Deaths due to NCDs see an upward trend in the country

Deaths due to NCDs see an upward trend in the country IMA recommends following a healthy lifestyle to prevent the onset of these diseases New Delhi, 03 August 2017: As per recent statistics, premature deaths due to non communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease have increased to 70% of all global deaths. This is up from the 42% incidence three years ago. As per the IMA, the burden of NCDs is on the rise in India, with one in four at risk of dying from the same before they reach the age of 70. An NCD is a medical condition or disease that is non-infectious and non-transmissible among people. The major NCDs are due to four behavioral risk factors: unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and use of tobacco and alcohol. Preventive action against NCDs in India is marred due to a lack of understanding their patterns, the prevalence, and the causes. 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, “NCDs are a health and developmental emergency today. They are driven by many external sources including rapid unplanned urbanization, globalization of unhealthy lifestyles, and population ageing. The unhealthy diets that people follow today combined with the lack of physical activity can manifest in the form of high blood pressure, increased blood glucose, elevated blood lipids, and obesity. Called metabolic risk factors, these can further lead to cardiovascular disease, the leading NCD and cause for premature deaths. Reducing the risk factors can help in controlling NCDs to a great extent.” A recent study has outlined that there is likely to be a steady rise in NCD losses until 2030, and then it will increase sharply. Adding to this, the value of life lost, including out-of-pocket expenditure related to these illnesses, and loss of income will likely double over the next 20 years. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “The medications available to treat most of the NCDs are not very expensive. However, the most effective strategies for reducing the burden of NCDs actually lie outside the health system. It is imperative to take measures such as regulation of advertising, improving access to healthier foods, reducing exposures to tobacco smoke, addressing dietary salt consumption, and encouraging physical activity to combat this group of ailments.” One can follow Dr KK’s Formula of 80 to prevent NCDs. • It is important to keep your fasting sugar lower than 80 mg % • It is best to refrain from consuming alcohol. For those who still wish to drink, they should restrict it to not more than 80 ml of alcohol in a day or 80 grams in a week • To not consume more than 80 grams of caloric solid or liquid food in one meal, rather eat frequent but small meals • Restrict your soft drink consumption to 80ml in one go. The tip is to add soda and dilute it to make it 200 ml • Do not consume tobacco products otherwise you will end up with a surgery bill of over Rs. 80,000 • It is important to keep one’s blood pressure lower than 80 mm Hg and heart rate lower than 80 per minute. • Do aerobic exercises for 80 minutes a week. • Do stretching exercises for 80 minutes in a week. • Consume at least 80 fruits and vegetables servings in a week. • Do not consume more than 80 ml/gram of ghee, oil and butter in a week.

Straight from the Heart: I am proud of being a "Doctor with a Stethoscope"

