Health

What Exactly is Depression?

Depression is a lack of interest or pleasure in normal activities for a period of time. Depression impacts one in five Americans during their lifetime. As of 2015, in the United States 6.7 percent of American adults had at least one depressive episode within the year. For people between the ages of 15 and 44, depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Despite these debilitating numbers, out of all the motor neuron diseases, depression only receives one-tenth of the funding. To put that into perspective in comparison to other major diseases, that is only one-hundredth of the funding that breast cancer receives. Because of the large number of those impacted, there is an increase in research studying the positive effects that exercise can have on patients who have depression. Clearly, this mental illness is a big issue that isn’t going away anytime soon and finding healthy and helpful ways to decrease the risk, symptoms, and causes of depression is important.

Exercise Helps the Body!

Everyone knows that exercise is important for good physical health, but it is also great for mental health. During exercise, the brain releases hormones called endorphins, also known as “feel good hormones.” With the release of these hormones, thoughts are typically more positive, which then leads to a more positive mood. Two other factors within the body that can contribute to depression are inflammation and poor heart health. Increased physical activity improves heart health and greatly helps to reduce inflammation within the body.

Motivational Tip: Find a buddy to workout with to motivate one another and make exercise more fun.

How Exercise Helps the Brain

There are many chemicals and hormones throughout the entire body that maintain not only the body but also the brain. When there are imbalances in these chemicals and/or hormones, mental illness and other health issues can develop. When an individual is experiencing an increase in mental stress, inflammation within regions of the brain occur. There is an increase in inflammation because the mental stress reduces the sensitivity to hormones necessary to be released in order to control and prevent excess inflammation. This then causes imbalances of chemicals and hormones and weakens the immune system. Regular exercise helps to increase tissue sensitivity to a type of hormone called glucocorticoids that have anti-inflammatory properties. These hormones help to prevent excess inflammation within the brain and muscles. If inflammation is reduced, chemicals and hormones will return closer to normal levels and decrease the risk and effects that depression can have on its victims.

How to Increase Physical Activity

For some people, getting to the gym is not an easy task and that could be for many reasons: time restraints, financial issues, lack of knowledge in the gym, self-consciousness, etc. If you are one of those people, simply walking more throughout the day can increase your physical activity levels. Take the stairs rather than an elevator, park farther away from entrances at stores, and find activities that you enjoy to get you moving. For many people, running is a great way to clear the mind and relieve stress. It has many benefits to heart health and physical fitness, which then help the mind be healthier too. Another option to increase physical activity without going to the gym are common bodyweight exercises. These can be performed in the comfort of your own home and can be very effective. Push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, lunges, and squats are just a few examples of the exercises that can easily be done in small spaces, without the use of additional workout equipment.

The minimum requirements for a healthy lifestyle are at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week (about 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week) and strength training for all muscle groups at least twice a week (at least one set of each exercise with a minimum of 12 to 15 repetitions, or enough to tire the muscle). If that amount cannot be achieved regularly, any little bit of extra physical activity is still beneficial.

Aerobic exercises have shown great results in dealing with mental illnesses because they really get the body moving and working. In exchange, inflammation is greatly decreased, and endorphins are increased, which then results in a more positive and happy mood. Keep in mind that regular exercise is important for mental and physical health and should be practiced by all that are capable, but it may not be enough on its own to rid all symptoms and risks for everyone who experiences depression. Additionally, excessive exercise is not beneficial. Contact your health care provider for exercise recommendations that would be suitable for you, especially if you have been sedentary or have a medical condition.

Tips

Research shows you are more likely to stick with the exercise if done with a friend or in a group.
Do not over exert yourself; move at your own pace.
Allow yourself to rest when needed; 1-2 rest days from exercise are helpful for progress.

Sources

Budde, H., and M. Wegno, eds. The Exercise Effect on Mental Health. Neurobiological Mechanisms. New York: Routledge, 2018.

Choi, K., Chen, C., Stein, M., Klimentidis, Y., Wang, M., Koenen, K. and Smoller, J. (2019). Assessment of Bidirectional Relationships Between Physical Activity and Depression Among Adults. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online January 23, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamapsychatry. 2018.4175.

Parletta, N. (2019). Exercise does help prevent depression, research shows | Cosmos. Published online January 25, 2019.

