IMAM Ireland Student Chapter

IMAM MEDICAL SYMPOSIUM 2012

2012-02-25T12:42:00.001-08:00

IMAM MEDICAL SYMPOSIUM is BACK!

RESTORE. RENEW. REDEEM.

RECLAIM.

The 9^th Medical Symposium of IMAM UK and Ireland will be held in DUBLIN,IRELAND this year. With the theme “Doctors beyond the Horizon”, we promise you an unforgettable fulfilling 3 days course packed with talks by renowned speakers such as Dato’ Dr. Abdul Razak Kechik,President of Malaysian Relief Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ikram, Vice president of MERCY Malaysia and Dr. Raja Affendi Raja Ali, the winner of ‘Young Investigator Award’ for one of his research. There will also be many other exciting activities that will encourage active interaction between the participants so that everyone can share and express their great ideas and opinions.

Teaser IMAM Symposium 2012 :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djANgiW410A

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore your potentials as the nation future doctors and find out how you can make a difference to the society today!

Hurry and register here, as we only have a limited number of places for the event!

IMAM MEDICAL SYMPOSIUM 2012

Kaedah Khitan Wanita

2012-02-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Salam semua !!! Kebanyakan orang atau masyarakat bertanya bagaimanakah bayi perempuan dikhitankan(disunatkan) ? Wajibkah dikhitankan bayi perempuan? Oleh itu, artikel ini boleh membuka minda kita bersama tentang Khitan Wanita.

Ada kajian, ramai perempuan ada masalah dalam seks berpunca daripada khatan. Perlu pencerahan ni. Contohnya; khatan bagaimana?

Berikut adalah petikan jawapan Abul Harith dari ruangan Soal Jawab Perubatan, Al-Fikrah.net. Dilampirkan di sini untuk perkongsian agar dapat merungkaikan kekeliruan ulama’ juga ahli sains Muslim mahupun non-Muslim tentang isu khatan wanita.

As-Salamua’laykum..

Majoriti ulama’ mengatakan khitan lelaki hukumnya Sunnah. Namun ia disyariatkan dan fitrah, maka ia dituntut. Ia boleh diqiaskan juga dengan hukum azan, ianya Sunnah tidak sampai Wajib mengikut majoriti ulama’. Tapi semua sepakat azan adalah Syariat Islam.

Bagi khitan lelaki, tuntutan khitan juga wujud atas alasan bersuci (thaharah), supaya kulup (smegma) tidak bertakung pada alat sulit lelaki. Namun bagi wanita, tuntutan berkhatan tiada kaitan dengan Thaharah, melainkan mafhum hadis untuk memuliakan wanita, menerangkan & menyenangkan wajah suami.

Izinkan pula saya kupas dari sudut sains perubatan tentang khitan wanita ini untuk menjawab soalan ini.

Khitan wanita biasanya dilakukan dengan dua cara;

1. Memotong sedikit atau menyiat clitoris/kelentit

Clitoris (kelentit) adalah lebihan di atas bukaan faraj. Ia sarat dengan saraf (nerve). Oleh itu, ia adalah tempat paling sensitif apabila diransang.

1.1. Dalam amalan khitan wanita terutama di sebahagian negara Afrika, clitoris ini dipotong secara total. Maka apabila berkahwin, wanita tersebut akan mengalami masalah seks kerana kurang terangsang semasa seks penetratif. Ini akan beri tekanan kepada suami mahupun isteri. Walaupun ada mengatakan G-spot adalah tempat paling sensitif, tapi ia masih teori yang subjektif.

1.2 Terdapat juga wanita yang mudah terangsang apabila clitoris yang sarat dengan saraf bergesel dengan baju, kain ataupun semasa seks penetratif. Ini memberi masalah kepada wanita kerana terlebih ransangan boleh menyebabkan orgasm pramatang. Jadi, khitan semasa kecil dengan mengguris sedikit clitoris boleh mengurangkan rangsangan tersebut apabila kumpulan saraf yang sarat itu ‘dipecahkan’, tapi tidaklah sampai hilang kesemuanya.

2. Menjahit atau memotong kulit permukaan faraj (labia majora & labia minora)

Lipatan kulit pada permukaan faraj terbahagi kepada dua bahagian, iaitu labia majora (bahagian luar) dan labia majora (sebelah dalam).

2.1 Terdapat masyarakat yang mengkhatankan wanita dengan memotong labia majora & labia minora (kulit luar faraj) dengan sedikit ataupun keseluruhannya termasuklah kelentit. Ini menyakitkan dan tiada faedah mahupun kepentingan dari sudut perubatan. Ini diamalkan di banyak negara Afrika sehingga anak gadis tersebut ditambat pada pokok untuk dipotong. Inilah yang digambarkan buruk oleh journalis barat tentang khitan wanita.

2.2. Ada juga masyarakat yang menganggap khitan wanita dengan menjahit kulit permukaan faraj (labia majora & labia minora) untuk menutupnya secara sebahagian atas alasan menjaga kehormatan. Jadi bukaan faraj akan jadi kecil, dan ini memberi masalah kepada wanita bila kahwin kerana suami tidak boleh adakan seks penetratif. Maka, ia terpaksa dibedah untuk membukanya semula. Dikhabarkan juga ada yang menjahitnya secara total, dan ia tidak logik kerana menyukarkan wanita untuk kencing.

Kesimpulan

Kaedah khitan wanita 2.1 (memotong kulit luar faraj secara total atau sebahagian) tidak membawa apa faedah, tidak mencapai matlamat syara’ malahan memudaratkan Muslimah tersebut. Apatah lagi memberi persepsi salah kepada Islam.

Kaedah khitan 1.1 (memotong kelentit secara total) dan 2.2 (menjahit untuk menutup lubang faraj) juga tidak memenuhi maksud syariat, bahkan memberi mudarat kepada wanita & pasangannya apabila berkahwin.

Kaedah 1.2 (mengguris/menyiat sebahagian kelentit) adalah menepati seperti yang dianjurkan hadis demi kemuliaan wanita untuk mengurangkan potensi ransangan syahwat. Ia bukanlah wajib. Tidak mengapa jika tidak dilakukan. Dan sangat digalakkan jika didapati wanita tersebut sangat mudah teransang.

Akhirnya, mengetahui penjelasan sains perubatan & maksud syariah amat penting bagi umat Islam dalam menentukan teknik khitan wanita yang dituntut, agar tiada mudarat kepada wanita & bakal suaminya di masa kelak.

WaLLAHu a’lam.

Sumber : http://fiqhmedic.wordpress.com

2012-01-22T00:09:00.000-08:00

Alhamdulillah, on the 30^th and 31^st of December 2011, IMAM Ireland Student Chapter organised a tutorial class named JC3 OSCE Tutorial in collaboration with Ikram Dublin. It was a huge success as more than 20 students from 2^nd year of Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) attended the program. Most of the feedback received was more than welcoming. Hopefully more programs such as this will be organized in the near future to help and assist students in preparing for their examinations.

Relief Mission 2012

2011-12-29T13:37:00.000-08:00

Pendaftaran untuk IMAM Relief Mission 2012 telah dibuka!!! *khas untuk ahli IMAM yang berdaftar sahaja*

Belum menjadi ahli IMAM?? sila ke http://imameiresc.blogspot.com/p/registration.html

Pendaftaran Relief Mission bahagian Semenanjung Malaysia:http://sjmy90.formees.com/f/rmsemenanjung/

Pendaftaran Relief Mission bahagian Sabah / Sarawak: http://sjmy90.formees.com/f/rmsabahsarawak/

Pertanyaan lanjut atau sebarang cadangan boleh dikemukakan kepada saudara Saiful Jalal My (pm)

ps: 'team relief mission' berpeluang untuk mencadangkan / menentukan lokasi program apabila sudah dibentuk nanti dan akan dilaksanakan sekitar bulan Julai 2012, sebelum Ramadan menjelang.

The Winner of IMAM Medical Quiz Ibnu Sina Medal 2011

2011-12-19T07:11:00.000-08:00

With the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

THE ULTIMATE WINNER OF THE IBNU SINA MEDICAL QUIZ 2011 GOES TO....
MUHAMMAD KHIDIR MOHD KAMIL, 3RD YR RCSI!!!
jazakallahu khairan katheer!!
may Allah ease you in your studies in medicine
and grant you great success in this World and the Hereafter inshaAllah! :)

Here are some pictures of the prize and the winner:

The prize is given to Muhammad Khidir by IMAM Funding Officer, Yasir Ahmad.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE COMPETITION,
CONTINUE SUPPORTING IMAM IN FUTURE ACTIVITIES
WE SHALL TRY TO CATER YOUR NEEDS, iA :)
and ALL THE BEST IN YOUR EXAMS!

TANZIM IMAM 2011/2012

2011-12-08T02:20:00.000-08:00

IMAM MEDICAL QUIZ : IBNU SINA MEDAL 2011

2011-12-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

IMAM MEDICAL QUIZ: IBNU SINA MEDAL 2011

1. Open to ALL medical students around the WORLD!
2. Different sets of questions will be posted everyday at 9-10pm (GMT) from 5th - 9th Dec 2011 (5DAYS)
3. The FIRST person who gets ALL the questions right will be the WINNER of the day!!
4. AND the person who wins the most and/or actively participating will be announced as THE WINNER OF IMAM IBNU SINA MEDAL 2011!! on FRIDAY 9TH DEC.

ALWAYS ENRICH YOUR MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE AND BE LIKE THE GREAT IBNU SINA,
a MUSLIM scholar who CHANGED MEDICAL HISTORY, mA!

Grab this opportunity! JOIN THE CHALLENGE!! :)

and dont forget to 'LIKE' our FB page! :) http://www.facebook.com/imameiresc

IMAM MEDICAL QUIZ : IBNU SINA MEDAL 2011
5th - 9th Dec 2011

DAY 1 (5 Dec 2011) : CLICK HERE + answers
The winner: Amirul Mohd Sallehuddin Mannan, 3rd Year RCSI.

DAY 2 (6 Dec 2011) : CLICK HERE
KHALIDAH MOHD ZAIN, 2ND YR, NUI GALWAY, IRELAND

DAY 3 (7 DEC 2011) : CLICK HERE
Muhammad Khidir Mohd Kamil, 3rd Year RCSI

DAY 4 (8 Dec 2011) : CLICK HERE
Nor Afifah Ibrahim, 3rd Year TCD

DAY 5 (9DEC 2011) : CLICK HERE
Mohd Akmal Jamaludin, 2nd Year TCD

Gelatin in Medicine and Vitamins

2011-12-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

With the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

The source of gelatin is the collagen found in the skin and bones of animals like cattle, pigs, poultry, and fish. Cellulose from plants may also be used. If one is unsure of the source of a tablet or capsule, then it is considered pure by default.

أما المشكوك فيحكم عليه بالطهارة عملا بالأصل

Medicine or vitamins that include gelatin may either be in a capsule or tablet form. In tablet form, besides for coating, the gelatin may have also been used as a processing agent (even if not mentioned on the label). During production, the gelatin may have been mixed with something else until its qualities were obliterated [istihlak].

Istihlak

The fuqaha discussed cases of istihlak. For example:

1) A pilgrim eating food with perfume in it. (Sharh al-Muhadhdhab v. 7, p. 273)

2) A small piece of flesh falling into meat, not making eating the entirety unlawful. (Nihayat al-Muhtaj v. 8, p. 158; Tuhfat al-Muhtaj v. 9, p. 388) Reason being:

لأنه لما استهلك فيه صار كالعدم

“Because once its own qualities were obliterated, then it became as if non-existent.” (Ibid)

Medicine Made from an Impurity

Capsules and coatings may also be made from gelatin.

