International
Condom Day (ICD) is observed on February 13th, to raise awareness about the
importance of sexual health, wellbeing, and practicing safer sex. The purpose of
observing this day is to encourage people to use condoms to protect
themselves from contracting sexually transmissible infections and diseases and to be involved in safe sex. This day also serves as a reminder that regardless of
economic, gender, or based on status, contraception should be affordable and
accessible for everyone. This day is observed/celebrated by hosting educational
campaigns and free condom distribution stalls.
Condom: one of the
greatest scientific innovations in the history of mankind, though innocuous, has
aided in transforming life on Earth! The condom has been in use since 3000 BC,
when the Romans made it out of their defeated enemies’ muscles, while the
Egyptians color-coded their condoms. Apart from protection, condoms were a
breather for women for periods of history, as getting pregnant out of
wedlock blackmailed them with pariah status.
In the past few
years, ICD has taken the limelight with the ongoing global pandemic of AIDS and
HIV. As per World Health Organization (WHO) reports there was an estimated 38.4
million people living with HIV / AIDS in 2021. Hearty thanks to the latex
sleeves, for they stand out to be a vital tool in preventing unplanned
pregnancies and reducing the risk of contracting sexual infections by ~80%.
Let us now take a deeper look at the history of happy hats, as fondly called by many people...
Known as the
rubber revolution, there are a number of theories surrounding condoms and their
usage. The word is derived from the Latin word “condus” which stands for vessel
or receptacle and from the Persian word "kemdu”
referring to a long piece of tissue taken from the animal for storage purposes.
Only in the mid-1800s, the very first version of modernized condoms
(which we see today) was invented and brought out to the market. American
inventor Charles Goodyear, the man behind this invention, employed a technique
named vulcanization, where the rubber along with sulphur is heated which
produces an elastic material that is also durable and malleable. 1860s large-scale manufacturing took place, but was priced on a high note, hence, men were
advised to reuse the condoms after proper cleaning (which is a big NO in today’s
generation).
Being the second most popular
contraception method, worldwide, the condom industry revolutionized in the
1920s with the invention of latex. Today’s latex condoms are available in the pre-lubricated form, in different flavors, and in various textures, and stretch up to
8 times their original size.
In 1994, Lasse Hessel, a Danish MD,
developed condoms for females and was also approved by the FDA the same year.
One of the most effective ways to
reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections is
by using condoms while indulging in intercourse. The main aim is to make
condoms easily accessible to use, and affordable by all classes of people. STDs
are the main concern when indulging in unprotected sex. Contracting an STD can
have a serious impact on one’s health including cancer, infertility, and death. Unplanned
pregnancies can take a severe toll on the mother and child’s physical and
mental health. So all these are a few good reasons to ensure that condom is
used regularly by sexually active persons while engaging in sexual intercourse. If you still have any doubts regarding STDs, you can consult with a medical expert anytime and get your doubts clarified.
International Condom Day is observed
not only to remind about the importance of safe sex but also to provide
awareness, education, and a global commitment to sexual health and
wellbeing. With a purpose, it falls right before Valentine’s Day, to mark
the importance and encourage oneself to protect themselves and others from contracting
STDs and STIs.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
· 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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