Antibiotic resistance making it difficult to treat diseases

Antibiotic resistance making it difficult to treat diseases

Bacteria causing infections such as gonorrhea are becoming particularly resistant

New Delhi, 27 October 2017: As per recent reports, antibiotic resistance is making gonorrhea ‘much harder and sometimes impossible’ to treat. The report cites data from around 77 countries, one of which is India. About 11.4 million in the southeast Asian Region, including India, are infected with the disease every year. The bacteria that cause gonorrhea are becoming particularly resistant. Every time, a new class of antibiotics is used to treat the infection, the bacteria evolve to resist them.

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection also known as the ‘clap’ or ‘drip’. It is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which grows and multiplies easily in the mucous membranes of the body. It can grow in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract as also in the mouth, throat, and anus.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern and its impact on patients and communities is known to all. This is a public health problem, one which is rapidly spreading across the globe, with not enough resources to control it. Antibiotic resistance has made it harder for us to treat many infections such as typhoid, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and now gonorrhea. Antibiotic resistance prolongs hospitalization, and increases the cost of treatment and the risk of death. Several studies have also corroborated the adverse impact of antibiotic resistance on health. Doctors as well as patients should be aware about and advocate judicious use of antibiotics. Over prescription and self- prescription, both, need to be checked. Taking cognizance of the impact of antibiotic-resistant infections, IMA has proposed several initiatives to tackle this public health threat – “Jaroorat Bhi Hai Kya”, “3A Avoid Antibiotic Abuse campaign”, “Use Wisely not Widely”, “Think Before you Ink”.

The treatment recommendations for gonorrhea have changed substantially during the last few years. Due to a high rate of antimicrobial resistance, fluoroquinolones are no longer recommended to treat gonorrhea.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Improving and adhering to diagnostic tests for various diseases will help curb the inappropriate use of antibiotics, which compromises measures to control antimicrobial resistance. The imminent need of the hour is to address this issue. A coordinated intervention designed to improve and measure the appropriate use of antimicrobials by promoting the selection of the most appropriate antimicrobial drug regimen, dose, duration of therapy, and route of administration.”

The following tips can help in preventing gonorrhea.

Talk with your partner about sexually transmitted infections before starting a sexual relationship. Assess your risks and remember that it is quite possible to be infected with an STI without knowing it.
Avoid sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STI or who may have been exposed to an STI.
Avoid having multiple partners as this can increase your chances of contracting such infections.
Use adequate protection such as condoms to reduce the chances of infections.
Ensure that you take adequate care of hygiene and cleanliness before and after sexual contact.

Aao School Chalen Project on 5th September

Aao School Chalen Project on 5th September “Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Lifestyle Diseases” Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA Childhood obesity is increasing worldwide at an alarming pace. India has not been spared either. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children is steadily increasing. A multifactorial disorder, unhealthy diet - eating foods high in fats, sugar and salt (junk food, processed food) and a sedentary lifestyle contribute significantly to this escalating epidemic. Today, TV, internet, computer and mobile games have taken precedence over outdoor sports. Childhood obesity is well-recognized as a precursor to obesity in adulthood. Most obese children grow up to be obese adults. Overweight and obesity in childhood also predispose children to other lifestyle disorders such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome later on in life. Hence, there is an urgent need to prevent and control obesity in children. Prevention of lifestyle diseases starts in childhood itself. Schools shape the lives of their students and so have a very important role to play in this battle against childhood obesity in creating health awareness among children. Healthy habits in childhood lay a foundation for a healthier adulthood. As you are aware, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has initiated a nationwide “Aao School Chalen Project” beginning last month. The 5th of every month has been chosen as the day for any activity related to this project across the country. The topic in focus last month was ‘Vector-borne diseases’ and the related activities were successfully conducted in over 200 plus schools. The next date for this project is therefore 5th September 2017. The topic is “Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Lifestyle Diseases”. 5th September also happens to be Teacher’s Day. The talk should revolve around the following guidelines: • Respect the Laws of Nature and eat seasonal locally grown fruits and vegetables. • Consume all sever colors and six tastes in food. • Avoid refined carbohydrates (white sugar, white maida and white rice). • Reduce the quantity of salt by 40% in diet. • Walk or move whenever you get an opportunity. • There are no medicinal advantages of consuming tobacco in any form. It only harms. • While eating out follow the principle “Heat it/Cook it/ boil it /Peel It /Forget it”. • Get up at same time every day. • Don’t forget to practice yoga and meditation learned in school, while at home. • Don’t miss playing in the sun during school break & do not miss mid-day meal. You can visit/adopt a school for this activity. Visit the school assembly every 5th of the month and talk about the health messages that are uniform across the country. You can also be a moderator and let students interact with each other on these important topics. States and Local Branches of IMA are requested to circulate this information to all the members. I hope that you will participate maximally in this national health initiative of IMA to make it a success.

