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E D I T O R IA L
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life@unionprint.com.mt Proof Reading: Ramona Marie Vella Cini Marthese Cauchi
Welcome to Life!
Design:
Life is a new quarterly magazine which seeks to define the term in its broadest and narrowest sense by bringing together stories, interviews, opinions, themes and suggestions on the subject matter. Moreover, LIFE magazine features the latest health news, expert advice and trends, actionable and achievable exercise strategies, tactics for managing emotional well-being in life, practical beauty solutions and smart eating tips. Above all LIFE magazine seeks to provide a clear picture of the local private and public healthcare sector. The various features are seen through the eyes of leading local personalities, experts and academics. We wish you all a pleasant read and a pleasant summer!
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LIFE
GETTING TO THE ROOT OF
MENTAL HEALTH Dr Chris Fearne Deputy Prim Minister Minister of Health
Mental health disorders are on the rise in every country in the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that around 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression and 50 million suffer from dementia. Schizophrenia is estimated to affect 23 million people, and bipolar disorder around 60 million worldwide. Moreover, a recent report published by the WHO noted that half of all mental illnesses begins at the age of 14, but most cases go undetected and untreated. In terms of the burden of the disease among adolescents, depression is the third leading cause. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. Harmful use of alcohol and substance abuse among adolescents is a major issue in many countries which can lead to risky behaviours such as unprotected sex or dangerous driving. Eating disorders are also of a major concern issue.
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Fortunately though, there is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing mental health issues and the need to focus on young people build mental resilience. Notwithstanding issues related to mental health, for decades, were kept on the sidelines in Malta, the government is finally giving Mental Health the attention it truly merits. Indeed, the government is committed to provide a solid structure which concretely addresses mental health in Malta. In the light of the ever-growing mental health epidemic worldwide, the government will soon launch a mental health strategy for the years 2020-2030 which seeks to modernise the current policy and refurbish existing infrastructure. The strategy emphasises the shift from hospital to community care; to have patients be taken care of in the community and not in a hospital. This will provide a more accessible service and also prevent patients from being institutionalised. The strategy seeks to identify people with mental health problems and who are in crisis in the early stages so that recovery will be faster and they will not need in-patient care. In-patient care must be seen always a last resort. The route towards the patient being discharged begins as soon as they are admitted. This includes assessing whether or how they need to be followed-up. Prevention is also part of the plan. Children will be given the necessary skills to be more resilient, so that when they are exposed to stressful situations, they will know how to overcome it. Apart from the planned acute psychiatric hospital on Mater Dei Hospital grounds, Mount Carmel is also
undergoing a radical refurbishment.The decision as to how each ward is to be refurbished depends on the needs of the particular patient groups to be placed in each ward. The patient is at the centre of care, and we know that if the environment is nice and calm, if the patient gets privacy, the level of care is better and the patient’s experience is better. The government’s vision is to provide facilities where patients will have their own private space along with areas dedicated to activities – the goal is to foster autonomy and responsibility, which leads to better behaviour. The refurbishment process has made Mount Carmel more safe. One ward which was inaugurated after undergoing refurbishment now caters to psycho-geriatric patients. A second ward is also being refurbished to accommodate older patients with mental health problems. A third is being refurbished for females with a dual diagnosis, that is those who have a mental disorder and a substance abuse problem. We are also working on an admission suite where patients who come to the hospital will be welcomed and examined. These patients need a calm, serene environment, especially if they are being admitted for the first time, as they might feel anxious in an unfamiliar place The mental health strategy is a clear proof of the government’s will to address mental health in a proper manner. The strategy will guide investment and reform the mental health services, which will truly place mental health patients at the heart of the health policy agenda of our country.
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go untreated. The report also deals with the impact of organisational change management. Change is not as intimidating as it sounds. When change is mentioned, be it at work or in any other scenario, it triggers individuals mentally – due to the need to step out of their comfort zone to accommodate something new.
With long hours identified as a major factor in stress and health problems, it has been highlighted that the new reality that is the digital environment could be creating a new form of problem. Work load has increased and so have the working hours. Many, especially in managerial positions tend to work over and above their contracted hours. They admit that they are stressed out. Stress lurks behind simple tasks and can manifest itself in the most mundane of tasks such as refreshing an inbox for incoming emails. It is simply getting more and more difficult to switch off from work mode. This can lead to mental disorders, and these are present in different forms and unfortunately due to the stigma they carry most
CHANGE IS UNAVOIDABLE. A tree bears good and bad fruit and so does change. If this leads to job satisfaction it can be a motivator for performance. On the other hand it can be an emotional challenge. The need to prove
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disorders that are unrecognized and therefore untreated. People with work related depression, for instance, might only experience a handful of symptoms at first. Left untreated, they may begin to experience the full range of depression symptoms, necessitating more intensive treatment and a more uncertain recovery journey. It is a fact that mental health carries a stigma, an attribute that is deeply discrediting, this can be classified in two different types. The social stigma and self-stigma. The first is what society chooses to label you because of your disorder. Self-stigma is the perception of the one with the disorder and it can affect feelings of shame and lead to poorer treatment outcomes. This is closely connected to why individuals do not seek treatment in the first place.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH AT THE WORKPLACE
Report commissioned by the Malta Institute of Management with the collaboration of the Richmond Foundation.
MENTAL HEALTH IS THE CONDITION OF BEING SOUND MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY THAT IS CHARACTERIZED BY THE ABSENCE OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND BY THE ADEQUATE ADJUSTMENT ESPECIALLY AS REFLECTED IN FEELING COMFORTABLE ABOUT ONESELF, POSITIVE FEELING ABOUT OTHERS, AND THE ABILITY TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF DAILY LIFE.
IF IT ISN’T BROKEN DO NOT FIX IT MENTALITY SIMPLY HAS TO CHANGE.
oneself is in itself a stressful situation, with most managers showing reluctance even when it comes to avail themselves of sick leave since this could be an indicator of them being less capable to handle stress than others. Work life balance is very important and there need to be sufficient time for non-working activities in order to ensure that people are able to recover from the demands of work. Unfortunately a good chunk of the working force feels that it is pressured to work over contracting hours by their superiors and this issue has to be addressed. As already stated, technology has made it harder to switch off as personnel is more accessible nowadays. This may in some cases lead to mental
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Stress levels vary according to different places of work with the financial industry topping the list. This is many a time accompanied by muscular tensions and aches. Companies are giving more attention to the wellbeing of their employees nowadays, stimulating them to move from the extrinsic to the intrinsic point of view where one moves on from working simply because of the reward of doing the job because it is a pleasant thing to do. In the long run it is more beneficial for organizations to invest in physical and mental health care. It is not just a public health issue, it is very much a development issue. Most are in agreement that improvement due to health care will greatly influence many factors. Managing stress levels will contribute to managing ones’ mental health. Making sure that the organization has the right procedures in place to educate its own workforce on mental health, in order to reduce the stigma attached to it, and offer services that aid individuals with their disorder will be a step in the right direction. From various parts of the report there are arguments that support the idea of investment in mental health, not only from an awareness point of view but actions. Most well educated people across all industries are nowadays aware of such disorders, the idea is to further enhance this knowledge into understanding and more over – actions.
WHY ARE PEOPLE
AFRAID OF THE DENTIST?
DR NICHOLAS BEZZINA
GOING TO THE DENTIST IS ONE OF THE MOST FEARED ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE. PEOPLE TEND TO BE AFRAID OF PAIN AND THE UNKNOWN. THEY CAN FEEL HELPLESS AND VULNERABLE SITTING ON THE DENTIST`S CHAIR. Should you tell the dental team that you are nervous? Yes. We would always encourage the patient to share their concerns with us so that we can help them challenge those issues. For some people even finding the courage to call and book an appointment can be a tall order. Therefore, establishing a good relationship with patient will help them alleviate these concerns. How do you persuade anxious patients to trust you and your recommendations? As in any other walk of life, a relationship is built on trust and good communication. Nervous patients might need a little bit longer to build that trust in their dentist. More time might be needed to make the patient feel at ease and explain the procedure about to be carried out. Sometimes, starting with a simple painless procedure might help in building that trust. Many people are scared of the local anaesthetic injection. Why? For most patients the injection is accepted as a necessary evil without which some dental procedures would be unbearable. But for some it is a dreaded moment they try to avoid. Nowadays, with the use of topical anaesthesia, a gel applied to numb the gums before the injection, the discomfort felt can be minimised considerably. However in severe cases of needle phobia, more advanced pain management options would need to be explored. Can you ask the dental team to stop if you need to? Yes. Before we start the procedure we would instruct
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the patient to raise their arm if they feel pain or discomfort. The dentist would then stop to enquire about the problem and try to address that issue. Does taking a relative or a friend help? It depends on the patient. Some people find that having a friendly face can help them cope with stress and even to communicate with the dental team. However, in some cases the person accompanying the patient might make them feel more uneasy by recounting all their negative experiences or even ridiculing their fear of dentistry. Some people resort to music. What are your views about such option? A lot of patients feel uneasy even when they hear the noise of the drill. Music can help to alleviate this problem masking these noises but also by creating a calm environment. Some dentists ask their patients what kind of music they would like to listen to during the treatment. Why should we see the dentist as a friend rather than a foe? Good oral health is very important both from a functional and aesthetic point of view. Regular attendance is necessary to maintain this. Unfortunately, nervous patients tend to delay treatment until it is too late resulting in more complex treatment. Therefore, seeing the dentist as a friend will help the patient maintain good oral health and reduce the risk for lengthy unpleasant procedures.
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The latest addition to the
OK GROUP of Companies OK Medical was founded over 5 years ago with a drive and commitment to give top-quality medical and rehabilitation products and services to the local market.
OK Medical supply a vast and ever-growing range of products, from basic first aid equipment and supplies, Mobility Aids, Wheelchairs, Automated external Defibrillators (AED’s), Motorised Beds, CPAP & APAP machines, Oxygen Concentrators, Specialised seating, medical trolleys, clinical & doctors’ equipment, hearing aids, hospital & surgical instruments, clinical machinery and much more. Coupled with this broad portfolio, OK Medical also look to help all clients benefit from some of the best prices available on the market without compromising on quality or service. OK Medical is also driven to ensure that all products are covered and delivered with the highest quality of service possible. This is achieved by offering free on-site inspection and consultation, free delivery around Malta and Gozo as well as aftersales consultation and training to ensure that clients needs are met and where possible exceeded. This mentality thus forms one of the pillars of the company: “A happy, well served client is a healthy and safe client.” OK Medical clientele include a wide range of clinics, hospitals, companies, hotels, private & public care homes private clients whose needs are ever changing but are always satisfied to the highest customer standards. Ok Medical is also proud to have supplied various products to the Health Department. OK Medical currently operates 2 main outlets. Their main outlet can be found at Triq it-Torri, Swatar. BKR 4011 and is open Monday to Friday from 8am till 7pm and on Saturday from 9am till 2pm. OK Medical also opened its second outlet in Paola to better service its clients located towards the south of the Island. This outlet can be found in Cospicua Road, Rahal il-Gdid. PLA 1902 and is open Monday to Friday from 9am till 1pm and from 4pm till 7pm while on Saturday from 9am till 2pm. One can also contact OK Medical by calling 21 470 200, emailing support@okmedical.com.mt, visiting their website at www.okmedical.com.mt or finding them on facebook.
