The Express Tribune hi five - May 31

Ms MAY 31, 2015

ISSUE NO. 154

Summer Serenity

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Anxiety and Panic Disorders

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inside lifestyle — Foot care 101

domestic goddess —

The healthy energy drink

Section In-Charge: Dilaira Dubash Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Designer: Umar Waqas Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk

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The creative Nida Khurram

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The buzz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 31, 2015

By Zohaib A mjad of Biomedical nightmare. Kamran Ali*, a student d, for some of us, the words are a soun ht g to make it mig goin this le n’t was simp I As like life. ng difficult times in our in with full force and I felt duri led g’ trick ickin y pan xiet p “An ‘sto to life. l lt t told n adu his ofte of e are ic attacks for most ffield, for instance, has battled pan had planned looked bleak.” mas, Sciences at the University of She reality and visions of the future I from ent come with their fair share of stig chm deta a was re “The ce. rien expe anxiety and panic disorders also s, first rder diso tal men r othe through,” he says of his like ly. just but dition effective often categorised as a surge of fear e crucial in order to combat the con Such traumatic experiences are nce behind them becomes even mor scie the ing and erst und re, refo The aggravating the situation further.

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Medically speaking, a panic attack involv es a sudden onset shortness of breath of palpitations, diz coupled with inten ziness and se fear. According at the Aga Khan Un to Dr Yusra Hanif, iversity Hospital in a ps ychiatrist Karachi, people ofte of a heart attack, los n get paranoid and s of sanity, chest su th oughts ffo cation, perspiration, even impending de nervous breakdow ath alters their beha ns and viour. Many patient a panic attack recu s also live in consta rring. In a span of 10 nt fear of to 20 minutes, the extreme and then symptoms loft up to recede gradually. In their some severe cases, hours without anyth the attack can carry ing beyond the usua on for l ta king place.

“Diagnostically, four such episodes in on e month or one ep fear of an impending isode followed by co episode classifies it nstant as a panic disorder,” learn about the co she adds. Most ind ndition and acknow ividuals ledge their episode cases show that an to be a panic attack attack can occur wi but a few thout any cues, us of their disorder. In ually dependent on fact, a panic attack the context might arise whilst to Anxiety Disorder a person sleeps! Ac s Association of Am cording erica’s research in likely to experience 2005, women are tw anxiety as men. Al ice as so , people with an ab quotient are also m ove-average intellige ore vulnerable to th nce e co nd Evolutionary Neuros ition as stated in th cience in 2011. e journal Frontiers in

ing anxiety stemm nic attacks but pa r dy ge bo ig r tr ei n th ca , ened asons that hen one is fright rse range of re put it simply, w To ysiological There is a dive . ph in a hp d nc an ly e te fear is th s the heart ra te di ing pe ex from immense br ch hi w e to this, eath e of adrenaline se’ builds up. Du ng, it paves on ro sp st re is t releases a surg ar gh fe fli n ‘the fight or ergy. “Whe as en r n fo ow en kn explains yg n ,” ox tio er reac al dang rs more neously to unre creases and incu ro er ts i. ac re ch ra dy Ka immediately in the bo pital, nic attack and Psychiatric Hos ning the way for a pa t at the Gulshan s different mea ris ld at hi ho yc ch ps hi a w , rm sin te oh t g the M ke in at an nd an bl Dr Am , understa ‘fear’ is a g classifications t be noted that in us w m llo it fo , e er th ev How ibuted to ople. When attr for different pe comes easier: be ck ta at c a pani reasons behind ved one.

The loss of a lo aken beliefs. sitions and mist an tr e lif ith w aling Difficulty in de enarios. ch as ‘what if’ sc su g, in lk ta lfse Negative flying. ive fear of height or aemia or obsess Phobias, such as ch as hypoglyc su s, ck ta at c ni aggravate pa Disorders that rder (OCD). so di compulsive

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 31, 2015

t Ironically, one of the leading causes of pani having a panic c attacks is th attack itself or e fear of perhaps, the fe from having th ar of embarras e attack in publ sment ic .

