World Obesity Day

Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them are obese. Obesity and overweight pose a major risk for chronic diseases, which includes type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, musculoskeletal disorders and certain forms of cancer. The key causes are increased consumption of energy-dense foods high in saturated fats and sugars and reduced physical activity. Obesity is a major contributor to the global burden of chronic disease and disability.

With the advancement in technology, life today has become more sedentary. This lifestyle along with increased consumption of more energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods with high levels of sugar and saturated fats, combined with reduced physical activity, have led to rise in the obesity rates. Obesity is a complex condition with serious social and psychological dimensions affecting virtually all ages and socioeconomic groups. The obesity epidemic is not restricted to the industrialized societies. This increase is often faster in developing countries than in the developed world.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in India in the 21st century. This is affecting 5 per cent of the country’s population. India is also now following a trend of other developing countries that are steadily becoming more obese. Indians suffer from abdominal obesity compared to people in the West whose bodies are uniformly obese. This body composition puts Indian in the high risk zone for diabetes and hypertension.

The health consequences of obesity range from increased risk of premature death to serious chronic conditions that reduce the overall quality of life. The increasing incidence of child obesity is also a subject of special concern. Childhood obesity is already epidemic in some areas and on the rise in others. An estimated 22 million children under five are estimated to be overweight worldwide.

Considering these points, the BMI limit for the Indians has been revised by the Health Ministry of India in 2008. The Health Ministry has reduced the diagnostic cut-offs for BMI to 23 kg/m2 as against 25 kg/m2 globally. The standards have been set for the first time in the Ministry’s consensus guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome for the country as released on October 2008. The guidelines were released jointly by the Health Ministry, the Diabetes Foundation of India (DFI), the All-India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and 20 other health organizations. This decision is a step to fight against obesity and its direct fallout – Diabetes.

Overweight and obesity as well as their related chronic diseases are largely preventable, and so, if you are obese, then you need help to get rid of this complaint. On this World Obesity Day get your self aware of the facts on overweight and obesity; calculate your BMI, who knows with the changes BMI limits even you could be an obese now!

Happy Deepavali!

Every one is waiting for DIWALI, the festival of lights! The preparations for the celebrations have already begun. Burning crackers, shopping of clothes and home accessories, making reservations for tickets to your home, and many such preparations is keeping everyone busy. All are eagerly waiting for the long weekend this year on Diwali, which will be fun-filled with activities like playing with crackers, receiving and giving gifts, relishing tasty foods, enjoying long waited get-togethers, and in short, a whole lot of fun.

Diwali, the word comes from ‘Deepawali’ – a Sanskrit word meaning ‘Rows of Lights.’ It is celebrated on the amavasya or the no moon day in the Hindu month of Kartik (October – November). Diwali is one of the most charming festivals of India, which is celebrated through out the country. India dazzles on Diwali day as all streets and houses light up with traditional Diwali diyas, candles and strands of small electric bulbs to mark this festival of light. Diwali is supposed to lead us to the light of knowledge from the darkness of ignorance.

 So, feast this Diwali with ladoos, barfi, karanji, sankar pali, chakli, shev and churas. Enjoy playing with anar, sursuri, chakris, rockets, snakes and phuljhadis to lighten up the sky on this Diwali. But at the same time remember that ‘Safety is everyone’s responsibility.’ The articles in this issue accentuate on this aspect. So take care of your health and safety, and at the same time, care for others wellbeing also so that everyone celebrates this Diwali happily, healthily and safely! We, at Healthizen.com, wish all our readers ‘A Happy, Healthy and Safe Diwali!’

World Arthritis Day

Arthritis is a disease of the old age…Arthritis does not affect children…Arthritis is found only in women…and many more myths are considered as characteristics of arthritis. But the fact is arthritis sufferers include men and women, kids and adults. Approximately 350 million people worldwide have arthritis. More than half of those with arthritis are below 65 years of age.

To clear these myths, it is important that one is educated enough on the disease. And to create awareness and enlighten on arthritis, the World Arthritis Day is celebrated. It was established first in 1996 by ARI (Arthritis Rheumatism International). And thence, it is being celebrated each year on October 12^th which happens to be Monday this year.

Arthritis is one of the most debilitating and painful condition affecting millions people across the world. The theme for World Arthritis Day 2009 is “Let’s Work Together”. The main idea behind this day is…

• To influence public policy makers about the difficulties and problems faced by arthritis patients and the solutions which can be taken to ease the arthritis discomfort in daily life
• To ensure all people with arthritic suffers and their caregivers aware about the vast support network available for their help
• Spread awareness of arthritis and its types in all communities including common public, people suffering from arthritis and even medical professionals

On this day let’s work together to save ourselves and others falling prey to arthritis and also relieve the suffering of those affected by arthritis in whatever way we can. Come this year let’s work together for arthritis and arthritics!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every year, half a million women are killed by breast cancer worldwide, which accounts for one percent of all the deaths. Breast cancer is no more a rare disease. It is one the most common form of cancer found in women today and a reason for increased female morbidity and mortality. The only way to treat is an early diagnosis which will come through general education and awareness.

