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Biology/Health

Magnesium – and Defficiency – NIH

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Introduction

Magnesium, an abundant mineral in the body, is naturally present in many foods, added to other food products, available as a dietary supplement, and present in some medicines (e.g., antacids, laxatives). Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation [1-3]. Magnesium is required for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. It contributes to the structural development of bone and is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione. Magnesium also plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, a process that is important to nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm [3].

An adult body contains approximately 25 grams magnesium, with 50% to 60% present in the bones and most of the rest in soft tissues [4]. Less than 1% of total magnesium is in blood serum, and these levels are kept under tight control. Normal serum magnesium concentrations range between 0.75 and 0.95 millimoles/liter(mmol/L) [1,5]. Hypomagnesemia is defined as a serum magnesium level less than 0.75 mmol/L [6]. Magnesium homeostasis is largely controlled by the kidneys, which typically excrete about 120 milligrams (mg) magnesium into the urine each day [2]. Urinary excretion is reduced when magnesium status is low [1].

Assessing magnesium status

Because most of the magnesium in the body is found inside cells or in bone, it is difficult to assess magnesium status. Measuring serum magnesium concentration is the most commonly used method for assessment, but serum levels do not accurately reflect total body magnesium levels or concentrations in specific tissues. Comprehensively evaluating magnesium status may require the use of both laboratory tests and a clinical assessment.

Assessing magnesium status is difficult because most magnesium is inside cells or in bone [3]. The most commonly used and readily available method for assessing magnesium status is measuring serum magnesium concentration, even though serum levels have little correlation with total body magnesium levels or concentrations in specific tissues [6]. Other methods for assessing magnesium status include measuring magnesium concentrations in erythrocytes, saliva, and urine; measuring ionized magnesium concentrations in blood, plasma, or serum; and conducting a magnesium-loading (or tolerance) test. No single method is considered satisfactory [7]. Some experts [4] but not others [3] consider the tolerance test (in which urinary magnesium is measured after parenteral infusion of a dose of magnesium) to be the best method to assess magnesium status in adults. To comprehensively evaluate magnesium status, both laboratory tests and a clinical assessment might be required [6].

Recommended Intakes

The Food and Nutrition Board at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has established Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes for magnesium. These values range from 310 to 420 mg for adults and from 30 to 410 mg for infants, children, and adolescents, depending on age, sex, and life stage.

Intake recommendations for magnesium and other nutrients are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [1]. DRI is the general term for a set of reference values used to plan and assess nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values include the following:

  • Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): Average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97%–98%) healthy individuals; often used to plan nutritionally adequate diets for individuals
  • Adequate Intake (AI): Intake at this level is assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy; established when evidence is insufficient to develop an RDA
  • Estimated Average Requirement (EAR): Average daily level of intake estimated to meet the requirements of 50% of healthy individuals; usually used to assess the nutrient intakes of groups of people and to plan nutritionally adequate diets for them; can also be used to assess the nutrient intakes of individuals
  • Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL): Maximum daily intake unlikely to cause adverse health effects

Table 1 lists the current RDAs for magnesium [1]. For infants from birth to 12 months, the FNB established AIs for magnesium that are equivalent to the mean intake of magnesium in healthy, breastfed infants, with added solid foods for ages 7 to 12 months.

AgeMaleFemalePregnancyLactation
0–6 months30 mg*30 mg*
7–12 months75 mg*75 mg*
1–3 years80 mg80 mg
4–8 years130 mg130 mg
9–13 years240 mg240 mg
14–18 years410 mg360 mg400 mg360 mg
19–30 years400 mg310 mg350 mg310 mg
31–50 years420 mg320 mg360 mg320 mg
51+ years420 mg320 mg

Download this table as a CSV file

*Adequate Intake (AI)

Sources of Magnesium

Food

Good sources of magnesium include green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and certain beverages. Magnesium may also be added to some breakfast cereals and other fortified foods. In general, approximately 30% to 40% of the magnesium obtained from food and beverages is absorbed by the body.

Magnesium is widely distributed in plant and animal foods and in beverages. Green leafy vegetables (e.g., spinach), legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, are good sources [1,3]. In general, foods that contain dietary fiber provide magnesium. Magnesium is also added to some breakfast cereals and other fortified foods. Some types of food processing, such as refining grains in ways that remove the nutrient-rich germ and bran, substantially lower the magnesium content [1]. Selected food sources of magnesium are listed in Table 2.

Tap, mineral, and bottled waters can also be sources of magnesium, but the amount of magnesium in water varies by source and brand (ranging from 1 mg/L to >120 mg/L) [8].

Approximately 30% to 40% of the dietary magnesium consumed is typically absorbed by the body [2,9].

