How to support faculty, staff and learners during Ramadan and similar times of fasting
![Feature image Fatigue risk management during times of fasting.](https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/FHS-fasting-2024MAR11-1080x608.jpg)
By: Enas El Gouhary, director of Faculty Well-Being for the Faculty of Health Sciences.
![Enas El Gouhary stands in front of lush foliage while smiling.](https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/FHS-Web-Story-Dr-Enas-El-Gouhary-fasting-e1710176239207-300x300.png)
We would like to extend our warm wishes of support to faculty, learners and staff who observe various religious and cultural celebrations throughout the year.
Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection and prayer for Muslims. Ramadan is expected to begin Monday, March 11 or Tuesday, March 12, depending on the sighting of the new moon. Fasting is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam. It is a month for increasing spiritual connection through prayers, kindness, charity and compassion.
Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset. Muslims break their daily fasts by sharing meals with family and friends, and the end of Ramadan is celebrated with a three-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s major holidays. Ramadan always falls on the ninth month of the 12-month Islamic (lunar) calendar.
While fasting has benefits like lowering blood pressure and boosting immunity, if adequate nutrition, hydration and rest are not maintained, fasting might lead to dehydration and fatigue. If you want to learn about how to maintain your well-being during fasting or how to support a colleague who is fasting, please refer to this great resource (PDF) developed by McMaster Post Graduate Fatigue Risk Management Committee.
Those with chronic illnesses, pregnant individuals and those who are breastfeeding are permitted to avoid fasting. If you are a clinician or health care provider, it is prudent to ensure reviewing patients’ practices and review their medications. If you are a supervisor to learners who are observing Ramadan, please consider timing of exams and classes and ensure to support learners to break their fast at sunset.
Throughout the year, various cultural and religious celebrations include fasting, and these considerations can help us support our learners, faculty and staff at these times.
References:
- Ramadan and Fasting: Tips for Wellness
- Is Ramadan fasting related to health outcomes? A review on the related evidence
This message from Enas El Gouhary is on behalf of faculty well-being and equity and inclusion in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
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