Selection Criteria
Scope of Work
Training of Supervisors
Future Plans
LADY HEALTH SUPERVISORS
Lady Health supervisors are recruited to provide supervisory support and ensure quality performance by the LHWs. Supervisor collects progress reports, guides and discusses about their problems. At end of each month supervisor compiles evaluation reports and submit to the districts.
Selection Criteria
Laid down criteria is:
Age between 22 - 45 years
Education atleast Intermediate
Resident of the catchment area
Preferably married Top
Scope of Work
To provide “Supportive Supervision” to LHWs which includes:
Identifying deficiencies
Providing technical / backup support
On the job training Top
Training of Supervisors
After selection, supervisors undergo an extensive three phased training for a period of one year.A special Supervisors’ manual has been developed for the purpose of training.
TopOne supervisor is assigned the task of supervising 30 LHWs. A vehicle is provided in order to facilitate them in supervising
FUTURE PLANS
Recruitment / Training of 100000 LHWs.
Improvement of Referral System.
Strengthening of community involvement through Health Committee.
Training of district managers in management and logistics
Integration of PHC services.
Introduction of upgraded LHW-MIS.
Logistics planning workshops for district managers.
Sustainability of programme through provincial governments.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Briefing Note for Balochistan Survey Report
Over the past seven years the Lady Health Worker Programme (LHWP) has become important to the Government of Pakistan's plan to raise the health status of women and children in villages and poor urban areas. From 1999-2002 an extensive external evaluation of the programme was conducted. This briefing note presents a summary of information collected from the evaluation's quantitative surveys and available in the Balochistan Survey Report.
Reporting on the Evaluation Results The Balochistan Survey Report presents information, collected through quantitative surveys, on the performance of the LHWP in Balochistan. It is one of a series of reports providing the results of the evaluation. In addition to Provincial reports there are also three national level reports: the Final Report which addresses key policy, service delivery and programme management issues, the Quantitative Survey Report providing an extensive analysis of the quantitative results; and The Financial and Economic Analysis which details the costs of the LHWP.
The Balochistan Survey Report The Balochistan Survey Report covers:
The level of compliance with the Programme's recruitment and training criteria
The range and level of preventive, pro-motive, curative and referral services provided by the Lady Health Worker (LHW)
The difference between high performing and poor performing LHWs
The activities of the LHW including hours of work and the number of registered clients.
The knowledge and skills levels that the LHW and her supervisor bring to their jobs.
The quality of the organisational support received by the LHW and the Lady Health Supervisor (LHS).
Service Delivery
Over 30 million people are receiving services from a LHW in their village, which has cost on average of Rs. 26,500 per LHW per year over the life of the programme. This is a low rate of funding and is having a negative impact on the level of service delivery. A fully funded programme would be more expensive but service levels and health outcomes would be a lot better. This is important because LHW services are having a positive impact on the health of the poor, particularly women and children. LHWs are contributing directly to improved hygiene and higher levels of contraceptive use, iron supplementation, growth monitoring and vaccinations amongst their clients. Almost three out of four communities report that the LHW has generally improved people's life in the village.
On average only 32 percent of the LHWs clients in Balochistan are receiving the preventive and promotive services for which they are eligible (see Figure 1).
Reporting on the Evaluation Results The Balochistan Survey Report presents information, collected through quantitative surveys, on the performance of the LHWP in Balochistan. It is one of a series of reports providing the results of the evaluation. In addition to Provincial reports there are also three national level reports: the Final Report which addresses key policy, service delivery and programme management issues, the Quantitative Survey Report providing an extensive analysis of the quantitative results; and The Financial and Economic Analysis which details the costs of the LHWP.
The Balochistan Survey Report The Balochistan Survey Report covers:
The level of compliance with the Programme's recruitment and training criteria
The range and level of preventive, pro-motive, curative and referral services provided by the Lady Health Worker (LHW)
The difference between high performing and poor performing LHWs
The activities of the LHW including hours of work and the number of registered clients.
The knowledge and skills levels that the LHW and her supervisor bring to their jobs.
The quality of the organisational support received by the LHW and the Lady Health Supervisor (LHS).
Service Delivery
Over 30 million people are receiving services from a LHW in their village, which has cost on average of Rs. 26,500 per LHW per year over the life of the programme. This is a low rate of funding and is having a negative impact on the level of service delivery. A fully funded programme would be more expensive but service levels and health outcomes would be a lot better. This is important because LHW services are having a positive impact on the health of the poor, particularly women and children. LHWs are contributing directly to improved hygiene and higher levels of contraceptive use, iron supplementation, growth monitoring and vaccinations amongst their clients. Almost three out of four communities report that the LHW has generally improved people's life in the village.
On average only 32 percent of the LHWs clients in Balochistan are receiving the preventive and promotive services for which they are eligible (see Figure 1).
DARRAHEA DUE TO DRINGKING WATER
More than 10 million of the world's children die each year before reaching the age of five. Sadly two of every three of these children die from easily preventable, treatable diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, measles, and tetanus, and from the conditions like malutrition. In addition, HIV/AIDS continues to be a leading contributor to the deaths of young children in Africa. The CORE Group, a coalition of nongovernmental organizations, is a global leader in responding to health issues that place children at risk. Since 1997, the CORE Group and its members have worked across the developing world to aid mother, father and community leaders in improving the health of their children.
DARRAHEA DUE TO DRINGKING WATER
More than 10 million of the world's children die each year before reaching the age of five. Sadly two of every three of these children die from easily preventable, treatable diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, measles, and tetanus, and from the conditions like malutrition. In addition, HIV/AIDS continues to be a leading contributor to the deaths of young children in Africa. The CORE Group, a coalition of nongovernmental organizations, is a global leader in responding to health issues that place children at risk. Since 1997, the CORE Group and its members have worked across the developing world to aid mother, father and community leaders in improving the health of their children.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
SAVE THE CHILDREN IN WINTER
Save a Child's Life this Winter
India, Health
The Winter Warmth Appeal gives blankets and warm clothing directly to families and children who live on the streets and in desperately poor communities in Bihar India read updates from the field
How You Can Help:
Make a one-time monthly recurring donation
$10 - Buys a warm woolen double size blanket
$20 - Buys 10 warm scarves and mufflers
$30 - Buys 10 warm woolen children's hats
$40 - Buys 10 warm children's gloves
$50 - Provides a Hot meal for 50 Street Children
$60 - Buys 10 warm woolen children's sweaters
show more
$3,183 - Will fully fund this project
show less
INFORMATION ABOUT HEATH IN QUETTA AND BALOCHISTAN
Health Services (1997)
No. of Doctors (m/f)
No. of Nurses (m/f)
No. of Paramedics (m/f)
No. of Beds
No. of Units
Hospitals
191/83
24/254
195/6
1373
5
Dispensaries
13/8
-
34/2
4
13
RHCs
2/1
-
9/3
8
1
BHUs
30/30
-
60/60
-
30
MCHC
0/1
-
10/10
-
9
SHS
2/1
-
10/0
-
3
Health Auxiliary
-
-
6/0
-
3
T.B. Clinic
-
-
-
-
-
Dental Clinic
-
-
-
-
-
Mobile Dispensaries
1/0
-
3/0
-
1
Private Clinic
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a.
Total
363
278
408
1385
65
Unit/population ratio
1864:1
2435:1
1659:1
488:1
10414:1
Source:
Directorate of Health, Government of Balochistan, QuettaIf we compare the health status of women in district Quetta to that of males, then we find that their health is poor. The females feed the children. She also provides food to the male members of the family and only then she feeds herself. The health status of migrant women is worst. There is no data available regarding the calorie intake of the females and males. However, the quality of food which is used by migrants (Afghan female refugees) is poor. Hakeem and eastern doctors are operating in the district. Due to low fees charged, people often visit them. A substantial number of homeopathic doctors is present in the district. Some quacks are also found sitting on the pavement.
Most people are uneducated so they cannot differentiate between a good doctor and quack.
