Fasting during Ramadan: a Muslim pharmacist's perspective

Fasting during Ramadan: a Muslim pharmacist's perspective



By Saghir Akhtar, PhD, MRPharmS

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast from just before sunrise to sunset each day, is upon us again. This year it begins in mid-November. Special issues that may arise in a pharmacy during Ramadan include providing advice on appropriate diet and on medical compliance among the Muslim population. In this article, I provide a personal perspective of why Muslims fast and, as a Muslim pharmacist, what advice I consider may be appropriate for fasting customers both healthy and those on medication, such as diabetic patients

The observance of fasting during Ramadan constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam. The experience of fasting is intended to teach Muslims self-discipline and self-restraint, and understand a little of the plight of the less privileged (eg, the hungry, thirsty and the poor). Furthermore, Ramadan fasting is not just about disciplining the body to refrain from eating and drinking from predawn until sunset but is also about exerting control over the mind. This involves restraining anger, doing good deeds, exercising personal discipline, and preparing oneself to serve as a good Muslim and a good person. Ramadan is a month of peace and love in which individuals are encouraged to bury differences, to forget and forgive and to renew both human and spiritual relationships. Therefore, it contributes to the overall principle of making the individual more humane, more considerate and generally a more responsible member of society. In this way, the month of Ramadan ultimately benefits society not just the individual. It does this, in part, by setting a standard for behaviour not only in this month but during the rest of the year and, indeed, every year of a Muslim's life. These principal tenets of Ramadan are important when considering our intentions and subsequent actions during this spiritual month, including those pertaining to the health of the individual.

Fasting during Ramadan is prescribed for every healthy, adult Muslim whereas the weak, the sick, children, travellers and menstruating women are among those exempt. Muslims observing the fast are required to abstain not only from eating food and drinking water but also from consuming oral medicines and injecting intravenous nutritional fluids. However, not all Muslims who are ill seek this exemption and insist on fasting in any case. Fasting by Muslims during illness can cause problems if not supervised by health professionals. However, health problems during Ramadan can develop in otherwise healthy individuals and such patients could benefit from receiving advice on their diet.
When does Ramadan begin?

Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of the Koran were revealed by God to the Prophet Mohammed. It traditionally begins when the new crescent moon (hilal) of Ramadan, the ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar, is sighted. The period of fasting starts the morning after the birth of the new moon and ends with the sighting of the birth of the next new moon.

If the new moon is not visible due to cloud or fog, then the beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by counting the days of the month. Fasting begins the morning after the 30th day of the previous month. Similarly, the fast is broken the morning after the 30th day of Ramadan is complete.

This year, Muslims throughout the world will begin to search the sky for the new crescent moon from 15 November.

Advice on diet

During this year where Ramadan falls in the winter, and we do not have the very long days of the summer heat to contend with, most health problems are likely to arise from inappropriate diet or as a consequence of over-eating and insufficient sleep.

There is no need to consume excess food at iftar (the food eaten in the period immediately after sunset to break fast), dinner, or sahur (the light meal generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn). The reasons for this are two-fold. First, and most importantly, such a lifestyle contradicts the principal aims and spirit of Ramadan. Over-eating can be seen as a reflection of weak discipline and irresponsibility. Secondly, the body has regulatory mechanisms that reduce the metabolic rate and ensure efficient utilisation of body fat. Furthermore, most people assume a more sedentary lifestyle while fasting. The net result is that a balanced diet, that consists of less than the normal amount of food intake, is sufficient to keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan.

To remain healthy during Ramadan, one should consume food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy products, fish, meat and poultry, beans, vegetables and fruits. (Vegetarians and vegans should amend this list as appropriate.) Intake of fruits after a meal is strongly suggested. Diet in Ramadan should not differ much from the normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that normal weight is maintained, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is overweight, Ramadan is an ideal time to try to normalise one's weight.

In view of the long hours of fasting, the so-called "complex carbohydrates" or slow digesting foods should be consumed at sahur so that the food lasts longer (about eight hours) resulting in less hunger during the day. These complex carbohydrates are found in foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour and unpolished rice.

In contrast, refined carbohydrates or fast-digesting foods last for only three to four hours and may be better taken at iftar to restore blood glucose levels rapidly. Fast-burning foods include those that contain sugar and white flour. Dates are an excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium and have been recommended since the days of the Prophet Mohammed as a good way of breaking the fast.

Fried foods, very spicy foods and foods containing too much sugar, such as sweets, can cause health problems and should be limited during Ramadan. They cause indigestion, heart-burn and weight problems. Fasting can often increase gastric acidity levels causing a burning feeling, a heaviness in the stomach, and a sour mouth. This can be overcome by eating foods rich in fibre such as whole wheat bread, vegetables, hummus, beans, and fruits. These foods trigger muscular action, churning and mixing food, breaking it into small particles, and thus help reduce the build up of acid in the stomach.

Drinking of sufficient water and juices between iftar and sleep to avoid dehydration, and for detoxification of the digestive system, should be encouraged in fasting individuals. However, the intake of large amounts of caffeine-containing beverages should be avoided, especially at sahur. For example, drinking too much tea will increase urine output and inevitably cause the loss of valuable mineral salts. Fruits such as bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates. However, bananas can cause constipation and their intake has to be balanced with adequate fibre intake.

It is recommended that everyone engage in some kind of light exercise, such as stretching or walking. Overweight people should increase the amount of exercise and reduce the amount of food intake to help reduce weight.

It is also important to follow good time management procedures for Ibada (prayer and other religious activities), sleep, studies, work, and physical activities or exercise. A good balance in the amount of time attributed for each activity will lead to a healthier body and mind in Ramadan.

Advice for the sick who fast during Ramadan

Ramadan fasting is obligatory for the healthy adult but, when fasting might significantly affect the health of the fasting individual or when one is genuinely sick, Islam exempts him or her from fasting. "God intends every facility for you, he does not want to put you into difficulties" (Koran 2:185). From an Islamic point of view, this exemption represents more than a simple permission not to fast. The Prophet said: "God likes his permission to be fulfilled, as he likes his will to be executed." Another saying suggests that "a gift that God gives you, you have to accept". In the light of these sayings, many believe that any Muslim who is sick, or whose sickness would adversely affect his well-being during the fasting period, should either not fast or at least break his fast accordingly. An additional argument often used is that if the fasting by a sick Muslim would jeopardise his health further, then this ultimately will neither benefit himself nor his role in society (Ummah) and he should be discouraged from observing the fast.

However, a significant number of patients, for whatever reasons, do decide to observe the fast. It is these patients who need to seek the opinion of health professionals on an individual basis.

Those suffering from minor ailments do not really have any problems fasting. Those suffering from acute conditions may need advice about altering their dosing regimen. Drugs that are normally required to be taken frequently, such as antibiotics, can be problematic for fasting patients. However, the increasing availability of alternative drugs with long half-lives as well as the increasing formulation of short-acting drugs as sustained release preparations, have offered much needed assistance to fasting patients.

For example, patients suffering from acute upper respiratory infections, such as a severe sore throat, may still be able to fast. Such a patient might be prescribed antibiotics that have to be taken three or four times a day and would not be able to fast. However, in order to facilitate fasting, the patient could be given a long-acting antibiotic, such as co-trimoxazole, which only needs to be taken 12-hourly, or azithromycin, which only needs to be taken once daily. This can be done only when the infecting organisms are susceptible to the alternative antibiotics, and needs to be discussed with the patient's doctor.

Alternative routes of drug administration can help fasting patients. Some patients suffering from mild forms of angina pectoris could benefit from taking glyceryl trinitrate as a patch rather than sublingual tablets. The drug would enter the blood stream through the skin, and not orally (which would break the fast). Again, this may only be possible in specific patients and needs to be discussed with the patient's doctor. Pharmacists should be willing to advise patients and practitioners on the availability of alternative dosage forms for medication during Ramadan.

