How many times have you or some you know made the decision to look better, grabbed the fastest, coolest, most effective, most [enter cool marketing term here] diet, and dove right into it? 2 days later, you’re reaching for the Nutella aren’t ya’?

Why does that happen? Well, quite simply, if you have a set of habits, and leave those habits for a while, you might look better, but as soon as you’re back to old you, it’s de ja vu. Let’s make sure this time when you lose weight it’s forever. You need to lose brain weight first! Here are 5 things you need to do before anything, to lose brain weight first!

1)   It’s a marathon, not a sprint

A sprinter runs 100m in less than 10 seconds. Put that sprinter in the New York Marathon, and well, he won’t even get a souvenir. It’s the same with your diet. If you want to look and feel good for the rest of your life, start by understanding that it’s a longer process than you think. Stop saying “I just want to fit in that dress or suit”, and start shooting for a complete life change.

2)   Before you jump to the how, learn the what

What’s the first thing we look at in diets? Duration, effectiveness, results. The fact of the matter is if you don’t understand how your body works, you won’t be able to run it after you’re done with your diet. Unfortunately, you weren’t born with an owner’s manual. So it’s going to take a little reading on your part. I suggest you learn Types of food, how to read food labels and benefits of exercise as a minimum. I’ll cover these in following articles.

3)   Stop reading those emails!

We’ve all read a ridiculous email or two about how bananas can cause pain in your 2^nd left toe, or something to that effect. There are too many misconceptions that you need to correct first, before believing that “eat only tomato soup for the rest of your life” diet. The best way to do this is find a good solid source of info for you to depend on for your information and tips. And the next time you hear the words “I heard that…” at the beginning of a sentence, run!

4)   21 days makes a habit

They do if you do anything in the world for 21 days, it becomes a habit. I don’t know how true that is, but hey let’s give it a whirl! After you’ve learned all you need to learn, and gotten your head straight, it’s time to turn that couch potato in you into someone who doesn’t just play sports on video games. It’s going to take some work, but keep your eye on the prize, and you’ll get there, gradually.

5)   Investment

I don’t have time. I don’t have money. I have a family. My job is stressful. I don’t get back home until 25 o’clock. We’ve all said/heard these excuses before. But let’s look at this way. The only person who gets a say on where you spend your time and money is you. If you’re not spending it on you’re health, It’s probably going somewhere else. Whether that somewhere else is more or less important is your call. To me, these is no better investment than feeling healthy, and looking good. Everything else comes along the way.

By the way, if you think you think you might be too busy, watch this video

I heard my name called from behind me. When I looked back, I’d thought the circus had let out one of their clowns. Oh wait, it was just my friend Ahmed! But why was his nose so red?!

Hajj season is here, and so are the new and improved viruses! As you might know, viruses are quite smart, and constantly change to avoid detection by our immune system. What does this mean? More red noses! Everyone I’ve met in the last 5 days has either been feverish or coughing, or both. They did not look pretty at all. So let’s see how we can keep our immunity up there so that none of those pesky tricky viruses slips in.
1) In the Mood for Food

There are certain foods that you get in your body to boost that immune system, and strengthen your soldiers.

Vitamin C  This is the most famous infection beater-upper. Vitamin C has been shown to increse the number of antibodies (soldiers) that fight infection. As a bonus, it also raises your HDL (good cholesterol). Get some citrus fruits in your food today and keep those viruses away.

Honey and Vinegar both of these have been shown to be ruthless on pesky infections. The great thing adding these two to different salads, foods and recipes actually make them taste good. Be creative!

Garlic A lot of us get annoyed by someone who’s eaten garlic and can’t keep their trap shut. Perhaps viruses feel the same way? Garlic multiplies those infection-fighting white cells, which will make it easier for you to remember: White garlic helps white cells. Say it 10 times!

2) Are you afraid of Pills?

Much skepticism has been attached to natural supplements. Some think it’s medicine for the sick, others don’t like to swallow pills. But the fact is, that if we were to try to get all the vitamins, minerals and good stuff our body needs from food alone, we’d have to eat a truck load! For example, to get all the vitamin C you need, you’d need to eat 6 oranges every day! The easy way out? Take a supplement. Supplement are not drugs and you don’t need to wait until you’re sick to take them. That being said, here are 3 supplements you can take to boost your Immunity!

 Multivitamins Hajj or no Hajj, this should be on your daily to do list. But we should especially make sure we’re taking these to make sure our bodies are working right and ready to take any offense, hopefully with some sportsmanship!

 Omega-3 This special fatty acid is usually found in some of the foods we eat. But again, to avoid eating endless amount of fish and other omeg-3 containing foods, it’s just easier to take these convenient supplements. A study has shown that people who took this experienced a 50% less chance of getting chest infections. Perfect! Omeg-3 also increases the levels of that good cholesterol, and breaks down that bad plaque in the blood vessles. Keep that blood flowin’.

الحبة السوداء  A recent study showed that consuming this seed that the prophet Mohammed –pbuh- mentioned 1400 years ago has shown a reduced level of cholesterol and blood sugar. Again, keep that blood movin’!

3)Move, Fast

Those are two separate words by the way. Moving constantly, and leading an active lifestyle has been shown to be the best way to keep those infections out. Try to get a nice 1 hr. walk, jog or swim at least 3 times a week. Fasting has also been shown to boost your immune system. Think of it like this: with less blood going to your stomach and digestion, more will go to your immune system. All your doing is feeding your soldiers and giving them their paychecks on-time. They’ll be ready to die for you!

So What’s the plan?

Now we know the what. Let’s go to the how. Let’s try to get all of the above into our daily plan, so we can look and feel beautiful and be ready for Hajj shall we?
a) Try to eat as many fruits as you can each day
b) Garlic Honey and Vinegar make regular food super food! Look for recipes or make up your own in the kitchen. A little tricks here and there to help protect your children these days are worth it
c) Immunity Drink: Warm water + Honey + vinegar + الحبة السوداء. Not common, but not weak! Start off your day with this. Remind you of your grandmother?
d) Set a fixed time each day to take your multivitamins and Omega-3
e) Go out on a family walk @ Mamsha Corniche. The weather is beautiful
f) Take advantage of these days, and fast. A good restart for your immunity

Me and Myself

In 2009, some beautiful young men and women came from Riyadh to Jeddah to give us the TNT (Training for New Trainers) course. And this is where it all started. In Riyadh, they had already had the campaign, and now it was our turn to receive the torch and pass on the light to our beloved Jeddawi people. We trained beautiful young people to go out to malls and give out info and help people make the decision to donate, and save a life.

ومن احياها فكأنما احيا الناس جميعا

That was the noble message. But how many of us think of noble messages and deep profound human deeds when it comes to our loved ones? Could you? I don’t know, but we need to make a decision. Lemme help you out:

I)What You Need To Know

We all know how difficult it is to make such a decision. But what we have to understand is that it goes way beyond merely following your gut feeling. There are many factors involved, and many aspects of our life. God is involved. We need to take our time and know all there is to know before making that decision. Here are 3 simple ways to look at it:

1)    Economically

If my kidneys failed, I’d have to 115,000 SR per year for treatment which is more than most of us make in a year. In KSA, there are more than 11,000 people that suffer from kidney failure, with a 9% increase every year! With simple math, you can figure that more than a billion riayls is needed every year to deal with this problem. Thankfully, a society by the name of “جمعية الامير فهد بن سلمان” has many programs that aid this situation. Sadly, Fahd Bin Salman had to die for this society to start, may God rest his soul. The society performs transfusions for 700 patients a year, with a cost of about 80 million SR, with an additional 12 million for other procedures and surgeries. The number is quite small compared the demand of the problem. But it’s something. The other program it provides is organ donation. Organ donation has a big gap to cover (subtract 700 from 11000). Nonetheless, the need is quite clear.

Here is the link to the society and its programs:

http://www.kellana.org.sa/default.aspx

2)    Emotionally

Ok, so let’s get real. Would you do it? Would you agree for your loved one to do it? Forget all those fancy numbers and that economic mumbo-jumbo, and remember that a kidney failure patient renews his blood 1-3 times a week. That’s 1-3 times a week he has to take out of his life to go to a hospital. Most of us don’t do things we love 1-3 times a week. Not enough? How about we turn the tables: How about you ask me what I’d do if the situation was switched and it was MY brother or sister that needed the kidney? What would I feel seeing them go back and forth 3 times a week to the hospital? What if I needed it? What would I think of organ donation then? I know my answer. I’d scramble and fight and yell until I got that kidney. I’d save his/her life because I love them, and would do anything for them not to go. Here is what you need to know: The surgery performed to extract the organ is done with the same privacy and respect to the body as a live human being.

3)    Religiously 

Many of you jumped right to this question as soon you read the title. Here is what you need to know: The debate has been going on forever. One argument is that anything after death is God’s property. The other is the verse: “ومن احياها فكأنما احيا الناس جميعا” . But as always, we scramble looking for Fatwa. The latest one has been issued all the way back in 1402 Hijri. 16 Scholars voted, 14 agreed 2 passed on voting. The problem? Sheikh Bin Baz was among the 2 that voted. This has caused big conflict, as many of us think highly of him. But the fact of the matter is, in 1402 there weren’t 11000 people needing this. And you can always argue that the majority said yes. The prophet said: استفت قلبك right? I’ll leave you with the link to the fatwa, and the decision:

http://www.kellana.org.sa/fatawa.aspx  (It’s the last one down)

II)   The Donation Card

Print the card. Keep it with you at all times

Here is what you need to know: This card does NOT mean you are an automatic donor. It also does not mean that you are registered to donate, as it is in western countries. The latest religious views still mandate that the final decision is in the family’s hands. This card only serves as a promotion token, and the burden is on you now to raise awareness to your family and convince them.

