Something To Think About !

Let’s suppose that you were able, every night, to dream any dream that you wanted to dream. And that you could, for example, have the power within one night to dream 75 years of time. Or any length of time you wanted to have. And naturally, as you begin on this adventure of dreams, you’d fulfill all your wishes. You’d have every kind of pleasure you could perceive. And after several nights of 75 years of total pleasure each, you’d say “Well that was pretty great, but now let’s have a surprise, let’s have a dream that isn’t under control. Something is gonna happen to me and I don’t know what it’s gonna be.” And even with that, you’d come out of that and say ”Wow, that was a close shave, wasn’t it?” and then you would get more and more adventurous and you’d make further and further out gambles of what you would dream. And finally, you’d dream where you are now. You’d dream the dream of living the life you are actually living today.

Anonymous.

You’re Not As bad As You Think You Are

I was reading Family Flavours and I came across the article Generation Give, which basically says how teenagers give back to the community, and it made me feel guilty that I don’t do more. Then I realised that I was wrong to feel that way.

If you can read this, you’re among one of the 8% richest people in the world. You live in relative ease and all your basic needs are pretty much covered. You’ve got a house, food, education. Also, you have internet, central heating, a shower, a cooker. You probably have a mobile phone, an iPod maybe. You’ve got friends, transport, a television. A comfortable life. You should be happy.

On the flipside, there are people in places like Somalia, India and Afghanistan who don’t know what a computer is. They don’t worry about how which make-up will make them look best, or what programs they have to record, because they can’t. They’re too busy trying to stay alive. These people are born into poverty and starvation, and that’s how they stay, before they die. Young. They spend their time working, or searching for food or water. They dream of an education. For a better life for their family. Yet, as so many people will tell you, and as I know from firsthand experience in Kolkata, they are happy. They shouldn’t be happy, but they are. They sing, they dance, they love. And that’s enough for them.

Looking at the two situations, you couldn’t possibly imagine that we, as well off people, could ever find anything to complain about.

But we do.

We complain about EVERYTHING. We complain about work, school, friends, appearance, relationships, even about things like the television, or the internet. We go so far as to complain about other people complaining. The killer is when we complain about charities, or giving to the poor. “Oh, I’ve already donated this month, I wish they’d get out of my hair.”We take everything we have for granted. Our friends, family, technology, education, heat, clothes, everything. We take it all for granted, and we “couldn’t survive” if it was taken away.

Inconsiderate, isn’t it?

That’s not a good sign, right?

Wrong. We are a product of our surroundings. We, either as humans, or as what we’ve become, have developed this trait. We will complain. We will rely on other people. We will take stuff for granted.

We say that we’ll change, and we really do try, but we can’t. It’s a natural part of living. Life is a complex thing, and the only way to not take anything for granted is to remove everything that could be taken for granted.

But that isn’t practical. Our ancestors have worked hard to get us where we are now. We reap the benefits of their work, which seems selfish, but wouldn’t it be a slap across the face to them if we ignored it? And also, I think you have to realise, or believe that, in some way, no matter how small, you’re changing the world for the future too, just like they did.

If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants

Isaac Newton said those words, and he was right. It’s okay for us to use what we have now to change the future. It’s okay to forget about other people, and focus on ourselves, because we’re human, we make mistakes, and, if by being selfish and focusing on ourselves, we end up changing the world, is that not worth it?

I’m not saying ignore those less fortunate than you. By all means, do all you can to help them, if that’s how you want to change the world. I support that so much, and I do it too. But I’m saying it’s okay to forget every so often. It’s okay to be wrapped up in your own world for a bit. Never feel guilty that you’re taking stuff for granted, because you never know what might come of it.

Do you think someone like Adi Roche (or any other prominent charitable figure) never had personal problems that swayed her course? Everyone does it sometimes, and it’s okay.