The fuqaha addressed the issue of medicine made from an impurity. Ibn Hajar al-Haytami stated, “It is permissible to use medicine made from a dead animal’s hoof or bones (sic), pure or mixed…” (Fatawa v. 1, p. 28. Also, see: Ibn ‘Abd al-Salam’s al-Qawa’id al-Kubra v. 1, p. 132; Ibn Hajar’s Tuhfat al-Muhtaj v. 9, p. 170; Khatib Shirbini’s Mughni al-Muhtaj v. 5, p. 518)

‘Umum al-Balwa

The principle is:

المشقة تجلب التيسير

“Difficulty brings about ease.”

Difficult circumstance permits dispensation. Various reasons allow relaxation in a given ruling. One such reason is: public affliction or ‘umum al-balwa. (See: Ibn al-Subki in al-Ashbah wa al-Naza’ir v. 1, p. 48; Suyuti in al-Ashbah wa al-Naza’ir p. 160-80; Zarkashi in al-Manthur fi al-Qawa’id v. 1, p. 120; v. 2, p. 24, 317; v. 3, p. 169)

In Conclusion

The presence of gelatin in some medications and vitamins may be regarded as istihlak. Thefuqaha discussed using impurities medicinally. The widespread use of gelatin in pharmaceuticals and vitamins could make avoiding it a public affliction [‘umum al-balwa]; and therefore excusable. If equivalent alternatives exist, then one should opt for them instead.

And Allah knows best.

This article from this website : http://www.shafiifiqh.com/gelatin-in-medicine-and-vitamins/

So here is the question :If you are a patient of a particular health problem that requires only a certain medication (that contains any substances from pigs),and without it,the condition of your health will only be worsened,would you have still taken the medicine? So what is your answer ? Feel free to give comments :)

Response Form Sheet

IMAM Eire SC Committee 2011/2012

2011-11-12T18:28:00.000-08:00

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

and the best of greetings

to all members of IMAM Eire and visitors of our blog.

Alhamdulillah we've recently held our Annual General Meeting; AGM for the session of 2010/2011 as well as an election for a new committee for the next session of 2011/2012.

Officially, right after the end of the election at approximately 10.30pm on Friday, the 11th of November 2011 (11.11.11), the newly elected committee has been given the responsibility of leading IMAM Eire SC to greater heights right up until the next AGM.

Below are the names of the elected committee members of IMAM Eire SC for the session of 2011/2012. Congratulation to each and every one of you.

PRESIDENT

Ahmad Bazli Azizah Ariffin

VICE PRESIDENT

Wan Farah Athirah Wan Nasruddin

SECRETARIES

Saffa Raihan Salehuddin

Nur Athirah Abd Rasid

TREASURER

Noor Azira Safie

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Saiful Jalal Mohamed Yusoff

Syamim Nabihah Abd Wahab

Jannah Mat Noh

Yasir Ahmad

Again, we congratulate the newly elected committee. We wish you the best of luck in handling this responsibility well and again, challenge you to take IMAM Eire to even greater heights.

Let's IMAMing.

Thank You.
Sincerely,

IMAM Eire SC Committee 2010/2011

What are you waiting for???...

2011-11-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

Sick of boredom??..Wanna be recruited??...Come & start your first step this Friday (11/11/11)

It's AGM guys..come & be a part of it!!!

2011-11-05T01:27:00.000-07:00

Salam all,

We would like to invite everyone to our AGM this coming Friday..Do come & be a part of the committee

Here you can download the nomination's file:
CLICK HERE

Whoever wants to nominate him /herself/ other friends, just fill in the 'downloaded file' above & please email it to muhammadnizamuddin@rcsi.ie

Do come guys..The MORE, The MERRIER ;)

Guys, It's IMAM MONTH!!!!

2011-10-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

RUNNING DOCTORS

Hone your mind and body. Test your stamina. Join our Running Doctor Explore Race this Saturday 15th October 2011!..For further information don't hesitate to contact the number on the poster!

[slight change. 3 persons per team!]

Balanced diet: Quran vs Science

2011-09-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Quran says???

The Qur’ân has not restricted itself in merely mentioning the permissible and impermissible foods but goes to the extent of giving useful tips regarding a balanced diet, a diet which contains most if not all the useful ingredients required for the growth, strengthening and repairing of the human body. These ingredients include animal protein, fat, calcium, iron, salts, etc. The most balanced diets consist of meat, fish, fresh milk, cheese and fruit. Both direct and indirect references have been made regarding the afore mentioned.
The reference regarding the importance of meat protein in the human diet is given in the following verse:
“And the cattle, He has created them for you, in them there is warmth (clothing) and numerous benefits, and of them you eat.”
(16:5)
In this verse special reference has been given to the importance of eating despite having said, “…numerous benefits…”. Reference regarding other types of meat has also been given such as the meat of fowls in the following verse:
“And the flesh of fowls that they desire.”
(56:21)Fish has always been considered as a food of very high protein and is very important for human consumption. Allah says:
“And from them both (fresh and salt water) you eat fresh tender meat (fish).”
(35:12)The usefulness of fresh milk is stressed in these words:
“And verily in the cattle there is a lesson for you. We give you to drink of that which is in their bellies, from between excretion and blood, pure milk, palatable to the drinkers.”
(16:66)The benefits of fruits as good nourishment can be understood from this verse:
“And from the fruits of date palms and grapes, you desire strong drink and a goodly provision.”
(16:67)Similarly there are verses which cover the whole range of fruits, salads, and vegetables which also play an important role in a nutritious, balanced diet:
“It is He who sends down rain from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date palm and its spate come clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when then begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof.”
(6:99)Islam, being a complete religion, also teaches and advises the believer as to what the best method of eating is. The believers are advised to be moderate in every aspect of life. Direct reference has been made in the Noble Qur’ân regarding moderation in eating and drinking.
“And eat and drink, but waste not in extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not those who waste in extravagance.”
(7:31)

Islam strictly forbids indulgence in intoxicants such as alcohol and drugs for good reason. The limited pleasure of such vices causes immense long-term damage to both mind, body and the social fabric of society. Particular schools of thought include smoking within the list of prohibitions because of its harmful affects on the body. It seems that if Muslims adhere to the teachings of Islam, they would automatically lead a healthier lifestyle. God says in the Quran:

Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer, will ye not then abstain? (5:90)
Science says???

No fruits or vegetables have cholesterol, and most are naturally low in fat and calories.
Vegetables are a great source for potassium, dietary fiber, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin C.
Fruits are a great source for nutrients such as potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C and folic acid.
Diets rich in potassium may help to maintain healthy blood pressure.
Dietary fiber helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower risk of heart disease. Fiber is important for proper bowel function. Fiber-containing foods such as vegetables help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories.
Folic acid (folate) helps the body form red blood cells. Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy should consume adequate folic acid, including folic acid from fortified foods or supplements.
Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy and helps to protect against infections.
Vitamin E helps protect vitamin A and essential fatty acids from cell oxidation.
Vitamin C helps heal cuts and wounds and keeps teeth and gums healthy.
Vitamin C also aids in iron absorption.
Grains provide many nutrients such as dietary fiber, B vitamins and minerals.
B vitamins are essential for your metabolism by helping your body release energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.
Folic acid helps the body form blood cells and is especially important for women of childbearing age who may become pregnant.
Magnesium from whole grains helps build bones and release energy from muscles.

Alcohol bad!!

increased risks of cancer- particularly at the mouth, liver, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, breast and bowel cancers.
even though some people say that small amounts of alcohol may protect the heart, how many people actually understand the definition of “small”? With alcohol, most people will overindulge, to the point of addiction- and that brings far greater harm, doesn’t it?
alcohol is high in calories and offer little, if any nutritional benefit. It’s like drinking sweetened water- just with 7 kcal per gram. It’s very easy to gain weight through drinking alcohol- they don’t call ‘beer belly’ for nothing

MGUS : Living with a time bomb

2011-09-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

What ?

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a COMMON but typically HARMLESS blood disorder that occurs when there is overgrowth of identical plasma cells in bone marrow. Since it is the job of any given plasma cell to make a single (monoclonal) immunoglobulin protein, an increased population of identical bone marrow plasma cells may be detected by discovery of a monoclonal protein (M protein) in the blood stream.

MGUS becomes more prevalent with age. About 3 percent of people 50 and older and 5 percent of those 70 and older have M protein in their blood. The highest incidence is among adults age 85 and older. And MGUS is more common in men than in women.

Sign & symptoms?

MGUS is usually found by chance during a blood test carried out for some other reason. The test, called a serum protein electrophoresis, can reveal abnormal proteins and unusual amounts of normal proteins.It doesn't usually cause any symptoms.

Occasionally people with MGUS have numbness or tingling in their hands and feet or problems with their balance. This may be due to damage to nerves caused by the paraprotein in the blood.

If these symptoms are troublesome or get worse you may be referred to a neurologist, who is a specialist in the nervous system.

Developing Myeloma??

A doctor who detects monoclonal gammopathy may recommend further testing to determine what type of M protein the body is making and how much. The tests can also help a doctor rule out other medical conditions that may be causing production of M protein.

However, in a minority of cases, over time the cells in bone marrow that make M protein can accumulate, crowding out healthy cells. Or, the M protein can damage other tissues in the body. In this situation, treatment with chemotherapy may be necessary. The risk of developing a more serious condition increases the longer a person has had MGUS. There is about a 1 percent per year risk of developing a significant problem.

During the first year after the diagnosis of MGUS is made, a patient should have regular follow-up with their hematologist/oncologist every three months. If the MGUS appears stable, follow-up appointments can be stretched to every six months for the second year. Thereafter, the MGUS should be followed at least annually to look for evidence of multiple myeloma or another blood cell cancer. With regular follow-up, development of multiple myeloma or another blood cell cancer can often be detected early, before many symptoms develop.

The 3 Veggies with the Least Nutritional Value

2011-09-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

1. Celery: Sure, you can nosh on 8 inches of celery for only 6 calories, but are you really getting any nutrients in return? The answer: Yes, but you'd have to go beyond an 8-inch stalk, which provides a mere 1.6 percent of our daily requirement for calcium and 2 percent of our daily requirement for vitamin C. It does, however, boast a decent amount of fiber and vitamin K. A better alternative: Carrots, which are loaded with eye-protecting beta carotene. Toss them into salads for a low-calorie crunch; braise them as a sweet summer side dish or slice them thin and add them to your favorite stir-fry.

2. Cucumbers: The cucumber is another low-calorie veggie. One cup of sliced cucumber weighs in at only 16 calories. But it's slim on nutrients, too. In fact, cucumbers contain 5 percent or less of our daily requirement for potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin C. On the plus side, cucumber extracts (not the whole cucumber) do have a number of disease-fighting antioxidant compounds, like tannins and flavonoids, says Registered Dietitian and Chef Consultant Michelle Dudash. A better alternative: Purslane, a peppery herb that's high in heart-healthy alpha linolenic acid (a type of omega-3). It's also higher in beta carotene than spinach. Toss it in salads, fold it into omelets or use it as a crunchy green on sandwiches.

3. Iceberg Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce is one of the most commonly consumed vegetables in the U.S., along with
potatoes (as French fries) and tomatoes, but that doesn't mean it's the healthiest option. While iceberg is low in calories and offers some vitamins and fiber, other dark leafy greens contain much more vitamin A and C. A better alternative: Romaine lettuce, which offers much more beta carotene than iceberg. Use romaine in a traditional wedge salad with blue cheese crumbles, diced tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette, or layer it on turkey sandwiches.

Embryology + Human creation: QURAN and SCIENCE

2011-09-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

"Religion without science is blind and science without religion is lame," Albert Einstein.

Islam and science are not different; the in fact they are one and the same. You can not have one without the other. Without science there is no Islam, and without Islam there is no science. This is the way Allah created it. Science goes to prove Islam, and therefore it is not in conflict with the laws of Islam. To prove Muhammad(pbuh) was a true Prophet, God revealed things to him to but into the Qur'an, hundreds of years before science would know about it. There are many examples of this throughout the Qur'an, every thing from: germs, mold, earth science, to the process of birth, and so much more. In fact the entire birth process was revealed by Muhammad(pbuh) 1100 years before science knew about it. People look at the Qur'an as a religious text only, when it is so much more.

