Now, shoppers can go to the malls not just to hunt for the best deals but also to have a complimentary heart check-up.

Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), a chain of shopping malls, in collaboration with the American Hearth Association and Emirates Cardiac Society, has recently launched its 10th health awareness campaign, called 'Feel the Beat', offering complimentary cardio-health screening for women in shopping malls across the UAE. The free check-up is also available in other MAF malls in Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon and Oman.

The two-month-long campaign which started in the first week of September and will run until October is aimed at spreading awareness of cardiovascular disease, prevention and the importance of early detection.

"Cardiovascular disease is often perceived to mostly afflict men. However, according to a Nielsen study of women in the GCC, the top two health concerns were high-cholesterol levels and being overweight, both of which are risk factors for heart diseases. Despite heart diseases being the leading cause of deaths in the region, the perception of risk is low and warning signs are often ignored," MAF said in a statement.

"Feel the Beat, is part of our sustainability efforts and how we encourage the wellbeing of the communities we serve. Over 10 years we have tested tens of thousands of women at our shopping malls in the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon and Oman and raised awareness of one of the most prevalent diseases affecting women in the region. We look forward to empowering more women of all ages to take control of their overall wellbeing and learn more about heart health," said Fuad Mansoor Sharaf, managing director for Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Shopping Malls (UAE, Bahrain & Oman).

Dr Younis Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Healthcare Corporation at the Dubai Health Authority, stressed the importance of the campaign and its positive role in raising awareness and educating the public on how to prevent cardiovascular diseases by encouraging the community to adopt a healthier and happier lifestyle, which is in line with the authority's goals. "The DHA is committed to partnering with various government and private institutions, as well as international and local heart associations, to raise awareness and ensure early detection of heart disease amongst all ages," he added.

"Choosing the right lifestyle along with food habits, and getting regular checks done helps maintain good heart health," added Zanubia Shams, co-chairperson at Zulekha Hospital

Dates for free screening:

September 20-22: City Centre Deira

September 20-22: City Centre Ajman

September 27-29: City Centre Sharjah

September 27-29: Mall of the Emirates

October 4-6: City Centre Al Shindagha

October 11-13: City Centre Me'aisem

October 14-16: My City Centre Al Barsha

October 21-23: My City Centre Al Dhait-RAK

angel@khaleejtimes.com

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