Beyond the White Coat: Celebrating India's Unsung Heroes on Doctor's Day
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Harshini Sivasubramanian
01 Jul, 2024
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Anaemia Awareness Day: Causes and Prevention

Anaemia is a prevalent health condition that mainly affects young children, adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anaemia affects half a billion people of reproductive age worldwide. Therefore, in this blog, let's familiarize ourselves with the causes of anaemia and learn the prevention strategies to combat this global health issue.

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition in which an individual lacks enough haemoglobin in their Red Blood Cells (RBC) to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. It affects all age groups irrespective of sex.

Symptoms of Anaemia

Anaemia can lead to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. When the body does not receive enough oxygen, it leads to various health problems. These may include:

Causes of Anaemia

Anaemia can result from a myriad of factors, each contributing to the difficulty of maintaining healthy haemoglobin levels. Understanding the causes is crucial for effective prevention and management. The following conditions may lead to anaemia:

  • Iron deficiency
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Chronic diseases such as kidney disease or cancer
  • Genetic conditions like sickle cell anaemia
  • Certain medications that interfere with red blood cell production

How to Prevent Anaemia

Preventing anaemia requires a multi-faceted approach that include:

·       Maintain a Balanced Diet - Consume iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, legumes, lean meats, and fortified cereals.

·       Enhance Iron Absorption - Pair iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods to improve absorption.  

·       Limit Inhibitor - Reduce excessive tea and coffee consumption

·       Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle - Engage in regular exercise, stay hydrated

Regular health check-ups is crucial to prevent anaemia, especially for adolescent girls, pregnant women, children, and the elderly.  

Why is World Anaemia Awareness Day Observed?

World Anaemia Awareness Day is observed to highlight the global impact of anaemia. By educating the prevention and treatment options of anaemia individuals can take proactive steps to address their risk factors and improve their overall health.

Final Thoughts

Anaemia is a global health condition, yet it is preventable. Taking proper nutrition and knowing more about this illness can help you significantly reduce it. On this World Anaemia Awareness Day let's reinforce the collective responsibility to fight anaemia and improve overall well-being. If you find yourself feeling anaemic do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

Health Days
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World Cancer Day: Together, We Can Make a Difference

Cancer is a condition in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue. There are more than 100 types of cancer. Among these types, some cancer types are preventable if we detect them earlier. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 9.6 million people lose their lives each year. To create awareness and to reduce the burden of cancer, World Cancer Day has been observed every year since February 4, 2000, and was initially established at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris.

Significance of World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about this deadly disease. By understanding the seriousness of cancer and the importance of early detection, individuals can make informed decisions about their health. However, socioeconomic status, geographical location, and limited resources often determine the timely treatment of cancer. These gaps urge the importance of global solidarity and local action. In India, individuals with higher incomes and education were more likely to be aware of cancer than others. Spreading awareness about early detection and talking about cancer in rural areas fills the knowledge gap regarding cancer screening, prevention, and treatment among the Indian and also for global populations.

The Role of Early Cancer Detection

Cancer is a deadly disease, but we can improve the survival rate of cancer patients and help to provide timely treatment by detecting it earlier. It is achievable only through regular screening and self-examinations. World Cancer Day encourages individuals to prioritize their health and undergo routine screenings, especially if they have a family history of cancer.

The Role of Community

Communities play a significant role in World Cancer Day. Communities can drive by giving hands to individuals affected by cancer and advocating for equitable healthcare policy change. Through collective efforts, they can raise essential funds for cancer research and provide much-needed support to those undergoing treatment.

How to observe World Cancer Day?

·       Spread awareness about prevention and regular screening for cancer.

·       Support to the cancer research groups.

·       Offer emotional support to the individual who is undergoing cancer treatment.

World Cancer Day 2025 Theme

This year's World Cancer Day theme,' United by Unique,' highlights that the cancer battle differs for everyone, but the desire for a cure binds us all together.

In conclusion, World Cancer Day serves as a call to action for everyone, emphasizing the importance of understanding each person’s unique experience with cancer. By embracing our differences, we unlock the collective strength that drives progress in the fight against cancer. Whether it's different types of cancer, treatments, or personal backgrounds, we are united by a common purpose: to reduce the impact of cancer and support one another on our unique journeys.

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World Braille Day 2025: All you Need to Know

Introduction

One of God's greatest gifts is seeing things in this wonderful world. Unfortunately, only a few are gifted with this ability. For those who are affected, Louis Braille, in 1829, made the most significant gift to his society of blind people through his invention, “Braille.” Every year on January 4th, World Braille Day is celebrated to honor the birth of the great inventor Louis Braille.

World Braille Day 2025

World Braille Day is observed in 2025 to raise awareness about the importance of braille as the best communication medium for blind people. By celebrating this day, teachers, caregivers, and parents can tell their children about how braille is extremely helpful for people who need it.

On this day every year, NGOs worldwide organize events, awareness campaigns, and public outreaches to raise awareness, and teachers teach their students about the history of braille to help them understand how much it helps blind people communicate.

What is Braille?

Braille is a very tactile writing system used by partially blind and blind people. The letters on the braille are made with a combination of dots (6) embossed on thick paper or sheet. These systems of 6 dots are also used to write numbers, letters, and musical notes. A braille typewriter punches dots on paper, and one can touch it using the fingers to recognize the character and read it.

Before Braille, no other system gave the best results in helping blind people read and write. After the invention of braille, the education system for blind people evolved further.

