The United Arab Emirates University Social Club (Al Multaqa) organized an awareness lecture on dietary practices during Ramadan, on Tuesday morning, 23/6/2015 at the theatre of the Crescent building at the University, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and Al Dawaa Medical Center. It was attended by University students and staff.

Professor Abdullah Al-Hamidi, Inspector with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, presented an overview about the basics of food safety, smart shopping in Ramadan, healthy storage methods, all of which are the most important components of public health.

For his part, Mr. Abdullah Al Hakmani, Inspector with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, talked about the importance of personal hygiene to those dealing directly with food, highlighting that they should make sure to wear protective clothing to protect areas where food is prepared from bacteria on the skin, hair and outer clothing. Al Hakmani clarified that we should take care to ensure areas of cooking and food storage are pest free, which can carry harmful bacteria. “This can be controlled with pesticides and by closing shutters in kitchen doors,” he stated.

Dr. Walid Hassan, general practitioner at Al Dawaa Medical Center, talked about the importance of fasting since it increases immunity of the human body and its ability to reduce the incidence of serious diseases such as cancers, in addition to losing weight, however, some practice bad eating habits in Ramadan which counter acts the weight-loss process, and leads to weight gain. Dr. Walid said that the best time to practice sports during the holy month is two hours to one hour before Iftar, while those who suffer from chronic diseases should preferably exercise two hours after Iftar.

Professor Fatima Al Nuaimi, Director of Al Multaqa, honored the participants, and free health checks were conducted for students and attendees.