Here in 2011, I truly believe it is our priority to raise our voice and DEMAND a fatwa that puts this decision back in our hands, or else explain why it is not. It does not make sense to me how taking this decision out of the hands of a person (me) and giving it to another (my family) is any different. We need to solve it once and for all. 11,000 people need this decision. Let’s get a fatwa!

After you finished middle school, the words got harder, and the logic got more complex. Now instead of direct orders, they let you deduct the reasoning yourself:

صاحب صنعتين كذاب!

Not only were you expected to have experience in studying, but experience in life, and perhaps some experience in “Hijazi” proverbs! Were you confused? I was. I didn’t get how we heard stories of western entrepreneurs succeeding in what they dreamed of, while we sat there solving “Seen 3 9ad 44”

But I was too immature, too hot headed and to ignorant. It was easier to listen to Baba, Mama and Ustaz “Fulan”.

Then we got into medical school. The language got even more strict, and now they started using verses from the Quraan:

و ما جعل الله لرجل من قلبين في جوفه!

By now, you have guessed what I’m getting at. Now it’s 2011. The most successful ideas in the world came from people who did not listen to any of the above. It’s 2011, and we are just now grasping the fact that you can be smart in school, AND have great ideas, causes, dreams on the side. It’s 2011, and we are just now seeing forums, camps and seminars about leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship. In 2004, when I spoke of such things at the ministry of education, they said exactly what the title of this article says. In 2006, they refused the idea of medical students having activities that might distract them from missing classes that the docs themselves didn’t show up at. It’s 2011, schools haven’t changed, parents haven’t changed.

We still haven’t grasped the possibility of working both sides of our brain. We still run a left brained system that teaches the same exact info, at the same exact pace to kids and students who have unique finger prints. This gets worse in the case of the medical student. We’re asked to think out side a box to reach a diagnosis for example, but forced to stay very well inside one during our education. We envy foreign Nobel prize winners, but fail to realize that we follow a very different path. Sir, Mam, I don’t think Nobel prize winners got there by sticking to the curriculum. I don’t think they are who they are by concentrating on their school work.

Or perhaps it’s more simple than that; Perhaps we don’t have to write any longer;

Perhaps when they actually found a passion that was not written or mentioned in our “holy” curriculum, perhaps they didn’t find anyone calling them a liar.

I have passion. And so do you. Perhaps you should remember that you would have never reached that passion if you weren’t “mrakkiz”!

Maybe the next time a parent or faculty member pretends they know it all and chooses to play the role of an academic advisor, we should all stand say, in one breath:

العب غيرها. صاحب صنعتين كذاب!

In 2004, Steve Jobs refused the typical treatment of cancer, and resided to alternative remedies. He eventually had some surgical procedures, but never Chemo- or Radio therapy. The reason behind such a decision probably lies with him in his grave today, but let’s give it a shot!

Imagine a criminal taking away a member of your family. I for one would want to know who, why, where, when and how that happened, and would want that “criminal” put to justice. Unfortunately, Steve Jobs was not taken by a criminal applicable to a punishment. Our immediate instinct is to put someone or something that has taken someone that has affected and touched our lives so much to justice. Steve Jobs has indeed touched our lives, and has left a big apple-shaped fingerprint on them in the process!

So we want to know! Ya ready?

So Who Took Steve Jobs?

In 2004, Steve was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer. And that’s just a fancy name for….Pancreatic Cancer! He eventually got it taken out, but did not agree to chemo and/or radio. Sounds scary right?! Let’s break it down. It turns out, Pancreatic Cancer can effect two types of cells: Exocrine, and Endocrine (which are just fancy names for….you know the drill!). 95% of all Pancreatic Cancers are Exo- (for short). Stevie got the Endo- though. So the first thing we know is that our criminal is rare. The second is that it is deadly; Only 25% survive to up to 1 yr. and only 6% survive 5 years. It is also the 4^th most deadly cancer in the world. We also know that this cancer does not tell you it’s there until it is well advanced and has settled in your body i.e. Silent and Non-specific. No specific gene has been related to this cancer, and the family history is only a risk factor in 5-10%. In 2008, Stevie required a liver transplant, and got one while he was on one of his two sick-leaves from Apple. So these are things that make our criminal here deadly. But a question arises: Why don’t we try to detect it? I’ll answer that in a bit….

So Who Did It Take?

Does it matter?! Forgive the bold question, but the fact of the matter is that when such fierce criminals come to attention, we usually do two things: Remember the virtues of the victim, and enquire about the criminal. Let’s do a little bit of both:

What Did We Learn?

I think we can learn two major things from the incident. In 2006, Steve Jobs gave a talk, and was quite thin even after he reassured everyone that he was fine, and that the tumor had been dealt with. But what raised the media’s attention was how much credit he was giving others in his speech. He was remembering everyone else’s contributions. One word: Perspective! That’s what Steve had acquired, that’s the first thing we can learn. The second is the answer to why did he refuse treatment. And the answer is in another question: What could he have done anyway? We are talking about a rare type of a deadly silent cancer that has a low survival rate even with treatment. Steve chose the palliative path. It was 2004 when he made that decision, who knows how chemotherapy would have affected him and Apple. This is the second lesson: He probably made the right decision

Why Don’t We Try To Detect It? 

The fact of the matter is there are no optimal methods to screen or prevent Pancreatic Cancer just yet. But wouldn’t you agree that the perspective Steve had gained could very well be one that he could pass on? Let’s grasp that perspective and try to screen and detect those cancers that we do know how to screen for. I believe Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity for us not to take things for granted. Please view the below video. Tell a friend, tell your Steve Jobs!

Steve Jobs Trivia: He was a Pescetarian. He ate only fish, no meat

Then we graduated high school. We applied to the most prestigious school there is around here: Medical school. And just like that, the feeling was gone. All of the sudden, what was so special about us was not so special anymore. It’s not that “cool” when there are 250 copies of you – I’m referring to students here, not clones. And that’s the keyword; Copy!

God has blessed me with two smaller “copies” of me, my two little brothers. I get a chance everyday to see the various stages of their lives. But most importantly to me nowadays, I get to reflect upon the path I once took. Again the word strikes my mind; Copy! They wake up, eat, go to school, take 1+1 again, come back home, eat and sleep. I once lived this life. And seeing that the only progress I make these days could very well be extracurricular, or peri-curricular I like to call it –outside college but based on what we take in it, I think we very well might be living the same lives. 

You see, my read on this is the following: When we were back in school, the roof was set so low then it wasn’t something special reaching it in the first place. However, we thought it was amazing because of those attractive numbers: 98-99-100. Nobody told us what those numbers measured in the first place. All of the sudden the roof was lifted, and everyone was on their own. And well, the natural variation that God created in us all began to show, just like it should have from day 1 in school! When you have a medical student who will communicate with patients, who does not know how to present something, you know the roof was set too low. When you have medical students who will need to make decisions in a fraction of a minute, yet you’re surprised at their failure in deductive thinking and problem solving, you know the roof was set too low.

But how would we know? Was there any way to measure that in school? No! And I won’t tire myself with criticism of our educational system. But let me tell you what scares me: Even now, in the most prestigious of colleges, we don’t have that “way” either. A student can still graduate with high marks, and not be able to present, not have social skills, not be at least average at deductive reasoning and problem solving, all skills we need when dealing with lives for God’s sake!

So the question is: If these are things we don’t measure, and don’t learn, what do we learn?

Answer: 1+1…. Over … and over… again

So what I initially thought was complete removal of that roof in our education, was only a slight rise. The roof is still there, suppressing our logic, our reasoning and our socialism as future doctors, and university students in general. My only fear is that after we graduate again, the roof will be lifted again but this time not with 250 copies, but with 250+ patients that might die at our hands. Because of our failure, our education’s failure.

I leave you with this MUST SEE video of Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talk about how school kills creativity

10 years later, I’ve come to brief but crystal clear conclusions. 

I’ve realized that even structures as big as whole communities, or perhaps as large as a whole people who follow a certain religion or ideology, can go through changes. These changes however minute or tiny will inevitably reach a tipping point, and either lead to prosperity or disaster. To me in this case, the changes had been the ideas implanted in our young moldable minds, and the tipping point was actually quite literal, in 9/11. We live 10 years later today. I don’t have the sociological knowledge or tools to determine how our learning has changed. But I have eyes, and they say that we are surely living the consequences of an irreversible outcome of those changes. In the words of my good friend Abdullah Al Harbi @abdool8, this is probably the 3^rd worst thing that has happened to Muslims in history. I’ll leave you to fill in your own first 2. My respect and condolence to non-Muslims effected as well.

But we were left with a lesson, or so I hope.

Let’s look at a smaller structure than those communities. The very units that make them up; The human being. In light of the beginning of what I think is a “Health Revolution”, I can’t help but reflect at that level. Some changes are silent. Some will who only after 10 years. Some will take more. But one thing is for sure, when they come, they come.

I cannot envelope every single lesson, feeling, emotion, tear, consequence, remorse, punishment, controversy and image of a hurt family in a single article. I can’t in a whole lifetime. I can however, comprehend the shock I’m in today. The shock at what changed my young mind had gone through. The shock at all those people celebrating. The shock at people still celebrating. But most of all, the shock at some of those changes still happening in the utmost oblivious fashion. Perhaps we are waiting for another tipping point. Perhaps that tipping point will be just as useless as this one?!

I think the best conclusion though is what another friend had to say:

“What we should remember  today is how much easier it is to destroy than to build buildings, trust, nations”

God have mercy on all the souls that we lost that day. God have mercy on all the trust we lost that day. God have mercy on all the nations we lost that day.

On the 5th of September, my two little brothers walked out of the KAAIA terminal, and into my arms (except for the older one, who just wanted to shake hands; Puberty, pfft!) I must admit the thoughts that ran through my head were a bit abstract. But immediately, after all the tears and special handshakes, I thought: What have I done for them?!

