Ms APRIL 27, 2014
ISSUE NO. 97
Glam On the Go page
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The Special Chromosome Living a fulfilling life with Down’s syndrome
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inside fashion smashion —
Get pumping with compression sportswear
domestic goddess —
The classic pot pie
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Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editor: Amna Hashmi
Up, close and personal with Atiqa Odho
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the buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 27, 2014
by Asma Siddiqui When 18-year-old Farah Vohra was selected to represent Pakistan at the Special Olympics 2011, her family was distraught with worry. “Given her condition, we were very concerned about Farah and how she would cope with everything,” says her sister, Umm-e-Fizza. “But my sister defied all odds and went on to become the best swimmer there, making us proud of her gold medal. She has been recognised by the Down’s Syndrome Organisation as a superstar,” she adds, proudly. Despite obvious physical limitations, Farah — the only girl in the Pakistani swimming team — has managed to do what few people can in a lifetime. Mr Mohammad Iqbal, director at the International School of Studies (ISS) where Farah trained speaks nothing but praises for the young star. “While Farah indeed took her time to develop her speech and hearing abilities, she never gave up,” he shares. “With the help of her family, teachers and trainers, Farah defeated her disability. She completed her schooling via the Karachi Board and represented Pakistan not once but thrice at the Special Olympics. Now, she is a prominent member of the faculty at ISS, as part of the Inclusion Program.” Farah proves that life with Down’s syndrome isn’t always as bleak as it may appear.
Unfortunately, not everyone born with the syndrome has it as well as Vohra did. A brief insight into the experience of 12-year-old Ashad and his mother Alina sheds light on some of the troubles children with Down’s syndrome and their families face daily. “Ashad’s schooling has been extremely problematic,” shares Alina. “In my experience, all the schools that claim to help children with special needs are doing a terrible job. At first, my husband and I had enrolled Ashad in a special school but his condition worsened there. Not only did my son become withdrawn and less playful, we even found marks on his body!” Soon after, Ashad was sent to a music school that offered occupational therapy alongside the regular curriculum. “Unfortunately, the training was costing us a fortune and after some time, we simply couldn’t afford it anymore,” admits Alina. “We decided to home-school Ashad and continue his occupational therapy at the rehabilitation centre at Aga Khan Hospital which helped a lot. Now, thankfully, my son attends a private school where the teachers and students are amazingly supportive and accepting of his limitations. It took a while but I couldn’t be happier.”
The key is to realise that is not a disease, but a disorder. Down’s syndrome is a chromosomal condition associated with congenital anomalies but it does not render the patient incompetent Dr Saba Mumtaz Paediatrician
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 27, 2014
Equal opportunities? According to Parvez, the problem stems from the social construct within which we live as people with Down’s syndrome or any other disability are considered incurably challenged, both mentally and physically. They are frequently usurped off their rights to a normal, healthy life due to the limitations of their condition — be it at home, schools or the corporate world. Despite being the leading cause of developemental delays in children across the world, Down’s syndrome still remains largely misunderstood. “The key is to realise that is not a disease, but a disorder,” emphasises paediatrician Dr Saba Mumtaz. “Down’s syndrome is a chromosomal condition associated with congenital anomalies but it doesn’t render the patient incompetent,” she explains. Institutions like the Pakistan Down’s Syndrome Association work to provide information, support and resources and most importantly, equal rights to patients and their families but there is still much work to be done. In order to fully accept patients as part of able members of our society, we must first understand the disorder and how it can be overcome. Early signs Nonetheless, Mumtaz prescribes some tests one can undergo to gauge the normalcy of a developing foetus, such as ultra-sonography, amniocentesis, chorionic villous sampling and a serum screen test, all of which help detect Down’s syndrome in the womb. “Chromosomal analysis can also be conducted to check if one of the parents is a carrier. If yes, there is a greater risk of conceiving another child with Down’s after the first one.” A point to be noted is that screening tests are not as accurate as invasive ones which are performed within the uterus. But carry the risk of miscarriage, preterm labour or foetal injury. Although there has been much research conducted on the matter, the only factor known to increase the probability of Down’s syndrome is the age of the expecting mother upon conception. “The risk increases greatly after 35 years of age,” says Dr Mumtaz. Recognise Down’s syndrome The mismatch in chromosomes manifests itself in certain physical features specific (but not limited) to people born with Down’s syndrome. These features include small bodily
structures, short necks and low muscle tone. Distinct attributes include flat faces and nasal bridges, protruding tongues, hyper-flexible joints, eyes that slant upwards, large spaces between their toes and at times, deep creases on the palms. According to Mumtaz, “Affected patients are at a higher risk of cardiac, gastrointestinal and ophthalmological problems as well as hearing and speaking impairments. Some patients also display behavioural issues due to their stunted development.”
