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WHITE COATS | A JAMSA PUBLICATION | JULY 2013 1

Editorial

For Letters to the Editor, Comments, Article References, Suggestions and Reviews, please send us an email on

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Dear readers,

Salaams, and Ramadhan Mubarak!

We are excited to present you with another issue of White Coats! We are super proud to announce that we have printed 500 copies of this issue, making it accessible to 500+ readers! We have been trying to continue the great work that the previous editors have done, and take the magazine to even greater heights! Through this magazine, we look forward to smarter, responsible, and healthier living practices in the community.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who advertised in this issue, Br. Sameer Kermalli for his very talented work in the design and layout, and our dear White Coats team who worked hard to find sponsors and help us make this issue possible. Last but not the least, thanks to all who volunteered to write articles! Without you all, this issue would not have been possible!

In this issue, we present you with six themes: JAMSA Who We Are?, Health in the Holy Month, Modern Medicine, Our Health Our Choices!, Daily Dilemmas, and Kids Corner. In this issue, we have tried to reiterate that a healthier community starts with you. There is no doubt that individual health habits and personal choices affect health outcomes, both individually and for the community at large. It is about time we advocate for healthy living as individuals and as a community too.

We have come up with several articles, including early diagnosis of hearing loss in children, preparing for medical emergencies, as well as the value of prevention. Other interesting topics include the role of maggots and thymol in health. We hope you will put into practice, all this knowledge, after you have finished reading the magazine.

Lastly, we have created an online poll pertaining to health and lifestyle (see: how healthy are we?). Please do take your time to answer, anonymously and honestly, 5 multiple choice questions. This will take no more than 5 minutes of your time. InshaAllah we will post the results in the next issue. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer in this poll, and every question you answer is a 100%.

Lastly, we wish you a happy reading (and happy fasting too)!

Zohra Damji and Shaneabbas Jaffer

WHITECOATSIssue No. 13Ramadhan 1436 A.HJuly 2013A publication of JAMSA

Editorial TeamEditors:Zohra DamjiShaneabbas Jaffer

MembersMaisam Dossa Fatema MeghjiHasnein RashidZainab Meghji Zahra Meghji Sakina Khatau

Design and LayoutSameer Kermalli

White Coats is a non-profit magazine and printing costs are financed through advertising.

From the Desk

Contents an overviewWhat is inside

Editorial ....................................................................... 1

Jamsa - Our Past ...........................................................4

Jamsa - Present ............................................................5

Jamsa - Future ..............................................................6

Fasting Healthy .............................................................9

First Aid ......................................................................10

Obesity .......................................................................12

Prevention...................................................................14

Exercise ......................................................................15

Imaging ......................................................................17

Margarine ...................................................................18

OCD ............................................................................19

Maggots .....................................................................21

Occupational Therapy ..................................................23

Hairloss ......................................................................24 Hiccups ......................................................................32

Diabetic Diet ................................................................33

Tibb al Aimma .............................................................34

Water Therapy .............................................................35

Breast Cancer ..............................................................36

Phobias ......................................................................37

Grandmas Closet .........................................................38

Silent World ................................................................39

Trivia ..........................................................................40

PREVENTION

FIRST AID

MARGARINE

HAIRLOSS

FEAR

14

18

10

24

37

SARFARAZALI [email protected]

Tel: +255 686 889 988

Back when we started, as it is now, being in medical school was a proud moment for any student. As a medical student, most people in the community knew you, and everyone called you Doctor. When people got sick, your number was the first one they dialed. But a question that some students asked themselves was: How much do we really give back to our community as medical professionals?

Most of us just graduate from medical school and get busy with our jobs, only to bump into someone when he or she turns up at the hospital or when someone we know is sick at night. Clearly, our duty towards the community was not done!

This group of pro-active students got together and decided to form an association through which they desired to achieve their goal to give back to the community. Another purpose of creating JAMSA was to provide a platform from within, whereby members would get to interact with one another and assist each other in the process of becoming better medical personnel. After a meeting between medical students (Dr. Aliasgher Esmail, Dr. Fatema Thawer, and Dr. Imran Hassam) and doctors (Dr. Mahmood Hameer and Dr. Jaffer Dharsee), the foundations of our association were laid. With a consensus between them they decided to name the group after the 6th Holy Imam (as). Shortly after, Dr. Fatema Thawer and Dr. Aliasgher Esmaill compiled our constitution, and we were ready to go!

Thus, JAMSA started in 1999 - 2000, with a few members under the leadership of Dr. Mubarak Janmohammed and the patronage of Dr. Muhsin Sheriff. Packed with enthusiasm, they plunged towards their first event which was AIDS Awareness Day. Since AIDS was a new disease then, the community was very interested and wanted to know more about it. After this overwhelmingly positive

response, the members were determined to achieve even more. That year they organized many more events including awareness programmes on breast cancer, diet, and ophthalmic diseases. For their own improvement they organized quite a few events, one of them being a session on ECG interpretation by Dr. Hameer.

With the seeds sown, this plant grew with remarkable vigour. Initially the group was limited to students from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), but as time passed, the group was expanded to include students from other universities, both within the region and throughout Tanzania. JAMSA developed further to involve other allied heath schools within these universities such as the schools of Pharmacy, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Radiography. With each passing year, the number of students kept on increasing and currently JAMSA has a total of 60 members.

The upcoming committees had similar great ideas, one of them being the publication of White Coats. The first editor of White Coats was Dr. Imran Hassam. Through this magazine, JAMSA hopes to increase general knowledge about healthy and unhealthy practices prevalent in the community, and thus empower people to make well-informed choices regarding their own health and the health of the community at large.

This years committee aspires to continue the great work of the previous committees. We intend to raise the bar for JAMSA in terms of health awareness and community involvement, and in order to achieve this, we need your continued support.

By: Shaneabbas Jaffer.

JAMSA

Our Past

Photograph by Sameer Kermalli


Our PresentTo date, Our group constitutes students from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCMC) and Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU). Currently, we have 60 members, 11 of whom are graduating this year. Many more of them will be Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Pharmacists and Radiologists in the near future Inshallah! We are thankful and proud to have Dr. Kamaal Sheriff as the Patron of JAMSAA, who spares time from his busy schedules to constantly guide us.

JAMSAA aims at creating a platform from which students in the medical field can be identified and health issues can be discussed and made aware to the community at large. Recently, JAMSAA members have participated in a number of community based activities channeled through the external committee such as: A visit to the orphanage Dar-ul-muslimeen Orphanage

in Morogoro. Volunteering in the Lindi eye camp organized by Bilal

Muslim Mission Tanzania Volunteering at the Mini-screening held at the mosque

held in the Holy month of Ramadhan. Volunteer in different activities at EHCHC like cancer

campaigns and stock taking Participate in health related talk shows organized by

IBNtv Volunteer at the Blood donation day in the month of

Muharram Provide basic health education to community

members e.g. visiting the Al-Muntazir schools and Madrassah to talk about health issues.

Participate in programmes organized by Jamaat and EEC regarding Career guidance.

JAMSAA is a network whereby medical students from different fields get together to create a healthier society. Through the internal committee we organized different activities and courses for ourselves this year, including: A Session on Full Blood Picture interpretation by Dr.

Sibtain Moledina A Stress- counseling session by Sis. Zinat Fazal who

works with the United Nations. Basic Life support training offered by professional

trainers from the American Heart Association Fiqh sessions discussing Rules of Jurisprudence

pertaining to medical practice with Sheikh Safdar Razi A talk on the health benefits of natural foods(

honey,almond, date and raisin) Day-outs and meetings for JAMSAA members,

whereby we get together to interact and plan future activities.

We would like to thank the Jamaat, for accepting and supporting our activities, and hope for the same support in our future endeavors. We express our gratitude to community members, be it in the form of readers or viewers, who have encouraged us and strengthened our motives. We will fail in our duty if we do not appreciate our members without whom JAMSA would not have been what it is today!

