A Short Ramadhan Advice

Ramadhan is a truly blessed month. There are many goodness in it, known and unknown to us. Let's observe the coming Ramadhan with full conviction, more khusyuk in our ibadah and avoid things that may lessen our reward. For instance, we can try reading the Quran a page or two a day(the more the better of course), say, after fajr prayers. Then at other time, we can try reading the translation of what we've read. Read more books or surf websites pertaining to Islam to widen our horizon of knowledge regarding our beloved religion. This is the monthe of sadaqah, meaning , Allah swt will give bountiful rewards if we give charity in this particular month (not that we are not encouraged to do it in other months, no) And remember that sadaqah can be in various forms besides money and food. To help others, giving good advice,a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand or even a warm smile, these are all sadaqah. Observe sabr. Yes, be patient in what ever we do and whatever predicaments we face and of course the usual drill, not to gorge on food when we break fast and not to splurge when we go to pasar Ramadhan.

In essence, Ramadhan is like an 'open' institution that we go every year for a month. An institution to cleanse our physical and souls. A month of tarbiyah (training)to make us better and stronger muslims for the next 11 months to come. So let us not allow this Ramadhan to pass through meaninglesly.

For the non-muslims, why not join us for a day or two to experience the miraculous joy of Ramadhan? Why, you can even join us for iftar!

During Ramadhan, I would advice my patients on several things. The following are some of them. Maybe iKelah and Nurelhuda have more to add.

Those with Gastritis
-Sahur is a must and take it late.
-eventhough not in current pain, take medications as preventive measures especially during sahur
-avoid hot, spicy, sour food no matter how tempting those food look during iftar.
-lots of plain water.

Those with renal stones
-half/one glass of plain water evey hour after iftar till you sleep. It's ok if you urinate more. At least you keep it diluted and avoid new stone formation. This is to replenish the water you lack at day time.

Diabetics
-take your medications when breaking fast if it's a daily dose.
-discuss with your doctor how to adjust your insulin dose if you're on insulin.
-eat smart, don't binge on high calorie food when breaking fast. It's ok to take a small proportion of anything sweet as your first bite.
-lots of plain water too

Asthmatics
-medications to be adjusted at iftar, bedtime and sahur if it's t.d.s. dose. If mild to moderate then keep to b.d dose which is more convenient.
-there's a fatwa saying inhalers are allowed during the day (please re-confirm) so if you have attacks during the day, keep inhalers by your side.

Those On Antibiotics
-if you need to be on Antibiotics, request on bd (12hrly) dosing Antibiotics like Bactrim (if you have no allergy towards it) or Zinnat or a daily dosing ones like Zithromax
-try not to forget taking it cause you have to wait another 14 hrs to take it and it may render ineffective then.

Those with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
if you have IBS, avoid food from pasar ramadhan and leftovers. Eat freshly cooked food. Be kind and your tummy /body will be kind to you