Letters: 22nd June 2014

Mess in Marsaxlokk

I’m from Australia and have been spending some time back in Malta, staying with friends in Marsaxlokk. Before flying home I thought I’d send you some photos of the rubbish dumped all around this pretty fishing village.

This doesn’t seem to be a massive problem elsewhere in Malta, so why is Marsaxlokk treated this way? It’s shocking and utterly disgusting, considering the excellent waste facilities available with of course the collection service, all free.

I’ve heard it said that the people in Malta have exceptionally clean homes, but don’t care what they throw away outside, with some making a special point of using Marsaxlokk as a dump.

They say it’s a cultural thing. Well it needs to change - there is no valid excuses for this selfish behaviour.
You Maltese need to look at yourselves as others see you or do you not care?

Horace Caruana, Berwick, Victoria, Australia

Teddie Borg - a true gentleman, sportsman and friend

With heavy heart I heard the sad news that my friend of long standing has passed away. Every person who got to know Teddie was enticed by him through his enthusiasm for life, sports and also politics.

I got to know Teddie in the late seventies and we remained friends all this time, even closer when he and his wife Roselle came to live in Gozo for many years, until recently returning once again to Malta.

Even when living in Gozo, he was almost daily crossing over to Malta to film or organize yachting activities or his duties as the Secretary of the Royal Yacht Club.

In Gozo, he started to be active as well, integrating in Gozitan society. He started filming local habits, sports and historical information sometimes with me about Gozitan life. He was sadly interrupted in this by someone who pretended that he, as a representative of a society, should take over, only to reduce it to nothing until the programme got lost in itself.

The Borg family were also good hosts and regularly had both Maltese and local guests in their Mgarr apartment. Those were good times.
In his spare time we used go out to Victoria to have a drink and talk about almost everything; current and past events. People recognised Teddie and used to cross the street to talk to him.

He was always the gentleman; always was nice to everyone and respectful of all views, even those different to his own.
I wish to remember my friend Teddie as he was, a tall handsome looking gentleman, full of enthusiasms for life, sports and politics.

Lino DeBono, Gozo

Conference aims to raise awareness on eating disorders

Occupational Therapy treats physical or mental health problems that interfere with a person’s ability to perform in daily life activities.  
In Malta, this service is provided in all hospitals and community settings for young children or adults.

This year, the Occupational Therapy Department at Mount Carmel Hospital is collaborating with Kenn Ghal Saħħtek to organise the conference ‘L-Ikel: Bżonn, Pjaċir jew Problema?’ This will be held on Friday 18 July between 8:30am and 2:30pm at the Dolmen Hotel Buġibba. The purpose of this conference is to raise awareness about Eating Disorders and Obesity and will present multiple perspectives including psychiatry, psychology, occupational therapy, and nutrition.

Qualified Occupational Therapy Practitioners aid in the recovery process by following a holistic and client-centred approach, where the client is the active participant in the rehabilitative process.

The profession’s perspective is not about setting eating rules and standards, but rather allows clients to take control over their condition.  
Control is achieved by undergoing training where limitations caused by poor eating habits and rigid routines are addressed.  
Engagement in self-care activities such as bathing, grooming, and make-up application might also require consideration, as these everyday tasks can be neglected when having body image problems. 

Providing retraining in meal preparation, shopping for groceries, carrying work or study demands are other aspects to the Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation programme.  Finally, focusing on social engagement and reintegration can lead to the rediscovery of the client’s identity that will then guide them to become active members in society.

This will help in establishing occupational balance between self-care, work and leisure activities.

This conference is being held through support from Paperclips, Benna, Holland & Barrett, Good Earth, and Talbot & Bons.
If you would like to gain more information on Eating Disorders and Obesity, book your seat at this conference by contacting us on [email protected] or 23304069.

Raisa Micallef, Mt Carmel Hospital