendations i.e. carbohydrate, fat, fatty acid, fibre, sugars, low fat free food will elicit a better understanding good dietary practice, said Dr Amena Sadiya, Senior Nutritionist, Rashid Centre for Diabetes Research, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital, Ajman.
The conference concluded with the panel discussion and recommendations on tackling diabetes related disorders. Certificates of participation were distributed to all those who attended the all important event.
The conference was accredited by Ministry of Health, UAE for 9.5 CME hours.