Health Is Wealth

DENGUE DARE IN PAKISTAN.

2011-09-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

Dr Meher Zaidi
Prevention is better than cure . Nowhere this motto applies better than to fight or dare Dengue menace in Pakistan. Here are some precautions and must do things:
1.Teach prevention to children and servants and other illiterate people.
2.Remove all open containers, sources of storage of water, pots,covered or otherwise from areas that are not easily manageable.
3. Keep all fresh water in covered containers and check frequently.
4. Clean and wipe all surfaces and floors daily regularly.
5.Use medicated mosquito nets, netting of windows, mats, insect repellent sprays, personal mosquito repellent liquids and creams at least in evening time. Use full sleeves and full length trousers, and socks. mosquito repellent can also be applied over socks and clothes but particularly to face, back of ears and hands and feet.
Things to do in case of suspicion of attack:
1. Consult local doctor. Symptoms such as fever, body and joint pain,chills, vomiting headache, bleeding from mouth, nose, spots or patches over body are suspicious.
2. Excessive bleeding and haemorrhage occurs as a result of platelet deficiency which are attacked by the virus. These need to be tested and replaced , therefore hospitalisation is necessary. Be prepared for hospitalisation and keep the contacts in ready hand.Each city, town and district has its own coordination officer or health officer . Keep their telephone contacts handy.
In Karachi the following numbers are available:
021-99204311 Medical Staff, Cantonment General Hospital, Iqbal Shaheed Road, Karachi.
0300-4584499 Dr. Muzaffar Memon, Senior Medical Officer,cantonment General Hospital
0300-9231088, Dr Shehzad, MO, Bizerta Line Dispensary, Karachi.
All Civil and Cant Hospitals deal with such cases.
Other private and NGO Hospiatls for such cases:
Bismillah Taqee Hospital http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rlz=1C1CHKW_en-GBPK449PK449&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=bismillah+taqee+hospital+karachi&fb=1&gl=pk&hq=bismillah+taqee+hospital&hnear=0x3eb33e06651d4bbf:0x9cf92f44555a0c23,Karachi&cid=11027635108945060679
Liaqat National Hospital http://www.lnh.edu.pk/index.html
Indus Hospital
http://www.indushospital.com/
Patel Hospital http://patel-hospital.org.pk/
Murshid Hospital, Hub Road http://www.phonebook.com.pk/dynamic/companydetail.aspx?comp_id=52685
Dow University Of Health Sciences Hospitals http://www.duhs.edu.pk/
Hussaini Blood Bank, Fatimid, JPMC etc http://www.phonebook.com.pk/dynamic/search.aspx?SearchType=cat&class_id=1820&city_id=1

Coping with joint pain and disabiity: Exercise and Isometrics.

2011-04-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/slideshow-rheumatoid-arthritis-exercises

Erectile Dysfunction and Obesity...

2011-04-18T22:03:00.003-07:00

http://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/news/20081031/obesity-linked-to-erectile-dysfunction

Exercise for Better Health: Fibromyalgia Friendly Exercises.

2011-04-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/slideshow-fibromyalgia-friendly-exercises

Radiation Protection ...Post Japan Nuclear Disaster, Earthquake and Tsunami.

