November 4, 2007

"Journey Towards Truth" Conference
 
On Sunday November 4, 2007 the Islamic House of Wisdom held a three panel conference.
 
 The panels included "How to select a marriage partner" with Vickie Ashker, MSA, RN, Garden City Hospital Administrator, and Ali Sayed, from Hype Athletics, telling us how to use proper values in selecting a marriage partner.   Bruce Harris talked about how he was looking for the package, "Blonde, blue eyed, slim." and didn't look deeper than the physical characteristics.  He is now divorced with a beautiful son.
 
 Panel #2, was on "recreational drug use, and how it can lead to drug abuse".  Haoura Rizk gave us statistics on drug use in the community.  The audience viewed a DVD of a Muslim man caught by the police using drugs.  Hassan Amerikia, M.D.,FACOG, FACS, Ob-Gyn, eloquently spoke to the community about the effects of many different drugs on the body and on the mind.  He said that he felt alcohol was the most dangerous drug because it is so prevalent and it is legal.  He answered several questions from the audience.
 
The third panel was on "depression and suicide".  Charlotte O'Kelly Ph.D. and Larry Carney, Ph.D., spoke about their brilliant son, Imam Seth Carney. His parents were extremely courageous and honest and came from Rhode Island to help our community so issues that may be seen as threatening are able to be discussed.  The Carney's showed a DVD of an interview about Biploar depression and made remarks about their son's mental illness.  Kathleen Kalil, Ph.D spoke briefly about how the danger is not in the illness, but in the shame. People who need help may prevent themselves from seeking help because of the shame.  She explained to the audience that we are not alone and where they can find caring professionals.  Names and phone numbers were provided. (The House of Wisdom has several additional packets with the names and phone numbers of Muslim caring professionals for you.  If you ask the secretary, she will provide you with a packet.)
 
 Steve Olweean M.A. answered several questions about the causes of depression and ways for people to help themselves.  Example: journaling, thought stopping etc.  He compared mental illness to physical illness, such as diabetes that can be controlled through medication and medical help. 
 
The feedback indicated that the audience not only benefited from the panels but wants to have more workshops in the future.