Category: Health

An Analysis of National Safe Motherhood Day

Credit: Eduwar

Introduction

The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood is an alliance of organizations working together to increase awareness, build partnerships and act as a stimulus for action to decrease maternal mortality significantly. It was launched in India by the Centre for Development and Population Activities in 1999 and with a coalition of 1800 organizations, in 2003, it requested the Government of India to declare April 11th, Kasturba Gandhi’s birth anniversary, as National Safe Motherhood Day. India is the world’s first country to have officially declared a National Safe Motherhood Day.

Theme for 2022

Every year a nationwide advocacy theme is selected for Safe Motherhood Day, and activities and full-scale campaigns are carried out throughout the country to increase awareness of proper healthcare and maternity facilities for pregnant and lactating mothers. Also, the members, state associations, and non-profit organizations come together on National Safe Motherhood Day to share technical skills, expertise, and resources. This year’s theme is “Remain at home in the face of the Coronavirus; protect mother and child.”

Why this day is Celebrated?

India is the main country to have formally proclaimed a day committed to well-being and security, all things considered. Every year, WRAI individuals select a cross country topic for “Safe Motherhood Day.” They do crusades all across the country. The objective of these missions is to increment mindfulness that each lady has an option to live and endure pregnancy and labor.

Initiatives taken by Indian Government

In 2003, at the request of the WRAI, the Indian government designated April 11 (the anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi’s birth) as “National Safe Motherhood Day” (a coalition of 1,800 organizations). India is the world’s first country to establish a “National Safe Motherhood Day.” Every year, WRAI members choose a national publicity theme for “Safe Motherhood Day,” and WRAI members conduct activities and large-scale campaigns across the country. These annual campaigns, which are launched on “National Safe Motherhood Day,” aim to raise awareness that every woman has the right to survive and recover from pregnancy and childbirth. The White Ribbon Alliance of India was established in 1999.

Safe Motherhood Program

The aim of the National Safe Motherhood Program is to reduce morbidity and mortality rates of pregnant and lactating mothers and neonates and to improve their health through preventive strategies and activities related to health promotion as well as by addressing avoidable causative factors that can lead to death during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period. Nutritious snacks, such as vegetables, fruits, egg, yoghurt, cheese, pulses, sprouts, soya and milk products, along with proper hydration are ideal for a pregnant woman.

Significance of Motherhood Day

Our mothers are the only reason we were able to see the light of day and grow up to be strong people. Their numerous sacrifices, dedication, hard work, and blessings enable us to progress in life. Motherhood is one of the most special and important stages in a woman’s life, and she requires the greatest amount of care and affection during this time. Thus, National Safe Motherhood Day is observed in India on April 11 to raise awareness about motherhood and its importance. The entire period of pregnancy and delivery is critical and must be handled with extreme caution. Because of our government’s efforts, I can say with great pride and accomplishment that Madhya Pradesh has seen a significant decrease in Maternal Mortality Rate over the years.

Conclusion

Janani Express Ambulance has made it simple and quick to get to the hospital. Similarly, schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana, Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Mamta Abhiyan, and others have been launched to provide pregnant women with all necessary care and health facilities. The government is working around the clock to improve mothers’ health and hygiene. Motherhood, on the other hand, necessitates more than just medical and health advantages. As a result, it is critical to pay attention to her mental health and meet all of her needs. On this National Safe Motherhood Day, I humbly ask that everyone prioritize motherhood and pay special attention to pregnant and lactating women. In the absence of healthy mothers, we cannot envision a beautiful future.

References

An Analysis of World Haemophilia Day

Credit: Deccan Chronicle

Introduction

World Hemophilia Day was started by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WHF) and is annually observed on the 17th of April. The international community started observing WHD in 1989 and April 17 was chosen to recognize Frank Schnabel the founder of WHF. World Hemophilia Day is aimed at raising awareness about hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. It also helps to raise funds for patients who cannot afford hemophilia treatment as well as attract volunteers for the World Federation of Hemophilia.

What is Haemophilia?

Haemophilia is an inherited condition that causes bleeding for a long time after injury or surgery and painful swelling of the joints either after injury or even without injury. (“Inherited” means that the disease is passed from parents to children through their genes). Haemophilia is the commonest X-linked disorder affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 male births; whereas women act as carriers of Haemophilia. Haemophilia is an inherited blood disorder disease in which blood does not clot properly. It is caused due to defects in the blood vessels, the coagulation mechanism, or the blood platelets and by a deficiency in a gene that resolves how the human body will make factors VII, IX, or XI.

Types of Haemophilia

Haemophilia has three forms namely Haemophilia A, B, and C. Out of these, Hemophilia A is the most common.

– Haemophilia A patient is treated by prescribing a hormone desmopressin.

– Haemophilia B patient is treated by infusing the patient’s blood with the clotting factors of a donor.

– Haemophilia C patient is treated by plasma infusion which ceases down profuse bleeding.

Theme of World Haemophilia Day

April 17, 2022, is World Hemophilia Day. The theme of the event this year is “Access for All: Partnership. Policy. Progress. Engaging your government, integrating inherited bleeding disorders into national policy“. By raising awareness and bringing hemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders to the attention of policymakers, we can increase sustainable and equitable access to care and treatment.

Significance of World Haemophilia Day

The World Federation of Haemophilia (WFH) started celebrating the day in 1989 and chose April 17 to celebrate it in honour of the founder of WFH Frank Schnabel. Haemophilia was discovered in the 10th century and was found mainly in males. The disease was then known as Abulcasis. In the year 1937, Haemophilia genetic disorder was divided into two types namely A and B, however, no proper treatment was found till that time. Then, it was decided to raise awareness about the disease among the people and make them understand the need to give the right attention to this serious health issue. In 1963, the WFM was established to improve treatment and care for all haemophiliac patients.

Awareness-raising campaigns, conferences, workshops, etc. are being organized on this day by several communities and people. various kinds of activities are being performed to inform the general public about Haemophilia disease. Also, landmarks and monuments in Australia and around the world change their colour to red at the night to support World Haemophilia Day.

Conclusion

When there is a family history of Haemophilia, it is now possible to identify females who carry the Haemophilia gene. Women, who know they are carriers, or might be carriers, may have options for prenatal diagnosis to obtain information on the fetal status. According to National Blood Transfusion Council under National Aids Control Organization (NACO) guidelines, all state/UTs administration patients suffering from thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and Haemophilia should be provided blood free of cost. The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakarama (RBSK) launched under the National Health Mission (NHM), provides early detection and treatment of children suffering from genetic disorders.

References

Is it Good to Genetically Modify the Crops?

Credit: SeaChef

Introduction

Genetic modification is a special set of gene technology that alters the genetic machinery of such living organisms as animals, plants, or microorganisms. Combining genes from different organisms is known as recombinant DNA technology and the resulting organism is said to be ‘Genetically modified (GM)’, ‘Genetically engineered’, or ‘Transgenic’. The principal transgenic crops grown commercially in the field are herbicide and insecticide-resistant soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola. Like all new technologies, they also pose some risks, both known and unknown. Controversies and public concerns surrounding GM foods and crops commonly focus on human and environmental safety, labeling and consumer choice, intellectual property rights, ethics, food security, poverty reduction, and environmental conservation.

What is GM Foods?

Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. The technology is often called “modern biotechnology” or “gene technology”, sometimes also “recombinant DNA technology” or “genetic engineering”. Currently, available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM, animals are likely to be introduced on the market. Most existing genetically modified crops have been developed to improve yield through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or increased tolerance of herbicides. GM foods can also allow for reductions in food prices through improved yields and reliability.

How are GMOs made?

“GMO” (genetically modified organism) has become the common term consumers and popular media use to describe foods that have been created through genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is a process that involves:

  • Identifying the genetic information—or “gene”—that gives an organism (plant, animal, or microorganism) a desired trait
  • Copying that information from the organism that has the trait
  • Inserting that information into the DNA of another organism
  • Then growing the new organism.

Qualifications of GMO in Foods

Testing on GMOs in food and feed is routinely done using molecular techniques like DNA microarrays or qPCR. These tests are based on screening genetic elements like p35S, tNos, pat, or bar or event-specific markers for the official GMOs like Mon810, Bt11, or GT73. The array-based method combines multiplex PCR and array technology to screen samples for different potential GMOs combining different approaches viz. screening elements, plant-specific markers, and event-specific markers. The qPCR is used to detect specific GMO events by the usage of specific primers for screening elements or event-specific markers. Controls are necessary to avoid false positive or false-negative results. 

Consumer Attitude towards GM Foods

Consumer acceptance is conditioned by the risk that they perceive from introducing food into their consumption habits processed through technology that they hardly understand. In a study conducted in Spain, the main conclusion was that the introduction of GM food into agro-food markets should be accompanied by adequate policies to guarantee consumer safety. These actions would allow a decrease in consumer-perceived risk by taking special care of the information provided, concretely relating to health. For, the most influential factor in consumer-perceived risk from these foods is concern about health 

Conclusion

GM foods have the potential to solve many of the world’s hunger and malnutrition problems and to help protect and preserve the environment by increasing yield and reducing reliance upon synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Challenges ahead lie in many areas viz. safety testing, regulation, policies, and food labeling. Many people feel that genetic engineering is the inevitable wave of the future and that we cannot afford to ignore a technology that has such enormous potential benefits.

References

Manual Scavenging: A Dehumanizing Practice

Credit: pin interest

Introduction

The practice of manual scavenging has accursed Indian society since time immemorial. The efforts to abolish this custom have garnered momentum within the state machinery, advocacy groups and academia the last three decades, particularly since the constitution of the Safai Karamchari Andolan (SKA) in 1994. Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge, aims to completely mechanize all septic and sewage tank cleaning operations in 243 cities across India, by April 30, 2021. Officially, the number of manual scavengers dropped to 42,303 in 2018 from 770,338 in 2008. Notwithstanding the said developments, the drastic reduction in the official count in the recent past can be construed as indicative of gross underassessment rather than being reflective of their actual numbers in India.