"Do they not carefully consider (investigate) the Qur'an or are there locks upon their hearts." Qur'an 47:24

Dr. Moore was a former President of the Canadian Association of Anatomists, and of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists. He was honored by the Canadian Association of Anatomists with the prestigious J.C.B. Grant Award and in 1994 he received the Honored Member Award of the American Association of Clinical Anatomists "for outstanding contributions to the field of clinical anatomy."

He is or at least was a Christian when this book was written.

"O mankind! if ye have a doubt about the Resurrection, (consider) that We created you out of dust, then out of sperm, then out of a leech-like clot, then out of a morsel of flesh, partly formed and partly unformed, in order that We may manifest (Our Power) to you; and We cause whom We will to rest in the wombs for an appointed term, then do We bring you out as babes, then (foster you) that ye may reach your age of full strength; and some of you are called to die, and some are sent back to the feeblest old age, so that they know nothing after having known (much). And (further), thou seest the earth barren and lifeless, but when We pour down rain on it, it is stirred (to life), it swells, and it puts forth every kind of beautiful growth in pairs." Qur'an Al-Hajj verse 5

If you read the descriptions of birth, it is exactly as it happens. When the birth process starts, the embryo look like a blood clot, then a leech and feeds like a leech. It then goes on to say t it looks like a morsel of flesh what this means is; then the embryo looks like a piece of chewed meat. Actually it looks exactly as such, the best comparison in modern time is: a piece of chewed gum with teeth marks in it.

“But He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him something of His spirit. And He gave you (the faculties of) hearing and sight and feeling (and understanding): little thanks do ye give!” Qur'an As-Sajda verse 9

Once again knowing the birthing process, you would know that in the beginning the human child in the womb is not proportioned well, until it is time for birth.

“Was he not a drop of sperm emitted (in lowly form)? Then did he become a clinging clot; then did (Allah) make and fashion (him) in due proportion.” Qur'an Al-Qiyama verse 37-38

The verses about the embryo are one of the favorites, but there are many many more verses, and scientific proofs in the Qur'an. So science is Islam and Islam is science. God created us all, and He created all that we love and do. He created us to be very intelligent, and He knew we would be bored without a means to understand God and his creation. He gave us science to better understand Him and to know more about ourselves and our environment, He did this knowing that we would love this and it would be a way for us to Glorify Him even further. To love Him more and to thank Him for giving us such a beautiful gift, and not only giving us a way to love it but to know it and understand it. As humans we are programed to be curious, and to seek answers to the questions of the universe. Many of us seek understanding everyday, we just want to know. The most commonly asked question is probably, "WHY?". We always want to know why.

Happy Eid Mubarak to all muslim

2011-08-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

Idul Fitri

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar !

La ilaha ilallah, Allahu Akbar !

Allahu Akbar, Walillahilhamdu !

a harmonious, joyous voice

echo all around earth, sea, and sky

everybody cheer up, everything shine

a victorious, amorous sound

soar so beautifully, proudly and confidently

human and nature join in gorgeous celebration

all hearts bow to Allah

all eyes cries in faithfully pray

all families smile to face a new day

only to God, only to Allah

all thanks dedicate, all best wishes go

all praises ascend, all greetings deliver

the Most Merciful, the Greatest

forgive us, our children, our parents

guide us to the bright path, to the right way

the Most Powerful, the Greatest

bless us, our nature, our environment

save us, our friends, our families, our leaders

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar !

La ilaha ilallah, Allahu Akbar !

Allahu Akbar, Walillahilhamdu !

By Ahmad Shiddiqi (Indonesian)

Behind the scene of Hari Raya:

1. It is a day of victory for Muslims, having successfully completed the fast.

2. Zakat-e-fitr to help the poor & needy.

What to say?

The main greeting used by Muslims in Singapore and Malaysia is “Selamat Hari Raya”which means “wishing you a joyous Hari Raya” .

What to do?

1. Period of family gathering.

2. Asking for forgiveness between each other.

3. Visiting mosque: Performing Solat Hari Raya. [sunnah muakkad]

4. Visiting neighbours as well as exchanging food.

5. Cheering up by wearing new clothes, shoes etc.

6. Some lights up - eg: bunga api, mercun etc.

Circumcision - Benefits from religion & science

2011-08-20T23:48:00.000-07:00

The shar’i (religious) benefits:

Circumcision is one of the commands concerning beautification enjoined by Allaah, which Allaah has prescribed for His slaves to make them beautiful both outwardly and inwardly (physically and spiritually). It is the perfection of the fitrah (natural state of man) with which He created them, and hence it is the perfection of the haneefiyyah (pure monotheism) of the religion of Ibraaheem (Abraham). The origin of the institution of circumcision as the perfection of haneefiyyah was when Allaah made a covenant with Ibraaheem and promised to make him an imaam (leader) of mankind, and promised him that he would be the father of many people, that prophets and kings would come from his loins and that his descendants would be many. And He told him that between him and his descendants there would be the sign of the covenant, which would be that every newborn male among them would be circumcised, and so the covenant would have this sign on their bodies. Circumcision is a sign of having entered into the religion of Ibraaheem, and this is in accordance with the interpretation of the verse (interpretation of the meaning) –

“[Our Sibghah (religion) is] the Sibghah (religion) of Allaah (Islam) and which Sibghah (religion) can be better than Allaah’s? And we are His worshippers”

[al-Baqarah 2:138] –

as referring to circumcision.

For the haneefs (pure monotheists, i.e., Muslims), circumcision has the same status as baptism does for the worshippers of the cross (i.e., Christians). They purify their children – as they say – when they baptize them in the baptismal water, and they say, now he has become a Christian. Allaah has prescribed for the haneefs their own rite, the symbol of which is circumcision. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“[Our Sibghah (religion) is] the Sibghah (religion) of Allaah (Islam) and which Sibghah (religion) can be better than Allaah’s? And we are His worshippers”

[al-Baqarah 2:138] –

… So Allaah has made circumcision a symbol of those who belong to Him and to His religion, and who attribute themselves to Him as being utterly enslaved to Him alone…

The point here is that the religion of Allaah is haneefiyyah (pure monotheism) which fills the heart with knowledge and love of Him and sincerity towards Him, and worship of Him alone with no partner or associate, and which marks the body with the characteristics of the fitrah, namely circumcision, removal of the pubic hair, trimming the moustache, cutting the nails, plucking the hair from the armpits, rinsing the mouth, rinsing the nose, using the siwaak (toothbrush made from twigs from a certain tree) and cleaning oneself after elimination of urine or faeces.

So the fitrah of Allaah is manifested in the hearts of the haneefs and on their bodies.

(Tuhfat al-Mawdood bi Ahkaam al-Mawlood by Ibn al-Qayyim, p. 351)

It is not essential for the child to remain as he is when he comes forth from his mother’s womb, if there is something that may be done for him that serves a purpose and is enjoined by the pure religion. Such things include shaving his head after he is born, because that is in his best interests. The Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Remove the harm from him.”

The same applies to washing the blood from him and cutting the cord by which he was attached to his mother, and other things which are done to benefit him.

The health benefits:

Dr. Muhammad ‘Ali al-Baar (a member of the Royal College of Surgeons in the UK and a consultant to the Islamic Medicine department of the King Fahd Centre for Medical Research in the King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah) says in his book al-Khitaan (Circumcision):

“Circumcision of newborn boys (i.e., within the first month of life) brings numerous health benefits, including:

1 – Protection against local infection in the penis, which may result from the presence of the foreskin, causing tightening of the foreskin, which may lead to retention of urine or infections of the glans (tip) of the penis – which require circumcision in order to treat these problems. In chronic cases, the child may be exposed to numerous diseases in the future, the most serious of which is cancer of the penis.

2 – Infections of the urethra. Many studies have proven that uncircumcised boys are more exposed to infection of the urethra. In some studies the rate was 39 times more among uncircumcised boys. In other studies the rate was ten times more. Other studies showed that 95% of children who suffered from infections of the urethra were uncircumcised, whereas the rate among circumcised children did not exceed 5%.

In children, infection of the urethra is serious in some cases. In the study by Wisewell on 88 children who suffered infections of the urethra, in 36 % of them, the same bacteria was found in the blood also. Three of them contracted meningitis, and two suffered renal failure. Two others died as a result of the spread of the micro-organisms throughout the body.

3 – Protection against cancer of the penis: the studies agree that cancer of the penis is almost non-existent among circumcised men, whereas the rate among uncircumcised men is not insignificant. In the US the rate of penile cancer among circumcised men is zero, whilst among uncircumcised men it is 2.2 in every 100,000 of the uncircumcised population. As most of the inhabitants of the US are circumcised, the cases of this cancer there are between 750 and 1000 per year. If the population were not circumcised, the number of cases would reach 3000. In countries where boys are not circumcised, such as China, Uganda and Puerto Rico, penile cancer represents between 12-22 % of all cancers found in men; this is a very high percentage.

4 – Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Researchers found that the STDs which are transmitted via sexual contact (usually because of fornication/adultery and homosexuality) spread more among those who are not circumcised, especially herpes, soft chancres, syphilis, candida, gonorrhea and genital warts.

There are numerous modern studies which confirm that circumcision reduces the possibility of contracting AIDS when compared to their uncircumcised counterparts. But that does not rule out the possibility of a circumcised man contracting AIDS as the result of sexual contact with a person who has AIDS. Circumcision is not a protection against it, and there is no real way of protecting oneself against the many sexually transmitted diseases apart from avoiding fornication/adultery, promiscuity, homosexuality and other repugnant practices. (From this we can see the wisdom of Islamic sharee’ah in forbidding fornication/adultery and homosexuality).

5 – Protection of wives against cervical cancer. Researchers have noted that the wives of circumcised men have less risk of getting cervical cancer than the wives of uncircumcised men.

From al-Khitaan, p. 76, by Dr. Muhammad al-Baar.

And Allaah knows best.

Hyperthyroidism -' people usually unaware of! '

2011-08-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by the effects of too much thyroid hormone on tissues of the body. Although there are several causes of hyperthyroidism, most of the symptoms patients experience are the same regardless of the cause (see the list of symptoms below).

Because the body's metabolism is increased, patients often feel hotter than those around them and can slowly lose weight even though they may be eating more. The weight issue is confusing sometimes since some patients actually gain weight because of an increase in their appetite. Patients with hyperthyroidism usually experience fatigue at the end of the day, but have trouble sleeping. Trembling of the hands and a hard or irregular heartbeat (called palpitations) may develop. These individuals may become irritable and easily upset. When hyperthyroidism is severe, patients can suffer shortness of breath, chest pain, and muscle weakness. Usually the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are so gradual in their onset that patients don't realize the symptoms until they become more severe. This means the symptoms may continue for weeks or months before patients fully realize that they are sick. In older people, some or all of the typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism may be absent, and the patient may just lose weight or become depressed.

Common symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism

· Palpitations

· Heat intolerance

· Nervousness

· Insomnia

· Breathlessness

· Increased bowel movements

· Light or absent menstrual periods

· Fatigue

· Fast heart rate

· Trembling hands

· Weight loss

· Muscle weakness

· Warm moist skin

· Hair loss

· Staring gaze

Remember, the words "signs" and "symptoms" have different medical meanings. Symptoms are those problems that a patient notices or feels. Signs are those things that a physician can objectively detect or measure. For instance, a patient will feel hot, this is a symptom. The physician will touch the patient's skin and note that it is warm and moist, this is a sign.

Want to try a quiz : COULD YOU BE HYPERTHYROIDISM?
Click here

Fasting is good..

