Ms MARCH 1, 2015
ISSUE NO. 141
The hunger games:
2
The undernourished children of Pakistan
page
Creative gota jewellery
6
page
inside En vogue — Bridal galore
Domestic goddess — Chicken in white gravy
Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk
8
page
The diligent Nilofer Pirzada
2
Ms
The buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 1, 2015
Food Insecurity &
Malnutrition among women and children By Dr Saadia Khan
After years of working with undernourished women and children, pediatrician Dr Saadia Khan shares her insights on malnutrition and how illiteracy and social biases might be contributing to it
Design by Maryam Rashid
If you ask a doctor what causes malnutrition, you are likely to be left confused. They might pinpoint primary factors like widespread food insecurity and secondly, medical diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria or diarrhea which are major contributors, but probably fail to explain exactly why malnutrition is so common. After years of working with the undernourished, I have realised that malnutrition is simply too convoluted an issue to be summarised into tables and charts. In Pakistan, it gets harder to do as there are so many intangible, social factors contributing to the problem. While food insecurity and lack of access to healthy diets are indeed major contributors to malnutrition, a total absence of food is highly unlikely. In fact, a study I conducted on mothers with severely undernourished children found that 75% of the subjects had either a normal or an obese nutritional status and yet, their children were emaciated to the bone. However, further research showed that many of the children inherited malnutrition from their mothers in the womb. In a country where pregnancy is stringed to a number of baseless beliefs, it is unsurprising that malnutrition among children germinates right from the onset of conception. In most ruralised families, pregnancy is an opportunity for the elders to impart their knowledge to the expecting mother. If you question the latter regarding her diet, she will tell you that her mother-in-law has forbidden her from consuming lentils, corn, cabbage, potatoes and almost all other vegetables as they are baadi and can cause stomach troubles. Bananas and rice are believed to bring on pneumonia and oil and butter are restricted as they might lead to the easy passage of the baby through the birth canal or premature delivery. Also, beef, eggs, mangoes and spices are considered to be garam and precursors for miscarriage. Only yakhni (soup) with roti (flat bread) and small portions of diluted milk are given to maintain calories. With so many essential food items off limits, how can a woman possibly give birth to a healthy baby? Reema and Iqra, nutritionists at the Children’s Hospital Complex Multan, claim that pregnancy is the most crucial stage for both the mother and unborn child, especially when it comes to nutrition. “The nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy and lactation determines the health, development and immunity of the unborn baby,” explains Reema. “Reduced intake of eggs, beef, lentils, chickpeas and milk during the first trimester leads to a lack of proteins, vitamins and calcium that are essential for muscle development.” She also says that cutting down on carbohydrates may result in the breaking down of the mother’s own muscles to fulfill the energy needs of the baby. Iqra adds, “Under-nutrition is responsible for low birth weight
which ultimately leads to higher infant and maternal mortality rates.” Unfortunately, this problem persists long after pregnancy and into the life of the newborn baby. The baby is deprived of breast milk and given tea water or ghuthi (usually honey) for the first few days and if the mother wishes to feed later, she is often met with little or no breast milk, thanks to her poor diet during pregnancy. Once again, how can one expect a baby devoid of healthy or adequate breast milk to grow up nourished? I have found that breast-feeding in general has taken a backseat in Pakistan, regardless of social class and creed. The lower-income brackets follow an ancient and rather ridiculous method to testify against breast milk: the spider-in-milk method. Herein, a spider is dipped in a glass of breast milk and if it dies, the milk is dubbed poisonous and therefore, unsafe for the baby. The affluent and educated, on the other hand, often leave their children in the hands of maids who simply prepare baby formula and force-feed it every time the baby cries.
35% children die due to
malnutrition
in Pakistan every year
as reported by The Lancet Series on Maternal and Child Nutrition. The report was released in 2013 by the Save the Children foundation, in collaboration with Agha Khan University Hospital (AKUH).
Even the quality of formula administered has a direct impact on the nutritional status of a child. Not all brands, particularly the ones available in Pakistan’s rural localities, actually contain the ingredients and health benefits they boast of. The issue regarding the type of formula is just as pertinent when it comes to healthy child-rearing. For instance, a client once brought in her month-old son for a checkup, complaining that he was not growing or gaining weight. Upon further inquiry, I found that her family doctor
3
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 1, 2015
Is breastfeeding really on the
?
decline
Study conducted by Dr Saadia Khan sampled 100 women and found that only 23% of the respondents breast fed their babies. Out of the 100 women, 43% believed that breast milk is unhealthy and noneffective. Despite this, 58% agreed that breastfeeding should be initiated as early as possible.
Food Insecurity and Malnutrition
The nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy and lactation determines the health, development and immunity of the unborn baby Nutritionist Reema
had prescribed lactose-free formula, without any proof of the baby being lactose-intolerant. In fact, the baby was also taking breast milk without any complications, proving that he wasn’t really intolerant in the first place! In this case, the doctor’s negligence and the mother’s lack of awareness rendered the baby undernourished. On the other end of the spectrum it is the quantity of the milk given, regardless of its type and quality. Many mothers fail to realise that milk is sufficient only up to a certain age. Once the baby is seven to nine months, its diet must be complemented by natural, healthy foods which will support and enhance development. All too often, I see clients who have kept their children on diluted milk for up to four years with little or no other solids.
The problem of overfeeding is also quite common and many mothers worry about why their child refuses to eat solids. They don’t realise that the child’s stomach is simply too full with milk to ingest anything else. You would be surprised at some of the other unwarranted myths, practices and biases many Pakistanis still adhere to which contribute to the wide array of social problems our country faces — malnutrition being just one of them. Giving hot tea to newborns, diluting milk three times before serving and denying a new mother all types of meat throughout the perpurieum are just some of them. What we must realise is that the human body needs a sturdy foundation to support it and propel it towards a bright and healthy future. The dietary habits we inculcate during infancy will provide the basis of our children’s health during childhood, adolescence and even beyond that. Unfortunately, most parents find it easier to provide Rs50 as daily ‘canteen money’ and send their children off to school than to regulate the daily intake of pizzas, fries, samosas and fizzy drinks they indulge in there. A diet rich in oils and unhealthy fats might not lead to malnutrition but it can prove just as detrimental if left unchecked over a long period of time. Perhaps proper counseling and education of our masses is the first step forward towards eradicating malnutrition in Pakistan. People should be informed as to why their beliefs and practices are incorrect and potentially fatal. Primary health care components should incorporate malnutrition testing and awareness in its Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) department. When we understand that prevention is much easier and cost-effective than cure, we might be able to rid ourselves of this unhealthy lifestyle.
Ms
En vogue
Bridal Galore
4
Dazzle in intricate designs and unique cuts from Saba Apparel’s latest bridal collection. Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair and Make-up: Saba Ansari at Sab’s salon Label: Saba Apparel Photography and Concept: Saba Qadri By Ohsnap Models: Sidra Sajid and Eqra Faiz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 1, 2015
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 1, 2015
5
6
Ms
Lifestyle
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 1, 2015
THE RISE
OF
JEWELLERY A young entrepreneur from Karachi has recreated the typical mehndi look for a bride By Yusra Salim | Design by Eesha Azam
When we imagine a bride at her mehndi ceremony, few things come to mind, other than loud bangles, paranday, marigold flowers and a whole lot of yellow. The flowers, in particular, are a staple feature. They might be heaped around the bride’s neck in the form of garlands or hanging from her ears as makeshift earrings. And while this traditional look is and will always be a mehndi favourite, a young entrepreneur from Karachi has been working to tweak it up a notch with jewellery made from gota. At 22 years of age, B-Com student Neha Talib has revolutionised regular mehndi wear by creating jewellery using the super-shiny gold and silver ribbons you would never expect to see apart from on a wedding outfit. And what’s more is that, Neha’s creations look great! While bangle art is generally quite common throughout Pakistan, Neha wanted to expand the field to offer brides an easier option for their jewellery. “I came up with the
idea to boost the market for bangles using gota, dhanak and ribbons,” she says. “I had gone to Lahore to attend my cousin’s wedding and noticed that she (the bride) wasn’t wearing the usual flower hoops most brides wear. She was wearing earrings made of gota instead.” Right then, Neha knew this was an idea to bank on and began learning the craft upon her return to Karachi. “The shine and durability of the gota (as opposed to flowers) comes out great in pictures too,” she says. “The colourful flowers are made from ribbons matching the customer’s dress. These kind of flowers are available in local markets for Rs40 per packet containing 50 flowers each made neatly.” Instead, Neha purchases rolls of ribbons for Rs15 each and manages to create almost a 100 flowers from each roll. Neha’s product portfolio now includes not just gota earrings and bangles but full jewellery sets that can be worn
by brides as well as her close guests. A complete bridal set costs Rs7,000 and includes a pair of khussay, one ring, a teekah with an attached matha patti and jhumkay. A set without the khussay is sold for Rs4,000. Each item comes in three types depending on the tastes of the customer. “I provide simple gota lace work, white stone studded jewellery and seed pearls,” explains Neha. To give the desired height and weight to the bangles, Neha uses foam piping as it is light and adds beauty to the colourful flowers. “The bangle sets are available in almost all sizes,” she adds. Usually, one set of six pieces is ready for delivery in about a week, unless the customer has any special demands for extra stones or specific colours. Payment can be made via Easy Paisa or upon delivery. Online social networking platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp are Neha’s main mediums for marketing so if you wish to check out some of her work or palce an order, visit Neha’s Facebook page Bangle Mania.
Domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 1, 2015
By Huba Akbar
Chicken in white gravy
The white gravy is a delicious break from the usual masala-rich one
Ingredients • • • • • • • • •
Chicken (boneless or with bone) 1/2 kg Garlic paste 2 tbsp Ginger paste 2 tbsp Black pepper powder 1 tsp Fresh cream 1 cup Yogurt 1/2 cup Onion (chopped or grinded) 1 Oil 2 tbsp Salt (to taste)
Coriander — A spice or herb? In general, the term ‘coriander’ is used throughout the world in reference to both cilantro leaves and seeds. In America, coriander pertains to dried cilantro seeds that are used as a spice both in whole and ground form. The seeds have a spicy, citrus flavour and can easily be found amongst the spice aisles at most supermarkets. In Pakistan, on the other hand, we see a lot of coriander leaves either used for garnishing or seasoning. Coriander derives its name from the Greek word koris which means stinky bug, a reference to the strong aroma exuded by the leaves when they are bruised. Coriander is also one of the oldest herbs and spices known to man. In fact, it has even been mentioned in the Bible and its seeds have been found as archaeological ruins dating back to 5000 BC! To determine whether you need coriander in spice or herb form, you must pay special attention to the instructions given in the recipe and how the ingredient has been listed.
How to make butter naan at home Add a new dimension to your gravy by serving it with some deliciously warm butter naan!
Ingredients:
Method • Cook the oil, yogurt, onion, salt and ginger and garlic paste together in a heated pan for about five minutes. • Add the chicken and mix it into the gravy. Allow it to cook until the meat becomes tender. • Stir black and white pepper powder and fresh cream into the mix and cook for about two minutes. • Garnish the dish with green chilies or coriander leaves before serving. • Serve the chicken with warm naan or chapatti.
• Whole wheat flour 3 cups • Sugar 1 tbsp • Instant yeast 1/2 tsp • Water 1 cup (or as required)
• Yogurt 3-4 tbsp • Softened butter (salted or unsalted) 2 tbsp • Salt 3/4 tsp (or as required) • Butter (as required)
Method • Mix the yeast, sugar and water together in a small bowl. • Add one cup of the whole wheat flour and whisk it into the yeast mixture. Cover the mixture and set it aside for about 45 minutes. • Add the remaining flour, salt, butter and yogurt to the mixture and knead it into soft and smooth dough. If the dough becomes sticky, add a few tablespoons of flour again and knead. If it is dry, pour in some water. Cover the dough and set it aside for 25 to 30 minutes before dividing it into medium-sized balls. Cover the balls and allow them to rest for another 15 to 20 minutes. • Lightly dust the dough balls with flour and roll it flat. • Use a rolling pin to make small or medium-sized naans and cook them on the griddle as per usual. • Place the hot naans in a basket and spread butter on them. Once the butter has melted, serve the naans with a mouth-watering, home-cooked meal.
Diaries e world A glimpse into th rhouses we po i of Pakistan
What are some of your favourite hair products/tools? I am a big fan of L’Oreal products! Their mask for dry, damaged hair and mythic oil works wonders on my hair.