What is Manual Scavenging?

Manual scavenging is the practice of removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic tanks. India banned the practice under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR). The Act bans the use of any individual for manually cleaning, carrying, disposing of or otherwise handling in any manner, human excreta till its disposal. In 2013, the definition of manual scavengers was also broadened to include people employed to clean septic tanks, ditches, or railway tracks. The Act recognizes manual scavenging as a “dehumanizing practice,” and cites a need to “correct the historical injustice and indignity suffered by the manual scavengers.”

Why it is still prevalent in India?

The lack of enforcement of the Act and exploitation of unskilled laborers are the reasons why the practice is still prevalent in India. The Mumbai civic body charges anywhere between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 to clean septic tanks. The unskilled laborers, meanwhile, are much cheaper to hire and contractors illegally employ them at a daily wage of Rs 300-500. In 1993, India banned the employment of people as manual scavengers. In 2013, landmark new legislation in the form of the Manual Scavengers Act was passed which seeks to reinforce this ban by prohibiting manual scavenging in all forms and ensures the rehabilitation of manual scavengers to be identified through a mandatory survey. Despite progress, manual scavenging persists in India. According to the India Census 2011, there are more than 2.6 million dry latrines in the country. There are 13,14,652 toilets where human excreta is flushed in open drains and 7,94,390 dry latrines where the human excreta is cleaned manually. Seventy-three percent of these are in rural areas and 27 percent are in urban areas.

Act and its Implementation

The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 aims to eliminate insanitary latrines (those not connected to pits/septic tanks/sewage lines) alongside tracking the rehabilitation of manual scavengers in other occupations and conducting periodic surveys. To eliminate this practice, the act has provisions for stringent penalties, for direct or indirect employment of any person in hazardous cleaning of sewers or septic tanks by any person, local authority, or agency. For example, even the first instance of its contravention is punishable with imprisonment up to two years or a fine up to Rs 2 lakh or both. If a worker dies while performing such work, even with safety gear and other precautions, the employer is required to pay compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family.

Conclusion

The state and society need to take an active interest in the issue and look into all possible options to accurately assess and subsequently eradicate this practice. It also warrants an engagement of all stakeholders for the proper introduction of mechanization and ensuring that it is made available to all those who are forced to engage in this undignified practice.

References

The Crisis of Drug Addiction

Credit: DrugAbuse

Introduction

People from all walks of life can experience problems with their drug use, regardless of age, race, background, or the reason they started using drugs in the first place. Some people experiment with recreational drugs out of curiosity, to have a good time, because friends are doing it, or to ease problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression. However, it’s not just illegal drugs, such as cocaine or heroin, that can lead to abuse and addiction. Prescription medications such as painkillers, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers can cause similar problems. Addiction to opioid painkillers can be so powerful it has become the major risk factor for heroin abuse.

When Drug becomes an Addiction?

Drug abuse is when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldn’t. You might take more than the regular dose of pills or use someone else’s prescription. You may abuse drugs to feel good, ease stress, or avoid reality. But usually, you’re able to change your unhealthy habits or stop using altogether. Addiction is when you can’t stop. Not when it puts your health in danger. Not when it causes financial, emotional, and other problems for you or your loved ones. That urge to get and use drugs can fill up every minute of the day, even if you want to quit. Addiction also is different from physical dependence or tolerance. In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms happen when you suddenly stop a substance. Tolerance happens when a dose of a substance becomes less effective over time. When you use opioids for pain for a long time, for example, you may develop tolerance and even physical dependence. This doesn’t mean you’re addicted.

Sign and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are similar. If you recognize yourself in the following signs and symptoms, talk to someone about your drug use.

  • You’ve built up a drug tolerance: You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects you used to attain with smaller amounts.
  • You use to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms: If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
  • Loss of control over your drug use: You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn’t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless.
  • Your life revolves around drug use: You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, or recovering from the drug’s effects.
  • You’ve abandoned activities: You used to enjoy such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug use.

Warning Signs of Drug Abuse

In recent years, prescription drug abuse has become an escalating problem, most commonly involving opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and stimulants. Many people start taking these drugs to cope with a specific medical problem—taking painkillers following injury or surgery, for example. However, over time, increased doses are needed to achieve the same level of pain relief and some users can become physically dependent, experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit. One of the earliest warning signs of a developing problem is going through the medication at a faster-than-expected rate. In other cases, people start abusing medication not prescribed to them to experience a high, relieve tension, increase alertness, or improve concentration.

Conclusion

Addiction is a complex problem that affects every aspect of your life. Overcoming addiction requires reaching out for support and making changes to the way you live, deal with problems, and relate to others. Recovery is within your reach but doesn’t try to go it alone; it’s very easy to get discouraged and rationalize “just one more.” Whether you choose to go to rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or take a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential.