2011-08-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

Fasting may be defined as a period of complete abstinence from all types of food or just specific food. Contrary to perception that fasting is akin to subjecting the body to austere measures, it may turn out to be a ‘good treat’ for the body. What is perhaps a rare phenomenon with humans is rather second nature to animals, who instinctively avoid food to ease pain, discomfort or disease.
Many are wary of fasting fearing unhealthy outcomes. According to A. J. Carlson, Professor of Physiology, University of Chicago, a healthy person can survive without food for 50-75 days, of course only in the absence of health problems or emotional stress. The rationale is each pound of human fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories. Even one pound of superfluous or extra fat is enough to provide the required calories for a full day of strenuous physical exertion.

Fast Healing

Phenomenal benefits occur when fasting is done following the advice of a specialist. During the initial days of a fast, usually the toughest phase, large quantities of waste flood the blood stream, ready to be flushed out. The body throws out waste through every pore, perceptibly as a thick coat on the tongue and a foul breath emanating from the mouth.

As the fast extends, the cleaning process is perfected, cleansing the body off fat, diseased cells, and mucus. When people undertake extended fasts, even toxins accumulated in the cells are removed. Diseased cells, dead cells, thickened coating of mucus on the intestinal wall, waste from - blood stream, liver, spleen, and kidney make an exit from the body. The body holds on to important minerals and vitamins throwing out toxins and old tissues. When the toxic load of the body is lessened, the efficiency of each cell is enhanced. This promotes healing. Thus during a fast, the body is on a ‘conserve energy’ and ‘healing’ mode.

Fast Treat

Why do people feel more energetic after a fast? In addition, why do they experience less hunger?

Not many of us may know that the body requires abundant energy to digest food. Fasting enables rest for the digestive system, and this saved energy goes into self-healing and repairing operations. Cleansing and detoxification in the intestines, blood and cells heals the body from many ailments. Fasting thus, invigorates the immune system to function at its best and helps promote physical and emotional health, by rejuvenating the body.

Fasting is especially beneficial in the following situations:-

• Finding relief from a variety of health disorders may no doubt begin my making lifestyle changes. Supervised fasting for a stipulated period helps patients make those required changes in their life that will positively influence their health.

• Fasting is a blessing to overcome addictions - to caffeine, nicotine, drugs, smoking and alcohol. Fasting helps lower withdrawal symptoms, which commonly deter people from overcoming addictions.

• Fasting helps lower cholesterol.

• Fasting works wonders in alleviating disorders of the gastrointestinal system like constipation, bloating, and gastritis.

• A supervised fasting program is a boon to diabetics to make crucial lifestyle and diet changes, sacrosanct to effective treatment of the condition.

• Fasting improves mental alertness - when toxins are cleared out of the lymphatic system and blood stream, it improves mental clarity. Further, eating less results in energy conservation, which can be used by the brain for thinking tasks.

“Fasting is simply a process of deep physiological rest. This rest period helps you rebuild functioning power and recover from the energy dissipation caused by hectic daily schedules and abusive living habits.” - Frank Sabatino, D.C., Ph.D.

ECSTASY: common teens' problems

2011-07-12T02:21:00.000-07:00

What Is It?
“Ecstasy” is a slang term for MDMA, short for3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, a name that’s nearly as long as the all-night parties where MDMA is often used. That's why MDMA has been called a “club drug.” It has effects similar to those of other stimulants, and it often makes the user feel like everyone is his or her friend, even when that’s not the case.
MDMA is man-made—it doesn't come from a plant like marijuana does. Other chemicals or substances—such as caffeine, dextromethorphan (found in some cough syrups), amphetamines, PCP, or cocaine—are sometimes added to, or substituted for, MDMA in Ecstasy tablets. Makers of MDMA can add anything they want to the drug, so its purity is always in question.
What Are the Common Street Names?
There are a lot of slang words for MDMA. “Ecstasy” is one of the most common. You might also hear “E,” “XTC,” “X,” “Adam,” “hug,” “beans,” “clarity,” “lover's speed,” and “love drug.”
How Is It Used?

Most MDMA abusers take a pill, tablet, or capsule. These pills can be different colors, and sometimes have cartoon-like images on them. Some MDMA users take more than one pill at a time, called "bumping."

What Are the Effects of Ecstasy?
It is known for its energizing effect, as well as distortions in time and perception and enhanced enjoyment from physical experiences.
The effect, per use, lasts from three to four hours. Its popularity grew in the late 1980s in the rave and club scenes and on college campuses because of its reputation for producing high energy and a 'trusting and opened' effect among those who take it.
What Are the Hazards of Ecstasy?
Ecstasy produces problems similar to those found among amphetamine and cocaine users. This can include:
·         Psychological problems
·         Confusion
·         Depression
·         Sleep problems
·         Drug craving
·         Severe anxiety
·         Paranoia
·         Psychotic episodes

The physical side effects that can occur while taking it can last for weeks. Users often experience muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movement, faintness, and chills or sweating. MDMA is very dangerous for those individuals with circulatory or heart disease, because the drug increases the heart rate and blood pressure.For those users who develop an acne like rash, an increase risk of liver damage and other side effects may result if they continue to use the drug.

Guillain-Barré syndrome..You may be 1 of the victims!

2011-07-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

What is it?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body'simmune system attacks part of theperipheral nervous system. The first symptoms of this disorder include varying degrees ofweakness or tingling sensations in the legs. In many instances the weakness and abnormal sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These symptoms can increase in intensity until certain muscles cannot be used at all and, when severe, the patient is almost totally paralyzed. In these cases the disorder is life threatening - potentially interfering with breathing and, at times, withblood pressure or heart rate - and is considered a medical emergency. Such a patient is often put on a respirator to assist with breathing and is watched closely for problems such as an abnormal heart beat, infections,blood clots, and high or low blood pressure. Most patients, however, recover from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, although some continue to have a certain degree of weakness.

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect anybody. It can strike at any age and both sexes are equally prone to the disorder. The syndrome is rare, however, afflicting only about one person in 100,000. Usually Guillain-Barré occurs a few days or weeks after the patient has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral infection. Occasionally surgery or vaccinations will trigger the syndrome.

After the first clinical manifestations of the disease, the symptoms can progress over the course of hours, days, or weeks. Most people reach the stage of greatest weakness within the first 2 weeks after symptoms appear, and by the third week of the illness 90 percent of all patients are at their weakest.

Causes?

No one yet knows why Guillain-Barré - which is not contagious - strikes some people and not others. Nor does anyone know exactly what sets the disease in motion.

What scientists do know is that the body's immune system begins to attack the body itself, causing what is known as an autoimmune disease. Usually the cells of the immune system attack only foreign material and invading organisms. In Guillain-Barré syndrome, however, the immune system starts to destroy the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of many peripheral nerves, or even the axons themselves (axons are long, thin extensions of the nerve cells; they carry nerve signals). The myelin sheath surrounding the axon speeds up the transmission of nerve signals and allows the transmission of signals over long distances.

In diseases in which the peripheral nerves' myelin sheaths are injured or degraded, the nerves cannot transmit signals efficiently. That is why the muscles begin to lose their ability to respond to the brain's commands, commands that must be carried through the nerve network. The brain also receives fewer sensory signals from the rest of the body, resulting in an inability to feel textures, heat, pain, and other sensations. Alternately, the brain may receive inappropriate signals that result in tingling, "crawling-skin," or painful sensations. Because the signals to and from the arms and legs must travel the longest distances they are most vulnerable to interruption. Therefore, muscle weakness and tingling sensations usually first appear in the hands and feet and progress upwards.

When Guillain-Barré is preceded by a viral or bacterial infection, it is possible that the virus has changed the nature of cells in the nervous system so that the immune system treats them as foreign cells. It is also possible that the virus makes the immune system itself less discriminating about what cells it recognizes as its own, allowing some of the immune cells, such as certain kinds of lymphocytes and macrophages, to attack the myelin. Sensitized T lymphocytes cooperate with B lymphocytes to produce antibodies against components of the myelin sheath and may contribute to destruction of the myelin. Scientists are investigating these and other possibilities to find why the immune system goes awry in Guillain-Barré syndrome and other autoimmune diseases. The cause and course of Guillain-Barré syndrome is an active area of neurological investigation, incorporating the cooperative efforts of neurological scientists, immunologists, and virologists.

Treatment?

There is no known cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome. However, there are therapies that lessen the severity of the illness and accelerate the recovery in most patients. There are also a number of ways to treat the complications of the disease.

Currently, plasma exchange (sometimes called plasmapheresis) and high-dose immunoglobulin therapy are used. Both of them are equally effective, but immunoglobulin is easier to administer. Plasma exchange is a method by which whole blood is removed from the body and processed so that the red and white blood cells are separated from the plasma, or liquid portion of the blood. The blood cells are then returned to the patient without the plasma, which the body quickly replaces. Scientists still don't know exactly why plasma exchange works, but the technique seems to reduce the severity and duration of the Guillain-Barré episode. This may be because the plasma portion of the blood contains elements of the immune system that may be toxic to the myelin.

In high-dose immunoglobulin therapy, doctors give intravenous injections of the proteins that, in small quantities, the immune system uses naturally to attack invading organisms. Investigators have found that giving high doses of these immunoglobulins, derived from a pool of thousands of normal donors, to Guillain-Barré patients can lessen the immune attack on the nervous system. Investigators don't know why or how this works, although several hypotheses have been proposed.

The use of steroid hormones has also been tried as a way to reduce the severity of Guillain-Barré, but controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that this treatment not only is not effective but may even have a deleterious effect on the disease.

The most critical part of the treatment for this syndrome consists of keeping the patient's body functioning during recovery of the nervous system. This can sometimes require placing the patient on a respirator, a heart monitor, or other machines that assist body function. The need for this sophisticated machinery is one reason why Guillain-Barré syndrome patients are usually treated in hospitals, often in an intensive care ward. In the hospital, doctors can also look for and treat the many problems that can afflict any paralyzed patient - complications such as pneumonia or bed sores.

Often, even before recovery begins, caregivers may be instructed to manually move the patient's limbs to help keep the muscles flexible and strong. Later, as the patient begins to recover limb control, physical therapybegins. Carefully planned clinical trials of new and experimental therapies are the key to improving the treatment of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Such clinical trials begin with the research of basic and clinical scientists who, working with clinicians, identify new approaches to treating patients with the disease.

Take care of your eyes!

2011-07-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Eyenstein says:

Now its time to learn about all the things you need to do to make sure that your eyes are always healthy and safe!

What should I do if I get something in my eye?
If you get something in your eye, NEVER EVER rub your eyes! Eyes are sensitive and can be scratched easily. Always ask an adult to help you.

How can I protect my eyes when I play sports?

When playing sports, always use the proper eye protection, such as goggles, helmets, or visors.

What kinds of foods should I eat to make my eyes stronger?

Milk. Drink lots of milk every day. Its full of important vitamins. Fruits and Vegetablesare a good source of vitamins too! Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and carrots, and fruits such as apples, pears and oranges are very, very good for your eyes, and you should get in the habit of eating some of these every day. And if you don't think you like a particular vegetable, you should try at least two bites, one for each eye!

Why should I never look into the sun?

Your eyes are made to see only certain kinds of light, and the sun is just too bright for your eyes to handle.

So you should never look into the sun, because its brightness will damage the light-sensitive part inside your eye called the retina.

What does 20/20 vision mean?

If you have 20/20 vision (as rated by an eye care professional), that means you can see something clearly at 20 feet that you should be able to see at that distance. So, if your vision is 20/200, that means you can see something clearly at 20 feet that you should be able to see at 200 feet.

What is eye strain?

Eye strain is what happens if you make your eyes work really hard for a really long time. Your eyes are controlled by muscles just like you have all over your body. If you use them too much in the wrong way, the muscles in your eyes will get damaged. So always have plenty of lights on when you read, watch, TV, use the computer, or do anything that you use your eyes for. Proper lighting reduces eye strain. And whenever you watch TV or use the computer, take little breaks every 15 minutes or so to rest your eyes.

Will my eyes be affected if I don't get enough sleep?

Your eyes will definitely be affected. Eyes need lots of rest to work their best, so be sure to get plenty of sleep every night.

Do I really need to visit the eye doctor?