Collective action a must to prevent mosquito-borne diseases

Collective action a must to prevent mosquito-borne diseases • On World Mosquito Day, IMA encourages people to indicate that their premises are free of mosquitoes • This is only possible if there is community participation in the efforts made by the government New Delhi, 19 August 2017: Statistics indicate that mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent in more than 100 countries. Mosquitoes infect about 300 to 500 million people, causing 1 million deaths every year around the world. More than 40 million people suffer from mosquito-borne diseases annually in India alone. According to the IMA, on World Mosquito Day, the need of the hour is to take collective action to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes, both on a larger scale and at an individual level. Malaria, filaria and dengue are the most prevalent diseases spread by mosquitoes in India with over 2 million cases of malaria alone reported in the country. The mosquito that transmits dengue fever and chikungunya is also responsible for spreading Zika. All these diseases result in high fever and excruciating joint pains, which have been a common occurrence in the country over the last two decades. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Failure to control the mosquito menace is a collective failure and therefore, the mosquitoes transmitting diseases are still at large around the country. The Municipal Corporation, Delhi Government, Central Government, LG office, Medical Associations, CSR departments, Media, NGOs, Private sector, and individuals must act together to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. A mosquito container index above 5% requires a community-integrated cluster approach to reduce mosquito density together with effective anti-larval measures. On World Mosquito Day, it is time to remind ourselves that we need to act against all the mosquitoes, be it Aedes, Culex, or Anopheles. Action against only the Aedes mosquito will not work.” Rain water is the most important source for mosquito breeding and can collect in any plastic container inside or outside the house. Even collected garbage in open areas can have left over plastic cups or tiny bottle caps with rain water collections providing an ideal atmosphere for mosquito breeding. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “A community approach that involves 100% of the society needs to be adopted. Every house and establishment must indicate that their premises are mosquito-free. When you are invited to somebody’s place, you should ask ‘I hope your premises are mosquito-free’ and when you invite somebody, write ‘Welcome to my house. It is mosquito-free’.” IMA’s approach is a war against indoor or outdoor mosquitoes; fresh stagnant or dirty water mosquitoes; small containers like bottle caps or large containers like overhead tankers; made of mud or plastic; throughout the day (early morning fogging when pupa hatch for Aedes, late night for malaria); scrubbing clean the utensils. One should not clean their premises once a week. Rather, it should become a habit to look for the breeding places daily. Here are some tips to follow. • Avoid stagnation of water in and around the house to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. • Cover all containers that have water stored in them. • Use mosquito screens, nets, meshes and insect repellent screens regularly. • Do not venture out immediately after dusk. If you need to go out, make sure to wear full-sleeved clothing and apply a mosquito repellent cream. • If you are affected by any of these diseases, ensure that you are hydrated and well rested. • Follow the doctor’s advice completely and do not compromise on any checkups, etc.

Hand washing imperative to prevent infections and diseases

Hand washing imperative to prevent infections and diseases Hand hygiene an important part of infection prevention in hospital settings as well New Delhi, 22 June 2017: According to a recent study, only 53% of the people in India wash hands with soap after defecation. Apart from this, only 38% and 30% wash their hands with soap before eating and preparing food, respectively. Washing hands after a visit to the washroom or before eating is a no-brainer. However, it is also an activity often ignored. Many people even do it wrong without understanding the health risks that contaminated hands can invite. Diarrhoea and respiratory infections are the number one causes for child mortality in India. Research suggests that hand washing with soap can reduce the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases by about 40% and respiratory infections by 30%. Poor hand hygiene is responsible for a plethora of infections and diseases. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said "Poor hand hygiene can cause many other problems as we tend to touch other body parts too with the unclean hands. From common cold to an eye sty, one never knows what damage unclean hands can do to health. Contaminated hands can trigger feco-oral diseases like cholera and typhoid. This is more so during the rainy season when sanitation is poor and there are flies abound. Unclean hands can also lead to gastroenteritis, worm infestations, and jaundice. Hand washing with soap, inside out for about 10 to 15 seconds can guard you against various viral and bacterial diseases."
Unwashed hands are also a significant factor behind the high incidence of hospital-acquired infections. The IMA 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene approach define the key moments when health-care workers should perform hand hygiene. This evidence-based, field-tested, user-centered approach is designed to be easy to learn, logical and applicable in a wide range of settings. This approach recommends health-care workers to clean their hands before touching a patient, before clean/aseptic procedures, after body fluid exposure/risk, after touching a patient, and after touching patient surroundings. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, "Hand hygiene is an important aspect of infection prevention and control programmes in hospital settings. It not only prevents patient infection but also reduces an avoidable burden on health systems. All medical practitioners should ensure proper hand hygiene while attending to their patients. Even the nurses, attendants, and other staff working with them should wash their hand before dealing with the patients. This simple activity can help prevent over 50% hospital acquired infections.”
How should you wash your hands? • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. • Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. • Rinse your hands well under clean, running water. • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air-dry them.

