Work with Heart
“I am a 30 year old male working in a reputed firm. I relocated to work here three years back. I work for almost 10 to 12 hours a day. Deadlines have to be met, therefore, one or two meals in a day suffices my appetite. There is enough coffee and tea to fill in for snacks. Homemade food is a dream come true as ready-to eat or fast foods have taken their place long time back. My schedule for the day is so tight that I don’t find time to exercise in morning and in the evening I am so drained that to hit the bed for a good night sleep is all I can think about. I am an occasional smoker, but under stress I smoke at least 10 to 12 (may be more) cigarettes in a day.
Still, I felt normal accept for a few occasional headaches and backaches. But my routine health check up narrated a different story. It reads ‘hypertension with high cholesterol levels.’ When I ask my doctor what this means, he says, “It means you are approaching faster towards a heart attack or may be a stroke.” Now this is not pleasing to my ears as I also have a strong family history for the same, which means I am approaching towards the disease target at double speed.
“What can save me?” was my next question to my doctor to which he replies, “Simple lifestyle changes.”
These simple lifestyle changes means increasing your physical activity (yes, those most averted regular exercise regime), right diet (yes, it means food you mother cooks), giving up on your addictions (yes, it means throwing away your cigarette packets and breaking alcohol bottles). But that is the only solution.
Though these simple tips sound very challenging, I am still ready to take this challenge step by step. I want live a life; I don’t want to be dead when I am still alive. I don’t want to slow down my progression towards heart disease or a stroke but I want to cease that speed for once and all, which I think I will be successful at with a little motivation and a lot of determination.”
How many of you relate yourself to this man’s story? If you do in any ways then even you should initiate these lifestyle changes that will transfer you to a healthy pathway and save you from the diseased one. Work is worship but to work efficiently you need to be physically healthy and mentally sound.
This year the World Heart Day will be observed with the theme ‘Work with Heart’ which emphasizes on how you can take steps towards a healthier workplace which can reduce your risk to several diseases like heart diseases and stroke. The World Heart Day is a day to create public awareness of the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and to promote preventive measures. It is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of September.
This year remember this day by introducing healthy habits in your life for a better heart, for a healthier you and for that invincible productivity at your workplace!
Yet Another Flu Jinx – Swine Flu
Typhoid, cholera, malaria, dengue and remaining infectious diseases were sufficient enough to take a toll on human health. But then, there was bird flu, and now, it is swine flu. So, here we go about on this new contagious dread – The Swine Flu…
- Swine Flu/Swine Influenza refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine)
- Swine flu is common in swine and rare in humans
- People who work with swine are at risk of getting swine influenza if the swine carries a virus strain capable to infect humans (zoonotic transmission)
- The outbreak of swine flu is due to mutation of Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) into a form which can pass easily from human to human
- The 2009 swine flu outbreak in human is due to a new strain of Influenza Virus A Subtype H1N1 – is a genetic mixture of viruses that have been seen in pigs, birds and people but it is called Swine Flu as the structure of this virus is similar to SIV
- In humans the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza which includes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, diarrhea and vomiting
- This virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes around you or by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes with your now infected hands
- The rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel diagnostic test is used to scan samples from flu patients to determine if they have the new strain but the current tests cannot detect all the virus subtypes that are suspected of creating the new strain of swine flu
- In the rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel diagnostic test, a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab is used to amplify the genetic profile of the virus. A positive test result presumably concludes that the patient is carrying the swine flu but it cannot determine the stage of infection and a negative test result does not conclude that a person does not carry the swine flu virus
- Some hygiene steps like washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching of the surfaces that might be contaminated, can help in preventing the spread of germs
- Antivirals – Oseltamivir and Zanamivir – are recommended for the treatment and prevention of the infection with swine flu virus
- If a person gets sick, antiviral drugs, which work best if started within 2 days of getting symptoms, can make the illness milder as well as prevent serious flu complications, and hence, making the patient feel better faster
- Pork and other pig-derived products (like ham, sausages, etc) if properly handled and cooked do not transmit swine flu as the flu virus is killed by cooking temperature of 160°F (70°C)
- As per research studies, any new virus which is able to spread from an animal to a person and then spread from person to person – is always a source of concern as such virus in human to human transmission can continue to mutate making it difficult to treat
- Studies also say that a new strain of the flu virus can spread faster because people do not have natural immunity and the development of vaccine to such virus may take months
It is essential to be aware and informed on any new epidemic in the world because there is always a possibility of it to become pandemic. Taking adequate preventive measures will always save you from the misery a disease brings along. If you have any symptoms then it is advisable to refer to your doctor at the earliest as an early treatment is found to be effective in the cases of swine flu.
