The 23rd HCFI MTNL Perfect Health Mela concludes with star gazing performances and success of mass health awareness campaign

The 23rd HCFI MTNL Perfect Health Mela concludes with star gazing performances and success of mass health awareness campaign New Delhi 29thOctober 2016- Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI), a leading national non-profit organization committed to making India a healthier and disease-free nation concluded its annual flagship event – the 23rdMTNL Perfect Health Mela today. The five-day event was organized in association with the IMA, MTNL, MCD and NDMC, Ministry of Science & Technology and Handicraft, Coca-Cola, LIC, AYUSH GOI, DCW, Women & Child Dev., Govt. of Delhi, DTTDC, Johnson & Johnson, Dept. of Environment Delhi Govt., DSACS, DHS, Drugs Control, Family Welfare Delhi Govt. & Delhi AIDS Cancer Society. The theme for this year’s event was ‘One Health’, a global concept; that recognises that the health of humans is connected to the health of animals and the environment. Experts at the Mela deliberated, debated and formulated a comprehensive strategy for the National management of new age health epidemics such as bird, flu, chikungunya, zika, malaria, dengue and swine flu. The Health Mela is a confluence of tradition and modernity and has successfully since the past two and a half decades been working towards creating mass awareness on all aspects of health; using a consumer-driven model as the medium. The grand inauguration of the event took place on 25th October in the presence of Shri Satyendar Jain – Hon’ble Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of NCT of Delhi and Dr SY Quirishi – Former Election Commissioner. Speaking at the valedictory, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, President HCFI & National President IMA urged everyone to have a healthy Diwali and to take necessary precautions to protect oneself and others from injury and harm. He strictly advised all to not burst crackers since the increasing pollution levels in our city are hazardous to one’s health and well-being. The five-day event served as a podium for over 50 on the spot competitions that witnessed participation of over 10,000 students. The various categories included Indian and western dance, fashion show, rock band, Mehendi art, collage making, painting, slogan writing amongst others. Special performances by the Punjabi Academy were the highlight of the event. The purpose behind the event was to bring forward infotainment as a way of imparting health education to the masses. As we all know that present day, India suffers from a plethora of modern day epidemics like Dengue, Swine Flu, and Diarrhea. A special focus was given during the event to educate the public about essential prevention measures and the need to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. A one of its kind inter-religious meet was also organised on the last day of the Mela. The panel constituted eminent Dharma gurus like Dr A K Merchant, Sec. General Temple of Understudy, Ven. Sumithananda Thero, Sec. Mahabodhi Society, Fr. (Dr.) M D Thomas, Christian Priest and Scholar, Dr. Hanif Md Khan Shahtri, Muslim & Hindu Scholar, Dr, Amrit Kaur Basra, Sikh Scholar, Acharya Dr. Ravindra Nayar, Priest, Birla Mandir, Acharya Vivek Muni, Jain Monk and Scholar, Sant Krishan Shah Vidyarthi, Head Prist, Valmiki Mandir, Mr. Keki Darnwala, Zoroastrian Scholar Ayuvedacharya & Hath Yogi, and Mr. Sahil Nath. The discussion ended with a conclusion that "everyone should learn how to tolerate each other in order to maintain peace and harmony and to avoid any disruptions and violence." Speaking at the valedictory Dr Dr ABP Mishra from DST ,said that "We all thank everyone who came and attended the 23rd Perfect Health Mela and made it such a success. We encourage everyone to inculcate healthy habits in their everyday lives and live diseases-free.” Heart disease patients belonging to the economically weaker section in need of surgical intervention were also provided financial and technical assistance by the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund another project of HCFI. All visitors were also trained in the life-saving technique of Hands-only CPR 10

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan Dear Colleague Government of India (GOI) is launching the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) Programme on 4th November, 2016. Let us all support this programme and offer our services for providing antenatal check-ups to pregnant woman at government premises on 9th of every month. You can send your names to the undersigned or register yourself directly at 1800 180 1104. You can send SMS at PMSMA <space> <name> and send it to 5616115, or you can register at www.pmsma.nhp.gov.in. This is an important Government Initiative and IMA is committed to join hands with this Programme. You are requested to register with them and send your team on the 9th of every month. We must make sure that no mother should die due to lack of care during their pregnancy. Currently over 44,000 pregnant women die of annually of preventable high risk pregnancy. Dr S S Agarwal National President, IMA Dr K K Aggarwal National President Elect & Honorary Secretary General, IMA

