Health

The Silent Epidemic Now Ranked as the Ninth Leading Cause of Death

A major new global analysis has revealed that chronic kidney disease (CKD) — often called a silent epidemic because it progresses unnoticed in its early stages — has now become the ninth leading cause of death worldwide, claiming more lives each year and imposing a growing public health burden.

According to data from The Lancet and NYU Langone Health, the number of adults living with CKD has more than doubled over the past three decades — from about 378 million in 1990 to nearly 788 million in 2023. The rise is largely driven by aging populations, unhealthy diets, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure — all common in both developed and developing nations.

A Hidden Global Crisis

Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. In its early phases, the disease causes few or no symptoms, meaning many patients remain undiagnosed until irreversible damage has occurred — often when dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary.

The study estimates that 14 percent of the world’s adults currently live with some degree of CKD. In 2023 alone, the condition caused 1.5 million deaths, a 6 percent increase since 1993 after adjusting for population changes.

“Chronic kidney disease is common, devastating, and largely under-recognized as a major health threat,” said Dr. Josef Coresh, Director of the Center for Optimal Aging at NYU Langone. “Our findings show an urgent need for early detection and stronger preventive care.”

The Kidney–Heart Connection

Beyond its direct effects, CKD significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that impaired kidney function contributed to approximately 12 percent of all cardiovascular deaths globally. The condition was also ranked the 12th leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life worldwide.

The study identified three main risk factors behind CKD’s surge:

Elevated blood sugar (diabetes)
High blood pressure
Obesity and increased body mass index

These conditions collectively fuel inflammation and strain on the kidneys, accelerating decline even in relatively young adults.

Early Detection Can Save Lives

Lead author Dr. Morgan Grams emphasized that CKD remains “under-diagnosed and under-treated” despite being largely preventable.
“Simple urine tests can detect early signs of kidney damage, yet millions of people never get screened,” he noted. “When identified early, new drug therapies can slow disease progression and reduce heart attack, stroke, and heart-failure risk.”

Over the past five years, several new medications have demonstrated the ability to protect kidney function and prolong survival. However, the report warns that these benefits will take time to translate into measurable global improvements unless screening and awareness improve substantially.

Implications for the Middle East

The findings carry special significance for the Gulf region, where diabetes, hypertension, and obesity rates remain among the highest globally. These factors place large segments of the population at elevated risk for kidney complications.

Healthcare experts in the UAE and neighboring countries are urging residents to include kidney-function tests as part of routine annual checkups and to adopt balanced diets, maintain healthy weight, and stay hydrated — all key to prevention.

“Chronic kidney disease rarely makes headlines,” said a senior nephrologist in Dubai, “but it is one of the most dangerous conditions silently affecting families across the region. Early testing is simple, inexpensive, and can make the difference between lifelong health and a lifetime of dialysis.”

A Global Call for Action

The World Health Organization has now officially included chronic kidney disease in its list of global non-communicable diseases targeted for reduction by 2030. The goal: cut premature deaths from such illnesses through prevention, early diagnosis, and access to essential treatment.

As the study concludes, CKD is no longer a neglected disease of the elderly — it is a growing worldwide emergency that demands the same urgency and policy attention as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Source:
“Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease in adults, 1990–2023, and its attributable risk factors: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023,” The Lancet, 7 November 2025.
Article adapted from SciTechDaily.

Health

Safe Blood Donation Before, During, and After Ramadan – Medical Guidelines by Dr. Ganesh Dhanuka

By Dr. Ganesh Dhanuka
Specialist Internal Medicine and Nephrology
International Modern Hospital

Blood donation remains one of the most impactful humanitarian acts, capable of saving multiple lives with a single unit of blood. However, during the holy month of Ramadan, many individuals question whether it is safe to donate while fasting and how to properly prepare for donation.

From a medical standpoint, blood donation is generally safe for healthy individuals. Nevertheless, appropriate preparation — especially in the context of fasting — is essential to minimize risks such as dizziness, dehydration, or hypotension.

This article outlines evidence-based recommendations for blood donation before, during, and after Ramadan, along with its physiological, psychological, and societal benefits.

Preparing for Blood Donation Before Ramadan

Proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of adverse effects during donation. Individuals planning to donate should:

Nutritional Preparation

Consume a balanced meal rich in iron and protein approximately 2–3 hours before donating. Iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, spinach, lentils, beans, and fortified cereals help maintain adequate hemoglobin levels. Protein supports plasma volume and recovery.

Avoid donating on an empty stomach, as this increases the likelihood of lightheadedness and vasovagal reactions.

Hydration Status

Adequate hydration is critical. Donors should:

Increase water intake the day before donation.
Drink extra fluids on the day of donation.

Proper hydration helps maintain blood pressure and reduces the risk of fainting.

Sleep and Lifestyle Factors

Ensure 6–8 hours of quality sleep the night before.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to donation.
Refrain from strenuous physical activity before donation.

Medical Disclosure

Bring valid identification and honestly disclose:

Any chronic medical conditions.
Current medications.
Recent illnesses or procedures.

Transparency ensures donor safety and protects recipients.

What to Expect During Blood Donation

The blood donation process is generally straightforward and takes about 10–15 minutes for the actual collection.

During donation:

Stay calm and breathe normally.
Avoid sudden movements.
Inform medical staff immediately if you experience dizziness, nausea, sweating, blurred vision, or weakness.
Follow all staff instructions carefully.

Most temporary reactions, when they occur, are mild and resolve quickly with rest and hydration.

Post-Donation Care and Recovery

The post-donation period is crucial for safe recovery.

Immediate Aftercare

Rest at the donation center for 10–15 minutes.
Accept fluids and light refreshments provided.
Avoid standing up abruptly.