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A STRATEGY FOR MENTAL HEALTH
M
Interview with DR ANTONELLA SAMMUT, Resident Specialist - Mount Carmel Hospital
ENTAL ILLNESS IS ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT A MENTAL DISORDER WILL EFFECT AT LEAST ONE OUT OF TWO PERSONS AT SOME POINT DURING THEIR LIFETIME. THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY 2020 - 2030 THANKS TO WHICH WILL ENSURE MENTAL HEALTH IS GIVEN THE ATTENTION IT MERITS. LIFE MAGAZINE MET DR ANTONELLA SAMMUT, RESIDENT SPECIALIST - MOUNT CARMEL HOSPITAL WHO SHARED WITH US THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STRATEGY AND OTHER INITIATIVES THE MINISTRY IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON.
Dr Anton Grech, clinical chair of psychiatry, has recent-
of mental illness at the heart of the health policy agenda.
a Cinderella to a princess. How is this being achieved?
structural point of view. In the last few days, a new ward,
er health services. Finally, we are giving Mental Health the
is being carried out on other wards to enhance the ambi-
ly noted that mental health is being transformed from For decades, mental health was kept in the shadow of othattention it merits thanks to a Mental Health Strategy which will be published in the coming days. The strategy will serve
as a roadmap for the implementation of investment and reforms that will truly place mental health and the treatment
Mount Carmel Hospital is also to be addressed from a
equipped with all modern facilities, has been opened. Work
ence and safety of both patients and staff. This refurbishment process will continue for a total of five years. Plans for a 120-bed New Acute Psychiatric Hospital on the Mater Dei hospital campus are also underway.
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What are the main objectives of the mental health strat-
In what way will the strategy introduce a cultural
The main objectives of the mental health strategy are
The strategy seeks to raise awareness about mental health
egy for the years 2020-2030?
namely to improve the mental well-being of the population by supporting individuals throughout their life course. It
seeks to address the determinants of mental disorders, with
a special focus on vulnerable groups – unemployed, chronically ill individuals, poor people among others. It also seeks
to plan services that address the whole spectrum of needs
including prevention, curative, rehabilitation, reintegration and long-term care. The strategy also aims to improve the
change?
conditions and combat the associated stigma. This would
enhance access to care and the timely detection of mental problems. Providing age-appropriate information about
mental illnesses to school children can be effective in overcoming stigma and prejudices and to promote positive attitude towards the social integration of persons with mental disorders.
The change in practices within mental health services
provision of accessible, safe, effective and fully integrated
will foster the necessary cultural change in the way that
uals with mental health problems. Last but not least, the
visions of the Mental Health Act that was enacted in De-
services that meet the needs and expectations of individstrategy aims to provide support for carers and families of individuals with mental illness.
These objectives are envisaged to be attained by; (i)
promoting mental health and wellbeing for all, (ii) creating a
reconfigured mental health service framework, (iii) provid-
care is provided. Practices are also guided through the procember 2012 and came fully into force in October 2014.
This strived for patient-centred multi-disciplinary care, promotes community vis-Ă -vis hospital care, and voluntary visĂ -vis involuntary care.
The strategy also seeks to Improve the capacity of the
ing support for patients, their families and carers and (iv)
healthcare workforce through investment in training, con-
innovative systems
sity courses focusing on mental health. This will result in
strengthening the mental health workforce and introducing
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tinued professional development and availability of univer-
BEAT THE HEAT Heat can kill. Protect yourself and those around you. DRINK WATER Drink water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty – carry a bottle of water with you
HELP OTHERS Check upon those more at risk as elderly friends and relatives, young children, neighbors living alone and those suffering from chronic conditions. Do not forget your pets!
KEEP COOL Stay in air-conditioned rooms, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and wear light clothing made from natural fabrics
!
PLAN AHEAD
HOT CARS KILL
Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day. Wear a hat and sunglasses if you go outside and use sunscreen
Never leave children, adults or pets in hot cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes
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A STRATEGY FOR MENTAL HEALTH improved service provision, more job satisfaction and a
How does the strategy seeks to address at an early
of care.
in crisis?
change in culture thus bringing about a leap in the quality
How does the strategy ensure a smooth shift from hospital to community care?
The strategy encourages the development of person centred clinical pathways that link the various elements of the mental health services. This would involve collaboration
with other government agencies and NGOs to provide services on behalf of the public mental health system.
It also encourages the provision of appropriately de-
signed facilities for community mental health services within the regional primary care hubs 3 in Malta and 1 in Gozo. Mental health clinics would operate from these hubs alongside primary care services thus
Whilst community services should be able to offer immediate care and support to their known clients on a walk-in basis, in the event of a crisis, emergency services, particularly
for new cases as well as for out-of-hours work have been recently set up at the Accident and Emergency department,
Mater Dei Hospital. Steps have been taken to ensure the
presence of a psychiatrist within the accident and emergency service on a 24/7 basis.
This is just the first step and the plan is to have a ful-
ly-fledged team that can provide emergency services including pre-hospital care with the eventual deployment of
a specialised mental health ambulance service for
domiciliary response. This will allow first responders from the various sectors arrive
enhancing integrated care i.e care for both physical and mental conditions.
stage persons with mental health problems or who are
onsite together as a team.
This
would facilitate accessibility to community services as well as to allow
Mount Carmel is also undergoing
ing of services to specific community
share with us in what way will such
a refurbishment process. Can you
for adequate distribution and tailor-
refurbishment ensure better safety
needs.
and comfort at Mount Carmel?
It also lays out the basis for the
development of a small long-term care
The refurbishment process has im-
proved the ambience of Mount Carmel
mental health facility in the community
hospital and made it more secure for pa-
for persons requiring 24/7 mental health
tients and staff. One ward has been inaugurat-
care and support.
In a recent interview you noted “we would also like to
ed after undergoing refurbishment and is catering for
elderly patients with mental health problems (psycho-geri-
engage with family practitioners, both in the public and
atric). This will be accommodating 30 patients.
People often find it easier to talk to their general practition-
house the same client group. A third ward is being refur-
and background. This familiarity and trust between patient
that is for persons who have a mental disorder and sub-
private sector.� Can you elaborate?
er, who knows them, their family, their social environment and family practitioner that has been built over the years
leads to less resistance to accessing care. This is critical
A second ward is also being refurbished and will also
bished which will cater for females with a dual diagnosis stance misuse.
Work is underway on an admission suite. Patients who
as we need to recognise the development of mental health
first come into the hospital will be welcomed and examined
uation. Early intervention would usually lead to a faster re-
pecially if they are being admitted for the first time as they
problems early and prevent as much as possible crisis sitcovery, thus preventing the need for inpatient care.
The strategy seeks to offer training, incentivise and
support interested general practitioners (both in the public
and private sector) to provide a first point of contact and
follow-up of persons experiencing mild and moderate mental health disorders within shared care programmes and protocols.
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here. These patients need a calm serene environment, esmay feel anxious in an unfamiliar place.
Refurbishment is a continuous process and timeframes
are stringent and difficult; it is envisaged that the process will take around five years to complete.
This year there was an investment of â‚Ź6.4 million for
the refurbishment process, and there is a concerted team effort to get this done.
SEGRETARJAT PARLAMENTARI GĦAL PERSUNI B’DIŻABILITÀ U ANZJANITÀ ATTIVA
FRAMMENTI “nibża’ minnhom dawn il-mumenti...”
KITBA
CHARLES SCERRI DIREZZJONI
JOSEPH GALEA
13 ta’ Lulju
19:00 Pjazza Savina, Rabat, Għawdex
Wara ssir diskussjoni dwar id-dimensja
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY AND ACTIVE AGEING
Ageing well through social engagement Older persons living in the community can engage in a variety of social activities. They might attend mass, imbibe coffee or tea from the local snack bar, have a chat with their neighbours, and catch up with their nieces and nephews after school hours. Many even participate in more organised activities, such as arts and crafts, exercise classes, or volunteering. Such engagement enables older individuals to feel included and valuable, further embracing a positive wellbeing. In fact, research shows that a prerequisite for active and successful ageing is having a supportive environment endowed with positive social relationships, communal involvement and social inclusion. Moreover, when seniors are living within the community, they tend to spend more time with people from younger generations. This enables them to participate in intergenerational activities, possibly allowing for traditions to transmit from one generation to the next, and thus, fostering intergenerational solidarity. Considering the above mentioned benefits, this Government is committed to provide services that address the challenges that older adults face when living in the community. Services vary from providing daily support, household maintenance, recreations to professional therapy. To name a few schemes, the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care provides handyman services, meals-on-wheels, home help, and occupational and physiological therapy. Moreover, active ageing is encouraged through the ample initiatives undertaken by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, such as the introduction of Silver T, the promotion of elderly’s engagement in Maltese literature, as well as the training of staff members in residential homes to enable the organisation of various social and leisure activities. Additionally, the 28 active ageing centres, characterised with fully-fletched programmes, around Malta and Gozo which ensure that our older adults participate in a diversity of activities and events. Older persons interested in requesting for assistance or engaging more in leisure activities may call Government Information Service on freephone 153.
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HOW DO HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS DIAGNOSE
‘HAYFEVER’
Dr. Z. Teebi is a Medical Consultant with a special interest in Allergy. He studied and graduated from the Imperial College London (UK). zteebi@gmail.com
TYPICALLY, ALLERGIES ARE INITIALLY DIAGNOSED BY A COMBINATION OF ASKING A FULL HISTORY, ASSESSING CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOMS COUPLED WITH EXAM FINDINGS THAT CORRESPOND WITH ALLERGIES. A BLOOD TEST AND A ‘SKIN PRICK TEST’ CAN BE TAKEN TO IDENTIFY THE POTENTIAL CAUSE.
