English
INTERNATIONAL SOS ADVISES HEALTHY ROUTINES AND ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS AHEAD OF RAMADAN
Dubai
With Ramadan due to start later this week International SOS, the world’s leading medical and travel risk services company, offers tips for a healthy Ramadan and is highlighting the importance of organisations promoting healthy routines to the workforce. International SOS is also raising awareness about road safety among employers, and those employees who spend time travelling, during this time, which is expected to be particularly busy on the roads.
Dr Issam Badaoui, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, comments on the tangible steps that individuals and employers can take in the days leading up to Ramadan to reduce risk factors.
“Organisations should remind employees about maintaining a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and the importance of regular rest. Individuals, particularly those who are fasting, should review their weight, blood pressure sugar levels and check their cholesterol before Ramadan. Each of these are key indicators for lifestyle-related conditions that are not often checked and known.”
Daylight hours during Ramadan this year will be 15 hours 25 minutes in London, 13 hours 18 minutes in Dubai and 12 hours 15 minutes in Kuala Lumpur.
International SOS’ advice for a healthy Ramadan is:
- Eat moderately at Iftar, and make sure to eat Suhour
- Get eight hours of sleep during every 24 hour period
- Wait two to three hours after Iftar before exercising, and focus on lighter activities like brisk walking
- Consult your doctor on how to manage medications and chronic illnesses such as diabetes
- Try to conduct more difficult work tasks earlier in the day
As schools will again be in session during Ramadan this year, International SOS reminds people that roads are expected to be busy, especially in large cities, and advises on the importance road safety awareness particularly in the hour before sunset. Road safety is one of the top hazards for business travellers and each year approximately 1.251 million people die in road accidents around the world and between 20 and 50 million people sustain non-fatal injuries.
Mr Julian Moro, Regional Security Director at International SOS, said:
“Road safety during Ramadan is a major and often unappreciated danger for travellers and those staying in their home countries. During Ramadan, traffic accidents tend to peak as sunset nears and people rush to Iftar. We would advise people to avoid any unnecessary travel on the roads at this time and take safety measures seriously whenever they are on the roads, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian.”
“With 30%2 of road accidents being work related, travellers, managers and support staff to negotiate the pitfalls and opportunities that exist with a mobile workforce. With a few simple precautions, individuals and employers can reduce the risks associated with being on the road.”
Notes to Editors
1 World Health Organisation ‘Road traffic injuries’ (Updated May 2017)
2 https://community.michelinchallengebibendum.com/
About the International SOS Group of Companies The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives, protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity and sustainability. Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by 12,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,000 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
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