2011-03-19T15:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.epa.gov/radiation/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_protection
http://rpop.iaea.org/RPoP/RPoP/Content/index.htm
http://www.ncrponline.org/
http://www.alldownloadlinks.com/radiation-protection-a-guide-for-scientists-regulators-and-physicians-jacob-shapiro_159996.html
http://www.icrp.org/
The March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan damaged the many nuclear power plants whose explosions have caused nuclear radiation to spread over Japan and may travel to other areas by wind and later by ocean currents and indirectly through food and goods chain even from China.The enormity of the challenges facing the international community and Japanese over public health issues are enormous. No single authority or country can face this massive challenge alone. There is a dire need for all people to understand the health risks involved in radiation spread and exposure.
Radiation or electromagnetic spectrum consists of alpha,beta and gamma rays of which the latter causes the maximum damage and harm.These particles when they enter our bodies produce ionizing reactions which disrupt cellular, chemistry, genetics, reproduction and growth. This is dependent on the amount of radiation exposure in terms of dose and time of exposure. Fastest growing cells such as that of skin, reproductive organs and bone marrow etc are most affected. These radiation particles are measured in RADS and are measured by hand held portable counter instruments which tell the total amount of exposure and help the health surveillance and treatment to be given to the victims.There maybe many stages of radiation exposure but in the case of nuclear exposure there are mainly two stages: Initial radiation and fall out.
Initial radiation takes place within a minute of the nuclear explosion.Neutron activity is maximum in this phase and because they are scattered from all directions any shield is not sufficient in protection and that is why Cobalt60 is used in nuclear weapons to cause maximum damage and penetration as its fission produces highest neutron activity. Gamma rays emitted are next in amount and because they travel in straight lines the shield against them maybe more effective as shield is usually used in one direction.They are extremely penetrating and cause maximum damage.
Fall out This occurs after a nuclear explosion as the nuclear fireball cools and the sucked up dust cools , radio active materials condense and contaminate its particles.The mushroom cloud reaches its ceiling about ten minutes after the explosion ( in case of a ten mega ton explosion the cloud extends over 2,600 square miles , with its top up to 20 miles above the earth's surface. the fission residue and grains of dust which it contains disperse with the cloud. depending on their weight and the weather the residue particles and the sand particles continue to rise, merely drift or start to descend.Those which rise to 6 or more miles above the earth enter the stratosphere in which the jet stream flows up to300 miles an hour . This rapidly distributes radioactive contamination over very wide areas.The surface winds take these radiation particles to other places. In case of rain or snow their concentration rises in the area it falls.The fall out can be several hundred miles and can continue over many years depending on the height of the cloud. The lethality of a fallout depends upon the strength of explosion. In a ten megaton fallout after an hour all exposed are killed within nine hundred square miles.The contamination from a fallout is most dangerous as it may pass into the food chain After initial measurement of radiation exposure, there is need for decontamination and this is done by thorough washing with soap and water.Detergent cleaning of all clothes, utensils and contaminated structures should be done. Food and water should be stored in air tight suitable containers.If food is stored in containers over which the radiation and dust particles do not fall, this can be eaten. But if food is actually contaminated if stored in semi-porous sacs it should not be eaten. Just like food does not pass radiation unless contaminated with radiation particles and dust , the human body does not become radioactive.Paper or plastic bags containing food should be properly sealed and the seal should be removed after brushing and air brushing to remove contamination particles.Shelters with safe food storage are an ideal.Condensed, evaporated or dried milk should be used instead of fresh milk. Tablets of calcium lactate can be used.The smooth surfaced vegetables and fruits can be shaken washed and peeled for consumption. Cereal crops should be thoroughly winnowed and all husks rejected.
Symptoms of radiation sickness may appear early as early as few hours to as late as few years depending on the dose , duration, distance from exposure. They are nausea, vomiting, redness of eyes, mouth and throat, loss of appetite and general weakness. Diarrhea may appear. the reddening of skin may increase with blistering and loss of hair.Convulsions, coma and death may finally occur.General ageing, shrinking and weakness of tissues in general due to inability of food absorption, shortening of bladder, bone fractures, thrombosis, cancers, aplastic anemia, bronco-pneumonia, inflammation of kidneys, liver, spinal chord, heart and lungs can occur.Recovery may take several months. genetically produced cancers may occur over generations. If sickness is severe disorientation and fits may result in death.
Precautions and Treatment : Some resistance in states of oxygen deprivation and hypothermia may occur.Complete rest, regular bowel movement, nutrition maintenance and hydration are all important Iodine tablets to reduce the radiation exposure as iodine absorbs the radioactive materials are to be taken to reduce thyroid hormones contaminated life cycle.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/radiation-sickness/DS00432/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000026.htm
(References: The Nuclear Survival Handbook, Barry Popkess,Arrow Books Ltd., internet.)

healthy Ageing and severe hearing loss.

2011-02-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/severe-hearing-loss-10/parents

Heart Disease Prevention.

2011-02-11T10:01:00.001-08:00

http://www.livestrong.com/article/3304-need-heart-disease-prevention/

TIPS TO QUIT SMOKING SLIDESHOW

2010-10-29T06:53:00.001-07:00

http://www.medicinenet.com/quit_smoking_tips_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

Smoking Is Bad For Health And Looks.

2010-10-29T06:30:00.001-07:00

http://www.medicinenet.com/smoking_effects_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

Diabetic Foot Care..Most important.

2010-08-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.myhealthtoday.com/proper-foot-care-critical-to-diabetics/

Issues In prevention: passive smoking damage as emphasized by a chest specialist.

2010-07-21T01:55:00.000-07:00

http://blogs.tribune.com.pk/story/654/a-cigarette-a-day-may-kill-your-wife/

Living With Parkinsonism: Healthy eating and nutrition.

2010-05-24T03:11:00.000-07:00

Parkinson's disease is a disorder affecting the muscles and causes much difficulty in eating and because of this nutrition is affected considerably. It becomes necessary for the caregiver to understand the nutritional requirements, meeting deficiencies and providing a wholesome and nutritionally sufficient diet to PD patients.
The difficulties faced may be difficulty in eating due to deficient or slow movements, difficulty in swallowing and not getting a balanced diet. Special plate and glass holders, straws and special forks help in faciltating patients to eat their own meals. Pakistan Parkinson's Society does provide good information on these issues. http://www.parkinsons.org.pk/
The US website http://www.Parkinson.org/ gives very good guidelines for keeping the nutritional balance in PD patients. Some of the points to keep in mind are:

1. The diet should carry a variety of foods like vegetables with fibre, greens, proteins like chicken, red meat, fish and plenty of grains.
2. Fresh fruits should be eaten daily in a way that caloric intake is maintained.
3. Lentils and complex carbohydrates help maintain sugar levels and reduce fat intake.
4. Fat intake should be limited and lighter oils should be used sparingly. Always try to poach, steam, bake or grill food in a way that least oil is used.
5.Water and fluid intake should be sufficient. As PD patients are at risk of dehydration more than any other , fluid intake should be in accordance to the heat and climate change. In hot humid countries like Pakistan, use fresh fruit juices, green teas, herbal teas, plenty of water, tea, coffee both warm and chilled as liked upto 12-15 cups or glasses per day.
6. If concurrent diseases like high blood pressure is present their treatment and diet with less sodium intake is essential.
7.Empty calories as in sugar-rich foods like cakes, patties etc should be avoided. Learn to prepare foods that use less empty calories as sugary foods and more complex carbohydrates and that too in moderation. Satisfy your sweet tooth with limited fresh fruit.
8. Use vitamin supplements regularly with doctor's advice in order to replace and avoid deficiencies.
9. Last but not least, make food appealing and wholesome as some may suffer from nausea. make it easily chewable and digestible. Make small frequent meals in order to avoid difficulty in larger whole meals.

