Asthma awareness drive in Jumeirah on April 18
dubai — The clinic and medical services section under the public health services department at the Dubai Municipality is organising a walkathon and health awareness programmes under the theme “Breathe Healthy to Stop Asthma” on Friday.
The drive, to be held from 8am to 5pm in Jumeirah Open Beach 1, is being organised in collaboration with leading medical service providers, hospitals and business institutions. Basic health checkup, aware- ness sessions, fun for children and many other interesting activities will also be part of the event.
“The campaign is aimed at raising awareness about asthma as a serious, sometimes life-threatening chronic disease that can be controlled and managed by healthy breathing techniques,” said Dr Munir Hamad, senior practitioner, public health services department.
He said registration for the event is open for all people to join the walk that will start from the opposite side of Jumeirah mosque, near Dubai Marine Resort. “Asthma is a com- mon chronic inflammatory disease of the airway characterised by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath,” he explained.
“It is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Its diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of symptoms, response to therapy over time and spirometer.” According to Dr Hamad, asthmatics tend to breathe faster than people with normal lungs, and many also have a ten- dency to be mouth breathers. “This exposes the lung to cooler and drier air which is an asthma trigger. This results in increased need for rescue medicine. Breathing exercises that encourage shallow breathing at a controlled rate may actually reduce asthma symptoms and the need for rescue and preventative medicine,” he said.
“We expect all well-wishers of the society to join this drive and make it a successful event with the aim of making Dubai a city that cares for the health of its inhabitants,” he added.