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

KFSHRC Performs Seven Heart Procedures in Single Robotic Surgery

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has performed a highly complex robotic heart surgery on a woman in her seventies who was living with seven ongoing cardiac pathologies, including congenital defects. In a single operation, the surgical team addressed all seven issues surgically, marking the first documented case worldwide in which this number of cardiac interventions has been combined in one fully robotic approach.
According to a recent KFSHRC press release, the innovative approach stabilized the patient’s condition, accelerated her recovery, and spared her from undergoing multiple staged surgeries that would have significantly increased risks and prolonged her suffering.
Unlike conventional open-heart surgery, the procedure was performed without a full chest incision. The robotic technique enabled the team to perform mitral valve replacement, tricuspid valve repair, arrhythmia treatment using a Maze procedure, left atrial appendage closure, atrial septal defect formation, and reconstruction of complex venous anatomy (double patch venous enlargement), all through small, precise incisions. This minimally invasive approach reduced surgical trauma, lowered the likelihood of complications, supported a safer procedure, full restoration of heart function and earlier hospital discharge within eight days.
The significance of the case lies in its integration of two surgical domains that are typically managed separately: adult acquired heart disease and congenital defect repair. Treating a heart affected simultaneously by acquired pathology and structural congenital abnormalities required dual expertise and the ability to unify different treatment standards within a single, carefully coordinated intervention.
The release also highlighted that robotic technology played a central role in the procedure’s success, offering enhanced precision when navigating delicate intracardiac structures and allowing multiple complex interventions to be performed through limited access points. This improved surgical control, minimized bleeding, and reduced the risks commonly associated with traditional open-heart surgery.
This milestone reflects KFSHRC’s commitment to advancing the boundaries of cardiac surgery through cutting-edge technology and integrated multidisciplinary care. It underscores the hospital’s patient-centered approach, prioritizing safety, clinical excellence, and measurable outcomes, while reinforcing its position as a global reference center for complex surgical innovation.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 12th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for 2026 and recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East according to Brand Finance 2025. It has also been listed by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, the World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026.
— SPA

Health

Advanced Endoscopic Intervention Saves 24-Year-Old with Life-Threatening Esophageal Tear at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah

Sharjah, UAE , 18^th Feb 2026

What began as sudden, severe chest pain and repeated vomiting for a 24-year-old patient quickly evolved into a rare and potentially fatal medical emergency. Within hours, specialists at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah diagnosed an esophageal perforation, a tear in the food pipe that requires immediate intervention to prevent serious infection and organ complications. Esophageal perforation is uncommon but carries significant risk if treatment is delayed. Rapid recognition and decisive action are critical.

Rapid Diagnosis

Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, the patient’s symptoms initially resembled more common conditions, including cardiac or gastrointestinal distress. However, clinical evaluation and imaging raised concern for a tear in the esophageal wall.

“A perforation of the esophagus is a true race against time,” explained Dr. Hamid Yousuf, Consultant Gastroenterologist. “If not managed promptly, it can lead to severe infection in the chest cavity and life-threatening complications. Early diagnosis makes all the difference.”

Rapid and effective minimally invasive treatment

Recognising the urgency, Dr. Yousuf and the gastroenterology team proceeded with emergency therapeutic endoscopy, a minimally invasive approach that allows both direct visualisation and immediate treatment.

During the procedure, a specialised esophageal stent was carefully placed to seal the tear and prevent leakage into surrounding tissues. This internal support allowed the damaged area to heal while avoiding the need for major open surgery.

“Modern endoscopy has evolved beyond diagnosis,” said Dr. Yousuf. “It is now a powerful therapeutic tool. By sealing the tear internally, we stabilised the patient quickly and reduced the risks associated with more invasive surgical procedures.”

The patient responded well to the intervention and made a complete recovery under close multidisciplinary care.

Identifying the Underlying Cause

Beyond repairing the acute injury, the team sought to understand why such a severe event occurred in a young individual. During the same endoscopic session, targeted biopsies were obtained for further analysis which revealed a previously undiagnosed condition, Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the esophagus which in rare cases can lead to spontaneous tearing. Because early symptoms such as persistent swallowing difficulty, recurrent food impaction or unexplained chest discomfort can be subtle or intermittent, many young adults remain undiagnosed until a serious complication occurs.

Recovery and Prevention

With the diagnosis established, the patient was started on a structured long-term management plan, including dietary modifications and medical therapy aimed at controlling inflammation and preventing recurrence.

This case underscores three critical messages for the community:

Serious medical emergencies can occur even in young, otherwise healthy individuals.
Advanced, minimally invasive treatments are transforming outcomes in life-threatening situations.
Unusual symptoms of any kind should not be ignored. Early medical evaluation can prevent complications and significantly improve long-term health outcomes.

At NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah, the integration of rapid emergency response, advanced endoscopic capability and comprehensive diagnostic investigation continues to redefine how complex gastrointestinal emergencies are managed.

About NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah
NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah is a leading tertiary healthcare facility in the UAE, delivering patient-centred, evidence-based care across a wide range of specialities. With advanced minimally invasive technologies and multidisciplinary expertise, the hospital remains committed to providing high standards of medical excellence to the community.