Professionals are not doing commercial activity

Professionals are not doing commercial activity In the High Court of Judicature at Bo Bombay Nagpur Bench at Nagpur Writ petition no. 4579/2005 Petitioner: Indian Medical Association through its President Dr. Kishor Taori, Having office at IMA House, North Ambazari Road, Nagpur Respondents 1. State of Maharashtra, through its Secretary, Industries and Labour Department, Mantralaya, Mumbai -32 2. The Commissioner of Labour, State of Maharashtra, Mumbai. 3. The Deputy Commissioner of Labour State of Maharashtra, Nagpur Division, 240, Bhosla Chambers, Civil Lines, Nagpur. Shri B.G. Kulkarni, Advocate for petitioner and Shri A.V. Palshikar, AGP for respondents Coram: smt. Vasanti A Naik, and Kum. Indira Jain, JJ. Date: 21.10.2016 Oral judgment (Per: Smt. Vasanti A Naik, J) By this writ petition, filed by the Indian Medical Association, the petitioner has sought a declaration that the establishments of individual medical practitioners and the medical practitioners working in partnership are not commercial establishments within the meaning of Section 2 (4) of the Bombay Shops and Establishments Act, 1948. By amending the writ petition, the petitioner - Association has sought a declaration that the inclusion of the term `medical practitioners’ in the definition of 'commercial establishments' in Section 2 (4) of the act by amendment is violative of the provisions of Article 14 of the Constitution of India. Shri Kulkarni, the learned Counsel for the petitioner - Association states that the Hon’ble Supreme Court has held as early as in the year 1969 in the judgement, reported in 1969 Mh. L.J. 391 that the professional establishments of Doctors do not fall within the ambit of the definition of ‘commercial establishments' under the Bombay Shops and Establishments Act . It is stated that the judgment of the Hon'ble Supreme Court is followed by this Court in the judgment, reported in 1981.Mh. L. J. 635. It is stated that this Court has held in the order, dated 12.6.2014 in Criminal Writ Petition No.1731/2002 that the amendment, that is, sought to be challenged by the petitioner -Association in this case is ultra vires and is liable to be struck down. It is stated that by the order, dated 12.6.2014, Criminal Writ Petition No.1731/2002 was allowed after striking down the amendment, that is, sought to be challenged. It is stated that a similar view is expressed by this Court time and again and the prayers made by the petitioner need to be granted. Shri Palshikar, the learned Assistant Government Pleader appearing for the respondents does not dispute the position of law as laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and this court in the aforesaid judgments. It is admitted that the questions involved in this writ petition stand answered in favour of the petitioner – Association, in view of the aforesaid judgments. Hence for the reasons recorded in the judgement, reported in reported in 1969 Mh. L. J. 391 and 1981 Mh. L. J. 635 and the unreported order, dated 12.6.2014 in Criminal Writ Petition No. 1731/2002,we allow this writ petition. In fact, we find that the declarations that are sought by the petitioner – Association already stand granted by the judgement that are rendered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court and this Court. Hence, we make the Rule absolute in terms of prayer clauses (i) and (i-a). No order as to costs.

