
Forget longevity and focus on living better, experts say
On February 19, hundreds of longevity devotees attended the Don't Die Summit in Manhattan, each paying $349 in the hopes of discovering the secret to extended life. Keynote speaker, US tech millionaire Bryan Johnson, the subject of the recent Netflix documentary, Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, took to the stage to tell the audience: 'We are at war with death. We are trying to eliminate death from our environment.' Johnson made headlines last year when he revealed he spends over $2 million a year on his Project Blueprint, for which he receives plasma transfusions from his teenage son along with gene therapy injections in a bid to reverse or stop ageing. As far as health buzzwords go, longevity has, no pun intended, stuck around. Claims by the likes of Johnson and his researchers might dominate headlines, but his experiments remain unapproved by the health authorities, further muddying the waters of what longevity actually means. Add in vague phrases such as 'biohacking', 'rejuvenation' and 'somatic' and it's clear that the meaning of longevity has got a little lost. Just as the vague catch-all term 'wellness' replaced and repackaged a collection of words such as 'diet' and 'healthy lifestyle', longevity has become an all-encompassing concept that covers everything from diet and exercise to genetics. So what exactly is it? 'Longevity, in the medical sense, refers to an individual's ability to live a long and healthy life while maintaining good physical and mental well-being,' says Dr Afshan Zulfiqar, general practitioner at Aster Clinic, Nuaimiah in Ajman. 'It is the period during which a person remains free from serious illness and enjoys a high quality of life free from chronic diseases and disabilities. 'While 'longevity' has gained significant popularity in recent years, it has always been a crucial focus of medical science. Historically, medicine has been concerned with prolonging life and improving overall health through disease prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatments,' she adds. 'Modern advancements and research in healthcare, nutrition and lifestyle modifications have further refined and increased our understanding of what contributes to a longer and healthier life.' According to Alberto El Bitar, founder and chief executive of Re Wellness Club, one common misconception about longevity is that people think it's simply about living a longer life. 'In reality, longevity is more about the quality of life rather than just its duration,' he says. 'It's about maintaining the ability to move, run, play and stay in good health and shape as we age.' The array of new wellness centres across the UAE dedicated to longevity treatments and programmes is a testament to the popularity of the concept, which boils down to developing a series of short-term habits and goals that make up the bigger picture of an individual's overall health. Traditional routes to health such as nutrition and exercise are supported by the development of daily habits which focus on mental and emotional well-being; recovery in the form of rest, sleep and active recovery; and adaptability, allowing the individual to change behaviours and pivot seamlessly between activities as necessary. Adds El Bitar: 'By focusing on these short-term aspects consistently, we create a strong foundation for long-term longevity, allowing us to stay active, healthy, and resilient as we age.' The sheer scale of modern medicine and the amount of health information available online concerning alternative and complementary therapies, supplements, exercise and more means it can be difficult to know how to put together a personalised programme. This is where longevity come in, pulling together a variety of aspects based on the results of things such as blood work assessment, cardiovascular health and fitness levels. 'Longevity is a deeply personal journey, and its success lies in tailoring interventions to everyone's unique physiology, lifestyle and goals,' says Paulina Mercader, general manager of the Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie at One & One Za'abeel. 'This means moving beyond traditional healthcare's reactive model and instead focusing on preventive precision medicine, leveraging cutting-edge diagnostics, metabolic assessments and genetic insights to create an individualised blueprint for longevity.' Areas such as stress management, sleep quality, mental and emotional health and preventive measures are considered alongside the traditional health markers of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle. 'Health and strength lay the foundations,' says Sarah Lindsay, owner of Roar Fitness. 'Your nutrition and sleep are two major contributing factors to health that you have immediate control over and then strength comes down to your training programme design.' El Bitar adds: 'For true longevity, three key factors must be in alignment: biochemical health, biomechanical health and mental health. These elements work together to support overall well-being. Additionally, having a strong, supportive community and being mindful of where and how you spend your time can significantly impact brain health and overall longevity.' The general acceptance that no hack will make us immortal, at least in this century, has led us to focus on how to make our finite lives better, says Dr Nas Al Jafari, co-founder and chief medical officer at DNA Health & Wellness. 'Despite all the medical advances of the postwar period, research indicates today's 50 to 70-year-olds are at greater risk of chronic illness and disability than their predecessors, with rising rates of cancer, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,' he says. 'Viewing longevity as life enhancement as opposed to extension helps manage expectations around what biohacking can actually achieve, by putting the focus on living healthier for longer.' Lindsay of Roar Fitness adds: 'All my grandparents lived [to] between 95 and 101 years old, which is truly amazing. I want to do everything I can to remain as capable and young as possible for as long as possible.'