Health System
Normally two types of health facilities are available in the District, curative and preventive. As far as prevention is concerned, this includes vaccination of mothers and children up to the age of 5 years through immunisation coverage, which according to the Health Authorities is:
Children up to the age of 11 months were immunized for BCG, DPT and Measles in Quetta district, Their coverage was 97%, 66% and 60% respectively. For those children whose age was between 12 – 23 months the percentages were 23%, 15% and 24% respectively. Ante-natal vaccination is of two types: vaccination to pregnant women and, secondly, care of the pregnant mother. Pregnant women were given TT1 and TT2 for prevention (58% and 42% respectively). According to the district health authorities, the infant mortality rate is very high. This is due to non-hygienic conditions, illiteracy, lack of information etc. The maternity death rate is also high, through it is less as compared to rural districts.
There are 5 government hospitals working in the district. They provide treatment facilities to men and women. However, there is no separate government hospital for ladies. Moreover, there are hospitals run by various organizations for their staff members and their families, like Railway, WAPDA, Cantonment Board, Combined Military Hospital (CMH) etc. They also provide treatment facilities to general public. As mentioned before, there are at least 30 private hospitals in Quetta. The treatment cost of private hospitals is much higher than that of the government controlled hospitals. There is no data available to show the exact number of patients who visit the hospitals. However, according to the Medical Superintendent Civil Hospital Quetta, more than 5,000 patients daily visit the hospital for treatment. These patients include indoor and outdoor patients. According to the District Health Officer (DHO), the patients visiting RHCs, BHU, Dispensaries etc is annually more than 272,000. The absence of data makes it difficult to estimate the cost per patient, per contact. However, in the private sector the cost per patient per contract may range from at least Rs.100/= to Rs.3000/=, depending on the type of disease and on the type of specialist/doctor and the test recommend by him.
There is no data available regarding the private sector involvement in health activities to demonstrate the number of registered cases as a percentage of the total population. Some sketchy data is available which cannot be used to compute the percentage of the population visiting hospitals.
Two other types of facilities are available. The homeopathic way of treatment is popular among the masses due to the belief that this type of treatment has no side effects. Moreover, its medicines, are comparatively cheaper. People also visit Hakeems who treat them with traditional oriental herbs and shrubs.
As far as family planning services are concerned, they are being provided in all D.H.O offices and also in the civil hospital. There is a growing awareness and public approval
in favour of family planning. This may be due to the electronic media campaign and thedemonstration effect witnessed by the society. Due to this, in 1996 more than 1,700
women made use of family planning services. It is worth mentioning that patients from outside the district and even from Afghanistan visit Quetta for treatment. One reason is the proximity of Quetta to Afghanistan.
Major Disease Incidence
As far as gender specific diseases are concerned, the women suffer from acute respiratory diseases, anaemia, skin infection, renal disease and worm infection, whereas male are plagued by diarrhoea/dysentery, fever including malaria, jaundice and worms infestation.
Special Health Services
1. There is a number of special health services which are provided by provincial government to improve or facilitate health programmes. The Primary Health Care and Family Planning Programme is initiated by provincial government under the Prime Minister’s Health Programme. It is further cemented through the involvement of international donors e.g W.F.O, U.NH.C.R and W.H.O. The objective is to provide health services to the community at an affordable rate. This programme caters the needs of mother and child care, providing them with nutritious food e.g. milk & ghee. Also it provides information regarding family planning and subsidised family planning medicine and contraceptives. Under this Programme (P.H.C) prevention and control of infectious diseases, immunisation and provision of essential drugs is also available. It also provides health education, treatment of common illness and provides awareness about the treatment of common illness and sanitation
2. The Traditional Birth Attendant (T.B.A) Programme. In the rural sector, middle aged women traditionally work as birth attendants. In the recent past they used to work without any formal training. But now most of them are trained by the Health Department. They are paid by the Health Department as well as by those who receive their services.
Administration of Health Services
As an example the organizational chart of Quetta’s main hospital is given
Fatima Jinnah General and Chest Specialist Hospital
Medical Superintendent
Administrator
Specialists
Assistant Medical Suptd:
3 Senior Specialists
R.M.O
2 Junior Specialists
M.O.SThe main hospitals in the district are:
1: B.M.C Complex Hospital
2: LRBT Hospital
3: Sandeman Civil Hospital
4: Fatima Jinnah General & Chest Hospital
5: Helper Eye Hospital
6: Police Line Hospital
7: Railway Hospital
8: Leprosy Hospital
GO/NGO/private, etc. involvement in Health Development
Health facilities are provided mostly by the provincial Government. International donors like Red Crescent, WHO, UNICEF and Alkhidmat also help in providing finance for eradication of certain diseases. Health facilities are provided through the interaction of different health units. Most of them are established by the provincial government. There are private clinics, homeopathic clinics, Hakeems and local medical practitioners. The society gets the health care through all the units shown in the table. Presently, a children’s hospital is being constructed with the help of the German government.
Health Facility
Loc. Govt.
Prov. Govt.
Fed. Govt.
NGO
Private
Internat. Donor
Hospitals
-
xxx
-
-
xx
x
Civil Dispensaries
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Mobil Dispensaries
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Basic Health Units
-
xxx
-
-
-
xx
Rural Health Centre
-
xxx
-
-
-
xx
MCH Centres
-
xxx
-
-
-
xxx
EPI Centre
-
xxx
xx
x
-
xxx
TB Centre
xxx
-
x
-
-
Family Welfare Clinic
-
xx
x
x
-
-
Family Planning Clinic
-
xx
xxx
-
-
xx
Private Clinic
-
-
-
-
xxx
-
Homeopathic Clinic
-
-
-
xxx
-
Hakeem/Local Medical Practitioner
-
-
-
-
xxx
-
VH Posts
-
-
-
-
-
Nurse Training School
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Chemists
-
x
-
-
xxx
-
Legend:
-
x
xx
xxx
no involvement
minor involvement
substantial involvement
major involvementConclusion and major Development Issues
Although Quetta district has the best health infrastructure in the province, much
No. of Doctors (m/f)
No. of Nurses (m/f)
No. of Paramedics (m/f)
No. of Beds
No. of Units
Hospitals
191/83
24/254
195/6
1373
5
Dispensaries
13/8
-
34/2
4
13
RHCs
2/1
-
9/3
8
1
BHUs
30/30
-
60/60
-
30
MCHC
0/1
-
10/10
-
9
SHS
2/1
-
10/0
-
3
Health Auxiliary
-
-
6/0
-
3
T.B. Clinic
-
-
-
-
-
Dental Clinic
-
-
-
-
-
Mobile Dispensaries
1/0
-
3/0
-
1
Private Clinic
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a
n.a.
Total
363
278
408
1385
65
Unit/population ratio
1864:1
2435:1
1659:1
488:1
10414:1
Source:
Directorate of Health, Government of Balochistan, QuettaIf we compare the health status of women in district Quetta to that of males, then we find that their health is poor. The females feed the children. She also provides food to the male members of the family and only then she feeds herself. The health status of migrant women is worst. There is no data available regarding the calorie intake of the females and males. However, the quality of food which is used by migrants (Afghan female refugees) is poor. Hakeem and eastern doctors are operating in the district. Due to low fees charged, people often visit them. A substantial number of homeopathic doctors is present in the district. Some quacks are also found sitting on the pavement.
Most people are uneducated so they cannot differentiate between a good doctor and quack.
Health System
Normally two types of health facilities are available in the District, curative and preventive. As far as prevention is concerned, this includes vaccination of mothers and children up to the age of 5 years through immunisation coverage, which according to the Health Authorities is:
Children up to the age of 11 months were immunized for BCG, DPT and Measles in Quetta district, Their coverage was 97%, 66% and 60% respectively. For those children whose age was between 12 – 23 months the percentages were 23%, 15% and 24% respectively. Ante-natal vaccination is of two types: vaccination to pregnant women and, secondly, care of the pregnant mother. Pregnant women were given TT1 and TT2 for prevention (58% and 42% respectively). According to the district health authorities, the infant mortality rate is very high. This is due to non-hygienic conditions, illiteracy, lack of information etc. The maternity death rate is also high, through it is less as compared to rural districts.