By awareness it means to educate all women to recognize the breast cancer symptoms early for effective treatment, to solve the myths regarding breast cancer, to highlight the importance of breast self examination, timely screening, and to enlighten on breast cancer, its causes, signs and symptoms, stages, investigations, available treatment and preventive measures.

October is also known as Breast Cancer Month. ‘Pink for October’ is an initiative started in August 2006, in which sites all over the world change their templates to include the color pink, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. The 4th Monday of the month is considered as Pink Ribbon day. Pink is the colour to raise awareness on breast cancer. Pink Ribbon Day aims to raise awareness about breast cancer, as well as raise funds towards research, education and patient support programs.

Now is the time to get yourself acquainted with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer to save yourself by catching hold of and fighting this cancer at an early stage. This year acknowledge the pink month to stay in pink of health all your life!

‘Diagnosing Dementia: See It Sooner’

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating disease of the nervous system that leads to progressive deterioration of the brain cells. AD is the most common form of dementia among older people, which primarily involves those parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language. In AD, the apparently harmless lapses of memory progresses steadily into severe decline of mental abilities. Memory and the thinking ability take a beating and grossly affect the normal life. The progression of the disease differs with every patient. But detecting the disease early can be crucial in effective management of the disease.

As per studies carried out, dementia occurs in every country of the world. Dementia affects 1 in 20 people over the age of 65 and 1 in 5 over the age of 80. Worldwide there are an estimated 30 million people suffering from dementia. By 2050, the number is likely to rise over 100 million. Therefore, it has become essential to raise awareness about dementia and its causes, which include Alzheimer’s disease, and to encourage people to get informed about this important health issue and become proactive. One such effort is the World Alzheimer’s Day.

The World Alzheimer’s Day was launched in 1994 by the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) and is commemorated every year on 21^st September when people from around the world come together to focus on raising awareness on the leading a life with dementia. The theme for this year is ‘Diagnosing Dementia: See It Sooner’. The aim is early identification of the disease so those affected get the treatment they need.

 “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – This is a well known phrase. But we often forget its application in our lives. There may be some diseases which may not have cure. But there are ways to prevent its early onset or to prevent it from progressing further and giving rise to various complications which could make one handicap. We should recognize such preventive measures to save ourselves and people around us from such disabilities. This preventive measure also applies to the cases of dementia and AD.

This year on the World Alzheimer’s Day boost your memory with the signs, symptoms and stages of Alzheimer’s to help all those with failing memory.

Sue The Suicide Thoughts

“My life has no meaning. To end it is the best.”

“All miseries, no happiness. What is the use of this life?”

“Once I am out of this world, all will heave sigh of relief.” 

“There is no way out of this mess except to kill myself.”

How many times have you got such thoughts? If you haven’t got them anytime, then you are blessed. But most people often get such thoughts. Some are capable of fighting them whereas some aren’t. And those who are not are the one amongst one million people who die by suicide each year. In the last 45 years, suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide and now suicide is one of the three leading causes of death among those aged 15 – 44 years (both genders). Suicide attempts are upto 20 times more frequent than a completed suicide.

Suicide rates among young people have been increasing making them the highest risk group in both the developed and developing countries. Reasons for suicide can be some mental disorder or can be due to socioeconomic, family or individual crisis. Depression, stress, mental illness, loss of loved one, financial crisis, unemployment, academic failure, drug abuse, sexual molestation – are a few to name.

Suicide is a major preventable cause of premature death. And to create awareness, WHO observes 10^th September every year as the World Suicide Prevention Day. This day is to encourage commitment of preserving lives and promoting actions to prevent suicides. The theme of World Suicide Day in 2009 is “Suicide Prevention In Different Cultures.” On this day there will be events conducted which will provide an opportunity to remind people that suicide is influenced by cultural, religious, legal, historical, philosophical and traditional factors.

On 10^th September, the WHO along with the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and other partners will promote the prevention of suicidal behaviour, provision of adequate treatment and follow-up care for people who attempted suicide as well as responsible reporting of suicides in the media. The IASP in official relations with the WHO believes that suicide prevention should be given greater priority at global, national and local levels incorporating research that has shown suicide is preventable. Also, suicide prevention needs to include a multi-faceted approach that acknowledges the multiple causes of suicidal behaviour so as to be effective. This will involve participation of health and mental health professionals, volunteers, researchers, families and others aggrieved by suicide, as well as central and local governments, education, emergency workers, employers, religious leaders, politicians and the media.

Suicide is a major problem but its prevention is not addressed adequately worldwide. It is considered as taboo in many societies and therefore not discussed openly. The prevention of suicide should be one amongst the priority.

It is well said by Phil Donahue, “Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” This solution will not resolve the problem, only you won’t be a part of it any more. If we understand this, then we would resolve the reason behind the temporary problem or find a better a solution by living the God gifted life.

Life is not a bed of roses…all of us know this. But still, life is beautiful. So, honour life and stay alive!

Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are you ready?

“A newborn baby has only three demands. They are warmth in the arms of its mother, food from her breasts, and security in the knowledge of her presence.  Breastfeeding satisfies all three.”                           

                                                                                                                                                               – Grantly Dick-Read

Breast milk is the ideal food for the infant. It contains all the nutrients that no other food is required for the baby until 4 to 5 months after birth. Breastfeeding has various advantages both to the infant as well as to the mother. Prolonged breast feeding protects the baby from early malnutrition and some infections, and a child who is breastfed has greater chances of survival than a child artificially fed. To the mother, it helps in the contraction of the uterus to its normal size and also helps in losing the weight gained during pregnancy.

At the age of 4 to 5 months breast milk should be supplemented by additional foods rich in protein and other nutrients. These are called supplementary foods which should be introduced very gradually in small amounts.

In some societies, lactation continues to make an important contribution to the child’s nutrition for 18 months or longer. But many mothers resort to bottle feeding for various reasons. This should be stopped as bottle feeding has many disadvantages and by doing so you devoid your baby from the benefits of breast milk. It is therefore advised the mothers to breast feed and avoid the feeding bottle.

The main indications for artificial feeding are failure of breast milk, prolonged illness or death of the mother. It is crucial for the baby to be fed with breast milk substitutes which include dried whole milk, milk powder, fresh milk from a cow or other animal or commercial formulae as advised by your doctor.

To create awareness on these facts, the World Breastfeeding Week is observed every year from 1^st to 7^th August. It commemorates the Innocenti Declaration made by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

The theme this year is “Breastfeeding: A Vital Emergency Response. Are you ready?” In emergency situations children are the most vulnerable. Breastfeeding is a life saving intervention for the youngest infants. Even in non-emergency settings, non-breastfed babies under two months of age are six times more likely to die. Therefore, this year this theme will lay emphasis on

• Drawing attention to the vital role that breastfeeding plays in emergencies worldwide
• Stressing the need for active protection and support of breastfeeding before and during emergencies
• Informing mothers, breastfeeding advocates, communities, health professionals, governments, aid agencies, donors and the media on how they can actively support breastfeeding before and during an emergency
• Mobilizing the action and promoting networking and collaboration between those with breastfeeding skills and those involved in emergency response

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide newborns with the nutrients they need. Exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is 6 months old and continued breastfeeding with the addition of nutritious complementary foods for up to two years or beyond is what WHO recommends. Breastfeeding is very precious for the infants. It is essential for every mother to realize the importance of breastfeeding.

So dear readers, get ready!

World Population Day

Once again on 11^th July we celebrate the World Population Day. The UN authorized this event as a vehicle to build an awareness of population issues and the impact they have on development and the environment.

The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989. It was inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on 11^th July 1987 (approximately the date on which the world’s population reached five billion people). Since then, with the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) encouragement, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), institutions and individuals organize various educational activities to celebrate the annual event.

Today, there are more than 6 billion people on the planet with half of the world’s population under the age of 25. World Population Day aims to increase public awareness on various population issues such as importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health and human rights. This day reaffirms the human right to plan for a family and it encourages activities, events and information to help make this right a reality through out the world.  The theme this year is ‘Fight Poverty: Educate Girls.’

Investments in the education and health for women and girls have been linked to increase in productivity, agricultural yields and national income. Girls account for more than half of all children not in school. The majority of the world’s one billion illiterate adults are women. They should be granted access to education. Ensuring that girls achieve a complete primary education can help in ending poverty and this will also give women a range of opportunities like ample participation in society, earn an increased income, make informed decisions about their health and their families health and have better options for their livelihoods.

Over the years, investments by governments all over the world have raised school enrollment rates, narrowed the gender gap in education, brought life-saving drugs to people suffering from diseases like AIDS, expanded HIV prevention, delivered bed nets to prevent malaria and improved child health through immunization. This has benefited many, saved many lives and improved the quality of living of many people.

This year let’s lay emphasis on the importance of female education and try to contribute in any little manner we can to educate a girl who will someday be a future mother.

Happy Doctor’s Day!

