Health corner

Innovation

Maxx Medical Pvt Ltd,a global medical device company with USA-based research and manufacturing facilities,announced the launch of the Freedom Total Knee ® System (“Freedom Knee”). The high-flexion knee replacement system has been specifically engineered to address the unmet market need for small-sized and differently proportioned implants to support the Indian lifestyle. Dr David Gibson,chief of the Section of Orthopedics at Hospital of Saint Raphael,New Haven and Dr Hemant Wakankar,CT and joint replacement surgeon from Pune,were the chief guests for the launch of this unique knee replacement system at Pune.

Homoeopathy Yoga Centre

In a unique initiative,the first of its kind Homoeopathy Yoga Centre (HYC) for healing,education and research is being launched in Pune. This is the first time that a centre is bringing together the two sciences of Homoeopathy and Yoga to ensure holistic wellness. This path-breaking enterprise has been brought together by world renowned Yogacharya,B K S Iyengar’s disciple Amit Pawar,and Dr Sunil Anand,a leading classical homoepathic practitioner for the HYC. The centre will be operational later this year and according to Rajiv Bajaj,MD,Bajaj Auto,both Homoeopathy and Yoga act on the nervous system of the individual. “Thus,these two specialised and complementary sciences ensure holistic approach in our understanding and journey towards true health,” Bajaj said.

HIV sanatorium

National Institute of Naturopathy,Pune,an autonomous body under the Department of AYUSH,Govt of India,Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,has started a sanatorium for HIV+ve patients with free accommodation,food and treatment facility. A panel meeting,with representatives of NGOs dealing with HIV patients,medical experts and media representatives,was held to explain the functioning of the sanatorium and treatment protocol. The meeting was chaired by Dr Babu Joseph,director of NIN.

Installation

Pune will now have the facility of a rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) machine,which is very effective in treating various mental disorders like depression,schizophrenia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and in neurological conditions like stroke,Parkinson’s,epilepsy and pain disorders. It was installed at the Joshi Hospital,located near Kamla Nehru Park,under the supervision of psychiatrist Dr Swapnil Deshmukh. The first line treatment by this machine would begin from next week.

Dance as therapy

Dance is fast gaining ground as a therapy technique. It is de-stressing,keeps one healthy,makes one focus better and aids happiness. “Bharatnatyam as a dance form is holistic in its approach,” said Parimala Pavankumar,who performed a piece that spoke of the ‘bharatnatyam way to a healthy lifestyle’,at S M Joshi foundation’s office. This dance form is associated with non-verbal communication and facial expressions – the various stretches and positions are helpful in developing flexibility. “It develops concentration,endurance and helps in controlling body weight,” said Pavankumar,after her performance.

Vipassana

Datta Kohinkar,chairman of the Pune Vipassana Samiti,recently spoke on how to live a happy life without anger at a lecture session organised by the Pune Police study circle at the Lashkar Police station. Due to the stressful nature of their work,police officers face the risk of developing many physical and mental diseases. The Vipassana MeditationTechnique is a new alternative to combat the rising suicide rates.

Ophthalmological Society

Dr Jeevan Ladi was appointed the president of Poona Ophthalmological Society for the year 2011-2012,during the Annual General Body Meeting. Ladi is also the chairman of the Scientific Committee of Maharashtra’s Ophthalmological Society. Dr Jai Kelkar was appointed as secretary and Dr Baban Dolas as treasurer of the society. The society has planned many public education seminars on eye health care and prevention of blindness.

(Compiled by Anuradha Mascarenhas)