Man, Mosquito & Malaria
“Those mosquitoes…always bothering…their irritating buzz in ears…the itching bites they give…those sleepless nights they gift us…and then there is Dengue, Yellow Fever and of course…MALARIA…Why do they exist…Any answers to this?”
Have you had such thought for once? Sure, you must have had for more than once. Yes, mosquitoes are a nuisance. They are responsible for causing various infectious diseases – the most common and dangerous one being Malaria. References for “Deadly Fevers” – probably malaria, can be found in the Vedic writings of 1600 B.C in India. Charaka and Sushrutha gave descriptions of malaria, and also, associated it with mosquito bites. Malaria was also referred by Hippocrates some 2500 years ago.
Commonly known as “Ague” in the ancient times – Malaria has been one of the most devastating parasitic diseases. Malaria kills more than 1 million people and affects up to 500 million people every year. Children below 5 years of age and pregnant women are most susceptible to malaria. But the good news is that this deadly disease, which spreads through the bite of infected anopheles mosquitoes, is preventable and treatable.
The first World Malaria Day was celebrated on 25th April 2008. Initially it started as the Africa Malaria Day, which was observed every year on the 25th April since 2001 by African government to fight against malaria and to meet the United Nations Malaria-Related Millennium Development Goals. But it is not just the African continent which is affected by malaria. Several places in the world – Asia, Latin America and some parts of Europe – are widely hit by malaria. And hence, a greater awareness was required. Therefore, in March 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the World Malaria Day to be observed on 25th April every year to raise awareness and understanding of malaria. There is a hope that participation of all communities across the world will help in fighting this disease and saving many lives.
The discovery of Quinine, a toxic plant alkaloid made from the bark of the Cinchona, followed by the development of its synthetic analogues – all have helped in fighting malaria. But it is well said – Prevention Is Better Than Cure. And therefore, from the prevention of the breeding of mosquitoes to the use of insect repellents and bed nets to the intake of appropriate medicinal prophylaxis and treatment – all together will save many of us from falling prey to this fatal disease. It is very important for us to understand and to take the necessary precautions to save ourselves, our community and our country from ill effects of this life threatening infectious disease.
Get Updated To Get Malaria Eradicated!
WORLD AIDS DAY
‘AIDS’ – the most dreaded disease – is a threat to men, women and children on all the continents of the world.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which is caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).
· Acquired means to get infected with
· Immune deficiency means that the body’s immune system is weakened and cannot fight back diseases
· Syndrome means a group of health signs and symptoms that make up a disease
According to UNAIDS (The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS), the estimation for 2007 showed that there were 33.2 million people living with HIV, which includes 1.9 to 2.3 million children. In 2006, the Government of India estimated that about 2.45 million Indians were living with HIV.
World AIDS Day was started on 1st December 1988. 1st December 2008 – marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. Although we have come a long way since 1988, there is still much more to be done. World AIDS Day is seen as an opportunity for the world to come together and demonstrate the importance of AIDS awareness in unison.