Sulfa allergy

Sulfa allergy What are sulfa-containing antibiotics? Sulfa-containing antibiotics are sulfonamide antimicrobials and include trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), sulfadiazine and erythromycin/sulfisoxazole. How common is allergy to sulfonamides? About 4% individuals report an allergy to sulfonamide antimicrobials. What are non-antimicrobial sulfonamides? Commonly prescribed non-antimicrobial sulfonamides include furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, acetazolamide, sulfonylureas and celecoxib. Do both causes hypersensitivity reactions? Sulfonamide antimicrobials differ in chemical structure from non-antimicrobial sulfonamides. These structural differences are implicated in the hypersensitivity associated with sulfa antimicrobials. What is drug allergy? Drug allergy or “hypersensitivity” is an immune-mediated response against any drug. The reaction may occur either immediately within an hour or it can be delayed occurring between 1 and 48 hours. • Immediate hypersensitivity is generally immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated and manifests as urticaria, angioedema, rhinitis, bronchospasm or anaphylaxis. • Delayed hypersensitivity is T-cell dependent and may present as either a maculopapular rash or more serious blistering and mucosal involvement, predicting development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. Is sulfonamide antimicrobial hypersensitivity immediate or delayed? Sulfonamide antimicrobial hypersensitivity is predominantly T-cell mediated and presents as delayed cutaneous reactions, such as a pruritic maculopapular rash, which occurs 1-2 weeks after exposure. IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity with sulfonamide antimicrobials is less commonly reported. What is the hallmark of sulfa antibiotic sensitivity? Skin involvement is the hallmark of most drug allergies. About 63% of reported TMP/SMX allergies are rash and hives. Sulfonamide-induced rashes usually start at the trunk and spread toward the limbs and generally resolve within 2 weeks after discontinuation of the medication. If mucosal membranes are involved or there are blisters, the patient may require hospitalization. More severe cases can present as a syndrome, including fever and organ damage, in addition to a generalized maculopapular rash. Rarely, sulfonamides have been associated with toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Who are at risk of allergy? Patient-specific risk factors include a history of other drug allergies and previous use of the suspected medication or medication class. Drug hypersensitivity is reported more in women and individuals with comorbidities, such as HIV infection and systemic lupus erythematosus are known to be more susceptible to drug hypersensitivity. Drug-specific factors, including duration of exposure and dose, should be considered to differentiate drug toxicities from drug allergies. If a drug allergy is suspected, it is important to review the current medications, including non-prescription medicines and supplements that the patient may be taking to determine if the sulfonamide drug is solely responsible for symptoms. What is the role of desensitization protocols? Implementation of a desensitization protocol should be delayed for 1 month after resolution of symptoms. Can there be cross-reactivity with non-antimicrobial sulfonamides? Clinically significant cross-reactivity between antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial sulfonamides is not a concern. What are sulfites? Sulfites are found in processed foods and medication preparations, and they can trigger asthma exacerbations in patients with a history of asthma. Sulfites are chemically different from sulfonamides, so this reaction is unrelated to sulfonamide hypersensitivity. There is no risk for cross-sensitivity between antimicrobial sulfonamides and sulfur-containing compounds, such as sulfites. What are sulfur and sulfate? They are found naturally in the body; sulfa-containing amino acids (e.g., cysteine) and sulfate-containing drugs (e.g., ferrous sulfate) and dietary supplements (e.g., glucosamine sulfate) and are not allergenic in patients with antimicrobial sulfonamide hypersensitivity. What are topical sulfonamides? Topical sulfonamides are silver sulfadiazine and ophthalmic sulfacetamide/prednisolone. They are contraindicated in patients with documented sulfonamide allergy. What about sulfasalazine? A small study of 5 participants has reported cross-reactivity with sulfasalazine and antimicrobial sulfonamides owing to similarities in chemical structures. Points to ponder • The onset and types of symptoms, as well evaluation of pertinent patient data including previous exposure to an offending mediation can guide in the differential diagnosis of an allergic reaction to a suspected agent. • Sulfonamide hypersensitivity reactions frequently present as a maculopapular rash that resolves approximately 2 weeks after sulfonamide discontinuation. • Clinicians should be aware of signs of potentially serious delayed reactions, including blistering and involvement of mucosal membranes. • Cross-reactive hypersensitivity between sulfonamide antimicrobials and nonantimicrobials is unlikely. • Cross-sensitivity with sulfur-containing compounds, such as sulfites and sulfonamide antimicrobials does not occur. • Sulfur and sulfate-containing drugs are not allergenic in patients with antimicrobial sulfonamide hypersensitivity. • Topical sulfonamide antimicrobials are contraindicated in patients with sulfonamide hypersensitivity. (Source: Medscape)

Aging is not bad -- even for blood

Aging is not bad -- even for blood

Dr KK Aggarwal

The view that “when blood transfusions are needed, it may be best to use the freshest blood” is no more true as per McMaster University researchers.

A study of 31,497 patients published in the New England Journal of Medicine of almost 31,500 patients at six hospitals in four countries (Australia, Canada, Israel and the U.S) has shown that having a transfusion with the freshest blood did not reduce the proportion of patients who died in hospital. 

"our study finally puts an end to the question about whether stored blood could be harmful and fresher blood would be better," said Nancy Heddle, lead author and a professor emeritus of medicine for McMaster's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. "Our study provides strong evidence that transfusion of fresh blood does not improve patient outcomes, and this should reassure clinicians that fresher is not better."

Having a supply of stored blood helps to ensure that blood is available when a patient needs it.

The mortality rate was 9.1 per cent with people receiving the freshest blood, and 8.7 per cent among those receiving the oldest blood. 

Advances in blood storage now allow blood to be stored up to 42 days before transfusion and the usual practice is to use up the blood that has been in storage the longest. But, because there are biochemical, structural and functional changes in the blood during storage, there had been concerns about the use of 'older' blood. [source science daily]

Heart Care Foundation of India's (HCFI) annual flagship event, the MTNL Perfect Health Mela, to focus on the global concept of ‘One Health.'

