Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the regulatory body of the healthcare sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, announced that during the month of July Emirati families across the region will begin receiving the much anticipated Weqaya screening test report cards, providing individuals with a critical analysis of their risk of suffering from diabetes or cardiovascular diseases now or in the future.
The Weqaya screening test report card will inform each individual their personalised levels of blood sugar (an indication of risk of diabetes), cholesterol and body mass index (an indication of risk of heart disease) and smoking (strongly linked with severe diseases including heart attacks and cancers).
Results are displayed on the report card as a traffic light indicator’ green for normal, amber for moderate risk and red for high risk. The report card will also give advice on how to take action against these potentially life threatening disorders and if necessary to seek medical advice.
“The reports are out and it is now time for us all to take action, for ourselves and our families. By knowing what our risk could be for cardiovascular diseases, we have a unique power to change our lifestyle now, so we can protect our own future and that of our families. As a community, health is an essential part of our long term success and the wellbeing of our people. If, as a community, we all strive together to eat healthier food, to take more exercise and to stop smoking, then we can be the role models and protectors for future generations, showing our fellow Emiratis how we can change our habits to live better lives.,” said Engineer Zaid Al Siksek, CEO of HAAD.
As a nation, the UAE has some of the highest rates of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in the world, and along with cancers these are the most common causes of death in the Emirate. There are many ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases such as doing more exercise, taking a walk along the newly refurbished Abu Dhabi Corniche beach or taking the children for a bicycle ride; eating smaller portions, and reducing fat, sugar and salt contents in our diets. All of these actions will result in losing weight, lowering blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
The program also encourages individuals to take action to stop smoking; all tobacco-use such as midwakh and shisha is a major cause of cancers and heart disease. As well as making lifestyle changes, conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can be treated with medication so together with the help of families and physicians, Abu Dhabi nationals can improve their health for the long term.
The authority has asked the Emiratis that after receiving the Weqaya report cards log on to the Weqaya website www.weqaya.ae using their personalised pin number on their report card, to find out more about their results. Anyone wishing to discuss their results further with a healthcare professional should call the dedicated Weqaya helpline on 800 61116 to set up an appointment with a doctor. To learn more about improving the health of our community and the Weqaya programme please visit: www.weqaya.ae.
