INCLUSION FOR ALL
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Every child has a right to Education without any discrimation on the basis of caste, religion and physical and mental capability. In India approx 2% of the total population is diagnosed with one or other type of disability. Children with disability under 19 yrs contribute to 35 to 37% of total population of disabled. Out of this percentage only 3–4% has access to education. In India there are many Laws and Policies which favour education among children with disability. Biwako Millennium framework and PWD 2005 advocates for education among disabled.
In past few years there is paradigm shift among special need children to get proper inclusive education. Parents and various NGO’s are demanding for the inclusive education rather than a segregated setup (special school). Inclusive eduction not only sensitizes the community about disability but it is equally important for socialization and inclusion and participation of disabled in the community. To setup an inclusive setup is not an easy job. It requires consideration of policies matters, laws, financial and human resources, infrastructure and professional guidance.
Inclusive education is based on the principle….. school should accommodate all children regardless of their physical, intellectual, linguistic, caste and religion. In some European countries inclusive education is compulsive. “The only condition for a child to be included is that he/she is breathing”.
Mainstreaming
Generally, mainstreaming has been used to refer to the selective placement of special education students in one or more "regular" education classes. Proponents of mainstreaming generally assume that a student must "earn" his or her opportunity to be placed in regular classes by demonstrating an ability to "keep up" with the work assigned by the regular classroom teacher. This concept is closely linked to traditional forms of special education service delivery.
Inclusion
Inclusion is a term which expresses commitment to educate each child, to the maximum extent appropriate, in the school and classroom he or she would otherwise attend. It involves bringing the support services to the child (rather than moving the child to the services) and requires only that the child will benefit from being in the class (rather than having to keep up with the other students). Proponents of inclusion generally favour newer forms of education service delivery.
NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICIES
Ø The integrated education for disabled children scheme, launched in 1974, to admit children with disabilities in regular schools
Ø The National policy on Education 1986, which promotes the integration of children with mild disabilities into mainstreaming
Ø The PWD (Person with Disability) act, 1995, recommends making changes in assessment and curriculum, and removing architectural barriers to support inclusion. It also recommended free books and uniforms to the children with disabilities.
Ø National Trust Act, 1999 which includes Autism also, which recommends promotion of inclusive education.
Ø The Sarv Siksha Abhiyan, 2000, which pledges that the “SSA will ensure that every child with special needs, irrespective of the kind, category and degree of disability, is provided education in an appropriate environment.
Even after these many policies and laws, the inclusive education is either not being provided by most of schools. If some schools initiate it, they either charge heavily or can’t sustain the services because of lack of professionals and resources. Most of the teachers and parents have a mind set that no regular school teachers can handle a disabled child. The people who can handle them are special educators. It is true that special educators are trained and qualified to handle and teach special need children. But, in the paucity of trained and qualified professionals this conception is not completely true.
If we have to make an inclusive education compulsory and successful, regular teachers should also be trained to teach the children with special need children special who are mildly or moderately delayed in developmental scale. Few specific qualities have to be developed in the regular teachers like patience, dedication and creativity. It becomes more critical for the schools who are facing the challenges in finding a special educator or who can’t afford the special services in their school.
Posted byNeeti at 10:38 PM 1 comments
Labels: disability
WORLD DISABILTY DAY (3rd Dec)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
In past decades there is marked improvement in health facilities and diagnostics scale, still there is not much drop in disability statistics. It may be because of better awareness and availability of rehabilitation services. But, disability is still one of the biggest challenges in front of our country. Disability not only affects the person and family but it affects the country as a whole. The country which have small in number but productive population always perform better than a country which have a large population and less productive people. Having a person with disability in family is always challenging as it requires a lot of financial, personnel and time resources. Disability becomes more severe and complex if it is combined with poverty.
The PWD Act 1995 advocates for Equal Opportunity, Full participation and Protection of rights, but still it has reached to couple of disabled and benefited them. I am sure that 50% of disabled may not be knowing about the policies and concessions allowed for them and how to avail them. In our country disability is still considered as a stigma to family and society. As per our beliefs disability is because of our bad “Karma” or ill deeds of our previous life. Lack of proper channels for dissemination of information and poor education among disabled is one major reason. The status of information, awareness and facilities are further poor in rural areas than urban. Lack of preventive education and expensive rehabilitation services make the treatment for disabled hard. At a large scale the facilities and opportunities are not available for most of disabled. Barrier free environment is not commonly seen in most of the shopping centres, public places, bus stands and other tourist places.
Pre natal counselling and care, Early diagnosis and Early Intervention is still not available to 20% of population. Because of increased demands and less umber of qualified professionals makes the basic services expensive.
Government facilities are not up to mark and can’t cater the services of such a big number and for more then 50% can’t avail the services on private sector. In this scenario the role of NGO and NPO becomes important where they can collaborate and network among themselves and with Govt so that a large population can be targeted. Other important area is education and awareness about sanitation, healthy practices and prenatal counseling should be given more emphasis. It is estimated that 50% of chances of developing disability can be reduce with preventive measures.
A little dedicated effort on preventive aspect, standardisation of services and rehabilitation, mandatory early intervention services and better education, collaboration of various NGO and govt agencies working in same area and sensitization in community for better acceptance can really improve the quality of a disabled person in community.
Posted byNeeti at 12:50 AM 0 comments
Labels: disability
SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Thursday, November 27, 2008
As per the definition social entrepreneurship is the work of social entrepreneur. A social entrepreneur (entrepreneur in French means “one who takes into hands”) is one who recognizes the social need and bring the change. Social entrepreneurs correctly defined by French economist Jean- Baptiste “ who shifts economic resources out of an area of lower and into an area of higher productivity and greater yield”. They act as a catalyst and hasten the social progress. Thus, they are the change maker or change agents or social innovators, who solve the social problems.
It is not necessary that all social entrepreneurs or organisation have no profit objectives rather they generate the income along with social change and use the profit for community building or for further activities. It is not just fund raising rather it is fund development.
Recognition of Social needs and social assets and resources
Business model and operating strategy
Characteristics of Social Entrepreneurs
Pursuance
Leadership
Focus
Dedication and committed
Passionate
Value of long term consideration over short term
Strong ethical and human values
Wiliness to Self correct
Benefits of social entrepreneurship
¥ SE generates the social economy by working with the disadvantaged, poor and underprivileged group. Empowering them with training and providing opportunities to them improves the overall capital generation of a society.
¥ Social entrepreneurs innovates a solution which is cost effective and which can address a larger group. Hence, it reduces the Govt efforts and capital. Sometime the creative idea even accepted by Govt or Authority as a law or policy.
¥ Since, social entrepreneurship is a business with a triple bottom of social change; it provides employment to people in this sector.
¥ Overall the objective of social entrepreneurship is to develop community so, it hasten the development of a sustainable and healthy community
Posted byNeeti at 10:23 PM 2 comments
Labels: knowledge sharing
HAPPY(???) CHILDREN DAY...
Friday, November 14, 2008
- The condition of a girl child is far more severe than a male child. Not only the infection, malnutrition and other disease, girl child is more prone of foeticide and innumerable girl children are killed after their birth or with in the womb. That’s why few states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are having fewer girls than boys and the gender ratio is low. Patriarchal norms and distribution of will and tradition of dowry are the main reasons which threaten the survival of girl child. Even with the improvement of education and awareness and strict laws the female foeticide has increased in last few years. It is found during survey that every sixth girl child's death is due to gender discrimination. The girl child life is further on risk as she grows older. 1 out of 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 4. The kind of education, nutrition and immunisation and other necessary services are provided less to the girls than a male child.
- It is not only the girl child who is put on the risk; the male child does have inhibition on his normal development. Poor nutrition, lack of vaccination, poor sanitary condition and child labour are the risk factors for whole childhood no matter if it is a girl child or a male child.
