Wednesday, October 24, 2012

About Ayurveda

Ayurveda (Sanskrit: आयुर्वेद; Āyurveda, "the knowledge for long life"; /ˌaɪ.ərˈveɪdə/) or ayurvedic medicine is a Hindu system of traditional medicine native to India and a form of alternative medicine. The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic period in India, i.e., in the mid-second millennium BCE. The Suśruta Saṃhitā and the Charaka Saṃhitā, encyclopedias of medicine compiled from various sources from the mid-first millennium BCE to about 500 CE, are among the foundational works of Ayurveda. Over the following centuries, ayurvedic practitioners developed a number of medicinal preparations and surgical procedures for the treatment of various ailments. Current practices derived (or reportedly derived) from Ayurvedic medicine are regarded as part of complementary and alternative medicine.                                                                         Dhanvantari (धन्वंतरी), known as an avatar of Vishnu is the Hindu god associated with Ayurveda.
File:Dhanvantari-at-Ayurveda-expo.jpg
Safety concerns have been raised about Ayurveda, with two U.S. studies finding about 20 percent of Ayurvedic Indian-manufactured patent medicines contained toxic levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic. Other concerns include the use of herbs containing toxic compounds and the lack of quality control in Ayurvedic facilities.

Approach
The three doṣas and the 5 elements from which they are composed.

At an early period, Ayurveda adopted the physics of the "five elements" (Devanāgarī: [महा] पञ्चभूत); earth (Pṛthvī), water (Jala), fire (Agni), air (Vāyu) and space (Ākāśa) that compose the universe, including the human body. Ayurveda describes seven types of tissues of the body, known as the saptadhātu (Devanāgarī: सप्तधातु). They are plasma (rasa dhātu), blood (rakta dhātu), flesh (māṃsa dhātu), adipose (medha dhātu), bone (asthi dhātu), marrow and nervous (majja dhātu), and reproductive (semen or female reproductive tissue) (śukra dhātu). Ayurvedic literature deals elaborately with measures of healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases. Ayurveda stresses a balance of three elemental energies or humors: Vāyu / vāta (air & space – "wind"), pitta (fire & water – "bile") and kapha (water & earth – "phlegm"). According to ayurvedic medical theory, these three substances — doṣas (Devanāgarī: दोष)—are important for health, because when they exist in equal quantities, the body will be healthy, and when they are not in equal amounts, the body will be unhealthy in various ways. One ayurvedic theory asserts that each human possesses a unique combination of doṣas that define that person's temperament and characteristics. Another view, also present in the ancient literature, asserts that humoral equality is identical to health, and that persons with preponderances of humours are proportionately unhealthy, and that this is not their natural temperament. In ayurveda, unlike the Sāṅkhya philosophical system, there are 20 fundamental qualities, guṇa (Devanāgarī: गुण, meaning qualities) inherent in all substances. While surgery and surgical instruments were employed from a very early period, Ayurvedic theory asserts that building a healthy metabolic system, attaining good digestion, and proper excretion lead to vitality. Ayurveda also focuses on exercise, yoga, and meditation.

The practice of panchakarma (Devanāgarī: पंचकर्म‌) is a therapeutic way of eliminating toxic elements from the body.

As early as the Mahābhārata, ayurveda was called "the science of eight components" (Skt. aṣṭāṅga, Devanāgarī: अष्टांग), a classification that became canonical for ayurveda. They are:

    Internal medicine (Kāya-cikitsā)
    Paediatrics (Kaumārabhṛtyam)
    Surgery (Śalya-cikitsā)
    Opthalmology and ENT (Śālākya tantra)
    Psychiatry has been called Bhūta vidyā .
    Toxicology (Agadatantram)
    Prevention of diseases and improving immunity and rejuvenation (rasayana)
    Aphrodisiacs and improving health of progeny (Vajikaranam)

In Hindu mythology, the origin of ayurvedic medicine is attributed to Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods.
Practices
Several philosophers in India combined religion and traditional medicine—notable examples being that of Hinduism and ayurveda. Shown in the image is the philosopher Nagarjuna—known chiefly for his doctrine of the Madhyamaka (middle path)—who wrote medical works The Hundred Prescriptions and The Precious Collection, among others.
Balance

Hinduism and Buddhism have been an influence on the development of many of ayurveda's central ideas – particularly its fascination with balance, known in Buddhism as Madhyathmaka (Devanāgarī: माध्यात्मिक). Balance is emphasized; suppressing natural urges is seen to be unhealthy, and doing so claimed to lead to illness. However, people are cautioned to stay within the limits of reasonable balance and measure. For example, emphasis is placed on moderation of food intake, sleep, sexual intercourse.
Diagnosis

Ayurvedic practitioners approach diagnosis by using all five senses. Hearing is used to observe the condition of breathing and speech. The study of the lethal points or marman marma is of special importance. Ayurvedic doctors regard physical and mental existence together with personality as a unit, each element having the capacity to influence the others. One of the fundamental aspects of ayurvedic medicine is to take this into account during diagnosis and therapy.
Hygiene

Hygiene is a central practice of ayurvedic medicine. Hygienic living involves regular bathing, cleansing of teeth, skin care, and eye washing.
Treatments
Head massage is used to apply oils.

Ayurveda stresses the use of plant-based medicines and treatments. Hundreds of plant-based medicines are employed, including cardamom and cinnamon. Some animal products may also be used, for example milk, bones, and gallstones. In addition, fats are used both for consumption and for external use. Minerals, including sulfur, arsenic, lead, copper sulfate and gold are also consumed as prescribed. This practice of adding minerals to herbal medicine is known as rasa shastra.

In some cases, alcohol was used as a narcotic for the patient undergoing an operation. The advent of Islam introduced opium as a narcotic. Both oil and tar were used to stop bleeding.[10] Traumatic bleeding was said to be stopped by four different methods: ligation of the blood vessel; cauterisation by heat; using different herbal or animal preparations locally which could facilitate clotting; and different medical preparations which could constrict the bleeding or oozing vessels. Various oils could be used in a number of ways, including regular consumption as a part of food, anointing, smearing, head massage, and prescribed application to infected areas.
Srotas

Ensuring the proper functions of channels (srotas) that transport fluids from one point to another is a vital goal of ayurvedic medicine, because the lack of healthy srotas is thought to cause rheumatism, epilepsy, autism, paralysis, convulsions, and insanity. Practitioners induce sweating and prescribe steam-based treatments as a means to open up the channels and dilute the doshas that cause the blockages and lead to disease.
History
The mantra Om mani padme hum written on rocks. Chanting mantras has been a feature of ayurveda since the Atharvaveda, the vedic spiritual text, was compiled.

One view of the early history of ayurveda asserts that around 1500 BC, ayurveda's fundamental and applied principles got organized and enunciated. In this historical construction, Ayurveda traces its origins to the Vedas, Atharvaveda in particular, and is connected to Hindu religion. Atharvaveda (one of the four most ancient books of Indian knowledge, wisdom and culture) contains 114 hymns or formulations for the treatment of diseases. Ayurveda originated in and developed from these hymns. In this sense, ayurveda is considered by some to have divine origin. Indian medicine has a long history, and is one of the oldest organised systems of medicine. Its earliest concepts are set out in the sacred writings called the Vedas, especially in the metrical passages of the Atharvaveda, which may possibly date as far back as the 2nd millennium BC. According to a later writer, the system of medicine was received by Dhanvantari from Brahma, and Dhanvantari was deified as the god of medicine. In later times his status was gradually reduced, until he was credited with having been an earthly king named Divodasa.
Cataract in human eye – magnified view seen on examination with a slit lamp. Cataract surgery was known to the physician Sushruta in the early centuries of the first millennium AD, and was performed with a special tool called the jabamukhi salaka, a curved needle used to loosen the obstructing phlegm and push it out of the field of vision. The eye would later be soaked with warm butter and then bandaged.

Underwood & Rhodes (2008) hold that this early phase of traditional Indian medicine identified "fever (takman), cough, consumption, diarrhea, dropsy, abscesses, seizures, tumours, and skin diseases (including leprosy)". Treatment of complex ailments, including angina pectoris, diabetes, hypertension, and stones, also ensued during this period.



 Plastic surgery, couching (a form of cataract surgery), puncturing to release fluids in the abdomen, extraction of foreign elements, treatment of anal fistulas, treating fractures, amputations, cesarean sections, and stitching of wounds were known. The use of herbs and surgical instruments became widespread. The Charaka Samhita text is arguably the principal classic reference. It gives emphasis to the triune nature of each person: body care, mental regulation, and spiritual/consciousness refinement.

Other early works of ayurveda include the Charaka Samhita, attributed to Charaka. The earliest surviving excavated written material which contains references to the works of Sushruta is the Bower Manuscript, dated to the 6th century AD. The Bower manuscript is of special interest to historians due to the presence of Indian medicine and its concepts in Central Asia. Vagbhata, the son of a senior doctor by the name of Simhagupta, also compiled his works on traditional medicine. Early ayurveda had a school of physicians and a school of surgeons. Tradition holds that the text Agnivesh tantra, written by the sage Agnivesh, a student of the sage Bharadwaja, influenced the writings of ayurveda.

The Chinese pilgrim Fa Hsien (ca. 337–422 AD) wrote about the health care system of the Gupta empire (320–550) and described the institutional approach of Indian medicine, also visible in the works of Charaka, who mentions a clinic and how it should be equipped. Madhava (fl. 700), Sarngadhara (fl. 1300), and Bhavamisra (fl. 1500) compiled works on Indian medicine. The medical works of both Sushruta and Charaka were translated into the Arabic language during the Abbasid Caliphate (ca. 750). These Arabic works made their way into Europe via intermediaries. In Italy, the Branca family of Sicily and Gaspare Tagliacozzi (Bologna) became familiar with the techniques of Sushruta.

