While you're likely to enjoy a generous slice of the good life in Dubai, all-you-can-eat brunches and the party lifestyle will eventually take their toll. Living in hot, dry, dusty conditions can also have an effect on your well-being. Here are some of the common health complaints you should be aware of.

Sun Safety

It goes without saying that extra sun care needs to be taken when out and about in the UAE. The hot sun and high temperatures are recipes for sunburn and heat stroke if you are not prepared. Sun block is widely available in supermarkets and pharmacies.  Sun hats, light, loose clothing that covers your limbs.Put on a pair of sunglasses when exposed to direct sunlight. Be sure to get shades with %100 UVA/UVB protection. Sunglasses will stop you from squinting; too much squinting can lead to fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes in long term. Seeking shade are recommended when out and about in the hotter parts of the day and during the summer months. You should also be aware of any changes to your skin, such as new moles or ones that change shape, colour or bleed.

Contact your doctor or a dermatologist if you have any concerns.
 
Minimize your exposure to the sun at midday and between the hours of 10:00AM and 3:00PM.
 
Apply sunscreen with at least a SPF-15 or higher, to all areas of the body which are exposed to the sun. Any sun screen with SPF above 30 has no significant advantage over others.

Protect your children. Keep them from excessive sun exposure when the sun is strongest (10:00AM and 3:00PM), and apply sunscreen liberally and frequently to children 6 months of age and older.


Putting On The Pounds

While many people in Dubai spend the greater portion of their time in outdoor pursuits during the winter months, the heat of the summer means that for four months of the year it's easy to fall into lazy ways. In general, people have a more sedentary lifestyle here, and the city's car culture, all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunches and fast-food outlets at every turn see many new expats gaining the infamous ‘Dubai stone'. Fortunately there are a number of weight loss groups and nutritionists on hand to help, as well as ample fitness centres and gyms and opportunities to take part in sports to keep you active and help shift the extra weight.


New Germs

The UAE is a transitory place and with so many people coming and going and bringing new germs with them, you may find that bugs and colds are more common. With the stresses involved in moving to a new place, you may also find that your immune system is impaired for a while and you are not as resilient to germs as you normally are. Generally speaking, though, if you maintain an active lifestyle and a good diet, your immune system will fight off any unwanted lergies before you even know about it. It's worth keeping a closer eye on your kids and if any strange symptoms appear, a trip to the doctors is best, even if it's just to put your mind at rest.


Other Ailments

If you suffer from asthma, you may find that the dusty outdoor environment and the dry, conditioned air indoors aggravate your symptoms and you may need to rely on your inhaler more often than you would at home. A number of medical practices offer asthma clinics, including GMC.

Sinusitis can also be triggered by the dust, although this is more common among people who have lived in the city for a number of years. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists can advise the best course of treatment and arrange surgery if necessary.

The average working week in the UAE is longer than in many other countries. Spending longer hours in the office can take its toll on your body, making you more susceptible to bugs and colds; it can also make you prone to suffering from stress injuries such as repetitive strain syndrome.

Water

Summer is the one time when one must consciously consume liquid foods.   Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and organ hydrated besides water, an adequate intake of citrus juice and plenty of salads are very important. Drinking plenty of water, around eight glasses per day will cleanse the system, flushes out toxins and lend the skin a glowing look. Take bath at least twice daily, the skin with benefit from the coolness of water soothing the sweat glands. But make sure you do not take a bath immediately after you came indoors from being under sun for long.

Your skin will benefit if you wait for some time before entering the shower, taking a bath immediately after coming from direct sun tends to dry skin, rather than do it any good, a 10 minute wait would be beneficial.


Food

Eat a balanced and nutritious diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin E-rich foods such as green vegetables, whole grains and some nuts are good for the skin. Including cold-water fish to a diet, couple of times a week ensures enough omega-3 fatty acids. Eating berries and plums will also boost essential antioxidants.

Relax well, sleep for at least eight hours in the night. This will relax the body system and will give a comfortable feeling thus improving overall skin condition.