World Kidney Cancer Day is celebrated around the world every year on the third Thursday of June by patients, carers, healthcare professionals and local organisations. Since it was established in 2017, it is a day dedicated to raising awareness of the local and global impact of kidney cancer, educating people about the disease, and making a difference in the lives of people affected by kidney cancer.
Anemia and Diet: How the Right Nutrition Can Fight Fatigue and Boost Your Blood Health
Anemia and Diet: How the Right Nutrition Can Fight Fatigue and Boost Your Blood Health
By Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay, MD, MBBS – Internal Medicine Specialist, Dubai
Anemia is one of the most common nutritional and medical conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people—especially women, children, and the elderly. While medical treatment may be necessary in many cases, your diet plays a critical role in both preventing and managing anemia effectively.
In this article, we’ll explore how anemia develops, the different types, and most importantly, which foods help restore healthy red blood cells and fight fatigue.
🌡️ What Is Anemia?
Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen efficiently to your organs and tissues. This can lead to:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale skin or cold hands and feet
- Dizziness or headaches
- Rapid heartbeat
🔍 Types of Anemia Related to Diet
There are over 400 types of anemia, but the most diet-sensitive include:
1. Iron-Deficiency Anemia
The most common type, caused by insufficient iron—your body can’t make enough hemoglobin without it.
2. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
Also known as pernicious anemia, this occurs when your body can’t absorb or lacks vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell production.
3. Folate (Vitamin B9) Deficiency Anemia
Often seen in pregnant women or those with poor diets, folate is vital for cell growth and blood formation.
🥗 The Best Foods to Fight Anemia
A well-balanced diet can replenish vital nutrients. Here’s what to include:
🔴 Iron-Rich Foods
- Heme Iron (more easily absorbed):
Red meat, chicken, turkey, liver, fish, shellfish - Non-Heme Iron (plant-based sources):
Spinach, lentils, tofu, chickpeas, fortified cereals, pumpkin seeds
📝 Tip: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Pair iron-rich foods with citrus fruits, tomatoes, or bell peppers.
🟡 Vitamin B12 Sources
- Eggs
- Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Meat and poultry
- Fortified plant milks and cereals (especially for vegetarians or vegans)
🟢 Folate-Rich Foods
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, Swiss chard)
- Legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
- Avocados
- Oranges and citrus fruits
- Fortified grains
🍫 What to Avoid or Limit
Certain foods and beverages can inhibit iron absorption, especially when consumed with meals:
- Tea and coffee (contain tannins)
- Calcium-rich foods (milk, cheese) – take separately from iron-rich meals
- High-fiber foods (can interfere if consumed excessively with iron supplements)
💊 When Diet Is Not Enough
In some cases, dietary changes alone are not sufficient. Your doctor may recommend:
- Iron supplements (usually taken on an empty stomach)
- Vitamin B12 injections or oral supplements
- Folic acid supplements, especially in pregnancy or chronic illnesses
Always consult with a physician before starting any supplementation.
World Blood Donor Day – Every Drop Counts, Every Donor Matters
🩸 World Blood Donor Day – Every Drop Counts, Every Donor Matters
By Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay, MD, MBBS – Internal Medicine Specialist, Dubai
Every year on June 14, the world comes together to celebrate World Blood Donor Day—a day dedicated to recognizing the life-saving contributions of voluntary blood donors and raising awareness about the ongoing need for safe blood supplies globally.
In my practice as an internal medicine specialist in Dubai, I see firsthand how vital blood transfusions are—whether in emergency surgeries, cancer treatments, childbirth complications, or chronic conditions like thalassemia and sickle cell disease.
Why Blood Donation Matters
Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come from generous human donors. Just one unit of donated blood can save up to three lives. Despite medical advances, millions of patients around the world still struggle to access safe blood when they need it most.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an adequate and reliable supply of safe blood can only be assured through regular, voluntary, and unpaid blood donations.
Who Needs Blood?
- Accident and trauma victims
- Patients undergoing surgery
- Individuals with cancer or blood disorders
- Mothers experiencing complications during childbirth
- Children with severe anemia or malnutrition
In the UAE and beyond, increasing demand for blood has made it more important than ever for healthy individuals to step forward.
Common Myths About Donating Blood
🩸 “I’m too old or too weak to donate.”
Healthy individuals aged 18–65 can usually donate blood safely.
🩸 “It will make me feel weak or sick.”
Most donors recover quickly and feel fine after a light snack and hydration.
🩸 “Blood donation is painful.”
The process is quick and relatively painless—just a small pinch and a big reward.
🩸 “There’s no urgent need for my blood type.”
All blood types are needed, especially O-negative (universal donor) and rare blood groups.
How You Can Help
- Donate blood regularly – most healthy adults can donate every 8–12 weeks.
- Encourage friends and family to become donors.
- Host or participate in local blood drives.
- Educate others about the importance of safe, voluntary blood donation.
Certificate is proudly awarded to Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay has attended, in its entirety, the event Regenerative Medicine Advanced Course in Abu Dhabi



This certificate is proudly awarded to Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay has attended, in its entirety, the event Regenerative Medicine Advanced Course sponsored and organized by Yas Clinic Khalifa City (Managed by Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center)
Presented on May 30-31, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
This activity is accredited by the Department of Health for 13 CME hours under the unique Reference Number Dr. Mohamed Abuhaleega Chair of Academic Affairs Consultant, Hematology: (MECMP-2025-003288) – (MECMP-2025-003289).
Date of Issuance
MAY 31,2025 | Abu Dhabi, UAE
Men’s Health Week: A Timely Reminder to Prioritize Wellness
June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about preventable health issues and encouraging early detection and treatment of diseases affecting men and boys.
🎯 Goals of Men’s Health Month:
- Increase awareness of male health problems.
- Encourage regular screenings and check-ups.
- Promote healthy lifestyle choices like exercise, nutrition, and mental well-being.
🩺 Key Screenings for Men by Age Group:
✅ Ages 20–39:
- Blood pressure (every 2 years, or more often if elevated)
- Cholesterol (every 4–6 years)
- Testicular self-exams
- STI screenings (as needed)
- Mental health check-ins
✅ Ages 40–64:
- Prostate cancer screening (talk to your doctor about when to start, typically around age 50, or earlier if at risk)
- Colon cancer screening (starting at age 45)
- Type 2 diabetes screening
- Eye and hearing tests
- Skin checks for signs of cancer
✅ Age 65+:
- Bone density test
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (if you’ve ever smoked)
- Cognitive and memory health evaluations
💪 Tips to Improve Men’s Health:
- Get active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Eat well: Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
- Sleep enough: 7–9 hours per night.
- Limit alcohol and quit smoking
- Talk about mental health — therapy is strength, not weakness.
- See your doctor regularly, even when you feel fine.





