The Filipino Times sought the advice for three doctors and specialists who have dealt with Filipino patients to ask for the most common illnesses that Filipinos have during their stay here in the UAE.
Type 2 Diabetes
With the ease of access of getting fast food through delivery, Filipinos and even other nationalities increase their risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes. “There is a tendency for Filipinos in the UAE to choose to eat out or order food via take aways from fastfood chains throughout the week, which results in a high amount of salt, sugar, and fatty foods being consumed on a regular basis. Ultimately, these types of foods lead to rapid weight gain and are major causes of both heart diseases as well as type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Jairam K. Aithal, Consultant – Cardiovascular Disease at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi.
Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases
Most OFWs fall victim to experiencing high blood pressure, hypertension and a host of other cardiovascular diseases here in the UAE. “Although heredity is not ruled out as a causative factor, these diseases are mainly related to the nature of the lifestyle. Also, consumption of food containing high-protein plus the lack of performing regular exercises play a role in increasing the prevalence rate of these diseases,” said Dr. Sally Ismail Mohammed ElDemiry, General Practitioner at First Global Clinic, Abu Dhabi.
With the prevalence of stress at work for OFWs here in the UAE that sometimes leads to stress-eating or binge alcohol drinking, OFWs unfortunately lead themselves to these diseases.
Hypercholesterolemia
Since it’s easy to order fastfood, unfortunately the method of cooking these fastfood items are usually deep fried, which leads to an accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body. At its worst, hypercholesterolemia occurs in the body. “Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for stroke and heart attacks. Incorrect intake and discontinuation of medications against your doctor’s advice also contribute to near fatal medical complications,” said Dr. Sonia Paul Nilayattingal, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), Specialist Physician at Universal Hospital, Abu Dhabi
Other diseases.
Hyperuricemia (high uric acid), respiratory illnesses, acute gastroenteritis and peptic ulcer have as well all been reported to be experienced by OFWs in the UAE. (NB)
