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HAJJ H 1429, DECEMBER 2008 HEALTH GUIDELINES
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By Dr. Abdulla Moopan


"LABAYK ALLAHUMMA LABAYK
LABAYK LA SHAREEKA LAKA LABAYK
INNAL HAMDA WANNI’MATHA LAKA WAL MULK,
LA SHAREEKA LAK"

“Here I am at your service, Oh Lord, here I am- here I am. No partner do you have, here I am. Truly, the praise and the favor are yours, and the dominion, No partner do you have.”

This is Talbiyah, recited by Pilgrims, more than 2 millions from across the world reaffirming their faith and declaring the spirit of Hajj. Whoever decides to perform Hajj should refrain from foul talk, transgression and quarrelling during Pilgrimage
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is compulsory once in the life time of every able bodied and sane Muslim if he or she can afford the expenses. Performance of Hajj is mentally and physically demanding, even if you are fit and therefore needs some amount of preparations before undertaking the trip. As a life time ambition and a religious duty, efforts made to make the Pilgrimage a success should have our priority.

Mental Preparation
The coordinated efforts of the various departments within the Government of Saudi Arabia ably complimented by the respective consulate in Jeddah shall do every arrangement to ensure the coming Hajj an unforgettable pleasant experience for the Pilgrims coming from India. Private tour operators would make necessary arrangements for comfort of the pilgrims opting for their services. It is hoped that these entities will address all the needs of the Pilgrims and therefore a Pilgrim should be confident and assume and feel in the following way.

  1. That I shall be guided by friendly people if at all I encounter any difficulty

  2. I understand that the Saudi Government agencies and Consul General of India in Jeddah would have made necessary arrangements to make my stay comfortable and peaceful.

  3. I can resort to the help of volunteers and guides to overcome my limitations in communication.

  4. In case I am separated from my relatives and friends or group, I would receive help to return to them eventually.

  5. There will be medical facilities to take care of me, in case I fall ill.

  6. There will not be any shortage of food, no need to be fussy about it.

  7. I know there will be overcrowding and I can bear the discomfort due to the same as the crowd itself consist of friendly people

  8. I shall show tolerance to others and will be able to adapt myself to the requirements of Pilgrimage.

  9. Physical preparation and health tips

  10. Arrange for a detailed Medical Check up. Inform the physician that you are performing Hajj this year and I want to be medically fit before undertaking the trip.

  11. It is mandatory to be inoculated with quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACWY vaccine) which protects against four different strains of meningitis. Carry the vaccination certificate.

  12. If you are suffering from any chronic conditions like Diabetes, Hypertension (high Blood Pressure), Heart disorders, bronchial Asthma etc, request the doctor to write the name of the disease on the top of the prescription in capital letters

  13. Similarly request the doctor to write the generic name of the medicines rather than the trade names. This shall save time for the doctor whom you may consult in Saudi Arabia.

  14. In case of such chronic conditions, carry sufficient quantity of medicines. Those who are taking regular medications like the ones suffering from Diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, asthma etc should have at least 3 days stock in their hand bag. Remember your journey time includes the waiting period which could be pretty long.

  15. You may also carry the latest lab report, ECG report if taken and report of any other investigation that is being carried out. (eg; Urine and blood reports).

  16. If you are prescribed any sedatives or tranquilizers you need to be extra careful. Request the physician to mention the quantity in the prescription. Keep a copy of the prescription along with such medicines. This will avoid frantic search for the prescription in case the authorities ask for it at the airport.

  17. Along with prescribed medicines carry few tablets for aches and pains that will of use for minor problems. Also carry few pieces of band aid. These measures shall help to avoid unnecessary visit health centers which are often crowded.

  18. Hajj involves lot of walking, so be prepared for it. Please start practice walking if you are not in the habit of doing so. This will tone up your system. Start with 15 minutes of leisurely walk and gradually increase to 45 minutes walk over a period of 2 weeks and then continue daily. Make it a habit even after Hajj.

  19. Flatulence could be a disturbing feature. Discuss this with your doctor. He may suggest some changes in diet and recommend medicines. Walking also helps.
    20. Ladies with irregular periods and related problems should get proper counseling from a gynecologist/lady doctor.

  20. Carry well fitting nice footwear, preferably the one you generally use while walking. Ensure that it is in good shape to last the whole period of Hajj. Foot care is important and it starts with selection of the right footwear. Worth carrying an additional pair.

  21. Carry an additional pair of spectacles if you are in the habit of using one regularly. You may loose one while performing the rituals in a crowd. You should not try to retrieve for lost spectacles or such items in a crowd as you are likely to fall and be subjected to severe injuries.

  22. Travel light as far as possible.

  23. This years Hajj is in December (Arafa day on 7th December as per the Gregorian calendar). The climate will generally be friendly during this period, may need warm cloths and light blanket for Mina and Madina. Many Pilgrims will be coming from early November when days could be quite warm in Makkah, umbrella could be of help.

  24. Every pilgrim should drink enough water and eat according to individual needs. Over eating is not recommended, moderation is better. Kingdom in general and Makkah and Madina in particular are blessed with food items that may satisfy any visitor. Generally go for food that is warm or properly covered. Wash fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw, avoid salad served unhygienecally.

  25. The general standard of hygiene in all the holy cities is good; you shall contribute to improve it further. Remain clean and help the authorities to maintain the high standard of cleanliness.

  26. To avoid frustrations start early for prayers, do not hurry. Remaining peaceful is the hallmark of good health.

  27. All those whose general health is compromised either due to one of the illness mentioned above or due to old age should conserve their energy for the Hajj proper. You need to be healthy and energetic from 7th to 13th Dul Hajj. Initial enthusiasm to perform more “Ibadat” is understandable and to be appreciated but it should not prevent one from performing Hajj.

  28.  Sore throat, sneezing, running from the nose, coughing due to Upper respiratory infection is very common. Everyone should follow some social etiquette like covering the mouth and nostrils while sneezing or coughing and not littering used tissues. You do not like to get an infection from another person, like wise you should be careful not to transmit infection to others.

  29. Senior citizens, children and those who are suffering from chronic disorders are especially susceptible for complications following such illnesses and therefore resort to medical advice at the earliest.

  30. Identify and locate a nearby medical establishment close to your location. This will save time if you need one later.
    32. Have a plan to find each other in you get separated from your friends, family members or group. Exchange Telephone numbers.

Conclusion
Make this years Hajj a pleasant experience. Remember it is the largest international gathering and is a great challenge for the authorities in this country to provide you all required facilities. Please keep this in mind and cooperate with the authorities. Always maintain your composure and be thankful to all those who serve you to perform Hajj. The good manners shown by you evoke similar repose from others thus generating a chain reaction of good behaviour, all because of the initial nice gesture from your side. Lastly if you have to purchase gifts and personnel effects, you are welcome to do so, before doing so consider the weight and volume of articles and the likely extra charges you may have to pay on your return journey.
Hajj Maqbool, InshaAllah!

Dr. Abdulla Moopan
General Director - Al Abeer Medical group
21.08.2008
 

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