World Diabetes Day The World Health Organization (WHO) Observes November 14 As World Diabetes Day To Create Awareness On The Prevention Of Diabetes And Avoid Its

World Cancer Day Early Detection saves Lives Did You know? Around 8.2 million people die from cancer worldwide every year; 4 million of them are aged between 30 and 60 years. