May 11, 2012 Clippings

Satyamev Jayate: Aamir Khan, Gehlot to fight female feticide

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Wednesday assured actor Aamir Khan, whose TV show " Satyamev Jayate" created a storm with its in-depth study of female feticide, that he would take up the issue of a fast track court with the state chief justice so that justice was expedited.

Addressing a press conference with Aamir by his side, the chief minister said the show brought reality to the forefront. "I never heard about his show before it went on air," he said, adding that the matter had now been exposed. "We are doing a lot of work towards the issue," Gehlot said.

"But to handle this problem we need the support of the state police. He has already done a lot through his show," Gehlot said.

"Satyamev Jayate", which was telecast Sunday, discussed female foeticide through case studies of women, opinion of experts and also invited two Rajasthan-based TV journalists who had seven years ago done a sting operation. The sting by Meena Sharma and Shripal Shaktawat had covered 140 doctors involved in sex determination tests and abortions.

Aamir met Gehlot to request the creation of a fast track court to decide the cases of the doctors, none of who have been penalised.

Aamir said he had made "a specific request to the chief minister that all cases related to the show" be decided at the earliest. He asked the chief minister whether a fast track court could be created so justice was expedited.

Gehlot, he said, assured him that he would speak to the chief justice of Rajasthan to bring all cases under one court so the cases were heard as soon as possible.

The star said he was hopeful that his debut TV show, telecast on Doordarshan and Star Plus, would "touch people's hearts". "Whereever such incidents occur, we will go," he told reporters.

"I was expecting that I would be able to touch people's heart with the show and I am glad to see the effect of the show. I am happy about it," Aamir said. "I am not an activist, I am an entertainer. I only try to reach people's heart. I am not here to talk about issues seven days a week.. I am an entertainer, and that is what I am passionate about. I want to touch people's emotions and know their feelings, whether it is through a film like 'Dhoom 3' or through this show.

"As an entertainer, it is not necessary that I only make people laugh, it means that I should be able to evoke all emotions in them," he added.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

11.05.2012

Kids who sleep with parents tend to be ‘slimmer’

Children who get up at night and sneak into bed with their parents may be healthier as they are less likely to become overweight, a new study has revealed.

Disturbed sleep is associated with obesity because it interferes with hunger hormones but research conducted in Denmark suggested the opposite may be true for children.

A study of 497 children between the ages of two and six found children who always stayed in their own beds were three times more likely to be overweight than children who got into bed with their parents every night, the Telegraph reported.

Dr Nanna Olsen, at the Research Unit for Dietary Studies, Institute of Preventive Medicine, at Copenhagen University Hospitals said it might be because these children have a greater sense of security by cuddling up to their parents.

The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Lyon, France.

"The results may suggest that elements of parental social support or other types of positive psychosocial responses if being allowed to enter parents’ bed during night may protect against overweight, whereas types of negative psychosocial responses such as feelings of rejection when not being allowed to enter parents’ bed may lead to overweight," Dr Olsen said.

Source: www.dnaindia.com

11.05.2012

But better to be hurt by the truth than comforted with a lie

 Khaled Hosseini

May 10, 2012 Clippings

Soon, a national e-blood bank service

Aiming at boosting blood donation in the country, the union health ministry is planning a nationwide database of blood donors connected through a web-enabled system.

"Blood donation services require a complete revamp. We are planning a national database of blood donors connected through email and social media," Health Secretary P.K. Pradhan said here Tuesday.

"We want more volunteers for effective resource management and constantly engagement with the community in the database," Pradhan added.

Already functional in Odisha, e-blood bank service is a web-enabled system for electronic monitoring of blood collection, testing, storage and final use or disposal. The system functions through bar-coding of blood bags to ensure blood collected first is used first in 100 per cent cases.

"An online database of regular donors needs to be maintained. Donors listed in the database will get SMS reminders and encouragement notes so that their interest is maintained," he said, adding "a similar system could work for organ donation".

The health ministry is roping in volunteers from the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS). While voluntary blood donation camps organized by schools, colleges and civil society have popularised blood donation among people, a proper collection and transfusion service is needed, the official said.

According to official statistics, the percentage of annual voluntary blood donors per year is around 50 per cent, way less than the World Health Organisation's target of 100 per cent collection through voluntary non-remunerated donors.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

10.05.2012

Heart patients shouldn't live along roadways

Heart attack survivors living within 100 metres of major roadways face increased risk of death from all causes.