The PD patients are also at risk for certain nutritional deficiencies like less calcium intake , magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K intake.This can lead to more bone thinning also known as osteopenia and osteoporosis. This may result in fractures that do not heal easily.Regular excercise to keep the bones strong, vitamin supplements, calcium supplements under doctor's care are advised.Avoid activity in unsupervised areas where a fall and fracture may result.
Dehydration should be avoided and treated by drinking plenty of fluids.Bowel impaction should be avoided by treating constipation regularly. If unexplained weight loss is occurring a re-evaluation of the entire nutritional intake should be done and diet made with a help of a nutritionist.
Medication side effects and the protein/ levodopa interaction should be kept in mind when giving medicines.
(Sources: US Parkinson society, Internet)

Give girls a better future in health.

2010-02-25T20:32:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1UyMimjR6M

reproductive health is very important in the life of people. By giving a better chance to health services we can all give girls a better option.

Slideshow: 15 Immune Boosting Foods

2010-02-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

Slideshow: 15 Immune Boosting Foods

2009-12-06T04:08:00.000-08:00

Diabetic Retinopathy

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Untold story of abortion

2009-12-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

DAWN.COM Pakistan Untold story of abortion
In this article , Zubeida Mustafa bares the myths about the 'miss' treatment of facts and figures about abortion and shows why we need to addres women's health issues seriously.

Breast Cancer, The New Guidelines For Mammogram And Checkup, USA.

2009-11-16T19:02:00.000-08:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

As the world moves towards better health care, the shift in information and right to choice is moving more from the domain of 'The Doctor Says ' to what information is there and to the patient himself. In other words ,the market oriented, client oriented forces in the treatment and approach to medicine has arrived. As the treatment options become more expensive and varied , the market forces are geared towards a more well informed choice. The medical market seems to represent a real test or quality of the 'product' screen as the best outcome is the real test and the real result that will be the bench mark for any treatment.
breast cancer has been to this day a best diagnosis that can be tested as all it's treatment ,choice, from diagnosis to the cosmetic impact is there for the people to monitor and watch. It can be taken as a test also for improving the results, improving the equipment in both diagnostic and treatment purposes.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Arming School Children Against Violence...Preparing To Handle Terrorist Threats In Pakistani Schools.

2009-10-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

Pakistani Society faces a unique conflict situation currently in which thousands of school children have been directly affected by violence and terrorist attacks. In October some three years ago the massive earthquake also affected thousands of children and it's trauma was not over that this recent menace has started and eating up the health of our children and their parents.
So far, there is no comprehensive policy both at the governmental level or at the school level to address this problem. Both the school administration and the parents will need to device strategies and initiate learning programs to help the children deal with such threats as school bombings and the instillation of fear .The parents need to be aware of the situation confronting their child and be armed and ready with mechanisms of how to deal with these conflict situations.
Lots of web presence is there on how to deal with school violence to which I am giving links but simple instructions on how to deal with such a situation are not there. Here I am writing a few points for both the teachers and the parents to follow in order to be better prepared.
For School Administration and Teachers:

Make a security plan for the school with a clear objective for evacuation,response in case of attack, fire,threat, devising coordination with local rescue, fire agencies,local councillors, representatives, ambulances, police station , hospital and clinic.
Prepare a list of parents' contact and keep it handy. Train at least two or three people to start contact. Prioritise tasks to handle response as a list on,two,three...Train people to do the drill regularly.
Discuss and train parents the response plan with parents at least monthly in a meeting and use email contacts with information regularly to allay their anxiety.
Regularly do fire drill as an evacuation plan with children.
Provide reassurance and support to parents and children by appointing a counsellor and or trained person to provide support.

For Parents:

It is essential that you find out the kind of information your child is getting about violence.Talk to him/her and explain the situation honestly.
Give assurance and emotional support to address their needs. Do not avoid topics of death and destruction. Give reasonable explanation.
Allay fears and anxiety by simple examples and avoid showing your own anxiety.
Prepare them for drills in school.
Make their daily tasks simple and let them follow a simple routine. Provide a relaxing atmosphere. Engage them in sport, music, painting etc. Limit exposure to tv and violent movies etc.
Seek professional help if you think you cannot handle and the child is having nightmares, bedwetting, bad grades , bad behviour, shyness, intriversion, avoidance in school and such trauma symptoms.
Teach them helping skills like simple first aid , what to do if someone fell down and other life saving skills.
Let them keep a pet if they can ,this teaches them nurturing.

You can find good informaation on these sites; http://www.talkingwithkids.org/

http://www.ehow.com/how_5363381_kids-school/

http://www.parentingpress.com/violence/

http://www.allsands.com/kids/

Spread the word of help around for all to benefit.Defeat the fear factor spread by terrorist. Help humanity live healthily.

zindagi trust

2009-09-07T05:40:00.001-07:00

Give while you can!

