I would like to welcome you all to the first issue of HealthFirst magazine. This new publication addresses the many aspects of health. It looks at the current trends in the healthcare sector, discusses the new forms of treatment for various illnesses and presents the latest thoughts on preventative medicine. It offers lifestyle and exercise tips, as well as nutrition and dietary advice. Health myths are explored, technological advances discussed and senior members of the UAE health authorities offer an update on the country’s healthcare strategies. – Dr Prem Jagyasi, Chief Editor.
Good health is the bedrock of happiness. This applies for an individual and for the wider society. Too often, good health is taken for granted and its value is only appreciated once it is lost; not when there were choices to be made that would have maintained it.
This first edition tackles obesity as its major theme, as obesity is a rising global epidemic. The challenges are considerable for the UAE, as more than half of the children in the country are obese. Inside are articles written by professionals that look at both the physical aspects of obesity in children and the often underestimated emotional impact incurred from being an overweight youngster. In another article, a doctor advises about the importance of not over-exerting the body when trying to lose weight and we highlight a recent survey that reveals that residents in Dubai think that the country’s lifestyle is causing them to put on weight.
With February 4 being World Cancer Day, this issue of HealthFirst offers lifestyle tips from an oncologist that should help reduce the chances of developing the disease. Another piece outlines the latest in cancer treatment techniques, revealing that the illness is no longer an end-of-life sentence.
The magazine also highlights the forthcoming Family Health Festival, which is focused on raising awareness on obesity in association with the Ministry of Health. The month-long campaign runs from January 28 – February 28 in conjunction with the Dubai Shopping Festival.
At HealthFirst, we believe in the concept of bringing health to life using professional resources and expert opinion. The magazine is guided and supported by an advisory board of senior members from government bodies and educational institutions. We aim to provide comprehensive information that is accessible and easy for those with no medical background to understand.
But of course, this should be a two-way process that involves you, the reader, as much as us. We need to know how we are doing and we welcome any comments and opinions you may have.
Let’s work together to bring health to life.
Dr Prem Jagyasi
Chief Editor – HealthFirst Magazine
[email protected] | www.HealthFirstMag.com