Are you Ramadan ready? An opportunity to talk about your faith and your wellbeing

Ramadan begins in late March this year and Muslim communities in Britain will soon be making plans to prepare for the month of fasting.

The Islamic holy month brings a huge opportunity to revisit our routines and think about our health, as well as the wellbeing of those around us.

The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) are working with the NHS to organise a series of health days across the country.

These will help communities condition their physical and mental health for Ramadan. Local GPs and other health professionals will offer talks and opportunities to discuss aspects of their health and wellbeing in mosques across the country.

Information from local NHS and public health providers will also be available around common conditions such as diabetes, menopause, heart disease, immunisations, mental health, and respiratory disease.

There will also be opportunities to have health checks including blood pressures and blood sugars, with experts available to discuss healthier lifestyle choices tailored to the community.

Dr Salman Waqar, President of BIMA said: “Ramadan is an exciting time for us and our families. As we alter our routines to accommodate the fast to seek the spiritual benefits of the month, we can also look to material gains in our health.

“This can be through maintaining the Ramadan spirit and discipline in moderating our diet to lose weight, stopping smoking, and continuing to practice mindfulness to promote good mental health.

“Ramadan can be demanding to those with some long-term health conditions, and they should seek the advice of a clinician on how they should approach Ramadan.”

Dr Nikki Kanani, the Deputy Leader of the NHS COVID-19 vaccine deployment programme, who is also a GP in South-East London, said: “We are pleased to support events that help to plan ahead for a happy and healthy Ramadan.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to talk about your faith and your physical and mental health.

“This is particularly important if you have an existing medical condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, and you want to talk about your medication or changes to your daily routine.

“During Ramadan and Eid, many people come together as families and communities.

“As the COVID virus is still circulating, you can still get your first and second COVID vaccination if you have not already had them (and a third, if you have a weakened immune system).

“Muslim jurists confirm that having a vaccination during Ramadan won’t invalidate your fast, and evidence shows it is the safest way to boost your immunity against the virus, protecting yourselves and your loved ones.”

BIMA has published evidence-based clinical guidelines for clinicians to use with Muslim patients who wish to fast Ramadan with chronic conditions. Events have been commissioned by NHS England, and BIMA will be work in close collaboration with local NHS and public health teams.