Al- Anon Family group meetings: Help for the Alcoholic’s Families worldwide.

 

http://al-anonoman.org/

Alcoholism like any other addiction is a vicious disease where it affects not only the drinker but the family & loved ones around them changing their lives for years or even for generations if no help reaches them. Still, it being a taboo subject, people hesitate to reach out , talk about it or even admit there is a problem. In the recent months more articles have been published in Oman's leading news papers on front pages bringing to people's notice that Alcoholism or compulsive drinking problems do exist in this region. Even the government / ministry officials have expressed the need to focus on the issue & make help available to the family so that they can get assistance to recovery, 'AA' (Alcoholics Anonymous ) is the group where the "problem drinker" can seek help for themselves all across the world. But what about family members, friends or loved ones who have been living with the effects of alcoholism?? 

This is where ' Al-Anon family support group' or simply put 'Al-Anon' comes in to offer help in a standard & appropriate format all across the world in several countries and cities. Al-Anon is a "worldwide fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics, whether or not the alcoholic recognizes the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help. This is the place where members seeking help or family / friend of the drinker meet 'anonymously' without feeling judged or ashamed and learn how to get the required self-help following Twelve-step program & Al-anon literature. And now such a Al-anon family support group is initiated in more organised manner in Muscat, Oman as well. where can they reach out and look for strength, help & guidance for themselves as they need to get themselves a positive help & with the proper understanding on how they can improve their family situation, no matter how difficult it seems to them at a given time.

 The following are few questions may help you to decide whether Al-Anon is for you:

• Do you have a parent, close friend or relative whose drinking upsets you or has been affecting your family dynamics?
• Do you tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking or for what’s happening in your home?
• Does it seem like every holiday/ family occasion is spoiled because of someone's drinking?
• Do you cover up your real feelings by pretending you don’t care? Are you afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout?
• Do you believe no one could possibly understand how you feel? Do you have money problems because of some else’s drinking?

Many who come to Al-Anon are in despair, feeling hopeless, unable to believe that things can ever change. We want our lives to be different, but nothing we have done has brought about change. We all come to Al-Anon because we want and need help. In Al-Anon members share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. We come together to learn a better way of life, to find happiness whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not. The Al-anon groups are self-supporting , self-help groups which are based on 'TWELVE STEP PROGRAM', there are no fees or dues to attend the group meetings as its free. The focus is on helping ourselves and each other through studying about twelve steps, reading through globally available al-anon literature/ books in the meetings. Its a independent, non- profit, no-revenue generating  support group which is non- religious or non- political . We need to carry message of hope in the community, by Informing people of the existence and availability of Al-Anon as a resource for families of alcoholics.

For more information about Al-Anon Family groups in Muscat & to reach out for meetings/ help one can log on to the website for Oman at www.al-anonoman.org or one can call/text the helpline number mentioned on the website,

~ Written in public service by Anonymous members of Al-Anon Family group Muscat.

Muscatwhere.com - the Brain of Muscat.

www.Muscatwhere.com

So Muscat-Where Can I Find (MWCIF) has become a MASSIVE database of credible useful community information which helps newbies and long time residents of Muscat find what they need. The process is simple, you ask and members of the community answer with their recommendations, suggestions and insight. In the 4.5 years the group has existed, the group has amassed a database of over 28,000 posts and over 165,000 comments. It surely is the brain of Muscat.

Simple Process
The process is simple. All the information shared is automatically updated via the Facebook group to muscatwhere.com so you can search to see if you your question has been asked and if it has been answered. So if you are looking for chia seeds, a handy man, a particular product/service or even information then this tool will download old posts and comments related to what you are looking for.

Keyword Search
Using the tool is simple. You type in your keyword, your date limits and click 'Search' and the tool will download all posts/comments relevant to that keyword. All you have to do is look through them and see if any of them are relevant. You can then head over to the particular post in the group by clicking 'go to post' and commenting again or just writing down the information you need.

Check out your own Posts and comments
You can also see your own posts and comments so you can see what you have written in the past. I thought that would be nice to see our own posts and remember what we have asked for.

So now there is no need to worry about 'I can't find a post' or 'does anyone remember a post about..' - just head over to www.muscatwhere.com - type in your keyword and be on with the rest of your day.


Nicholla :) 

(MWCIF Creator)

Energy Boosting Foods.... by Tasmia Sayed

 Have you ever wondered who shut off your energy supply and replaced it with the urge to carbo load in winters. We start napping more, drinking more coffee, indulging in fried and sweet foods, have a hard time getting to the gym.

Lets first see why this change happens. In winters there is decreased activity of serotonin a mood enhancing chemical which regulates hunger and the feeling of well being. The effect of this chemical is further aggravated by high stress levels in our daily life. All this leads to low energy levels .Invariably lower the energy the more food will you crave. Many kinds of carbohydrates like pasta, candy, and cereal can produce temporary increase in serotonin. But it is a strict no-no as these foods can hamper your diet. Moreover a crash after this temporary high can make you feel even worse than before the buzz began.

Thankfully there are some easy to find healthy super foods that you can eat to battle back the winter blues.

