分类： health

Health officials in Shanxi Province have raised alarms over a significant increase in acute respiratory infections as the region enters the peak of the autumn-winter flu season. According to a report by China Central Television on Saturday, influenza activity has surged over the past three weeks, with the majority of cases reported among students. The Shanxi Provincial Health Commission anticipates that the number of infections will continue to rise in the coming weeks. Chen Jing, deputy director of the Shanxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted that the dominant strain in the province is influenza A (H3N2), accounting for approximately 99% of cases. Minor cases of influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B have also been detected. The H3N2 strain, a subtype of influenza A, has undergone minor genetic changes but remains highly transmissible with no significant alterations in its infectiousness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, with severe cases potentially leading to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. Medical experts are urging the public to seek accurate diagnoses, as different respiratory pathogens require specific treatments. To manage the outbreak, the commission has activated a province-wide surveillance network for influenza and other respiratory pathogens to enhance trend analysis and risk assessment. Hospitals have been instructed to implement emergency mechanisms to reallocate staff and beds, ensuring uninterrupted medical services. Additionally, since late October, all public secondary and tertiary general hospitals in Shanxi have established pediatric outpatient services. A provincial pediatric care network and 15 municipal medical alliances have been formed to streamline referrals and provide timely treatment for critically ill children.

A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Birmingham Dubai in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has unveiled the staggering hidden costs of diabetes in the UAE. While medical expenses account for a mere 5.7% of the total burden, the remaining 94.3% stems from indirect losses such as reduced productivity, missed workdays, early retirement, and premature deaths. These findings highlight the silent yet profound impact of diabetes on individuals, families, and the national economy. The study, led by Dr. Khalifa Elmusharaf, associate professor and director of the Public Health Programme at the University of Birmingham Dubai, projects a steady rise in diabetes cases over the next two decades. By 2050, over 1.3 million UAE residents are expected to be living with the disease, with annual deaths potentially reaching 5,920. The economic burden of diabetes in the UAE reached $19.5 billion in 2023, with projections soaring to $30.3 billion by 2050. The study also warns that across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the financial toll of diabetes could escalate to $1.5 trillion by 2050, driven primarily by lost productivity rather than medical costs. Dr. Elmusharaf emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in prevention and early diagnosis to mitigate the growing human and economic costs. ‘This study sends a clear message to policymakers that diabetes is silently draining our economies,’ he stated. The research underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address this escalating public health crisis.

Diabetes remains a growing global health crisis, with over 540 million adults affected worldwide—a figure projected to surge to 780 million by 2045, according to the International Diabetes Federation. The condition, if left unmanaged, can lead to severe complications, including vision loss, nerve damage, and kidney failure. However, early detection, lifestyle adjustments, and proactive care can significantly mitigate these risks. In the UAE, the rise in diabetes among young adults is particularly concerning, attributed to stress, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits. Medical experts emphasize the importance of awareness, routine screenings, and consistent management to combat this escalating issue. Dr. Patanjali Panduranga, an endocrinologist at Aster Hospital, Qusais, highlights that small, steady changes—such as balanced diets, regular exercise, and health check-ups—can transform the trajectory of diabetes. Beyond blood sugar control, specialists like Dr. Nikulaa Parachuri stress the need for annual eye exams to prevent diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages retinal blood vessels. Similarly, Dr. Qamar Bashir Mirza underscores the significance of managing diabetic neuropathy, which can cause numbness, tingling, and even foot ulcers if untreated. Preventive measures, including daily foot care and vascular assessments, are crucial in avoiding severe complications like amputations. Dr. Kingini Bhadran and Dr. Mohammed Ashwaque advocate for holistic approaches, combining glucose monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications to foster long-term well-being. Additionally, Dr. Shahin Mohammed emphasizes the link between diabetes and kidney health, urging regular check-ups and hydration to maintain renal function. Clinical dietician Ms. Jaseera Maniparambil advises mindful eating habits, such as portion control and choosing whole grains, to stabilize blood sugar levels. To support individuals in their diabetes journey, Aster Hospitals & Clinics has introduced the Diabetes 360 Care Clinic in Qusais, offering personalized, multidisciplinary care. This initiative aims to simplify diabetes management by integrating internal medicine, endocrinology, and specialized care for eye, nerve, and kidney health. The clinic’s patient-centered approach focuses on achievable goals and steady progress, empowering individuals to take control of their health. With the right guidance and support, managing diabetes becomes less daunting, paving the way for healthier, more balanced lives.