The Next 24 Hours

Increase fluid intake significantly.
Consume iron-rich foods to replenish red blood cell production.
Avoid heavy lifting for 24 hours.
Avoid strenuous exercise on the same day.
Avoid alcohol for several hours after donation.

If dizziness occurs, lie down and elevate your legs until symptoms resolve.

Food

Foods That Look Healthy for Weight Loss (But Actually Aren’t)

By Dr. Yara Husein (Food and Nutrition Expert)

Companies often use specific buzzwords on food labels to market products as healthy and weight-loss friendly options. In reality, these options can sometimes have the opposite effect. Here are some common foods and drinks that might be holding you back:

Fat-free dairy products

Many think that fat-free dairy products are ideal for dieting and do not contribute to weight gain. However, in truth, these products can cause weight gain because fat-free products are less satiating than their full-fat counterparts; fat is a nutrient that supports feelings of fullness and makes food more enjoyable. Furthermore, food manufacturers often replace fat with sugar in low-fat and fat-free products to compensate for the lost flavour. Beyond that, skimmed dairy products provide the body with fewer nutrients than full-fat products, because vitamins such as A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble vitamins that require fat to enter the body, be absorbed, and be utilized.

Gluten-free foods

While it is essential for people with gluten-related disorders to avoid gluten, gluten-free foods are not necessarily healthier than foods containing gluten. Some processed gluten-free foods and desserts contain the same amount of calories and added sugar—if not more—as other snacks. Studies, including a study published in the journal PeerJ, indicate that gluten-free snack foods tend to be lower in protein, fiber, and certain vitamins and minerals compared to their gluten-containing counterparts. They are also generally more expensive.

Breakfast cereals

Many people think that breakfast cereals are an ideal and healthy breakfast to start their day, but in reality, many cereals are made from refined grains that lack nutrients like protein and fiber, and they can contain a high percentage of added sugar. For example, Honey Nut Cheerios, which are marketed as heart-healthy, contain 12 grams of added sugar per cup. Eating large quantities of these and other cereals high in added sugar may lead to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, and weight gain.

Energy and sports drinks

Companies market sports and energy drinks as ways to boost energy and athletic performance, but these drinks can contain a massive amount of sugar. Consequently, they can contribute to weight gain for people who consume them without performing intense physical exercise. For instance, a popular energy drink like Monster (473 ml) contains 54 grams of added sugar—a quantity much higher than the amount recommended by the American Heart Association (25g for women and 36g for men). Research, including a study published in the journal Pediatric Obesity, has linked the consumption of sweetened beverages to health problems, including high blood pressure, fatty liver, and obesity in children and adolescents.

Diet soda

When following a diet, many people may turn to sugar-free or calorie-free drinks, thinking they contribute to weight loss. However, studies indicate that diet soda may contribute to certain health problems by altering brain responses to food and increasing the desire to eat high-calorie foods such as sweets and fast food. A study published in the journal Nutrients linked the consumption of these drinks to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which is a group of symptoms that include increased belly fat, blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipid levels.

Health

Excessive Screen Time in Children: Digital Eye Strain, Myopia Risk, and Long-Term Vision Health

By Dr. Tahere Rezaei
Ophthalmologist
International Modern Hospital Dubai

In today’s digital era, children are spending unprecedented hours on tablets, smartphones, and social media platforms. From a clinical perspective, the impact of excessive screen exposure on pediatric eye health is becoming increasingly evident.

Ophthalmology clinics are witnessing a clear rise in complaints linked directly to prolonged device use. Children often hold screens very close to their eyes and remain intensely focused for extended periods without taking breaks. This sustained near work places continuous strain on the visual system, particularly on the eye muscles responsible for focusing.

The most immediate and common consequence is digital eye strain. Symptoms typically include:

Headaches
Eye fatigue
Blurred vision
Burning sensation
Dryness due to reduced blinking

When children concentrate on screens, their blink rate significantly decreases. Reduced blinking leads to tear film instability, which contributes to dryness and irritation. Over time, persistent strain can affect visual comfort and academic performance.

Rising Concern: Childhood Myopia

Beyond temporary discomfort, there is a more serious long-term concern — the increasing prevalence of childhood myopia (short-sightedness).

Extended near work combined with limited outdoor exposure has been strongly associated with faster progression of myopia. Natural daylight and distance viewing play a protective role in visual development. When children spend most of their time indoors focusing on close objects, the eye adapts by elongating, leading to blurred distance vision.

Early-onset myopia is not simply about needing glasses. Higher degrees of myopia later in life increase the risk of:

Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Myopic macular degeneration
Early cataracts

Preventing rapid myopia progression during childhood is therefore critical for long-term ocular health.

Screen Use and Sleep Disruption

Another clinically observed issue is the effect of screen exposure before bedtime. Blue light emitted from digital devices can suppress melatonin production, disrupting the natural sleep cycle. Poor sleep quality affects not only overall health but also visual comfort, concentration, and cognitive performance.

Children who use screens late at night frequently report:

Difficulty falling asleep
Morning eye discomfort
Increased fatigue during the day

Sleep plays a vital role in ocular surface recovery and overall neurological health.

Supporting Healthy Visual Development

For optimal eye development, children require balanced visual habits. Key preventive measures include:

Limiting continuous screen time
Encouraging daily outdoor activity
Maintaining proper room lighting
Ensuring appropriate screen distance
Practicing scheduled visual breaks (such as the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)

Parents play a crucial role in modeling healthy screen behavior and establishing structured digital routines.

As Dr. Tahere Rezaei emphasizes, eye health in childhood directly influences long-term vision outcomes. Early awareness, prevention, and regular eye examinations are essential to protect children from avoidable visual complications in adulthood.

Healthy eyes today mean clearer vision for life.