Friday 24 August 2018

This item on your table has been eliminating illnesses for years

Haiti has among the highest rates of elephantiasis (lymphatic filariasis), which attacks the lymphatic system, leading to abnormal enlargement of body parts, disfigurement, pain, disability and social ostracism. The World Health Organization estimates that 856.4 million people in 53 countries including India remain threatened by the condition.



The population in many of these countries also suffer from widespread iodine deficiency. Many of them have established a goal to completely eradicate elephantiasis and iodine deficiency disorders by 2020. Fortunately, there is a simple cure for these conditions: salt fortified with iodine and diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC).

Iodine is an essential element for healthy human life, enabling the function of thyroid glands to produce needed hormones for proper metabolism. When children in the womb don't get enough iodine from their mother, fetal brain development is impaired. During pregnancy, iodine deficiency can cause a child to develop learning and intellectual disabilities as well as developmental problems affecting speech, hearing, and growth.

"Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is the single greatest cause of preventable mental retardation," says Kul Gautam, the former deputy executive director of UNICEF. "Severe deficiencies cause cretinism, stillbirth, and miscarriage. But even mild deficiency can significantly affect the learning ability of populations. Scientific evidence shows the alarming effects of IDD. Even a moderate deficiency, especially in pregnant women and infants, lowers their intelligence by 10-15 IQ points."

Kiwanis International, a worldwide service organization in more than 82 nations and geographic areas, partnered with UNICEF in a global effort to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). In just 10 years, starting in 1990, the percentage of the world population consuming iodized salt went from 20 percent to 70 percent. Kiwanis ultimately provided nearly $105 million to protect children from preventable mental and physical disabilities.

"There is no reward greater in life than helping children, and seeing them live healthy, vibrant lives. Our clubs and members understand the importance of helping children in their communities, and in communities around the world, and have proudly contributed to protecting more than 80 million."

Monday 20 August 2018

Saluting the seniors



International Day of Older Persons is a special day for older persons or senior citizens all over the world. We are fortunate to live in a time when so many of our elderly are living lives of unexpected health and financial security, but such was not always the case. Throughout history, old age was not something an individual expected to reach, and so we lost the wisdom and experience of these individuals at an early age. Senior Citizen Day celebrates the fact that these keepers of wisdom are staying with us longer each year, and in better health.

Let’s discuss life expectancy throughout the ages, starting in the Late Middle Ages. During this time period, those who were at the top of the social strata had a life expectancy of 30 years old, 30 years! Could you imagine graduating High School only to have less time remaining on this Earth than you spent in school? That’s how far things have come since those days of old. Even in the 1900’s, the age had only increased to 31, but that’s when things really started getting incredible.

You see, as medical technology advanced, which it has been doing exponentially in the last 100 years, so did life expectancy advance with it. In the 1950’s we saw an average life expectancy of 48 the world over, and then in 2014, it had expanded to 71.5 years, more than double the life expectancy of our medieval counterparts! In fact, in Monaco, you find the longest life expectancy of the world, 89.52 years!

This means that we have more and more people living to a ripe old age and able to share their wisdom, stories, and experience with several generations.

The rights of older persons are the entitlements and independence claimed for senior citizens (i.e. above 60 years of age). Elderly rights are one of the fundamental rights of India. 

A census of India demonstrated that aged people in India have crossed over 100 million. Many older people in India are not alert about the human rights of older persons, due to the high occurrence of illiteracy and lack of alertness. Elder illiteracy directly contributes to a lack of knowledge regarding the human rights for older people in India, and contributes to the infringement of those rights.

Surveys have found that one out of every six older persons living in urban areas in India aren't obtaining proper nutrition, one out of every three older persons does not obtain sufficient health care or medicine, and one out of every two older persons don't receive due respect or good conduct from family members or people in general.

In today's state of urbanization in which women are increasingly joining the workforce, the roots of joint family systems are eroding. Higher numbers of older people who have spent most of their life with their joint/extended families may face loneliness and marginalization in their old age. In rural areas, the older members of families, (i.e.: people who are above 60 years of age), are respected more and are considered a strong part of the family as the joint family system remains part of their roots. In villages, 46.91% of the older men and 50.1% of older women are from joint families. In rural areas, 13,560 out of 29,000 rural elderly have joint families.

Governmental concessions and facilities

The government of India provides various concessions and facilities to its senior citizens. The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, is aimed at enusirng that the elderly live in self-respect and peace. The Bill includes provisions to guard India's senior citizens besides specifically prescribing the State’s role in taking care of them. The Bill also places a legal responsibility on children and relatives to maintain the senior citizen or parent in order to facilitate seniors with a normal life. This obligation applies to all Indian citizens, including those who live abroad. The offspring and relatives of seniors are required to provide sufficient support for senior citizens, while the state governments will create old age homes in every district.

Health

Many government and private hospitals provide concessions to the older persons in the treatment of the diseases like cardiac problems, diabetes, kidney problems, blood pressure, joint problems and eye problems. There is also a condition for separate queuing of reservations for hospital beds.

Travel

Indian Railways gives 30% concessions in the ticket prices to all the persons aged 60 years and above. It is 50% for women aged over 60 years. Proof of age is required. There are also conditions of lower berth for older persons and also separate counters for booking and cancelling tickets to avoid rushes at the counters. Some airlines provide concessions in its economy class, (with particular terms and conditions applied). Air India provides 45% concessions to older persons in wheel chairs and are allowed to board the plane first.

Housing

The Indian government provides housing facilities such as retirement homes and recreational or educational centers. These centers provide older persons with opportunities to spend their free time doing various activities. Most recreational centers have fitness clubs, yoga centers, parks, spiritual sessions, picnics, food fests for the health and entertainment of senior citizens. Some old age homes also have libraries other activities such as music classes, arts and crafts, quizzes and indoor games. These activities help to spiritually uplift seniors and can contribute to overall health improvements and mental stability.

Difficulties faced by older persons

Health and care: Physical and mental health care availability and community and social care aspects of life for the elderly are key concerns. Nutritional problems are also a concern.

Income and housing: Access to employment opportunities, transportation, housing and income are key concerns. Inhumane living conditions are also a concern.

Social networks and customs: Poor social interaction with family and friends, poor social networks, and those without families are some difficulties faced by some senior citizens. Social customs based upon elder neglect, which the elderly may internalize as beliefs are topics of concern. Losing the will to live from a lack of social support is another issue.

Additional concerns: Educational access and opportunities, the potential for leisure pursuits, consumer protections and having access to information are also key concerns.

Successful aging (American English) or successful ageing (British English) refers to physical, mental and social well-being in older age. The concept of successful aging can be traced back to the 1950s, and was popularized in the 1980s. It reflects a changing view on aging in Western countries, where a stigma associated with old age (see ageism) has led to considering older people as a burden on society. Consequently, in the past, most of the scientists have been focusing on the negative aspects of aging or preventing the decline of youth

Research on successful aging, however, acknowledges the fact that there is a growing number of older adults functioning at a high level and contributing to the society. Scientists working in this area seek to define what differentiates successful from usual aging in order to design effective strategies and medical interventions to protect health and well-being from aging. Some researchers in aging studies are critical of the very term "successful aging" as it implies failure on the part of those who do not meet arbitrary criteria derived from neoliberal and/or biomedical definitions.

Successful aging has a very broad definition that looks different to each person and on each person. All people vary in genetics, life style choices, and socioeconomic status which are three influential factors in determining your life course trajectory. These factors also come together to determine our physical and mental health. Research shows that even late in life, the potential exists for physical, mental, and social growth and development

Renewable energy can transform India

August 20th was celebrated as #AkshayUrjaDiwas or #RenewableEnergyDay, to create awareness about the developments of renewable energy in India. The country plans to generate 40% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel by 2030. 

Wind, solar, and hydroelectricity are three emerging renewable sources of energy. A survey shows that global support is strongest for solar and wind, followed by (in declining order) hydro, natural gas, coal and nuclear

Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Renewable energy often provides energy in four important areas: electricity generation, air and water heating/cooling, transportation, and rural (off-grid) energy services.



Renewable energy often displaces conventional fuels in four areas: electricity generation, hot water/space heating, transportation, and rural (off-grid) energy services:

Power generation

By 2040, renewable energy is projected to equal coal and natural gas electricity generation. Several jurisdictions, including Denmark, Germany, the state of South Australia and some US states have achieved high integration of variable renewables. For example, in 2015 wind power met 42% of electricity demand in Denmark, 23.2% in Portugal and 15.5% in Uruguay. Interconnectors enable countries to balance electricity systems by allowing the import and export of renewable energy. Innovative hybrid systems have emerged between countries and regions.

Heating

Solar water heating makes an important contribution to renewable heat in many countries, most notably in China, which now has 70% of the global total (180 GWth). Most of these systems are installed on multi-family apartment buildings and meet a portion of the hot water needs of an estimated 50–60 million households in China. Worldwide, total installed solar water heating systems meet a portion of the water heating needs of over 70 million households. The use of biomass for heating continues to grow as well. In Sweden, national use of biomass energy has surpassed that of oil. Direct geothermal for heating is also growing rapidly.[27] The newest addition to Heating is from Geothermal Heat Pumps which provide both heating and cooling, and also flatten the electric demand curve and are thus an increasing national priority.

