Following are some general tips and directives to be followed by Hajj pilgrims, to preserve their health:- Pilgrims following a specific diet program (such as patients with diabetes, blood pressure disorders, etc.) should make this known to the campaign supervisors, so that they can provide the necessary food (for example: low-fat or low-salt.)
- Drinking a sufficient quantity of liquids before embarking on the performance of Umrah or Hajj rites that make the pilgrim's body lose a large amount of fluids and salts, such as circumambulating the Ka'ba (Tawaf), stoning (Rajm), walking between Safa and Marwa (Sa'i).
- Taking an adequate rest, for even ten minutes, after each of the Hajj rites. For example, pilgrims should take a brief rest following the completion of Tawaf and its prayer, before proceeding to Sa'i. Besides, they needs to drink a sufficient quantity of water (Zamzam water) before heading for Sa'i, in order to compensate for fluids and salts lost during Tawaf as a result of sweating.
- In case of muscular and articular pains following the performance of one of the Hajj rites, taking a painkiller tablet may help relieve such pains.
- Eating much fruit and vegetables, as they, on the one hand, prevent constipation, and, on the other hand, provide the body with the needed minerals and calories.
- Hajj bracelet: is a plastic bracelet containing the pilgrim's name, nationality, address, health condition, and blood group.
This bracelet is important for these reasons:- Helping the pilgrim and guiding him, as well as his family and his companions, in case he gets lost.
- Helping the pilgrim to quickly receive health services (ambulatory and diagnostic), when necessary.
- Helping facilitate the health and administrative procedures in cases of emergency.
Tips for Chronic-Disease Patients:In case the Hajj pilgrim suffers from a chronic disease (diabetes, asthma, heart diseases, etc.), he has to comply with the following tips:
- Consulting a doctor prior to setting out for Hajj, to see whether he will be able to perform the Hajj rites without complications, and prescribe the proper curative plan during the Hajj days.
- Obtaining a health card containing information on his disease and the needed medication, so as to be easily succored if required.
- Identifying the symptoms of the disease he suffers from (symptoms of low or high blood sugar, for instance).
- Identifying the location of the nearest health center to his residence in the Holy Sites, so that he can head for whenever he feels the onset of any symptoms related to the disease.
Tips for Cardiac Patients:- Cardiac patients who suffer from a narrowing of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle, need to take their medicines regularly and abide by the medication schedule, especially during the performance of the Hajj rites that require a great effort like Tawaf, Sa'i and Rajm.
- Avoiding physical fatigue and evading overcrowding.
- Obtaining the Nitroglycerin pills (usually placed beneath the tongue) prescribed for the expansion of arteries, to be taken in cases of chest pains, along with taking rest.
- If the chest pain is further intensified, the cardiac patient has to head immediately for the nearest health center to receive the necessary medical care. Also, he might be referred to a specialized hospital, to complete the needed examinations and receive intensive care.
Tips for Diabetic Patients:The diabetic patient should pay attention to the following tips:
- He should always be holding a hand-bag containing a sufficient quantity of insulin (preserved in a cold place), as well as lowering blood-sugar medicines, a device for measuring sugar content, blood test strips, in addition to sugar cubes or candy bars.
- He should be very well aware of the quantity of the medication does, and its schedule, depending on the doctor's instructions.
- Following a regular dietary schedule, in addition to eating small quantities of light foods during the intervals between meals, and a light meal before embarking on the Hajj rites that require physical effort, like Tawaf, Sa'i and Rajm.
- When exerting intensive efforts (in such Hajj rites as Tawaf, Sa'I and Rajm), the pilgrim has to eat a quantity of food sufficient for the effort he is to make, prior to the performance of such rites. Consulting the doctor or nutritionist might help specify the quantity needed.
- Being knowledgeable with the symptoms of low blood sugar such as sweating, chills, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, difficulty concentrating and vision, slurred speech, and change the mood. And in case the blood sugar level is raised, the health situation deteriorates, leading up to convulsions (seizures) and fainting, generally known as (sugar coma).
- Measuring blood sugar on a regular basis, aside from when feeling the onset any of the symptoms of high or low blood sugar.
- Carrying around sugar cubes or candy bars to be eaten in cases of severe low blood sugar.
- Diabetes leads to loss of pain sensation, due to the damage of the foot nerves, making it vulnerable to injuries and infections. Therefore, you have to pay close attention to cleaning and washing your feet with soap and water on a daily basis (especially between tows), and never neglect foot injuries, no matter how minor they are.
- You ought to see a doctor whenever there is a wound or ulceration in your feet.
- Putting on a comfortable pair of shoes to evade health problems in your feet.
Tips for Asthma Patients:- Patients with bronchial asthma have to take their medications regularly, whether tablets or sprays.
- They have to carry around the spray needed for the expansion of the bronchial tubes (respiratory tract), to be used in cases of shortness of breath, or whistling in the chest.
- They also need to take an adequate rest, and keep away from the overcrowded places, to evade the occurrence of asthma attacks.
- On the occurrence of asthma attacks, patient must immediately head for the nearest dispensary to receive intensive care, in the form of oxygen sprays, vein injections, in addition antibiotics in cases of chest inflammation.
- Tips for High Blood Pressure Patients:
- The pilgrim with high blood pressure can perform the Hajj rites safely and easily by following these tips and guidelines:
- Consulting his doctor, and following up the measurement of blood pressure.
- Taking the medications prescribed by the doctor, and abiding by his instructions.
- Keeping away from all the bad eating habits, such that worsen the health situation, such as drinking tea and coffee, as well as avoiding eating much fatty foods, aside from smoking (even passive smoking).
- Avoiding all that ignite worry, rage and fury.
- Do not forget, dear Hajj pilgrim, to bring the blood-pressure medications, and to take them regularly.