References

Euthanasia: Right to Die with Dignity

Credit: iPleaders

Introduction

Euthanasia, also called mercy killing, acts or practice of painlessly putting to death persons suffering from a painful and incurable disease or incapacitating physical disorder or allowing them to die by withholding treatment or withdrawing artificial life-support measures. Because there is no specific provision for it in most legal systems, it is usually regarded as either suicide (if performed by the patient himself) or murder (if performed by another). Physicians may, however, lawfully decide not to prolong life in cases of extreme suffering, and they may administer drugs to relieve pain even if this shortens the patient’s life.

What is Euthanasia?

The term was derived from the Greek words ‘EU’ and ‘Thanatos’ which means ‘good or easy death’. Euthanasia can
be defined as the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. It is also known as ‘Mercy Killing’ which is an act where the individual who, is in an irremediable condition or has no chances of survival as he is suffering from painful life, painlessly ends his life. The Right to die is a concept that is based on the opinion that a human being is entitled to make any decisions about ending his or her life (this also includes undergoing voluntary euthanasia).

Types of Euthanasia

There are primarily two types of Euthanasia.

  • Active euthanasia refers to the physician’s deliberate act, usually, the administration of lethal drugs, to end an incurably or terminally ill patient’s life.
  • Passive euthanasia refers to withholding or withdrawing treatment that is necessary for maintaining life.


Both euthanasia and assisted suicide are considered illegal in many countries since they can amount to murder in disguise.

Classification of Euthanasia

Euthanasia can also be classed as voluntary or involuntary.

  • Voluntary: When euthanasia is conducted with consent. Voluntary euthanasia is currently legal in Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Switzerland, and the states of Oregon and Washington in the U.S.
  • Non-voluntary: When euthanasia is conducted on a person who is unable to consent due to their current health condition. In this scenario, the decision is made by another appropriate person, on behalf of the patient, based on their quality of life and suffering.
  • Involuntary: When euthanasia is performed on a person who would be able to provide informed consent, but does not, either because they do not want to die, or because they were not asked. This is called murder, as it’s often against the patient’s will.

Conclusion

Euthanasia is indeed a contentious issue, with the heart of the debate lying at active voluntary euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. There is an urgent need to invest in our health care system so that people suffering from
serious ill-health can access free health care. Investment in health care is under ‘Right to Health’ which is bestowed under ‘Right to Life’ of our Constitution. Thus, the complete expenses need to be borne by the State so that the ‘Right to life’ becomes a reality and succeeds before the ‘Right to die with dignity.

How International Yoga Day Ushered a Smile to Everyone Face?

Credit: Wikipedia

Introduction

I hope you all are fit and healthy during this covid situation many diseases are occurring so need to take good care of our health. To be healthy and fit we always need to do yoga and exercise in the early morning. The international community observes June 21 as International Yoga Day, recognizing the many benefits of the ancient Indian practice of yoga. The year 2021 marks the 7th annual International Yoga Day.

History of Yoga Day

The practice of yoga finds its origin in India. There is a special day to celebrate yoga is the International Yoga Day which is celebrated on 21st June 2016 every year. This day was internationally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on December 11, 2014. The idea of an international yoga day was proposed by our Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi on September 27, 2014. Mr. Modi proposed the date to be June 21 and mentioned that this is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world. And the first international yoga day was celebrated on June 21, 2015.

Theme of Yoga Day

The message of Yoga in promoting both the physical and mental well-being of humanity has never been more relevant. A growing trend of people around the world embracing Yoga to stay healthy and rejuvenated and to fight social isolation and depression has been witnessed during the pandemic. Recognizing this important role of Yoga, the previous year’s commemoration of the International Day of Yoga focuses on “Yoga for well-being” – how the practice of Yoga can promote the holistic health of every individual. 

What is Yoga?

Yoga is a process in which man tries to bring his mind, body, and soul together. Yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning to meet or be united. Yoga originates from Indian culture. People have been practicing Yoga since about 5000 years ago. Yoga does not have physical fitness primarily; in Yoga, people try to control their body and mind through mental focus and breathing methods. If men teach Yoga, then they are called yogis, and if women teach, they are called yoginis. Yoga Sutra is a 2000-year-old book. This is the only book in which written evidence of Yoga has been found. This book is the oldest book about Yoga. Yoga is divided into six branches, namely Hatha Yoga, Raja yoga, Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga, Jnana yoga, and Tantra yoga. There are also seven chakras of yoga styles namely Sahasram chakra, Ajna chakra, Vishuddha chakra, Anahata chakra, Manipura chakra, Svadhishthana chakra, Muladhara chakra.

Importance of Yoga

Practiced in India since the 5th century, Yoga has been beneficial in keeping the body and mind in sound health. A holistic approach, Yoga targets all the different systems of the body and mind. It is said that the asanas make the body strong and flexible, as health improves; the mind too is renewed with confidence. The practice of Pranayama regulates the purification of the internal system and the organs, acting as a superior and able supplement to asanas. The energy that is generated in the body through these physical practices is then channeled into meditation or Dhyan for stability, peace, and calm.