There is a school of thought among medical practitioners that those patients who have mild to moderate high blood pressure and are also overweight should be encouraged to fast as this may help to lower their blood pressure. Such patients should see their physician to adjust their medication. For example, the dose of diuretics should be reduced to avoid dehydration, and sustained release formulations can be given once a day before the predawn meal.

An increasing area where practitioners are likely to advise patients on fasting is in those suffering from diabetes mellitus. Many Muslims, especially of Asian descent, have an increased risk of suffering from some form of diabetes. The International Journal of Ramadan Fasting Research has suggested the following guidelines for health professionals treating Muslim patients with diabetes: "Diabetic patients who are controlled by diet alone can fast and hopefully, with weight reduction, their diabetes may even be improved. Diabetics who are taking oral hypoglycaemic agents along with the dietary control should exercise extreme caution if they decide to fast. These patients should consult their medical doctor for dose adjustment. If they develop low blood sugar symptoms in the daytime, they should end the fast immediately."

In addition, diabetic patients taking insulin should consult their doctor to see if their dose can be adjusted to allow fasting during Ramadan. In all cases of fasting with diabetes, blood sugar levels should be closely monitored, especially before and after meals.

In summary, Islam offers an exemption to the sick from observing their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. However, some patients may be able to fast if their health is not adversely affected during the period of fasting. In such cases, advice from pharmacists and doctors about changing prescriptions to equally effective drugs that have reduced dosing, such as sustained release formulations, may be beneficial to the fasting Muslim. In all cases of illness, it is recommended that Muslim patients, if they do fast, do so under medical supervision. Pharmacists, doctors and other health professionals are undoubtedly keen to help.

Professor Akhtar is chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait (e-mail s.akhtar@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw)

Diet during Ramadan

an interesting article..................



Diet during Ramadan
Mohammad Zafar A. Nomani, PhD, RD
Professor of Nutrition,
West Virginia University,
Morgantown, WV, 26506-6124

Abstract:
It is a globally recognized and foremost part of dietary guidelines that eating a variety of food using principles of moderation and balance. This is particularly true during the Islamic month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. To be healthy, one must consume food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy product, meat and bean, vegetable and fruit. During the month long fast of Ramadan the metabolic rate of a fasting person slows down and other regulatory mechanisms start functioning. Body and dietary fat is efficiently utilized. Consuming total food intake that is less than the total food intake during normal days is sufficient to maintain a person's health. Intake of fruits after a meal is strongly suggested. A balanced diet improves blood cholesterol profile, reduces gastric acidity, prevents constipation and other digestive problems, and contributes to an active and healthy life style. (Int. J. Ramadan Fasting Research, 3:1-6, 1999)

INTRODUCTION

Fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan can be good for one's health and personal development. Ramadan fasting is not just about disciplining the body to restrain from eating food and drinking water from predawn until sunset. The eyes, the ears, the tongue, and even the private parts are equally obligated to be restrained if a Muslim wants to gain the total rewards of fasting. Ramadan is also about restraining anger, doing good deeds, exercising personal discipline, and preparing oneself to serve as a good Muslim and a good person during and after Ramadan.

This is why the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him, Pbuh) has been attributed, by Hazrat Abu Hurairah in hadith, to say: "He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah has no need that he didn't eat or drink." (Bukhari, Muslim). In another hadith by Hazrat Abu Harairah, the Prophet (Pbuh) said: "Fasting is not only from food and drink, fasting is to refrain from obscene (acts). If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly toward you, say (to them) 'I am fasting; I am fasting." (Ibn Khuzaoinah).

Restraint from food, water, and undesirable behavior makes a person more mentally disciplined and less prone to unhealthy behavior. In an investigation in Jordan (1), a significant reduction of parasuicidal cases was noted during the month of Ramadan. In the United Kingdom, the Ramadan model has been used by various health departments and organizations to reduce cigarette smoking among the masses, especially among Africans and Asians (2).

Ramadan fasting has spiritual, physical, psychological, and social benefits; however, man-made problems may occur, if fasting is not properly practiced. First of all, there is no need to consume excess food at iftar (the food eaten immediately after sunset to break fast), dinner or sahur ( the light meal generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn). The body has regulatory mechanisms that activate during fasting. There is efficient utilization of body fat, El Ati et al. (3) . Basal metabolism slows down during Ramadan fasting, Husain et al. (4). A diet that is less than a normal amount of food intake but balanced is sufficient enough to keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan.

Health problems can emerge as a result of excess food intake, foods that make the diet unbalanced, and insufficient sleep (5, 6). Ultimately also, such a lifestyle contradicts the essential requirements and spirit of Ramadan.

DIET DURING RAMADAN

According to Sunna (the practices of Prophet Muhammad, Pbuh) and research findings referred in this report, a dietary plan is given:

1. Bread/Cereal/Rice, Pasta, Biscuits and Cracker Group: 6-11 servings/day;
2. Meat/Beans/ Nut Group: 2-3 servings/day.
3. Milk and Milk Product Group: 2-3 servings/day.
4. Vegetable Group: 3-5 servings/day;
5. Fruit Group: 2-4 servings/day.
6. Added sugar (table sugar, sucrose): sparingly.
7. Added fat, polyunsaturated oil 4-7 table spoons.

Breakfast, iftar:
Dates, three
Juice, 1 serving (4 oz.)
Vegetable soup with some pasta or graham crackers, 1 cup

The body's immediate need at the time of iftar is to get an easily available energy source in the form of glucose for every living cell, particularly the brain and nerve cells. Dates and juices are good sources of sugars. Dates and juice in the above quantity are sufficient to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels. Juice and soup help maintain water and mineral balance in the body. An unbalanced diet and too many servings of sherbets and sweets with added sugar have been found to be unhealthy, Gumma et al. (7).

Dinner:
Consume foods from all the following food groups:

Meat/Bean Group: Chicken, beef, lamb, goat, fish, 1-2 servings (serving size = a slice =1 oz); green pea, chickpea (garbanzo, chana, humus), green gram, black gram, lentil, lima bean and other beans, 1 serving (half cup). Meat and beans are a good source of protein, minerals, and certain vitamins. Beans are a good source of dietary fiber, as well.

Bread/Cereal Group: Whole wheat bread, 2 servings (serving size = 1 oz) or cooked rice, one cup or combination. This group is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy and provide some protein, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Milk Group: milk or butter-milk (lassi without sugar), yogurt or cottage cheese (one cup). Those who can not tolerate whole milk must try fermented products such as butter-milk and yogurt. Milk and dairy products are good sources of protein and calcium, which are essential for body tissue maintenance and several physiological functions.

Vegetable Group: Mixed vegetable salad, 1 serving (one cup), (lettuce, carrot, parsley, cucumber, broccoli, coriander leaves, cauliflower or other vegetables as desired.) Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil or any polyunsaturated oil and 2 spoons of vinegar. Polyunsaturated fat provides the body with essential fatty acids and keto acids. Cooked vegetables such as guar beans, French beans, okra (bhindi), eggplant (baigan), bottle gourd (loki), cabbage, spinach, 1 serving (4 oz). Vegetables are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, carotene, lycopenes, and other phytochemicals, which are antioxidants. These are helpful in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and many other health problems.

Fruits Group: 1-2 servings of citrus and/or other fruits. Eat fruits as the last item of the dinner or soon after dinner, to facilitate digestion and prevent many gastrointestinal problems. Citrus fruits provide vitamin C. Fruits are a good source of dietary fiber.

Fruits and mixed nuts may be eaten as a snack after dinner or tarawiaha or before sleep.

Pre-dawn Meal (Sahur):

Consume a light sahur. Eat whole wheat or oat cereal or whole wheat bread, 1-2 serving with a cup of milk. Add 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil or any other monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats in a salad or the cereal. Eat 1-2 servings of fruits, as a last item.