FoodMilligrams
(mg) per
serving		Percent
DV*
Pumpkin seeds, roasted, 1 ounce15637
Chia seeds, 1 ounce11126
Almonds, dry roasted, 1 ounce8019
Spinach, boiled, ½ cup7819
Cashews, dry roasted, 1 ounce7418
Peanuts, oil roasted, ¼ cup6315
Cereal, shredded wheat, 2 large biscuits6115
Soymilk, plain or vanilla, 1 cup6115
Black beans, cooked, ½ cup6014
Edamame, shelled, cooked, ½ cup5012
Peanut butter, smooth, 2 tablespoons4912
Potato, baked with skin, 3.5 ounces4310
Rice, brown, cooked, ½ cup4210
Yogurt, plain, low fat, 8 ounces4210
Breakfast cereals, fortified with 10% of the DV for magnesium, 1 serving4210
Oatmeal, instant, 1 packet369
Kidney beans, canned, ½ cup358
Banana, 1 medium328
Milk, 1 cup276
Salmon, Atlantic, farmed, cooked, 3 ounces266
Halibut, cooked, 3 ounces246
Raisins, ½ cup235
Bread, whole wheat, 1 slice235
Avocado, cubed, ½ cup225
Chicken breast, roasted, 3 ounces225
Beef, ground, 90% lean, pan broiled, 3 ounces205
Broccoli, chopped and cooked, ½ cup123
Rice, white, cooked, ½ cup102
Apple, 1 medium92
Carrot, raw, 1 medium72

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*DV = Daily Value. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed DVs to help consumers compare the nutrient contents of foods and dietary supplements within the context of a total diet. The DV for magnesium is 420 mg for adults and children age 4 years and older [11]. FDA does not require food labels to list magnesium content unless magnesium has been added to the food. Foods providing 20% or more of the DV are considered to be high sources of a nutrient, but foods providing lower percentages of the DV also contribute to a healthful diet.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) FoodData Central [10] lists the nutrient content of many foods and provides comprehensive list of foods containing magnesium arranged by nutrient content and by food name.

Dietary supplements

Supplements can contain a variety of different forms of magnesium, and the absorption of these forms varies. In general, forms of magnesium that dissolve well in liquid have higher absorption than other forms, and the aspartate, citrate, lactate, and chloride forms of magnesium tend to have higher bioavailability than magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate.

Medicines

Magnesium is found in some remedies for heartburn and acid indigestion, and it is a key ingredient in certain laxatives.

Magnesium Intakes and Status

Many people in the United States consume less than the recommended amounts of magnesium, with men age 71 years and older and adolescent males and females having the highest risk of low magnesium intakes. Survey data suggest that the average intakes of magnesium from food alone are higher among people who take dietary supplements that contain magnesium than among those who do not. There is no current data on magnesium status among people who live in the United States, as magnesium status is not routinely evaluated in national surveys, hospitals, or clinics.

Magnesium Deficiency

Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness are some of the early signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency. As the condition progresses, people with magnesium deficiency may experience numbness, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, coronary spasms, and other symptoms. In severe cases, magnesium deficiency can cause hypocalcemia or hypokalemia. While certain health conditions and the use of certain medications can cause symptomatic magnesium deficiency, it is uncommon in healthy people.

Groups at Risk of Magnesium Inadequacy

Certain groups of people are more likely than others to have magnesium inadequacy. These include people with gastrointestinal diseases, type 2 diabetes, or alcohol dependence and older adults.

Magnesium and Health

Habitually low intakes of magnesium induce changes in biochemical pathways that can increase the risk of illness over time. This section focuses on four diseases and disorders in which magnesium might be involved: hypertension and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches.

Hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Results from clinical trials suggest that magnesium supplementation only marginally lowers blood pressure. Although some prospective studies have reported that people with higher intakes and/or serum levels of magnesium have lower risks of sudden cardiac death, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, more research is needed to understand the effects of magnesium from food and dietary supplements on cardiovascular disease.

Type 2 diabetes

Several meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies have reported that individuals who have higher magnesium intakes tend to have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. However, only a few small clinical trials have evaluated using supplemental magnesium to control type 2 diabetes, and these trials have reported conflicting results. According to the American Diabetes Association, there is currently not enough evidence to recommend using magnesium to improve glycemic control in people with diabetes.

Osteoporosis

Magnesium is essential for bone health, and some studies have found that higher intakes of magnesium are associated with increased bone mineral density. Other studies have reported finding low serum magnesium levels among women with osteoporosis. However, more research is needed to determine whether magnesium supplements can help prevent or manage osteoporosis.

Migraine headaches

Low levels of serum and tissue magnesium appear to be associated with the occurrence of migraine headaches. Some research has suggested that the regular use of magnesium supplements may reduce the frequency of migraines. Although the data are limited, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Headache Society have concluded that magnesium is probably effective for migraine prevention.

Health Risks from Excessive Magnesium

Although the risk of acquiring too much magnesium from food is low among healthy people, high doses of magnesium from dietary supplements or medications can cause diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. Very high doses of magnesium can lead to magnesium toxicity, which can cause hypotension, vomiting, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, and other signs and symptoms. A few cases of fatal hypermagnesemia have been reported. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for supplemental magnesium is 350 mg for adults, and it ranges from 65 to 350 mg for children and adolescents, depending on age.

Interactions with Medications

Magnesium may interact with certain medications, such as oral bisphosphonates, tetracyclines, and quinolone antibiotics. In addition, some medications, including diuretics and proton pump inhibitors, can affect magnesium status.

Magnesium and Healthful Diets

In general, a person’s nutritional needs should be met primarily through the diet, including fortified foods. Dietary supplements may be useful in cases where it is not possible to meet the needs for specific nutrients through food alone, especially during certain life stages. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans offers a general description of healthy dietary patterns.