Awareness will help people understand that people with Down’s syndrome should not be neglected or hidden. They are as much a part of society and anyone else. We should include them in our lives and make them our pride The average life expectancy in Down’s syndrome extends up to 55 years of age although living beyond the fifties is not rare. According to Dr Nikhat Riaz, a senior paediatrician at the Aga Khan, “Mortality rates in babies with Down’s are quite high during the first year of their lives but nowadays, many patients survive into adulthood, thanks to technological advancements. Many female patients live on to have their own normal children as well.” Silencing the special chromosome While there may be no final remedy, many like Dr Riaz remain optimistic. “We may not be able to cure Down’s yet but we can definitely manage it,” she says. Recent breakthroughs in medicine hint at medical treatments that could possibly cure the chromosomal disorder in the near future. In July 2013, researchers at the Massachusetts Medical School claimed to have ‘switched off’ the extra chromosome 21 in a test
tube, heralding the first steps towards chromosomal therapy for Down’s syndrome. Others like geneticist Robert Reeves of Johns Hopkins University are busy developing new drugs that can disable chemical pathways in the human brain which could grant those with Down’s syndrome independent lives with improved learning and physical mobility. Breaking barriers Considering the plight of people like Vohra, technological advancements and the increased life expectancy of the patients, it is a pity our society still fails to offer them the respect they deserve. In September 2008, Pakistan signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. According to this, every signatory country is obligated to adopt an inclusive education system for children with special needs. The basic premise of the treaty is to not make special children feel ‘special’ but treat them as equals in the education system. Unfortunately, few schools in Pakistan hold such principles and little is done to incorporate the treaty. Alina suggests mixing the students with Down’s syndrome with others so that they may have a chance to assimilate with one another. “It is only fair to incorporate special children as well offer them occupational, speech and other training alongside academics. Down’s syndrome babies are great imitators so mingling with normal children can be of great help.” Umm-e-Fizza, who has herself worked with special children as part of the Olympics, also sheds light on the dire need for an improved education system. “Only 2% of special children in Pakistan attend school. Most of them are neglected and there is a general lack of awareness about the various conditions a child may suffer from.” Training can be provided to help teachers cater to their needs. In her opinion, the government must promulgate awareness for not just Down’s syndrome but all other disorders and provide facilities to enhance the lives of those who suffer from them. “Awareness will help people understand that people with Down’s syndrome should not be neglected or hidden. They are as much a part of society and anyone else. We should include them in our lives and make them our pride,” she adds.
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en vogue
Erum Tariq showcases her latest summer formals Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair & Makeup: N-Pro, Nabila’s Designer: Ridz by Erum Tariq Photography & Styling: Umair Bin Nisar Model: Saba Sikandar
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 27, 2014
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 27, 2014
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fashion smashion
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 27, 2014
by Manal Faheem Khan While working out on its own can be pretty stressful for those who aren’t too fond of exercise, the experience is made worsened by compression clothing. Many athletes and fitness junkies invest in expensive exercise outfits but it was never clear as to why a normal person would willingly squeeze themselves into skin-tight clothes that they could barely breathe in? Just getting into them is a mini workout on its own! Why not stick to the usual lawn shalwar and kameez that women in Pakistan usually sport to the gym? In order to answer that question, we must first understand what compression clothing is. Arguably a form of women’s fitness fashion, compression clothing is simply body-hugging workout attire (shirts, tracks, socks, swimsuits, undergarments, etc) worn during exercise to support the body. Compression clothing is skin-tight and usually made from spandex with built-in panels for improved blood flow and strategic surface pressure to hold the body as the wearer exercises. Tights, bodysuits,
knee and arm braces etc, are all forms of compression clothing commonly found in sport shops across the world. “I could feel the difference on the very first day,” says 19-year-old Sana Naveed who felt a stark improvement in the quality of her workout after investing in compression clothing for her cardio sessions. “Initially, it was a little too tight but I got used to it. I would definitely recommend it to other girls as well.” By and large, there are two main types of compression at work here. The ‘graduated compression’ is tighter at the extremities and boosts the blood flow back to one’s core as they exercise. The other type is known as ‘compartmental compression’ which is tighter in particular areas and specific for each sport. The idea behind compression clothing is simple: to improve your mobility and encourage recovery. One of the greatest benefits it offers is that is promotes blood flow to and from the heart, which means one can train harder and for longer. For instance, compression socks safeguard feet from conditions like Venous Thrombosis (formation of blood clots in the veins) by facilitating the blood flow. This is because the clothing is designed in a way that makes it easier to carry blood back from the muscles to the heart. Another benefit of the apparel is that is shields the body against any muscular
