Wednesday 30 December 2015

Health Ministry and the Indian Medical Association to form a joint working group to discuss, deliberate and find solutions to the major Indian healthcare concerns

Health Ministry and the Indian Medical Association to form a joint working group to discuss, deliberate and find solutions to the major Indian healthcare concerns 
Shri JP Nadda announces the formation of the working committee during his address during IMA’s annual conference the NATCON 2015
New Delhi December 29, 2015: Marking a historic moment for the Indian Medical Association, Shri JP Nadda - Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, GOI announced that the health ministry with support of the Indian Medical Association will form a first of its kind working committee to evaulaute and address the major healthcare problems in our country. He asked the IMA leaders for their expertise and help to fight the major health battles being faced by the Indian population during his address at IMA’s annual Central Council meeting the NATCON 2015.

Speaking about this achievement, Dr. S.S Agarwal – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal, Honorary Secretary General of IMA in a joint statement said, “Never in the history of the IMA has a joint committee of this nature been formed between the IMA and Government of India. We are extremely hopeful that together we will be able to find effective solutions to major healthcare issues being faced in our country. Some of these include the high prevalence of water and food borne diseases, increase in percentage of women smokers, epidemics nature of diseases such as dengue and swine flu as well as the incidence of lifestyle diseases in people as early as in their late twenties and thirties.”

In addition to this, Dr. Mahesh Sharma - Minister of State for Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation also announced that he is in the porcess of setting up a Medical Tourism and Wellness Board of which the IMA will be a prominent member. They will together work towards strengthening and defining the in respect to medical tourism in India 

Sh Hansraj Gangaram Ahir - Hon’ble Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers GOI announced that he will be bringing three device parks in our country for local development of medical devices thereby reducing their costs drastically.

“This will be a great boon for the Indian consumer at large for now medical devices will become more affordable and accessible even to the lower strata of the society. We believe that access to healthcare is a basic fundamental right of each and every Indian citizen under article 21 of the Indian constitution and no person must die of disease just because they cannot afford treatment. We are hopeful that all these partnerships will help IMA achieve its aim of making India a healthier country”, added Dr. KK Aggarwal.
The IMA Central Council meeting was attended by over 1000 and they together discussed over a two day period issues affecting the Indian medical community including the increased cases of violence against doctors, un-warranted media trials, redundant laws that need urgent amendments and the commercialization of the medical practice by its inclusion under the consumer protection act.


On the last day of the conference, Dr. S S Agarwal was sworn in as the new IMA National President for the period of Dec 2015 – Dec 2016 as Dr. A Marthanda Pillai stepped down after the completion of his term. 

Indian Medical Association confers Dr. Mahendra Rai Saxena with the Dr. MG Garg All Time Achievement Award

Indian Medical Association confers Dr. Mahendra Rai Saxena with the Dr. MG Garg All Time Achievement Award
- Award ceremony held during IMA’s Annual National Conference – NATCON 2015

Kota, December 30, 2015: Indian Medical Association, the only representative voluntary organization of doctors of modern scientific system of medicine in India, conferred Kota-based pediatrician Dr. Mahendra Rai Saxena with the Dr. MG Garg All Time Achievement Award on Sunday. The award was presented at IMA's Annual National Conference the NATCON 2015, which was attended, by over 1000 of its Central Council members. 

Presenting the award was none other than country leader Sh Hansraj Gangaram Ahir - Hon’ble Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers, GOI.

An alumnus of the prestigious MGM Medical College in Indore, Dr. Mahendra Rai Saxena is a pediatrician who has dedicated himself to helping children belonging to the economically weaker sections of the society. Before retirement, he held the position of a Deputy Controller at the M.B.S Hospital in Kota. He played an instrumental role in establishing a full-fledged pediatrics division at the hospital.  For this first 32 years of his private practice, Dr. Saxena charged his patients a nominal fee of Rs.5 from those who could afford treatment and provided free consultations to those who could not.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahendra Rai Saxena said, "It is a great honor to receive the Dr. MG Garg All Time Achievement Award. I am thankful to the entire leadership of the Indian Medical Association for bestowing me with this.  I firmly believe that each and every individual has the fundamental right to lead a healthy life, and it is with this belief that I have dedicated most of my life to helping those in need and will continue to do so till my last breath.

Congratulating Dr. Saxena, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA said, "It is not every day that you see people dedicating their entire life to helping the less fortunate. I believe that Dr. Saxena is deserving of this award, and I congratulate him for the many years of his life that he has dedicated to the cause of helping the less fortunate children. I urge each and every doctor to spend some of his/her hours giving back to the society. A collective effort can help save numerous lives”.

