Latest news with #FamilyFlavours
Jordan Times
25-05-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
Boundaries are your best friend!
Photo courtesy of Family Flavours magazine By Sonia Salfity, Desperate Dieter You would make sure to clear your schedule when your best friend calls you even if it isn't convenient on your busy calendar. This should be the case as we welcome our boundaries with open arms not begrudgingly, but because life is better when they're around! Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Be very specific when setting your boundaries so there's no confusion as to what they mean. For example instead of saying 'Stay clear of unhealthy foods.' you might specify 'Stay clear of white flour and sugar'. You might even go further and define what 'Stay Clear' means. For some of us it might mean zero amounts for others it might mean minimal amounts. Boundaries only work if you work them! You can set the best boundaries anyone ever heard of, but if you never abide by them, then what's the use of having them? Make a list of what life is like without boundaries and be specific about how you feel without them. For example, without boundaries I overeat, oversleep and don't move enough. This causes me to feel physically sluggish not to mention the impending mental brain fog. Add depression to the list and it's a downward spiral from there. Make a list of what life is like with boundaries and how you feel when you stick to them. When I commit to following my boundaries I have more energy, more self esteem, mental clarity and a desire to do things with my friends and family. Decide ahead of time that you'll stick to your boundaries even when you don't feel like it. This will take practice because each of us Desperate Dieters is in the position we're in due to ignoring our boundaries. We have become experts at making all sorts of excuses as to why we're veering off track. It's either someone's birthday or someone's 'special recipe' or disappointing news we just received. Well, I have news for you: Every day is someone's birthday and everyday there's a special occasion and everyday you will hear some disappointing news. If you can't train yourself how to better deal with these occasions in ways other than food, then you might as well start digging your grave. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but this the reality we all must face. Boundaries are your guardrails that keep you on target to accomplish your goals. When our children were young, we always asked for guardrails to be used in our lane when we went bowling. They were boundaries that were placed to help force the bowling ball to reach the pins which was our goal. Once our children improved their bowling skills, we were able to remove the rails. The more you stick to your boundaries the more your guardrails will remain firm in place ready to help you reach your health and wellness goals. The only difference for us is that we will have to accept the fact that we'll always need these boundaries for the rest of our lives. Otherwise we risk getting back to where we started. Don't compare your boundaries with someone else's. We are all unique and differ in so many ways including the temptations we struggle with. My weakness might be my favourite chocolate bar or a slice of hot, fresh pizza. Another friend can resist those but falls prey whenever she's near ice cream. Therefore, beware of wishing you could switch places with someone else because they could be fighting another battle that you're not aware of. Some of these include anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. The grass may look greener on the other side but don't be fooled by appearances! Setting healthy boundaries doesn't always have to be food related. Sometimes it's setting boundaries that guard our time. If we don't know how to say 'No' to some things then we will never be able to say 'Yes' to life-giving experiences. Taking care of ourselves will demand more of our time which means we'll have to let go of things that fill our calendars and which zap our emotional and mental energy. Don't be afraid to look at your calendar and decide ahead of time what you can remove. Start with the things that deplete you and don't bring you joy. I would like to urge you to take the time to figure out what healthy boundaries you need to set for yourself both in the food and time department. Here's to focusing on the joy of wellness one boundary at a time, one day at a time! Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine
Jordan Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
A small kidney, a big lesson
Photo courtesy of Family Flavours magazine By Dr Kamal 'Akl Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Nephrologist A visit to the cardiologist confirmed Sanad's heart was healthy and he was cleared for general anaesthesia. But a follow-up ultrasound ordered by the nephrologist revealed something unexpected: Sanad's right kidney was smaller than normal. What does that mean? Understandably concerned, Sanad's mother asked the questions on every parent's mind. Mother: What could be the cause of a small kidney? Doctor: One common cause is something called 'urinary reflux' — when urine flows backwards from the bladder toward the kidneys. If this happens early in fetal development, it can interfere with kidney formation and result in a smaller, less functional kidney. Mother (tearfully): Will this cause kidney failure? Doctor: Not necessarily. If the other kidney is healthy and functioning well, there's no need to worry. Mother: How can we be sure the other kidney is normal? Doctor: We check for reflux. A radiologist introduces a small tube through the urethra, then injects contrast dye into the bladder. If reflux is present, it shows on the scan. If there's no reflux