FEELING LOST? WELCOME TO QEW - Gulf Times

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September 2017

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UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE LUNCHBOX SHORTCUTS TOP GEAR: LEXUS LC 500

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FEELING LOST? WELCOME TO QEW

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Where East meets West…

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FROM THE EDITOR

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September 2017

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UNDERSTANDING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE LUNCHBOX SHORTCUTS TOP GEAR: LEXUS LC 500

SPOTLIGHT

FEELING LOST? WELCOME TO QEW

As adults we often reminisce about the idyllic days of childhood. Those days where we didn’t have a care in the world; a time when responsibilities hadn’t begun to take up permanent residence on our shoulders. While in hindsight school days do seem

to be synonymous with a carefree time of our life, but take off the rose-tinted glasses and you’ll remember how ‘knotty’ those days could be. Recall the stress of coping with a pile of books, battling peer pressure, dealing with the resident bully. Perhaps the worst memory is of that ‘knot’ in your tummy at the thought of going back to school after a long, enchanted summer. Yes, it’s September again. No more lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. New school schedules, after-school programs, team try-outs, and much more on the way. So it’s no wonder the post-holiday blues are hitting some parents as well as their children. But the end of the holidays doesn’t have to be a dreaded event and there are ways to help your child beat the back-to-school blues. Here are some ideas on P.24 that can help you get your kids focused, motivated, and ready for school. Indeed, it is essential to build your child’s sense of resilience to help them tackle any back to school challenges.

And while children may find it fun choosing shiny new lunch boxes and school bags, parents are faced with the dilemma of deciding what to pack in those new containers. Moreover, with the problem of obesity among children gaining worldwide attention, particular care has to be taken while finalising the content of the humble lunch box. Lunchbox Shortcuts (P.48) is a perfect guide for you to learn how to prepare meals that are healthy, delicious and appealing for the kids. Pick up a nice little lunch case you think your child might like and show your little one how to open, unpack, eat and repack the excess or whatever is reusable, and how to dispose the waste properly.

We hope everyone has a safe, enjoyable, fun-filled, and most importantly, healthy, return to school this September!

Happy reading! Amjad VanimalEditor

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Spotlight‘I LOVE DIVING WITH SHARKS’: After meeting Jowaher A. Al-Mutawa, it is discernable that diving is not limited to be labelled as a mere sport but an imminent profession to the individuals stimulated by thrill and odyssey.

HE WAS REScuED fROm A HAITIAN ORPHANAGE. Now he’s giving back! Dexter McKinley, once an orphan in Haiti, was adopted by an American couple in 2001. Today he is a real estate broker, but hasn’t forgotten his roots. Now he wants to help those who are in the same situation that he once was.

fEELING LOST? WELcOmE TO QEW: Feeling lost your way in Qatar as an expat woman? The Qatar Expat Women’s Group could be of help to you.

cover Stories HOLIDAYS TO ScHOOL mODE: Are your kids ready to return to school after the holidays? Here are some ideas to get them focused, motivated, and ready for school.

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Parenting

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Healthcare Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

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Are your kids ready to return to school after the holidays? Here are some ideas to get them focused, motivated, and ready for school.After meeting Jowaher A.

Al-Mutawa, it is discernable that diving is not limited to be labelled as a mere sport but an imminent profession to the individuals stimulated by thrill and odyssey.

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DIVING WITH‘I LOVE

After meeting Jowaher A. Al-Mutawa, it is discernable that diving is not limited to be labelled as a mere sport but an imminent profession to the individuals stimulated by thrill and odyssey, sonia Fazal writes

Qatar is a landmark, glorifying with cosmic buildings, plenty of shopping malls, decorative

restaurants and indoor recreational arenas for local communities,

Five minutes with Jowaher A. Al-Mutawa

Q: What motivated you to start Ektshef Deerti?A: The motivation was nothing but my personal exposure of travelling to new places, meeting people of diverse culture and traditions. I believe that this outlook of life can offer ‘the travellers’ a new horizon and wide perspective of seeing and experiencing. As travellers, I want them to depart with a sense of attainment and of triumph, to be an asset to self and to community.

Q: What inspires you to continue?A: Every week when I set myself to a new trip. I look forward to the world that God has created in different shape and form. His work of splendid colours and unique creation are breathtaking and wondrous. In addition, the contentment in the eyes of travellers keeps me determined.

Q: What are your future aspirations?A: I have a dream to own a land. A land that is huge enough to occupy sports stadiums, run facilities like yoga studios, library, cinemas for ed-ucational movies and labs for researchers. I fancy training minds in intellect with a combination of recreation and play.

Q: What is your favourite adventure? “I love diving with sharks… they are like my friends” (grinning)

Q: What is next? A: My plan is to venture towards the clouds for the sky diving instructor certificate.

residents and tourists. The progressive establishments of parks, also provides families, ladies and children an opportunity to utilize outdoor facilities for both amusement and relaxation.

With the notion of same analogy, I met Jowaher A. Al-Mutawa, a senior business analyst at Qatar National Bank who is also the Founder and CEO of ‘Ektshef Deerti’, an organization aims to provide robust and thriving experience to Qatar women’s community to live both land and sea adventures.

Eight years ago, Jowaher set out on a never-ending expedition that has brief stops on marvelous locale and involves memorable interactions with people, places and cultures– with gusto of exploring and in an urge to unveil the

sONIA FAzAl is an IT Program Management Analyst based in Qatar. She is a certified yoga teacher and her love for writing has brought to run her own blog where she expresses tangible occurrences, truthful emotions and a bond to the readership. To know more about her, visit: www.soniafazal.com

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secrets buried underwater. She obtained herself a professional diving licence in 2009, being a first IDC Staff Internationally Certified Qatari lady diving instructor.

Her achievements are umpteen, but a few to mention: She has represented Female National Championship handball team in Iran and has played for National football team for FIFA Horse Riding Al Shaqab. She has also led Qatar basketball team as a captain. As a professional diver she works with RAID and PADI and is a recognized First Free Lady Diver, DCO 40 Deep Technical Diver, Emergency First Response Instructor and National Geographic International Diver. She completed her Diploma from International Olympic academy Greece and has won a gold medal in Taekwondo in Korea.

Her achievements are not limited to her personal advancement but the venturesome quality of hers and a zest towards athletics. Jowaher has established ‘Ektshef Deerti’ in 2016, funded by self, carrying a slogan of discover your hometown. Ektshef Deerti encourages ladies to experience unconventional activities in Qatar like diving, hiking, camping, fishing and travelling in an environment that is private and safe at the same time – all the way to unlock many possibilities.

Jowaher’s ideology is to empower Qatari women’s community to be an achiever and a doer. Also to help them overcome their fears both from mind and spirit,

Through the medium of Ektshef Deerti, she offers number of volunteer opportunities to local community and has intent to outreach to expatriates, while the participants can be age of 10 and above. A part of Foundation’s earnings goes to charity in Yemen and Sudan and supports children›s education in Tanzania. It also sponsors the needy individuals who wish to do Haj. Alike the work, her office speaks of the distinctiveness too. The interior is decorative with coral artifacts, sculptures like a Maasai warrior masks from Tanzania and other several embellishments from Maldives, Philippines and Qatar. She has built

herself a sea she visits every day

Jowaher’s ideology is to empower women’s community to be an achiever and a doer

Ektshef Deerti Diving Center

and to urge them make a difference in the society. There are more than 500 ladies who have been to various tours till date. Every month the number of adventurers is increasing and so does their aspirations. Many of them are now certified divers and as a testimony to her efforts one of the students became an International Instructor of Health.

Phot

o : F

iroz

Ah

med

Photo : Firoz Ahmed

Jowaher A. Al-Mutawa

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Endless points of light reached into the night sky as the jet plane approached the city. Breathlessly,

the young boy peered from his window seat, the shimmer in the distance beaming hope.

“There were lights everywhere. I’d never seen so many lights — even on the streets on the edge of the city there were street lamps,” Dexter McKinley said, recalling his first glimpse of America in 2001, his 13-year-old mind reeling with emotion. “In Haiti there’s no electricity, only sometimes, maybe 7 or 8 at night. When it comes on it’s like scoring a soccer goal, and they all start cheering for the power.”

A boy familiar with the dark — and dangerous — streets of his birthplace, Carrefour in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the

He was rescued from a Haitian orphanage. Now he’s giving back!

Dexter Mckinley, once an orphan in Haiti, was adopted by an American couple in 2001. Today he is a real estate broker, but hasn’t forgotten his roots. Now he wants to help those who are in the same situation that he once was

By Lucy Luginbill

spotlightFOCUS

www.society.qa 17

abundance of light in the city was only the first of many changes life would bring with his adoptive American parents.

Still, it is memories from his childhood in his Caribbean homeland that have brought understanding.

“There was no public education, no welfare. I spent most of my time in the streets running with friends,” Dexter said, remembering how his mother was away for extended periods in an effort

to support six children in their fatherless home. “I went to bed many nights hungry.”Extreme poverty and desperation brought Dexter and his younger brother to the Heart of God orphanage in 1997.

“My mom took us to the orphanage and left, but I thought she would come back so I was always looking for her.” Dexter said, the anguish he felt from the separation and infrequent visits playing on his face.”

There were iron gates and concrete walls

surrounding the compound, jagged glass at the top to keep out thieves. But for a number of impoverished children inside there were beds with blankets, and meals three times a day.

“It was like the Comfort Inn or the Hilton,” Dexter said, smiling at the memory of 15 boys in a room. “When we went in, I felt rich.”

For three years, Dexter lived at the orphanage and it was there God’s love touched his heart; the promise of a good future — a hope — illuminated his soul. Trusting in his newfound faith, the little boy prayed and prepared for God’s plan to unfold.

“Other kids were getting adopted and I thought, ‘Darn, when is it going to be me?’ ” Dexter said, remembering how he put in extra effort to gain attention from visitors. “I worked hard on my English, always wanting to come to America.”

In 1999, Janice McKinley travelled from her home in Colorado, the Haiti orphanage her destination.

Dexter clearly remembers how the loving American woman brought gifts — Frisbees, soccer balls and unique American candy. He also recalls how he playfully demonstrated his streetwise break-dancing while speaking in English, his goal to impress her.