- Child labour is very common as the child is considered as a property of the adults and some time a young life has to support the whole family where the parents are not working or their earning is not sufficient to support the family. As per an official estimation 17 million children are child labour. Child labour spoils the child future by inhibiting him to get proper education and make him prone to sexual and physical harassment and exploitation. Child labour is more common as it is the cheapest resource. This further on adds to the youth unemployment. Some time the child run away from the situation, work or from family and start living on the street. Street life again increases the risks to multi fold by exposing them to crime, exploitation, drugs and abuse.
- The education statistic is also not satisfactory. 50% of children with age of 6-18 don’t go to school. The girl education stats are further less than the boys child. Even if the child gets in to the education frame, the quality of education is poor. The poor guidance and vocation opportunities lead the child to do the same labour or work which does not involve the basic education. So, the usage of education lowers down and its importance too.
- All children have the right to be protected from work that interferes with their normal growth and development. Abandoned children, children without families and disabled children need special care and protection. 3% of
WE
q Education plays an important in enabling us to judge the right think, develop the civic sense, develop self respect and dignity and improves the quality of life. Every educated child contributes to enhance the economy and productivity of nation. The educationist, civilian and govt should work on to improve the quality of education.
q The disabled children should not be assessed on the basis of what they cant performed rather they should be graded on their ability to perform. Better health system, proactive measures and inclusive education can improve their life.
q Girl child should not be accepted as a curse. There are so many examples in world in various areas where they have recognised more with their work than their gender. The girl child should be provided with stimulating environment, education and safe environment foe better performance.
q Proper guidance should be given regarding sanitation, basic hygiene, nutrition, prevention of communicational disease, vaccination and immunisation and healthy eating practices can reduce the risk of young lives.
q We, all citizens should take the responsibility of the nation to improve the standards of education and quality of life. If every individual take his own responsibility as a citizen rather than blaming the others and politician, then there would less problems to work and it would be healthy environment we can provide to our coming generation.
Posted byNeeti at 12:04 AM 0 comments
Labels: awareness
Improve Attention
Friday, October 17, 2008
¥ The task that you are teaching the child should be simplified into number of steps. All small steps should be talked about and demonstrated to the child.
¥ Make the activity challenging. Children like challenges and same with autistic child. This is what called right challenge because if the task is less challenging the child become bored of it and if it is too challenging the task becomes difficult and child gets frustrated.
¥ Design those activities in which your child has interest. If require, take the professional help. Make a list of the child strengths and weakness and then use it for e.g. if child likes to do painting. Make him do painting with different colours. First, let him scribble and then assist them to write big alphabets. And them use of colour pencils etc. start up from the point which he already knows and then use them for further expansion. For e.g. if child likes making block tower, ask him to make the tower of different shapes and talk teach about the shape.
¥ Most of Autistic children have sensory issues which are major obstacles for child to develop fine motor skills. Talk to your Early interventionist or Occupational therapist who can assess the child for sensory issue and can plan for the sensory diet.
¥ Shoulder stability is another concern for most of the Autistic children. Make the child to do some exercise or activities for shoulder strengthening and also for back extensors. This helps in developing the correct position and child would be more comfortable and
attentive.
¥ Minimise the external distraction. Child should sit in a corner on a comfortable chair. Make his sitting arrangement proper so that he can see clearly.
¥ Try to make the activities fun filled. Don’t enforce activities on him rather let the child participate in the activity.
¥ If the child goes to school, parents are advice to have a track of class work so that parents can follow the same. Don’t try to teach the child different thing together.
¥ Try to communicate with the child and listen to the child. Find out his interest areas and note them down. You can teach lots of concept with a single area of interest. For e.g. Child likes cars talk about the colour of cars, number of cars or play with the car with child. Make the activity little happening. If require take professionals help.
¥ Reinforce the child for every good activity that he learnt or attempt to learn.
