Category: health awareness

World Family Doctor Day: AFPI Karnataka state chapter to observe World Family Doctor day on 19th May 2022 .

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

World Family Doctor Day is being observed on 19th May 2022 to highlight the role and contribution of family doctors in health care systems around the world . Family Doctors day provides a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the central role of Family Physicians in the delivery of personal , comprehensive and continuing health care for all of our patients , brings attention to the important work family physicians do , and make the community understand the role played by Family doctors in long – term patient – physician relationship .

‘ Family Doctor ‘ is not a new concept in India . Historically Family Doctors used to be generalist practitioners who would not only act as health managers but as a friend , philosopher , protector and guide for a family . Those days the community reposed enormous faith in the easily accessible and affordable Family Doctor .

However during the past few decades fragmentation of medicine into subspecialties has made generalist mode of practice languished . Spectacular advances were made in health sector with focus on expertise in single organs , systems or diseases . It is the development of these subspecialists and their concentration in hospitals that has given rise to a growing demand in the community for a physician , who is caring , accessible and who is also an expert . The emergence of a clinical specialty called ‘ Family Medicine ‘ has created a hope for reviving the ancient traditions of general medicine and redefining ” Family Doctor ” who is best trained to meet the requirement of the modern era . Family medicine is a person centered specialty which provides comprehensive care through a continuous healing relationship oriented towards a family in particular and community in general . ” Person centeredness ” is the indispensable core principle of Family Medicine and seeks to promote the wholeness of the whole person by a holistic approach to any medical problem .

COVID 19 Pandamic has once again re emphasized the importance of a robust Primary health care delivery system . While the media and public were applauding the tertiary care hospitals for the way they handled critical cases , the primary care workforce was working relentlessly doing their best in preventing complications and significantly reducing burden on the hospitals , Be it testing and contact tracing , treating and monitoring Home isolation cases or even vaccination at public sector has seen primary care workers taking the lead .

In the backdrop of the current scenario of growing negative perception about medical profession in the community , there’s a great need for promoting family practice for the purpose of reestablishing patient confidence in the noble profession . There’s a need for the young medical graduates to come forward and make a contribution to community by choosing family medicine as a specialty . Family Medicine fraternity has a great role to play in redefining the concept of Family Doctor by preparing the next generation of Family physicians.

World Organization of National Colleges , Academies and Academic Associations of Family Physicians ( WONCA ) has declared May 19th as the World Family Doctors day which has become a day to highlight the role and contribution of family doctors in health care systems around the world . In line with the objectives of WONCA the Academy Of Family Physicians of India ( AFPI ) striving hard to revive the concept of Family Doctor in the present context and popularize Family Medicine as a clinical specialty . A series of professional and social activities are planned by AFPI Karnataka state chapter to observe World Family Doctor day on 19th May 2022 . ”

Dr. Mohan Kubendra, Dr Ramakrishna Prasad,Dr.Gowri Chinthanapalli & Dr Anupama Nagaraj were present in the press meet.

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MY BODY- MY CHOICE- MY RIGHTS

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FPA India is a national voluntary organisationSince 2004 FPA India (FPAI) has been working with LGBT individuals and their partners to address their sexual and reproductive health needs, including concerns around HIV. FPAI has also worked closely with male sex workers and transgender groups- mobilizing them to form CBOS and advocating for their rights. The stigma-free services provided by FPAI have been widely accepted by the community and they continue to access services from all its static as well as outreach clinics.

Our recent work with LGBT communities included awareness sessions, health check-up camps, and joint events such as observation of days held at different FPA India branches. In 2020, nearly 17950 transgender people obtained services from FPAI. The number of queer people obtained services other than those who identified as ‘other gender’ etc is very difficult to estimate, as a policy, FPA India do not request the clients to disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity.

FPA India Bengaluru Branch has been awarded with the project titled MOVEMENT ACCELERATOR PROJECT by HQs.

The project focus on working with Lesbians, Transman and Bisexual Women and Queer community to understand their issues/ needs and give them a platform to voice their concerns and visibility through social media/online platforms.

Lesbian and bisexual women are part of a diverse community with various health concerns. While all women have specific health risks, lesbian, bisexual women and Transman ( L,B,T) are at a higher risk for certain diseases than other women. The health concerns and violence faced by Lesbian, Bisexual ,Transman are absent in scientific literature hence there are lack of evidence to show the problems /issues faced by this community.

