Global Pulse

分类： health

  • From burnout to biohacking: Why healthspan is becoming the new status symbol

    From burnout to biohacking: Why healthspan is becoming the new status symbol

    A paradigm shift is redefining success metrics among global high-performers, particularly across the UAE, where the traditional pursuit of productivity and wealth is being supplanted by a new premium: longevity and sustained peak performance. This transformation positions healthspan—the number of years one remains in optimal physical, mental, and emotional condition—as the ultimate status symbol for ambitious individuals.

    The evolving healthcare narrative has moved beyond mere lifespan extension to emphasize quality of life preservation. Longevity medicine now bridges both concepts, focusing on delaying biological aging while addressing root causes rather than symptoms. Research indicates three primary longevity determinants: genetics, environment, and lifestyle, with the latter two offering significant modification potential.

    This revolution is fundamentally transforming healthcare approaches from curative to preventive models. Preventive healthcare emphasizes early risk identification and maintenance interventions, contrasting with traditional symptom-responsive treatment. The strategic advantage lies in early detection enabling simpler lifestyle adjustments and nutritional modifications, potentially preventing conditions that would require intensive medical intervention if discovered later.

    The modern high-performance paradox reveals a critical disconnect: external success often masks internal chronic stress states. Alarming data from Smart Salem, Dubai’s premium wellness center, indicates 40% of UAE residents experienced burnout within the past year, with 87% reporting work performance impacts and 62% identifying stress or anxiety as primary symptoms.

    Medical experts caution against misattributing performance decline solely to burnout when underlying biological factors—including vitamin deficiencies or hormonal imbalances—may manifest similar symptoms. Dr. Philipp Mirbach, Consultant in Family Medicine at Smart Salem, emphasizes the foundational principle of longevity optimization: comprehensive annual health screening to establish baselines, even for asymptomatic individuals who ‘feel fine.’

    The future healthcare landscape is evolving toward predictive, preventive, and personalized models. Rather than waiting for symptomatic manifestations, forward-thinking individuals are adopting data-driven lifestyle adaptations to maximize their healthspan. This approach recognizes that true success is measured not by years lived, but by years lived vibrantly and productively.

  • UAE patient with heart failure, thalassemia treated with gene therapy after transplant

    UAE patient with heart failure, thalassemia treated with gene therapy after transplant

    In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a patient from the United Arab Emirates suffering from both beta-thalassemia and severe heart failure has received successful treatment through an innovative combination of heart transplantation and advanced gene therapy. This complex sequential treatment, typically considered high-risk by many medical institutions, represents a significant advancement in precision medicine.

    According to Dr. Rabi Hanna, a pediatric cellular therapy specialist at Cleveland Clinic, the medical team employed an innovative approach using the patient’s own stem cells. This methodology enabled physicians to address both the genetic blood disorder and the cardiac condition simultaneously, while eliminating the necessity for long-term immunosuppression following the gene therapy procedure.

    Gene therapy functions by correcting defective genes responsible for disease manifestations. For conditions like beta-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, where genetic abnormalities impair healthy red blood cell production, CRISPR gene-editing technology serves as molecular scissors to precisely modify DNA within a patient’s stem cells. These genetically corrected cells are subsequently reintroduced into the body to generate healthy blood cells.

    The comprehensive treatment process spans nine to fifteen months, beginning with stem cell collection—which may require multiple cycles—followed by a meticulous six-month manufacturing phase involving genetic modification and rigorous safety testing. Prior to reinfusion, patients undergo myeloablative chemotherapy to clear bone marrow space for the modified cells, a step associated with significant side effects including oral mucositis, infection susceptibility, and potential fertility implications.

    Medical researchers are now pioneering base editing techniques, a more precise genetic modification approach that alters individual DNA letters without severing both genetic code strands. Recent BEAM study data presented at American Society of Hematology conferences indicates this method yields faster recovery rates, reduced complications, and shorter hospitalization periods compared to conventional CRISPR treatments.

    The medical community is actively developing in vivo gene editing techniques that could potentially eliminate chemotherapy requirements altogether. Parallel research explores antibody-based conditioning as a less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy preparation methods.

    This medical breakthrough holds particular significance for the Middle Eastern region, where beta-thalassemia prevalence exceeds global averages. Health authorities have long recognized this condition as a substantial inherited blood disorder affecting families throughout the Gulf region and beyond.

