LAHORE: Lahoris, owing to their reputation, have a habit of consuming way too much meat on Eidul Azha without thinking about the consequences that it may be dangerous for health and could spoil the festivity. Overeating of meat during Eidul Azha could increase the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular, kidney, liver, and gastroenteritis diseases. Health experts suggest that eating excessive meat on Eidul Azha could lead to negative impacts on individual’s health. Many people have habit of storing meat in refrigerator for longer periods without knowing that such practice could cause food poisoning and other gastrointestinal complications. According to experts, meat should not be stored in refrigerators for more than 10 days particularly in our country where load shedding may make it toxic. In order to avoid risk of heart, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and gastroenteritis diseases, doctors suggest against eating stored meat. They said women should cook meat with vegetables and avoid spicy foods during the Eid days in order to reduce the risk of contracting various severe diseases. While talking to Daily Times, all government teaching hospitals’ administrations claimed to have made special arrangements to provide maximum possible medical, surgical or emergency medical cover to citizens during the holidays. All emergency wards of hospitals would be on high alert during Eid holidays while the paramedical staff has been instructed to remain vigilant to ensure treatment of the patients in case of an untoward incident. Health experts appealed to patients of Hepatitis C (chronic liver disease) to avoid red meat, as they could end up with hepatic encephalopathy. Patients of hypertension, ischaemic heart disease should eat less meat. Patients of APD (stomach ulcer) should avoid spices and fried meat otherwise they can get pain epigastriums. Those who would eat more meat could also end up with gastroenteritis/diarrhea. Experts also suggested against swallowing big chunks of meat, as bones may get stuck in the esophagus. “We are on duty during Eid holidays for the people but public should try to take precautions as well,” experts added.