Heart Care Foundation of India's (HCFI) annual flagship event, the MTNL Perfect Health Mela, to focus on the global concept of ‘One Health.' To raise mass health awareness about new age health epidemics like Bird Flu, Swine Flu, Dengue, Zika & Chikungunya The event will be inaugurated tomorrow at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium by none other than Shri Satyendar Jain – Honorable Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of NCT of Delhi & Dr SY Quraishi – Former Election Commissioner
New Delhi, 24th October 2016 - Heart Care Foundation of India, a leading national non-profit organisation committed to making India a healthier and disease-free nation is all set to roll out its annual flagship event – the 23rd MTNL Perfect Health Mela from Oct 25 – 29 at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium New Delhi.
The global concept of ‘One Health’ recognises that the health of humans is connected to the health of animals and the environment. With this as the event’s theme, a primary focus of the 23rd edition of the Perfect Health Mela is to deliberate, debate and deliver a comprehensive strategy for the National management of new age health epidemics such as bird, flu, chikungunya, zika, malaria, dengue and swine flu.
The Health Mela is a confluence of tradition and modernity and has successfully since the past two and a half decades been working towards creating mass awareness on all aspects of health; using a consumer-driven model as the medium. It is being co-organized in association with the IMA, MTNL, MCD and NDMC, Ministry of Science & Technology and Handicraft, Coca Cola, LIC, AYUSH GOI, DCW, Women & Child Dev., Govt. of Delhi, DTTDC, Johnson & Johnson, Dept. of Environment Delhi Govt., DSACS, DHS, Drugs Control, Family Welfare Delhi Govt. & Delhi AIDS Cancer Society. The five-day event will showcase seminars, on-ground checkups, entertainment programs, lectures, workshops, and competitions all centred around preventive health issues. For the first time ever, the entire Mela will offer a free Wi-Fi zone for all visitors. It will also feature regular webcasts on important preventive health issues. A special webcast on bird flu will be held on Thursday, Oct 27, 2016. A special IMA Godhbharai event will also be organised with a focus on antenatal health. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, President HCFI and President Elect IMA said, "Over the past decade we have seen a drastic rise in diseases closely associated with the environment, humans and animals. For this reason, the focus of this year's MTNL Perfect Health Mela will be ‘One Health'. The most recent scare has been that of Bird Flu, a virus that is rapidly killing birds in the city. While it is a contagious virus that can affect birds and humans alike, there is no need to worry as of yet since this version is a milder one and is unlikely to spread to humans. We thank all our partners and look forward to having large audiences at the event”. Adding to this, Sh Sunil Kumar Director EB & HR, MTNL & Sh N K Joshi ED Delhi, MTNL in a joint statement said, “Mass health awareness programmes such as the Perfect Health Mela are much needed in a country like India where chronic lifestyle diseases and other acquired infections like Swine Flu and Dengue plague the society. Preventive health education is key for a healthy society. We are happy to be associated with the event and will continue to support it in the future as well.” "Initial symptoms of bird flu include high fever, sore throat, abdominal pain, chest pain and diarrhoea. But it can manifest into severe symptoms like respiratory distress and pneumonia leading to death. HCFI & IMA will be coming up with guidelines for health providers and the public on early identification of bird flu cases and ways to avoid the spread of infection through a consensus meeting held at the Perfect Health Mela,” added Dr Aggarwal.
The entry to the MTNL Perfect Health Mela is free for all. To know more about the event, please call on the NGO's helpline number +919958771177.

WMA proposes a comprehensive program to prevent childhood obesity

WMA proposes a comprehensive program to prevent childhood obesity The World Medical Association (WMA) has published a comprehensive program to prevent childhood obesity including consideration of a tax on non-nutritious foods and sugary drinks. WMA has also called on governments to regulate availability of food and beverages of poor nutritional value, particularly in the vicinity of schools by way of regulating price, advertising and labeling of unhealthy foods to combat obesity. According to the WMA, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise are contributing to childhood obesity. In view of this, the WMA Assembly adopted a new statement on ‘Obesity in Children’ at its recent annual Assembly in Taiwan which recommends that schools should incorporate daily physical activity into their daily routine and all children should be encouraged to participate regardless of their economic status. The National Medical Associations should work to raise public awareness about childhood obesity. Physicians should educate parents and children in how to live healthy lives and emphasize the importance of doing so. It’s not only parents and children who need to be educated about childhood obesity, the WMA statement also recognizes that physicians and health professionals should be educated in nutrition assessment, obesity prevention and treatment by strengthening CME activities focused on nutritional medicine. WMA President Dr. Ketan Desai, said: ‘We know there is a link between the extent of advertising and childhood obesity, and so we are recommending that the advertising of non-nutritious products on television be restricted during programmes that appeal to children. Children frequently watch programmes designed for adults, so regulators must ensure that legislation and regulation also limits marketing associated with such programs. ‘We are also urging governments to consider imposing a tax on non-nutritious foods and sugary drinks and to use the additional revenue to fund research into preventing childhood obesity and reducing the resulting disease risk.' IMA Viewpoint • The incidence of metabolic syndrome is rising in urban school children. • This high incidence of metabolic syndrome is contributing to childhood obesity. • Increased consumption of refined carbohydrates – white rice, white sugar, white maida – several times in a day is fuelling the increase in metabolic syndrome. If not checked in time, this will lead to an epidemic of diabetes, hypertension and heart attacks precipitated by obesity. • Avoid replacing saturated fats with refined carbohydrates. • Avoid eating highly refined and processed grains and carbohydrates. • Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. • Stay active.