Bandar Al-Knawy, CEO at the Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs
Updated 04 April 2020
Arab News
Bandar Al-Knawy has served as CEO at the Ministry of the National Guard Health Affairs since February 2009.
Al-Knawy received his bachelor’s in medicine in 1985 from the faculty of medicine at King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah. He then completed his residency training in internal medicine in 1990 and obtained his gastroenterology fellowship in 1992 from Dalhousie University, Halifax, in Nova Scotia, Canada.
He holds a fellowship in internal medicine from the US and Canadian boards, as well as the US board certification in gastroenterology.
Al-Knawy has been the president of King Saud bin Abdul Aziz University for Health Sciences since February 2009.
He served as the general supervisor for the Royal Clinics of the late King Abdullah from 2009 until January 2015.
Between 1996 and 2005, Al-Knawy was the head of the gastroenterology/hepatology division at the department of medicine of the King Abdul Aziz Medical City in Riyadh.
He also served as the director of medical education and academic affairs at King Abdul Aziz Medical City from 1999 to 2004.
During his long career he pioneered the development of the medication safety program in Saudi Arabia, in addition to many patient safety initiatives at the ministry.
He was also responsible in the commissioning of major health care expansions at the ministry, including the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital and King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Foundation for Humanitarian Activities, as well as the inception of the system-wide EMR.
RIYADH: Whether you’re a newcomer to the gym or a veteran, Ramadan is a time when everyone needs to reassess their workout regime: from calorie intake to the intensity of your exercise, from rep range to cardio zones, everything is up for alteration during the holy month.
One of the main priorities when it comes to maximizing training in general is to allow for muscle recovery through rest and sleep, which is why Calo, a Bahraini food and health startup, recommends prioritizing sahoor and sufficient rest; both of which will aid in physical recovery for the following day.
Cycling tracks in AlUla have witnessed increased turnout from various age groups seeking to engage in physical activity at suitable times during the blessed month. (SPA/Supplied)
Gym hours also differ during Ramadan. A GymTech representative told Arab News: “The highest attendance is usually in the late evening hours, mostly starting from 9 p.m.”
A representative from The Pilates Studio also spoke to Arab News and said its members are both “calmer and fitter” during Ramadan.
HIGHLIGHTS
• One of the main priorities when it comes to maximizing training in general is to allow for muscle recovery through rest and sleep. • Calo, a Bahraini food and health startup, recommends prioritizing sahoor and sufficient rest; both of which will aid in physical recovery for the following day. • Both GymTech and The Pilates Studio recommend cardio exercise during Ramadan.
Both GymTech and The Pilates Studio recommend cardio exercise during Ramadan. The Pilates Studio rep said: “Cardio pre-iftar and strength training after iftar.”
Coach Jap in Riyadh explained why workout routines need to change during the holy month.
“The role of hydration and sleep is essential. Hydration is a must so your body will function properly and cleanse; and you should sleep at least six-to-eight hours, depending on your age. It’s essential, because this is when the body recovers and repairs,” he said.
He also discussed the necessary adjustments for those looking to maintain their energy and physical activity levels, as well as how those adjustments are altered for those looking to gain or lose weight throughout their fasting.
“If your goal is losing weight, it’s better to train before iftar, because your body is in the healing process wherein you’re able to burn the fats and lose some weight,” he said, adding that there are “some precautions” to take, such as only undertaking “light to moderate” exercise.
“You may need to have an average heart rate of 120-140 so you’ll be able to burn more calories and fats. Take note: there will be muscle wastage during this time as well,” he said. “For gaining weight, the best time to work out is after iftar, two-to-three hours after a good meal.”
When it comes to the link between dieting and muscle recovery or fat loss, Coach Jap had a warning. “The biggest mistake I see from people training in Ramadan is their food consumption. They fast and then binge eat during iftar,” he said. “Discipline is key; eat a medium meal and then, after a few hours, you can eat small frequent meals again, so your body will not be overloaded with food.”
He added that a diet high in protein and carbohydrates (around 100-200 grams of the latter) is necessary, and added that, in the second half of Ramadan, the intensity of a person’s workouts usually decreases as their energy levels drop.