¥ Don’t force your child every time for Eye contact. If they do, encourage them. If they don’t then don’t punish them. For many autistic people eye contact causes intense anxiety and makes communication more difficult. Even if they don’t look at you that know what is happening around them. Use indirect method like pretend that you are enjoying the activity and talk to them about the activity and encourage them to participate but again don’t force them to do the activity.
¥ Relax the child before you start teaching him the activity. Reduce the hyperactivity with the sensory integration. Consult to Early interventionist for relaxing techniques like massage, deep pressure or vestibular stimulation. Most of the children relax after therapy and that time can be use to teach the child. During sensory integration activities you can teach a lot of concepts like numbers, alphabets, fine motor skills but using different textured surface or material.
¥ Make the environment structured and predictable. Start telling the child earlier itself what are you planning to do or teach him today.
¥ Commands should be clear, short and firm.
¥ Create the need and provide opportunities to the child to communicate with you. Like keep his toys out of reach but under his vision. Give him work “I want help” or “I want toy”. Even if child looks at the object tell him the expected communication.
¥ Make a chart of his problem and good behaviour. Paste his pictures of good behaviour and show him how to behave. The children with auditory problem understand little of your command. Picture can show clearly what is expected to them
¥ Generally, children become active or hyperactive in the crowded place. If you child does not like to go into crowded place, avoid it but even if required try to make him comfortable by holding his hand firmly and make him stand in less crowded area.
¥ Puzzles and plays where the shape are being put or the elder children video games or manual games where the object has to fit helps in developing spatial orientation.
¥ Closing the eyes and asking about the objects and then showcasing and telling about the property of the object helps in perceptual development. For e.g. feelie box.
¥ Brain gym activities. Link to brain gym
¥ Story telling with lots of action items in it.
¥ Make the command simple and rhythmic and try to teach in form of rhymes.
Posted byNeeti at 6:37 PM 1 comments
Labels: autism
WORLD MENTAL HEALTH WEEK
As per WHO definition of health “it is the state of well being both physically and mentally”. Equal importance has been given to both the mental and physical well being. But, according to survey it is found that people in developing or under developed countries devote approx 1% of the total revenues in mental heath. Consequently, mental health policies, legislation, community care facilities, and treatments for people with mental illness are not given the priority they deserve. Other barriers are poor awareness, lack of early detection, and knowledge of benefits of treatment, stigma and taboo on psychiatric help. In general policy makers and public both neglect the psychiatric help or mental health. The prevalence of mental illness is not found correctly as people don’t go for right institutions for treatment or documentation. Either they run away from their home or they are locked in their home with the label “pagal”
Every child, woman or man have a right to achieve high level of mental and physical health. This is enshrined in our Indian Constitution and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
There is stigma attached to the psychiatric help. People hesitate to take help or consultation from a psychiatrist. I have recently found that people are open for psychologist help than a psychiatric help. There is still a marked denial among population. Few super speciality centres and high cost of services don’t let the services reach to people easily. Those centres which claim to be Rehabilitation centres are more or less Residential institutes. Family members relax once they hand over a person with psychiatric problem to a centre and then whole responsibility of centre. Moreover, the centres are very few as per the population of mentally ill they have to cater the need.
Other common problem is poor awareness among general public about the difference between mentally handicapped or mentally ill. Unfortunately, most the time people confuse and consider them same. Other problem is the presentation of mental problem. It is presented as behaviour than physical symptoms and the behaviour is hard to grade especially when it is mild or moderate.
There is a whole list of problems that require psychiatric help. Most common are depression, suicidal attacks, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia etc. other conditions which do require psychiatric help are Autism, Childhood disintegrated syndrome, Anorexia, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders etc. It is required to give the psychiatric help to the criminal and victims or crime like rape, murder, incest, paedophiles etc. those people who remained deprive during their childhood with love and guidance feel insecure and isolated and they are at risk or prone to involve in crimes or become victims.