British physicians traveled to India to see rhinoplasty being performed by native methods. Reports on Indian rhinoplasty were published in the Gentleman's Magazine in 1794. Joseph Constantine Carpue spent 20 years in India studying local plastic surgery methods. Carpue was able to perform the first major surgery in the western world in 1815. Instruments described in the Sushruta Samhita were further modified in the Western World.
Current status
A typical ayurvedic Pharmacy, Rishikesh.
India

According to some sources up to 80 percent of people in India use some form of traditional medicines, a category which includes Ayurveda.

In 1970, the Indian Medical Central Council Act which aims to standardize qualifications for ayurveda and provide accredited institutions for its study and research was passed by the Parliament of India. In India, over 100 colleges offer degrees in traditional ayurvedic medicine. The Indian government supports research and teaching in ayurveda through many channels at both the national and state levels, and helps institutionalize traditional medicine so that it can be studied in major towns and cities. The state-sponsored Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has been set up to research the subject. To fight biopiracy and unethical patents, the Government of India, in 2001, set up the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library as repository of 1200 formulations of various systems of Indian medicine, such as ayurveda, unani and siddha.[36][37] The library also has 50 traditional ayurveda books digitized and available online.

Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) a statutory body established in 1971, under Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, monitors higher education in ayurveda. Many clinics in urban and rural areas are run by professionals who qualify from these institutes.
Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan tradition of Ayurveda is very similar to the Indian tradition. Practitioners of Ayurveda in Sri Lanka refer to texts on the subject written in Sanskrit, which are common to both countries. However, they do differ in some aspects, particularly in the herbs used.

The Sri Lankan government has established a Ministry of Indigenous Medicine (established in 1980) to revive and regulate the practice within the country The Institute of Indigenous Medicine (affiliated to the University of Colombo currently offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and MD degrees in the practice of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery, and similar degrees in unani medicine.

There are currently 62 Ayurvedic Hospitals and 208 central dispensaries in the public system, and they served almost 3 million people (approximately 11 percent of Sri Lanka's total population) in 2010. In total there are currently approximately 20,000 registered practitioners of Ayurveda in the country.

Many Sri Lankan hotels and resorts offer Ayurveda themed packages, where guests are treated to a wide array of Ayurveda treatments during their stay.
Outside South Asia

Due to different laws and medical regulations in the rest of the world, the unregulated practice and commercialization of ayurvedic medicine has raised ethical and legal issues; in some cases, this damages the reputation of ayurvedic medicine outside India.
Scientific appraisal
In studies in mice, the leaves of Terminalia arjuna have been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

As a traditional medicine, many ayurveda products have not been tested in rigorous scientific studies and clinical trials. In India, research in ayurveda is undertaken by the statutory body of the Central Government, the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), through a national network of research institutes.[48] A systematic review of ayurveda treatments for rheumatoid arthritis concluded that there was insufficient evidence, as most of the trials were not done properly, and the one high-quality trial showed no benefits. A review of ayurveda and cardiovascular disease concluded that the evidence for ayurveda was not convincing, though some herbs seemed promising.

Two varieties of Salvia have been tested in small trials; one trial provided evidence that Salvia lavandulifolia (Spanish sage) may improve word recall in young adults, and another provided evidence that Salvia officinalis (Common sage) may improve symptoms in Alzheimer's patients. Many plants used as rasayana (rejuvenation) medications are potent antioxidants. Neem appears to have beneficial pharmacological properties.
Safety

Rasa shastra, the practice of adding metals, minerals or gems to herbs, may have toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic.

Adverse reactions to herbs due to their pharmacology are described in traditional ayurvedic texts, but ayurvedic practitioners are reluctant to admit that herbs could be toxic and that reliable information on herbal toxicity is not readily available. And there is communication gap between modern medicine practitioners and Ayurvedic practitioners

According to a 1990 study on ayurvedic medicines in India, 41 percent of the products tested contained arsenic, and 64 percent contained lead and mercury.

A 2004 study found toxic levels of heavy metals in 20 percent of ayurvedic preparations made in South Asia and sold in the Boston area, and concluded that ayurvedic products posed serious health risks and should be tested for heavy-metal contamination.

A 2008 study of more than 230 products found that approximately 20 percent of remedies (and 40 percent of rasa shastra medicines) purchased over the Internet from both US and Indian suppliers contained lead, mercury or arsenic.

In 2012 Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Washington states in its report that Ayurvedic drugs has links to lead poisoning on the basis of some cases presented where some pregnant woman had taken Ayurvedic drugs toxic materials were found in their blood.

Ayurvedic proponents believe that the toxicity of these materials is reduced through purification processes such as samskaras or shodhanas (for metals), similar to the Chinese pao zhi, although the ayurvedic technique is more complex and may involve prayers as well as physical pharmacy techniques. However, these products have nonetheless caused severe lead poisoning and other toxic effects.

Due to these concerns, the Government of India ruled that ayurvedic products must specify their metallic content directly on the labels of the product, but, writing on the subject for Current Science, a publication of the Indian Academy of Sciences, M. S. Valiathan noted that "the absence of post-market surveillance and the paucity of test laboratory facilities [in India] make the quality control of Ayurvedic medicines exceedingly difficult at this time.

