UAE’s health officials urge residents to improve their lifestyle choices following observations and commonalities of patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the UAE, several of whom are smokers, obese or both.
Dr. Ali Singel, General Health Adviser for Dubai Police stated that poor lifestyle choices can lead to increased risks to infectious ailments and chronic diseases.
“Those suffering from obesity and chronic diseases are more likely to deteriorate in health if infected by the coronavirus while those leading a healthy lifestyle are more resistant and recover faster,” said Dr. Singel.
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The Dubai Police General Health Adviser also warned smokers as they are more vulnerable to complications caused by COVID-19, which is often cited as the cause of death across several reports in the country.
“Psychological pressures can make people increase smoking, and their families may be exposed to second-hand smoke. We also noticed that many coronavirus patients that experienced complications were smokers,” said Dr. Singel.
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He furthered to suggest the public to eat moderately and infuse healthy options to their meal plans ahead of the week. “A healthy, balanced and high-fibre diet, such as one with vegetables, fruits and seeds, and avoiding sugars and fats will considerably strengthen the body and make it healthier and resistant to diseases. During the pandemic, we must eat moderately, because excessive eating can negatively affect the body,” said Dr. Singel.
Dr. Singel also emphasised that exercise is necessary and every person is different from another and is suited to certain exercises, adding that the correct exercise will strengthen the body and promote blood circulation and immunity, and an athletic person is more resistant to infections, so everyone should exercise.
