Fast food is just one part of the obesity problem

Readers discuss the part fast food plays in the UAE's obesity epidemic. Other topics: halal airlines, dog bites and cyclist safety.

Readers says fast food on its own isn’t causing the UAE’s obesity epidemic. Sammy Dallal / The National

With regard to your story, UAE teens hit by heart attacks brought on by high cholesterol levels (December 23), it's not like teenagers here don't have a choice.

There are healthy options and the unhealthy ones. Each person chooses their path and ends up where they are destined to end up.

Mohamed Asham, Abu Dhabi

Fast food restaurants with catchy ads can be found everywhere. What we need to focus on is having a healthy lifestyle so we remain fit and trim.

Who should we blame? Our sedentary lifestyles and luxurious living are the main reason why many of us put on a lot of weight, making us lazy, dull and gloomy. Even in the summer months, there are many ways you can exercise, even at home.

Parents should guide their children, but when children see their parents doing nothing, they are likely to pick up the trait of idly sitting at home.

Everyone should know how to balance their time to include exercise. If we sit at home like couch potatoes fiddling with the latest gadgets, we start becoming too lethargic.

Each of us has a duty to protect our health through eating balanced and nourishing food, and through managing our time so we exercise on a daily basis.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

Halal flying is not just about alcohol

In relation to your editorial, Flying while halal (December 23), I would love an all-halal airline.

This would not preclude anyone from using the airline – everyone is still welcome – but it just means that the food and drinks will meet Islamic standards by being free of alcohol and pork.

I don’t see the problem. I’m sure there are some non-Muslims too who appreciate being on a flight without having to deal with a drunk passenger next to them.

Nobody is saying no planes should serve alcohol but what’s wrong with there being some that don’t?

Nada Jarad, Abu Dhabi

I don’t understand why an all-halal airline is required. Nobody is forcing Muslims to consume alcohol or pork on any airline.

This is also not the first halal airline. Saudi Airlines, Pakistan International Airlines and Royal Brunei all avoid pork and alcohol, and their staff uniforms are very modest.

Chris Reid, Dubai

I hope people note that one reason why Muslims feel discouraged from being in areas where alcohol is consumed is about the ambience rather than having it force-fed down our throats.

That’s the main thing about the halal aspect of this airline. I don’t see what’s so offensive about this.

Haneen Hassan, Sharjah

Dog bite yields a salutary lesson

I was bitten by a dog yesterday outside Spinneys at Mangrove Village. I offered to hold it for a young girl who was struggling to hold it with one hand while trying to untie its tangled lead with the other.

All went well for a few seconds but then the dog was startled by something, turned on me and took a couple of bites out of my arm. The girl was upset but took the dog away and headed for home.

I went inside Spinneys where the very kind staff let me use the bathroom to wash the wounds and found me some antiseptic. Later I went to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, where the excellent medical staff treated the wound and gave me a tetanus injection and the first of five anti-rabies jabs.

The moral of this tale is that you should not touch dogs if they are not familiar with you.

Dan Wolofski, Abu Dhabi

Cyclists’ rights is the key to safety

Your newspaper has asked for suggestions on how to make the UAE more bike-friendly.

In the long run, dedicated bicycle lanes are needed but in the short term, pavement ramps should be a priority.

I cycle around my area and the pavements are perfect as they are often empty. The only issue is when the pavement ends or goes in another direction.

I can’t just ride off on to the road because it damages my bike, while dismounting is too much work. More ramps would make cycling more viable.

Ahmed Shumayal, Al Ain

Until pedestrians and cyclists are respected by drivers at pedestrian crossings – including fining drivers for offences – they will not be safe.

Name withheld by request

Increase penalties to Dh1,000 for anybody who drives too close to a pedestrian or cyclist.

Sammy Wai, Abu Dhabi