Those of us passionate about health promotion keep singing our same favourite song. Some join the chorus and act upon the recommendations. Many do not.
Bataclan concertgoers in France had a different favourite song – one you may find quite disturbing.
Right off the bat, I preface my remarks by saying this with profound respect and compassion for the victims’ families. No effort must be spared by the civilized world to neutralize this terror scourge from the face of the earth. Suddenly, the Russians are the good guys. This must be executed vigorously, but not just with bullets and bombs. More importantly, potential terror recruits must be persuaded that the West is making good faith efforts to redress perceptions of historic injustices and underlying societal grievances.
As for the Bataclan, if this is a religious hoax, it surely got me. However, the evidence seems quite convincing – so how I get it, is so I selling it. Fans at the Eagles Of Death Metal concert had their hands in the air making the Satanic “devil horns.” Check the lyrics for yourself.
Who’ll love the devil?
Who’ll song his song?
Who will love the devil and his song?
I’ll love the devil
I’ll sing his song
I will love the devil and his song
Who’ll love the devil?
Who’ll kiss his tongue?
Who will kiss the devil on his tongue?
I’ll love the devil
I’ll kiss his tongue
I will kiss the devil on his tongue.
Oui Bondieu!
This above pic was allegedly time-stamped exactly at 9:40 GMT, the night of that fateful Friday the 13th 2015. Who am I to say, “Oh, it’s just a coincidence…” The very, very next moment: all hell broke loose!
Song of Health
Christmas is coming and they say, something’s getting fat. Well, I don’t know about any goose on the staple Dominican menu. What health professionals do know is that as major holidays approach, patients postpone and pay little heed to their health obligations. The tyranny of tinsel, toys and treats trumps all.
I can tell you that this year, thanks to screening, I diagnosed a handful of men with prostate cancer who had no symptoms at all. Oh, the joy of saving lives! Yet despite our best efforts, compliance among men 40 and above may be well under 30%. Wasn’t it last year at Creole in the Park that the tireless Cancer Society did a screening? Upon entering the Botanical Gardens, all mature females were handed a flyer inviting them to detour right to the Roseau Health Centre for a brief breast exam. For folks out for an evening of entertainment, the response was surprisingly good. True, maybe it just does not have the same appeal to say, “Hey, please step over here for a quick, free Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)!” Chances are some wise guy would quip, “I’ll pay you not to have one!” Yet, I must say that men around the island respond in encouraging numbers to cancer screenings done in conjunction with Ross & All Saints Universities. The only problem is that it tends to be the same men, retired ones mostly. To a large extent, one cannot help but feel it’s a bit like preaching to the choir.
The truth is men check their rides’ oil and tire pressures more faithfully than they check their health – rides that may be totaled the next day in a traffic accident. Likewise at the Bataclan, many of these precious souls may have been well up to date on checking their cholesterol, PSA, pap smears, mammograms, BMI’s and fitness levels. (By the way, have you ever checked your A1C? This is the single test that tells each and every one of us how close we are to becoming a victim of diabetes. This is rapidly becoming the most rampant and destructive disease in recent human history). Yes, these concert goers may have been loving family members, employees of the month, donated to charities, devoted church goers and model citizens when comes to wearing their seat belts, paying their taxes – and now this.
Next Step
I have a sneaking suspicion that not many Dominicans would claim the above lyrics. Um, didn’t we just grapple with the issue of deporting demon-tainted Jamaican songster Tommy Lee Sparta? I can understand some people choosing not to believe in spirits or God. But why commit to and praise the other side? Frankly, I’m baffled and kerfuffled. SMH. Isn’t this written somewhere? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:”
The festive season is almost upon us. This may be your last chance this year to prevent diabetes, heart attack, stroke or cancer in yourself or a loved one. Soon and very soon, you may be too preoccupied to put this on the agenda. So, on matters of science, forget what tomorrow may bring. Find your favourite clinic, nurse or doctor to get yourself checked. On matters of faith, what’s YOUR favourite song? Click here to check mine.
Dr. Sam Christian is surgeon who runs the Urgent Care medical office on 137 Bath Road. He heads the Dominica Cadet Corps TopLifesaving Country outreach program and can be reached at 440-9133 or by clicking on the Urgent Care website.
Doc. I will check my own. I am one of those who are afraid but I will take courage
Dr Sam I know many Dominican men afraid to lie down and have the prostate check. Some just simply drink beer or rum, and forget to get tested. Thanks for reminding us that our lives are more important than a motor car. If we can check our oil and water in the radiator then we must check ourselves. Thanks again doctor for education on health care. You are a breath of fresh air and an example to health care workers. You also write well.
I don’t see the connection at all between Bataclan and health screening. But I like the way you tried to tie them together, Dr. Sam.
A1C? As a matter of fact I just got mine done last week for the first time ever. That was after I heard you talking about it on Marpin. How come nobody told me about that before?
Surprised
Devoted church members?!
I read all your articles Dr. Sam. I know every now and then u does slip something in there just to see if readers realty listening or just browsing through the words. U say these Bataclan people could be devoted church members. Tell me, which church church u really go to?!
SMH