All I’m saying is that when you feel guilty, it’s a good thing, it shows you care. Also, instead of letting it get you down, use it as a driving force, an inspiration to change something. And by change something, I don’t mean you have to go out and donate all your life savings to the Red Cross. Just change something minor. Help an old lady, talk to a friend in need, anything. Do some good. If you can do some good, then you’re helping someone less fortunate than you.

And that makes you a pretty great person after all.

Appearance vs Personality

The Teens Speak Out section of Family Flavours in the July edition was all about freedom of expression and it got me thinking how teenagers show their personalities through their appearance. That made me wonder is it necessary to appear a certain way just to make the impression you want to make? For years, people have had the debate. What’s more important, appearance or personality? Well, there’s a quote:

“Appearance gets you in the door, but personality keeps you in the house.”

By that logic, it would seem that personality is by far the more important of the two. But in hindsight, is it really? If it is, then why do we, as humans, constantly strive to look better? Why do we put ourselves through pain and turmoil to make ourselves more attractive? The answer is that, in reality, appearance has always been more important than personality.

Seriously, look at history. From the days of the Ancient Egyptians (inventors of make-up), to the changing styles of clothing in the Victorian Era, right through to the founding of modern-day make-up and perufme companies in the early 1900s, people have always tried to artificially enhance themselves.

In the harsh world we live in, people who are attractive will always find an easier way to excel in their individual situations than those who are genuinely talented or who have great personalities. Those who have both soon rise to the top. A prime example would be the world of film and television, but this scenario exists right down the scale, to social standings in schools or clubs.

Is it wrong that the world works this way? That those who have true inner beauty are not recognised, or have to work twice as hard to be noticed? Is it wrong that those with looks get an easy ride to the top? That nearly everyone, no matter what they say, first judges a book by its cover? I think the answer is quite clearly yes, it is very wrong.

Sure, people get better as they grow up. Or so you’d think. That’s the case in relationships, and friendships, but think in terms of careers.Someone could be the most amazing singer in the world, but they could also have a facial disfigurement. As we all know, they would be instantly shot down, due to their lacking of “the look” it takes to become a superstar.

There is no “look”. There’s just this savage mentality that exists amongst people, instilled in them from a young age.

Nobody was created perfect. Everybody has their flaws, but in the same way, everybody has something to contribute to the world. It isn’t fair that this mentality exists. It isn’t fair that from secondary school onwards, we are taught by the world that looks equals popularity. It isn’t fair that so many people’s self confidence is shattered so early, just because God created them in a certain way.

That’s just my opinion, I can’t actually change anything. Society says I’m wrong. Unfortunately, this is the one we’ve created, and the one we’re now forced to live in.

Indulge in the heart-to-heart stories people shared with us about their lives and experiences, concerning divorce and giving back, in the July issue of #Family Flavours magazine in stores now!

Whether you're looking for creative ways to refresh your summer or just craving some "me time" with a good read, all you have to do is take some time off and spend it flipping through the pages of our latest edition. Unwind with unconventional, homemade recipes for light brunches, heartwarming egg bakes and tasty desserts. And read all about what men want, retro sunglasses' comeback, local Sufi-inspired art and much more.

So, get your day planner and pencil in some quality time with yours truly.

‘’What do you want to be when you grow up?’’ is probably the most common and serious question children get asked. My answer has always been ‘’A Journalist’’. Actually, probably not. We all had one of those silly ‘’astronaut’’ or ‘’princess’’ type of answers, at first. But ever since I discovered the world of journalism, I knew I wanted to become a journalist. However, up until last week, my experience with journalism was purely theoretical. Then, at last, I joined the “Family Flavours” team as an intern and finally got to experience real, first hand journalism. Now, reporting from the buzzing core of a journalistic organization, I can tell you this: Firstly, it takes much more people, drafts and hard work to produce the monthly copy of “Family Flavours” you see in stores. Secondly, professional journalism requires a lot of investigating, proofreading and fact checking to ensure absolute authenticity and excellent quality.