References

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Disclaimer

This fact sheet by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) provides information that should not take the place of medical advice. We encourage you to talk to your health care providers (doctor, registered dietitian, pharmacist, etc.) about your interest in, questions about, or use of dietary supplements and what may be best for your overall health. Any mention in this publication of a specific product or service, or recommendation from an organization or professional society, does not represent an endorsement by ODS of that product, service, or expert advice.

Updated: January 6, 2026 History of changes to this fact sheet

#Magnesium, #defficiency, #symptoms, #food and nutritional #supplements, #NIH, #health;

Biology/Health, Geography

Drax stop burning wood Pellets – saving forests

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Drax to stop burning B.C. wood pellets for U.K. energy: A significant milestone for the climate

March 12, 2026

səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Territories (Vancouver, B.C.) — International energy giant Drax has begun to phase out burning forest biomass from British Columbia at its power station in the United Kingdom. As reported by The Guardian, Drax will stop burning “controversial” wood from forests in Canada at its North Yorkshire power station within the next year.

This is a significant milestone. It demonstrates that burning forest biomass to generate energy at utility-scale is untenable and sends a warning signal to all governments and investors currently supporting the global biomass industry: this dirty form of energy is a weak economic proposition.

B.C.’s failure to properly protect old growth and enact a biodiversity law have been exposed on the international stage. As other countries examine their wood pellet supply chains, the facts are clear – there is no sustainable way to source biomass for export from forests in B.C.

This move by Drax follows years of political controversy and public outcry in the U.K. over the company’s Canadian sourcing practices. Most recently, a Stand.earth investigation confirmed that Drax purchased whole logs cut from old growth forests in 2024, and very likely in 2025. This conclusive finding adds to an existing body of evidence in reports, documentaries, and whistleblower testimony.

However, the broader problems with the biomass export industry in Canada continue. While the company will no longer burn biomass from B.C. in the U.K., Drax continues to hold a near-monopoly on wood pellet production in the province, and is likely to continue sourcing from old growth and primary forests to supply customers in Asian and European countries.

Drax to stop burning B.C. wood pellets for U.K. energy: A significant milestone for the climate

#Saving Forest; #stop; #burning wood pellets; #British Columbia; #Canada,

Biology/Health, Islam, Religion

Muslim Welfare Center – Charity &Women Care

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https://mwcanada.org


* MUSLIM WELFARE CENTER

SUPPORT LOCAL WELFARE​
We operate four food banks across Canada, serving over 112,000 people in 2024 alone. Hot meals go out to Toronto’s homeless every weekend, and seniors receive meal delivery twice weekly across the GTA. A long-term care facility is underway for seniors on the verge of homelessness.

This is what your Zakat funds. Give locally, help your neighbours in the holiest month.
SUPPORT GLOBAL WELFARE​
Since 2005, we’ve built 3,800 water wells across Pakistan, serving 321,000 people. Over 1,000 children attend our schools right now because of monthly sponsors. 75 deaf students receive specialized education that would otherwise be impossible for them.

Emergency relief reaches Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan through established partners. Your Zakat and Sadaqah Jariyah work across crisis zones and sustainable projects.

Support Women & Children In Need

When a drought strikes, women and children are the ones that are most at risk. This is why MWC supports pregnant women suffering in Tharparkar, a desert region of Pakistan.

Why Your Support Matters?

Your support will allow us to continue our lifesaving work in the desert region of Tharparkar.  Here’s what we’ve achieved and aim to build upon with your support:

Enhanced hygiene and disease prevention education to boost community health and support Pakistan’s healthcare system.

Focused maternal and child health initiatives to promote safer pregnancies and lower mortality rates.

Improved prenatal care contributing to healthier mothers and babies.

  • Nutritional education to help reshape dietary choices and reduce malnutrition.
  • Overcoming Challenges
  • Despite limited healthcare, harsh environmental conditions and other obstacles, we have implemented nutritional improvement initiatives, enhanced access to healthcare services, and provided specialized care for safe childbirth and prenatal care. 

#Muslim welfare center; #Zakat; #Islam; #charity; women prenatal and natal care, #children care;

Biology/Health, Geography, History, Law

Native Canadians – or Genocide Narratives

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Native people of Canada – or First Nations people – represent 5 percent of Canadian people (with different rates within different provinces)- with a rate of population growth; however – what exactly happened with the other 95 percent?!Excluding the Land possession – Doesn’t this sound like Genocide to anyone with a brain the size of a mustard grain?!

According to the 2021 Census, there were 1.8 million Indigenous people, representing 5.0% of the total Canadian population, up from 4.9% in 2016.

Genocide is the intentional destruction of a particular group through killing, serious physical or mental harm, preventing births and/or forcibly transferring children to another group. The term has been applied to the experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada, particularly in the final reports of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (see also Residential Schools) and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls inquiry.

National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day are opportunities to learn more about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations people, Métis, and Inuit. This is also a time to honour the history, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous peoples, who have been living on this land since time immemorial and whose presence continues to impact the evolution of the country. Using 2021 Census of Population data, let’s shed some light on these populations (https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/genocide-and-indigenous-peoples-in-canada)

Forced Living in Reserves without the Right to Leave – Historical Facts

  1. From 1885 into the 1940s, a pass system controlled Indigenous people’s movement, requiring those living on reserve to get written permission from an “Indian agent” (government officials) when needed to leave their community.