Finally, Elimu ni ufunguo wa Maisha, therefore we would like to welcome more students who are interested in the medical field. Feel free to contact us at [email protected] if you need advice or if you have any questions.

By: Muhammad & Zahra Mohamedhussein

JAMSA

Our Future heros!Into the Jungle

Amira N. BaliramCourse:Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU)

Message:Once upon a time I walked into HKMU as a mere high school graduate with a dream trying to grasp a little bit of knowledge

before I entered the real world. What I didnt know was that I would gain more than a little bit of knowledge. I would gain moral, values and compassion, which made me the person I am today. For all the times I spent walking the halls of my university building and the hospital, taking tests and sweating over my grades, I have to admit that now in the end I realize it was all worth it. I learned to strive for success. To be all I can be. I started as a follower and I am ending as a leader.

If it werent for my family I may not have been the person I am today. I am grateful to the Almighty for giving me the strength and I am sincerely thankful to everyone out there who supported me, as each of them have played an invaluable role in making my dream come true.

I am glad to be one step closer to my dream, but the journey still continues.

Mohamed Ramzan N. SachedinaCourse:Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU)

Message: Finally a nobleman! These 5 years have been like a rollercoaster of up and downs. At times you feel

like your heart will come out through your mouth like just before receiving your results. Or that feeling of throwing up -watching 3 liters of blood gush out from a human, and the pumping of adrenaline through your veins -all nighter before exams, doing a CPR. But the most exciting feeling is when you come to the finish line, You made it! You conquered it! Youre alive!

All through that ride, it was you going through all those weird experiences, but it always helped when the passenger next to you held your hand, making you feel that you were not alone. It could be your parents, your best friend, your

classmates, your roommate, your friends, your teacher, your family. A big thank you to all those who helped me cross that finish line.

Muhammad S. MohamedhusseinCourse:Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)

Message:I love the sight of gushing blood, broken bones, crying babies, cutting live

people open and individuals screaming in pain. My clients include people in the two extremes of life and anybody in the middle. My ultimate goal is to heal, even if that means I have to communicate with the deaf and dumb or make the mentally challenged understand. I sacrifice my sleep so that the mother of sick child can sleep, I starve myself to save the only bread earner in a family so his children do not go hungry. In the end, I have no heart to feel others pain but still have to console the families of the deceased and the afflicted.

Yes, I am a Doctor and I sure love my job..

Mujtaba RatansiCourse:Bachelor of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)

Message: Salaams My name is Mujtaba Murtaza Ratansi and I am proud to be one of

the Graduates of 2013. I am very thankful to Almighty God, to have achieved my Bachelor of Pharmacy Degree in Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences. Pharmacy is the health profession that links the health scienceswith the chemical sciencesand it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs. From my experience, Pharmacy is a very interesting and challenging course with variety of fields of practice and specialization including Hospital Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy, Community Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Management, Quality Control and Quality Assurance, etc and each of the options would be the right one.

When I started my 1st year back in 2009, I wondered how

Here are a few words (and smiles) from our recent graduates, and we wish them all the very best in their future endeavours!


would this four years pass but now I see it as a blink of an eye but the wonderful memories and people I met along the way will always remain for life. The daily routine was lectures, study, exams, relax and enjoy (especially holidays). This is not the end rather a beginning of a new journey where one goes out to apply the knowledge in the real world. Finally I would like to thank my parents who always encouraged and supported me in any situation during these years and also not to forget my relatives and friends who also helped me in one way or the other. I would like to end with a hadith from the Holy Prophet: Seek Knowledge from the Cradle to the Grave

Nazeem S. SuleimanCourse:Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCMC)

Message:You will remember some of what you hear, much of what you read, more of what you see, and almost of what you experience

and understand fully

Neelam A. IsmailCourse: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU)

Message:A 5 year long journey that was once simply a dream has come to an end. The friends Ive made and the eye opening experiences

Ive been though and skills Ive learnt from learning how to hook up IVs, to vaccinating newborns, to mending broken bones and assisting in surgeries, to helping women give birth and hearing a babys first cry, to dropping off the social grid, staying up all night studying gigabytes worth of material and to the very unfashionable permanent under-eye dark circles, it has all been worth it and is now over before I know it. I wouldnt have reached this far without the blessings of Allah the Almighty who lead me one step closer to observe His best creation. Without forgetting the never-ending support from my family who encouraged me all the way and were there for my highs and lows and also reassuring me when Id diagnose myself with multiple rare incurable diseases Id only read about in textbooks. To my juniors: Study hard, but do not forget to enjoy the ride! To the future: Im here to serve, let my destiny guide me (inshAllah towards pediatrics or surgery another 4 grueling years).

Sadiqa Sheriff-ManjiCourse:Diagnostic Radiography, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)

Message:Failures are often the results of timidity and fears; disappointments are the results of bashfulness;

hours of leisure pass away like summer-clouds, therefore, do not waste opportunity of doing good. - Imam Ali (a.s)Lets all make the most of the opportunities we get in this life and do something worthy so that we can help our Imam (A.T.F).

Sajida DhallaCourse:Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)

Message:Five years are over?? I cant believe it!!My roller coaster ride at medical school has

almost come to an end. But is it really the end? No its just the beginning of my medical career.

I thank the Almighty Allah for giving me the strength to reach this level and of course it would not have been possible without the support of my lovely parents and sisters. I also thank my teachers and not forgetting my friends who made this journey a fun-filled one JTo my Juniors-Hard work is the stairs and lift is luck, though the lift may break down the stairs will always get u to the top..so keep going and never lose hope..

Sakina M. KhatauCourse:BSc in Environmental Health Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences

Message:Environmental science is an apparently unheard of field in our community

and many people questioned my decision to study it. But Allhamdullilah, as we approach graduation, I can look back on three wonderful years filled with learning and discovery. Its definitely a field I would encourage all science students to consider!

Salma LaljiCourse: Occupational Therapy, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCMC)

Message:Life has its ups and downs. Here is a quote that I came across while reading sometime back, and it has stuck with me, The

only disability in life is a bad attitude. - Scott Hamilton. Being in a medical field has made me appreciate life in a way I never would have otherwise, anything worth working for needs passion and a lot of patience, so my only advice, if you have found something that makes you get up everyday go for it!

Siddika DewjiCourse: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)

Message:The journey of five years has come to an end. A journey that was all awesome, stressful,

and mesmerizing to be able to be so close to witness the beauty of God, his miracles and his signs. Medicine is a very satisfying field because you get an opportunity to make a difference, to touch a life, to make a sick child smile, to give hope to a dying patient and to be an intercession between your patient and God. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the AlmightyAllah for this wonderful opportunity as Service to humanity is service to God and also would like to thank my family and friends for their support through out my studies. I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage our community members to engage into medical field. Asantenisana!!!

Zahra Nagri MohamedhusseinCourse: Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS)

Message:Words cannot express fully how it feels to graduate as a doctor after 5 long years of unending stress and

sleepless nights.. All I can say is Alhamdulillah! I thank Allah (swt) for inspiring me and enabling me to take up this noble profession. I would not be what I am today without my

family, therefore I would like to appreciate my parents, my husband and my in-laws for their constant motivation and support every step of the way. Finally, I pray for the success of all my colleagues, those who are already in the medical field and those who will soon be, so that together we can build a healthier community and lay grounds for the arrival of our beloved 12th Imam (atfs).

A few interesting quotes that Id like to share..

The only equipments lacking in the most modern hospital may be somebody to meet you at the entrance with a handshake or somebody to attend to you with a smile.. ~ Martin H. Fischer

In nothing do men more nearly approach God, than in giving health to other men ~ Marcus Cicero

You may be able to pay a doctor for his efforts, but you will forever remain in debt of his Kindness ~ Seneca

MEDICAL JOKESMr. Right

Mary was shortsighted , to vain to wear glasses was determined to get married. She finally found herself a husband, and went off on a honeymoon with him. When Mary returned her mother gave a shriek , dashed to the telephone and rang up an oculist. Doctor, she gasped , Youve got to come over here right away. Its an emergency. My daughter Mary has always refused to wear glasses and now she is back from her honeymoon and... Madam , interrupted the doctor, please control yourself. Ask your daughter to come and see me .No matter how bad her eyes are , it cant be that much of an emergency. Oh, no ! said the mother. Well , this fellow shes got with isnt the same one she went on the honeymoon with!