Objectives of Yoga Day

The main objective to adopt International Yoga Day is as mentioned below.

  • Promote enhanced mental and physical health advantages amongst the people
  • Aware the public of Yoga’s holistic advantages
  • Promote awareness among people about Yoga’s natural and amazing results
  • Assist people to connect with nature while practicing Yoga daily
  • Reduction in the rate of fatal diseases across nations
  • Unification of communities while devoting quality time for health from monotonous work routines.

Conclusion

The AYUSH protocol describes the folding hands logo of Yoga Day as reflecting “the union of individual consciousness with that of universal consciousness, a perfect harmony between mind and body, man and nature, the holistic approach to health and well being. The brown leaves in the logo symbolize the earth element, the green leaves of nature, blue the fire element while the sun symbolizes the source of energy and inspiration.”

References

The Power of Organ Transplantation to Save Life’s

Credit: Health Matters

Introduction

Organ transplantation (OT) is one of the most successful advances in modern medicine. For patients with end-stage disease, transplantation most often provides their only chance for survival. Even before the first transplant was performed, it was clear that OT could only be successful with a multidisciplinary approach. The history of OT has involved a series of breakthroughs in medicine that has influenced all aspects of health care. As you will see, for nearly a century, the contributions of specialists in anesthesiology and critical were largely underrepresented in the world’s literature.

What is Organ Donation?

Organ donation and transplantation is removing an organ from one person (the donor) and surgically placing it in another (the recipient) whose organ has failed. Organ transplantation is a medical procedure in which an organ is removed from one body and placed in the body of a recipient, to replace a damaged or missing organ. The donor and recipient may be at the same location, or organs may be transported from a donor site to another location. Organs must be removed as soon as possible after the determination of brain death, while circulation is being maintained artificially. Tissues may be removed within 12 to 24 hours.

Benefits

The benefits of an organ transplant depend on the organ a person receives. Some benefits may include


o Avoiding medical procedures such as dialysis
o Living a longer life
o Living a healthier or less painful life
o Gaining an improved quality of life, such as when a cornea
transplant restores a person’s sight
o Correcting congenital disabilities that endanger a
person’s life
o Spending less time in the hospital, needing fewer
surgeries, or taking fewer medications.

Challenges

The shortage of organs is a major problem worldwide. There are many more patients awaiting transplantation than there are organ donors. Low socioeconomic status is a big hurdle for organ transplantation. Superstitions such as being born with a missing organ (that has been donated); and that tampering with the body will not free their dead relatives from the cycle of life–death–rebirth are some of the prevalent superstitions. The lack of an adequate number of transplant centers with staff as well as transplant coordinators who are adequately educated and well versed with the procedures required to conduct an organ donation program is acting as a significant roadblock to the deceased organ donation program. Sometimes, organs are transported from the donor hospital to the transplant center where the recipient is located. There have been many instances where valuable organs have been wasted due to delays in the transportation process.

Organs that can be Transplanted

Organs and tissues that can be transplanted include:

  • Liver.
  • Kidney.
  • Pancreas.
  • Heart.
  • Lung.
  • Intestine.
  • Corneas.
  • Middle ear.
  • Skin.
  • Bone.
  • Bone marrow.
  • Heart valves.
  • Connective tissue.

Conclusion

Solid-organ transplantations save lives in patients affected by terminal organ failures and improve quality of life. Solid-organ transplant programs provide excellent results in children and young adults and are increasingly challenged by the expanding proportion of elderly transplant patients. Solid-organ transplant program activity has been growing in the last two decades and is essential for developed and mature health care systems.

References

Understanding The Background of World Homeopathy Day

Credit: Ayush Next

Introduction

World Homeopathy Day is celebrated each year on April 10 to pay tribute to homeopathy and its contribution to the world of medicine.  The day is celebrated in the form of celebrating Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann’s birth anniversary, a German physician and founding father of this branch of medicine. On this day, Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann was born in Paris in the year 1755. This year is the 266th anniversary of his birthday. In the year of 2021 the theme of the day in India is, “Homeopathy- Roadmap for Integrative Medicine”

Aim of Celebration

The primary aim of World Homeopathy Day is to raise public knowledge about this alternative medical system to make it much more available to a wider range of individuals. The global homeopathic fraternity strives to unite to develop, improve and modernize the medical system to serve a greater number of people. Apart from honoring the man who founded this crucial branch of medicine, the day also gives people an opportunity to understand the glorious history of the branch of medicine and the countless miracles homeopathy has been able to pull off in the last few centuries.

What is Homeopathy?

Homeopathy or homeopathy is a pseudoscientific system of alternative medicine. Its practitioners, called homeopaths, believe that a substance that causes symptoms of a disease in healthy people can cure similar symptoms in sick people; this doctrine is called similia similibus curentur, or “like cures like”. Homeopathy is a medical system based on the belief that the body can cure itself. Those who practice it use tiny amounts of natural substances, like plants and minerals. They believe these stimulate the healing process. It was developed in the late 1700s in Germany. It’s common in many European countries, but it’s not quite as popular in the United States.

How Does it work?

Homeopathic doctors (who also are called “homeopaths”) weaken these ingredients by adding water or alcohol. Then they shake the mixture as part of a process called “potentization.” They believe this step transfers the healing essence. Homeopaths also believe that the lower the dose, the more powerful the medicine. In fact, many of these remedies no longer contain any molecules of the original substance. They come in a variety of forms, like sugar pellets, liquid drops, creams, gels, and tablets. During your appointment, a homeopath will ask several questions about your mental, emotional, and physical health. They’ll prescribe the remedy that best matches all of your symptoms. Then they’ll tailor the treatment for you.

Benefits of Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a holistic science, which renders cure and healing, rather than mere alleviation of disease, and takes into consideration the minutest details of the ailing person. The benefits which it includes are

  • Homeopathy is Safe
  • Homeopathy is Effective and Fast Acting
  • Homeopathy is a Scientific and Natural Medicine
  • Homeopathy Helps Build Resistance
  • Homeopathy for All Life’s Stages.

Conclusion

Celebrating this day will make more and more people aware of the benefits of homeopathic medicine which is universally known for curing the disease by dismantling its origin completely and leaving no chance for its revival in the human body. The day also allows the governments and policymakers to sit back and think about steps that can broadly promote the branch of medicine and help build its infrastructure.

References

Rice Fortification – A Competent way to combat Anemia

Image taken from NITI Aayog

Introduction

India has made impressive progress in reducing stunting and anemia among children over the last decade. However, anemia still impacts more than one in two children and women. The WHO has declared anemia among women and children as a “severe” public health problem, demanding immediate attention. Rice fortification is an effective, preventive and cost-efficient complementary strategy to address the nutrition problem within a short period. However, ensuring access to and affordability of healthy and diverse diets would be the key to a sustainable long-term strategy.

Current Situation

Recent statistics indicate rise in anemia levels amongst among women and children in 16 and 18 of 22 States/UTs respectively (NFHS-5). Iron deficiency-anemia is the biggest cause of disability for the past 10 years and contributed 20 per cent direct and 50 per cent associated maternal deaths in India. Its economic burden is equivalent to about 4 per cent of GDP. Apart from iron, deficiency in micronutrient like vitamin B12, vitamin A, folate and zinc also contribute to rising anemia levels. Evidence suggests vitamin B12 deficiency impacts one in six pre-school children and one in three adolescents; folate deficiency in one in three school-aged children and one in four adolescents.

What is Food Fortification?

Fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of one or more micronutrients (i.e., vitamins and minerals) in a food or condiment to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal risk to health. Fortification is the addition of key vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, Vitamin A & D to staple foods such as rice, milk and salt to improve their nutritional content. These nutrients may or may not have been originally present in the food before processing.

Fortification of Rice

According to the Food Ministry, fortification of rice is a cost-effective and complementary strategy to increase vitamin and mineral content in diets. According to FSSAI norms, 1 kg fortified rice will contain iron (28 mg-42.5 mg), folic acid (75-125 microgram) and Vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram). In addition, rice may also be fortified with micronutrients, singly or in combination, with zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B6. Fortifying rice involves grinding broken rice into powder, mixing it with nutrients, and then shaping it into rice-like kernels using an extrusion process. These fortified kernels are then mixed with normal rice in a 1:100 ratio and distributed for consumption.

Need for Fortification

India has very high levels of malnutrition among women and children. According to the Food Ministry, every second woman in the country is anemic and every third child is stunted. India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th. The deficiency of micronutrients or micronutrient malnutrition, also known as “hidden hunger”, is a serious health risk. Rice is one of India’s staple foods, consumed by about two-thirds of the population. Per capita rice consumption in India is 6.8 kg per month. Therefore, fortifying rice with micronutrients is an option to supplement the diet of the poor.

Conclusion

Rice fortification is the most viable and welcome, preventive and complementary intervention to solve the problem of anemia in a short period of time. Historically, India has tested this idea of fortification by mandating iodized salt in 1962. Interestingly, CNNS Report 2016-18, subtly hinted the success of universal fortification of salt by revealing iodine to be the only exception to micronutrient deficiencies in the tested sample.

References

An Ultimate Guide to Health Day

Image taken from VectorStock

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on 7 April 1948. Realizing the significance of health for victorious life all over the world, World Health Day is celebrated every year on 7 April to commemorate the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). The Canadian Ice Hockey Player Maxime Lagace once rightly said, “A life without good health is like a river without water”. While we appreciate such words of wisdom, we rarely understand the true meaning of such words since we rarely try to follow them in our lives. Human health is being adversely affected due to a hectic lifestyle, work and stress. World Health Day is celebrated every year to create awareness of the importance of health.

Aim behind Celebration

The main aim behind the celebration is to improve the level of health of people around the whole world. The idea is that every human being must get superior and essential health facilities at an economical rate. Millions of people around the world are prey to many terrible diseases. Hence, discussions and awareness on the topics like prevention of diseases and proper arrangement of the medical facilities etc. are also included as the main objective of Health Day. Awareness campaigns are organized at the district and block levels on this day to prevent vector-borne diseases.