Sweet Eyes

عيون حلوة

ما تِستَهينوا بعيون أطفالكم

كتب: د. سمير الملقي

قد يمتلك أطفالكم مجموعة لا حصر لها من النظارات الشمسية، وربما يرجع ذلك لإعجابهم بألوانها فقط أو ببساطة لاعتقادهم أنها تبدو لطيفة عليهم. فهل سبق لكم أن فكرتم بما للنظارات الشمسية من فوائد تتعدى كونها مجرد موضة؟

غياب المعرفة

تُظهر الإحصائيات الموجّهة إلى الوالدين أن أقل من 15% منهم يدركون أهمية النظارات الشمسية لأطفالهم. بينما نجد أن معظم الوالدين يركزون على حماية بشرة أطفالهم من أشعة الشمس الضارة، إلا أن قلة منهم يفكرون بمسألة لا تقل أهمية عن ذلك ألا وهي حماية عيون أطفالهم.

أضرار الشمس

الآن والصيف على الأبواب، من الجدير بنا أن نستعرض فوائد النظارات الشمسية، خصوصًا بالنسبة للأطفال الصغار.

إن للأضرار التي تُلحقها الشمس بالعينين أثر يتراكم على مرّ السنين. ويعد الأطفال على وجه الخصوص عرضة لتلك الأضرار، نظرًا لأن حياتهم ما زالت في بدايتها والعمر أمامهم طويل قياسًا بالبالغين، ناهيكم عن ميل الأطفال أيضًا لقضاء أوقاتهم في الخارج أكثر من البالغين. لذا فإن النظارات الشمسية التي تحجب 100% من الأشعة فوق البنفسجية، تعد غاية في الأهمية لحماية عيون الأطفال من آثار تلك الأشعة الضارة.

أبدًا مش بَكّير!

تتلقّى عيوننا كميات كبيرة من الأشعة فوق البنفسجية، ويعتقد الكثير من العلماء أن ما نسبته 80% أو أكثر من هذه الأشعة نتعرض لها مع بلوغنا الثامنة عشر من العمر. وقد وجد أن ثمة ارتباط بين كثرة التعرض لهذه الإشعاعات بدون الحماية اللازمة، وتكون (الساد)، أو ما يعرف بإعتام عدسة العين، ومتلازمة جفاف العين، والتغيرات في الملتحمة وغيرها من مشكلات العيون. لذا ليس من السابق لأوانه أن يبدأ أطفالكم باستخدام النظارات الشمسية عند الخروج.

في الحقيقة، إن الأشعة فوق البنفسجية ليست إلا واحدة من الكثير من الإشعاعات الضارة التي تصدر من الشمس، ومن أهمها "الضوء الأزرق"؛ إذ يعتقد أن هذا النوع من الضوء قد يسهم في الإصابة بحالة التنكس البقعي مع تقدم الإنسان بالعمر. وتعد عيون الأطفال أكثر عرضة للأشعة فوق البنفسجية والضوء الأزرق من عيون البالغين، وذلك لأن العدسات البلورية داخل عيني الأطفال تكون أقل قدرة على تصفية هذه الإشعاعات. وهذا صحيح على وجه الخصوص لدى الأطفال الصغار جدًا. ومن هنا، تقتضي الحكمة أن يبدأ أطفالكم باستخدام نظارات شمسية واقية، بمجرد أن يبدأوا اللعب في ضوء الشمس المباشر.

ومن المهم أيضًا ملاحظة أن الأثر الضار للأشعة فوق البنفسجية يكون أسوء في المناطق المرتفعة والساحلية. كما تؤدي الثلوج والمياه إلى انعكاس أشعة الشمس مباشرة في العينين فيما يسمى بعملية الاستقطاب؛ حيث يحتوي الضوء المستقطب على كميات مركزة من الأشعة فوق البنفسجية التي تلحق الضرر بالكثير من أجزاء العين.