Chronic Laziness

The man told his doctor that he wasnt able to do all the things around the house that he used to do. When the examination was complete, he said, Now, Doc, I can take it. Tell me in plain English what is wrong with me? Well, in plain English, the doctor replied, youre just lazy. Okay, said the man. Now give me the medical term so I can tell my wife.

New Disease Discovered

Medical researchers have discovered a new disease that has no symptoms. It is impossible to detect, and there is no known cure. Fortunately no cases have been reported thus far.


Fasting Healthy what we should be doingNatural Medicines

Fasting is not a license to eat whatever you want after its dark!

Despite what you may think, fasting could expand your waistline. When your body feels hunger it automatically stores fat, and then eating late at night when youre hungry can encourage you to eat more than you need while the body is in a resting state when it will store rather than burn accumulated calories. For a healthy Ramadan;

Consider the following:Divide your food into three meals. Saher is the morning meal when the fast starts; iftar is the evening snack when the fast is broken and then dinner. Include complex carbohydrate foods rich in fibre, such as those found in grains and seeds. For example, whole wheat roti, brown rice, daal, beans, bajara, bran, fruits and vegetables should be eaten, particularly during saher. Fiber-rich foods help increase the feeling of fullness, promote good blood glucose levels and help with regularity. Fasting during the day can also increase stomach acid content and cause feelings of pain or discomfort. High-fiber foods during dinner can help neutralize this acid and alleviate pain. (Remember to increase fluids with fiber intake to prevent excessive gas).

During iftar, dates and juice are traditionally consumed. Include three dates and 4 oz (120 mL) of juice to help normalize possible low sugar (hypoglycemia) and provide the much needed instant energy along with hydration.

Bake or grill foods instead of frying them, and if frying, decrease the amount of oil used. Try and measure the oil in spoonfuls instead of just pouring it from the bottle.

Choose lower fat and lean cuts of meat. Skin chicken and remove any visible fat before cooking.

Eat slowly and chew food well. Because you have not eaten all day, there will be a tendency to want to eat a large quantity of food quickly. Remember that it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that you are full put small portions on your plate first.

Walking in the evening for at least 30 minutes is an ideal routine activity. Walking will not only help your metabolism, but also help your mind stay clear. However, if youve eaten a big meal, blood needs to move to your digestive system rather than to your muscles, so a brisk walk straight after a heavy meal is not a good idea. Wait 1-2 hours after your meal before engaging in any strenuous activity. Best to keep your meals light.

Drink as much fluid (preferably water) as possible. It is advisable to consume at least 8-12 cups between iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time for the next day.

Avoid:Fried and fatty foods such as french fries, sweets, fried samosa, pakoras, parathas, greasy curries and biriyani. High-fat foods are high in calories and are nutrient deficient which will lead to an imbalanced diet, thereby increasing sluggishness and fatigue during Ramadan.

Salt and salted food, such as achars pickles, papadums, sauces, nuts, chips and olives. Dehydration is a risk due to limited fluid intake during the day, and high salt foods can further increase this risk by drawing fluids out of your body.Foods containing too much sugar such as sweet glucose energy drinks and mithai. These are sources of empty calories with very little nutritional value. While they may provide you with instant energy, they will not sustain you through the day and night.

Overeating especially at saher can cause further metabolic imbalance, like highs and lows in your blood sugar and dehydration.

Too much tea or caffeine at saher. Both of these are diuretics when consumed in large quantities and the body can lose valuable minerals, salts and fluids that you need during the day.

Sleeping immediately after iftar and saher meals, since your body will require time to digest the food. Wait for 23 hrs before sleeping

By: Sayyeda Somaiya

First Aid save a lifeFaster the Better

We have all come across the concept of First Aid. This is the initial treatment or assistance given to someone who is injured or suddenly ill. The outcome of emergencies is determined by how it is taken care of in its initial stages, and hence it is every ones duty to have at least some knowledge of how to do so. Of course, a few paragraphs cannot do justice to this practice, but it can definitely stimulate you to read more and if possible to get formal training on First Aid.

Some conditions are quite common and we may have been there when people are suffering from them, but didnt know what to do. Perhaps if we knew how to handle such patients, in their first few moments, some lives might have been saved. This article will shed some light on the First Aid management of unconscious patients, heart attacks, seizures (convulsions) and burns.

A few basic things to remember before giving First Aid: Personal safety first - do not attempt heroic rescues in

hazardous circumstances. If you put yourself at risk, you are unlikely to help others effectively.

Assess the situation quickly and CALMLY - take deep, slow breaths, and you will remember first-aid procedures better!

Make the area around safe - neutralize the conditions that gave rise to the incident if possible for instance put out a fire or turn off an engine.

Call for help - other people can help but beware of and clear by-standers who are there for a show!

The approach to an unconscious patient is extremely important. The first few steps involve assessing the

situation and checking if the person responds to your voice or gentle stimulation. If not, check the airway and ensure that the individual is breathing. The most common cause of obstruction of airway is rolling back of the tongue. To counteract that, perform head tilt, chin lift and jaw thrust. Remove foreign objects from the mouth if visible. Recent findings have discouraged mouth to mouth resuscitation due to spread of various infections. If available, use bag and mask when there are no signs of spontaneous breathing. Once airway is clear and breathing is achieved, blood circulation should be checked. Palms should be felt for warmth and pulse felt. When there are signs of poor blood circulation, immediately commence cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Alternate 15 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths with bag and mask. As soon as there is spontaneous breathing and circulation, put the patient in a neutral position (recovery position).

Heart attack (myocardial infarction in medical terms) is a result of inadequate blood supply to the muscles responsible for the pumping action of the heart (myocardium). This can be due to myriad of conditions including, fat clogging in the coronary blood vessels (by a process called atherosclerosis) and abnormal aggregation of platelets in the blood vessels (formation of a thrombus). How do we know if someone is having a heart attack? Symptoms may include sudden sharp chest pain which may radiate to the arms, breathlessness, indigestion-like discomfort in the upper abdomen, sudden collapse and profuse sweating. What is our role? Identify, make the person comfortable by helping the patient (if not collapsed) in a half-sitting position and give one tablet of aspirin to be chewed slowly. Aerosols of nitroglycerin can be applied beneath the tongue and can

By:Mohammed Mohammedhussein


be life saving. Definitive treatment can then be sought by taking the person to a hospital.

Seizures are due to abnormal activity of neurons in the brain. Severe cases may even result into sudden loss of consciousness. What can you do to help? Try to ease the fall, clear airway (refer to management of unconscious patient), and protect head. DO NOT put anything (such as keys) in the mouth as this will result into infection, injuries, and bleeding. Once the seizures have stopped, place the person in recovery position. In children, a common cause of convulsions is febrile seizures (due to high fever) and hence if this is suspected, sponge with tepid water starting from head to toe. Seek medical attention in an appropriate institution after person is stable.

Burns are very common especially in toddlers and young children. Misconceptions about treating burns are also very prevalent. After identifying a burn-patient, pour cold water on the burn for at least 10 minutes. Carefully remove any clothing from the burnt area before it starts to swell, however do not forcefully remove any clothing that is stuck to the burn. Do NOT apply petrol, kerosene or toothpaste as this is known to worsen the burn. Honey may be applied if available, for it prevents further infection. Do not burst

any blisters and take the person to a nearby hospital so that appropriate treatment can be given. Burn injuries are serious, and ensure the person is hydrated and free from bacterial contamination.