We all know that the use of contraceptives prevents the spread of HIV infection. But which is the ideal contraceptive to prevent HIV infection or AIDS? Are HIV and AIDS the same disease or two different diseases? Once infected with HIV means you have got AIDS? Do you know the answers to these questions? There are such many queries that people are confused with, and they do not know the right person who can clear their confusions. This special issue on ‘World AIDS Day’ on Healthizen.com has some informative articles on HIV, contraceptives and contraception, and HIV facts, which will help you clarify many of your queries.
Always bear in mind that your one wrong step can put your entire life in jeopardy. So, get aware and create awareness to guard yourself and your dear ones against this dreadful virus – HIV.
India & e-Health – Friends Or Yet To Be Friends?
In today’s tech savvy world, everything is just a click away. All you have to do is switch on your computer and get connected to the World via Internet. You can make online reservations for a movie, for a tour or even for a meeting with your doctor. There are organizations which provide you with electronic personal health record management. This provision helps you to take a control of your health care. This is a facility which is usually provided by your doctor or the place where you work or you can your self make an e-documentation of your health records through any organization which provides facilities.
In United States, the federal employees enjoy this opportunity where they can access their health information and solve health queries online. This health IT system was introduced from a presidential executive order issued in August 2006 to promote quality and efficient health care in government. This facility is provided by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) which made the health IT along with cost transparency, where information on health costs is also published online, accessible to its users. These are the key provisions of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
The Office of Management and Budget also incorporated health care into the President’s Management Agenda and also those agencies that administer or sponsor health care to improve the quality and efficiency of their systems. OPM protects personally identifiable health information as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Their members have access to more information that allows them to be better consumers of health care, and this gives them better control over their own health care management.
The electronic personal health record management helps in maintaining a complete health documentation of an individual and you can access these records anytime and from anywhere. The storage of data is private and secure and cannot be accessed by anyone unless permission is given by you. The records have all the information accurately documented, and you can even know who and when have accessed your records.
Hence, such a system empowers you to better manage and control your own health with secure tools and information. In India such a profitable system for documentation is adapted by the private sector. But such helpful and time saving framework should also be incorporated in the government sector. This will be very helpful to our government officials and to every government employee.
With the electronic personal health record management, you will be saved from many troubles like you will not be required to carry all the documents along with you for every appointment, and incase you forget any of the reports then you will not have to shift your appointment. In a densely populated and developing country like India such electronic personal health record management will benefit both the doctor and the patient as it will save time, money and the confusion a missing data creates.
India’s fast emerging economy may soon draw the government to make this friendly e-health system as one of its integral part. Till then, let’s keep our fingers crossed!
More Employers Offer Incentives for Health
A recent survey (of 225 major U.S. companies employing 7.6 million employees) by the ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and IncentOne shows that the number of major U.S. employers using incentives to promote employer-sponsored health and wellness programs rose from 62 percent to 71 percent between 2007 and 2008.
The average value of incentives per person per year ranged between $100 and $300, with an overall average of $192 per person per year.
Employers are experimenting with the types of incentives they offer, sometimes offering different incentives and amounts for different types of programs.
The survey also delved into employer expectation for ROI for health and wellness programs, finding that 83 percent of those who have measured are seeing program returns of better than break-even. Employers are using other measures to evaluate program success, such as completion of health risk assessments and program participation. When it comes to incentives, employers are much more likely to reward program participation and completion than to reward employees for meeting specific program goals, such as smoking cessation or losing weight.
This survey shows that employers are serious about understanding the business case for incentives for employee engagement and participation.
Personal Health and Wellness
Is personal health and wellness part of your strategy? Does corporate wellness stop when your employees leave the office?
Give Your Employees Personal Health and Wellness Continuity
If employees don’t have the tools to pursue wellness on a personal level, then it becomes easy for them to “fall off the wagon” and slide back into a less healthy lifestyle.
Your corporate wellness program coordinators should have “vacation wellness” as part of their job scope. In other words, you don’t want corporate wellness to stop at the boundaries of the corporate campus. Instead, integrate personal health and wellness with your employee wellness programs.
For example, what if Human Resources were to give out a personal health and wellness wallet card whenever someone goes on vacation or sabbatical? With some card stock and a small laminator, these cards could be easily customized to remind the employee of the employee wellness programs that he or she is currently participating in, making it easier for them to continue with their health and wellness on a personal level when away from the familiar environs of the office.
This simple act shows that their employer is just as invested in their personal health and wellness as they are. What do you think?
New User Interface – Healthizen
Here is a sneek peak into our new Home Page… Tell us if you like it, tell us if you don’t!
One of the feedback we got from our regular users was that the home page had a long scroll making it difficult to navigate the content at the end of the page. Taking that into account, and the site navigability and usability issues, we have come up with this –
We hope you find it more useful. Cheers to good health!
Patient Records : Unlocking the Value
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) was set up in 1995. Within two years it had established urban health posts (UHPs) and MCH centres.In 1989, recognising the woeful lack of municipal health services in Navi Mumbai, the organisation decided to extend the scope of its work to that area and to include TB patients. Dr Nagarajan, supervisor at the NMMC’s First Referral Unit (FRU) in Vashi says the corporation had noted Alert’s work with leprosy, conducted out of municipal dispensaries. Why not rope in Alert India to run the TB programme as well? The NMMC approached Alert India in 1998.
Under Alert, treatment was provided to all registered TB patients at the NMMC. Since the organisation maintained patient records, it now became possible to determine the effectiveness of the programme and follow up on people who didn’t come in to pick up their fortnight’s drugs from the central depot.
The NMMC appointed chest physicians, dispensers and laboratory technicians who worked alongside Alert staff. It also provided space for the TB unit at the First Referral Unit. All suspected TB cases in Navi Mumbai were sent to the FRU for tests, registration and follow-up. Drugs provided by the NMMC were dispensed at the FRU.
However, while availability of drugs was not a problem, distances were — patients outside the township of Vashi, where the FRU is situated, had to travel between five and 15 km to pick up their medication. Gita Balasubramanian, project coordinator of Alert’s TB programme in the area says: At times we paid them the money ourselves to make sure they came.
This first collaboration ended on December 31, 2000, after which Alert India’s responsibility was to continue providing treatment to all patients remaining on the rolls, till the last one was cured.
Between November 1998 and 2000, the NMMC/Alert non-Directly Observable Treatment TB programme had 2,622 registered patients. The last patient completed treatment/defaulted/died/ or was transferred in October 2001. According to a report on the programme, overall, 64% of patients completed treatment and were cured. A little less than 50% of sputum-positive patients (572 out of 1,028) became sputum-negative and were declared cured.
Of the 1,069 patients who did not complete treatment, 704 (27%) defaulted, stopping before the end of treatment. Treatment failed for 36 patients, 99 died and 107 were transferred to other areas.
“A 64% cure rate was a good success rate in those circumstances,” says Joy Mancheril, assistant director of the project. “It must be considered better than the earlier programme, which didn?t have any idea how many were cured.”
In November 2000, the NMMC qualified for the Directly Observable Treatment (DOTS) — Short Course and took over the TB programme from Alert India.
However, when the NMMC reviewed its first quarter in April 2001, it decided to re-involve Alert India. From May 2001, Alert worked with the NMMC to follow up on all DOTS patients in five urban health posts in two zones: Turbhe Sanpada and Airoli-Dighe.
Alert’s current caseload represents about 50% of diagnosed TB patients in the NMMC. A total of 1,219 patients were registered under DOTS in Navi Mumbai between January 1 and December 31, 2001. Since DOTS evaluation is completed five quarters down, the NMMC is yet to finalise its report.
Dr Dayanand Katke, medical officer in charge of the NMMC?s DOTS programme claims that they have an 85% success rate. A preliminary report by Alert indicates that of the 736 patients on their register cumulatively, 324 are off their registers; of these, 66 have defaulted — a defaulter rate of 18%.
