Thursday, October 22, 2015
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Have You Ever Checked Your Mental Health?
In our pursuit for health, we might
be tempted to focus more on our heart, lungs, kidneys, etc. but forget that our
brains also need attention. October 10 of each year is World's Mental Health
Day and is a good reminder for us to give attention to what we hold above our
shoulders - our brains.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers mental health an "integral part of health" and even states, "There is no health without mental health". As per the WHO, mental health comprises our ability to:
- realize our capabilities
- handle normal life stresses
- work productively
- contribute to our society and community1
In this context, HINT encourages you to focus on these 3 aspects to improve your mental health.
1. Take care of yourself
Our lives have become so busy that we often forget to take care of ourselves. Ask yourself, is it possible not to do regular maintenance for your car or fill it with fuel? Definitely, we cannot. Then why don't we do the same for our brains? Here's a simple guide.
A. Eat well.
The food we eat is the major fuel for our brains. Consider a varied diet to ensure you fuel your brain with all what it needs. For a better support, consult a dietitian.
B. Exercise well.
When we exercise, our brains release chemicals that make us feel good. Exercise relieves stress and improves our overall health, especially our mental health.
C. Sleep well.
Sleep at regular times and for enough time to stay energized. During a busy day, try taking short pauses. These would help you better concentrate and serve to decrease stress.
D. Learn new skills.
This way you maintain your mental agility, become more productive at work, and become more helpful for those you care for. As well, it contributes to your personal satisfaction.
E. Enjoy your hobbies.
There is more in life than going to work. Practicing your hobbies is a perfect time to disconnect from work and do what you really love.
2. Avoid destructive habits
While there are multiple habits we need to incorporate into our daily lives, there are habits that we need to remove if we seek to boost our mental health.
A. Avoid laziness, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
Do not settle for a lazy lifestyle. Do not settle for drugs, smoking, or excessive alcohol. They are sure to distract you from achieving your goals and enjoying your life.
B. Watch-out for negative people.
Negative people can drain all your energy and prevent you from achieving your potential. Make sure you do not let them drown you into their negativity and, if possible, encourage them to seek help.
3. Live interdependent
While many of us believe that becoming independent is what defines our transition into adulthood, the truth is that we live in an interdependent world. Yes, we are independent; yet, no one can survive alone: this is what defines interdependence.
A. Volunteer.
As N. Eldon Tanner, a Canadian teacher, municipal, and provincial politian, once said, "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth". Through volunteerism, we regain our sense of humanity, our belonging to our community, and our self-esteem.
B. Communicate.
Communicate with those around you, especially positive people. It is a great way to share ideas and experiences and learn from each other.
C. Join a club.
Be part of a club that shares your interests. It gives you a sense of belonging, introduces you to new people, and helps you enjoy a good deal of time.
In summary, HINT encourages you to consider these simple tips to boost your mental health. Please share them with the people you love.
If you find our posts helpful, like our page on facebook and invite your friends as well.
References:
1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs220/en/
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers mental health an "integral part of health" and even states, "There is no health without mental health". As per the WHO, mental health comprises our ability to:
- realize our capabilities
- handle normal life stresses
- work productively
- contribute to our society and community1
In this context, HINT encourages you to focus on these 3 aspects to improve your mental health.
1. Take care of yourself
Our lives have become so busy that we often forget to take care of ourselves. Ask yourself, is it possible not to do regular maintenance for your car or fill it with fuel? Definitely, we cannot. Then why don't we do the same for our brains? Here's a simple guide.
A. Eat well.
The food we eat is the major fuel for our brains. Consider a varied diet to ensure you fuel your brain with all what it needs. For a better support, consult a dietitian.
B. Exercise well.
When we exercise, our brains release chemicals that make us feel good. Exercise relieves stress and improves our overall health, especially our mental health.
C. Sleep well.
Sleep at regular times and for enough time to stay energized. During a busy day, try taking short pauses. These would help you better concentrate and serve to decrease stress.
D. Learn new skills.
This way you maintain your mental agility, become more productive at work, and become more helpful for those you care for. As well, it contributes to your personal satisfaction.
E. Enjoy your hobbies.
There is more in life than going to work. Practicing your hobbies is a perfect time to disconnect from work and do what you really love.
2. Avoid destructive habits
While there are multiple habits we need to incorporate into our daily lives, there are habits that we need to remove if we seek to boost our mental health.
