Global Pulse

分类： health

  • 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.

  • France probes baby formula producers over contamination recalls

    France probes baby formula producers over contamination recalls

    French judicial authorities have initiated criminal investigations against five prominent infant formula producers—Nestlé, Lactalis, Danone, Babybio, and La Marque en moins—following widespread product recalls triggered by potential cereulide toxin contamination. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office will examine whether these companies committed criminal offenses by distributing products suspected of containing the dangerous toxin.

    The development comes amid growing international concern after Nestlé and Danone implemented recalls across more than 60 countries, including the United Kingdom. British officials reported at least 36 infants experienced suspected food poisoning symptoms after consuming the affected formula. French authorities have received formal complaints from eight families whose children suffered vomiting episodes after formula consumption.

    Cereulide, a heat-stable toxin that survives cooking and milk preparation processes, can induce severe gastrointestinal distress including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The contamination has been traced to arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, an additive designed to mimic breast milk’s growth properties. Investigations point to a third-party ARA supplier, believed to be Wuhan-based Cabio Biotech, as the contamination source.

    The criminal probe will coordinate with ongoing local investigations examining potential connections between contaminated formula and three infant fatalities in France. Both Nestlé and France’s health ministry emphasize that no conclusive evidence currently links the products to these deaths.

    With 28 batches of SMA (Nestlé), Aptamil, and Cow & Gate (Danone) formulas recalled, manufacturers assure that affected products were manufactured previously and likely removed from retail shelves. However, they may still be in household storage, prompting urgent calls for parents to check their supplies.

    In response to the crisis, Nestlé announced plans to operate five European factories continuously to boost production and maintain supply chain integrity. The company reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, high-quality nutritional products for infants worldwide.

  • Ramadan fitness in UAE: Why ‘golden hour’ before iftar is busiest time for workouts

    Ramadan fitness in UAE: Why ‘golden hour’ before iftar is busiest time for workouts

    Across Abu Dhabi’s fitness landscape, a distinctive pattern emerges during Ramadan as tracks and gyms experience their peak activity during the twilight hours preceding iftar. This two-hour window before sunset has earned the designation ‘golden hour’ among the UAE’s athletic community, becoming the preferred training period for fasting individuals seeking to balance physical conditioning with religious observance.

    Fitness professionals identify compelling physiological advantages to pre-iftar workouts. Marcin Kiermasz, endurance athlete and General Manager of Hybrid Studio Abu Dhabi, explains the metabolic benefits: ‘During fasting, insulin levels remain low and glycogen stores become depleted, prompting the body to utilize fat reserves more efficiently. This creates optimal conditions for endurance training and weight management.’

    Running communities have systematically adapted their schedules to accommodate this trend. Rohit Kumar, Captain of adidas Runners Abu Dhabi, notes that their community implemented structured Ramadan scheduling in 2022, with this year featuring more deliberate programming. ‘Our two-hour window provides flexibility—fasting members can complete sessions from 5-6 PM and return home for iftar, while others may join later sessions,’ Kumar explains.

    The terminology ‘golden hour’ originates from the strategic combination of controlled physical exertion followed by immediate nutritional replenishment. This timing minimizes muscle catabolism while providing psychological relief during the final stretch of the daily fast. Group running sessions now regularly attract 40-50 participants during these pre-iftar hours, significantly outperforming post-iftar training attendance.

    Training methodologies vary between pre-and-post iftar sessions. Pre-iftar programming typically emphasizes aerobic conditioning, technique refinement, and foundational fitness development, while post-iftar sessions focus on strength training and performance enhancement. Running coach Fares Al Sawi advises: ‘I prescribe only easy runs of 30-45 minutes before iftar—this approach maximizes fat utilization while accommodating fasting constraints.’

    While some athletes experiment with dawn workouts following suhoor, coaches generally caution against intensive morning training due to potential energy depletion throughout the day. The consensus among fitness professionals emphasizes that the golden hour’s popularity stems not from ease of execution but from strategic efficiency—offering fasting athletes the most physiologically sound approach to maintaining fitness during Ramadan.

  • Fakeeh Health launches AI-enabled smart clinics supporting Dubai’s digital healthcare vision

    Fakeeh Health launches AI-enabled smart clinics supporting Dubai’s digital healthcare vision

    Fakeeh Health has unveiled an innovative network of artificial intelligence-enhanced Smart Clinics, marking a significant advancement in community-based medical services throughout the United Arab Emirates. This pioneering initiative directly supports Dubai’s strategic vision for creating a digitally transformed, patient-focused healthcare ecosystem.

    Following the successful pilot implementation at JAFZA, the healthcare provider will systematically deploy these hybrid medical facilities across shopping complexes, corporate environments, and residential neighborhoods. This expansion strategy effectively brings hospital-caliber medical services beyond conventional clinical settings into the heart of local communities.

    The Smart Clinics feature fully-equipped medical capsules where patients receive comprehensive care from licensed Fakeeh Health physicians and multidisciplinary teams through secure virtual consultations. These advanced units integrate real-time vital-sign monitoring technology and maintain complete interoperability with Fakeeh Health’s electronic medical records system. Each virtual consultation operates under strict clinical governance protocols and maintains established referral pathways for seamless transition to in-person care at Fakeeh University Hospital when medically necessary.

    Fakeeh Health will oversee the complete patient experience, including insurance validation, appointment coordination, prescription management, and home medication delivery services. The clinics utilize AI-driven workflows supported by AISHA, an artificial intelligence health assistant, to optimize patient navigation and operational efficiency. Importantly, all medical accountability and clinical decision-making authority remains exclusively with licensed physicians.

    Dr. Mohaymen Abdelghany, Group CEO of Fakeeh Health UAE and CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital, emphasized: ‘This transformative initiative extends physician-directed, hospital-quality medical care directly into community settings while advancing Dubai’s digital healthcare objectives. Through the integration of real-time clinical data, comprehensive electronic medical records, and robust clinical governance frameworks, we are dramatically improving healthcare accessibility without sacrificing quality standards or patient safety.’

  • Hospital in Guangxi implants BCI brain pacemaker in Parkinson’s patient

    Hospital in Guangxi implants BCI brain pacemaker in Parkinson’s patient

    In a groundbreaking medical advancement, a hospital in China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has successfully performed the region’s first implantation of a brain-computer interface (BCI) assisted neurostimulator on a Parkinson’s disease patient. The 59-year-old female patient, who had endured the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s for over seven years, was discharged following the successful procedure conducted at Guangxi Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.

    The patient had experienced severe deterioration in motor function, including persistent limb tremors, significantly slowed movement, and inability to perform basic daily activities. As conventional medication regimens progressively lost effectiveness, her quality of life diminished substantially, necessitating innovative intervention.

    On February 3, a specialized medical team implanted a state-of-the-art rechargeable closed-loop neurostimulator system that incorporates advanced BCI technology. Unlike traditional deep brain stimulation devices that deliver constant electrical impulses, this next-generation device actively captures and decodes neural signals in real-time, enabling adaptive stimulation parameters that respond dynamically to the patient’s changing neurological condition.

    The surgical procedure was completed without complications, and initial postoperative results demonstrated remarkable improvement. During early recovery, the patient exhibited restored motor capabilities that had previously been compromised—most notably regaining the ability to independently drink from a cup, a simple action that had become impossible before the intervention.

    Medical experts emphasized that this adaptive stimulation approach represents a significant evolution beyond conventional treatments. The device’s feedback-based regulation system allows for personalized therapy adjustment rather than fixed stimulation patterns. With full activation and subsequent optimization of the system, physicians anticipate further enhancement of motor functions and continued reduction of medication dependency.

    This pioneering case establishes a new therapeutic paradigm for Parkinson’s disease management in Guangxi and offers hope for patients seeking alternatives when traditional treatments prove inadequate. The successful integration of BCI technology with neural stimulation techniques marks an important milestone in neuromodulation therapeutics, potentially paving the way for broader applications in neurological disorder treatment.