Straight from the Heart: I am proud of being a "Doctor with a Stethoscope" During my MBBS at MGIMS, Wardha, I was exposed to Vedantic medicine. Later, I also began to write and speak on Vedantic medicine, the science behind vedas. Because, most of my talks include a vedic prescription, I started wearing a stethoscope so that I was not mistaken to be a non-allopathic doctor. I have now been wearing the stethoscope around my neck over the last several years. And, people have often asked me the reason for doing so. I can recall having saved at least 20 unknown lives, just because I was wearing a stethoscope. There are ‘n’ number of instances, where I have done CPR outside the sanctuary of hospitals. I have also handled first aid during air travel dozens of time. I would like to share with you some stories of my experience of wearing the stethoscope. This Monday, I was traveling from Trivandrum to Delhi via Kochi. At Kochi airport, while the aircraft was on the runway and taking off, a lady passenger became breathless. She had a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and had taken heparin one hour before. I checked her oxygen saturation (I always carry a home pulse oximeter with me), which was normal. She was unfit medically to undertake the 3-hour journey and needed medical assistance. The crew saw that I was wearing a stethoscope and they approached me for help. She was off loaded from the flight at the airport under medical care. In March this year, I was in Cyprus to attend the Bioethics 12th World Conference. A car ahead of us had met with an accident. One of the lady passengers was trapped in that car. We stopped and approached the car to offer medical help. We were allowed to intervene only because I was wearing a stethoscope. Once, while we were traveling to Dubai, my wife, suddenly developed air hunger. She almost collapsed but managed to say “Call my doctor, he is the one wearing a stethoscope”. The crew could immediately recognize me. Titles of distinction and honor like Diwan, Raja, Maharaja, Rai Bahadur, etc. were abolished under Article 18 of the Constitution of India as being against the principle of equal status of all. However, we are still allowed the privilege to write ‘Dr’ before our names. But, simply adding the prefix ‘Dr’ before your name does not confer status. Being a doctor means being available 24x7 and ready to help in all emergencies. Use the new emblem when writing a prescription or sport a stethoscope always. There is a Good Samaritan law to protect those who voluntarily come forward to help victims of accidents. It applies to us doctors also. In April 2016, the Govt. notified guidelines regarding protection and examination of “good Samaritans” i.e. bystanders and passers-by who render help to the victims of road accidents. I love being a doctor. It is extremely satisfying and rewarding. All the hard work and long hours put in are worth the effort. Wearing a stethoscope reminds me of my medical dharma, which is to treat and save the life of a person at any cost. This is why we chose to become doctors. We know medicine to be a noble profession. Sporting a stethoscope has now become my signature style. People now identify me as “a Doctor with Stethoscope”. I always wear a stethoscope, will you consider it?

Heart Care Foundation of India’s (HCFI) annual flagship event – the MTNL Perfect Health Mela to focus on ways to wellness, health awareness, and roots of ancient Indian medicine, among other things

Heart Care Foundation of India’s (HCFI) annual flagship event – the MTNL Perfect Health Mela to focus on ways to wellness, health awareness, and roots of ancient Indian medicine, among other things The theme for this year's Perfect Health Mela will be ‘Digital Health', encompassing improving healthcare through technology New Delhi, 02 August 2017: HCFI, a leading national non-profit organization, committed to making India a healthier and disease-free nation, today announced the theme and details of its flagship event, the MTNL Perfect Health Mela 2017. The Mela will be organized from October 4-8, 2017 at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi jointly with the Health and Family Welfare Dept. NCT Delhi, MTNL, NDMC, and other central and Delhi state government departments. The Indian Medical Association will be the knowledge partner for the event. The Perfect Health Mela is an annual event curated to spread mass health awareness using entertainment as a medium. The theme this year is “Digital Health” and will focus on ways to wellness, health awareness, roots of ancient Indian medicine, wellness through music, dancing and health, and saving the girl child, among other things. Speaking about the Mela Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, President HCFI & National President IMA said, “The theme for this year’s Perfect Health Mela is in alignment with PM Modi’s idea of a digital India. It will lay emphasis on ‘digital health’ which is an umbrella term covering the convergence of digital and genomic revolutions. Digital health encompasses using technology to empower people in tracking, managing, and improving their own health and that of their near and dear ones. This will in turn help them live better and more productive lives, and bring about improvements in the societal health at large.” Started in 1993, the Perfect Health Mela caters to people from all age groups and all walks of life. It showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars, check-ups, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions. The Mela is attended by over 200 organizations each year including those from the state and central government, PSUs, and leading corporates. Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA, said, “The IMA wholeheartedly supports any initiative that lays emphasis on the betterment of society’s health and creates awareness on health issues. The Perfect Health Mela is one such event organized every year and the IMA is proud to be the knowledge partner for this event.” Among the various events being organized this year are the Harmony & Ecofest National inter-school competitions, Youth Rock Band/Orchestra Festival, Divya Jyoti Medical Masti Youth Festival, All Pathy Conference, All Religious Conference, and Nukkad Natak. Free medical check-ups will be provided to all visitors. Adding further, Mr A K Sareen, Deputy General Manager Marketing MTNL Corporate Office, said, “With India going the digital way, the theme for the Perfect Health Mela is only too apt. As with every year, this year too we are happy to be sponsoring this event, which will help people know and take advantage of various health care programmes.” Dr P K Sharma, MOH, NDMC & the civic partner of the year’s Perfect Health Mela in a statement added, ‘We laud the Heart Care Foundation of India for this initiative and for continuing to organize this even year after year. We will extend our complete support towards making the event a success". For more information about the event, please visit www.perfecthealthmela.com./ http://www.heartcarefoundation.org/ Entry to the Mela is free for all.

