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INTERNATIONAL SOS ADVISES HEALTHY ROUTINES AND ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS AHEAD OF RAMADAN
Dubai
INTERNATIONAL SOS ADVISES HEALTHY ROUTINES AND ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS AHEAD OF RAMADAN
With Ramadan due to start soon1, International SOS, the world’s leading medical and security risk services company, offers tips for a healthy Ramadan, highlighting the importance of organisations promoting healthy routines to the workforce. International SOS is also raising awareness about road safety among employers and employees, during this busy time.
Dr Firas AYASH, Senior Coordinating Doctor, Assistance Centre 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 and exercise. Individuals who are fasting, should check their weight, blood pressure sugar levels and cholesterol before Ramadan. Each of these are key indicators for lifestyle-related conditions that are not often checked and known.”
International SOS’ advice for a healthy Ramadan is:
- Eat moderately at Iftar, and make sure to have a healthy meal at dawn before you start your fasting.
- Get eight hours of sleep during the 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 before Ramadan.
- Try to conduct more difficult work tasks earlier in the day and drive safely.
Focus on road safety awareness is important at this time, particularly in the hours before sunset when concentration can be decreased due to the long fasting day. Road safety is one of the top hazards for business travellers and each year approximately 1.352 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, EMEA at International SOS and Control Risks, 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 40%3 of road deaths 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.”
**END**
References
1At time of press, this is expected to be 6 May 2019, dependent on the sighting of the moon of Ramadan.
2Global status report on road safety 2018.Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Licence: CC BYNC-SA 3.0 IGO.
3Adminaite, D.J., et al. 2017. Tapping the potential for reducing workrelated road deaths and injuries.
Notes to Editors
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.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com