There are 5 government hospitals working in the district. They provide treatment facilities to men and women. However, there is no separate government hospital for ladies. Moreover, there are hospitals run by various organizations for their staff members and their families, like Railway, WAPDA, Cantonment Board, Combined Military Hospital (CMH) etc. They also provide treatment facilities to general public. As mentioned before, there are at least 30 private hospitals in Quetta. The treatment cost of private hospitals is much higher than that of the government controlled hospitals. There is no data available to show the exact number of patients who visit the hospitals. However, according to the Medical Superintendent Civil Hospital Quetta, more than 5,000 patients daily visit the hospital for treatment. These patients include indoor and outdoor patients. According to the District Health Officer (DHO), the patients visiting RHCs, BHU, Dispensaries etc is annually more than 272,000. The absence of data makes it difficult to estimate the cost per patient, per contact. However, in the private sector the cost per patient per contract may range from at least Rs.100/= to Rs.3000/=, depending on the type of disease and on the type of specialist/doctor and the test recommend by him.
There is no data available regarding the private sector involvement in health activities to demonstrate the number of registered cases as a percentage of the total population. Some sketchy data is available which cannot be used to compute the percentage of the population visiting hospitals.
Two other types of facilities are available. The homeopathic way of treatment is popular among the masses due to the belief that this type of treatment has no side effects. Moreover, its medicines, are comparatively cheaper. People also visit Hakeems who treat them with traditional oriental herbs and shrubs.
As far as family planning services are concerned, they are being provided in all D.H.O offices and also in the civil hospital. There is a growing awareness and public approval
in favour of family planning. This may be due to the electronic media campaign and thedemonstration effect witnessed by the society. Due to this, in 1996 more than 1,700
women made use of family planning services. It is worth mentioning that patients from outside the district and even from Afghanistan visit Quetta for treatment. One reason is the proximity of Quetta to Afghanistan.
Major Disease Incidence
As far as gender specific diseases are concerned, the women suffer from acute respiratory diseases, anaemia, skin infection, renal disease and worm infection, whereas male are plagued by diarrhoea/dysentery, fever including malaria, jaundice and worms infestation.
Special Health Services
1. There is a number of special health services which are provided by provincial government to improve or facilitate health programmes. The Primary Health Care and Family Planning Programme is initiated by provincial government under the Prime Minister’s Health Programme. It is further cemented through the involvement of international donors e.g W.F.O, U.NH.C.R and W.H.O. The objective is to provide health services to the community at an affordable rate. This programme caters the needs of mother and child care, providing them with nutritious food e.g. milk & ghee. Also it provides information regarding family planning and subsidised family planning medicine and contraceptives. Under this Programme (P.H.C) prevention and control of infectious diseases, immunisation and provision of essential drugs is also available. It also provides health education, treatment of common illness and provides awareness about the treatment of common illness and sanitation
2. The Traditional Birth Attendant (T.B.A) Programme. In the rural sector, middle aged women traditionally work as birth attendants. In the recent past they used to work without any formal training. But now most of them are trained by the Health Department. They are paid by the Health Department as well as by those who receive their services.
Administration of Health Services
As an example the organizational chart of Quetta’s main hospital is given
Fatima Jinnah General and Chest Specialist Hospital
Medical Superintendent
Administrator
Specialists
Assistant Medical Suptd:
3 Senior Specialists
R.M.O
2 Junior Specialists
M.O.SThe main hospitals in the district are:
1: B.M.C Complex Hospital
2: LRBT Hospital
3: Sandeman Civil Hospital
4: Fatima Jinnah General & Chest Hospital
5: Helper Eye Hospital
6: Police Line Hospital
7: Railway Hospital
8: Leprosy Hospital
GO/NGO/private, etc. involvement in Health Development
Health facilities are provided mostly by the provincial Government. International donors like Red Crescent, WHO, UNICEF and Alkhidmat also help in providing finance for eradication of certain diseases. Health facilities are provided through the interaction of different health units. Most of them are established by the provincial government. There are private clinics, homeopathic clinics, Hakeems and local medical practitioners. The society gets the health care through all the units shown in the table. Presently, a children’s hospital is being constructed with the help of the German government.
Health Facility
Loc. Govt.
Prov. Govt.
Fed. Govt.
NGO
Private
Internat. Donor
Hospitals
-
xxx
-
-
xx
x
Civil Dispensaries
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Mobil Dispensaries
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Basic Health Units
-
xxx
-
-
-
xx
Rural Health Centre
-
xxx
-
-
-
xx
MCH Centres
-
xxx
-
-
-
xxx
EPI Centre
-
xxx
xx
x
-
xxx
TB Centre
xxx
-
x
-
-
Family Welfare Clinic
-
xx
x
x
-
-
Family Planning Clinic
-
xx
xxx
-
-
xx
Private Clinic
-
-
-
-
xxx
-
Homeopathic Clinic
-
-
-
xxx
-
Hakeem/Local Medical Practitioner
-
-
-
-
xxx
-
VH Posts
-
-
-
-
-
Nurse Training School
-
xxx
-
-
-
-
Chemists
-
x
-
-
xxx
-
Legend:
-
x
xx
xxx
no involvement
minor involvement
substantial involvement
major involvementConclusion and major Development Issues
Although Quetta district has the best health infrastructure in the province, much
Friday, January 16, 2009
Children's AIDS Health Program
Our primary objective is to be an organization that helps provide treatment for AIDS for children under the age of 16. We plan to be an organization that encourages youth to be involved with this cause. Our goal is not only to educate children with AIDS, but also to educate others to prevent...[ view more ]
Our primary objective is to be an organization that helps provide treatment for AIDS for children under the age of 16. We plan to be an organization that encourages youth to be involved with this cause. Our goal is not only to educate children with AIDS, but also to educate others to prevent AIDS. Our longterm goal is to build a health care centre in third world countries specializing in AIDS for children. Aside from treatment and education of AIDS, we plan to help children with AIDS to live their life as a kid and not miss out on their childhood. Our secondary object is to provide oneonone support for families with children with AIDS. We also plan to expand our cause throughout the world and create awareness.[ view less ]
What does the organization do?
One approach CAIDSHP has taken to face the current HIV and AIDS crisis has been to travel to Third World countries to impact the lives of youth infected or affected by HIV and AIDS.In 2006, we travelled to South Africa, affecting the overall well-being of over 350 children and...[ view more ]
One approach CAIDSHP has taken to face the current HIV and AIDS crisis has been to travel to Third World countries to impact the lives of youth infected or affected by HIV and AIDS.In 2006, we travelled to South Africa, affecting the overall well-being of over 350 children and youth by distributing nutritional supplements and food, providing them with the opportunity to engage actively in sporting and arts activities, providing HIV and AIDS education/prevention, and giving them the confidence and counseling necessary to gain leadership skills.To bring attention to another severely inflicted country where help is desperately needed, in the summer of 2007, we went to Tamil Nadu, India to continue to make an impact on youth around the world through educational and supportive workshops. We believe that attention needs to be drawn to India, which has long had the most HIV and AIDS cases in Asia. [ view less ]
Opportunities for Youth
We encourage everyone, especially youth, to get involved with the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. Youth can become a part of our organization through volunteering with us on the national scale and/or international scale.We also have a program called YOUTHRAP (Youth Opportunities in... [ view more ]
We encourage everyone, especially youth, to get involved with the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. Youth can become a part of our organization through volunteering with us on the national scale and/or international scale.We also have a program called YOUTHRAP (Youth Opportunities in Understanding and Transforming HIV/AIDS Research And Policy) where we create youth positions on HIV/AIDS organization's board of directors, working groups and grant review committees. This will create leadership opportunities in HIV/AIDS for youth, prepare the next generation of leaders in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and ensure youth representation in decision-making processes.[ view less ]
Our primary objective is to be an organization that helps provide treatment for AIDS for children under the age of 16. We plan to be an organization that encourages youth to be involved with this cause. Our goal is not only to educate children with AIDS, but also to educate others to prevent AIDS. Our longterm goal is to build a health care centre in third world countries specializing in AIDS for children. Aside from treatment and education of AIDS, we plan to help children with AIDS to live their life as a kid and not miss out on their childhood. Our secondary object is to provide oneonone support for families with children with AIDS. We also plan to expand our cause throughout the world and create awareness.[ view less ]
What does the organization do?
