OCTOBER 2017 ISSUE

INSIDE ACK

OCTOBER ISSUE:FIND INSIDE

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Breast Cancer AwarenessArticle by Sabah Shabir

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Toastmastersby Abdulaziz Al Tammar

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Monthly Contest

15Sayuri Gunawardena’s Corner

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Cancer Does Not Define Meby Tasneim Kamal

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Art Galleryby Student Life

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Potential Risks of E-Smokingby Maria Seraidarian

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SET Evaluationsby the Teaching & Learning Center

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Anti-Obesity Seminarby Health & Safety Department

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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

#ACKgoespink

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During the month of October, ACK’s PR & Marketing Department set up and organized various activities around campus for students, staff and faculty to support breast cancer. Pink balloons, bracelets, giveaways and informative flyers were distributed to raise awareness. Students were very excited to volunteer in different booths for this heart warming event.

Breast Cancer is defined as abnormal growth of cells lining ducts or lobules or the remaining tissues of the breast. This abnormal growth leads to the emergence of cancer cell that could spread through the lymph system of the breast to other organs.

Types of Breast Cancer:

1- Invasive Breast Cancer (can spread out of the breast area)

2- Non-Invasive Breast Cancer (constrained to the breast area)

Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of breast cancer include an area of thickened tissue in the breast, or a lump in the breast or in

an armpit. In addition, other symptoms include pain in the breast or nipple, swelling or redness of the skin of the breast, rash/irritation around or on one of the nipples, discharge from the nipple, change in the size or shape of the breast.

Many lumps are not cancerous, however women are urged to have them checked by a health care professional as soon as they are discovered.

There are two risk factors that contribute to getting a disease such a cancer:

Risk factors that cannot be changed are:

Gender (women are 100 times more likely to get breast cancer than men), age (the older the age, the higher the chance), family history (mother, sister, daughter), personal history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue, certain benign breast condition, lobular carcinoma in situ, early menstrual periods or menopause after age of 55, exposure to breast radiation early in life.

Risk factors related to lifestyle are:

Not breast feeding, hormone therapy

Article by Sabah Shabir

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after menopause, having no children or having your first child after the age of 30, oral birth control, overweight or obesity, physical activity, diet.

Screening and Early Detection:

Early detection can save your life

Women are highly advised to undergo screening exams to find cancer before its symptoms start to appear. Breast cancers are most treatable when they are detected at an early stage.

Recommendations:

- Women at the age of 40 and older should have a mammogram and clinical breast exam (CBE) every year.

- Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) and breast self-exam as part of a periodic health exam (preferably every 3 years).

- Women who are at high risk of breast

cancer should get MRI and mammogram every year.

Treatments:

The main treatments of Breast Cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and bone-directed therapy.

Possible Methods of Prevention:

Following the methods of prevention below can help any woman avoid 30% of breast cancers:

- Be physically active and fit.- Maintain a healthy diet, eat more fruits and vegetables.- Have children at an early age.- Control stress and try to eliminate it.- Do not miss annual breast cancer screenings.

Source: Cancer Awareness Nation (CAN) Kuwait.

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Every semester, ACK encourages its artistic students to bring in some of their work that they have previously done or have done for this specific event to showcase their talents.

On 20th October 2017, the Student Life department organized its semi-annual Art Gallery and Competition display in the garden area by building 1. Students, staff and executive members came to the event to show their support and admiration for art.

Voting was opened by 11 a.m. for the 2nd and 3rd place paintings. Below were the winners of the Fall 2017 Art Competition:

1st Place: “Inspired by Nature” by Zainab Jabla

2nd Place: “Pink Forest” by Abdulrazzaq Al-Hindi

3rd Place: “Nature Never Dies” by Mariam Al-Hajiri

For more information about future Art Galleries, please visit Student Life in Building 2 or email studentlife@ack.edu.kw.

art gallery

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EVALUATING YOUR INSTRUCTORSBY THE TEACHING & LEARNING CENTER

Student Evaluations of Teaching (SET) are designed to measure your perception of standards in teaching and learning at ACK, and identify areas for continuous improvement. SET evaluates your level of satisfaction of both your instructor of the unit and the unit itself.