    Dr. Hanna emphasized that successful long-term outcomes necessitate integrated care approaches involving local hematologists, mental health professionals, and primary care teams alongside specialist centers. Patients require structured annual follow-up monitoring managed through collaborative local and specialist support systems, representing a comprehensive approach to restoring quality of life beyond mere genetic correction.

  • Can you lose weight during Ramadan? Experts say yes ‘with simple changes’

    Can you lose weight during Ramadan? Experts say yes ‘with simple changes’

    As the UAE commences the holy month of Ramadan, medical and fitness experts reveal how the traditional dawn-to-dusk fasting period can be transformed into an effective weight management strategy rather than a metabolic challenge.

    According to Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay, Specialist Internal Medicine at Aster Hospital, Mankhool, Ramadan fasting represents a structured form of time-restricted eating that can serve as a metabolic reset when approached correctly. “The extended fasting hours facilitate decreased insulin levels, enabling the body to utilize stored glucose and fat reserves more efficiently,” Dr. Upadhyay explained. “This provides the digestive system with predictable rest periods, potentially improving gut function and reducing reflux symptoms when meals are properly balanced.”

    The medical expert cautioned, however, that these benefits can be quickly negated by common practices. “The therapeutic value of fasting diminishes when followed by calorie overload, excessive sugar consumption, heavy meals, and sleep deprivation,” she noted. Common complaints during Ramadan include acid reflux, bloating, constipation, and even gallbladder symptoms resulting from excessively fatty meals.

    Fitness professional Reem Backer emphasizes that Ramadan creates a natural rhythm conducive to building sustainable health habits. “The structured eating windows and calming evenings foster increased bodily awareness,” Backer stated. She advises against extreme approaches, recommending instead consistent, moderate activity. “Short strength sessions, post-iftar walks, or light stretching performed regularly prove more beneficial than intense workouts that lead to exhaustion.”

    The growing recognition of Ramadan’s health potential has prompted fitness establishments across the UAE to offer specialized programs. Veo Fitness provides membership discounts of up to 15% for new members and 25% for renewals, while Roar Fitness has developed a six-week body transformation program specifically designed around Ramadan’s unique schedule.

    Both experts concur that Ramadan presents a dual opportunity for spiritual reflection and lasting lifestyle improvement. Dr. Upadhyay concludes: “The habits cultivated during this period—mindful portion control, reduced sugar intake, and regular meal timing—can yield health benefits extending far beyond the holy month.”

  • Italian toddler in critical condition after transplanted heart ‘burned by frostbite’

    Italian toddler in critical condition after transplanted heart ‘burned by frostbite’

    A medical tragedy has unfolded in Italy where a two-year-old boy remains in stable yet critical condition following a disastrous heart transplant procedure in December. The incident, now under criminal investigation, involved a donor heart that sustained severe frostbite damage during transport due to apparent protocol failures.

    The organ, harvested from a young drowning victim in Bolzano, was transported to Monaldi Hospital in Naples in a container that violated basic medical standards. According to legal representatives, the heart was placed in direct contact with dry ice and lacked essential temperature monitoring equipment. Francesco Petruzzi, the family’s attorney, described the organ as arriving ‘burned by frostbite,’ rendering it effectively unusable.

    Despite the visible damage, surgeons proceeded with the transplantation. The child subsequently suffered catastrophic complications requiring immediate life support intervention. Medical experts note that prolonged extracorporeal support increases risks of multi-organ failure affecting lungs, liver, and kidneys.

    Italy’s health ministry has launched a formal inquiry, with six medical professionals currently under investigation. Health Minister Orazio Schillaci emphasized the necessity of full transparency, stating: ‘We must absolutely clarify what happened. We owe it to the child, to the family, but also to all Italians.’

    The case has reached the highest levels of Italian society, with the child’s mother, Patrizia Mercolino, appealing directly to Pope Francis for assistance in securing a new donor organ. ‘I am not giving up,’ she told local media, expressing hope for her son’s eligibility for a second transplant.

    A national medical board comprising specialists from major Italian hospitals convened Wednesday at Monaldi Hospital to assess whether the child can withstand another transplant procedure. The family’s legal team indicates they will seek additional medical opinions if the panel declines to approve a new transplantation.

  • Fakih IVF opens a new branch in Khalifa City to strengthen healthcare services in Abu Dhabi

    Fakih IVF opens a new branch in Khalifa City to strengthen healthcare services in Abu Dhabi

    Fakih IVF, a pioneering institution in reproductive medicine across the Middle East, has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art facility on Al Forsan Street in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi. This strategic expansion addresses the growing regional demand for specialized fertility services while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to healthcare accessibility.

    Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Michael Fakih, a renowned Consultant in Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF pioneer, the institution has facilitated the birth of over 35,000 children throughout its three-decade history. The new Khalifa City branch continues this legacy by offering comprehensive reproductive solutions including in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), advanced genetic screening, and fertility preservation services through egg and sperm cryopreservation.

    The facility distinguishes itself through the integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies within its embryology laboratories. Notably, the center pioneered the implementation of AI-assisted sperm search technology in the region, providing breakthrough solutions for cases of severe male infertility. These advanced systems enhance treatment precision, optimize clinical protocols, and improve overall reproductive outcomes while maintaining rigorous safety standards.

    Dr. Michael Fakih emphasized the dual commitment to scientific excellence and compassionate care: “Our expansion into Khalifa City demonstrates our dedication to making world-class fertility treatment accessible to more families in Abu Dhabi. We believe every individual deserves personalized care, advanced treatment options, and emotional support throughout their reproductive journey.”

    The new center eliminates geographical barriers for residents of Khalifa City and surrounding communities, providing convenient access to internationally recognized fertility expertise without requiring extensive travel. This development represents a significant enhancement to Abu Dhabi’s healthcare infrastructure and reaffirms the UAE’s position as a hub for medical innovation in reproductive health.

  • Can Ramadan fasting slow ageing? UAE doctor says break from food helps body

    Can Ramadan fasting slow ageing? UAE doctor says break from food helps body

    Medical experts are increasingly recognizing Ramadan’s distinctive fasting pattern as a potential catalyst for healthier aging, moving beyond its traditional spiritual significance. Dr. Rahat Ghazanfar, Family Medicine Consultant and Clinical Director of the Longevity Clinic at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, explains that the extended daily abstinence from food enables the body to transition from constant digestion into a repair-focused state.

    According to Dr. Ghazanfar, the physiological shift occurs after several hours without food consumption. “When we fast, the body finally gets a break from constant digestion and repeated sugar spikes,” she states. “It switches from using sugar as its main fuel to using stored fat. That shift is important because it activates repair processes inside the body.” This metabolic transition triggers what she describes as cellular “spring cleaning,” where damaged cells are cleared, inflammation reduces, and the body prioritizes repair over continuous growth.

    In longevity medicine, aging is measured through internal biomarkers rather than external appearance. Doctors track blood sugar control, cholesterol balance, inflammation levels, muscle strength, bone health, cardiac fitness, and hormonal equilibrium to assess biological aging rates. “From a longevity point of view, anti-ageing really means staying strong, mobile and mentally sharp for as long as possible,” Dr. Ghazanfar emphasizes.

    The Ramadan fasting pattern closely resembles time-restricted eating, a clinical approach where food consumption is limited to a specific daily window. This method has demonstrated benefits for blood sugar regulation and inflammation reduction without requiring extreme calorie restriction. “The key message is simple,” notes Dr. Ghazanfar. “Consistency matters far more than intensity.”

    Fasting differs fundamentally from simple calorie reduction, as even brief daily fasts activate repair mechanisms that don’t fully engage with continuous small meals throughout the day. “Timing matters just as much as quantity,” she explains, cautioning that chronic restriction can be harmful, particularly for women and older adults.

    The practice influences several aging-related hormonal processes. Insulin levels decrease during fasting, potentially protecting against diabetes and age-related diseases, while growth hormone production increases, supporting muscle maintenance and tissue repair. Chronic inflammation, a significant driver of aging and long-term disease, also appears to diminish during fasting periods.

    Dr. Ghazanwar stresses that fasting should be viewed as a reset rather than a cure, and its benefits vary significantly among individuals. Factors including age, gender, stress levels, and existing health conditions all influence how someone responds to fasting. Warning signs of counterproductive fasting include persistent fatigue, poor sleep, irritability, dizziness, hormonal disruption, or muscle loss.

    While Ramadan provides an annual reset opportunity, lasting benefits depend on maintaining elements of the rhythm beyond the holy month. Simple habits such as avoiding late-night eating, allowing regular breaks between meals, mindful consumption, and prioritizing sleep can help sustain improvements in digestion, blood sugar control, and inflammation reduction.

    Ultimately, fasting’s most significant impact appears to be on healthspan—the period of life spent in good health—rather than simply extending lifespan. When approached with awareness and purpose, fasting becomes a long-term ally in maintaining independence, resilience, and mental acuity throughout the aging process.