What sparked your interest in the fashion and beauty industry? Having grown up with three sisters and then raising three daughters of my own, I spent enough time at different salons to identify what was missing. I strongly believe that luxury is an experience. Its not just about spending money but rather having taste, developing it over time and understanding how to apply it to every aspect of your life. This is the philosophy I applied to my business. Trends and styles are constantly changing and people want to have the latest look when it comes to hairstyles. How do you manage to keep your clientele satisfied? Taste, style and people themselves evolve with time. The key is to never stop learning. Trainings, travelling and meeting likeminded people not only keeps me on top of current trends but also helps me identify the upcoming styles. How has the Pakistani beauty industry changed over the past years? Beauty, taste and lifestyle have evolved a lot over the past few years. Social media and internet has connected the world. Women have all this knowledge in their palms. It has brought around a great change as not only do we know what we want but we are now, finally, focused on ourselves.
Woman of the week 8
Is there any room for improvement for the Pakistani beauty industry? There is always room for improvement in every aspect of life. What we need in the beauty business today is determination and a long-term vision. Every business or journey has its ups and downs. Success takes time; the key is to never give up.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind before styling a client? The most important thing is the client herself. You have to understand and listen to the woman in front of you. The key is to not loose the essence of a Pakistani woman. Who has inspired you the most throughout your career? Honest, genuine, hardworking and passionate women who make it big inspire me. Women who succeed professionally while maintaining great home lives are my absolute favourites. Other than that, I am amazed by random generosity and sweet gestures Any advice to young women aspiring to work in the beauty industry? This is a great time to be a part of the beauty industry. It has now earned a position of respect and success and the key is to focus on your own strengths and find your own niche.
Me.
Nilofar
Pirzada
With my daughters and grandchildren.
Founder of Neelo’s Salon and Spa
With Amna, Zehr a, Rabia Javeri, Fa iza Samee and Farnaz Mustafa .
SAV SAVING
hair color
FACE FA ACE
Hair Colour nail polish
These five everyday items should be kept away from your facial area, under all circumstances In our attempt to keep up with today’s fastpaced lifestyle, we have unknowingly given up taking care of ourselves. From our inner health to our hair and skin, everything has begun to suffer, thanks to the hectic schedules we can’t seem to break. This, coupled with the burgeoning variety of substandard skincare products available at local drugstores, has allowed us to resort to shortcut beauty remedies instead of taking out the time to indulge ourselves as we should. Have dry skin? No worries! Simply dab on some petroleum jelly on the affected area and be done with it. Unfortunately, not all quick-fixes are beneficial for our skin. As cheap and convenient as they are, we need to be much vigilant of what we apply to ourselves, especially when it comes to sensitive areas like our face. Spare yourself the distress and check out our list of five everyday beauty items you should keep away from your face. We promise you won’t regret it.
Nail Polish body lotion
Vinegar While vinegar is a commonly used alternative to facial toner, it is best if you invest in a bottle containing the liquid ingredient rather than fetching it from your kitchen cabinet. This is because vinegar becomes stronger over time and loses water and if you are unsure of how long you have had the bottle, applying it can lead to breakouts, rashes and other skin problems.
Many people use nail polish to paint their faces for costume parties without realising that it contains acrylic molecules that actually dry skin out. There are specially-formulated face paints you can invest in instead.
Body lotion As convenient as it is to just use one lotion and be done with all your moisturising, body lotions are a lot thicker in consistency which can spur facial oil production, clog pores and ultimately cause acne. They also contain fragrances that can cause irritation and should therefore be strictly avoided. If you have dry skin or want to look younger, a gentle face cream is the right product for you.
There is nothing wrong with wanting your eyebrows to match your dyed hair but using the same hair colour on your brows can be extremely detrimental. Just one box of dye contains numerous chemicals that can cause irritation, not just on skin but in the eyes too! Save yourself a whole lot of tears (literally) and instead use vegetable-based colourant or tinted brow mascara on your arches to do the trick.
Hair spray
hair spray
You may have heard of using hair spray on your face to help set your make-up but did you know that it can actually make your skin look old and crumbly? Hair spray contains lacquers and alcohol that dries out skin, thereby causing it to lose moisture, dehydrate and appear older than it is. Not to mention, hair sprays are full of toxic chemicals and repellents that irritate skin, causing red and bumpy surfaces. If you are afraid your make-up might melt off in the heat, there are plenty of make-up setting sprays that you could look into. Design by Maryam Rashid