Psychologists and psychiatrists in the UAE reckon that there has been a considerable increase in the numbers when it comes to mental health issues amid Covid-19. Many residents have been unable to travel to their home countries because of flight suspensions; some others are reeling under pay cuts or job insecurity, and many children have been learning online and are away from their friends and classmates. All of these have caused a rise in mental health issues. "The number of mental health issues is on the rise and is like a forest fire. The unpredictability factor of the entire pandemic and its consequence on travel/finance/job security leading to dysfunctions at work and family is what fuels this fire," Dr Arun Kumar K, specialist psychiatrist, Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai & Aster Hosp ... Read More..

Vape use has skyrocketed in recent years, as thousands of cigarette smokers are now moving to what they believe is a ‘less harmful’ alternative. However, with the growing vaping industry comes a surge in counterfeits that could pose serious health risks, top retailers and experts have warned. The sale of e-cigarettes, vaping devices and e-liquids has been legal in the UAE since April 2019, with strict regulations laid down by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma). Two years later, even though healthcare workers have strongly warned against the use of e-cigarettes, the market has shown signs of rapid expansion. “Vaping hasn’t been around long enough for us to know how it affects the body over time. However, it is known to have caused seri ... Read More..

Vape sellers and traders in the UAE must do more to make sure electronic cigarettes are not sold to minors, top industry experts and doctors have said. Retailers and enthusiasts toldKhaleej Times that with a rapidly growing vaping industry, the sale of counterfeit and unregulated products to users under-21 has become rampant across the region. Most legitimate retailers in the UAE have a clear policy not to sell vaping products to a customer until a government-issued identification document is provided. “It is vital that we work together closely to prevent e-cigarettes from being sold to underage consumers.” Children under 18 often get attracted to vaping products as it is sold in attractive packaging with tasty, fruity flavours. E-cigarettes and related products have also b ... Read More..

Twelve-year-old Mohammed Talha didn’t have health insurance coverage for cancer when he was diagnosed. But he was able to beat the big C, thanks to the free treatment offered by a private hospital in Abu Dhabi.  Earlier this year, Talha — a Grade 7 Pakistani student at an Abu Dhabi school — was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare type of cancer found in children. The diagnosis was made at a hospital in Pakistan where he and his family had been on a short trip.  “We had gone to Pakistan to attend a function and see our relatives. One day, Talha came to me complaining about throat pain. I took him to a nearby hospital. We had no idea that the worst news was waiting for us,” said his father Mukhtar, who works as a real estate agent.  The doc ... Read More..

130kg woman, who suffered miscarriages 5 times, successfully delivered by UAE doctor   Dubai: It was nothing short of a miracle when this young Sudanese expatriate couple — Mohammed Hamza and Hind Abddelfattah Abdelquoom- became the proud parents of a bonny baby boy on June 6, this year, at the Burjeel Specialty Hospital, Sharjah.  Obesity and diabetes posed a challenge Married for seven years, Hind, 33, weighing 130kg, had suffered about five miscarriages in five years. She had been diagnosed with diabetes and hypo plastic uterus. Dr Mona Saad, Specialist Gynaecologist and Obstetrics at the hospital who assisted the patient throughout the pregnancy, told Gulf News, “A Hypo plastic uterus makes it very challenging for the uterus to distend as the baby grows. ... Read More..