A. Avoid laziness, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
Do not settle for a lazy lifestyle. Do not settle for drugs, smoking, or excessive alcohol. They are sure to distract you from achieving your goals and enjoying your life.
B. Watch-out for negative people.
Negative people can drain all your energy and prevent you from achieving your potential. Make sure you do not let them drown you into their negativity and, if possible, encourage them to seek help.
3. Live interdependent
While many of us believe that becoming independent is what defines our transition into adulthood, the truth is that we live in an interdependent world. Yes, we are independent; yet, no one can survive alone: this is what defines interdependence.
A. Volunteer.
As N. Eldon Tanner, a Canadian teacher, municipal, and provincial politian, once said, "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth". Through volunteerism, we regain our sense of humanity, our belonging to our community, and our self-esteem.
B. Communicate.
Communicate with those around you, especially positive people. It is a great way to share ideas and experiences and learn from each other.
C. Join a club.
Be part of a club that shares your interests. It gives you a sense of belonging, introduces you to new people, and helps you enjoy a good deal of time.
In summary, HINT encourages you to consider these simple tips to boost your mental health. Please share them with the people you love.
If you find our posts helpful, like our page on facebook and invite your friends as well.
References:
1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs220/en/
© Copyright H-I-N-T 2015
Monday, October 5, 2015
The 6 Reasons Why You Must Get the Flu Shot NOW.
Did you know that there up to 49,000 flu-related deaths in the US between 1976 and 20061?
This was only in the US. To better understand the impact, take a minute and think of yourself or of a person you know who have had the flu. What a burden?
Now what if you know that there is a way to prevent the flu. What would your reaction be?
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes on the importance of vaccination as "the principal measure for preventing influenza and reducing its impact2".
For whom is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended on a YEARLY basis for all people aged 6 months and above.
It is especially recommended for people at high risk of the disease complications:
- children below the age of 5 years and in particular those below the age of 2 years
- pregnant women
- elderly aged 65 years and above
- people with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and people living in nursing homes3
The 6 reasons why you should get the flu shot NOW.
1. Flu can be very severe; even deadly!
Fortunately, most people who get the flu recover within 1-2 weeks. However, for the unfortunate the flu can lead to severe symptoms, including infections and acute asthma attacks, among others. These symptoms may require hospitalization and, in some cases, cause death1.
2. Flu can cost you a fortune!
If you think that treating the flu is cheap, here's a list of what you have overlooked:
- cost of the medicines to treat the flu - which are numerous
- cost of decreased productivity at work
- cost of the days spent on sick leave and probably a reduced paycheck
- cost of hospitalization
- cost brought upon those to whom you have transmitted the flu
3. Flu shot can prevent you from getting sick
The flu shot is designed to protect you from catching the flu, and its effectiveness is determined by many factors, mainly:
- characteristics of the person being vaccinated
- similarity between the flu viruses that the flu shot protects against and the circulating flu viruses. Even if the flu shot does not fully protect you for one of the reasons above, it will definitely make the illness less severe4.
4. Flu shot costs less than a drink at the bar
You only need 1 flu shot per year. In case you have not asked your pharmacist about the cost of the flu shot, HINT has done it on your behalf. In Lebanon, the flu shot only costs 7-8 USD5. Compare it to the cost of treating the flu and do the math!
5. Flu shot protects you and protects the ones you love
Once we get the flu, we can spread it to others through droplets released when we cough, sneeze, or talk6. Children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic disease are the most vulnerable to the getting the disease and to its complications, and they are part of our families. By getting the flu shot, we are not only protecting ourselves, but we are also protecting the people we love.
6. Best time to take the flu shot is early fall
In countries of the Northern hemisphere, including our country, the flu season extends between October and May. After we get the flu shot, our bodies need about 2 weeks to form antibodies (the body's defense mechanism) against the flu viruses7. This is why it is important to get the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available and before the flu season starts. In Lebanon, the flu vaccine is now available in the pharmacies.
For these reasons, HINT highly urges you to consult your physician and take the flu vaccine.
References:
1. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm
2. http://www.who.int/influenza/vaccines/virus/en/
3. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm
4. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm
5. www.moph.gov.lb
6. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm
7. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
© Copyright H-I-N-T 2015
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Here's What You Definitely Need to Know About the Flu
The Flu season is
just about to start. In the United States and the countries of the Northern
hemisphere, including our country, the flu season extends between October and
May. While some of us might get a mild form of the flu, others might experience
various degrees of severity, including hospitalization and in extreme cases
death1. In this post, HINT will provide you with all you need to know
about the flu disease.