The children sometimes do need psychiatric help because of their behaviour or emotional disturbances. Many known conditions are Autism, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Syndrome), PICA and Enuresis (bed wetting) and Encopresis (bed soiling). In this competitive world children are overstressed by high standards of education and parent’s expectation. For scoring high marks and carrying the high expectation of their own and parents put them under pressure. Many of them can’t withstand that pressure and fails.
Tips to help your own
| Observe your child behaviour and ask about his behaviour to teachers in the school. It is equally important to academics. Ask about his friends, his interaction in class and his attention to studies. If child is above 10 yr, talk to the child directly or if the child is too young, talk to your psychologist in school or psychologist. Every child is different and even normal development varies from child to child. Sensory processing, language, and motor skills are developing during early childhood, as well as the ability to relate to parents and to socialize with caregivers and other children. Adolescence is an important phase of life; parents should keep an eye during this period on child. Talk feely to child about his concerns and ensure him that you are always there for him.
| Be observant for the stress signs like staying alone, bedwetting, aggressive, reduction in food intake or sadness.
| Sometime the child gets molested by stranger or known person. Observe the signs of fearfulness, signs of physical assault, or strange behaviour.
| Other behaviour like not listening to you, seems in his own world, head banging, purposeless activity or hyperactivity, aggressiveness etc points to serious issues which immediate need medical intervention, consult to psychiatrist,
| Family issues like parents arguments and fights, divorce, death of dear ones or some extreme stress hits, every member of a family, even the youngest ones. This should also be considered when evaluating mental, emotional, or behavioural symptoms in a child
| Create a happy and healthy environment at home. Good education, leisure and love a
ll are important. Parenting does matter.
| Don’t hesitate to consult a psychiatrist
| Parents should understand that every child is different and has to develop like that. Most the child can develop skills of their own interest. Try to find that special area and encourage him for that.
Posted byNeeti at 8:06 PM 0 comments
Labels: awareness, health, medical
VISION FOR ALL… restoration and prevention
Monday, October 6, 2008
Oct 9th is World Sight Day...
On this day i want to share some information about children and their sight....
Vitamin A deficiency, VAD, has been recognized as the leading cause of preventable paediatric blindness in most of developing countries. In last many years, combating Vitamin A deficiency has emerged as cost effective and earliest intervention for saving children sight. VAD, either due to a poor diet or infections that deplete the body's stores or reduce absorption of the vitamin, not only causes blindness, but also needlessly increases the risk of child and maternal morbidity and mortality. Every year, between 250,000 and 500,000 children around the world go blind from a lack of vitamin A in their diet. Seventy percent of these children die within one year of becoming blind. It is estimated that provision of adequate amounts of vitamin A reduces overall child mortality by 23 - 34%.
Child blindness is an important concern because it impacts on the child development, education, future opportunities and quality of life. This handicapped have serious social and economical consequences on family and society.
Vitamin A is needed to keep the outer surface of the eye moist and healthy, as well as for growth and development of a healthy immune system. VAD leads to decreased production of a photosensitive pigment in the rods of the eye, so the level of light needed for vision increases and night blindness results. If the deficiency keep on persisting it would leads to permanent eye dryness and ulceration and with in few days child may loose his vision or sight. This vision loss is irreversible.
Vitamin A dosage is given to children who are screened properly and found vitamin A deficient. But, sometime if the parents are ignorant or are not aware may delay the diagnosis leads to Vitamin A deficiency visual loss. Vitamin A is found in green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, vegetables like carrot and fruits like papaya. Every child and individual should eat this enriched diet.
Vitamin A deficiency can be prevented by promoting the production and consumption of vitamin A-rich foods through homestead food production, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and community and school gardens. It is very essential to spread awareness about the importance of the Vitamin A and the prevention of its deficiency. The school garden or garden at home can be used by teaching children about production of the Vitamin A. mothers and teachers should be educated about the Vitamin A importance and they should encourage this healthy food practice. Similarly school children should be educated for the prevention of other eye infection and eye injuries during play. Use of clean water to wash the eyes, proper handling, and healthy food can prevent other commoner eye infection. Early detection of refractive eye errors can reduce the child drop out and can improve the child interest in studies.
