Showing posts with label awareness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label awareness. Show all posts

Early Stimulation I
Saturday, November 13, 2010

Early stimulation is essential for every child but it is necessary for the children who are diagnosed with or “at risk”. It forms the platform for the development of refined and mature skills. Early stimulation is a holistic approach including multi sensory approach.

Early stimulation has various areas and it includes

  1. Motor which includes gross and fine motor
  2. Auditory stimulation
  3. Visual stimulation
  4. Tactile stimulation
  5. Oro motor stimulation
  6. Cognitive stimulation
  7. Speech and language stimulation
  8. Socialization and emotional development
  9. Self help

However these above are the specific areas to work on independently but none of the areas are isolated. All the areas are interrelated and need to be stimulated together.

Posted byNeeti at 10:48 PM 0 comments  

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Taare Zameen Par...
Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Most of us here must have seen Taare Zameen Par, a story of a dyslexic child and an art teacher. If the art teacher role played by Aamir Khan, would have not realised the problem of dyslexia in his student, the child would have never done something special and hence, accepted by the society. The teacher has recognised the child so well and soon not because, he was teacher, but because he himself claims that he was dyslexic too. That’s all about a movie which always has to have a happy ending and that’s why called as a beginning. But like this special need child, there are thousands of children who are having some or other (personal/family) issues that continuously bother them. However, we can understand the problem better if we have been anytime in our life, have came across with it.

The regular school teachers should know or understand a little about the early sign or so called ‘Red Flag Sign’ of conditions like Autism, Dyslexia and other learning disabilities and Mental Retardation especially the borderline cases or mild to moderate cases. It is not to blame teachers, but I think it is the system that has always trained them for the regular students only.

In our country given the paucity of trained resources in the rehabilitation field, it is impractical to think replicating developed world model of health care. So, we need to develop resources locally, which can be available by training and developing skills to enhance care level. Empowering teachers, educate them with the basic child development and psychology can help in identifying the problem areas earliest. Any ignorance or lack of knowledge can aggravate the problem. In India, majority of population is educated from the school run by Govt where in total they just get the basic education. Since, funds and resources are limited there are a few schools that can afford a child psychologist or a counselor.

Conditions like ASD (Autism spectrum Disorder), learning Disability, ADHD (Attention Deficit hyperactivity Disorder), mild/ moderate Mental Retardation; Family issues etc generally don’t attract attention early as the child grows physically normally. However, to handle the special need children the school may need the special staff if the child gets into inclusive education. Besides, family the teachers are the care takers and are considered to be the builder of a person. So, if the teachers are aware and educated about the above problems, they can help them by referring earliest. Hence, the child can get the benefits of Early Intervention. However most of teachers might feel uncomfortable to handle special needs children as they require more attention and effort.

Teachers can play an important role because:

Ø The parents think always optimistically and not ready to accept the problem or can easily be misguided by the surroundings. So, teachers should always be alert to notice the signs and then refer to further assessment and evaluation.

Ø Now days most parents are working so, they have little time to spare with their children. Maximum time of the children goes in their Pre schools with primary teachers. So, teachers need to be more prompt to realise the problems.

Ø Since, every parent wants their child to get proper education so they send them to the best schools as per their affordability. So, if teachers are aware that something is different with the child, they can inform parents and ask them to take professionals help.

The child development is flexible and its potential may vary with the environment. Every child is different and hence, special. The distribution curve shows that most children resemble with the average in many traits, but there are few children who deviate from the generally accepted norms in any one of many ways. These deviations may give rise to multifactorial problems of adjustment at home, school and social setting and thus, leads to addition of problems in deviation. Deviation can be in terms of physical, social, emotional and mental characteristics.

According to PWD ACT 1995, the differently abled children are to be integrated in regular school. Integration in regular school promotes personal, emotional and physical adjustment to establish healthy interpersonal relationship.

As very well said for teachers, "I touch the future. I teach." (Christa McAuliffe)

Teachers are one who polishes the child to diamond; otherwise no body can recognise the capacity of child. If the teachers are cooperative and encouraging, the slow learners and mild to moderate MR can learn in control and stimulated environment. However, the teachers have to bear the extra load of arranging the different curriculum and have to be creative. For these special need children, the teacher has to play a role of designer, instructor, motivator and trainer.


