Latest news with #EmiratesThoracicSociety
Zawya
25-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Dubai Miracle Garden blooms with hope as Boehringer Ingelheim concludes Interstitial Lung Disease Awareness campaign
Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is an umbrella term used for a large group of diseases that cause scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. The scarring causes stiffness in the lungs which makes it difficult to breathe and get oxygen to the bloodstream. [i] Boehringer Ingelheim, in collaboration with Emirates Thoracic Society (ETS) and social media influencer Ghaith Marwan, unveiled a breathtaking installation of lungs made from flowers at the Dubai Miracle Garden to raise awareness of the disease and highlight the importance of early diagnosis. In the run-up to the event, a public social media campaign, led by Boehringer Ingelheim, achieved the collective goal of 1 million steps to increase the impact of the campaign. Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Boehringer Ingelheim, a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, has collaborated with Emirates Thoracic Society (ETS) and social media influencer Ghaith Marwan, to raise awareness of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) through a community engagement initiative achieving 1 million steps and culminating in a breathtaking installation unveiling at Dubai Miracle Garden on 22 February 2025. ILD is an umbrella term used for several diseases that cause scarring, or fibrosis, of the lungs. The scarring causes stiffness in the lungs which makes it difficult to breathe and deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. Lung damage from ILDs is often irreversible and progresses over time. Common symptoms of ILD are shortness of breath, consistent dry cough, chest discomfort, fatigue and occasionally weight loss.i Early diagnosis and treatment of many ILD diseases, such as Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), can slow disease progression and preserve quality of life for patients [ii]. Under the theme 'Think Lungs', the social media campaign encouraged the public to share their breathtaking moments together with their daily step count to reach the collective goal of one million steps. The campaign concluded at the Dubai Miracle Garden in the presence of ETS representatives, renowned pulmonologists, Boehringer Ingelheim representatives and Ghaith Marwan. The event saw the unveiling of a 5-meter lung installation made entirely of colorful and blossoming flowers. Following the event, in line with Boehringer Ingelheim's commitment to sustainability, the flowers from the installation were gifted to Rashid Centre For People of Determination. Derek O'Leary, Regional Managing Director, Boehringer Ingelheim in India, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, said: 'Lung health shouldn't be an afterthought—it should be a priority. At Boehringer Ingelheim, we launched Think Lungs to spark a movement, because awareness leads to action, and action can improve lives. Seeing people come together to join our 1 Million step for ILD awareness movement and stand before the lung installation at Dubai's Miracle Garden was a powerful reminder of what's possible when people come together for a cause. Our vision is a future where early diagnosis is the norm, individuals take charge of their lung health, and communities replace stigma with support and hope.' Dr. Bassam Mahboub, Head of the Pulmonology, Department at Rashid Hospital and Vice President of the Emirates Thoracic Society, said, 'Diagnosing ILD can be a challenge given the shared symptoms with other lung diseases [iii] and delays in treatment can hinder efforts to improve outcomesii. It is encouraging to see key healthcare stakeholders come together with a shared vision to raise public awareness of lung diseases which are often overlooked. Awareness campaigns like 'Think Lungs', empower communities to seek expert opinions early and to ask their physicians the right questions which can potentially lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.' The campaign highlighted the need for proactive attention to lung health, encouraging individuals to recognize symptoms and seek timely medical advice. Through this initiative, Boehringer Ingelheim aims to inspire behavioral change, highlight the power of early detection, and unite communities in a shared commitment to lung health. Boehringer Ingelheim is dedicated to improving the lives of patients affected by ILDs through ongoing research, development and strategic collaborations. As part of its commitment to improve the lives of patients affected by ILDs, Boehringer Ingelheim has developed an educational website called Life With Pulmonary Fibrosis, available in both English and Arabic providing patients with information about their condition and offering ways to enhance their mental and physical well-being. About Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that transform lives, today and for generations to come. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term, sustainable perspective. More than 53,000 employees serve over 130 markets in the two business units Human Pharma and Animal Health. Learn more at For more information, please contact: Sayali Kavalekar Manager, Human Pharma Communications, Corporate Affairs, India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (IMETA) Boehringer Ingelheim Email: [i] American Lung Association. (n.d.). Interstitial lung disease (ILD). [ii] Alsomali, H., Palmer, E., Aujayeb, A., & Funston, W. (2023). Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Narrative Review. Pulmonary therapy, 9(2), 177–193. [iii] Breathing Matters. (n.d.). Other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs).
Khaleej Times
23-02-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Look: Dubai Miracle Garden unveils new lung-shaped installation; here's why
When you visit Dubai Miracle Garden next, you will encounter an 'impossible-to-ignore' installation with an important health message. 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.'
