With 4 confirmed cases of the novel virus at present in Australia, measures are being taken to help stop the propagation of the virus.
In today’s episode of Dr Nora I talk to you about my battle of finding protective measures to protect myself and my patients.
It is thought that the virus may be transmitted through airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing and it is felt that the P2/N95 mask may offer some protection. As a health care practitioner seeing around 50 patients a day it is my utmost priority to look after my patients and ensure that they are safe. After work I rushed over to my local hardware store and enquired about the mask. Unfortunately, they and all of their other franchises had run out and the only ones left were darth-Vader-esq masks.
After much deliberation I got over the aesthetics and remembered the purpose and brought one. As I drove away I thought I would call local pharmacies to check their stocks. After calling 20 different pharmacies over a span of 60km I was met with the same response ‘sorry we’re out of stock’.
Rather fortunately I drove past the hospital and thought perhaps I could ask my colleagues there and explain the situation. After speaking with the staff in ED they kindly gave me a mask for myself and my staff.
WHAT IS WUHAN CORONAVIRUS?
Wuhan is a city in China where the virus originated from. It is not fully understood how the virus is transmitted but it is believe that it originated in a live seafood market and has so far affected over 1000 people in China with around 40 people dying. It is believed that this who have died from the virus have had underlying medical conditions.
Australia has received its first confirmed case this weekend and to date there are 4 cases in two states, NSW and QLD.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The virus causes symptoms pneumonia, including, fever, cough, shortness of breath and feeling unwell and tired. It is believed that there is an incubation period of around 14 days which means that someone may not know they have the virus immediately.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Those who have travelled to Wuhan or those who have close contacts with someone who has recently travelled or has a confirmed case.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF?
Usual hygiene measures are crucial such as regular hand washing. It has currently not been recommended for the general public to use a mask outside of the health care setting.
If you have a suspicion you may be affected as perhaps you’ve recently travelled from there or know a close contact. You should maintain isolation and seek medical help. It is imperative that before you go to a doctor or the ED you must call ahead so that protective measures may be taken. You will need to be in isolation to protect others around you and hence stop the propagation of this virus.
Tests can be performed to confirm the virus and treatment may be initiated. The virus is new and not much information has been released. Scientists are working on a vaccination though this can take time.
Together with your help we can stop the propagation of the virus.
In today’s episode of Dr Nora I give you my 5 top tips for having a healthy Ramadan.
WHAT IS RAMADAN?
Ramadan is a holy month that is observed by many people around the world. It primarily involves fasting from dawn until sunset, that means no water or food during that time. And it’s for that reason that not everyone can fast. Groups such as the pregnant or breast feeding, certain medical conditions and the frail and elderly not to fast. Whilst they may not be able to fast they observe the month in other ways such as going to the mosque. If you have any questions about your health eligibility to fast then please speak with your local doctor, you can even come by for a sick note.
The act of fasting allows for one to reflect, recalibrate and detox from the routine day to day life, It allows for you to pause, reflect and rewind.
If you are able to fast then here are my 5 top tips for getting you through a healthy ramadan.
1. MEAL PREP
It may sound obvious but without structure or routine it’s easy to pick up the first thing we see in the fridge or the shops without thinking. These choices can sometimes be detrimental to your health goals. For example, have you ever been shopping when you’re hungry? You’re more likely to pick up more food than you need and generally it may be processed or ready to eat which may not be the healthiest.
2. BREAK YOUR FAST WISELY
Congratulations you’ve made it through your first fast. As tempting as it may seem to rush into the kitchen and eat everything possible, I’d advise not to do this.
Remember your digestive system has been resting for the past 12-18 hours depending where you are, so ease it back into shape slowly. By eating too much too quickly, acid production in the stomach will go into over drive and cause heart burn. Also remember during your fast, the stomach has shrunk so eating quickly will cause it to stretch rapidly and it will hurt. Not only are there health benefits to eating slowly, but it will also allow for you to appreciate your new found clarity on your relationship with food.
Traditionally, people break their fast with 1-2 dates which is a great way to start. However, make sure you choose dates that are not covered in glucose or have added sugar. The best type are natural dates such as Medjool. Not only are they healthy but they’re rich in fibre and nutrients such as magnesium and potassium and not to mention natural sugar.
Follow this with a glass of water or milk and take a short break before your main meal.
3. WHAT TO EAT
To help you through your fast choose foods that release energy slowly - these include low GI foods such as sweet potato, beans, pasta and basmati rice. Also choose foods that are high in fibre foods like pulses, vegetables and a handful of nuts. It’s really important to have balanced meals.
Aim for 45-30% carbohydrates, 20-30% protein and under 35% fat. Be aware not to gorge on sugary foods. Eating lots of sugar after fasting can lead to withdrawal symptoms and cravings for more sugar, it can also cause low energy, headaches, migraines and mood swings, which are not ideal. Also make sure you drink plenty of water and non-sweetened beverages.