Posted byNeeti at 10:52 PM 4 comments  

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Education is not for all
Monday, July 5, 2010


Success school, “it is not our name but, it is our aim too”. The school in Hyderabad has recently asked a child to leave the school with in 3 days of admission. Moreover, the school administration has denied refunding the fees. The reason that school administration gave was that the child is mental and can’t cope the schooling.

The child who is in PPI has diagnosed with Autism. The parents have already discussed the issue with the school principal and Director. Inspite of knowing the school wanted to increase the strength and repetitive asked the parents to pay the fees earliest and block the seat for the child in school. The parents have paid the fees in April and secured the seat.

If somebody sees the prospectus it is designed with fake photos from google image and designed on international standards. In prospectus so many fake promises and commitments are done. But, on the other hand it is a small building with poor ventilated class rooms. No where, in the school prospectus, the actual standards of the school are mentioned. All 10-12 pages of prospectus are filled with fancy and promising words which actually don’t mean anything for any one.

Isn’t so sad? Where should those parents go? It is already a financial burden for a parent to bring up a child with disability and on the top if schools act like this, further add on the psychological distress. What about these schools that don’t even bother to implement the Laws and Policy.

Posted byNeeti at 10:33 PM 3 comments  

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Brain Gym
Sunday, June 27, 2010

Remedial educationist Dr Dennison, developed simple pattern of 26 exercises based on movement. According to him, movements are important keys for development and learning. Originally it was developed for Reading difficulties among children but later it was proved beneficial for the children with learning difficulties, ADHD, Autism and other disorders of coordination. It helps in improving memory, coordination, learning, attention, behaviour pattern and hence overall performance.

According to brain gym theory, some specific movements stimulate specific brain area and hence, stimulate its function. It also increases the coordination among various brain areas and increases learning. As a whole brain is stimulated in various but specific activities it also improves the emotion, cognition, understanding, conceptualization, abstract thinking and coordination.

PACE is one but important part of the brain gym. PACE stands for

P: Positive: hook ups
A: Active: cross crawl
C: Clear: brain buttons
E: Energetic: water

Other activities are important but this group stimulates the learning maximum.

Posted byNeeti at 11:25 PM 0 comments  

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Autism update
Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Posted byNeeti at 8:40 PM 0 comments  

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Sensory awareness month
Wednesday, September 30, 2009


From the Vedic science to the modern science, Senses are given utter importance for human development. For overall development senses play an important role. We can not even think our life if we don’t have or have a disturb sense.

Senses don’t work alone. Sense organs sense the sensation or stimuli and brain turns the sensation to perception. Perception is a form of learning. Most of us have near to normal functioning of all senses in coordination. But, sometime because of known and unknown reason the process of sensory process get affected which may further leads to problems in routine life. If problem is minor and mild it can be compensated but if processing is effected on larger scale may affect our functional and occupational life.

Children with ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, speech disorder, brain injured, Down’s syndrome, dyslexia and other learning disability and neurological disorders do have mild to severe degree of sensory problems. However sometime children with normal development do have sensory issues.

Let’s make Sensory awareness month a campaign to arise awareness about sensory processing disorder among parents, teachers, community and professionals. This will not only help in creating awareness but also make us to understand our children behaviour in better fashion rather than thinking the behaviour as odd.

Sensory integration therapy looks like organised and structured play which has an objective or goal. SI activities provide the right challenge (not too difficult and not too easy) so that the child is motivated to achieve the goal.

Posted byNeeti at 4:18 PM 1 comments  

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Project report "Eye Care, I Care" at Vijaya Bharthi High School
Tuesday, September 29, 2009




It was a milestone for Sakshum to screen 1000 children for vision problems under the project “Eye Care, I Care”.


On 19th September 2009, students of the Vijaya Bharthi High School, Hyderabad from X to IV were screened for vision problems. Out of 305 children who were screened, 20 were found having vision problems. The screened children were referred to LVPEI for further evaluation and treatment.


