IMWS in partnership with South Asian Health Foundation and the British Heart Foundation delivered an event over two separate sessions on improving healthcare with particular focus on diabetes and the month of Ramadhan.
The first session held for women took place on Monday 16 June from mid morning to early afternoon whilst later in the week an evening event was held for the men. Both took place at the Al-Hikmah Centre.
The talk was led by registered Pharmacist, researcher and academic Dr Mahendra Patel, who is committed to improving health inequalities and worked alongside IMWS on a number of occasions.
The talk was aimed specially at people who are diabetic and on how to cope during holy month of Ramadhan.
Over the coming years fasting in the holy month will fall around the 19 hour mark and with diabetes rising among the South Asian community it is important for diabetics to understand
Mohammed Laher, IMWS lead person on health, said “We are very grateful to Dr Patel for the talk on Diabetes. The event was to make people aware that we must take care of our health and those who are not diabetic but one of the family member is, must visit their GP regularly to check their health.”
Dr Patel stressed those who are diabetic and wish to fast must seek advice from their GP’s or Diabetic nurse prior to Ramadan month. He added those who are on Insulin injections to seek medical and Islamic guidance if they wish to fast especially when they inject 2-3 times a day.
Around 35 people attended the event and Dr Patel said “Many people found it very useful and we are planning more similar events in the future. Events like this will help people to understand the nature of illness.”
More health events are planned to be held at the Al-Hikmah Centre by IMWS and details will published in Paigaam on the run up to the programmes.
