With Ramadan due to start later this week International SOS, the world’s leading medical and travel risk services company, offers tips for a healthy Ramadan and is highlighting the importance of organisations promoting healthy routines to the workforce. International SOS is also raising awareness about road safety among employers, and those employees who spend time travelling, during this time, which is expected to be particularly busy on the roads.

Dr. Issam Badaoui, Medical Director, Assistance Centre at International SOS, comments on the tangible steps that individuals and employers can take in the days leading up to Ramadan to reduce risk factors.

“Organisations should remind employees about maintaining a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and the importance of regular rest. Individuals, particularly those who are fasting, should review their weight, blood pressure sugar levels and check their cholesterol before Ramadan. Each of these are key indicators for lifestyle-related conditions that are not often checked and known.”

Daylight hours during Ramadan this year will be 18 hours 30 minutes in London, 15 hours and 5 minutes in Doha, 15 hours 30 minutes in Dubai and 13 hours 30 minutes in Kuala Lumpur.

International SOS’ advice for a healthy Ramadan is:

As schools will again be in session during Ramadan this year, International SOS reminds people that roads are expected to be busy, especially in large cities, and advises on the importance road safety awareness particularly in the hour before sunset. Road safety is one of the top hazards for business travellers and each year approximately 1.25[1] million people die in road accidents around the world and between 20 and 50 million people sustain non-fatal injuries.

Mr Julian Moro, Regional Security Director at International SOS, said:

“Road safety during Ramadan is a major and often unappreciated danger for travellers and those staying in their home countries. During Ramadan, traffic accidents tend to peak as sunset nears and people rush to Iftar. We would advise people to avoid any unnecessary travel on the roads at this time and take safety measures seriously whenever they are on the roads, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian.”

“With 30%[2] of road accidents being work related, travellers, managers and support staff to negotiate the pitfalls and opportunities that exist with a mobile workforce. With a few simple precautions, individuals and employers can reduce the risks associated with being on the road.”

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