15 volunteers actively participated in the event. One group of volunteers educated the children about the importance of eye hygiene, nutritional diet, proper light and posture during studying and prevention of corneal injury. The other group of volunteers screened the children with vision problem with E chart. The teachers were trained for screening the new admissions and rest of the children. The teachers were also counselled for maintaining the proper lights and early detection of problems in students.


The teachers and volunteers found the event useful for prevention and cure of the vision problems in children. Thanks to all the volunteers, teachers and LVPEI.

Posted byNeeti at 10:54 PM 3 comments  

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Primitive reflexes and their inhibition with therapy
Sunday, September 20, 2009

Every one is born with the set of some primitive reflexes which are known for the survival of the child. These primitive reflexes help the child to protect, to assist feeding and for survival. During a developmental screening the child is checked for these primitive reflexes. Presence of primitive reflex indicates the functioning of Central Nervous System before 1 yr of development. After first year of development these reflexes should be integrated to develop more sophisticated set of reflexes called Postural reflexes. Hence the primitive reflexes form the platform for more specific and sophisticated functions like speech, intelligence and cognition.

Absence of primitive reflexes before one year or prolonged persistence indicates the problem with the nervous system or brain functioning. It not only affects the motor, speech and social functions but also affects overall learning. Inhibition of primitive reflexes leads to lateralisation of brain which as physically be seen as hand dominance, speech, interest in maths or music, writing and reading.

Some times due to some reasons the child behaves odd. Inspite of average intelligent and normal physical development he struggles to pass the exams, poor hand writing, aggressive, hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, poor listening skills, clumsy are few common features.

According to the theory of Neurodevelopment, any missed developmental sequence may develop a physical, psychological and behaviourally problem. The treatment is recapitulation, which means the child has to go through all the developmental stages which guide the normal development. Abnormal reflexes are to be inhibited with special skills and physical exercises to guide the normal development. Most common reflexes which are to be integrated, ATNR, STNR, Moro’s, Grasp reflex and TLR.

Children with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Developmental Delay and other behaviour and psychological like emotional unstable, poor handwriting and confusion, dyslexia and poor reading habits may need reflex inhibition therapy.

Posted byNeeti at 6:29 PM 2 comments  

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Yoga for children...
Friday, September 4, 2009


Yoga is an art, science and in broader term it is a way of living. It is not only for the adult to maintain the fitness and flexibility but it can be done for the children after 5yrs.

Generally we assume that childhood is an age for play and relaxation. A child in his childhood does not have any stress and if they are playing well they should be physically fit. But, it is not so for all children. In this competitive world the child develops a tendency of jealousy, hatredness which is another form of stress. Because of studies, sedentary life, irregular food habits and staying in nuclear family add on to mental and physical stress.

Yoga under the guidance of a qualified professional helps in developing the right personal and social conduct. Yoga asana and breathing exercises helps in gentle relaxation and develop the control of body. Yoga includes the gentle and self guided stretching and bending which helps in physical development. For children yoga is generally fun-filled group activity with slow, gentle and rhythmic movements. Physical development means toned body, development of immunity, restoring the beauty and charm. On the subtle level it helps in various body functions like circulation of blood, respiration and digestion. However, children should not be forced to do that but it is designed as a play for them with the help of yoga expert. It helps in developing the healthy regime for the tiny tots. The physical aspects and the guiding principles of yoga like yama and niyama helps in developing the moral values.

Micro yoga is quite beneficial for the children initially which helps in developing the flexibility of every joint and prevention the falls and injury. Initially the session is for short duration varying from 20 to 30 min, depending on the age. Later it can be gradually increased.

Along with the maintaining the fitness it helps in educing the childhood anxiety, fear of competition, asthma, obesity and other chronic ailments.

However Yoga for children should be practiced under a proper guidance and after proper assessment. Initially for sometime few children may need a personal attention in few of the postures and movement. It should not be tried too rigorously.