‘Vaidya’ or ‘Hakim’ as known in the olden times or ‘Doctor’ as known in the contemporary society has always been a person who devotes his life alleviating anguish that people suffer from. Their oath to serve mankind comes above every other commitment of their lives. Their hard work has led to the discovery of many medical breakthroughs. Their contributions had lead to the development of various technologies in the field of medicine that are at our service now. They have saved and cured innumerable lives. But we always tend to forget them till we suffer the next distress.

Here, comes a day to pay tribute to that section of the society who dedicate their lives to relieve the sufferings of others – The Medical Fraternity.  This day – 1^st July - brings us the fond memories of Dr. B. C. Roy and great contributors like him who devoted their lives in the service of mankind. Let’s have a sneak peek at the history that lies behind the celebration of this day.

The first Doctors’ Day observance was on 30^th March 1933, in Winder, Georgia. The history of this special day dates back to the early 19^th century when an American, Dr. Crawford W. Long, became the first physician to use ether as anesthesia in a surgery that he performed on 30^th March 1842. The idea came from Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of Dr. Cha Almond to recognize this day as Doctor’s Day. President George Bush signed a resolution to make 30^th March the official “National Doctor’s Day” in 1990.

In India, the Doctor’s Day is observed on 1^st July every year, which brings us the fond memories of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was born on this day in 1882 in Patna, Bihar. Dr. B. C. Roy was a respected physician and a renowned freedom fighter. He was an alumnus of the Medical College Calcutta. He was the second chief minister of West Bengal, India. He remained in his post for 14 years as a Congress Party candidate, from 14 January 1948 until his death on 1^st July 1962. He excelled as a physician and educationist as well as a freedom fighter by joining Mahatma Gandhi in the Civil Disobedience Movement. He was instrumental in starting many institutions including hospitals for the treatment of several thousand patients.

This day gives an opportunity for everyone to acknowledge and appreciate the responsibility, the dedication and the contribution of the medical community to each and every one. Let’s take this opportunity to thank the entire medical profession and the healthcare industry that holds an irreplaceable place in our lives in the process of healing and curing!

Wishing all the Doctors…A Very Happy Doctor’s Day!

World Blood Donor Day

Once again comes a day when you can pay tribute to all those donors who by donating their blood have saved numerous lives. It is the World Blood Donor Day (WBDD) on 14^th June. This year the theme for the World Blood Donor Day is to put emphasis on improving the safety and sufficiency of blood supplies through the achievement of “100 per cent voluntary non-remunerated donation of blood and blood components.”

World Blood Donor Day is jointly sponsored by the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the International Society of Blood Transfusion. Each year a country is identified by these partners to host a global WBDD event that provides a focus for an international media campaign to raise awareness of the critically important role of the voluntary non-remunerated donors in every national health care system. The event also supports the blood transfusion services, blood donor organizations and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in strengthening and expanding their voluntary blood donor programs and to reinforce the national and local campaigns. This year, the country selected is Australia. The Australian Government in close association with the Australian Red Cross and Australian Red Cross Blood Service will host this global event on 14^th June 2009.

Some facts that you should be aware of…

• More than 5,36,000 women die every year during pregnancy or childbirth. 99% of them are from the developing countries
• In developing countries, many people die as safe blood is not available, even in many urban health-care facilities
• Nearly 4,00,000 young people under the age of 25 are killed in the road traffic crashes every year and millions more are injured or disabled
• In many countries testing is not reliable because of staff shortages, poor quality test kits, irregular supplies or lack of basic laboratory quality. Also in many countries not all of the donated blood is screened for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis prior to transfusion
• Often transfusions are prescribed when simpler and less expensive treatments might be equally effective. This exposes some patients to the unwanted risk of infections or severe transfusion reactions due to incompatibility of blood groups
• As per statistics, more than 81 million units of blood are collected globally every year. Less 45% of these are donated in developing countries where more than 80% of the world’s population lives. The average blood donation rate is 11 times higher in developed countries than in developing countries
• The demand for blood is increasing and so the blood shortages are common. Every year more blood donors are needed to replace those that are lost every year due to ill health, retirement and relocation

Therefore, it is important for every nation to recognize that safe clinical transfusion practices are fundamental for blood transfusion to be truly life-saving with minimal risk. Also, safe blood transfusion is an essential part of the emergency trauma care systems to minimize death and disability of the injured patients. Every country needs to ensure that blood supplies are sufficient and free from HIV, hepatitis viruses and other chronic infections that can be transmitted through unsafe transfusion.

This day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness on issues related to blood donation and blood transfusion. It is a day to thank all the blood donors and to acknowledge all those volunteers who are responding to a world-wide increase in the demand for donations of blood and blood components. You never know what your fate awaits. Someday it could be you or your dear one who may struggle with the need for blood in an ICU. It is, therefore, necessary to realize and recognize the importance of blood donation.

Donate a part of yourself today to save the lives tomorrow!