Health and safety is always a big concern of about 3 million Muslims who have already started and will travel to Saudi Arabia within a few days to perform the holy Hajj. One must be in good health, not only to perform Hajj and Umrah but also to make maximum use of the opportunity to make as much prayer as possible. The more physically fit one is, the easier it would become to perform the many rituals that a complete Hajj include. The following is a guideline to follow during performing Hajj which must be accompanied by your own doctor's advice pertaining to your health needs.
Physical fitness
Prepare yourself for the Hajj rituals prior to your departure by gradually walking greater distances starting 4-6 weeks before you leave. A brisk walk of 1 hour three times a week should be sufficient. One should practice one's walking in slippers that will be worn during the Hajj.
You should seek advice from your doctor if you have heart disease, lung disease, cancer or have previous or a family history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), hormone treatment, recent surgery, recent trauma involving lower limbs and any abnormalities of blood clotting factors.
Food and water safety
Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere. Drinking water has to be bought in the form of bottled water. However, Zam Zam is available freely in Makkah and in Medinah. Using this opportunity, you can fill containers with Zam Zam water and bring it to your room. Avoid ice cubes from vendors that is sold for cooling water.
Due to a change in the diet, indigestion and constipation may arise. Maintaining a high fibre diet, like a bran or wheat cereal, wholemeal bread, dried fruit, not eating an abundance of fried or fatty foods, drinking adequate amounts of water can avoid constipation and indigestion. Do not over eat. Eat small meals, have adequate liquids and keep out of the sun until you are required to stand outside. People should avoid eating exposed food, unpasteurised milk, milk-products and buying food from street vendors.
Prevent Swine flu
This year's Hajj will take place during flu season. Many individuals and governments are concerned about the possibility of an outbreak. The Saudi health ministry, aided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is setting up emergency operation centers to get real-time reports from area hospitals and clinics to track how many are sick and will need the free anti-viral medication stockpiled for the dense gathering. The density of the pilgrims, with shoulder-to-shoulder contact as they pray, provides 'a perfect transmission atmosphere' for the new flu that scientists call the 2009 H1N1 strain, officials warned.
Saudi health officials during the summer urged that children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic diseases postpone this year's trek, but they will not be banned. Flu virus is transmitted via the respiratory route and you should exercise sensible precautions:
• Where possible, avoid close contact with persons who are ill with an flu-like illness.
• Wash hands with soap and water; use waterless alcohol-based hand gels when soap and water is not available.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes to prevent the spread of germs.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue promptly. If you fall ill (especially with flu like symptoms) you should seek medical assistance.
Diabetes
Please make sure that diabetes control is at its optimum. Together with a Doctor's help, optimal diabetic control should start at least two months before departure to make sure that control is good and the correct medication is taken.
A proper diabetic diet is very important. Most people would have their food included in their accommodation package. The hotels provide food for many people who do not have special dietary requirements. Diabetics should make their own arrangements where possible, e.g., use brown bread which can be bought easily instead of the tempting white flour rolls or bread that may be on offer, or the abundant white rice that may be prepared.
Fruit juices that are made in take-away places have large amount of sugar added to them to make the juice taste nice. Diabetics must make sure that no sugar is added. Fruit juices are plentiful and extremely tempting.
Diabetics must take extra care of their feet. Treat scratches and even tiny cuts promptly until they heal. Apply extra moisturiser to keep the skin supple and elastic. Care of nails and feet are also important. Remember that open sandals will be worn for the duration of Hajj. Nails should be well trimmed and not catch on clothes. When walking, allow enough space in front so that feet are not trampled.
Asthma
Asthma sufferers must ensure that their asthma is well controlled with preventative medications. They must ensure that they take adequate supply of their medications with them including preventative medication, broncho-dilator inhalers and tablets. If well controlled, asthma does not pose a problem during Hajj and Umrah.
In situations where there are crowds of people, infections are more likely to spread. Remember that germs spread by droplets from our mouth as we speak or when we cough, especially if phlegm is present or by direct contact as in sharing a cup, spoon, fork, etc. The unhygienic act of spitting phlegm onto the pavement that is very commonly seen must be prevented to avoid spreading germs.
Conclusion
If you intend to perform Hajj or Umrah, you need to make sure that your general health is good. If you suffer from any illness, please visit your doctor early so that your condition can improve before you leave. Adequate preparations will make the performance of Hajj a fruitful and memorable experience. It may bring the intention of performing the perfect Hajj that much closer. May Almighty Allah bless each and every Hujjaj with a safe and healthy Hajj.
