Community

NAASR Expands Bookstore, Undertakes
Improvements to Headquarters

BELMONT, Mass. — The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Bookstore has undergone an expansion while improvements have been made to the building.

NAASR’s Bookstore, which has been in existence since the 1960s as a distributor of books in English on Armenian and related subjects, is the largest of its kind in the world and has long needed additional space. A wall to an adjoining room formerly used as an office was opened, creating a new space nearly double the previous area. A table and chairs allow customers to sit and browse in comfort.

The increased size will allow for better display of books, including special featured titles. For example, in September and October the bookstore will have a display of featured titles on Armenian-American artist Arshile Gorky, a seminal figure in Abstract Expressionist art, in connection with major exhibitions forthcoming at the Whistler Museum in Lowell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The bookstore is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, as well as on nights when lectures are held at NAASR and is accessible online through www.naasr.org.

Throughout the summer, other improvements have been undertaken at the NAASR Headquarters. New windows have been installed throughout the building and updated high-efficiency lighting has been installed in the second floor Edward and Helen Mardigian Library, with the remainder of the building to be done before the end of summer. The new lights have dramatically improved working and viewing conditions in the library. New fuel-efficient gas furnaces will also be installed in the fall. These “green” projects have been undertaken through the generosity of NAASR’s members and friends, including a major grant from the Edward & Helen Mardigian Foundation of Detroit, Mich.

The fall will continue what has been NAASR’s busiest year ever for lectures and public programs. Through August, it has sponsored or co-sponsored more than 30 programs in four states and Canada. The fall schedule is currently being worked out.

More information about NAASR is available by e-mailing hq@naasr.org. The library catalogue is accessible at www.naasr.org

Monumental Armenian Medical World Congress Convenes in NY

New Advances in
Medicine Discussed

By Florence Avakian

NEW YORK CITY — More than 350 Armenian health professionals from five continents and 10 countries assembled at the Hilton Hotel July 1 to 4 for the 10th Armenian Medical World Congress. The Congress featured worldfamous doctors and the latest findings on several medical questions.

Among the many prominent attendees were the then-Health Minister of England Lord Dr. Ara Darzi; the Health Minister of Armenia Dr. Harutyun Kushkyan; the Diasporan Minister of Armenia Dr. Hranush Hakobyan; the former Health Minister of Armenia Dr. Ara Babloyan; the Health Minister of Karabagh Dr. Armen Khachatryan, and the President of the American University of Armenia Dr. Harutune Armenian.

The medical personnel also included geneticist Dr. Vazken Der Kaloustian; founder of the Armenian Eyecare Project Dr. Roger V. Ohanesian; endocrinologists Dr. Sylva Arslanian and Dr. Avedis Khachadourian and also public health expert Dr. Myron Allukian Jr. Attending many of the functions were Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Armen Martirossyan and Rep. Frank Pallone.

Among those attending were the inventor of the MRI Dr. Raymond Damadian, who stressed the need for both a sitting and standing MRI, in addition to the lying down version, which is commonly used.

Darzi detailed his health reform system in England, which stresses the concept of quality. Also addressing the assemblage was top cancer specialist from Paris Dr. Ara Hovanessian who is leading efforts for a cancer cure.

The opening day, July 1, was devoted to several medical specialties, including nursing, ophthalmology, dentistry, emergency medicine, mental health, pediatrics, anesthesiology and physical therapy. During the next three days, there were intense and detailed discussions on obesity, nutrition, diabetes, breast cancer, orthopedic surgery, psychiatry, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, women’s health, radiology, endocrinology and robotic surgery.

Health Care in Armenia

One of the most focused discussions of the Congress involved health care delivery and education in Armenia, with more than a hundred health professionals from Armenia in attendance. During a special telemedicine event, through the medium of television, the unique medical problems of two seriously ill patients in Armenia were televised live, and the doctors at the Congress were able to discuss and evaluate their conditions.

Most popular was a lecture delivered by Dr. Hagop Akiskal on the provocative topic, “Chemistry of Romantic Love,” where he revealed that the face — and especially the lips —provide 90 percent of attraction. Another well attended, but highly controversial and heated discussion revolved around the pros and cons of circumcision, where it was noted that the practice is not a custom among Armenians, and serves no religious purpose.

Dr. Armen Nersisyan from Armenia, who has been able to heal Mediterranean fever, gave a talk on mental health. In a jaw-dropping video, attendees saw a 12-year-old boy who two years earlier had been bitten by a dog, and was so traumatized that he could only speak by barking like a dog. Nersisyan and therapists, using vibration tools and the prayers, were able to cure the boy.

In another inspirational demonstration, Dr. Edmund Gergerian, who has cured many children in Armenia after the earthquake, again using vibration tools and tapping on acupuncture points, showed the power of the subconscious mind which is “80 percent of our being. One’s thoughts, words, activities generate energy sources. Energy balancing technology is the main source of love.” He added, “The language of energy has to lead to balance in the individual.”

Also of great interest was the topic, “Dignity in Health Care,” delivered by Dr. Harutune Armenian in which he stated that dignity is achieved through structure (hospitals and clinics), process (waiting time, communication), and outcome (not just about disease and death, but about self-esteem and self-assurance).

Strengthen Armenia-Diaspora Relations

In a passionate address, Armenia’s Minister of the Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, attending the Congress to “strengthen ties between the diaspora and Armenia,” thanked the Armenians of the diaspora for all the benefits they have given to Armenia. She pointed out that medicine in Armenia has improved greatly, and predicted that Armenia will become the medical center for the region. “We need the newest and the best. We want to connect with certain hospitals and doctors. And the Armenian Medical International Congress should be established in areas of the world where there aren’t enough Armenians.

She detailed three issues that are crucial. “The diaspora must help in strengthening the Armenian language, family, culture and church. Armenia and the diaspora must solve problems together. And Armenianness must be strengthened. The diaspora should strengthen the return of the youth to their roots. The youth must wash their hands in Lake Sevan, and view the beauty of Ararat and Khor Virab. Armenia is the Hayrenik of all Armenians throughout the world,” she declared with emphasis. “We have to have a strong Armenia. Let us strengthen the Armenian warmth, mind and culture,” she stated to a standing ovation.

Hakobyan presented gold medals and certificates to several worthy individuals who have donated their tireless service to Armenia, including Armenian Medical International Congress (AMIC) President Dr. Avedis Bogosyan, and to doctors Edgar Housepian, Aram Chobanian, John Nercessian, Frieda Jordan, as well as to Annette Choolfaian and Rita Balian who established the Mammography- Wellness Center, one of the great health centers in Armenia which has saved the lives of thousands of women.

Closing the four-day event, Dr. Larry Najarian noted that “this 10th Congress begins AMIC’s 36th year. Through our substantive work, we have reinforced new and effective ways to connect with Armenia. This is our focus. It’s this work which will make a difference all over the world.”