Shortly afterward, Dexter learned he would have a new home in America, his long-held dream finally coming true.

“It took a year for the process,” Dexter said, remembering the vaccinations, and paperwork required until an adoptive family member could come to help him transition. “I spent two weeks in a hotel, living the American life — food, the pool, eating spaghetti and drinking orange juice, as much as I wanted. Then I went back to the orphanage until everything was ready for me to go.”

Dexter and Sandra McKinley, center, visited Haiti in February. They plan to support an orphanage there.

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The old worry of having enough to eat each day fell away as the 747 took to the skies in August 2001, carrying a very excited orphan en route to America. Haiti to Miami was the first leg of the trip, accompanied by missionaries heading to the U.S.

“They put a passport around my neck and my eyeballs were so big!” Dexter said, remembering how the huge airport was filled with so many Americans. “I boarded alone to Atlanta,” he said, thinking back to his confusion in the new culture. “I never went to the restroom on the plane because I was afraid that if I walked to it the plane would tip. I thought it was out on the wing!”

From Atlanta, Dexter flew to Dallas where his adopted parents lovingly welcomed him and then drove the rest of the way to their Colorado home. The teen settled into the American lifestyle.“We lived 17 miles out of town and we had cows and other farm animals and I learned to work hard,” Dexter said, reminiscing about the chores his dad, Wes, expected him to do. “Dad made me break the horses and I was afraid of heights. I really

After 16 years in America, Dexter is grateful for the strong work ethic and enduring faith instilled by his adoptive mom and dad

appreciated the hard work, once I was older.”

After 16 years in America, Dexter is grateful for the strong work ethic and enduring faith instilled by his adoptive mom and dad. Today he is a REMAX real estate broker, one who understands the American way of living, but hasn’t forgotten his roots.

A trip to his homeland shortly after the devastating 2010 earthquake magnified the destitution in Haiti.

“Now I really saw the poverty after being in the USA,” Dexter said. “The trash, the kids in the street and people killing people. The road was so bad because there were rocks everywhere, bodies and people lying in the streets on their blankets.”

This businessman realized more than ever the dark life from which he was rescued, and he plans to give back. Dexter and his wife, Sandra, have opened a REMAX franchise in Pétion-Ville, Haiti, staffing it with locals.

“The reason we’re opening the real estate office there is to help the people,” Dexter said. “We want to show them how to structure their laws so people can actually purchase real estate and not be taken advantage of.”

But there is more this adoptee’s heart wants to do, his initial mission and life-purpose.

“We plan to give a percentage from the real estate sales to raise money for an orphanage,” Dexter said passionately. “We’re already tithing to orphanage pastors there,” he said, his thoughts turning to a distant time when a future in America seemed impossible. “I came from a dark world. This is a calling from God.”

For the homeless children in Haiti, it is a promise of light — and

hope

Dexter McKinley was abandoned at the Heart of God orphanage in Haiti when he was 9-year-old. He was adopted by an American couple in 2001.

Dexter McKinley, once an orphan in Haiti, holds two boys close during an orphanage visit in February 2017

20 Society

Feeling lost your way in Qatar as an expat woman? The Qatar Expat Women’s Group could be of help to you

By Katya Hvass

spotlightFOCUS

To all ladies in Qatar – a warm welcome to QEW (Qatar Expat Women’s Group) – the most

cosmopolitan and culturally diverse women’s group in Qatar.

The organisation was founded in November 2014 by Carole Astin, a British expat, whose main motivation was “to create an accepting and nurturing environment for all women to come together and not to feel lonely and isolated, especially when they first

arrive in Qatar”. Coming from a nursing background, Carole continues to bring her unique warmth, passion and energy to the group and draws a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction from running it.

supporting newcomers Those of us who live here know what a vibrant and diverse environment Qatar is with many opportunities available to engage and enhance our life experience in a profound and rewarding way.

It is also true that a move to Qatar can present a degree of a culture shock to many newcomers. Regardless of how strong and “together” we might think we are, a move to another country is a radical life transition. It is important that we give ourselves space to acknowledge this. The change stirs up emotional challenges for which we might not be fully prepared that come in various forms. In many societies, we are taught to be independent and self-reliant; we are told to “keep it together” and soldier on - these voices from our childhood scripts can be very loud and persistent.

Life in Qatar can appear idyllic to an outsider – with many of us enjoying good earnings and lifestyle here. In a way, this makes it harder to admit to ourselves and others that we are struggling – it might even seem that we are behaving spoilt and complaining for no reason. The reality of it is that no amount of surface “glitz and glamour” can cover up the emotional issues that have to be recognised and processed.

is a Doha-based writer who loves living in Qatar and has a passion for commu-nication, language and working with words in all its forms – writing, editing, translating, speaking – and the sharing and connecting that emerges through it.

kATyA HvAss

Feeling lost? Welcome to

QEW

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It is vital for our wellbeing to be self-aware and to identify the signs of low moods and feelings “out of sync” early on. There is nothing weak about looking after ourselves, recognising our needs and taking steps to meet them. Quite the opposite, it is an indication of maturity and emotional strength. Every human being seeks a sense of connection, and it is our openness and vulnerability that brings us together and provides a deeper and truer dimension to our lives.

QEW understands the needs of women in Qatar deeply – it is run by women, who experienced these challenges first-hand – the heartache from leaving family and friends behind, self-doubt from having to quit a stable career, attempts to find a new life purpose here in Qatar. According to Carole “the main strength of the group is that it encourages members to meet their full potential – whatever form it takes – and to make the most of their time in Qatar by opening up and embracing the new experiences and opportunities.”

Bringing women togetherOver the last three years the organisation has grown significantly. With over 25,000 Facebook members currently, it is going from strength to strength and evolving continuously. An array of events takes place on a regular basis, such as friendly coffee mornings, helpful talks, diverse activities and visits to places of interest.

One of QEW’s goals is to reach as many women in Qatar as possible by organising meetings in various locations and at different times, including weekends, to accommodate women who work full-time. By not sticking rigidly to one format – it can be flexible and responsive to the real needs of women in Qatar of all circumstances and backgrounds.

Fairy Godmothers and Wednesday coffee MorningsCarole is excited to share the news about QEW new project called Fairy Godmothers (FG) aimed at supporting young mothers in Qatar. From her observations, this is a group of women, who often struggle the most – away from the usual networks of family and friends.

Fairy Godmothers meetings are run jointly with coffee mornings to which

carole’s biggest dream for the group is to include as many women as possible to help them to take advantage of what the rich multicultural society in Qatar has to offer

Carole Astin

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all ladies are welcome – with or without children – alternative Wednesdays from 9.30am at Westin Hotel. This flexible arrangement allows it to serve as a support group for women with young children, as well as to provide safe and welcoming environment to all women to enable them to break isolation and interact. FG Volunteers, who are mothers themselves, play with the kids and chat with new moms. It gives them a perfect platform to have a break from hectic life and to connect with other women with young children.

volunteering For those who want to get involved in running of the group – QEW offers rich opportunities for volunteering and making a difference to lives of others. Carole is always open to discussions and new ideas about projects and events. Volunteers are encouraged to discover and develop their own skills and strengths and run activities for the organisation.

Each volunteer brings their own unique spirit, interests and perspectives to the

group ensuring its constant and dynamic evolution.

Carole’s biggest dream for the group is to include as many women as possible to help them to take advantage of what the rich multicultural society in Qatar has to offer. In the current difficult climate in the region, this unique multi-dimensional society has grown even closer together. QEW with its values of friendliness, acceptance and inclusion plays an important role in this progress and growth.

The current information about QEW activities and events are shared via a live Facebook page – Qatar Expat Women. The members are always able to give feedback via the page or by talking to Carole and other volunteers. The Qatar Expat (Women Only) Chat Room on Facebook is also popular with members providing another medium for them to ask questions, interact and make new friends. In addition, there is a website www.qatarexpatwomen.com with a wealth of information and a helpful blog that covers issues relevant to women living in Qatar or planning a move here.

Our habitual response in a challenging situation can be tightening and imposing more control onto our circumstances and associated feelings. What would happen if we tried a different approach of letting go and softening instead – postponing mental judgement and trusting our lives to unfold and to show us their brightest and most joyful colours in a form of new experiences and interactions?

We come to Qatar and bring with us our individual stories, backgrounds and ways of relating to life and people around us. The community in Qatar is amazing and very special – it can truly widen our horizons and give us an opportunity of being enriched and enriching the lives of

others at the same time

QEW’s goal is to reach as many women in Qatar as possible by organising meetings in various locations and at different times, including weekends, to accommodate women who work full-time.

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cover storyFOCUS

CREATING A pOSITIVE

TRANSITION ExpERIENCE

fOR yOuR CHILDREN

CREATING A pOSITIVE

TRANSITION ExpERIENCE

fOR yOuR CHILDREN

HOLIDAyS TO SCHOOL MODE

It’s that time of the year when schools are getting ready to re-open and begin the new academic session.

Your children during the holidays are used to doing things on their time. Now, as the school bell rings your children experience a whole new world which changes not just their priorities and schedules but yours also.

Children of all ages have different experiences of going back to school. Some are eager to see their friends again, new class room, new teachers, new stationery,books and accessories. They are so excited that they can hardly sleep the night before the school re-opens!

Whereas some kids get stressed about the pressure by what their parents, teachers or friends expect of them. At times they are also concerned about keeping up with school work and extra curriculum activities. It is also possible that some children worry about going back to school because they have been bullied and are afraid it might continue once school restarts.

In some cases it results in child being physically sick with stress, including body aches, tummy troubles, sleeplessness, headaches or even migraines. The most important thing a parent should understand is what your child is

feeling and how they are coping with it. It is essential to build your child’s sense of resilience to help them tackle any back to school challenges.

Here are a few ways through which you can help your child a smooth holidays to school transition:

connectIt is a good idea to familiarize your child with the school environment a couple of days before the school re-opens. It helps them avoid a nervous stomach on the first day. If possible, you and your child together can meet the class teacher, tour the school, or explore the playground or canteen. One important things parents have to be mindful about is never use school as a punishment or a threat and avoid making statement like: “We will send you to boarding school” or “If you don’t do this, I will tell your teacher”. The key is to understand your child›s apprehensions and give them all the support they require. It helps to talk exciting things about the school and the various activities they will do over the year such as educational visit, fun games and quizzes, class parties and picnics . This will fill the child with joy and school will be a happy place to go to.