Reserves Today

Reserves are still vital land bases for Indigenous people across Canada, which continue to be classified as federal land but as self-governed by Indigenous people of their community.

Some reserves have the most concerning conditions in Canada, such as isolated communities with high poverty rates, substance addiction, suicide, unemployment, and mortality.

It is widely acknowledged that the cultural genocide and social disruption over generations by displacements, discriminatory legislation, and political neglect results in long-term hardships and hinder the re-establishment of social networks and stable communities.

UnSafe Driking Water – Boil Water Adisories

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1614387410146/1614387435325;

https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1614387410146/1614387435325

More than 1.8 million Indigenous people

According to the 2021 Census, there were 1.8 million Indigenous people, representing 5.0% of the total Canadian population, up from 4.9% in 2016.

However, this growth was not as fast as in previous years. For example, from 2011 to 2016, the Indigenous population grew by 18.9%, more than double the 2021 growth rate.

For the first time, the Census enumerated more than 1 million (1,048,405) First Nations people living in Canada.

The Language Issues:

English and French are the two “Offiicial” languages of Canada, enjoying equal status, rights, and privileges in all federal government institutions, parliament, and courts. Established by the Official Languages Act (1969) and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), this policy guarantees Canadians the right to receive federal services in either language

Isn’t it Strange that No Native Languages are official Languages – also Colonization Effect – and again every person may speak their Language – and I guess we use English for convenience; but then again technically speaking Canada should have a goverment language – which may happen to be English – due to colonization – and no official language as technically speaking – Canada and US have majority immigrant populations – so the majority of populations in major urban centers speak a Different language at home.

#Canada ; #genocide; #history; #Colonization; #boiling water advisories; #sucide rates; #poverty; #forced Sterilizations, #Language Issues and #History;

Biology/Health, History, Law

Why is European Blood so Unique? –

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Celtic History Decoded

The Hidden Links Between Blood Type & Ancestry…

Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:28 Blood Types and Rh-negative 2:11 Why Irish and Basque Blood is So Unique 4:29 Blood Types in Europe and the Americas 6:46 Rest of the World Blood Types 9:25

Why Rh-negative in Europeans? Does the blood running through your veins reveal something about your ancestry? Why is blood type O so common in Ireland and the Atlantic fringe, Rh-negative so elevated in Europe, while type B is dominant in parts of Asia? Well in this video we will uncover the Hidden Links Between Blood Type & Ancestry.

But before looking at why there is such variation across the world, lets quickly go through the main blood types. Now the ABO system classifies blood into 4 main groups, A, B, AB and O. This is based on whether red blood cells carry A antigens, B antigens, both, or neither, as this breakdown shows. And let me know what your blood type is in the comments below and where you are watching this video from. Now your blood group is determined by the genes you inherit from your parents. And on top of the ABO classification, there is the Rh system, most commonly referring to the RhD antigen. If you have the RhD protein on your red cells, you are Rh positive. If you lack it, you are Rh negative. Now look at this table. You can see how rare rh negative is around the world, at only 6% or so. Yet it is elevated in Europe, or in places with a lot of European ancestry, such as the US. But why is this? Well we will explore this connection later. Now each blood group in general can be either Rh positive or negative, which means in total, there are 8 main blood groups. And if you look at this table, you can see that O+ is the most common blood type in the world, found in around 42% of people. AB- is the least common of the main 8 types on the other hand. There is an extremely rare blood type that is often forgotten, called Rh-null (or nicknamed “Golden Blood”). Fewer than 100 people have ever been documented with this since its discovery in 1961, which lacks all Rh antigens. But how do blood types vary by populations in Europe and across the globe? Well if we start with Europe, two broad trends stand out.

Sources: Blood groups – NHS World Population By Percentage of Blood Types – World Atlas The magic of the world’s rarest blood type – BBC Future The rarest and most common blood types by ethnicity Blood type distribution by country – Wikipedia What Does Your Blood Type Say About Your Heritage? – DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) Farhud DD, Zarif Yeganeh M. A brief history of human blood groups. Iran J Public Health. 2013;42(1):1-6. Epub 2013 Jan 1. PMID: 23514954; PMCID: PMC3595629. Rare blood types – NHS Blood Donation Ancient humans evolved new blood types after leaving Africa | Science | AAAS Blood type distribution by ethnicity U.S.| Statista Rh blood group system – Wikipedia Iain Mathieson (2017) – Blood groups in ancient Europe Blood type distribution U.S. 2023| Statista Golden blood: The rarest blood type in the world – Big Think

#Blood Types, #European, #Irish, #Basque, #RH negative, #Statistics, #Celtic History Channel; #Stats,

Biology/Health, Islam, Religion

Fasting – Verses -Islam

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FASTING

Purpose of Fasting -To Attain Piety

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: 

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” [Al-Baqarah 2:183] 

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan? As humans, we are susceptible to sin and transgression. Fasting teaches Muslims to be pious, helping them restrain from worldly pleasures and focus on spiritual growth. The purpose of Ramadan is to establish a fixed training period where believers can overcome vices, learn virtues, and earn Allah’s (SWT) blessings. 