and kidney function is normal, that's very reassuring. What happens to the small kidney? Mother: Will it get worse? Doctor: It might stay the same or gradually shrink over time. That's why regular monitoring is essential. Mother: How do we protect the healthy kidney? Doctor: Sanad will need regular check-ups — an annual ultrasound to monitor growth, blood pressure checks and urine tests every six months. To explain further, the doctor offers a simple analogy: 'Imagine a carriage with 10 flour sacks pulled by two horses. If one horse falls ill, the other must carry the full load alone. It might manage for a while, but without help or a lighter burden, it'll eventually tire out.' Easing the load To keep the healthy kidney strong, the doctor recommends a few simple lifestyle adjustments: Cut down on salt and red meat, which strain the kidneys. Opt for fish and poultry instead. Avoid unnecessary medications, as some can be harmful to kidney health. Act quickly if Sanad gets dehydrated, especially during childhood illnesses like gastroenteritis And most importantly: 'There's no need to be afraid,' the doctor reassures. 'Many people live perfectly healthy lives with one small kidney — or even just one kidney — without ever knowing it. What matters is care, awareness and regular follow-up.' Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine
Jordan Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Less Boss, More Impact: The Lean Leader's Edge
Photo courtesy of Family Flavours magazine By Dr Tareq Rasheed International Consultant & Trainer In today's fast paced era of digital transformation, rapid skill evolution, and accelerating knowledge, leadership must also evolve too. Traditional leadership — centred on rigid hierarchies, centralised command and limited team input — no longer serves the dynamic needs of modern organisations. Enter Lean Leadership: A smarter, faster and more collaborative approach designed to eliminate waste, streamline processes and improve performance. It's about cutting through the clutter and focusing on what truly adds value. The 3 Pillars of Lean Leadership To go lean, leaders must embrace these three key principles: 1. Strategic Clarity Rather than overcomplicating strategy, use the Business Model Canvas — a practical tool that helps leaders design, visualise, and communicate their strategies clearly. Once the strategy is in place, leaders should meet with their teams to explain it, gather feedback, and align efforts towards shared goals. 2. Customer-Centric Mindset Lean organisations treat customers as partners. Listen to them. Engage with them. Invite their input into strategic conversations. Their insights can help shape more effective and responsive business decisions. 3. Agile Development Agility is essential for eliminating time-wasting activities. By adopting Agile strategies, leaders can adapt quickly, reduce unnecessary steps and keep teams focused on high-impact tasks. Lean in Action: Practical Leadership Tools Lean leadership isn't a theory — it's a hands-on approach. Here are four proven strategies leaders can implement: 1. Management by Walking Around Step out from behind the desk. Engage directly with employees and customers. These informal interactions build trust, foster ownership and keep communication lines open. 2. Results-Based Management (RBM) Move beyond the outdated 'Management by Objectives' model. RBM focuses not just on planning, but on actual outcomes — keeping teams aligned with results that matter. 3. Good Governance Practices A well-governed organisation stands on five key pillars: 1. Participation: Leaders and employees collaborate, especially in critical situations. 2. Responsibility: Clear roles promote accountability. 3. Accountability: Everyone knows what they're responsible for — and to whom. 4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous checks ensure progress and alignment. 5. Transparency: Honest communication builds lasting trust. 4. Teamwork Over Individualism Collaborative teams outperform isolated individuals. When people work together, they solve problems faster, minimise errors, and strengthen organisational loyal In a world filled with constant change and growing expectations, leadership must be agile, inclusive and strategic Lean Leadership is not just a trend — it's a necessary evolution. When implemented effectively, it helps organisations achieve their goals faster, with less effort and greater impact. Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine
Jordan Times
06-04-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
Self-Care for the Woman on the Go
Photo courtesy of Family Flavours magazine By Zenab Ishtay Aromatheraptis & Cosmetologist Happy International Women's Day! Today, we celebrate the hardworking women who balance multiple roles — whether as professionals, mothers, wives, daughters, or friends. Juggling responsibilities can lead to stress and fatigue, making self-care an essential part of daily life. One effective and natural way to maintain balance is through essential oils. Carrying an emergency kit of essential oils can help women navigate everyday challenges with ease and confidence. Combating Fatigue and Stress Many women step into the workforce for personal fulfillment, financial necessity, or both. Regardless of the reason, working women often find themselves overwhelmed with responsibilities, which can lead to both mental and physical fatigue. In such cases, essential oils such as juniper, basil and rosemary can work wonders. These oils stimulate the brain, improve circulation, and act as natural antidepressants and energy boosters. Managing Guilt and Emotional Well-Being Many women experience guilt — whether it's for missing family time, delaying household tasks, or struggling to maintain a work-life