• Level of Satisfaction of Instructors

This included students’ satisfaction of Instructor of unit in providing explanation of learning outcomes and content; availability for consultation; commencement of session on time; communication skills; interactions with students; feedback to students; and encouragement to students.

• Level of Satisfaction of Units

This included students’ satisfaction of unit helping to develop own knowledge and skills, quality of teaching materials, clarity of learning outcomes and unit content; clarity of unit Outlines and assessment tasks; unit sessions; relevancy of laboratory/tutorial sessions; classroom activities usefulness in understanding subject matter content; learning activities as engaging and interactive.

At ACK, you are required to complete SET for each semester of study you complete. This usually occurs between week 10 and week 13 in order to gain your feedback and make any required improvements before the end of semester where possible. You will be provided by email a link to complete your SET. You may complete your feedback in class or at home in your own time. You can easily use your mobile phone to complete SET. SET results are important; therefore it is mandatory that all students complete SET in order to view your final grades.

Providing Helpful Feedback to Your Instructors:

Instructors often find students’ written comments the most valuable part of the SET evaluations. Comments must be completed in English. To help your teachers get the most out of your end-of-semester feedback, please keep the following in mind:

• Remember that you are writing to your instructor. Your feedback can valuably influence the ways they teach this unit and others in the future. (Unlike an online review site like “Rate My Professor”, this is not a forum for saying whether or not you recommend a unit to other students.)

• Specific constructive suggestions that focus on your learning are far more useful than general critiques. See below for examples of ways you can provide feedback that helps instructors understand how their instructional choices facilitated or hindered your learning. Both positive and negative feedback is most helpful when very specific.

• Comments that are not related to your learning diminish the value of your feedback. For example, it is not helpful to comment upon an instructor’s appearance.

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Some examples of constructive feedback:

How your feedback is used at ACK?

SET results are seriously considered at ACK, the use of analysis results from SET data are one component of the process of evaluating teaching and learning practices for informing review of unit learning materials and assessments, Staff Performance Appraisal; instructor reappointment; promotion; training needs analysis; and recognition in the ACK Teaching Excellence Award.

At ACK we respect your confidentiality and therefore student names are not included in any analysis results provided to the Schools/Department or to individual instructors.

At the completion of the analysis process each semester your School/Department will provide you a short summary of the positive aspects of the units/program identified from your feedback and areas where improvements has/will been made as a result of constructive suggestions in your feedback.

We thank you for your time and feedback.

Less helpful: Vague critique or praise More helpful: Specific suggestions that could improve your learning, or explanations of why the course helped you learn

“He just lectures.” “A short break would help me pay attention for the full lecture.” “We need more time for student questions during classes.” “I would learn more if I got more hands-on practice.”

“The readings were redundant.”“I didn’t understand why we read so many different articles on the same topic.”

“The readings were written over 5 years ago”“I could not understand the relevance of the readings. Could you offer more guidance on what we’re supposed to look for in the readings?”

“Discussions were awesome!” “I loved how you created an environment where students were willing to share perspectives and disagree during discussions.” “It was really helpful that you kept notes on the board during our discussions.”

“She is my favorite instructor” “I enjoy coming to classes as this instructor is always helpful in answering my questions and makes sure that I have understood before moving onto the next topic”.

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RIDDLES OF THE MONTH:

Q1: What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment and never in one thousand years?Q2: What is so delicate that saying its name breaks it?Q3: Forwards it’s heavy, backwards it’s not. What’s “it”?

A 1: The letter MA 2: Silence

A 3: ton

MONTHLY DOSE OF MEMES:

JACK O LANTERNMASK

MUMMYNIGHT

PUMPKINSCARECROW

SCARYSCREAM

SKELETONSKULL

SPIDERSTOMBSTONE

VAMPIREWEREWOLFWITCHESZOMBIE

APPLESBATS

BLACK CATBROOMSTICK

CANDLECANDY

CEMETERYCOFFIN

COSTUMEDRACULA

FRIGHTENINGFULL MOON

GHOSTSGHOULSGOBLINS

GRAVEYARD

SLUOHGWITCHESLG

VNBGOBLINSPRPEH

ARCANDLEMUMMYTO

MEBKCITSMOORBAS

PTNCTNNPKAFNMCT

INGOIOKELUOAAKS

RARFTIMUTOLRECS

ELAFNECBMHELRAR

ZOVIKALLSCGSCLE

OKENRSLERTTISBD

MCYDCUAOKAOHRSI

BAAAFGWMBSONGFP

IJRWEREWOLFPEIS

EYDNACYRETEMECN

BOEMUTSOCSELPPA

Sayuri Gunawardena’s Corner

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HALLOWEEN WORD SEARCH

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FIRST TWO STUDENTS TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW

WIN A 10KD (EACH)STARBUCKS GIFT CARD

Send your answers to insideackmag@ack.edu.kw

MONTHLY CONTEST

True or False:

1- You can get breast cancer even if it doesn’t run in your family.2- If breast cancer runs in your family, you’re sure to get it.

3- Men can get breast cancer.4- There’s nothing you can do to lower your breast cancer risk.

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ANTI-OBESITY SEMINAR

On 11th October 2017, the Occupational Health and Safety Department at ACK organized for Al-Seef hospital to visit ACK’s campus to spread awareness about the negative effects of obesity. A health check-up booth provided students and staff outside auditorium with basic tests such as blood sugar levels, blood pressure and BMI calculations.

Mr. Abdul Mohsen Al Rifai, Senior Manager – Occupational Health and Safety, presented the welcome speech with informative facts about obesity effect on our health. According to a recent study, Kuwait was ranked fourth most obese country on the planet. The main reason behind this is our food intake and most importantly our technological lifestyles.

Following his introduction, Dr. Ihab Abdul Fatah (Cardiology Specialist from Al-Seef Hospital) discussed more in depth about being overweight and being obese. He explained the different types of obesity and the medical complications that are linked to obesity. The most important topic presented was obesity links with cardiovascular disease and the risk factors. Moreover, tips for fighting back obesity and preventing major health issues were also discussed.

Types of obesity

Dr. Ihab discussed the two main types of obesity which are the apple shape (most common in men) and pear shape (most common in women).

Article by Nimra Sarwar

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Obesity is the main reason for the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD)

“Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes all the diseases of the heart and circulation including coronary heart disease, angina, heart attack, congenital heart disease and stroke. It’s also known as heart and circulatory disease.” (British Heart Foundation.org)

Obesity in Kuwait

According to Kuwait Times, over the last two decades, there is an increase in the consumption of fast foods that has led to an immediate increase in obesity levels in the gulf region. Kuwait being the fourth to top the international list. The growing chain of fast food outlets in Kuwait and home deliveries has created a comfortable environment for people to order whenever and wherever they wish. This has also led people in getting more and more inactive without any physical exercise. Thus, gaining weight easily and more faster.

Psychological Aspects of Obesity

Dr. Jassem Hajih, Clinical Psychologist and Senior Manager of Student Support and Alumni Center at ACK, was then invited to stage to share information about the psychological influences of obesity. Dr. Jassem discussed how society and traditions affect obesity. As a child, he said, we are always told to finish the food on our plates and to eat more so that we are stronger and healthier. Parents should focus on the quality and balanced portions of food.

As adults, we attend various social events and gatherings and the focus is usually food. It is within our culture that we show generosity through food. This needs to change. We must consume food in moderation and always ensure quality in the way our food is cooked. Dr. Jassem also discussed that fast food is now very heavily available through mobile applications, websites, etc which makes it hard for people to control their eating habits.