Healthy Parenting Topic;Sex Education In Teens.

2009-08-31T04:14:00.000-07:00

Puberty and teenage are the times when children should be taught about health and hygeine.As pubertal age is decreasing in Pakistani girls( 9 years), it is essential that they be made aware of the physiological changes and given a stable emotional support. Exposure to internet, peer pressure also may give unhealthy and often distorted input.sexual orientation, safe sex, issues of abuse and rape may take the child and families unaware. I have seen good Pakistani families suffer and almost emotionally and mentally devastated when their child is raped or sexually abused. This is happening at a larger scale in cities now as more and more children are bieng exposed to urban life. Also older boys who are coming from rural ,landlord background are making young girls in schools target of thier abuse. It is essential for both parents and teachers to teach kids about sex and procreation in a socially acceptable language and environment.Talking about sex does not increase activity in children and infact may decrease unhealthy risks and behaviour, including getting infections like Hepatitis which is increasing in Pakistani population.
These are some of the points which should be noted:

Always keep computer in shared spaces and check history daily. Use good software to block sites(K9) is a good example.
Be aware of your kids friends and their families and the time and places they spend and meet them in.
Always talk in an open and friendly manner and never use accusative or deriding language.
When giving education, use diagrams and make things look scientific.
In USA abstinence is bieng reported as ineffective, but Pakistani parents and teachers can use this effectively as we have religious and social taboos.Teenage unwanted pregnancy statistics are not known in Pakistan but I as a practicing gynaecologist in a large city have seen a large number of cases most of them of assault on children.It is therefore a must to teach children about sex.
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD's) which is also increasing in incidence and is a high cause of infertility in Pakistan should also be taught at an appropriate age. In Pakistan girls also marry young.
Teach your child in a manner that he /she may have a healthy attitude towards reproductive health.Nowadays a lot of deviant and bad exposure(especially in our society where health education is not given) to sex may risk the emotional and psychological state of a child.
Prevention of Hepatitis which is endemic in our towns and cities such as Larkana, Hyderabad is essential as this also occurs in unsafe sex and assault.
Make emotional and psychological aspects of puberty and teenage a part of education. A psychiatrist or psychologist can provide curriculum and topic support.
Give adequate information to the children about rape and sexual abuse. This has become very common both in school population and in families. Many children travel in buses, vans , and with drivers. Many children go to places with friends where they may suffer by friends and other persons. Only if they recognise the extent of assault or are aware of what is happening can they prevent and seek help. Always give your child your number on the speed dial. I have seen fainting people after injury bieng helped after using speed dial number.Boys should also be made aware of recognising abuse and made to report in confidence to parents and teachers. Brushing this issue aside as is bieng done by both parents and teachers in Pakistan will only make this issue graver as the statistics are markedly increasing.
Read about these topics and make your own notes. compare with others like teachers or other parents.some sites are; Web MD.com/children's health. www.kidsgrowth.com www.asharstd.org/teens/teens-overview.cfu

Drug Abuse In Teenagers.Some Help And Guidelines.

2009-06-26T10:28:00.000-07:00

Drug abuse is becoming very common all over the world. In Pakistan also free availability, less parental guidance and depressing social circumstance has become a driving blast behind teenage drug use.Teenage is a period of intense personality experience with identity questions, school pressures and other social interactions. intense stress is generated all around. Lack of parent's awareness about their child's issues, lack of quality time spent together, parental fears all contribute towards pushing teenagers to drugs and substance abuse. This maybe of prescribed drugs such as pain killers, opioid laden medicines such as cough syrups or non-prescription drugs such as marijuana, over the counter pills,heroin, cocaine and other substances such as alcohol.
This addiction is damaging both for the teenager and the family.
In Pakistan as there is little support both in medical community and at the governmental level and because drug trade and mafia is operating freely and with a masive vengeance in urban areas, this problem has multiplied manifold.
There are many signs and symptoms of drug abuse which parents need to be aware of and recognise in order to seek earlier help and solution to the problem.
If your child is skipping school both in your information or without your information.
If he or she is unusually sleepy and avoids interaction with you.
If you find small or large sums of money missing or some jewellery missing frequently.
If your child often goes to pillow parties and other late night outings especially and avoids bieng with you on coming home.
If your child is losing grades, avoids normal social interactions.
If medicines are missing from cabinet.
If your child frequents area doctor or says he wants to visit frequently without apparent disease.
In Pakistan, drugs are freely prescribed by millions of quacks all over the cities.
There are other signs such as lack of grooming,unhygeinic appearance, anger outbursts.

The parents should try and take the child as soon as possible to a proper psychiatrist first as he or she maybe able to rule out diseases such as depression or diagnose these concomittant with drug/substance abuse.
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/abuse-of-prescription-drugs/

The Secrets of Managing GERD and Heartburn

2009-06-19T02:37:00.001-07:00

The Secrets of Managing GERD and Heartburn

Shared via AddThis

Positive thinking Can Alter Behaviour.

