Breastfeeding: Nurturing the Future, One Feed at a Time

Breastfeeding: Nurturing the Future, One Feed at a Time

News and Updates

 

 

 Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beneficial practices for both mother and child. Beyond providing nutrition, it builds a strong emotional bond and strengthens the immune system, laying the foundation for a healthy future.

🌿 The Nutritional Benefits

Breast milk contains the perfect balance of nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies. These components are tailored specifically for a newborn’s developmental needs. Studies show that breastfed babies have lower risks of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases later in life.

🤱 Health Benefits for Mothers

Breastfeeding doesn’t only help the baby—it also benefits the mother. It helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size, reduces postpartum bleeding, and lowers the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Moreover, it can aid in natural weight loss after childbirth.

🧠 Cognitive and Emotional Advantages

Research highlights that breastfed children tend to have improved cognitive development and higher IQ scores. The skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding also promotes emotional bonding, offering a sense of security and comfort to the baby.

🌍 Societal and Economic Impact

Encouraging breastfeeding can reduce healthcare costs by decreasing infant illnesses and maternal health complications. It also promotes sustainability by reducing the need for formula production and packaging.

💡 Tips for Successful Breastfeeding

Start Early – Begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.

Feed on Demand – Respond to the baby’s hunger cues, not just the clock.

Seek Support – Lactation consultants, healthcare providers, and support groups can help with challenges.

Maintain Maternal Health – A balanced diet, hydration, and rest contribute to successful breastfeeding.

🌟 Conclusion

Breastfeeding is more than just feeding—it’s nurturing life. Every feed strengthens the bond between mother and child, boosts immunity, and sets the stage for lifelong health. Supporting breastfeeding mothers is an investment in the health of the next generation.

Breast Cancer Awareness in the UAE & Gulf Region — What You Need to Know

Breast Cancer Awareness in the UAE & Gulf Region — What You Need to Know

News and Updates

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women globally, and in the United Arab Emirates and Gulf region it also ranks as the leading cancer in women. Early detection through screening, awareness of risk factors, and culturally sensitive education are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Epidemiology & Regional Considerations

  • In the UAE, breast cancer accounts for over one-third of female cancer diagnoses [1].
  • Women in the UAE are often diagnosed at a younger age and at later stages compared to Western populations [1].
  • In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), breast cancers tend to show more aggressive biological subtypes, with higher HER2 expression and lower luminal A subtypes [2].
  • A UAE-based cross-sectional study found that uptake of preventive screening and breast self-examination remains low. Many women reported limited interaction with healthcare providers on the topic [1].
  • Key barriers include low awareness, cultural sensitivities, limited encouragement from providers, and heavy reliance on social media over medical sources [3].

Risk Factors & Prevention

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Modifiable risk factors:

  • Obesity, especially post-menopause
  • Physical inactivity
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • Dense breast tissue

Protective factors:

  • Breastfeeding
  • Healthy weight and active lifestyle

Studies estimate that 25% or more of breast cancer cases are preventable through lifestyle changes [4].

Screening, Self-Exam, Clinical Exam, & Early Detection

Breast Self-Examination (BSE):

  • A personal technique to detect early changes in breast shape, size, or feel.
  • Best done monthly, 6–10 days after menstruation begins.
  • Though not a substitute for mammograms, BSE promotes breast awareness
  • Look for: new lumps, skin dimpling, nipple inversion/discharge.

Clinical Breast Examination (CBE):

  • Performed by trained healthcare professionals, typically during routine check-ups.
  • Recommended every 1–3 years for women aged 20–39, and annually for those 40+.

Imaging (Mammography & Ultrasound):

  • In the UAE, women aged 40–69 are encouraged to undergo mammograms every 1–2 years [1].
  • Women with higher risk (family history or BRCA mutations) may begin screening earlier.
  • Ultrasound is used especially in younger women or those with dense breast tissue.

