Free eye checks for Scottish Muslims
SCOTTISH Muslims attending the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca this year are being invited to a free one-day health event to prepare for it this Saturday [August 17].
A half-price vaccination plus free eye examinations, diabetes risk assessment and foot-care check are on offer at the Masjid Jamia Islamia mosque at 275 Tantallon Road in Shawlands, Glasgow from 11am to 5.30pm.
"Preparing for a trip to Mecca is a once in a lifetime experience for many Muslims but some people don't prepare well enough to ensure they can cope with the physical exertion of the Hajj pilgrimage" said Gozie Joe Adigwe, project manager with the sight loss charity RNIB Scotland.
"Many people tend to wait until they have a problem with their eyes before going for an eye exam, which are free in Scotland. But we know some groups are more at risk of contracting sight-threatening disease.
For instance, people from some South Asian backgrounds are three to four times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes - and diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working age people in the UK.
"Going for Hajj is spiritually uplifting but also can be physically demanding. This event will give people the chance to think about how best to prepare for the challenges of walking, change of diet and the heat. There will be male and female volunteers and staff on hand to answer questions, do basic screening and also our pharmacists will be able to administer the half-price meningitis vaccination and give certificates for these at the same time.
"A similar event last year proved very popular. We picked up someone who scored poorly on the eye screening test and subsequently went on to get glasses. We are expecting a good turnout through the day - especially after Eid is now over and some people from the Muslim community turn their attention towards preparing to go on pilgrimage."
Prajapa Seneviratne of Diabetes UK Scotland added: "People with diabetes
- both Type 1 and Type 2 - travel all over the world. Diabetes is certainly no barrier. Making the best preparations should minimise any potential problems and ensure a safe and rewarding trip. At the health event this weekend we will be offering information on maintaining good diabetes control while on the Hajj pilgrimage. We will also be providing diabetes risk assessments, advice on healthy living and how to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes."
The event is being organised by RNIB Scotland, Diabetes UK Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow, the East Renfrewshire Community Health and Care Partnership and Reach Pharmacy.
For further information, please contact GOZIE JOE ADIGWE on 0791 8640505 or IAN BROWN on 07918 053 952.