I’ve been going to medical school for about 5 years now. Ever since, I’ve struggled with putting my finger on the specialty I’d like to pursue, which is not really a problem as most say you must finish your studies to be able to decide. But spending the whole summer away from them has, I have to say, played a role in this decision. I have made up my mind about what I want, and before completing my school years. This is the story of that decision.

For some reason, that I really don’t know I was watching Saudi TV channel 1. There must have been nothing else on, or else I decided to go back and see how many “TV” years we were behind here in Saudi. That’s not important though. An interview with a Dr. Saud Kateb, A professor at KAU in Media, was on. I didn’t know what the interview was about, or who this person was, but his words caught my attention immediately:

“We as professors really suffer with the upcoming new university students. This is a result of a broken educational system. We literally have to go back and fix the broken pieces, and cover the deficient grounds. There are actually students who I teach that don’t know how to open an email. Imagine!” The interviewer then asked what the solution was. His answer was pure and simple, and….. pure:

“We need better education in earlier years”

BOOM! That was all it took. I made my decision right there and then; I will pursue Pediatrics. Call it the straw that broke the camel’s back, or whatever animal you choose. Here is why I made that decision.

Jumping off topic for a bit, Take a look at the blow illustration

     Ultimate Health                      Disease                                 Death  

This is called the health continuum. On the left is 100% health, which only one person ever reached; Superman! On the right is death which is inevitable. Somewhere in the middle is disease. If we were to ask ourselves a simple question: Where does most of our intervention (money or effort we spend on fixing our health) come on this diagram? The answer would be towards the right i.e. AFTER disease. The simple concept of Health Promotion (which I believe to be the future of medicine) mandates that intervention is applied towards the left; BEFORE disease. It’s quite simple. Prevent the occurrence of disease, before it gets the best of us, and our money!

What does this have to do with my decision you ask? Hold on…

If we were to draw a similar illustration, but this time lets call it the “Education Continuum” for the Saudi child. But instead of Health and Death, this time let’s do it in terms of age; The extremes would be Birth and Death respectively.

Birth                                     Childhood                        Adulthood

So let’s ask the same question, but this time for our children: Where would the best intervention come in your opinion?

The answer to me is: Childhood.

So why did I make my decision? Why did I decide to eventually poor all my medical knowledge into your/our children? It’s simple.

Pediatrics (Children’s medicine) means catching the human being on the earlier part of his/her age spectrum. Pediatrics means better access to families, which would in turn mean better opportunities for educating them, before they acquire those bad habits that all our doctors tell us about. The difference is that it’s usually too late. Not in Pediatrics though. Imagine a family with a first child. Wouldn’t that family be interested to learn everything that might be beneficial to their precious jewel? (No offense to all you middle children out there).

Quite simply, Pediatrics to me, means hope. This logic can be applied to whatever specialty you’re in. God help me apply it to mine. Maybe then, we’ll have university students that can open their emails, perhaps to read a Health Promotion article or two. What’s wrong with dreaming, right?!

This Ramadan was different for me. After an amazing experience last year, I decided to repeat it this year, but this time, I’d take a couple of folks along the way with me. It’s been great so far, but this is just the beginning. Let me start this story from the end though, and tell you how I’m feeling. I feel a wave of overwhelming emotion. I feel immobile, static, helpless, angry. Not for my self, whom I seldom feel pity for, but for my country, and my countrymen and women. 

In my eyes, we’ve become a very morbid country. As a nation, we, dare I say, have at least, AT LEAST 30% of our population with one or more limitation in function. And when I say function, I don’t mean blood circulation, or digestion (don’t be mislead by my background). I mean function as a citizen, as a unit shifting gears in this machine of a nation that is Saudi Arabia. Why you ask? Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart disease and Obesity are all swarming around the 30% mark (more or less). This has not become a matter of healthcare, or how inconvenient it is to take 14 pills a day. This is not a matter of boring yourself everyday by reminding your forgetful grandma with her pills. I am talking about quality here.

So how does that touch our lives? Sit tight…

Studies as early as 1992 have shown that companies with a percentage of employees that have one or more of the above chronic conditions, have shown more decreased productivity rates than their competitors. Think about it like this: If you have a morbid disease, that means more sick leaves, less hours of real work everyday, fewer positions the company/organization can appoint you, seeing as some of them are physically demanding. Think how many companies like that we have in Saudi. Think how limiting this is for our economy, for our country.  Speaking of economy, do you know how much its costs the country to treat each of the above? I’ll let you Google it..

But let’s get less technical. I want to stop talking about KSA, and focus more on my grandmother Rogaya. My grandma grew up in a time when every Saudi practically had an oil well in their backyard (excuse the exaggeration). That meant, more attention to the sudden addition of options in foods, lifestyle, luxury and the likes. But guess what? Less attention to health and healthy habits. I don’t think it’s my Grandmother’s or her time’s fault, for they didn’t know any better. But that being said, now that WE know better, does that make it ours if we were to end up like her? I say yes….

“Tata Rogaya” has mild Diabetes, Blood pressure, Osteoarthritis in both knees, and the list goes on. How many members of your family have one or more of the above? Don’t you ever sit there, gaze off into nowhere specific and think and reflect about their lives? Don’t you ever wonder what would happen if you were in their shoes? If I were to tell you that you didn’t need to be a doctor or a professor to be able to help them, or at least, the future you, wouldn’t you jump at the notion? Just in case you don’t believe me, sit tight…again…

How about you forget us?! We’ve been raised in schools where our breakfast was Chips, Donuts, and Flavored milk that had more sugar than Pepsi!! (Very true). Forget us!! We’ve been brought up in an environment, where in high school we only had ONE physical education class the whole WEEK! I can say, being an athletic person that it was hardly educating. I say athletic person, and not athlete, because that’s the only opportunity I ever got. And guess what? For most girls, there were 0! So forget us! Let’s talk about our kids. I am talking about a simple right, not an extra favor. I am not suggesting we send our children to study at the Hilton!

So what does this have to do with Ramadan? Let’s go back to the beginning of the story when I decided to take some people with me along the way. Most people I meet dread Ramadan in light of them always gaining weight by the end of it. I see it the other way around. God did not give me a miracle, I just decided to change the way I viewed Ramadan. I decided to change the ideas in my head. We all say: “Well, It’s hard because our environment doesn’t help”. Guess what? I changed my environment as well. I isolated myself from distraction, and sent out messages of positivity into a virtual environment that has helped and been there for many who joined me in this change. Not a change of weight, but a change of mindset, of understanding that this blessed month does not have to be a month of bloatedness. It is a miracle tool that can be geared to what ever you want it to serve.

To me, this year, it was health.

I am not saying spoil our children. I am just saying, give them a chance…

How? Well, it’s one of the following: Maybe your Mr. Superman economist/Policy maker who can change the ways we deal with health in a snap! Maybe…

But if you’re not, you might decide to help your Grandma watch her food, and take her meds. Or maybe you can remember that some of our children are actually passionate about sports for example (like I used to be), but never got the chance. Maybe you could remember that I played football 3 times a week on concrete and broken glass in my own neighborhood, and that was STILL 2 more times than I ever did at school. Or maybe you’re the spiritual kind. Maybe you are one to sit there sometime in 2012 right before you go to sleep, look at yourself and reflect upon your health, and you’ll have only God. And maybe Ramadan….

Either way, whether yourself, or the people around you, those you care about, it’s time we simple sat down, as a country, and gave us/them a chance.When I gave the people around me a chance God, they made the right decisions. Help me to keep doing this. That is all I ask.

Maybe, just maybe then, that 30% will be shedded to 13 or even 3, justmaybe. And maybe then, we’d have a more functioning country, and less limited “Tata Rogayas”.

Ameen

Near the end of every single Ramadan, I hear the same caller –or so it seems- call the “sheikh” on the radio and ask the same exact question: How can I carry the spirit of Ramadan beyond Ramadan sheikh?! To all of you who shared this journey with me this Ramadan, I hope you will be sitting around sometime in 2012, before you go to sleep, reflecting upon how your health has improved. You will have only God to thank. But perhaps you’ll remember that you owe Ramadan. And just maybe, you’ll have found at least one way to keep the Ramadan spirit beyond Ramadan. Food for thought.

When you read history, it is easy to be amused by the thrilling stories of battle and triumph. It is less easy, however, to read “into” history. Sometimes stories have amusement and excitement to offer, and sometimes they offer lessons applicable in the most unexpected aspects of our times. Personally, I stand at no limit when it comes to this habit. I am not hesitant to listen to history even in matters of my own personal life. And seeing as the theme of this Ramadan for me (and who ever has been following) has been health –which is most surely a very personal issue- I did not hesitate to learn and apply.

So how is Khaled Ibn Al Waleed going to make me healthier? 

Pure and simple; Always have an exit strategy. In war, “Exit strategy” refers to a decision which a leader takes to preserve his army’s blood, as was demonstrated by the genius of Khaled Ibn Al Waleed, whom many Muslims blamed for going back, and not continuing attack. In business, it refers to a move whereby two entities escape a crisis, or seek a common goal. So why not apply it to health? I have. And let me tell you how. Like anything, with your health, you should never try something new –whether a lose-100 kilos in 10 days diet, or a magical Makkawi potion- unless you are fully aware for the consequences. To make it simple, I know thousands of people who plan diets and exercise programs, but never sit and take the time to plan for “after”. This is what I want to do today. So sit tight, and let’s learn together how we can get our selves out of what we got our selves into; Let’s plan our exit strategy

Here are some common things we all plan for in our lives, health-wise, but always seem to get stuck in, in a never-ending whirlpool.

