Connect with us

News

Exercising during Ramadan: Tragic MMA fighter’s death highlights dangers of extreme workouts

Published

on

Spread the love

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and fasting, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up exercise. However, with long hours of fasting and changes in meal timing, it’s crucial to adjust workouts to suit your body’s needs. Exercising too intensely, especially while fasting, can lead to serious health risks, including dehydration, dizziness, and even rare but potentially fatal conditions.

The tragic case of Australian MMA fighter Jake Sendler serves as a reminder of the dangers of overexertion. The 21-year-old collapsed in the ring during a match in Melbourne on March 3 and succumbed to complications ten days later. His death has been linked to excessive physical stress. 

It was later revealed that Sendler was suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle fibres break down due to extreme overexertion, an underlying health issue, or physical trauma.

While this extreme case highlights the risks of pushing the body too far, it’s especially important during Ramadan to strike a balance between staying fit and prioritising health. Choosing low-intensity workouts, staying hydrated after Iftar, and listening to your body can help prevent dangerous consequences while keeping you active during the holy month.

What is Rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis, often called “rhabdo,” occurs when extreme physical exertion causes muscle tissue to break down rapidly, releasing harmful toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure, heart complications, and even death. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, dark-coloured urine, and extreme fatigue — many of which can be mistaken for common workout soreness or dehydration.

In Sendler’s case, he initially dismissed his symptoms, believing them to be part of the usual strains of his intense training regimen. However, his condition worsened, requiring multiple surgeries and blood transfusions before he ultimately passed away on March 13.

Risks of Extreme Training

Dehydration and excessive exertion are significant risk factors for rhabdomyolysis. When the body is pushed beyond its limits, muscles become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell breakdown. In severe cases, it triggers widespread organ failure.

Recognise Warning Signs

Many fitness enthusiasts unknowingly put themselves at risk of rhabdomyolysis. Overexertion, particularly in high-intensity training programs such as CrossFit, ultra-marathons, and MMA, can push muscles to the point of collapse. The key to prevention is awareness and early intervention.

Critical warning signs to watch for:

  • Unusual muscle pain or swelling that persists beyond typical post-workout soreness.
  • Dark, tea-coloured urine — a telltale sign that muscle proteins are overwhelming the kidneys.
  • Extreme fatigue and confusion that extend beyond normal exhaustion.
  • Decreased or no urination, indicating possible kidney failure.

If any of these symptoms occur after intense exercise, immediate medical attention is crucial. Treatment often involves intravenous fluids to flush toxins from the system and, in severe cases, dialysis or surgical intervention.

Dangers of dropping weight quickly

Sendler’s death has also reignited discussions about the dangers of extreme weight-cutting in sports. While dropping weight quickly before a bout fr fighters is a common practice, medical experts warn that it can have deadly consequences, including dehydration, heat stroke, and rhabdomyolysis.

Striking a Balance in Fitness

Exercise is vital for good health, but overdoing it can be dangerous. Fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and trainers must recognise that more is not always better. Proper hydration, adequate recovery time, and listening to one’s body are essential to preventing overtraining injuries and conditions like rhabdomyolysis.

(Source: Agencies)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

News

Parents, take note: Dubai Police warn about teens riding motorbikes after Iftar in residential areas

Published

on

Spread the love

As Ramadan evenings get busier, Dubai Police are warning parents about a rise in teenagers riding motorcycles and recreational bikes in residential areas, especially after Iftar.

Why this matters

Police say many teens are:

  • Riding without proper safety measures
  • Using service roads and neighbourhood streets
  • Putting themselves at risk of collisions with cars or pedestrians

Residential areas are often filled with families, children and elderly residents during Ramadan nights, making the danger even greater.

What parents should know

Authorities have already:

  • Impounded motorcycles
  • Summoned parents
  • Filed official police reports

This behaviour is considered a legal violation and can have serious consequences.

What you can do

  • Talk to your children about road safety and legal responsibilities
  • Ensure any bike use follows UAE traffic laws
  • Supervise younger teens, especially during busy evening hours

Residents can report unsafe riding via the 901 hotline (‘We Are All Police’ service) or through the Dubai Police app.

A quick conversation at home today could prevent a serious accident tomorrow.

Continue Reading

News

Foodilicious: A new Dubai-based TV series that brings Ramadan culinary traditions and cultural stories to screen

Published

on

Spread the love

A new Ramadan television series is bringing communities together across the GCC, not through debate or drama, but through the shared experience of Iftar.

Haier presents Foodilicious, produced by Rigel Global Media, which premiered in February and airs every Saturday at 7:30pm (GST) on Zee TV, with streaming available on demand.

The English-language lifestyle series blends Iftar traditions, chef-led dining, hospitality features and cultural storytelling, reflecting the diversity that defines Ramadan in Dubai and across the Middle East.

More than a food show

Unlike conventional cooking programmes, Foodilicious positions food as a narrative tool.

Founder and CEO Abhishek K. Mishraa said the editorial approach mirrors news storytelling,  rooted in real life, cultural context and human experience.

The show was developed alongside Creative Head Puneet Verma and storyteller Aryaman Singh, who brought a contemporary lens to Ramadan traditions to connect with younger audiences.

Their goal? To treat food as memory, devotion and belonging, not just spectacle.

Familiar face fronts the series

Hosting the show is Lokesh Dharmani, radio jockey at City 101.6 FM, whose warm, conversational style anchors the format.

Behind the scenes, Production Manager Mukesh Dubey and Line Producer Tanim Ayub lead operations, while digital strategy is managed by social media personality Altamash Iqbal.

Backed by global brand support

The series is presented by Haier Gulf Electronics LLC, signalling growing brand investment in culturally resonant Ramadan programming, a season known for some of the region’s highest TV viewership figures.

Ramadan in the UAE brings together Emiratis, expats and visitors from across the world. By showcasing Iftar tables, chefs, hospitality experiences and shared traditions, Foodilicious aims to reflect that diversity on screen.












Continue Reading

News

Huge relief for drivers: New Dubai bridge cuts travel time to 1 minute

Published

on

Spread the love

Commuters using one of Dubai’s busiest corridors just got a major upgrade.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new 1,000-metre bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, slashing journey times from six minutes to just one minute.

And this is only part of a much bigger transformation.

What’s the new bridge?

  • It spans 1,000 metres
  • Has two lanes
  • Handles up to 3,000 vehicles per hour
  • Connects traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Karama and Deira

It’s the third bridge completed under the wider World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project.

Two earlier bridges opened in February 2026, improving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street.

Why this intersection matters

The World Trade Centre Roundabout is one of Dubai’s most critical traffic nodes. It connects five major roads:

  • Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street
  • Sheikh Rashid Street
  • 2nd December Street
  • Zabeel Palace Street
  • Al Majlis Street

It also serves key destinations like:

  • Dubai World Trade Centre
  • Dubai International Financial Centre

More than half a million residents and visitors rely on this corridor daily.

From 12 Minutes to 90 Seconds

When the full five-bridge project is completed:

  • Average delays will drop from 12 minutes to 90 seconds
  • That’s a 92% reduction
  • Free-flow traffic will operate in multiple directions
  • The existing roundabout will become a signalised junction

Two additional bridges, connecting traffic from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street, are set to open in October.

Who benefits most?

  • Daily commuters heading to Deira and Karama
  • Residents in Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool
  • Businesses in DIFC
  • Event attendees at Dubai World Trade Centre

For drivers, the impact is immediate. For central Dubai’s traffic grid, the biggest gains are still coming later this year.

If you drive this stretch daily, you’ll likely feel the difference from your very next commute.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/