Every once in a while I come accross an article which really strikes me and leaves a strong impression.. This one did… maybe because my household really needs this information and to IMPLEMENT IT not just understand its value.  I hope that this will help many other people as well, and in the end it will not only make life more productive, but easier, healthier and happier for all.  Time is a thing that once gone cannot come back so we need to make the best use of what God gave us. 

Many people who struggle with waking up early, realize that how and when they slept the night before has an impact on their morning routines the next day. This is why we advocate the importance of not just a morning routine, but a productive night routine as well! The sleep routine is derived from the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and what he used to do before he sleeps (Peace be upon him). Check out the sleep routine here: http://bit.ly/sle-ep

Given that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) was THE most productive man that ever lived, I think emulating him and his habits day and night would go a long way to helping us become more productive inshaAllah!

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Praise be to Allaah.

 In al-Saheehayn it was reported from Ibn ‘Abbaas that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say, when he felt distressed:

La ilaaha ill-Allaah al-‘Azeem ul-Haleem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb il-‘arsh il-‘azeem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb is-samawaati wa Rabb il-ard wa Rabb il-‘arsh il-kareem (there is no god except Allaah, the All-Mighty, the Forbearing; there is no god except Allaah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne; there is no god except Allaah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth and Lord of the noble Throne).”

 And it was reported from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say, when something upset him:

“Yaa Hayyu yaa Qayyoom, bi Rahmatika astagheeth (O Ever-Living One, O Everlasting One, by Your mercy I seek help).”

 And it was reported that Asmaa’ bint ‘Umays (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me: “Shall I not teach you some words to say when you feel distressed? ‘Allaah, Allaah, Rabbee laa ushriku bihi shay’an (Allaah, Allaah, my Lord, I do not associate anything with Him).’”

 It was reported from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “No person suffers any anxiety or grief, and says:

 ”Allaahumma innee ‘abduka wa ibn ‘abdika wa ibn amatika, naasiyati bi yadika, maadin fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadaa’uka, as’aluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw ‘allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw ista’tharta bihi fi ‘ilm il-ghaybi ‘andak an taj’ala al-Qur’aana rabee’ qalbi wa noor sadri wa jalaa’a huzni wa dhahaaba hammi (O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your female slave, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every Name belonging to You which You named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur’aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety)’

 - but Allaah will take away his sorrow and grief, and give him in their stead joy.”

Al-Kalim al-Tayyib by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, edited by Shaykh al-Albaani, p. 72

Another dua that I have found to really ease the stress and emotional pain is this one which a sheikh taught me:  Allahuma rehmataka ‘arjoo fala takilnee ‘ila nafsee tarfata ainin, wa aslihlee shan’nee kuliahu, la ilaha illa anta (oh Allah it is your mercy that i HOPE FOR so do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for a blink of an eye, and rectify for me all of my affairs. None has the right to be worshiped except you).

More dua can also be found at this link:

‘O Allaah, there is no ease except in that which You have made easy, and You make difficulty, if You wish, easy.’

From: Daily Qur’anic Verses by Toufique H. Sumon

Why is Islamic Way of Slaughtering Brutal ?

Research: Islamic Slaughtering and Western method of Slaughtering

Let’s begin with a small introduction with the term HALAAL

What is Halaal ( هلال )?

Halal is an Arabic word meaning lawful or permitted. The opposite of halal is HARAAM (حرام ), which means unlawful or prohibited. Halal and haram are universal terms that apply to all facets of life. However, we will use these terms only in relation to food products, meat products, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, food ingredients, and food contact materials.

While many things are clearly halal or haram, there are some things which are not clear. Further information is needed to categorize them as halal or haram. Such items are often referred to as mashbooh, which means doubtful or questionable.

All foods are considered halal except the following (which are haram):

Swine/Pork and its by-products – Read more on WHY PORK IS PROHIBITED

Animals improperly slaughtered or dead before slaughtering

Alcoholic drinks and intoxicants

Carnivorous animals, birds of prey and certain other animals

Foods contaminated with any of the above products

Foods containing ingredients such as gelatin, enzymes, emulsifiers, and flavors are questionable (mashbooh), because the origin of these ingredients is not known.

Ref: Islamic Food and National Council of America

In this video: In Islam, a set of dietary regulations determines what you can eat. Here’s how to serve up a meal according to the basic rules.

Let’s now move into the topic

The Islamic practice of slaughtering animals by means of a sharp cut to the front of the neck has frequently come under attack by some animal rights activists as being a form of animal cruelty, the claim being that it is a painful inhumane method of killing animals. In the West, it is required by law to stun the animals with a shot to the head before the slaughter, supposedly to render the animal unconscious and to prevent it from reviving before it is killed so as not to slow down the movement of the processing line. It is also used to prevent the animal from feeling pain before it dies.

German Research Studies Pain

It therefore may come as a surprise to those who have made such acclimations to learn of the results of a study carried out by Professor Wilhelm Schulze and his colleague Dr. Hazim at the School of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover University in Germany. The study: ‘Attempts to Objectify Pain and Consciousness in Conventional (captive bolt pistol stunning) and Ritual (halal, knife) Methods of Slaughtering Sheep and Calves’ concludes that Islamic slaughtering is the most humane method of slaughter and that captive bolt stunning, practiced in the West, causes severe pain to the animal.

In the study, several electrodes were surgically implanted at various points of the skull of all animals, touching the surface of the brain. The animals were allowed to recover for several weeks. Some animals were then slaughtered by making a swift, deep incision with a sharp knife on the neck cutting the jugular veins and the carotid arteries as well as the trachea and esophagus (Islamic method). Other animals were stunned using a Captive Bolt Pistol (CBP). During the experiment, an electroencephalograph (EEG) and an electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded the condition of the brain and the heart of all animals during the course of slaughter and stunning.

The results were as follows:

I – Islamic Method

1. The first three seconds from the time of Islamic slaughter as recorded on the EEG did not show any change from the graph before slaughter, thus indicating that the animal did not feel any pain during or immediately after the incision.

2. For the following 3 seconds, the EEG recorded a condition of deep sleep – unconsciousness. This is due to the large quantity of blood gushing out from the body.

3. After the above-mentioned 6 seconds, the EEG recorded zero level, showing no feeling of pain at all.

4. As the brain message (EEG) dropped to zero level, the heart was still pounding and the body convulsing vigorously (a reflex action of the spinal cord) driving a maximum amount of blood from the body thus resulting in hygienic meat for the consumer.

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When a Parent Has Cancer – 10 Tips for Helping Your Teenage Child Cope

Teenagers Who Have a Parent With Cancer Need Special Attention

By Lynne Eldridge MD, About.com Guide

Updated April 05, 2010

About.com Health’s Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Coping with a parent with cancer is a trying experience for anyone, especially teens. In a child’s eyes, parents are protectors. Seeing them weak or hurting can have a profound impact, especially on older children who have more of a clear understanding of the circumstances.

Pro-skateboarder Tony Hawk’s father passed away from lung cancer when he was just 17. In an interview about his father’s journey, Tony shared that watching him “wither away” was the hardest part of all. This is a common and understandable struggle for any child whose mother or father has the disease.

When a parent has lung cancer, what can they do to help their children cope, especially their tweens and teens?

Communicate Openly

Children usually want to know what is happening with their parent. It is important to sit down and explain (in an age appropriate manner) your diagnosis and a general overview of what treatment you will be having. Children often glean bits and pieces of information from listening to their parents conversations with others. Left on their own, this can be frightening as they fill in the blanks trying to make sense of what is happening.

Answer questions. Stop periodically and ask your child if he or she has any questions. If it is clear that you are receptive to questions, your child will be more likely to ask you about concerns he or she has in the future.