2009-06-17T02:26:00.000-07:00

We are living in a very stressful, fast, unspiritual and materialistic world. Each day we are bombarded with thousands of stress spikes ,both personal and at impersonal level. Work, home, relationships,school, college and simply friends may become sources of stress, anxiety and depression. We usually find our own mechanisms to deal with them albiet in an inefficient and usually derimental ways ,both for our health and relationships. modern living maybe very enjoyable too but only when we really learn time management, enjoy a hobby and find work rewarding and fulfilling.

Often we tend to find ways to cope with situations only in a reactionary way. A boss may criticise and we instead of seeing and rectifying the deficiency or fault react. This further worsens our stress level and hampers positive thinking.
Many of our relationships also suffer due to negative thinking and often we may get into a vicious cycle and damage a perfectly good relationship.
Nowadays there are many known,tried and tested therapies such as yoga,meditation, prayer, music,guided imagery, excercise ,cognitive behaviour therapy which help convert negative thinking into positive ones. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can be taken with a counsellor or it can be practicised at home once you learn the techniques. Web Md is a good source of learning these techniques. Positive thinking is key to behaviour change be it for leaving smoking,drug habit, anger management, stress management or dealing with depression and other diseases.Weight loss program also gains immensly from learning positive thinking.
I once improved greatly in my repeated negative thoughts about people taunting( Tana in Urdu) by reading Anthony Robbins and practicing the techniques in the book.This happened some 15 years back and my learned behaviour has improved so much that now not a single thought comes in mind that I convert it into positive thinking. Previously I used to be ruled by that negative thought and it was very stressful!
CBT can be done with a counsellor or can be done at home.The change can make you realise the negative thoughts . You can then learn to review these thoughts and then learn to remove them and replace with positive thoughts.Mind relaxation techniques also enhance positive thoughts and behaviour modification.The one thing I have learned most in my positive behaviour modification role , be it with teenagers, children or adults, is that when you tell the other person you care and trust them does the positive change starts to occur. So if you are doing this for yourself, start by saying to yourself the following things;

I trust myself to change my negative thinking or thoughts to positive thinking or thoughts.

I trust myself to acknowledge my negative thoughts after recognising them.

I trust and promise myself to change my negative behaviour to positive behaviour by dismissing negative thoughts immediately and replacing them with positive thoughts immediately.

I trust and promise myself to improve my behaviour by helping myself by understanding the ngative behaviours such as smoking, violence, anger,cursing or other abuse,and immediately stopping them with the help of a psychiatrist, a doctor, a counsellor some other person or even myself.

if myself then I will read extensively and repeat the behaviuor modification excercises.

I trust myself to learn time management and spend my liesure time in positive activities such as sport, teaching, helping

Brain Foods Pictures Slideshow: What to Eat for Better Concentration

2009-06-17T01:36:00.001-07:00

Brain Foods Pictures Slideshow: What to Eat for Better Concentration

Shared via AddThis

Autism...What parents need to know.

2009-05-20T00:32:00.000-07:00

Parents who think their children have autism or need to understand this problem need to know a few basic facts.
Autism is genetic ,also environmental causes have been implicated. other than the recent vaccine issue the causes are not very important from management or treatment perspective.
The difficulties Pakistani parents face are manifold;
They do not recognise the autism symptoms earlier as there is no awareness about these disorders even in doctors. If the child presents with different presentations and loss of verbal skills ,they may think it as shyness, indiscipline etc. Due to the social and religious dogmatic milue of our society there is no effort on the part of even medical personnel to make people aware of this problem and provide help and care including educating the parents or family.
As in USA , Pakistan also now faces a large burden of disease with children with autism and related disorders.People need to understand these disorders.
Autism and autism like disorders consist of a spectrum in which are included Rett's, Asperger's syndromes, non-specific autism like disorders, etc.the difficulty faced by parents is that in case not earlier detected, th child may not be put in school,or may become aschool dropout due to failure to integrate.
If symptoms such as difficulty in social interactions such as eye contact, conversation,abnormal verbal exchange,inappropriate emotional response, repetetive actions and interest in games etc are causing concern , the parents need to seek help !
The good news is that if the child is given interventional treatment such as cognitive, behavioural and special educational treatment he may recover. Now according to a new study children with higher IQ's may eventually become fully functional. The best part about this study is that it gives hope to parents of children with these disorders.
In Pakistan there is a dire need for people to be made aware of these disorders and be given help and treatment facilities.

Some Parental Guidelines For Coping With Adolescents ,Teenagers with Mental Disorders

2009-03-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some tips you should follow in order to give better care to your child;

Always dissociate your relationship and try to look at her/his disease in a cool and scientific manner.

Whenever a crises situation starts always contact a professional for guidance, help.

Keep important telephone numbers handy; on the fridge ,with the keys hanger or easily accessable place.

Place all important information about patient, drugs treatment ,dosage, emergency help measures in easily accessable place and keep copy in office, with friends or other family members.

Always take into confidence about the condition of the patient, the treatment,physician, other help information, a close friend or relative, so that in case of emergency, they maybe able to help.

Always keep the nearest hospital/ emergency telephone,contact person address handy.

Always take time out for your own self and find some entertainment to lighten up.

Take time out for other children and family members.

Always take psychologist help to train yourself to manage situations like anger,stress,etc.

Many a times your own depression or other mental disorder may exacerbate or come to limelight during a crises.Seek professional help immediately. Do not postpone or decide to face things on your own. This is just like a car when it needs servicing or oil has to be given the service. you cant give water to a car and presume it will function. You have to be fit yourself when the child needs more care from you.

Also see that your spouse or partner also does not need professional help. Sometimes both parents also need psychiatric help.

Always take into guided confidence about your child's treatment and care options, information, the school management.Try to softly and cooly provide them enough information so that they may help and not panic if a need arises.

In Pakistan, the bigger ,the more famous the schools are the less likely they are to understand or help the child . So try and put your child in a school where they may be less stressed and find more happy environment.

Do not be judgemental and do not discuss or argue infront of the child. Always remove him or her if any one is bitching or bieng judgemental.

Try and read a smuch as possible and go on internet , see u tube and read health articles as much as possible to understand the disorder.

Find support groups, if not available locally, create one yourself. You will be surprised how many children suffer from mental disorders.

Last but not least try to find inner peace in yourself through prayer and charity. You will be surprised how much spirituality helps in healing.

Helping poor women reduce their health risks in Pakistan.

2009-03-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here are some small points to help on this blog;
http://networkofwomenpakistan.blogspot.com/.
Drop by drop an ocean make, start your effort NOW!

Childhood trauma associated with chronic fatigue syndrome

2009-02-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

Childhood trauma associated with chronic fatigue syndrome

Mood disorders and how to cope

2009-01-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

The various mood disorders like depresion,bipolar,dysphoria,etc., are causing major dificulties for people. It is like spending a lifetime with a weight on one's head, moving with feet tied, unable to do much productive work,looking at life with no power or wrong eye power.Mostly no one goes to doctors and even if diagnosed patients tend to take proper treatment. It is necessary to understand the importance of treatment and seeking the right help. When the time is given to treatment the results are quite encouraging. Even as the patient is in the middle ,he or she feels to enjoy the improved life changes which was not to be if treatment was not started.In order to lead more productive lives, here a re some suggestions;

Go ahead shop for doctors,good ones too.
Read maximum about the disorder but do not make the diagnosis yourself,you may be surprised by the diagnosis given by the expert.
Always start treatment under doctor's care, stick to appointments, never stop treatment on your own, report any symptoms that are new to the doctor.
Go for cognitive behavioural therapy,this will help you to learn skills,make resources and indulge in hobbies like painting to focus and improve your cognitive health.
In case of menstrual mood changes go ahead with treatment with SSRI's under doctor's care for short term. It helps.Help ateenager or adolescent understand his/her disorder.
Give support to others,it has been seen that nurturing fosters speeding up of healing.

People with Courage and Conviction

2009-01-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

Today I am writing about a person who impressed me with courage and conviction,so rare in people nowadays. He is Mr. Haroon Bashir, a patient with Parkinson's disease.he not only boldly faced the disease but also formed the Parkinson's Society for Pakistan.The aim of this society is to help and train not only patients with Parkinson's disease but also doctors and caregivers. Their information is available on the link website of Mr Haroon as I have posted on my blog. Anyone wanting understanding of this disease must see this and if in Pakistan should take membership.

parkinson's .......a new world: A different kinf presentation on speech therapy

2009-01-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

parkinson's .......a new world: A different kinf presentation on speech therapy

parkinson's .......a new world: Med Rasagiline (Azilect) May Slow Parkinson’s | Psych Central News

2009-01-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

parkinson's .......a new world: Med Rasagiline (Azilect) May Slow Parkinson’s Psych Central News

A Ray Of Hope

2009-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

As I walk in my tuesday clinic for poor women,I see their dull eyes shine bright. Only on this day they wait for me to bring some medicines for them and their children. Cough medicines,something for their aching backs and knees,some blood pressure medicines. I have observed how important is tender loving care of a physician for his patients.They say love heals. I think it truly does! Selfless ,constant,day in and day out care and love, for God's sake and for your own sake. The role of a physician is primary as a healer and this uses medicines and TLC both.If in each action we encorporate a higher purpose then believe me things really work ,for faith is the best carer.

Care For Yourself First;Tips For Caregivers.

2009-01-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

People who help their family,friends as caregivers for problems for example;Depression,personality disorders,parkinsonism,stroke,cancer,disabilities, may burn out themselves eventually. Thier role as a caregiver is affected and hinders their mental and physical aability to take care of the person they are looking after.
Here are some points to note:

If you feel sad,irritable or angry frequently,look for professional help from the psychiatrist,clinical psychologist,other support groups.
Get regular excercise,every day,even for shorter periods.
Take time out for the activity you enjoy like reading,listening to music,playing,or any other hobby.
If you dont have a hobby go out once a week to meet a friend,the movies,or along walk.
Recognise stress and take steps to manage it.(learn techniques for stress management including yoga,meditation etc.)
Learn time management;divide tasks you need to do;prioritize them according to urgency,taking time out for oneself everyday is also essential.
Also take care of your personal life like job,finances,other responsibilities.Remember looking good is part of the game.Unless you look your best the person you are looking after will not be happy,so take care of your hair,nails,dressing up and overall carry a cheerful expression.sulking and pouting will not help anyone.Smile and see yourself!
Do not ignore other important relationships,learn to give time and attention to them also.Keep your emotions in context.
Learn to acknowledge and understand your limitations.Do not try to give more than you canor you will face a burn out.Remember if you are well then only can you take care of someone else.Keep everything in perspective.
Learn to empower the person you are helping.For example if a person has Parkinson's disease,help him to learn to be independant,by giving him support and tools.Empowerment needs the tasks to be made simplee,achievable in sequences for example;
Divide tasks like eating food:getting plate, spoon out,putting food on table,putting food on plate,eating slowly and steadily,putting plates away etc.
Provide enough modifications and tools for the patients to achieve their objectives,simple things like plate guards,special spoons as in case of parkinson's.
Do not try to be perfect.Allow for mistakes.Better still,learn to laugh at mistakes.A good sense of humour can take you past the greatest of obstacles.
Respect the person's independance,self respect and personality.Do not become a mother,father or school marm.Learn to let others live with dignity.
Give the person taken care of some sense of achievement like looking after a pet or a plant. There is evidence that nurturing helps in cure.
Always give tasks which the person may achieve.Identify their abilities.You cannot ask a person with Parkinsonism to wash the car!
Always make sure that the person achieves his tasks by not taking too much risks.Give friendly and safe tools and objects.

in the end,it has to be emphasised that the object of the whole excercise of caregiving is almost spiritual,ethereal,but we as humans have to keep in mind our limitations in order to achieve this higher goal.Be proactive,be optimistic,have a good sense of humour.Keep smiling!

Understanding Depression;Coping and Caring For.

2009-01-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

Depression affects a large number of young people in the world.It has to be recognised and treated as early as possible. Parents and care givers need to understand that this disorder can be treated effectively in upto 90% of patients.
Signs to watch for are:

Decreased interest in friends and activities(like going out to play,attending family get togethers,meeting friends and relatives.)
Difficulty in getting up on time to go to school or college.
Lack of interest in school or college activities.
Difficulty in concentrating on school/college work or in household tasks.Unkempt look(dishevelled hair,not brushing teeth,untidy dress code.)
Frequent complaints of tiredness and boredom.
Unexplained aches and pains.
Either insomnia or oversleeping.
Trouble getting along with others(may get into fights due to increased irritability.)
Hypersensitivity to rejection or failure.
Emotional outbursts such as weeping,anger,shouting.
Reckless behaviour as in driving a car, alcohol or drug abuse.
Self abuse or injury.
Suicidal talk or expression.
Social withdrawal.(this increases with level of depression.)
Fall in grades and achievements.

For general information depression is of different kinds like major,dysthymia,seasonal affective disorder,atypical.For the parent or care giver it is important that they recognise the symptoms and seek help.There are several criteria for coming to a diagnosis but they are recognised by trained health personnel. For example DSM IV TR for major depression in adolescents.

Causes and links have been not well defined but hereditary,disbalance of nuerotransmitters,such as serotonin,noreepinephrine and dopamine have been known to cause the symptoms.In children and adolescents a strong link between stressful life events and manifestation of depression seems likely.

Other conditions may co-exist like ADHD,eating disorders,personality disorders substance abuse,anxiety disorders ,oppositional defiant disorders etc.

These and other diseases may be only identified by the physicianIn our society it is considered a stigma to go to a mental health professional so the role of a general practitioner as the final carer is very important.He should refer patient for final diagnosis and treatment and then keep on treating the patient with cooperation.

The out look for treated patients is good. Learning to live with depression is a very long and tedious effort but if optimism is adopted then life can be good.Treatment is now very advanced and easily available but it has to be taken seriously and under good guidance.Never listen to sad anecdotal stories of failure .Always see the silver lining.The new health paradigm is adopting a healthy lifestyle,be it eating,treatment,excercise or therapy.

Borderline Personality Disorder;Patient and Family Problems

2008-12-29T02:31:00.000-08:00

There are problems in recognising this disorder.The family undergoes severe stress and the patient suffers as she or he does not recieve treatment and help for quite sometime.As the incidence of personality disorders is very high,although not documented(there is no registry for psychiatric diseases and disorders) a major portion of our population remains untreated .The mortality rate must be high too. It is of utmost importance that this disorder is recognised earliest a nd the patient helped.A major group who may be targetted for awareness campaign must be teachers and school staff.The behaviour irregularity if earlier recognised and reported may help the patient as a life saver. Fellow students especially of higher grades may also be inducted in a sort of observer troops such as monitors.
There is agood literature available on web Md which immensly helps to understand this disorder.The following symptoms are apparent;

intense mood swings;these maybe so intense and sudden that the family cannot actually physically or emotionally take it.They may need psychiatric support themselves.
impulsive behaviours;these may land the patient,and others in severe trouble,accidents and missing persons.(the movie "Killer Movie" amply depicts this sort of behavioural problems.)
Problems with relationships;as most of the family and freinds are neither aware of the disorder and are not trained to handle the situations, often flare ups and reactionary behaviour may worsen both the patients symptoms and responses by the family and freinds.Such patients need immense understanding and support to make it through this long and often hopeless situation.
low self worth is one of the major hinderance in getting better.The attitude often of intolerance and judgemental of peers,older people and teachers may compound this problem.
Other disease such as depression,eating disorders,substance abuse may occur simultaneously and themselves compound the problem.

The symptoms start in early childhood and if recognised and treated may improve over a long period.Most patients with severe symptoms get better over time.

