Retirees offered health support program

The Saudi Diabetes and Endocrinology Association (SDEA) conducted a comprehensive health camp for about 150 retirees in Dammam, which included screening for blood sugar and blood pressure.
The camp was conducted in association with the National Association of Retirees.
The program included an exhibition on nutrition, dietary habits and dental care. Participants were also given informative material on various health-related issues.
SDEA President Abdulaziz Al-Turki, who was also present at the health camp, stressed the importance of establishing a close rapport between both associations.
The SDEA, he said, is willing to provide retirees suffering from diabetes with a health support program to help them in health management. In addition, obese members can enroll in the SDEA’s Weight Management Program, which offers services free of charge.
SDEA professionals gave two presentations on health and nutrition, which were carried out by Kamil Salamah, secretary-general of the SDEA, and Basem Futa, chairperson of the Nutrition and Education Committee at the SDEA.
Stressing the importance of undergoing an annual medical check-up and drawing a management strategy for diabetes, blood pressure and lipids, Salamah encouraged the retirees to join the SDEA program “Walk with a Doctor.” He also emphasized the importance of maintaining bone and visual health, in addition to taking measures to prevent osteoporosis.
Futa emphasized healthy eating habits and shared guidelines for a balanced lifestyle with the retirees. He also advised them to take up physical activity, including daily 30-minute walks. He emphasized the importance of lowering intake of salt, saturated fat and cholesterol and consuming foods rich in fiber and antioxidants.
He advised them to eat balanced meals to maintain bone health, mental health and heart health.
The nutrition exhibition included samples of food items that are rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health, including low fat and non-fat dairy products, fiber-rich food such as whole grains and cereals and a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Retirees were also advised to reduce their intake of caffeine-containing beverages and drink more water to avoid constipation and dehydration.
The SDEA shared a newly developed guide on “Retirement Health.” This is also posted on its website in both English and Arabic. It has been shared with the National Association of Retirees in Riyadh and will be distributed to all its branches in the Kingdom.
Saeed Al-Ghamdi, chairperson of the National Association of Retirees in Dammam, presented certificates of appreciation to Salamah and Futa for the SDEA's support to the National Association of Retirees.