Approach


The three doṣas and the 5 elements from which they are composed.


Several philosophers in India combined religion and traditional medicine—notable examples being that of Hinduism and ayurveda. Shown in the image is the philosopher Nagarjuna—known chiefly for his doctrine of the Madhyamaka (middle path)—who wrote medical works The Hundred Prescriptions and The Precious Collection, among others.


Cataract in human eye – magnified view seen on examination with a slit lamp. Cataract surgery was known to the physician Sushruta in the early centuries of the first millennium AD, and was performed with a special tool called the jabamukhi salaka, a curved needle used to loosen the obstructing phlegm and push it out of the field of vision. The eye would later be soaked with warm butter and then bandaged.


In studies in mice, the leaves of Terminalia arjuna have been shown to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

courtesy : Wikipedia

Friday, August 24, 2012

Major health care event weeks in September 2012

Health Care Weeks - September 2012

Major health care events weeks across the world
Event                                            Date                        Nation                  Organization
National Asthma Week Sat 1st Sep - Thu 6th Sep 2012
[Begins In 8 Days]
Australia Asthma Foundation
Migraine Awareness Week Sun 2nd Sep - Sat 8th Sep 2012
[Begins In 9 Days]
United Kingdom Migraine Action
National Suicide Prevention Week Sun 9th Sep - Sat 15th Sep 2012
[Begins In 16 Days]
United States American Association of Suicidology
National Stroke Week Mon 10th Sep - Sun 16th Sep 2012
[Begins In 17 Days]
Australia Stroke Foundation
Sexual Health Week Mon 10th Sep - Sun 16th Sep 2012
[Begins In 17 Days]
United Kingdom FPA
Reye's Syndrome Awareness Week Sun 16th Sep - Sat 22nd Sep 2012
[Begins In 23 Days]
United States National Reye's Syndrome Foundation
National Eczema Week Sun 23rd Sep - Sat 29th Sep 2012
[Begins In 30 Days]
United Kingdom National Eczema Society






Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Anoop Shankar Musical Nite

Malabar Hospitals is proud to be associated with Making Waves for the Anoop Shankar Musical Nite at the Taj Gateway on Aug 23rd 2012 6:00 PM

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Ramadan Ghabqa by Indian Doctors Forum Kuwait

Many well known figures in Kuwait attended the Ramadan Ghabqa organized by the Indian Doctors Forum here in kuwait at Salmiya Crown Plaza.  From Ministry sided Under secretary of Ministry of Labour Mr. Mohammed Al Kandari and other prominent peoples both from public and Goverment sector took part in the function.


 The Function began with the reading of the holy Quraan, Dr Jagannath, IDF General Secretary gave the welcome speech and IDF President Dr Amir Ahmad gave the presidential address. Dr Hasan Ali Khan gave the Ramadan message and spoke of the importance of fasting during Ramadan.













Chief Guest H.E. Satish Mehta  spoke on the occasion.







Program ended with vote of thanks by Dr Vinod Grover.
Dinner was served and grigian gifts where distributed.


.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

World Blood Donor Day . ലോക രക്തദാന ദിനം .


ഇന്ന് ലോക രക്തദാന ദിനം.

'ഹൃദയത്തില്‍ നിന്ന് സ്നേഹം സിരകളില്‍ നിന്ന് രക്തം...
ഒരു മനുഷ്യന്‍ മറ്റൊരാള്‍ക്ക്‌ ഇതില്പരമെന്തു നല്‍കാനാവും...'
രക്ത ബന്ധത്തേക്കാള്‍ ഉപരിയായി വേറെ ഒന്നും ഇല്ല . ഇതിനെക്കാള്‍ വലുതായി മറ്റൊരു ദാനവും ഇല്ല . നിങ്ങള്‍ ദാനം ചെയ്യുന്ന രക്തം ഒരു വ്യക്തിയുടെ ജീവന്‍ രക്ഷിക്കുന്നു എങ്കില്‍ ഒരു പക്ഷെ നിങ്ങളുടെ ജീവിതത്തിലെ ഏറ്റവും വിലപ്പെട്ട സേവനം ആയിരിക്കും . രക്ത ദാനം ദാതാവിന് ഒരു കോട്ടവും വരുത്തുന്നില്ല നേട്ടങ്ങള്‍ അല്ലാതെ .
ആരോഗ്യമുള്ള 18 നും 50 നും മദ്ധ്യേ പ്രായമുള്ള ആര്‍ക്കും രക്തം ദാനം ചെയ്യാവുന്നതാണ് സ്വമേധയാ രക്തദാനത്തിനായി എല്ലാവരെയും സന്നദ്ധരാക്കുക എന്നതാണ് ഈ ദിനാചരണത്തിന്‍റെ ലക്‍ഷ്യം. രക്തം അമൂല്യമാണ്. മനുഷ്യരക്തത്തിനു പകരമായി ഒന്നും ഇതുവരെ വൈദ്യശാസ്ത്രം കണ്ടെത്തിയിട്ടില്ല. പ്രായപൂര്‍ത്തിയായ ഒരാളിന്‍റെ ശരീരത്തില്‍ ശരാശരി 5 ലിറ്റര്‍ രക്തം ഉണ്ടാകും. ആരോഗ്യമുള്ള ഏതൊരാള്‍ക്കും മൂന്നു മാസത്തിലൊരിക്കല്‍ രക്തം ദാനം ചെയ്യാവുന്നതാണ്. സാധാരണ 350 മില്ലി ലിറ്റര്‍ രക്തമാണ് ശേഖരിക്കുന്നത്. രക്തം ദാനം ചെയ്താല്‍ ചുരുങ്ങിയ സമയത്തിനുള്ളില്‍ അത്രയും രക്തം പുതുതായി ശരീരം ഉല്‍പ്പാദിപ്പിക്കും.


രക്തദാനം ശീലമാക്കു... ഈ ജന്മം അമൂല്യമാക്കൂ...

World Blood Donor Day 2012 


 

On 14 June, countries worldwide celebrate World Blood Donor Day with events to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.
The theme of the 2012 World Blood Donor Day campaign, “Every blood donor is a hero” focuses on the idea that every one of us can become a hero by giving blood. While recognizing the silent and unsung heroes who save lives every day through their blood donations, the theme also strongly encourages more people all over the world to donate blood voluntarily and regularly.

World Blood Donor Day 2012 - Every blood donor is a hero

A young couple are one of 500 couples who gave blood at the Pink Spring Festival in Ha Noi.
National Institute of Haematology, Viet Nam
On 14 June, countries worldwide celebrate World Blood Donor Day with events to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank voluntary unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. The theme of the 2012 World Blood Donor Day campaign, “Every blood donor is a hero” focuses on the idea that every one of us can become a hero by giving blood. While recognizing the silent and unsung heroes who save lives every day through their blood donations, the theme also strongly encourages more people all over the world to donate blood voluntarily and regularly.

The journey of blood: from one life to another

June 2012
A woman gives blood while her children watch

Blood is vital for life. Despite ongoing efforts, it will still be many years before artificial blood substitutes can widely replace the donated human blood. A nation can meet all its need for blood if only 1% to 3% of its population donate.
Voluntary blood donors are the safest source of blood, compared to people who donate for family members in emergencies or who give blood for payment. WHO is advocating that all countries move to a system of regular voluntary blood donation to meet their needs. It is essential that every nation has a stable pool of healthy donors who donate blood regularly.
The journey from the time blood is donated to when it is transfused is a complex one as it needs to be tested, stored and transported prior to use. Transfusion services face the challenge of providing blood that is safe and adequate to meet the rising demand.


10 facts on blood transfusion

February 2012
A nurse supervising blood transfusion to a child

Blood transfusion saves lives and improves health, but many patients requiring transfusion do not have timely access to safe blood. The need for blood transfusion may arise at anytime in both urban and rural areas. The unavailability of blood has lead to deaths and many patients suffering from ill-health.
Around 92 million units of blood donations are collected globally every year. Nearly 50% of these blood donations are collected in high-income countries, home to 15% of the world’s population.
An adequate and reliable supply of safe blood can be assured by a stable base of regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors. Regular, voluntary, unpaid blood donors are also the safest group of donors as the prevalence of bloodborne infections is lowest among these donors.


Friday, May 11, 2012

World Asthma Day 2012

World Asthma Day 2012

Tue 1st May 2012

The aim of World Asthma Day is to raise awareness, care and support for those affected by asthma. Whilst the primary focus is supporting the person with asthma, support may also extend to family, friends and caregivers.
Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs which causes breathing problems. Symptoms of asthma include breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and a feeling of tightness in the chest. These symptoms vary in frequency and severity. When the symptoms are not under control, the airways can become inflamed making breathing difficult. Whilst asthma can not be cured, the symptoms can be controlled enabling people with asthma to live full lives.

World Asthma Day is supported by the organization GINA, the Global Initiative for Asthma which works with health care groups around the world to help raise awareness. GINA is an initiative taken by the US based National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB). World Asthma Day is also supported by the World Asthma Foundation.

The World Asthma Foundation Supports This Day

World Asthma Day was established in 1998; the first event was set to coincide with the first World Asthma Meeting (WAM) in Barcelona, Spain. Over 35 countries were involved. Over time, World Asthma Day has grown and is widely recognized as the worlds most important asthma awareness event.
Logo World Asthma Foundation The World Asthma Foundation Supports This Day
As with many other awareness events, a theme is often set for this day which provides a focus for activities.
During previous World Asthma Days, the theme had been 'Reduce The Burden Of Asthma'. People with asthma were made aware of positive steps they can take to help them cope with their condition.