Additionally, it is helpful to have a friend when heading back to school to manage to those jitters. A great way to refresh friendships before the school starts is to have a “back to school” party or a simple play date for your kids and their friends so they can all swap stories of their summer. This builds social skills and confidence in the children, reduces stress or anxiety regarding school or bullies and provides an opportunity for them to bond outside of the classroom.

RoutineOne of the most stressful and challenging aspect for any family is switching from a summer to a school schedule. It is highly recommended that you get back into a ‘normal’ routine at least one week before the school begins. So, gradually make bedtimes a little earlier and wake up time same as the one on a regular school day. It is useful to ask you child to be ready like all washed and dressed by certain time which promotes time management skills, even if you’re not going anywhere. Ensure you and your child eat lunch and dinner at similar times as you

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Are your kids ready to return to school after the holidays? Here are some ideas to get them focused, motivated, and ready for school

JAlPA zuBIN M is a freelance writer based in Qatar. She holds Masters in Counselling and Psychology from UK and India. In addition to corporate consulting, she also works with adults for improving personal effectiveness and with children for developing social skills and emotions management.

By Jalpa Zubin M

26 Society

would on a typical school day. Once the school starts, ask your child to keep the school bag ready the previous night and involve them in deciding about the their lunch box items for the first couple of weeks. These kind of activities can provide consistency in their transition from summer vacation mode to school mode. Routines provide children a form of structure which helps them feel comfortable as well as they they get into the practice of being organized for other tasks as well and will make the first few days of school go much smoother.

Organize At least two weeks before the school start date, sit with your child and check their homework list; if any. Ensure that they have completed the homework and projects, to avoid distress during the last days of the holidays . Also check if their uniforms still fit, they may have had a growth spurt over the summer! It is good to have an extra set of uniform handy and ensure you have the socks, sports uniform and shoes as per specification.

Another fun strategy to involve your child in school prep work is to obtain the class supply list and take a special shopping trip with them. They feel prepared and learn organizing skills if they have all the required school accessories and project material. These trips can also be helpful in teaching them about task prioritizing and budgeting. While keeping basic needs in mind, allow for a couple of indulgence like a fancy notebook, pen or water bottle. These simple pleasures make going back to school a lot more fun.

Engage Try to focus their minds back on learning as well as having fun during the weeks before the new term starts. Simple activities for younger children like you making their favorite dish and asking them to help measure out the ingredients and read the recipe promotes their co-ordination skills, reading ability and task focus . Similarly with older children, try to refresh their knowledge by giving them simple projects on practical applications of concepts they have learned in the previous year. This can help them to get into the right frame of mind for school. While it is important to support learning throughout the summer, don’t spend the last weeks of summer vacation reviewing last year’s curriculum. All kids need some down time before the

strenuous school work begins. For some kids, these kind of revision can heighten anxiety, reminding them of what they’ve forgotten instead of what they remember.

Whether your little ones will be starting school for the first time this September, or your children return school after a long summer break, few things shared below will help you to prepare them, both practically and emotionally, for the new academic beginnings:

Encourage open communication: ask your child how their first day or week of school went. This is critical because it will let you know whether or not they are interested in various school activities or having any difficulties early on. If there are any challenges, you can address them right away. Similarly, talk with your child about the class and different subjects and find out what they are excited about. Also address any concerns they might have before the academic course work speeds up and let them know that they can always speak to their teacher if they are worried about anything at school.

Encourage positive thinking habits: ask your child what they like most about their teacher. When you ask the question this way, they are more likely to answer in a positive manner. It is better to avoid asking your child “Do you like your teacher?” because this question may lead to a negative answer. It is vital children remain positive about their school environment, it promotes greater level of learning, retention, understanding and a sense of belonging which leads to

better school performance. Similarly, ask about their friends, classmates, school activities and subjects. Also help them frame their views and comments in a positive manner and emphasize on the importance of maintaining a respectful behaviour towards everyone around.

Encourage proactive participation: let your child participate in other school activities such as culture, sports, language, mathematics or science programs. This will help them make new friends. These activities are also great experiential opportunities which help them build their self esteem and knowledge base. However, be mindful that they willingly participate in the areas which best fit their talents, ability and interest. As parents you should avoid forcing or nudging them to register for any events which they dislike. Another important task as parents, is to set aside time each week to have fun with your kids like family board games time, afternoon creative crafts projects, fun dancing sessions or short outdoor picnics , treks or camping . This is important, especially during the beginning of the school year, as this will help with the transition of summer activities into the school projects and studies load.

Overall, as parents the most important role you play is to provide your child an environment which facilitates a positive attitude about learning, creative problem solving, infuses strong positive values, and fosters healthy relationships which transforms each day of attending school

as a joyous adventure

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Before you head out the door for back-to-school supplies, start your shopping trip at home.

And don’t rush. Maybe the summer isn’t the best time to buy everything.

These are just some of the tips Tracie Fobes of Raymore, Mo., the woman behind the Penny Pinchin’ Mom blog, offers to parents looking to cut costs.

Fobes launched the website in 2009 after the recession set in and now draws more than 400,000 visitors a month. The stay-at-home mother of three says she spends about 30 hours a week searching for deals, posting on social media and writing for the blog. Her penny-pinching secrets have been featured in The New York Times and on Good Morning America.

Fobes understands the back-to-school shopping struggles. Here are six of her best tips:

Check deals week to weekBig stores change their deals all the time. It’s tempting to get all your shopping done in one day, but for the best deals, take the marathon approach. “Break up your shopping trips and take advantage of the sales that happen every single week,” Fobes says.

Shop at homeWhen was the last time you cleaned out that bottom desk drawer? You may already have a lot of the items on your list. They might just be shoved in a dozen different places in your home. Once you check out what you already have, you can spend on only the things you need.

1 2

By Jacob Gedetsis

cover storyFOCUS

28 Society

Go backpack shopping later in the fallBackpacks suffer tons of wear during a school year, and big stores know you’re in the market for one right now. Fobes starts her kids off with last year’s backpacks and buys new ones when they go on sale in September. Another tip: Buy one with a lifetime warranty. JanSport, L.L.Bean, Lands’ End and REI all will fix or replace damaged products.

Use discounted gift cardsThis is one of Fobes’ favorite tips. Websites such as Raise.com sell $25 gift cards to the Children’s Place, Macy’s, Dick’s and other stores for $23. Earn savings before you even step inside the store.

Take advantage of specific store offersSome name brands never go on sale. So get your basics using coupons, and rack up savings points or earn rebates like Kohl’s Cash. Then return to buy those bigger ticket items at a much lower price.

You don't have to buy all the clothes at onceFobes’ three kids are constantly growing in and out of clothes. So before every school year, she goes through all of last year’s clothes and figures out what’s needed. Then she determines what’s needed right now and what can wait for sales closer to Black Friday. The kids probably don’t need a new winter jacket in August, so wait to purchase that when

it’s on sale

3

4 56

When was the last time you

cleaned out that bottom desk

drawer? you may already have a lot

of the items on your list

www.society.qa 29

Teenagers are a unique and often self-contradictory breed. As a group, they strive for individuality yet crave peer acceptance.

They act like they know everything and yet lack the experience. They feel invincible and yet are often insecure. Some teenagers thrive on testing and challenging authority. A few others may be self-destructive.

It’s never easy for any of us when we must deal with difficult teenagers, whether they are our children, students, athletes, group members, or employees. What can you do in the face of a challenging adolescent? Below are some keys to successfully managing teen behaviour. There are some excerpts here from the book “How to Communicate Effectively and Handle Difficult Teenagers”.

Troubled Teens

& what to do with themEarly adolescence can be a challenging time for children and parents alike. As you maneuver options, breakthroughs, and difficulties, here are some tips for dealing with troubled teenagers

Originally from Australia, Homayra Billah is the founder and managing part-ner of Kanga’s Pouch Nursery in Qatar. A teacher and busy mum of two, she is passionate about providing positive nurturing environments for children to grow and develop. She began her Qatari adventure in 2008 having taught in Australia for 5 years. Since being in Doha, Homayra has taught at nursery level for 18 months and a well-known British school for almost 4 years before establishing Kanga’s Pouch.

HOMAyRA BIllAH

By Homayra Billah

parentingFOCUS

30 Society

www.society.qa 31

32 Society

1 They see you, so be genuine!

Teens possess an amazing ‘inauthenticity’ radar. They can smell the lack of transparency and honesty from a mile away. It is often the cause of many teen problems. They see their parents make a mistake and they call out that mistake. As parents, we often become defensive and rather than admit our fault, we cover it up with countless excuses to prove we are right. Don’t. They see you. And the more you cover up your mistakes, the more they distance themselves and the more the level of trust deteriorates. Be honest when you make a mistake. It’s okay for a teen to recognise that you’ve made a mistake. Use the opportunity to teach them that even adults make mistakes and model ways in which to correct the mistake. Your teen will not only trust you more, they will learn a life skill.

2 Don’t lose control and give away your power

One of the most common characteristics of difficult teenagers is that they love to push our buttons and make us react negatively. This can be done in a variety of ways, including and not limited to teasing, disobeying, not listening, back talking, temper throwing, rule breaking, dismissing, haggling, and provoking. During these moments, the more reactive and upset we become, the more the teenager will think he or she has power over us. So back up and breathe before you explode.

The first rule of thumb in the face of a difficult teenager is to keep our cool. The less reactive we are to provocations, the more we can use our better judgment to handle the situation. When feeling upset or challenged by a teen, before we say or do something that may worsen the situation, it’s often useful to take a deep breath and count slowly to ten. In many instances, by the time you reach ten, we’ve regained composure, and figured out a better response to the issue, so that we can reduce, instead of exacerbate the problem. If you’re still upset after counting to ten, take a time out if possible, and revisit the issue after you calm down.

3 Establish clear boundaries

I often talk about the importance of boundaries with the little ones. But the same applies to teens. Since most teenagers want to experience greater independence and selfhood, some will

inevitably challenge us in order to test the extent of their power. In these situations, it’s very important to set boundaries in order to maintain a workable and constructive relationship. The boundaries need to be articulated clearly and specifically.

