Public Health

As the fear of bird flu looms over Bangalore, here are some facts that one ought to know: What is bird flu?Flu stands for influenza, a viral infection caused by the flu virus. And bird flu is ‘flu occurring in birds'. Depending on minor differences on the genetic make up of the virus, influenza virus is of type A, B and C. The current outbreak is caused by a subtype of influenza A, known as H5N1.If it is an infection of birds, why should humans be worried?Humans can catch bird flu directly through close contact with live infected birds. It…

An interesting way to urge four-wheeler users to burn more calories and less fuel. And of course reduce emissions, traffic, noise et al. Evangelical Social Action Forum, a Bangalore based NGO in association with Healthbridge Foundation of Canada launched their annual campaign to urge car passengers to rest their vehicles for a day at least. Between22nd September (International Car Free Day) and 4th October, 2012, the organizations are having awareness and signature campaigns at different colleges, private firms, malls, apartment complexes, bookstores and other places in Bangalore to approach those who travel by car to consider going by public transport…

Over 40 people comprising students, food-rights activists, members of I-Cycle, Bangalore Bikers Club and more, took part in a cycle rally for Safe Food on August 19th, Sunday. The rally started at Cubbon Park, went through Brigade Road, Garuda mall up to Lalbagh before returning. The participants were nourished by a specially cooked organic lunch from ‘In The Pink,’ an organic food restaurant located on Bannerghatta Road. All set to ride. Pic: Maitreyi Ananth The event which was organised by India For Safe food and it started at 11.30am  from the Victoria statue at Cubbon Park. With placards strapped on…

In a landmark decision, A S Sadashivaiah, Chairman, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), has directed BBMP and Ramky Infrastructure Pvt ltd, the private operator of landfill, to immediately stop dumping waste in Mavallipura landfill. This comes a week after BBMP handed over an acceptance letter to Ramky for setting up a power plant which produce power out of waste at Mavallipura landfill. Combust making technology at Mavallipura landfill. Pic: Sankar C G “Stop the supply of waste by BBMP to the Mavallipura Landfill site, at survey number eight, Hesaraghatta Hobli, Bangalore North, immediately till the entire accumulated waste is…

Water is the elixir of life. But according to World Health Organisation, nearly 1.8 million people die every year due to water-borne diseases. What are these diseases that we need to be careful about? The diseases range from gastritis, diarrhoea, jaundice, polio, amoebiasis, tapeworm infest ation, hydatid disease of liver, intestine, and lungs, worms to cholera, typhoid, and so on. Pic: Wikimediacommons Vomiting, and loose motions, if persistent, lead to electrolyte imbalance and can even be fatal. Cholera is another waterborne disease which can lead to epidemics and large number of deaths. The causes of these diseases are unsafe water,…

 At Casa Ansal, on Bannerghatta Road, opposite Shoppers' Stop, residents are deeply unhappy over their inability to do anything about the illegal garbage dump that seems to have come to stay, right against their compound wall. "The tip was in one of the side roads of the Mini Forest," says Suresh, the manager of the apartment, "where it was at least on common property." Then, for no known reason (though the residents opine that it was at the behest of the house-owners on the two roads of the Mini Forest), the garbage dump was shifted to the side wall of the Casa…

Every human being has the power to make a difference. 'Living Beyond Life' started with one such thought. It is a project to get the option of organ donation introduced on Driving License (DL) cards. When I first saw my brother’s US driving license, I found organ donation option mentioned in it. I too wanted to pledge my organs but did not know how. I took this up as a project, to get organ donation introduced as an option on DLs. There is huge demand for organs in India, for transplant. One of the best ways to reach out to…

A person talking about futility of life or inability to face stress should be taken seriously. Steps to prevent suicides have to be taken at different levels. At community level, it includes education, destigmatising psychiatric illness, screening and treatment. Education includes individual and public awareness, professional awareness and counseling. At the family level, love, understanding and support can help people cope.Earliest signs of depression or any other psychiatric disorder should be taken seriously and treated. Any mention of suicidal thought or talk should not be ignored. Teachers, counselors and parents have to join hands to detect earliest signs of childen…

Doctors and officials of BBMP Health Committee conducted an inspection on 3 January 2012.   Inspection at Kanti Sweets They visited Kanti Sweets production unit in Industrial Town of Rajajinagar. The owner was advised to maintain hygienic conditions in the unit and to use proper quality of food products while preparing sweets. They asked the workers to wear gloves and aprons while working. The owner was asked to provide insurance cover to the workers. Officials at Sita Ice-creams They also visited Sita Ice-creams Pvt Ltd to inspect the unit condition. It was found that several colors and flavors were being…

Very urgent, just 20 hours to go.... Amit Gupta, an Indian entrepreneur in Newyork, a friend and a kind soul needs a bone marrow match for a Peripheral Blood Stem cells donation and you can help.If you live in Bangalore India, chances are you can help not only Amit, but the many, many other people around the world. South Asians have a dramatically lower chance of finding a match in the worldwide bone marrow registries than other populations. While this is a big and often tragic problem, it's one that can be fixed!So what can you do? Get to the nearest…