Repetitive eye check up camps should be conducted by primary health centre or in local school.
Nutrition Education
Nutrition education brings about an awareness in individuals and communities of the need for proper selection of foods and creation of sound eating patterns. Imported food mixtures, injections and capsules do not provide permanent solutions and realistic approaches to the problem of nutritional blindness. Families need to learn to use the foods around them or foods that can be easily introduced and accepted. The frequency of use of milk and milk products, leafy vegetables, raw vegetables and fruits such as papaya and mango had also increased to an appreciable extent after the education programme.
Promotion of
Increased production of vitamin A rich foods through home gardens, school gardens and community gardens can result in increased consumption of vitamin A rich foods and lead to a reduction in the incidence of vitamin A deficiency. The ANP(applied nutritional programme) has a three pronged approach: (a) stepping up the production of protective foods, like green leafy vegetables, fruits and eggs; (b) consumption of protective foods by the vulnerable groups: expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age; and (c) nutrition education
(1) Promote the utilization of available space and waste water for the production of 
nutritious foods;
(2) Give pupils skills in gardening;
(3) Promote the health of the pupils through consumption of the garden products, and;
(4) Help to supplement the pocket money of the pupils through sale of the products from their nutrition garden
Posted byNeeti at 10:00 PM 1 comments
Labels: awareness
WORLD HEART DAY
Monday, September 22, 2008
World Heart Day, held annually on the last Sunday in September, aims at increasing public awareness and promoting preventive measures to reduce cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. These are the leading cause of death globally, killing more than million every year. Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in men and women, greater than the next five causes of death combined!
Here our aim is to spread awareness about taking care of the heart, thus rest of body
Cardiovascular diseases include Coronary heart disease (heart attacks), Cerebro-vascular disease, raised Blood pressure (hypertension), Peripheral Artery disease, Rheumatic heart disease, Congenital heart disease and Heart failure or Myocardial infarction. There are many risk factors and predispositions which may lead to heart problems. Hence, Heart problems are multifactorial in origin. Contrary, women are more prone to heart problems. The major risk factors of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, smoking, excessive intake of alcohol, physical inactivity, Diabetes, high Blood Pressure, poor nutrition, Birth control pills, increasing age, hereditary, drug addicts, stress, both physical and mental and an unhealthy diet (fat rich diet).
Heart attacks and strokes are mainly caused by a blockage that prevents blood from flowing to the heart or the brain. The most common cause is a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the blood vessels that supply the heart or brain. The blood vessels become narrower and less flexible, also known as atherosclerosis (or hardening of the arteries). The blood vessels are then more likely to become blocked by blood clots. When this happens, the blocked vessels cannot supply blood to the heart and brain, because of loss of flexibility which then become damaged. Symptoms of a Heart attack include: pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest; pain or discomfort in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back because of same neural supply. May have difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; feeling sick or vomiting; feeling light-headed or faint; breaking into a cold sweat; and becoming pale. The most common symptom of a Stroke is sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg, most often on one side of the body. Other symptoms include sudden onset of: numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body; confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech; difficulty seeing with one or both eyes; difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; severe headache with no known cause; and fainting or unconsciousness. People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately
Key messages to protect heart health:
Fortunately, there are various ways which significantly lower the chances of developing the heart disease and its complications like stroke, TIA’s and myocardial infarction or heart attack
- Cessation of tobacco use reduces the chance of a heart attack or stroke. It includes any mode of consumption varying from cigar, cigarette, bidi or simply chewing it.
- Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day of the week will help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. A simple activity like use of stair cases than elevator can contribute in daily exercise or a brisk morning and evening walk. Both Aerobic (like walking, cycling and jogging) and anaerobic exercises (weight or resistance training or sprinting) can be done.