Before completing his specialization degree, Dr. Saxena also served as General Physician and Orthopedic surgeon for several years. In the year 1970, he conducted the highest number of Vasectomies - 1370 in the Kota District. Dr. Saxena is a life member of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics.





                                                          

Day 2 of IMA’s 76th annual Central Council meet graced by dignitaries such as Dr. Jitendra Singh, Sh Hansraj Gangaram Ajir, Sh JP Nadda and Dr. Mahesh Sharma

Day 2 of IMA’s 76th annual Central Council meet graced by dignitaries such as Dr. Jitendra Singh, Sh Hansraj Gangaram Ajir, Sh JP Nadda and Dr. Mahesh Sharma
Leaders address and debate under one single roof, the essential healthcare issues being faced by both doctors and the public in our country
Dr S.S Agarwal takes over as the new President of the Indian Medical Association for the year Dec 2015-2016
New Delhi December 28, 2015: The second day of the NATCON 2015, the Indian Medical Association’s annual Central Council meeting organized by the Delhi Medical Association saw the presence of country leaders including Dr Jitendra Singh - Hon’ble Minister of Atomic Energy, Space & PMO GOI, Sh Hansraj Gangaram Ahir - Hon’ble Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers, GOI, Sh J P Nadda – Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, GOI and Dr Mahesh Sharma -  Minister of State for Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation.
Together with the 1000 Central Council members of IMA, they deliberated and addressed issues affecting the Indian medical community including the increased cases of violence against doctors, un-warranted media trials, redundant laws that need urgent amendments and the commercialization of the medical practice by its inclusion under the consumer protection act.
Dr. S S Agarwal was sworn in as the new IMA National President for the period of Dec 2015 – Dec 2016 as Dr. A Marthanda Pillai stepped down after the completion of his term. Dr. KK Aggarwal will continue to serve as the Honorary Secretary General of the IMA for the upcoming year.
Taking his oath as the new IMA National President, Dr. S.S. Agarwal said, “It is indeed a proud moment for me to take on the post of the IMA National President. I understand the immense responsibility that this comes with, and I assure each and every one of you that I will over the next one year work with uttermost dedication and honesty and work towards strengthening the Indian medical fraternity of our country.”
Congratulating Dr. S.S. Agarwal on his new role, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai, Past President IMA and Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal continuing Honorary Secretary General of IMA in a joint statement said, "We congratulate Dr. SS Agarwal on his new role as the National President of IMA for the upcoming year and hope that together we can work towards ending the increasing cases of violence against doctors and bring back the nobility of the profession as was there in the earlier days.
In his statement, Dr Jitendra Singh - Hon’ble Minister of Atomic Energy, Space & PMO GOI said, "I congratulate team IMA for the work it is doing towards addressing the critical healthcare issues of our country".
Adding to this, Sh Hansraj Gangaram Ahir - Hon’ble Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers, GOI said, "The nature of work being done by the IMA is commendable, and I wish the new team all the best for the coming term".
Addressing the audience, Sh J P Nadda – Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare, GOI said, “We condemn the increasing cases of violence against doctors in India and are working together with the iMA to find ways to reduce these.“
Commenting on the nobility of the medical profession, Dr. Mahesh Sharma -  Minister of State for Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation said, "Doctors work tirelessly towards saving lives, and each one of us must respect the profession. Cases of medical negligence must be handled by the court of law and violence should be eliminated from the equation."
Other notable speakers who interacted with the doctors included Sh. B.S. Bassi – Commissioner of Police Delhi, Mr. Nalin Kohli – political influencer and media personality and Dr. Ved Prakash Mishra, Chief Advisor, DMIMS. 

Indian Medical Association confers Dr. Madhu Kant with the IMA Community Service Award

Indian Medical Association confers Dr. Madhu Kant with the IMA Community Service Award
- Award ceremony held during IMA’s Annual National Conference – NATCON 2015

Faridabad, December 30, 2015: Indian Medical Association, the only representative voluntary organization of doctors of modern scientific system of medicine in India, conferred Faridabad-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Madhu Kant with the IMA Community Service Award on Sunday. The award was presented at IMA's Annual National Conference the NATCON 2015, which was attended, by over 1000 of its Central Council members. 

Presenting the award was Sh Hansraj Gangaram Ahir - Hon’ble Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilisers, GOI and Dr A Marthanda Pillai National President IMA.

