Global Pulse

分类： health

  • Ramadan 2026: Tips to prioritise self-care and wellness

    Ramadan 2026: Tips to prioritise self-care and wellness

    As Ramadan approaches in 2026, health experts emphasize the critical importance of integrating comprehensive self-care practices during the holy month of fasting. This spiritual period, while focused on renewal and devotion, presents unique physical and mental challenges that require thoughtful wellness strategies.

    The physiological demands of prolonged fasting hours, altered sleep patterns, and increased social commitments can significantly impact one’s wellbeing. Christian Kiefer, Spa Wellness Project Management expert, notes that wellness during Ramadan serves as an essential support system, helping maintain energy levels, emotional stability, and mental clarity throughout the month.

    A holistic approach to Ramadan wellness encompasses multiple dimensions. Gentle physical therapies including calming massages and aromatherapy rituals help alleviate the physical fatigue that accumulates from fasting and disrupted sleep cycles. Mindful practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and journaling provide mental respite and spiritual connection.

    Nutrition remains paramount during this period. Experts recommend consuming balanced meals during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (evening meal), emphasizing complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Hydration during non-fasting hours is crucial, with particular attention to water intake before dawn and after sunset. Incorporating abundant fruits and vegetables ensures adequate vitamin and mineral intake while avoiding excessive fatty and spicy foods.

    Physical activity should be modified to accommodate the fasting state. Light exercises such as stretching, yoga, or evening walks after iftar help maintain circulation and muscle flexibility without overexertion. Sleep prioritization and maintaining consistent rest patterns help the body adapt to changed circadian rhythms.

    Chef Alaa Alnachar of Grand Millennium Hotel Dubai shares a nutritious red lentil soup recipe (Shorbet Aadas) ideal for Ramadan meals. This nutrient-dense dish provides essential proteins and minerals while being gentle on the digestive system during fasting periods.

    Special populations including those with medical conditions, eating disorders, or pregnant/breastfeeding women are advised to consult healthcare professionals before undertaking Ramadan fasting. The integration of community connections through iftar gatherings and family interactions further enhances the holistic wellness experience during this sacred month.

  • Is dopamine fasting key to doomscrolling and online addiction?

    Is dopamine fasting key to doomscrolling and online addiction?

    In an era of endless digital stimulation, a Dubai-based entrepreneur’s personal revelation highlights the neurological realities behind compulsive scrolling and impulse behaviors. Elissa, a 43-year-old expat mother of three, discovered her seemingly harmless phone habits were fundamentally altering her brain chemistry and emotional state.

    The turning point came when her youngest son observed that she appeared consistently angry when offline but smiled continuously during screen time. This prompted professional consultation that revealed her ‘me-time’ scrolling sessions were actually overstimulating her brain’s reward system through constant micro-releases of dopamine—the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and motivation.

    Contrary to popular psychology trends that villainize dopamine, specialists clarify this neurotransmitter isn’t inherently negative. Dr. Rajasekaran, a specialist psychiatrist at OPENMINDS Centre for Psychiatry, Counselling and Neuroscience, explains: ‘Dopamine is critical for motivation, cognition, and mood regulation. The issue emerges when modern stimuli—social media notifications, abundant entertainment options, and accessible pleasures—constantly trigger phasic dopamine releases.’

    This continuous high-intensity stimulation desensitizes dopamine receptors, making ordinary experiences feel less rewarding and creating cycles of compulsive behavior. The solution, however, isn’t the social media-popularized concept of ‘dopamine fasting’—a misleading term suggesting complete abstinence from dopamine-producing activities.

    Instead, experts recommend recalibrating the brain’s reward system through balanced activities that promote tonic dopamine release: steady-state pursuits like reading, exercise, or creative endeavors. Elissa’s successful intervention involved replacing scrolling with evening walks and reading, resulting in improved mood and presence that even her children noticed.

    The clinical approach focuses on restoring neurological sensitivity rather than eliminating dopamine itself. By reducing high-intensity stimulation, the brain gradually regains its ability to find satisfaction in everyday experiences, improving focus, emotional regulation, and overall mental wellness without resorting to extreme restrictions.

  • Overwashing, too much Retinol: Ramadan skincare mistakes to avoid

    Overwashing, too much Retinol: Ramadan skincare mistakes to avoid

    As the holy month of Ramadan transforms daily routines with extended fasting periods and altered sleep patterns, dermatologists across the UAE are highlighting significant skincare concerns that emerge during this spiritual period. Medical experts identify dehydration-induced dryness, increased sensitivity, and circadian rhythm disruptions as primary challenges affecting skin health during this time.