1)   Goal setting

This is usually the first step we all take when we decide to shave those extra kilos off. We sit down, or stand in front of the mirror, and say: “Gee, what I’d give to fit in those jeans, or get rid of those ugly sides”. So what do we do? We say, OK! I have a wedding two weeks after Eid, and I really want that black dress, or nice blue pants, so I have 6 weeks to get thinner. So we start eating everything that’s green, until your mom starts asking where all that Close-Up toothpaste went, and we start walking and running like crazy, until that occasion. Then comes the amazing moment in front of the mirror 6 weeks later: Glorious music plays in the background, and tears come down your eyes, you fit!! You go to the wedding, come back home, and wake up the next morning. Now what? I’ll tell you what, it’s another 6 weeks, but this time no toothpaste, only a larger waist. So where was the problem? You didn’t listen to Khaled. My friend Obai Al Basheer, who is also a medical student had some interesting things to say on the matter:

Goal setting is a principle we apply in every single aspect of our lives, You study business because you have a goal, in which is to get that certificate, We save that extra 200 SR every month so we can get those amazing pair of shoes we saw in Zimas, And so on, The common mistake we all make is that we don’t have an exit, To me I have created my own exit, Which is Re-sitting my goals, So once I jump out of the previous goal exit, I find myself getting into the next goal I set to myself” 

He Added:

“In the same exact moment you get onto that scale and realize you lost 5 kilos, even before doing your happy dance, THINK OF NEXT STEP! Always remember, Your mentality is the container and your shape is the water, You can always empty some water, but if you never changed the size of the container, The same amount of water will eventually fill it!” Follow Obai @obaialbashir

You see, even the process of goal setting itself has to have an exit strategy. You have to know what you are going to do after “This” period of what ever it is you’re doing now is over with. And you have to know it now! Not after Eid, not after the wedding, but now! A useful and simple way to do this is always have a goal that serves into a bigger goal. Know what you’re going to do after you’re done. Grant it, the Romans won’t come after you and kill you, but the mirror will!

2) Hunger 

So let’s think about those 6 weeks again. Something else happened that we probably never thought of, and therefore, never planned an exit strategy for; Hunger. Let’s put it this way: We all know that there must be some sort of calorie control when trying to adjust your lifestyle. So we all start by finding out how many calories we are allowed to have in one day, and then eat that amount or less depending on our goal. But what we don’t anticipate is the fact that such adjustments will surely bring on lots and lots of hunger. Try going from eating at Chilies’ 3 times a week, to eating Caesar Salads everywhere you go. It’s not fun. But guess what?! If you don’t plan to beat that hunger, it will beat you. The solution is simple: Never get hungry! Sound funny? Hold on. Since the 70s, the concept of snacking has been known to provide a good percentage of people’s dietary intake. All we have to do is pimp-up this concept to suite our busy lifestyles, and we’re set to go. If your workplace orders fastfood everyday, don’t hesitate to bring in a banana, some nuts or what ever you like as a snack. Never go 3 hours without eating. Also, between meals, use the handful rule: A handful of nuts, dried fruits, yogurt, etc. Trust me when I say taking 5 minutes to think about these things will go along way in keeping you healthy. So you see how we did that? Lowering calories lead us to hunger, and by planning to not get hungry, we snuck our way out of the problem, and made getting fit easier. God this Ibn al Waleed guy is genius!

3)   Taking a Day Off AKA “Ta5bee9″

I am not concerned what you do on your day off, I’m simply reminding you to think about what you’re going to do on the day after. Whether taking that day off was intentional, or you were forced to go to a party, in which you sat next to an old lady who had the biggest spoon ever, you need to pretend it never happened, never tell anyone, and bounce back the next day. The feelings of guilt or shame that keep us intact and eating right, should not overwhelm us into losing hope. We simply need to have an exit strategy. To me, my exit strategy for big-spoon-old-lady-day is running. For you, it might be something else; Walking, swimming, a strict one-day detox diet. Whatever it is, don’t wait until that day to think about it. Over time, this habit of planning these exit strategies will give you a sense of balance that you’ve never felt before. From my experience, I enjoy the discipline that it instills on other aspects of my life. But that’s just me. So imagine that you had that one choco- sundae and you feel that you’ve driven yourself in trouble. Now imagine being able to snap right out of it, just like that.

4)   After Ramadan

I can’t believe we’re even talking about Ramadan leaving. But in our case, we have to. I won’t go into too many specifics. I’ll leave that for next week Insha’Allah. But there is no harm in sounding a sound bell nudging us to think of the healthy spirit we all came into this Ramadan with. Now, let’s think about the strategy we wish to leave with. Food for thought.

Conclusion: After the news of Ja’far Ibn Abi Taleb’s (The 2^nd leader in Mu’tah) death reached Madinah, his family did not take the news that easily. Our beloved Prophet Muhammed –PBUH- ordered the people of Madinah to cook food for Ja’far’s family, to comfort and console them. Even back then, food was used to make people happy. I don’t know if it was rice and meat, or a chicken quesadilla, but I do know that I hope one day I can have a taste of not the spices and flavors, but the warmth food once provided. 

Follow Me @rayankarkadan

Today, I’d like to get more practical. How can I lose those extra Kilos? How can I let Ramadan do it for me? There is one thing we must understand well before we continue: There is NO! universal, magical program or potion that will make all 7 billion earthlings lose weight or live healthy. That is why I stress that we all learn together, and that we enable and empower each other, rather than spoon-feed. Give me a fish, feed me for a day. Teach me how to fish, feed me for a lifetime. Right?! So here we go. Today, I’ll put my pen down, in favor of other pens.

Today, I have 3 guests that I have utmost respect for. A doctor, a medical student and a Nutritionist. Yes, you can pretty much say I’ve brought “Diet Center” to your browser.

Note: Again, if you haven’t read the last two articles, please go back and read them. (Part1 – Part2)We all want this to be a permanent lifestyle change, and not another Yo-yo diet. And that starts from your mind and heart.

Today I’ll let my guest bloggers, and myself,  highlight 3 ways you can lose a good amount of weight, look and feel good for Eid, and most importantly, be healthier for life. Today, I bring a hashtag, a table and an effective program.

Step #1:  The #McJigger Hashtag on Twitter 

I started this hashtag, with my fellow mcJiggers, to provide a simple, social way for you to stay motivated during Ramadan. Here is how it works: People, including myself post what they have for Iftar and Sahoor everyday. They also post any physical activity they do that day. Other visitors can simply visit it daily for tips and information. Start today by posting your food and exercise, and you’ll be surprised by the amount of support and encouragement you’ll find. This is a simple way for you to take charge, to be in control through interaction with others who have very similar goals. The best part? We will all celebrate achieving our goals in Eid! Together! #McJigger @rayankarkadan

Step #2:  Count your Ramadan food Calories

A lot of people have been asking to know how much “Ramadan” foods contain in terms of calories. A very valid question, and very scarce resources if I may say. So we did something about it. Dr. Amal Bakhashwain and Nutritionist Rehab Al Yousef combined efforts and provided us with a these answers we’ve been looking for. I’ve compiled these facts in the table below:

WARNING:

Foods that are not suitable for Cardiac, Diabetic patients:

Fried Samboosa – Turumba – Lukimat (They combine the two dangers of being fried and high calorie count).

Note: If you don’t know how many calories you should have everyday, use the links below to calculate:

In English:

 http://www.bmrcalculator.org

InArabic:

http://www.moh.gov.sa/HealthAwareness/MedicalTools/Pages/CalorieCalculate.aspx

For any questions, feel free to follow and ask:

#McJigger – @rayankarkadan – @amaloli – @rehabsaal

Step #3:  An Effective Physical Activity Program

In addition to getting in the mood, setting your goals and watching what you eat, You need an effective physical activity program. But not any program, one that was done here in Saudi, by Saudis and custom built for Ramadan. Obai Al Bashir, a medical student whom I’ve tried this program with last Ramadan, has put together this practical program for you to lose some Kilos before Eid –Inshallah.

Feel free to follow him and ask on Twitter @Obaialbashir

- Why is this program effective?

    as most of you know, The main source of energy to the body is glucose, which is produced through different processes consuming different energy stores in the body.

    What you need to know is that during long periods of starvation (8 hours and more) the body shifts its energy consuming to the fat stores it has, since it has already consumed all the glycogen stores in the muscles and the liver during the 1st several hours which leads to:

- a process called “Lipolysis” in which the fat in fat cells is turned into something called “ketone bodies” which in turn will work as the energy source to the body in those starvation periods.

   Those fat cells are basically what we all want to burn and are the building blocks to those extra layers of fat ruining your shape.

In normal days those starvation periods are represented in the early morning period right after you wake up. (considering you have a healthy day and night life), which is pretty hard to a lot of people due to different reasons, including time to those who work and study, the desire to grab whatever is next to you and eat it since you don’t have enough motive not to, and different other reasons.

    In the holy month of Ramadan what happens is that u are blessed with the chance to do that in the pre-iftar period, which is a free time to most of us + you are restricted by fasting not to eat before Maghrib, which makes it way much easier to do the next:

THE PROGRAM:

1- Try to spare some time before iftar, not less than 20 min, not more than an hour, considering your state of health, target, intensity of exercise and level of commitment.

2- Commit to the time you gave to yourself, And give yourself the time you can commit to.

3- Make sure it’s right before iftar, So you don’t have some hard time dehydrated and waiting for the Maghrib athan.

4- Choose a workout that you enjoy, suits your body built and that is most practical and simple. (walking – cycling – swimming – jogging – aerobics – body pump.. etc).

5- Adjust the time to the intensity of the workout. for example (walking 5 km/h for 45 min), (jogging 8.5 km/h for 25 min) etc..

6- after finishing your workout right after the Maghrib, Have iftar and never skip it or delay it

7- That iftar should have all food groups + simple sugars but in small amounts , (chicken soup = carbs + proteins) , (dates = simple sugars) .(olive oil = unsaturated fat)

8- Iftar meal should be small in quantity, high in nutrients.

