Yogathon at Dubai Ladies Club is a resounding success!

Last week, more than 60 ladies from across Dubai took part in a special women-only yoga event devoted to increase awareness about the science of yoga, and its techniques in achieving a healthy body, mind, and spirit.

Dubai Ladies Club’s, a member of Dubai Women Establishment, first annual Yogathon coincided with World Diabetes Day 2011 (14th November 2011), and educated participants about various yoga postures and simple breathing technique that can effectively support diabetes treatment. The techniques will help normalize (not lowering which may lead to hypoglycemia) blood glucose levels by gently massaging and stimulating the internal organs responsible for the carbohydrate metabolism. Entry to the event was free for all ladies.

Madelaine Stocks, Wellness Manager at Dubai Ladies Club, commented: "Diabetes is a devastating disease that touches us all. Which is why, we were delighted to see so many women coming together for this event to help change the future of diabetes. The camaraderie and spirit that was enjoyed by participating in this event is priceless.”

She added, “Our program for the day was designed to educate ladies about the health and wellness benefits of yoga and the transformative effects it can have on one’s life. Diabetes is a chronic, debilitating and costly disease that poses severe risks for families, countries and the entire world. This campaign is of enormous public importance, given the scale of the challenge we face in managing diabetes in the UAE.”

It is a well known fact that the Middle East has one of the highest rates of obesity and diabetes in the world. Studies have shown that 25% of UAE's population is diagnosed with Diabetes and approximately 18% are still unaware that they have the disease. World Diabetes Day will raise awareness of the rising prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes especially in children and adolescents, while also educating the population about the common risk factors that may lead to diabetes.

Several studies have proven that specific gentle yoga classes may help people with every type of diabetes, including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, take off a small amount of weight and steady their blood sugar control. Yoga has clear physical and mental benefits for Diabetics. Some yoga teachers even believe that practicing yoga regularly can reverse many Diabetic symptoms, including increased hunger, weight gain, poor circulation, and stress.

During the event, ladies also learned some easy-to-practice yoga postures that are especially beneficial to Diabetics. These postures massage the pancreas and glands, which help to regulate blood sugar levels. They also help to stretch the abdomen and spine. Even dedicating a few minutes a day to yoga practice could help prevent diabetes and promote good health.

As a women-only recreational facility, Dubai Ladies Club is committed to the health and wellbeing of its guests and staff and has consistently worked towards improving the quality of life of Emirati and expatriate women living in the UAE through in-house events, facilities and pilot projects. The club is closely involved in projects and initiatives that support such national drives designed to benefit the society at large. The events span the fields of art, culture, fitness and educational seminars. The primary objective of this event is to provide all women in Dubai with the opportunity to try new activities and wellbeing workshops entirely cost free, with the view to encourage participation and healthy living on a long term basis.