balance. This emotional burden can lead to stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. To combat these feelings, consider using ylang ylang, Roman chamomile and neroli. These oils help release emotional tension, promote relaxation, and restore inner peace. Empowering the Self-Aware Woman Today, more women embrace their careers with confidence, understanding their value in a competitive workforce. These women are self-aware, balanced, and empowered, managing their time effectively and outsourcing tasks when necessary. For such women, Myrrh essential oil is ideal — it is known as the oil of womanhood, fostering inner strength and resilience. Boosting Creativity and Focus For women who need a mental boost at work, certain essential oils can enhance concentration and creativity. Rosemary, orange, grapefruit and lemon help stimulate mental clarity and focus, making them perfect for highpressure work environments where innovation and efficiency are key. Improving Workplace Well-Being Many modern workplaces expose employees to stressors such as poor air circulation, artificial lighting, and electronic pollution. These factors can negatively impact women's hormonal balance and overall wellbeing. Essential oils can help create a healthier work environment. For instance: To combat airborne viruses and bacteria, use eucalyptus, lavender, cedarwood, bergamot, and clove For reducing office stress, try grapefruit, rosemary, peppermint, and lavender To energize and uplift, blend rosemary with cardamom or lemon. Custom Aromatherapy Blends for Every Woman Aromatherapy experts can craft personalized essential oil blends to address individual needs, from nervousness and anxiety to fatigue and migraines. Carrying a small bottle of your customized blend allows you to discreetly restore balance whenever needed. By incorporating essential oils into daily routines, women can navigate the demands of work and life with renewed energy, emotional balance, and a sense of well-being. This International Women's Day, celebrate yourself by embracing the power of aromatherapy — because self-care isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine
Jordan Times
16-03-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Homework havoc
Photo courtesy of Family Flavours magazine By Lara Masri, Education Specialist It was just after spring break when two of my students broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of homework they had to submit that day. These children had passions and activities beyond academics that they longed to pursue. Seeing them in such distress made me truly understand their struggle. At that moment, I knew I had to take a stand and reflect on how excessive stress could threaten a child's love of learning and overall wellbeing. That experience forever changed my perspective on homework. The holidays School is almost out for the 'Eid holiday! Should students clean up their desks and head off to enjoy time with friends and family, or are parents and teachers expecting them to use the few days they have to catch up on homework? The answer, of course, depends on who you ask. Not all adults share the same view on homework during the holidays. This raises an ongoing debate: Should students have homework during breaks or not? Discussions between teachers and parents have always been heated when it comes to assigning homework during long or short vacations. While both sides have valid arguments, I wanted to dive deeper into the research and find more statistics to better understand this issue. Holiday 'brain drain' Supporters of homework argue that it prevents the 'holiday brain drain' and keeps students engaged in their studies. Research from the National Summer Learning Association shows that students can lose up to two months of grade-level equivalency in maths and reading skills over long breaks, suggesting that light homework during shorter vacations might help reduce this gap. Another study also found that students who engaged in academic work during breaks performed better once they returned to school. Give me a break On the other hand, opponents argue that students need a break to recharge and that assigning homework during vacations can increase stress and hinder mental wellbeing. According to the American Psychological Association, 61 per cent of teens report feeling stressed by schoolwork and the pressure to complete homework over breaks can amplify this stress. A recent survey conducted in Jordan, exploring various perspectives on assigning homework during short holidays or vacations, addressed concerns about learning loss, stress and whether homework should be optional or mandatory. The results revealed that 80 - 83 per cent of parents and educators agree that it is healthier not to assign homework during breaks. Rest vs academics I belong to the 80 per cent of individuals who believe that homework should not be assigned to students, particularly in primary and middle school, during breaks. I feel that younger students need time away from schoolwork to fully recharge and engage in other aspects of their lives. However, I do agree with some of my colleagues who advocate for making homework optional for high school students. This approach ensures that learning loss is minimised and that students return from their breaks prepared to dive into new topics, maintaining a balance between rest and academic progress. Balance is key The science behind this debate suggests that balance is key. Optional light enrichment activities — rather than mandatory assignments — could provide a middle ground, allowing students to stay engaged academically without feeling overwhelmed. What do you think? I'd love to hear your feedback — feel free to email me at the below address! Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine
