Anti-leprosy day 30th January

The martyrdom day of Mahatma Gandhi (30th January) is observed as Anti-leprosy day throughout the world. It is also called "International Anti-leprosy day".
Mahatma Gandhi's cherished dream of a leprosy-eliminated India has come true. Thanks to the support of the various NGOs, national and international bodies along with the Government machinery, the number of leprosy cases has come down from 40 lakhs in 1982 to less than 1 lakh today. Since the Prevalance Rate has come down to less than 1 per 10,000 population in India, the govt. has declared that leprosy has been eliminated.
Leprosy is completely curable today. An air-borne disease caused by mycobacterium leprae, leprosy was a scourge to humanity and it had a lot of misconceptions. Leprosy is a socio-medical problem. Though the number of leprosy cases has come down, the stigma still prevails. A lot need to be done with regard to rehabilitation of persons affected with leprosy (PALs).
India as eliminated leprosy but still we have to eradicate the disease from our country which would be possible by increasing the awareness regarding the // transmission of the bacteria and the treatment regimen to be followed for treating the disease.
World Health Organization is playing a great role in eradication of Leprosy through its free worldwide distribution of Multi-drug Treatment drugs, which is supplied as blister drug packets to India.

Dr Marwah

Happy New Year 2008

Fulfillment in the New Year

Here's to the outgoing year, 2007:
May the good times live on in our memories,
and may we learn lessons from the troubling times
that will make us stronger and better than ever.

Here's to 2008:
For each and every one of you,
may it be filled with significant steps
toward the fulfillment of your fondest wishes.

In this coming new year,
let us focus on our goals and work toward our dreams,
and yet (smile)
let's all try to go with the flow a little more
and stress a little less.

And most important,
(wave glass around to encompass the whole group)
here's to all of you.
Appreciate yourselves and each other in the new year
as I appreciate all of you now.
Let's focus on each other's good points
and choose to overlook minor annoyances
to create mutual happiness and contentment in 2008.

Here's to 2008 (raise glass): Enjoy the journey!

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy New Year 2008
Dr Marwah

World AIDS Day themes, The AIDS red ribbon and What can You do to support World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day themes over the years have included:

• 2007 - Stop AIDS; Keep the Promise - Leadership

• 2006 - Stop AIDS; Keep the Promise - Accountability

• 2005 - Stop AIDS; Keep the Promise

• 2004 - Women, Girls, HIV and AIDS

• 2003 - Stigma & Discrimination

• 2002 - Stigma & Discrimination

• 2001 - I care. Do you?

• 2000 - AIDS : Men make a difference

• 1999 - Listen, Learn, Live: World AIDS Campaign with Children & Young People

• 1998 - Force for Change: World AIDS Campaign With Young People

• 1997 - Children Living in a World with AIDS

• 1996 - One World, One Hope

• 1995 - Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities

• 1994 - AIDS & the Family

• 1993 - Act

• 1992 - Community Commitment

• 1991 - Sharing the Challenge

• 1990 - Women & AIDS

• 1989 - Youth

• 1988 - Communication

To learn more about what is happening around the world, or to list any events that you may be holding locally this World AIDS Day, please visit the WAC's events calendar.

The AIDS red ribbon

The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn by people all year round and particularly around World AIDS Day to demonstrate care and concern about HIV and AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment.

The red ribbon started as a "grass roots" effort; as a result there is no one official AIDS ribbon manufacturer, and many people make their own. It's easily done - just use some ordinary red ribbon and a safety pin!

What can You do to support World AIDS Day?

There are many ways in which you can support World AIDS Day. For example:

• Raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in your area

• Wear a red ribbon and ask others to do the same

• Sign up as a supporter of the Stop AIDS in Children campaign

• Protect yourself and your partners - this is the first and best way to stop the spread of HIV

• If you are worried - get tested

--
Dr Marwah

National Epilepsy Day 2007 National Epilepsy Day 2007 17 November 2007

National Epilepsy Day 2007

Theme, Myths of Epilepsy and Seizure First Aid

• National Epilepsy Day will be observed on 17 November 2007 to raise awareness about epilepsy and the need for people living with the condition to be given a fair opportunity in every aspect of life. The theme for the awareness campaign this year is Fighting the social stigma attached with epilepsy.
  