    Dr. Malaz Eldirdiry, specialist dermatologist at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, explains that reduced daytime fluid intake directly impacts skin physiology. “Dehydration can manifest as visible dryness and dullness while potentially exacerbating pre-existing conditions like eczema,” she notes. However, with proper post-iftar hydration management, fasting can yield neutral or even beneficial effects including improved oil balance and acne reduction.

    The disruption of natural sleep-wake cycles presents another significant factor. Skincare professionals emphasize that late nights and early suhoor awakenings interfere with the skin’s nocturnal repair processes, potentially leading to delayed healing, persistent inflammation, and fatigued appearance.

    Common Ramadan Skincare Missteps:

    Excessive cleansing rituals intended to maintain freshness often backfire by compromising the skin’s protective barrier. Dermatologists recommend limiting cleansing to morning and evening sessions using gentle formulations rather than harsh soaps that trigger rebound oil production.

    The temptation to combat dullness through aggressive exfoliation—particularly as Eid approaches—frequently results in heightened sensitivity and pigmentation issues. Experts advise prioritizing hydration over intensive scrubbing to restore natural radiance.

    Potent active ingredients including retinol, high-concentration acids, and alcohol-based toners may require reduced frequency during Ramadan. Rather than complete elimination, spacing applications while monitoring skin response helps prevent adverse reactions.

    Barrier repair emerges as the cornerstone of effective Ramadan skincare. A simplified routine featuring hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid, appropriate moisturization, and consistent sun protection proves most effective.

    Professional treatment scheduling requires strategic timing, with aesthetic expert Ahmed Nhaban recommending appointments 2-3 hours post-iftar when hydration levels are restored. UAE clinics report increased evening bookings during Ramadan for this reason.

    For pre-Eid preparations, dermatologists advise advanced scheduling of cosmetic procedures, noting that Botox requires 10-14 days for optimal results before celebrations commence.

    Skincare specialists recommend adopting a two-phase daily approach: lightweight hydration with antioxidant protection and sunscreen after suhoor, followed by intensive repair formulations featuring barrier-restoring ingredients after iftar. This circadian-aware strategy helps maintain skin equilibrium throughout Ramadan’s unique demands.

  • Ramadan fatigue? Your gut may be the reason

    Ramadan fatigue? Your gut may be the reason

    As Ramadan progresses beyond its initial days, many fasting individuals encounter a puzzling phenomenon: instead of experiencing renewed energy after Iftar, they face pronounced fatigue, bloating, and discomfort. Nutrition science now reveals that these symptoms originate not from fasting itself but from underlying digestive system imbalances that the fasting period exposes.

    The human gut microbiota, comprising trillions of beneficial bacteria, plays a crucial role in nutrient extraction, vitamin production, and immune defense coordination. Remarkably, approximately 70% of the body’s immune functionality connects directly to gut health. When this microbial equilibrium becomes disrupted, the body manifests various symptoms including acidity, constipation, low energy, and increased susceptibility to illness.

    During fasting hours, the digestive system undergoes a beneficial cleansing process, clearing residual food particles and excess bacteria. The challenge typically emerges at Iftar when individuals frequently consume large quantities of comfort foods rapidly, particularly fried items, sweets, and sugary beverages. This abrupt dietary onslaught overwhelms the digestive system, triggering fermentation processes that produce gas, inflammation, and that characteristic heavy, sleepy sensation.

    The post-Iftar fatigue stems not from nutritional deficiency but from the enormous metabolic effort required for digestion. Efficient energy production depends significantly on optimal nutrient absorption facilitated by beneficial gut bacteria. When these microorganisms are diminished, absorption of critical nutrients like iron and B-vitamins declines, resulting in persistent fatigue despite adequate food intake.

    Fasting inherently provides an opportunity to reset the gut environment, but achieving balance requires conscious dietary support. Nutrition experts emphasize breaking fasts gradually with dates and water, beginning with light soups, and avoiding excessive consumption during the initial hour. Incorporating vegetables, fruits, and probiotic-rich fermented dairy products supports microbial health. For Suhoor, recommendations include whole grains, proteins, and adequate hydration.

    Additionally, the increased illness incidence during Ramadan frequently connects to dehydration, sleep disruption, and high sugar consumption compounded by gut imbalance rather than fasting itself. Since immune cells maintain close communication with gut bacteria, enhancing digestive health directly strengthens natural defense mechanisms.

    Ramadan represents both a spiritual reset and a biological opportunity. When fasting combines with mindful eating practices and gut microbiome support, many individuals report improved mental clarity, sustained energy levels, and enhanced digestive comfort throughout the holy month.

  • 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.