Parents warned of allergy diseases due to weather

Updated 13 October 2012
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Parents warned of allergy diseases due to weather

Due to the changing weather conditions, parents should take extra in protecting their children from allergy diseases such as bronchial asthma, according to physicians, who have been getting more cases of the disease during the recent days.
“The main point to remember is that even when symptoms are mild, asthma should not be ignored,” said Dr. Bakry Mackeen, who works at Sun Polyclinic in Batha.
Symptoms may include sneezing, runny noses, watery eyes, inability to eat, audible wheezing, pale or bluish looking skin and broncho-constriction He pointed out that cold is the most common cause of asthma in children.
He said asthma has a significant effect on patients and their families. Children miss school and adults are absent from work. If monitored and addressed correctly, the effect of asthma has on daily life can be dramatically reduced.
“It is advisable for parents to take their children out for leisure to indoor entertainment,where they will not be exposed to allergens, Mackeen said, advising people not to take to open areas and make the children vulnerable to such diseases.
Bronchial asthma has emerged as one of the prevalent diseases in the Kingdom and had shown regional diversity, according to a recent study conducted in Saudi Arabia.
The socio-economic differences between asthmatic and non-asthmatic children were striking. Environmental and geographical influences were considered to be the reasons of the variations in the rate of prevalence.
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways and it is the most common chronic disease of childhood affecting approximately 235 million people worldwide. Symptoms of asthma vary from mild to severe and intermittent to chronic symptoms.
There are two factors that trigger asthma attacks: allergic and non-allergic factors. The factors cause the inflammation, which is then followed by tightening of the airway muscles. Examples of these factors are dust mites. There is evidence that early exposure to large amounts of house dust and dust mites increase the risk for asthma.
Examples of non-allergic factors are viral infections such as the common cold, which triggers 90 percent of asthma attacks in children compared to 40 percent in adults. Another non allergic factor is smoke. Second hand smoke can cause serious harm to children.
An estimated 400,000 to one million asthmatic children have their condition worsened by exposure to secondhand smoke. The overall prevalence of asthma in Saudi children has been reported to range from 8 percent to 25 percent based on studies conducted over the past three decades. Some children who exercise experience exercise induced asthma (EIA) and develop asthma symptoms after activity such as running, swimming, or biking.
In a recent study, which compared results of previous studies conducted in 1985-1986, combined data revealed varying prevalence of asthma with highest 24 percent being in the coastal city of Jazan, followed by Taif, 23 percent and Hail, 22 percent, an agricultural city. The prevalence rate of asthma in other places included Al-Qassim 16 percent, Abha at 13 percent, Dammam at 12 percent, Hofuf at 14 percent, Jeddah at 12percent and Riyadh at 10 percent.
According to a study conducted by an asthma group, 53 percent of children in the GCC were absent from school for at least one day because of asthma. Asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. For example, in the United States in 2008, asthma accounted for an estimated 14.4 million lost school days in children.
The prevalence of asthma has been increasing globally due to a number of factors. In addition, the disease represents a significant burden, not only in terms of morbidity and reduced quality of life of patients, but also in terms of health care cost.
In the Kingdom, a new line of asthma control drugs known as montelukast sodium is used to prevent asthma attacks in adults and children as young as 12 months old. Montelukast sodium is also used to prevent exercise-induced broncho-spasm in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.


King Salman issues royal decree to appoint investigative lieutenants at Public Prosecution

Updated 04 May 2024
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King Salman issues royal decree to appoint investigative lieutenants at Public Prosecution

RIYADH: King Salman issued a royal decree on Saturday to appoint 261 investigative lieutenants at the Ministry of Justice’s Public Prosecution, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib thanked the king for the royal decree and said it reflected the support provided by the King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the ministry and its departments, SPA added.

Al-Mujib praised the commitment to advancing the development and prosperity of the justice ministry in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.


Saudi foreign minister reaffirms support for Palestine at OIC forum in Gambia

Updated 04 May 2024
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Saudi foreign minister reaffirms support for Palestine at OIC forum in Gambia

  • Prince Faisal also called for restructuring, developing, and reforming the OIC

BANJUL, The Gambia: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan reaffirmed on Saturday the Kingdom’s call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, safe humanitarian corridors, and the fulfillment of Palestinians’ legitimate rights, including their right to self-determination and an independent state.

Prince Faisal, who was speciaking at the 15th Islamic Summit Conference in The Gambia, also called for restructuring, developing, and reforming the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to tackle regional and international challenges.

Representing Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Prince Faisal led the Saudi delegation at the conference.

During his address, he expressed regret over the failure of the UN Security Council and the international community to halt Israeli attacks on Palestinians.

“The Palestinian cause has remained a priority for the OIC since its inception,” Prince Faisal said

“It is unfortunate to witness the failure of the Security Council and the international community to halt unprecedented Israeli attacks, which have escalated through indiscriminate shelling, destruction of hospitals, schools, shelters, and infrastructure in Gaza, leaving thousands of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, as victims,” he added.

On the sidelines of the forum, Prince Faisal met with the Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministers, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Ishaq Dar respectively, to discuss the situation in Gaza.