An alumnus of the prestigious MGIMS Sewagram, Dr. Madhu Kant is an orthopedic surgeon who along with his practice has dedicated himself to helping physically challenged children suffering from poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy and congenital deformities of the limbs- especially for the lower limbs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Madhu Kant said, "It is a great honor to receive the IMA Community Service Award. I am thankful to the entire leadership of the Indian Medical Association for bestowing me with this. The ability to move around freely is one of the biggest gifts of human nature. However often birth defects, diseases, and accidents leave people physically challenged. Often a simple surgery or the use of prosthetics can restore their mobility and enable to live a normal and healthy life. However, a large section of the Indian population continues to suffer due to their inability to afford treatment. I firmly believe that each and every individual has the fundamental right to lead a healthy life, and it is with this belief that I try and help give a new life to as many patients as I can.”

Congratulating Dr. Kant, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA said, "It is not every day that you see people dedicating their time and efforts towards helping the less fortunate. I believe that Dr. Kant is deserving of this award, and I congratulate him for the many years of his life that he has dedicated to the cause of helping physically challenged children. I urge each and every doctor to spend some of his hours giving back to the society. A collective effort can help save numerous lives.

Since 1987, Dr. Madhu Kant has provided free surgery to over 5000 children. In the initial years, he was associated with the NGO - Delhi Council for Child Welfare. As a part of their team, he would travel around urban villages of Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan in a mobile dispensary and conduct free check up camps and surgeries.





                                                          

Wednesday 23 December 2015

The day after Christmas is hazardous for your heart

December 26th is historically one of the most dangerous days of the year for people vulnerable to cardiac problems, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death and heart failure.

Studies indicate that heart-related deaths increase by nearly 5% during holidays, perhaps because patients delay seeking treatment for heart attacks and also because hospital staffing patterns change. The study found quiet ER on Christmas Day with a sudden surge on December 26. It was also found that daily visits to hospitals for heart failure increased by 33% during the four days after Christmas. 

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said. “The tendency to over-indulge during the winter and festive months can have severe health implications on people. It is important to educate people about the importance of following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise and staying away from alcohol for a healthy heart. It is essential that people limit the consumption of food high in trans fats, sugar and salt and replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables to stay healthy”.

Winter is anyway known to be notorious for heart attacks, heart failures, and arrhythmias. Cold weather is hard on the heart. Blood vessels constrict, which raises blood pressure. Blood also clots more readily. Frigid temperatures increase strain on the heart, and too much physical exertion can worsen the burden and trigger a heart attack. Alcohol if consumed in excessive amount during Christmas can trigger atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heartbeat. If it persists, atrial fibrillation can end up with stroke.


But cold weather isn't the only culprit. After Christmas Day, many people confuse the signs of a heart attack -- like shortness of breath or chest pains -- with indigestion from a heavy dinner.  If you're having a heart attack, studies show that you must not wait longer than 12 hours to be treated. It is essential if people at high risk of heart attacks notice any unusual symptoms; they consult their doctor to rule out any emergency.

Tuesday 22 December 2015

2016 to witness a switch from trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine to bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine


New Delhi, Dec 21, 2015: In routine immunization babies will get bOPV and not tOPV from 25th April and at third dose of oral polio vaccine (OPV) they will also be administered an injection with inactivated polio vaccine (IPV)

By that date all vaccines having three types of polioviruses will be destroyed. Type 2 virus will also be destroyed in all laboratories (except Pune Virology Institute ) to eliminate the chances of its spread again. The efficacy of bOPV will be five times that of tOPV because there will be only two viruses in the vaccine.

Type 3 virus would be removed from the vaccine as next step because not a single case of this virus had been reported from anywhere in the world during the past two years. By 2020 OPV will be completely stopped and only Inactivated Polio Vaccine, which is a dead virus, will be used all over the world.

IPV and OPV together can provide additional protection to a child. The last polio case was reported in India in 2011. India was certified polio-free on 27 March 2014, but the immunization programme continues since two of its neighbors (Pakistan and Afghanistan) remain polio-endemic and due to the threat of vaccine-derived polio. Since 2009, India has witnessed 41 cases of Vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV), including two such cases in 2014

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, “A switch to bivalent is necessary as in settings with low immunization coverage, live vaccine virus used in Oral polio vaccines (OPV) can multiply for long and undergo mutations to gain neuro-virulence. This VDPV can cause paralysis and circulate in the community to cause outbreaks. Vaccine-associated paralytic polio (VAPP) is a rare but serious adverse event following OPV administration. VAPP tends to occur in both OPV recipients and their unimmunized contacts”.

Currently, two types of polio vaccines are mainly used in National health programs in India. The trivalent OPV (tOPV) contains live attenuated polioviruses of all three serotypes ( 1,2,3). Bivalent OPV (bOPV) contains two serotypes of live attenuated poliovirus (type 1 and 3). More than 90% VDPV cases in India are caused by type 2 virus.