Surah Baqarah – Verses

183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous (God Fearing, Pious)

184. For a specified number of days. But whoever among you is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. For those who are able: a ransom of feeding a needy person. But whoever volunteers goodness, it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.

185. Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. Guidance for humanity, and clear portents of guidance, and the Criterion. Whoever of you witnesses the month, shall fast it. But whoever is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you, that you may complete the number, and celebrate God for having guided you, so that you may be thankful.

186. And when My servants ask you about Me, I Am near; I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. So let them answer Me, and have faith in Me, that they may be rightly guided.

187. Permitted for you is intercourse with your wives on the night of the fast. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. God knows that you used to betray yourselves, but He turned to you and pardoned you. So approach them now, and seek what God has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white streak of dawn can be distinguished from the black streak. Then complete the fast until nightfall. But do not approach them while you are in retreat at the mosques. These are the limits of God, so do not come near them. God thus clarifies His revelations to the people, that they may attain piety.

188. And do not consume one another’s wealth by unjust means, nor offer it as bribes to the officials in order to consume part of other people’s wealth illicitly, while you know.

FASTING IS A SHIELD(From Hellfire)

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.”

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مَسْلَمَةَ، عَنْ مَالِكٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ، فَلاَ يَرْفُثْ وَلاَ يَجْهَلْ، وَإِنِ امْرُؤٌ قَاتَلَهُ أَوْ شَاتَمَهُ فَلْيَقُلْ إِنِّي صَائِمٌ‏.‏ مَرَّتَيْنِ، وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَخُلُوفُ فَمِ الصَّائِمِ أَطْيَبُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى مِنْ رِيحِ الْمِسْكِ، يَتْرُكُ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ وَشَهْوَتَهُ مِنْ أَجْلِي، الصِّيَامُ لِي، وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ، وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا ‏”‏‏.‏

Hadith – Sahih al Bukhari 1894;

the Gate of Ar-Raiyan

Narrated Sahl:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”

حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدُ بْنُ مَخْلَدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ بِلاَلٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو حَازِمٍ، عَنْ سَهْلٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِنَّ فِي الْجَنَّةِ بَابًا يُقَالُ لَهُ الرَّيَّانُ، يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ الصَّائِمُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، لاَ يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ أَحَدٌ غَيْرُهُمْ يُقَالُ أَيْنَ الصَّائِمُونَ فَيَقُومُونَ، لاَ يَدْخُلُ مِنْهُ أَحَدٌ غَيْرُهُمْ، فَإِذَا دَخَلُوا أُغْلِقَ، فَلَمْ يَدْخُلْ مِنْهُ أَحَدٌ ‏”‏‏.‏

Key Hadith on Fasting:

  • Exclusivity of Reward: “Allah says: Fasting is Mine and it is I who give reward for it. [A man] gives up his sexual passion, his food and his drink for my sake” Hadith 10 – 40 Hadith Qudsi;
  • Narrated Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
  • Joy of the Faster: “For the fasting person there are two times of joy: a time when he breaks his fast and a time when he meets his Lord” Sunnah.com.
  • Fragrance of Breath: “The smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk” Sunnah.com
  • Ramadan Forgiveness: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven” Arab News.
  • Character and Fasting: “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink” Sunnah.com. 

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Every good deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied manifold. A good deed will be multiplied ten times up to as many as seven hundred times, or as much as Allah wills. Allah says: ‘Except for fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it. He gives up his desire and his food for My sake.’ The fasting person has two joys, one when he breaks his fast and another when he meets his Lord. The smell that comes from the mouth of a fasting person is better before Allah than the fragrance of musk.”

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، وَوَكِيعٌ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ “‏ كُلُّ عَمَلِ ابْنِ آدَمَ يُضَاعَفُ الْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا إِلَى سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ إِلَى مَا شَاءَ اللَّهُ. يَقُولُ اللَّهُ: إِلاَّ الصَّوْمَ فَإِنَّهُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ. يَدَعُ شَهْوَتَهُ وَطَعَامَهُ مِنْ أَجْلِي. لِلصَّائِمِ فَرْحَتَانِ: فَرْحَةٌ عِنْدَ فِطْرِهِ وَفَرْحَةٌ عِنْدَ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِ. وَلَخُلُوفُ فَمِ الصَّائِمِ أَطْيَبُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ مِنْ رِيحِ الْمِسْكِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏; Sunah ibn Majah 1638

https://www.arabnews.com/node/933771/islam-perspective

Biology/Health, History, Law

The Relationship between Water Availability and First Nations Sucide Rates

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Abstract

First Nations experience disproportionate rates of suicide when compared to the general population. Various risk factors are identified to increase understanding of the prevalence of suicide among First Nations, but environmental dimensions of suicide are understudied. This study asks whether water insecurity, as reflected by long-term drinking water advisories (LT-DWA), has any bearing on the distribution of suicide in First Nations across Canada, and specifically in Ontario. To assess this, we established the proportion of First Nations with LT-DWAs in Canada and in Ontario that have had suicides occur between 2011 and 2016 through a review of media archives. This proportion was compared to census data on the proportion of First Nations with suicides in Canada and in Ontario between 2011 and 2016, and statistical significance of difference was determined through chi-square goodness of fit test. Overall, the findings were mixed. Nationally, there was no significantly difference of proportion of First Nations with LT-DWAs with combined (confirmed and probable) reported suicides occurring when compared to census proportions; however, at the provincial level, findings had significant differences. The authors conclude that water insecurity in First Nations, as indicated by the presence of a LT-DWA in First Nations across may be an important environmental dimension of suicide, contributing to enhanced risk for suicide in First Nations.

