Three experts from Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) discussed some major health concerns facing communities around the world during the latest instalments of the Health and YOU: Community Wellness Series.
In three separate webinars, experts discussed the latest advances in diabetes prevention and management, plastics and human health, and finding quality health information online. The webinars were organised by the Institute for Population Health (IPH) at WCM-Q.
Diabetes prevention
According to WCM-Q Assistant Professor Dr Tariq Chukir, who presented a webinar on Diabetes – Recent Advances in Prevention and Management, people above the age of 45 or those with risk factors, should get screened for diabetes. He said that early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, and neuropathy.
Dr Chukir also emphasised the importance of following a healthy lifestyle focused on weight management in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. There are several therapeutic options available and management should be personalised based on patient conditions and preferences.
Health impact of plastics in the community
In a separate webinar, WCM-Q alumnus Dr Amit Abraham, now assistant professor at WCM-Q, spoke about the health impact of plastics in the community. He outlined the solutions that can be applied to reduce toxic exposure to plastic in day-to-day life, including the use of food containers made of other materials like glass or stainless steel, and avoiding warming food in plastic containers in the microwave.
Instead of using bottled water, he suggested carrying a reusable water bottle and shopping bag, recycling when possible, and considering clothes made of natural fibres rather than synthetic. Plastics are found in many everyday items, including polythene bags, toys, disposable cutlery, insulators, cigarette butts, shoes, clothes, and medical items.
Preliminary research suggests that the chemical additives found in plastics could increase the risk of infertility, diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, and neurological anomalies, among others.
Finding quality health information
In another webinar titled, Sorting Fact from Fiction: Finding Quality Health Information Online, Jamie Gray, director of the health sciences library at WCM-Q, explored the health information ecosystem, how misinformation and disinformation spread, and how to find and assess information on the web.
Gray said that outdated or inaccurate health information could have serious impacts on well-being.
For those who want to search online, starting at a site like MedlinePlus.gov is a good start. Another approach is to look for legitimate websites run by governments or educational institutions. Libraries are also reliable sources of health information. However, Gray said it is always prudent to discuss any information available online with your healthcare provider.
WCM-Q professor Dr Ravinder Mamtani, said they believe that the webinars have created a positive impact in the community because their guest experts address health matters that are common worldwide.
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