S
ince the ideal way to manage an allergy is to avoid the substances that cause allergic reaction, it is important to first identify these substances (allergens). Many allergens can be suspected from information obtained in a patient’s history. For example, if symptoms usually worsen with exposure
to cats, then cat dander protein is a probable allergen causing the symptoms. If cutting grass is associated with the onset of symptoms, then grass allergy is probable. A patient’s history of reactions is important in determining his/her unique allergies. Allergy testing is only done when allergies are debilitating enough that patients desire allergy immunotherapy. A number of blood tests are available to aid in the diagnosis of allergy. These blood tests may be useful in people who cannot be skin tested due to skin diseases, who are taking medications that interfere with skin testing, or who are at a high risk of having an anaphylactic reaction to skin testing. These blood tests typically use various techniques to look for IgE antibodies in the blood and by inference suggest allergy in the tissues. What is the treatment for allergies? Avoidance of identified allergens is the most helpful factor in controlling allergy symptoms. Attempts to make some adjustments to the environment and avoidance measures often significantly aid in resolving symptoms. However, allergy avoidance is often not easy. A thorough discussion with your doctor is needed, and control measures may be required daily. If avoidance is not possible or does not relieve symptoms,
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additional treatment is needed. Many patients respond to medications that combat the effects of histamine, known as antihistamines. Antihistamines do not stop the formation of histamine, nor do they stop the conflict between the IgE and antigen. Therefore, antihistamines do not stop the allergic reaction but rather protect tissues from the effects of the allergic response. Newer, so-called “non-sedating” or second-generation antihistamines are also available. Recent Advances in treatment of Hayfever: If antihistamines and nasal sprays are not effective or not tolerated by the patient, other types of therapy are available. Allergy desensitisation or Immunotherapy may be needed. Allergy immunotherapy stimulates the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic. Because the patient is being exposed to the allergyinducing substance, an allergic reaction can occur and this treatment should be supervised by a physician. This form of treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen, mites, cats, and especially stinging insects (for example, bees). The required length of treatment may vary, but 2 to 3 years is a typical course. A more recent development in treating allergies is the ‘Sublingual Immunotherapy’ which is in the form of drops applied under the tongue for a certain number of weeks or months. It has proven to be an effective and safe mode of treatment. The duration of the effect of allergy immunotherapy should last many years, if not a lifetime. Dr. Z. Teebi is a Medical Consultant with a special interest in Allergies and Allergy therapy. He studied allergy medicine and graduated from The Imperial College London (UK). Email: info@allergyclinicmalta.com
OU OF HE UNNEL Interview with
ILEANA WEYNBERG Behind the smile of some people we come across walking out of Valletta, in a coffee shop or in an office, lies untold shocking stories. Indeed, behind the outer crust of ILEANA WEYNBERG, lies the story of a woman who suffered extensive mental and physical pain yet who found her way out of the tunnel. Life recently met with Ileana Weynberg who shared with us her incredible story.
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Who is Ileana Weynberg?
I am a rugby player, a wife and a survivor. Tell us about your story?
I had a lot of trauma in my life. I had depression from a young age. My grandparents split up when I was quite young and I didn’t really know
how to handle my emotions. I was raped at the age of 13 by a boyfriend who was older. He didn’t leave my life for a long time. I ended up in an abusive relationship both physically and mentally for years. A friend raped me during this time. I have been raped four times in total. My
fight or flight response is broken. I freeze and clam up to the point of
not being able to talk. Before I came to Malta I was sexually assaulted
in my sleep by a friend who was my landlord at the time. I was taking a high dose of sedatives due to an illness. So I had no idea it happened until I woke up naked. I eventually found out he had taken 30 pictures of me. I told the police and he was eventually sentenced to 2 years in
prison. During the trial which was in February last year I wasn’t sleeping and became haunted by nightmares. I went to the doctor who gave
me some antidepressants and sleeping medication. When I took the medication I confused the dosage and ended up taking more than I
should have. On the way to work I was so high from the medication I
walked in front of a car. The next day my symptoms got worse. I sat in my kitchen with strong urges to self harm and overdose.
I spoke to kellimni.com and they advised me to seek help. I was so
scared. I wanted to die but I didn’t want to end up in a padded room in a psychiatric unit. I texted my doctor to ask his advice. He suggested I go to Mater Dei immediately and that they would probably section me as I
am a danger to myself and others. I waited until my husband got home and explained the situation to him. The next day I went to Mater Dei and was admitted to Mount Carmel.
How did you find your way out of the tunnel?
I am very lucky, although I am not out of the tunnel completely I’m in
recovery rather than in a black hole. I had a lot of help from the staff in Mount Carmel and my husband. The nurses, occupational health, the
doctors and psychiatrists are amazing. They helped me realise I already had the coping mechanisms I needed. I just needed to unlock them and add to the tool box. I have had a lot of trauma in my life so recovery is going to take a while. There is no quick fix.
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OU OF HE UNNEL I was struck by a recent quote you posted on
know you are ‘mental’. It creates a feeling of isolation
their insecurities to sleep. Remind them they
able to talk or socialise with anyone, you go into your
Facebook which states; “Build someone up. Put are worthy. Tell them they are magical. Be light
in a too often dim world.” What lies behind such message?
I fully believe that there is too much negativity in
the world. So many people are ready to tear people apart with words. I believe that we should start
complimenting people. You don’t know what someone is going through. Mentioning they have a nice dress may make their day.
I see you love music. How does music help people
and loneliness. It’s dangerous because if you are not own head and think more. This creates bad thoughts
and leads to bad ideas. All this can become too much
depending on how your thought process is. It is crucial that in the workplace, at home, in school you feel like
you are safe and can talk about your problems just like you would if you had a physical illness.
What needs to be done to change people’s
approach towards people suffering from mental illness?
More awareness, more access to mental health
suffering from mental illness?
services. Here on the island there is not much
You can change your mood by just listening to a few
campaigns that have tried but unless the government
Music is my escape and my saviour sometimes.
upbeat songs. I have various playlists one is to help me with my anxiety when I am having a bad day.
Another is my happy playlist. You connect with the
lyrics of songs or a beat. It stops you focusing on what is going on in your head.
Do you feel there is still prejudice towards people with mental illness?
Yes. Everyone knows everything about everyone.
awareness unless you search for it yourself. There are start acting things will deteriorate. There are 5 drop in centres for mental health but they are so booked up
you don’t have access to them. After hospital care is
vital and apart from psychologists and an appointment at pop there is not much help in society. There is no
safe place to help people reintegrate into society. This
is why places like Jacob’s Brew are amazing. The cafe is for survivors. Sarah and Jacob are great listeners.
It’s a very open and inclusive culture until there is a
What’s next for Ileana?
heard of a few males not seeking help because they
Hope after Mount Carmel to help those who needed
found out. Also if people find out you have been in a
a website but it was hard to maintain. I looked into
mental illness. There is such a big stigma that I have have been afraid of the consequences if their family
psychiatric unit your declared a ‘ loony’. Many men are told to stop crying and to ‘man up’ .
Why does stigma increase the burden on people suffering from mental illness?
It makes you feel you’re unable to talk to anyone.
You can’t get help because you don’t want people to
I started a Facebook group called A Little Cup of
someone to talk to without the stigma. I did have
funding but things are not so clear. I am unfortunately
moving back to the UK and hoping to set up a Cafe, so people can drop in and get advice when their mental
health drops out. Find the advice and help they need to reintegrate back into society after a bout in hospital.
I am also helping Christian Formosa with a funding
page for mental health in Gozo. The mental health system is lacking and Gozitans need help too.
LIFE LIFE
LIFE LIFE
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A
HEALTHY
DIET PLUS
A healthy diet means that a person eats small amounts of a variety of food. This means that although we know that fruit and vegetables are healthy and that we know that they are important components of our diet, it is also important that we include also other types of food. According to the latest research wholemeal bread, pasta, rice and flour are much healthier from the equivalent food that is not wholemeal, because they have much less fibre.
The oil and fats that we find in seeds, legumes and other plants are very healthy because they contain fats that deposit in our joints. As part of a healthy diet it is crucial that we choose good meats and proteins such as fish, poultry, rabbit and other meat that contains less fats. Dairy products are also very important above all to provide calcium to strengthen our bones. This is especially important in children and elderly persons.
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Finally red meat and butter are also important in small amounts. These fats provide a layer of fat under our skin and around our organs to protect them and insulate them from the cold weather. In conclusion, it is very important to eat different amounts of all kinds of food, as recommended by the appropriate professionals. Add a moderate amount of exercise and with a healthy lifestyle that will safeguard your health.
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Some advantages of using an insulin pump instead of insulin injections include eliminating individual injections, deliver insulin more accurately than injections, often improve A1C and results in fewer large swings in your blood glucose levels. Using an insulin pump makes delivery of bolus insulin easier and in a more controlled manner, eliminates unpredictable effects of intermediate- or long-acting insulin and it means you only need to wear the pump and do not carry anything for Insulin intake.
THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO DELIVER INSULIN AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE AS NATURE INTENDED AND THAT IS BY USING AN INSULIN PUMP.
Innotech Insulin Pump is a simple to use and accurate Insulin Pump, featuring an OLED colour screen and extremely user friendly, Touch Screen, Auto-lock to prevent unintended operation and the ability to achieve a precise delivery of 0.008U per pulse. The Auto Basal Features include the Auto basal Allocation with a Daily basal that can be adjusted according to individual needs. Bolus features are also very easy to use with only one key to set bolus in 3 different choices Normal, Square and Dual bolus. Delivering insulin via an insulin pump is the most natural form of insulin treatment available today. Innotech Insulin pumps can be programmed to deliver different basal rates at different times of day. For example, you may need less insulin over night than you do upon waking in the morning, so your insulin pump can be set up to give a higher rate of insulin when you are awake and a lower rate when you go to bed. You can even suspend delivery of insulin if you need to, such as when playing sports, to stop your sugar levels dropping too low. Not every meal affects our blood glucose levels the same way and insulin pumps can be set to deliver bolus doses in specific ways to cope with the different absorption and digestion rates of different foods. As well as delivering one up front dose of insulin, pumps can also be set to deliver special doses such as delivering half of the dose up front and then delivering the second half of the dose an hour or so later, which can be helpful for managing certain foods such as pizza.
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WEATHERING
THE STORM
W
With a sigh, Joe told me that depression creeps in gradually and without obvious signs at first. Joe explained how depression changed him and altered his character even making him put aside his normal habits and routine and adopt new traits, mistakenly thinking that this was part of the cycle of life so he left it at that. It never crossed his mind how serious the situation was and through his work, which is very close to his heart he managed to survive; managing to disengage from reality and submerge in the cosiness of the character he was playing while performing. Reality used to hit once the show would be over and he’d be returning and the high that the performance gave him would quickly dissipate into abyss dimension low.
HEN I MET JOE DEMICOLI, ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST OUTGOING PERSONALITIES ON THE ISLAND, THIS INTERVIEW COULD HAVE GONE ANYWHERE, BUT THE REALITY HE PRESENTED ME WITH IS CERTAINLY A MARKER, A WAKEUP CALL ON A SUBJECT THAT MANY CONSIDER TABOO BUT IS PART OF THE REALITY OF TODAY’S LIFE. I ASKED JOE, HOW HE MANAGED TO KEEP UP APPEARANCES CONSIDERING HIS BUSY PUBLIC LIFE AND THE DIFFICULTY THE INSULARITY OF OUR ISLANDS MAKES IT TO DISENGAGE.
