As the Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, Season and Holiest month in the Islamic calendar begins and holidays approach, abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from dawn to sunset (Sawm) begins. Apart from leading to a greater “Taqwa”(Consciousness of God).
Some experts claim that restricting food intake during the day can help to prevent health problems and improve mental health.
If you have certain types of health issues (compromised Health), consult your Imam and Doctor to best advise you, because it can lead to low blood sugar levels causing reduced concentration and increased fatigue.
The good news is that sustainable weight loss is only possible with regular fasting and any weight loss during Ramadan could easily be reversed once you return to your routine eating habits.
The benefits of fasting outweigh the cons, and in the long run properly planned fasting even after Ramadan period can improve one’s digestive system and general metabolism.
Ramadan breakers will be looking forward to sunny destinations and a/or long week(s) of relaxation after or during the fast. Some may travel to tropical relaxation spots, like Cancum Mexico or South East Asia, while others may opt for bustling cities, like New York or Hong Kong and many may be visiting Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries many will be going to their towns and villages unaware of the dangers on route and at the destination.
General Advice To Travellers: If you are travelling during this period, consult your Imam as to exemptions for travellers amongst other exemptions. Good preparation for family trips lead to less stress is better for your health, and it is also a sign of an organised and alert mind.
Your To Do List is Essential. Do not leave the baby at home or in the airport. It has happened and will still happen so don’t be the one.
Always do a head count for groups on the move at every stop.
Fatigue and tiredness can play tricks with our minds especially whilst fasting.
Make sure on the list you have your essential travel documents like Passports and Visa’s, Yellow Fever cards, Medicines and the expiry dates of passports, Visas and Medicines, Mobile phones and contact addresses.
I have personally seen people arrive at airports whose passports and visas have expired. It is a frustrating horror, probably the end of the vacation/retreat. Also make sure documents do not expire during your trip. Carry just the bare essentials for the trip. Paper wipes or Antiseptic hand sanitisers, torchlights.
Travelling by Air: Many travellers will be departing from the Airport. The start of your fun and ordeal, make sure you arrive on time and all documents are complete. The airport is usually a congested place and spread of disease is more likely. From the check in through security and all, the contamination levels can be high. Dirty shoes on conveyor belts.
In the business class lounges and all food to be eaten and water to be drunk, inspect, smell and decline if suspect and not fresh.
In the plane, do not let your young kids play in the toilet unsupervised. Head rest with yeast and mold can cause skin problems. Wear a scarf if possible. Viruses and bacteria circulating in the cabin increase your chances catching a cold and other respiratory infection.
If someone is sneezing or coughing near you, try to hold your breath and dip your head down or use a handkerchief which may help reduce contaminants into your lungs. You can wipe down your tray table with sanitary wipes and please be careful of seat pockets some may have been contaminated with all sorts of items including soiled baby diapers. Don’t put anything like your cell phone and close use items into those pouches. Use 70 percent alcohol hand sanitizers as frequently as possible.
Road Travel- Wilderness Travel the benefits of aerobic exercise in an outdoors environment cannot be overstated. Insulin sensitivity is improved, protective HDL-cholesterol levels are increased, the bone mineral density increases, and there may be a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms.
The journeys by road in Nigeria can be an enjoyable sprint or a nightmarish marathon. When you leave your house road to your village, Town or city you never can tell when you will arrive. Luckily with the advent of Google Maps which has become more reliable, dependable and accurate you can have a good idea of your arrival time. Journeys above 2 hours should come with a break.
Treat as if you are travelling by air. Stop in a safe place to walk around, if you are stuck in traffic and cannot get out of your car you can carry disposable plastic bottles to urinate in. Pack food, plenty of water.
To be Continued Next Week
Dr Ade Alakija
Q-life Family Clinic
