Health

One who always serves and respects elderly is blessed with four things : Long Life, Wisdom, Fame and Power" Manusmriti Chapter 2:121 The advances in healthcare means that individuals live longer. The rising percentage of elderly population, however has its own challenges. Elderly population is projected to rise from 8% to 25% by 2025. Amongst those older than 60 years, 10% are bedridden and 10% are hospitalised at any given time. Where as among those above 70, more than 50% suffer from one or more chronic conditions. (Source: Ingle & Nath , Iindian Journal of Community Medicine, Oct 2008) 60th…

When I first heard about the magical properties of Aloe Vera, I was unprepared for the absolute bitter taste of the product which wouldn’t leave my mouth for at least 15 mins! I went ahead and swallowed it anyway, telling myself it is medicinal and good for so many of my medical problems. I am so glad I stuck with it. Today after one year of taking 50 ml of Aloe Vera on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, I can vouch for it. My aches and pains are reduced considerably, my skin is glowing and my hair…

The term emergency is derived from Latin emergere (e-, "from," and mergere, "to dip, plunge") and mean "unforeseen occurrence." However , it is in our interest to foresee emergencies , be prepared. This consists of : awareness of emergencies likely to occur, in special situations, or in special segments like children and elderly. The dos and don'ts are particularly relevant. Emergencies may not give sufficient time to reach Doctor/Hospital, and the response of person at scene can make all difference between life and death. You too can save a life. Emergencies at home can be classified as those arising out…

The lapses observed at the time of Surprise Visit made to Victoria Hospital, Bangalore on 24 May 2011. During the time of visit attendance register of Doctors and other Staff members was verified. Out of 173 Doctors 73 Doctors were found to be absent. At the time of visit only 15 Doctors were present and the remaining 82 Doctors attended the duty after prescribed time. 03 Doctors went on leave. It was directed to issue notice to the absente Doctors and to call for their explanation. It was directed to cut one day salary to the Doctors who were un-authorized…

Doctors are wary of asking someone a simple question like "How are you?" in a social gathering. The reason is, the moment this question is asked , the person starts off with all his medical complaints. The doctor is definitely not interested in professional consultation in social get together. Strangely enough, when the same person goes to a doctor's chamber, he is not so forthcoming. Often the doctor has to ask probing questions to get the symptoms out of patient. The result in both cases is dissatisfaction. It is so easy to blame the doctor. However, it stands to reason…

Healthcare has always been in a state of dynamic flux. The good old family physician has been replaced by specialists and super-specialists. The chances of finding a family physician in Bangalore are just as hard as finding a home sparrow. Nursing homes have been swamped by corporate and private hospitals. Government hospitals are patronised mostly by those who cannot afford private treatment. On the other hand medical insurance is plagued by issues related to Third Party Administrators (TPAs) and inflated bills. New concepts in healthcare have emerged: Preventive Healthcare, Corporate Healthcare, and Home Healthcare. Suddenly, there has been a shift…

As the summer sets in and college students, who are the primary donors of blood, concentrate on their exams and entrance tests, we have seen in the past that the stock position of blood dwindles rapidly in Hospitals / Blood Banks during the months of March, April and June. We can jointly do something to overcome this. You can help us to organize blood donation drives at Bangalore either in Corporates, Offices, Factories, Residential Areas, Places of Worship, Colleges, Alumini Groups of Colleges, any other Groups, Associations or Clubs. We, from Lions Club of Bangalore Sanjaynagar can co-ordinate and hold…

For most of us, our domestic help are critical to managing our household work better and many of us recognise their importance. We also wish their wellbeing and often, we try to help them by contributing, over & above monthly wages, with tea, food, old clothes, festival gifts etc. Sushila Amma with her Insurance card (left) with Urjita Lolla. Pic courtesy: Urgita Lolla. However, not many of us are well aware of the major difficulty they face in managing their and their family’s health care. Since the conditions under which they live, make them easily susceptible to illness and they…

Excerpts from a recent conversation that Citizen Matters had with Shanti Raghavan (SR) and Dipesh Sutariya (DS), the enthusiastic, committed and unassuming co-founders of EnAble India. This 11 year old non-profit, NGO based in Koramangala is famous for its employment assistance services to those with mental, physical, visual and auditory challenges. Enable India co-founder Dipesh Sutariya. Pic: Pushpa Achanta. Shanti Raghavan was awarded the best individual working for the cause of persons with disabilities by the ministry of social justice and empowerment on December 3rd on world disability day, this year. Can you trace your journey from working in the…

Zooni*, a 20-year-old resident of Yeshwantpur and a sex worker "by chance and not by choice," as she puts it, is a typical example of a woman who was driven into the sex trade as a result of being caught in a bad marriage. Public pledge to end AIDS, displayed at Bhoruka Charitable Trust's testing centre. BCT is an NGO funded by KSAPS. Pic: Deepa Ranganathan. Married at the age of 17, Zooni was impregnated by her husband, whom she describes as "a drunkard," months after their marriage. He abandoned her last year, but has continued to demand sex and…