What causes the flu? How is it spread?
The flu is caused by the influenza A and B viruses. We usually catch the flu through droplets released by infected people when they cough, sneeze, or talk. We can also catch the flu after touching a surface invaded by the flu viruses and then touching our mouth, eyes, or nose. It is important to know that we can catch the flu from infected people as early as 1 day before they manifest the flu symptoms and up to 5-7 days after they are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days2.
Is it the flu (grippe) or the common cold (rhume)? What's the difference?
It is common during this season to hear people saying that they have the flu as soon as they have a sore throat or a blocked nose. Do all these people have the flu? Or is it the common cold?
As we have mentioned previously, the flu (grippe) is caused by the influenza viruses. Common cold (rhume) is also a viral infection; however, it is caused by different viruses, mainly the rhinovirus. Common cold affects the nose and throat and is spread by the same way the flu spreads3.
As for the symptoms, below is an easy guide to help you differentiate between the flu and the common cold4,5.
What causes the flu? How is it spread?
The flu is caused by the influenza A and B viruses. We usually catch the flu through droplets released by infected people when they cough, sneeze, or talk. We can also catch the flu after touching a surface invaded by the flu viruses and then touching our mouth, eyes, or nose. It is important to know that we can catch the flu from infected people as early as 1 day before they manifest the flu symptoms and up to 5-7 days after they are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days2.
Is it the flu (grippe) or the common cold (rhume)? What's the difference?
It is common during this season to hear people saying that they have the flu as soon as they have a sore throat or a blocked nose. Do all these people have the flu? Or is it the common cold?
As we have mentioned previously, the flu (grippe) is caused by the influenza viruses. Common cold (rhume) is also a viral infection; however, it is caused by different viruses, mainly the rhinovirus. Common cold affects the nose and throat and is spread by the same way the flu spreads3.
As for the symptoms, below is an easy guide to help you differentiate between the flu and the common cold4,5.
Now
that we know what the flu really is, how it is spread, and how it differs from
common cold, HINT urges you to protect yourself and those around you. If you
have any doubt you have catched the flu or the common cold please refer to your
physician for prompt action.
To protect yourself and those around you, the CDC* advises the flu vaccine and hygienic measures as major preventive actions against the flu. What about them?
Relax, HINT will provide you with all what you need to know about these preventive measures in the next post.
Stay tuned.
* CDC: Centers for Disease Prevention and Control
References:
1. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
2. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/basics/definition/con-20019062
4. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/basics/symptoms/con-20019062
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Great Inspirations from the Holy Eid to Boost Our Spiritual Health
Health is not only physical. Regardless
if we belong to a certain religion, there is an important dimension in our
wellbeing that we should take care of. It is the spiritual dimension.
Tomorrow is Eid-ul-Adha, a Holy festive celebrated by Muslims and Muwahhidun (Druze) in honor of Abraham's sacrifice of his own son for God. Whether we belong to Islam, Muwahhidun (Druze), or not, it is very enriching to learn from the wisdom and faith of each other in nurturing our spiritual health. For this purpose, let us have a closer look at Eid ul Adha and see what it has to reveal to us.
What is Eid-ul-Adha?
In the Quran, "Allah appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and told him to sacrifice his son Isma'il. Just as Ibrahim was about to kill Isma'il, Allah stopped him and gave him a ram to sacrifice instead1".
The Jewish Torah and the Christian Bible2 also discuss the story of Abraham with few differences from that in the Holy Quran.
You might be asking yourself, "How come God asks Abraham to kill his son? Doesn't that negate our human rights?"
At the time of Abraham, offering your first son to serve God was mentioned in the law3 and in the Mosaic covenant4, and the sacrifice would be an animal. However, in Abraham's case, God wanted to test his faith.
How is Eid-ul-Adha celebrated? What is its spiritual meaning?
In this festive, Muslims are asked to perform the Holy Pilgrimage.
"And complete the Hajj and ‘umrah for Allah5".
For them, Eid-ul-Adha is a time to remember Abraham's obedience and sacrifice and, most importantly, contemplate about one's obedience to God. It is also a time when those who can afford will sacrifice an animal and share one third of it among the family, one third among friends and the other third with the poor. Donating money to the poor is also common1.
