DR. STRETCH IS COMING TO TOWN…
Say goodbye to your aches and pains
Al-Ali Hospital was pleased to host a symposium to launch Dr. Stretch (Delightful animated Cartoon character introducing beneficial back exercises) on Wednesday, 19 June 2013 in cooperation with Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec).
Dr. Emmanuel Tolessa, head of the orthopedic department and consultant orthopedic surgeon at Al-Ahli Hospital has been working on a simple concept; an exercise regimen entitled "Keep Moving."
Approximately, 80% of people, at least, will get back pain at some time in their lifetime. In any given society, 10%-15% of people report having back pain. Back pain is one of the most expensive health care problems in the world. Perhaps more disturbing than the high cost, is the fact that the treatment costs related to back pain have risen from year to year without a corresponding improvement in quality of care.
Dr. Tolessa says, "A key in preventing back pain whether it is associated to the type of work you do, to your lifestyle or to your body weight, is physical body conditioning. In my opinion, prevention is far better than cure, let us start the journey by acknowledging that basic exercise, as simple as it may seem, is the key to managing back pain. I have treated a great number of guests with mechanical and chronic back pain and I know that back pain is something that we have to come to terms sooner rather than later."
We, here at Al-Ahli Hospital, believe that regular exercise to strengthen and stabilize the core muscles (the muscles around your spine and your abdomen that stabilize your spine) is important in developing a healthy back and in the prevention and/or treatment of back pain. Dr. Stretch presents a unique approach to ease the aches and strains of daily living for any person from all walks of life delivering an excellent regimen of exercises in a light hearted manner and easy to follow approach. This DVD introduces Dr. Stretch and his simple yet effective series of stretching exercises that can be done in any environment.
QSTec actively promotes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for its staff and the local community and is a proud supporter of this Keep Moving initiative. "The promotion of a healthy lifestyle is extremely important to QSTec," said QSTec Chairman and CEO, Dr Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri. "This initiative makes it easy for people to learn the correct techniques to keep active whether they are in their offices, at home or travelling and this will have a positive effect on our communities."
Dr. Tolessa's vision is that Dr. Stretch will bring relief to everyone who uses his simple exercises saying, "There is certainly a huge potential to help those who suffer and those who may suffer from musculoskeletal pain."
For details please contact Isobel Tandy, Assistant to Dr. Emmanuel Tolessa on telephone: 44898258 or email: contactorthopedics@ahlihospital.com
"Keep Moving" - Treat your back pain.
Written by: Dr. Emmanuel Tolessa MD, MPH, FRCS
Orthopedic Surgeon&Head of the Orthopedic Department
Al Ahli Hospital, Doha, Qatar