Latest news with #RAKHospital
The National
4 days ago
- Health
- The National
Day of joy as families welcome newborns on Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is a time for families across the UAE to gather together, and some have grown with the arrival of newborns on the first day of the festival. Up and down the country, maternity staff faced a busy morning as they helped deliver babies. At Ras Al Khaimah Hospital, Zayed Hamed Sayed Hamed Hamed was born at 5.45am, weighing 2.18kg. As the third child of Egyptian parents, Hamed Sayed Hamed and Eman Mohamed, his arrival marked a joyful start to Eid. 'We are happy and blessed to have this baby arrive to us on Eid,' said Ms Mohamed, who is recovering in the hospital. The hospital's executive director, Dr Raza Siddiqui, congratulated the family, as well as all parents welcoming newborns in the UAE. "It is always special to welcome new life, but babies born on Eid Al Adha carry an added blessing,' he said. 'We at RAK Hospital feel privileged to be part of such joyous moments and congratulate all families celebrating this double delight." At NMC Royal Hospital in Abu Dhabi, Jordanian citizen Rehaf Mohamed Mansour gave birth to her first child, a daughter called Sila, who was delivered at 1.39am on Friday. 'I am very happy to have my Eid gift as my angel,' said Ms Mansour, who thanked hospital staff for their efforts. At Aster Hospital Al Qusais, Mansoor Ali and Haneena Saithammarakathu Lanchira Purayil celebrated the arrival of their son at 4.39am. 'We are overwhelmed with joy to welcome our baby boy on this special Eid Al Adha – a moment that makes this day even more unforgettable for our family,' Ms Purayil said. 'We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible doctors and medical team at Aster Hospital Al Qusais for their exceptional care and support. This is a truly blessed and memorable start to our journey as parents.' New support system Meanwhile, as part of an initiative to mark Eid, thousands of children in Dubai are to benefit from a fund to support those most in need. About 10,000 children are in line to receive support from the Eidiya programme introduced by the Community Development Authority, in collaboration with the Endowments and Minors' Trust Foundation (Awqaf Dubai). The fund will be used to aid the social development of children who are most in need of financial support, including orphans. 'The Eidiya is not just financial support, it's a heartfelt message meant to bring joy to children during these blessed days and to make them feel valued and cared for,' said Hessa Buhumaid, director general of the authority. 'Giving Eidiya is a cherished tradition in our culture and the happiness it brings to children is truly priceless. We aim to make the most of religious, national and social occasions to highlight the value of each individual in society. 'Children, as the heart of the family and the foundation of the future, deserve our full attention and support. Caring for their daily well-being helps build their confidence in themselves and in their community.'
Gulf Today
21-05-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Dubai resident loses 45.7kg, wins RAK Weight Loss Challenge
Dubai resident and Indian national Amrith Raj, 31, emerged as the Male Champion with a staggering weight loss of 45.7 kilogrammes and won the prize money of Dhs13,800 and also vowed to enter again in the competition to shed more body weight. Raj was one of top 10 winners of 'biggest losers' challenge – the 5th RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2025. In the female category, Dubai-based Spin Ghatai Muhammad Yaqoob, 42-year-old Pakistani national claimed the Female Champion title with an inspiring 25-kilogramme loss. The nationwide initiative has been organised by RAK Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Ras Al Khaimah. The award ceremony was attended by Khalid Abdulla Mohammed Al Shehhi, Director of the Representative Office, MOHAP – Ras Al Khaimah, alongside key dignitaries, healthcare leaders, and sponsors. This year's challenge saw an unprecedented 24,289 participants from across the UAE, making it the most successful edition to date. Ras Al Khaimah accounted for 49% of total participation, reflecting the emirate's growing commitment to health and wellness. With an almost equal gender split (54% male, 46% female), the initiative engaged individuals, families, corporate teams, and school communities, cementing its role as the UAE's most inclusive wellness movement. Participants who completed the 12-week programme recorded an average weight loss of 8.8 kilogrammes, with many undergoing life-changing transformations. The challenge featured both physical and virtual categories, as well as corporate and school staff competitions. A new family category, comprising husband & wife teams, saw over 100 couples participating. Top performers were recognised with cash prizes, healthy monthly meal packages, luxury staycations, gym memberships, executive health check-ups, and wellness packages. In the Male Physical Category, the top three winners were: 1st Place: Amrith Raj, Dubai – 45.7 kg loss, Prize: Dhs13,800; 2nd Place: Muhammad Nadeem Saleem Khan, Ajman – 38 kg loss, Prize: Dhs7,600; 3rd Place: Zubair Chaudhry, Dubai – 34.6 kg loss, Prize: Dhs3,400. Visibly moved, Amrith Raj shared: 'Joining the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge was a turning point in my life. I began my journey the very next day after registering, and over three months, I lost more than 45 kilogrammes through sheer discipline and determination. 'At the start, it was extremely difficult — my weight was very high and even simple tasks like walking felt exhausting. But I committed to a strict diet, completely eliminating sugar and carbs, and made it a point to walk every evening after work, even if only for 15 to 30 minutes. Slowly but surely, I started noticing changes. Today, I feel lighter, more energetic, and I no longer experience shortness of breath when walking. This transformation has been truly life-changing. The challenge gave me the motivation I needed to take control of my health. With the support of a coach, I now plan to maintain and build on this progress.'