A survey of 3,547 heart attack survivors (average age 62 years) has shown that those living within 100 meters of roads have a 27 per cent higher risks of dying over 10 years than those living at least 1,000 metres away.

Those living between 100 to 199 metres from roads have 19 per cent increased risks of death. Those living 200 to 999 metres away have a 13 per cent higher risk of death.

"We think there is exposure to a combination of air pollution near these roadways and other exposure, such as excessive noise or stress from living close to the roadway, that may contribute to the study findings," said Murray A. Mittleman, study author and director of the Cardiovascular Research Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre in Boston.

During the 10 years of the Onset Study, 1,071 deaths occurred: 672 people (63 per cent) died of cardiovascular causes. Cancer was the cause of death for 131 people (12 per cent) and respiratory disease for 45 (4 per cent), the journal Circulation reports.

"People with lower levels of education and income are more likely to live in communities closer to a major roadway, so they are bearing a larger burden of the risk associated with exposure than people with more resources," said Mittleman, also associate professor at Harvard Medical School, according to Beth Israel statement.

The findings provide new evidence that long-term exposure to roadways is tied to increased risk for death, including in patients with underlying Cardiovascular disease, said Mittleman.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

10.05.2012

Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself

George Bernard Shaw

May 8, 2012 Clippings

'Painless' Bandages Viable With Starch Fibres

Latest technique of spinning starch into fine strands may well facilitate in making painless bandages and also cost effective and more eco-friendly toilet paper, napkins and other products, reports study.

"There are many applications for starch fibres," said Lingyan Kong, graduate student, food science at the Penn State University. "Starch is the most abundant and also the least expensive of natural polymers."

Kong, who worked with Greg Ziegler, professor of food science, Penn State, used a solvent to dissolve the starch into a fluid that can then be spun into long strands or fibres.

They can be combined and formed into paper-like mats similar to napkins, tissues and other types of paper products, according to a university statement.

Once the process is scaled to industrial size, companies could make bandages and other medical dressings using starch fibres.

Unlike bandages that are currently on the market that must be -- often painfully -- removed, starch bandages would degrade into glucose, a substance the body safely absorbs.

"Starch is easily biodegradable, so bandages made from it would, over time, be absorbed by the body. So, you wouldn't have to remove them," said Kong.

Starch does not completely dissolve in water but instead becomes a gel -- or, starch paste -- that is too thick to make fibres. To solve the problem, the researchers added a solvent to help the solution dissolve the starch, but not destroy its molecular structure, Kong added.

Source: www.medindia.net

08.05.2012

Why first aid is necessary

First aid kits at home are a necessity

No matter where you live, having a first aid kit at home is imperative because almost all of us will require it at some point or the other.

First aid kits can be very basic or comprehensive. What you need, depends on whether you've been trained in first aid or want to stock just the basic essential necessities. Nowadays ready-made first aid kits are available in medical stores.

But you can also make a simple kit yourself. You first need to understand the basics when it comes to stocking a first aid kit. The bites of most spiders, mosquitoes, fleas, flies, bedbugs, etc., are similar in appearance and pose very little danger. Typically, it causes a small, itchy swelling that can last a few hours or days. Although bites are seldom dangerous, mosquitoes can transmit diseases like dengue or malaria.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

08.05.2012

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom

Aristotle

May 7, 2012 Clippings

Clove: The wonder spice!

This tiny little spice has many curative properties. Traditionally cloves are used as a table spice and mixed with chillies, cinnamon, turmeric and other spices in the preparation of curry powder.

They are also used to flavour paan. Clove oil is used in the manufacture of perfumes, soaps, bath salts and as a flavouring agent in medicine and dentistry. Cloves help stimulate sluggish circulation and thereby promote digestion and metabolism. In Chinese medicine, it is used for vomiting, indigestion and other related problems. If you are feeling stressed then, boil some water with basil leaves, mint leaves and clove. Then you can use this water for black tea. Add little bit of honey to it. This will help you ease tension.

Toothache

The use of a clove in toothache decreases pain. It also helps to decrease infection due to its antiseptic properties. Clove oil, applied to a cavity in a decayed tooth, also relieves toothache.

Digestive disorders

Cloves promote enzymatic flow and boost digestive functioning. They are used in various forms of gastric irritability and dyspepsia. Licking the powder of fried cloves mixed with honey is effective in controlling vomiting. The anesthetic action of clove helps in dealing with stomach pain and stops vomiting.