Challenges in the UAE context:

  • Low uptake of screening despite high-risk awareness [1].
  • Many women rely on non-medical sources like social media [1].
  • Providers often do not proactively assess risk or discuss screening with patients [1].

Awareness, Communication & Cultural Considerations

  • A study in Ras Al Khaimah showed that many women had limited understanding of breast cancer and were unaware of free screening services [3].
  • Cultural sensitivity is key— women prefer discreet, private information and modest visuals.
  • Campaigns like the Pink Caravan by FOCP help reach diverse communities through mobile screening units [5].
  • Trusted female healthcare providers, Arabic-language material, and modest education tools (e.g. silhouettes) are essential for acceptance.

References

  1. BMC Public Health (2025) – “Breast Cancer Preventive Behaviour and Screening Uptake Among Women in the UAE” 🔗 https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-23807-9
  2. Nadja Health – “Breast Cancer Cases Rise Among Gulf Women with Unique Regional Features”🔗 https://www.nadja.co/2024/07/04/breast-cancer-cases-rise-among-gulf-women
  3. MDPI Healthcare Journal (2020) – “Breast Cancer Screening in Ras Al Khaimah: A Qualitative Study on Barriers and Awareness” 🔗 https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/8/4/495
  4. Howden Group UAE (2024) – “Breast Cancer Awareness October Report” 🔗 https://www.howdengroup.com/ae-en/news-insights/breast-cancer-awareness-october-2024-howden-uae
  5. Wikipedia – Pink Caravan (FOCP UAE) 🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Caravan
Heart Disease is not only for Men!

Heart Disease is not only for Men!

News and Updates

News

Heart Disease is not only for Men!

Heart Disease is not only for Men!

Many women don’t realize that heart disease is a serious threat to their health. Because of this, women are less aware of the risk factors and symptoms and are slower to call for an ambulance when they have a heart attack – reducing their chances of survival.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Consider some of these facts:

  • Many deaths in the UAE are caused by cardiovascular disease
  • Heart disease causes nearly three times more fatalities in women than breast cancer
  • Women with diabetes have a two to four times higher risk of a stroke or death from cardiovascular disease compared with women who do not have diabetes

Know the Risks
Factors that increase your likelihood of getting cardiovascular disease include:

  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Physical inactivity
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Having diabetes

Having a family history of heart disease – this means if your father, mother, brother or sister has, or had, coronary heart disease at a young age

Older age
Your ethnic background – people from South Asian or African descent are at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke

However, there are small things you can do every day to protect yourself and reduce your risk.

  • Quit smoking. If you currently smoke cigarettes, it is necessary to quit. Within one year of stopping, your risk of heart disease is reduced by half.
  • Blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, greatly increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. There are often no symptoms of high blood pressure, so it is important to have it regularly checked by your medical professional. Doing more exercise, maintaining your optimal weight and reducing salt intake can help prevent or reduce high blood pressure.
  • Cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. It is an important component in cell function, but too much of it can increase your risk of heart problems. Reducing the amount of saturated fat you eat can help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level.
  • Diabetes. Diabetes significantly increases your risk of getting heart and circulatory disease. However, if you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol can help reduce your risk.
  • Weight. If you’re overweight or obese, you are at a higher risk of developing heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight can protect your heart.
  • Activity. Doing physical activity is one way of cutting your risk. It helps to lower your blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, control your weight and reduce your risk of diabetes. Aim to be active every day. Public health organizations recommend 150 minutes of physical activity per week. This can be broken up and spread across the week. You could walk to do your shopping rather than taking the car, for example.


Change is possible
It doesn’t matter if you are young or old. As a woman, it’s important to make positive changes to improve your lifestyle and help protect your heart. If you currently have a heart condition, implementing some of the suggestions here can prevent it from getting worse. Why not start by visiting your doctor for a regular check-up, where you can also ask to discuss any risk factors based on your current health? Take action to protect your heart and power your life.