Two Indian expatriates in Dubai, Karthik Anbazhagan and Syeda Huma Begum, have emerged as winners in the 2025 RAK Diabetes Challenge, each receiving Dh5,000 for their remarkable health transformations. The challenge, which concluded on November 13, 2025, at RAK Hospital, saw participants compete to improve their HbA1c levels over a 12-week period. Karthik, a Dubai resident, reduced his levels from 9.6 to 6.94, while Syeda, from Ajman, achieved a drop from 7.8 to 6.47. Both winners attributed their success to consistency, lifestyle changes, and family support. Karthik emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and the use of a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which provided real-time insights into his glucose levels. Syeda, a teacher, highlighted her daily walking routine, balanced diet, and positive mindset as key factors. The challenge, which attracted over 5,500 participants across the UAE, aimed to promote diabetes management and healthier living. Sana Abbasi, a Pakistani resident in Dubai, secured second place with a Dh3,000 prize, improving her blood sugar levels from 7.61 to 6.96. The event concluded just ahead of World Diabetes Day, underscoring the importance of awareness and proactive health management.

In the besieged enclave of Gaza, Baraa Abu Zaid lies in a hospital bed in Khan Younis, her days marked not by hope but by the grim reality of a collapsing healthcare system. Once a mother of three, Abu Zaid fled her home in Rafah during Israel’s ground invasion in mid-2024. Tragedy struck when a drone attack hit her family’s tent, killing two of her children and leaving her and her 13-year-old son, Obaida, critically wounded. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the dire state of Gaza’s medical infrastructure meant they received inadequate care. Obaida succumbed to his injuries within weeks, leaving Abu Zaid to face her own deteriorating condition alone.

In a significant stride against malaria, researchers unveiled two innovative treatment strategies aimed at combating the parasite’s growing resistance to existing medications. The findings, presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene conference in Toronto, highlight promising advancements in the fight against the mosquito-borne disease.

In a significant stride toward early detection of breast cancer, healthcare groups in the UAE report that 62% of women screened in 2024 were first-timers. This surge is attributed to widespread awareness campaigns, mobile screening units, and efforts to make the process more accessible and affordable. Dr. Nita Zaji, a Specialist General and Breast Surgeon at Medcare Women & Children Hospital, emphasized the role of national and private initiatives in transforming awareness into action. These campaigns, prominently featured during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, have reached women through social media, workplaces, and even petrol stations, making screenings a routine part of preventive healthcare. Emotional barriers such as fear of discomfort, denial, and misconceptions about cancer remain significant hurdles. However, healthcare providers are addressing these concerns by offering supportive environments, female medical staff, and discounted packages. Dr. Tariq Alhamid of Burjeel Cancer Institute highlighted the impact of mobile mammography units, which bring screenings to neighborhoods and workplaces, eliminating logistical and cultural obstacles. Social media and survivor stories have also played a crucial role in changing perceptions. Despite progress, myths persist, such as the belief that biopsies can spread cancer, which delays testing. Doctors are now dedicating more time to educating patients about the safety and necessity of biopsies for early diagnosis. Dr. Moustafa Aldaly of International Modern Hospital noted a cultural shift toward preventive care, driven by targeted campaigns, improved access to imaging services, and the increasing presence of female healthcare professionals. With mobile units, digital booking systems, and multilingual education programs, access to life-saving screenings has become easier than ever. Healthcare providers are focusing on empathy-driven education, using real-life examples to show how early detection leads to better outcomes, empowering women to take charge of their health.