ألوان العدسات

أهم ما يجب مراعاته عند اختيار نظارات شمسية لأطفالكم هو قدرتها على توفير الحماية الكاملة من الأشعة فوق البنفسجية. أما لون العدسات، فهو مسألة ذوق خاص، رغم أن معظم النظارات الشمسية التي توفر حماية كاملة من الأشعة فوق البنفسجية تكون كهرمانية اللون.

الأنواع

يتوفر اليوم أنواع عدّة من النظارات الشمسية في الأسواق. وتحاول الكثير من الشركات تلبية رغبات الأطفال بالظهور بمظهر يشبه الوالدين أو مَن يكبرونهم سنًا من الأقارب. وعليه، فإنه باستطاعتكم العثور على نظارات شمسية بيضاوية الشكل أو مستديرة أو مستطيلة أو تشبه عيني القطة، وبألوان لطيفة وأنيقة كالأزرق والأخضر والأسود. وتعد الإطارات المعدنية والبلاستيكية شائعة جدًا وتشبه تلك الموجودة في النظارات الشمسية الخاصة بالبالغين.

أنصحكم بالإطارات المطاطية الطرية المرنة، تجنبًا لتعرّضها للكسر. كما تعد عدسات البولي كربونات آمنة جداً لأنها ضد الكسر، وبالطبع ينبغي للعدسات أيضًا أن توفر حماية كاملة من الأشعة فوق البنفسجية. والآن وقد عرفتم مدى أهمية حماية عيون أطفالكم، ننصحكم بشراء بعض النظارات لهم ولا تنسوا التأكد من اختيار القطع المناسبة والمريحة منها!

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorders–Part 1
By Hevin Kurdi - Canada

Autism emerges in the first three years of a child’s life and can affect the ability to communicate, understand language and develop social relationships.

Symptoms
The symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vary, ranging from mild to severe, but all children on the spectrum show difficulties with:

· Social Interaction

· Verbal and nonverbal communication

· Repetitive behaviours or limited interests

Diagnoses
Though some people refer to all ASDs simply as ‘autism,’ doctors usually diagnose patients with a specific classification from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR). The five subcategories of diagnoses are:

· Autistic disorder

· Asperger disorder

· Childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD)

· Rett disorder

· Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)

Characteristics of ASD
No two children with ASD are alike. Some may never develop language or may suffer from severe problems, such as mental retardation or seizures. Those on the mild end of the spectrum, on the other hand, may be able to function in a regular classroom and, with intervention, may even completely overcome the challenges associated with the disability.

Children on the autism spectrum sometimes avoid eye contact, ignore others, speak little and lose language or social skills they once had. They may also exhibit self-stimulatory behaviours, such as flapping their hands repetitively, or focus on one activity with little interest in anything else, for example fixating on the wheels of a toy car for hours.

Incidence & diagnosis

ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic and social groups and is four times more likely to affect boys than girls. There is no medical test for ASD. A diagnosis is made by observing the presence or absence of specific age-related behaviours and skills. For instance, does a 3-year-old child communicate using short phrases like “want more juice” or is he uncommunicative? Does he like playing with friends or does he prefer to play alone? ASD can usually be diagnosed by the time a child is three years old and can sometimes be detected as early as 12 months of age.

Parents are often the first to notice something is “different” about their child and may worry their child is not reaching developmental milestones. Maybe their infant doesn’t cry when they leave the room or is overly anxious around strangers. Some children seem to develop normally at first; then, around 12 to 36 months, they will suddenly lose the ability to speak or point or will show other drastic changes in behaviour.

There is no single cause for ASD, but significant strides have been made in its understanding and treatment in recent years. Intensive early intervention can significantly reduce the impact of autism and can dramatically help children to learn, grow and enjoy happy, fulfilling lives.

In next month’s issue, we will continue our discussion of ASD with useful teaching tips and behaviour control tips.