One approach CAIDSHP has taken to face the current HIV and AIDS crisis has been to travel to Third World countries to impact the lives of youth infected or affected by HIV and AIDS.In 2006, we travelled to South Africa, affecting the overall well-being of over 350 children and...[ view more ]
One approach CAIDSHP has taken to face the current HIV and AIDS crisis has been to travel to Third World countries to impact the lives of youth infected or affected by HIV and AIDS.In 2006, we travelled to South Africa, affecting the overall well-being of over 350 children and youth by distributing nutritional supplements and food, providing them with the opportunity to engage actively in sporting and arts activities, providing HIV and AIDS education/prevention, and giving them the confidence and counseling necessary to gain leadership skills.To bring attention to another severely inflicted country where help is desperately needed, in the summer of 2007, we went to Tamil Nadu, India to continue to make an impact on youth around the world through educational and supportive workshops. We believe that attention needs to be drawn to India, which has long had the most HIV and AIDS cases in Asia. [ view less ]
Opportunities for Youth
We encourage everyone, especially youth, to get involved with the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. Youth can become a part of our organization through volunteering with us on the national scale and/or international scale.We also have a program called YOUTHRAP (Youth Opportunities in... [ view more ]
We encourage everyone, especially youth, to get involved with the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign. Youth can become a part of our organization through volunteering with us on the national scale and/or international scale.We also have a program called YOUTHRAP (Youth Opportunities in Understanding and Transforming HIV/AIDS Research And Policy) where we create youth positions on HIV/AIDS organization's board of directors, working groups and grant review committees. This will create leadership opportunities in HIV/AIDS for youth, prepare the next generation of leaders in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and ensure youth representation in decision-making processes.[ view less ]
Diseases: Curing attitudes of stigmatization
A disease is an illness that affects the body (a single area or the whole system) and/or mind within a single organism (World Health Organization). Basically when a person is in a diseased state, they are no longer classified by modern and traditional medical diagnosis as “healthy”. Some examples of common diseases worldwide are: Influenza A virus, Asthma, HIV/AIDS, HPV, Malaria, and Sickle Cell Anemia. In addition, diseases are generally classified into three categories, which include: Genetic, infectious, and non-infectious. As is the case with most marginalized groups, people living with a disease(s) are often discriminated against on the basis of their illness. Some researchers... (more)
Diseases: Curing attitudes of stigmatizationA disease is an illness that affects the body (a single area or the whole system) and/or mind within a single organism (World Health Organization). Basically when a person is in a diseased state, they are no longer classified by modern and traditional medical diagnosis as “healthy”. Some examples of common diseases worldwide are: Influenza A virus, Asthma, HIV/AIDS, HPV, Malaria, and Sickle Cell Anemia. In addition, diseases are generally classified into three categories, which include: Genetic, infectious, and non-infectious. As is the case with most marginalized groups, people living with a disease(s) are often discriminated against on the basis of their illness. Some researchers have linked negative cultural perceptions of diseased individuals to the common occurrence of discrimination among the ill. The validity of the previous claim remains to be confirmed, however research has shown that cultural differences between the treatment of the ill within traditional and modern societies do exist. One way to reduce stigma and discrimination of the ill is through education and improvement of community health services and networks. Yet stigma and discrimination of the ill has existed throughout human history in almost all societies and civilizations around the globe, so eradicating its practice is no easy task.When some of us think of disease we immediately associate it with death and rarely associate disease with life. Although this may appear to be just a matter of commonsense, having a disease does not automatically mean a death sentence. In fact many people who have suffered from a debilitating illness have accredited their disease to teaching them the true meaning of survival. Disease-related advocacy campaigns around the world have focused on survival as their central theme and message because survival signifies hope not just for a future cure but also for life itself. In the end, whether we are diseased or healthy we are all fighting to survive. In 2006 the World Heart Federation (WHF) leaped from the dreams of a handful of global youth leaders and partners into a fruitful reality as one of the leading disease advocacy organizations in the world specializing in youth advocacy. With chapters in several nations around the world, WHF has taken their advocacy projects from national to local levels of change. Some of their project areas include: Tobacco control, developing advocacy skills, and poor diets and physical inactivity. Of course beyond the efforts of global civil society agents, youth have also been impacted negatively by disease as in the case of millions of orphans as a result of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, the hundreds of thousands of children who die each year from Malaria and other preventable diseases, and the growing number of acquired diseases among youth in heavily polluted developed nations. As young people we may not be immune to disease, but we can work to prevent discrimination of the ill and celebrate their survival. ReferencesColumbia Public Schoolshttp://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/LARS JACOBSSON. The roots of stigmatization. World Psychiatry. 2002 February; 1(1): 25.World Health Organizationhttp://www.who.intWorld heart Federationhttp://www.world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/children-youth/youth-health-advocacy/GlossaryAIDS = Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeGenetic = the expression of genes at the cellular and somatic levelsHIV = Human Immune-deficiency VirusHPV = Human Papilloma VirusInfectious = the ability to be transmitted from on state, organism, or condition to another state, organism, or condition.Non-infectious = refers to a property that prevents or inhibits the transmission from one state, organism, or condition to another state, organism, or condition. (wiki)
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Diseases: Curing attitudes of stigmatizationA disease is an illness that affects the body (a single area or the whole system) and/or mind within a single organism (World Health Organization). Basically when a person is in a diseased state, they are no longer classified by modern and traditional medical diagnosis as “healthy”. Some examples of common diseases worldwide are: Influenza A virus, Asthma, HIV/AIDS, HPV, Malaria, and Sickle Cell Anemia. In addition, diseases are generally classified into three categories, which include: Genetic, infectious, and non-infectious. As is the case with most marginalized groups, people living with a disease(s) are often discriminated against on the basis of their illness. Some researchers have linked negative cultural perceptions of diseased individuals to the common occurrence of discrimination among the ill. The validity of the previous claim remains to be confirmed, however research has shown that cultural differences between the treatment of the ill within traditional and modern societies do exist. One way to reduce stigma and discrimination of the ill is through education and improvement of community health services and networks. Yet stigma and discrimination of the ill has existed throughout human history in almost all societies and civilizations around the globe, so eradicating its practice is no easy task.When some of us think of disease we immediately associate it with death and rarely associate disease with life. Although this may appear to be just a matter of commonsense, having a disease does not automatically mean a death sentence. In fact many people who have suffered from a debilitating illness have accredited their disease to teaching them the true meaning of survival. Disease-related advocacy campaigns around the world have focused on survival as their central theme and message because survival signifies hope not just for a future cure but also for life itself. In the end, whether we are diseased or healthy we are all fighting to survive. In 2006 the World Heart Federation (WHF) leaped from the dreams of a handful of global youth leaders and partners into a fruitful reality as one of the leading disease advocacy organizations in the world specializing in youth advocacy. With chapters in several nations around the world, WHF has taken their advocacy projects from national to local levels of change. Some of their project areas include: Tobacco control, developing advocacy skills, and poor diets and physical inactivity. Of course beyond the efforts of global civil society agents, youth have also been impacted negatively by disease as in the case of millions of orphans as a result of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, the hundreds of thousands of children who die each year from Malaria and other preventable diseases, and the growing number of acquired diseases among youth in heavily polluted developed nations. As young people we may not be immune to disease, but we can work to prevent discrimination of the ill and celebrate their survival. ReferencesColumbia Public Schoolshttp://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/LARS JACOBSSON. The roots of stigmatization. World Psychiatry. 2002 February; 1(1): 25.World Health Organizationhttp://www.who.intWorld heart Federationhttp://www.world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/children-youth/youth-health-advocacy/GlossaryAIDS = Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromeGenetic = the expression of genes at the cellular and somatic levelsHIV = Human Immune-deficiency VirusHPV = Human Papilloma VirusInfectious = the ability to be transmitted from on state, organism, or condition to another state, organism, or condition.Non-infectious = refers to a property that prevents or inhibits the transmission from one state, organism, or condition to another state, organism, or condition. (wiki)
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Thursday, January 15, 2009
Artesunate Better Than Quinine for Severe Falciparum Malaria
Parenteral quinine, usually administered with another antimalarial drug, has long been the mainstay for treating severe falciparum malaria. To assess whether it remains the drug of choice, investigators conducted a multicenter, randomized trial comparing intravenous artesunate with intravenous quinine. Patients >2 years old who were hospitalized with severe falciparum malaria were enrolled at study sites in Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, and Indonesia. Following the initial, intravenous doses, medication was administered orally if patients could take pills. The study medication was given for a total of 7 days and, except in children aged <8 years and pregnant women, was combined with oral doxycycline. In-hospital death was the primary endpoint. Although the aim had been to enroll 2000 patients, the trial was stopped early (after 1461 were randomized), based on an interim analysis.