Be Honest

We all want to protect our children, and that instinct extends to wanting to protect them from bad news. When the prognosis is not good, or complications arise, we want to shelter our offspring. But honesty during the difficult times is important to maintain their trust.

Don’t Lean Too Heavily

Children aren’t little adults, and it is important for them to continue to be children, even when they are close to adulthood. Don’t switch roles. Even if your child is willing to pick up household responsibilities, find others to help as well so that your child doesn’t feel burdened with more than she can handle.

That said, feeling helpless can be as difficult as carrying too much responsibility, and children — especially teens — can provide a lot of support for a parent living with cancer. If you find yourself feeling guilty for delegating an appropriate amount of responsibility to your teen, take heart, knowing that in this day and age we tend to sway in the direction of denying our children opportunities to grow and mature.

Don’t Forget the “Small Stuff”

We often remember the “big stuff” (holidays, graduation, etc.) in the midst of cancer treatment, but sometimes the “small stuff” can seem just as big to a child. A report card coming home, pictures taken before a gathering, a hockey game or gymnastics meet, or their first “real” award are all big events to a child. Adult friends frequently ask what they can do to help. Ask them if they can fill in for you by attending a game or school event that you can’t get to. Ask them to take a few pictures as well, and then sit with your child and talk about how proud you are of him or her.

Make Sure They Have a Support System

As Tony Hawk noted in my interview, the physical suffering of a parent can be heart wrenching for a child, and this is something that is easier to talk about with a third person. Encourage them to spend time with friends and other family members that they can confide in. Ask your cancer care team if any support groups are available in your area for children whose parents have cancer.

Try to Maintain Family Routine

Maintaining some form of routine in the family after a diagnosis of cancer is important for children, whether that means a regular bedtime for the younger child or a regular curfew for the older child. An adequate amount of sleep, regular mealtimes, and opportunities for your children to engage in physical activity, can help them to cope with circumstances beyond their control. It can also make a big difference in their overall attitude.

Find Reasons to Laugh Together

Laughter is sometimes the best medicine — both for you and for your child. If you can show your child that you are comfortable with the changes that have taken place, she will feel more at ease as well. Have your child try on your wig. Giggle about clothes that look too big from weight loss, or too small due to fluid retention. Cancer is a serious, scary disease, and there are times to be solemn and reflective. Yet, opening the doors so your child is not afraid to share his latest joke or happy moment can be good medicine for both of you.

Maintain Rules and Limits

“Mom guilt” or “dad guilt” can rear its head when you are living with cancer, especially when treatments interfere with your usual parenting duties. It can be tempting to allow your child to “bend the rules this once” and be more permissive, but setting clear limits is more important now than ever. Children need consistent rules and discipline. Older teens in particular are exposed to an array of unhealthy coping methods, such as drugs and alcohol, and a firm gentle hand combined with open communication is critical.

Let Them Live Their Own Lives

Going through treatment for lung cancer is a full-time job and can fill every moment of your day. Despite this, it is important for a parent with cancer to let a child continue to move forward with his own life. Movies such as “It’s a Wonderful Life” play out the emotions of children who have left dreams behind following the illness of a parent. Tony Hawk’s testament to a father with lung cancer who let him pursue his dream and become a skateboarding legend through hard work and determination speaks of the influence a parent with cancer can have on their teen.

Make Memories

Regardless of whether you have a cancer with a very poor prognosis, a curable cancer, or have never had cancer, making memories with your children will help them feel your love for the rest of their lives. Cherish the special moments with your children. Start a new tradition. Take pictures. Keep a journal. Cancer can’t take away memories.

Source:

American Cancer Society. Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer: Dealing With Diagnosis. 09/07/05. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Dealing_With_Diagnosis.asp

By:  Ingrid Mattson

There is a great diversity of culture among the approximately 6 million Muslims who live in the United States. The cultural traditions of African-Americans, South Asians, Arabs, Turks, Eastern Europeans and others might influence the way in which any particular Muslim in the United States responds to illness and other life crises. Sacred texts and traditions, particularly the Qur’an and the Sunna-the example of the Prophet Muhammad-are the primary sources for a shared spiritual or religious response to illness among Muslims.

According to the Qur’an, all human beings (“children of Adam”) have been granted dignity by God: “We have dignified the children of Adam, and borne them over land and sea, and provided them with good and pure things for sustenance, and favored them far above a great part of Our creation (Qur’an 17:70).” The Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said that Adam was created in God’s image; dignity and nobility are part of each human’s birthright. Although the Qur’an recognizes that humans are easily tempted, it rejects the notion of original sin. In Islam, humans are not “essentially” sinners, rather, each human is born pure and is inclined towards goodness. In Islamic theology, society bears a heavy responsibility for suppressing and distorting the natural goodness of each human. In the end, however, every person should choose a life of goodness for themselves; this individual act of choice is the key to human dignity, and what raises humans above others of God’s creation.

Although Islam places great emphasis on each person’s individual responsibility to choose right over wrong, it does not recognize individualism in a sociological sense to be a good thing. A sense of responsibility for family, neighbors and community is highly emphasized in Islamic ethics and law. For example, adults are legally responsible in Islamic law for the economic support of their parents if they are in need. In most cases, the same responsibility entails for grown siblings. Muslims are therefore socialized with a strong belief that human society is only possible through mutual support and dependency. Shame is avoided by making assistance to the ill and needy a legal and moral responsibility of others, not an act of charity.

Many verses of the Qur’an, verses that are read and recited throughout the lives of Muslims, urge us to remember that all humans begin their lives helpless and end their lives helpless. As long as we do not deceive ourselves that we are the creators of our own lives, and as long as we remember that all power is a gift from God, we will not become devastated when we lose our strength. “It is God who created you in a state of weakness, then gave you strength after weakness, then after strength, gave you weakness and grey hair. He creates what He wills, and He is the all-knowing, all powerful (Qur’an 30:54).” Dignity is experienced by recognizing our dependence on God, not by projecting a false independence that inevitably will be lost.

In Islam, sickness can be an expiation for sins, an opportunity that God bestows upon those He loves. The Prophet Muhammad said, “Whenever God wills good for a person, He subjects him or her to adversity.” Islamic tradition reports the great suffering and adversity experienced by most prophets, including the Prophet Muhammad, who suffered in his final illness. Dignity, therefore, is not lost by acknowledging or expressing pain and suffering.

Muslims believe in life after death; consequently, a Muslim’s sense of self is not limited to identification with the physical body. Indeed, our identity is not limited even to our intelligence nor our spiritual awareness at the end of our lives-for many people lose control not only over their bodies, but even their minds in their final stages of illness. A Muslim is identified with the choices and actions he or she made throughout his or her life. The Prophet Muhammad taught that the choices we made freely in this life can continue to affect other people, animals, and even the earth as long as the world continues to exist. As we affect and influence earthly life, even after our physical deaths, it is clear that individual human identity can never be reduced to a feeble mind or body.

In addition to these theological positions, there are a number of Islamic practices that reinforces that reinforce the dignity of people who are suffering illness. First, it is not permitted to force any person to experience a treatment they do not want. Islamic tradition narrates that the Prophet Muhammad was angry at his family when they forced him to drink some medicine as he lay weak on his bed in the last days of his fatal illness. Indeed, when he regained some strength for a short time after that, he made his family drink the medicine themselves-to experience how humiliating it is to be forced to take a medicine one does not want.

Islamic law supports the dignity of those who are ill by recognizing their continuing obligation to remember God and worship Him as much as they are able. As long as they are conscious, even the bed-ridden must perform the five daily ritual prayers. If a Muslim is too weak to stand, he or she can sit. If a Muslim is too weak to sit, he or she can lie down. Even a paralyzed Muslim is required to pray by imagining the movements of prayer and moving his or her eyes in the proper direction, at the proper times. By requiring the continued performance of acts of worship, to the extent that a person is able, Islam refuses to allow ill adults to be reduced to the level of children, who lack such obligations. Adults are recognized as essentially competent, as long as they are lucid.

Physical modesty is an important part of Islamic ritual life and Muslim culture. It is very important for health care providers to respect the different norms of modesty Muslim patients may have, in order to preserve their dignity. Many people, not just Muslims, feel uncomfortable waiting in a hospital hallway on a stretcher, covered only by a thin sheet. For many Muslims, however, this degree of exposure is exceedingly abnormal and embarrassing. Allowing a Muslim woman extra time to put a scarf over her hair, or allowing a Muslim patient to use an extra sheet for better concealment of the body can help maintain these patients’ sense of dignity.

Sidney Callahan, “Spirituality, Religious Wisdom, and the Care of the Patient”

Dignity: Introduction

The Yale Journal for Humanities in Medicine

YJHM: An online clearinghouse for manuscripts treating the humanities and medicine

Ingrid Mattson is Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations and Director of Islamic Chaplaincy at the Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut.

Published: July 17, 2002

“My brother!” exclaimed the bedouin. “What have you been saved from? By Allah, I think that you have been afflicted with every single kind of ailment!”

“Go away from me,” said the old man, as he raised his head. “Do I not still have a tongue with which I can pronounce His Oneness, and with which I can remember Him every single moment? And do I not still have a heart with which I can know Him?”

These words of the old man were enough for the bedouin to repent to Allah for his sins and ask Him for forgiveness.

Answers called out ranged from 20g to 500g. The lecturer replied, ‘The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem.

If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you’ll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it’s the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.’

He continued, ‘And that’s the way it is with stress management.. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, As the burden becomes increasingly heavy, We won’t be able to carry on. ‘ ‘As with the glass of water, You have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we’re refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.’ ‘So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work down. Don’t carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you’re carrying now, Let them down for a moment if you can.’

So, my friend, Put down anything that may be a burden to you right now. Don’t pick it up again until after you’ve rested a while

In an effort to find out how teachers are able to cope with ADHD students, a survey was created with SurveyMonkey to help gather information from both parents and teachers.  If you are either a parent of an ADHD child, or a the student or a teacher of ADHD children, please take the time (aprox. 2 minutes) to fill out this form.  Results will be used in an upcoming article addressing problems faced by students – and teachers- in the classrooms.

The main thrust of this poll is to find out if teachers feel prepared when they graduate from teacher prep courses to handle the demands placed upon them especially in relation to ADHD students.  Please feel free to leave any comments either here or on the poll itself in the blocks provided.

The poll can be found at:    http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3XKRHLJ

For more information about ADHD visit:

http://www.coachlindawalker.com/blog/adhd-and-motivation-part-1/

Major Sins # 45

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“. . . Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, al-ansaab (stone altars for sacrifices to idols, etc.) and al-azlaam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytaans handiwork. So avoid (strictly) all that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.”

[al-Maaidah 5:90]

The command to avoid these things is the strongest indication that they are forbidden.Khamr (“wine”, alcohol) is compared to al-ansaab, which were idols of the kuffaar; there is no excuse for those who argue that the Quraan does not say it is forbidden but only tells us to avoid it!

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also issued a stern warning to the one who drinks khamr.

Jaabir reported that he said: “Allaah has promised the one who drinks khamr that He will make him drink the mud of khibaal.” The people asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, what is the mud of khibaal?” He said, “The sweat of the people of Hell, or the juice of the people of Hell.”

(Reported by Muslim, 3/1587).

Ibn Abbaas reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever dies and has the habit of drinking khamr, he will meet Allaah as one who worships idols.”

(Reported by al-Tabaraani, 12/45; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 6525).

Nowadays there are very many kinds of khamr, with many names in Arabic and other languages, such as beer, jiah (beer), alcohol, araq (“arrack”), vodka, champagne, etc.

There has appeared in this ummah the type of person described by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Some people of my ummah will drink khamr, calling it by another name.”

(Reported by Imaam Ahmad, 5/342; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5453).

So they may call it “spirits” instead of khamr, as an attempt to distort the facts and deceive.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “They (think to) deceive Allaah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not!”

[al-Baqarah 2:9]

Islam imposes strict controls on this matter, and deals with it decisively so that there is no room for misunderstanding.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Every intoxicant iskhamr and every intoxicant is haraam.”

(Reported by Muslim, 3/1587).

Everything that has the effect of clouding the mind is haraam, whether in large or small amounts. (The hadeeth, “Whatever causes intoxication in large amounts, a small amount of it is haraam,” was reported by Abu Dawud, no. 3681; see Saheeh Abi Dawud, no. 3128). No matter how many different names there are, they all refer to one thing, and the ruling concerning it is well-known.

Finally, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) issued a warning to those who drink khamr: “Whoever drinks khamr and becomes intoxicated, his prayers will not be accepted for 40days, and if he dies he will enter Hell, and if he repents Allaah will accept his repentance. If he drinks again and becomes intoxicated again, his prayers will not be accepted for 40days, and if he dies he will enter Hell, and if he repents Allaah will accept his repentance. If he drinks again and becomes intoxicated again, his prayers will not be accepted for 40days, and if he dies he will enter Hell, and if he repents Allaah will accept his repentance. If he drinks a fourth time, Allaah promises that He will make him drink from the mud of khibaal on the Day of Resurrection. The people asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, what is the mud of khibaal?” He said, “The juice of the people of Hell.”

(Reported by Ibn Maajah, no. 3377; see also Saheeh al-Jaami’, 6313).

• Strategy Games
• Crossword Puzzles
  

  Model of neurons firing in the brain. Researchers may have accidentally hit on a trigger spot for déjà vu in the hypothalamus. (Credit: iStockphoto/Kiyoshi Takahase)

• Card Games
• Deduction Games (such as Clue
• Visualization Puzzles
• Optical Illusions

2. Reading stimulates the brain as it activates your imagination. Reading also helps with memory retention and problem solving, especially if youre reading a mystery. Also, self-help books stimulate your brain by helping you to think for yourself, as well as find solutions in your mind..

3. Exercising helps circulate blood that carries oxygen to your brain. Over the long-term, exercise is proven to increase brainpower and even create new neurons.

4. Stimulate your brain with meditation.. Meditation has been shown to increase your IQ, relieve stress, and promote a higher level of brain functioning. Meditation also stimulates the prefrontal cortex of the brain, the area of the brain responsible for advanced thinking, ability and performance.

5. Deep breathing helps deliver oxygen to your brain. Oxygen helps you be more alert and awake. As little as 10 to 15 minutes of deep breathing daily can increase brain functionality.

6. Taking fish oil supplements is literally like membrane material for the brain.. The two primary components in fish oil, DHA and EPA, strengthen the emotional center of the brain and boost focus.

7. Studies have proven that listening to Nasheed and Quran strengthens the right hemisphere of the brain and actually changes the structure of it. Also, people who listen to music are shown to be more emotionally intelligent than those who dont.

8. Writing improves memory and thought expression. Writing articles, blogs, or journal entries stimulates thought processes, which also enhances brain function.

9. Sleep clears out brain clutter and reduces brain fog. When you dont get enough sleep at night, your memory and normal brain function suffers.

10. Painting is shown to be an effective brain booster in that it sparks the creativity within you. Even if youve never tried painting before, give it a shot. Youll find that you feel more creative and may actually enjoy it.

11. Starting the day out with a good breakfast has been proven to supply energy to the brain and body for the whole day. When you skip breakfast, youre missing out on a powerful edge, both physically and mentally.