Deliverable under this project are :

• Create a safe space for LT commundiios to assess friendly services like SRH and counselling. Service provider will also addrons lesbian, Bioexual, Trans men issues through specialised counselling. • And develop online/ social media plast forn and viulbty and support.

FPA India is an SRH organisation, the identity of any clients in respect to their sexual orientation is not identified when they visit the clinic. All information and identities, case papers are kept safely and not shared with anyone. The services providers will be capacitated to deal with Lesbian/bisexual issues sensitively. Referral support will be developed keeping in mind the sexual orientation of the clients and online, digital help will be made available whenever required keeping in mind the safety of the client.

We have created space for LBT Communities. We urge that LBT communities to make use of this space and participate to know more.

Dr. Padmini Prasad, Obstetrician & Gynecologist, Sexologist & Dr. Akkai Padmashali, Founder ONDEDE Trangender activist & Dr. Sharada Nasimath, President, FPA India Bengaluru Branch were present in the press meet at Press club of Bangalore

– FPA India, Bengaluru.

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Bengaluru Sees Major Increase in Number of Parkinson’s Patients in Recent Years

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In the last two decades, the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s in India has increased to more than 300-400 people per lakh population
More and more younger people in India are attending specialized movement disorders clinics

BENGALURU / April 9, 2022: The burden of Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinsonism disorders is rapidly rising in India. Not long ago, Parkinson’s was considered a disease prominent only in Western countries. However, in the last two decades, its incidence and prevalence in India has increased to 300-400 people per lakh population. The WHO has predicted that India would see a massive 200-300% increase in Parkinson’s disease over the next two to three decades. This was said by Dr. Prashanth LK, Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Specialist at the Center for Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, ahead of the World Parkinson’s Day.

Dr. Prashanth LK, considered Bengaluru’s foremost expert on Parkinson’s disease, said: “Bengaluru has seen a major increase in the number of movement disorders patients in recent years, especially Parkinson’s disease and Parkinsonism disorders, at the specialized Movement Disorders Clinics in the city. According to recently published research covering three major movement disorders clinics at Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata, it was discovered that 65% of total patients coming to these clinics had Parkinsonian disorders. ”

The research revealed some interesting findings about Indian people. Some of the neurodegenerative diseases were found to be common or limited only to India. For example, the SCA-12 (Spinocerebellar ataxia-12) is almost exclusive to the Aggarwal community. Wilson’s disease, a rare but treatable disorder affecting liver and brain, is actually quite common in India. Several different types of Parkinsonism disorders have also been noticed in the Indian population. These atypical parkinsonian disorders account for about a quarter of the movement disorders patients seen at specialized movement disorders clinics, indicating the burden and requirement for more research in these fields, according to Dr. Prashanth LK.

He added: “Another important aspect in India is the changing pattern of Parkinson’s patients at various specialized movement disorders clinics. More and more younger people of less than 40 years of age are attending these clinics now. The reason could include genetics, stress, poor quality of life, etc. This changing age profile is of concern as these people are the breadwinners of the family and at the prime of their professional life. An ongoing study on young onset of Parkinson’s disease has revealed interesting genetic findings regarding the Indian population.”

The amount of research output in India about Parkinson’s disease is limited due to funding constraints. The funding agencies in India are predominantly government bodies, which spread the research funds across entire spectrum of healthcare, rather than providing in-depth funding to age-related diseases. Said Dr. Prashanth LK: “We require dedicated funding for specific disorders to conduct meaningful research that can impact the outcome of care for Parkinson’s patients. In the West, a significant amount of funding comes from private philanthropic agencies and trusts, which exclusively fund research into these disorders. Similar type of funding support from Indian philanthropic groups and trusts would generate dramatic research outcomes from Indian researchers. Indian population has probably different genetic and demographic aspects. With such a great talent pool of researchers catering to this huge population, right funding would help in getting several “Eureka” moments for global science.”

Talking about upcoming therapies on treatment for Parkinson’s patients, Dr. Prashanth LK said: “Work is going on regarding both therapeutic outcomes and understanding the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s. Insights from genetic research have given us hope for specific gene-based therapies for certain subsets of Parkinson’s disease patients. Early trials are going on for possible disease modification and cure-based approaches. We may possibly have dramatic disease modifying therapies over the next couple of decades for Parkinson’s disease.”