  The objective of the campaign is to raise epilepsy to a new plane of acceptability in the public domain and to increase public awareness of epilepsy as a universal and treatable brain disorder.
  
  In order to create awareness about epilepsy, the Indian Epilepsy Association is undertaking various initiatives. Some of the highlights of this awareness campaign include educating people about dos and don'ts and myths of epilepsy, to ensure timely help of such patients, and special initiatives undertaken by the Indian Epilepsy Association to fight the stigma associated with epilepsy, especially in rural India.

Myths of Epilepsy

Myth: Epilepsy is a rare disease
Fact: Epilepsy is an extremely common neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures (or fits or convulsions- they mean the same thing), which affects approximately 1% of the total population. It is the 3rd most common neurological condition after Stroke and Alzheimer's. Worldwide, 39 million people are believed to have epilepsy. The expected number of cases of epilepsy in Delhi by the 2010 Commonwealth Games is expected to be approximately 190,000 (assuming a total population of approx 19 million).

Myth: Epilepsy occurs because of evil spirits possessing the brain
Fact: Epilepsy is a medical condition (just like heart disease, hypertension diabetes) which needs appropriate medical treatment. It is a neurological disorder, characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures and temporary impairment of brain function. Head injuries, strokes, brain tumours, brain infections and genetic conditions are potential causes. In a large number of cases, no cause can be found.

Myth: Patients with epilepsy are crazy
Fact: Although epilepsy is related to the brain, it does not indicate that a person is mentally ill or mentally retarded. Epilepsy is a physical condition and is not related to mental illness or intelligence. People with the condition have the same range of abilities and intelligence as the rest of us. Some have severe seizures and cannot work; others are successful and productive in challenging careers. Julius Caesar, Socrates, Napoleon, Charles Dickens, Leonardo da Vinci, Lewis Carroll etc are some famous people with epilepsy who have reached the pinnacle of success in their fields.

Myth: Epilepsy strikes children only
Fact: Epilepsy can strike anyone. It's most common in children, but those 65 or older are also likely to develop the disorder compared to younger adults. Cerebrovascular disorders like aneurysms and stroke are common causes of epilepsy in the elderly

Myth: All seizures involve convulsions in which the victim becomes rigid and shakes.
Fact: There are many different types of seizures involving different parts of the brain. Depending on which part of the brain is involved, there will be different physical symptoms. For example, a seizure victim may experience blank stares or rapid blinking. He may falls or experience intense emotional and/or physical sensations (e.g. fear, joy, laughter, unpleasant sights or smells).

Myth: During a seizure, people swallow their tongue and suffocate.
Fact: It is physically impossible to swallow your tongue, yet many people try to help a person having a seizure by forcing their mouth open and trying to hold their tongue. This is potentially dangerous both to the person helping (they may get bitten) and the person having the seizure (they may have their teeth damaged). However, a person should be rolled on their side during a convulsive seizure (grand- mal seizure) to ensure that their airway is not blocked.

Myth: Anti-epileptic drugs, if taken for 3 years, can cure epilepsy
Fact: The current medications available help in controlling the seizures but are not the cure for Epilepsy. Multiple antiepileptic drugs are available, which can control seizures. About 60 % of people who develop seizures have epilepsy that can be easily controlled with medications (often a single medication). Approximately 90% of patients with epilepsy will have their seizures well controlled with medical therapy. In many forms of epilepsy, anti-epileptic drugs can be withdrawn after 1-2 years of seizure freedom.

Myth: Apart from anti-epileptic drugs, there are no other options available for patients with epilepsy.
Fact: In spite of best medical therapy, 10% of patients will remain refractory to medications and could benefit from resective epilepsy surgery. Resective surgery can result in complete cessation of seizures in approximately 60% patients and significant improvement in seizure control in another 20%. Other modalities of treatment include ketogenic diet (a special fat rich diet) or vagal nerve stimulation.

---

Seizure

To help a person having a seizure, keep these instructions close at hand

Seizure First Aid

In a convulsive seizure:-

• Stay calm

• Note the time (to estimate seizure length)

• Do not put anything in the person's mouth

• Do not try to restrain the person

• Do not apply CPR

• Protect the person from obvious injury

• Place something soft under the person's head and shoulders

• Roll the person onto their side to keep the airways clear

• Stay with and reassure the person until he / she has recovered

In a non-convulsive seizure:-

• The person may behave strangely or appear disoriented . Talk to the person and try to guide him / her to safety.