Dr. Jassem discussed different kinds of eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating. He concluded his speech with useful ways to avoid obesity.

A way towards a better future:

• Educate people about healthy and unhealthy food• Minimize your junk food intake• Be a good role model for everyone around you, especially your children• Try to solve emotional issues and family problems to avoid emotional/stress eating• As a parent, monitor your child’s eating habits • Visit a dietitian• Be mindful of your food portions• Be physically active

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POTENTIAL RISKS OF E-SMOKINGBY MARIA SERAIDARIAN

On 4th October 2017, representatives from the ACK Healthy Living Committee participated in an event organized by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) to raise the awareness levels regarding ‘The Potential Risks of Electronic Smoking’.

ACK participated as a guest speaker and a booth representative representing its ‘Smoking Awareness Initiative’ which consists of conducting school visits to aware children regarding the negative effects of smoking on humans and also the environment.

The school visits are hosted by ACK students under the supervision of the Healthy Living Committee where students prepare interactive presentations that involve practical demonstrations as well as audience participation.

During his speech, ACK Senior Manager of Occupational Health and Safety, Mr. Abdulmohsen Al Rifai quoted: “The vision of the College to enable human potential within a culture of care has been actively translated through the collaborative work and efforts with the ‘Smoking Awareness Initiative’ towards the school visit program”.

The ‘Smoking Awareness Initiative’ has received a very positive feedback from KOC’s campaign attendees and many schools who have attended the campaign requested ACK to conduct a school visit for their schools.

To volunteer in future school visits, contact the Health & Safety Department on health&safety@ack.edu.kw.

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Not a lot of people love public speaking. So when you have to give a big presentation anywhere or in a room full of your peers, it’s normal to feel nervous, get a little sweaty and rejoice once the presentation is over. Yet for some, the idea of public speaking evokes such fear that it’s debilitating and renders them unable to participate. That kind of anxiety may be considered a social phobia.

Benefits of being a Toastmaster:

• Unlimited Personal Growth• Clear Communication• Increased Self Confidence• Improved Leadership Skills• Career Advancement

At ACK Toastmasters, we strive to assist students in personal growth and to overcome public speaking. We meet twice a month but where possible four times a month. Our President, Faisal Al Rawe, is a Degree student and passionate leader of the club, he inspires, motivates and encourages students to join.

During the month of October, we were privileged to be visited by Mr. Beth Thomas, the Regional Advisor for Africa and the Middle East. Mr. Beth came to visit Dr. Sam Toglaw, Dean of the School of Business, and we discussed a journey of success for the future months to come.

If you want to grow into a self-confident leader, join the ACK Toastmasters Club by contacting Student Life via studentlife@ack.edu.kw.

TOASTMASTERSBY YVONNE VAN ZYL, TOASTMASTERS CLUB MENTOR

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As the cancer spreads invading every cell of her fragile body

She gets down on her knees and prays to God to give her strength through it all

I hear her tears falling as rapidly as shooting stars while she makes a wish that rebounds straight to the sky

Dear God, help me, for you are the light and my assistance through the journey of life

Then God sends me the answer in the shape of a key that heaven lays underneath its feet

Mother walks up to me, my messenger of inner peace (and she says):

Have faith that this suffering shall only come to an end

Trust in god that every pain is for the best

Surrender to him and know he will help you through the rest

Close your eyes and imagine that you’re completely cured

Trust in your creator, he wouldn’t give you a sickness that can’t be endured

You are beautiful, every heart is a gemstone that’s one of a kind

Don’t give up, it will end soon just put up a fight

Soon your cancer will be out of sight

Don’t worry the cure will unfold itself but half of it lays within yourself

Giving up is not an option, it’s choosing to surrender, not knowing your worth

So love yourself because you are loved, smile! What a wonderful smile it is!

Your existence is magical, you’re a gift from god, you’re a great bliss!

CANCER DOES NOT DEFINE ME BY TASNEIM KAMAL