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Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- Khaleej Times
Hypertension alert: Know your blood pressure, take care of your heart
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects over 1.28 billion people globally and is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Often symptomless, it's known as the 'silent killer,' silently damaging vital organs over time. In the UAE, lifestyle factors like poor diet, stress, and physical inactivity are fuelling its rise, with nearly one in three adults affected. As we mark 20 years of World Hypertension Day, this year's theme — 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer' — reminds us that early detection, accurate monitoring, and lifestyle changes are key to long-term heart health. 'Your plate can either protect your heart or pressure it,' says Vibha Bajpaiee, Clinical Dietician at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC). 'A diet low in salt, saturated fats, and processed foods, but rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and potassium-rich foods, helps regulate blood pressure naturally. Avoid sugary drinks and excess caffeine. Opt for home-cooked meals with herbs instead of salt for flavour. Keep an eye on food labels — hidden sodium is common. Hydration, portion control, and mindful snacking also play key roles. Combine smart eating with regular movement, and you create a strong defence against hypertension. Remember, what you eat today can shape your heart health tomorrow.' Know your numbers: Why regular BP checks should be your daily habit Dr Heba Tag Eldin, Specialist Cardiology at Aster Clinic, Halwan (Sharjah), says: 'High blood pressure rarely shows symptoms, which is why regular monitoring is crucial.' 'Measuring your blood pressure accurately at home or in a clinic helps detect abnormalities early, often before complications develop. Aim to check at the same time each day, in a relaxed state, and use a validated device. Record your readings to spot trends. Knowing your numbers empowers you to take proactive steps — whether through lifestyle changes or medication. Don't wait for symptoms; prevention begins with awareness. Early action based on accurate readings can help you avoid long-term damage to your heart, brain, and kidneys.' From salt to stress: Blueprint for a heart-healthy lifestyle 'Managing high blood pressure begins with sustainable lifestyle changes,' says Dr Ashik Sasidharan, Specialist Cardiology at Aster Clinic, Al Qusais (Damascus St.). 'Reduce salt intake to less than 5g a day, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise regularly — aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Limit alcohol, quit smoking, and manage stress through mindfulness, breathing exercises, or hobbies you enjoy. Sleep is equally important; poor rest can increase blood pressure. Monitor your intake of caffeine and processed foods, which can trigger spikes. Lifestyle choices may seem small, but collectively, they can significantly lower blood pressure, improve heart function, and reduce your need for long-term medication.' The kidney connection: How high blood pressure wreaks silent havoc 'Hypertension is a major contributor to chronic kidney disease, often causing silent, progressive damage over time,' says Dr Azeem Ahamed, Specialist Nephrology at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), and Aster Cedars Hospital & Clinic, Jebel Ali. 'When blood pressure remains elevated, it puts extra strain on the delicate vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste effectively. Over time, this can lead to kidney failure. Regular kidney function tests and urine checks can help detect early damage. Managing your blood pressure through diet, lifestyle, and medication is essential to protect kidney health. Hydrate well, limit salt and processed foods, and avoid overuse of painkillers, which can worsen kidney function. Healthy blood pressure supports healthy kidneys — for life.' Pressure builds silently: Early signs you should never ignore Dr Sachin Upadhyaya, Specialist Cardiology at Aster Hospital, Mankhool, says: 'Though hypertension is often symptomless, some people may experience subtle signs like frequent headaches, nosebleeds, blurred vision, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.' He further explains 'These should not be dismissed. If you're at risk due to family history, obesity, stress, or poor lifestyle habits, regular screening