Coughs

Chewing a clove with a crystal of common salt eases expectoration, relieves the irritation in the throat . Chewing a burnt clove is also an effective medicine for coughs.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

07.05.2012

Leprosy raises its ugly head in Maharashtra again

Enjoying the status of being leprosy-free since 2005, Maharashtra is once more in the grip of the disease.

For the first time in six years, Maharashtra’s leprosy prevalence rate has jumped to 1.07 per 10,000 persons. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the upper limit for declaring an area with leprosy ‘under control’, the incidence has to be less than one in 10,000.

However, the annual statistics collated by the state leprosy department has brought to light that the ratio is much higher than this limit. Not just that, the new case detection rate (NCDR) of leprosy in the state has jumped to 15.59 per lakh population; the same was around 10 per lakh population during 2006-07.

Dr PY Gaikwad, joint director of leprosy division, directorate of health services, when asked about the rise in the number of cases, said that the increase in cases should not be viewed in an alarming manner.

“During 2011-2012, a total of 17,892 new leprosy cases have been detected. However, during same year, the health department undertook a proactive survey in 19 districts and many urban centres to study leprosy. We found 2,440 positive cases during this survey and that’s why the numbers have jumped,” said Gaikwad.

He added that from the epidemiological point of view, the rise in numbers can also indicate long-term benefits such as increase in
reporting of cases.

Though deformity cases have increased in number, 331 in 2011-2012 as compared to 281 cases in 2010-2011, the percentage has remained the samecompared to the total number at 1.8% of total leprosy cases.

Another important indication, say leprosy experts, is increase in child cases from 1,912 in 2010-2011 to 2,328 in 2011-2012.

“The rise in number of leprosy cases amongst children is an important indicator. While the state should be congratulated for maintaining if not lowering the number of deformity cases as it indicates people got early treatment, increase in number of child cases is grave,” said Dr Atul Shah, president, Indian Association of Leprologists.

Source: www.dnaindia.com

07.05.2012

If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything

Malcolm X

May 5, 2012 Clippings

Weight loss lowers diabetics' risk of heart attacks

If obese people with Type 2 diabetes lose even six kilos, it will reduce their arterial stiffness by 20 per cent and also the risk of heart attacks, a study reveals.

Diabetes carries a six-fold greater risk of heart disease, which counts for 68 per cent of all deaths among people with diabetes, thanks to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Associate professors Katherene Samaras from Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Christopher Hayward from St. Vincent's Hospital, have shown that arterial stiffness is directly tied with inflammation and immune response to infection or illness, the journal Diabetes and Vascular Disease Research reported.

The study was based on a group of obese people with Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes. All participants underwent a calorie-restricted diet for 24 weeks, with gastric banding surgery after 12 weeks, according to a statement Garvan and St. Vincent Hospital.

"We found that the degree of inflammation in fat tissue specifically predicted how much arteries relaxed during a weight loss programme, meaning that people with higher levels of inflammation had arteries that did not relax as much," said Samaras.

" Obesity, Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis are all associated with an inflammatory state, involving activation of immune cells in the circulation and in fat tissue, as well as an increase of circulating pro-inflammatory molecules," Samaras added.

"Weight loss reduces immune cell activation and inflammation, which in turn is related to the extent that arteries can relax. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationships between weight loss-induced improvements in arterial stiffness and the immune response," concluded Samaras.

Source: www.timesofindia.com

05.05.2012

The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress

May 4, 2012 Clippings

‘Poor treatment triggering asthma among most patients’

Rs400 per month. That’s how much you have to spend to ensure that your asthmatic kid doesn’t have to suffer the ordeal of an attack. And yet, more than 62% of asthma patients under treatment for at least a year have uncontrolled asthma due to poor treatment adherence. Uncontrolled asthma leads to asthmatic attacks, besides other serious health problems.

The shocking statistics revealed in a study conducted by a Pune-based Chest Research Foundation (CRF) is ratified by many city doctors who say dropping out or discontinuing treatment mid-way, myths about inhalers amongst parents and resistance to preventive therapy forms a bulk of problem in asthma control. However, doctors say that low use of inhaled corticosteroid which is the most effective treatment for asthma is worrisome.

Dr Sundeep Salvi, director, CRF, said that while 90% of patients can control their asthma only 32% studied showed good adherence. “Most common reason for discontinuing inhalers was fear of getting addicted to it,” he said.