Oh yes! The eye doctor is very important because he can let you know how your eyes develop as you grow. Visit your eye doctor regularly for check-ups, at least once every two years. People over the age of 60 should see their eye doctor every year!

Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism

2011-04-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

Deep vein thrombosis commonly affects the leg veins (such as the femoral vein or the popliteal vein) or the deep veins of the pelvis. Occasionally the veins of the arm are affectedA DVT can occur without symptoms, but in many cases the affected extremity will be painful, swollen, red, warm and the superficial veins may be engorged.

The most serious complication of a DVT is that the clot could dislodge and travel to the lungs, which is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT is a medical emergency, so, all limb swellings, however trivial, should be regarded as a DVT until proven otherwise. Untreated lower extremity DVT has a 3% PE-related mortality rate. Deaths associated with upper extremity DVT are extremely rare.A late complication of DVT is the post-thrombotic syndrome, which can manifest itself as edema, pain or discomfort and skin problems.

Risk factors for DVT are:

1) Prolonged immobility
2) Oral contraceptive pills
3) Pregnancy
4) Known thrombophilic conditions
5) Previous history of DVT

Watch this video for further info :)
Whishing you guys All the best and Goodluck for the up coming exams!!!

Mammogram: A screening tool to detect breast cancer

2011-04-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

According to the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, regular mammogram screening could reduce deaths from breast cancer by 35%.

BREAST cancer is the most common cancer in women in most parts of the world. There is a geographical variation, with the highest incidence in North America and North Europe, an intermediate incidence in South America and South Europe, and a lower incidence in Asia and Africa.

According to the Malaysian Second Report of the National Cancer Registry, there were 3,738 cases in 2003. It was the commonest cancer in all ethnic and age groups of Malaysian women, comprising 31.0% of all cases reported.

The peak incidence was in the 50 to 59 years age group, with a decline in older age groups. About 64.1% of all cases were diagnosed in women aged between 40 and 60 years.

Seeing lumps: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. It can be used to detect breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms, in which case it is called a screening mammogram.

Many women regard the breast as a badge of their femininity, and they can be markedly affected psychologically if they have breast cancer. Experience worldwide has shown that its early detection and treatment helps in making possible a high cure rate.

Mammograms play an important role in the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer and other breast conditions. According to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), regular screening could reduce deaths from breast cancer by 35%.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. It can be used to detect breast cancer in women who have no signs or symptoms, in which case it is called a screening mammogram. When it is used for diagnosis in women who have signs and symptoms of breast disease, e.g. a lump, pain, nipple discharge, or change in breast size or shape, it is called a diagnostic mammogram.

A screening mammogram usually entails the taking of two X-ray images of each breast to detect lumps that are not felt on touch. Small amounts of calcium (microcalcifications), which occasionally is indicative of breast cancer, can also be detected.

A diagnostic mammogram is used when there are signs or symptoms of breast disease. It is also used to evaluate images detected in a screening mammogram or when there is difficulty in doing a screening mammogram, e.g. presence of breast implants. It entails the taking of more X-rays to obtain images from various angles. Hence, more time is required than a screening mammogram.

The images obtained in a mammogram are stored on film or digitally. In the case of the latter, the images stored in a computer can be magnified, enhanced, or manipulated for detailed assessment, which is not possible with images stored on film.

This has the advantage of assessing subtle image differences, assessment at another site (teleradiology), and fewer repeat X-rays, leading to a decreased radiation exposure.

There is no difference in the procedure for conventional film or digital mammography.

Mammogram

The patient is asked to remove the top of her dress by a female radiographer. Each breast is placed firmly between two small plates of an X-ray device, one at a time. The compression of the breast facilitates the taking of clear X-ray images.

Some women find this uncomfortable, others find it painful. However, the discomfort is transient, i.e. only during the compression of the breast. There is evidence that discomfort or pain is reduced by quality information about the procedure and control over the breast compression.

Painkillers (analgesics) are not helpful.

Two X-rays are usually taken in a screening mammogram, one from above, and the other from the side. This process doubles the cancer detection rate.

The X-ray images are assessed by a specialist (radiologist). If the images are not clear, or abnormalities are found, the patient will be asked to return for additional X-rays.

The time taken for the report to be available depends on the healthcare facility. It is natural to have some degree of anxiety while waiting for the result of a mammogram, which will be reported by the radiologist.

One should remember that the anxiety is balanced by the benefits of screening, which detects breast cancer early, making it possible to have better cure rates, and sometimes, less radical treatment.

It is essential to inform the radiologist or radiographer if there is a possibility of pregnancy, and if there is a breast implant present. In the case of the former, the mammogram will be deferred to a later date. In the case of the latter, techniques may be used to obtain images of as much breast tissue as possible.

Screening in women at risk

Who is to have a mammogram is determined by the factors that increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer.

Age is the most significant risk factor. The older a woman is, the greater the risk. However, the risk is not the same for all women in a certain age group.

Women with the following risk factors are at increased risk:

> Personal history – Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to develop another breast cancer.

> Family history – The risk is increased in women whose mother, sister and/or daughter have breast cancer, particularly if it occurred before 50 years of age. It is also increased if a male relative has breast cancer.

> Genetic history – Women who have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at increased risk. Those who have certain changes in these genes have more risk than those without the changes.

> Menstrual history – Women whose first menstrual period occurred before 12 years of age, or whose menopause occurred after 55 years of age, are at increased risk.

> Reproductive history – Women who delivered a baby after 30 years of age or who never delivered a baby are at increased risk.

> Hormone therapy – Women who use combined oestrogen and progestogen hormone therapy for more than five years are at increased risk. Women who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriage may have a slightly increased risk. The effects of DES in the daughters of women who took it remain unclear.

> Radiation therapy – Women who had radiation therapy to the chest, including the breast, e.g. in Hodgkin’s lymphoma, before 30 years of age, are at increased risk.

> Body weight – The risk is increased in the overweight or obese.

> Physical activity – Physical inactivity throughout life may increase risk.

> Alcohol consumption increases risk; the greater the consumption, the greater the risk.

> Breast density – Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk.

> Breast biopsy changes – The risk is increased in women with increased abnormal but non-cancerous cells (atypical hyperplasia), abnormal but non-invasive cells in the lobules (lobular carcinoma in situ), and in the ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ).

Women are advised to discuss with their doctor when screening should commence.

Benefits and risks of mammograms

There are benefits and risks for any procedure, and mammograms are no exception. Women are advised to discuss this with their doctors, as well as any anxiety they may have.

The benefits of screening, i.e. early detection and treatment, outweigh the small risk of radiation from the procedure. It has been estimated that there is a less than one in 25,000 chance of the radiation from a mammogram causing breast cancer. Most large scale breast cancer screening programmes report between five and 10 breast cancers detected for every 1,000 women screened, the majority of which are at an earlier, curable stage.

However, it is a fact that the detection of cancer does not necessarily mean that lives are saved. A rapidly growing breast cancer may have spread by the time it is detected by mammography. It is also a fact that mammography may not benefit a woman with other life threatening conditions.

There may be false negative results, i.e. the mammogram appears normal, when in fact, there is a cancer present.

In general, the false negative rate for a screening mammogram can be as high as 20%. The major cause of false negative results is increased breast density.

All breasts have dense and fatty tissue. This is found in the glands and connective tissue of the breast, and have a similar density to breast cancer in the mammograms, thereby making diagnosis more difficult in women with denser breasts. False negative results lead to delay in treatment and a false sense of security.

There may also be false positive results, i.e. the mammogram is diagnosed as abnormal, when in fact, there is no cancer present. This results in additional investigations, i.e. diagnostic mammograms, ultrasound and/or biopsy to determine if cancer is present. False positive results lead to anxiety, additional discomfort, increased expenditure, over-investigation, and overtreatment.

Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound complements mammograms. High frequency sound waves are used to produce images of breast abnormalities.

It is a useful procedure if the breast is dense or if the doctor wants to know whether a lump is solid or contains fluid. It also facilitates needle aspiration or biopsy of a suspected abnormal area.

2 April, World Autism Awareness Day

2011-03-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Be prepared, World Autism Awareness Day is coming this 2nd April. Get to know autism and try to understand more of our fellow autistic brothers and sisters in this world. Let's say hello to Quinn here who is autistic.

Here's a little (not many!) info on autism , cited from National Autistic Society of the UK :

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.

It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.

Some message from the General-Secretay of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon:

Did you know the awareness ribbon for autism? (like the red ribbon representing awareness for AIDS). Well here it is:

And lastly, here's a recommended movie for you with a hero who is autistic, featuring the world famous Bollywood actor, Shah Rukh Khan.

Why not try this?..

2011-03-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Register now!!!

2011-03-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

Mother and daughter doctor-heroes: Hawa Abdi + Deqo Mohamed

2011-02-26T03:05:00.001-08:00

Lets give it a try guys!...Come joining us in this exciting MED MAYHEM

2011-02-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

RULES:

A) 3 people in 1 group.

B) 3rd year medical student and below

C) Open to RCSI, UCD, TRINITY

Prizes:

1st prize – 60 Euro

2nd prize – 30 Euro

3rd prize‐ 15 Euro

Deadline for registration : 1st of March 2011

Format: 3 rounds

1st round

Date: 5th March 2011

Time :8.00pm to 8.15pm

Venue: Online Quiz

2nd and 3rd round

Date: 12th March 2011

Time: 10.00 am to 12.00pm

Venue: RCSI

The details of format, will be given to those that register!

Let's have fun, while we test our pre-clinical knowledge!!

CCC3!!

2011-02-22T17:26:00.000-08:00

ARE YOU READY TO CREATE HISTORY??

REGISTER NOW!!

IMAM, PMCSA and UKEC proudly present to you:

CLINICAL CASE COMPETITION 3

Where the Questions are still worth more than the Answers!

So, what is CCC3?

Clinical Case Competition 3 is a competition for Malaysian medical students (clinical years) to show off their talents and perfected their skills in presenting clinical cases that they encountered during their daily hospital rotation.

How?

Each contestant will present his/her case in 10 minutes in front of the judges followed by 5 minutes of Q&A session. To put it simply, those who possessed the most awesome clinical case, present it awesomely and answered the judges' questions with utmost awesomeness, we will gladly declare you the winner :)

Simple.

Who?
Malaysian 3^rd, 4^th & 5^th Meds from UK or Ireland

So, what can you gain from CCC3?

1^st winner - 150 euro cash!

There will also be cash prizes for runner-up and second runner up and consolation prizes for ALL participants.

*Rumours* this year we are looking for the best presenter as well !!!
More importantly... certificate of participation which will be invaluable for your CV!!

On top of these; Experience!!!

WHERE AND WHEN?
Royal college of surgeons Ireland, (RCSI not RSCI)
12^th March 2011

9.00 a.m.

It’s hundreds of Euros!!! But it’s not just the money; it’s the priceless experience you will gain.

To register, please click the link on the side bar

SPREAD THE WORDS AND ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN

Raw Cocoa: A Super Nutrition. It's Purist Form for Maximum Benefits

2011-02-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

The chocolate evolution is gaining speed. Cocoa is making its way through the world of nutrition. Yes, cocoa is chocolate but in its purest form. It is un-roasted and only a few subdued ingredients like sea salt.

Cocoa has been used for thousands of years. Research has recently shown us that dark chocolate has the ability to reduce blood pressure, that is provided it has at least 70% and above of cocoa. Now enters cocoa with its wondrous health benefits.

Native Americans have acclaimed the wonders of cocoa through pottery, stone work and stories handed down from one generation to the next.

What makes Cacao a Medical Asset ?

Cocoa has been demonstrated in science that its Cocoa Flavonols(CF) can improve cognitive function. In a double blind study consisting of 30 healthy adults. The adults had consumed either 520mg or 994mg of CF mixed into a beverage. Both groups of the adults had shown improved cognitive function,and mental fatigue reduction was found only in those who had consumed 520mg. Those who consumed 994 mg of CF showed increased visual information processing but produced more errors in one of the cognitive tests.This suggests taking flavanols in moderation is much better than taking it in excess.