DISCUSSION

Blood cholesterol and uric acid levels are sometimes elevated during the month of Ramadan (8). Contrary to popular thinking, it was found that intake of a moderately high-fat diet, around 36% of the total energy (calories), improved blood cholesterol profile, Nomani, et al. (9) and Nomani (10). It also prevents the elevation of blood uric acid level (8-10). The normal recommended guideline for fat is 30% or less energy. On weight basis, suggested fat intake during Ramadan is almost the same as at normal days. Fat is required for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and carotenoids. Essential fatty acids are an important component of the cell membrane. They also are required for the synthesis of the hormone prostaglandin. Keto-acids from fat are especially beneficial during Ramadan to meet the energy requirement of brain and nerve cells. Keto-acids also are useful in the synthesis of glucose through the metabolic pathway of gluconeogenesis. This reduces the breakdown of body proteins for glucose synthesis. Therefore, the energy equivalent of 1-2 bread/cereal servings may be replaced with polyunsaturated fat.

During Ramadan increased gastric acidity is often noticed, Iraki, et al. (5), exhibiting itself with symptoms such as a burning feeling in the stomach, a heaviness in the stomach, and a sour mouth. Whole wheat bread, vegetables, humus, beans, and fruits -- excellent sources of dietary fiber -- trigger muscular action, churning and mixing food, breaking food into small particles, binding bile acids, opening the area between the stomach and the deudenum-jejunum and moving digesta in the small intestine, Kay (11). Thus, dietary fiber helps reduce gastric acidity and excess bile acids, Rydning et al. (12). In view of dietary fiber's role in moving digesta, it prevents constipation. It's strongly suggested that peptic ulcer patients avoid spicy foods and consult a doctor for appropriate medicine and diet. Diabetic subjects, particularly severe type I (insulin dependent) or type II (non-insulin dependent), must consult their doctor for the type and dosage of medicine, and diet and precautions to be taken during the month. Generally diabetes mellitus, type II, is manageable through proper diet during Ramadan, Azizi and Siahkolah (13).

Pregnant and lactating women's needs for energy and nutrients are more critical than the needs of men (14). There is a possibility of health complications to the pregnant woman and the fetus or the lactating mother and the breastfed child, if energy and nutrient requirements are not met during the month of Ramadan (15-19). Governments, communities, and heads of the family must give highest priority to meet women's dietary needs. In African countries, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and many other places malnutrition is a major problem, especially among women from low-income groups. Further more, it is common among these women to perform strenuous work on farms or in factories, and other places. Malnutrition and strenuous conditions may lead to medical problems and danger to life. Under these conditions one must consult a medical doctor for treatment and maulana or shiekh for postponement or other suggestions regarding fasting. Quran Al-Hakeem and Hadith allow pregnant women and lactating mothers flexibility during the month of Ramadan.

For practical purposes and estimation of nutrients a diet was formulated, given below:

Iftar:
3 dates, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of vegetable soup, 2 plain graham crackers;
Dinner:
1 cup of vegetable salad with two teaspoons of corn oil and two teaspoon of vinegar, 2 oz. of chicken, 1/2 cup of okra, 4 oz. of cooked whole chana (garbanzo), 3 tea spoon of oil while cooking main dishes, 2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 cup of cooked rice, 3/4 cup of plain yogurt, one orange, 1/2 cup grapes, 1 oz of nuts-mixed roasted-without salt;
Sahur:
2 slices of whole wheat bread, 1 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable salad with two teaspoons of corn oil and two teaspoons of vinegar, 1 skinned apple, 2 teaspoons of sugar with tea or coffee.

Nutritionist IV (20) was used to estimate energy and nutrient content in the above diet, which was as follows: energy, 2136 kilocalories; protein, 70g; carbohydrate , 286g; fat, 87g, 35 % of energy of the total intake, (saturated fat 16.9g; mono saturated, 28.4g; poly unsaturated, 34g; other 7.3g; - oleic, 25.6g; linoleic, 29.5; linolenic, 0.6g; EPA-Omega-3, 0.006g; DHA-omega-3, 0.023g; dietary fiber 34g; calcium, 1013mg; sodium, 3252 mg; potassium, 2963mg; iron 13.3mg; zinc, 10mg. When the nutrients were compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), for an adult non-pregnant and non-lactating female (14), the diet met 100% or more of the RDA for protein, calcium, sodium, potassium, and vitamin A, K, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folate, and C. The energy was close to the RDA, (97%). The dietary fiber level also was met as per the recommendation (11). Consuming food in the above amount by pregnant or lactating female may not meet the RDA for all of the nutrients. They may need supplementation of some minerals and vitamins such as, iron vitamin D, and more energy through bread or rice.

Further suggestions:

* Drink sufficient water between Iftar and sleep to avoid dehydration.
* Consume sufficient vegetables at meal s. Eat fruits at the end of the meal.
* Avoid intake of high sugar (table sugar, sucrose) foods through sweets or other forms.
* Avoid spicy foods.
* Avoid caffeine drinks such as coke, coffee or tea. Caffeine is a diuretic. Three days to five days before Ramadan gradually reduce the intake of these drinks. A sudden decrease in caffeine prompts headaches, mood swings and irritability.
* Smoking is a health risk factor. Avoid smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking negatively affects utilization of various vitamins, metabolites and enzyme systems in the body.

Do not forget to brush or Miswak (tender neem tree branch, Azhardicta indica or other appropriate plant in a country, about 1/4-1/2 inch diameter and 6-8 inches length, tip partially chewed and made brush like). Brush your teeth before sleep and after sahur. Brush more than two times or as many times as practical.

Normal or overweight people should not gain weight. For overweight people Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to lose weight. Underweight or marginally normal weight people are discouraged from losing weight. Analyzing a diet's energy and nutritional component, using food composition tables or computer software, will be useful in planning an appropriate diet.

It is recommended that everyone engage in some kind of light exercise, such as stretching or walking. It's important to follow good time management practices for Ibada (prayer and other religious activities), sleep, studies, job, and physical activities or exercise.

In summary, intake of a balanced diet is critical to maintain good health, sustain an active lifestyle and attain the full benefits of Ramadan.

REFERENCES

(1). Daradkeh, T.K. Parasuicide during Ramadan in Jordan. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. 86: 253-254, 1992.
(2). Farren, C. and J. Naidoo. Smoking cessation prorammes argeted at black and minority ethnic communities. British Journal of Cancer. 74(Suppl. XXIX): S78 -S80, 1996.
(3). El Ati, J., C. Beji and J. Danguir. Increased fat oxidation during Ramadan fasting in healthy women: an adaptive mechanism for body-weight maintenance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 62: 302-307, 1995.
(4). Husain R, M.T. Duncan, S.H. Cheah and S.L. Ch'ng. Effects of fasting in Ramadan on tropical Asiatic Moslems. British Journal of Nutrition. 58: 41-48, 1987.
(5). Iraki, L., A. Bogdam, F. Hakkou, N. Amrani, A. Abkari and Y.Touitou. Ramadan diet restrictions modify the circadian time structure in humans. A study on plasma gastrin, insulin, glucose, and calcium and on gastric pH. Journal of Clininical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 82: 1261-73, 1997.
(6). Sulimani, R.A. Ramadan Fasting: Medical aspects in health and in disease. Annals of Saudi Medicine. 2: 637-641, 1991.
(7). Gumaa, K.A., K.Y, Mustafa, N.A. Mahmoud, and A,M, Gader. The effect of fasting in Ramadan. 1. Serum uric acid and lipid concentration. British Journal of Nutrition. 40: 573-80, 1978.
(8). Hallak, M.H. and M.Z.A. Nomani. Body weight loss and changes in blood lipid levels in men on hypocaloric diets during Ramadan fasting. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 48:1197-1210, 1988.
(9). Nomani, M.Z.A., S.K. Baloch and I.P. Siddiqui. Change in serum cholesterollevels and dietary vegetable-fat at restricted energy intake condition during Ramadan fasting. International Journal of Science and Technology. 4: 30-36, 1992.
(10). Nomani, M.Z.A. Dietary fat, blood cholesterol and uric acid levels during Ramadan fasting. International Journal of Ramadan Fasting Research. 1: 1-6, 1997. (on Web site) (11). Kay, R.M. Dietary fiber. J Lipid Res.221-242, 1982.
(12). Rydning, A., A. Nesland and A. Berstad. Influence of fiber on postprandial intragastric juice acidity, pepsin, and bile acids in healthy subjects. Scandavian Journal Gastroenterology. 19: 1039-44, 1984.
(13). Azizi, F. and Siahkolah, B. Ramadan Fasting and Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Ramadan Fasting Research. 2: 6-10, 1998.
(14). National Academy of Sciences. Recommended Dietary Allowances, 10th Ed., National Academic Press, Washington, D.C., 1989.
(15). Prentice, A.M., A. Prentice, W.H. Lamb, P.G. Lunn and S.Austin. Metabolic consequences of fasting during Ramadan in pregnant and lactating women. Human Nutrition: Clinical Nutrition. 37C: 283-294, 1983.
(16). Prentice, A.M., W.H. Lamb, A. Prentice and W.A. Coward. The effect of water abstention on milk synthesis in lactating women. Clinical Science. 66: 291-298, 1984.
(17). Malhotra, A., P.H. Scott, J. Scott, H. Gee and B.A. Wharton. Metabolic changes in Asian Muslim pregnant mothers observing Ramadan fast in Britain. British Journal of Nutrition. 61: 663-672, 1989.
(18). Cross J.H., J. Eminson and B.A. Wharton. Ramadan and birth weight at full term in Asian Moslem pregnant women in Birmingham. Arch Dis Child. 65:1053-1056, 1990.
(19). Harrison, G.G. Breast feeding and weaning in a poor urban neighborhood in Cairo, Egypt: Medical beliefs and perceptions. Soc Sci Med. 36(8): 1063-1069, 1993
(20). First DataBank, Nutritionist IV, V 4.1, The Hearst Corporation, San Bruno, CA, 1995.

tips that may reduce or eliminate your insomnia and sleep problems

A sleeping disorder is called “insomnia” and generally involves regular problems with either falling asleep or staying asleep.

There are numerous causes of insomnia including stimulants such as caffeine psychoactive drugs, some medications, herbs, cocaine, ephedrine, amphetamines and life changes such as the menopause. Lifestyle changes such as moving home or job and upsetting events such as death of a loved one or the breakdown of a relationship can all be the reason someone is experiencing problems with getting to sleep.

Stress or worry of any sort may lead to a broken night’s sleep and if not remedied may lead to a pattern or habit of disturbed sleep.

If you believe you have insomnia, in other words or consistently unable to enjoy the sleep pattern you are used to it would be wise to talk to your medical practitioner.

Here are some tips that may reduce or eliminate your insomnia and sleep problems:-



1) Deal with the cause – if something is worrying you, find some help to deal with it. Taking responsibility to remedy the cause of the sleep problems is likely to lead to a re-establishment of your normal sleep habit.

2) Do something about stress – either resolve the cause of the stress or find a way of handling the stress. This might be through the use of a self hypnosis cd or mp3 download specifically for insomnia.

3) Exercise helps – physical exercise not only releases endorphins which help relax us and lifts the mood it also uses up the bodies energy encouraging it seek rest in the form of sleep.

4) Bedroom priority – keep the bedroom (if possible) for sleep and love-making only. If you do this you will strengthen the mental association between the bedroom and sleep.

5) Do it today – try not to leave unfinished business hanging over you at the end of the day. If you can complete all the tasks you need to do by the end of the day.


6) Sleep diary – it can be a good idea to write down your sleep patterns and exactly how many hours sleep you do get. You may be doing better than you think you are.

7) Eat sensibly – don’t eat a heavy meal late at night. Your body needs to process your last meal and will keep active. Try to leave two hours between eating and sleeping.

8) Don’t count sheep – don’t use this old idea for helping you sleep as it is an analytical process. It is better to recall some old holiday experience or any other time you were able to relax such as a visit to the beach or countryside.

There are many self help tactics and other helpful tips to resolve your insomnia and enjoy and good night’s sleep again. Although all of them do not work for everyone, some can just be enough to make a big difference and end your insomnia.

Incidentally you are not alone. Most people will suffer from sleep disturbance, insomnia or a sleep disorder during some part of the their. The trick is to do something about it sooner rather than later.



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Order This Hypnosis Cd or Mp3 Download Today

bulan syaaban and Triple Filter Test

Hadis yang boleh dipegang dalam masalah Nisfu Syaaban ialah: “Allah melihat kepada hamba-hamba-Nya pada malam Nisfu Syaaban, maka Dia ampuni semua hamba-hambaNya kecuali musyrik (orang yang syirik) dan yang bermusuh (orang benci membenci) (Riwayat Ibn Hibban, al-Bazzar dan lain-lain).



During the golden Abbasid period, one of the scholars in Baghdad, the capital of Muslim caliphate at that time, was reputed to hold knowledge in high esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great scholar and said, "Do you know what I just heard about your friend?"

"Hold on a minute," the scholar replied. "Before telling me anything I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter?"

"That's right," the scholar continued. "Before you talk to me about my friend it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're going to say. That's why I call it the triple filter test. The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and..."

"All right," said the scholar. "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my friend something good?" "No, on the contrary.... .."

"So," the scholar continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, but you're not certain it's true. You may still pass the test though, because there's one filter left: the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded the scholar, "if what you want to tell me is neither true nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"

"O ye who believe! Let not some men among you laugh at others: It may be that the (latter) are better than the (former): Nor let some women laugh at others: It may be that the (latter are better than the (former): Nor defame nor be sarcastic to each other, nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames: Ill-seeming is a name connoting wickedness, (to be used of one) after he has believed: And those who do not desist are (indeed) doing wrong." [Surah al-Hujurat 49.012]

tips for success - to earn success and peace....

tips for success. Believe in you can do it. !


If Success was Easy, Everyone Would do it

Success is a favorable or desirable outcome, the attainment of wealth or favor, as defined Webster’s Dictionary. Success is different for everyone, but it is definitely not an easy thing to accomplish, otherwise, everyone would do what it takes for success.

Success is a feeling and can be created and recreated again and again. Here are some tips to create success in your life:

Tip #1: Enjoy and celebrate each moment on the way to success. Success doesn’t have to be associated with wealth attainment. In fact, most people have achieved a level of success in some part of their lives, achieving a “desirable outcome.” Reminisce the feeling associated with your success achievement. You must have been very happy, inspired to achieve more, and desired to repeat your success. You may have thought that it wasn’t really that difficult to achieve success or maybe it was the hardest thing you did, enjoying in the feeling of accomplishment. As you reach for your next goal, focus on progress only, rewarding yourself every small step of the way. Each daily accomplishment is a small success story on the way to the bigger success story.

Tip #2: Keep the end in mind, always. If you have been striving for success in an area of your life, wealth or other, and are not reaching success, you might have lost sight of the end goal. You might have given up because it was too hard, too much work, or maybe you think that you don’t deserve your goal in the first place. Maybe someone convinced you that you can’t do what you set out to do and you folded and listened to them. You may think that you don’t know enough to be successful. If you focus on the end result as you defined success, you will keep striving for it and no one, not even you, will convince you otherwise.

Tip #3: Create, evaluate, and recreate. Life is about recreating yourself. If something doesn’t work, rather than fold, find a way to recreate. Troubleshoot or recreating is very similar. You create, evaluate and then refine. Keep up this pattern, with rewards for each step of the way on your path to success.