Symptom recognition by patients themselves may help;such as

Intense emotions and mood swings.
impulsive often disruptive behaviours.
temper tantrums.
Aggressive behaviour.
Feeling of emptiness inside.
hurting yourself such as cutting or burning.
suicidal attempts;this maybe confused as attention seeking behaviour and not bieng taken seriously by the family.
Low self worth;patient may enter illogical relationships and freindships where they maybe taken advantage of or even raped or sexually abused as with older persons.
a frantic fear of bieng left alone ,abandoned,this may put personin disadvantaged relationships again.
Feeling suspicious of others for no reason;this may include immediate family and kin;This is a tricky situation as if a child is in an abusive environment then his behaviour may appear mistrustful to either parent and he maybe suffering abuse also but not bieng able to report it.

The diagnosis of this disorder is only done by a trained and experienced physician as this maybe confused with anti social peersonality disorder,bipolar disorder.The cause of this disorder are not really known.Genetic or familial history plays a part.Often childhood trauma,abuse,parental seperation,neglect brings about the symptoms to the fore.Treatment is both by medicines and behavioral and analytical psychotherapy.This is very helpful though long and tedious journey but there is no other choice .Relapse and recurrence is a major feature and both support for the immediate caregiver and patient is essential.

Awareness of Health Issues in Pakistani Youth and Adolescents

2008-12-17T03:54:00.000-08:00

A large chunk of our population will be young adults and adolescents.About 50 % will be females.Literacy rate is very low,therefore in order to raise awareness about health issues media such as television and radio is very important.Amongst the educated mostly urban populace,also health topics are neither the part of regular school education program nor are the school teachers and management aware of its importance.In order to make everyone including parents more receptive to the idea of awareness in prevention of diseases the TV and radio is bieng used effectively by the numerous channels and fewer television anchors with a health background.Internet population has also increased and it needs to be used more as tool to reach out to a large Pakistani youth to create awareness in prevention of diseases such as sexually transmitted disease,AIDS/HIV,infectious diseases such as tuberculosis,hepatitis,etc,.The incidence of teenage and unwanted pregnancies is a lso very high amongst our youth and thanks to the tyrannical and ostrich like behaviour of even our urban populace these issues are not addressed in a fair and balanced manner.As morbidity due to wrong treatment and mortality due to cruelty and indifference rises,a major problem is a health and social burden,This issue also highlights gender inequality and bias towards a polarised and divided society.Awareness raising of youth will eventually defeat the prejudices in addressing health issues and promote a healthier society.

Mothers dilemma in search for a mental disability diagnosis

2008-12-12T03:25:00.000-08:00

A mother presented with not bieng able to understand her child,s mental disorder and not bieng aware of the diagnosis.She was suffering from acute anxiety so much so that she very nearly collapsed.This is a common phenomenon.Mental disorders are a major health issue in Pakistan.Their detection,diagnosis and proper treatment is a long anguishing and costly procedure for average person.In the due process the family especially mother suffers a lot as she not only has to undergo her personal pain ,she is also ostracised and abused,tortured for bringing up the child badly.The attitudes need to be changed effectively and swiftly.For this small well informed support groups need to be made among teachers,social workers,and other persons in contact with children.This has to be done on emergency basis.You can start with this activity youself start reading more about these disorders on WEBMD or sites such as www.CopeCareDeal.org.,etc.In reading and understanding the disorders and mental diseases,your own perception and attitude will change.This may help you to help others.
The mental disorders are not only undiagnosed but also the teaching is affected as the child is unable to learn according to his needs.The schools try to shove out such children to keep their results at top levels.They not only hurt and damage the child in the process,but also the family and society on the whole.We need to make scools aware for the need to understand and help such children.Canadian society has already incorporated such developments in their school system.
A book entitled If your adolescent has Depression or bipolar disorders by Dwight L Evans,and Linda Wasmer Andrews is a must read .

Urinary Bladder Exostophy And Epispadiasis In A Child

2008-12-07T08:22:00.002-08:00

A young father with limited financial resources presented with complaints of his child bieng operated several times for repair of his bladder and genitilial malformations.The dilemma here is how to provide adequate information and satisfy the guardian as a third party support person.As I am a trained family physician with vast experience in support counselling and referral,I could handle the situation.It is difficult for surgeons working in poor countries with vast populations with limited time and resources to provide adequate information and support to such people.For people with complicated surgeries it is imperative that a whole lot of information on Procedure,Type of Surgery,Expected or desired Results,Financial liabilities,Other costs be provided.A good website is provided on Boston Children Hospital for this necessary information.For people without access to internet it is the local family physician who is the best support person.Children with urinary bladder exostophy or bladder bieng outside abdomen several operations maybe needed depending on the extent of malformation.As usually the genitilia is also not formed properly, its repair is also an issue.The long term use of medicines is also required.The operating surgeon should discuss all these aspects in detail before starting treatment.In this case a long duration treatment by the mother using NSAIDS for joint pain during early pregnancy was most likely cause.It is essential that people be aware of using any drugs without prescription and also the physician should not provide long usage prescriptions to females of childbearing age.As a precaution all family physicians should use vigilance criteria checklists for all their patients using a groups and drugs with interactions in mind.A religious use of these checklists will ensure prevention of such morbidity and health burden.