The most effective boundaries (they can also be called ground rules, house rules, team rules, or codes of conduct) are those which are fair, reasonable, and can be applied consistently. If like some of us, you’ve been dealing with a difficult teen for some time without communicating clear boundaries, state that from this point forward things will be different, and back up your statement with actions.

The first and foremost boundary in almost any situation is that we will be treated with respect. This means if the teen(s) is respectful towards us, then we will also accord her or him certain respect and privileges.

In addition to respect, and depending on the situation, there may also be a list of interpersonal, family, classroom, team, or employment ground rules. The list of boundaries should be relatively short but clear, and indicated in writing whenever appropriate.

Of course, some teenagers may deliberately challenge our boundaries (there always has to be a few) to see if we mean what you say, and test how much they can get away with. Should this happen, see below.

4 utilize assertive and effective

communicationAuthor and former presidential speech writer James Humes noted that: “The art of communication is the language of leadership.” This statement is particularly applicable when it comes to working with and motivating teenagers. When we face a difficult young person, it’s important that we strengthen our position by utilizing assertive communication skills. There are ways to say “No” diplomatically but firmly, and it is important to know your teen to know when they are lying.

5 Maintain humour and show empathy

In relatively mild situations when a teenager is being difficult, show empathy by not over-reacting. Respond with a smile rather than a frown. Say to yourself with some humour: “there she goes again,” and then get on with your business.

www.society.qa 33

Stay above the din. Avoid telling a teenager what to do in trivial matters. Persistent unsolicited advice may be interpreted as picky at best, and a threat to the young person’s individuating selfhood. At worst this may make you the “enemy” or “other side”. Allow reasonable room for the teenager.

To be sure, empathetic statements do not excuse unacceptable behaviour. The point is to remind yourself that many teenagers struggle within, and mindfulness of their experience can help you relate to them with more detachment and equanimity.

6 Give them a chance to help solve problems (if

appropriate)Many difficult teenagers behave as they do because they don’t believe adults really listen. When you see a teenager upset or under some distress, offer the young person the option of talking with you. Say, for example, “I’m here to listen if you want to talk, okay?” Make yourself available and remind the teenager of this from time to time, but don’t insist on it. Use the “pull” strategy and let the young person come to you if and when he›s ready.

In appropriate situations when you’re communicating with a teenager about her or his experience, listen without comment (at least for a while). Just be there and be a “friend”, no matter what your actual role is in relation to the young person. Allow the teenager to feel at ease disclosing with you.

Before offering any input, ask the teenager if she’s willing to hear it. For example, say “Do you want to hear what I think about this? If not, it’s okay. I’m still here to listen.” Again, use the “pull” strategy and let the teenager want to hear your feedback when she›s ready.

When talking over issues, include the young person in discussions on problems and solutions. Solicit input. Ask, for example, “Given the desired outcome, how would you handle this issue?” See if they come up with any constructive ideas. Whenever possible, avoid insisting on a single course of action. Examine several reasonable options with the teenager’s input, and arrive at a mutually acceptable arrangement.

On the other hand, if what you hear are mostly blame, complaints, and criticisms, don’t agree or disagree. Simply say you’ll

keep what they said in mind, and get on with what you need to get done, including the deployment of consequence.

7 Deploy consequencesWhen a teenager insists on violating

reasonable rules and boundaries, and won’t take “no” for an answer, deploy consequence.

The ability to identify and assert consequence(s) is one of the most powerful skills we can use to “stand down” a challenging person. Effectively articulated, consequence gives pause to the difficult individual, and compels her or him to shift from resistance to cooperation.

Although difficult teenagers are not pleasant to deal with, there are many effective skills and strategies we as parents can employ to minimize their defiance and increase their cooperation. It’s a challenging age but the benefits of coming out successfully are countless. Be patient. Breathe. It’s tough but we all get

through…eventually!

When you see a teenager upset or under some distress, offer the young person the option of talking with you.

34 Society

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an illness that has perhaps been around as long as mankind

itself. Today, it is one of the diseases clinically diagnosed as a form of dementia – which is, in turn, classified as a neurodegenerative disease. AD is the onset of a progressively degenerative form of memory loss, and the disease is most commonly diagnosed in those over the age of 65. However, it is estimated that only one in four people currently suffering from AD are, or will ever be, clinically diagnosed. The World Alzheimer Report of 2016 calculates that over 47 million people globally are suffering from AD or a dementia-related disease leading to memory loss. Therefore, it is important to understand the disease, its symptoms, and what you can do to give your loved ones with AD the care they require.

The roots of AD exist within the nature of human biological evolution. Hence, evidence of AD can be found in written records going back to the civilizations of antiquity. An ancient Egyptian by the name of Ptahhotep, writing in hieroglyphs 2500 years Before Common Era, described an illness of the mind which causes an older person to become increasingly “childish” over time. The Odyssey, a Greek epic, mentions the mental decline of King Laertes of Ithaca, who forgot that he was a leader, and started living in a hut. The most cited historical record documenting our ancestors’ experience with this disease’s chilling nature comes from the Roman

poet Juvenal, who wrote: “Diseases of all kind dance around…but worse than any loss in the body is the failing mind which forgets…and cannot recognize the face of the old friend who dined with him last night, nor those of the children whom he has begotten and brought up.”

In 1907, within the German region of Bavaria, Dr. Alois Alzheimer carried out research at Munich University on senile patients committed to mental institutions. He wanted to determine if there was more to this disease than chance of sufferings of those who reach old age. Dr. Alzheimer noted significant differences in chemistry after studying the brain of a deceased woman who had developed early dementia at the age of 51. He linked this form of forgetfulness to specific brain pathology with its own symptoms that separated it from other old age and brain-related disorders. It was not until 1910 that his work got international attention and entered the medical lexicon as AD.

AD can affect the elderly population at a phase in their life when they are physically vulnerable, and need to be extremely mindful of their daily habits to continue staying healthy. Memory loss among the elderly compounds their problems in more ways than the immediate effects of failing to stick to a diet and failing to remember the proper dosage of their medication. Those with AD, who have a sense of cognition before the final stages of the disease, tend to suffer from depression

because they cannot remember entire portions of their life. The disease also puts immense strain on social bonds; the elderly often rely on to lead a fulfilling life. Caring for a person with AD can have high physical, emotional, and financial costs. It is hard for the loved ones of an affected individual to helplessly watch a person they know intimately fade into an infantile state of mind.

Unfortunately, the disease is not going away anytime soon. The 2016 World Alzheimer Report determines that AD will grow significantly to affect over 130 million people by 2050. Surprisingly, rising AD numbers is a side effect of significant advances made over the past century in healthcare. Advances in medicine have allowed a higher percentage of the global population to reach old age through increased life expectancy. In this respect, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average global life expectancy grew from approximately 48 years in 1960 to 71 years in 2015. For developed countries, the average life expectancy is even higher. A person born today in a developed country can expect to have an average lifespan of 81 years as per WHO data.

Due to this disparity in average lifespan between developed countries and the rest of the world, the former have recognized AD as a problem earlier than other countries did. Developed countries have invested in raising awareness of age related diseases like

understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

DR OMAR El AGNAFActing Executive Director, Qatar Biomedical Research InstituteDirector of Neurological Disorders Research CenterHamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar

By Dr Omar El-Agnaf

healthcareFOCUS

36 Society

AD for decades. They have also devoted significant resources to study other forms of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, as the population over 65 gains a larger demographic share.

However, in the Arab world, AD is still a poorly understood disease among the general population. It has yet to become a priority for the healthcare system, which is geared towards addressing other challenges such as diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases. We now know that those with type 2 diabetes are four to five times more likely to develop AD, or other common neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Obviously, the lifestyle of a person will have a significant role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases later. Blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and hypertension are all identified as critical factors in the development of AD. This association with lifestyle factors is stronger than genetics in causing people to develop this disease. Studies are being conducted to accurately determine the environmental and lifestyle factors that might contribute to developing AD, and specifically for at-risk groups. Research has also shown that AD is five percent more likely to affect those above 65 years, and 25 percent more likely to occur in those over 85 years.

In the region, families deal with a loved one suffering from AD in isolation. This is often because they have little or no awareness of the disease, are unfamiliar with the advantages of getting it clinically diagnosed, or simply believe their loved one is suffering from bad memory as a result of old age instead of AD. Those families that do have their loved one diagnosed with AD find it shameful to seek professional assistance, or are unaware of what to do next.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) identified neurological disorders as a serious potential future threat to the Arab world and tasked its Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) with pursuing strategic research in this area. As the current working population starts to age over the next 20 to 30 years, AD and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases are bound to see an increase in this region. QBRI is currently working with other stakeholders in Qatar to identify the scale of the problem facing this region through sustained demographic research

of those currently with dementia. Only then can work begin to identify genetic and biological markers unique to the Arab population that can help early diagnosis. The goal is to accelerate the global quest to find faster and effective diagnoses, better treatments, and, eventually, a permanent cure for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.

In the Middle East, HBKU’s QBRI is working to help raise awareness of dementia and other neurological disorders through print and online media, conferences, and events. QBRI is an internationally recognized institute for leading cutting-edge medical research in the region, and is also a one-of-a-kind research institute in the Arab world, receiving global competitive funding to undertake translational medical research. QBRI has established a dedicated Neurological Disorders Research Center for studying brain-related diseases such as autism, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. The

prevalent within the brain and our nervous system. These cells transmit information throughout the body, and are responsible for our five senses. They allow us to experience life as we know it. Neurons enable us to hear music, see the world around us, smell the air, taste our food, and feel the heat emanating from a fire. Moreover, neurons facilitate our cognitive abilities such as memory and learning.

There are many types of neurodegenerative diseases other than from AD, such as Parkinson’s disease, prion disease, motor neuron disease, spinocerebellar ataxia, spinal muscular atrophy, and others. Progressive degeneration and the ultimate death of neurons is a trait which underpins these diseases. It results in improper mental function and subsequent problems with muscle movement in affected individuals over a period of time.