First Aid can be life saving and leads to better outcomes if provided correctly, and hence adequate knowledge and skills are of utmost importance for every individual. No one knows when a medical emergency may arise, but if you are capable and can take control of the situation you can save a life. Happy life-saving!

Editors Note: It pays to have first aid skills because you cant learn it in an emergency! Other useful skills include handling common injuries and wounds and Heimlich maneuver (used for choking). While tending to a person, always look for clues that may provide information about the persons medical condition, such as diabetic bracelet. Additionally, it is important to have a first aid kit (along with a guide) at home, office, and in the car. You never know when you might need it! Preparedness is a good thing!

In order to know how aware our community is with regards to issues in health and medicine, we decided to create a poll of only 5 multiple choice questions related to health practices. InshaAllah, we will display the summary of the responses in the next edition of White Coats. We would be very grateful if you could take 5 minutes or less of your time to answer the questions.

The link to the Poll is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XR22BSB. Alternately, you can find this link on our facebook page JAMSA.

Finally, please remember, we want honest answers. In other words, no Googling. Remember, there is no right or wrong answer. The responses will remain anonymous. We just want to know how much the community knows! Just take the survey for the fun of it, and choose what you feel, think or know is the best answer!

Obesity binge eatingPlanning to Stroke

In todays changing times, health and health issues, attract greater attention than they used to earlier. Obesity is one among the many health problems affecting a large proportion of the general population.

Accumulation of excessive body fat is known as obesity. It is mainly caused when the intake of calories exceed the expended ones. In simple words, when one tends to eat more than his body requires, the extra fat starts depositing in the body tissues giving rise to obesity. Junk food is usually the main culprit.

People are considered obese when their body mass

index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a persons weight in kilogramsby the square of the persons height inmeters, exceeds 30kg/m2.

Obesity is not only considered as a major health problem, but also a debilitating disease. Initially there are no presenting symptoms as such except the ever increasing body weight. Later on, shortness of breath, fatigue, over-sweating and lethargy present as the chief complaints of the patient. Obesity can lead to Hypertension, Diabetes, Joint problems other conditions. The quality of life deteriorates and the loss of self-esteem due to poor body shape can lead todepression, eating disorders and crash diets.

However most of the times, the person does not pay much attention towards these changes in the body and ignores them only to run and seek the physicians help after serious manifestation of the disease occurs. It has been noted that most of the obesity related medical complications resolve on their own when the patient starts losing weight.

The modern day sedentary life style leaves less time to

work out and hence the lack of exercise is also a major contributing factor. Physical exercise is compulsory as it helps us to burn out the excess calories we have consumed.

If right eating is accompanied with physical work out, it provides the perfect way to lose weight and stay healthy. The quality of the food must be checked and altered. Avoiding red meat, oily food, extra fats in form of ghee, butter etc. can dramatically help to reduce the weight.

Healthy eating habits and an active life style should be adopted by individuals of all age groups and gender, to prevent obesity.

Do diets work? The answer is yes. But for many its only temporary.

The problem is that people eventually go off the diet, because they get fed up of the diet and eat all things they have been deprived of. Most people gain the weight back and more. Due to the previous food restrictions in the diet, their bodys metabolism slows down. Their body thinks its experiencing a famine; it is in a starvation alert mode and trying to store every extra calorie that it can find. The outcome of it all is that they gain weight with a vengeance, faster than ever before.

Regaining weight at the end of a diet can be discouraging and unhealthy. To lose weight and keep it off, you will need to break out of the dietary patterns you have made for yourself and create a plan that offers a lasting change.The only reliable way to do this is to make a permanent tire-proof plan that involves a healthier diet and more exercise that conveniently fit into your style of life.

By: Amira Baliram

Prevention better than cure?Safer than Sorry

It is the aim of every country, to engage its people in personal health and well being which has an effect on increasing the number of years of quality life by prolonging life and preventing illness. Many health associations are trying to focus more on wellness and prevention rather than focusing solely on the cure of illness. This is because if a medical condition is controlled in its beginning stages then it does not prevail and many associated ills such as financial pressures are also averted.

But if I am feeling okay then Im doing good so why should I worry, if something goes wrong then will refer to my doctor? Ever have that question pop in your head?

Lets first start by defining what is meant by prevention. It means to stop something bad from happening rather than dealing with it after it has happened. So is prevention actually necessary? Cant we just make do with treating the problem after it has appeared?

To put things into perspective, let us consider a situation in which a person doesnt monitor his diet well and consumes a lot of oily and greasy foods (sambusa, kabab) then he ends up having a high cholesterol level which then leads to a heart attack. Well, what will he say then, I wish I had monitored my diet? Consider all the pain that he would have to go through, the drugs that he might have to consume for the rest of his life and their side effects and not forgetting the thousands of dollars he would have to spend on medical treatment. If only he would have checked his cholesterol level and weight and maintained a balanced diet probably all of this wouldnt have happened. From this example, we all get to learn that the benefit of early screening and treating outweigh the harms of waiting for the consequences.

This urges us to consider undergoing medical check ups

regularly. This means we should go for a medical check up if not every 6 months then at least once a year (referring more to adults and those at risk). However, remember getting too many unnecessary medical checkups is not a good thing.

So, if prevention is better than cure, do we abandon curative services? Not really, instead we need to maintain a balance between the two. The reason behind this is quite obvious. There is a problem we as humans have, many of us always tend to act irrationally even if we are informed and educated about the consequences of some of our actions. We cant find the time to exercise daily, cant afford the expense of vital vegetables and fruits even though we know their importance in our daily lives, or even cant stop smoking even though we know its harmful effects. And sometimes there are many factors that are beyond our control such as accidents or inherited disease where prevention can play a role in early diagnosis but may not prevent the disease on taking its effect. Prevention is quite essential in its place as is treatment and the only way out is to continue with both the services but have prevention as the forefront followed by treatment. Prevention is one weapon in combating the battle towards a diseasefree world, treatment is another.

Therefore, prevention has numerous benefits and it should be regarded as a priority in our lives. If our community and the people around us have ample knowledge on preventative measures and health education we will be able to avoid many pandemics that affect thousands of lives across the globe, as well as save money. These diseases not only affect the individual but the families and society as a whole, and at times it becomes a life-bearing burden. Prevention contributes by enabling people to find information to make more informed choices on lifestyles and to live a better if not a happier life.

By: Aliasgar B. Khaki


Exercise a Fulfilled DreamGreater Achievements

Do you want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than exercise. The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Exercise is free, easy to undertake, and has an immediate effect.

Our bodies were meant to move - they actually crave for exercise. But one big QUESTION we all have is how to exercise the right way. Most of us do it in two ways, either the stop-start routine or doing too much too soon. The stop-start routine is not only ineffective but can actually harm you. As for the other method, we tend to do in the spur of the moment and tend to think of it as - the more, the better, while in reality we are not doing that much good. Both of these are incorrect methods of exercising.

Being consistent is the key to achieving the desired results. This can be done by making work out a part of your everyday life. Here are a few tips on what you should include in your exercise schedule:

AEROBIC EXERCISE: Also called endurance, it aims at increasing your cardiovascular endurance (i.e. stamina). Some of the examples include cycling, swimming, hiking, running, walking, skipping and playing tennis or soccer.This exercise should be done on a daily basis (if not possible, then at least 5 times a week) for at least 30 minutes. If you wish to begin, having not done much regular exercise

before, 10 minutes would make a good start!

FLEXIBILITY TRAINING: Also known as stretching, flexibility training helps keep your joints flexible and reduce your chance of getting injured during other activities. Gentle stretching before aerobic training for at least 15 minutes will be useful. Stretch your arm and shoulder muscles, neck, back, legs and feet. Many people forget to stretch or make excuse that they dont have time. Flexibility is important, so make time for it! Stretching can be done every day, but stick to a minimum of three times per week in order to reap benefits.