Overall, in-hospital mortality was 35% lower with artesunate than with quinine. Among blood-smear–positive patients, mortality was 15% for the artesunate group and 23% for the quinine group. For children (n=202), mortality was nonsignificantly lower with artesunate than with quinine treatment (5% vs. 11%). Among patients with hyperparasitemia (n=229), the treatment effect was significantly greater (23% mortality with artesunate vs. 53% with quinine). Quinine was associated with
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— Mary E. Wilson, MD
Health care switching behaviour of malaria patients in a Kenyan rural community
Patients ordinarily use multiple sources of health care. This study reveals the transitions patients in a rural region of Gusii, Kenya are likely to make beyond the homestead in their search for alternatives to combat malaria. Malaria is a very common health problem in the region resulting in enormous human and economic losses. Data on health care seeking behaviour were collected over a 10-month period. The primary data for this paper is from malaria-focused ethnographic interviews with 35 adults (18 women and 17 men). Results show that patients are more likely to start with self-treatment at home as they wait for a time during which they observe their progress. This allows them to minimise expenditure incurred as a result of the sickness. They are more likely to choose treatments available outside the home during subsequent decisions. The decisions include visiting a private health care practitioner, a government health centre or going to a hospital when the situation gets desperate. Knowledge and duration of sickness, the anticipated cost of treatment, and a patient's judgement of the intensity of sickness determine their choice of treatment.
Author Keywords: Health care; Behaviour; Malaria; Focused ethnographic study; Gusii; Kenya
Article Outline
Author Keywords: Health care; Behaviour; Malaria; Focused ethnographic study; Gusii; Kenya
Article Outline
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
16 Keys To Good Mental Health
The earth spins on its axis at a precise angle. If that angle is off just a fraction, it would render the earth either too hot or cold to be inhabitable. The number of connections in our mind, between each nerve cell, has been compared to the number of stars in the universe. It is a complex, bio-chemical organ, the most delicate and complex thing known on the universe. In it lies the thought process that governs our emotions, our creativity our hopes our memories. The Koran and other Holy Scriptures testify to the creation of the mind by The Almighty.
At times, a simple adjustment in our lifestyle can do much to keep our mind's bio-chemical balance working in harmony and to help keep our mind's balanced. There are many natural activities that effect the chemical makeup of our mind.
There is much that naturally raises the level of certain neurotransmitters in our brains, our seretonin and dopamine level, which are both known to play a role in both depression and bi-polar disorder, as well as that of ADHD. There are some 30 different neurotransmitters in our brains, so the mind is a complex organ that defies science to unravel all of its mysteries. By following some of these simple suggestions, it can do much to help our minds to be in balance.
This information is helpful for adults and children:
1. Exercise-Studies have shown that regular exercise-walking, can be more effective in treating depression than medication, both in the treatment of the depression, as well as the recurrence rate.
2. Love-Love has been described as the best medicine. Not everyone has the benefit of having been raised in loving environment. There is a scripture that says, "there is more happiness in giving than in receiving." By using our lives purposefully, for the purpose of helping others, then our life has more value. By giving of ourselves to others, it helps us to be part of the circle of love.
3. Television and movies, video games. Excessive time spent watching television, or other forms of media can have an effect on our mental health. There is much in the way of violence in children's programming. Most movies and cartoons have at least some violence, these days. It was siad, in 1996, that 8 out of 10 Saturday morning children's cartoon characters were violent. The evenving news, as well, has elements of violence, at times, that can effect the emotional balance of some persons and some have found that watching the news contributes to depression.
The rapid fire pace of television and commercials can cause an overload on our senses, our brains and with it the delicate balance of the chemicals that have a role in our emotions. "We have seen so much violence in our lives, that we no longer recognize it as violence," one book on the subject stated.
Many movies are entertaining, but also, stir up emotions to highs and lows, that for some, can contribute to chemical imbalances.
All of these can be contributing factors for some, in depression, anxieties, ADHD, OCD and bipolar disorder and for other mental health problems as well.
Some are more senstive emotionally than others and this is true of children as well. For a person with a sensitive disposition, of if he or she has been through any sort of trauma in their life, either in the present or past, cutting back on all of these media-related activities can be of help.
Focusing on positive things can help also. Try reading to keep up on the news, rather than watching the television news. It is gentler on the mind, and we can be more selective. Try to avoid dwelling on the violent or sensational, make a deliberate choice to focus on the positive.
4. Art can be a natural mood stabilizer for some, as well as contribute to healing of the mind. It can help some to build self-esteem and it strengthens the mind naturally. One man who said that the news depressed him, decided to do without his TV and cultivated his natural talent in art. He produced literally hundreds of works of fine art in a five year period, selling many of them commercially, something he had been doing previously for recreation. Art can healing effect and help a person to build self-respect, something vital for good mental health.
5. Prayer-Praying for help, praying for a sound and healthy mind, praying for peace in one's mind is a very effective tool in combating mental health problems.
6. Spend time in the outdoors. Try to stay away from canned, prepackaged entertainment and spend time with nature.
7. Avoid isolating yourself. Being part of a community, an organization that gives support and meets regularly can do much to help a person get through crises and to help to keep positive. Being part of a community that does good for other people, gives one a sense of sharing and fulfillment, which can contribute to good mental health.
8. Give balanced attention to a healthful diet. A diet high in sugar and fat can contribute to a weak body and a weak mind. Most breakfast cereals are filled with sugar, as are sodas. Instead of much fruit juice drink milk and water. Try to go vegetarian as much as possible and cut out alcohol from your diet. Avoid smoking. Do your best to quit smoking if you are smoking now, it constricts blood vessels in the brain and can have a role in one's mental health.
9. For person's with mental health difficulties, doing without alcohol, drugs, and high caffeine can also be helpful. Alcohol is a depressant and can contribute to both depression and bipolar disorder. For many who have an addictive personality, it is better to do without completely, than to try to "handle it".
10. Avoid pornography. The sexual stimulation of pornography without a real partner can contribute to an emotional emptiness and to depression or bi-polar disorder, OCD, as well as other mental health problems. Also, sexual promiscuity can easily lead to depression or contribute towards other mental health problems.
11. Try to find activities that build self-esteem-learn to play a musical instrument such as the piano or violin. Stick with it. This is especially helpful for children. One 13-year old with ADHD said that playing the piano helped her to develop self-esteem at a time when she had no friends.
12. Sharpen the Saw: There are many ways we can sharpen the saw. Finding our peace with Allah is of importance. Taking time to read the Holy Scriptures can help to calm the mind. It helps one to feel at peace and can be a strengthening aid and anchor if one is going through crises or has mental health disorders. Give attention to one's spiritual needs on a daily basis. Spending time outdoors helps with both depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD, as well as really, all mental health disorders. Wise persons "sharpen the saw".
13. Try to keep an active mind through reading. Reading can be a mentally strengthening activity, especially if we focus on positive and upbuilding material. Subscribe to some positive magazines, picture magazines, or subscribe to these for your children.
14. Have an active role in helping children. If we take time to help children in a genuine loving way, it helps to develop positive qualities and give our life meaning and purpose. Finding work in teaching, in a day care center or in volunteering with needy children is something that can help us to give and to take our mind off of ourselves and whatever problems we might have. In line with this, sometimes a change of jobs can help to overcome mental health battles, something that has more of a direct connection in helping people.
15. Music. Try to listen to mellower music. Much alternative music today can be depressing or elicit feelings of emptiness. Much rock and roll, heavy metal, sends our minds to highs and lows, which can effect the chemical balance of our minds. Developing a taste for light classical music, as well as many other forms gentler music, can help us to keep a positive flow of emotions uninterrupted in our minds.
16. Get organized, avoid procrastination, get help in keeping one's home and possessions clean. Get rid of clutter. If its been there for more than a year, it probably isn't necessary. Getting on top of one's bills and financial life also is of help. Sometimes professional services can be of help in this area.
At times, a simple adjustment in our lifestyle can do much to keep our mind's bio-chemical balance working in harmony and to help keep our mind's balanced. There are many natural activities that effect the chemical makeup of our mind.
There is much that naturally raises the level of certain neurotransmitters in our brains, our seretonin and dopamine level, which are both known to play a role in both depression and bi-polar disorder, as well as that of ADHD. There are some 30 different neurotransmitters in our brains, so the mind is a complex organ that defies science to unravel all of its mysteries. By following some of these simple suggestions, it can do much to help our minds to be in balance.
