Fast steps: the evidence about dance for health, and supporting patients through Ramadan

Mar 14, 2025

Hussain Al-Zubaidi, a dancer and instructor for those with Parkinson's, joins Osman Bhatti, who supports patients during Ramadan, in a lively discussion. They explore the powerful health benefits of dance, especially tango, in enhancing mobility and mental well-being. Hussain shares insights on innovative dance initiatives, while Osman discusses the importance of planning and dialogue for managing long-term conditions during fasting. Their dynamic conversation emphasizes joy, movement, and tailored support for patients, making health a vibrant journey.

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INSIGHT

Dance's Multidimensional Benefits

Dance improves cardiovascular fitness, mental health, cognitive function, and social connections significantly.
It offers multi-faceted benefits beyond traditional exercises, boosting joy and motivation to keep active.

INSIGHT

Dance Boosts Brain Health

Dance uniquely supports brain health by enhancing memory and executive function through cognitive challenge.
Regular dance increases hippocampal size, highlighting its impact on brain and cognitive health beyond physical benefits.

ANECDOTE

Dance Group Reveals Hospital Struggles

A patient with learning disabilities struggled to attend hospital appointments due to confusion and distress.
Participation in a social prescribing dance group helped identify the issue and enabled better support for her care.

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Grab your trainers, your dog lead, your dancing shoes or a cuppa and join us for some free CPD as we have another relaxed round up of recent Red Whale primary care Pearls of wisdom. In the first of two episodes this month, Ali, Nik and special guests Hussain Al-Zubaidi and Osman Bhatti discuss:

Dance for health. What is the evidence that this helps. Which disease is particularly helped by the tango?
Ramadan: supporting patients with long-term conditions. How can we best support those with long-term conditions during this time?

Listen as soon as you can to ensure you have full access to all the free resources.

The rest of the Pearls from February will be covered next week along with a new best intentions story to put a smile on your face.

Links

Let’s dance? Dance for health…

Let’s Dance - communication toolkit

Ramadan: impact on diabetes and other chronic diseases

BMJ Practice Pointer acknowledging that fasting may impact chronic disease control. BMJ 2022;376e:063613

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Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure the information in this podcast is accurate and correct at the date of publication, but it is of necessity of a brief and general nature, and this should not replace your own good clinical judgement, or be regarded as a substitute for taking professional advice in appropriate circumstances. In particular, check drug doses, side-effects and interactions with the British National Formulary. Save insofar as any such liability cannot be excluded at law, we do not accept any liability for loss of any type caused by reliance on the information in this podcast.

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