Positive Steps For Coping With Asthma

  1. Prepare a personal asthma management plan with the help of doctor. The management plan is tailored to the person with asthma and will cover which medications should be taken at certain times during the day and which risk factors of asthma to avoid.
  2. Take relevant medications prescribed by your doctor which relieve symptoms of asthma and control related inflammation and swelling of the airways.
  3. Educate yourself about the risk factors of asthma which can bring on symptoms and make the condition worse.
  4. Learn to recognize when the symptoms are becoming worse.
  5. Be prepared in case you have an asthma attack. This could include carrying a card which informs others about your condition and gives instructions on what to do when you have a severe asthma attack.
For 2012, (and for a number of preceding years) the theme has been 'You Can Control Your Asthma'. This theme coincides with GINA's campaign to reduce worldwide asthma hospitalizations by half, by the year 2015. By educating people with asthma how to control their symptoms, it is hoped that the incidence of severe asthma attacks will fall and also the subsequent number of hospital visits.

Activities & Resources Which Raise Awareness

GINA provides many free resources for health care organizations, charities and members of the public who wish to organize their own awareness activities for World Asthma Day. World Asthma Day activities may include:
 
  •  free asthma screening clinics at a local surgery or hospitalizations
  • arranging media advertisements (radio, TV, internet)
  • organizing debates about local factors which can affect asthma sufferers
  • setting up a free asthma telephone help line
  • educating children about asthma in a fun manner using games
Ideas for fund raising events include, sponsored activities such as walks, swims and runs.
For more information please visit the dedicated World Asthma Day website.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

World Health Day 2012

World Health Day is on the 7th of April each year. This day marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization which was founded in 1948.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is the leading global health authority within the United Nations System. The work of WHO is varied and can mostly be summarized through their 6 point agenda. WHO:


  1. Promote Development – poverty is linked to poor health; by promoting development poverty falls and the overall health of a given population improves.
  2. Fosters Health Security – WHO takes steps to increase health security by reducing health risks from outbreaks of new, existing & mutating diseases.
  3. Strengthens Health Systems – in poorer countries many health systems are inadequate. WHO strengthens these systems through various means which may include the provision of funding, access to drugs and relevant technology, data collection systems and trained staff.
  4. Harnesses information, research and evidence – WHO uses evidence as a sound basis for setting health priorities, strategies and measuring results. In consultation with leading health experts, WHO provides authoritative health information.
  5. World Health Day Details

    Coverage Worldwide
    Month April
    Duration 1 Day
    Date Sat 7th Apr 2012


    Organization World Health Organization




  6. Enhances Partnerships – WHO works closely with many health organizations around the world. WHO aims to improve or enhance the work of these organizations by encouraging them to use their evidence based practices and follow their technical guidelines when implementing their health programs.
  7. Improves Performance – WHO also strives to improve the performance of its own organization. In order to improve the performance or effectiveness of an organization there needs to be clear results which can be measured and compared. WHO improves performance by implementing results based management, which provide clear results and goals which can be measured on a regional, country or international level.
WHO use the anniversary of their founding day not only as an opportunity to celebrate the organization and its work but also as an opportunity to highlight a current global health priority.
For each World Health Day, WHO designates a health challenge or theme. Previous years themes have included:
  • Road Safety (2005)
  • Shape The Future Of Life (2003)
  • Protecting Health From Climate Change (2008)
  • International Health Security (2007)
  • Anti micro-bacterial Resistance: No Action Today No Cure Tomorrow (2011)
The theme for 2012 World Health Day is 'Aging and Health'. As with other years themes, this theme is set in accordance to what WHO regards as current health issues within the world. The worlds population is aging; people are living longer.
WHO provides a toolkit to event organizers which includes the materials such as:
  • aging and health information
  • advice on how to engage with the media and use social networks to promote the day
  • a list of technical and communication support contacts
  • clearly defined messages and calls to action
  • information on how to plan and run events and campaigns
The slogan for 2012 World Health Day is: 'Good Health Adds Life To Years'. This slogan helps reflect the WHO message that when people improve their health they enjoy fuller lives without the burden of health complications such as pain or disability, remain productive for longer and continue to contribute more to society.
A key message of this day is that older people in good health are a valuable resource and should be valued.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Cesarean Awareness Month April 2012


Cesarean Awareness Month aims to raise awareness and educate people about cesareans.
This awareness campaign supports a reduction in the number of cesareans in mothers who do not really need or who will not benefit from this procedure when compared to a vaginal birth. Cesarean Awareness Month also promotes Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) and support for recovery from a cesarean.


Raising Awareness About Cesarean Section

A cesarean section is a surgical operation in which a baby is delivered through a cut in the front wall of the abdomen and womb. This procedure is often used when a vaginal birth carries a higher risk of complications. For example, a cesarean section may be performed when:













  • A baby is in a feet first position (breech position).
  • The mother has gone into premature labor.
  • The labor does not progress in a normal manner.
  • There is a viral infection (such as hepatitis C or HIV).
  • The mother has placenta praevia; a condition in which the placenta is low lying and covers part of the entrance to the womb.










