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.
Posted byNeeti at 8:33 PM 0 comments
Labels: nutrition
Bihar Flood
Friday, September 5, 2008
Water is essential for every human being, animals and plants for survival. Without water we can’t imagine our life. But, contrary sometimes, this essential liquid becomes threat for our lives. Bihar is facing such a grave situation because of water. The Kosi River, which is also known as “Sorrow of Bihar” has created havoc in the Bihar. The flooding, the worst in 50 years, was caused after the Kosi river breached a dam in Nepal from where it originates, unleashing huge waves of water that smashed mud embankments downstream in Bihar .
Official sources claimed that 2000 people have died till now and 30 lakh people are being affected with flood across the 14 district of state.
Officials here say it's a catastrophe unlike annual floods. The brimming river has breached its embankment near the Bhimnagar barrage, close to the Nepal border, and is rushing down as a miles-wide stream to the Ganga, over almost 100km south. Unlike floods, this is not calm water but an angry torrent, making relief work very difficult and had caused maximum destruction.
Army assistance was being provided by the Govt but, now more numbers are required. More number of aircrafts are provided to enhance the distribution of the relief packets and evacuation of people to the safest areas.
The condition is graver than it seems to be. The people are waiting for the basic needs like food, clothes, utensils and tarpaulins for long. They are forced to drink unhygienic water and have to stay in poor sanitation condition which may lead to outbreak of epidemic. According to the latest updates massive measles and diarrhoea cases have been reported and these areas are hot bed for the other epidemics like Kala-Azar. The govt has decided to undertake a massive vaccination drive against the viral infection. Bleaching powder and Chlorine tablets packets are been distributed to the people so that they can use the clean water. Vitamin A tablets would be issued soon to prevent infection and vision problems.
visit here to extend your help http://help-biharfloodvictims.blogspot.com/
Posted byUnknown at 8:14 AM 1 comments
Labels: awareness