- Reduce down the stress level. In this competitive world this seems to be hard but this is one of the factor, if under controlled reduces the risk of Heart Attacks. Sometimes, self counselling or counsellors may help. Give some time for body to relax like a day out, massage or a good sleep J
- Eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day, and limiting your salt intake to less than one teaspoon a day, also helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Healthy diet should contain whole grains, skimmed milk, pulses, lean meat and low fried food. Food should be cooked, baked or boiled than deep fried. Cut down the saturated fats. Use of vegetable oils is recommended like olive, mustard, sunflower or ground nut oil. Increase the fiber content in the diet by adding fruits and salads and raw vegetables.
- If you are diagnosed with High blood pressure, keep a check on your blood pressure and have proper medications.
- Diabetes increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Diabetic patients should control their blood pressure and blood sugar to minimize the risk. You can remember these major points by ABC…(A for Blood sugar, B for Blood Pressure and C for Cholesterol)
- Being overweight double fold the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Have a check on body lipids and cholesterol. To maintain an ideal body weight, take regular physical activity and eat a healthy diet. Eat smaller portions and Avoid second helpings and fat by staying away from fried foods, rich desserts, and chocolate candy. Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Quit smoking as excessive nicotine consumption increases the risk of heart problems.
- Get prompt treatment for transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Early treatment for TIAs, sometimes called mini-strokes, may help prevent or delay a future stroke. Signs of a TIA are sudden weakness, loss of balance, numbness, confusion, blindness in one or both eyes, double vision, difficulty speaking, or a severe headache.
Stroke
A stroke results when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly cut off, which can occur when a blood vessel in the brain or neck is blocked or bursts. Brain cells are then deprived of oxygen and die. A stroke can result in problems with speech or vision or can cause weakness or paralysis. Most strokes are caused by fatty deposits or blood clots—jelly-like clumps of blood cells—that narrow or blocks one of the blood vessels in the brain or neck. A blood clot may stay where it formed or can travel within the body. People with diabetes are at increased risk for strokes caused by blood clots. The other type of stroke may also be caused by a bleeding blood vessel in the brain. Called an aneurysm, a break in a blood vessel can occur as a result of high blood pressure or a weak spot in a blood vessel wall.
Some time minor attack does not leave any residual effects but if there is delay in treatment or a major attack leads to disabled ie Paralysis one side or some part of body or even can cause death. Stroke is second major cause of disability in young and elderly people after accidents.
Treatment for heart disease includes meal planning to ensure a heart-healthy diet and physical activity. In addition, you may need medications to treat heart damage or to lower your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. If you are not already taking a low dose of aspirin every day, your doctor may suggest it. You also may need surgery or some other medical procedure.
Posted byNeeti at 10:19 PM 0 comments
Labels: awareness
International Medical Corps
Saturday, September 20, 2008
This organization, International Medical Corps, has the ability to save the lives of malnourished children around the world and we just received some very exciting news. We have been nominated to be one of the Top 25 in American Express' Projects, "Saving the Lives of Malnourished Children." Our project was chosen out of 1,190 projects and is now eligible to receive up to $1.5 million to help feed hungry children. Because your blog, Sakshum...cultivating dreams, has a loyal following, I thought this would be an issue you would want to share with your readers. I've put together this microsite explaining everything.
http://
Posted byUnknown at 11:49 AM 1 comments
Labels: awareness, knowledge sharing
NATIONAL NUTRITIONAL WEEK
In last 25 yrs,
According to the National Family Health Survey, the proportion of underweight children remains virtual unchanged specially in the age group of 0-3 yrs. The children upto the age of 5 yrs are vulnerable at nutritional stand point of view. This further adds to the problem by making the child susceptible or prone to the infection and malnutrition. Malnourish children are higher in India than the Sub-Saharan countries, which have more number of poor in population. One in every 3, malnourished children in the world lives in
As per survey one third of adult women in 
A big percentage of children die before their 5th birthday and the culprit of ½ of the total percentage are malnutrition and common infection. According to various data it has been found that almost 50% of the total deaths are preventable.