India gets Rare Diseases Registry

India gets Rare Diseases Registry ICMR has set up a registry of rare diseases. Apart from maintaining a database, the registry which was set up on April 28 this year, will also help formulate policies on funding, treatment and more. Some key points on rare diseases • A disease is defined as rare when it affects less than one in 2,500 individuals, • Over 70mn Indians suffer from such disorders and live with them throughout their lives. • There are only 500 FDA-approved drugs for over 7,000 rare diseases globally • There is often no cure, only supportive care. Treatment is extremely costly too, ranging from lakhs to crores a year. • The health ministry is currently discussing a draft policy for treatment of rare diseases. When I took over as the National President Indian Medical Association (IMA), in my presidential address on 28th December I had said, “IMA also wants the government to declare a special fund for rare diseases and orphan drugs.” IMA will focus on creating awareness about rare diseases and orphan drugs as part of its new initiatives. Dr KK Aggarwal National President IMA & HCFI

8 golden rules to preventing kidney diseases

8 golden rules to preventing kidney diseases Chronic kidney disease, especially end stage or third stage kidney disorders are on the rise in India. New Delhi, March 24, 2017: Chronic kidney disease can strike any one. 17% of urban Indians suffer from kidney disease, as per latest estimates. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes which today account for 40–60% cases of CKD in India.
Chronic kidney disease can strike any one. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes. Other risk factors for kidney disease include heart disease and a family history of kidney failure—a severe form of kidney disease.
Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President, Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said, “If you have these risk factors, it is important to be screened for kidney disease. That usually involves simple laboratory tests: a urine test to look for kidney damage, and a blood test to measure how well the kidneys are working. The urine test checks for a protein called albumin, which is not routinely detected when your kidneys are healthy. The blood test checks your GFR—glomerular filtration rate. GFR is an estimate of filtering ability of your kidney. A GFR below 60 is a sign of chronic kidney disease. A GFR below 15 is described as kidney failure.”
“Without treatment, kidney disease often gets worse. If your GFR drops below 15, you may feel tired and weak, with nausea, vomiting and itching. By that point, you may need a kidney transplant or dialysis. Optimal hydration is the key to maintaining good kidney health. Consuming plenty of fluid helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body, which in turn, results in a “significantly lower risk” of developing chronic kidney disease. CKD is also associated with metabolic disorders and bone disease and is an important risk factor for peripheral vascular diseases, cardiovascular disease and stroke”, adds Dr K K Aggarwal.
The 8 Golden Rules to avoid or delay reaching the point of kidney failure:
1. Keep fit and active, it helps reduce your blood pressure and on the move for kidney health. 2. Keep regular control of your blood sugar level as about half of people who have diabetes develop kidney damage. 3. Monitor your blood pressure: It is also the most common cause of kidney damage. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80. Between this level and 129/89, you are considered pre-hypertensive and should adopt lifestyle and dietary changes. At 140/90 and above, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and monitor your blood pressure level regularly. High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when associated with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. 4. Eat healthy and keep your weight in check as this can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reduce your salt intake. The recommended sodium intake is 5-6 grams of salt per day (around a teaspoon). In order to reduce your salt intake, try and limit the amount of processed and restaurant food and do not add salt to food. It will be easier to control your intake if you prepare the food yourself with fresh ingredients. 5. Maintain a healthy fluid intake: Traditional wisdom has long suggested drinking 1.5 to 2 litres (3 to 4 pints) of water per day. Consuming plenty of fluid helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body which, in turn, results in a “significantly lower risk” of developing chronic kidney disease. But do not advocate “aggressive fluid loading”, which can cause side effects. 6. Do not smoke as it slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50 percent. 7. Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis: drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly. 8. Get the kidney function checked if you have one or more of the ‘high risk’ factors.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446915/

Azadi from Diseases New Delhi, August 15, 2016: 15th August should not only be a reminder of independence from the British but a commitment on a yearly basis to eradicate one more disease said Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal – President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Honorary Secretary General IMA. Every year efforts should be made to start a ‘Quit’ India Movement for a particular disease. The International Task Force for Disease Eradication in 1992 identified six "eradicable" or "potentially eradicable" infectious diseases. These are dracunculiasis, poliomyelitis, mumps, rubella, lymphatic filariasis, and cysticercosis. In 2002, measles was added to this list. Of these only guinea worm disease or dracunculiasis has already been eradicated from India. Malaria, yellow fever, and yaws eradication programmes of earlier years were unsuccessful but they contributed greatly to a better understanding of the biological, social, political, and economic complexities of achieving the ultimate goal in disease control. In early 1997, WHO listed leprosy, onchocerciasis (River blindness), and Chaga’s disease as being candidates for elimination" as public health problems within ten years". Its time for us to form an India force and start working on eradicable diseases. Dr Aggarwal further pointed out that an effective cardiovascular control program should be strengthened all over the country as heart attacks are not known to occur in wild animals.