Health Matters: Public health course

Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital organised an External Disaster Management Drill to highlight the systematic approach towards mass casualties and to keep the casualty team prepared for such situations. A situation was simulated where 25 patients,which included men,women and children,were rushed to the hospital after a bomb blast at a public place. The External Disaster Management Drill is based on the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) and follows guidelines set by the quality standards.

Breast feeding week

The Armed Forces Medical College celebrated World Breast feeding week from August 1 to 7. The World Alliance for Breast feeding Action (WABA) began advocating breast feeding in more than 170 countries around 20 years ago and the theme selected for this year’s celebration is “ Understanding the past,planning for the future” The Department of Pediatrics organized various awareness programmes on breast feeding for the expectant and nursing mothers at Command hospital Pune. A Lactation workshop and hands on training was organized for the nursing cadets,medical cadets and postgraduate students. A “breast feeding room” for nursing mothers was established and inaugurated by Mrs Tripjeet Joneja,President AWWA AFMC on the occasion.

Health survey

Metropolis Healthcare Ltd conducted a three-year trend survey from 2009 – 2011 across Pune,Mumbai,Ahmedabad and Chennai. According to the survey results,the incidence of Malaria in Pune has been steadily rising with 272 people in 2009 to 385 people in 2011,an increase by 113 cases. Dengue on the other hand,has drastically fallen with 1704 people in 2009 to 485 people in 2011,a drop of 1219 cases. Commenting on the survey Dr. Awanti Golwilkar – Mehendale,Director and Chief of Lab,Golwilkar Metropolis Health Services Pvt Ltd said,“In today’s time,several factors including global warming,humidity,increasing rainfall/ temperature etc has majorly put people at risk for communicable diseases. There is a serious need to follow basic hygiene and preventive healthcare strategies.”

Milestone achieved

LifeCell International,an accredited stem cell bank, announced a milestone achievement of successfully preserving 50,000 umbilical cord blood stem cell units in its preservation center and laboratory located in Chennai. Stem cells derived from the umbilical cord are known to have the potential to treat over 75 serious medical conditions.

Fasting for diabetics

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes face the risk of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia when fasting duriong Ramadan,warn experts. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include sweating,dizziness,hunger and irritability. Despite the serious health risks that fasting could pose to diabetics,research shows that 50 million people with diabetes worldwide continue to fast during Ramadan against the advice of healthcare professionals,said Dr. Abhay Mutha,diabetologist,Ruby Hall Clinic. If left untreated,low blood sugar can lead to loss of consciousness,convulsions or seizures,which require emergency treatment. Therefore the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that all people with diabetes who wish to fast,seek medical advice before Ramadan.