A Time to Reflect

Peace be upon you all,

I believe that this is a fitting opportunity to reflect upon some concepts and challenges that face our society today. After the loss of a great friend and brother, and most importantly a great asset to the American community (Mukit Hussain), one realizes the short breadth of life and the importance of making the most of it.

Not only that, but after the recent events of the shooting of the Congresswoman, one may also reflect upon societal extremes and our goals in contributing to the betterment of America. In the past event, we have seen pure evil at its ugliest, the murder of six among which was a young innocent child by a ruthless and heartless criminal. While at the same time, we are mourning the loss of a member that exemplifies true leadership and progressive American values: a leader who with his example has done so much for both Muslims and society at large.

It is in light of these two poles that gives us a chance to recognize the great evil or good produced of a deed, I believe that today, it is unfortunate that a very narrow enclave of Muslims have defined Islam by the former, when examples such as Mukit Hussain and others are epitomes of the vast latter. Terroristic groups such as Al-Qaeda, etc. have created a challenge of the negative extreme for Americans citizens, of which Muslim Americans are included, and it is our duty to do all that is in our capability to combat this national crisis.

In conclusion, I would like to recall the writing and reminders of the famous American poet Robert Frost and former president Franklin Delano Roosevelt. May we all learn from his preconceived wisdom:

Fire and Ice

Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I've tasted of desire

I hold with those who favor fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

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"We must be the great arsenal of democracy" --FDR

Remember Our brave men and women on Memorial Day

As we prepare to begin the Memorial Day weekend, it is important for each of us to pause for a moment and reflect on the meaning for the day. While it can be viewed as the unofficial start of summer and a chance to enjoy a family picnic, we all should recognize Memorial Day is truly a day for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make our Nation free.

Our brave, selfless, and devoted men and women have fought and died to protect the rights and freedoms we all enjoy every day. This is our opportunity to honor them.

As a Americans and a Democrats, we should set an example and educate our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Memorial Day and remind them of the tremendous privileges we Americans enjoy thanks to the valiant service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.

As you enjoy the long weekend with friends and family, I ask you to remember the ideals that make our country great and those who have sacrificed to protect those ideals.

Attend one of the many memorial services across the state. Proudly display the Flag. If you see a veteran or person currently serving our Nation in the Armed Forces, tell them "thank you," because we owe a debt to them that can never fully be repaid. And say a prayer for all those currently serving our Nation in harm's way.

Happy Memorial Day and may God continue to bless Virginia and the United States!

Esam Omeish

Shovel Snow Safely

- Clearing snow from your driveway and sidewalks can be physically challenging and dangerous work, so you need to take proper health and safety precautions, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

In 2007, more than 118,000 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical facilities for injuries suffered while shoveling or doing other types of snow and ice removal, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. That same year, there were 15,000 snow blower-related injuries, triple the number in 2006.

"People tend to think of snow removal as just another household task, but it is really involves a lot of bending and heavy lifting, particularly in wet snow," AAOS spokesman Dr. Robert Dunbar said in an academy news release. "It may be especially dangerous for people who do not regularly exercise, as their bodies, specifically back, shoulder and arm muscles, may not be prepared for that level of activity."

The AAOS offered advice on how to prevent injuries while shoveling or using a snow blower
• Get your doctor's opinion about whether you should be shoveling snow. If you have a medical condition or don't exercise regularly, consider hiring someone to remove snow.
• Wear light, layered, water-repellent clothing that provides both ventilation and insulation. It's also important to wear appropriate head coverings, as well as gloves/mittens and thick, warm socks. If you start getting too hot or cold, take a break.
• Be sure you can see what you're doing. Don't wear hats or scarves that block your vision. Watch for uneven surfaces and ice patches. Wear boots with slip-resistant soles.
• Clear snow early and often so that it doesn't build up into packed heavy snow.
• Before shoveling, warm up your muscles with light exercise for 10 minutes. Be sure to include your leg muscles.
• Take frequent breaks and drink water to prevent dehydration.
• If you experience chest pains, shortness of breath or other signs of a heart attack, seek emergency medical care.
• Use a shovel that's comfortable for your height and strength. Don't use a shovel that's too heavy or too long for you. Push snow instead of lifting it, as much as you can. If you must lift snow, take small amounts at a time and lift with your legs. Don't throw snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
• When using a snow blower, never stick your hands or feet in the machine. If snow becomes too compacted, stop the engine and wait at least five seconds. Use a solid object to clear snow or debris from the chute.
• Don't leave a snow blower unattended when it's running. If you have to leave the machine, shut off the engine.
• If you're using an electric snow blower, always keep on eye on the cord so you don't trip and fall.