  • Vision and devotion: A comprehensive guide to eye care

    Vision and devotion: A comprehensive guide to eye care

    As Muslim communities worldwide prepare for Ramadan 2026, leading ophthalmologists from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Abu Dhabi have issued comprehensive guidance for maintaining optimal eye health during the holy month. The period of spiritual reflection brings significant changes to daily routines—including altered sleep patterns, fasting, and extended nighttime activities—that necessitate special consideration for ocular wellness.

    Retinal Health Considerations
    According to Medical Director Dr. Nicola Ghazi, MD, fasting can potentially enhance metabolic health, creating an opportunity for physical renewal. However, the retina—the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye—requires particular attention for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. While fasting may improve metabolic control, the manner of breaking the fast at Iftar becomes critically important for maintaining stable blood glucose levels.

    Dr. Ghazi emphasizes that dramatic fluctuations in sugar levels between fasting hours and heavy Iftar meals can adversely affect the delicate blood vessels supplying the retina. This is especially concerning for those with diabetic retinopathy, a condition that threatens vision. The specialist advises against consuming sugary foods when breaking the fast, as they trigger rapid blood sugar spikes that may exacerbate diabetes and increase hunger. Instead, balanced meals containing complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats are recommended. A protein-rich Suhoor combined with adequate hydration may help maintain steadier glucose levels throughout daylight hours.

    Glaucoma Management Protocols
    Dr. Jason Goldsmith, MD, Head of Glaucoma Service, addresses concerns regarding intraocular pressure control during Ramadan. Often termed the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma involves elevated eye pressure that damages the optic nerve. Dr. Goldsmith stresses that consistent adherence to prescribed treatment remains paramount for glaucoma patients during the fasting period.

    Addressing common concerns about medication invalidating fasts, Dr. Goldsmith clarifies that medicated eye drops do not provide nutrition and typically do not break the fast. However, skipping even a single dose can precipitate dangerous pressure spikes. The expert recommends using the “punctal occlusion” technique—applying gentle pressure to the inner eye corner for one to two minutes after administering drops—to minimize systemic absorption. Maintaining treatment consistency is essential to prevent irreversible vision deterioration.

    Corneal Hydration Strategies
    Dr. George Corrent, MD, PhD, Head of Cornea and Refractive Service, highlights the importance of ocular surface hydration in the arid UAE climate. The cornea, being the eye’s outermost protective layer, becomes vulnerable to dehydration during fasting hours. Reduced bodily hydration levels diminish tear production, leading to symptoms including burning sensations, grittiness, and intermittent blurred vision.

    To counteract dehydration-related dry eye syndrome, Dr. Corrent advocates for “pre-emptive hydration”—consuming sufficient water between Iftar and Suhoor to maintain healthy tear film integrity. For individuals spending prolonged periods in prayer or engaging with digital screens, preservative-free artificial tears can provide supplementary relief. Proper corneal hydration ensures sustained visual clarity and comfort throughout daily activities.

    All specialists concur that any sudden visual changes—including vision decrease, new floaters, or shadow-like appearances across the visual field—require immediate medical evaluation rather than waiting until Eid celebrations conclude.

  • Smart Salem: Designing the first touchpoint of health

    Smart Salem: Designing the first touchpoint of health

    Dubai’s mandatory visa medical fitness test has been transformed from a bureaucratic necessity into a premium healthcare experience through the innovative approach of Smart Salem. Under CEO Amanda Gravitis’ leadership since 2022, the company has reengineered what was traditionally a time-consuming administrative process into a seamless 10-minute procedure with guaranteed results within 30 minutes.

    The premium service model combines luxury-grade convenience with cutting-edge technology across three strategic locations: DIFC, Dubai Knowledge Park, and City Walk. Clients enjoy valet parking, fully digital experiences, walk-in appointments, and complimentary coffee served by robots while waiting—if they have time to drink it before their accelerated process is complete.

    At the technological core of Smart Salem’s operation lies an integrated system of automation, AI, and robotics. Digital check-in systems, automated blood vial conveyor belts, and smart queuing solutions work in concert to ensure unprecedented efficiency. The company has further expanded its diagnostic portfolio to include AI-powered wellness assessments and DNA tests, making advanced preventative healthcare more accessible.

