Israel's Magen David Adom Offers Yom Kippur Health and Safety Guidance

As Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, approaches in Israel, the Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency medical service has issued comprehensive guidelines to help the public observe the holiday safely. Annually, approximately 2,000 Israelis require emergency medical attention during Yom Kippur due to health issues or injuries, often sustained while cycling on the empty roads.

The final meal before the fast, known as 'seuda mafseket,' should be consumed one to one-and-a-half hours before the holiday begins, with eating ceasing 20 minutes prior. To prevent dehydration, MDA recommends drinking two liters of water throughout the day leading up to Yom Kippur, while limiting caffeinated and sugary beverages. The pre-fast meal should include a protein source, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vegetables to ensure prolonged satiety, avoiding overly salty foods that increase thirst.

MDA reminds the public to keep its emergency number, 101, readily accessible and suggests downloading the "MDA Sheli" app for faster emergency response, which automatically transmits the caller's location. Special advice is given to the elderly, chronically ill, and pregnant individuals, who are urged to consult their doctors before fasting. The service emphasizes that discontinuing necessary medications, even for a day, can lead to serious health complications for those with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.

Dehydration is a significant concern, potentially leading to kidney stones and fainting, particularly among children and the elderly. Symptoms include headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, and nausea. MDA advises staying in air-conditioned environments and seeking shade when outdoors. Promptly calling 101 is recommended if dehydration symptoms appear.

For women undergoing fertility treatments, MDA paramedics will administer necessary injections during Yom Kippur. These individuals should contact MDA in advance to schedule appointments at a local station, bringing their medication and a doctor's prescription detailing the injection specifics. The service will only administer injections to those who have already received at least one dose of the same medication.

Upon the conclusion of Yom Kippur, MDA recommends a gradual reintroduction of food, starting with a warm drink and a small portion of bread or cake, followed by a meal similar to the pre-fast one after an hour. Rushing the meal or consuming heavy, fatty foods can cause discomfort. MDA also warns parents to closely supervise children, as injuries from playing in unsafe areas are common during the holiday.