If you're using an electric snow blower, always keep the cord behind you, and keep your eyes on the cord so you don't trip and fall.

Have a safe and fun snow days…
Dr. Esam Omeish

New Diabetes Genetic Variants Found

More genetic variants that influence blood sugar and insulin have been identified.



A major international study with leadership from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers has identified 10 new gene variants associated with blood sugar or insulin levels. Two of these novel variants and three that earlier studies associated with glucose levels were also found to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Along with a related study from members of the same research consortium, associating additional genetic variants with the metabolic response to a sugary meal, the report will appear in Nature Genetics and has been released on-line.

“Only four gene variants had previously been associated with glucose metabolism, and just one of them was known to affect type 2 diabetes. With more genes identified, we can see patterns emerge,” says Jose Florez, MD, PhD, of the MGH Diabetes Unit and the Center for Human Genetic Research, co-lead author of the report. “Finding these new pathways can help us better understand how glucose is regulated, distinguish between normal and pathological glucose variations and develop potential new therapies for type 2 diabetes.

In the next 5-10 years, I believe that we will witness more discoveries about the meaning of genetic variants than we’ve seen in all years prior to that because genetic testing costs are falling so far so fast. Costs have dropped by orders of magnitude and continue to drop rapidly. Scientists face a blizzard of data from which they will be able to tease out many discoveries.

In the next 5-10 years, I believe that we will witness more discoveries about the meaning of genetic variants than we’ve seen in all years prior to that because genetic testing costs are falling so far so fast. Costs have dropped by orders of magnitude and continue to drop rapidly. Scientists face a blizzard of data from which they will be able to tease out many discoveries.

Esam Omeish

Interview with Dr. Esam Omeish - Part I: The Candidate

Dr. Esam Omeish, a Muslim and resident of Fairfax County, is seeking the office of Representative in the Virginia House of Delegates for the 35th District.
Recently, he agreed to an interview with examiner.com to discuss his campaign. In Part I of this interview, Dr. Omeish tells us about himself. In Part II, he will discuss his politics.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I have lived in Fairfax for 26 years. I was born in Tripoli, Libya, in 1967. My father was a World Bank Executive, and we moved to the United States in 1982, and moved to Fairfax County, Virginia, where I attended J.E.B. Stuart High School. I did not speak any English at the time, but thanks to a few wonderful teachers who believed in me I was able to graduate top of my class, and attend Georgetown University, where I stayed through earning my Medical Doctorate.

2. What experience do you have that qualifies you to run for this office?

Healthcare is an issue that is critically important to me. I have served through many organizations to provide care to those who are uninsured, and underinsured. By addressing the issue of healthcare I see the opportunity to help people in the most fundamental way possible. Addressing healthcare will also create a better environment for businesses, and a stronger Virginia.

I value education highly. I have four children going through our local public schools, and a big concern to me is ensuring that those schools are the best they can be. If I had not had the opportunity to go to good schools with good teachers who made the extra effort to help me, as a student who did not speak English, I don’t know where I would be today. We must maintain the best schools, to keep our local economies strong, and to also give our children the edge in today’s economy.

One needs to only drive around Fairfax to understand that we have serious transportation issues. I strongly support getting the Metro to Tyson’s and Dulles built on time and under budget.