Flax seeds:

Studies have been carried out University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre which have shown flax seeds have numerous health benefits possibly influencing your moods. Being a good source of fibre it keeps you feeling full and also energised longer. Experts at Maryland University recommend 1- 3 tbsp which can be sprinkled on soup or in your cereals, salads, on toast or in yoghurt.

Berries:

 

Berries can be an important tool in your bag when stress hits. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries have high levels of antioxidant known as anthocyanin and have also been linked to lowering cortisol. During stressful situations, cortisol leads your hipocampus a major portion of your brain that stores memories and provides emotional responses. In short berries may help you keep your head straight. (Lang 2012, Cornell Chronicle)

 

Bananas:

 Bananas contain tryptophan, good source of natural sugars and potassium which help fuel your brain. (Homberg 2013, Cambridge Journal). Another key ingredient is magnesium which has been shown to improve sleep and reduce anxiety. Two indications which leads to faulty eating habits.

Chamomile Tea:

Chamomile tea is one of the most recommended bed time soothers. It helps to boost your immune system, calm nausea and also ease digestive pain and discomfort. In the cold weather it will give you that wonderful feeling of holding a mug of tea as you sit in a quiet spot before bed.

Leafy Greens:

Leafy greens like kale, spinach, swiss chard, turnip, greens, parsley, spinach, broccoli, lettuce are good source of folate and vitamin b6. Folate is required for synthesis of neurotransmitters that control most of your body function including moods and emotion. According to Linus Pauling Institute vitamin b6 aids in converting tryptophan into serotonin that helps us feel calm and content. When cooking go easy on them to preserve its nutritive value. Steaming leafy greens in a colorful stir fry is a good option for this cold weather.

Coffee and tea are popular drinks on cold winter days and generally people don't drink enough water, which could lead to dehydration. Water boosts our physical fitness and vitality all year around. Try sipping some water when you are flabbergasted it could prevent you from consuming large portion sizes of food.

Sticking to your regular exercise regimen is a little difficult in winters. But if you can force yourself to start, 15 to 20 minutes of dancing to the radio or brisk walking which can increase brain serotonin function

A better energy level will invariably produce a better mood, since your brain uses energy as a communication molecule to produce neurotransmitters. The above energetic suggestions are based on the unique stress that colder and darker days pose to your mood and metabolism.

Enjoy the winter!

Tasmia Sayed

Clinical dietician

(I am an Accredited Dietitian, and Certified diabetes Educator from the American Diabetes Education. I am passionate about debunking diet rumours, myths and fads while teaching people how to eat real , healthy foods in a manner that is scientifically proven to prevent disease and increase health.  I  have successfully catered patients to reach their dream weight and fight diseases like diabetes, PCOS, cardiac problems, hypertension, weight gain and thyroid related disorders.  With my clinical expertise I can help you RECLAIM the long lost connection with food, so you can ATTAIN the perfect fit body you always wanted to have.  You can get in touch with me: tasmiasayed89@gmail.com / +968 96735985)

New Children courses At Children's Theatre in Muscat

Aspirations Theatre Academy is a new and exciting organisation committed to providing children with opportunities to learn about theatre in a fun and interactive way.

We have a variety of courses on offer from acting or dancing to working on a complete stage show.

All of our courses are designed to help children develop confidence and build self-esteem in a fun, safe and happy environment. This is followed with the rich reward of performing to a live audience in a real theatre, showing off the culmination of their hard work and efforts.

At Aspirations we are aware that not all children enjoy being in the limelight and do not yet have the skills or confidence to perform to an audience. As such we offer courses where the children are able to develop acting skills, while interacting with others, without the added stress of a performance.

Aspirations Theatre Academy aspires to be the only theatre academy for children in Muscat, where the entire theatre stage show is produced by the children.

We have had an excellent start to the academic year.

 

Module One of The Story Teller has been great fun with the children exploring the issues within the Story of Cinderella, specifically how to stand up to bullies.

In Module One of Junior Acting Skills the children have explored their imagination and have helped several characters deal with insecurities.

Acting Skills Module One gave the students an overview of what is required when acting from a play script in the theatre.

 
Spaces available now on the following courses:

The Story Teller: Module Two – for age 4 to 7 years

Starting Monday 27^th October– 6 week course

from 3.30 pm to 4.10 pm

Course cost: OMR 30

Focus: Hansel and Gretel

(Note: NOT performed to an audience upon course completion)

 

Acting Skills: Module Two (TV Acting) -  for age 7 to 12 years
Starting Tuesday 28^th October - 6 week course
from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm

Course cost: OMR 45
(Note: NOT performed to an audience upon course completion)

 Junior Acting Skills: Module Two (Body Language) - for age 4-6 years
Starting Tuesday 28^th October - 6 week course

From  3.30 – 4.10 pm

Course cost: OMR 30

(Note: NOT performed to an audience upon course completion)

Visit our website for more information: http://www.aspirationstheatreacademy.com

Don't miss out, sign up today by email to: calsmith@aspirationstheatreacademy.com or call Cal Smith: 95810920