Cacao also contains potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc and magnesium, that aids cardiovascular health.It helps lower blood pressure and lowers risks of death from heart disease.

Raw cacao ranks first for nutritional content in comparison to other chocolates. Raw chocolate keeps almost all of its nutritional value due to low processing temperatures than chocolate which is roasted.

Cacao also contains all those nutrients in high doses for health such as vitamin C and omega 6 fatty acids. Studies published in 1996 showed that chocolate contains anandamides that act at the same site in the brain as cannabis. But later studies concluded that these constituents are too low in chocolate to produce any pharmacological effect.The most likely reason for its role in elevating mood and the chocolate craving phenomenon is that it stimulates the release of endorphins.

The Chocolate Information Center has the following facts:

An average size dark chocolate bar contains between ten to sixty milligrams of caffeine. The normal cup of coffee has 175 milligrams.

Dark chocolate weighing forty grams is equal in caffeine to one cup of decaffeinated coffee.

A cup of hot chocolate contains four to five milligrams of caffeine.

Cacao is a great source for antioxidants if it is certified organic raw cacao according to the ORAC scale.

The ORAC scale was developed by USDA researchers. It is a test in which measures the oxygen radical absorption capacity in different foods. It is called the ORAC scale and is one of the most sensitive and reliable methods in measuring antioxidant capacity. The higher the score the higher the level of antioxidants.

Consumption of raw cacao is fine but is limited to forty grams at the highest amount each day. Which basically translates to four or six heaping teaspoons each day.

Cacao can cause over stimulation in the central nervous system along with heart and brain. When this happens you can feel hyperactive followed by feeling drowsy. Which is the side effect of consuming too much cacao. The nibs are not as strong but only four or five are suggested.

Scientific Studies

In February of 2008, Dr. Gabriel Cousens had conducted a study on the health benefits. Dr. Cousens discovered that raw cacao is safe for people with diabetes as it raises blood sugar only slightly and it can heighten insulin sensitivity.To date this one of the only specifically health benefit studies on raw cacao.

The antioxidants and massive amount of magnesium along with other phytochemicals balance blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, remove arterial plaque and promote general health by reversing heart disease.In healthy humans, flavanol-rich cocoa dilates vessels via nitric oxide.This could be one of the explanations of how it provides benefits to the heart.

A Harvard study was conducted on the Kuna Indian tribe located off the coast of Panama. The tribe lived in an area abundant in cacao trees. They consumed five cups of the cacao in a drink form each day. The tribe had shown lower rate occurrences of major diseases and longer life span.

Notable Health Benefits

The Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism signifies that the flavanols in the cacao may aide in the prevention of additional neural damage in case of stroke. This could suggest that the flavanols in cacao provide such protection. Cacao was used in the study.

A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition had shown that the consumption of cacao improves heart health. Blood pressure becomes decreased and endothelial in overweight adults is also improved.

An article in Nutrition and Metabolism had noted that short term feeding trails show that cacao possibly have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system of lowering blood pressure, anti-inflammation, anti-platelet function, higher DLD, decreased LDL oxidation. The larger part of the study on the flavonoids showed that they could decrease the risk of cardiovascular death.

The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry in an article titled "Cacao has more phenolic phytochemicals and a higher antioxidant capacity than teas or red wine" notes that cacao has found to contain one of the highest antioxidant levels on the planet, surpassing red wine, green tea and other exotic fruit.

An article in Journal Arteriosclerosis notes that the antioxidant effects of cacao are helpful in arteriosclerosis. The effects were far greater than other well known antioxidant substances of vitamin C, E and probucol.

Free Radical Biology Medicine had published that the cacao may actually lower oxidative stress in strenuous activities which would allow athletes to recover much faster. The flavanols in the cacao when used as a drink for an example, lowers the plasma level of F(2)-isoprostanes.

Experimental Biology Medicine had noted that the procyanidin in the cocoa have shown to stop cataract formation in diabetic lab rats.

Conclusion

Taking a piece of raw cocoa everyday is a good alternative to eating other sweet food like cake for example as it improves disposition and helps to concentrate among other things mentioned above. But be sure not to over indulge yourself!

"Mind your HEALTH" Dr. C. S. Foo

2011-02-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

THERE is a curious little abstract area in the head that determines whether an individual soars with excellence or flaps the wings of mediocrity in life.

This is the trigger zone for many of the decisions we make on a daily basis. It houses passion, determination, commitment, and greatness, but also shares seats with negative emotions, insecurity, fear, prejudice, etc.

It’s in the mind

That non-anatomical entity we call the mind is the conscious part of the brain.

“Mind your language” – speak with consciousness. “Mind your step” – be extra wary not to trip. “Mind your head” – avoid decapitation (by an awkwardly low ceiling fan). “Mind your health” – to prevent future turmoil.

Minding involves conscious control. The mind is like a lawn, with flowers and weeds growing side by side, and like any garden, needs tending. We have to mind the mind, plucking out the wild plants; otherwise, we lose control of directions, goals and dreams.

Weeds of carelessness, a “could-not-care-less attitude”, procrastination, and inertia to action breeds poor health, financial turmoil, and much unhappiness.

The appreciation of certain stimuli is represented by specific areas in the brain. Sight is beheld by the rear (of the brain of course). Taste, smell, touch, and hearing are discerned by different areas on the side of this distorted organ.

What lies in front is the complex processing centre for thoughts, emotions, memory, reasoning, abstract thinking, etc, which also houses the centre of consciousness.

Unfortunately, squatting here, there is a prison for the inmates of negativity, fear, insecurity, and hopelessness.

Taste it, feel it

Taste is the only sensation that fires off excitatory signals from the unconscious to the conscious mind, inducing a constant overwhelming inspiration of the highest degree. Most other impulses bypass this area of conscious awareness and evaporate into nothingness, with no drive or reason to change directions, no spark of inspiration for the day.

If one steps on a nail, the sharp metal pierces the skin and stimulates the pain receptors, which send a current to the pain centre in the brain. Consequently, the body reacts violently to escape the distress, without having to channel to the conscious part of the brain for risk assessment.

The transition between true health, false health, and poor health is gradual and incurs no discomfort to the sufferer. As there are no signals of distress, a sense of false security prevails and action is lethargic at best.

The international colour code for electrical wiring is brown for “hot” and live, blue for neutral, and green for earth. Perception and reaction are often ill understood but can be likened to an electric wire that connects the sensory areas of the brain to the conscious mind. The live wire is only functional when it connects precisely to the terminal of reason in the mind, the “why” zone. Once there is contact, the bulb lights up, like a bright idea.

More often than not, it is the green wire that hooks up to the neutral zone, where nothing happens. Worse is when earth is connected to a landfill in which pessimism and negativity pile on each other, augmenting fear of change.

Fleeting ideas of intention that flash on and off like blinking lights does naught for illuminating the dark. However, if the right switch in the “why” zone is thrown, a new light shines on the path towards new disciplines, perhaps to shed the pounds, to control blood sugar, or reduce cholesterol levels.

Ultimately, it is the commencement of action that counts.

Activate the ‘why’ zone

A Rolls Royce needs maintenance, but does one have a service programme for the body? Are you living your life by accident (waiting for incidents to happen), or by design (having a health strategy)?

When a baby is born, so very often, the cute little miracle is deprived of the caress of the mother’s bosom and given a hard plastic bottle to nurse on. When the child grows older, the milk is exchanged with a bottle of coke. With the dawn of adulthood, the beer bottle takes over, and as the wheels of misfortune continue to turn, one may have to find sustenance through a bottle of intravenous fluid, reflecting on regrets of the past.

If exercise can give an additional five years of health, would one not be interested? If exercise, lifestyle, dietary modifications and taking the right supplements can offer 10 or more years of enhanced living, would one not embrace it?

If the picture is still hazy, it is because the “why” zone is rusted and clouded by cobwebs. With a little clean up, there should be better connectivity with the live wire.

Cigarette packaging carries pictures of lung damage so grotesque that it makes the seasoned pathologist squirm. Visual image at best is carried up to the occipital lobe where it dissipates with no impact. The “why” zone is not activated because the desire to smoke overwhelms the perceived danger.

Unless something significantly dramatic occurs, like being a survivor of a nasty heart attack or severe bronchitis, there is no trigger for change. A smoker will continue to smoke, a drinker will continue to drink, a heart will continue to be attacked.

We hear of the typical sponsored radio message that goes like “Heart disease is the No.1 killer in Malaysia. Exercise, eat healthily, reduce stress, and do not smoke and drink. Act now!”

That lyric has been sung for the last two decades, but heart disease is still the chart-topper. The song never touched the “why” zone. I should know as I, too, serenaded that ballad for the greater part of my career to impervious minds. Unless the “why” zone gets connected, there is no U-turn.

Despite herculean efforts to take action, change is usually inconsistent. Have we not heard of the diet plan that failed? Or someone who tried to stop smoking but quit trying to quit?

The final link to success in better health, wealth, or happiness is sustained commitment, not just for a day or a month, but daily.

If we do the right things today and everyday, we need not spend all of tomorrow rectifying yesterday’s mistakes. A health plan that works will add another decade of good years to life, but one has to work on the plan. A parting caution of D.I.Y. is that, if the wrong plan is chosen, a short circuit can electrocute the “why” zone, resulting in permanent damage.

"Treating Varicose Veins" from The Star

2011-02-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

Whether varicose veins is a cosmetic concern or a painful condition, it can be treated.

VARICOSE veins may not be one of the medical terms that is used by the average person, but its signs – the gnarled, enlarged, and sometimes discoloured veins that line many women’s and some men’s legs – are quite well known in an average household.

Just ask any woman above the age of 50, and she will likely tell you that she knows someone who has it. Nevertheless, as varicose veins are mild in many people, what you would also hear is the misconception that it cannot be cured and people just tend to live with it.

“Most patients simply tolerate the heaviness and discomfort in their legs,” says Tropicana Medical Centre consultant vascular surgeon Dr Lee Soon Khai. “However, if left untreated, varicose veins may lead to complications.”

Genetics and age

Varicose veins are not limited to the legs, although they are most commonly found on the back of the calves and on the inside of the thighs.

It happens when our veins (blood vessels that channel deoxygenated blood from various parts of the body back to the heart with the help of surrounding muscles) lose their capacity to return blood to the heart due to the weakening of the valves inside. This can be caused by age, prolonged strain due to long hours of standing, obesity, or hormonal changes in pregnancy.

As the one-way valves are there to make sure that blood only flows towards the heart, weakened valves will allow blood to flow back and fill the veins rapidly, causing them to enlarge and become convoluted to accommodate the extra volume.

“Most of the cases are hereditary in nature,” says Dr Lee. Studies have shown that the risk of one having varicose veins is 80% if both parents are affected, and 50% if only one parent has it.

Even if both parents do not have a history of varicose veins, one could still have a 23% chance of developing it, Dr Lee explains.

While it affects both men and women, mostly when they are 50 to 60 years old, women are four times more likely to have it.

Possible complications and treatment

Although the problem is cosmetic for many people (they feel no pain), varicose veins can cause the legs to ache and feel tired easily.

Pain, heaviness, itching, cramping, and swelling of the leg are also common. When left untreated, a small percentage may develop complications.“Besides increasing pain and swelling, skin changes can occur,” says Dr Lee.

The increased pressure on the veins can cause fluid to leak out into the space in between surrounding tissue and result in slow wound healing. By then, even a small scratch or a minor injury may cause bleeding or the development of a chronic ulcer.

According to Prince Court Medical Centre consultant general and vascular surgeon Dr Tan Kong Hean, of the 10 to 15 patients (with varicose veins) he sees a month, there are some who do not need treatment and some who definitely need treatment due to complications. Others seek treatment for cosmetic reasons.

Varicose veins due to pregnancy generally improves without treatment within three months after delivery.

But for the condition brought about by other causes, treatment choices include surgical and non-surgical ones.

Non-surgical treatments include simple self-care methods to reduce discomfort and the use of compression stockings.

Self-care methods like losing weight, avoiding tight clothes, elevating your legs, and trying not to stand or sit for long periods can reduce the strain we put on our legs.The use of compression stockings – elasticised stockings that cover the toe to the knee, or sometimes up to the thigh – can also help improve the flow of blood back to our heart by squeezing our legs.

As for surgical measures, surgeons can either remove one of the veins in the leg with a procedure called vein stripping and litigation, or close it off by burning (radiofrequency heating) or sealing it shut with chemicals (sclerotherapy).Now, surgeons also have the option of closing off the vein by “burning” it shut with lasers in a procedure called endovenous laser surgery. With endovenous laser surgery, patients are able to walk immediately after the procedure and can be back to their usual activities within one week, says Dr Tan.

While patients may sometimes need a repeat procedure, Dr Tan says that it is very uncommon. The chances a person would need a repeat procedure in three years is less than 10% from the results of long term studies currently available, he notes.

Unfortunately, non-surgical measures can only help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins. However, surgery to remove or close off the affected veins is often considered when non-surgical measures fail.

“Non-surgical treatments (compression stockings) may help those with mild reflux (back flow) and symptoms. If symptoms do not improve, or worsen, they need to consider surgical treatments,” says Dr Lee.

"Just beware of me, I might kill you" says DIABETES

2010-12-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

Does globally celebrated 14 November event give any impact to everybody?

And the most basic question is, do everyone realize the significant of that day?

It's the WORLD DAY OF DIABETES....

In Malaysia, the prevalence of diabetes is increasing day by day. Hera are some facts about it:

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels, that result from defects in insulin secretion, or action, or both. Diabetes mellitus, commonly referred to as diabetes (as it will be in this article) was first identified as a disease associated with "sweet urine," and excessive muscle loss in the ancient world. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) lead to spillage of glucose into the urine, hence the term sweet urine.

Normally, blood glucose levels are tightly controlled by insulin, a hormoneproduced by the pancreas. Insulin lowers the blood glucose level. When the blood glucose elevates (for example, after eating food), insulin is released from the pancreas to normalize the glucose level. In patients with diabetes, the absence or insufficient production of insulin causes hyperglycemia. Diabetes is a chronic medical condition, meaning that although it can be controlled, it lasts a lifetime.

What is the impact of diabetes?

Over time, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and nerve damage. These types of damage are the result of damage to small vessels, referred to as microvascular disease. Diabetes is also an important factor in accelerating the hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis), leading to strokes, coronary heart disease, and other large blood vessel diseases. This is referred to as macrovascular disease. Diabetes affects approximately 17 million people (about 8% of the population) in the United States. In addition, an estimated additional 12 million people in the United States have diabetes and don't even know it.

From an economic perspective, the total annual cost of diabetes in 1997 was estimated to be 98 billion dollars in the United States. The per capita cost resulting from diabetes in 1997 amounted to $10,071.00; while healthcare costs for people without diabetes incurred a per capita cost of $2,699.00. During this same year, 13.9 million days of hospital stay were attributed to diabetes, while 30.3 million physician office visits were diabetes related. Remember, these numbers reflect only the population in the United States. Globally, the statistics are staggering.

Diabetes is the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease andcancer.

What causes diabetes?

Insufficient production of insulin (either absolutely or relative to the body's needs), production of defective insulin (which is uncommon), or the inability of cells to use insulin properly and efficiently leads to hyperglycemia and diabetes. This latter condition affects mostly the cells of muscle and fat tissues, and results in a condition known as "insulin resistance." This is the primary problem in type 2 diabetes. The absolute lack of insulin, usually secondary to a destructive process affecting the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas, is the main disorder in type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, there also is a steady decline of beta cells that adds to the process of elevated blood sugars. Essentially, if someone is resistant to insulin, the body can, to some degree, increase production of insulin and overcome the level of resistance. After time, if production decreases and insulin cannot be released as vigorously, hyperglycemia develops.

Glucose is a simple sugar found in food. Glucose is an essential nutrient that provides energy for the proper functioning of the body cells. Carbohydrates are broken down in thesmall intestine and the glucose in digested food is then absorbed by the intestinal cells into the bloodstream, and is carried by the bloodstream to all the cells in the body where it is utilized. However, glucose cannot enter the cells alone and needs insulin to aid in its transport into the cells. Without insulin, the cells become starved of glucose energy despite the presence of abundant glucose in the bloodstream. In certain types of diabetes, the cells' inability to utilize glucose gives rise to the ironic situation of "starvation in the midst of plenty". The abundant, unutilized glucose is wastefully excreted in the urine.

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by specialized cells (beta cells) of the pancreas. (The pancreas is a deep-seated organ in the abdomen located behind the stomach.) In addition to helping glucose enter the cells, insulin is also important in tightly regulating the level of glucose in the blood. After a meal, the blood glucose level rises. In response to the increased glucose level, the pancreas normally releases more insulin into the bloodstream to help glucose enter the cells and lower blood glucose levels after a meal. When the blood glucose levels are lowered, the insulin release from the pancreas is turned down. It is important to note that even in the fasting state there is a low steady release of insulin than fluctuates a bit and helps to maintain a steady blood sugar level during fasting. In normal individuals, such a regulatory system helps to keep blood glucose levels in a tightly controlled range. As outlined above, in patients with diabetes, the insulin is either absent, relatively insufficient for the body's needs, or not used properly by the body. All of these factors cause elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia).

GMM to combat Dengue

2010-12-11T03:40:00.000-08:00

Malaysia could be the first country in Asia to use genetically modified mosquitoes (GMM) to battle a rise in dengue fever.

Aedes aegypti – a type of mosquitoes that transmits Dengue virus.

The program calls for genetically engineered male mosquitoes to be released into the wild that would mate with females and produce offspring that live shorter lives, thus curbing the population.

Malaysian scientists say laboratory test trials have made them optimistic. Dengue fever, spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is common in Asia and Latin America. Symptoms include high fever, joint pains and nausea, but in severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding, liver enlargement, circulatory shutdown and death. There is no known cure or vaccine.

Efforts to urge Malaysians to keep neighbourhoods clean and destroy stagnant sources of water – which are mosquito breeding grounds – have failed, and "innovative ways" are needed to combat dengue.

In Malaysia, the number of dengue-linked deaths totaled 117 between January and early October – a 65 percent surge from last year, according to Health Ministry statistics. Dengue infections overall increased 17 percent from last year to more than 37,000 cases.

Malaysian authorities plan to release between 2,000 and 3,000 genetically modified mosquitoes in two areas. The plan, which cannot be undertaken without Cabinet approval, would be the first such release of genetically modified mosquitoes in Asia to combat dengue.

WHO Western Pacific welcomed Malaysia's efforts to step up the fight against dengue, but also reportedly cautioned that care must be taken in introducing a new species to the environment.

Dengue fever at a glance:

Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes.
Symptoms such as headache, fever, exhaustion, severe joint and muscle pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy), and rash. The presence (the "dengue triad") of fever, rash, and headache (and other pains) is particularly characteristic of dengue fever.
Dengue is prevalent throughout the tropics and subtropics. Outbreaks have occurred recently in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Cuba, and Central America.
Because dengue fever is caused by a virus, there is no specific medicine or antibiotic to treat it. For typical dengue fever, the treatment is purely concerned with relief of the symptoms (symptomatic).
The acute phase of the illness with fever and myalgias lasts about one to two weeks.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a specific syndrome that tends to affect children under 10 years of age. It causes abdominal pain, hemorrhage (bleeding), and circulatory collapse (shock).
The prevention of dengue fever requires control or eradication of the mosquitoes carrying the virus that causes dengue.
There is currently no vaccine available for dengue fever.

Medical Mayhem Report is OUT!

2010-12-05T13:07:00.000-08:00

IMAM Week went too fast like a whirlwind in this Siberian-like weather! Let’s recap on how it all started; the first event of the week which was; Medschool Mayhem! Medschool Mayhem is our first ever game night giving a twist of fun and excitement into the medical knowledge we learn day in and day out in medical schools! It was held on the 19^th November 2010 in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

The game night consisted of a number of games; ‘Word Up’ where the contestants are asked to give Layman’s term to the medical terms displayed on the screen, ‘Differential Diagnosis’ where contestants are given cases and questions that followed it, ‘Chaboo’ which is a combination of charades where the contestants need to act out the words displayed for their teammates to guess and ‘taboo’ where the contestants need to describe the words displayed without using taboo words for their teammates to guess, ‘Medical Feud’ where contestants need to guess answers to specific questions and lastly, the finale which was ‘Pithing’ which is medical hangman combined with elements of wheel of fortune.

Four teams of four contestants entered the competition which took quite a little longer than expected. There teams were Al-Islah, Pinky and the Brain, 2PM and Merapi. Each team composed of a mixture of 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th year medical students. The entrance fees, which totalled up to €40 was donated to the Merapi fund that we started during IMAM Week. All four team put up quite a fight between one another in each game however there could only be one winner by the end of the night.

Team Islah won 1^st place and in doing so won the prize of €50 euros while Pinky and the Brain followed closely behind and got second place winning them DUNNES vouchers.

All in all, the game night went quite smoothly and turned out better than anticipated by the organizing committee as it was one of the first projects to be conducted without prior examples. However, there’s SO MUCH room for improvement to each and every game and also to the flow of the game night.

We hope everyone that was there enjoyed the night as much as we enjoyed organizing it. To everyone that didn’t join this time round, maybe you’d like to join us the next time we have it. Until then, enjoy medical school!

Weekly article: Antioxidants help slow down the ‘rusting’ of the human body

2010-12-04T04:50:00.000-08:00

AN apple turns brown or a nail gets rusty due to oxidation. The same process occurs within us. We do not change colour or become rusty, but the tell tale signs come later as “wear and tear” in ageing, poor health, or chronic diseases.

We often blame our genes for our maladies, but environmental factors and lifestyle choices account for as much as 70% for the apple inside us turning brown too fast, too soon.

If we smear some lemon juice on a cut half of an apple, the browning process is retarded as the lemon slows down the oxidation process, hence conferring an antioxidant effect to the apple.

As we are more complex than an apple, smearing ourselves with lemon just would not work!

Antioxidants were first applied in industrial use two centuries ago to protect materials such as rubber from degradation, and was later introduced to preserve certain foods and oils to extend shelf life.

It was only 60 years ago that its significance in human physiology was recognised.

But doctors were so busy battling diseases that, until recently, the protective role of antioxidants has not been fully appreciated.

To be honest, yours truly had no idea what they really were. My only knowledge of antioxidants was restricted to oranges and wine. I thought “free radicals” was a new political party!

We now know that they are the culprits in causing oxidation within us, and antioxidants neutralise them.

The word antioxidants conjures much excitement and sometimes emotions as there are many claims and counter claims. Earlier studies showed great promise on health, later ones disputed that, and on it goes like a yo-yo. The subject is extremely confusing and this discussion tries to put them into separate baskets for ease of mental digestion.

There is a plethora of antioxidants in our foods, chiefly found in fruits and vegetables: the more coloured and pigmented, the richer it is in antioxidant content.

Variety is the key to good health and the more the merrier. The American Cancer Society recommends at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day to prevent cancer. Trying to keep the doctor away by having an apple a day is a myth ... it is not enough! One can try five, and that still would not be enough.

To illustrate: the level of vitamin E known to effectively combat oxidative stress is 400IU. If one eats spinach only or has a girlfriend called Olive, the poor fellow has to consume 12.7kg of the vegetable to get the optimal level of vitamin E.

Apart from indigestion, Popeye probably has staghorn kidney stones, considering the amount of oxalates found in spinach.

Unlike Homo sapiens, antioxidants work in a synergistic fashion. Each is like an instrument in a philharmonic orchestra, playing the right note, at the right pitch and tempo, and supporting the other performers elegantly. The flawless symphony within is the key to anti-ageing and prevention of chronic diseases.

Some are water-soluble and work only in fluid compartments; some are fat-soluble, protecting the lipids in cell membranes. Some work outside the cells, and some only within.

The brain is a private club allowing entry only to members of valued standing. Among the select antioxidants that has an entry ticket is vitamin C and a family of powerful protectors known as OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins, found in grapeseed extract). Together they form a duet in quelling free radicals in the headquarters of our very existence.

As much has been unraveled about the role of antitoxidants, it is now no longer relegated to the cloakroom of science or the twilight zone of alternative medicine. It is only the naive or the incalcitrant mind that rejects its significance. We were already endowed with it when man first walked the earth, and he had the foresight to eat apples as an additional booster, as ancient script goes.

The dreaded free radical that brings forth harm is known as “superoxide”, an unstable oxygen molecule, resulting from churning up energy in the body. To render this harmless, our cells possess an antioxidant enzyme called superoxide dismutase. Together with catalase and glutathione peroxidase, they complete the job of snuffing out the smoke, thereby preventing the free radicals from wantonly zapping our cells.

On top of this, our body also produces co-enzyme Q10, which is an in-house antioxidant in the power plant (mitochondria) within our cells. It recruits a helper in the form of alpha-lipoic acid to clean up the mess.

Did you know that uric acid is also an antioxidant? This is not a reason to gobble down pots of meat – bone tea (literal hokkien translation) in excess will cause a pretty painful joint, or worse, excruciating back pain with blood in the urine due to kidney stones.

The moral of the story: do not raise the level of the wrong antioxidant. Not all things natural are always good.

Primary antioxidants

Early research centred around vitamins A, C and E, which are collectively known as primary antioxidants. They are called essential nutrients because the human body cannot do without them. Since we cannot manufacture vitamins, they must be derived from the diet.

The plant form of vitamin A is called beta-carotene (a pro vitamin), found in carrots, papaya, berries, pumpkins, etc. The body converts this precursor to vitamin A as and when it is needed. However, too much intake will cause harmless discolouration of the palms. Both vitamins A and E are fat-soluble, thus preventing the oxidation of lipids within the cell membrane.

On the other hand, vitamin C is water-soluble and mops up the free radical burden from the blood.

Supporting antioxidants

Under this category are the “others”. They are not absolutely a must, but do a whole lot of good if they are available. The bioflavanoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols are essentially derived from plants and are collectively called phytonutrients. The number of compounds within these groups is mind boggling and only a few are highlighted for enlightenment.

> OPC (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), found in seeds of the red grape (commercially as grape seed extract), is a potent antioxidant, aiding in the ridding of free radicals both in the water and fat compartments of the body.

> Isoflavones derived from soy offers itself as a weak oestrogen, and relieves menopausal symptoms.

> Lycopene is found in tomatoes but enriched when pureed. It has been found to reduce the risk of bladder cancer.

> Lutein, found in dark green leafy vegetables, protect the eyes and slow down the onset and progression of a chronic eye disease (macular degeneration).

> Quercetin is derived from fruits, grains, and vegetables.

> Catechins found in tea is an excellent antioxidant.

The list is exhaustive and includes gingko biloba, zexanthine, hesperidin, etc.

> The quintet: Five good friends form an antioxidant network, namely vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, and finally CoQ10. They support each other by interactive regeneration. When vitamin C has done its job, instead of being discarded, it is reactivated by vitamin E. Gluthathione regenerates vitamin E. Alpha-lipoic acid recycles coenzyme Q10. Together, this five-piece quintet harmoniously delivers a masterpiece.

> The antioxidant minerals: These are not themselves antioxidants but help to replenish the endogenous antioxidant status. Selenium (found in shell-fish, eggs, chicken, garlic, etc) is needed to build up the level of glutatione. Manganese, copper, and zinc are trace minerals which help to boost up the level of superoxide dismutase.

Science is only beginning to unravel the many intricate mysteries within us, so there will necessarily be debates as illustrated by the many conflicting views that is beyond the scope of this discussion.

Suffice to point out that applying drug study models and expecting each antioxidant to work independently like a pharmacological agent in sick patients is illogical and often produces the contradictory results that we rant about. Antioxidants are not drugs and are part of the body’s defence and healing system. Until there is a full appraisal of this wondrous orchestra without leaving out a single instrument, we may never hear the true music.

We can view antioxidants in three concentric rings. Replenishing the inner circle of natural antioxidants takes centre stage, followed by the middle circle of primary antioxidants, and finally giving the outer circle (“the others” supporting antioxidants) its deserved attention.

Most people rave about a new discovery in “the others” category as the next magic bullet, and we have all seen quite a few of these. Incidentally, selenium created a wave of interest in 2002, following a study that revealed that men taking 200ug of the mineral a day seem to have lower incidence of prostate and colon cancer.

A sales representative tried to promote the supplement two years later and asked if I had heard about this study. I can remember the incredulous look on his face when I said “No”. I almost chased him out of my room. Thinking aloud then, I wondered how this guy had the guts to sell a nutritional supplement to a doctor.

Today, if I ever have the opportunity to meet him again, I would apologise and thank him. To many of my friends, I have this advice – do not let naivety and scepticism cheat you of good health.

Being both naive and sceptical, I paid the full fare for my folly. Fortunately, not too long ago, I heard the beautiful symphony of the antioxidants and I now share the notes with you. If our car needs anti-rust, so do we!

GREAT JOB GUYS!

2010-12-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

Alhamdulillah...

IMAM Forum: Revamp! has successfully marked the closing of IMAM Week 2010 which took place from 19^th to 26^th November 2010. The forum which was held at Royal College of Surgeons Ireland on Friday, 26^th November was tailored specially to help all the med heads to revamp before the winter exam kicks in!

We welcomed you with open heart (and yummy food; nasi lemak! J )

The attentive audiences

Representative of the winning team of Med Mayhem (€50!)

The forum managed to gather four special speakers from various levels of medicine professionals starting from the final meds to doctors from various specialties and they were:

Speakers of the day (from left: moderator Syamil, Dr.Affendi, Dr.Arimin, Anies Syazni, Nurul Hikmah)

Dr. Raja Affendi Raja Ali, Specialist Registrar in Gastroenterology

Dr. Arimin Mat, Registrar in Geriartrics Medicine

Nurul Hikmah Mat Noh, TCD

Nurhanis Syazni Roslan, RCSI

The forum which consisted of 2 slots tried to explore issues that are close to the heart of all medical students be it the pre-clinical or the clinical years i.e to get more organised and strategies for better effective study skills that focused on both from making the most of lectures being delivered in the classrooms and also on how to learn the most when doing clinical attachment in Dublin and Malaysia.

The golden rule is: back to basic-with a good one. And yes by that, it means anatomy, physiology, pathology and biochemistry ect. Get a good grip on it during the pre-clinical years as we will further learn how things manifest themselves when they go wrong in later years. Not to forget, the need to adapt excellent attitude and aim high. After all, we all worth more than RM 1 million and it’s time to prove it! J

The forum also explored the prospects of Malaysian medical graduates in pursuing medical careers in Ireland (over Malaysia) for those who were interested and who could have answered it better than these doctors who have been practising many years in Ireland (and UK). One of the reasons why some Malaysian doctors decided to stay was to develop the opportunity to the utmost and to be trained outside of their comfort zone. The opportunity to successfully bid for a research and compete among the Irish and other international professionals in such a research-based community was an achievement itself.

Later on, there was a prize giving ceremony to the winning groups of Medical Mayhem which was a game night to tease the med heads and continued with the next fifteen (!) winners from Trivia Quiz in which 3 lucky winners were picked everyday throughout the whole 5 days of the trivia quizzes that were accessible exclusively in our official blog. J

*Million thanks to the people who had supported us during the week*

IMAM Week Event: THE ULTIMATE ONE!..It's a MUST for everybody

2010-11-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

How to become a SUCCESSFUL medical student???

Pursuing medical career; Ireland over Malaysia????

The forum is set to gather various level of medicine professionals starting from the final meds to doctors of various speacialty in order to help medical students to be more organised and to explore strategies for effective study skills, better learning and in general on how to make the most from life as medical students and the future doctors.

Invited Speakers:

Dr Arimin Mat

Medicine Registrar

Dr Raja Affendi Raja Ali

Specialist Registrar

Nurul Hikmah Mat Noh

Trinity College Dublin

Nurhanis Syazni Roslan

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Date;

Friday, 26th November 2010

Time;

6.00pm - 9.00pm

Venue;

Chyne Lecture Theatre, RCSI

There is no entrance fee and food will be provided free of charge!

Another event of IMAM Week 2010.

Prizes for the winners of IMAM Game Night; MedSchool Mayhem and Medical Trivia Quizzes will also be given on the night!

Guys..It's IMAM WEEK!

2010-11-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

Let's IMAMing..

19-26 November 2010

Don't miss the chance..invite your friends, invite your housemates, invite your batchmates...

in short, INVITE ALL!..

Fat Outside Of The Arteries Linked To Cardiovascular Disease

2010-11-18T16:20:00.000-08:00

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) have found that fat around the outside of arteries may lead to the development of cardiovascular disease and could be linked to its onset in individuals with diabetes.

David Manka, PhD, a researcher in the division of cardiovascular diseases, and his team found that this fat - known as perivascular adipose tissue - could possibly lead to the formation of fatty buildup inside of arteries and could cause existing buildup to break loose, leading to stroke orheart attack.

Read more??..CLICK HERE

World Diabetes Day (WDD) 14 November

2010-11-15T00:03:00.000-08:00

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. This year sees the second of a five-year campaign that will address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention programmes.

World Diabetes Day is a campaign that features a new theme chosen by the International Diabetes Federation each year to address issues facing the global diabetes community. While the themed campaigns last the whole year, the day itself is celebrated on November 14, to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.

Diabetes Education and Prevention is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. The campaign slogan for 2010 is 'Let's take control of diabetes. Now.'

The World Diabetes Day logo

The World Diabetes Day logo is the blue circle - the global symbol for diabetes which was developed as part of the Unite for Diabetes awareness campaign. The logo was adopted in 2007 to mark the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution. It is a simple icon that can be easily adapted and widely adopted, the circle symbolizes life and health. The colour blue reflects the sky that unites all nations. The blue circle signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic.

Understand diabetes: know the warning signs

The warning signs* of diabetes include:

Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Increased hunger
Weight loss
Tiredness
Lack of interest and concentration
Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu)
A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet
Blurred vision
Frequent infections
Slow-healing wounds

*These can be mild or absent in people with type 2 diabetes.

If you show these signs, seek medical attention!

Diabetes Prevention

At present, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. The environmental triggers that are thought to generate the process that results in the destruction of the body’s insulin-producing cells are still under investigation. Type 2 diabetes, however, can be prevented in many cases by maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.

There is substantial evidence that achieving a healthy body weight and moderate physical activity can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. In primary prevention there is an important role for the diabetes educator to help people understand the risks and set realistic goals to improve health. IDF recommends a goal of at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. Regular walking for at least 30 minutes per day, for example, has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 35-40%.

Diabetes risk factors

There are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes. They include:

Obesity and overweight
Lack of exercise
Previously identified glucose intolerance
Unhealthy diet
Increased age
High blood pressure and high cholesterol
A family history of diabetes
A history of gestational diabetes
Ethnicity - higher rates of diabetes have been reported in Asians, Hispanics, Indigenous peoples (USA, Canada, Australia) and African Americans.

If you think you are at risk of type 2 diabetes, get tested!

LET US HELP THEM!..

2010-11-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

I believe everyone must have heard about Merapi incident in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Every cent that we donate may bring us closer towards Jannah insyAllah

So, what are you waiting for?...

You just need a few clicks & it's done!

“The likeness of those who spend for Allah’s sake is as the likeness of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward of) for whom He wills, and Allah is sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower).”

(2:261)