Look: Dubai Miracle Garden unveils new lung-shaped installation; here's why
The installation — made of flowers shaped into a pair of lungs — aims at raising awareness about Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).
Unveiled on Saturday, February 22, the installation marks the culmination of the 'Think Lungs' campaign, a collaborative effort between Boehringer Ingelheim and the Emirates Thoracic Society (ETS).
Sharing insights about the initiative, Dr. Bassam Mahboub, Head of the Pulmonology Department at Rashid Hospital and Vice President of the Emirates Thoracic Society, said: 'People typically visit Miracle Garden for the beauty and the perfect selfie backdrop, not necessarily for health awareness. Our challenge was to transform this space into a platform for lung health education,' he said.
Interstitial Lung Disease encompasses over 200 progressive and often fatal lung diseases that result in inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue. Many individuals do not recognise the symptoms until it is too late, as ILD can develop silently, gradually making every breath more difficult. Early awareness and prevention are crucial in managing this condition.
'We created an installation that's impossible to ignore — a pair of lungs made from flowers, fragile yet vibrant. It serves as a visual metaphor: like these flowers, our lungs require care, and often, they don't show signs of damage until it's too late,' Dr. Mahboub emphasised.
When asked why the focus is on ILD, Dr. Mahboub highlighted its significance. 'Many people don't recognise ILD until it's too late. Unlike a heart attack, ILD creeps in silently, scarring the lungs. Early awareness is crucial for effective management.'
The campaign, inspired by the concept of 'Breathtaking Moments,' aimed at changing public perception. 'We often associate 'breathtaking' with beautiful experiences,' he noted. 'But for those with ILD, every breath can be a struggle. We wanted to encourage people to reflect on moments that truly take their breath away and consider the importance of lung health.'
Dr. Mahboub emphasised on the need to prioritise lung health. 'We monitor our heart rates and track our fitness, but we often overlook our lungs. ILD awareness is critical because many people haven't heard of it. We must start conversations about lung health before symptoms arise. If we don't, we miss the chance to make a real impact.'
Success for this campaign means fostering a community that understands the importance of lung health. 'I envision a society where people walk not just for fitness, but as a daily check-in with their bodies. Increased awareness about ILD can lead to early detection and better treatment outcomes. Imagine someone recognizing symptoms early and receiving timely treatment. That's the kind of success we strive for—awareness, early detection, and ultimately, a healthier community.'
When asked for a slogan for lung health, Dr. Mahboub succinctly stated, 'Think Lungs. Because every breath tells a story.'
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