Posted byNeeti at 2:40 PM 0 comments  

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Hand Dominance... its relevance
Friday, August 28, 2009


Handedness is an attribute of humans defined by their unequal distribution of fine motor skill between the left and right hands. Some are left handed and some are right handed. However, there are 2 more types of handedness seen, Cross dominance and Ambidextrous. Cross dominance means the child uses one hand for one particular activity and other hand for other specific activity. Ambidextrous is a unique quality that a child can perform a particular skill with both the hands with equal quality. Crossed dominance and ambidextrous is not a problem every time until it affects the function.

Handedness is comprised of hardware (musculoskeletal, strength) and software (neurological), interacting to produce an efficient action. Handedness depends on neurological inhibiting of the recessive hand, so that the dominant hand can develop the precise, corrective, rapid movement without any competition from the non-dominant hand. Generally hand dominance is established at the age of 3 to 4 yrs but as late as 7 yrs. It is important to develop the hand dominance. However most of the child does develop hand dominance spontaneously at age but sometimes children with developmental delay and autism may have problem with it. Parents often have concerns that their children can write from both the hands but not sure.

To develop hand dominance it is important to know the preferred hand of child. Parents and teachers can observe the child in various functional activities. Observe child closely for preference of hand, control, strength and stability. Observe the child in unconscious and sudden or alone without interfering or biasing. It gives a better idea than intentional observation which sometimes becomes biased. Sometimes poor shoulder stability leads the child to keep on shifting the hand which gives a wrong expression of poor hand dominance.

Many activities like horizontal and vertical eight can help in finding the midline orientation and laterality. Bilateral hand activities like scissoring, hammering, tearing the paper, screwing, unliding the bottles, pick up games, lifting heavy objects, push ups and pull ups can be done. Observe the child preference and effort during movements. Once if it gives the idea of hand preferences stimulate that side with graded finger and shoulder exercise.



Posted byNeeti at 10:51 PM 0 comments  

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Fine Motor Control
Thursday, August 13, 2009


Most of the children with developmental delay (including CP, Autism, ADHD, poor attention, SPD, Down Syndrome) have poor fine motor function. For parents and children it is major concern as it affects the child overall performance varying from play, academics, writing and activities of daily living (ADL). Fine motor development is essentially associated with the hand function or in other words fine movements. But, it is not only the hands which are responsible for the effective fine movements. The other gross motor aspects like shoulder movement and shoulder stability, back mobility and back strength are equally important. It has been seen that parents and even professionals tend to forget the gross motor aspect.

Whenever there is poor fine motor control, the therapy plan should start from the shoulder and back stability exercise. This other way helps in better posture, core stability and better functioning of fine motor control.

Use of therapy ball, full range of shoulder movements (extension, flexion, rotation and circumduction) should be designed and practiced in the form of functional activities like drawing a big circle on wall or on floor in clockwise and anticlockwise direction, stair climbing etc. Various asanas like bhujanasan, tadasan, sarpasan should be practiced if the child understands the commands and above 8 yrs. Younger ones should practice under proper professional guidance. Asans in whole help in developing core stability, flexibility and relaxation

Fine motor activities like tearing the paper, crumbling the big sheet of newspaper, pegs activities, screwing and unscrewing movements, scissoring activities, pasting and folding, balancing, play dough activities, movements with the elastic bands in fingers, art and craft activites with different textures materials, strengthening of various grips and grasps (palmer, pincer, cylindrical, spherical, diagonal volar grasp and tip to tip grasps) etc.

Sometimes poor hand functions are associated with poor visual information process or poor visual perception. Activities should also includes eye hand coordination and midline and laterality orientation. other aspects like fixation, tracking and discrimation

Posted byNeeti at 11:37 PM 0 comments  

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Project Eye Care I Care event report from Parvath nagar school
Wednesday, April 22, 2009


On 18th April 2009, with collaboration of Sakshum another event of the project 'Eye Care I Care' was successfully completed at Parvath nagar school, madhapur Hyderabad. There were 10 volunteers who screened 117 children in this govt school. Mr. Veeru from LV Prasad Eye hospital helped in detailed assessment and referral to LVPEI for further diagnosis.
Out of 117 children 7 were found with vision problems varying from visual defect, refractive error and cognitive challenged. The child with visual defect
was directly referred to LVPEI for vision rehabilitation and for disability concession and certificate.

