Health warning for Hajj pilgrims

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Rıdvan Yalçın, Chief Physician of the Diyanet Mecca Hospital, stated in a message on the Presidency of Religious Affairs' digital platform that Hajj pilgrims should be well-prepared to ensure they can perform their pilgrimage properly.

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Advising those going on Hajj to "go for walks," Yalçın emphasized the importance of pilgrims bringing the medications they use with them and undergoing health check-ups.

Prof. Dr. Yalçın stated that treatments such as chemotherapy for chronic illnesses are not administered in Mecca and Medina, and that pilgrims should consult their doctors regarding this.

Stating that mandatory vaccinations must be completed, Yalçın recommended that those over 65 and those with chronic illnesses get flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Reminding that medications sensitive to heat, such as insulin, must be transported using a cold chain, Yalçın said, "If your medications run out or if you have a shortage of medication for any reason, we provide those medications free of charge when you apply to the Diyanet hospital. Of course, if everyone does this, the result will not be very good. Therefore, I recommend that you bring your medications as much as possible."

Stating that in addition to the medications they use regularly, it would be beneficial for pilgrims to carry a paracetamol-based painkiller, diaper rash cream, and antibiotic ointment, Yalçın recommended wearing masks when entering crowds in Mecca and Medina, paying attention to hygiene, and consuming water.

"AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET RID OF BAD HABITS"

Asking pilgrims to be careful with air conditioning usage, Yalçın underlined that a balance must be maintained between worship and health during Hajj. Yalçın noted the following:

"Make sure to set aside time for rest. Do not be in a constant rush to perform acts of worship. Of course, you will definitely perform the obligatory acts of worship, but for acts of worship beyond that, you must listen to your body. Especially those who have never exercised and then engage in intense exercise there inevitably start experiencing joint and muscle problems. This then begins to make the subsequent obligatory acts of worship difficult. Therefore, your priority should be the obligatory acts of worship, and acts of worship that you can perform without overexerting yourself."

Yalçın said that in cases where sweating decreases, skin dryness increases, and changes in consciousness occur during Hajj, one should immediately go to the coolest area and consume plenty of water.

Pointing out that Hajj is an opportunity to get rid of bad habits, Yalçın expressed that this could be seen as an opportunity to quit smoking.

News Source: AA