12. Walking allows you to clear your mind and thoughts. Not only is it good exercise for your body, walking gives your brain a chance to wander freely, clearing it of any troublesome thoughts.

13. Drink a serving of pure fruit juice.. Fruit juice contains nutrients that revitalize and refresh the brain. Juices to drink are pomegranate, blueberry, and cranberry as they deliver more focus and energy.

14. Students who drink some caffeine before an exam typically have higher scores than those who dont. This is because caffeine stimulates activity in the brain, which produces better focus and thinking ability. Dont overdo it though!

15. Draw a picture. Like painting, drawing stimulates the creative side of your brain. So get out some colored pencils and start boosting your brainpower.

To get the most out of these brain boosting activities, mix them up and do a variety of them at different times. Just choosing one wont boost your brainpower, however, combining and alternating them will give your brain the added boost you need now and in the long run.

(HealthDay News)
by — Rick Ansorge
Updated: May 26th 2008 

MONDAY, May 26 (HealthDay News) — Because food colorings and preservatives can increase hyperactive behavior in children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, pediatricians should consider recommending the elimination of these substances from the diets of some children, according to an editorial published in the May 24 issue ofBMJ.

Andrew Kemp, M.D., of Children’s Hospital at Westmead and the University of Sydney, Australia, cited a recent randomized placebo-controlled trial in 297 children aged 3 to 9 without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which showed that consumption of food colorings and the preservative sodium benzoate was associated with increased hyperactive behavior.

“In view of the relatively harmless intervention of eliminating colorings and preservatives, and the large numbers of children taking drugs for hyperactivity (2.4 percent of children in the state of Western Australia receive stimulant drugs for attention-deficit disorder), it might be proposed that an appropriately supervised and evaluated trial of eliminating colorings and preservatives should be part of standard treatment for individual children,” the author concludes.

Editorial

This article: Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.

WHAT IS EXERCISE?
Talk with children about exercise. Explain that it is activity that requires the use of the body’s muscles. Help children understand that regular exercise can keep the body healthy and fit. Show pictures of people exercising in different ways.

Point out that before exercising, people should always “warm up” their muscles so that they don’t injure them. Show children various warm-ups — running slowly, reaching up with arms, bending over to touch floor.

Illustrate the importance of warming up, by showing children cooked and uncooked spaghetti. Ask: If the spaghetti is muscles, which would bend easily? Which would break easily? Share that by warming up before exercise, we stretch out our muscles so they can bend and move easily. This makes them like the “warmed up” (cooked) spaghetti. If we don’t warm up, our muscles are stiff and could break easily (like the uncooked spaghetti).

For additional tips and guidelines, see “How To Do Warm-Up Exercises” in the On the Web section below.

HULA HOOPLA
You can use this timeless piece of equipment to get your kids moving… and having fun.
— Spread out different colored hula hoops on the ground in any arrangement. Invite children to walk, run, or hop around without touching any of the hoops.
— As children move around the hoops, call out instructions such as: put one foot in a green hoop; put two hands in a red hoop; and so on.
— Play music as children move around. Stop the music to give a direction such as “Two children get in a yellow hoop” or “1 person get in a red hoop.”

TENNIS ANYONE?
Create rackets for each child by hot gluing a paper plate onto a wooden paint-stirrer (stick). Next blow up colorful balloons. Have children sit on the floor and try to keep balloons in the air by paddling them. Or ask pairs of children to paddle a balloon back and forth to one another. How long can they keep it going?

MOVE TO IT!
— Use rhythm sticks to tap out a slow beat and ask children to move to it. Then tap out a fast beat and let children move. Continue giving children a chance to “feel the beat” and get a good workout.

WHO’S ASLEEP?
In a large open area, invite children to spread out and lie on the floor. Then recite this little verse:

Watch the little children as they sleep.
When they wake up they’ll all be sheep! (or dogs, horses, so on)

Children should then hop up and move around pretending to be sheep (or other animal). Blow a whistle to signify it is time to “sleep” again and repeat the activity naming another kind of animal. Begin and end this activity with the rhyming sheep verse above.

Empowering children’s brains

 
Mariam A. Alireza | mariam.alireza@ gmail.com 

It is common belief that a child’s intelligence and cognitive skills are predetermined by genetic factors. Few realize that there is room for empowering young brains and intellects through social interaction, intellectual training, mental stimulation, physical and emotional security, nutritious diets, and healthy family environments. This is our topic today.

Feeding and developing the brain should begin before birth. Studies show that newborns weighing more have higher IQs than their smaller peers, indicating that mental nourishment starts in utero. Mothers-to-be should have quality nutrition to nourish their fetuses. Fruits, vegetables (multicolored) , mercury-free fish (omega-3), nuts, their oils, whole grains, and legumes provide the unborn folic acid, essential fats, and necessary nutrients for brain development. A study showed that preschoolers whose mothers ate fish twice weekly when pregnant demonstrated better verbal, visual, and motor skills in tests than those whose mothers did not eat it or ate mercury-contaminate d fatty fish. “Fish can be brain-food.”

After birth, nutrient-dense breast milk is ideal for babies’ physical, mental, and emotional growth. No other milk can replace mother’s milk’s essential fats needed for the fast growing brains. The more breastfed the infant is; the more sophisticated the brain becomes. Mothers are urged to breastfeed no less than a year. Two years are optimum.

Teaching and learning skills at early developmental stages are very crucial. Scientists believe that babies absorb more information and connect more neurons (brain cells) through hearing new words and active learning. This involves mental stimulation with songs, toys, colors, and interaction during the first year. The process requires love and patience.

Preschoolers should be taught with animation, play, entertaining games, and story-telling to ignite interest; feed mental faculties; increase focus; arouse competitive spirit; and stimulate creativity. Standardized teaching does not produce the same results.

Since cognitive skills develop in the first ten years, learning should be entertaining, through stimuli, quizzes, flash cards, illustrations, touch, smell, sound, bright colors, shapes, and pictures. Such techniques reinforce memory, enhance concentration, promote data absorption, arouse interest, and advance intellectual abilities much more than rote learning.

A very recent UC Berkeley research on children of different socioeconomic backgrounds showed differing brain physiology. According to research member, Professor Thomas Boyce, “Functional differences in prefrontal cortex response in lower socioeconomic status kids [are] definitive.” Knight, team researcher, says this may be due to “the stressful and relatively impoverished environment associated with low socioeconomic status: Fewer books, less reading, fewer games, [and] fewer visits to museums.” However, all three members “. think that with proper intervention and training, you could get improvement in both behavioral and physiological indices.” The above findings support the concept of faculty development in children through reading, intellectual family discussions, environmental stimuli, training of reasoning, and mental challenges, resulting in prefrontal cortex development.

Nourishing a child’s brain is just as crucial as nurturing mental faculties. The child’s diet, first twelve years, determines the extent of the brain development and intellectual and reading performances at school and in adulthood. Like any other organ, young brain tissue requires vitamins (Bs, C), minerals (iron), and essential fats (omega-3) to grow. Such nutrients are found in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and their oils (avoid nuts for infants and toddlers).

The brain is a high energy consumer. Therefore, you need to jumpstart it with a copious breakfast (whole cereals with nuts, bread, milk, banana and fruit shakes, eggs). A healthy day starter improves mental performance (especially in mathematics) . On the other hand, refined sugars and carbs are detrimental to the brain and concentration. They make energy rise and fall drastically, leaving the child physically tired and mentally depleted. Lunch should be rich in proteins (fish, meat, poultry, eggs), whole carbohydrates, legumes, colorful vegetables, and fruits. Water and milk should replace sugar-laden soda drinks. Hommus or za’atar sandwiches, nuts, apples, bananas, and yogurt are nourishing snacks, satisfying hunger. Studies indicated that a diet low in simple carbs improves children’s IQ significantly.