Agreeing with CRF’s findings, chest physician Dr Mahavir Modi said that myths and misconceptions about inhaler therapy especially amongst parents was reason for low usage of the medications.

“There are two types of inhalers; controllers meant for long-term use and relievers which are emergency inhalers. If asthmatic patients are put on controllers, they might not need relievers. Unfortunately, parents have aversion to inhalers. They treat it as a last resource as they feel it’s addictive,” Dr Salvi said. While doctors argue that inhalers are the safest and most effective medication methods as it leads to better hormone function and controlling inflammation, most patients prefer popping oral pills as they feel they’re safer.

“Besides low usage of inhalers, the problem of dropping mid-way from treatment is also a big concern,” said paediatrician and asthma expert, Dr Barnali Bhattacharya.

“Once children start feeling better with few weeks of therapy, parents feel it isn’t necessary to continue treatment anymore. They feel the medication can have side effects, so why push medicines into a healthy-looking child? But what they don’t realise is that they’re doing more harm than good. The inhalers help keep inflammation at bay and prevent attacks,” she said.

Source: www.dnaindia.com

04.05.2012

Never regret yesterday. Life is in you today, and you make your tomorrow

May 2, 2012 Clippings

Simple techniques offer protection against asthma

Changing pillow covers every week, rubbing and polishing every corner till it was spotlessly dust-free, wearing masks while travel and a host of other things were a part of homemaker Swati Bodhe’s routine for her son Aarav’s (name changed) protection against asthma attack.

Her six-year-old son who was suffering from childhood asthma was prone to asthma attacks quite often. Swati couldn’t fathom the reason till a detailed history taking by her doctor revealed that preservatives in junk food and soft drinks consumed by her son were to blame.

Asthma experts say most people depend heavily on medication and do not follow simple easy to do things and techniques to ensure protection against asthma.

“Fifty per cent of asthma attacks are triggered by dust mite allergies which are avoidable to great extent. Just keeping house dust free, ensuring no fungus on damp walls, keeping bed sheets and pillow covers in sunlight once a week to kill dust mites, good ventilation can help in protecting against asthma attacks,’’ said Dr Vijay Warad, allergist and pediatric pulmonologist. Following a healthy lifestyle by eating right foods and exercising regularly is equally important in asthma control, say doctors.

“Innumerable studies across the world have proved correlation between junk food and rising asthma. Frequent consumption of junk food leads to lowering of basic immunity levels among kids, which, in turn, makes sensitivity to various allergies sharper. Besides that junk food, soft drinks contain preservatives that can be allergents,’’ said Dr Sundeep Salvi, director, Chest Research Foundation (CRF). Besides good food, ensuring no deficiency of vital nutrients such as Vitamin D and Vitamin C can help in better asthma control.

Pediatrician Dr Barnali Bhattacharya said while asthma is genetically-linked ailment, there were a few measures one could take to ensure protection against asthma.

“It is a known fact that women, who abstain from smoking during pregnancy, do exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months give their children better chances of protection against asthma,’’

Source: www.dnaindia.com

02.05.2012

Medical bodies join hands to rewrite health policy

In a bid to usher in healthier policy changes at the government level, nearly 21 medical bodies, government and non-government organisations have joined hands to form an umbrella group.

Christened Medscape India (MI), the group seeks to bring together doctors from across specialities, and also professionals linked to medical bodies like the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), the Federation of Obstertric and Gynaecological Society of India and the Neurological Society of India.

Stressing the need for unity among health care providers, MI president Dr Sunita Dube said, “With due respect for the citizens’ fundamental right to primary health care, we want the ‘health for all’ philosophy to be given the highest priority as a state policy.”

Noted city-based opthalmologist Dr Himanshu Mehta said, “An MI-like initiative, that aims at improving the health system and spreading awareness about patients’ rights, will go a long way in mending doctors’ image.

“Today, everyone thinks doctors are out to cheat them, judging from the increased incidence of attacks on doctors,” pointed out Mehta, ruing that few noticed charity work by doctors.

Welcoming the move, MMC president Dr Kishore Taori said it was unique that an NGO had taken the lead in creating MI. “While it’s too early to say how effective it will be, MI is a great vision, which, if implemented properly, can go a long way in maintaining health in the state,” he added.

Source: www.dnaindia.com

02.05.2012

Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced

Soren Kierkegaard