Of this broad spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases, those which primarily impact the proper functioning of neurons in the brain are classified specifically under dementia. They include AD, Parkinson’s disease, prion disease, frontotemporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is worth noting that 50 percent of all individuals diagnosed with dementia are classified under AD.

However, diagnosing AD is a challenge. This is primarily due to the timeframe over which AD develops in the brain. An individual will have had the disease for 20 to 25 years before it can be clinically diagnosed using current tests and technologies. This means that a person who is clinically diagnosed with AD at 60 years of age would have initially had the disease developing in their brain while they were 35 or 40 years old. During early stages of the disease, detection and diagnosis with current technology are impossible.

To make matters worse, symptoms in early-stage AD are often so benign that they are easily overlooked by affected individuals and casual observers. It is written off as common forgetfulness which develops naturally as memory retention and retrieval slows with age. It can start with simply forgetting which sandwich you had eaten for lunch, and

Blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and

hypertension are all identified as

critical factors in the development

of AD

center is undertaking advanced cutting-edge research to tackle these healthcare issues. Recently, the QBRI team has been selected by the Austrian biotechnology company AFFiRiS AG to evaluate select parameters in clinical trials on an innovative immunotherapy-based approach to treating Parkinson’s disease that has been developed by the company. Moreover, pioneering diagnostic tools developed for neurodegenerative diseases by QBRI scientists have recently been selected by Lundbeck, a leading global pharmaceutical firm, to underpin their clinical trials in a new upcoming treatment.

So what are neurodegenerative diseases? In simple terms, neurodegenerative diseases are those which directly affect the healthy functioning of neurons.

Neurons are specialized cells that are

www.society.qa 37

eventually remembering it. Over many years, this short-term memory loss progressively becomes more frequent and severe. At this point, it becomes apparent to the individual and those around them that something is wrong and professional assistance is sought.

Typically, diagnosis is achieved through a complex and comprehensive series of tests which go over family and personal medical history, mental status evaluations, mood testing, behavioral observations, and neurological exams. Blood and urine tests are also taken to rule out other illnesses that might be causing AD and dementia-related symptoms. Confirmation from test results and a subsequent positive diagnosis for AD can take several months. In some extreme cases, this process can last up to two years before the disease can be confirmed.

The major problem with diagnosing AD is that there are no convenient identification tools and processes for physicians to use. There is no single clinical test available today that can be analyzed to effectively diagnose a person with AD, as is the case for diseases like diabetes which use simple blood or urine tests. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)

brain scans are inconclusive in detecting AD at earlier stages, but can be used to identify the disease at an advanced stage.

With the average cost of an MRI and PET brain scan being USD2,600 and USD6,800, respectively, they are prohibitively expensive – even for those residing in developed countries. Prices for these scans are high partly due to the financial cost of employing MRI and PET scanners in medical centers. This is a major reason why these scanners are not in widespread use, or easily accessible, across the Arab world. They also require isotopes used in the scanners to be produced at the same location, which adds a technical dimension to the implementation problem in regional medical centres.

Compounding the diagnosis problem of AD is that its symptoms often overlap with other dementia-related diseases. As a result, AD has an approximately 20 percent chance of being misdiagnosed either way. Therefore, someone having the disease gets told they have something else, or those without it receive a test result which is positive for AD. This leads to delays in treatment, or to patients receiving incorrect treatment.

When it comes to treatment for those

with AD in the Arab world, there are almost no treatment centers available that provide quality and specialized care. There are several high-quality dedicated treatment centers available abroad in Europe and North America, but the cost is too high for an average family to afford. Moreover, specialized treatment centers are typically not covered by state funded or private medical insurance.

However, treatments in the form of certain prescription drugs are available and can be administered to those with AD. This form of treatment can briefly mitigate memory loss. But medications available today generally come with too many side effects. Therefore, doctors usually recommend these for temporary use as the side effects outweigh any positive short-term impact.

The good news is that investment in AD research has increasingly started to pay off in recent years. Advanced cutting-edge research carried out by big pharmaceutical companies and independent research institutes is successfully identifying at-risk populations, developing treatments which mitigate symptoms without severe side effects, and are on the cusp of finding a permanent cure for this illness.

It is important to understand that even with remarkable progress being made in AD research and treatments, the disease is still a big financial burden for families and healthcare systems. In 2010, according to The World Alzheimer Report, USD150 billion was spent dealing with AD globally. This number has grown exponentially since, with the 2016 report calculating that USD150 billion was spent in the United States alone for 2015 – with global estimates pinned at USD409 billion.

Sustained research investment will be required for many years to ensure AD does not continue to be a financial burden and to tax families emotionally. Qatar and HBKU, by investing in QBRI and other healthcare facilities within the country, are working to ensure this disease is given priority. Together, we are striving to ensure that new research over the next five years addresses and considers Middle East-specific genetic, environmental, and lifestyle issues when it comes to AD and other neurological

disorders

Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI) has established a dedicated Neurological Disorders Research Center for studying brain-related diseases such as autism, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases

38 Society

located in the heart of old town, the steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof is one of vienna’s hidden treasures

As you might expect there are lots of luxury hotels in Vienna – a city so steeped in tradition, not to

mention classical music and architectural history – but the Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof is really something special and widely acknowledged as the most prestigious hotel in the capital city of Austria.

After a relatively short (at just under

The Hidden TreasureThe Hidden Treasure

six hours) but extremely pleasant flight from Doha on Qatar Airways, we – myself, my better half and our little one– landed Vienna international airport in the early morning. We had heard lots about their public transport system. It’s so reliable, punctual and comprehensive. Our first underground train ride from the airport to the hotel proved what we had heard was absolutely veracious.

The Hidden Treasure

FLAIRhospitality

www.society.qa 39

One of the best things about Vienna, apart from its classical music, architectural history, lush greenery, laid-back ambience and old-world charm, is the hospitality of its people. And this was nowhere more evident than at the hotel where the ever-smiling staff were keen to make our stay a memorable experience. A luxury property with 196 rooms and suites with first-class interior design, along with the perfect mix of tradition and modernity, the Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof stands in the heart of Vienna’s old town within walking distance of many tourist sights. The hotel is conveniently located next to a subway station, and many of the city’s restaurants, shops, and historic cafes are easily accessible on foot. Guest rooms have bold, colourful decor and come with minibars, which are refilled daily in the higher-end rooms. There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, and a luxury spa that includes a sauna, steam bath, and fitness room. Compared to other luxury properties in the old town, rates here are quite reasonable too.

The hotel brings the epochs of Vienna into their property and reinterprets them. Exquisite interior furnishings and views of the gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the baroque Hofburg Palace and the imperial flair of the Ringstrasse provide a suitable ambience.

We’d booked a deluxe room and our little one rushed to check out room as soon as we entered in. “Ah, this bed is so comfy,” squealed my daughter, kicking off her shoes and leaping in. Flicking on the TV, my wife’s eyes grew ever wider as she spotted her favourite channels while surfing. “Ooh, there’s MTV. And high-speed internet,” she screamed. “I’m not leaving the room.”

The deluxe room looked so spacious that could easily accommodate two adults and one kid, with an extra crib closer to bed. The scenic beauty of the serene Vienna streets visible through our room’s window soaked half of our stress away.

The interiors of the rooms and suites are

individually designed in styles ranging from baroque to art deco. The size and furnishings of all the rooms give the hotel a tasteful, roomy atmosphere.

A similar colour palette is showcased in the on-site restaurant, Restaurant Herrlich, where Viennese cuisine is served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. More casual bites can be enjoyed in the Herrenhof Bar or at the Schanigarten sidewalk cafe. To unwind after exploring Vienna's sights, travellers can visit the hotel's spa, where a sauna, a steam room, a relaxation lounge and rooms for massage and beauty treatments are available. Or, catch up on some work in the business center. Overall, any types of visitors will appreciate the property's central location, dynamic ambience delectable breakfast.

We wanted the experience to go on and on, but all good things must come to an end. So, loaded with a bagful of goodies and sweet memories, we bid farewell to

Vienna and Steigenberger Herrenhof

The interiors of the rooms and suites are individually designed in styles ranging from baroque to art deco.

40 Society

The “Do’s and Don’ts” of skin burnsHas your child burnt his hand with a firecracker? Have you had hot oil splatter on your face? What does one do while you wait for a doctor’s appointment? Should I wrap a towel over it? Or should I soak the part in water?

How you manage your burn in the first 24 hours will dictate how the burn will eventually heal and if you’ll be left with a scar. Splash cool water on the burnt area for several minutes, and apply ice on it for a few seconds, 2-3 times a day to soothe the area. Do not apply egg white to the burn. Raw eggs harbour multiple bacteria which can infect the wound. Do not use bandaids or fluffy cotton. Do not pop any blisters. Cover the area with wet gauze like Sofratulle. Apply an antibiotic ointment like Fucidin. It is important to keep the area moist with unscented antiseptic creams. If you don’t have one, then use Vaseline petroleum jelly. Wash

the affected skin with an unscented antibacterial Triclosan soap. Take pain medication like Paracetamol or Tylenol.

Dermatologists no longer prescribe Silverex cream as the silver content can stain and darken the skin. Turmeric is an excellent home remedy for superficial burns. But avoid turmeric in open wounds which are oozing, as the turmeric forms a dry cake over the wound which peels off the fresh skin underneath.

Most importantly, make an urgent appointment to meet with your dermatologist at the earliest. For deep and extensive burns, rush to your nearest hospital and ask for the services of a plastic surgeon. Your dermatologist/plastic surgeon team can also work together on healing any residual marks or scars from the burn.

Does your child have chicken Pox?

crisis tends to hit the

household when

medical help isn’t handy. The mind freezes as

panic takes over, and you end up doing

something silly like putting

toothpaste on a burn.

Here’s what you should

do

HAVING A ‘SKIN EMERGENCy’?