Motivate children to exercise by taking part in their activities and competitive sports. Studies showed that exercise increases energy and wellbeing; reduces stress and fatigue; and encourages neurons interconnection, improving intellectual abilities.

Psychologists found that music helps in memory tests and learning and soothes nerves. Deep breathing and therapeutic exercises (yoga) show similar benefits. A good night sleep makes brain and body recover. A cup of chamomile tea induces deep slumber.

A child’s environment should be pleasant, energizing, and stimulating with bright colors (red, orange) to animate mental faculties and boost creativity. Chaos, disorder, nagging, and family disputes create confusion in the child’s brain, interfering with learning. Essential oil (lemon, lavender) fragrance can clear and soothe a child’s tired brain. A scented tissue with such oils improves focus and increases mind clarity for problem solving and tests.

Children’s intellectual and academic accomplishments do not depend solely on cognitive competence and intelligence, but also on self-confidence, self-esteem, motivation, and communication and social skills, instilled in them as during infancy with patience, love, motivation, understanding, moral and emotional support, and belief in their abilities. This can only be achieved through parents’ unconditional love and patience.

There is a fine line between motivating and training a child’s brain and overloading and cramming it with too much information, which can be physically, mentally, and emotionally overwhelming. The latter can burn out a child physically and psychologically; turn him into a nerd; or negatively affect mental and emotional abilities, self-esteem, and social skills. Each individual comes with distinctive traits and abilities that should be addressed with customized approaches and according to needs and peculiarities. Even siblings should not be managed equally; but each to his own pace, character, and capabilities. The seed you sow today will give tomorrow’s fruit!

The Middle East’s Leading English Language Daily 14/02/2009 Hello,

Ruling on smoking

The reason why smoking is haraam

Why is smoking haram? 

Praise be to Allaah. 

Perhaps you know that all nations of the world – Muslim and kaafir alike – have now started to fight smoking, because they know that it is very harmful. Islam forbids everything that is harmful, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There should be no harming or reciprocating harm.”  

 

lung cancer from smoking

 

Undoubtedly there are foods and drinks which are beneficial and good, and others which are harmful and bad. Allaah described our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in the following terms (interpretation of the meaning):

“he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (i.e. all good and lawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons and foods)

[al-A’raaf 7:157]

Is smoking one of the good and lawful things (al-tayyibaat) or one of the evil and unlawful things (al-khabaa’ith)?  

Secondly: it was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah forbids you to trade gossip, to ask too many questions and to waste money.” And Allaah forbade wasteful extravagance when He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance) [al-A’raaf 7:31] 

And He described the slaves of the Most Merciful as follows (interpretation of the meaning):

“And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)” [al-Furqaan 25:67]

The whole world now knows that the money spent on smoking is to be considered as money wasted, from which no benefit is gained; indeed, it is money spent on something harmful. If the money which is spent on smoking worldwide were to be collected, it could have saved entire populations who have died of starvation. Is there anyone more foolish that one who holds a dollar bill and sets fire to it? What is the difference between him and the one who smokes? Indeed, the smoker is more foolish, because the folly of the one who burns a dollar bill ends there, whilst the one who smokes burns his money and also harms his body. 

Thirdly: how many disasters have been caused by smoking, because of cigarette butts which are thrown away and cause fires. Other disasters have been caused in other ways, as when a house was burned down with its occupants inside, when a man lit his cigarette when there was a gas leak.

 Fourthly: how many people are offended by the smell of smokers, especially when you are unfortunate enough to have one of them standing next to you in the mosque. Probably any nasty smell is easier to bear than the smell of the smoker’s mouth when he has just woken up. It is amazing how many women can put up with the smell of their husbands’ mouths! The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade those who had eaten garlic or onions from coming to the mosque so that they would not offend their fellow-worshippers with their smell. The smell of onions and garlic is easier to bear than the smell of the smoker and his mouth. 

These are some of the reasons why smoking is haraam. 

Shaykh Sa’d al-Humayd

The Hazards of Shisha

The use of “shisha” also known as hookah or water pipe is rapidly increasing in the major cities. Unfortunately most people who use shisha are not aware of its harmful effects. Most restaurant owners tell their customers that it is merely flavored smoke and that there is no tobacco in it.

Recently, however, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report on the health consequences of shisha use and it has proved to be an eye-opener. A commonly held belief is that shisha is harmless because the smoke first passes through water before it is inhaled. Theshisha smoker may inhale as much smoke during one session as a cigarette smoker would inhale consuming 100 or more cigarettes. Even after it has passed through water, the smoke produced by a shisha contains a high level of toxins, including carbon monoxide, heavy metals and other carcinogens.

A similar hazard is posed to other people who are not directly using shisha by means of passive smoking. It is indeed sad that in spite of an ordinance in place, which bans smoking in public places many restaurants; offer shisha to their customers. Tobacco used in these water pipes is often sweetened and flavored, making it very appealing to children and teenagers. A survey done on youngsters of school-going age in Karachi recently showed that almost 70 per cent had tried shisha in the past six months, and this included children as young as seven.

Many of the commercially available packets, which are used for shisha smoking, have misleading labels such as 0.5 per cent nicotine and zero tar. WHO in its report has strongly recommended that healthcare professionals educate the public about the potential dangers of shisha use. Moreover, the sharing of shisha between people poses an additional risk of TB, herpes, flu, meningitis and hepatitis transmission. I would urge the ministry of health not only to ban shisha use in the restaurants but also to take other practical steps for the full implementation of the “Prohibition of smoking ordinance 2002” in the country.

 Shisha 200 times worse than a cigarette

ASH news release: Embargo: 00:01 27th March 2007
http://www.ash. org.uk/ash_ 4q8eg0ft. htm

“Shisha 200 times worse than a cigarette” say Middle East experts

left lung is normal, right lung shows cancer from smoking

Three leading experts from across the Middle East have warned that excluding “shisha bars” when England goes smokefree on July 1 could worsen the grave inequalities in health that already affect ethnic minorities.

Owners of shisha bars and cafes, which provide Arab style waterpipes to customers, are asking to be exempt from the law when it comes into force. However new research suggests that the waterpipes have three additional lethal risks over the risks of smoking cigarettes:

• Flavoured tobacco is smoked over coals and fumes from these fuels add new toxins to the already dangerous smoke.

• Shisha smokers inhale up to 200 times more smoke in a single shisha session that they would from a cigarette.

• Café owners have stress the social importance of their product but researchers say it is exactly that social aspect that results in high levels of highly dangerous secondhand smoke.

Far from discriminating against ethnic minorities, any exemption for indoor shisha smoking would only worsen health inequalities, say experts.Following the recent publication by the American Lung Association “An emerging Deadly Trend: Waterpipe Tobacco Use” (1) Mostafa Mohamed, Professor of Community Medicine in Cairo said, “Heat sources that are commonly used in Shisha pipes to burn the tobacco are likely to increase the health risks because when they burn they produce their own toxins. Shisha smokers and those around them are put at greater risk.”

Professor Mohamed is among the authors of a World Health Organisation report on shisha smoking published in 2005 (2). He was joined in his statement by co contributors from Syria and the Lebanon .

Dr Wasim Maziak, Associate Professor at the University of Memphis USA and Director of the Syrian Center of Tobacco Studies expects to publish new research very soon. The new study stresses that it is the very social nature of shisha smoking that makes the problem worse.

“Our latest study makes clear that that clean air policies should include the waterpipe, as it can be responsible for the build up of toxic levels of indoor air pollutants similar to what is seen in cigarettes. The social nature of this tobacco use method makes such regulations more needed, but perhaps more difficult to implement as well. The public health community in the meantime must wake up to the hazardous nature of this emerging tobacco use method both to users and those exposed.”