Tip #4: Success can be for anyone. Get out of your head that the successful are gifted or that they were handed their success on a silver platter. If that were the case, they really haven’t achieved success. Success takes work, perseverance, and determination. It doesn’t matter your education, height, knowledge or other factors. It can be for anyone that wants it bad enough.

Tip #5: Success is all about mindset. Know that you can, and you will achieve your goal. Visualize your goal, and you will be even closer. You will remain on the path and you will achieve your success. Be positive and remain on the path to success!

When you see “If Success was Easy, Everyone Would do it,” you may think that it’s too hard to achieve and you might just give up. Follow every tip given here, focus on your end result and you will enjoy success!

Six-year-old and doctor take swine flu death toll to 17

one of my son school mate had swine flu at school.

hope he or she will be okay.


A young girl and a GP were yesterday named as the latest victims of swine flu.

Chloe Buckley, six, and Dr Michael Day, 64, died shortly after contracting the virus.

It was not known whether they died directly from the bug.

But, as the death toll hit 17, Chloe’s primary school was yesterday shut as a precaution.

Daphne May, 62, whose granddaughter was friends with the child, said: “She was a beautiful girl.

“She had chest and heart problems and I think it made it worse.”

Chris Spencer, the council’s director of education, added: “We decided to close the school despite national advice they stay open. This is an exceptional set of circumstances and she was perfectly healthy until a few days ago.”

Chloe, of North West London, apparently complained of a sore throat last Wednesday and her GP gave her Tamiflu.

But she got worse overnight, was rushed to hospital and died the next day.

Dr Day, a busy family doctor from Bedfordshire, died on Saturday as a swab test confirmed he had the H1N1 virus. Postmortems are now being carried out to find the exact cause of their deaths.

So far only one of the 17 victims are known to have died from the disease without having any other illnesses.

Friends of Dr Day, who was married and thought to have four children, were yesterday in shock. Dr Paul Hassan, senior partner at Priory Gardens health centre in Dun-stable where he worked, said: “We are devastated. Dr Day was a colleague and also a friend to everyone at the practice.”

A neighbour of keen sailor Dr Day, of Leighton Buzzard, added: “He would work 24 hours a day if necessary to look after his patients.”

The GP was the medic at Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club, where the flag was flying at half-mast last night.

Chairman Graham Blower said he was always available to players

How to Help Your Child Enjoy Math

Many students dread math. Parent's can help make their child's mathematics lessons more exciting and entertaining. Read on to learn more about how you can help your child enjoy math.

You can help your children learn to appreciate mathematics by providing them with assistance and fun activities that will help your students enjoy math. Tips to do this include the following:

* Help your kids use math every day
* Play family games that involve math
* Introduce logic games to your children
* Look into math tutoring programs.

Everyday Math Games

Make everyday tasks into games. For example, take your student grocery shopping with you and challenge them to add prices in their heads.

Challenge your child to find which brand or size of a product is the best value. This teaches them how to use money in math, a skill that will be important throughout their life.

Make sure the tasks are not too hard for the child, because this will be frustrating instead of effective. Instead, check to see what their weekly math homework involves and find a way to incorporate that into a trip to the grocery store.

Other everyday tasks that can be used include balancing a checking book and using time problems (how long did it take to complete this task, how long did it take yesterday, etc.) This sounds like a simple task but it will be effective if used regularly. Children will participate in these day to day games because they are fun, but will see the benefits as their homework becomes easier and they start to grasp the various math concepts.
Math Logic

There are various logic games that are available in books and magazines. These challenging puzzles are available in a variety of skill levels, so you can make sure the games will not be too hard for your child. Examples of logic games include crossword puzzles, number sequences, and logic grids. These activities can be done as a family, or your child can choose to do them alone.

These books and magazines are especially good for long car rides or traveling in trains and planes because it keeps your child concentrated on the puzzles instead of the long trip. What is great about the logic books and magazines is that there are answers and explanations in the back. This way, your child can see if they are correct and learn how to complete the challenge if they are stumped.
Math Related Board Games

Family game time is always a good idea because it creates a bonding time and a fun, comfortable atmosphere for your child to improve their math skills. Popular games that use math and logic include Yahtzee, chess, backgammon, checkers, Connect Four, and dominoes.
Math Tutoring

Math tutoring programs are also great tools for parents with struggling students. Even if your child is not struggling, a tutoring program could be useful in increasing their enjoyment of mathematics.

By using an online tutoring program, your child is being introduced to the possibilities of the Internet and may be encouraged to play the math games as well. The online math tutoring programs use assessment tests to see which math skills your child needs help with, and then create lesson plans that revolve around these skill gaps.

pemansuhan Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik (PPSMI) sepenuhnya tahun 2012.

is it good or bad.? well. insyaAllah harap this is for the best.

anak anak ku balik nanti kena belajar BM sepenuhnya.
untuk dua yang last.
the first two almost university.

Kenyataan Media 9 Julai 2009

Gerakan Memansuhkan PPSMI(GMP) mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih kepada Y.A.B Tan Sri Muhyiddin Bin Yassin selaku Menteri Pelajaran yang juga Timbalan Perdana Menteri Malaysia yang telah mengumuman pemansuhan Pengajaran dan Pembelajaran Sains dan Matematik (PPSMI) sepenuhnya tahun 2012.

-Bagi kami ini bererti bahawa mulai tahun 2010 semua pelajar baru tahun satu sekolah kebangsaan/sekolah jenis kebangsaan, sekolah menengah tingkatan 1 dan sekolah menengah tingkatan 4 akan memulakan sesi baru tahun 2010 dengan menggunakan bahasa kebangsaan atau bahasa ibunda sepenuhnya.

- Untuk tujuan itu kementerian seharusnya telah bersedia untuk menyediakan buku teks dan bahan-bahan yang berkaitan dengan pengajaran dan pembelajaran dalam bahasa kebangsaan atau dalam bahasa ibunda.

- GMP penuh berharap agar perubahan ini berlaku bukan sahaja di peringkat sekolah rendah atau sekolah menengah sahaja malah meliputi semua peringkat pendidikan termasuk peringkat universiti.

- GMP perihatin terhadap para pelajar sekolah yang penguasaan ilmu sains dan matematiknya bertaraf rendah akibat kegagalan memahami bahasa Inggeris. Sehubungan itu GMP berharap pihak Kementerian Pelajaran hendaklah mengadakan kelas pemulihan untuk membaiki pencapaian mereka setaraf dengan mutu pelajaran sains dan matematik sebelum 2003.

Does Homework Help Children Learn?

i am trying to give homework to my kids during the summer school holiday

and at the same time i am studying for my study too.
i think the last section of this article interest me...

How To Help: Show You Think Education and Homework Are Important

Why Do Teachers Assign Homework?

Teachers assign homework for many reasons. Homework can help children

• review and practice what they've learned;
• get ready for the next day's class;
• learn to use resources, such as libraries, reference materials, and encyclopedias; and
• explore subjects more fully than time permits in the classroom.

Homework can also help children develop good habits and attitudes.

It can teach children to work independently; encourage self-discipline and responsibility (assignments provide some youngsters with their first chance to manage time and meet deadlines); and encourage a love of learning.

Homework can also bring parents and educators closer together. Parents who supervise homework and work with their children on assignments learn about their children's education and about the school.

Homework is meant to be a positive experience and to encourage children to learn. Assignments should not be used as punishment.

Does Homework Help Children Learn?

Homework helps your child do better in school when assignments are meaningful, are completed successfully, and are returned with constructive comments from the teacher. An assignment should have a specific purpose, come with clear instructions, be fairly well matched to a student's abilities, and designed to help develop a student's knowledge and skills.

In the early elementary grades, homework can help children develop the habits and attitudes described earlier. From fourth through sixth grades, small amounts of homework, gradually increased each year, may support improved academic achievement. In seventh grade and beyond, students who complete more homework score better on standardized tests and earn better grades, on the average, than students who do less homework. The difference in test scores and grades between students who do more homework and those who do less increases as children move up through the grades.