Fo alienation that r Kamran, it w he felt upon be as a sense of ginning studen way to anxiety. t life abroad th For others, an at gave xiety arises du trauma from a e to instantane specific situat ou s io n. School teac for example, ha her Rubina Ahm s been afraid of ed* heavily crowde an episode from d places ever si a few years ag nce o wherein her spokes of a bicy hair got stuck cle wheel, pinn in the ing her down to Mirror the e-pa a jam-packed per, reported on road.

April 13, 2015 seven hasn’t le that a mother ft her house in of 17 years owin panic attack in g to the fear of public. having a

r irrational fears, ions are available to counte A number of treatment opt treatment becomes e sibl pos t getting the bes anxiety and panic attacks but of Depression and book The Oxford Handbook difficult as according to the elop severe s r, 40% to 80% of patient dev Comorbidity published last yea ded rationality, clou e hav ng from the condition depression. “Patients sufferi s towards ient pat the h pus st e friends mu and family members and clos e of the Som t. al’s help,” informs Dr Amana attaining a medical profession main treatments include: ies of y (CBT), which involves a ser Cognitive behavioural therap ording to Acc al. ion fess pro a tered by relaxation techniques adminis and holistic e Association, CBT is an effectiv the American Psychologist t eight to firs the stic improvement within approach which ensures dra 10 sessions. ative taken on fessionals, usually a mild sed Medication prescribed by pro the onset of an attack. an support groups which provide Group therapy sessions and y are not the t tha lise rea meet others and opportunity for patients to . tors doc by d nde me om is highly rec alone. This form of therapy help to s que hni tec aid t firs ck qui r Short term strategies that offe breathing n at home. These can include dow s elve ms the calm s ient pat od flow blo e eas incr to up lifting their legs in and out of a paper bag or to the brain. too much caffeine harmful habits like smoking, Dr Amanat also states that y tend to the uld be strictly avoided as and a high intake of sugar sho aggravate the condition.

The negative stigm a attached to men tal disorders ofte family members, n leaves friends and co-w orkers of patients They deem patie at a loss. nts to be overreac ting and fragile as not comprehend they do what the latter is feeling. This can, cause a hindrance ultimately, towards rehabilita ting the patient as judgements can ta crude ke a toll upon their self-esteem and pe negative thoughts rpetrate . Therefore, it is ve ry important to ra awareness about ise such issues and ac tively help patient better future. “Pat s towards a ience is virtue in terms of treating panic disorders; tre anxiety and ating them isn’t an overnight phenom says Dr Amanat. enon,” “It depends on th e diligence and co the patient toward mmitment of s treatment,” he adds. *Names have been changed to protec t privacy Bio: Zohaib Amja d is a scienet with a major in molec pathology. He tw ular eets at @infectio usuni

Did you know that a lot of your favourite A-list celebrities also suffer from

panic disorders?

ow aging talk sh The ever-eng for y et xi ced an guru experien her om fr ng lti resu many years, ng ildhood. Bei traumatic ch ed at a young us sexually ab y age pregnanc age and a teen by ba ad de a in that resulted to feel severe ah pr O ed us ca in and difficulty nervousness e th ng ri hers du relating to ot . er re ca r he early years of

to was reported The princess d an s ck nic atta experience pa s. ar ye y an m r depression fo r he h, at de r he In fact, after at th ported bodyguards re l tour, she ya ro st fir r during he llably co cry un ntro would often g to different while travellin destinations.

the to believe that tain It may be hard ap C t en id and conf e street-smart grav could have a Jack Sparrow The . ue tr ’s it t bu social phobia bean s of the Carib te ra Pi of r to ac is shy he at states th fame openly mous. fa g in be s hate in person and al ci misfit ed fearful so He even play rhands, so Edward Scis in the movie al life re s hi reflected a role which struggles.

A gorgeous movie star and singer, Scarlett Johansson surprises a lot of people by sharing her experience of social anxiety and panic. She has c confessed that she often gets pani of t fron in attacks before coming the camera.

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En vogue

Beat the heat with these edgy new lawn prints

Label: Feel Strawberry Styling: Aatika Majid Make-up: Sikandar Khan Photography: Khawer Jadoon Model: Ekra Fayz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 31, 2015

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 31, 2015

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Lifestyle

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 31, 2015

Strappy, open summer shoes may be the hot trend these days but don’t forget they can cause pain, cramps, infections and dirt on your feet. Fortunately, these simple remedies can get you some sweet relief

By Tehmina Khan

According to social norms and history, small feet have always been the pinnacle of beauty.