A typical hour long shisha session involves inhaling 100 to 200 times the volume of smoke inhaled when smoking a cigarette and there is no proof that any adaptation can make waterpipes safer. Professor Maziak’s latest study provides the first evidence about the potential hazards of exposure to waterpipe-associate d secondhand smoke. Hazardous particles of various sizes can build up gradually during waterpipe use to reach dangerously high levels presenting a risk to non-smokers and particular risk to pregnant women.

Dr Alan Shidaheh of the American University in Beirut suggested that the problem was only recently being addressed by western scientists and that had lead to dangerous misconceptions.

“One of the enduring legacies of colonialism is that many problems of public health which are more relevant to the global South have received scant scientific attention due to a lack of resources available there. Knowledge of the potentially detrimental health consequences of shisha smoke, first or second hand, is a good example. The historical lack of evidence has unfortunately allowed many shisha users to believe that the practice was safe, or at least safer than other forms of tobacco use. We have recently learned otherwise.”

Dr Shidaheh went on to stress that it was not only the shisha smoker who is at risk and warned that the tobacco industry will try to undermine the science, “Every recent study has found that shisha smoke contains large quantities of the chemicals that lead to heart disease, cancer, and addiction in cigarette smokers.”

In their report to the WHO the researchers stressed, “Waterpipes should be subjected to the same regulations as cigarettes and other tobacco products. Waterpipes and waterpipe tobacco should contain health warnings. Claims of harm reduction and safety should be prohibited.”

Notes and links:

[1] “An Emerging Deadly Trend: Waterpipe Tobacco Use”, American Lung Association February 2007, http://slati. lungusa.org/ alerts/Trend% 20Alert_Waterpip es.pdf

[2] “Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking: Health Effects, Research Needs and Recommended Actions by Regulators” WHO Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation 2005 http://www.who. int/tobacco/ global_interacti on/tobreg/ Waterpipe% 20recommendation _Final.pdf

[3] A brief report written for ASH is available on www.smokefreeaction .org.uk

[4] ASH Factsheet on waterpipes including photograph http://www.ash. org.uk/html/ factsheets/ html/fact28. html

For the third time today, Sami shouted answers out of turn, insisted on standing at his desk on one leg with the other leg hooked through his chair, and frequently scribbled on his neighbors books or papers.  During math class, the teacher had to call Sami’s attention back to the task at hand several times in a row, but consistently found him looking out of the window; his mind in another dimension.  Suddenly, Sami blurted out, “Wow! Check out that red bird! I think its a cardinal?”  With his outburst, the other students lost concentration on the teacher and rushed to see the cardinal.  Frustrated, the teacher put Sami in time out and tried to regain focus from the other students.

Sami’s behavior is typical for children diagnosed with ADHD.  Three to five percent of children present this type of behavior both at school and at home.  For a true diagnosis, the child usually shows several symptoms before the age of 7.  These symptoms include :

. Either A or B: (1)

1. Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
   

Inattention

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
   

2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
   

3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
   

4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
   

5. Often has trouble organizing activities.
   

6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
   

7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
   

8. Is often easily distracted.
   

9. Is often forgetful in daily activities.
   

1. Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
   

Hyperactivity

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
   

2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
   

3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
   

4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
   

5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
   

6. Often talks excessively.
   

Impulsivity

1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
   

2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
   

3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
   

1. Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
   

2. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).
   

3. There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.
   

4. The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
   

Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:

1. ADHD, Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months
   

2. ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months 
   

3. ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.

    

   The year 2000 Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) provides criteria for diagnosing ADHD. The criteria are presented here in modified form in order to make them more accessible to the general public. They are listed here for information purposes and should be used only by trained health care providers to diagnose or treat ADHD.

   ADHD can vary from  mild to almost debilitating.  Support from teachers and parents is a necessary component to any success children will make.  It is vital that both work together and consolidate their efforts.  There are many methods that can be utilized to help students focus, decrease hyperactivity, and increase ability and self esteem.  One of the most important factors for all children is that rules and expectations be consistent and fair.  

   One of the most important things for parents to do is provide an appropriate location free of distractions for their child to do homework or study.  Busy rooms with noise from a TV or computer can really interfere with ability to focus. Also having a regular schedule that is predictable helps students organize their time and efforts.  One of the best tools that can help ADHD students is a simple timer.  By setting a limit of time that the child must sit and focus helps them to manage time better, as well as focusing on the task in front of them.  When the time is up allow the child to get up and move around and do something that they like to do.  The time limit that the parent sets should be appropriate for the child’s age, such as 10 minutes for an elementary child, and possibly a half hour for middle and highschool students.  

   Allowing children to get up and move around and do physical movements such as jump rope or trampoline are excellent to get their blood moving again.This increases their ability to think and focus, as well as releasing tension and excessive energy.  For those students who still need to fidget while sitting at a task, the hand sized squeeze balls found in the dollar store are helpful and not distractive for other students if used during school.  Another useful tool is having a tag board reading window. This is a piece of tag or brief card in which a narrow long rectangle has been cut out with a razor and is big enough to fit the size of most sentences in their books.  By blocking out other sentences on the page, students can focus only on the sentence they are reading and move down in order.

   If students are sitting on double desks or tables with other students, a study cubical can be made out of poster board in order to block out other stimuli which might distract attention and concentration.  Teachers must be aware that such students should not be seated near doors, windows or the back of the classroom.  Doing so only increases the chance that their ADHD students will become distracted by outside movements.

   Another important skill that teachers should utilize is walking around the classroom while teaching, unless specifically utilizing the boards.  In this way students can be touched on the shoulder, or the desk tapped to call their attention back to reality if found day dreaming.  Some teachers also find that using tokens for positive behaviors such as following directions, staying on task until its completed, raising hands instead of blurting out (impulsively) and staying in their seat, brings great results.  These tokens can then be turned in for small prizes or privileges, such as taking papers to the office, extra time at the library or computer center  etc.

   It is vital that teachers and parents work together, be consistent, place more emphasis on positive reinforcement and ignore negative behaviors as much as possible.  In this way students will feel more interested in continuing the postive behaviors and will notice that negative actions bring less attention or better yet….. no attention at all.  Patience with your child and with yourself is very important, and to set clear expectations, rules and ideals will help your child fulfill his or her ability.  If you feel that more help is needed , then you should seek professional help in dealing with your child.  Remember however, that if you do choose to medicate, behavior modification is a must- for as soon as the medications are stopped, most children return to their previous habits.   Therefore, long term goals need to include behavior modification and positive support. 

   
   

   
   

   
   

FOOTNOTES:

1. American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000. 

 
Iron
Only trace amounts of iron are essential for living cells of plants and animals. Iron has the ability to interact reversibly with oxygen and to function in electron transfer reactions that makes it biologically indispensable. Iron is necessary for cell function and blood utilization. Blood loss is the most common cause of iron deficiency. Pallor and extreme fatigue are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

Sodium
Sodium regulates the pH of intracellular fluids and with potassium, regulates the acid/ alkali balance in the body. Sodium and chloride are necessary for maintaining osmosis and electrolyte balance.

 
Aluminum
Aluminum is a natural component of many foods. Although it is found in small quantities in plant and animal tissues and in blood and urine, there is no evidence that this element is essential for any metabolic function in humans or animals. In fact, there is evidence that elevated aluminum can result in neurological disorders, bone disease, gastrointestinal irritation, loss of appetite and loss of energy. 
Because aluminum is a natural constituent of some foods and is in a growing number of modern foods and pharmaceutical preparations, an understanding of aluminum and aluminum containing foods and cooking utensils can benefit all people. In healthy people, more than 98% of the ingested aluminum is passed through the gastrointestinal tract. Silicon, a constituent of Celtic Sea Salt (see above), prevents the absorption of aluminum and actually helps the body eliminate aluminum that is bound in the tissues. 