The focus of the government in India has usually been on treatable and preventable disorders such as nutritional and infectious diseases. Funding for ageing-related disorders is slowly being increased now, as it is now being appreciated that age-related disorders would constitute major healthcare burden in a few decades in India. “The Government should encourage private funding agencies, philanthropic organizations and CSR initiatives of corporates to be channelled towards improving the care and support system of Parkinson’s disease and other aging disorders. A good government policy impetus can give a boost to research in this field,” said Dr. Prashanth LK.

About 10-15 years back, there used to only 5-10 exclusive Parkinson’s disease specialists in India. In the last 10 years, there has been a sudden increase in the number of neurologists who exclusively specialize in Parkinson’s Disease (called Movement Disorders Specialists). India now has an exclusive society for movement disorders, called Movement Disorders Society of India, which is making impact globally. During the last 10 years, exclusive research groups working for Parkinson’s disease have also been formed, like the Parkinson Research Alliance of India (PRAI), to collaborate, understand and possible get breakthroughs for movement disorders.

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Why Eye Allergies are more in summer?

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Authored by: Dr. Seshachalam Nitin MBBS, MS Cataract & Lasik Surgeon, Maxi Vision Eye Hospital Hyderabad

Allergies can affect different parts of the body like the respiratory system and the skin. However the eyes also are commonly affected by allergies which could lead to a myriad variety of symptoms: red, burning, and itchy eyes watering of eyes ropy or clear discharge excessive eye watering foreign body sensation (feeling of sand in the eye) puffiness of eyelids These eye symptoms could also be accompanied by respiratory symptoms like frequent sneezing, colds, runny nose, wheezing and breathing difficulty in asthmatics and also skin rashes in some cases. The main reason behind the increase in allergies is increased Pollen in the air in summer. Pollen are microscopic particles naturally released from plants and trees during this season. Some people are hypersensitive to this pollen, which when inhaled by them, causes their immune system to trigger a defensive response in the form of antibodies and chemicals like histamine that triggers the typical symptoms described above.

* LIMIT ALLERGEN EXPOSURE Pollen, dust mites, mold, etc are the common allergens encountered in our environment.

* The use of sunglasses outdoors and masks (thank you covid protocols) can go a long way in reducing exposure to these.

* Pollen levels are highest in the mornings and evenings and movement outdoors can be prevented at these times if possible.

* Also staying away from pollutants like automobile exhausts, cigarette smoke, etc. helps to prevent triggering symptoms.

* Frequent vacuuming, changing bed linen more frequently, use of HEPA filters or air conditioning with proper air filtration can limit our exposure to the triggers Indoors.

* People with pets have to be extra careful in this regard.

* Contact lens users have to be extra careful as the surface of the lens can attract and accumulate allergens making your symptoms worse.

Ideally, avoid the use of lenses and switch over to glasses. If unavoidable, try to use daily disposable lenses. NO EYE RUBBING This is very important as rubbing our eyes causes the release of histamine, which in turn causes more itching and thus becomes a vicious cycle. The easiest way is to use an ice pack over the eyes whenever they feel itchy. Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and place it over closed eyelids for at least 5 mins. This goes a long way in reducing redness and itchiness. Another issue with eye rubbing is that it introduces allergens around the eye and nose and therefore has to be avoided.

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Behavioural change in society is the key to reducing gender disparity: Panelists at Womens Day Panel Discussion on Gender Equality hosted bySOS Childrens Villages of India

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11 March, 2022: Gender gap can be reduced only through significant behavioural change in society, concluded panelists at a discussion on the topic of Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow Breaking Stereotypes, organised by SOS Childrens Villages of India, on the occasion of International Womens Day. This behavioral change should begin with treating girls and boys equally, investing in the education of the girl child, reskilling/upskilling women for productive employment, enabling womens participation in the labour force and encouraging more women in leadership positions.

SOS Childrens Villages of India held a virtual panel discussion, streamed live on the official Facebook handle of the organisation. The esteemed panelists at the discussion included: Mr. Sumanta Kar, Secretary General, SOS Childrens Villages of India; Ms. Radha Raturi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttarakhand; Ms. Ira Singhal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Divisional Commissioner, Delhi; Ms. Neeru Ahuja, Partner, Deloitte India; Ms. Shyama Jain, SOS Mother; Ms. Chandramma, Caregiver, Family Strengthening Programme. Panelists shared their lifes journey of empowerment, which served as a motivation. The interaction focused on the challenges faced by women and the possible solutions.

While India guarantees equality through its constitution, it does remain a significant challenge. Gender inequality leads to severe discrimination against the girl child, which manifest itself in various forms such as female infanticide, child marriage, child mortality, lack of access to education etc. The solution to gender inequality has to come from families and society, who should invest in the education of the girl child and empower them to build a better future.

Ms. Radha Raturi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttarakhand, urged society to work towards gender equality. We have political equality. The Indian constitution treats women equally. We have had the right to vote in elections since 1952. The real problem is social inequality, she said. Raturi spoke at length about discrimination against the girl child, be it female feticide or child marriage. There is still a lot of difference between sons and daughters. Society puts pressure on women to give birth to a male child, especially if it is the second child. In India, about 40% of girls under the age of 13 years are forced into marriage. Maternal mortality rate is high because of child marriage, she said, adding that behavioural change is the answer to gender inequality. It needs to begin with us. Women need to develop confidence. We have to learn to speak out, she said.

Ms. Ira Singhal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Divisional Commissioner, Delhi, encouraged women to shed their limitations. As a woman and as someone with disabilities, I faced many biases and I learned to do extra hard work to achieve my goals. I do not believe in boundaries. If you do not accept that there are limitations, you can achieve a lot, she said. Singhal holds the distinction of becoming the first differently-abled woman to top the civil services exam.

Mr Sumanta Kar, Secretary General, SOS Childrens Villages of India, initiated the panel discussion, by talking about the challenges faced by women during the pandemic. Women played a critical role during the pandemic in taking care of children. There was a break in the education of children and with limited access to online education, it was a difficult time for both caregivers and children. Caregivers and mothers stepped up to face challenges and ensured that children did not suffer from mental health issues because of the lockdown. It was a difficult time for mothers and caregivers because many of them either lost their jobs or saw a reduction in their salaries. The loss of employment highlighted the need to skill and re-skill women to prepare them for the post-pandemic workforce. We at SOS Childrens Villages of India have been focusing our efforts on skilling and re-skilling women and girls, so that we can prepare them for better employment opportunities. Besides this, we focus our initiatives on empowering caregivers, he said.

Ms. Neeru Ahuja, Partner, Deloitte India, who has 25 years of experience in the tax industry, encouraged women to speak and express their creativity, Women tend to be shy and modest. We need to speak up more and share our ideas with our seniors, she said. Ahuja believes that women gain significant skills through parenting that make them good leaders at the office too. Mothers bring a special set of skills to the workplace be it nurturing talent, managing budgets, multi-tasking, resourcefulness etc. There are some areas that women are naturally good at and we need to build upon our strengths. But the one area that we all need to improve upon is in being more vocal about our idea, she added.

Ms. Shyama Jain, SOS Mother, talked about her journey as a woman and an SOS Mother. Shyama, who has spent 33 years at SOS Childrens Villages of India highlighted the importance of education and mutual respect. She has raised 40 children, most of whom settled well, while the others are still studying. As an SOS Mother, Shyama made sure that there remains no difference between boys and girls during their upbringing. Besides this, Shyama reiterated the importance of behavioural change for the reduction of the gender gap.

Ms. Chandramma, a caregiver, mentioned about the challenges she faced as a child and a woman, which equipped her to help weave plausible solutions for the women she came across as part of the Family Strengthening Programme. She knows six languages, which help her connect with people faster and better; she has been a part of a Self-Help Group since 2014, and has empowered 68 families towards self-reliance. Her own life has been a constant struggle. Her husband passed away 8 months ago. Her son studies in the 7th grade. Having received minimal support during most of her life, she understands the distress vulnerable women and their children face. Her journey of empowerment that began with the Family Strengthening Programme of SOS Childrens Villages of India in 2014 has served her well, enabling her to be an Ambassador of Change for many.

Mr Sumanta Kar concluded the panel discussion by stating that gender equality can only see long-term sustenance if behavioural change is initiated at an individual level. “It is important to equip girls with education and skills; alongside, it is vital to inculcate respect for women and girls in boys, he said.

For more information, please visit: https://www.soschildrensvillages.in

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