What's the Right Amount of Homework?

Many educators believe that homework is most effective for the majority of children in first through third grades when it does not exceed 20 minutes each school day. From fourth through sixth grades, many educators recommend from 20 to 40 minutes a school day for most students. For students in seventh through ninth grades, generally, up to 2 hours a school day is thought to be suitable.

Amounts that vary from these guidelines are fine for some students. Talk with your child's teacher if you are concerned about either too.

How To Help: Show You Think Education and Homework Are Important

Children need to know that their parents and adults close to them think homework is important. If they know their parents care, children have a good reason to complete assignments and turn them in on time. There is a lot that you can do to show that you value education and homework.

Set a Regular Time.

Finding a regular time for homework helps children finish assignments. The best schedule is one that works for your child and your family. What works well in one household may not work in another. Of course, a good schedule depends in part on your child's age, as well as individual needs. For instance, one youngster may work best in the afternoon after an hour of play, and another may be more efficient after dinner (although late at night, when children are tired, is seldom a good time).

Outside activities, such as sports or music lessons, may mean that you need a flexible schedule. Your child may study after school on some days and in the evening on others. If there isn't enough time to finish homework, your child may need to drop some outside activity. Homework must be a high priority.

You'll need to work with your elementary school child to develop a schedule. An older student can probably make up a schedule independently, although you'll want to make sure it's a good one.

It may help to write out the schedule and put it in a place where you'll see it often, such as the refrigerator door.

Some families have a required amount of time that children must devote to homework or some other learning activity each school night (the length of time can vary depending upon the child's age). For instance, if your seventh-grader knows she's expected to spend an hour doing homework, reading, or visiting the library, she may be less likely to rush through assignments so that she can watch television. A required amount of time may also discourage her from "forgetting" to bring home assignments and help her adjust to a routine.

Pick a Place.

A study area should have lots of light, supplies close by, and be fairly quiet.

A study area doesn't have to be fancy. A desk in the bedroom is nice, but for many youngsters the kitchen table or a corner of the living room works just fine.

Your child may enjoy decorating a special study corner. A plant, a brightly colored container to hold pencils, and some favorite artwork taped to the walls can make study time more pleasant.

Remove Distractions.

Turn off the television and discourage social telephone calls during homework time. (A call to a classmate about an assignment may, however, be helpful.)

Some youngsters work well with quiet background music, but loud noise from the stereo or radio is not OK. One Virginia junior high school history teacher laments, "I've actually had a kid turn in an assignment that had written in the middle, `And George Washington said, "Ohhhhh, I love you."' The kid was so plugged into the music that he wasn't concentrating."

If you live in a small or noisy household, try having all family members take part in a quiet activity during homework time. You may need to take a noisy toddler outside or into another room to play. If distractions can't be avoided, your child may want to complete assignments in a nearby library.

Provide Supplies and Identify Resources.

For starters, collect pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper, an assignment book, and a dictionary. Other things that might be helpful include glue, a stapler, paper clips, maps, a calculator, a pencil sharpener, tape, scissors, a ruler, index cards, a thesaurus, and an almanac. Keep these items together in one place if possible. If you can't provide your child with needed supplies, check with the teacher, school guidance counselor, or principal about possible sources of assistance.

For books and other information resources, check with the school library or local public library. Some libraries have homework centers designed especially to assist children with school assignments (there may even be tutors and other kinds of individual assistance).

These days many schools have computers in classrooms, and many households have personal computers. However, you don't have to have a computer in your home in order for your child to complete homework assignments successfully.

You may want to ask the teacher to explain school policy about the use of computers--or typewriters or any special equipment--for homework. Certainly, computers can be a great learning tool and helpful for some assignments. They can be used for word processing and on-line reference resources, as well as educational programs and games to sharpen skills. Some schools may offer after-school programs where your child can use the school computers. And many public libraries make computers available to children.

Set a Good Example.

Children are more likely to study if they see you reading, writing, and doing things that require thought and effort on your part. Talk with your child about what you're reading and writing even if it's something as simple as making the grocery list. Tell them about what you do at work. Encourage activities that support learning--for example, educational games, library visits, walks in the neighborhood, trips to the zoo or museums, and chores that teach a sense of responsibility.

Show an Interest.

Make time to take your child to the library to check out materials needed for homework (and for fun too), and read with your child as often as you can. Talk about school and learning activities in family conversations. Ask your child what was discussed in class that day. If he doesn't have much to say, try another approach. For example, ask your child to read aloud a story he wrote or discuss the results of a science experiment.

Another good way to show your interest is to attend school activities, such as parent-teacher meetings, shows, and sports events. If you can, volunteer to help in the classroom or at special events. Getting to know some classmates and other parents not only shows you're interested but helps build a network of support for you and your child.

i love coffee and Coffee 'may reverse Alzheimer's'

hihihihihi so happy to find this out...


is it true? my daughter scold me... mum enough of drinking coffee.

hmmm maybe i should told her about this today.,

A few cups of coffee a day may help ward off the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.


Scientists have uncovered powerful evidence that caffeine not only helps to stave off the disease but can treat it.

They hope soon to follow up the initial results from animal experiments with human patient trials.

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "In this study on mice with symptoms of Alzheimer's, researchers found that caffeine boosted their memory.

"We need to do more research to find out whether this effect will be seen in people. It is too early to say whether drinking coffee or taking caffeine supplements will help people with Alzheimer's.

"With no cure yet, research into treatments that could help people with Alzheimer's is vital."

US neuroscientist Dr Gary Arendash, who led the research, said: "The new findings provide evidence that caffeine could be a viable 'treatment' for established Alzheimer's disease, and not simply a protective strategy.

"That's important because caffeine is a safe drug for most people. It easily enters the brain, and it appears to directly affect the disease process."

The Florida scientists became interested in caffeine's effect on Alzheimer's several years ago after Portuguese researchers found that sufferers drank less coffee than people without the disease.

Since then several studies have suggested that moderate caffeine consumption protects against memory decline during normal ageing.

The new research was reported in two studies published online today in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

the heatwave is over then now unsettled and rainy

wow or phew the heatwave is over,

but here is the new forecast for this week...

it makes me think am i happy hot and very hot

or wet and all soak in water? hmmmmm.... no answer yet but i think i prefer hot.

here is the more detail news or weather forecast for my current place....

The heatwave is officially over as thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to deluge Britain over the next few days.


The high pressure which caused tropical temperatures of more than 30C across the UK for almost a week is being ousted by a low pressure front moving in from the west.

The western half of the UK and Scotland will experience the heaviest showers as temperatures plummet from the recent highs.

The rain is set to lessen but temperatures will stay low for the rest of the week.

But forecasters believe sports fans flocking to Sophia Gardens in Cardiff for the start of the Ashes tussle between England and Australia on Wednesday should see a fair amount of play.

A spokesman for MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "Unfortunately it does seem to be the case that the heatwave is over.

"All the hot and dry weather was down to high pressure, but we will now see low pressure moving in from the west bringing rain and forcing temperatures to fall."

He said the forecast for the next few days would be unsettled and rainy, with the possibility of thunder storms turning up anywhere in the UK.

The weather will settle down towards the middle of the week with rain expected to fall again over the weekend.

The spokesman added: "Luckily those going to the cricket should see a lot of play. Rain is forecast to fall in Cardiff but it will be replaced with drier conditions by the time the cricket is due to start."

Kementerian Pelajaran buka talian isu SPM

ada cadangan dari sahabat maya:

Saya cadangkan supaya cadangan untuk diwajib matapelajaran BI untuk 5 tahun akan datang. Dalam pada masa sekarang pihak kementerian pelu mencari cara terbaik untuk mengukuhkan BI di kalangan pelajar-pelajar terutama di peringkat sekolah rendah atau prasekolah, seperti program membaca (ini diamalkan di UK dengan sebuah buku sehari).

