The State Health Department has taken a series of initiatives under the Central government’s “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” that started on October 2. State Secretary (Health) S.C.L. Das said government hospitals were working on overall cleanliness with emphasis on disposing of bio-medical waste and clearing of mosquito’s breeding places and malba/garbage.
Hospital authorities have also involved relatives and friends of patients in the drive. “Medical superintendents, doctors, staff, and medical students are taking part in the exercise in all major hospitals,” the secretary said. Senior residents/junior residents/students will deliver small talks using portable public address system in the OPD area on virtues of hygiene and cleanliness on a regular basis.
Earlier this month, World Arthritis Day was observed and the theme for this year was “Living Better, Ageing Well”. Arthritis is seen in every age group, but mainly found in the elderly. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints. Kaushal Kant Mishra, senior consultant, Orthopaedics, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, said, “Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight, and become healthier.” “Regular brisk walking (as fast as you can) has always been fruitful. Daily brisk walking up to 3-5 km and a complete nutrient-rich diet will strengthen your heart, lower risk of diseases, keep weight in check, boost your energy, and make you happy.’’ He also said that involving children in regular outdoor games for around two-three hours daily is better than performing any specific exercise.
Cancer cases among women in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore from 1982 to 2005, shows until 10 years ago, 10 per 1,000,00 women had got breast cancer, compared to 23 per 1,000,00 now (Source- Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences Bangalore, Karnataka). It is estimated that one in 22 Indian women has the lifetime probability of developing breast cancer. “In Asia, breast cancer incidence peaks among women in their forties. In India, less survival can be largely because of lack of early detection and limited access to treatment,” said a release from SRL Diagnostics. B. R. Das of SRL Diagnostics said, “There is an urgent need to strengthen the existing screening and awareness campaigns.”