Saudi Yoga Committee teams up with ministry for community wellness initiative

Updated 04 May 2024
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Saudi Yoga Committee teams up with ministry for community wellness initiative

  • As part of agreement between the committee and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, workers will be encouraged to integrate yoga into daily routines
  • Workers in ministry-run care centers and shelters will also get tools to help manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall levels of physical and mental health

RIYADH: The Saudi Yoga Committee and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development on Saturday signed an agreement to collaborate on promoting the benefits of yoga in the community, with the aim of enhancing well-being and presenting the activity as a way to improve quality of life.
Under the agreement, officials said, employees will be encouraged to integrate yoga practices into their daily routines, and workers in ministry-run care centers and shelters will be provided with tools to help them manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall levels of physical and mental health.
They added that the committee and the ministry are committed to creating harmonious and balanced workplaces that prioritize the holistic well-being of employees and people they work with, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 national development plan.
Princess Mishael bint Faisal, the vice chair of the Saudi Yoga Committee, and Huda Al-Haidari, director of the ministry’s social responsibility department in Riyadh region, took part in the signing ceremony for the agreement.
“It’s a very important step for creating equal opportunities for all segments of society and investing in youth human capital, which is considered as one of the goals of Vision 2023,” said Princess Mishael.
“The crown prince said that it is the largest wealth owned by the Kingdom, so investing in it is a renaissance for society and the realization of the vision.”
The collaboration will offer people the chance to participate in a variety of sports and therapeutic yoga techniques and help harness the benefits of sports science to serve society, she added.


Kingdom mourns death of pioneering Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen

Updated 04 May 2024
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Kingdom mourns death of pioneering Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen

  • The prince, affectionately known as the ‘word engineer’ and an influential figure in contemporary Saudi poetry, died in Paris at the age of 75
  • Saudi and Arab officials and celebrities paid tribute to him and acknowledged his significant contributions to literature and culture

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia on Saturday mourned the loss of poet and national literary icon Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, who died at the age of 75 in Paris after an illness.

The prince, affectionately known as the “word engineer,” was a legendary figure in contemporary Saudi poetry whose influence in the art form was felt across the country and the wider Gulf region, where his eloquent verses and poignant prose left an indelible mark on the people’s hearts and minds.

A pioneer in the popularization of Saudi poetry among Arab audiences, Prince Badr’s verses were immortalized in songs by many esteemed Arab artists, including Talal Maddah, Mohammed Abdu, Kadim Al-Sahir and Assala. His patriotic words and songs struck a deep chord with Saudis in particular, creating a strong bond between him and the people of his nation.

Saudi and Arab officials and celebrities expressed their sadness upon learning of the prince’s death on Saturday, and acknowledged his significant contributions to literature and culture.

Turki Al-Sheikh, chairperson of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, expressed his condolences to the royal family and the people of the Kingdom, describing the profound sense of loss as being similar to losing a father figure.

“May the soul of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen rest in peace, and may he be granted the highest paradise,” he said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his esteemed family, his children, and the people of Saudi Arabia.

“While this is indeed a sorrowful moment, feeling the loss akin to losing a father, I can only express gratitude to Allah in every circumstance.”

In a message posted on social media platform X, Saudi Minister of Commerce Majed Al-Qasabi wrote: “Today, our nation mourns the loss of a literary, poetic and cultural icon. May Allah bestow His mercy upon my dear brother, the ‘Word Engineer,’ Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, and grant him the highest place in paradise. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the royal family, his children, and all who loved him. May the Almighty grant them patience and comfort during this difficult time. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”

Ameerah Al-Taweel, a prominent Saudi philanthropist, paid tribute to Prince Badr and his legacy, highlighting in particular his role as a beacon of wisdom and generosity, his invaluable contributions to Saudi culture, and his enduring influence on future generations.

“Today, we bid farewell to our prince and trailblazer of words, Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen,” she said. “May patience and solace comfort his children, family and all who cherished him. In this transient life, we leave behind our deeds and the essence of our character.

“Prince Badr not only enriched our culture but also imparted invaluable lessons in nobility, humility and generosity to future generations. Although many of us never met him, we held him dear as a father and brother.

“His departure evokes the sorrow of losing a close relative, for his noble character leaves an indelible mark. The grief is profound, especially for those who were privileged to know him personally.”

Renowned Emirati singer Ahlam expressed her sense of sorrow, and said she prayed for peace for the prince’s soul and strength for his loved ones during this difficult time.

Prince Badr was born on April 2, 1949, and his journey as a poet and cultural figure began at a young age. He studied in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UK and the US as he took his early steps on the path to becoming a significant figure in Arab literature.

As president of the Saudi Society for Culture and Arts, he played a crucial role in fostering artistic expression and influencing the development of poetry organizations in the Kingdom. In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field, King Salman honored Prince Badr with the prestigious King Abdulaziz Medal in 2019.

Soon after, the Kingdom’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission announced plans to collect and publish his complete literary works to commemorate his enduring legacy and celebrate the profound impact he had on the Saudi creative movement during a five-decade career.


Green cover in Imam Turki Royal Reserve grows to 8.5%

Updated 04 May 2024
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Green cover in Imam Turki Royal Reserve grows to 8.5%

RIYADH: Green cover in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve has grown to 8.5 percent, the reserve’s development authority has said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Covering an area of 91,000 sq. km, the reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Kingdom. It is a popular destination for visitors, particularly people interested in eco-tourism, bird watching, hiking and similar activities.

Based on research and field studies, the authority said that the reserve has experienced significant plant growth since last spring, driven by improved air quality and reduced severity of dust storms in several central regions of the Kingdom.

The reserve has planted more than 600,000 trees through desert forestation projects, in line with the national targets of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant more than 600 million trees by 2030, the SPA reported.

The reserve authority’s efforts focus on protecting wildlife, restoring environmental balance and reviving vegetation cover. The rate of green cover across the reserve has grown from 1.4 percent in 2018 to the 8.5 percent recorded this year.

More than 180 plant species from 38 plant families have been identified in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, representing 7.5 percent of the total plant species in the Kingdom, according to the SPA.

The reserve also offers cultural experiences, allowing visitors to interact with the local Bedouin communities, learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy authentic cuisine.

It is one of six royal reserves in Saudi Arabia, established in 2018 by royal order. Within the reserve, there are villages and deserts where about 80,000 to 100,000 people reside.