Theme

Each year for this date, a theme is chosen that accentuates an area of priority concern for WHO. In the face of the current pandemic, a polluted planet, and an increasing incidence of diseases, the theme for World Health Day 2022 is Our Planet, Our Health. This call from PAHO, the WHO, and partners, presents a unique opportunity for a green and healthy recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, that puts the health of individuals and the planet at the center of the action and fosters a movement to create societies focused on well-being.

Why this Theme?

 An estimated one million premature deaths per year are attributable to known avoidable environmental risks. Air pollution, contaminated water, inadequate sanitation including solid waste management, risks related to certain hazardous chemicals, and negative impacts of climate change are the most pressing environmental public health threats in the Region. These threats to public health are compounded by weak governance practices and potential inequities in health as well as by limited leadership, expertise, and resources in the health sector. This theme of Our Planet, Our Health should be a herculean reminder to us that the resolution of many of these issues is beyond the exclusive purview of the health sector and, as a consequence, an effective response will demand the whole- of- government and whole- of- society approaches.  

Conclusion

Today everyone’s jobs are such that they need to sit in front of a laptop for hours. Even after returning home, they are stuck to television screens or mobile phones. Children are seen watching TV or phones for a long time. This is the root cause of various diseases. People these days are so engrossed in their work that they have taken their health as secondary and rarely give attention until become sick. Everyone should give equal concern to their health and environment. Every human being should maintain a proper balance between physical and mental health. Children should take part in outdoor sports like cricket, football, and badminton instead of sitting at home for physical health. They should also be involved in planting trees, keeping our surroundings clean, and properly disposing of the materials to avoid environmental risks to our health. As, until our Earth is not healthy we can’t be healthy. World Health Day is celebrated to highlight the importance and create awareness of making our health a priority.

Reference

 

Importance of Self-Confidence

Self-Confidence is one of the important things needed in our life. It has the power to either push us up or pull us down. Most people lack self-confidence at some point in their life due to failures and disappointments. Self -Confidence can be increased due to the motivation of others, but it is not the only way to boost our inner confidence. The confidence that comes from inside is the one that resists for long and helps us achieve more and more in our life. Let us see some of the ways to boost our confidence and try to use them in our daily life.

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Ways to Boost Self Confidence

  1. Tell good words to yourself : It may feel silly on reading this. But actually it works during the time of crisis. Whenever we feel low, we can tell some good words to “We can do it”,”We are capable of doing it”,”Nothing is impossible”. These words lowers our stress as well as helps in boosting our confidence. We can even ask our friends and family to tell good words to us. Getting these words from those we trust , gives immense amount of confidence in our life.
  2. Take a deep breath : Before starting any task, taking a deep breath will definitely helps us. We should allot some two to three minutes before the beginning of the job and we should take a deep breath without thinking about anything else. During that time, we should not concentrate on the outside environment or thinking about how to do the job. Our only focus must be on taking a breath and relaxing both our mind and the body.
  3. Thinking on past success : When we are doing a difficult or stretchy job, we can think on our past success or achievement for some moments. Beware, it must only be for some moments. Sometimes it will lead to over -confidence and destroys both the time ,the effort and the task.
  4. Thinking on our good time : Everyone will definitely have such moments in our life that brings us instant laughter or instant happiness on our face. During our low time, we can think on these things for some moments to boost up our energy and confidence to do the job. These times can be with the family or friends or colleagues or anyone. Here too, over thinking may lead to procrastination , which is the dangerous one that won’t led us to finish the job.
  5. Hobbies : Hobbies can make an individual feel happy, calm ,satisfied and acts as a complete stress buster. Taking out some time for hobbies can help us to make our brain relaxed and peaceful. These hobbies can be done during breaks or free time.
  6. Talk to yourself : This task doesn’t need anyone to perform. During our low times or when we have no one with us, this is the best way to keep us away from negativity and low confidence. We can talk anything and everything to ourselves. Just imagine yourself as another human and tell everything that is going on our mind.

Believe you can and you’re Halfway there.

Theodore Roosevelt

THE CURSE OF DEPRESSION

For some people, depression may mean showing a sad face all the time, not responding to anyone, sitting in a room all day, and more. Depression is not always a combination of all these symptoms, some people are depressed but still, show happy faces. We must clearly understand what it actually means and must get out of it before it is too late.