Lack of awareness about dementia in India, says IMA

Lack of awareness about dementia in India, says IMA The problem is more in rural areas where there are not enough medical facilities available for timely diagnosis New Delhi, 01 August 2017: According to statistics from a recent research, more than 4 million Indians above the age of 60 suffer from dementia. Add to this the fact that about 1 in 16 households with an elderly person have a dementia patient. However, many people fail to recognize and understand the symptoms, says the IMA. In approximately 70% of the population in rural areas as well, dementia remains unrecognized and this can be largely attributed to limited medical facilities. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability. This can become severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is an example. Alzheimer's is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is an umbrella term describing a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills. These can later become severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. 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, “Lack of awareness about dementia is a major reason why those who experience forgetfulness, confusion, or difficulty in doing something do not consult doctors. There are also those individuals who may not choose to talk about it considering it shameful or a normal part of the ageing process. Dementia is caused by a damage to brain cells which further interferes with their ability to communicate with each other. This can affect thinking, behavior, and feelings in those with this condition. Dementia in most cases is not reversible but medication can provide some relief to the symptoms. At times, symptoms may appear due to reversible problems like vitamin or hormone deficiencies. These can be treated with timely consultation.” While symptoms of dementia vary in people, there are some basic signs which are significant in the diagnosis of dementia: loss of memory, problems with communication and language, decreased ability to focus and pay attention, impaired reasoning and judgment, and decreased visual perception. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the most widely used cognitive test for dementia. The examination takes approximately 7 minutes to complete. It tests a broad range of cognitive functions including orientation, recall, attention, calculation, language manipulation, and constructional praxis. A total maximal score on the MMSE is 30 points. A score of less than 24 points is suggestive of dementia or delirium. t is also recommended that people with dementia be screened for depression because it is a common treatable co-morbidity that may also masquerade as dementia.” Although there is no specific way to prevent dementia, following a healthy lifestyle can help lower the risk. The following steps can be taken towards this direction. • Consume a healthy diet • Maintain a healthy weight • Indulge in regularly physical activity • Do not consume alcohol in excess • Quit smoking right away • Maintain a healthy blood pressure level

Why this disparity in standards for Allopathic and Ayush doctors?