I brought up the subject of stigma and whether at this time and age health conditions are still considered taboo. Joe told me that the answer was a definite yes and that he receives private messages from the 400 strong group that he manages because many are not even comfortable to discuss certain problems within
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the group itself. Many still do not try and seek help for the fear that they will be labelled. Even though lots of illnesses and conditions that were previously hidden even by the families themselves are now being brought to light, mental health is still a blot on one’s curriculum of life, mainly because of the fact that those who never go through it can never really understand the situation. Nevertheless, anyone going through depression will never see the light at the end of the tunnel if they keep everything bottled inside and not seek help. Many avoid seeking help because they are afraid of not being able to remain active while treating the condition. Joe elaborated that there is not one answer that fits the situation. He told me that routine helped him to keep going otherwise he would have preferred staying at home. Since he is self-employed he had to keep up with the performances and schedule of events otherwise he would have suffered financially since he did not have any vacation leave or sick leave entitlement. Having said that, the pre performance jitters were terrible, anxiety, nausea and all the works, which, he added, used to start to dissipate once he took the microphone in his hands and with the microphone came control of the situation. This according to Joe means that for those who manage to do something they love doing will be able to find respite from depression during the time of the activity. Having said that Joe added that even though this worked for him, it does not necessarily mean that it would work for others. We spoke about how available information is and if there is need for more information regarding mental health. According to Joe we have not even started. He was blunt in his reply, elaborating that a few flyers and random TV programs will certainly not solve anything. To get sufferers to participate in such public displays there is an acute need for the stigma to be removed. Alternative ways of healing have to be identified, the majority of those who managed to beat depression did so by undertaking private therapy and by finding someone who could guide them and lead them to take the necessary steps.
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The first steps towards recovery are always the hardest. Joe explained to me how he sought help and how he realized that he needed help. He went through a trauma and he thought it did not leave any effect on him. The only help he had sought was through his family’s GP. But the reason that triggered it all was the response he got from a psychiatrist while on a TV program where privately he plucked up courage and opened up to him telling the doctor that he was indeed a victim of depression only to be summarily dismissed with “you’re always up to something funny Joe”. “This was like being slapped on the face, smacked rather. I took it as a warning to just stay put and keep my trap shut,” Joe told me gravely. Later on, I found out that whenever I spoke about my situation I felt better. This is mainly because depression is an internal illness a “very personal” illness and you can hide it any way you like. Anxiety and fear only grow because one becomes very afraid of being discovered. The quicker you realize this the better because life gradually starts becoming meaning less. It is difficult to explain the level of sadness one experiences, sometimes these lead to suicidal thoughts. Joe told me that after self-assessing he realized he had severe depression, anxiety, severe social anxiety and paranoia. The healing process started quite by luck…. A wrongly addressed friend request on Facebook who had gone through mental health problems and was healed. After a few chats, we brought up the subject of depression and I was sent the link to two books – You can heal your Life of Louise Hay and You are a Placebo of Joe Dispenza along with some links to documentaries related to the subject. Joe told me how immersed he was for the next few months, reading and doing research. In his exact word Joe told me “it was like being given a manual on how to fix an engine step by step” Finally, I asked Joe Demicoli to impart a message to those who are going through this ordeal and to their families - “First of all you have to help yourself – look for help – seek help. One in every four persons are mental health sufferers. You are not alone, there is no need to be afraid, embarrassed or shy. BUT it is useless seeking help unless you work on healing yourself. Your mind is yours and only you can heal it. Others can only show you how to do it. Patience is key. You have to work on your mind daily, every hour, and every minute, until negative thoughts are replaced by positive ones.”
STERLING SOCIAL WORK BY THE MFA LIFE
THE MALTA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (MFA) CONDUCTED ITS SECOND PROJECT ON REFUGEE INCLUSION, NAMED ‘ALL IN – ALL FOR FOOTBALL’.
THIS SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVE IS A CONTINUATION OF THE
‘INCLUDE ME AND I WILL UNDERSTAND’ PROJECT, HELD LAST YEAR, WHICH SAW THE PARTICIPATION OF OVER 300 PERSONS, MOSTLY
REFUGEES AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE, 12 CLUBS AND A NUMBER OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS (NGOS).
AS PROJECT COORDINATOR PETER BUSUTTIL TOLD US FOOTBALL
CLUBS, NGOS AND AGENCIES, INCLUDING AWAS, APPOĠĠ AND LEAP
CAME TOGETHER TO OFFER INCLUSION SESSIONS, USING FOOTBALL
AND FOOTBALL-RELATED ACTIVITIES TO INTEGRATE REFUGEES, MALTESE NATIONALS AND VULNERABLE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
“This second project, which was also co-financed by the European Union, helped the MFA to reach out to more people who wanted to participate in the game of football,” said Busuttil. Participants had the chance to take part in football sessions but also in other related activities such as literacy, nutrition, healthy lifestyle, first aid and cultural sessions. The Malta Football Association’s efforts to promote social inclusion for refugees and vulnerable people have been recognised by UEFA. Peter Busuttil was grateful for all those who participated and helped in this project. “All football clubs are run by volunteers that come from all walks of life. You could have a lawyer, a shop attendant, a student and a pensioner around a table of a particular football club.”
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“All these people contributed for the success of this project. If we mention also referees, players and nursery coaches, there was a continuous help towards its success.” Busuttil said that people who are mostly vulnerable, had the unique opportunity to watch and participate in matches from Maltese Premier League till Third Division as well as Youth and Gozitan leagues. “These people were referred to us by APPOĠĠ who are doing a sterling job in their help and we are enhancing their experiences by giving them such a golden opportunity” The All In coordinator mentioned a number of clubs who were involved and certainly without them, the project wouldn’t have been a success. This group aims to apply for another project and eventually for a UEFA Grant to enhance more opportunities and reach more people.
STERLING SOCIAL WORK BY THE MFA “Football helps in different ways but in particular, certain refugees who have just arrived in Malta are given the opportunity to play football. They need this feel good factor and we aim to make it an experience for them.”
Recently members from Dar Nazareth had the opportunity to visit the National Stadium during Malta’s training session before their match against Romania. Eventually they also had the chance of watching this football match and meet the players. For them this visit to the national stadium made a lot of difference in their lives.
But what is the exact notion of “Everyone’s game?” Busuttil was clear in his reply as he mentioned the collaboration that MFA has with many agencies, NGOs, group associations as well as the local government.
Peter Busuttil also mentioned some visits that were held at Helen Keller Resource Centre and Guardian Angel School where these schools cater for different
kinds of disability. “We visited such schools together with the ALS Foundation. People like Bjorn Formosa inspire other individuals with disability and this has left a profound impact on them.”
“We worked together with the Ministry for Equality in two programmes. One of them was the awareness of LGBTIQ in football. In two weeks we were present in over 19 matches around Malta and Gozo and we distributed around 500 pairs of shoelaces and armbands of different colours. We also printed 600 T Shirts to be worn by referees and players during the BOV Premier League matches and all this proved to be effective.”
“These same individuals were given the opportunity to act as players escorts before some important matches played at the National Stadium. These opportunities mean a lot to them.” When asked about
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people’s awareness regarding this project, Busuttil said that they get a lot of feedback but naturally one can do more to promote this initiative. “Our aim is to pick up more initiatives so that people know more about us and what we do. This summer we are working to increase this same awareness.”
Another important project is to have a permanent system of Live Descriptive Commentary. To ensure better inclusion within football stadia, an audiodescriptive commentary service should be provided for match-going partially sighted and blind fans. The service could also assist many other supporters in the stadium. We already have a number of clubs joining our system and we aim to have more.
Busuttil said that this effect of football inclusion is widespread and over 700 participants are given
Finally when asked about his experience working within these projects, Busuttil said that he met people
the opportunity to play this beautiful game. They also visited juvenile correctional facilities and aim to do more. Asked about some plans for this summer, Busuttil mentioned two particular projects, one of them being the Football Inclusion Hub. It is proposed that a stadium in Ħal Far would be built so that refugees and vulnerable people as well as persons living in the neighbouring town, have the opportunity to play football free of charge.
who have never been to a football match or to the National Stadium. This first taste of football for some individuals made a lot of difference in their lives and the outcome of this project made Busuttil satisfied that the job is being done well. When one promotes social interaction among the football community, society cares and gives a helping hand so that people who are facing some challenges in life, feel overwhelmed with these experiences.
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WOMAN ON A
MISSION
Interview with CARMEN
CIANTAR
CEO at the Foundation for Medical Services
B
Who is Carmen Ciantar? I think that I am a dynamic figure. Very liberal. Living by the mantra ‘Life is tough but I am tougher’ as I am comfortable adjusting to any situation and do not get flustered easily when faced with unexpected challenges. On the other hand, I love cooking meals to be enjoyed with family and friends. I love hunting for antique pieces and as a result my living space is constantly changing. Antique jewellery pieces are my guilty pleasure and over the years I have accumulated various pieces from different time periods and different countries.
OLD, AMBITIOUS, DETERMINED AND TARGET DRIVEN ARE A
FEW ADJECTIVES WHICH WELL DESCRIBE CARMEN CIANTAR. SHE IS THAT TYPE OF WOMAN WHO EVERYDAY WAKES UP WITH THAT STEADFAST DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT TO HER ROLE AS CEO OF THE FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL SERVICES. WITH A CLEAR VISION
How do you successfully juggle politics, a demanding job and a personal life? I am always hearing complaints from my friends and colleagues about their struggles with balancing their lives. Many people try to serve the needs of those around them without considering their own needs. Soon they find themselves drained and exhausted. I believe that I can be a better person if I achieve an inner equilibrium. It is better to be strong and happy than being weak and bitter and I make this a priority in my life. It does not matter how others expect me to rank on the scale. I am true to my own priorities. Some may consider me selfish, but better to receive their scorn and be happy than receive their pity and be miserable.
IN MIND, SHE HAS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS ENSURED MALTA CONTINUES TO PROVIDE A MEDICAL SECTOR OF EXCELLENCE. CARMEN RECENTLY SHARED WITH LIFE MAGAZINE HER VISION FOR THE LOCAL MEDICAL SECTOR, THE ROLE OF THE FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL SERVICES AND WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE COMING YEARS FROM THE HEALTH CARE SECTOR.
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MISSION
How would you summarise the past three years since your appointment as CEO of the FMS? Always learning. Ours is a sector that is influenced by constant change. One has to be ready to adapt at all times. I am lucky to be surrounded by a delightful, motivated team who strive to deliver their best from the get go. The work environment is often a fast-paced and dynamic one. Challenge is what makes work fun and exciting. Challenges can be rewarding. It is the force that drives us away from the comfort zone to a place where we can grow and learn. Every single day we leave the office knowing that we have made a positive and worthwhile contribution in people’s lives. We feel very passionate about our role in society.
“
FMS has been entrusted with a Euro 330 million portfolio which we view as an opportunity to leave a positive mark on the local healthcare landscape.