3. You are an extremely successful surgeon, elected the Chief of General Surgery in INOVA Alexandria Hospital in 2006. A year later you were named "Outstanding Physician of the Year" by its Medical Executive Committee. Why would you want to give up that career for politics?

I will not be giving up my medical practice. Delegate is a part time position, and not one Delegate in the Virginia General Assembly has given up their profession to serve as Delegate. I would be doing my patients a great disservice by abandoning my practice, and I have no intention of doing so.

That said, I am inspired to help people. As one doctor, I can provide X number of surgeries and X number consultations to those in need. As a Delegate I can use the experience I have as a doctor who is actively involved in helping people to pass legislation that will help hundreds of thousands of more people than I could ever do alone. Although I will not have as much time to devote to my practice, I am comfortable with the fact that as Delegate I can have the reach to help so many more people than I could ever do alone.

4. Do you think being Muslim hurts or helps you in this election?

Both. Clearly, our community faces many obstacles to being involved in government. There remain many stereotypes about Muslims. Part of why I am running is that I want to dispel the misconceptions many people have about out community. This is an obstacle other candidates in this race do not face, and so we are challenged to work extra hard, and to make every effort we can to be clear that I am an American who loves his country.

An advantage of being a Muslim is the fact that our community is comprised of many wonderful people, who have stepped up to the challenge of helping our campaign do what it takes to win this election. I believe that it is critical that our community works together to overcome some of the negative stereotypes associated with being Muslim, and demonstrate through their actions everything that our community has to offer the larger society.

5. What Islamic values will help you in this campaign?

I derive strength from my faith. A cornerstone of Islam is being engaged to make your society better. I believe in leading by example. I think our community must take a greater role in government and politics so that we can share our values with others, the same way other communities that are more engaged do with us. A different perspective, and a different understanding, will strengthen our democracy and strengthen our society.

6. Anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?

I’m a huge Skins fan.

Author: J. Samia Mair

J. Samia Mair is an Examiner from Baltimore. You can see J. Samia's articles on J. Samia's Home Page.

Remember Our brave men and women on Memorial Day

As we prepare to begin the Memorial Day weekend, it is important for each of us to pause for a moment and reflect on the meaning for the day. While it can be viewed as the unofficial start of summer and a chance to enjoy a family picnic, we all should recognize Memorial Day is truly a day for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice to make our Nation free.

Our brave, selfless, and devoted men and women have fought and died to protect the rights and freedoms we all enjoy every day. This is our opportunity to honor them.

As a Americans and a Democrats, we should set an example and educate our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Memorial Day and remind them of the tremendous privileges we Americans enjoy thanks to the valiant service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.

As you enjoy the long weekend with friends and family, I ask you to remember the ideals that make our country great and those who have sacrificed to protect those ideals.

Attend one of the many memorial services across the state. Proudly display the Flag. If you see a veteran or person currently serving our Nation in the Armed Forces, tell them "thank you," because we owe a debt to them that can never fully be repaid. And say a prayer for all those currently serving our Nation in harm's way.

Happy Memorial Day and may God continue to bless Virginia and the United States!

Esam Omeish

Earth Day

Today, as Virginians and residents of the 35th District celebrate Earth Day, it’s a great opportunity to take this time and reflect where we are and where we are going in terms of responsible, renewable green energy that both protects our environment and provides jobs for the Commonwealth. As we look to the future of our families, community and Commonwealth, we can all agree that strengthening Virginia’s economy, protecting our precious natural resources and building an exciting, renewable energy future will be the key to ensuring a healthier community in which to live and work.  

The future of our environment is an issue which transcends politics. However, as delegate it would be my responsibility to fight for policies which protect our environment, strengthen our economy and compliments the efforts people make on a daily basis to make Virginia a better place. According to a recent poll, 76% of Virginians think that global warming is real and will adversely affect our environment. Capitalizing on alternative energy sources and investing in smart, green technology that taps into local talents and resources will help ensure Virginia becomes and remains a leader in the stewardship for a better community for us all.

Together, we can!

Esam