In a significant initiative to honor World Heart Day, RAK Hospital has effectively trained and educated hundreds of community members, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to act as first responders in cardiac emergencies. Statistics show that 9 out of 10 people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive, highlighting the paramount importance of immediate CPR, which can double or triple survival chances. The Heart Health Awareness event included a range of activities designed to boost community preparedness and reduce emergency response times.
Participants took part in Basic First-Aid Training, learning vital techniques such as CPR and effective responses to cardiac emergencies. This hands-on training is indispensable for anyone aiming to make a difference in life-threatening situations. Dr. Adil Rizvi, Medical Director and Consultant - Cardiothoracic Surgeon at RAK Hospital, delivered an informative presentation on maintaining heart health, discussing key risk factors and preventive measures. He stressed the importance of regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, along with maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and quitting smoking to significantly reduce heart disease risk. He also advised participants to regularly monitor their blood pressure and cholesterol levels to stay informed about their heart health.
Nutritionist Ruba El Hourani contributed to the event by providing practical tips for heart-healthy diets. She recommended incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. She highlighted the benefits of healthy fats found in avocados and nuts and suggested using herbs and spices for flavor enhancement without compromising heart health. Participants also engaged in an interactive quiz that fostered camaraderie and tested their knowledge of heart health, while some attendees received complimentary electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings to identify potential heart issues early.
Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, emphasized the initiative’s goals, stating, “Our mission is to empower every community member with the knowledge and skills to act decisively in emergencies. By fostering a culture of preparedness, we can ensure that individuals are not only able to recognize when someone is in distress but also equipped to respond effectively with first aid and CPR until professional help arrives. Every second counts in a cardiac emergency, and this training can literally mean the difference between life and death.” Statistics indicate that 80% of injury-related deaths can be prevented with timely first aid, and proper emergency response can significantly reduce recovery times. Given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the region, this initiative is particularly vital. Factors such as lifestyle changes, sedentary behavior, and rising rates of obesity and diabetes contribute to an increasing incidence of heart disease, especially among younger populations.
