Health and Care Partnership and BIMA share Ramadan health advice
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims across the district are being encouraged to stay as healthy as possible.
Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership has teamed up with the British Islamic Medical Association to provide advice for individuals preparing for Ramadan.
Dr Salman Waqar, a GP and former president of the British Islamic Medical Association, said: "It is important that you try to stay active during Ramadan, like an evening walk to your local mosque or park, where possible.
"Don't let Ramadan be a means of deconditioning the body to activity, especially for our elders, as it's much harder to lose it if you don't use it.
"If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, and are thinking of fasting, please speak to a healthcare professional in the first instance and they will advise you on what to do.
"People with mental health conditions also respond in different ways in Ramadan; some find it helps and others really do struggle.
"Fasting can affect the absorption of medicines; a disruptive change in your sleeping pattern could cause a relapse; and fasting could be counterproductive for some people with eating disorders - which is why it's important for you talk to the people looking after you, like your community mental health team, and they will advise you on what you could do.
"During Ramadan, smoking or chewing tobacco will invalidate your fast.
"This is an opportunity for you to try quitting, as all forms of tobacco increase our risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
"Some of you may decide to use nicotine skin patches, which may help during the day, and the majority of scholars say this does not invalidate your fast."
Videos, that Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership has developed with the British Islamic Medical Association, about having a healthy Ramadan, are available to view at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3ejrGPirrY, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0bhsPpfqlE, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rhC5ywVSGM
Organisations that are looking to support their workforce during Ramadan can learn more about how to do so at https://www.nhsemployers.org/articles/access-guidance-support-your-workforce-during-ramadan
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