https://www.nccih.ca/634/Is_Suicide_a_Water_Justice_Issue__Investigating_Long-Term_Drinking_Water_Advisories_and_Suicide_in_F….nccih?id=4561&col=4

Ansloos, J., & Cooper, A. (2023). Is suicide a water justice issue? Investigating long-term drinking water advisories and suicide in First Nations in Canada. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 4045.

1. Introduction

Suicide is one of the most urgent issues facing First Nations in Canada, with suicide rates approximately three times higher compared with the general population [1]. Global incident rates across a 60-year period suggest an upward trend of suicide among Indigenous peoples [2]. For First Nations in Canada, suicide is often cited as a leading cause of death for youth [3], and the leading cause of death for adults under the age of 44 [4]. Many risk factors are identified to increase understanding of the disproportionate prevalence of suicide among First Nations, but there is an urgent need to understand environmental dimensions. This exploratory study investigates one potential environmental dimension of suicide among First Nations: water insecurity.

1.1. Suicide among First Nations in Canada

As early as 1995, the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples categorized suicide risk factors for First Nations, including biopsychological factors (e.g., depression, substance use disorders), situational factors (e.g., disruptions to family life due to child welfare policies, off-reserve hospitalizations), socioeconomic factors (e.g., income levels, education levels), and cultural stressors (e.g., suppression of belief systems and spirituality, racial discrimination) [5]. Since then, a range of other demographic factors, including gender, age, and geographic location, have been found to have a significant bearing on rates of suicide among First Nations. Youth aged 15 to 24, men, and those living on reserve, are at higher risk for suicide [1]. Socioeconomic factors have also been consistently associated with high rates of suicide in First Nations [6,7,8]. Recently, household income, labour force status, education, and marital status accounted for 66% of suicide risk after adjusting for risk associated with age and sex among First Nations adults [1], demonstrating that socioeconomic factors have heavy bearing on suicide rates. However, to date, environmental dimensions of suicide among First Nations have received little research.

Qualitative studies have suggested that First Nations affected by a lack of access to safe drinking water are likely to have disproportionately high suicide rates [28] and that water insecurity may be associated with mental health issues in First Nations [36], which by extension might intersect with suicide risk. Among Indigenous peoples in Canada, more broadly, it has been found that mental health outcomes associated with suicide may be affected by climate change, and in particular changes to land, ice, snow, weather, and sense of place [37,38,39]. Related to this, research has shown that environmental changes and related damages to environmental infrastructure accompanying climate change are linked to enhanced psychosocial distress, which in turn might affect suicidality [37]. In a recent study among Inuit in Nunatsiavut, climate change enhanced the likelihood of suicidal ideation [40,41].

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/5/4045#Findings

https://archive.org/details/ansloos-water-insecurity-suicide-May-2023

Biology/Health, History, Law, Geography

Protect Canada’s Forests

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https://act.gp/4msndJJ

If you found out that at least $200 million of public funding went towards a single major corporation and its subsidiaries over the last few years, would you have questions about its operations? What if I told you they also managed 22 million hectares of forest across Canada [1]? Furthermore, what if they had global ties to a corporation with a documented track record of environmental and human rights violations [2]? Our brand new reports highlight the concerning lack of transparency and accountability surrounding the company that has been establishing itself as a logging giant across Canada for the last two decades: Domtar, formerly known as Paper Excellence and Resolute.
Forests are living, breathing systems that sustain life, not just resources to be commodified. And now, with the Carney government giving natural resource lobbyists (those hired to speak on behalf of industry behind closed doors) so much access, pushing for transparency and accountability has never been more important [3].
Add your name: Forests deserve answers 
These new reports trace Domtar’s extensive lobbying activity during a critical four-year period, when the company (operating under different names) was facing growing public scrutiny, attempting to silence us through legal action, and approaching a federal investigation [4, 5, 6].  Despite clear rebranding and a carefully crafted “green” image [7], serious transparency gaps remain. Domtar’s sole owner, Jackson Wijaya, has still not appeared before the House of Commons Committee—even after being formally requested to do so [8]. Canadians are being left in the dark about who truly controls the largest forestry company in the country [9] and what that control means for the future of forests and communities.
What the reports reveal is deeply concerning: The research shows that as Domtar ramped up lobbying ahead of federal scrutiny, it received over $200 million in public funding while facing environmental penalties and mill closures—raising serious questions about transparency and public benefit. This all reveals a stark imbalance: vast amounts of political access and public money flowing to one company, with too little transparency in return—at a moment when Canada’s forests are already under intense pressure from industrial logging, old growth logging, biodiversity loss, and a rapidly changing climate [10, 11, 12].
That’s why we’re calling on Domtar’s owner, Jackson Wijaya, to appear before the House of Commons Committee and fully cooperate with its work. Canadians deserve clear, public answers about who controls Domtar, what the company’s long-term plans are, and what its expansion means for the future of forests and forest-based communities across Canada.
 Will you now add your name to demand transparency and accountability from the logging giant that’s been taking over forests across Canada?

