DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN MEDICAL SERVICES
Physicians meet at Healthpoint’s Women’s Wellness Launch
stressful lifestyle and diet are the main risk factors of most cancers. We call them ‘modifiable risk factors’. You can modify your diet and lifestyle, but people always have the excuse ‘we don’t have the time’. You should make time! If you want to do it, you’ll do it.”
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Yet, as a result, breast cancer isn’t the only form of illness affecting women in the UAE. “We have a good number of expat women patients here at Healthpoint and they share some of the same health issues with local woman. The similarities are weight problems plus chronic illnesses, such as diabetes.” Interestingly however, Dr. Mai has observed one key ailment affecting expats. “The difference I’ve noticed with some expat patients is that they have stress-related illnesses. Anxiety is very common. I see it very frequently.” Circling back to exercise, diet and lifestyle, a common link is clear. Additionally, cardiovascular disease is ranked as the leading cause of death in Abu Dhabi. “Because of this, the UAE Government and Health
Issue 10 - OCTOBER 2015
Authority Abu Dhabi developed the Emirate-wide screening program, Weqaya, which is a cardiovascular disease prevention program.” Dr. Mai implemented the program at Healthpoint Hospital with the help of management. “Cardiovascular disease is usually the result of chronic illness such as hypertension or diabetes. The good thing is it’s on the decline. In 2012, cardiovascular disease accounted for 39 percent of deaths in Abu Dhabi. This is why we needed to find a solution. Now we have a blood test and a questionnaire through Weqaya that highlights your lifestyle, nutrition and exercise.” Prevention (the English translation for “Weqaya”) is key. Ensuring that women (and men) have the correct information and a clear course of action is one of the main focuses on Dr. Mai’s radar, which has stemmed from the initiatives of the UAE Government: “Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said delivering or improving our health care system here in the UAE and providing the patient with the best practice is our top priority.”
Aside from splitting her days between the clinic and administrative work, public health initiatives and screenings are another major area of activation for Dr. Mai. As another example, Healthpoint Hospital was recently named the official partner of a disease prevention screening and health check-up system for the Abu Dhabi Police. “We offer health check-ups for a huge number of their personnel, aiming to improve their health and aiming to identify any health or risk factors. We developed a series of tests including a blood test, ECG (electro cardiogram) to check heart rates and chest x-rays specifically for police officers. This ultimately helps prevent any abnormalities or health risks. If diagnosed, we then also look to treatment options.” It also ensures the livelihood of the region’s governing bodies. “One of the reasons why I joined the faculty of medicine was because I wanted to serve my country.” Dr. Mai’s devotion to the UAE clearly continues to extend much further than the walls of Healthpoint hospital.