  • Malawi vaccinates a new generation of children against polio, which still hasn’t been eradicated

    Malawi vaccinates a new generation of children against polio, which still hasn’t been eradicated

    BLANTYRE, Malawi — Health workers moved through crowded Malawian classrooms this week, administering oral polio vaccines to children seated on floors as the nation confronts an unexpected public health challenge. The emergency campaign, launched Wednesday, highlights the complex realities of global polio eradication efforts nearly four decades after the World Health Organization initiated its elimination program.

    The vaccination drive follows last month’s detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 in Blantyre’s sewage systems, prompting health authorities to deploy 1.7 million doses of a novel oral vaccine specifically designed to combat circulating vaccine-derived outbreaks. Malawi’s Deputy Health Minister Charles Chilambula personally championed the campaign, emphasizing the urgency of containing the mutated strain discovered in environmental samples.

    This development represents another setback for global health authorities who had nearly declared victory over polio just five years ago, when only five natural polio cases were reported worldwide. Current WHO data reveals 38 natural poliovirus cases recorded between January and October 2025—all confined to Pakistan and Afghanistan—alongside 151 vaccine-derived cases across 13 countries, indicating a troubling epidemiological shift.

    Vaccine-derived poliovirus emerges when the weakened live virus in oral vaccines mutates into a form capable of triggering new outbreaks, complicating eradication efforts. This phenomenon has recently overtaken wild poliovirus in case numbers, though health officials emphasize that wild polio cases have decreased by over 99% since 1988, when 125 countries reported endemic transmission.

    Malawi’s polio concerns resurfaced in 2022 when a child contracted wild poliovirus—the nation’s first case in three decades. The current detection of vaccine-derived strain adds another layer of complexity to elimination efforts. UNICEF’s Malawi health chief Dr. Joe Collins Opio indicated the campaign would initially focus on eight districts before expanding nationally across the country of 22 million people.

    Health workers—primarily women in distinctive blue uniforms—conducted door-to-door vaccinations while carrying cooler boxes containing vaccines. Officials deployed motorbikes to reach remote communities and organized open-air educational events featuring health messages interspersed with popular music. Children participated by holding signs advocating polio protection.

    Dr. Akosua Sika Ayisi, a WHO public health specialist assisting the campaign, emphasized that polio remains a persistent global threat, noting that Malawi’s success depends on ensuring every eligible child receives complete vaccination. The highly contagious disease affects the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, with approximately one in 200 cases resulting in paralysis.

  • India’s Modi congratulates Bangladesh’s BNP Tarique Rahman on ‘decisive’ election win

    India’s Modi congratulates Bangladesh’s BNP Tarique Rahman on ‘decisive’ election win

    In a landmark initiative celebrating humanitarian generosity, Mediclinic City Hospital has inaugurated the United Arab Emirates’ inaugural ‘Tree of Life’ monument. This permanent artistic installation serves as a profound tribute to individuals who have made the ultimate gift through organ donation, transforming tragedy into hope for countless recipients.

    The unveiling ceremony represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s healthcare landscape, aligning with the nation’s ongoing efforts to foster a robust culture of organ donation. The tree symbolizes both the cyclical nature of life and the branching impact of a single donor’s decision, which can save up to eight lives and enhance dozens more through tissue donation.

    Hospital administrators emphasized that the monument functions as both a memorial and an educational tool, designed to spark crucial conversations about donation registration. By creating a physical space for reflection and recognition, the initiative addresses the critical gap between supply and demand for transplantable organs in the region.

    This pioneering project emerges against the backdrop of evolving legislative frameworks in the UAE that have progressively supported transplant medicine. The Tree of Life stands as a testament to medical advancements and growing public awareness, potentially serving as a model for other healthcare institutions across the Gulf region seeking to normalize and honor donor contributions.

    The installation features interactive elements allowing visitors to learn about the donation process while contemplating the profound legacy of donors. Medical professionals involved in transplant programs noted that such visible recognition helps mitigate cultural hesitations by demonstrating institutional respect for donors and their families.