“
WOMAN ON A
In what way has the FMS contributed to a better quality of life over the past decades? WHO defines quality of life as an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations and standards. It is a broad ranging concept affected in a complex way by the person’s physical health, psychological state, personal beliefs, social relationships and their relationship to salient features of their environment. By this same definition, we believe that we are contributing to increase the wellbeing of patients who receive treatments in comfortable, functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. Additionally, we are also contributing to the quality of life of our dedicated workforce. Higher quality of life in the workplace leads to higher employee retention and worker satisfaction, which in return motivates people to deliver a better service.
FMS plays a central part in the long-term strategy mapped out by the Government in order to ensure that our healthcare sector is continuously upgraded and that our patients are given distinctive and efficient service. This cannot be done unless Malta’s healthcare infrastructure is given the priority it needs and deserves. We’ve seen increased investment in this sector in recent years, ensuring that
A growing population combined with longer life-spans and a demand for more sophisticated medical treatment have inevitably increased pressure on the local medical sector. What is the strategy of the FMS to ensure Malta continues to offer a medical sector of excellence?
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the capacity of our healthcare services is strengthened and that our vision of a more accessible and patient-centric system is realised. This puts a significant responsibility on the operations of the FMS. As our portfolio has expanded, we’ve taken on the design, delivery and maintenance of a number of major projects which will prove crucial to uphold increased expectations
and standards of excellence, and we do so with utmost diligence and pride in our work. We are also responsible for the refurbishment and maintenance of the existing infrastructure. We strive to deliver all projects on schedule and in a manner which will ultimately inspire public confidence. This is supported by another of FMS’ functions. As the main recruitment arm of the Ministry for
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WOMAN ON A
MISSION
vital especially since given the value of our projects, our performance and results are, rightly so, placed under heavy scrutiny.
What major projects has the FMS embarked on in recent years which have contributed to a better healthcare in Malta? All past, ongoing and future projects are linked and form part of our vision for providing state-of-theart services for our patients. Our public healthcare system is currently undergoing a decentralisation of services which is vital to safeguard the effective functioning of our main Mater Dei Hospital. By investing in new projects and strengthening existing ones, we are offering a wider variety of services while maintaining cost-effectiveness and sustainability. One can look at the planned new Southern Regional Hub in Paola as the prime example of this effort to provide more accessible and specialised services closer to home. This project will serve as a one-stop-shop, providing all primary healthcare facilities under one roof. Our vision is also supported by the continuous upgrading of our Health Centres, such as the refurbishment in the Gzira Centre and the brand new Health Centre in Kirkop. We are also working on plans for a new Health Centre in Victoria, Gozo. With regards to the existing infrastructure of our main Hospitals, a new Outpatients Block is currently being designed by the team at FMS, which will also integrate a number of new and existing services which are currently spread out in different areas. FMS is also handling the restructuring of Mount Carmel Hospital while developing a new, acute mental health hospital to ensure that our mental health services are prioritised and modernised.
Health, FMS ensures that high performing employees are recruited and posted across the public health sector. Human Resources play an integral role in the delivery of above par healthcare services, and to this end, our employees become major actors in the implementation of our common vision.
What are the current key priorities for the FMS? FMS has been entrusted with a Euro 330 million portfolio which we view as an opportunity to leave a positive mark on the local healthcare landscape. We carry out our projects with a good governance and efficiency, and to ensure such principles we have been working tirelessly to eventually obtain ISO certification, abiding by international standards which will ensure consistency in the quality of the results we achieve. We have already managed to step up our Design and Build tenders, which are locally being used as a benchmark of the correct application of FIDIC. Such milestones cement the element of accountability and transparency. This is
What’s next for you? I want to do more. I want to contribute more whilst at the same time further developing myself both as a woman and as a career woman.
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EMPLOYMENT DYSLEXIA
AND
This need arises not only from narratives of dyslexic adults on their experiences and challenges with employment as received by MDA, but also evidence-based research. Lack of knowledge, and at times prejudice, lead to lack of disclosure resulting in loss of jobs for issues which could have been addressed by relevant employers and the working place. There is no legal requirement to disclose a disability. However, once the employer has been informed of an employee’s dyslexia or been given a copy of an assessment report, they should have a duty to address under European
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On Thursday, 18th October 2018, the Malta Dyslexia Association (MDA), in collaboration with the Malta Employers’ Association (MEA), organized a conference titled ‘Employment and Dyslexia’. The principle aim of this conference was to address local pressing needs, namely awareness of dyslexia and its effects on careers and employment; as well as act as a catalyst for change.
laws of Equality and Opportunities for All. Local experiences leads MDA to meet so many adults who have lost their jobs due to lack of knowledge of their prolife or lack of understanding from employers. This also leads to the economy losing out on important talent and valid contribution. Reasonable adjustments are not a quick overnight process as they also need a change in attitude. The change in attitude and promotion of knowledge, and that this is announced by the workplace, will lead to more disclosure, less stress and better performance at work.
The aim of this conference was to raise awareness among educators - including PSCD Teachers, Guidance Teachers, Career Advisors & Schools’ Pastoral teams, employers, co-workers, parents and persons with dyslexia. The event built on local current needs as also perceived by MEDE and EU targets on employment, equal opportunities and careers.
(FITA) to attend. This is also due to the fact that Dyslexia is, more often than not, accompanied with other learning difficulties such as ADhD. Further, this conference addressed the implementation of the 2% law regarding employment for persons with disabilities and how this affects dyslexia, given the divergent literature and the latest neuro-diversity framework.
The MDA’s President, Ms Carmen Muscat, the MDA’s past President, Marchesa Vivien Cassar de Sain and the Honourable Dr Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sports delivered the welcome speeches. The keynote speakers were Professor Arnold Wilkins and Ms Kelly Kinsella. The conference included a morning seminar for educators and relevant professionals. Diverse themes such as, ‘Dyslexia, Further Education and Employment’, ‘Career Guidance and Counselling’ and ‘Human Resources’, were discussed during workshops sessions. The event included narratives from adults with dyslexia in gainful employment. A forum for employers was held in the afternoon and an evening seminar for the general public including parents concluded the event.
MDA is aware that a number of other voluntary associations have worked and are working very hard for persons with neuro-diverse profiles to be gainfully employed. MDA believes that, in order to be an integral part of Civil Society with the aim of developing a truly effective inclusive nation with a positive Quality of Life (QoL), it needs to acknowledge the commitment and efforts of other associations and continue to network, support and work with other organisations, as it has always done.
Relevant voluntary associations were approached. The raison d’être was that other associations may have members with dyslexia, apart from other challenges. Other voluntary associations need to be aware of current situations and experiences of profiles of dyslexia so that associations can work in synergy over this issue. For example, the Malta Personal and Social Development Association (MPSDA) were approached to deliver a workshop together with PSCD Education Officers, given that career education is part of the PSCD syllabus. MDA also invited other associations such as National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), the ADhD support group, INSPIRE, the Equal Partners Foundation and the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility
The MEUSAC core group was also invited to directly discuss with and inform the three members who represent civil society on this core group. MDA is aware that such contributions have a direct effect on the economy and general wellbeing of societies and nations. Supporting the work of voluntary organisations addresses issues of socio-economic sustainability. Voluntary organisations supporting each other will create a significant force against social exclusion and address social stratification. Further, according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) (2013) co-morbidity of profiles of Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) is more the norm than the exception, so it is crucial that different organisations work in synergy to address people as opposed to profiles. The conference was well attended and the participants commented positively. This augurs well to future inclusive work experiences for individuals with dyslexia. Carmen Azzopardi Vice Secretary – Malta Dyslexia Association
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SIGNS OF THE TIMES As modern households strive towards reaching better work-life Balance, MEP Dr Miriam Dalli believes teleworking, flexible hours and quality spaces are the future.
Time is probably one of the most written-about concepts in the history of human literature. Perhaps one of the most dauntingly realistic statements about time were penned by Dobson in his 1886 piece ‘The Paradox of Time’: ‘Time goes, you say? Ah no! Alas, Time stays, we go’.
challenges in my life is striking a balance between each of these different roles. When representing the citizens of Malta and Gozo within the European Parliament, my work is inspired by the fact that I am fully aware that most people, in some way or another, share the same challenges I face every day.
The fleeting nature of our existence makes it all the more important for us to strike a balance between the many different roles most of us take on during our lifetime. I write as a mum, a daughter, a sister, a wife, an aunt, a friend and an elected Member of the European Parliament. One of the most taxing
Over recent years, more women are part of the workforce and this is a positive change. Dual income families struggle less with dire financial worries. I am also pleased to be slowly witnessing cultural shifts, whereby domestic responsibilities are being shared. However, a new reality to take into consideration is
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the amount of time spent together, whether we are considering spouses, parents, small nuclear families or extended ones. In addition to this, we must prioritise the quality of this time spent together. These thoughts have led me to push and work in favour of measures that I believe can bring about positive change in Malta. Here today I will be focusing on three measures in particular. First, teleworking. The average person in Malta spends a considerable amount of time commuting to and from work. Teleworking is one way in which employers and companies can adopt greener practices and improve their employees’ general sense of wellbeing. Modern technology makes it possible for employees to be connected to work and its exigencies. There are two sides to this coin. Connectivity is either used to exercise further pressure on employees, making them reachable all the time, even outside office hours. On the other hand, smarter employers will take advantage of teleworking, allowing employees to spend less time travelling and more time on the actual job. It is also a show of trust in employees. I am a firm believer that if you trust your employees and offer them an environment where they feel trusted and happy they can be more productive and ensure loyalty towards a company or organisation. Time spent working remotely is not to be confused with family time or off-time, which is why I also believe in flexible hours for employees. Workers and professionals need time to disconnect from their worklife, rather than be semi-present for the execution of daily personal tasks and duties. Flexible hours
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allow employees to have a better say on when to completely disconnect and focus on other aspects in life. I strongly believe that if adopted with caution and responsibility, flexible hours can lead to empowered workers that feel in control of their personal life. This in turn, leads to increased productivity and therefore the result would be a win-win situation. As much as we need to ensure that time spent at work is productive, we also need to ensure that time spent freely is qualitative. Whilst this definitely means different things to different people, it is our responsibility as representatives of our citizens to ensure that there are enough open spaces, parks, facilities and events for families to enjoy when spending time together. This is becoming all the more pressing in Malta, where open spaces are increasingly hard to come by. I strongly support concepts such as doubling the area of the Ta’ Qali National Park to provide a vaster space for families and I believe that good management agreements between the private and the public sector are the way forward for more good-quality spaces across the Maltese islands. As a people’s representative, I consider these measures as essential as any other measure related to public health. There is a lot of research that suggests that lifestyle choices and illnesses are heightened by stress and that the same may apply vice versa; stress may actually contribute towards ill health. When conversing about the various aspects of health, including mental health, it is essential to factor in measures that allow people to enjoy two very basic factors: time and space. Coupled with this is the need to have good air quality.