OPV was preferred over IPV for public health programs during pre-eradication period, mainly due to its lower costs and ease of implementation. Now, VAPP and VDPV overwhelmingly outnumber polio due to WPVs, and therefore OPV has to be discontinued as early as feasible, for ethical reasons. It is imperative to eliminate the iatrogenic risk of VAPP at any cost, (in line with the principle of first do no harm).

There is an increased risk of emergence of cVDPVs during the withdrawal of trivalent OPV as the immunity level against type 2 poliovirus will decrease. To prevent such an emergence of VDPV, it is recommended that before this switch population immunity against type 2 polio virus be boosted by introduction of at least one dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) in the UIP. Global OPV2 withdrawal requires the absence of ‘persistent’ cVDPV2 for at least 6 months.

If one dose of IPV is used, it should be given from 14 weeks of age (when maternal antibodies have diminished and immunogenicity is significantly higher), and can be co-administered with an OPV dose. New schedule (three OPV doses + one IPV dose)

Monday 21 December 2015

Your guide to winter depression and its prevention

Your guide to winter depression and its prevention

New Delhi, Dec 20, 2015: SAD or seasonal affective disorder also known as winter depression is characterized by increased sleep (inability to get up in the morning); increased appetite with carbohydrate craving (craving for sweet, sour and salt); marked increase in weight; irritability; interpersonal difficulties (especially rejection sensitivity) and leaden paralysis (heavy, leaden feelings in arms or legs).

Speaking about winter depression, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, “SAD or seasonal affective disorder is caused by the imbalance of serotonin to melatonin ratio in the body. These two chemicals are responsible for regulation of mood and sleep patterns. The shorter days and lesser sunlight during the winter season lead to increased melatonin and lowered serotonin levels that lead to depression. But to manage these chemicals or the disorder one must be exposed to sunlight or artificial light. Sunlight is the best remedy as being a natural source it is more effective than any artificial light or drugs. Winter sun exposure is something that everyone should adopt.”

Artificial light exposure is effective but may take 4 to 6 weeks to see a response, although some patients improve within days. Therapy is continued until sufficient daily natural sunlight exposure is available. Therapeutic light therapy is also one option.

In most cases, seasonal affective disorder symptoms appear during late fall or early winter and go away during the sunnier days of spring and summer. However, some people with the opposite pattern have symptoms that begin in spring or summer. In either case, symptoms may start out mild and become more severe as the season progresses.

A few ways in which people can prevent winter depression include:
·         Consume a healthy and balanced diet
·         Staying well hydrated is key during the winter months since it gives you more energy, mental clarity and an enhanced digestive function.
·         Get enough Sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is directly linked to winter depression
·         Get regular outdoor physical exercise
·         Meet people – People have the tendency to isolate themselves from everyone during the winter months. It is extremely important to maintain one’s activity level to avoid depression

·         Do not indulge in evils such as smoking and drinking as it can only put a person at danger of other diseases

Saturday 19 December 2015

Severe Heart Attacks claim more lives of women as opposed to men in a hospital setting

Severe Heart Attacks claim more lives of women as opposed to men in a hospital setting

New Delhi, Dec 19, 2015: During the winters the incidence of heart attacks increase drastically. There are several reasons for this including winter depression, Vitamin D deficiency, as well as an excess consumption of a comfort diet comprising of food high in high trans fat, salt and sugar content.

Additionally, cold temperatures cause the heart arteries to condense thereby restricting the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This often causes a rise in the blood pressure of patients with hypertension or existing cardiovascular disease. The temperature drop also increases the chances of blood clot formation, since blood platelets are more active and stickier in cold temperatures. It is found that there is a 50% increased risk of angina and heart attacks during winters as opposed to other seasons.
Commenting on the topic, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, “It is a known fact that the number of deaths due to heart attacks, cardiac arrests and strokes increase during the winters. However many remain unaware that while men and women have about the same adjusted in-hospital death rate for heart attacks — but women are more likely to die if hospitalized for a more severe type of heart attack.”
According to research, Women are twice as likely as men to die if hospitalized for a type of heart attack known as ST–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Women are also less likely to receive appropriate and timely treatment for heart attack. Women with STEMI have a 12 percent higher relative risk for in–hospital death compared to men.
Compared to men, women are 14 percent less likely to receive early aspirin; 10 percent less likely to receive beta blockers; 25 percent less likely to receive reperfusion therapy (to restore blood flow); 22 percent less likely to receive reperfusion therapy within 30 minutes of hospital arrival; and 13 percent less likely to receive angioplasty within 90 minutes of hospital arrival.
Women admitted with an STEMI are about twice as likely to die in the first 24 hours of hospitalization as men.
A few ways in which people can prevent heart attacks this winter include:
·         Consume a diet rich in both soluble and insoluble fibres
·         Staying well hydrated is key during the winter months since it gives you more energy, mental clarity and an enhanced digestive function.
·         Make an effort to include raw foods such as fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds and fresh herbs in your diet.
·         Get enough Sunlight.