Why this disparity in standards for Allopathic and Ayush doctors? Becoming a doctor and being a doctor is not easy. It requires lot of hard work, dedication and sacrifice. The medical profession demands long hours as the patient comes first. The road to becoming a doctor is long one and the journey begins from the premedical examination where an aspiring doctor tries to secure admission to a medical college amongst lakhs of aspiring doctors who appear for the entrance exams every year across the country. Five and half years of gruelling undergraduate MBBS studies then follow along with series of theory and practical exams interspersed with countless tutorials along the way including one year of compulsory internship. Today, a simple MBBS degree is not enough. To become a specialist and then a super specialist, an MBBS graduate is again required to undergo entrance exams to gain admission to the 3-year PG and 3-year DM courses. The road to becoming a doctor is about a decade long before a student acquires sufficient knowledge to become an expert in his/her chosen specialty. All of us have gone through this process and are familiar with it. Reiterating this long and tough process assumes importance in light of the government’s proposal of a ‘one-year Bridging Course’ allowing Ayush doctors to practice allopathic medicine at a primary health center (PHC). India’s new national health policy 2017 has made provisions for this, which states that “the national health policy it would continue mainstreaming of AYUSH with general health system but with the addition of a mandatory bridge course that gives competencies to mid-level care provider with respect to allopathic remedies.” An MBBS student after successfully clearing Pathology subject is not allowed to open a lab. While studying clinical subjects, the student is not allowed to practice clinical medicine or write prescriptions. An MBBS graduate, after 4.5 years of studying, is allowed to write prescription during internship training, but only under supervision. It’s only after completing the mandatory internship training that he/she gets his/her degree and is formally allowed to practice medicine independently. The volume of material to be studied during this process is tremendous and exhausting. For a doctor, studying does not stop with clearing the undergraduate or postgraduate exams. A doctor has to read constantly to be updated with the latest advances in medicine so that patients can benefit from these advances. Yet, the government seems to think that a one-year training is enough for Ayush practitioners to learn the nuances of modern medicine and practice the modern system of medicine safely. NEXT, an exit exam for all medical graduates to obtain license to practice is another proposal for modern medicine doctors, which the government wants to enforce. By proposing a one-year Bridging course, the govt. accepts that one year is enough for Ayush doctors to acquire adequate knowledge and competency to practice modern medicine and prescribe modern medicine drugs, including schedule drugs such as antibiotics, which an Allopathic doctor takes at least a decade to learn. Yet the govt. feels that an exit exam is necessary before an MBBS graduate is allowed to practice modern medicine, even at a PHC. Medicine is an art based on science. It’s not an exact science. And at times, years of clinical experience of an allopathic doctor come to the aid of critically ill patients. Will an Ayush doctor be able to recognize and accurately diagnose life threatening conditions such as acute heart attack, meningitis, early cancer, acute abdomen, pulmonary embolism, and give timely and appropriate first aid? Can they be expected to exercise discretion and judgement when prescribing drugs such as antibiotics? Outcomes may not benefit the patients, for whose benefit, this bridging course has been envisaged. Patient benefit and safety is first and foremost. All systems of medicine work towards this common end. It is the patient who will be at loss and by putting the lives of patients at risk, the very purpose of this course is defeated. How can the government allow Ayush doctors to practice modern medicine after just one year? MCI Code of Ethics Regulations do not allow doctors of other systems of medicine to practice modern medicine. Regulation 1.1.3 states “No person other than a doctor having qualification recognised by Medical Council of India and registered with Medical Council of India/State Medical Council (s) is allowed to practice Modern system of Medicine or Surgery. A person obtaining qualification in any other system of Medicine is not allowed to practice Modern system of Medicine in any form.” Similarly, the MCI Code of Ethics do not allow modern medicine doctors to practice crosspathy. Regulation 6.5 Secret Remedies states, “The prescribing or dispensing by a physician of secret remedial agents of which he does not know the composition, or the manufacture or promotion of their use is unethical and as such prohibited. All the drugs prescribed by a physician should always carry a proprietary formula and clear name.” Who will own the responsibility in case of a mishap or medical negligence? How will the concept of informed consent be implemented? By allowing Ayush doctors to practice allopathy, does this mean that our ancient systems of medicine are not competent enough to treat common illnesses in their own pathy? We respect Ayush doctors and their pathies. They should be allowed to advance their own pathy and not indulge in crosspathy. If the objective of this bridging course is to realize the “unmet need” of healthcare delivery in rural areas, this is not the solution. The govt. needs to strategize to empower MBBS doctors, incentivise rural practice and increase the number of family medicine seats.

