The event is held under the Health Guidance Plan in coop with the Health Authority

The Health, Safety & Environment Division at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, in collaboration with the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi, has recently organized a lecture entitled: ‘Healthy Options for a Sound Colon’ under the contest of its strategic plan aimed at raising the health awareness level. The lecture intended to acquaint employees of the Municipality with the main practices and dietary habits that lead to the strengthening of the immune system against malignant diseases that can infect the colon, specifically cancer. The lecture also highlighted the importance of periodic checks of the colon by means of endoscopic examination or direct medical test in order to avoid any complications ensuing from colon-related diseases.

Engineer Salah Awad Al Sarraj, Acting Executive Director of Town Planning Sector, Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, said: “The Municipality pays particular attention to raising the level of health awareness among its employees as well as all community segments. In this sense it opted to hold a medical lecture focusing on the key medical conditions that pose a significant risk, especially oncology; where the colon cancer is classified as one of the most fatal and widely spread diseases. Therefore, the Municipality perceived the importance of providing a healthy dose of education with a view to showcasing dietary practices & habits that protect the colon from serious complications.

“The Municipality’s objectives, mission and values focus on intensifying activities, events and workshops tailored to improve all aspects of the public health standards. In order to achieve these principles, the Health, Safety & Environment Division at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, developed a clear vision aimed at covering all community segments in the field of health & occupational education, and consolidating new values ensuring a great deal of security, safety and health,” continued Al Sarraj.

Engineer Abdul Aziz Zurub, Director of Health, Safety and Environment, said: “The lecture is part of a series of planned lectures and workshops that place great emphasis on raising the level of health education and changing some habitual misconceptions undermining our health and giving rise to many problems. In implementation of the medical adage (an ounce of prevention is better than cure), the objectives of the lecture focused on the most important causes along with the dietary habits considered a major cause of colon tumors; one of the most dangerous types of cancers, and according to global statistics, it ranks among the top causes of death. From this standpoint, the Municipality is keen on capitalizing on the successful & useful health programs launched by the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi and presented in a scientific & educative form in order to inculcate sound good health values for a healthy & lively society that is well versed in the health risks that may jeopardize the community’s life.

The lecture stated that colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the lining of the colon and rectum, which is generally the second most common cancer in the UAE and the second cause of deaths resulting from cancers, and it affects men in a greater proportion than women.

The lecture recommended the attendants to carry out early detection of colorectal cancer for men and women aged 40 years or above. The disease can be detected early to deduce the presence of polyps in the colon or rectum, or any other changes before they become cancerous. A stool examination must be performed biannually, or a colonoscopy screening to be made every 10 years to tackle any issues at an early stage before they escalate.