• Protect the person until he/she recovers from the convulsion.

Call an Ambulance:-

• If the seizure continues unabated

• If consciousness is not regained for 5 minutes, after the convulsion.

• When a serious injury has occurred

--
Dr Marwah

Link to the photos of Yoga Camp on the net

Yoga Camp was inaugurated at Kidwai Nagar CGHS Dispensary on1711 2007. Photos were taken on the occasion.
Link to the photos on the net is given below.

http://picasaweb.google.com/gomarwah/YogaCampKidwaiNagarCGHSDispensary17112007

--
Dr Marwah

YOGA CAMP INAUGURATION

YOGA CAMP INAUGURATION

Yoga camp was inaugurated at Kidwai Nagar dispensary on 17 November 2007 at 7.00 am . Dr Ramesh Anand Additional Director ( H Q ) and Dr BariK Joint Director ( H Q ) started the camp by lighting the lamp and cutting the red ribbon.

Members of the Advisory committee were present. President of the Advisory committee and best worker Shri Suresh Pal both lighted the lamp and started the yoga camp.

Blood pressure , weight and blood sugar of all the participants were checked.

Dr Anita Jain CMO I/C Y block Sarojni Nagar Dispensary, Dr Pal CMO(NFSG) Laxmi Bai nagar CGHS dispensary and Dr Bhawna Tiwari CMO(NFSG) G block Sarojni Nagar CGHS dispensary also attended the Yoga Camp.

The inauguration was possible because of the efforts of all the doctors and staff members of the dispensary.

Some photographs were also taken. The link to these photos will be put on the blog later on.

--
Dr Marwah

The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day campaign is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents.

World Diabetes Day - Year of the Child

Celebrate the first United Nations observed World Diabetes Day

On December 20 2006, the General Assembly of the United Nations passed a landmark Resolution recognizing diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease. The Resolution designates World Diabetes Day as a United Nations Day to be observed every year starting in 2007.

The UN Resolution makes World Diabetes Day stronger than ever and provides the opportunity for a significant increase in the visibility of the campaign and an increase in government and media participation on or around November 14. The Resolution will ensure even greater reach for awareness-raising activities throughout the diabetes world.

Diabetes in Children and Adolescents

The theme of this year's World Diabetes Day campaign is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents.

Diabetes is one of the most chronic diseases of childhood. It can strike children of any age including infants and toddlers. World Diabetes Day focuses on children and adolescents to raise awareness of the diabetes and its impact on children. Every child has a right to a long and healthy life.

• No child should die of diabetes

• More than 200 children get diabetes every day

• Diabetes is different for children

• Care for children is best when a multidisciplinary approach is adopted involving health professionals from all areas that concern children.

• Diabetes hits the poorest hardest.

• A child's access to appropriate medication and care should be a right not a privilege.

• Diabetes costs more than money.

• Over 50% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

• All diabetes is on the rise in children.

• Children die because their families cannot afford the medication they need

The World Diabetes Day campaign in 2007 and 2008 aims to:

• Increase the number of children supported by the IDF Life for a Child Program

• Raise Awareness of the warning signs of diabetes

• Encourage initiatives to  reduce diabetic ketoacidosis and distribute materials to support these initiatives

• Promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent type 2 diabetes in children

Diabetes is different for children

Diabetes has a unique impact on children and their families. The daily life of children is disrupted by the need to monitor blood glucose levels, take medication, and balance the effect of activity and food. Diabetes can interfere with the normal developmental tasks of childhood and adolescence, which include succeeding in school and transitioning to adulthood. To help the child and family cope, and to ensure the best possible physical and emotional health of the child, care should be delivered by a multidisciplinary team with good knowledge of paediatrics issues. Support must also be given to caregivers and to school personnel. In this way, children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can reach adulthood with as little adverse impact as possible on their well-being. For children with diabetes in developing countries the situation at present is bleak.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of the rising prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents. Early diagnosis and early education are crucial to reducing complications and saving lives. The health care community, educators, parents and guardians must join forces to help children living with diabetes, prevent the condition in those at risk, and avoid unnecessary death and disability.

--
Dr Marwah