UAE doctors urge preventive care and regular movement over fitness targets

Medical professionals in the United Arab Emirates are urging residents to prioritize preventive care and consistent movement over specific fitness metrics. Ahead of World Heart Day, RAK Hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Adil Rizvi, advised against obsessing over specific step counts, such as 10,000 or 15,000 steps. Instead, he recommends regular aerobic activities like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming for 30 to 40 minutes on most days to improve heart health.

Doctors also warn of “silent” health risks that can develop for years without obvious symptoms like pain or fatigue. Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, and kidney problems can remain hidden until identified through medical assessments. Dr. Yousef Said of Metabolic noted that many events perceived as sudden, such as heart attacks, are often the result of disease processes that have been developing for decades. Specialists emphasize that screening should be tailored to the individual to catch these gradual changes before they become difficult to manage.