STRENGTH: Also referred to as Resistance Training. These exercises make your muscles stronger. Even small increases in strength can make a big difference in your ability to stay independent and carry out everyday activities, such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries. Examples of resistance training include lifting weights and using a resistance band.

Of all the different ways to improve your physical and mental health, exercise is one of the easiest, safest, and most effective methods. Regular exercise can go a long way to help ease depression, boost energy and mood, and relieve stress among its other benefits. Remember, youll only benefit as much as you are willing to put in. Plan it well so you dont face problems with continuity or overworking

By: Mehdiya S. Manji

yourself. All these demand a high degree of self discipline and determination - it is your call!

Editors Note: With current technology and gadgets we have, exercise has never been easier than before! There are many fitness-related applications (including Runtastic) that you can download from Android Market or Play store. Such applications help keep track of your exercise activity, include a few workout routines, and even tell you how many calories you have burned! They are simple, easy to use, and make exercise more fun!

Answers: 1. C 2. The skin 3.The Pancreas 4.Melanin 5. Louis Pasteur

6. Plasmodium Species 7. Iron 8.Small Pox 9. Sunshine 10. Penicillin

11.No (Fear of Bathing) 12. Yes 13. No (Contact with rhinnovirus gives

you the cold) 14.Yes 15. No (This is a common myth).

MEDICALTRIVIA

ANSWERS THISWAY UP


Medical Imaging seeing inside easierSeeing Inside

Every year, more than 300 million xrays, CT scans, MRIs and other medical imaging exams are performed in the United States, and seven out of 10 people undergo some radiological procedure.

As we witness and enjoy the advancement in technology when it comes to our gadgets, such has been the joy to the medical field in the introduction and rapid ascend of the medical imaging techniques. In an ideal world, diagnosis, treatment and cure would be possible without having to cut open a patients body. And the existence of medical imaging technology has allowed this to happen in our real world where a doctor would otherwise have to do the cutting procedure repeatedly.

What is Medical Imaging?

Medical imaging encompasses different imaging modalities and processes (x-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI etc.) to image the human body for diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes (e.g. radiotherapy). Therefore, it plays a very essential role in the improvement of public health in all population groups. Furthermore, medical imaging is also justified in cases where the course of a diagnosed disease requires follow up thus aiding further diagnosis as to what the patients condition is.

How it works?

Radiations from the electromagnetic spectrum aid in obtaining information from a patients body and the sensitivity of this information sometimes leaves one astounded. As a student of medical imaging technology, my definition for advancement in technology now takes an entire different perspective. Its no more about the progress

of applications, or the size of the screen. Rather its more about the accuracy and sensitivity these modalities provide in diagnosing a medical condition at the earliest. It has reached to that level to present images as you would view a structure face on- 3D imaging.

Who is involved in medical imaging?

The field of medical imaging is very complex and requires supplementary activities of medical imaging technologists, radiologists, physicists and biomedical engineers.

Who is a Medical Imaging Technologist?

A professional who performs imaging examinations to assist in the diagnosis of illness and treatment of patients. They may be responsible for managing and maintaining the radiographic equipment, patient preparation and aiding procedures, recordkeeping, scheduling and other responsibilities within the department. It includes both radiography and sonography experts who have been addressed as the radiologists right-hand. This is due to the combined efforts of these two professions involved in producing a radiograph of diagnostic quality and provide with it accurate analysis respectively.

Should you pursue a career in medical imaging technology?

Statistics show a faster than average employment growth in this field and it furthermore provides opportunities for advancement. It enables you to help others as patient care being the primary responsibility of the personnel. It is an interesting field indeed giving you a deeper insight and a whole new perspective.

By: Zameena Kassam

Margarine banning itYou are what you eat

It came as surprise to me as one of my friendss stated that most margarine brands available in Tanzania are banned in the western world. The question that followed was why?

Every time you buy packaged food try to look at the ingredients section. You will find so many types of oils and fats; saturated, mono-unsaturated, poly-unsaturated etc. However be very wary of the content Trans Fat. You should always try to keep your saturated oils at a low, but a big NO for trans fats. Trans fatty acids are the worst kind of fats, even worse than saturated fats.

By an industrial process called partial hydrogenation, perfectly good oils like soybean and palm oil are converted into perfectly bad oil. The oil now becomes more solid, provides longer shelf life (baked products) and provides longer fry- time for cooking oils (best for kaangiaing chips); all good qualities in some ways, but this comes at a very very steep cost. Kwanini?.. Kwasababu the oil now contains trans fats.

Partially hydrogenated oils are commonly found in processed foods like commercial baked products such as cookies, cakes and crackers, margarines, and even in bread. They are also used as cooking oils (called liquid shortening) for frying in restaurants.

So why are we scared of trans fats? Trans fats cause significant and serious lowering of HDL (good) cholesterol and a significant and serious increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol; make the arteries more rigid; cause major clogging of arteries; cause insulin resistance; cause or contribute to type 2 diabetes; and cause or contribute to other serious health problems like Alzheimers disease,

prostate cancer, obesity, liver dysfunction, infertility in women and depression. However one key point as explained by Canadian Professor S. Meralli, Trans fats once ingested cannot be broken down by the body and so move on to the heart and blood vessels where they cause detrimental effects including cardiac arrest.

The New England Journal of Medicine scientific review team commented; from a nutritional standpoint, the consumption of trans fatty acids results in considerable potential harm but no apparent benefit. The American Heart Association in 2006 recommended a daily intake limited to 15 grams of saturated fats compared to 2.5 grams of trans fats.

So here are a few tips to avoid eating bad fats; Dont eat any product which has the words partially

hydrogenated or shortening in the ingredients list. If the label says zero trans fats, dont believe it. If the

words partially hydrogenated or shortening are in the ingredients list, it DOES contain trans fat.

Check the label. Keep saturated fat intake low too. This is very

important. Remember that polyunsaturated fat and

monounsaturated fats are good fats. If a product is cholesterol fee, that doesnt mean that

it wont raise your bad cholesterol. If the product itself contains no cholesterol but it does contain trans fat or saturated fat, it will raise your bad cholesterol.

Early to bed, early to rise that and avoiding bad foods, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.

Magirini ... which means lies in Swahili is actually derived from the alternate of butter

By: Mohamed Ramzan Sachedina


OCD obsessive-compulsive disorderAlways on the Edge

Its normal, at times to go back and double check that the heater is switched off or the iron is unplugged or your car door is locked. But if this happens excessively and causes your brain to get stuck on a certain thought or urge that you cannot break free, then you might be suffering from an obsessive-compulsive disorder!!

By: Fatema M. Meghji

What is OCD?OCD is a disorder of brain and behaviour. It is an anxiety disorder in which one has unwanted, disturbing and repeated thoughts, ideas or feelings (obsessions) and behaviours that he/she engages in to counteract, neutralize and make their obsessions go away (compulsions).For instance; you may check the stove 20 times to make sure that it is turned off or wash your hands until they are scrubbed raw or drive around for hours to make sure that the bump you heard while driving wasnt a person you hit.

What causes OCD?There are several theories about the causes of OCD but none have been confirmed. Some studies have shown OCD to be an inherited disorder. Other studies show that there are brain abnormalities and insufficient serotonin (one of the brains chemical messengers) in people suffering from OCD.

However, OCD affects both children and adults.

What are the signs and symptoms?These are the obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessive thoughts include: Fear of being contaminated by dirt, germs or contact

with others. Order and symmetry (intense stress when objects

arent arranged orderly and perfectly). Doubts if youve locked the door or turned off the stove

and the like. Thoughts that you have hurt someone in a traffic

accident. Fear of losing or not having things you might need. Violent thoughts and images. Superstitions (excessive attention to something

considered lucky or unlucky).

Complusive behaviours include: Spending a lot of time washing and cleaning. Ordering and arranging things every now and then. Excessive double checking of stoves, heaters, iron,

doors and the like. Repeatedly checking on loved ones to make sure they

are safe. Repeating certain words or doing senseless things to

reduce anxiety.