    This transformation aligns with Dubai’s D33 vision under the leadership of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, positioning the emirate as an innovative smart city that sets global standards for government processes. Smart Salem operates in partnership with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Dubai Health (DH) to streamline residency visa procedures while reducing administrative burdens.

    Beyond visa compliance, the company is leveraging its position as the first healthcare touchpoint for Dubai residents to build a comprehensive preventative healthcare ecosystem. Research indicating that one in ten individuals has never undergone general health check-ups has inspired Smart Salem to offer expanded wellness services during visa medical appointments. Clients can now opt for comprehensive preventative screenings—from allergy tests to gut microbiome analysis—using the same single blood draw and without additional time investment.

    Despite rapid expansion that has included two new centers and over twenty additional services since 2022, Smart Salem maintains that its commitment to premium, high-touch experiences remains unchanged. The company’s operational philosophy centers on delivering consistently superior service through technological innovation while preserving the human element of healthcare—proving that government-mandated processes can feel like a privilege rather than a hassle.

  • What’s the secret to happiness? These researchers have a theory

    What’s the secret to happiness? These researchers have a theory

    A groundbreaking new publication from leading psychological researchers is challenging conventional wisdom on the pursuit of happiness. Distinguished psychology professor Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky from University of California Riverside and relationship expert Dr. Harry Reis from University of Rochester present a compelling thesis in their collaborative work “How to Feel Loved”: genuine happiness stems not from self-improvement alone, but from perceiving love returned to us through meaningful social connections.

    The researchers identify a critical paradigm shift in understanding emotional wellbeing. While previous happiness studies emphasized the love we extend to others, their findings demonstrate that the sensation of being loved ourselves creates the fundamental foundation for contentment. This revelation addresses a fundamental human quest that Dr. Lyubomirsky has studied for decades, moving beyond reductive solutions to present evidence-based approaches.

    Central to their methodology is the development of enhanced listening capabilities. The authors contend that most individuals mistakenly believe themselves proficient listeners while primarily awaiting their opportunity to speak. They advocate for a “listening to learn” mindset that prioritizes understanding over response. Practical techniques include avoiding interruptions, refraining from unsolicited advice, and employing follow-up questions—with the simple phrase “tell me more” proving remarkably effective.

    The research proposes a targeted relationship investment strategy rather than diffuse social efforts. By selecting one significant relationship and conducting three curiosity-driven conversations within a week, individuals can initiate a reciprocal dynamic the authors compare to a seesaw: genuine attentiveness elevates both participants, creating mutual understanding and emotional reward.

    However, the research acknowledges relationship limitations. When concerted efforts yield minimal reciprocity or genuine curiosity proves unsustainable, these indicate potentially unsuitable connections for emotional investment. The ultimate empowerment comes from recognizing that feeling loved operates within our sphere of influence through conscious conversational choices and strategic relationship cultivation.

  • Planned US-funded baby vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau blasted by WHO

    Planned US-funded baby vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau blasted by WHO

    The World Health Organization has issued a strong condemnation of a controversial hepatitis B vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau that was abruptly halted following public outcry. The $1.6 million trial, funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and led by Danish researchers, proposed to delay vaccination for approximately 14,000 newborns until six weeks of age rather than administering the standard birth-dose vaccine.

    WHO officials expressed ‘significant concerns’ regarding the study’s scientific justification and ethical safeguards, describing the proposed methodology as fundamentally unethical. The organization emphasized that the hepatitis B vaccine has demonstrated effectiveness over three decades of use across 115 countries, with birth-dose administration preventing mother-to-child transmission in 70-95% of cases.

    The controversial study gained particular attention due to its connection with US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly questioned vaccine efficacy despite claiming personal vaccination adherence. Kennedy had previously replaced all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices with vaccine-critical appointees, who subsequently voted to stop recommending universal hepatitis B vaccination for American newborns.

    Guinean authorities suspended the trial following substantial domestic opposition, including from former health minister Magda Robalo who declared ‘Guinea-Bissauans are not guinea pigs.’ The West African nation suffers from exceptionally high hepatitis B prevalence, with WHO estimates indicating over 12% of adults carry chronic infection and some studies suggesting rates as high as 20%.

    The WHO maintains that birth-dose vaccination represents an essential public health intervention that prevents potentially irreversible harm. The organization argues that placebo-controlled trials are only ethically acceptable when no proven treatment exists, which is not the case for hepatitis B prevention. Guinea-Bissau currently administers the vaccine at six weeks but plans nationwide birth-dose implementation by 2028, a transition the WHO has pledged to accelerate.