4. EXERCISE
The best time to exercise whilst fasting is an hour prior to breaking your fast. Your carbohydrate stores will be low so only do low intensity training, such as going for a walk, doing some stretches or yoga. Other ideal times to exercise are after you’ve eaten your main meal and following your pre-fast meal - suhoor. At these times, you can go for a higher intensity workout, such as jogging, cycling or using the machines in the gym such as the cross trainer.
5. EAT A SENSIBLE SUHOOR
Suhoor relates to the meal eaten prior to dawn. It’s easy to panic and binge eat on lots of food but, by over eating you’ll feel tired and sluggish for the rest of the day. So always be sure to eat in moderation.
The best foods to eat at this meal are your slow releasing foods, such as oatmeal, eggs, a little meat, fruit and veg. Of course drink plenty water. My top tip for this is to drink small amounts often, if you drink too much at once, your stomach will feel full and you won’t have much room for food.
And my final tip is don’t forget to reflect and think about the reasons you are fasting and remember its not all related to abstaining from food.
Thanks for watching, I wish you all a happy and successful Ramadan. 🌙
Healthy Ramadan 2019 Guide & Fasting Tips🌙 رمضان كريم
Ramadan Mubarak 2019 🌙
In today’s episode of Dr Nora I give you my 5 top tips for having a healthy Ramadan.
WHAT IS RAMADAN?
Ramadan is a holy month that is observed by many people around the world. It primarily involves fasting from dawn until sunset, that means no water or food during that time. And it’s for that reason that not everyone can fast. Groups such as the pregnant or breast feeding, certain medical conditions and the frail and elderly not to fast. Whilst they may not be able to fast they observe the month in other ways such as going to the mosque. If you have any questions about your health eligibility to fast then please speak with your local doctor, you can even come by for a sick note.
The act of fasting allows for one to reflect, recalibrate and detox from the routine day to day life, It allows for you to pause, reflect and rewind.
If you are able to fast then here are my 5 top tips for getting you through a healthy ramadan.
1. MEAL PREP
It may sound obvious but without structure or routine it’s easy to pick up the first thing we see in the fridge or the shops without thinking. These choices can sometimes be detrimental to your health goals. For example, have you ever been shopping when you’re hungry? You’re more likely to pick up more food than you need and generally it may be processed or ready to eat which may not be the healthiest.
2. BREAK YOUR FAST WISELY
Congratulations you’ve made it through your first fast. As tempting as it may seem to rush into the kitchen and eat everything possible, I’d advise not to do this.
Remember your digestive system has been resting for the past 12-18 hours depending where you are, so ease it back into shape slowly. By eating too much too quickly, acid production in the stomach will go into over drive and cause heart burn. Also remember during your fast, the stomach has shrunk so eating quickly will cause it to stretch rapidly and it will hurt. Not only are there health benefits to eating slowly, but it will also allow for you to appreciate your new found clarity on your relationship with food.
Traditionally, people break their fast with 1-2 dates which is a great way to start. However, make sure you choose dates that are not covered in glucose or have added sugar. The best type are natural dates such as Medjool. Not only are they healthy but they’re rich in fibre and nutrients such as magnesium and potassium and not to mention natural sugar.
Follow this with a glass of water or milk and take a short break before your main meal.
3. WHAT TO EAT
To help you through your fast choose foods that release energy slowly - these include low GI foods such as sweet potato, beans, pasta and basmati rice. Also choose foods that are high in fibre foods like pulses, vegetables and a handful of nuts. It’s really important to have balanced meals.
Aim for 45-30% carbohydrates, 20-30% protein and under 35% fat. Be aware not to gorge on sugary foods. Eating lots of sugar after fasting can lead to withdrawal symptoms and cravings for more sugar, it can also cause low energy, headaches, migraines and mood swings, which are not ideal. Also make sure you drink plenty of water and non-sweetened beverages.
4. EXERCISE
The best time to exercise whilst fasting is an hour prior to breaking your fast. Your carbohydrate stores will be low so only do low intensity training, such as going for a walk, doing some stretches or yoga. Other ideal times to exercise are after you’ve eaten your main meal and following your pre-fast meal - suhoor. At these times, you can go for a higher intensity workout, such as jogging, cycling or using the machines in the gym such as the cross trainer.
5. EAT A SENSIBLE SUHOOR
Suhoor relates to the meal eaten prior to dawn. It’s easy to panic and binge eat on lots of food but, by over eating you’ll feel tired and sluggish for the rest of the day. So always be sure to eat in moderation.
The best foods to eat at this meal are your slow releasing foods, such as oatmeal, eggs, a little meat, fruit and veg. Of course drink plenty water. My top tip for this is to drink small amounts often, if you drink too much at once, your stomach will feel full and you won’t have much room for food.
And my final tip is don’t forget to reflect and think about the reasons you are fasting and remember its not all related to abstaining from food.
Thanks for watching, I wish you all a happy and successful Ramadan. 🌙
