Health Corner

Alzheimer’s Day

Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India will officially launch its Pune Chapter with a view to develop,co-ordinate and render services in the field of dementia care,support,training and research,especially in the western region of India. ARDSI Pune Chapter is functioning under the aegis of Chaitanya Mental Health Care Centre and International Longevity Centre India. The Pune chapter will be launched today on the occasion of Alzheimer’s Day,followed by the screening of a short film on dementia. Faces of Dementia is a tribute to those who are working tirelessly to promote increased support and care for people with dementia and their careers. Dr H V Sardesai and Dr Mohan Agashe will be present at the function to be held at MES Auditorium,Balshikshan Mandir Campus,Kothrud.

International CML Day

In recognition of genetic changes of chromosomes 9 and 22 which cause chronic myeloid leukemia (CML),patient organisations have decided to observe September 22 as Internationa CML day. The aim is to raise awareness about the importance of timely access to diagnosis and treatment. The friends of MAX,a peer support group of more than 14,000 CML survivors,will join in the celebration. Further information may be had by checking the website,http://friendsofmax.info .

Heart Surgery

‘Redo’ heart surgeries are more complicated than first-time heart operations and to do them through minimally invasive techniques is technically even more demanding. It requires high surgical precision and deft team work. Mumbai-based patient Motilal Khanna,who had read about a surgery performed by Dr Chandrashekhar Kulkarni at Jehangir hospital in Pune,decided to get operated here. “Using the technique of ‘Partial Sternotomy’,we avoided the traditional splitting of the chest bone from top to bottom of the chest. Instead,we selectively accessed only the required parts of the heart through a much smaller 10 cm incision. This reduces pain and discomfort and hastens the recovery,” said Dr Kulkarni. “The requirement of blood products is also reduced. The patient was discharged in eight days,” he added.

Health Clinic

Express Clinic Pvt Ltd recently launched a chain of health clinics at their state of the art centre located at Kalyaninagar. The inauguration was done by Satish Khot,president,National Society for Clean Cities. Under the self-funded project,50 clinics will be launched in Pune and the rest of Maharashtra in a phased manner. Currently,in Pune,Express Clinics have clinics located at Kalyaninagar,Magarpatta and Nigdi. Express Clinic will also launch clinics in other parts of the city including Shivajinagar,Satara Road,Kothrud,NIBM Road,Aundh,Baner,Vishrantwadi,Pimple Saudagar,Chinchwad and Chakan. Express Clinic plans to launch the first 10 centres in Pune by December 2011.

(compiled by Anuradha Mascarenhas)