becomes even more essential. Left unmanaged, high blood pressure can silently damage arteries and vital organs. According to the latest 2024 ESC guidelines, even patients with BP above 120/70 mmHg should undergo risk evaluation and begin treatment if found high-risk. If you notice these early indicators, seek medical evaluation immediately. It's better to investigate mild symptoms than wait for a crisis. Timely detection and early intervention can prevent irreversible heart, brain, or kidney complications.' Prepping the heart: Why controlled BP is crucial before surgery Dr Anil P Kumar, Specialist Interventional Cardiology at Aster Hospital, Qusais, says: 'For patients undergoing cardiac or any major surgery, optimal blood pressure control is non-negotiable.' 'Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of bleeding, stroke, heart attack, and complications during anaesthesia. Before surgery, a thorough assessment — including blood pressure monitoring—is performed to stabilise the patient. Medications may need adjusting, and lifestyle changes may be recommended in the lead-up to the procedure. Preoperative control of blood pressure improves surgical outcomes, reduces ICU stays, and speeds up recovery. If you're scheduled for surgery, work closely with your healthcare provider to bring your blood pressure within target range well before your operation.' Inside the OR: How surgeons handle hypertension-compromised hearts 'Operating on a heart burdened by years of high blood pressure poses unique challenges,' says Dr Debabrata Dash, Consultant Interventional Cardiology at Aster Hospital, Mankhool. 'Chronic hypertension leads to thickened heart walls, stiff arteries, and a higher risk of bleeding during surgery. Surgeons must anticipate complications like arrhythmias or reduced heart function. Intraoperative blood pressure must be managed meticulously to avoid sudden drops or spikes. Every second in the operating room is calculated, and surgical plans are customised for hypertensive patients. Timely surgical intervention, supported by a multidisciplinary team, helps stabilise cardiac function and prevent catastrophic outcomes. Managing hypertension before and after surgery is vital to long-term recovery.' 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At Aster Hospitals and Clinics, we are committed to raising awareness, enabling early detection, and delivering expert care for hypertension. By prioritising accurate monitoring and heart-healthy living, we aim to empower our community to take control of their blood pressure — and their future. Your heart health starts with Aster.


Web Release
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Can diet help with inflammatory bowel disease?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. It includes conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In this expert alert, Amanda Johnson, M.D. , a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, helps explain IBD and whether diet can help. People with IBD may experience persistent symptoms like frequent diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal pain and fatigue. There is no cure and no exact cause, though researchers continue to look at how genes, the microbiome and environmental factors play a role in this chronic disease. 'Ulcerative colitis really tends to only involve the colon and be more of a superficial type inflammation; whereas Crohn's disease can impact anything in the intestine, essentially, from the mouth all the way down to the anus,' says Dr. Johnson. She says diet alone does not cause IBD. While some foods may reduce symptoms, there is no one proven diet to control inflammation. 'The right diet is probably different for each individual, based on the type of IBD that they have, the location of their disease, whether they've had surgeries or other complications,' says Dr. Johnson. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Avoid ultraprocessed foods, added sugars and animal fats. And drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Diet does not replace medical treatment. Dr. Johnson says there are effective treatment options, so it is important to work with your healthcare team. 'The tenant of therapy we have are immune-suppressing-type therapies that try to target that inappropriate response to the intestines and then calm down that inflammation within the gut,' she says.


The National
30-04-2025
- The National
Hair loss and semaglutides: Do weight-loss drugs make hair fall out?
