Dubai, United Arab Emirates, July 8, 2014

The clinical nutrition department at the Dubai Health Authority(DHA) recently completed a training course for firefighters from  Dubai Civil Defence.

Hundred and thirty fire fighters took part in the nutritional training course that was held from March until June this year at the Dubai Civil Defence training academy.

The training program comprised of lectures, workshops, body mass analysis and dietary recommendations to help firefighters boost their physical development and performance.

Wafa Ayesh, Director of Clinical Nutrition at the DHA, said: " What a person eats clearly either boosts or hinders their physical development and given the job requirements of firefighters, it is important that they remain fit and healthy. Therefore, through this workshop, we educated them about the basics of nutrition as well as specifically discussed foods that will keep their energy levels high."

She added that firefighters need up to 5000 calories in one day if they are involved in any kind of job related strenuous activity on that day. "The caloric expenditure required to perform firefighting tasks is significant, add to that the mental stress that a person undergoes while performing such tasks. Therefore optimal nutrition for firefighters is absolutely necessary.  This is required for overall health and to build muscle mass which is important for performing firefighting activities."

Ayesh added: "We advised them to eat right and eat often as well as eat the right kind of carbohydrates which are important to provide energy and assist with brain function. We also discussed the importance of eating healthy foods that fuel the body rather than slow it down."

She added that special lectures were held with regard to healthy fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan. " During Ramadan, the most important thing for firefighters is to avoid dehydration and lack of energy. We provided them with several healthy eating options for Iftar and Suhur so that they can have a healthy Ramadan."

She said questionnaires were distributed before and after the training program to gauge to what extent they have understood and adopted the healthy nutrition program.

Ayesh added that the department will continue to hold such awareness programs across several private and public entities this year.

-Ends-

About the Dubai Health Authority:
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was created, in June 2007, by Law 13 issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, with an expanded vision to include strategic oversight for the complete health sector in Dubai and enhance private sector engagement. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance is the President of the Dubai Health Authority and His Excellency Engineer Essa Al Maidoor is the Director-General of the DHA.

The DHA's aim in Dubai is to provide an accessible, effective and integrated healthcare system, protect public health and improve the quality of life within the Emirate. This is a direct translation of the objectives of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Keeping the strategic plan in mind, the DHA's mission is to ensure access to health services, maintain and improve the quality of these services, improve the health status of nationals, residents and visitors and oversee a dynamic, efficient and innovative health sector.

In addition to overseeing the health sector for the Emirate of Dubai, the DHA also focuses on providing services through DHA healthcare facilities including hospitals (Latifa, Dubai, Rashid and Hatta), specialty centres (e.g. the Dubai Diabetes Center) and DHA primary health centres spread throughout the Emirate of Dubai.

The main pillars of service delivery at DHA health facilities are quality, efficiency, patients and staff.  It is our aim to maintain and improve the quality and efficiency of DHA health services. An important aspect of the service delivery strategy is to focus on patients, their needs and satisfaction as well as attract, retain, nurture and support outstanding staff.

Prior to the establishment of the DHA, the Department of Health and Medical Services (DOHMS), which was established in 1973, was the functioning authority that almost exclusively focused on health service delivery.

© Press Release 2014