Transportation

Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermentation, mostly from carbohydrates produced in sugar or starch crops such as corn, sugarcane, or sweet sorghum. Cellulosic biomass, derived from non-food sources such as trees and grasses is also being developed as a feedstock for ethanol production. Ethanol can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and improve vehicle emissions. Bioethanol is widely used in the USA and in Brazil. Biodiesel can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a diesel additive to reduce levels of particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from diesel-powered vehicles. Biodiesel is produced from oils or fats using transesterification and is the most common biofuel in Europe.

A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered completely or significantly by direct solar energy. Usually, photovoltaic (PV) cells contained in solar panels convert the sun's energy directly into electric energy. The term "solar vehicle" usually implies that solar energy is used to power all or part of a vehicle's propulsion. Solar power may be also used to provide power for communications or controls or other auxiliary functions. Solar vehicles are not sold as practical day-to-day transportation devices at present but are primarily demonstration vehicles and engineering exercises, often sponsored by government agencies. However, indirectly solar-charged vehicles are widespread and solar boats are available commercially.

Renewable energy technology has sometimes been seen as a costly luxury item by critics, and affordable only in the affluent developed world. This erroneous view has persisted for many years, but 2015 was the first year when investment in non-hydro renewables, was higher in developing countries, with $156 billion invested, mainly in China, India, and Brazil.

Renewable energy can be particularly suitable for developing countries. In rural and remote areas, transmission and distribution of energy generated from fossil fuels can be difficult and expensive. Producing renewable energy locally can offer a viable alternative.

Technology advances are opening up a huge new market for solar power: the approximately 1.3 billion people around the world who don't have access to grid electricity. Even though they are typically very poor, these people have to pay far more for lighting than people in rich countries because they use inefficient kerosene lamps. Solar power costs half as much as lighting with kerosene.

As of 2010, an estimated 3 million households get power from small solar PV systems.[136] Kenya is the world leader in the number of solar power systems installed per capita. More than 30,000 very small solar panels, each producing 12 to 30 watts, are sold in Kenya annually. Some Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are also turning to solar power to reduce their costs and increase their sustainability.

Micro-hydro configured into mini-grids also provide power. Over 44 million households use biogas made in household-scale digesters for lighting and/or cooking, and more than 166 million households rely on a new generation of more-efficient biomass cookstoves. Clean liquid fuel sourced from renewable feedstocks are used for cooking and lighting in energy-poor areas of the developing world. Alcohol fuels (ethanol and methanol) can be produced sustainably from non-food sugary, starchy, and cellulostic feedstocks. Project Gaia, Inc. and CleanStar Mozambique are implementing clean cooking programs with liquid ethanol stoves in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Mozambique.

Renewable energy projects in many developing countries have demonstrated that renewable energy can directly contribute to poverty reduction by providing the energy needed for creating businesses and employment. Renewable energy technologies can also make indirect contributions to alleviating poverty by providing energy for cooking, space heating, and lighting. Renewable energy can also contribute to education, by providing electricity to schools.

Monday 6 August 2018

4 tips to prepare for college when you have allergies

Going to college is the first time many young adults will be away from their parents and their home. With this newfound freedom comes new responsibilities, especially for those with allergies and asthma.



"For most teens, going away to college marks their first time living on their own," says allergist Bradley Chipps, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI). "In addition to moving to a new place, many teens must learn to manage their own schedule, diet, exercise, and health. Young people may find their allergies and asthma neglected due to other, seemingly more important demands for their time."

If you or someone in your family has allergies or asthma and is headed off to college this year, here are five tips from ACAAI on how to prepare for the transition.

1. Make time now to see your allergist - Schedule an appointment with your allergist now to discuss plans for the year. During this visit, you should ask for a referral to an allergist close to where you're going to college, as well as a complete copy of your records, including medications, lab work, and allergy test results.

2. Start practicing good self-management - The best line of defense against allergy and asthma attacks starts with you. Know your triggers and always be aware of risk factors when you go into an unfamiliar environment. Carry your asthma medications with you in case of a flare-up.

3. Set up a network - It's easy to leave things to parents, but once you move out, you'll need to take an active role in your health. Whether you're going 100 or 1,000 miles away, you'll need to contact school administrators to discuss necessary arrangements for your dorm room and meals. If you're moving far from home, along with a new allergist, identify new primary care and specialty physicians, as well as a new pharmacy.

4. Talk to the folks who'll make your food - If you have a food allergy, plan to talk to food handlers and ask about ingredients at every meal or snack. You probably already carefully read labels, but make sure your friends, roommate and resident adviser know about your food allergies. It's your job to educate others about your allergies.