Selain itu saya hendak mencadangkan supaya kerajaan mampu penyediakan pendidikan sewal mungkin seperti mana di negara maju. Kebanyakan negara maju menyedikan program pra sekolah sejak kanak-kanak berusia 3 tahun (di UK, Sweden, Germany, France dan Japan).

==========================================================

saya setuju.

disini satu buku sehari dibaca dan dibekalkan ke rumah.

kalau di apply kan di malaysia. insyaAllah bahasa inggeris boleh tingkat prestasi.


===================================================================
Kementerian Pelajaran buka talian isu SPM

bagus ke tidak?

hmmm. kasihan pada mereka punduduk luar bandar.

KUALA LUMPUR: Orang ramai yang ingin mengemukakan cadangan dan pandangan berhubung isu Bahasa Inggeris syarat wajib untuk lulus peperiksaan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) boleh berbuat demikian melalui saluran telefon dan e-mel yang disediakan Kementerian Pelajaran.

Menurut kenyataan Kementerian Pelajaran hari ini, ia boleh disalurkan ke talian khidmat pelanggan kementerian itu di 03-77237070 atau e-mel di kpkpm@moe.gov.my.

Semalam, Timbalan Perdana Menteri yang juga Menteri Pelajaran, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, mempelawa orang ramai mengemukakan pandangan mengenai isu mewajibkan calon lulus bahasa Inggeris sebagai syarat lulus SPM.

****di atas ialah keratan dari Berita Harian (7/6/2009)
Mengikut New Strait Times, 70% pelajar yang dalam matapelajaran Bahasa Inggeris (BI)manakal 30% ialah yang gagal.Kita kena berpandangan jauh. Memang BI penting dalam dunia yang bersaing tinggi pada masa sekarang tetapi pelajar yang terpinggir samada di luar bandar adalah penting untuk diambil kira. Mungkin langkah-langkat tertentu atau program tertentu perlu diperkenalkan di peringkat Kementerian Pendidikan. Contohnya di UK (United Kingdom). pihak kementerian memberikan peruntukan khas untuk sekolah meningkatkan tahap sekolah mereka.

Mengikut New Strait Times, 70% pelajar yang dalam matapelajaran Bahasa Inggeris (BI)manakal 30% ialah yang gagal.Kita kena berpandangan jauh. Memang BI penting dalam dunia yang bersaing tinggi pada masa sekarang tetapi pelajar yang terpinggir samada di luar bandar adalah penting untuk diambil kira. Mungkin langkah-langkat tertentu atau program tertentu perlu diperkenalkan di peringkat Kementerian Pendidikan. Contohnya di UK (United Kingdom). pihak kementerian memberikan peruntukan khas untuk sekolah meningkatkan tahap sekolah mereka.

weather in lancaster: Sunny Intervals and Temp: 24°C

It is very hot in lancaster uk

all school chidren had to put sun cream to protect their skin.




# Sunny Intervals
# Temp: 24°C

Avoid Dehydration This Summer with Thirst-Quenching Tips

Lemon water: It's tough drinking enough plain water to keep your cool throughout the day, but drinking juice and regular soda packs in too many calories. Better to eat and enjoy calories than the mindlessly suck them down, I say. Instead, I keep myself hydrated on the treadmill by adding a splash of lemon juice to my water bottle. It adds interest but few calories, so I can (and want to) drink lots without guilt.


Empty bottles: How can an empty bottle help keep you hydrated, you ask? As a cash-strapped college student, I ended up in the campus infirmary more than once feeling faint, only to learn I was mildly dehydrated. My work-study employers gifted me a trendy screw-top plastic water bottle, which I could fill for free at the dorm water fountain. I still use it today, though many now prefer trendy stainless steel bottles. Either way, they're ideal for traveling via air: Pack an empty bottle in your carry on and then fill it from the water fountains on the other side of security to avoid paying the premium for airport drinks.


Fountain drinks: Everyone knows you can buy huge sodas from convenience stores for next to nothing, but many stores offer even better deals that will keep your thirst quenched as you shop. Target and Costco cafés, for example, offer super-cheap fountain drinks that you can refill throughout your shopping trip. Keep your eyes peeled for these deals as you're out to make errands more pleasant.


Iced tea: Sun tea is a summer classic. My mom would fill a big, clear pitcher with water, add a few tea bags, cover, and then let the whole thing steep on the deck for a few hours. The sun warms the water, helping the tea infuse throughout the pitcher. Just chill the brewed tea and you're ready for summer refreshment. If you prefer your tea sweetened, stir in some honey or simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, heated until dissolved, then cooled). Bonus: Next to water, iced tea is one of the least expensive beverages around.

Benefits of Eliminating Anger

“He who conquers his anger has conquered an enemy” - German Proverb


Every desire that you have becomes another opportunity for reality to disappoint you. When you don’t get what you desire, you feel bad. Every time that you abandon or modify a rule to make it easier to manage you simultaneously make it easier for you to be happier and more cheerful. Remember: The people with fewest rules are happiest.

On top of that, anger leads to damaging responses and if that occurs over trivial issues or things that are impossible to change, then it wreaks unnecessary and avoidable damage. That just creates a catalog of human misery and tragedy. That can be eliminated through understanding the mechanism. It’s really very simple. You have no excuse to let anger wreak havoc and damage in your life.

If you are frequently angry, then you have a lot of work to do here, but after a while you stop responding with anger to events. As soon as a bad result occurs and you feel anger starting to rise, you instead shrug your shoulders, or give a little sigh and say to yourself, “Oh well, that’s my reality. I didn’t get the result that I wanted and I accept that. What’s the best way to respond now?”

This is a nice place to get to. Instead of letting your emotions control you (and anger is one of the worst because of the physiological changes that occur), you manage your desires and hence have mastery over yourself. Instead of responding with damaging verbal or physical violence you bypass that reaction immediately and instead tap straight into your personal resourcefulness, where you think ‘What’s next?’ or ‘How can I get that result that I want?’



anger mgmt

PPSMI: Apa Kata Profesor Biologi Molekular Ini

I like this article written in NST 2009/03/31.
the fact that i am doing a research makes me want to know if there is
a research done on this issue ? hmmmm scientific research.
so the debates can be stop by this proven scientific research. again
though i am lucky now that all my 4 children have the chance to study
in primary and high school in UK that will improve their english but
what i am worried is the rural/kampong children in malaysia which is neglected and
the divide or division will be wider. poor them.


SCIENCE AND MATHS: Decide only after a proper study
By DR FARIDA SHAH, Prof of Molecular Biology (Adjunct) UTAR, Kuala Lumpur

I WRITE this letter in the hope of shedding more light on issues regarding the teaching and learning of Science and Mathematics, the role of English as a second language and the use of English in teaching Science and Mathematics. This issue is not about politics, patriotism or the fear of losing our mother tongue, but one which is of importance to our children. It addresses two entirely different issues: the urban-rural science divide and the urban-rural English language divide.

As a bilingual professor of molecular biology, I was teaching at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (medium of instruction Malay) along with my colleagues who were and still are teaching in areas of physics, math, astrophysics, nanotechnology, etc.

Some of us (consisting of Malays, Chinese and Indians) were products of school systems where English was the medium of instruction; some went through the learning of Science at various levels with Malay as the medium of instruction.

Both groups are equally competent lecturers and able to communicate and impart knowledge to students effectively in Malay. From my observation, Science graduates from UKM were never at a disadvantage, as the good ones (with good grades) went on to do their postgraduate studies in Britain, Australia, etc. At no time did we feel that our students' capabilities and scientific knowledge (content) were compromised because of the medium of instruction.

This trend has been observed elsewhere in the world for decades. Students from China, Taiwan and Germany, who studied in their mother tongue with English as the second language, went on to do their postgraduate and post-doctoral degrees in English-speaking countries and even secured jobs.

