A mascot gives children education material about healthy choices in food and how to avoid diabetes. Photo Courtesy Ogilvy
A mascot gives children education material about healthy choices in food and how to avoid diabetes. Photo Courtesy Ogilvy

Children learn signs of diabetes in school programme



DUBAI // Children are being taught in school how to stay healthy and alert of the signs of diabetes in classmates thanks to a new programme.

Children and staff at the Nadd Al Hamar School in Dubai were the first to benefit from the Kids and Diabetes in Schools’ (Kids) programme, which aims to educate them on why the condition can be a problem for young people.

About 19.3 per cent of the population in the UAE are now thought to have diabetes, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and about 60,000 children under 15 have Type 1 diabetes in the Mena region.

“We have a nurse who deals with diabetic students to administer insulin when required but, as teachers, most of us know what signs to look out for if a pupil is unwell,” she said.

“One of my pupils is diabetic, and I know what foods she should or shouldn’t be eating to control her condition.

“We know about pupils who have asthma or diabetes, it is important. They are all treated equally but some need more care than others.”

The Kids programme aims to build a supportive environment in schools. It will last for a year, with workshops in 12 public schools in the UAE in phase 1, with private schools to be included later.

Pupils will learn about diabetes through comics, cartoon characters, activity sheets, competitions and educational videos.

Dr Hussain Al Rand, assistant undersecretary for health centres and clinics and public health, said progress on cutting diabetes will be monitored.

“We want to pass on the knowledge to children, their parents and teachers - who can all take part in workshops,” he said.

“From this project, we hope to be able to control diabetes. We know it is increasing around the world because of lifestyle and a lack of physical activity.”

More than 250 children have benefited from a similar health educational programme run by Dubai Health Authority.

Four schools took part in workshops on how to lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid non-communicable diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes.

Obese children were put on a weight loss plan, with the schools later showing a seven per cent drop in obesity levels among those tested.

nwebster@thenational.ae

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Cryopreservation: A timeline
  1. Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
  2. Ovarian tissue surgically removed
  3. Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
  4. Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
  5. Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Top New Zealand cop on policing the virtual world

New Zealand police began closer scrutiny of social media and online communities after the attacks on two mosques in March, the country's top officer said.

The killing of 51 people in Christchurch and wounding of more than 40 others shocked the world. Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, was accused of the killings. His trial is ongoing and he denies the charges.

Mike Bush, commissioner of New Zealand Police, said officers looked closely at how they monitored social media in the wake of the tragedy to see if lessons could be learned.

“We decided that it was fit for purpose but we need to deepen it in terms of community relationships, extending them not only with the traditional community but the virtual one as well," he told The National.

"We want to get ahead of attacks like we suffered in New Zealand so we have to challenge ourselves to be better."

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Three ways to limit your social media use

Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.

1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.

2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information. 

3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.

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Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
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