Straight from the heart: A tribute to Dr VC Velayudhan Pillai

Straight from the heart: A tribute to Dr VC Velayudhan Pillai Dear Colleague Dr VC Velayudhan Pillai has left us for his heavenly abode. His physical body may not be with us, but he will always remain the collective consciousness of IMA. His services of over 25 years as an active Past National President will be missed and forever be remembered in the history of IMA. A person who never missed a central working committee or a central council meeting even after relinquishing as the Past National President during this period needs to be remembered every day as one of the “IMA Icons” of the country. He was also the first to connect IMA with International scenario and also served as President of CMAAO. Dr Vinay Aggarwal, Dr Ravi Wankhedkar and myself attended his last rites at Thiruvananthapuram yesterday. Dr RN Tandon was in Kolkata yesterday, where another leader Dr Rahul Dutta left his body. I have personally learned a lot from him. • The importance of wearing the IMA pin • When I was elected the National President IMA, he gifted me his personal IMA pin • Never to say no, when any work is assigned for IMA • IMA comes first and everything later • Forget your differences and work for the profession Team IMA announces the following resolutions in his memory: • All National Past Presidents of IMA shall be given National Honour after their physical body leaves IMA. • “Dr VCV Pillai Memorial Annual Address” shall be delivered at the installation ceremony on 28th December, as a part of the IMA Foundation Day. • IMA is launching a National Program “Physician’s Health First” in the memory of Dr VC Pillai. Every year, the period between 30th July and 5th September shall be observed as a period for all IMA members to have their physical check-up done. Obituary Resolution: Dr VCV Pillai We, the members of Team IMA, are with IMA Kerala, the extended family of Dr VCV Pillai in their moment of grief and resolve that we will collectively keep him alive in our thoughts in working towards the betterment of the medical profession. Dr Ketan Desai Dr KK Aggarwal Dr Vinay Aggarwal Dr RN Tandon Dr Ravi Wankhedkar Dr A Marthanda Pillai Dr R V Asokan & Team IMA

Majority of Indians deficient in Vitamin B12, says IMA

Majority of Indians deficient in Vitamin B12, says IMA This vitamin is essential for proper body functioning and must be adequately supplemented through other means, particularly in vegetarians New Delhi, 31 July 2017: Among the various vitamins that are an important constituent of our diet and essential to keep the body functioning properly, vitamin B12 occupies an important place. As per the IMA, it is alarming to note that a sizeable portion of the Indian population is deficient in B12. Vitamin B12, or Cobalamin, is one of the eight B vitamins required for proper functioning and health of the nerve tissue, brain function, and red blood cells. It helps in the production of DNA and RNA, and neurotransmitters. A prolonged deficiency of this vitamin can manifest as anemia, fatigue, memory loss, mood swings, irritability, tingling or numbness in the arms and legs, poor vision, mouth ulcers, constipation/diarrhea, neurological illnesses and infertility. However, B12 deficiency is reversible. 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, “Every minute, our body produces millions of red blood cells. However, these cells cannot multiply properly without vitamin B12 causing anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in infants who are exclusively breast-fed and those who do not have access to supplemental nutrients. Vegetarians and vegans are more susceptible to this deficiency. Stress, poor eating habits, genetic factors and diseases of the intestines such as Crohn’s disease impair absorption of B12. Those who are over 50 years of age have reduced ability to absorb it from foods. Being a water-soluble vitamin, insufficient intake of water can also affect its absorption.” Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Deficiency of B12 is detected through blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC) and the level of vitamin B12 in the blood. The levels of folate (another B vitamin) are also usually measured for a related condition called folate deficiency anemia. Once the diagnosis is established, a person is usually referred to a specialist. For instance, hematologist for blood conditions, a gastroenterologist for digestive disorders, and a dietitian for advice on food containing more vitamin B12.” Here are few tips to prevent deficiency of Vitamin B12. Avoid consumption of alcohol Consuming alcohol in excess leads to gastritis and damages the intestinal lining. This can further interfere with absorption of vitamin B12. Quit smoking. It has been observed that serum vitamin B12 levels are usually lower in smoking. Have supplements Vegetarian food is deficient in vitamin B12. Therefore, it is important for them to take a B12-containing multivitamin. Other than this include soy foods and foods fortified with vitamin B12 in your diet. Include vitamin B6 in your diet This will help in the absorption and storage of vitamin B12. Spinach, walnuts, poultry, avocados, and bananas are good sources of B6.