How to manage OCD?People with symptoms are referred to specialist OCD multidisciplinary teams that offer age-appropriate help.

For Adults; first line therapies are:Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Medications usually antidepressants (e.g SSRIs - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).CBT may use cognitive therapy (CT) that aims to change a persons response to his/her own obsessions. It teaches them effective ways of responding to their obsessive thoughts without resorting to the compulsive behavior. CBT also includes exposure and response prevention (ERP) that involves repeated exposure to the source of your obsessions and then you are asked to refrain from the compulsive behaviour. By doing this repeatedly, you gradually get rid of your anxiety.Medications (SSRIs) are given in severe OCD, even if the patient is not depressed. They may take up to 12 weeks to work in controlling the symptoms so they have to be taken daily and not stopped abruptly as symptoms may return and become even worse.

For Children:Beneficial treatment with CBT (including ERP) can be provided. It often involves the family, guardians or caretakers and is adapted to suit the developmental age of the child.

Some tips on self-help: Refocus your attention while suffering from an

obsessive thought. Write your obsessions and worries on a piece of paper

(It does help to a certain extent). Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation,

yoga, deep breathing and other stress relief techniques. Stay closer to family and friends. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Do not drink alcohol and avoid nicotine because they

increase anxiety.

Zanaki Street, P.O. Box 2951Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tel: +255 22 2111808 | +255 713 465 046Email: [email protected]

ANCHOR CLEARING & FORWARDING


Numerous studies have been carried out all proving the beneficial use of maggot therapy (white larvae of the housefly) especially as an adjuvant in surgical debridement of open wounds.

Sometime last year during my surgical rotation, I came across a patient in the wound section of the surgical ward. I was greeted with a putrid smell; there was a new admission with a massive bandage around his leg. On opening it up a most unexpected sight lay before me, Hundreds of maggots all busy squirming around in a big wound going about their business not giving us a care in the world. The patient was a long time diabetic who had developed a sore on his foot, which progressed to a chronic ulcer that had invaded most of the foot area leaving the tissues and muscles non-viable and oozing pus. That patient would have needed an amputation, but due to the maggot therapy his foot was saved. I had read about maggot therapy in textbooks, seen it on the net, heard about the success rate but never expected to see it in action!

Placing maggots onto your skin, in an open wound might sound crazy, but maggots have actually been proven useful to patients by helping to rid open sores of dead flesh and lowering the risk of infection. This therapy can be

used to treat diabetic wounds (most common), traumatic or postsurgical wounds, pressure ulcers, neuropathic foot ulcers and venous stasis ulcers.

Use of maggots to cure wounds dates back to the 1500s in military history where battlefield surgeons for centuries used maggots to close wounds sustained by soldiers. It however was replaced by the discovery of penicillin in 1940s and was put on the shelf. In the recent years the therapeutic benefits of maggot therapy have been rediscovered due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria which created a new demand for alternative treatments. This therapy is now an FDA approved treatment.

What maggots do is feed on necrotic (dead) tissue while leaving the living tissue unharmed. They secrete

an antibiotic that has an action against many bacteria including the resistant ones. They also produce proteolytic enzymes, which are capable of digesting bacteria. The mechanical feeding of the maggots and the reduction of necrotic tissue changes the wounds environment from an acid to a more alkaline pH, which assists in stimulating healthy granulated tissue (sign of healing). Thats 4 actions in one!

Antibiotics on the other hand either kill the bacteria (bactericidal) or stop reproduction and growth of the bacteria (bacteriostatic). They are not specific to damaged cells so they may harm living cells, have many side effects, and they do not remove the dead tissues either. Removal and cutting off the dead tissue is done manually by surgeons in a procedure called debridement.

Bacteria have now become resistant to a number of antibiotics making the prescription and dispensing of antibacterials redundant. There is a strain of bacteria known as MRSA (methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus) bacteria that is resistant to almost all antibiotics, but maggot therapy has proved to be beneficial. Since these bacteria are found on the skin, open wounds have a high risk of getting infected by them.

Maggot therapy is an efficient, low cost alternative method to cleanse and promote the healing of chronic soft tissue wounds before they progress to a stage where amputation is the only alternative. Many studies have established that pre-amputation maggot therapy is reported to save 4050% of limbs, usually with complete wound healing. You decide, white slimy crawling creatures on your chronic wound with healing powers or popping pills with their side effects and surgical debridement (with anesthesia of course) or maybe a combination of the two?

Maggots are the worlds smallest surgeons. Much cheaper and work 24 hours a day Professor Boulton

Maggots? wound managementLittle Surgeons

By: Neelam A. Ismail


Occupational Therapydisability is not inabilityLeisurely Health

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is the treatment of physical, mental, and social problems using purposeful activities in order to help people reach their maximum level of function and independence. The ability and right to participate in activities of daily life (ADL) is the key focus of occupational therapy. Studies have demonstrated that engagement in occupation is correlated with health, cognitive functioning, and subjective well-being.

What are the different disabilities seen by an Occupational Therapist? COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT - Mental illnesses

(psychiatric), learning disability or intellectual impairment, mental retardation, attention deficit, and autism.

PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT - Paraplegia, stroke, head injuries, amputations, burns, muscular disorders/diseases, cerebral palsy, Downs syndrome, developmental or congenital defects, and speech and language defects.

SENSORY DEFICITS - Nerve injuries, visual impairment/blindness, and hearing impairment.

What are the areas that an Occupational Therapist works in?

Acute care Long term care Home care Outpatients Community rehabilitation Physical rehabilitation Mental health Paediatrics ( Children and /or adolescents) Geriatrics (Older adults)

Occupational Therapists normally consider treating a person holistically, and also look at the individuals occupation (roles, habits, activities, tasks etc.), and the environment in which he or she does those occupations.

When you focus on someones disability youll overlook their abilities, beauty and uniqueness.... - Yvonne Pierre.

Somebody asked me: Youre an Occupational Therapist. How much do you make? I replied: HOW MUCH DO I MAKE? I can make holding your hand seem like the most important thing in the world when youre scared... I can make you equipment so that you can walk when you cant...I can help you to retain your strength after an accident... I can relieve your pain when your pills cantI can give you hope when you have lost one.I can make you get up from a wheel chairI can keep you fit, healthy, and strong... I work all day to make my patients live... I will drop everything and run to make sure you never fall!!!I make my family wait for dinner until I know your family member is taken care of... I make myself skip lunch so that I can make sure that everything I did for you today was correct... I work weekends and holidays because people dont just get sick on Monday Today, I might make your life complete... How much do I make? All I know is, I make a DIFFERENCE

PROFESSIONAL CREATIVEGRAPHIC DESIGNSCall: +255 787 212 256

or e-mail : [email protected]

By: Salma Lalji

Hairloss a balding issueBrains and its intricacies

Got a lot of hair fall? Losing too much hair? Heres a natural, chemical free, and effective solution to all your problems!!!Like they say, The beauty of a woman lies in her hair, therefore it is very important that a person maintains their hair well, not just to look beautiful but also to lead a healthy, stress free life.

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin that is produced in hair follicles in the outer layer of skin. As follicles produce new hair cells, old cells are being pushed out through the surface of the skin at the rate of about six inches a year. The hair you can see is actually a string of dead keratin cells. The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs and loses up to 100 of them a day; so finding a few stray hairs on your hairbrush is not necessarily a cause for an alarm.

However, if a person tends to lose a lot more hair then this, it could be a cause of concern, and therefore the necessary actions should be taken to control it. Hair loss is not just a question of concern to women, but also to men and children.

So what are the causes of hair loss?!? Stress Poor diet(nutritional deficiencies) Dandruff Thyroid imbalance Medications such as allopurinol and warfarin Severe infections and chronic illness Radiation therapy for cancer treatment Use of chemicals such as bleaches,hair colours

and overstyling. Genetic factors Too much exposure of hair to the sun Hormonal imbalances Aging

The following measures can be taken to treat this problem and prevent further loses:- Avoid the application of chemicals (i.e hair colour) and

the excess use of straightners, curlers and blow dryers. Avoid too much exposure of your hair to the sun Oil your hair regularly. Avoid use of too many hair products. Follow a healthy lifestyle - Eat fruits,vegetables and a

protein rich diet. Avoid stress and practice of meditation to reduce it. Regular washing of hair with a good quality and mild

shampoo. Get a good head massage occasionally.This will

stimulate your circulation and keep hair follicles active.

Editors Note: Did you know, half of all men in begin losing their hair around the age of 50. This loss of hair is called androgenic alopecia. It is hereditary and often associated with increased levels of testosterone which is why women hardly have to worry about growing bald!

By: Fatema Mohammed Versi

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What Are Hiccups?The word hiccup was derived from the actual hic! sound, followed by the release of air.

Hiccups (or, medically, synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (SDF), orsingultus) are a completely normal but involuntary reaction of the body, specifically the diaphragm.The actual act of hiccupping is the involuntary contraction of your diaphragm. When hiccupping, your diaphragm contracts, which causes you to inhale suddenly and unexpectedly. Often, only one side of your diaphragm is affected. In up to 80% of the time, it is the left diaphragm. This same involuntary contraction (spasm) causes your glottis - more commonly known as your vocal chords - to clamp shut. So, just as you start to inhale and pull in air, the air is blocked. This sudden inhalation and blocking of air causes you to feel that bump in your throat and produces the hiccupping sound.

Hiccups are not usually serious and in most cases they only lastfor a few minutes.

What Causes Hiccups?The phrenic nerve is a nerve that extends from the throat region of the spine down through the diaphragm. These nerves (the body has a right and left phrenic nerve) are responsible for some sensation in the chest but, much more importantly, are the brains main connection to the diaphragm and are responsible for telling the diaphragm when to contract and relax. Without the phrenic nerves, we would not be able to breathe. Irritation to the phrenic nerve can cause it to tell the diaphragm to contract when its not meant to, leading to hiccups.Other causes are:

Drinking carbonated beverages Drinking alcohol Eating particularly dry foods Eating spicy foods Eating too fast An overly full stomach Air trapped in the stomach Prolonged laughter Sudden changes in temperature Excitement, stress, heightened emotions

Excessive Smoking Acid Reflux Irritation of the phrenic nerve Irritation of the vagus nerve Side effect of various medicines Metabolic disorders Nervous system disorders Hyperglycemia Chemotherapy Brain Tumor

How To Get Rid Of Hiccups?I personally drink a full glass of water at a go and it works all the time. Other remedies are;Sweeten the hiccups. Have a t e a s p o o n f u l of sugar, and if you can, place the sugar on the back of the tongue, where sour is tasted. This way, the sugar overload will pack the most punch.Get Scared Silly Having someone surprise you can overwhelm the vagus nerve and put an end to hiccups.Pull on Your Tongue It may sound strange and immature, but sticking and pulling out your tongue may stop hiccups.

Did You Know? Within 35 milliseconds the glottis closes off the

windpipe, producing the famous hic noise. Fetus also gets hiccups as hiccups strengthen

thediaphragm and prepare the baby for breathing. The record for the longest hiccupping in world

Guinness record is held by a pig farmer named Charles Osborne. He began hiccupping in 1922 and continued until 1990 that is 69 years. He was unable to find a cure but led a normal life, marrying twice and fathering eight children.

Hiccups in Indian and Arabic culture are said to occur when the person experiencing hiccups is being thought of by someone close.

It generally occurs at a frequency of four to sixty per minute.

Hiccups that occur for extended periods of time (days to years) are extremely rare and are known as chronic hiccupping.

Editors Note : Even though only three are mentioned, there are many more ways to stop hiccups. Most of the time, hiccups will go away on their own. However, if they last for more than two days, consult a doctor, and s/he may prescribe medicines or other form of therapy to stop chronic hiccups.

Hiccups unstoppableI was hick saying ...

By: Alina Murji


So you visit your doctor for a prescription for flu or malaria, and after a couple of lab tests, you come to know that youre diabetic. Youll probably first go into a state of panic and fury wondering why the doctor had to be so nosy to check your sugar levels, but then it hits you. You now have to live with it!

You get back home to plan out your meals, and these are the instructions you give to your wife, or for that matter, the home master-chef: From now on my food will all be boiled, and my tea sugarfree, and so that I dont get tempted, there will be no soda and ice-cream in the house.

What is Diabetes?Diabetes is a condition in which there is little or no insulin to control what your body should do with all the food that it receives. In other cases, diabetes is due to insulin resistance. Every meal that you take is similar to unloading

a large container of goods at your shop if you dont have a good manager, your shop ends up looking like it just came through an earthquake. Similarly, if you dont have enough insulin, your body misuses all the nutrients it receives, and this causes trouble!!!

This eventually means the same concept as giving tuitions to a struggling form 1 student you start with grade 4 topics and work your way up as he/she is able to cope with the load. Here we will discuss a few basic concepts that will help plan your diet.

All energy sources are affected diabetes was initially thought as only a sugar disease, and many still picture it that way. But this is not true you have to control your carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. A heavy load of proteins stresses your body to produce insulin in the same way that carbs do. So keep the sumni sumni in check.

The focus is to avoid loading your body quickly simple sugars and fats are absorbed too quickly for your struggling insulin levels to deal with them, so you need to avoid having these on a regular basis. This means avoid the daily sodas, fries and fruits that rush sugars in bananas, pineapples, watermelons etc. Fresh juices and carbohydrate friendly fruits such as apples, avocado, papaya, strawberries, blackberries and the list goes on.

The tougher to digest the better if you have lunch at 1 p.m. and at 4 p.m. youre hungry again, youre having foods that are absorbed too quickly, and your gut wants more avoid the polished rice and breads chapattis, naans, parathas, mandazis.

If you eat it, burn it whenever you enjoy a delicious meal, remember that you are taking more than youll burn by sitting at your office desk. Cycling, swimming and walking

are all great options, provided that you sustain the workout for at least 30 minutes.

Do what you can the diet control should not be a three month activity. This is a lifelong adaptation, so dont stop everything that youre used to.

Less fat = lose weight obesity is not only likely to cause diabetes but it also makes it more difficult to control diabetes. Low fat diets have been the backbone of the diabetic diet for years.

Smells fishy? Fish oils have great advantages in protecting the heart and blood

vessels, and thats what causes the damage in diabetics. These can also be found in fish oil preparations. One such widely available one is produced by Seven Seas Ltd.

All in all, diabetes is a lifestyle disease and controlling it needs a lifestyle modification. There is no single change that will shoot your blood sugar levels down. Having said that, diabetes is preventable and we should try avoiding risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and low physical activity. So let us not look at this at a treatment guideline but as a guide to improve on what we are doing.

Dieting the diabetic wayDiseases Overview

By: Dr Sadiq Dawood

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Tibb-al-Aimma the medicine of the Imams (AS)Islamic Medicine

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What is an illness? Why do we get ill? These questions, and several more regarding disease and distress, cannot be answered simply in scientific and measured values, as illness is a multi-dimensional incidence. It consists of the stereotypical physical realm, as well as psychological and spiritual facets.

The immaculate imams of the holy household were the masters of the great religion of Islam, along with that, the forefront in every field; including medicine and healing. The Tibb-al-Aimma, a collection of ahadith from them, highlights their infinite acquaintance in all matters relating to well-being, health-promotion, treatment and cure of ailments. This volume of therapeutic wonders is a testament to their comprehension and vast array of both natural and spiritual healing. It describes cures to heal the soul of its piercing pains and medications for other diseases of the body.

Imam Amir al-Mumineen (a.s) advised his son Imam Hassan-al-Mujtaba (a.s) regarding health promotion: If you practice these measures, you will not require medicine:

Do not eat unless you are hungry Cease eating while you still have a desire to eat Chew your food well Relieve yourself after awakening from sleep.

