Doctors caution against gluttony

Medical experts have warned the citizens against health risks caused by excessive consumption of meat during hot weather.

Replying to questions ahead of Eidul Azha, the medical specialists particularly advised the patients of uric acid, heart, kidney, blood pressure and diabetes to eat less meat on the occasion.

A high number of patients were received by the emergency wards of hospitals on the Eid days in past years with most of the cases linked to over eating.

The Punjab health authorities also cancel the Eid holidays of doctors who perform duties in the emergency wards because of the expected workload.

Their is a tradition of hosting gatherings for eating meat dishes on the Eid days. Especially the youth consume excessive barbecue dishes without caring much for their health. Families also cook traditional food like Biryani, Karahi and Pulao. They also use soft drinks after eating heavy meals and the practice continues during the holidays.

According to a doctor, many families store the sacrificial meat for several weeks without caring about its effects on health.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Sabahat Habib a former medical superintendent of the Lady Wellington Hospital, said the people should understand that the purpose of sacrifice of animals on the Eid s to distribute the meat among the poor. She said following the spirit would save the people from risking their health by eating old meat stored I'm freezers. The doctor said heart and kidney patients should eat less meat as it raised their uric acid level.

She said the hot weather was reason for avoiding eating too much meat.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2023.