In fact, an ancient custom called ‘foot binding’ was prevalent in Imperial China during the 10th and 11th century which involved wrapping the feet of young girls with painfully tight bindings to prevent them from growing.

Today, this practice is linked with disabilities but small feet resulting from it are still a symbol of beauty and status in the Five Dynasties.

For most of us, the summer season means rummaging through our wardrobes for light and airy items that will allow our skin to breath in the stifling heat. Cardigans are replaced by lawn kurtas, jeans by flowy palazzo pants and boots exchanged for comfortable sandals that look great and prevent perspiration. Unfortunately, summer footwear has a major drawback in that they require much more effort than closed winter shoes.

Yes, you know you’ve been there too. Open sandals and flip flops are the ideal breeding ground for airborne bacteria, fungus and toe-nail accidents. Their lack of coverage exposes your feet to excessive sunlight which not only tans but also scorches skin, resulting in blisters, cracks and foul odour. Therefore, it is important to keep them groomed through the summer. Read on for some useful ways of getting your feet fresh, beautiful and summer-ready! Just a little TLC will save you from a whole lot of allergies, infections and other podiatric problems.

It is advisable for you to self-evaluate or get your feet checked by professionals regularly to make sure you aren’t at risk of any infections. You should also confirm your shoe size as footwear that is too loose or too tight can cause problems. The podiatrist can help track any cuts, blisters or changes in the colour and texture of your feet and advise you accordingly. This is especially important for those suffering from diabetes or any peripheral artery diseases.

Research has indicated that cutting your nails in a circular pattern increases the risk of ingrown toenails which can cause pain, swelling and infections. It is therefore better to cut in a square shape.

Make sure your feet are getting enough exercise as this ensures healthy blood circulation.

To keep your heels from cracking, massage your feet with warm olive oil or a mild lotion before hitting the sack at night. You can also seal your feet with a pair of light cotton socks to lock in the moisture. But remember to wash your feet thoroughly before this.

Many of us make the mistake of donning shoes while our feet are wet and this spurs bacteria. You must wait until your feet are completely dry before heading out and if you are visiting a dirty, polluted environment that may expose your feet, wear comfortable, closed shoes for protection.

A warm foot bath once or twice a week can work wonders for foot hygiene, health and moisture. In a tub of warm water, mix together a portion of olive oil, mild shampoo and sea salts and soak your feet in the tub for about 10-15 minutes. During this, scrub your feet to remove dead skin and cuticles. Try to clean the area between toes properly and give yourself a gentle massage. This will prevent you from having to hit the salon for a pedicure as well.

If you are getting a pedicure done, enquire about clean instruments, sterilization methods and cross infection control practices at your salon.

Did you know that smoking can lead to the development of peripheral vascular disease, a serious medical condition that affects the arteries of the lower limbs? Complications from this disease include pain, infection, development of ulcers, swelling, and in more severe cases, gangrenes.

There are a few common podiatric issues that everyone should be able to identify in order to report to a professional on time. These include: The inside of our shoes is mostly dark, warm and moist — the perfect, most favorable environment for fungi and bacteria.

Fungal infections are characterised by unusual dryness of the skin, itching, red patches, skin peeling and blistering. Keep in mind that they are contagious but over-the-counter, anti-fungal ointments and powders treat the condition effectively.

This condition occurs when a portion of the nail pierces the skin while growing. This condition is quite painful and can easily be avoided by cutting and filing toenails in a straight line.

Foot warts are painful growths seen on the skin. These are usually caused by viruses that can be treated using anti-virus topical medications.

Frequently wearing excessively tight, stiff and hard shoes can lead to the formation of calluses and corns of the feet. These are traumatic skin growths around the toes and on the soles respectively. Gentle usage of a pumice stone can effectively reduce the size of the growth, but professional attention must be sought for permanent relief.

Design by Eesha Azam

Domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 31, 2015

By Amna Khan

Green machine smoothie

How to pick the right mangoes?