DR suNAINA HAMEED, MDis a consultant dermatologist and writer based in Bangalore, India. To know more about her, visit: www.drsunaina.com

By Dr Sunaina Hameed, MD, Dip.ABLS (USA)

FLAIRin life

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Does your child have fever and little itchy watery blisters over his body? Chicken Pox is not fatal or dangerous in children. Give tepid sponging for fever, and Paracetamol for aches and pains. Chicken Pox does not leave any marks or scars, unless the blisters have been popped. Cetrizine will help with the itching, and let your child wear mittens as an added measure. Your child’s caretaker during this period should be someone who has already had Chicken Pox, as they are now immune to the virus. Your child can have a cool shower, but do not use towels for drying. Let your child’s body dry naturally under a fan. Make sure they stay out of the sun, get plenty of rest, fluids, and clean nutritious home-cooked meals. Warm saline gargling can soothe a sore throat. Apply Calamine or Soframycin cream to the blisters. Use Cetrilak shampoo if there are blisters and scabs on the scalp as well. When all the blisters turn into dark scabs, you can tell that your child is no longer contagious. Keep a close watch for similar symptoms in other family members.

suffering from a nasty sunburn?This is what happens when you’re not sunscreen-smart. But lectures aside, how does one manage sun burn? Have a cold shower, apply cool compresses to the affected area and use Calamine or Aloe Vera based moisturizing lotions several times a day to take the edge off the sting. Drink plenty of fluids and electrolytes, and take anti-inflammatory pills like Ibuprofen for some pain relief. Sunscreen may sting your skin at this point, so keep the sun burnt area covered with clothing and stay indoors till your skin heals. However, if your skin is swollen, blistered or extremely painful, then rush to your dermatologist. Sunburns can be particularly severe in children, and requires immediate medical attention. Multiple episodes of sunburn, especially in childhood, increase your risk of developing skin cancer as an adult. So do not skip the sunscreen.

Head lice invasion in your household?When it comes to head lice, home remedies do not always work. Mums use vaseline petroleum jelly and mayonnaise to coat their kids’ scalp as a treatment for head lice. This does not always work in suffocating the lice or their eggs. It may only stun them for a while, and you will still have to use a lice comb to get the lice out. Besides, it’s a nightmare to wash all that mayonnaise out.

If your kid has been around someone with lice, then use olive oil and a hot towel instead of vaseline. But if you SEE lice on your child’s head, then consult a dermatologist for medical management. Shaving your child’s head or swimming in chlorinated water will not get rid of head lice.

Lice shampoos must be used by ALL members of the family. Permethrin containing lice-shampoos work the best. If there are nits on the eyelashes, apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly to your child’s eyelashes while he/she is asleep. Wash off the next morning. Remember to clean the lice comb in hot water, vinegar or Lysol. Wash all clothes and bed linen at the end of the treatment. Skipping these simple steps is the most common reason for treatment failure.

Are pinworms tormenting your child?You might actually be able to see the tiny white thread worms around your child’s anus. You might also find them in your child’s underwear. The itching is worse at night leading to crankiness and restless sleep. In female children, it can cause vaginal itching as well. They can even irritate the urethra and cause bed-wetting episodes in children who have been potty-trained. You can gently stick a piece of cellotape to your child’s anus and get rid of the worms and their eggs. You can also apply menthol or camphor based cream on your child’s bottom, to suffocate the worms. This is only a temporary measure so your child can have a peaceful night till you can get them to the doctor’s office the next day. Encourage hand hygiene to avoid infection in the future.

How can I avoid catching a skin infection from my pet?

Check your pet regularly for fleas, sores or patchy hair loss. If you see a rash, non-healing wound or areas of bald skin on your pet’s fur, take him to a vet without delay.

If you or your pet suffer from an open wound, keep the wound covered. MRSA, a particularly virulent and antibiotic-resistant strain of the bacteria Staph Aureus, can be spread from animals to human. Do not let your pet lick your wounds.

Scabies and fungal skin infections can be passed on from animals to humans. If you are adopting a stray, make sure to take your new pet to a vet for a thorough

examination, followed by prompt treatment if found necessary.

If you have suffered a bite or a puncture wound from an animal or pet, consult your physician at the earliest, even if the injury was accidental. The risks are higher if the animal was a stray, if the wound was deep enough to draw blood, and if the bite is closer to the head or neck.

Wash your hands before and after handling pets.

What should I do if I’m stung by an insect?If you were stung by a snake or a scorpion, do whatever you can to find yourself in a hospital at the earliest. If you are stung by a bee, wasp, spider or caterpillar, here’s what you can do till you meet your doctor.

Place an icepack on it. Keep the affected limb elevated for some time. Do not itch or shake vigorously as it encourages the spread of the venom. Apply Hydrocortisone cream every 4-6 hours. Take an antihistamine like Cetrizine or Benadryl. Take an anti-inflammatory drug like Tylenol or Ibuprofen, if you have pain and swelling. Meet your doctor if the rash/pain worsens over the next 12-24 hours.

Home remedies and old granny’s concoctions, while well-meaning, do not always work. In fact in some cases, they’re bad advice which can make matters worse. Your first aid kit at home must contain the following basic OTC medications – Betadine (preferable to Dettol or Savlon), Hydrocortisone 1% cream, Aloe Vera, Calamine lotion, Tablet Benadryl, Tab Paracetamol, Tablet Ibuprofen and Mupirocin ointment. These medications can provide relief till you can get an appointment with your doctor. In some cases, they can even relieve your symptoms completely and save you a trip

to the hospital. Be aware, be smart!

Multiple episodes of sunburn, especially in childhood,

increase your risk of developing

skin cancer as an adult. so do

not skip the sunscreen.

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By Kathleen Purvis

FLAIRgourmet

LuNCHBOx SHORTCuTSLuNCHBOx SHORTCuTS

Make school lunches healthy and fun with these easy brown bag lunch ideas

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Not all kids are built alike. And not all lunch boxes have to be filled with the same things. When

my own child was small, I used to roll my eyes at all those parent-magazine lunchbox tips. “All kids love dipping things! Send them to school with vegetables and a little container of ranch dressing!” Oh, really? My kid hated any form of dip — especially ranch dressing.

“Tuck a fun note in with lunch!” He would have gouged his own eyes out if he’d had to open a note from his mother in front of his friends. “Cut sandwiches into cute animal shapes!” If I had turned his bologna into bunnies, he would have run away and joined the circus.

And you know what? I got it: Lunch is personal. It’s the oasis in the day, a meal we get to tailor just for ourselves. The lunch box is our own turf.

It isn’t even just for kids. Adults probably carry lunch even more often than kids do. Given the time, cost and calories of the lunch options near most workplaces, packing your own is often your best choice.

With school starting, you have the next nine months or so to figure out the best way to game lunch for yourself and your kids. This time, I dug into cookbooks and websites in search of ideas for loading up those lunch boxes.

If you don’t find anything that inspires you, go to the website Food 52 and search for “Amanda’s kids’ lunches.” Writer

Amanda Hesser documents what she packs for her twins’ lunches every day. Yes, Hesser’s kids apparently are willing to eat asparagus sandwiches, cold haricot verts, pickled onions and Milanese rice salads with tuna for lunch. In front of their friends.

Told you — not all kids are built alike. I bet Hesser’s kids are really happy. I hear the circus can be a really good career.

keep these on handTortillas. Wraps are the fastest sandwiches you can make, and tortillas often keep longer than bread. You can get all kinds of flavors to change it up, too, from flour or corn to green spinach or roasted red pepper.

Hummus. It’s nutritious and filling. Even better: Try some of the nontraditional versions, like Roots’ lima bean hummus or Trader Joe’s edamame hummus. Change it up: Take a whole-wheat roll, cut a sliver off the top, hollow out the center and fill it with a little hummus and salsa.

Tiny tomatoes and bocconcini. If you need something to fill out a bento box, toss little tomatoes and bocconcini (little balls of mozzarella) with a little olive oil, some dried oregano and a little salt.

Grapes. To keep a lunchbox cold, freeze little baggies of grapes. When they thaw, they make a good fruit serving.

Nut butters. Branch out from peanut butter and into almond or sunflower butter. Change it up: To make it more

substantial, hit the salad bar and get sunflower kernels, dried cranberries or currants and shredded carrot to stir into it.

Blueberry jam and goat cheese. Trader Joe’s Blueberry and Vanilla Chevre is my newest flavour obsession. Pack a couple of slices with a bag of graham crackers. (Don’t spread it on in advance or the graham crackers will get soft.) Or make your own: Combine 2 tablespoons goat cheese or cream cheese and 1 tablespoon jam (blueberry or whatever flavour you like). Microwave for 10 seconds, just until soft enough to spread.

Apples and oranges. Together: Combine apple slices and orange slices, squeezing one orange wedge over the apple slices. It will keep them from browning without having them taste like lemon juice.

Packing TipsFrom “Little Bento,” by Michele Olivier:

Plan leftovers into your lunches. Save some roasted chicken for quesadillas later in the week, or make a big pot of chili you can send in a thermos.

Find a time that works. If morning is too stressful, pack lunches while you’re making dinner. Or do it while you’re cleaning up the kitchen after dinner.

Double up. Plan lunches around things both the kids and adults can take. It saves time, money and stress.

Pack rainbows. Try for something red, orange, yellow, green and blue or purple to balance “beige,” like bread or meat.

SALTED TAHINI SPREAD

Adapted from “Easy Vegan Breakfasts & Lunches,” by Maya Sozer (Page Street, 2016). If you get really bored with nut butters, try this one for a change. It makes a great dip (for kids who like dips) with baby-cut carrots and apple slices, or as a spread on whole-grain crackers.

Ingredients1/2 cup tahini1/4 cup pure maple syrup1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 tablespoons almond or cashew milk1/2 teaspoon salt

MethodPlace all the ingredients in a blender and blend until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.Yield: About 1 cup.

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KALE SMASH AND HUMMUS SANDWICHESAdapted from “A Modern Way To Cook,” by Anna Jones (Ten Speed Press, 2016).

Ingredients

About 10 kale leaves, stemmed (about 5 cups)4 sun-dried tomato halvesJuice of 1 lemon1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepperHummusSliced sourdough bread

Method: Wash the kale and shake dry. Place in a food processor with the sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil and salt and pepper. Process into a paste, adding more olive oil if needed.

Spread one slice of bread with hummus. Spread a second slice with some of the kale spread and place the slices together into a sandwich. Refrigerate any leftover kale spread in an airtight container with a little olive oil on top to keep it from darkening.

