People living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are privileged to enjoy a high quality of life, good healthcare and facilities to boot. Nevertheless numerous opportunities and privileges unfolding in the UAE have imposed certain peculiarities for the residents concerning health issues. 

Here are some tips that both old timers and newcomers in the UAE should know in keeping a healthy body and a healthy mind.

Tips to Maintain Health in the UAE

Following are some tips to maintain health and well-being in the UAE.

Stay Hydrated

UAE has really hot weather, especially during the summer season, where temperatures can rise to 40 degrees centigrade or above. It is important not to get dehydrated, bearing in mind that heat related illnesses may occur due to hot temperatures. It is recommended that you should take a lot of water in a day without looking at the clock. It is also wise to have a water flask with you especially in a time you end up outside the house.

Besides water, you should also drink some water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. Reduce consumption of products such as tea, coffee, and sodas in large meals as they are notorious for making one dehydrated.

Protect Yourself from the Sun

The UAE has bright sunshine all year through, thus exposing any part of the body to the sun may lead to skin damage such as sunburns. Stay protected from the UV radiation by applying on your skin a sunscreen lotion that has a high SPF; better still apply it even during a cloudy day. You are advised to reapply it after two hours of application particularly if you are swimming or sweating. Other measures include use of protective clothing including clothes that cover the skin such as the wrists, long sleeves and hats, sunglasses. When you can try to avoid going out in the sun from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. and avoid direct sun exposure.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Despite the abundance of culinary options the UAE is a place with tasty and healthy food which must not harm the body. Try to incorporate as many nutrients in your meals as possible including whole grain foods, protein foods, five servings of fruits and vegetables as well as foods high in healthy fats.

However, do not overdo the restaurant taste buds and should avoid taking processed foods, sugary snacks and fast foods because they may lead to weight gain and other related health complications. Better still, make sure that you prepare your own meals most of the time since this enables you to put into consideration the quality of ingredients you use and proportions you intend to take.

Incorporate Regular Exercise

Physical exercise is very crucial for physical health and well being during light and healthy lifestyles. Staying active in the UAE is not a problem as there are modern gym and fitness centres, as well as an opportunity to go jogging, cycling or hiking in the territory of the country. Make a goal to obtain 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, according to the experts. This might range from exercise as simple as walking at a fast pace, swimming or having an organised group of aerobics. If you are a fan of outdoor exercising then it is advisable that you do it in the early morning or evening when the temperatures are relatively low.

Prioritise Mental Health

Like in most developing countries, people in the UAE live in a fast-paced lifestyle which at times could be stressful. Healthy measures must be adopted in order to ensure that one’s mental health is given the much needed attention it deserves through some form of rest. This could entail such activities as mindfulness, and yoga, exercises which are easy to find in the UAE.

Also, it is essential to come up with a healthy working balance so that one does not severely work at the expense of the other. Spend time on activities that you lovemore and that you find enjoyable like taking up hobbies , engaging more in social contexts with friends or engaging with the family. However, if things get really bad, do not shy away from consulting a psychologist, psychiatrist or any other mental health care professional, for the UAE does have a fledgling chain of counsellors and therapists.

Access Quality Healthcare

UAE has good health care services with many public and private sectors hospitals and clinics available for clients. One must visit the hospital for check-ups periodically to be able to detect any problems before they develop into more serious conditions. Ensure you still are a member of a good healthcare provider and ensure you get the various services provided such as vaccinations, screenings and dental health services. If one has any health complications for example common diseases and those on persistent medication, it would be wise to consult a GP who holds an individual’s dossier and is in an excellent position to advise on personal health matters.

Stay Connected with Community

They include social relationships,social attachments and social support which are all essential for good health. Since a large population of the UAE is made up of expatriates, this makes it possible to find people with the same interests and from different countries. Social clubs, community associations, or volunteering organisations are some of the ways that you can get involved so that you can have people to relate with. In addition to the social aspect, getting involved in community activities is fun and will offer you a chance to give back to society in one way or another.

Get Enough Sleep

It is important to note that good and healthy sleep is necessary in various aspects of a person’s life. Make sure to sleep between 7 and 9 hours a night in order to make your body relax and to produce energy for the next day. Going to bed at the same time each day, even on days when a person doesn’t have to work, or getting up at the same time each morning, can make your sleep better. Avoid creating a very hot room, make sure the room is very dark, and also try to keep off noise and light interruptions during your sleep time. It’s advisable not to use electronic devices at night because the screen’s blue light affects the body's circadian rhythm.

To sustain health and well-being in the UAE it is necessary to adopt the correct attitude toward health care, because the climate and manner of living exert significant influence. It is therefore advisable to drink water frequently, wear hats that will shield you from the scorching sun and sunblock, take your meals, exercise frequently and take adequate care of your psychological well-being in order to survive in this lively and active country. Moreover, availing UAE’s excellent health care facilities and staying connected with your loved ones will also enhance your health factor. Using these tips, you can have a healthy and a fulfilling lifestyle in the UAE.