THE COLOURS OF
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The past three years were a rollercoaster where I have learnt to appreciate the simple things life has to offer - good health, a loving family and a glass of red wine with friends
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We live in what many have defined to be a brand society where names constantly come to us in different ways and forms and often determine our choice of shirt, car, mobile phone or appliance. Our daily agenda is jam packed with chores which limit our time to stop and think about our routine decisions. Our choices are often determined by impact thus what attracts us in those few seconds of a TV advert, a billboard or social media. This decision process gives us less time to dedicate to the story that lies beneath every brand we come across. Despite having a very busy agenda, I have often refused to look at brands in a superficial way and I am constantly trying to discover the story behind the name that any particular brand is willing to share. During one of my wife’s routine online shopping ventures, she came across a brand which quickly piqued her curiosity and enthusiastically insisted on sharing it with me.
Gaia & Nina is in some way different to other kids’ brands. It is the story of two girls who embark on a journey across the wonderful world of fabrics. As the name will anticipate, it is an exclusively girls’ clothing brand which celebrates the joy of childhood. It captivates you the very moment you come across it with its fresh, stylish and colourful character. Moreover, every garment has a lace insert which gives it a Maltese flavour. Each image is engaging and tells a little bit of the brand through the themes, colours and features selected. The detail in every photo is amazing and every item irrespective whether it is an old Maltese door, a letter box or a simple straw hat has a role to play. Above all, every image conveys that element of timeless clothing for young girls and seeks to bring back the heritage of traditional children’s wear.
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I met Francesca Pace, Founder and Creative Director at Gaia & Nina Clothing Brand over a coffee to learn more about the story that lies behind the brand. She is smart, good looking, fashion-forward and dressed in a unique selection of colours which tend to happily coexist together. In essence, she reflects the essence of her collections. Little did I know though, that behind that colourful crust lies a story that would leave me speechless. Francesca told me, “I had a great job which gave me so much satisfaction. I worked in a fast-paced environment with teams of people relying on me for important decision-making at any time of the day (and often well into the evening!). I really could not ask for more. Work was my habitat from a very young age and I could never imagine life without work. I
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actually worked right up to the date I was due to give birth to Gaia. Right after the birth, I was at home feeling lost, lonely and confused. I was disoriented. From a tough and demanding working environment I found myself living from feed to nappy change to trying to remember nursery rhymes and surviving sleepless nights. I felt I had given up my identity as an independent woman so I couldn’t wait to get back to work.” She clarifies that she has so much respect for mums that decide to quit work and stay at home as it’s really tough. As once noted by the famous American fashion designer and entrepreneur, Kate Spade, “No one realises how hard parenthood is. I am not saying going into the office is easy. It’s not. But parenthood, as fun as it is, is not for the fainthearted.’
refer to in the future. I wanted us to have a source of memories of what we got up to on a daily basis.” Yet, Francesca notes that the Instagram project also had a survival element. “It was an escape, a distraction from what was going on in my life. It let me get creative and find something to be enthusiastic about. It totally absorbed me and kept me from dwelling on negative thoughts.” Unexpectedly though, Instagram offered a few surprises. She notes, “I quickly realised that a community existed out there of other mums keen to share experiences of motherhood and everything that comes with it.” Her project had quickly developed into a platform for other mothers to voice and share their very own stories. Moreover, her images gained an immediate following and genuine daily interaction. In no time at all she built up quite a strong following internationally. Francesca points out, “this led to me being asked to promote clothing ranges and new children’s fashion labels. Brands loved my images and contacted me. I spend a lot of time when at home and travelling, thinking about backgrounds and colours for my photographs. Any visitors to my blog will see a large range of children’s clothes suitable for all occasions and seasons, brought to my feed from all over the world.”
“After the birth of my second daughter I realised it was impossible for me to juggle two babies and the ultra-demanding full time job I had which led me to consciously step back for a while.” She admits, it was not an easy decision and the feeling of being at home watching baby TV shows and kids programmes was not something she could get used to, so to keep sane and to get motherly support from others in her situation she decided to start an Instagram account about kids fashion and the adventures of new motherhood and that was the birth of Gaia and Nina Blog. After some time at home with the kids she began to question what direction her life was going to take when like a shot from the blue she was given news which would determine her course of action. Francesca had a cancer scare. Her eyes glow and with a broken voice notes, “It developed into an extremely serious matter. It was tough. The news was followed by a crescendo of events. It was a time that involved many operations, checkups yet without any clear answers. It was a time of fear, doubts and unanswered questions on my future. I could not plan ahead and for a couple of years every day looked like a lifetime.” She found refuge in Instagram. “I found myself photographing the girls and creating flat lays of the girls’ clothes and new outfits and posted these on Instagram. Instagram developed into a photo diary for my children to
I ask her what breath of fresh air does Gaia & Nina offer to the market to which she promptly notes, “I spotted a gap in the market for local, high-quality children’s clothing with a traditional and timeless design. I wanted to create something different. My goal was to develop a girls’ brand which reflects what childhood should be. Indeed, my collections spell out colour combined with a pinch of fun, a spoonful of freshness and a good dose of unpredictability. The brand seeks to ensure that children look like children.” She adds “I wanted to create something pure, genuine and full of life, just like my girls, that would allow me dress them with love while expressing their individuality. It is incredibly important to me what fabrics I put on my children and that the clothes
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are breathable and comfortable.” Francesca points out that all clothes are made from the finest, softest fabrics, made of pure natural fibres, hand sewn at a boutique atelier by talented hands who put their care and expertise on each piece, to ensure that kids can play and move freely in them. “I started lessons in both design and fabrics by the multi-talented Maltese designer Carla Grima who took me under her wing and selflessly taught me the tools I needed to turn Gaia
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& Nina into a high-quality clothing brand. Her help was immeasurable.” When it came to naming the items, Francesca focused on Malta and the Mediterranean, and her travel inspirations. Malta is a big inspiration for her. “I included an element of lace reminiscent of Maltese lace.” Above all though, her collections insist on the principle that ‘clothes are timeless’. “I wanted to
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Maltese fashion industry is changing. “Since I started this brand I realised that Maltese people are really supportive of Maltese designers and would rather buy local if a good quality option is available.” I ask Francesca what encouraged her to use social media as her main selling platform. She stops for a while and after a brief pause of reflection notes, “It is ironic that despite being busy juggling endless daily chores we find so much time to browse through social media platforms. Social media has developed into our daily companion, our window to the outside world and our short break from our duties. It is by no coincidence that I felt social media offered the best platform for my work.” She adds, “Indeed, the response was exceptional and has proven me right!” create something that in the future, my daughters may hand down to their daughters.” She insists to note that “I design all the clothing, I sketch out designs, pick the fabrics, play with lace and colour combinations and discuss options with the atelier. It’s a time consuming process so when people buy a Gaia & Nina item, they buy into a story that has been created with love.” It is clear that colour plays a key role in her design which encourages me to ask her what colours mean to her. Her bright blue eyes glow and after a short pause, she notes that “colours make people happy.” She loves exploring colour combinations. “My collections do not include just one-colour items, but many reversible clothes and various colour combinations. Yellow is paired up with terra-cotta and aubergine with coral.” To my surprise though she notes that ironically her favourite colour is white! I ask what are her views on local taste in kids’ fashion to which she points out that Maltese people have always been brand conscious, and feels that we are increasingly becoming more aware of the quality of the fabric that we put on our kids. She believes that many people are still inevitably drawn towards disposable fashion - buying an outfit just for a specific occasion and not wearing it again. However the
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Inevitably we discuss how her husband, Sharlon features in this scenario. She smiles and quickly points out, “He is such an incredible businessman. Numbers work out logically in his mind and he does not get easily stressed. He is a great reference for the logistics side of the business whereas I am more at ease with the creative and marketing side. So we often pick each other’s brains and help each other out.” It is time for me to conclude my interview yet feel I cannot call it a day before I ask Francesca a final question about the future. With a smile she notes, “The past three years were a rollercoaster where I have learnt to appreciate the simple things life has to offer - good health, a loving family and a glass of red wine with friends. It’s been nearly a year since I received my positive health results. Since then I was able to look to the future with confidence and determination to create something meaningful for my girls. I look forward to enjoying my family and to expanding further the Gaia & Nina brand. I’d love to develop the concept to mummy and me, keeping to the feminine side. Among the countries that my brand has reached are Australia, USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand and Italy and I would like it to spread even further.” In conclusion she adds “this brand is my legacy to Gaia and Nina.”
t s iF r The
e t i B Interview with DR
SAMUEL AQUILINA
Some schools of thought claim that a child’s palate can be formed even before birth. To what extent do you agree with such statement? Some research points towards a role for genetics and the mother’s diet during pregnancy in the development of a child’s taste pattern. This forms part of a range of early life influences that will determine to some extent a child’s food preferences, tendency for weight gain and the risk for obesity during his or her life course. As more research is carried out, we are learning more and more about the important relation between nutrition and the first few years of life starting from the environment in the womb, to breastfeeding and on to family influences and feeding practices.
How crucial it is for parents to introduce new flavours to children during the flavour window? Some food writers talk about a “flavour window” between 4 to 7 months as the best time to introduce certain new tastes like vegetables and fruits. This is an interesting concept and is based on the knowledge that early exposure to certain tastes will determine their acceptance later on in life. Taste develops and changes throughout our life’s months and years. Even as adults, we are constantly trying out new things and learning to like some of our previous dislikes. Flavour development is a complicated interaction of genetics and early life experiences. The main message is not to give up and keep on helping our children discover new
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tastes and textures, especially when they show a willingness to do so.
baby food - your baby will love the natural flavour of foods.
What are your views on cooking own baby food? Once your baby is ready to be introduced to solid foods, the freshest ingredients are always the best choice. Pre-packaged meals should be left for emergencies or for that long trip. Cooking your own baby food is easier and cheaper than many think. You can steam, boil, or even bake food then pureeing it really well to remove any solid pieces. Change in texture can start from 8 to 9 months of age as advised by your paediatrician. Avoid additives such as salt, oil or sugar when cooking
Why is it so important for parents to control portions and know what their child’s stomach can handle? Many parents feel that they are not feeding their children enough but learning how to control plate portion sizes has a direct effect on the chance of developing obesity and its complications later in life. There are several online websites that show pictures of correct portion sizes depending on age group. Some children though keep on insisting on wanting more. My usual advice is to provide more of the healthy part of the meal and limit rigidly the unhealthy bit.
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Firset The
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What is too little or too much? While a quick online search will provide several tables and pictures showing the ideal portion sizes, the easiest advice to follow is to provide your child with a choice of healthy options. Children should then be left to regulate how much they eat through learning how to respond to their appetite. Children will pass through different phases of not eating at all to having a huge appetite. As parents, our job is to be there for them through this food journey, providing a healthy food environment and building on positive food experiences.
or not. Eating together as a family is important. Even if a child doesn’t eat, he or she will be looking at and learning from the actions of the other members around the table. Keep dinner talks fun and friendly and encourage children to participate in the conversation. This will strengthen the family bond as well.