History of Braille

Braille was invented in the 19th century by Louis Braille, who was 15 years old when he invented it. He became blind at a very young age due to an accident, which made him work tirelessly to come up with this best invention. It took him 2 years to complete this invention. Unfortunately, it was approved for usage only after his death.

Conclusion

World Braille Day is a great opportunity to pay more respect to Louis Braille, the inventor who has empowered blind people and helped their education systems evolve. Through awareness, support, and advocacy for braille, World Braille Day remains committed to an equitable and inclusive society for all.

 

Health Days
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Constipation Awareness Month: Bursting Myths and Facts About Constipation

December is here, and so is constipation awareness. Many people must know that December is considered the month of constipation awareness. A global event is observed every year to spread awareness about constipation.

In this blog, we will learn more about constipation and a few myths and facts about this illness. This will ensure that everybody knows and acknowledges constipation.

What is Constipation?

Constipation is a prevalent gastrointestinal ailment affecting many people of all age groups (elders, particularly the younger population). It occurs when an individual experiences fewer bowel movements and trouble passing stools. If you experience fewer bowel movements, for instance, three times per week, it is constipation and must be adequately treated. This illness also occurs when the stool becomes dry and hard.

Constipation Awareness Month In-detail

Importance

Constipation has become a very prevalent gastrointestinal issue that affects people of all ages. December is more important for driving more attention to this widespread and undiscussed health concern. This initiative has made it easy for people to speak about digestive health, break the stigmas, and learn more about the ailment in detail.

Statistics about Constipation

The study shows that the statistics of constipation in T2DM patients were 24.3% according to Rome III criteria, of which 11% are male and 13.3% female. Most of the subjects are under the age group of 18-59. Constipation in India is found to be more frequent in Indian women than in men, working people, and non-working people. It is said that this rise in constipation cases is due to poor dietary habits, lifestyle, dehydration, and less physical activity.

History of Constipation Awareness Month

The history of Constipation Awareness Month involves the collective effort of health organizations, medical professionals, and advocacy groups to focus on constipation awareness and its impact. The vision of this initiative is to encourage people to know more about the issue, prioritize health checkups, and seek medical advice when it is required. During this awareness month, the vision is to encourage positive changes in people's perspectives, build healthy habits, and develop healthy lifestyles for a healthier tomorrow.

Whom to Consult for Constipation?

Though constipation isn't a deadly disease, it still has the efficiency to affect your health and day-to-day routine. So, getting yourself checked by a good gastroenterologist when it comes to constipation is better. They will check and help you gradually get better.

Bursting Myths and Facts About Constipation

Myth: You must have a bowel movement in routine

Fact: It doesn't mean everybody should get regular bowel movements. It varies based on an individual's body type. A few people may have it three times a day, and a few might get it three times a week. It can last longer until you feel something is wrong with your body or health. If you have significantly fewer bowel movements for an extended period, you are constipated, and it is suggested that you visit a doctor immediately!

Myth: Constipation Creates Toxins

A few people still believe that constipation can make the body absorb a lot of poisonous substances in the stools, which will lead to severe illnesses like arthritis, colon cancer, and asthma. Still, there is no evidence that the stools will produce toxins, laxatives, and colon cleansing that could prevent illnesses, and constipation isn't a disease.

Myth: You Need More Fiber

It is not just a myth; it is, in fact, true that constipation happens when your body lacks fiber. So, including more veggies and fiber-rich foods in your diet is a good idea. Secondly, hydration plays a significant role in constipation, so you should drink more water regularly. If you still constipate after doing all this, then it is good to consult your doctor and get it checked.

Myth: Only elders get Constipated

Constipation is common in women and older people, but this doesn't mean it affects only these two categories. People from various age groups can be affected by constipation, and there are no age limitations for it. So, irrespective of age and sex, anybody can suffer from constipation.

Conclusion

Everybody is aware of constipation, but not everybody is aware of its consequences. In most cases, people are affected by constipation due to their poor lifestyle and food habits. So, it is important to focus on lifestyle and eat healthy.

This month of December, let us be more cautious about constipation and educate others about its symptoms and causes.

Health Days
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World Pancreatic Cancer Day: History, Significance

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the pancreas and is often unnoticed until it becomes severe. The mortality rate of pancreatic cancer is high, making early detection essential. Therefore, every year, Pancreatic Cancer Day is observed to spread awareness, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and research in improving outcomes for those affected by this disease.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day: History

The World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition (WPCC) started this campaign in 2014 to advocate for research funding and support for those affected by the disease. The goal is to enhance survival rates and quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients worldwide.

Every year, November's, 3rd Thursday, is observed as World Pancreatic Cancer Day to increase awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment options.

Significance of World Pancreatic Cancer Day

Pancreatic cancer is the 7th leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a five-year survival rate of around 10%. However, early detection can significantly improve these statistics. By recognizing and acting upon early significant symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, jaundice, and abdominal pain, we can foster earlier diagnosis and treatment, leading to a substantial increase in survival rates. On World Pancreatic Cancer Day, we come together to inspire hope and collective action against this disease.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2024: Theme

This year, the theme for World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2024 is "a day of action, a world of difference." It's a call to action for the global community to recognize the urgency of tackling this disease and to demand improved diagnostic tools, treatment options, and support systems.  

Conclusion

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to diagnose and treat, but with increased awareness and research efforts, there is hope for improved outcomes for patients in the future. Let's unite on World Pancreatic Cancer Day 2024 to make a difference in the fight against this deadly disease.


Health Days
8 Mins Read