9- 2 hours later you can have a decent dinner of your own choice (not McDonald’s though).

10 – an extra step to those who wanna do some more work is to work out after dinner in about 1-2 hours whatever they do in their normal days “to me body building”

* Quick tips:

- Never fill a stomach after starvation.

- Never underestimate the power of knowing your body physiology.

- Always try to have the simple sugars from a fruit, or any natural source, I.e: honey.

- Never skip a meal (iftar – dinner – suhoor)

- Never exhaust yourself, if u ever feel dizzy stop immediatly, lay down on yourback, raise ur legs above ur head level and rest till you regain your strength.

Best of Luck

Obai A. Albashir

————————————————————————————————————————

لماذا البرنامج هذا فعال؟

مثل ما يعرف البعض, الجلوكوز يمثل المصدر الرئيسي للطاقة في جسم الإنسان, ويتم الحصول على

الجلوكوز عن طريق عدة طرق يتم خلالها استهلاك عدة مصادر للطاقة في الجسم.

 الجدير بالذكر انه في حالة الجوع او الصيام (أكثر من 8 ساعات) يقوم الجسم بتحويل استهلاكه للطاقة إلى مخازن الدهون بعد أن يكون قد استهلك مخزون الجلايكوجين في العضلات والكبد في خلال الساعات الأولى من الصيام مما يؤدي إلى: 

- عملية تفكيك الخلايا الدهنية وتحويلها الدهن الموجود بداخلها إلى ما يطلق عليه (أجسام كيتون) التي ستقوم بتزويد الجسم بالطاقة التي يحتاجها في هذه الفترة. تلك الخلايا الدهنية هي الوحدات التي تمثل طبقات الدهون التي نحملها في أجزاء مختلفة في أجسامنا مشوهة المنظر الخارجي والتي يرغب جميعنا في التخلص منها.

- في الأيام العادية في السنة تكون فترة الجوع أو الصيام متمثلة في بداية فترة الاستيقاظ من النوم في الصباح الباكر قبل تناول أي أطعمة, هذا الوقت يعتبره الكثير بالذات من مجتمعنا أنه وقت صعب لممارسة التمارين لأسباب منها: الالتزام بالدوام وعدم توفر الوقت الكافي, الاعتياد على تناول الطعام فور الاستيقاظ من النوم وعدم وجود دافع كافي لممارسة الرياضة قبل هذه الخطوة.. وأسباب أخرى.- الذي يحدث في شهر رمضان المبارك أنه هذه الفترة تكون ممتدة إلى ما قبل الإفطار, نظرا لالتزامنا بالصيام والتي هي وقت فراغ لمعظمنا مما يعني أنها ميزة لا نجدها في بقية شهور السنة ويجب استغلالها بفعل الآتي:

البرنامج:

1- حاول توفير بعض وقت الفراغ قبل الإفطار, بحيث ألا يقل عن 20 دقيقة, ولا يزيد عن 60 دقيقة, مع الأخذ في الاعتبار: حالتك الصحية, صعوبة التمرين, الهدف المرغوب تحقيقه ودرجة الالتزام لديك.

2-التزم بالوقت الذي توفره لنفسك, واعط نفسك الوقت الذي تستطيع الالتزام به

3- تأكد أن يكون التمرين قبل الإفطار مباشرة حتى لا تعاني من الجفاف والعطش منتظرا الأذان.

4- اختر تمرينا تستمتع به أو تحبه, يناسب بنيتك الجسدية, وأن يكون سهل التطبيق وعملي. (مشي – هرولة – سباحة – أيروبيكس – إطالة… الخ)

5- وازن بين صعوبة التمرين والمدة الزمنية له, حيث كل ما زادت صعوبته, قلت مدته. مثال:(مشي بسرعة 5كم/س لمدة 45 دقيقة) – (هرولة بسرعة 8.5 كم/س لمدة 25 دقيقة) وهكذا..

6-بعد الانتهاء من التمرين وبعد أذان المغرب, يجب تناول طعام الإفطار فورا من غير تأخير.

7- يجب أن يحتوي طعام الإفطار على جميع مجموعات الطعام (نشويات – بروتين – دهون) + سكريات أحادية, (شربة دجاج = نشويات + بروتين), (تمر = سكريات أحادية), (زيت زيتون = دهون غير مشبعة).

8- يجب أن تكون وجبة الإفطار قليلة في الكمية, مليئة بالمواد الغذائية المفيدة (فيتامينات – معادن)

9-  بعد ساعتين تقريبا يمكن تناول طعام العشاء بكمية معقولة حسب اختياركم الشخصي. (مع مراعاة اختيار وجبة مفيدة والابتعاد عن الوجبات السريعة والدهنية والمقليات)

10- للراغبين في فعل المزيد يمكن ممارسة أي نوع من الرياضة بعد وجبة العشاء بساعة أو اثنين.

نصائح سريعة:

- لا تملأ المعدة بعد الصيام أبدا!!

- لا تقلل من أهمية معرفتك بفسيولوجية جسمك في الحصول على أفضل النتائج.

- حاول أن تحصل على السكريات الأحادية من الفواكه أو أي مصدر طبيعي, مثل العسل.

- لا تتجاوز وجبة, يجب تناول جميع الوجبات في وقتها (إفطار – عشاء – سحور)

- لا ترهق نفسك في التمرين قبل الإفطار, لو شعرت بالدوخة أو الإعياء توقف فورا وتمدد على ظهرك رافعا قدميك فوق مستوى رأسك حتى تسترجع قواك.

مع تمنياتي لكم بالتوفيق

أبي أحمد البشير 

Special Thanks to: Dr. Amal Bakhashwain – Rehab Al Youssef – Obai Al Bashir. And all the #McJigger who participated. Ramadan Kareem. See you, the new you, in Eid Inshallah

It is quite difficult to hug something that is intangible. It’s almost like trying to handshake with a smile, or converse with an emotion. But what if you were somehow able to turn that intangible into something tangible; Something huggable?

Last time I promised myself that I’d call this Ramadan the month of learning. But that wasn’t as accurate as reality. You see, the story of the agitated, unstable, hungry, mad, very bloated man was me a couple years ago, which is when my real learning started. I started comparing between what our Ramadan was like, and what it should be like. A couple years later, here I am, hugging Ramadan. Back then, I felt like there were meanings, strong beautiful meanings, on paper, online, practically anywhere except where they should be: my mind, my soul, my heart. So I had to do something about it, and that I did. I had to somehow make myself understand that meaning firsthand. There was no better way to do that than to actually feel those meanings, experience those effects and restore that purpose of Ramadan – the one we read about. It’s a simple equation really: Your actions (the cause) = (produce) Feelings (Effect). Our lives, now are far from that my friend. There is a disturbance in our Ramadan, in our equation, and I was not going to stand quiet any longer.

I’ve come to believe that the programming in our minds is confused. It’s as if it were saying to us: You say to me that Ramadan is a month of cleansing, or remembering the poor. Well, I can assure you the poor don’t stuff their faces after Maghrib until they’re so full they start seeing a unicorn instead of an Imam at “Taraweeh”. So I started fixing my equation!

I made sure that I had as little jobs and errands to do in Ramadan as possible. I wanted my mind to be clear, and my thoughts to be near. I made sure that I and only I was who would determine what I’d eat this month. But before that, I had to learn what was good for me, and how to organize my meals so that I remained energized and clear-minded all day long. I made sure that I wrote, and before I wrote I read. Amount in = amount out. Simple. This was time for me, to restore my spirituality, my balance and my clarity of mind. This, to me, was about producing a better, healthier, calmer me. And trust me when I say, the fruits of this trial came along the way, and very quickly I might say. I am a strong believer in “Al Baraka”, but also a strong believer that it is sometimes acquired and sought, not just a free gift from God. I fought for it, I worked for it, and I believe I got it back then. The fruits were that instead of gaining weight, I lost weight, just in time for Eid. Instead of fighting the crowded streets of Jeddah, I enjoyed the quiet serenity of my own home, in Jeddah as well. And finally, and most importantly, I have this experience, this story to share with everyone. Everyone can have that story, or perhaps a different one, but one nonetheless.

What I have today, though, is a little more than a story. A wild thought. A crazy notion perhaps, but one that I tried, and maybe felt.

So how can we hug Ramadan?

How can we turn an intangible into a tangible? By the equation I wrote above, and by many more smaller equations. Action = feeling. It’s as simple as that. But before we turn our thoughts into tangibles, we must work to change the idea we have about Ramadan in the first place. You see, if you were to imagine Ramadan as a person right now, with the ideas you have, you’d probably imagine a person with a triangular Samboosa head, and the red skin tone of “Vimto”. The sad thing is, I don’t even say that as a joke. As I talked about health many times, I was approached by one saying: You ruined the taste of Ramadan for us. I replied by simply nodding: Ramadan to you is Soobya and Samboosa?

I started feeling what I do. I started making sure my mind and body understood what I was doing, and if it didn’t we Googled it, and if it still didn’t understand I translated. I made sure that every time I felt good or energized, I shouted and let myself know that that was Ramadan doing its work. I made sure that when I changed my jeans size to a smaller one, I gave Ramadan some credit.

So if Ramadan were a person in front of you now, what would he/she be like? What would that hug feel like? Would it have the grip and masculinity of a caring man, or the delicacy and softness of compassionate woman? How would it look at you? What would you say to it? How much do you thank God everyday that He’s sent this person, or rather, how thankful are you for this person in the first place? To me, at least for the time being, Ramdan is like that Life-coach friend that has stormed into my life and rectified many wrongs. I imagine me walking down the street with “Ramadan” holding hands and talking endlessly through the nights. This is the person I’ve always wanted in my life, I would think. This is the warm spirit I’ve wanted to enjoy. And I know that when I pass on to the other side, when I lose all my other friends, and people, I will have Ramadan right there beside me, defending me. Ramadan has my back. Right now, I want to hug it, and spend the rest of my life repaying it.