During the survey conducted by National Family Health Survey it was found that 30% of young children had fever, 20% had diarrhoea, and 20% had an infectious cough. All the states were bad but the status was worst in poorer states like
Ø Many health related and common conditions can be improved by taking proper diet or balanced diet. However, the need of the nutrients vary from age, sex and race also. For example, growing children (0-6 yrs) and (12-16 years), old age, pregnancy and lactation period for women increase the calories consumption and require extra supplements along with the balanced diet.
Ø Medical conditions like cataract and night blindness can be prevented and improved by taking diet rich in Vitamin A (leafy vegetables) and joint pains and other bone related problems can be improved with sunlight exposure and calcium containing diet like egg, milk and milk products
Ø To avoid neural tube defects the pregnant women should take Vitamin B 12 and Iron supplements
Ø Special attention needs to be paid to cooking fats and oils. Ghee, Butter and coconut milk/oil are high in saturated fats. These items need to be avoided. Un-refined plant oils such as Mustard oil, corn oil, soy oil, olive oil, and canola oil should be used for cooking. The introduction of Vanaspati or Dalda does not solve this. The Vanaspati and Dalda are both high in trans fats, and worse than saturated fats.
Ø Dahi (Yogurt) and Buttermilk are cultured milk. Culture pre-digests the lactose making them easier to digest. In lacto vegetarian diet, Milk products are a primary source of essential amino acids, Calcium and Vitamin B-12.
Ø Healthy practice of cooking is must. Ill cooking, cooking with open lid of utensil and over-cooking result in loss of most of water soluble nutrients. Vegetables and fruits should be washed thoroughly before eating than peeling.
Ø Poor hygienic practice like unwashed hands and vegetables and fruits may result in infection.
Ø To avoid neural tube defects, women of childbearing age who may become pregnant and those in the first trimester of pregnancy, need 600 µg/day of Folic acid (Vitamin B9).
Women of childbearing age who may become pregnant may also be iron deficient. Good source of iron are meats. Even for vegetarians, there are plenty of dietary sources for example Spinach. The problem is educating people about bio-availability of iron, for example avoid combination foods with dairy products (For example Paalak Paneer), prepare combination food with vitamin C rich products (For example Paalak and Tomatoes or Red bell peppers).
Ø Educating the pregnant women about the healthy eating practice as infant body would be directly proportional to their weight. Teaching the mothers about the breast feeding practice and its importance for the children
Ø Majority of
Vitamin B12 is only found in animal foods including Milk and eggs. Also, after the age of 50, there is increased need for Vitamin B12. The Nutritional Yeast, fortified foods, or food supplements may be helpful
Ø The trend has been seen that the educated or qualified mothers can help to solve some part of the problem. So to improve the nutritional status it is important to teach or educated the mother about the importance of the balance diet.
Fall in love with food. Relax, prepare and enjoy healthy meals -
It is time to value yourself and your health and start falling in love with food.
- Discover the pleasures of sharing a meal
Enjoy fresh foods, cooked from scratch- Explore new tastes - savour the flavours
- a balance of foods that enhance wellbeing
Nutrition week, every year is being celebrated to improve intake of nutritional food, awareness and information about the healthy eating habits and balanced diet. This year the focus is child Nutrition'. In other words, to correct kids eating habits during growing phase. Various activities were being conducted during this period from various hospitals to create awareness about the proper diet and hygiene. The Ministry of Women and Child Development organised an exhibition on nutrition in
The department of dietetics, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), has organised “Healthy Lifestyle Event 2008” as part of the national nutrition week celebrations. The event targeted about 1,000 young adolescent public schoolchildren of
Such kind of event are necessary to create awareness among population as it helps in improving health status and cut the cost of treatment during illness. The simple and healthy food practice helps in boosting immune system and prevent from infections and chronic conditions.
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Labels: nutrition