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/paper-excellence-pulp-china-1.6772654

#Protect, #Canada, #Forests, #Logging, #PaperExcellence

Biology/Health

ODSB – Ontario Disability Support Application

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How-to-apply-to-the-Ontario-Disability-Support-Program-ODSP-2Download

ODSB – Overview– Government Page Info

Patients may provide health care professionals the Disability Determination Package (DDP) to complete so that the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services can determine whether they have a disability for the purposes of qualifying for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Health care professionals may submit the DDP either on paper or digitally through the Ministry of Health’s Special Authorization Digital Information Exchange (SADIE).

To avoid delays for your patient, it is important to:

  • complete all sections and questions as fully as possible
  • include duration for all condition(s) and resulting impairment(s)
  • sign all appropriate pages if sending paper originals or uploading copies
  • attach or upload additional medical and supporting information, such as clinical notes, hospital reports or consult reports, that support or clarify the information you identify in the forms

Learn more about the disability adjudication process and definition of disability

Ontario Disability Support Program

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) provides financial assistance, health and other benefits and employment supports to eligible Ontario residents who:

have a disability as defined by the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, or are a member of a prescribed class that is exempt from the disability adjudication process

are 18 years older (those under 18 can start the application process up to six months before their 18th birthday)

are in financial need

Who qualifies

To receive ODSP income support and benefits, your patient must meet the definition of disability under the ODSP Act. Being a person with a disability means:

  • they have a substantial physical or mental impairment that is continuous or recurrent and expected to last one year or more
  • the direct and cumulative effect of their impairment results in a substantial restriction in their ability to work, take care of themselves or taking part in the community
  • the impairment, its likely duration and restrictions have been verified by an approved health care professional

Prescribed classes

Prescribed classes are specific categories of people who do not have to go through the disability adjudication process to qualify for ODSP. People in these categories must still apply and meet all other ODSP eligibility requirements.

For example, some of your patients may be exempt from the disability adjudication process if they:

  • receive Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPP-D)
  • receive Quebec Pension Plan Disability (QPP-D)
  • are eligible for adult developmental services and supports from Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)
  • are 65 or older and not eligible for Old Age Security (OAS)
  • are a resident of a designated psychiatric facility or home for special care

Learn more about prescribed classes.

For further Info you may read the entire Info on the government’s site;

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program-disability-determination-package#section-4

ODSB – Medical Review Package

Overview

Health care professionals must complete the Medical Review Package to help us determine whether a person continues to meet the definition of a person with a disability for the purposes of the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services uses this set of forms to determine if your patient still qualifies for ODSP income support.

If they have a medical review date assigned, patients might bring you the Medical Review Package to complete.

To avoid delays for your patient, it is important to:

  • complete all sections and questions as fully as possible
  • include duration for all condition(s) and resulting impairment(s)
  • sign all appropriate pages
  • attach additional medical and supporting information, such as clinical notes, hospital reports or consult reports, that support or clarify the information you identify in the forms

As of August 2021, there is an updated Self Report form to submit with the Medical Review Package should patients wish to complete one. The medical review process and definition of disability have not changed.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-disability-support-program-medical-review-package

#Ontario, #Disability, #Info, #Links;

APPLICATION FOR CPP WITH DISABILITY

https://catalogue.servicecanada.gc.ca/content/EForms/en/Detail.html?Form=ISP1151

NumberISP1151
TitleApplication kit for Canada Pension Plan Disability benefits
PurposeTo apply for a Canada Pension Plan Disability benefit. Information in the application form describes the benefits that may be available to you and any dependent children you may have. It is important that you read the instructions and answer the questions with as much detail as possible. The application kit includes: 1. Application for a Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (ISP-1151) 2. Medical Report for a Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefit (ISP-2519)
GroupCanada Pension Plan

Biology/Health

US Gun Violence – Stats

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Statistics- Wikepedia

Unlike other high-income OECD countries, most homicides in the U.S. are gun homicides.[70] In the U.S. in 2011, 67 percent of homicide victims were killed using a firearm: 66 percent of single-victim homicides and 79 percent of multiple-victim homicides.[93] Between 1968 and 2011, about 1.4 million people died from firearms in the U.S. This number includes all deaths resulting from a firearm, including suicides, homicides, and accidents.[94]

In 2017, compared to 22 other high-income nations, the U.S. gun-related homicide rate was 25 times higher.[89] Although the US has half the population of the other 22 nations combined, among those 22 nations studied, the U.S. had 82 percent of gun deaths, 90 percent of all women killed with guns, 91 percent of children under 14 and 92 percent of young people between ages 15 and 24 killed with guns, with guns being the leading cause of death for children.[89] The ownership and regulation of guns are among the most widely debated issues in the US.

In 1993, there were seven gun homicides for every 100,000 people. By 2013, that figure had fallen to 3.6, according to Pew Research.[95]

Stats – AA Turkey Press

“Incidents of gun violence in which police were involved claimed the lives of 587 people, while 361 were wounded.

