UAE: Free screening a hit at Women's Healthcare

DUBAI - Scores of visitors to this week's Women's Healthcare exhibition are taking advantage of the free health screening and tests provided by exhibitors at the only dedicated health event for women in the UAE.

Women's Healthcare was launched this year to raise awareness about vital health issues for women residents in the country. While a range of health and well-being products and services are on offer, from cosmetic surgery advice to nutrition, the exhibition is also giving focus to life-threatening or debilitating illnesses which are prevalent in the UAE such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and diabetes.

Being held at Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, Women's Healthcare is decked up with the latest health testing equipment where women could get their blood pressure checked and their body mass index confirmed, both of which are indicators of cardiovascular disease.

The other tests, such as checking blood sugar levels and bone mineral density, have proved to be popular with visitors wishing to screen for diabetes and osteoporosis, as well as the mammogram mobile screening unit brought in by Tawam Hospital.

The recent research by the organisers of the exhibition, IIR Middle East, has revealed that women residents are not really aware of the major health risks, such as cardiovascular disease with which more than a third of women worldwide currently live.

To help increase awareness about cardiovascular disease among women, Women's Healthcare and the Emirates Cardiac Society has launched the "Go Red for Women" campaign at the exhibition. Part of a global project, "Go Red for Women" aims to change the misconception that heart disease is a 'man's illness'.

In addition to testing their health, visitors have the opportunity to meet a wide range of healthcare professionals and specialists - from acupuncturists to representatives from private hospitals. Dental clinics are available to discuss both cosmetic and medical procedures and women can consult cosmetic surgery facilities about their services and what elective treatments would suit them.

- Khaleej Times