UAE ranks 6th in health and wellness index

 

Ranking above the global average in sixth place with an overall score of 62.9 points, the country shows a strong outlook across five key indices – physical, family, social, financial and work, the survey said.

 

The latest edition of the annual Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey was released at a launch event that drew the participation of Dr Saleh Al Hashimi, advisor to the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation (DHIC) of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dr Mohamed Farghaly, consultant at DHIC and head of insurance policies and health economics at DHA, and Gail Stanley, head of organisational effectiveness at Noor Bank PJSC. Also present were Cigna representatives and leading medical experts from the region.

 

Heart health has emerged as a key area of concern, identifying a gap in the perception of high blood pressure (HBP). The survey reveals that 32 per cent of the residents believe that HBP is not curable with lifestyle change.

 

According to the survey, UAE residents are moderately aware of heart health indicators, such as Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure, on a par with the global average. Conversely, their awareness of symptoms that may suggest potential heart problems is lower than the world average. More millennials than older age groups have admitted to experiencing these symptoms, despite the latter demonstrating higher awareness in this regard, said a statement.

 

Jerome Droesch, CEO of Cigna, Mena, said: "Only 28 per cent of respondents use wearable technology to track heart health. Heart health education is more important than ever, which is why Cigna has been driving the cause through its initiative ‘Heart Your Heart’ in the UAE."

 

The findings of the survey also revealed that women can rely on fewer workplace wellness programs to support their well-being than men. Only 35 per cent of female respondents have a formal wellness program at work, as opposed to 46 per cent of working men, said the statement. –TradeArabia News Service