Yield: 2 to 4 sandwiches, depending on how thickly you spread them.

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SPINACH PESTO PIZZA ROLLUPSAdapted from “Little Bento,” by Michele Olivier (Sonoma Press, 2016). These take a little work in advance, but they can be kept for a week in the refrigerator, or frozen for 2 months.

Ingredients: 1 packed cup fresh spinach leaves, larger stems removed1/2 cup prepared pesto (refrigerated is usually better than jars)1 bag pizza dough2 cups shredded mozzarella1 cup grated Parmesan, dividedPizza sauce

MethodPreheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with nonstick aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Combine the spinach and pesto in a food process and process into a paste. Set aside.

On a lightly floured work surface with a lightly floured rolling pin, roll out the pizza dough as thinly as possible (about 14 or 16 inches long and 9 inches wide).

Spread the spinach pesto mixture over the dough, spreading all the way to the end on the short sides but leaving about 1 inch free on either of the long ends. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the pesto, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmesan.

Starting with the long side nearest you and using a spatula or dough scraper to lift the dough, roll the dough over tightly, working it away from you until you have a log shaoe. Tuck any cheese that falls out back into the ends and press the seam closed with your fingers. Using a serrated

knife, slice into 1-inch-thick pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.

Bake about 20 minutes, until the crust is golden. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove the slices to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature with pizza sauce.

Testing note: Some of the cheese and pesto may leak out a little. Wait until the rolls cool and trim it away for a neater presentation.)

Yield: About 12 slices.

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KEEN-BEAN QUINOAAdapted from “Leon Happy Salads,” by Jane Baxter and John Vincent (Octopus Books, 2016). You can make the dressing as

directed, or you can replace it with an Asian-style soy dressing.

Ingredients:1/2 cup quinoa1 cup frozen, shelled edamame1 cup frozen peasSalt and freshly ground pepper to taste1/4 cup bottled Asian sesame-soy dressing

Method: Rinse and drain quinoa. Place in a medium saucepan with 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the edamame, cover again and cook 5 minutes longer. Add the peas and remove from heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.Stir in the salt, pepper and dressing. Chill in a resealable container until ready to serve.Yield: About 3 cups.

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SOUTHWEST ROLLUPS

Ingredients1 can vegetarian refried beans1 tortilla, flavoured or plainQuarter of an avocado, thinly sliced and peeled1/4 cup diced tomato1/4 cup shredded mozzarella1/2 cup shredded lettuce

Method

Open a can of refried beans. (Most vegetarian styles are thin enough to spread, but if it isn’t, mix it with 1/4 cup water.) Spread over the tortilla, reaching to the edges so it will help hold the roll closed.

Line up avocado slices down one side about 1 inch from the edge, then top with tomato, mozzarella and lettuce. Fold the edge over, then roll it up. Use a serrated knife to cut into 1-inch-thick slices.

Yield: 1 serving.

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Trip of a LifetimeTrip of a Lifetime

FLAIRtravel

Trip of a LifetimeTrip of a Lifetime

Of all the countries of sub-saharan Africa, Namibia is

arguably the most comprehensively tourist-friendly.

Read on to find out moreBy Eric Vohr

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My first glimpse of Africa came from a nature program I watched as a child called

“Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.” Seeing elephants and giraffes lumber across a dry African landscape — even on TV — was in stark contrast to my suburban wildlife encounters that entailed red robins and gray squirrels hopping across manicured green lawns. I longed to one day see Africa’s wildlife up close and in person.

That day finally came last winter on a trip in Namibia with African Profile Safaris, whose experienced guides provide driving and flying tours of this desert nation in the far southern tip of the continent. (Costs vary widely, depending on time of year, the level of luxury in lodges and other factors, but bank on spending at least $400 a person a day for a guided safari, including accommodations and food.)

My adventure started with a thrilling ride in a bush plane from the central capital city of Windhoek to the far northeastern panhandle of Namibia, the Caprivi Strip. The flight went briefly over Botswana and the vast Okavango Delta, where I had my very first sighting of wild elephants lounging below in one of the region’s many watering holes.

A general rule when searching for wildlife in Africa: Where there is water, there are animals. And the Caprivi Strip is that rare part of Namibia that has a perennial abundance of water. On my drive from the airstrip to Nambwa Tented Lodge, I saw two large herds of elephants — an experience so well timed, it almost seemed staged.

The lodge looked lifted from the pages of a Hemingway novel. This modest collection of rustic-yet-luxurious safari tents is built on elevated wooden platforms near the floodplain of the Kwando River in Bwabwata National Park.

During a boat trip on the river, I enjoyed a safari tradition — a “sundowner” cocktail sipped during the fading light of day — as we cruised past groups of half-submerged, grunting hippos. This “wet” region of Namibia is the only place in the country where hippo, Cape buffalo, red lechwe antelope and other animals that need abundant water can truly thrive.

After the Caprivi, I had an unexpected treat in the form of a visit with the region’s indigenous San people, aka Bushmen, at Fiume Bush Camp near Grootfontein.

Cattle farming has more or less destroyed Bushmen culture and customs, trapping these nomadic people inside fences and other borders.

Cattle farmer Jorn Gressmann grew up with Bushmen on his parents’ farm and is trying to help the San make the difficult transition into the 21st century. Fluent in the Bushmen “click” language, Gressmann established Fiume Bush Camp and encouraged his San friends to create a living museum on his property.

After introducing our small tour group, Gressmann excused himself and let the San teach us how they hunt and gather, build bows and traps, and find water in the harsh savanna climate. They also shared traditional songs and dances, including a fire dance given by a local medicine man. (Overnight rates at the camp are relatively low by safari standards at roughly $145 a person.)

Not far from the camp is Etosha National Park, a world-renowned, protected wildlife area in north-central Namibia. Most of the government-owned lodges and campsites inside the park are a bit run down, so I chose to stay in Onguma Tree Top Camp, just outside the park’s eastern gate.

Onguma’s guides treated me to numerous sightings of various antelope — kudu, steenbok and oryx, to name a few — and my favorite of them all: the tiny dik dik, standing little more than a foot high at the shoulder. I also saw warthogs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, cheetahs … well, you get the idea.

The sheer volume of animals one encounters in Namibia, in numbers and species, is much of what makes safaris here so impressive and memorable, especially in the “dry” season from June to October, when wildlife tends to cluster around waterholes. We saw much more than just large mammals. We spotted birds like lilac-breasted rollers, pale chanting goshawks and northern black bustards, as well as leopard tortoises,

bat-eared foxes … the viewing possibilities are endless.

One of my most memorable sightings involved a solitary male lion that sauntered out of the vegetation and into a crowded watering hole full of gazelles. The slender antelopes froze in place and stared, and so did I. Surprisingly, the lion didn’t seem to be hungry. It was as if he just wanted to peruse his realm and confirm that he was king of it all. After rubbing carelessly against a tree and thundering a couple of deep roars, he casually turned and left.

My second lion sighting was a little more expansive. At Ongava Tented Camp, just south of Etosha, my guides showed me a pride of 12 lions: an adult male, three females and eight adorable cubs that behaved much like a litter of domestic kittens by climbing trees, mock fighting and playing. The adult male didn’t seem to care much about our safari group, but every once in a while he’d stare at me with intense, golden eyes that made my spine tingle. Welcome to Africa, where one learns what it feels like to be food.

Leaving Etosha, I drove the Toyota Hilux I’d rented from Safari Car Rental Namibia more than 150 miles west to the ruggedly scenic Damaraland region and Grootberg Lodge for an entirely different view of Namibia. Perched on the edge of an enormous canyon of blood-red basalt rock in the Khoadi-Hoas Conservancy, the lodge boasts breathtaking, expansive vistas. Grootberg also is one of the first community-owned lodges in Namibia, providing locals with a sustainable income from tourist dollars.

While in Damaraland, I encountered endangered black rhinos, which seem to have found a safe haven here after being poached nearly to extinction. Wilderness Safaris Desert Rhino Camp works with a nonprofit to monitor and protect these prehistoric-looking beasts. The camp’s guides took me out on a daylong search for these elusive desert dwellers, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my trip.

My last stop was Damaraland’s Mowani Mountain Camp, designed to blend in with the area’s trademark red sandstone boulders.

My stay at Mowani was beautiful and bittersweet, as it marked the end of my trip. I was left wondering how long it would be before I got to see Africa’s wild

animals — in the wild — again

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Selfie Superstar KEY FEATURES

HUAWEI Kirin 659 CPU

Android7.0+EMUI5.1

4 GB RAM + 64 GB ROM

20MP Front Camera

12MP + 8MP Dual-lens Rear Camera

Dual MIC Noise Reduction Technology

Fingerprint Sensor

Proximity Detector

Gravity Sensor

Equipped with a unique 20MP front camera, 3D facial recognition, beautification by gender and 11-level LCD flash, the Huawei Nova 2 Plus is an ideal smartphone for selfie lovers

In recent years, Huawei has been coming up with smartphones that are big on photography. And

judging by the new Nova 2 Plus, Huawei isn't going to stop anytime soon. As the newest member of the Nova series, the Nova 2 Plus– dubbed the 'Selfie Superstar'– is the phone to have if you derive a great deal of pleasure from taking selfies. Lovers of photography would also appreciate the inclusion of a dual-rear camera. The Nova 2 Plus is the first smartphone from Huawei to be equipped with a 20MP front camera. It's considered By Arpita Tawani

FLAIRtechnology

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to be a midrange phone, though its performance suggests it is so much more than a midrange flagship phone. Huawei’s 3D facial recognition and optimized beauty delivers crisp and clear portraits. Featuring a range of intelligent algorithms including a portrait algorithm, the new smartphone offers high-resolution photography capabilities; it can enhance face shapes and skin colours, while studying the relative position of facial features and skin types as well as textures to deliver more natural and true-to-life portraits.

Moreover, the Huawei Nova 2 Plus includes fun front camera features. In low-light conditions, the HUAWEI nova 2 series uses the LCD screen flash with 11 colour temperatures for different degrees of illumination – making portraits really pop out. The front camera also allows users to shoot selfies with a bokeh effect, creating the blurred background similar to that generated by wide-aperture professional portraits. With a new 10-level beautification mode and a new gesture shutter for taking pictures, perfect selfies are much easier to take.

