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
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
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
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
Sunday, January 24, 2010
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
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
Friday, July 10, 2009
Steve King: I Opposed "Yet Another Bill" To Commemorate Slavery, In Order To Protect Judeo-Christian Heritage
RADICAL RIGHT -- REP. KING VOTES AGAINST ACKNOWLEDGING SLAVE LABOR THAT BUILT THE U.S. CAPITOL:
On Tuesday, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) was the only House member to vote against a measure to erect a plaque in the Capitol Visitors Center that would acknowledge the role that slave labor had in constructing the building. After his opposition caused a flurry of criticism, King claimed that his vote was in defense of the nation's "Judeo-Christian heritage." He also said in a statement that he opposed the slave labor resolution because it was put up for a vote before a resolution for the depiction of "In God We Trust" in the Visitor Center. Yesterday, however, King changed his justification in a radio interview in Iowa. He said that he voted against the bill because the slave labor resolution wasn't a "balanced depiction of history." He added, "[O]f the 645,000 Africans that were brought here to be forcibly put into slavery in the United States, there were over 600,000 people that gave their lives in the Civil War to put an end to slavery. And I don't see the monument to that in the Congressional Visitor Center, and I think it's important that we have a balanced depiction of history." In fact, there are multiple Civil War monuments around the Capitol. Right outside the Capitol is the Ulysses S. Grant memorial, a monument that commemorates the former general of the Union Army. That statue is flanked on either side by monuments to the Union's Artillery and Cavalry groups. Grant's statue faces west towards the Lincoln Memorial, which honors the President who led the effort to free the slaves. Additionally, in the Congressional Cemetery lies the Arsenal Monument, a memorial in honor of women who died while performing services for the Union Army. And there's also an African American Civil War Memorial that honors the contributions that African-American troops made to the war effort.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thank you..... Greetings and Peace be upon all,
Dear friends and supporters, last night we made history and we came a long way.
When we started this journey over six months ago, we had a dream and a vision for a brighter future --
A dream of mobilizing and uniting our community for the service and greater good of all communities
A vision of an organized, proactive, participatory, community with exemplary, faithful, citizenship and membership
The dream today is a robust reality as a result of this awesome journey.
The vision, as compelling and as lucid as it may be, is closer to being achieved than any other time, certainly much closer than when we started this arduous track.
I want above all to thank my wife and best supporter Badria, my loving kids Abrar, Anwar, Yousof, and Ibrahim and parents, brothers and sister Samar.
I want first to thank all the pillars of the campaign (not just members or employees) but pillars, your countless efforts and selfless acts despite the ups and downs of the campaign are most greatly appreciated and my feelings of gratitude are immeasurable -- thank you.
I also cannot thank enough our volunteers, it is very clear from the get go, that no campaign can be successful without its volunteers, those who invest their time, resources and energies in it, those who believe in its message and vision and those who recognize the dire need for the work that our campaign is doing, your performance yesterday at the polls was stellar and is a testament of every one’s tenacity and willingness to help and participate -- thank you.
To all those who have been generous and tremendously gracious in supporting our campaign financially, thank you and may the Almighty bless you and your families in abundance and in multitude for what you have given. Campaigns depend heavily on strong resources and their success is directly linked to its ability to bring in resources. Our campaign was ranked as the best performing campaign in the last quarter of this race, not just among the challenger campaigns, but also with the incumbent ones, because of your generosity and support -- thank you.
I want to also thank my colleagues for the races they ran and the efforts they have exerted.
Tonight we are one family and we are joined by our common goal, to keep the 35th district Democrat and espouse the values and principles of common sense progressive policies of our Democratic party. We have an uphill battle to convert the general assembly house of delegates to a Democratic balance to enable our Democratic governor and lieutenant governor to continue the progressive uplifting policies of Governor Kaine and from before Senator Warner.
We have big challenges to tackle especially in the face of a faltering economy and a sobering job market. We are blessed to be in the 35 district and we have enjoyed the prosperity of Fairfax County. We will do everything we can to maintain the very reasons why it is today what it is. The excellence in our schools and the breadth of services provided in Fairfax County must be maintained despite difficult budgetary constraints. We also need to be innovative and responsible as we tackle age-long transportation problems and as we remain environmentally conscientious, while we sustain our support for business and economic growth. We need inclusive independent strong leadership to move us forward in Virginia.
Lastly, today is a celebration of the diversity of our Virginia and the robustness of our great democracy. People from all different communities came out to choose a more representative general assembly to reflect the beautiful colors of Virginia in the General Assembly. There’s nobody better than the Democratic Party to champion this diversity and foster this progress. Thank you FCDC, and fellow Democrats.
This campaign in its ascendancy has met several challenges and many more remain ahead. We are proud of where we are today, but the work is far from over. As I have mentioned earlier, this campaign opened curious eyes and turned inquisitive heads as well as inspired yearning hearts and infused needed energy into souls passionate about community activism and civic engagement. We will engage our inquisitors, inspire our fans and supporters and train and develop those enthralled by the mission of civic engagement and outreach for the greater good.
We will always take the higher road and transcend any difficulties or conflict so that we can concentrate our energies and passions on working together and paving common grounds. We must be ready to serve our constituency in the 35th district well, and be ready to address its challenges and maximize its opportunities for the progress and prosperity of Fairfax County and the 35th district.