·         Quit smoking! Winter Asthma and respiratory illnesses are very common amongst smokers which also puts them at high risk of heart attacks

Winters may be the cause of your raised cholesterol levels

Winters may be the cause of your raised cholesterol levels

Blood lipid levels may exhibit mild seasonal variation with a peak in total cholesterol level in the winter and a drop in the summer. The variation can be up to 5 mg/dL.

Speaking about the importance of keeping cholesterol levels under control, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, “Blood cholesterol levels are closely related to increased risks of getting heart disease. The higher your blood cholesterol level, the greater your risk for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. Heart disease is one of the leading killers of women and men in the India. For every 10% drop in your cholesterol level, your heart attack risk falls by 20% to 30%. It is thus important to raise awareness about detection of high cholesterol, management and prevention.”
 
Serum total and HDL-cholesterol can be measured in fasting or non-fasting individuals. There are only small clinically insignificant differences in these values when measured in the fasting or non-fasting state.

The total cholesterol can vary by 4 to 11 percent within an individual due to multiple factors including stress, minor illness and posture. Values may also vary between different laboratories, with data suggesting that a single measurement of serum cholesterol can vary as much as 14 percent. Therefore in an individual with “true” serum cholesterol concentration of 200 mg/dL the range of expected values is 172 to 228 mg/dL. More than one measurement of total cholesterol should therefore be obtained when treatment considerations demand a precise determination. Measurement of serum HDL-C and triglycerides may demonstrate even greater variability.

A standard serum lipid profile consists of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL-cholesterol.  Lipid profile should be performed after 12 to 14 hours of fasting to minimize the influence of postprandial hyperlipidemia. One can use either a plasma or serum specimen can be used. The serum cholesterol is approximately 3 percent lower than the plasma value.
A few ways in which people can keep their cholesterol levels in control this winter include:
·         Choose healthy fats. Avoid saturated fats, which increase unhealthy LDL levels, and steer clear of trans fats, which both raise LDL and lower protective HDL. Instead, substitute healthier unsaturated fats found in fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.

·         Go with whole grains. Whole–grain breads, pastas, and cereals help prevent a blood sugar roller coaster and make you feel full longer. Many of these foods contain fiber, which can help lower LDL levels.

·         Make other healthy choices. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Ideally, substitute these for processed foods and sweets. Choose fat–free milk instead of whole milk. Opt for low–fat yogurt and pick brands that are not loaded with sugar.


Thursday 17 December 2015

The health hazards associated with air pollution

The health hazards associated with air pollution

Air pollution is linked to increased rates of morbidity and mortality, in particular from cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. Environmental pollution, especially with high particulate matter PM 2.5 exposure, has also been proved to be linked with an increased prevalence of diabetes.

Research indicates that a decrease in the concentration of the fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) by 10 micrograms per cubic meter is associated with an increased life expectancy of 0.77 year and 15 percent of the overall increase in life expectancy.
                                      
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, “A recent study showed an increased risk of heart attack associated with short-term exposure to a variety of air pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide); the population attributable risk was estimated as 0.6 to 4.5 percent. With the population levels in Delhi at an all time high, it is imperative that awareness is raised about the health hazards of high air pollution levels and necessary steps each one of us must take to stay healthy. People at high risk include those with existing lifestyle diseases, children and the elderly. This group must not stay in densely polluted areas for a long period of time, wear masks and should avoid engaging in strenuous outdoor activities. It is the duty of each and every citizen to work towards reducing the environmental burden of our country.”

Air pollution is also associated with adverse effects on lung development and decreased lung function in children. In children with and without asthma, improvements in air quality (decreased levels of nitrogen dioxide and particular matter) is associated with improvements in both forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity between age 11 and 15.There is a known correlation between levels of air pollution and lung disease, but the association between air pollution and asthma is less clear.