This information is helpful for adults and children:
1. Exercise-Studies have shown that regular exercise-walking, can be more effective in treating depression than medication, both in the treatment of the depression, as well as the recurrence rate.
2. Love-Love has been described as the best medicine. Not everyone has the benefit of having been raised in loving environment. There is a scripture that says, "there is more happiness in giving than in receiving." By using our lives purposefully, for the purpose of helping others, then our life has more value. By giving of ourselves to others, it helps us to be part of the circle of love.
3. Television and movies, video games. Excessive time spent watching television, or other forms of media can have an effect on our mental health. There is much in the way of violence in children's programming. Most movies and cartoons have at least some violence, these days. It was siad, in 1996, that 8 out of 10 Saturday morning children's cartoon characters were violent. The evenving news, as well, has elements of violence, at times, that can effect the emotional balance of some persons and some have found that watching the news contributes to depression.
The rapid fire pace of television and commercials can cause an overload on our senses, our brains and with it the delicate balance of the chemicals that have a role in our emotions. "We have seen so much violence in our lives, that we no longer recognize it as violence," one book on the subject stated.
Many movies are entertaining, but also, stir up emotions to highs and lows, that for some, can contribute to chemical imbalances.
All of these can be contributing factors for some, in depression, anxieties, ADHD, OCD and bipolar disorder and for other mental health problems as well.
Some are more senstive emotionally than others and this is true of children as well. For a person with a sensitive disposition, of if he or she has been through any sort of trauma in their life, either in the present or past, cutting back on all of these media-related activities can be of help.
Focusing on positive things can help also. Try reading to keep up on the news, rather than watching the television news. It is gentler on the mind, and we can be more selective. Try to avoid dwelling on the violent or sensational, make a deliberate choice to focus on the positive.
4. Art can be a natural mood stabilizer for some, as well as contribute to healing of the mind. It can help some to build self-esteem and it strengthens the mind naturally. One man who said that the news depressed him, decided to do without his TV and cultivated his natural talent in art. He produced literally hundreds of works of fine art in a five year period, selling many of them commercially, something he had been doing previously for recreation. Art can healing effect and help a person to build self-respect, something vital for good mental health.
5. Prayer-Praying for help, praying for a sound and healthy mind, praying for peace in one's mind is a very effective tool in combating mental health problems.
6. Spend time in the outdoors. Try to stay away from canned, prepackaged entertainment and spend time with nature.
7. Avoid isolating yourself. Being part of a community, an organization that gives support and meets regularly can do much to help a person get through crises and to help to keep positive. Being part of a community that does good for other people, gives one a sense of sharing and fulfillment, which can contribute to good mental health.
8. Give balanced attention to a healthful diet. A diet high in sugar and fat can contribute to a weak body and a weak mind. Most breakfast cereals are filled with sugar, as are sodas. Instead of much fruit juice drink milk and water. Try to go vegetarian as much as possible and cut out alcohol from your diet. Avoid smoking. Do your best to quit smoking if you are smoking now, it constricts blood vessels in the brain and can have a role in one's mental health.
9. For person's with mental health difficulties, doing without alcohol, drugs, and high caffeine can also be helpful. Alcohol is a depressant and can contribute to both depression and bipolar disorder. For many who have an addictive personality, it is better to do without completely, than to try to "handle it".
10. Avoid pornography. The sexual stimulation of pornography without a real partner can contribute to an emotional emptiness and to depression or bi-polar disorder, OCD, as well as other mental health problems. Also, sexual promiscuity can easily lead to depression or contribute towards other mental health problems.
11. Try to find activities that build self-esteem-learn to play a musical instrument such as the piano or violin. Stick with it. This is especially helpful for children. One 13-year old with ADHD said that playing the piano helped her to develop self-esteem at a time when she had no friends.
12. Sharpen the Saw: There are many ways we can sharpen the saw. Finding our peace with Allah is of importance. Taking time to read the Holy Scriptures can help to calm the mind. It helps one to feel at peace and can be a strengthening aid and anchor if one is going through crises or has mental health disorders. Give attention to one's spiritual needs on a daily basis. Spending time outdoors helps with both depression, bipolar disorder and ADHD, as well as really, all mental health disorders. Wise persons "sharpen the saw".
13. Try to keep an active mind through reading. Reading can be a mentally strengthening activity, especially if we focus on positive and upbuilding material. Subscribe to some positive magazines, picture magazines, or subscribe to these for your children.
14. Have an active role in helping children. If we take time to help children in a genuine loving way, it helps to develop positive qualities and give our life meaning and purpose. Finding work in teaching, in a day care center or in volunteering with needy children is something that can help us to give and to take our mind off of ourselves and whatever problems we might have. In line with this, sometimes a change of jobs can help to overcome mental health battles, something that has more of a direct connection in helping people.
15. Music. Try to listen to mellower music. Much alternative music today can be depressing or elicit feelings of emptiness. Much rock and roll, heavy metal, sends our minds to highs and lows, which can effect the chemical balance of our minds. Developing a taste for light classical music, as well as many other forms gentler music, can help us to keep a positive flow of emotions uninterrupted in our minds.
16. Get organized, avoid procrastination, get help in keeping one's home and possessions clean. Get rid of clutter. If its been there for more than a year, it probably isn't necessary. Getting on top of one's bills and financial life also is of help. Sometimes professional services can be of help in this area.
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Total Views: 149 Rating: Click here to rate
Polio
(Ayesha, Sialkot)
Pakistan is an under developing country, it is facing many problems of different level. But a pathetic thing is that the problem faced by the people of their health issues. All of us are aware of the dreadful increased number of children of polio cases.
The important thing is that every where throughout Pakistan children are getting Polio drops by the government health worker, even then the cases are increasing day by day. "Health is wealth", and this proverb is accepted worldwide, but the matter is does our government truly realizes the meaning pf this small but very important three words.