Sulfur
Sulfur is found in all cells, especially in skin, connective tissues, and hair. Inadequate dietary sulfur has been associated with skin and nail diseases. Increased intake of dietary sulfur sometimes helps psoriasis and rheumatic conditions. 

Strontium
Strontium (not Strontium 90, the radioactive form of the element) may help harden the calcium-magnesium- phosphorus structures of the body. Strontium may influence the intake or structural use of calcium, according to Bernard Jensen, Ph.D.

Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral of primary importance in the body because it aids in the activation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main energy source for cell functioning. Magnesium also activates several enzyme systems and is important for the synthesis of RNA and DNA. Magnesium is necessary for normal muscle contraction and important for the synthesis of several amino acids.

  
Zinc
Although adults only require an average of 15 mg of zinc per day, zinc is a very important trace element that is essential to many biological factors. Zinc is required for growth, for immune system function, and for sexual development. Zinc is a cofactor in over 90 enzymes. Zinc is required for the synthesis of insulin. Proper zinc metabolism is needed for wound healing, and carbohydrate and protein metabolism. Zinc is considered an antibacterial factor in the prostatic fluid, and may contribute to the prevention of chronic bacterial prostatitis and urinary tract infections.

Potassium
Potassium exists primarily in intracellular fluids (the fluid inside cells). Potassium stimulates nerve impulses and muscle contractions and is important for the maintenance of osmotic pressure. Potassium regulates the body¢s acid-alkali balance, stimulates kidney and adrenal functioning, and assists in converting glucose to glycogen. Also, potassium is important for biosynthesis of protein. 

Gallium
Gallium has no known biological role, although it may stimulate metabolism. Small concentrations of gallium are normally found in human tissue.

Calcium
Calcium is necessary to build healthy bones and teeth. Calcium influences blood coagulation, stimulates muscles and nerves, and acts a s a cofactor for vitamin D and the function of the parathyroid gland. Muscles cannot contract without calcium. Calcium is essential for the regulation of heartbeat. Calcium depletion can result in a number of symptoms, the most notable is osteoporosis which results in decreased bone mass and increased chances of bone breakage.

Titanium
Titanium is an abundant mineral, yet it appears to have no function to plant and animal life. In general, humans may eat and excrete titanium with no side effects as it is considered essentially nontoxic. Titanium may be carcinogenic, but not at the levels humans are generally exposed to.

Silicon
Silicon is necessary for normal growth and bone formation. With calcium, silicon is a contributing factor in good skeletal integrity. Silicon is a main component of osteoblasts, the bone forming cells. Silicon may help to maintain youthful skin, hair and nails.

Fluoride
Fluoride has a direct effect on the calcium and phosphate metabolism and in small amounts may reduce osteoporosis. Trace amounts of fluoride produce stronger tooth enamel that is more resistant to bacterial degradation. However, an increased intake through fluoridated drinking water can potentially overload the human system. 

Copper
Copper facilitates in the absorption of iron and supports vitamin C absorption. Copper is also involved in protein synthesis and an important factor in the production of RNA.

Rubidium
Rubidium has a close physiochemical relationship to potassium. In fact, it may have the ability to act as a nutritional substitute for potassium. Although rubidium is not considered “essential,” some evidence suggests that rubidium may have a role in free radical pathology and serve as a mineral transporter across defective cell membranes, especially in cells associated with aging. Clinical studies have suggested that rubidium increases memory and mental acuity in the elderly.

Tin
Small amounts of tin appear to be necessary for normal growth. Because tin is common in soil, foods, and water, deficiencies are rare. Because of poor absorption, low tissue accumulation and rapid tissue turnover, tin has a low level of toxicity.

Manganese
Manganese is essential for glucose utilization, for lipid synthesis and forlipid metabolism. Manganese plays a role in cholesterol metabolism and pancreatic function and development. Manganese in involved in normal skeletal growth and it activates enzyme functions. 

 
Sources: 
Blaurock-Busch, E. pH.D. Mineral and Trace Element Analysis. Boulder, CO. TMI/MTM Books. 1996.
Jensen, B. DC, pH.D. Come Alive! Total Health through an Understanding of Minerals, Trace Elements & Electrolytes. Escondido, CA. Jensen. 1997.
Bergner, P. The Healing Power of Minerals, Special Nutrients, and Trace Elements. Rocklin, CA. Pima Publishing. 1997.
Fallon, S. Nourishing Traditions. Washington D.C. New Trends Publishing. 1999.

Spices for Health 

MEDITERRANEAN GOES RAW

Reconnect with nature

lying

“A father poured wine in a glass, and his son watched and said, ‘The mullahs at school say drinking is a sin,’ and the father said, ‘Then the mullahs are wrong.

There is only one sin and that is theft.

Every other sin is a variation of theft.

When you kill a man, you steal a life

You steal his wife’s right to her husband

His children’s right to a father.

When you tell a lie

You steal someone’s right to the truth.

When you yell and fight

You steal someone’s right to peace.’

Then the son replied,

‘But drinking is a grave sin then,

Because it is a silent theft of health, of peace and stability in the home

And a thief of goodness in society.’, and that is very true. “

is drinking a sin?? Who will follow Allah

Based upon the movie, The Kite Runner

SARAH

Health Guidelines From Qura’n And Sunnah

Shahid Athar, M.D.

This article is not about the glory of Islamic Medicine of past 1000 years which produced great physicians like al-Razi and Ibn-Sina. This article is also not about virtues of honey, the center point of discussion in most of the articles written these days on Islamic Medicine. This also is not an article saying that since science has now confirmed certain Quranic statements, therefore Quran must be a divine book. To the contrary, we begin with the belief that all Quranic statements are true, science has confirmed some of them in the past, and will confirm the rest in the future. If science has not confirmed it yet, it needs to examine its data more deeply, or may be repeat the experiment, rather than question the authenticity of Quran.

The Quran is not a book of medicine or of health sciences,but in it there are hints which lead to guidelines in health and diseases. Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) has set as an example to the mankind so his traditions in matters of health and personal hygienic are also a guide for his followers.

We start our discussion with the following verse:

“Everything good that happens to you (O Man) is from God, everything bad that happens to you is from your own actions”.

4:79

Therefore, the pathology (disease) is defined by the famous pathologist William Boyd as physiology (natural state) gone wrong. It is our tampering with natural process that leads to unnatural outcomes. 

Human body can be compared to some degree with a machine created by man. The fascinating tape recorder has many mechanical and electronic parts but life does not come to it till electrical current is passed through. Similarly, in the components of human body there arc the anatomic parts and fluids but also the spirit (the soul). As the care of a machine requires keeping it clean, giving it some rest, and passing electricity of proper voltage, and using it carefully and wisely, so are the requirement for the body and of the body as whole.

Before we come to the physical care of human body, let us talk about the spiritual care.

The spiritual care involves the acts of worship. The problem is that Iman cannot be translated into belief, nor Salaat into prayer, Nor Wadu into washing hand, face and feet nor; Sawm into fasting nor Sakat into charity nor Haii into pilgrimage to Mecca. T’hey are entitles in themselves.

A. Iman:The belief in God is the first and foremost important need for spiritual stability. Belief in God includes belief in his aU attributes, his angels, his books, the day of judgement, the heaven and hell and belief that – all good and bad is within his reach. Imam Rumi has called faith being superior to prayers. In illness, according to Imam Ghazai, the awareness of God increases and man becomes closer to God by realizing his own weakness. Without true belief, neither our prayer, nor charity, nor fasting nor pilgrimage will be accepted. The essence of belief is to rid ourselves of all false Gods around us, or within us, and to worship no one except God alone.