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
RAK Hospital Webinar highlights research-backed benefits of bariatric surgery in tackling obesity crisis
Ras Al Khaimah, UAE: As the obesity epidemic continues to grow across the UAE and the wider region, RAK Hospital is intensifying efforts to educate the public on proven interventions that can combat this critical health issue. During the latest session of its RAK Weight Loss Challenge 2025 'ObeFit' Webinar Series, the spotlight was turned on bariatric surgery backed by compelling global research as a safe, effective, and life-enhancing solution for those with severe obesity. Leading the discussion was Dr. Shalabh Mohan, Consultant Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon at RAK Hospital, who shared striking data gathered from thousands of bariatric patients across international and regional case studies. The statistics, he noted, paint a powerful picture of transformation: 84% of patients experienced a significant reduction in diabetes 82% reported improved cardio-respiratory health 74% were cured of sleep apnea 89% increased their life expectancy by up to five years 95% experienced an improved overall quality of life Other notable health gains included a 63% improvement in cholesterol and lipid profiles, 37% reduction in fatty liver disease, and a 52% drop in blood pressure levels. Moreover, 55% of patients reported lower levels of depression, and 70% experienced relief from chronic joint pain. 'These outcomes aren't just statistical victories,' Dr. Mohan explained. 'They reflect real improvements in how people live, move, work, and enjoy their lives after years of being burdened by weight-related issues.' He emphasized that obesity is a multifaceted disease, often misinterpreted as a matter of willpower alone. Defined as excessive fat accumulation that affects health, obesity significantly increases the risk of serious conditions like hypertension, diabetes, infertility, certain cancers, joint problems, and respiratory disorders such as sleep apnea. It is typically assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI), with a value of 30 or above indicating obesity, and 35 or more—especially when accompanied by co-morbidities—prompting consideration for medical or surgical intervention. While early stages of obesity can often be managed through diet, exercise, and behavioral changes, Dr. Mohan acknowledged that for patients with a BMI over 35–40 and accompanying health complications, lifestyle changes alone may no longer be sufficient. 'This is where bariatric surgery has proven to be a game-changer,' he said. 'Not only does it help patients lose significant amounts of weight, but it also addresses the underlying health issues and gives them a chance to reclaim their lives.' The two most common procedures gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy work by reducing stomach size and modifying the digestive tract, which not only limits food intake but also reduces the production of the hunger hormone ghrelin. 'These surgeries are minimally invasive, with patients walking within hours and discharged within two days,' Dr. Mohan noted. Post-operative care is equally crucial. Patients are gradually transitioned through stages of diet—from clear liquids to soft foods—while being encouraged to adopt moderate daily exercise routines such as walking, swimming, or joint-strengthening workouts. 'Surgery is a tool, not a cure by itself,' he added. 'It must be paired with commitment to lifestyle change, but the results speak for themselves.' RAK Hospital's continued focus on delivering credible, science-based health education through its ObeFit webinar series underscores its commitment to addressing the rising burden of obesity in the UAE. With bariatric surgery now firmly supported by long-term outcomes and quality-of-life improvements, the hospital aims to dispel myths, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to seek safe and effective options when conventional weight loss methods fail. For more information on the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge 2025 and to know the upcoming webinar schedule, visit
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Health
- Zawya
RAK Hospital's ObeFit Webinar urges residents to take obesity seriously, offers holistic solutions