Who will be our wealth if the young one will become the victim of Polio. our youth is our true wealth
نیند ضروری کیوں؟
(Courtesy : Hamdard Sehat, Pakistan)
فیلڈ مارشل منٹگمری دوسری جنگ عظیم کے دوران افریقہ میں اس اتحادی افواج کا کمانڈر اعلا تھا جو جرمن فوج سے برسر پیکار تھیں- اپنی سوانح حیات میں اس نے لکھا ہے کہ اتنے سخت حالات اور گھمسان کی لڑائی میں بھی اس کے سونے کے معمول میں کبھی فرق نہیں آیا- وہ سب محاذوں کی رپورٹیں موصول کر کے تمام کمانڈروں کو ہدایات جاری کرنے کے بعد بھی ٹھیک وقت پر بستر دراز ہو جایا کرتا تھا- منٹگمری نے یہ محاذ جیت لیا اور اس قوم نے فیلڈ مارشل کے خطاب سے نوازا- اس نے یہ جنگ بہترین جنگی چالوں درست فیصلوں اور اعلا قائدانہ صلاحیت سے جیتی
طبی ماہرین بھرپور نیند کو درست فیصلوں کے لیے بہت ضروری قرار دیتے ہیں- نیند پوری نہ ہو تو مسائل پر توجہ مرکوز کرنے کی صلاحیت کم زور ہوتی جاتی ہے- دورِ حاضر میں لوگوں کی اکثریت نیند کی اہمیت کو سمجھنے سے قاصر ہے- لوگ دیر گئے تک جاگنے کو قابل فخر کارنامہ سمجھتے ہیں- مصروفیات اور ذمہ داریوں کی وجہ سے پوری نیند نہ لینے والے تو جاگنے پر مجبور ہوتے ہی ہیں لیکن شوقیہ جاگنے کی یہ عادت ہرگز مناسب اور مفیھ نہیں ہوتی- ہر شخص یہ تجربہ کرسکتا ہے کہ نیند کی کمی سے ہونے والی تھکن بہت تنگ کرتی ہے اور انسان کی ذہنی صلاحیتیں بھی رفتہ رفتہ سونے لگتی ہیں- صحت مند اور خوش گوار زندگی بسر کرنے کے لیے نیند اتنی ہی اہم ہوتی ہے جتنی کہ درست غذا اور باقاعدہ ورزشیں-
نیند کے ماہرین کے مطابق بھرپور نیند نہ لینے کی وجہ سے حملہ قلب فالج مٹاپے اور ذہنی پستی(ڈپریشن) کا شکار ہونے کے خطرات بڑھ جاتے ہیں- صحت مند رہنے کا سب سے سادہ اصول یہ ہے کہ آپ رات کو بھرپور نیند کا اہتمام کریں- تاکہ آپ کو جسمانی آسودگی اور ذہنی توانائی حاصل ہوسکے-
کتنی نیند؟
رات کی اچھی نیند کی اہم علامت یہ ہے کہ آپ صبح اٹھیں تو خود کو تازہ دم اور توانا محسوس کریں- نیند کے ایک ماہر کے مطابق ایک صحت مند شخص کو چھے سے آٹھ گھنٹوں کی رات کی نیند کی ضرورت ہوتی ہے-
ویسے یہ بات بھی ضرور یاد رکھیے کہ نیند کی ضرورت انفرادی ہوتی ہے جیسے شہید حکیم محمد سعید کے لیے چار گھنٹوں کی نیند کافی ہوتی ہے- یہ بھی یاد رہے کہ نیند کی طوالت سے زیادہ اہم اس کے معیار کا بھی ہوتا ہے- ایک رات میں کئی مرتبہ نیند کے اچاٹ ہوجانے سے بھرپور نیند کے فوائد حاصل نہیں ہوسکتے گویا نیند کا قرض پوری طرح ادا نہیں ہو پاتا- یہ قرض جتنی جلد ادا ہوجائے صحت کے لیے اتنا ہی مفید ہوتا ہے- طویل عرصے تک اس کے جاری رہنے سے صحت متاثر ہوتی ہے- جتنے گھنٹوں کی نیند پوری نہیں ہوتی یا ادھار رہتی ہے اس کے ادا کرنے کے لیے وقت بھی زیادہ درکار ہوتا ہے یعنی اصل گھنٹوں سے کئی گناہ زیادہ- کئی راتوں تک بھرپور نیند سے محرومی یا کمی صحت کے لیے کئی اعتبار سے مضر صحت ثابت ہونے لگتی ہے- نیند کے اوقات میں کمی سے ممکنہ حد تک بچنا بہت ضروری ہے-
محرومی کی اوسط
امریکا میں ہونے والے ایک جائزے کے مطابق وہاں بالغ افراد میں کم سے کم ایک تہائی چھے یا اس سے کم گھنٹوں کی نیند پوری کرتے ہیں- چالیس فیصد ایشیائی آدھی رات گزرنے کے بعد بستر پر لیٹتے ہیں جیسے جاپان میں اکتالیس فیصد افراد ہر رات صرف چھے گھنٹے اور چھتیس منٹ سوتے ہیں- تائیوان میں یہ اوسط اور بھی کم ہے کیوں کہ وہاں لوگ زیادہ گھنٹے کام کرتے ہیں- لوگ دفتروں میں رات گئے دیر تک کام کرتے رہتے ہیں- اور انہیں اپنے اس نقصان کا احساس بھی نہیں ہوتا-
نیند سے محرومی کیوں؟
یہ بات مسلمہ ہے کہ بلب کی ایجاد کے بعد انسانی نیند کی اوسط میں کمی آتی گئی- نیند کے ماہرین کے مطابق دور حاضر کی زندگی کے انداز بھی اس کی ایک اہم وجہ ہیں جیسے کراچی جیسے شہروں میں شادی بیاہ کی تقاریب اب وقت پر پوری نہیں ہوپاتی تاخیر کو لازمی سمجھ کر قبول کرلیا گیا ہے 12 سے 1 بجے شب کے بعد کھانا معمول بن گیا ہے- اب تو بچے بھی بڑوں کے ساتھ رات گئے دیر تک جاگتے اور اسکولوں میں اونگھتے رہتے ہیں- سماجی اور تفریحی سرگرمیاں اس حد تک بڑھ گئی ہیں کہ لوگ سونے کے اوقات کے بعد بھی جاگتے رہتے ہیں- انٹرنیٹ کی وجہ سے بھی لوگ گھنٹوں بعد سوتے ہیں- یہ اور اس قسم کی بےشمار مصروفیات اور سرگرمیوں کے نتیجے میں نیند کی مقدار کم ہوگئی ہے-
نیند کے سلسلے میں فلپائن اور تھائی لینڈ میں ہونے والے ایک سروے میں شامل 3688 افراد میں سے 80 فیصد نے بتایا کہ کام اور مصروفیات کی کثرت کے نتیجے میں وہ سخت دباؤ کے شکار رہتے ہیں- جس کی وجہ سے وہ نیند کی کمی اور اس سے پیدا ہونے والے مسائل کے شکار رہتے ہیں- بعض افراد کے مطابق وہ نیند کے لیے وقت نہیں نکال پاتے- وقت ملے بھی تو انہیں نیند نہیں آتی-
نیند کے مسائل میں دو شکایتیں سرفہرست ہیں- ایک بے خوابی اور دوسری نیند کے دوران سانس کا رکنا- جاپان میں 20 لاکھ افراد حبس کی تکلیف سے دوچار ہیں-تھائی لینڈ میں 15 سال سے زیادہ عمر کے 30 لاکھ افراد نیند کے امراض و مسائل سے دوچار ہیں-
نیند کی اہمیت
اچھی صحت کے لیے نیند لازمی اور ضروری ہے- نیند کے بغیر انسان صحت کے مسائل و امراض کا مقابلہ کرنے کے قابل نہیں ہوتا جن میں مرض قلب٬ فالج٬ ذیابیطس٬ مٹاپا اور ڈپریشن خاص طور پر قابل ذکر ہیں نیند کی کمی کا سب سے خراب اور منفی اثر جسم کی قوت مدافعت پر مرتب ہوتا ہے- ایک ماہر صحت کے مطابق اچھی غذا کے استعمال اور ورزش کے فائدے ان لوگوں کے حصے میں نہیں آتے جو بھرپور نیند سے محروم رہتے ہیں- جسم کی قوت مدافعت اسی وقت کام کرتی ہے جب پوری نیند لی جاتی ہے- نیند ہی کے دوران انسان کے تھکے ہارے خلیات دوبارہ تازہ دم اور توانا ہوتے ہیں٬ جب کہ اس توانائی سے محروم خلیات زندگی کم کرنے کا سبب بنتے جاتے ہیں- امراض اور دیگر زہریلے اجزا کا مقابلہ کرنے یا انہیں ہلاک کرنے والے دفاعی خلیات ہڈی کے گودے٬ خون اور لمفی رطوبت میں ہوتے ہیں- یہی ہمارے جسم کو بیرونی چھوت دار امراض سے محفوظ رکھتے ہیں- ترکی میں ہونے والے تجربات سے ثابت ہوگیا ہے کہ 24 گھنٹوں تک نیند سے محرومی کے نتیجے میں خون میں یا ان کے محافظ خلیات کی تعداد 37 فیصد کم ہوجاتی ہے- سان ڈیاگو(امریکا) میں ہونے والی ایسی ہی تحقیق سے ثابت ہوا کہ اس میں شامل جن 23 مردوں کو صرف ایک رات سونے نہیں دیا گیا ان میں ان محافظ خلیات کی تعداد میں 76 فی صد کمی ہوگئی-
یہ درست ہے کہ نیند کا کوٹا پورا کرنے سے ان خلیات کی تعداد معمول پر آنے لگتی ہے لیکن بسا اوقات جسم کے نظام مدافعت کو ناقابل تلافی حد تک نقصان پہنچ چکا ہوتا ہے جس کے نتیجے میں جسم چھوت اور انفیکشن کی زد میں آجاتا ہے- نیند سے محرومی قلب و شریانوں کے مسائل کے علاوہ زندگی کے لیے خطرات بڑھا دیتی ہے- کولمبیا یونی ورسٹی کے ایک مطالعے کے مطابق پانچ گھنٹوں سے کم نیند کی وجہ سے ہائی بلڈ پریشر کا خطرہ دوگنا ہوجاتا ہے-
ہارمونز کے نظام پر منفی اثرات
شکاگو یونی ورسٹی(امریکا) کی تحقیق کے مطابق پوری نیند نہ لینے کی وجہ سے جسم میں ہارمونز کا توازن بگڑ جاتا ہے- اس کے علاوہ جسم میں نشاستے (کاربوہائڈریٹس) کے ہضم و جذب کا عمل بھی غیر متوازن ہوجاتا ہے- تجربے میں شامل جن افراد کو آٹھ کے بجائے چار گھنٹے سلایا گیا٬ ان میں ایک ہفتے کے اندر ابتدائی ذیابیطس اور زیادتی عمر جیسے آثار پیدا ہوگئے- یہ اس بات کا ثبوت ہے کہ نیند کمی کی وجہ سے لبلبہ اپنی مخصوص رطوبت انسولین کم مقدار میں تیار کرتا ہے اور اسی عدم توازن کی وجہ سے ذیابیطس اور موٹاپا گھیر لیتے ہیں اور گلوکوس کی کثرت مرض قلب کا بھی سبب بن جاتی ہے-
