Friday the 13th: Just for your Info

The origins of this superstition that Friday the thirteenth is an unlucky date has variable, but deep, historical roots. It kind of originates from two seperate fears: the fear of Friday and the fear of the number 13. Just for your information, tradition holds that:

• Eve tempted Adam with the apple on a Friday.
• The flood in the Bible, the confusion at the Tower of Babel, happened on a Friday. What Biblical verse or scholars they quoted to support this...I have no idea!
• There were 13 people at the last supper of Jesus, with Judas the betrayer having been the thirteenth member of the party to arrive.
• Jesus was traditionally crucified on Good Friday. But in this case, as the name implies, that particular Friday is one Friday we should all be thankful for.
• The pagan lunisolar calendar had 13 months in some years, while the solar Gregorian calendar and lunar Islamic calendar always have 12 months in a year. Hence, 13 was considered to be a pagan, bad, bad number.
• Friday was also considered to be the witches' Sabbath and, on that day, each week, twelve witches and the Devil met - thirteen evil spirits in all.

So it is only understandable that having a Friday the 13th, two unlucky things, gives you the impression that you're heading for doomsday. But, is it understandable? We now live in the 21st centuary where we do know better. Or do we? Well, psychologists believe that Friday the 13th will become a day of bad luck if people focus on the day because people will create their own bad luck by paying attention to the superstition. Yet, we still have a term that specifically describes the phobia of Friday the 13th: paraskevidekatriaphobia. And even when the fear wouldn't be that extreme, most people would not get married, start a new job or close on a house on Friday the 13th. I personally don't like stocking on the idea of Friday the 13th holding such ill luck, partially because I know from first hand experience that bad things, big and small, happen to me all the time (my friends can confirm).

Apart from that, although my day was not so exciting, it was actually rather good. I actually managed to wake up early to get to St. Luke's Hospital at 7am to start studying at 7:30am. Then, I visited my old school and spoke to enough aquaintances that really made my day. So...how was your Friday the 13th?

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to all of you people reading this blog and to all your loved ones! I think it's high time for another post for all my secret fans that seem to have very little to read.

On Tuesday, I had a passover meal with a few friends of mine. First time I officially drank wine, and it is not going to happen again till next year. That day managed to confirm that I do hate wine and that I can never grow to like it. Otherwise, the food was great, the place was nice and the people are having a decent life going on that's much better than mine right now. Though, sadly, Martine's sunshine just wanted to strike for the day. And I must admit, I missed a few other friends at certain points (those who know what I'm talking about, I'm sure you understood! Those who didn't understand, you're not exactly expected to).

Also, Joelle's birthday present finally arrived the next day - on Wednesday after two months of waiting! (My friend's birthday was on the 9th of Feb. It explains the tortoise on the left). So, on my way to Medical school library, I went to pick up "Jesus MD" at Mireva. Thought I'd buy her some food for the soul this year which she seemed to like very much. She said it was cool and I think she meant it by her efforts to try and make time for it, despite being so busy. She's thinking of reading my present whilst at the hairdresser's. Well, I think that if she'll keep that up, I'll guarantee she'll read the book in absolutely no time at all! ;) (I doubt you're reading this but, in case you are...sorry but I can't help being mean.)

Those are basically the highlights of the week. I could have had more if I wanted to. There were many Easter activities that I could have attended. But, sadly, I had to decline with the hope of celebrating my victory in summer. If there was something that really struck me on Tuesday was that the Jews celebrated their freedom from slavery in Egypt before they even got out of there and into their promised land! :S Living with the attitude of celebrating victory before it has been attained seems nice...gives you a reason to celebrate everyday of your life. But, I guess I'm very far from being Jewish in my ways...very very far.

Being a Hero is in your Blood!

Can't help using last year's Blood donation campaign slogan. It took me ages to come up with it for last year's blood drive, so I thought I might as well use it. So...a blood unit is going to be set up at University by the Malta Medical Student Association (MMSA) as indicated in the above poster - 16th, 17th and 18th April next to car park 6. I'm not directly involved in this but my friend is. Plus, this is one of the few causes within MMSA I love to support.

If you're wondering whether you're eligible to donate: firstly, you have to be 18 years old or older. If you're 17, you can donate with your parent's/guardian's consent. You must weigh at least 50 kg/110 lb (up to now I am a very good candidate). Also, you must be in general good health. But, this being very vague, I'll try be give a few specifics...

• Haemoglobin levels should be above 12.5 g/dL and your blood pressure should be normal (120/80). But these are things the doctors and nurses will check on the day so I wouldn't worry too much about them. Those who have certain blood conditions like Thalassaemia or blood clotting disorders you most probably won't be able to donate blood. For those who are anaemic, make sure you're free from any symptoms. But, like I said, the doctor will have you checked on the day.
• If you suffer from allergies you can donate as long as you didn't get an infection and you're not on medication. But again, when in doubt, you can ask the staff on the day.
• If you've suffered from food poisoning or gastroenteritis, you can donate a week after full recovery.
• If you currently have an STI (sexually transmitted infection), you won't be able to donate in this campaign. Some other time maybe, depending on the STI. For example, HIV and Hepatitis B are STIs but if you've got those, then you cannot donate blood. Sorry...
• If you're on antibiotics, a 72-hour deferral is required before donating after yuo're healed from the infection (72 hours is approx 6 days).

Having said all this, there's one thing I'd like to make clear. I tried making sure that the above bulleted information is correct at the time of typing. But this blog is not the Gospel of John. When in doubt, just ask a qualified doctor. Trust me, not all of them bite. And if there's someone out there that finds something wrong with what I typed, or has a question, please post a comment. And even if you just think that this site is cool/crappy/boring/plain stupid/dumb/funny...just post.

By the way, don't forget your ID. I can't promise I'll be there on the day. I'm not very lucky when it comes to donating blood. They always find something wrong with me apart from being a serious mental case. But I'm working on it with the hope of donating this time. In the meantime, do consider saving a few lives without the pains of getting a medical degree...