What are the latest guidelines on food allergens? Commonly used allergy guidelines have recently experienced a shift, with the very latest recommendations being that there was no increase in risk of allergy from early introduction of allergenic foods. Moreover, now it is thought that the deliberate exclusion or delayed introduction of specific allergenic foods may increase the risk of allergy to the same foods (e.g. peanuts, eggs) Should parents go by an authoritarian or indulgent approach during feeding time? Feeding time should be a positive experience for the child. It is important to realise that children need time to learn to accept and appreciate new foods. Studies claim that up to 20 attempts are sometimes needed. It is important to be patient and not pressure your child to eat a particular food, familiar
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Some experts believe that spoonfeeding babies pureed food is unnatural, unnecessary and could cause health problems later in life. What are your thoughts? The concept of babyled weaning has been gaining popularity with parents and researchers. While it seems that most infants are developmentally appropriate to handle whole soft foods, research is still ongoing regarding the nutritional balance of such a diet. It also seems that this type of weaning is not suitable for all types of families. The main focus of infant feeding should continue to be responsive feeding, in particular: responding to infant hunger and satiety cues, and experimenting with different food combinations, tastes and textures. How do parents know when to start feeding their baby solids, and which foods should they start with? This decision is an important developmental milestone and usually occurs when the child is between 4 to 6 months of age. Your paediatrician will help you in choosing the right foods.
ADDRESSING
DIABETES DR MIGUEL DEBONO MD MRCP PhD graduated at the University of Malta and moved to the United Kingdom to specialise in Diabetes and Endocrinology. On moving there he achieved a post in the newly advertised highly competitive National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Academic Clinical Fellowship post offering him the opportunity to train both in clinical care and to carry out academic work including research and education. He then completed a PhD after achieving further NIHR funding grants from the Society for Endocrinology in the UK and the European Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society, USA. This allowed him to become a world expert in cortisol, a major stress and metabolic hormone essential for life. He has presented in multiple international and national conferences and published in
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top endocrinology journals. He achieved further experience working at the National Institutes of Health USA and now is a Consultant in Endocrinology and Senior Lecturer at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and the University of Sheffield. Sheffield Teaching Hospitals is one of the UK’s largest NHS Foundation Trusts and one of the largest and busiest teaching hospitals.With almost 29,000 of the brightest students from over 140 countries, learning alongside over 1,200 of the best academics from across the globe, the University of Sheffield is one of the world’s leading universities. A member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group of leading research-led institutions, Sheffield offers world-class teaching and research excellence across a wide range of disciplines. The Endocrinology Centre in Sheffield is a Centre of Excellence for Neuroendocrine Tumours, a member of the European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours and a top European Stereotactic Radiosurgery Centre receiving referrals from UK centres and from abroad. Top world experts in endocrinology run the Department including Professor Richard Ross, a pioneering researcher in endocrine drug development especially hydrocortisone and growth hormone and Professor John Newell Price highly respected for his expertise in neuroendocrine tumours and Cushing’s syndrome, a condition resulting in excess cortisol production. Sheffield also provides world expertise in Diabetes care and houses the best Metabolic Bone Centre in the UK.
Malta is one of the countries with the highest rates of diabetic persons, what can be done in order to reverse this negative trend ? Diabetes is a fatal disease affecting around 415 million worldwide. Diabetes increases one’s risk for cardiovascular disease, this resulting in higher heart-related mortality rates and strokes. In addition it is a major contributor to a poor health related quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality in the population. Prediabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose, is a recognised state that precedes Type 2 diabetes affecting around 25% of adults older than 20 years. Around 11% of patients with prediabetes each year develop diabetes providing us with a window of opportunity to intervene before patients develop the disease. Intensive lifestyle change resulting in significant weight loss and an increase in physical exercise to around 150 minutes every week can reduce the incidence of diabetes in patients with prediabetes by around 58%. Irrespective of this knowledge the prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing and it is estimated that within the next ten years this may increase significantly and it is expected that by 2040 . This highlights important inadequacies in the management of patients with prediabetes.
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One of the major factors associated with prediabetes and diabetes is obesity/overweight. Malta and the UK are two countries in the EU with the highest prevalence of overweight and obese individuals. Furthermore, 10% of the population in Malta suffers from diabetes and in the elderly this is higher than average rates in the EU and the World. The prevalence of diabetes is bound to increase with an ageing population and increasing obesity and therefore therapeutic strategies to identify novel cost-effective prevention techniques to improve patient monitoring, and to provide intensive lifestyle changes, resulting in a reduction in the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in the short to medium term in this high risk group is essential. Education is essential at all stages of life at schools through media and via national educational programmes to reduce the incidence in diabetes. More exposure to diabetes specialists and their multidisciplinary teams including podiatrists, dieticians and diabetes specialist centres in health centres will make it simpler to reach a larger number of individuals over a shorter period. You have recently won a prestigious grant/award for your research. How does this serve as a catalyst for you to continue your work?
I have achieved a highly prestigious NIHR grant to demonstrate that one can make an earlier diagnosis of a condition called adrenal insufficiency, that is the inability of the body to produce cortisol, by measuring cortisol in saliva at home as opposed to having to travel to hospital to carry out a conventional complex test where patients get a blood test then an injection followed by another blood test thirty minutes after. The test will benefit patients and is calculated to save the NHS 10 million pounds every year. Patients on long term steroids such as patients suffering from asthma or rheumatoid arthritis and patients with adrenal or pituitary gland disorders resulting in lack of cortisol production could benefit from the test. 3% of the population are on steroids and up to 30% of these patients are known to not produce sufficient amounts of cortisol. The award of around a quarter of a million pounds will enable him to carry out the research and continue to establish international collaborations with worldwide major centres specialising in steroids. The test if shown to be an effective and useful test should be rolled out onto the NHS within three years and should benefit all patients in the UK. The study should serve as a strong foundation to continue research in patients with steroid related disorders in the future. Were there times that results disheartened you? How difficult is it to get your message through? Research is hard and extreme resistance and stamina is needed. The process to set up a study, carry out a good quality project and then analyse and publish results is a very long process and one encounters many problems. All stages of the study are scrutinised thoroughly and one is accountable for each procedure. Throughout my years carrying out research we have had moments when results were not as expected and initially you are disappointed but immediately after you are already trying to figure out what went wrong and assess whether you are able to modify things and repeat the study. Importantly for the individual carrying out a research project is that he is working in a team and all burdens fall on different members of the team which is always very helpful. On the other hand positive outcomes are highly satisfying and gives you the urge to think of your other projects and without knowing it you are already writing up the new protocol. The message from research studies when presented as oral or poster presentations or on publications do get criticised. Criticisms are usually constructive and although sometimes this may create sensitivity one tries to use the com-
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ments from reviewers and audiences to try and improve one’s presentation. We often hear of the importance of living a healthy life to reduce Type 2 diabetes, how, in practice can we adopt a healthy lifestyle? How important is the healthy eating/exercise balance? Reducing ones risk of Type 2 diabetes entails following a healthy balanced diet. Food choices and eating habits are crucial. One should eat regular meals trying to space out breakfast, lunch and supper as much as possible to help control appetite better. Ideally one should take starchy carbohydrates that is low glycaemic index foods that are absorbed slowly and in limited amounts. Examples of these types of foods are pasta, easy cook or basmati rice, grainy breads, potatoes and oats. To cut down weight which is essential to try and reduce risk for Type 2 diabetes one should cut down on fats especially saturated fats such as margarine, butter and cheese. Unsaturated fats such as olive oil or rapeseed oil are better. Fish and lean meats are better than fatty meats and one should always opt for low fat dairies such as skimmed milk or low fat yoghurt and cheeses. Grilling, steaming and oven baking is preferable to frying or cooking with oils. It is recommended to eat more fruit and vegetables and more beans and lentils do help. One could try taking at least two portions of fish per week, definitely limit sugar and sugary drinks and reduce salt in diet. Ideally, flavour food with herbs and spices instead of salt. Alcohol should be drunk in moderation and most importantly the portion size should be small with most of the plate filled with vegetables or salad. Exercise is very important. Any extra activity in the day is a bonus and in general it is recommended to be active at least 30 minutes for 5 days in a week. Children should be active for an hour a day and it is recommended that we carry out 10000 steps a day. Activity includes brisk walking, shopping, gardening, housework, dancing and active sports. By integrating exercise and following a good diet with an aim to reduce weight makes an impact on diabetes prevention and control and are both crucial to a health lifestyle. Do you think that younger generations are more conscious about the risks that smoking and over eating cause to our health? Smoking prevention has been focusing on children and young adults over recent years and in some countries there has been a significant drop in the number of young adults who smoke which is definitely a positive
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thing. Children whose parents or siblings smoke are more likely to smoke as adults and therefore a number of regulations could help reduce smoking. Measures include banning of smoking in car when children are present, banning selling e-cigarettes to children and adults prohibited from buying children cigarettes. High tobacco prices, smoke free laws. Regulation of advertising and sale of cigarettes prohibition to young adults all help younger generations be more conscious and smoke less. Education at schools and on the media demonstrating the ill effects of smoking on health raises awareness further. Obesity in adolescents is still increasing. This puts our younger generations at risk of cardiometabolic disease. Irrespective of number of measures to help to raise awareness to reduce ovvereating such as stating obesity is an illness, health promoting school environments, educational programs at school, day care centers and the media, improving physical activity and reducing advertising for junk food the problem still continues to increase. Competition, long working hours, jobs with prolonged sedentary periods, continuous use of internet and electronic devices resulting in more sedentary lifestyles and relatively overeating making it hard to follow a healthy lifestyle. What is the next step in your career? What keeps you motivated? My intentions are to expand the research department in Sheffield and increase collaborations with other local departments and different centres in the world. I am leading on improving the service quality in Sheffield to achieve nationally set dashboards in different areas of endocrinology. One of my prime objectives when moving to the UK has been to try and set up a link between Malta and Sheffield for Maltese trainees in diabetes and endocrinology to have the opportunity to train for a year or two abroad and discussions are underway in that regard and would be a huge achievement for myself. I contribute a lot of my achievements to the basic training I got in Malta and I do feel that I owe my native country something back. In Malta we get excellent training where we are able to compete anywhere in the world and that is a huge satisfaction. These ambitions do keep me motivated but the presence of my lovely family, my wife Dr Marvic Debarro and my children Mariyah and Freya upon returning home after work, the great feeling I get from their welcoming comments give me the strength to move on.
ENJOY A HAPPY HEALTHY SUMMER!