Asthma is related to specific pollutants, while other respiratory diseases are related to total air pollution.
·         The prevalence rates of asthma and atopy are linked with NO2 levels and CO levels. Particulate matter and ozone levels may have no link
·         The prevalence rates of bronchitis are linked to SO2


Pollution has various hazardous effects on a person’s health. It precipitates asthma, heart attacks and COPD.  Pollution is linked to the build up of carbon dioxide leading to global warming, climatic changes, and a multitude of adverse human health outcomes. Release of chlorofluorocarbon gases used in refrigerators destroys the protective ozone layer in the stratosphere, thereby leading to an increase in ultraviolet radiation and skin cancers, particularly melanoma. The time has come for each one of us to make an effort to reduce the environmental burden caused by our day-to-day actions. The future of our civilization lies in each one of our hands.

Wednesday 16 December 2015

Regular exposure to noise pollution increases the risk of heart disease

Regular exposure to noise pollution increases the risk of heart disease

Noise pollution is an often-overlooked source of environmental stress that can raise your risk of serious health conditions, including strokes and heart disease. Noise pollution can result from automobiles – cars, buses and planes – public areas like schools and even within the home.
The World Health Organization suggests that noise pollution is the “most prevalent irreversible occupational hazard.” They estimate 120 million people worldwide are affected by the side effects brought on by noise pollution.
Speaking about the importance of sleep hygiene, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said,” Recent studies are increasingly establishing a strong association between chronic exposure to increased environmental noise levels (traffic noise, noise from low-flying airplanes, loud music) and an increased risk of developing heart disease. This effect is due to stress-related dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to increases in hypertension and subsequent heart disease

A lack of sleep, caused by the traffic noise, can also affect the immune system and metabolism. In many cases, people in the city may not realize their sleep patterns are being thrown off by noise pollution.

The ambient noise standard for residential areas is 55 decibel during the day and 45 decibel at night. 
·         Permissible noise in industrial area is 75 dB in daytime and 70 dB in nighttime.
·         Permissible noise in commercial area is 65 dB in daytime and 55 dB in nighttime.
·         Permissible sound in residential area is 55 dB in daytime and 45 dB in nighttime.
·         Permissible sound in silence zone is 50 dB in daytime and 40 dB in nighttime.
·         Day time shall mean from 6am to 10 pm and nighttime shall mean from 10 pm to 6am.
·         Silence zone are areas up to 100 metres around hospitals, educational institutions and courts.
·         One can complain to the authorities if the noise levels exceed more than 10dB than the allowable limit.
·         High noise levels lead to stress related dis-regulation of the autonomic system leading to high Blood Pressure and Heart Disease.


It is strongly recommended that each one of us do our bit to reduce the noise pollution we create. Patients at a high risk of heart attacks must stay away from very crowded places and should maintain caution during Diwali, not be present in areas.

Friday 11 December 2015

One third of cancer patients in high-income countries are smokers

One third of cancer patients in high-income countries are smokers

Recent research indicates that more than 50% of cancers can be prevented if people simply change their lifestyle. Every year nearly one million new cancer cases are diagnosed in India, the prevalence being 2.5 million. With mortalities of 6,00,000-7,00,000 a year, cancer causes six per cent of all adult deaths in the country.

One of the leading causes of cancer in the world and India is tobacco consumption accounting for about 40 per cent of all cancers in India.  About 275 million Indians (35 per cent of adult population and 14.1 per cent of children aged 13-15 years) are tobacco users.

Being overweight or obese causes approximately 20% of cancers across the globe today. If people could maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI), the incidence of cancer could be reduced by approximately 50% in 2 to 20 years.
Poor diet and lack of exercise are each associated with about 5% of all cancers. Improvement in diet could reduce cancer incidence by 50% and increases in physical activity could reduce cancer incidence by as much as 85% in 5 to 20 years.
Eradicating the main viruses associated with cancer worldwide by implementing widespread infant and childhood immunization programs targeting three viruses — human papillomavirus and hepatitis B and C — could lead to a 100% reduction in viral-related cancer incidence in 20 to 40 years.
Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K K Aggarwal, Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, “The number of deaths due to cancer in our country continues to increase due to lifestyle irregularities. Urgent steps must be taken to raise awareness about the ill effects of tobacco consumption, obesity, increased harm caused by exposure to harmful radiation emitted from mobile phones and other electronic gadgets as well as the result of ozone layer depletion. People must also be encouraged to make changes in their lifestyle as a step towards cancer prevention. They can do this by quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating a healthy and balanced diet and exercising regularly. The government must also take adequate steps towards reducing the environmental pollution as well as enforcing stricter laws against smoking in public places."
It has also been found that:
·         Tamoxifen reduces the rate of both invasive and noninvasive breast cancer by 50% or more, compared with placebo, at 5 years. Raloxifene has been shown to reduce the risk for invasive breast cancer by about 50% at 5 years.
·         Bilateral oophorectomy in women carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, although rare, has been associated with a 50% reduction in breast cancer risk among high-risk women.
·         Aspirin is associated with a 40% reduction in mortality from colon cancer.
·         Screening for colorectal cancer has a similar magnitude of mortality reduction (30% to 40%).