Shedding just 5–10% of body weight can dramatically reduce one's risk of serious diseases Ras Al Khaimah, UAE – As obesity rates continue to rise across the region, RAK Hospital is putting prevention front and center through its transformative 'ObeFit' webinar series—an educational arm of the hospital's annual community initiative, the RAK Biggest Weight Loss Challenge. Hosted by Dr. Harkirat S. Wilkhoo, Specialist in Lifestyle Medicine and Homeopathy at RAK Hospital, the recent ObeFit webinar delivered compelling insights into why obesity is now recognized not just as a lifestyle issue but a full-blown chronic disease—with links to diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, hypertension, liver disorders, sleep apnea, and even depression. The webinar broke down the difference between being overweight and obese, explaining that a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while anything over 30 is classified as obesity. Dr. Wilkhoo also highlighted different obesity grades—from mild to severe—and emphasized the importance of looking beyond BMI alone. Other measures like body fat percentage, waist-to-height ratio, and Broca's index offer more nuanced ways of understanding individual risk. He went on to explain how fat distribution impacts health: 'Overweight individuals usually store fat under the skin—this tends to strain the joints and musculoskeletal system. But obese individuals store visceral fat around internal organs, which has far more serious consequences,' Dr. Wilkhoo cautioned. 'Visceral fat significantly raises the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, fatty liver, stroke, and cancer.' One of the most empowering messages of the session? Even small weight losses matter. Shedding just 5–10% of body weight can dramatically reduce one's risk of serious disease. Understanding the Root Causes In a clear and accessible format, Dr. Wilkhoo explained the three categories of obesity risk factors: Non-modifiable – such as genetics, age, gender, and race Medical factors – like hormonal disorders or medications that lead to weight gain Modifiable lifestyle choices – including poor diet, inactivity, stress, and alcohol consumption 'By focusing on what we can change, we empower individuals to take control,' he emphasized. Why Metabolism Matters Participants also gained insight into how metabolism works. According to Dr. Wilkhoo, 50% of food intake is used just to keep the body functioning, while 25% goes to daily routines and the remaining 25% becomes energy reserve. If not used through physical activity, it gets stored as fat. To effectively lose weight, he recommended one hour of daily exercise, amounting to an energy output of about 700 calories, in addition to maintaining a balanced calorie intake. Nutrition, Supplements, and Sustainable Diets The session also dived into the science of nutrition and metabolism. Dr. Wilkhoo discussed the importance of vitamins and minerals—such as Vitamin E, B3, B6, B12, and C, as well as magnesium and chromium—in supporting insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and fat regulation. He stressed that while dietary supplements have their place, they should only be taken under a doctor's supervision. A nutrient-rich diet consisting of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, nuts, and seeds can provide what most people need. As for trendy diets? Dr. Wilkhoo reviewed several, including the Atkins, GM, and Zone diets—acknowledging that while effective in the short term, they often cut out essential food groups and are unsustainable. His recommendation: the Mediterranean Diet, paired with daily movement, for long-term health and weight management. A Holistic Approach As a specialist in both lifestyle medicine and homeopathy, Dr. Wilkhoo also introduced participants to alternative therapies that support weight management and metabolism regulation. These include naturopathic practices such as hydrotherapy, mud therapy, yoga, and the use of herbs like fenugreek, cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric, and oregano. Exercise as Medicine Wrapping up the session, Dr. Wilkhoo emphasized that movement is medicine. He encouraged incorporating a blend of: Stamina exercises – like walking, cycling, and swimming Mobility and flexibility routines – such as yoga Strength training – using calisthenics or gym-based workouts 'For true fitness and weight loss, at least one hour of mixed exercise every day is key,' he concluded.
Khaleej Times
27-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
RAK Hospital distributes iftar meals for taxi drivers
In the spirit of giving and community support, RAK Hospital continues its Ramadan initiative by distributing hundreds of iftar meals to RAK Taxi drivers. Recognizing the relentless dedication of these unsung heroes, the hospital is ensuring that those who spend their days on the road, often away from their families, receive a warm meal to break their fast. The Iftar meal distribution, held at the hospital premises, brought together dozens of taxi drivers who were greeted with appreciation and respect. These drivers play an essential role in keeping the city moving, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. Through this initiative, RAK Hospital aims to show gratitude and offer them a moment of comfort and care during the holy month. Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, emphasized the importance of such community-driven efforts: 'Ramadan serves as a reminder that simple acts of generosity—whether a meal, a kind word, or a helping hand—can make a profound difference in someone's day. Taxi drivers form the backbone of our daily lives, yet their efforts often go unnoticed. This initiative is our way of thanking them and ensuring they feel valued during this holy month.'