Becoming Aware Of The Increasing Trend Towards Cesarean Section

In the US and in many other countries the proportion of cesarean sections has risen steadily in recent years and this rise is not due to a rise in complications listed above. In the US, the 2007 cesarean section rate was about 32%; for every 3 births one was by cesarean section, compared to about 5%, or 1 in 20, during the mid 1960's.
The reasons for this rise have been widely debated and may be due to many factors. These include a rise in multiple births, an increase in obesity in pregnant women, and a rise in the number of older women giving birth. Induced labor is also more commonplace and is associated with a rise in C-Sections. Couple these factors with a trend in healthcare providers and health insurance companies generally favoring cesarean section over vaginal birth, and we can begin to understand this higher rate.

Lack Of Awareness Of Cesarean Complications

There is also a lack of awareness in mothers that cesarean sections are a major operation which carries its own potential complications. This surgery can lead to increased risk of infection, blood clots, intense longer lasting pain, and repeat hospital visits as a result.
Health professionals do not always give expectant mothers an informed choice, favoring cesarean section over a vaginal birth. This may be due to a fear that there is greater risk of being sued if there are complications with vaginal birth when compared to cesarean section.
Whilst current rates are over 30% in the US, there is evidence which suggests that a cesarean section rate of about 5-10% is optimal in terms of best outcome for mothers and babies.
Cesarean Awareness Month aims to make expectant mothers aware that vaginal births can often be a choice they can take over cesarean section.

Friday, March 09, 2012

World Kidney Day - 8th March


Kidney diseases are increasing very rapidly to epidemic proportions worldwide. In order to increase public awareness about kidney diseases, World Kidney Day (WKD) is observed on the second Thursday of March every year. This year, it falls on 8th March.

World Kidney day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).

Mission statement:


The mission of World Kidney Day is to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide.

  • Our objectives are the following:

  • Raise awareness about our "amazing kidneys"
  • Highlight that diabetes and high blood pressure are key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
  • Encourage systematic screening of all patients with diabetes and hypertension for CKD
  • Encourage preventive behaviors
  • Educate all medical professionals about their key role in detecting and reducing the risk of CKD, particularly in high risk populations.
  • Stress the important role of local and national health authorities in controlling the CKD epidemic. Health authorities worldwide will have to deal with high and escalating costs if no action is taken to treat the growing number of people with CKD. On World Kidney Day all governments are encouraged to take action and invest in further kidney screening
  • Encourage Transplantation as a best-outcome option for kidney failure, and the act of organ donation as a life-saving initiative.


 ‘Protect your kidneys save your heart’.
 addressing kidney disease early is one way of preventing any damage to kidneys & will have a positive impact on helping to reduce cardiovascular diseases as well.

If detected early, Chronic Kidney Diseases can be treated--thereby reducing other complications and dramatically reduce the growing burden of deaths and disability from chronic renal and cardiovascular disease worldwide.

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Red Cross Month March

 
About American Red Cross - ARC

The American Red Cross was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and is the United States premier emergency response organization. The American Red Cross is part of a worldwide organization which offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war.

In the United States around 4 million people give blood to the Red Cross, making this organization the largest supplier of blood and products in the country.
The American Red Cross is not funded by the government. They rely on donations of time, money and blood to keep the organization running.
Over the years, the American Red Cross has expanded its services. These include:

Disaster Services - the American Red Cross supports victims of disasters including fires, floods, earthquakes, heat waves and hurricanes. This support helps to 'pick up the pieces' after the disaster and make take the form of: medical help food safety water treatment financial help emergency accommodation

Blood Services - the American Red Cross serves more than three thousand hospitals throughout the United States

Communications Between Military Members and Families - the American Red Cross facilities communications between those serving in the Armed Forces in important events around the world and their family members back home.

Health and Safety Safety Services - these include health and safety training in wide range of areas. From CPR and blood bourne pathogens training to HIV/AID education. From swimming and life guarding to American Red Cross Preparedness programs which help people lead healthier and safer lives.

International Services - these include helping vulnerable people worldwide to prevent, prepare for and respond to: disasters life-threatening health conditions complex humanitarian emergencies

Volunteer Services - there are various opportunities to help the American Red Cross. Opportunities include: Disaster Services HIV/AIDS mentoring Health and Safety instructors Blood donor recruiter Youth group liaison Speakers Special Projects

Youth Services - The Red Cross have been partners with the Junior Red Cross since it was founded in 1917. Services include: Disaster Response Leadership Development Health and Safety Services Biomedical Services School Related Activities International Services

Nursing - over 30 000 nurses are involved in paid and volunteer capacities at all levels and in all service areas throughout the American Red Cross. Nursing services include: Functioning in governance roles Teaching and development courses: including CPR, first aid, Nurse Assistant Training Direct services including local Disaster Action Teams, volunteer in military clinics and hospitals, first aid stations, blood collection teams and health fairs.

Friday, December 09, 2011

World AIDS Day


World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.Every year World AIDS Day events take place across the country to raise awareness and show support for people living with HIV.