Prevention is always better than cure and awareness generation is the first step in this direction

Thursday 10 December 2015

Environmental pollution linked to the high prevalence of diabetes in our country

Environmental pollution linked to the high prevalence of diabetes in our country

With air pollution at an all time high in our city, it is becoming crucial that immediate steps are taken to reduce the environmental burden. Pollution has various hazardous effects on a person’s health. It precipitates asthma, heart attacks and COPD. Recent research has also proved that environmental pollution, especially with high particulate matter PM 2.5 exposure, is linked with diabetes.

Any particulate matter of less than 2.5 micro m3 in size can get absorbed from respiratory system, enter into the blood and release pro–inflammatory products leading to endothelial dysfunction and resultant diabetes and heart disease.

As per WHO, the content of PM2.5 in the air should be less than 10 μg/m3. However in India the levels are always more than 60 μg/m3. In fact an 60 μg/m3 PM2.5 concentration has been accepted as normal in India. That means that an Indian is already six times more exposed to PM2.5 particulate as opposed to his western counterpart. In India, we find values as high as 300–400 μg/m3 in selected areas on a daily basis. Constant exposure to PM 2.5 particulates leads to endothelial dysfunction, one of the major factors for the increasing diabetics in the country.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K K Aggarwal, Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, “ Air Pollution is a modifiable risk factor for development of diabetes in our country. People with a history of diabetes in the family, at high risk of the disease must take necessary steps to protect themselves from the harmful air by restricting their outdoor exertion levels. They must also ensure that they keep a check on their diet and get regular exercise especially during early mornings when the air is said to be purer. There is a dire need to raise awareness about the need to reduce environmental pollution in our country. The air we presently breathe is extremely harmful for patients with existing lifestyle diseases, the young and the elderly and it is the responsibility of each citizen to reverse this.”
To prevent oneself from diabetes, it is advised that one should avoid eating refined carbohydrates, omit carbohydrates 80 days in a year from diet and avoid exposure to high PM2.5 pollution matter (which can be checked from the official governmental website), exercise more and try to eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables which are live, locally grown and seasonal.


Tuesday 1 December 2015

HIV and AIDS remain a major social taboo in India

A World AIDS Day initiative

HIV and AIDS remain a major social taboo in India

A UN report shows that India has the third-highest number of people living with HIV infection in the world accounting for about 4 out of 10 people suffering from the infection in Asia

New Delhi, 1stDecember 2015: In a country as diverse and as large as India is, it is possible for the population to contact innumerable moderate to severe diseases and infections. One of the most dangerous being HIV/AIDS. More than 2.1 million people continue to be affected by this deadly virus in the country despite the mass awareness campaigns run by the government. What makes it worse is the social taboo that is associated with the disease often forcing patients to keep the disease hidden from others.

To simply understand, HIV and AIDS, both terms are often used together but are different. HIV or Human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks and destroys white blood cells or T Lymphocytes in the immune system making the human body prone to all types of diseases, cancer germs and bacteria. HIV can be transmitted from one person to another a person comes in a direct contact with the mucous membrane or the bloodstream of the infected person.

On the other hand, AIDS develops when condition, which occurs in the advanced stages of HIV infection. Ends up with a diseases develops with low immunity

Raising awareness about the disease, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai – National President and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal, Honorary Secretary General, IMA and President, HCFI said, “HIV/AIDS continue to affect a large number of population despite the mass awareness campaigns, availability of various state-of-the-art medical interventions, and evolving technology. It’s because of the social stigma that our society has associated with the disease; people continue to avoid routine check-ups. It is important to educate the masses about the various disease prevention measures along with the fact that people with HIV can live a normal life. The government and various healthcare associations must also ensure the availability of condoms in smaller cities and towns where the disease is more rampant. "


Causes of HIV/AIDS:

·         Sexual Transmission: An individual can contact HIV/AIDS if he comes in sexual contact or with a person who is already infected with HIV through sexual secretions like rectal, genital or oral mucous membranes. It happens when two individuals indulge in unprotected sex or shares any object (sex toys) with a person who is infected.