So, let me put the questions to parents (mostly in urban areas) and the relevant authorities: why this obsession with teaching 6- or 7-year-olds and older children Science and Maths in English when the medium of instruction of education is Malay or (in vernacular schools) Chinese and Tamil? If Chinese schools have decided to maintain the teaching of Science and Maths in Chinese, why can't the national schools teach in Bahasa Malaysia?

Why teach Maths and Science in English? What do we expect these students to achieve? Do we want to teach Science and Maths so that students competence in English will improve as an additional important language? Or do we think that by using English, the students' command of Science and Maths will improve?

There must be a clear focus on English language goals as well as goals within the command of Maths and Science curriculum. If it is the former, then teaching Science and Maths is not the solution. If it is the latter, then it is again not true. If it is the former that we are worried about, surely the answer would be to teach and learn English as a second language. We can increase the teaching hours for English from seven to 15 hours per week, change the method of pedagogy, teach more grammar and communication skills, etc.

On the other hand, those who think that Science and Maths are better taught and learnt in English are not aware that Science and Maths are not learned by memorising facts.

Some people think of Science and Maths as subjects in which learners are required to memorise terms, apply various formulae and weigh out chemicals. However, science education now emphasises the teaching of the conceptual nature of science, and the high-level cognitive processes required to understand and communicate these concepts.

The United States National Science Education Standards defines "scientific literacy" in a manner that reveals its conceptual and communicative dimensions.

Scientific literacy and curiosity means that a student can find or determine answers to questions derived from curiosity about everyday experiences. They should be able to understand underlying concepts and describe, explain and predict natural phenomena. Can we expect 7-year-olds to do this? Do they switch to thinking in their native language after the brief classroom period where they are taught in a second language for the rest of the day?

Another dimension is the competence of the teachers. How can teachers impart content knowledge in a second language if they themselves are not competent in that language?

Successful achievement in Maths and Science is difficult enough for students. It becomes more difficult when the subjects are taught in a second language. It has been shown that learners have the best chance of succeeding in Maths and Science if they study them in their own language. Studies have shown that when their language skills are not developed, their ability to think mathematically and scientifically is affected.

To address the science divide, students are at a disadvantage trying to understand instructions and express them in a foreign language, especially when they must compete with other urban students. To add to this disadvantage, some rural schools are ill-equipped with the labs and resources for teaching Science.

It is my personal opinion as a scientist involved in engaging the young in Science and Maths that if we continue with the present system, not only will we not achieve our goal of improving the use of English but it will also lead to deterioration in the teaching and learning of Science.

Throughout the world, there is an emphasis on science education for developing countries and a call to make "teaching and learning science fun". Teaching in a second language is a sure way to get students out of Science and Maths. Yet, one of the goals of our nation is to increase participation in science and to increase the number of researchers/scientists per 10,000 population.

Some say we should wait for the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah results to see the outcome. But we all know that UPSR is not an indicator of language proficiency or content knowledge because exams, which are set to encourage rote learning and memory work, do not evaluate communication and/or thinking skills.

Another question: Was there a proper scientific research methodology set up to study the impact of the use-English exercise for more than six years of school life, with proper scientific controls, with measurable outcomes using qualitative and quantitative techniques, to ensure that a policy statement can be derived at the end of Year 6?

If it was done, we would all like to see it so we can put an end to the debates. If it was not done, it is not too late for the authorities to conduct proper research and identify what the people (parents) want.

I was surprised by the advice that we should not politicise this issue and let the cabinet decide. But surely, the cabinet must hear the voices of parents and this should be done in a scientific manner, meaning all policies must be formulated with proper scientific research. The evidence derived from such an exercise would allow people to think rationally and accept the decision, rather than one based on the whims of the minister or the cabinet.

So, if the authorities and everyone else is sincere in trying to improve the command of English as a second language, let's go back to the basics and look at the curriculum. Schools, ministries and universities should rethink the teaching of English in their curriculum.

If there are insufficient teachers for English, we should perhaps look at getting the American Field Services (AFS) teachers who used to teach English in rural schools many years ago. Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) and other media can play a role and have more programmes for children in English, particularly science programmes in English with subtitles in the three languages.

In these two issues -- where the future of our children is at stake -- involving English language competency and the participation and engagement of students in Science and Maths for the development of the nation, we cannot let politics rule; a policy should be formulated on the basis of scientific research. All relevant and related ministries and agencies should have dialogues to ensure a more effective and efficient way of teaching and learning English as a second language, as well as improving the teaching and learning of Science and Maths. Again, I emphasise these are two separate issues.

I commend the government in its effort to re-look these two issues. There is nothing wrong in stopping Maths and Science from being taught in English if it has been shown (on the basis of research) to be ineffective.

Most importantly, any decision we take must help bridge the existing urban-rural divide in the effective learning and command of Science and Maths, and in English language competency.

© Copyright 2009 The New Straits Times Press (M) Berhad. All rights reserved.

Nikmatnya Apabila Tidak Tahu Berita

hihihi

ni berita baru untuk saya.

ayah dan ibu suka tengok berita.

saya pun ingat penting tengok berita tapi ada kata tidak.

so terperanjat juga mula-mula tu.




apa nikmatnya apabila tak tahu berita?

hmmm

kemudian hari ini ada satu lagi artikel bunyi yang sama


Jauhi Diri Dari Berita Selama 7 Hari Sebagai Latihan Pertama

Hmmm.....
Kesimpulannya baru kini ku tahu, tak penting tengok berita.


tapi sebagai pelajar dan ibu memang tak sempat tengok berita....

Meet the Mathematicians

i have 2 boys and 2 girls.
the boys know that they want to be an engineer when they grow up.
my daughter? one is too small to think of growing up and what to be?
the other is not sure. she loves math and computer.
and she do no want to be a computer scientist. hmm science. not interested.


so i find this video hope she found it useful for her and her future....

research at nottingham university

linguistics corpus

Analysing emails helps Dr Harvey better understand young people's attitudes to health.


Research in corpus....





linguistics corpus

woman and alcohol. Unsafe at any moment?

alcohol is risk to cancer.

woman , alcohol can cause cancer.

The study in britain over 1.5 million women, increases the risk of breast cancer and other cancer from breath to stomach. This is due to alcohol consumption.

Unsafe at any amount.

life is a journey to gain knowledge

life is a journey to gain knowledge


Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)

what is eft? today i learn a new term.
i try to do a search in google and this is what i found:


EFT®: The surprising natural healing aid you can use for almost everything

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is an emotional, needle free version of acupuncture that is based on new discoveries regarding the connection between your body's subtle energies, your emotions, and your health. EFT has been reported successful in thousands of cases covering a huge range of emotional, health and performance issues. It often works where nothing else will.

Best of all, anyone can learn and use EFT and you don't need specialized schooling for it. We even give away the basic methods as a free download.

Experience EFT's results for yourself - after you read the free basic instructions, you can perform your first "rounds" of personal tapping in a few minutes.

But as you begin using these techniques, we urge you to bring these procedures to the attention of your physician(s) as they may reduce the need for drugs, surgeries, radiation and the like. Nothing contained herein should be considered a medical claim or medical advice. For more, read our EFT Info and Disclaimer Document, then learn about what EFT is and what it offers you.


P.S.This quote by Eric Robins, MD captures the essence of EFT:

"Some day the medical profession will wake up and realize that unresolved emotional issues are the main cause of 85% of all illnesses. When they do, EFT will be one of their primary healing tools .... as it is for me."

- Eric Robins, MD -




what i notice is to the day i die. life is full of never ending journey.
journey to seek knowledge and journey of new knowledge.



another site says about eft



It’s really simple. We all know, intuitively, that our past events influence our present issues.


Aim EFT at specific past events.


The present issue evaporates.


That’s it. I hope you weren’t expecting something more complicated, or never-ending inspirational quotes.


life is a journey to gain knowledge