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Common Symptoms of Depression

  1. Trouble in Concentrating : People with depression may feel difficulty or trouble in concentrating on their jobs. They even feel extremely hard to even take simple decisions due to lack of concentration.
  2. Insomnia : Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms of depression. They either sleep for long number of hours or never sleep at all. It varies with person to person. Even sometimes they wake at early morning without knowing.
  3. Guilty Feeling : Depressed state can also happen due to inability or failure to do an important job. It starts with feeling guilty all the time thinking about the work and stressing themselves too much. It makes them feel helpless and alone all the time even they are always being surrounded by friends , family or relatives.
  4. Lose of Interest : People start to lose interest over things that are once their favourite one. It may be hobbies like drawing, dancing, singing or even visiting places that are their favourite ones initially.
  5. Restlessness : Inability to relax or inability to make your mind calm and peace is called Restlessness. It happens due to over stress, thinking about something all the time and excess usage of devices like Mobile Phones, Laptop and television etc.
  6. Overeating/ Appetite Loss : It happens in two ways , either feeling of hunger at all times or feeling full at all time. It is also a symptom of depression which most people fail to address it at early stages of their life.
  7. Unbalanced feelings : Sometimes they feel too happy, sometimes too sad, sometimes too anxious with no meaning, sometimes too angry without knowing. Their feelings become unpredictable and meaningless during their depressed state of mind.
  8. Digestive problems : Even stomach ache for a long period of time , without reacting to medicines is a symptom of depression.

Most of these symptoms are the common ones, the failure to address them for a long period may lead to suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts.

Ways to overcome depression

  1. Surround yourself with motivation
  2. Do yoga and meditation
  3. Always ask for help without hesitation.
  4. Go out to new places for refreshment.
  5. Take breaks during job to avoid stress.
  6. Eat healthy food like fresh fruits and vegetables.
  7. Create new hobbies
  8. Do activities that keeps both our mind and body calm.
  9. Focus on people who will be there for you during both good and bad times.
  10. Always get minimum six hours of sleep daily.
  11. It’s okay to say ‘no’ to works which is either stressful or not possible.

“Don’t let life discourage you everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.”

Richard L. Evans

Time and Tide wait for none

The first thought that comes to our mind when thinking about time is it can’t be changed. But we are not trying to understand the wastage of time in our day-to-day life. We know the benefits of it, but we don’t realize its importance in our life. The reasons we gave to waste time are infinity.

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There are many reasons for wasting time we would have come across in our daily routine. Some of them are :

  1. Addiction over small tasks : This type of time wastage occurs when we get addicted to small tasks that surrounding us neglecting the big tasks that are important and urgent. It is caused due to the need of perfection in our simple task, but the cost of this addiction is realised later.
  2. Procrastination : It happens every time when we lost our focus on the current work and started thinking about something else without knowing. It is the most common and dangerous reason that finally leads to jeopardise our job.
  3. Wrong priorities : We must prioritise our works correctly before involving in it. The more time we give to priorities our works, the more jobs we can finish. Wrong prioritising of jobs leads to losing of important and urgent work.
  4. Multitasking : The tendency to do everything at once is the way to finishing none at last. Initially it may look like doing all at once and saving time. But eventually it makes our easy jobs more complex and atlast completing no tasks. The amount of time we take to do all simultaneously is more than the cumulation of time taken to do all jobs each at a time.
  5. Disorganised : The surrounding of our work bench also influence our time. If it were too clumsy, the time to find something important is also comes under time wastage. The place we work must be clean and organised to make our jobs easier.

METHODS TO SAVE TIME

  1. Eliminate Distractions : There must be no distractions during our work time. It must be eliminated as far as possible to finish the task quickly. Distractions took large amount of time and it results in postponing of jobs.
  2. Creating a To-Do List : A To-Do list can help us prioritise our jobs and it is a easy way to work on our tasks in an proper order. To-Do List must be created either during day before night or early morning. The important point in creating a To-Do list is it must be minimum and must be possible schedule.
  3. Take a Break : A small break between task keeps us productive during the task and motivate us to do other jobs as well. The best way to schedule breaks is pomodoro technique. Pomodoro is a technique which involves 25 minute work – 5 minute break. This break time must be used for our hobbies and favourite tasks instead of using smart phones and televisions.
  4. Reduce social media Time : The time spend in social media must also be scheduled otherwise it will consume large amount of time. It can be used for some time and must be thrown away. Sometimes logging out of social media might help, since the next time we go to social media the lazyness of logging in again may tempt us to see it afterwards.

The more productive we are, the more achievements we can we do in our life.
Stay productive!!

How Mental health affects your body?

We all feel under the weather from time to time, but if you have been feeling emotianlly drained for a long length of time, then it is likely you are suffering from a mental disorder and you should immediately consult with an expert. Ignoring your mental health can have negative impacts on your physical health as well.
Here are 5 common impacts that your mental health can impose on your body –

1) Weight fluctuation
Mood disorders can often lead to you eating more and less and not maintaining a proper balanced diet and henceforth can result in weight gain and weight loss.

2) high blood pressure
Extreme stress can cause your blood pressure levels to rise up and leave you feeling tired and weak.

3) Insomnia
Poor mental health can cause you difficulty to sleep and lack of proper sleep can disrupt your daily schedule.

4) Drugs and Smoking
People with mental health conditions often resort to drugs, liqour and smoking in order to avert their problems and feel at ease. This in turn proves detrimental to their health. Expert consultations are always recommended in such cases.

5) Weak Immune System
Poor mental heath can weaken your immune system making you more vulnerable to get colds and other infections.