·         Perinatal transmission: A child can come in contact with the HIV during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

·         Blood Transmission: Contacting HIV through bloodstream and blood transfusion is although rare, can still happen despite staunch screening and precautionary measures. And one of the most common causes of this is sharing and reusing syringes contaminated with HIV. Additionally, individuals who use tattoo syringes without necessary precaution can also spread the infection.
To fully understand the nature of the diseases, it is important to know about the myths associated with HIV/AIDS. One of the biggest confusion is related to the transmission of the HIV/AIDS virus. HIV/AIDS cannot be transmitted by casually coming in contact with an already infected person through gestures like shaking hands, hugging an individual, kissing, sneezing, touching, using the same toilet, sharing clothes and towels, sharing the same cutlery or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
Early identification is the key to better prevention and management of the disease. Some of the common symptoms of the HIV/AIDS include fever, shivering, persisting pain in joints and muscles, sore throat, sweating in the night, enlargement of the glands, red rashes on the body, fatigue, weakness and weight loss ( to be removed as unexplained)

HIV/AIDS can be diagnosed with the help of a blood test. And if that blood test comes positive, an individual is advised to do follow up for the blood tests to be sure that the person is HIV positive. If that is the case, the person is suggested to undergo several other tests to see how far the disease has progressed for the suitable treatment. In cases where an individual comes in contact with an infected person, it is advised that he should take up the tests at the earliest.


 As per 2015 recommendation every HIV Positive person should be started an anti HIV drug at diagnosis.








Sunday 29 November 2015

IMA opposes the ART bill; feels it is not community friendly

IMA opposes the ART bill; feels it is not community friendly

Medical experts from around the world are vigorously working on enhancing human reproductive science by devising alternative ways to ease and diversify the existing options. As a result, it has become possible for childless couples and single parents to experience the joys of parenthood. ART comes as a ray of hope to the 15 million infertile couples residing in India. The concept has become extremely popular in the country over the past decade with childless couples flocking infertility clinics for options such as IVF and surrogacy.

In the wake of its growing popularity, there is no denying that a staunch and well-worked regulation is needed to supervise the functioning of thousands of IVF clinics. However the ART Bill scheduled to be tabled in the parliament lacks a humanistic approach. The Bill tries to address the prevailing problems by restricting the availability of ART options to a certain section of the population. In addition to this, it also puts stringent rules on IVF clinics, which in reality are not practical and will only cause an increase in the number of cases of violence and unwarranted legal suits against them.

Keeping this in mind the Indian Medical Association along with eight partner associations have together raised a strong opposition to the ART bill on six primary grounds. They have together initiated a petition, which has already been signed by over 7000 doctors.

Expressing the concern, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. A Marthanda Pillai –National President IMA and Padma Shri Awardee Dr. KK Aggarwal, Honorary Secretary General, IMA and President, HCFI said, “The proposed ART Bill has a number of loopholes, one of them being that it bars foreign couples from opting for surrogacy procedure in India. It also remains silent on laws for single parents and same sex couples. Restricting the services to a section of the society is not community friendly and we at Indian Medical Association feel that major revisions are needed before the act is implemented. The need of the hour is for a liberal and ethical ART law, which keeps a check on any exploitation by untrained and non-medical personnel while allowing trained IVF experts to function autonomously. The Act should be formulated in consultation with leading stakeholders like the IMA, ISAR, FOGSI, IFS, INSTAR, FPS (I) , USI and other such organizations which are representative of the masses and experts in the field”.

The six amendments required in the current bill as demanded by the IMA and key stakeholders including Dr. Prakash Trivedi, President FOGSI; Dr. H D Pai, President ISAR; Dr. Himanshu Bavishi, President INSTAR; Dr. Sonia Malik, President IFS; Dr Nalini Mahajan, President FPS(I); Dr. Jaideep Malhotra from Smriti Trust; Dr. P. Chibber, President USI; Dr.Narendra Malhotra. President Elect ISAR; Dr Maninder Ahuja, Gynaecologist and Dr.Alka Kriplani President Elect FOGSI include:

1.      The age criterion to avail ART services should be the legal age i.e., 18 years and above and marriage should not be made a compulsion to avail ART services.

2.       Medical acts are done in good faith and thus, presuming a doctor to be guilty without any proof goes against the very basic spirit of the law of the land.

3.      Handling of Semen outside the body should not be brought under the umbrella of the ART Bill as this a basic service at the primary level. Hence, the treatment of IUI should be removed from the existing bill.

4.      The ART Bank provisions in the current act are vague and arbitrary. There is a need to relooked and review these.

5.      The number of oocytes to be retrieved and embryos to be implanted should be the decision of the treating doctor and not of the State authorities.

6.      Commercial surrogacy caters to only 2% of the patients. Ethical and regulated surrogacy should thus be allowed for both Indian Nationals as well foreign nationals including OCI/PIO cardholders.