He also added that there is no healthiness with gluttony. This statement reiterates the divine view of eating and drinking but not being prodigal (Quran, 7:31), that synopsises medicine.

Furthermore, Imam Jafar-As-Sadiq (a.s) asserted If people eat moderately their bodies will be healthy. In the same light, Imam Musa-al-Kadhim (a.s) added abstaining from certain foods (al-lahmiyya) is the chief medication. The abdomen (al-maida) is the house of illness. Accustom [the body] to what you are used to. It is known that one is what they eat, thus, having a balanced diet (what the body truly needs, and is accustomed to) is unquestionably a mainstay of health.

It is also reported from Hussain ibn Ali (a.s) that, during illness, one should abstain from dates. and one should cure themselves with apples and water.

The eight Imam, Ali ar-Ridha (a.s) recommended avoiding medications as long as the body can bear the illness. Only when it cannot bear the illness, take medications. The

Imams wisdom in this proclamation is contemporarily exemplified by the simple fact that excess and unnecessary usage of drugs can have long-lasting harmful side effects on the bodys daily mechanisms. Similarly, due to drug misuse and abuse, the medical world today is facing a prime predicament concerning increasing pathogenic drug resistance.

Other fundamental principles for achieving vigour, according to the Aimma, include the requirement for rest and calm after suffering from an illness; accustoming the body to routine; understanding the bodys natural constituents and elements, and their balance within the body.

Furthermore the spiritual side of any illness cant be denied, as during our daily trials and difficulties, we experience severe anxiety and displeasure. Many a time, we also feel anxious, sorrowful, agitated, lonely and fearful for no obvious reason.

Regarding falling ill and its causes, Amir al-Mumineen (a.s) opined to his son Hussain (a.s), Dont be distressed, O Abu Abdallah, for there is not one of our Shia afflicted with pain, but that is for a sin committed previously by him, and the pain is purification for him. Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) adds, that as long someone is ill, there is not even a single sin recorded against them.

As for the consequences of illness, Jafar as-Sadiq (a.s) avows from his grandfather Ali ibn Hussain (a.s), who narrates from the Holy Prophet that One nights fever expiates one year of sins.

Physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of medicine have profound influences in the treating of several internal and mental illnesses. Accordingly, healing of the soul may be achieved by seeking healing in the verses of the holy Quran, praying with humility, invocations and supplications.

The Tibb-al-Aimma is thus practical advice for healing through use of foods mentioned in the holy Quran and traditions of the Ahlulbayt.

Designers Note : This article has names of Imams and also translated verses from the Holy Quran. It is advicable to hence use prescibed methods when discarding this magazine, specifically for this article. Thank you

Adapted from Tibb-al-Aimma(by Abdallah, Abu atab and Abdallah, Husayn) By: Faisal Hooda


Water Therapy everything is waterNatural Remedies

Whenever we think about good health, the very first thing is that comes into our mind is exercise and diet, but what may be the most important factor to the health of both our mind and body is the amount of water that we drink.What is water therapy?

Water therapy is the natural treatment for controlling diseases and keeping the body hydrated by the use of water.

How to practice water therapy?Every morning as soon as you get out of bed, before brushing your teeth, drink as least 4 glasses of water, take short breaks in between and after that avoid eating anything for an hour. As we know the body gets dehydrated during the night so taking water early morning helps to boost metabolism and drinking water on an empty stomach helps to purify the colon, making it easier to absorb nutrients. Water therapy is easy and offers wonderful benefits. Water has the ability to cleanse our body of toxins and unwanted waste through urine and sweat. Among other benefits, healthy water consumption can also help maintain the bodys temperature and a healthy glowing skin.

Water therapy has no side effects at all, but remember too much of anything can be bad! So maintain a balance and enjoy the goodness of this wonder drink and trust me you will never actually believe this until you start practicing.

DRINK WATER AND STAY ACTIVE & HEALTHY!

Editors Note: Water is very important for rehydrating our body. For those who do not prefer drinking plain water, they may find Gatorade more appealing, and may use it as a substitute for water. However, there is no ideal substitute for water, and drinking plain water is the best. The next closest thing you can do is add sugar free flavoring to the water. Diluting your Gatorade with water is better than having it in the original form. Fresh fruits are better than fruit juices, due to less sugar content. For those who drink Gatorade, remember to drink no more than 1 bottle per day as too much electrolytes are not good for the body. Moderation is the key!

By: Sajida Dhalla

Feeling tired? Stressed? Constipated? Looking for an easy way to lose weight? Dont worry, here is a very simple way to get the best relief.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Like other cancers, breast cancer is also caused by an abnormal multiplication of cells, this time in the breast tissue. These cells may originate from the inner lining of milk ductsor thelobules that supply the ducts with milk. While the overwhelming majority of cases occur in women, breast cancer can also occur in males.

The abnormal multiplication which occurs in the breast tissue is the consequence of an interaction between defective genes in our body and certain environmental factors. Although a single cause of breast cancer has not been established, multiple risk factors have been implicated. The primary risk factors are female gender and age. Breast cancer is strongly related to age with only 5% of all breast cancers occurring in women under 40 years old. Other potential risk factors include; lack of childbearing, NOT breastfeeding, and long-term use of oral contraceptives. Active cigarette smoking, as well as passive smoking (being exposed to cigarette smoke) has shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. High fat diet, alcohol consumption, and obesity may also play a role in developing breast cancer.

Breast cancer also has a genetic component, and the likelihood of developing it increases when there is a history of breast cancer in the family. Generally, in those patients with a first degree relative with the disease, the risk of breast cancer between the age of 40 and 50 is twice that of the general population.

The first noticeable symptom of b r e a s t cancer is typically a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue, and it is usually painless. More than 80% of breast cancer cases are discovered when the woman feels a lump. The earliest breast cancers are detected by mammogram. Lumps in the armpitscan also indicate breast cancer (due to the presence of lymph nodes). Indications of breast cancer other than a lump may include thickening of skin, one breast becoming larger or lower, a nipple changing position or shape or becoming inverted, skin puckering or dimpling, a rash on or around a nipple, discharge from nipple/s, constant pain in part of the breast or armpit, and swelling beneath the armpit or around the collarbone.

Diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed on the basis of a biopsy. A small part of the breast tissue/lump is excised and taken for microscopic analysis (for evidence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells). A breast ultrasound or a mammography may show signs of a cancerous process, and can therefore be used for screening purposes. However, a biopsy is warranted for definitive diagnosis.

The management of breast cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer. Breast cancer is usually treated with surgery, and then possibly with chemotherapy or radiation, or both. A multidisciplinary approach is preferable.Stage 0 is a pre-cancerous stage or marker condition.Stages 13 are when the cancer is within the breast tissue or spread to nearby lymph nodes.Stage 4 ismetastatic cancer, meaning that the cancer has spread to distant organs in the body. This stage has the least favorable outcome.

Standard surgeries include:Mastectomy: Removal of the whole breast.

Quadrantectomy: Removal of one quarter of the breast.

Lumpectomy: Removal of a small part of the breast.

Radiotherapy is given after surgery to the region of the tumor bed and regional

lymph nodes, to destroy microscopic tumor cells that may have escaped surgery.

Breast cancer can also be managed by medication. There are two types:

Hormonal therapy - Breast cancer is a hormone-dependant tumor, that is, some breast cancers require the estrogen hormone to continue growing. This is why certain conditions, such as first period at a very early age and first pregnancy at a late age have been shown to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Therefore, hormonal therapy involves drugs that either inhibit the production of estrogen in the body, or drugs that block the estrogen receptors in the body.

Chemotherapeutic drugs destroy the fast-growing cancerous cells. They are given in

combinations, usually for 36 months. Predominately used for stage 24 disease, being particularly beneficial in estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) di

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