 He woke up to the yelling and screaming of his family. Also, the scent of onions and tomatoes. His mother yells: You need to wake up now and go get us pastries and sweets! It’s almost Maghrib! After millions of times trying to wake up, he finally drags himself to his car and goes to the crowded store. As he walks in, a poor brown man bumps him accidently. He yells: HEY! Watch it, what are you blind? As he rushes back home he insults 5 or 6 drivers, for the traffic is preventing him from delivering this treasure to his Kunafa-hungry family. They sit around the table, and eat, and eat, and eat. From the moment he starts eating until 9 p.m. the only movement he does is that of his intestines belching what gaseous byproduct of all that food has come about. And then it’s drama-marathon time, until the next meal that is. Fajr approaches. More food, more TV drama, more sleep on the way.

Let me tell you why I chose to call it the month of confusion. As always before writing this, and many times before, I did my search. Read a couple of articles here and there about Ramadan and health. I found them quite surreal. After every single one of them, the story above popped into my head. All I could help but thinking about was the contradiction between what is written, and what is done. I found many articles calling Ramadan many names, but I always went back to the article of my real life and tried to find a name of my own. And this is what I came up with: Confusion. Because frankly, my Muslim brother and sister, I imagined myself being a rich British or American man, who decided to travel the world after retiring, and put his finger on the map and said: hmm, let’s go see what the “Islam” thing is all about. He would Google a couple of articles, and read the same pink and purple picture I and many of you read every year. He would then come and find the italic story above. He would indeed be: Confused.

I once heard the story of the famous singer Yusuf Islam. In that story, the once Christian musician went to sail in the sea. It was there that he said the Shahada and became Muslim, according to the story. Yusuf later says that it had been 4 months before he came in contact with the first real-life Muslim. He also said, he’s just thankful it wasn’t less than four months. Why? Because he would have been…..Confused So what do you think Mr. Rich man would think? I and most of you would probably agree that he’d question the credibility of the articles. But what we’d be missing is the fact that this abundance of material about Ramadan and the beauty of Ramadan only tells the story of what we should be like, what Allah actually wants. Which would, in turn, only leave us with the conclusion that Mr. Rich man would in fact be questioning “our” credibility, not the articles’. This is not a call to those writers out there, to stop writing beautiful material, for to me literature is the most beautiful of arts, and one day 100 years down the road people will be able “read” about Ramdan. This is a call to you, to me. Let’s try to fix things this time around, so that those same people 100 years down the road would be able to “see” Ramadan. But in order for them to see it, we have to see it our selves first. In us, in our children, brothers and sisters. The image has been created, by God, and by our writers and scholars. The time has come for us to make that image tangible. I for one, would love to Google a picture, and be able to talk to it. Wouldn’t you? Let’s give Mr. Richie rich a talking image.

Let’s take those meanings we hear and read about: Health. Balance. Spirituality. Peace. Productivity. Let’s stop dreaming, and start doing. Let’s all grab an end of this huge imaginary paint brush, and re-draw the image of the Muslim, with the colors of the teachings of Islam. Enough imagining. Let’s get down to it…. Away from the teachings of Islam, and into the teachings of biology and biochemistry, we find that regeneration of new blood happens in this month. The amount of energy that our body used to use for all that digestion during the year, is redirected to systems in our bodies that actually need it e.g. Immunity. Our digestive systems receive offensive objects all year long, and this is a time when it is “supposed” to take a break. Can you imagine that Diabetic symptoms are sometimes reduced to 60% according to some findings? By the magic of calorie restriction AKA not stuffing our faces with Baqlawa, it’s a new chance, a new beginning for our bodies, and for our souls. Speaking of our souls, what would Mr. Rich say about the yelling and screaming on the streets? Surely, these are not intact souls. Surely, these are not calm souls. Perhaps for us to calm these souls down, we’d need some kind of an anti-stress agent. An antidote to this madness. Oh, wait, I know: Excersize. I’ve found this term to be foreign to many, in the midst of imagining all those types of “samboosa” even hours before they’re served. But can we try this year, to change that? We’re painting together aren’t we? So let’s re organize then. And speaking of re organization, did you know that choosing complex carbs over simple carbs at “sahoor” would increase the time that you would be full and nourished, and thereby reduce the time you’re actually hungry and mad? Maybe that is the answer? Maybe there are many other answers that we haven’t heard or found.

So I’ll tell you what. How about we start breaking into the spirit of Ramadan from today, and try to find those answers, and discriminate that picture. Let’s change the word “picture” to “puzzle” and search together for the pieces. And in the spirit of searching and changing, let me lead the way by changing the title of this article, and put away once and for all the confusion.

Ramadan: The month of learning I don’t think it’s too far-fetched, or fake, or exaggerated. I think it’s simple. I think it’s doable. So let’s take that first step of the million mile marathon and agree to put that puzzle together and: Learn.

To Be Continued…

But I chose it today to compare two teams of doctors, two types of teachers, and two sets of messages that we’ve always wanted to direct to them. The first set of messages are those of praise, the second are questions of a confused generation. You can call me cynical, you can call me critical, but there are legitimate issues regarding legitimate human beings, or at least, mere persons who are trained to take care of human beings. Two sets of stories, two classifications, two conclusions.

The first story is that of the crazies (I like to call them). There are always stories of those doctors who stop guys for their long hair and beastly appearance, but hey I’m fed up of that type. But how about that doctor that keeps bringing up my “tarbiya” into the story? No? Ok, what about that guy who stops me in the middle of the hallway, out of nothing points to a scar on his body, and starts asking me questions? What about the doctor who wants me to name all the bones in that part of his body? I have a question sir, for another part of your body: it’s up above your neck. What about the doctor who discriminates against the hijabi or the niqabi, the bearded or the non-? What about that doc who asks a student to sing in the middle of an exam? Believe it or not, these are all true stories. But I’m not telling them to you for fun (like mr. “what’s this scar” guy). Trust me, I have a point.

Shattan…

The second story is that of the blessings (I also like to call them). I’m talking about those who treated us as humans, not lesser beings. Those that instilled trust, and sense of worth in us. Would you believe me if I told you that mistakes are allowed in their presence? Would you believe me if I said that some of them are around 50 years old and haven’t lost their sense of humor? I’m positive you would not believe me if I told you that I actually liked it when they gave me tasks, assigned me responsibilities and challenged me. And let me prevent those who doubt these humorous, light blooded doctors from making any conclusions by saying: Yes, they do have just as much knowledge, but much more sense of purpose.

My set of praise goes to the second kind of doctors. Thank you for doing your job, but even more thanks for applying those sometimes cliché statements such as “Exams are just another tool for teaching”. Thank you for the encouragement.

My set of questions, however, goes to the first kind. I’ve heard a lot of excuses for what you do, but please explain to me the difference between the irresponsibility of the students, and your own? Aren’t they both the same? Do you do it out of boredom? Pretend I am an ambassador to the students and explain to me, for sir/mam, I am not like others. I don’t mean to mock for the sake of a good laugh. I, as well as many, am actually concerned with our education. I want to tell you a secret: What you’re doing is really not teaching us. When you condescend and belittle, please do not imagine that we overlook and go straight home, and google that thing you mocked us about. Isn’t the point that we learn? Then explain to me please, why I only interact with the second type of docs and not the first? The notion that you are preparing me/us for the big bad ugly world is ridiculous. Have you thought what bearing this has on the whole medical/educational system? Have you thought of how many of (you) you will produce? Stephen Covey mentioned in his book that in order to complete the cycle of knowledge, you must go through 3 phases: L-D-T. Learn, Do,Teach. I cannot doubt for one moment that you’ve mastered the first two, but please comment for me, and for the students, what you’ve done to reach the third. Whether you were bored that day, or really had good intentions, but did not act well upon them, I really think this is an issue to be addressed, and a problem to be assessed.

Shattan…

The reason I personally like the second kind of docs, is for one simple reason: I’m learning. I can get my laughs elsewhere, that’s not the reason. It’s pure,clear and simple. We need more of the latter, and less of the former. My hope and confidence is in the new blood –God willing. And just to make sure we’re looking at this logically, and not just letting out an abundance of our feelings, let’s ask our selves, which students are actually learning, the students of the first group, or the lucky ones of the second?

Shattan…

Filed under: Blog, Medicine, Science, Social, Weekly Tagged: Bad doctors, Blog, Doc, Ethics, Good doctors, Humanity, Know your doctor, Medicine, Rayan, Science, Shattan, Society, whay aren't we learning, Wordpress ]]> http://rayankarkadan.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/shattan-why-arent-our-students-learning/feed/ 8 rayankarkadan applesandoranges teacher in bad mood angry upset mad get-2-2009-bq7p13ms http://rayankarkadan.wordpress.com/2011/07/08/why-i-think-bridges-bookstore-is-healthy/ http://rayankarkadan.wordpress.com/2011/07/08/why-i-think-bridges-bookstore-is-healthy/#comments Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:31:03 +0000 rayankarkadan http://rayankarkadan.wordpress.com/?p=332 ]]> We’ve all been in that situation when we go to McDonald’s with one of our friends, and he/she orders a big mac meal, supersized, extra cheese. And then elects to order a Diet Coke instead of a regular. Why? “I’m watching my health”. Similarly the other day I was with my friend, and he ordered a “hubbly bubbly”, “seesha” or what ever you want to call it. I told him it’s bad for you. Without missing a beat he said: “Why? Fruits are healthy!”.

Now, when I think or talk about health or general health as they say, I am definitely not referring to the above examples. The sad thing is though, as you read, you can definitely relate to them ,as comic and sarcastic as they may seem, which only means they are prevalent in abundance.

