The National Institute for Care and Health Excellence (UK) is about to publish guidelines for the prevention of Vitamin D Deficiency after a long period of consultation.
Vitamin D is essential for skeletal growth and bone health. Severe Vitamin D deficiency can result in rickets (among children) and osteomalacia (among children and adults). Some scientific research suggests that low Vitamin D levels contribute to a risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, infertility, MS and many other diseases. National surveys suggest that the majority of Asian/Afro-Caribbeans in the UK may have low Vitamin D status. Continue reading →
The nasal spray flu vaccine is given as a single dose of nasal spray squirted up each nostril. Not only is it needle-free (a big advantage for children), the nasal spray works even better than the injected flu vaccine with fewer side effects.
It’s quick and painless and will mean your child is less likely to become ill if they come into contact with the flu virus. Its brand name is Fluenz Tetra.
The nasal spray flu vaccine is also for children aged two to 18 who are “at risk” from flu, such as children with long-term health conditions. Some of these children will be offered two doses of the vaccine.
The injectable flu vaccine will continue to be offered to those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, carers and adults and babies (aged six months to two years) with a long-term medical condition. The injectable version does not contain pork gelatine.
The nasal spray flu vaccine for the 2014/2015 campaign in the UK, contains a highly refined pork gelatine content. Would you accept this as a practicing Muslim?
Please participate in our online poll below and express your views in the comments.
Disclaimer: The aim of this article is to increase awareness of the term ‘Halal’ in relation to medication and to direct towards further sources of information. It is acknowledged that some of the religious concepts are subjective to individuals’ religious belief systems, which are known to vary considerably. Whilst this article may support in providing information, individuals remain responsible for verifying that their treatment is compliant with their own religious belief systems.
Halal is an Arabic word referring to what is permissible under Islamic Sharia law. The word halal is mostly used to refer to food, drinks and medicine that is deemed acceptable for Muslim consumption. To be considered Halal, the ingredients and method of production have to be comprehensively checked to guarantee they adhere to the Islamic dietary laws. Products and ingredients that are forbidden to consume include pork and pork by-products, lard, blood and items containing alcoholic elements.
Here in the United Kingdom, many different organisations in several different industries are proudly certified as Halal, however, there are companies around the UK, which bypass the certification and claim to be Halal. Below are recognised and authorised Halal certification organisations here in the UK.
This article provides an overview of the Islamic belief system and relates it to the consumption of medical products.
In Islam, any food and drink that can be consumed by a Muslim is termed as Halal.
The general principle of Sharia Law, which is the social, legal and moral framework of Islam, is that all food and drink is halal, unless there is a clear prohibition. For medicine to be deemed halal, the ingredients and method of production that is used, must be thoroughly checked to ensure they adhere to Islamic laws. For food to be deemed halal especially meat, the slaughter and preparation of animals for consumption must be in accordance to Sharia Law. However, the biggest challenge for Muslims seems to be obtaining details on ingredients and sources from manufacturers of pharmaceutical products.
Halal Treatments 