Journalism of Courage
Oral Health Month launched
Colgate has launched their programme,Oral Health Month (OHM) with a focus on Zero Cavities. In its eighth edition,over 25,000 dentists have pledged their support for the programme. Spread over two months – December 2011 and January 2012,during OHM,Colgate and IDA (Indian Dental Association) will focus on creating awareness to fight cavities and instill the importance of good oral hygiene through dental check-ups,across the country. In addition a unique initiative,Adopt a School,has also been introduced,where school children as Little Dentists will own and spread the message of good oral care habits in community schools.
Medical Education
The Indian Medical Assocation (IMA) will conduct a continuing medical education programme on disaster management on December 18. Topics discussed will include hospital preparedness and management of critical patients,role of Medical Practitioners in disaster,management of dead bodies in mass disaster-to a mock drill that will be held for doctors and the general public. Dr Ambrish Shahade,president of the city unit of IMA said that that several experts including those from the municipal corporation and collectorate are expected to participate.
Neurological centre
A new Neuro centre that will provide specialised neurological treatments under one roof was recently opened in the city. ‘Max Neuro Hospital’,was started by neurosurgeon Dr Umesh Phalke at Kasarwadi,Pimpri. Dr Phalke will be accompanied by Neurosurgeon Dr Prashant Khandelwal,Dr Satish Nirhale and Dr Hemant Sant. Various treatments like spine surgeries,brain surgeries,Epileptic surgery will be performed using modern equipments like Zeiss VARIO microscopes (Germany) and Fresenius Kabi Syringe Pumps (France).
Suicide Prevention
I recently read an article in the news paper about a man hanging his three children and committing suicide himself. It drew mixed responses from people around me and I believe that we are ignorant about suicides and the enormity of the problem. According to statistics related to suicide the main causes are,presence of psychiatric disorder-depression,schizophrenia,substance abuse,alcohol abuse,personality disorders like borderline personality and the like. The actual suicidal event has parts like suicidal ideation,suicidal gesture and suicidal plans. The common myths associated include:
1) Those who say it never do it: Fact is that more than 60 per cent of people who commit suicide attempt to communicate their problem directly or indirectly.
2) Nothing can be done to help them: More than 80 per cent of suicidal deaths can be avoided with timely intervention.
3) It is all to attract attention: Some attempts are to attract attention but the intent needs to be assessed and gravity to be determined.
4) These people are untreatable: Psychiatric intervention usually results in significant improvement and response towards preventing suicides.
Dr. Rohan Jahagirdar