But let’s change tone for a bit. The WHO defines Health as: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Within our studies, we are taught to deduce from this definition, that in order to attain a state of health, whether personally or within the community, we should aim to sustain those aspects in the definition and not just “treat” disease and infirmities as they occur. That means proper knowledge, effective health promotion in our homes, our workplaces, our environment, which would in turn ease the process of achieving “Health” as the WHO defines it. Another deduction is that health is attained in a multi-disciplinary way, and by just paying attention to physical illness.

Now, I’ve talked and talked and about personal health and well-being. And surely this very blog is only up for that purpose. But today I’d like to address the importance of there being collective efforts within the community to achieve this goal. I dream of an environment where I can go outside any time any day and ride my bicycle, or jog without getting hit by a car, or having to wear florescent lights to prevent it. I dream of a place where getting a bowl of washed cut fruits is just as easy and affordable as a chocolate sundae. I wish for a place where everyone knows and acknowledges that the leading cause of death today is not a virus, or a cancer or a serial killer. It is heart disease which is almost completely preventable with change of habit. But there’s nothing wrong with dreaming. And there’s nothing wrong with trying. And there surely is nothing right about completely neglecting reality. And the reality is that I’ve seen some sole efforts, and I think they deserve mentioning. Although these efforts are sporadic, and a lot of times run by one man or less *cough*, they are definitely better than nothing.

One example of a place I think thrives to achieve this definition of health is Bridges Bookstore. I remember having the conversation with my best friend and co-founder Omar Shabaan before it opened whether it should be a smoke free place, or should they allow smokers to come and pollute the air just to get a couple extra Riyals. Believe it or not I was pro-smoking in that convo. But they were dedicated. And truth be told, I was just playing the devil’s advocate in that conversation, as deep down I knew what was right, but I just wanted to see how committed they were.

Bridges Bookstore is a dynamic bookstore- as the owners like to call it, in which you can come and read, do your business, attend cultural events and buy books and materials. The reason I think it should have a big FAT WHO stamp on it is that it’s smoke-free for one, but there are other smaller reasons. Bridges has a small, clean and tidy kitchen in which snacks and drinks, which are seldom made from processed foods are made. Ingredients are all fresh, and because it is not a huge multi million franchise, the close attention of the owner’s guarantees that. I personally prefer their snacks and drinks to any of the Starbuck’s or Costa Coffee wrapped and processed foods. And as you’re sitting, you’re sure to have your antioxidant for the day, in a cup of coffee or green tea.

But Bridges, to me achieves that definition of health in more than one dimension. 4 times a day, the place closes for prayer, and prayer rugs are placed in a small part of the bookstore, that has become the “prayer area” for regular visitors. One can argue that getting up and moving to pray is good for you every once in a while, others would argue that those movements are nothing compared to how much you should move everyday. But let me share one last observation that might just-as-well make us get up and move. The workers and owners at bridges to me have become so friendly, that the relationships between them and the visitors have given the visitors a sense that the place is theirs. For example the day everyone came and painted the walls with their own –dare I say- artistic touches, or the fact that sometimes you see even the visitors in the kitchen, preparing their own foods and drinks. During the many hours and days I’ve spent there, I’ve noticed that this friendly environment, in which it’s not the typical “you sit I serve” setting, people are actually encouraged to get up and say hi, pray or even hit the kitchen and try not to poison anyone. They’re moving around more, in their bodies, brains and souls. They did not learn this from a book or a magazine. They were just given the chance by a small easy friendly environment; Bridges Bookstore.

One last comment: I was walking around in “Hamada” Supermarket, which is just down the street, and saw a neat colorful bowl of fruits. I thought to myself: I wish more places had this. The next day I was able to order one at Bridges. I just hope they read my mind and provide wheat bread, as they did with my artificial sweeteners.

Most of us have heard of the recent developments concerning the new strain of E.Coli bacteria in Europe. These developments have terminated the lives of tens of Europeans, spanning around 12 countries. This bacteria has long fooled us humans, by residing normally in our bodies. However, the constant changes and mutations that occur in the world of microbiology e.g. viruses that attack and push these bacteria to mutate- have given us a gift that you probably wouldn’t want to receive on your birthday; a new resistant strain. This strain has casually moved about Europe on contaminated veggies, which is not obscure for an E. Coli bacteria. E. Coli has long been known to be an infection of raw ingested meats, and contaminated veggies. Previously, a different strain of the same bacteria had attacked the USA back in 1982, when they discovered these bacteria in cows that eventually produced the ground beef used in hamburger meat. Being the all-american food that it is, it caused an epidemic that contaminated thousands of people, and complicated in many to kidney failure and bloody diarrhea. Today, this same risk faces us but this time from veggies, that were initially thought to be of Spanish origin. Later, they were able to track it down to German farms.

Now, I’m not writing this in celebration of E.Coli’s accomplishments, or because I’m such a geek and I think E.Coli bacteria are super-duper cool, but for a different look at things. I was referred the to the article of the microbiologist Dr. Ghazi Jamjoom, that had much information about this issue. The thing I admire about this particular article, is that it came in anticipation of possible risks, before the strain even hits Saudi Arabia. I’ve actually had a nightmare –believe it or not, and in that nightmare, the E.Coli showed up in KSA, not Germany. I’m afraid my nightmare is not too far off reality, or the reality that would have been if this bacteria showed up here first! If you remember back in the Swine Flu pandemic days, the world scrambled to come up with a vaccine, then, withdrew many of those vaccines because of complications, THEN, we bought all those vaccines and started giving them at schools. Something tells me, our action, or quality of, would have been much of the same.

Another thing I thought about was how many floods have we had so far? Two? And there are still  people who don’t know the dangers of things like Tetanus and Dengue fever? As far as I’m concerned, the people of Jeddah should be experts in these matters. We should ALL know what tetanus, Dengue and other things are not because we’re supposed to be so curious and read everything on Google, but because of our role as medical people in getting in touch with the community around us, and enabling them to educate and protect themselves. Dr. Ghazi, thank you for showing us a perfect example of that, and thank you for stimulating my mind in the meantime. I can’t help but wonder what if such anticipation existed between the first and second flood, how would we have dealt with the matter differently.

4 Quick tips:

1-      Wash your hands before you eat

2-      Cook your food well, don’t order that disgusting medium well stuff

3-      Properly refrigerate foods that need it

4-      Protect the water you cook with away from sewage and other contamination

If you’re interested, this is the link to Dr. Jamjoom’s article http://www.okaz.com.sa/new/Issues/20110613/Con20110613426308.htm

If you know him, please refer him, I’d be honored to get his opinion

I’ll pick up where I left off last time, and narrate one more story for the sake of the argument, and because of the fact that it happened to me in the short time between part one and part two of this article.

This time, it’s little Taha. Taha is a toddler from Somalia, who had that same helpless, hopeless appearance of Saleh and Abdullah’s Mom (last article). His mom shared the same vain, and was just as devastated and resentful, and looked as any mother of a terminal case should appear. During my round with the consultant, we entered Taha’s room, his temporary station in this life (only God knows). Taha has what we call Hydranencephaly, which is a condition where brain tissue is majorly replaced by fluid. So in the place that should be occupied by a functioning, moving, feeling brain, he has mere fluid. As the causes of this condition are very little-known, little effort is put into finding out the cause, and focused on treating what comes along with this condition. I’ll tell you what comes along with it: Taha had different kinds of structural and functional abnormalities, as well as seizures, problems in growth. Taha was laying there with his attention focused on nothing specific, but it was not us. His head was bulging like a hot-air balloon from the excess fluid in his soft-undeveloped head. Another problem was what we call SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone Secretion). Basically, the hormone that is responsible for controlling water exit and retention in his body was all outta wack. To top this off, doctors speculated that he could not even feel the feeling of thirst. Can you imagine not being able to feel thirsty? What was shocking was that they were wrong. He was feeling thirsty (as confirmed by some of his reflexes), he was just too disabled to express it. Taha saddened me, but as his attention was focused on random objects, mine was focused on a specific one: Taha’s mom’s right eye. Her right eye was the only one I could see, as she hid her face and didn’t even communicate with us, out of sadness, or shame (I couldn’t tell which). In Taha’s file, a DNR order lie there, assuring that this case was terminal.

As part of passive euthanasia, we mentioned the use of DNR and the controversy that surrounds it. But again I warn you to refrain from jumping ahead too fast. Don’t take my word for it, and don’t believe that two semi-articles will suffice. Dig deeper. And in doing so, remember Taha’s inattentive eyes, and Abdullah’s dreadful, but content ones. Remember the pain that you can’t feel, and the grief that you can’t heal. Or maybe you can? Yes, you can. Other people are, we are. And here is how we’re doing it:

In an interview with one of our trustworthy consultants, I was able to get a rough idea about how things are done in our University hospital. I found it quite impressive, and thought it was worthy of sharing. Perhaps it will aid you in taking your stance, or finalizing your decision.

A patient is deemed terminally ill, hopeless by a group of 3 doctors. Usually the consultant treating the case is one of them. I found this method dependable and flexible and to my liking if I might add. And here is why:

Firstly, the fact that there are 3 doctors guarantees the benefit of a 2nd and 3^rd opinion before making bold conclusions. Also, the doctors are careful to not be careless enough to term a case “irreversibly terminal”. There are cases that are susceptible to review after 2 weeks or even a month, and there are cases that have been pulled back out of DNR. That gives you a sense that there is logic and a lot of contemplation before this decision is made. And finally, as there is a medical committee, some cases that need a religious committee receive one. I don’t know about you, but I feel more comfortable about the issue than even last week. So I beg and plead, if you are a man/woman of humanity, or even one that thinks God’s orders should be passed on earth no matter what, whatever your motive and whatever your drive may be, do not let this end with the conclusion of this article.