Volunteers found this activity an important event as early detection and treatment can improve the vision and academic learning.
As a matter of fact Sakshum has screened close to 600 children so far and found 58 children with vision problems. Beacuse of dedicated volunteer efforts in this project we have been able to direct these children for proper diagnosis and treatment for a better future.

Please continue to support us....

Posted byUnknown at 12:06 PM 0 comments  

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World Autism Awareness Day
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

On 2nd April 2009, thrusday, Niloufer Hospital for Women and Children, Lakdi ka Pool, celebrated World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). On the occasion of WAAD, an interaction session among parents and professionals was arranged. Dr Usha gave an inaugural speech and Dr Kalaknatha discussed about the dietary management for the children with Autism.

Dr Neeti took a detailed session on Sensory Integration and use of home activities for sensory issues. Most common problems, like oro motor dysfunction and sensitivity, hyperactivity and attention deficit. Parents asked lots of question regarding the sensory issues and behaviour problems. Some parents shared their experiences for various skills development which could be beneficial for other. One parent discussed the success story of his child who is now mainstreamed in regular school after continuous dedicated efforts for 3 years.

At the end of the programme, a checklist for early signs designed by Department of Child Psychiatry, headed by Dr Usha Naik, was distributed to various other hospital’s Paediatrician, Neurologist and Physicians so that the child is detected at earliest and refer for Early intervention.

These kind of team work and collaborative efforts definitely upgrade the detection of Autism at earliest and helps in social integration.

Posted byNeeti at 12:06 PM 0 comments  

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An appeal from Sakshum
Monday, March 23, 2009


Dear all,



Summer 2009 is in fulll swing , most of the lakes, ponds are showing up the dried earth now. We have our eyebrows raised about stocks of water for our sundry daily uses leave apart for drinking purposes. But have we thought about drinking water availability for birds ?
Newspapers are glut with figures of dying birds due to thirst. That is good enough reason for us to give a thought to this menace for this cute and quiet fraternity.
Request you all to start putting up a small clean pot of water on their terrace at the most visible and cool corner and clean and fill it daily. Sakshum's volunteer Vinay Jain is already practicing this since last couple of days and have personally seen birds sitting on the pot to satiate their thirst..
By watch it's going to cost you 3 minutes but believe me it can save 3 lives...So make your minutes invaluable.. ...

Be Good and make others Good....

Posted byUnknown at 9:06 PM 4 comments  

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HAPPY(???) CHILDREN DAY...
Friday, November 14, 2008


India is a vast country with a total population of approx 100 crores. India is at number second in world population, next to China. 40% of India's population is below the age of 18 years which is 400 million, the world's largest child population and out of the total population around 50% goes to school. 95 in every 1000 children born in India die before their 5th birth day and 70 in every 1000 children born in India die before their 1st birth day. Only 38% of India's children below the age of 2 years are immunized. More that 50% of India's children are malnourished.

  • 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 India's children are mentally/physically challenged. They are in high risk or physically and mentally abused. Moreover the services for the disabled are not as good as the number. Still the disability status in India is worst. People consider disability as a stigma to society and nation. There is less support provided for the family of disabled. Early intervention and education for the disabled and “at Risk” child is poor. There is very less school which provide the inclusive education. Preventive and remedial methods of disability are not in good position. The services which are available are either too costly or not up to standard to make the difference.

WE ALL CAN DO IT

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.


statistics from various websites

Posted byNeeti at 12:04 AM 0 comments  

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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 all 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  

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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 Nutrition Gardens

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  

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WORLD HEART DAY
Monday, September 22, 2008




Heart is a vital organ for any animal survival that exists in this world. Inspite of mis believes of ‘thinking from heart’, ‘voice of heart’ or ‘love me from core of heart’, it has only one and major function of pumping the blood to the our body parts. It helps in circulating the blood through out the body and acts as a pump.

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  

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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://internationalmedicalcorps.smnr.us/

Posted byUnknown at 11:49 AM 1 comments  

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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  

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