Summer also means plenty of sun. It is important to take steps to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays by avoiding the peak hours of the sun, that is between 11am and 4pm. A sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) is recommended and needs to be applied every two hours even on cloudy days, as well as after swimming or sweating. Protection of the eyes with sunglasses that block UV rays is also advisable as well as protecting the skin by wearing light loose fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Drinking plenty of unsweetened beverages preferably water is important to avoid dehydration and one should not wait until thirsty, but drink regularly throughout the day. During the summer months, it is recommended to drink about 2 or more litres of water per day to meet our needs especially if a person is physically active in hot sunny days. Avoid beverages with alcohol content and caffeine More meals, snacks and barbecue foods are eaten with family and friends. Choosing brightcoloured vegetables and fruits in season such
SUMMER BRINGS ALONG LONGER DAYS, BEACHES, BARBECUES, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS VILLAGE FEASTS, RELAXING EVENING WALKS AND GENERALLY MORE TIME IS SPENT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. LIFE LIFE
as melons, watermelons, grapes, aubergines, tomatoes, cucumbers and coloured peppers; add flavour and colour to plates whilst boosting nutrition and hydration. Red and orange coloured fruits and vegetables contain lycopene and other phytochemicals that help to protect the skin. The best way to consume fruits and vegetables is as a ‘whole’ or as ‘pieces’ not as a ‘smoothie’ or a ‘juice’. Peeling edible skin or juicing fruits and vegetables elevates blood sugar more quickly as they have been robbed of their dietary fibre. Dietary fibre helps to slow down the absorption of sugar. Hot temperatures can easily spoil foods so food safety measures must be taken. These include: good personal hygiene, proper cleansing of utensils, food containers and work surfaces before handling food. Separating raw from cooked food, cooking food well and storing food in appropriate temperatures or discarding it, if food has been sitting out for more than 2 hours, are all important to prevent food poisoning. Everyone loves the taste of barbecued food. It
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can be made safer and healthier by choosing lean meat, poultry or fish instead of high fat meats and processed meats such as sausages and shop bought burgers. In addition, marinating meats, poultry or fish before cooking is crucial, as marinades can act as a barrier against the formation of harmful chemicals whilst adding taste to food. Drippings must be avoided by removing extra marinade to avoid smoke and flare ups. Grilling is best done on low heat as opposed to an open flame whereas charred food must never be consumed to enjoy safe healthy food. Regular exercise is part of healthy living. In summer it is best to exercise in the early hours of the morning or late hours of the evening to avoid overheating in hot weather. Enjoying a swim is a well-loved family activity and it helps to meet our needs for physical activity whilst maintaining a cool body temperature. This should be done during the cooler times of the day. Making our utmost to stay healthy will contribute to our happiness to enjoy our summer months.
FOLLOWING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IT IS A KNOWN FACT THAT REGULAR SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND LOWERS THE RISK OF DEVELOPING SEVERAL DISEASES. IT IS ALSO A KNOWN FACT THAT SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN HAVE IMMEDIATE AND LONGTERM EFFECTS OF THE QUALITY OF EVERYONE’S LIFE. HAVING RECOGNIZED ALL THIS, IT IS ALSO A KNOWN FACT THAT THE PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION THAT DO REGULAR SPORT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES IN MANY COUNTRIES INCLUDING MALTA IS A MINORITY.
A report, unveiled by Commissioner Tibor Navracsics in Sofia early last year during the annual EU Sport Forum, shows that levels of participation have not changed substantially since the previous Eurobarometer survey in 2014. In fact, the proportion of those who say they never exercise or play sport has slightly increased from 42% to 46% Europe-wide, and this is a continuation of a gradual trend since 2009. This Eurobarometer survey was carried out for the European Commission by Kantar Public in the 28 Member States in December 2017. Around 28,000 respondents from different social and population groups took part in the poll. The survey follows comparable surveys conducted in 2002, 2009 and 2013, and will contribute to providing data to support the development of policies to promote sport and physical activity. Six countries that have seen an improvement where more citizens say they exercise or plays sport were Belgium, Luxembourg, Finland, Cyprus, Bulgaria and Malta. This is good news for SportMalta, the national entity for Sport and physical activity, which is seeing its efforts, paying dividends. In Malta 56% of the population, do not exercise or do any sport and thus there is still a long way to go for policy makers and sport administrators in this field for the numbers to increase. One might ask, are there enough initiatives in
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This foundation programme covers the development of movement and literacy. The programme SportSTART focuses to introduce the different sports to children between the ages of 7 and 10. The key role in this programme is to introduce children to a wide range of activities so that they are sufficiently proficient and knowledgeable to have the confidence and competence to make the choice to take up a sport. Our programmes also ensure to bridge the gap between the fundamentals and the specific sport. The Adult Programme is designed to encourage parents, especially, but also the general public to take up an activity at least once a week. Our programme is flexible enough to embrace all abilities, from the very beginner to the most veteran and trained athlete.
CUTAJAR
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF SPORTMALTA
our islands to engage society into physical activity? In its mission SportMalta has the target to promote and develop sport and thus reaching a more health and inclusive Malta. A number of initiatives are being implemented to outreach the minorities thus increasing numbers. Move 360 is a programme aimed at children within the primary sector. A holistic approach has been adopted to reach out to children who may come from poor socio economic backgrounds. The programme focuses on inclusion, nutrition, physical activity and academic achievement. Children with different abilities and with special needs can join the programme, which over a short period of time is reaching its targets. #OnTheMove offers a dynamic programme in over 50 different sports in over 16 localities in Malta and Gozo. The programme is open from babies of 6 months up through adulthood to senior citizens. The popular programme Parent and child is open to young children from 6 months up to 3 years. This programme invites parents to join the session and learn ways how to keep young children motivated and engaged in physical activity. From 4 years up to 6 years, children can join SportsFUN or gymnastics where special focus on body awareness and the fundamentals are the objective of these sessions.
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Moreover every year from 23 to 30 September, millions of sports professionals, enthusiasts, experts and associations from across Europe and beyond come together to take part in one of the biggest sport initiatives in the world: the European Week of Sport. Led by the European Commission and co-organised by national coordinators and sport partners all over Europe, the week promotes an active lifestyle through a variety of celebrations and events. In 2019, the 5th-annual European Week of Sport will be the biggest ever, with events supported by 47 partner associations in 41 countries. The week is for everyone – regardless of age, background or fitness level – and helps individuals, public authorities, the sport movement, civil society organisations and the private sector collaborate in the field of sport. Malta through SportMalta participates very actively in this event. This year’s programme which will be launched in the coming weeks will give the opportunity to various sectors of society to do a sport or engage in physical activity. There will be activities involving Ministries, local councils, voluntary organisations, registered associations and many others. True enjoyment progresses from the activity of the mind and the exercise of the body according to literature. The ball now is in our court. Let’s Be Active!!!.
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SUMMER IS HERE! THE SUN IS SHINING ALL DAY LONG, SCHOOL IS OUT AND POOL DAYS AND BBQS BECOME THE NORM. BUT IF YOU’RE WARY ABOUT FALLING OFF THE HEALTHYEATING BANDWAGON, HELP IS AT HAND. FROM WHAT TO PUT ON YOUR PLATE TO
HEALTHY EATING
IN SUMMER • LOAD UP ON THOSE SUMMER FRUIT AND VEGETABLES In Malta, we’re so lucky to have an abundance of seasonal summer fruit and vegetables, that are deliciously tasty and brimming with nutrients. Think beans, peas, sweetcorn, peaches, plums and melons. During summer it’s more important than ever to stay hydrated, it keeps your memory sharp and your mood stable. It also helps keep your body cool (by sweating) during hot summer months. The good news is, that fresh fruit and veg also contributes to your daily fluid intake. Not only does watermelon deliver skin-protecting lycopene, it is 92 percent water (hence the name). • SNACK WISELY In summer, it is so easy to grab an ice cream, store bought juice or packet of crisps. But there are plenty of healthy DIY alternatives that are just as exciting! As well as plenty of fresh fruit (fruit kebabs anyone?), hummus or bigilla dip with carrot sticks, popcorn, homemade ice lollies and smoothies are all smarter snacking choices. • ‘QUALITY’ BBQ FOOD CHOICES We all fall into the trap of eating too many sausages and burgers while at a BBQ, which taste good, but many a
LIFE
DIY SNACKS, HERE ARE SOME FOOL PROOF TIPS ON HOW YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN CAN HAVE A HAPPY – AND HEALTHY SUMMER:
time end up being processed meats that are high in fat and bad cholesterol. Far better is including white meat like marinated chicken and turkey or going for leaner cuts of meat. Swap shop bought burgers by making your own healthy burgers. Use spices, herbs or citrus to marinate rather than using salt. Last but not least, avoid blackening food over open flames. • THINK ABOUT THOSE ‘EXTRAS’ It’s easy to think you’re eating ‘healthily’ when your plate is loaded with delicious salads and vegetables, but think about your sauces and dressings, too. ‘Often salad dressings are full of fat, sugar and calories - sometimes more than the salad itself. Opt to dress your foods with anti-inflammatory rich olive oil, lemon, vinegar or mustard instead. Furthermore, studies indicate that overeating tends to happen in social situations when we’re distracted. Keep an eye on how much you are eating exactly. Fill up one plate with ‘good’ options and don’t go back for second helpings. Below are some child-friendly recipes that can be enjoyed at home, the beach or a BBQ:
GRILLED CHICKEN AND VEG SKEWERS
(MAKES 4 PORTIONS)
INGREDIENTS
METHOD:
▶ 400g chicken breast, cubed ▶ 1 large onion, diced
▶ Soak 8 wooden skewers in water. Using sharp kitchen scissors, chop the chicken into small pieces. Pop into a plastic box with a lid. Marinate the chicken using the seasonings, lemon juice and olive oil. Put in the fridge for 15 minutes with the lid on. Deseed and chop the veg into similar-sized pieces to those of the chicken.
▶ 2 red bell peppers, diced ▶ 2 courgettes, sliced ▶ ½ tsp garlic powder ▶ 1 tsp smoked paprika
▶ 1 tsp mixed herbs ▶ ½ tsp chili powder (optional) ▶ 1 tbsp lemon juice ▶ 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
▶ Salt and pepper, to flavour
▶ Heat a griddle pan or grill to high while you get the chicken out. Thread the chicken onto the skewers, alternating every few bits of chicken with the veggies. Cook for 15 minutes, turning halfway. ▶ While the skewers are cooking, make a side salad. Serve altogether.
LIFE
HOMEMADE
YOGHURT BERRY LOLLIES (MAKES 4 PORTIONS)
INGREDIENTS
METHOD:
▶ 250ml plain yoghurt or Greek yoghurt ▶ Mixed berries, fresh or frozen ▶ 1 tbsp honey
▶ In a bowl, mix the yoghurt, berries or any desired fruit of choice and honey. ▶ Place the mixture into lolly moulds and place the stick in. Freeze for at least 2 - 3 hours and serve.
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MINISTRY FOR HEALTH