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Ramadan, the fast of the 9th month of the lunar calendar for Islam begins on November 27th and will continue to December 27th, 2000. This is a very important time for Moslems and many will observe it, often unknown to their non-Moslem colleagues. The community is bound together by fasting and prayer during the day and special foods to be consumed after the sun goes down. The Moslems fast from all food and water from sunrise to sunset. Imams suggest that pregnant women and the sick should exempt themselves from the fast, but many of the devout choose to participate valuing the benefit from the fast above their immediate health concerns. There is the complete abstention from food and liquids during the day, with food consumption at night. The diurnal pattern of caloric intake is obviously reversed and diabetic schedules will have to be adjusted to accommodate this significant change. Since the winter in the north means that the day is short, BID dosing before sunrise and after sunset should be not problem with many medications. Focused discussion about daytime dosing or adjustment of schedules by clinicians will be needed to accommodate the daylight requirements.
At Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, Pastoral Care & Education, and Rehabilitation Medicine will provide space in Conference Room 4WH72 (dayroom) on the skybridge for those who wish to pray. Prayer times are at 6:10 am, 12:30 pm, 4:20 pm and 7:30 pm. This space is available for patients, families and staff from Nov. 27 - Dec. 27 each day.