For starters, Nova 2 Plus comes with a slightly larger 5.5-inch Full HD screen with better LTPS IPS technology as well. The bigger screen size is further complemented with better images being displayed on-screen. Then there’s the similar metal body and 2.5D curved glass which elevates its look and feel to another level.

In terms of performance, Nova 2 and Nova 2 Plus are both similar, though with the Nova 2 Plus having the Kirin 659 chipset, a fast octa-core processor, good graphics and 4GB RAM. It is powerful enough to run just about everything that you can throw at it.

The first thing we noticed about the smartphone is that it does not have a home button or capacitive buttons; the only ones present are the power and volume buttons. What should have been the back key, the home button and the app menu button, are all located within the touchscreen itself. The phone's rear is bound to lure fingerprints, which is just as well considering that the phone's fingerprint reader is also mounted on the rear.

You'll find a microphone on the top of the phone, while the bottom of the phone has a 3.5mm audio jack, a USB 3.1 Type-C port, and a speaker grille. The left side of the Nova 2 Plus has a hybrid SIM slot, while its right side houses the volume and power buttons. The hybrid SIM slot can house two Nano-SIM cards, or one Nano-SIM and microSD card.

Moving on to the battery department, the phone comes with a 3340mAh non-removable battery. On a single charge, you can expect to get more than a day's worth of battery backup and a standby time of almost three days.

Overall performance of the device is quite good, even though the company has positioned the Nova 2 Plus as a mid-range device. Games may take longer to load than the most high-end phones out there, but animations are smooth and fluid. This essentially means that Huawei has done a good job of ensuring its software is well optimised to feel snappy and reliable on any device.

We had a lot of fun reviewing the Nova 2 Plus. Taking photos with the phone's camera was enjoyable, because we knew our selfies were going to be flaw-free. Our experience with the camera got even better once the rear camera was used to take photos. The display is beautiful, the smartphone's battery life is pretty substantial, and you'll have no trouble navigating through the phone. The Nova 2 Plus comes in three colour variants: Graphite Black, Prestige Gold, and Aurora Blue. The smartphone can be yours for only QR 1399,

available at leading retail stores in Qatar

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EnginE: 5.0-lITRE 32-vAlvE v-8 PowEr: 471 HORSEPOWER AT 7,100 RPM; 398 POUND-FEET OF TORQUE AT 4,800 RPMTransmission: 10-SPEED AUTOMATICwhEElbasE: 113.0 INCHESlEngTh: 187.4 INCHESwidTh: 75.6 INCHEShEighT: 53.0 INCHESCurb wEighT: 4,280 POUNDS

Flawlessly detailed and beautifully proportioned, the new 2018 lexus lc 500 will leave you in awe each and every time you get behind the wheel

PURE PERFORMANCE

By Mark Phelan I’m a believer. I remained skeptical for years as Toyota executives vowed their company would become a

design leader. No more. The 2018 Lexus LC 500 coupe (I give it three out of four stars) is a triumph, a gorgeous car that elevates its whole brand. Taken alongside the newly styling 2018 Toyota Camry that goes on sale later this year, it establishes Toyota’s designers as a group to watch.

The LC 500 coupe isn’t just the best-looking Lexus ever, it’s a design Porsche or Ferrari would be proud to claim. Flawlessly detailed and beautifully proportioned, the LC’s smooth shape appears to have been poured from molten metal rather than built with wrenches and robots.

But for all its beauty, don’t mistake the LC for a sports car. It’s a grand tourer in the European tradition of cars built to look good and carry a wealthy few in stately opulence. It’s fast on the highway, but not an incitement to sporting detours onto twisting country roads.

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The LC is almost unique among modern luxury coupes its size. Most of them offer more power and sharper handling for bragging rights, despite their drivers’ probably indifference to boy-racer specs.

A less attractive car might not get away with that, but the LC pulls it off. At least in its early days on the road when few people have ever seen one, the LC literally stops pedestrians in their tracks and causes drivers of other luxury cars to slow for a long look and an approving nod.

LC 500 prices start at $92,000 for one with a 471-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. The LC 500h hybrid model has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and electric motor for 354 total horsepower, significantly better fuel economy and a $96,510 base price. There’s no F-Sport package yet, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Lexus adds one with a few boy racer frills and perhaps a performance upgrade.

I tested a well-optioned LC 500 that had the optional carbon fiber trim package, precollision alert and braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forged aluminum wheels, Torsen limited slip rear differential; Mark Levinson audio; navigation, and more.

The LC 500’s competitors include coupes like the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Jaguar F-type R AWD, Maserati Gran Turismo Sport, Mercedes SL 550 and Porsche 911 Carrera.

The LC’s a bargain compared to most of that group, offering more features for the money than all but the Stingray, which remains a shockingly good value.

sTEP INsIDEThe LC’s interior is comfortable and accommodating, if you ignore the rear seats. That’s easy to do because they offer virtually no leg or head room, and are not even easy to reach into to stash grocery bags or a briefcase. The trunk is also very small, offering just 5.4 cubic feet, less than all the competitors. The trunk opening is wide, but the compartment is very shallow. I recommend soft-sided luggage, and not much of it.

The front seats — let’s just call them the seats; friends don’t put friends in the back

of an LC — are luxurious and comfortable. After a pair of five-hour road trips, I exited the car as fresh and comfortable as I began. My car’s optional Alcantara seat inserts and headliner looked and felt good. Head, leg and shoulder room are expansive.

The interior eschews common trim materials like wood and metal for soft covers nearly everywhere you touch, a distinctive and appealing choice by Lexus’s design team.

THE DOWNsIDEThe LC’s V-8 produces competitive power figures, but the Lexus coupe is hundreds of pounds heavier than most of its competitors. That leads to relatively leisurely acceleration, despite claiming a respectable 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. Response to the accelerator pedal is not linear, initially responding slowly, then coming on in a rush that led me to swing back and forth between slow starts and inadvertent wheel spin at traffic lights.

The instrument displays are large and clear, but the control for many audio and navigation commands is poor. In lieu of a touch screen or even the awkward joy stick Lexus used to use, there’s a small touch pad in the center console that’s almost impossible to use in a moving vehicle. Automakers test new control systems exhaustively, so I have no idea how the touch pad passed Lexus’s inspection; it makes operations that should be simple distracting and difficult.

FAcTs AND FIGuREsThe LC’s V-8’s 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque rank in the middle of the car’s competitive set. Combined that with the LC’s 4,280-pound base curb weight, however, and the result is the worst power to weight ratio in the bunch.

The LC’s smooth and precise new 10-speed automatic transmission helps offset that disadvantage, and its excellent programming makes for nearly imperceptible shifts and eliminates the hunting among gears that plagues some transmissions with lots of gears.

The LC’s EPA fuel economy rating of 16 mpg in the city, 26 on the highway and 19 combined falls roughly in the middle of its class, matching the Stingray, topping the Gran Turismo Sport and F-Type R AWD, and trailing the SL 550 and base 911 Carrera.

The LC has a magical engine note, rumbling and promising endless acceleration and vast power. It’s certain to delight the car’s owners and make up for its unexceptional performance and fuel economy.

The 2018 Lexus LC 500 coupe is beautiful, luxurious and rare, and that will be enough for everybody who’s likely to buy it. The LC 500 doesn’t try to match other exclusive coupes’ power and performance, and thereby succeeds on its own terms. The touch pad control is a baffling choice, but the LC 500 team made plenty of good ones. The result is a car that raises the bar for the whole brand. It will delight its

owners for years to come

The 2018 Lexus LC 500’s front seats are luxurious and comfortable

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FREQUENTQ&A

Q: Dear Mr. Dad: My daughter is starting kindergarten next month. We’ve been talking about how much fun she’s going to have and she seems really excited about the whole thing. But here’s where it gets strange: I’m pretty nervous. What can we (the adults) do to get over our nervousness? And is there anything else we can do to get our daughter ready?

A: We all know what a big deal the first day of school (whether it’s preschool, kinder-garten, or college) is for kids. But we rarely hear about what a big, nail-biting deal it is for parents. So thanks for bringing it up!

Your excited daughter is in the minority. Kids have been hearing about this mysterious place called “school” since before they could walk. And even though they’re young, they’ve learned from experience to be suspicious of anything that people tell them over and over they’re going to love. As a result, most kids — even though they’ve spent time away from mom and dad in day care or preschool — are plenty nervous.

For adults, the closest equivalent to the first day of kindergarten might be starting a new job in South Africa, a job that you never applied or interviewed for. The language is the same, but the rules and customs are going to be different — and you have no idea what anyone wants you to do.

Fortunately, there are a few things you and your daughter can do before the big day that should make this major transition a little easier for all of you:

Go shoppingAsk the school for a list of supplies your daughter will need to bring. Then, take a family trip to the store and let her pick out her own backpack, crayons, pencil box, and whatever else she’ll need.

Meet the teacherMost schools are pretty open to this, so it shouldn’t be too hard to schedule a time when you, your spouse, and your daughter can see the classroom and meet the teacher. This

By Armin Brott

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will give everyone a chance to connect and will give your daughter a relatively low-stress way to check out the class-room without being distracted by 24 other kids, many of whom may be crying. At some schools, kindergarten teachers make home visits. That’s nice, but there’s no substitute for seeing the actual class-room.

Time for bedYour daughter has probably been sleeping in for most of the summer and she needs some time to adjust to new sleep and wake-up times. So start as far

in advance as you can. Trying to institute a major change the night before is a sure-fire way to ensure a very stressful day for everyone.

Take a rideWill your daughter be riding the bus to school? If so, it’ll be easier on her (and less nerve-wracking for you) if one or both of her parents can ride with her on the first day (or several days). Besides introducing her to the bus driver, this will give her a chance to learn where to get off the bus, where you’ll pick her up, and what to do if, for some reason, you’re not able to meet

her at the bus stop. Make arrangements with a nearby friend or neighbour to be on standby.

share the experienceFinally, encourage your child to talk about her day when she comes home. (And try something other than “how was school?” Kids learn very young that the best response to that question is, “fine.” This is your chance to nip that in the bud). If you show her that you think school is interesting and important, she’ll think it

is too

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