Spend your summer indulging in this delicious and healthy energy drink

Ingredients • • • • • •

Banana (ripe) 1 A handful of spinach Mangoes (cubed) 1 cup Orange juice 1 cup Milk 1/2 cup Ice cubes as desired

No matter how much desis hate the summer, merr, we can’t deny that the hot and sticky weather brings with itself the goodness of mangoes. From morning breakfasts to midnight snacks, we simply can’t get enough of the delicious fruit to satiate our appepite. If you love mangoes and want to enjoy the mango season, follow these simple tips for picking out the best of the crop.

• Don’t focus on colour because it’s not the best indicator of ripeness.

• Squeeze the mango gently before buying. Remember a ripe mango will be slightly soft.

• Ripe mangoes will sometimes have a fruity aroma at their stem end so smell the fruit before buying.

• The red colour that appears on some varieties is not an indicator of ripeness.

Always judge by feel and texture of the mango.

SOURCE: MANGO.ORG/RETAIL/HOW-CHOOSE-MANGO

Did You Know?

Method • Blanch spinach for two minutes in boiling water and then place it in ice water for another two minutes • Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix thoroughly • Once the smoothie is ready, serve it chilled.

Prep time: 10 minutes Serves: 1

You may have tried cutting down on all the cold beverages we have been gulping down during the summer in exchange for lukewarm drinks that apparently help us lose weight. But did you know that ice cubes are just as good at reducing calories? According to Beth Kitchin, PhD, RD, at the University of Alabama, eating ice cubes can help burn a few extra pounds. The science behind this is simple: when you eat ice cubes right off the ice trays your body burns calories to warm them to body temperature. The effect may only be slight but it’s definitely worth a try!

Woman of the week 8

My collection at a recent fa shion show.

During a shoot.

Fashion Designer

Me.

By Naila Javed When Shumaila’s son Arsal was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma (cancer of the muscles) back in 2011, she was utterly distraught. The treatment involved seven cycles of chemotherapy and the doctors gave up, Arsal being assigned to the Intensive Care Unit. Shumaila recalls that her mind went completely blank when she first heard the doctors’ statements and as Arsal fought for his life on the ventilator, she broke down and prayed. “God, if my son recovers, I will do something for the needy suffering from this deadly disease,” she kept saying. Just two weeks later, Shumaila’s prayers were answered and Arsal was taken off the ventilator.

During the rest of his treatment, the family decided to fulfil the promise Shumaila had made and came up with the idea of utilising Facebook to reach the masses. And so began what is now an online community of more than 15,000 followers, trading jewellery and accessories to raise money for financially challenged cancer patients. “N.M.N and Co works exclusively for children suffering from cancer but deprived of adequate treatment due to economic pressures,” says Shumaila. “It is our way of doing our bit for others.

The page is a 100% charity-based operation and every single penny earned is directed towards the Children’s Cancer Hospital (CCH). We don’t take any salary or share from the profits.”

Shumaila recalls the early days before the launch of N.M.N and Co and how many of her friends mocked the idea openly. Later on, one of

them joined in and helped Shumaila purchase jewellery to sell on the page. “Our first order was for accessories worth Rs200 and once they were sold, we began jumping with happiness!” she says. It was only after the first deal that Shumaila’s other friends began to take interest.

Now, with the help of two close friends, Kausar and Naureen Safdar, Shumaila has expanded the N.M.N and Co banner across Pakistan and abroad as well. Her siblings help by providing the material for sale from the US, including jewellery, bags, head scarves and cosmetics. The merchandise is then sold on the Facebook page for one-fourth of its original price. There are also foreign volunteers to deal with customers ordering from outside of Pakistan. “So far, we have earned up to Rs 50 million over the last five years, given entirely to CCH,” shares Shumaila.

“Whenever I visited the hospital and met the cancer-struck children, I would remember the time Arsal was in their condition,” adds Shumaila. “I used to wonder about the helpless families who couldn’t afford treatment and therefore, established this Facebook page.” According to Naureen, Shumaila is doing a marvelous job as the manager. “Treating a cancer patient is not an easy task, but Shumaila has always believed in Sadqa-eJariah and is running the page just for a great cause.” Ironically, this lady who has been working tirelessly to help others beat cancer is now suffering from it herself. But despite her illness, Shumaila continues to work towards relieving people of this fatal disease forever.

Design by Eesha Azam