ماہرین کے مطابق ناکافی نیند سے تین طرح کے ہارمونز کے متاثر ہونے کی وجہ سے موٹاپا گھیر لیتا ہے- پہلا ہارمون لیپٹن ہے- یہ بھوک کم کرنے والا ہارمون چربی میں ہوتا ہے- اس کی مقدار میں نیند کے دوران باقاعدگی آتی ہے- دوسرا ہارمون گھریلین بھوک بڑھاتا اور نیند سے محرومی کی وجہ سے اس میں اضافہ ہوجاتا ہے- پھر ہمارا جسم دباؤ پیدا کرنے والا تیسرا ہارمون کورٹی سول زیادہ بنانے لگتا ہے- جس کی وجہ سے جسم میں چربی زیادہ جمنے لگتی ہے-
نیند کی کمی کی وجہ سے ان ہارمونز کی تیاری میں اضافہ ہی نہیں ہوتا بلکہ اس کی وجہ سے ہم نہ صرف زیادہ کھانے لگتے ہیں بلکہ تھکن کی حالت میں مزید نامناسب غذائیں بھی کھانے لگتے ہیں- ماہرین کے مشورے کے مطابق وزن میں اضافے سے بچنے کے لیے ضروری ہے کہ بھرپور نیند لی جائے-
نیند آپ کو توند کے عذاب سے ہی نہیں بچاتی بلکہ آپ کے دماغ اور اس کی صلاحیتوں کو بھی متوازن رکھتی ہے- نیند کے دوران دماغ کے خلیات کے درمیان پیغام رسانی کا کام سرانجام دینے والے عصبی مرسل تازہ دم ہوجاتے ہیں- ہر قسم کے دباؤ اور نیند کی کمی کی وجہ سے دماغ کے کیمیائی مادوں میں کمی ہوجاتی ہے جس کے نتیجے میں جذباتی عدم توازن پیدا ہوجاتا ہے- ان میں فکروپریشانی٬ غصہ اور افسردگی شامل ہیں-
اچھی نیند کے لیے کیا کریں؟
- کوشش کیجئے کہ آپ کے سونے کا کمرہ پرسکون٬ بستر آرام دہ ہو٬ اس میں روشنی نہ ہو- اندھیرے میں اچھی گہری نیند آتی ہے-
- سونے اور بیدار ہونے کے اوقات کی سختی سے پابندی کیجئے-
- کیفین اور نکوٹین کا استعمال کم سے کم رکھیے اور سونے سے کم از کم تین گھنٹے پہلے رات کا کھانا کھا لیجئے- معدے اور جسم میں غذا کے ہضم کا سلسلہ جاری رہنے کے دوران نیند بڑی مشکل سے آتی ہے اس لیے کم از کم تین گھنٹے پہلے کھانا کھا لینے کی صورت میں معدہ بڑی حد تک ہضم کا عمل پورا کرلیتا ہے- سونے سے پہلے ہلکی پھلکی چیزیں جیسے توس یا ایک دو نمکین بسکٹ کے کھانے سے نیند آسانی سے آجاتی ہے-
- باقاعدگی سے ورزش کیجئیے- صبح کے وقت کی جانے والی ورزش سے بہتر اور اچھی صحت بخش کی نیند آتی ہے جب سونے سے پہلے سخت قسم کی ورزش سے نیند دور بھاگ جاتی ہے
نیند نہ آنے کی صورت میں
- بستر میں کروٹیں بدلتے نہ رہیے بلکہ آدھے گھنٹے تک نیند نہ آئے تو اٹھ بیٹھیے اور خاموشی سے کوئی کام کیجئیے جیسے مطالعہ
- نیند سے پہلے پرسکون ہونے کی مشق کیجئیے- گرم دودھ کا ایک گلاس پیجئیے- مطالعہ کیجئیے یا نیم گرم پانی سے غسل کیجئیے-
- نیند کے دوران حبس دم(سانس رکنا) یا بستر میں بے چینی سے پیر پٹخنے جیسی علامات کی صورت میں طبی مشورے پر عمل کیجئیے- یاد رکھیے کہ خواب آور دوائیں آسانی سے دستیاب ضرور ہیں لیکن ان کے استعمال سے بچنے کی ہر ممکن کوشش کیجئیے-
اب غیر مضر قسم کی خواب آور دوائیں بھی مل رہی ہیں لیکن یہ بھی صرف معالج کے مشورے سے استعمال کیجئیے- ان نئی گولیوں کے نشہ آور اثرات جسم سے جلد خارج ہوجاتے ہیں -
- خواب آور گولیاں ایسے افراد کے لیے وقتی طور پر مفید ثابت ہوسکتی ہیں جنھیں نیند معمول کے مطابق آتی ہے لیکن کبھی کبھار سخت جسمانی محنت کی وجہ سے نیند اڑ جاتی ہے-
- بے خوابی ایک مرض ہے اس کے لیے معالج کا مشورہ بہتر اور ضروری ہے-
- خرفہ٬ پالک کا ساگ٬ کدو٬ کھیرا٬ ناشپاتی٬ موسمی اور تربوز کھائیں-
- سوتے وقت سر پر روغن کدو شیریں یا روغن لبوب سعہ کی مالش کریں-
- گرمیوں میں خشخاش اور کدو کے بیجوں کا مغز 4-4 گرام ٹھنڈے پانی میں باریک پیس کر چینی ملا کر پی لیجئیے-
Diseases: Curing attitudes of stigmatization
A disease is an illness that affects the body (a single area or the whole system) and/or mind within a single organism (World Health Organization). Basically when a person is in a diseased state, they are no longer classified by modern and traditional medical diagnosis as “healthy”. Some examples of common diseases worldwide are: Influenza A virus, Asthma, HIV/AIDS, HPV, Malaria, and Sickle Cell Anemia. In addition, diseases are generally classified into three categories, which include: Genetic, infectious, and non-infectious.
world's children die each year before reaching the age of five. Sadly two of every three of these children die from easily preventable, treatable diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, malaria, measles, and tetanus, and from the conditions like malutrition.
In addition, HIV/AIDS continues to be a leading contributor to the deaths of young children in Africa.
The CORE Group, a coalition of nongovernmental organizations, is a global leader in responding to health issues that place children at risk. Since 1997, the CORE Group and its members have worked across the developing world to aid mother, father and community leaders in improving the health of their children.
Diseases, the first open-access journal devoted to the world's most neglected tropical diseases. We encourage you to add your Notes, Comments, and Ratings to articles.
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Lack of sleep cause heart disease
Lack of sleep cause heart disease
Cutting back on sleep could increase the risk of heart disease, a study published Monday found.
Sleeping less than 7.5 hours a night was associated with a 33 percent higher rate of cardiovascular incidents such as strokes and heart attacks, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association's Archives of Internal Medicine.
Japanese researchers monitored the sleep of 1,255 people with hypertension for an average of 50 months.
They tracked daytime and night time blood pressure, sleep duration and cardiovascular disease events such as stroke, heart attack and sudden cardiac death.
They recorded 99 incidents of cardiovascular disease, and found the rate among those who slept less than 7.5 hours was 2.4 per 100 person-years. Those who got more sleep had an incident rate of 1.8 per 100 person-years.
Subjects whose blood pressure rose at night also were more prone to heart disease, the study found.
"Shorter duration of sleep is a predictor of incident cardiovascular disease in elderly individuals with hypertension," wrote lead author Kazuo Gucci of Niche Medical University. Inadequate sleep has also been associated with increased likelihood of obesity, diabetes and several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including night-time hypertension and sleep-disorder
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