On the other hand, the Muwahhidun (Druze) do not have the Pilgrimage obligation. For them, this holiday is "a celebration of God’s act of mercy" and "a reminder that materialism is an obstacle to entering the presence of God". It is a time to focus more on the deeper, long-term goals than on the short-term pleasures. It is a time to evaluate one's contribution to the community's benefit and appreciate God's blessings. It is a reminder to "cultivate truth, forgiveness, and love" in one's life6.
The Jews and Christians do not officially celebrate this holiday. Nevertheless, they consider Abraham a remarkable example in faith and obedience to God.
Reflections inspired by Eid-ul-Adha:
Below are few thoughts that we can reflect on during this Holy Eid:
- Am I aware of my spiritual needs?
- Am I taking time to reflect on my life, my decisions, and my actions?
- Am I frequently told that I am selfish?
- Am I proactively listening and responding to the needs of others and those of my community?
- Am I sacrificing my health and entire life searching for money and immediate pleasures to later spend the money on regaining my health?
On a final note, HINT wishes every Muslim Eid Mubarak and the Muwahhidun (Druze) “Inshallah bitkunu min al-ayyadin al-maqbulin wa EID Mubarak alaykum6".
Happy Eid.
References:
1. http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/resources/e/eiduladha.asp
2. Torah and Holy Bible: Genesis 22
3. Torah and Holy Bible: Exodus 34:30 and Numbers 18:15
4. Torah and Holy Bible: Exodus 22:29
5. Surat Al-Baqarah verse 196
6. http://www.druzeworldwide.com/EidAlAdha.html
Tomorrow is Eid-ul-Adha, a Holy festive celebrated by Muslims and Muwahhidun (Druze) in honor of Abraham's sacrifice of his own son for God. Whether we belong to Islam, Muwahhidun (Druze), or not, it is very enriching to learn from the wisdom and faith of each other in nurturing our spiritual health. For this purpose, let us have a closer look at Eid ul Adha and see what it has to reveal to us.
What is Eid-ul-Adha?
In the Quran, "Allah appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and told him to sacrifice his son Isma'il. Just as Ibrahim was about to kill Isma'il, Allah stopped him and gave him a ram to sacrifice instead1".
The Jewish Torah and the Christian Bible2 also discuss the story of Abraham with few differences from that in the Holy Quran.
You might be asking yourself, "How come God asks Abraham to kill his son? Doesn't that negate our human rights?"
At the time of Abraham, offering your first son to serve God was mentioned in the law3 and in the Mosaic covenant4, and the sacrifice would be an animal. However, in Abraham's case, God wanted to test his faith.
How is Eid-ul-Adha celebrated? What is its spiritual meaning?
In this festive, Muslims are asked to perform the Holy Pilgrimage.
"And complete the Hajj and ‘umrah for Allah5".
For them, Eid-ul-Adha is a time to remember Abraham's obedience and sacrifice and, most importantly, contemplate about one's obedience to God. It is also a time when those who can afford will sacrifice an animal and share one third of it among the family, one third among friends and the other third with the poor. Donating money to the poor is also common1.
On the other hand, the Muwahhidun (Druze) do not have the Pilgrimage obligation. For them, this holiday is "a celebration of God’s act of mercy" and "a reminder that materialism is an obstacle to entering the presence of God". It is a time to focus more on the deeper, long-term goals than on the short-term pleasures. It is a time to evaluate one's contribution to the community's benefit and appreciate God's blessings. It is a reminder to "cultivate truth, forgiveness, and love" in one's life6.
The Jews and Christians do not officially celebrate this holiday. Nevertheless, they consider Abraham a remarkable example in faith and obedience to God.
Reflections inspired by Eid-ul-Adha:
Below are few thoughts that we can reflect on during this Holy Eid:
- Am I aware of my spiritual needs?
- Am I taking time to reflect on my life, my decisions, and my actions?
- Am I frequently told that I am selfish?
- Am I proactively listening and responding to the needs of others and those of my community?
- Am I sacrificing my health and entire life searching for money and immediate pleasures to later spend the money on regaining my health?
On a final note, HINT wishes every Muslim Eid Mubarak and the Muwahhidun (Druze) “Inshallah bitkunu min al-ayyadin al-maqbulin wa EID Mubarak alaykum6".
Happy Eid.
References:
1. http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/resources/e/eiduladha.asp
2. Torah and Holy Bible: Genesis 22
3. Torah and Holy Bible: Exodus 34:30 and Numbers 18:15
4. Torah and Holy Bible: Exodus 22:29
5. Surat Al-Baqarah verse 196
6. http://www.druzeworldwide.com/EidAlAdha.html
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