Interaction

Sometimes the most successful or searches and researches are ones that not only provide answers, but raise even more questions. Questions mean our horizons have broadened, and our perception has split-wide. As our human brains and logic continually refuse to “not know”, our actions should abide and seek. I’ll open up the comment area for your questions. Please fill them and saturate them with your concerns. If they are not answered, then at least the thought process that forced them to be asked was there. Better yet, move from here to your favorite search engine and seek and search for yourself. Raise the issue with every conversation that you come across, and every person you feel is close to your heart and mind. Let’s ascend into a world where we can ultimately execute the “open-mindedness” we preach and hear preach day-in and day-out. And if you’re not a humanitarian, a medical, a person with a cause or a man/woman of God, than perhaps I can invite you to conclude that maybe the only lesson we can learn together, as we gradually widen our perspectives is: Listen.

Note: A small stimulant for that search we were talking about, and in compliance with the first sentence of last paragraph: Where does abortion lie in the picture, and is it a part of Euthanasia?

Today, I will tell two stories that I’ve come across. These two stories were mind blowing and took a lot of energy out of my mind and conscious before I could sort them out and form a preliminary opinion to say the least. But before we go into them, and to prevent further confusion, Euthanasia (as you might have heard) is the act of killing someone mercifully and painlessly by action or omission. It is otherwise known as mercy killing. I will get into the details of the definition and types after the stories of Saleh and Uncle Abdullah.

During my short duration of training in Abha at Aseer Hospital, and specifically in the Pediatrics Dept., I’d come across many striking and sad stories, but none such as that of little Saleh. Saleh was a 7 yrs. old boy diagnosed with osteosarcoma (Cancer of the bone tissue) since he was 3 years old. This cancer had started in his right arm (bone) and also his face and forehead. Later, it would metastasize to his lungs as well. When I first saw him, he was lying there looking very very ill. He’d been there for the last 4 years of his life. Out of his right arm, there was some irregular, ugly tissue. The cancer had penetrated his skin. He was conscious enough to be aware of his surroundings, but the only thing he was aware of was the excruciating pain he was enduring. When the nurse accidentally bumped the bed, he screamed as if he was hit by a bullet. According to the consultant there, his prognosis was terrible as this was the worst stage of this specific cancer, and it was just a matter of time. He often went into cardiac and pulmonary arrest, but was soon resuscitated and brought to life (or whatever was left of it). Good thing right? Thank God for medicine right? Not so fast. A very disappointed mother sat there looking off into nowhere specific radiated and conveyed to me immediately how much she felt her son suffering. And with my experience with mothers, I could tell she would have wished to be in bed instead of him. I could tell that this mother was not pleased, not just with God’s will of bringing this disease upon her child, but something else, something less divine. I would find my answer right away.

Our consultant told me that the doctors had ordered a DNR order on his file. DNR stands for Do not Resuscitate. This was suggested by the doctors as this case was surely terminal and causing Saleh a lot of pain, and agreed on by the mother who wanted to do anything to see her dear Saleh out of his misery. But, there was something that had gone wrong. After that order, it seemed like they would move Saleh to another hospital to free the bed for a more hopeful case. But guess who refused? His father! His father was under the impression (according to the consultant) that he could sue the hospital if his son had –god forbid- died, and therefore benefitted from the death of his own son. I immediately felt nauseous. But moreover, I felt confused. And this feeling was not caused by the fact that he used “wasta” to get his wish of keeping Saleh at this hospital (which is an issue and problem in itself), but by the many questions I had. If I were in charge what would I do? Do I let Saleh lie there and suffer, and let his mother’s tears squeeze out every time he moans? What is the policy around here anyway? Is it our life, our soul in the first place for us to make these bold, intentional decisions? And what about “Um Saleh” and her suffering, and the pain this disease has inflicted upon her as well? All of these unanswered questions sped and rushed through my 4^th year mind.

Let’s jump over to another story, the story of Uncle Abdullah. Uncle Abdullah is a 50ish year old man, who found a place in my heart as soon as I walked in. His face was luminous and his beard was modest, neat and full of sparse white hairs. When we walked in, he was sitting on his prayer rug with a wet face that shined, but not as bright as did his smile. His attitude struck me as one of a person that was content with God’s will. On the bed next to him lay his mother, who had late stage lung cancer. Uncle Abdullah told me later, that half his prayers were for God to forgive her for smoking so much. As was with Saleh, Uncle Abdullah’s mom also arrested a few times, and was consequently resuscitated. When I asked the consultant –after we stepped out- whether she was DNR, he said she should be, but Uncle Abdullah did not approve. Later, I took Uncle Abdullah aside and asked him about his decision, and he answered in all honesty, confidence and assurance: “Son, I don’t want to deprive my mom of being able to say “astaghfirullah” one more time in her life.” With all the medicine we’d studied, and with all the science and research that I’ve come across, I was still unable to answer him. I patted him on the shoulder and walked away.

So what is Euthanasia again??

Well, Euthanasia has established itself as the most controversial topic in medical ethics today. As such, there have been debates about the clear and comprehensive definition. So instead, let’s just mention the important elements and different types. Euthanasia is the intentional killing of a patient painlessly, and without suffering either by action or omission, in attempt to relieve his pain. Right off the bat it sounds wrong, but further knowledge of the types and methods might rectify that picture.

Active vs. Passive

Euthanasia can be classified according to method into active and passive. From its name, active is actually inducing and administering an agent or substance that would consequently lead to the death of the patient. For example, the use of lethal injections. The passive type however, just means allowing the patient to die, rather than actively having a hand in it e.g. DNR orders. The reason Euthanasia has developed such negative stigma is because it has widely been related to the active type, which is by all religions, and most laws prohibited.

Patient Consent

Euthanasia can also be more clearly classified according to whether a consent was acquired by the patient or not. Voluntary Euthanasia is one that is practiced with a patient’s consent. Involuntary is one that is practiced against the patients will, and Non-voluntary is in special cases when doctors are not able to attain a consent e.g. comatose with no legal guardian in contact.

You would think such a striking topic as this would have clear, specialized and written policies around here. But I’ll leave that discussion (and our little study on the matter) to Part 2. I’m sure you’ve asked yourself so many questions so far, that’s why I want to go back to our story of little Saleh and Uncle Abdullah.

After visiting little Saleh, I have to admit I was disgusted at the father. I was not that familiar with Euthanasia, or DNR orders for that matter. And I did not know what was right and what was wrong. Here are the only facts I knew: The child was bound to die, and was in pain from even the air that blew across his skin. The mother was suffering –dare I say- just as much, and had no word against his father who was only thinking of personal gain. My knowledge in medicine, religion and law is about as much as my knowledge in the rules of cricket on this matter. But my conscious knew it was wrong. On the other hand, after visiting Uncle Abdullah and his “echoing” wise-sounding words, I re-thought, re-evaluated and re-confused. Is this my life to take or give? What if indeed God thought differently on the matter, and I would have indeed taken away that chance to “pray” one more time from uncle Abdullah’s mama?

What we need

Until this day I don’t have a definitive stance on the matter. Neither does anyone I know around me. But I do know the following: I know that this is too big to be hidden and disregarded anymore. I know that we are deep need of that scholar who has gathered enough from both medicine and religious studies to give us the insight we’ve longed for. And I also know that actions such as those committed by little Saleh’s dad need to be prevented by clear and strict policies.

What we did

In our own curious journey, join me and my curious colleagues as I narrate the story of our little study in Part 2 of this article next week. What should those policies look like, and what examples we already have to follow here in Saudi, and more importantly, what do our Islamic scholars think on the matter, will be discussed next time Insha’Allah.

“how’s that going for ya’ champ?”

I sigh…..

The real reason was that I grew fond of those stories we all used to read about how the family doctor was everything to a family back then. How in Arabic they used to call him “Al 7akeem” –imparter of wisdom- and how he used to be the go to guy/girl without any barriers. How his word was sacred and followed bar none. I dreamt of once having that relationship with one, two, many of my patients. I wanted to help people, save lives and all the other reasons everyone uses, but I also dreamed of being an example. I hoped I could be the silver lining in the dark grey clouds that have become the reality of this relationship today. To me, one of the most vulnerable relationships is that of a doctor and a patient. But it is too often abused, or at least, the people I sit with would report.

But it was not all wishful thinking….

There was/is still hope, as well as negatives that I’d like to throw by you:

Pro

Among many of the students today I hear “cute” stories to say the least about experiences with patients. Things that restore that human soft spot that we often forget about. I enjoy them, and make sure I amend them right away, and let the story teller know what a great thing he’s done. I see house officers and residents sometimes that are loyal, honest, refuse to take breaks until they’re done taking care of “3am ahmad” or “5ala salwa”. Even within our curriculum and teaching, we’ve had many initiatives to move our educational system towards that side of the spectrum. Sure, we can’t expect change overnight, and it is a very slow change, but it is the notion that counts, and I’m pretty thankful for it.

Against

Ooooh and there are many. I can summarize it by saying that I often look at old consultants and stare and wonder: Wasn’t he a student? Didn’t he have the same ambitions and thoughts we do today? And I’m always scared to know that answer. You know why? Because believe it or not, the answer being “yes” is even worse than a no. That would mean that he/she hit a point where that glare in his/her eyes disappeared and they lost it. Which would mean, sadly, we would face the same situation. The only difference is I intend to stay positive and pull myself/you through it. Other situations that get under my skin are students’ attitudes toward their studies, and the way they carry themselves in general sometimes worries me. But we’ll get to that later. One last one, too many people now are watching that “House” guy. Tip: It’s just a show….Get over it…

So whether it’s a positive or negative experience you go through, keep your eye on the prize, and do me a favor and keep this in mind. And as scary as it may sound, imagine that person treating your loved ones.

Better yet, imagine you being able to influence those who will be responsible for your loved ones lives….