We will reach out to all our friends and supporters and create common venues for dialogue and understanding for everybody. We wish to serve, and serve well, every member, every community of the 35th district and address every issue and matter that our district faces today
When we started this journey over six months ago, we had a dream and a vision for a brighter future --
A dream of mobilizing and uniting our community for the service and greater good of all communities
A vision of an organized, proactive, participatory, community with exemplary, faithful, citizenship and membership
The dream today is a robust reality as a result of this awesome journey.
The vision, as compelling and as lucid as it may be, is closer to being achieved than any other time, certainly much closer than when we started this arduous track.
I want above all to thank my wife and best supporter Badria, my loving kids Abrar, Anwar, Yousof, and Ibrahim and parents, brothers and sister Samar.
I want first to thank all the pillars of the campaign (not just members or employees) but pillars, your countless efforts and selfless acts despite the ups and downs of the campaign are most greatly appreciated and my feelings of gratitude are immeasurable -- thank you.
I also cannot thank enough our volunteers, it is very clear from the get go, that no campaign can be successful without its volunteers, those who invest their time, resources and energies in it, those who believe in its message and vision and those who recognize the dire need for the work that our campaign is doing, your performance yesterday at the polls was stellar and is a testament of every one’s tenacity and willingness to help and participate -- thank you.
To all those who have been generous and tremendously gracious in supporting our campaign financially, thank you and may the Almighty bless you and your families in abundance and in multitude for what you have given. Campaigns depend heavily on strong resources and their success is directly linked to its ability to bring in resources. Our campaign was ranked as the best performing campaign in the last quarter of this race, not just among the challenger campaigns, but also with the incumbent ones, because of your generosity and support -- thank you.
I want to also thank my colleagues for the races they ran and the efforts they have exerted.
Tonight we are one family and we are joined by our common goal, to keep the 35th district Democrat and espouse the values and principles of common sense progressive policies of our Democratic party. We have an uphill battle to convert the general assembly house of delegates to a Democratic balance to enable our Democratic governor and lieutenant governor to continue the progressive uplifting policies of Governor Kaine and from before Senator Warner.
We have big challenges to tackle especially in the face of a faltering economy and a sobering job market. We are blessed to be in the 35 district and we have enjoyed the prosperity of Fairfax County. We will do everything we can to maintain the very reasons why it is today what it is. The excellence in our schools and the breadth of services provided in Fairfax County must be maintained despite difficult budgetary constraints. We also need to be innovative and responsible as we tackle age-long transportation problems and as we remain environmentally conscientious, while we sustain our support for business and economic growth. We need inclusive independent strong leadership to move us forward in Virginia.
Lastly, today is a celebration of the diversity of our Virginia and the robustness of our great democracy. People from all different communities came out to choose a more representative general assembly to reflect the beautiful colors of Virginia in the General Assembly. There’s nobody better than the Democratic Party to champion this diversity and foster this progress. Thank you FCDC, and fellow Democrats.
This campaign in its ascendancy has met several challenges and many more remain ahead. We are proud of where we are today, but the work is far from over. As I have mentioned earlier, this campaign opened curious eyes and turned inquisitive heads as well as inspired yearning hearts and infused needed energy into souls passionate about community activism and civic engagement. We will engage our inquisitors, inspire our fans and supporters and train and develop those enthralled by the mission of civic engagement and outreach for the greater good.
We will always take the higher road and transcend any difficulties or conflict so that we can concentrate our energies and passions on working together and paving common grounds. We must be ready to serve our constituency in the 35th district well, and be ready to address its challenges and maximize its opportunities for the progress and prosperity of Fairfax County and the 35th district.
We will reach out to all our friends and supporters and create common venues for dialogue and understanding for everybody. We wish to serve, and serve well, every member, every community of the 35th district and address every issue and matter that our district faces today
Esam Omeish
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Interview with Dr. Esam Omeish - Part I: The Candidate
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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.
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.
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.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Is there a Doctor in the House?
During these hard times, many Americans have realized just how critical solving our nation's health care crisis has become. Closer to home, thousands of Virginians and their families have lost their employer - provided health care and are living on the bubble, hoping a medical disaster does not strike their household.
Currently, we have no Democrat doctors in Virginia's House of Delegates. As the Chief of General Surgery at INOVA Alexandria Hospital, I have the expertise and perspective Virginia's legislature needs when considering health care policy. I have personally witnessed the disastrous effects this latest economic downturn has had on Virginia's patients. I am committed to providing the best health care possible for both insured and uninsured patients alike. As chairman of a local free medical clinic, we provided free clinical and surgical healthcare to uninsured patients who would otherwise have to go without the necessary medical services. I continue to serve through "Project Access", a program which connects uninsured patients with doctors who will provide them necessary care.
Our campaign for Delegate in Virginia's 35th District is an extension of my life's work to help people. My perspective as a practicing surgeon and my involvement in the community will enable me to give better direction for Virginia's General Assembly to consider policies beneficial to the health and well-being of Virginia's citizens. It is imperative that every Virginian has adequate preventative health care regardless of their circumstances.
The election is on Tuesday, June 9th. We need your help and support. We will be sending out weekly email updates about the campaign, and we'd love your feedback. We hope that you will get involved with our campaign.
Together, we can!
Please visit Esam Omeish's campaign website for more.
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