It's a condition that's been around as long as humans have been hirsute, but thinning hair has been making headlines over the past year, thanks to the global increase in the use of GLP-1 weight loss medicines. Conversations about thinning hair have traditionally been centred around age, hormonal changes, genetics, stress levels and lifestyle, but these days, online forums are awash with people who use GLP-1's such as Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, sharing stories about hair loss along with their weight loss. Hair thinning and hair loss differ according to several factors, individual and environmental, and men and women experience the condition, known as alopecia, differently. 'Hair thinning tends to become more common after the age of 40, although younger individuals may also be affected due to lifestyle or medical factors,' says Dr Mohammed Zahir, specialist dermatology and cosmetology, Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai. 'Early signs differ by gender. In men, thinning usually starts with a receding hairline and hair loss around the crown. In women, a common indicator is the widening of the central hair part, accompanied by overall thinning, particularly on the top of the scalp.' GLP-1s have been used since 2005 to treat type 2 diabetes, but it wasn't until 2014 that the link between the drug and weight loss was established. In 2017, Ozempic was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in adults with type 2 diabetes, and since then, semaglutides have become household names. The relative newness of the medication when used for weight loss means the connection between semaglutides and hair loss is so far largely anecdotal, although a new study out of Canada in March 2025, Risk of Hair Loss with Semaglutide for Weight Loss, which focused on Wegovy users, established a firmer connection. 'We adjusted for age, sex, geographic location, depression, steroid use, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome and anaemia,' states the report lead by Dr Mohit Sodhi, a resident in emergency medicine at the University of British Columbia. 'The incidence of hair loss was higher among the semaglutide group than the active comparator… Our results demonstrate an increased risk of hair loss with semaglutide in women.' Little is known about why using GLP-1s can lead to hair thinning or loss, with a September 2024 study, GLP-1 agonists and hair loss: A call for further investigation noting: 'Some propose potential risks such as disrupted hair growth cycles or premature androgenetic alopecia (AGA), while others suggest benefits linked to improved insulin sensitivity and enhanced scalp blood circulation. Despite these theoretical underpinnings, clinical evidence linking GLP-1 agonists to hair loss remains sparse.' 'Hair thinning can indeed occur as a side effect of GLP-1 medications, but it is typically not a direct result of the medication itself,' says Dr Dilruba Begum Mujavar Shaik, specialist dermatologist at RAK Hospital. 'Instead, it is often linked to rapid weight loss associated with these treatments. This phenomenon is known as 'telogen effluvium', a temporary condition where hair follicles enter a resting phase due to physical stress on the body. The good news is that it's usually temporary. Hair growth typically resumes within three to six months after the body adjusts and weight stabilises.' Hair loss or thinning is caused by an array of factors and differs by gender, with men and women experiencing hair loss in different ways. 'Men typically experience androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness, which presents as receding hairlines and thinning on the crown due to genetic sensitivity to DHT [dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that plays a key role in male sexual development],' says Dr Jasmin Malek, women's health and hormone therapy expert at Euromed Clinic Dubai. 'In women, hair thinning is more diffuse, often a general reduction in volume rather than complete bald spots. Female pattern hair loss is influenced by declining oestrogen and progesterone levels, especially around perimenopause and menopause, which disrupt the natural protection these hormones provide to hair follicles.' Other factors include genetics, whereby thinning hair is hereditary, chemical hair treatments, environmental aspects such as infection, weather and water; underlying health conditions including anaemia, hypothyroidism and vitamin deficiency and pregnancy. 'Stress is more than just a mental burden – it has physical consequences, including on our hair,' says Dr Victoria Mountford, psychology lead and eating disorder service lead at Sage Clinics. 'When we experience ongoing psychological stress, the body releases higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, often pushing more hair into the resting phase, which leads to increased shedding.' She adds: 'In fast-paced environments like the UAE, where many of us juggle demanding careers and personal responsibilities, chronic stress is a common – but often overlooked – contributor to hair issues.' Tackling the underlying causes of stress is key to ending the cycle of stress-related hair loss, with Dr Zahir noting: "Fortunately, this type of hair loss is often temporary and reversible with proper stress management and care.' Experts suggest relaxation techniques, a balanced diet and professional guidance as the best ways to manage stress. 'Mindful prayer or meditation, breathwork, daily movement, screen-free wind-down time, and connection all have proven stress-relieving benefits,' says Dr Mountford. 'Making sure your diet includes protein, zinc and biotin will support hair health.' 'I have indeed noticed an increase in hair loss due to weight loss injections,' says Maria Dowling, founder of Mariadowling Salon Dubai, of her clients. 'The negative impacts of these injections on hair can vary between clients. I have two clients who had really curly hair, and as a result of the jabs, their hair has lost the curl pattern and instead is now frizzy. In other instances, clients have simply lost hair.' Medically, hair loss is treated with oral or topical medications, hormonal therapy, dietary changes and environmental adjustments. Dr Malek says: 'The best approach is multifactorial and tailored to the individual. In menopausal women, restoring hormonal balance with BHRT can reduce shedding and promote regrowth. Nutritional support such as iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D and amino acids like L-lysine are all crucial for hair structure and cycling. Advanced regenerative options include PRP, Exosomes, and Regenera Activa – minimally invasive treatments now gaining popularity for restoring scalp health.'