More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. But despite this, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

Friday, October 21, 2011

International Osteoporosis Day 20th October



For this year’s World Osteoporosis Day (October 20), IOF calls on the public and health professionals around the world to take action for bone health and osteoporosis prevention. The global campaign, launched in more than six languages, urges people of all ages to take three essential steps to set a strong foundation for healthy bones and muscles:

1. Ensure you have enough vitamin D intake (through safe exposure to sunlight, diet, and supplementation if required, particularly if you are over 60)
2. Eat a calcium and protein-rich diet
3. Keep active with daily weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening physical activity

Osteoporosis is often called a ‘silent disease’ because it has few symptoms. However, unless the disease is treated, the skeleton becomes progressively weaker and more fragile, leaving people at serious risk of debilitating fractures.

Around the world, at least one in three women and one in five men over the age of fifty will suffer a fracture caused by weak bones. Fractures result in pain, debilitation and loss of quality of life. One in three seniors who suffers a hip fracture becomes physically impaired and loses his or her ability to live independently. At least one in five will die within a year of the fracture. Vertebral (spine) fractures can cause extreme pain, long or short term disability, dowager’s hump, and significant loss in quality of life. Without treatment, the risk of suffering new fractures is high.

Make sure you take action for your bone health! Osteoporosis and fracture prevention must be a priority for us all.

Osteoporosis report pdf click here

Contact details for International Osteoporosis Foundation address phone fax & website
Logo of the International Osteoporosis Foundation
Name: International Osteoporosis Foundation

(INF)
Address: 9, rue Juste-Olivier

Nyon

CH-1260

Switzerland
Telephone: 22 994 0100
Fax: 22 994 0101
Website: www.iofbonehealth.org

About International Osteoporosis Foundation - INF

Established in 1998, the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) is a registered not for profit organization dedicated to:
  • motivating - individuals to take action to diagnose, prevent and treat osteoporosis
  • raising - awareness and increasing understanding of osteoporosis
  • supporting - osteoporosis societies throughout the world in order to maximize their effectiveness
Activities of the International Osteoporosis Foundation include:
  • nurturing and expanding the International Osteoporosis Foundation network of osteoporosis societies worldwide
  • promoting - innovations within the medical community and improving care
  • lobbying - for changes to policy in countries throughout the world with the aim for diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis to become standard
  • expanding partnerships with other organizations working in similar fields to the the IOF

Friday, September 30, 2011

World Heart Day 29 September


World Heart Day was created in 2000 to inform people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.1 million lives each year.
Together with its members, the World Heart Federation spreads the news that at least 80% of premature deaths from heart disease and stroke could be avoided if the main risk factors, tobacco, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, are controlled.
World Heart Day will take place on 29 September each year.

National activities such as public talks and screenings, walks and runs, concerts or sporting events  are organized worldwide by members and partners of the World Heart Federation.
In 2010, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of World Heart Day the World Heart Federation launched the ‘State of the Heart’ CVD Report.



Contact details for World Heart Federation address phone fax & website
Logo of the World Heart Federation
Name: World Heart Federation
(WHF)
Address: 7, rue des Battoirs
Switzerland
Telephone: (+41 22) 807 03 20
Fax: (+41 22) 807 03 39
Website: www.worldheart.org

About World Heart Federation - WHF

The World Heart Federation helps people achieve a better and longer life through prevention and control of heart disease and stroke.
Activities, programs and campaigns run by the World Heart Federation include:
  • World Heart Day
  • Go Red For Women
  • Children and Youth
  • Workplace Wellness
  • Sesame Workshop
  • Advocacy
  • China - Bridging the Gap

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

World No Tobacco Day



31 May 2011 marks the World No Tobacco Day and following the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) anti-smoking initiatives all around the globe are driving home an urgent message: Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death today. Every year 5.4 million people worldwide die of tobacco-related cancer or cardio-vascular illnesses. Unless action is taken now, that figure is likely to increase to more than 8 million a year by 2030.
The link between tobacco and lung cancer is conclusive. Yet in spite of growing awareness in many countries, a WHO report published earlier this year showed that governments around the world continue to collect up to 500 times more money in tobacco taxes each year than they spend on anti-tobacco efforts. And not one country has fully implemented all six internationally agreed key tobacco control measures at the highest level. The report also revealed that the smoking epidemic is shifting to the developing world where, by 2030, 80 percent of tobacco-related deaths are expected to occur.

 first no tobacco day poster.
Join the Cause..... quit Tobacco products today...........

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Womens Day Special

International Womens Day, we present before you 'SNEHASPARSHAM' along with IMA Calicut for Kudumbasree-India's largest Women Empowerment Organisation. We will be conducting 9 weeks camp for nearly 450 Kudumbasree employees free of cost.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Panchakarma Therapy Course

Panchakarma Therapy CourseMH Academy in association with Ignou - Oleena Community College started Certificate course in Ayaurveda Panchakarma Therapy. The aim of the course is to help youngsters grow a career in Panchakarma .

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Department of Psychology started at malabar hospital

Department of Psychology started under Dr Nusaibath .K (MSC Clinical Psychology)