injuries one might sustain during a workout. When the human body is in motion, the muscles inside move and tiny tears appear in the muscle tissue. One can imagine the level of muscular wear and tear that must occur in our bodies while we work out. But by using compression, we can control the movement of our muscles and reduce the pain and damage they might suffer during and after exercise. Compression wear stabilises the joints and therefore, reduces the risk of injuries due to sudden uncontrolled body movement. Additionally, the clothes are made of moisture-resistant materials which absorb sweat and prevent rashes and chaffing. The breathable fabric allows the body to cool off during high-intensity routines and help in temperature control. According to renowned yoga instructor Aisha Chapra, “Fitted clothes highlight the shape of your body and make you appear more proportionate and aligned than you may be.” This can play an important role in keeping one motivated towards their desired weight. “Also, the material that compression wear is made off is stretchy and flexible so the wearer can do various movements with ease.” In order for compression wear to be effective, it is absolutely crucial to purchase the right size. Compression wear that is too tight can compromise on one’s breathing and harm the body while loose
clothing will not be affective in keeping their body warm. “Any clothing that is worn on the upper body must not be too constrictive as breathing is of utmost importance during exercise,” advises Chapra. “The whole idea is to cover your body tight but comfortably,” says Maliha Khan, a fitness and nutrition junkie. “For example, if your shirt is too loose or too tight, you will not be comfortable enough to work out properly so purchasing compression clothing will be futile. Unfortunately, sportswear is generally very expensive and not everyone can afford what is on offer here in Pakistan. As most women prefer to workout in lawn suits or track pants, the market is limited and offers little variety to those who prefer compression clothing. Also, many Pakistani women opt for jogging tracks over female-only gyms or exercise classes, meaning that they cannot always wear compression clothing for their workouts. However, according to performance artist and choreographer Joshinder Chagger, it does not matter what one wears during exercise so long as they are comfortable and doing it in the first place. “One should wear what they feel right in, even if it is shalwar kameez,” she says. And Chapra agrees. “Normal clothes don’t provide the support or any other benefit to the body but if a lady prefer to attend my class in her sweatpants and a t-shirt, it is entirely her call.”
domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 27, 2014
This delicious pie is packed with fresh vegetables, succulent meat and creamy sauce that will leave you begging for more
Recipe
Chicken Pot Pie
Preparation Time: 20 minutes cooking, 50 minutes baking Serves: 4 people (yields one 9-inch pie) Calories: 450 per serving
Method For the crust: • In a large bowl, mix the flour, oil, salt, sugar and butter together until it becomes a crumbly mixture. • Knead the mixture with cold water and mould it into a large ball. • Cover the dough with cling foil and set it aside. For the filling: • Preheat oven to 250 degrees Celsius. • Cook the chicken breasts in a small saucepan until they change colour. • Add the crushed garlic, green onions, carrots, salt, pepper and half chicken cube and allow the mixture to simmer for a little while. Once this is done, drain the saucepan of the excess broth and set aside for later. • In a separate pan, cook the onions in butter until they become soft and translucent. • Stir in some flour, stirring continuously to avoid clumps. • Slowly, add water, milk, the remaining chicken cube and vegetable broth and simmer over medium-low heat until the mixture becomes thick. Take the pan off heat and set it aside to cool. • Cut the dough into 2/3 and knead it into a round shape large enough to cover your pot and its edges completely. Spread out one layer of the pie at the bottom of the pot and prick it with a fork. • Place the chicken mixture at the bottom of the pie and pour the hot liquid mixture over it. • Cover the top crust with dough, seal the edges of the pie and cut away the excess. • Use a sharp knife to make several small gashes on the top of the pie to allow steam to escape during baking. • Bake the pie for 30 to 35 minutes, until the pie is goldenbrown in colour and bubbling at the centre. • Once the pie is cooked, put an egg-wash (mixture of egg and water) on the top for a more brown finish. • Allow the pie to cool for a while before serving. Your pie is now ready! Note: The filling is supposed to be gooey and soft. So if yours is, you did it correctly.
Saima Absar does her best to be a good wife, mother, community manager and citizen. She enjoys reading and holds a degree in media management. Follow her on www.pinterest.com/ saimaabsar For the crust:
Flour 4 cups
Oil 1 cup
Salt 2 tsp
Sugar 3 tbsp
Butter (cold) 1/3 cup
Water (cold) 1/2 cup
For the filling:
Chicken breasts 1 lbs
Onion (chopped) 1/3 cup
Celery ½1/2 cup Carrots (sliced) Chicken cube 1 1 cup
Freshly ground pepper ½1/2 tsp
Milk 2/3 cup
Flour 1/3 cup
Green onions Green peas 1/2 ½ cup (frozen) 1 cup
Water 1 cup
Garlic Butter 1/3 cup (crushed) 1 tsp
Salt 1 tsp
Store-bought pie crusts (if not making your own) 2
women of the week 8
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, APRIL 27, 2014
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