B.Salat: There are three health aspects of Salat
I. Wudu: Washing all the exposed areas of the body, hand, feet, face, mouth, nostrils etc. 5 times a day is a healthy preventive procedure. Hand washing is being emphasized more and more in hospitals now in order to prevent spread of germs. However non-Muslims did not know that hand- washing is so important – it has been ordered in Qu’ran (5:7) 1400 years ago. And for complete cleanliness bathing is advised (4:43)

2. Recitation of Quran: Has a healing effect on body, mind and heart. These healing effects are due to the effect of sound (Echo) and the meaning. The letter Alif resounds unto the Echoes to heart and the letter YA resounds unto Echoes to the pineal gland in the brain.

“O Mankind: There has come to you a direction front your Lord and a healing for the (disease) in your hearts – and for those who believe a guidance and mercy !!”

10:57

“We sent down in the Quran that which is healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss”. The movement in Salaat are mild, uniform, and involve all muscles and joints. The caloric output is desired to keep the energy balance.”

17:82

C: Zakat (Charity): The word itself means purification and growth. Here it is meant to imply the purification of legitimately earned wealth. Many of our crimes are committed with money or for love of money, and in the love of money one becomes violent in behavior.

And he is violent in his love of wealth:

100:8

In Islam the ownership of wealth belongs to God. We are the disposer of that trust. Therefore, this concept establishes peace at heart and our behavior in the loss of money or unusual gain, In either way, we thank God.

D. Sawm: The Islamic fasting: Islamic fasting is prescribed as way training of our mind, and body in self-restraints.

“O you who believe is prescribed to you, as it was prescribed
to those before you, so that you can learn self-restraint.”

2:183

Therefore, during the period of fast one may not only get rid of nibbling food, coffee, smoking but also of anger and excessive sexual passion.
In fact, the fast not only gives rest to stomach but also stabilizes the secretion of harmones which control our behavior.

E. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca): The morale is Prophet lbrahim’s submission and absolute surrender to God’s will, the opportunity for repentance, and the social and political gathering of the Ummah depecting brotherhood, and equality. However this can be used for programming and testing us for physical endurance, a requirement for all able men and women. The long walks, the heat, the sun, the thirst, the physical exercise, etc. is to remind us of the day of judgement. We should perform Hajj when young and physically well rather than wait for the old age. We should keep ourselves in good shape before and years after the Hajj.

After describing pillars of faith as a basis for the spiritual health, let us talk about the maintenance of the physical structure in which the spirit resides.

(A) Nutrition: Allah loves his creations so much that he is concerned even with what we eat and put in our body. Our muscles, bones, lungs, liver, brain and secretions are made from the raw product we feed it. If we provide the factory with junk raw products, the factory will not produce tough bones, strong muscles, good pump (heart) and clean pipes (vessels).

“O you mankind: Eat of what is lawful and good on earth.

2: 168

“Eat of the things which god has provided for you lawful
and good, but fear God in whom you believe”. Forbidden
to us are dead meat, blood and flesh of swine (5:4) and intoxicants (5:93 and 2:219).

5:91

Science so far has not confirmed any beneficial effects to the prohibitions.
The blood and meat of the dead could be full of germs and other harmful elements like antibodies. The pork meat is high in cholesterol, salt and may have worms, and alcohol and other intoxicants cloud our mentation, our inhibition and interfere with our normal capacity of judging good and bad. Therefore, a person under the influence of alcohol may want to take off his dress, engage in unlawful sexual acts, become violent and abusive without even knowing what he is doing. On medical damages due to alcohol, whole books have been written.

The second component in nutrition (after Permission of the lawful and probation of the unlawful) is the moderation in the lawful.

Obesity is a major American tragedy, a form of malnutrition, affecting million of people, of all age. 99% of obesity is due to overeating. Allah advises as to be moderate in quantity.

” But waste not by excess for God loves not the wasters.”

7:31

“Eat of the good things we have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, lest my wrath should justly descend on you, and those whom descends my wrath do perish indeed.”

20:81

According to one Hadith of Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) we are advised to leave one third of our stomach empty after finishing the meal. I understood this Hadith only when I broke my blender/mixer in the kitchen after stuffing it to the top and then turning the machine on. After all, what is stomach, if not a blender, grinder, mixer and food processor, all in one !!

Certain types of food i.e. fruits are especially emphasized in Quran (36:57, 43:73, 16:67, 50:68)

“And the fruits of date palm and grapes you get wholesome
drink and nutrition: Behold in this is a sign for those
who are wise.”

16:67

Fruits are low in calorie, high in vitamins and minerals, and fiber and sugar is fructose and not sucrose. In a recent study by Dr. Anderson fructose has been shown to cause no rise in blood sugar and even lowers the high blood sugar of diabetics. Honey is fructose.

(3) Cleanliness: Allah is pure and likes purity. He is clean and likes cleanliness. Therefore, cleanliness of body and mind is stressed in Quran (4:43, 5:7). Miswak (brushing teeth) is not a new invention of last 200 years. This was stressed as part of our daily routine by Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.). He also advised us on flossing (khilal) as now being advised by all the dentist. In fact, he is known to have said that if it was not hardship for Muslims, he would have advised miswak before each prayer i.e. 5 times a day. Cleanliness of our mind is prerequisite for total creaminess (body and mind).

Value of exercise in maintaining health

Though we do not find much in Quran about specific exercise, recommendation, the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H.) Iife was full of recommendations. advised all Muslims to teach their children swimming, archery and horse riding. He, himself used to walk at fast pace even race with his wife, Ayesha (Ra). Most importantly, he used to work with his hands whether at home, in the kitchen, or with his companions collecting wood for fire, or fighting during wars etc.

It is a pity that Muslim men and women have become sedentary and, because of excessive consumption of starches, obesity has crept into them. We should keep ourselves fit, and feel healthy in peacetime.

The State of disease

Many of the common chronic illnesses, coronary heart disease, hyper-tension, diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, obesity and depression have also common man-made etiology, that is rich food, too much food, too much salt, too much sugar, smoking, stress and alcoholism. If we give up excessive salt, sugar and cholesterol from our diet, and do not drink and smoke, and be active, it is possible that – the pump (heart) won’t be rusted from inside.

What should a Muslim do when disease is confirmed

A. Accept it as a will of God as kaffara for his sin, and ask him to remove the affliction.

“If God touches thee with affliction, none can remove it- but He: if He touches thee with happiness He has power over all things.”

6:17

B. Many Muslims won’t seek early medical attention, contrary to the Prophet’s practice and teaching. In Christianity there is a sect believing in faith healing who have let their members die rather than go to the physician.

Usamah Bin Shareek (Ra) Reports “I was with the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and some Arabs came to him asking “O Messenger of Allah, do we take medicine for any disease.-”-He said, “Yes, 0 You servants of Allah take medicine as Allah (SWT) has not created a disease without creating a cure except for one. They asked which one, he replied old age’.

C. Increase your knowledge of health and disease, of medications and side effects. This knowledge is not a monopoly of doctors. You can have it, and use it in preventing the illness, recognizing it early when symptoms appear, seeking early medical attention, then monitoring the course of disease, implementing the treatment (i.e. knowledge of diet for diabetics) and recognizing side effects of the medicine. Those of my patients who do as the above, make me very happy that I can trust their health to them as they do trust it to me.

In summary, our healthy body is a gift from God, we are the trustees, we should not misuse it, nor provide wrong raw product for the factory. and should keep superb maintenance of this delicate and sensitive machine, in order to enjoy it will be the container of our soul.