In 2022, a total of 44,362 people died due to gun violence, while 38,592 were wounded, according to GVA data, which showed that 1,683 of those killed were under 18 years old, as were 4,487 of those injured.

The country is once again discussing ways to address the issue of gun violence on National Gun Violence Awareness Day, observed yearly on the first Friday of June.

US ‘number one’ in private gun ownership

Anti-gun groups in the country have long called for greater legal hurdles on the personal right to bear arms, as the US stands out as the only nation in the world where civilian-owned firearms outnumber people.

The US ranks first in the world in terms of private gun ownership, with 120.5 guns per 100 people, according to research conducted after last year’s Uvalde school shooting in Texas that claimed 21 lives.

Americans are estimated to own 393 million of the 857 million civilian-owned firearms in the world, corresponding to about 46%.”

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/over-17-000-lives-lost-to-gun-violence-in-us-this-year-tracker/2912837

#US #Guns #Violence #Statistics;

Biology/Health, Islam, Library, Religion

PROTECTION FROM MAGIC- DUAHS/ PRAYERS

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Surah Al-Falaq and Al-Naas

To protect yourself from being cast by Magic, recite Surah Al Ikhlas, Surah Falaq and Surah Nas, each 3 times in the morning and evening.

“Rasulullah ﷺ used to seek refuge from the jinn as well as from the evil eye until Surah al-Falaq and an-Naas were revealed. When they were sent down, he utilised them and left other things.” [Tirmidhi]

Aisha (radi Allahu anha) reported that when the Prophet ﷺ went to bed every night, he used to cup his hands together and blow over them after reciting Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas, and then rub his hands over whatever parts of his body he was able to rub, starting with his head, face and front of his body. He used to do that three times. When he became seriously ill, she used to recite (these two Surahs) and rub his hands over his body hoping for its blessings. [Sahih Bukhari]

SURAHS – QURAN CHAPTERS

The Noble Quran is comprised of Surahs (chapters) where each and every verse had a specific reason behind its Revelation. Furthermore, other than the verses being a part of Holy Quran that brings return, there are different verses that come with extraordinary virtues. Two of such renowned short chapters are Surah al Falaq, and Surah an Naas.

Bewitchment of the Prophet (Peace be upon Him)

Narrated Aisha: Magic was worked on Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) so that he used to think that he had sexual relations with his wives while he actually had not (Sufyan said: That is the hardest kind of magic as it has such an effect). Then one day he said, “O `Aisha do you know that Allah has instructed me concerning the matter I asked Him about? Two men came to me and one of them sat near my head and the other sat near my feet. The one near my head asked the other. What is wrong with this man?’ The latter replied the is under the effect of magic The first one asked, Who has worked magic on him?’ The other replied Labid bin Al-A’sam, a man from Bani Zuraiq who was an ally of the Jews and was a hypocrite.’ The first one asked, What material did he use)?’ The other replied, ‘A comb and the hair stuck to it.’ The first one asked, ‘Where (is that)?’ The other replied. ‘In a skin of pollen of a male date palm tree kept under a stone in the well of Dharwan’ ” So the Prophet (ﷺ) went to that well and took out those things and said “That was the well which was shown to me (in a dream) Its water looked like the infusion of Henna leaves and its date-palm trees looked like the heads of devils.” The Prophet (ﷺ) added, “Then that thing was taken out’ I said (to the Prophet (ﷺ) ) “Why do you not treat yourself with Nashra?” He said, “Allah has cured me; I dislike to let evil spread among my people.” Sahih Bukhari 5765 – Book 76, Hadith79;

SURAH AL-FALAQ/ DAYBREAK – CH113

In the name of Allah/ God, the Gracious, the Merciful. 1. Say, “I take refuge with the Lord of Daybreak. 2. From the evil of what He created. 3. And from the evil of the darkness as it gathers. 4. And from the evil of those who practice sorcery. 5. And from the evil of an envious when he envies.”

SURAH AN-NAAS – CH114 – THE PEOPLE – QURAN KAREEM

In the name of Allah/ God, the Gracious, the Merciful.

1. Say, “I seek refuge in the Lord of mankind. 2. The King of mankind. 3. The God of mankind. 4. From the evil of the sneaky whisperer. 5. Who whispers into the hearts of people. 6. From among jinn and among people.”

Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of An-Nas,
The King of An-Nas,
The God of An-Nas,
These are three attributes from the attributes of the Lord, the Mighty and Majestic. They are:

Lordship, Sovereignty and Divinity. Thus,

He is the Lord of everything, the King of everything and the God of everything. All things are created by Him, owned by Him, and subservient to Him.

Therefore, He commands whoever is seeking protection to seek refuge with the One Who has these attributes from the evil of the whisperer who withdraws.
This (the whisperer) is the Devil that is assigned to man. For verily, there is not any of the Children of Adam except that he has a companion that beautifies wicked deeds for him. This devil will go to any lengths to confuse and confound him. The only person who is safe is He Whom Allah protects.

It is confirmed in the Sahih that he (the Prophet) said,

There is not a single one of you except that his companion (a Devil) has been assigned to him. They (the Companions) said, “What about you, O Messenger of Allah!”
He replied, Yes.  
However, Allah has helped me against him and he has accepted Islam. Thus, he only commands me to do good.

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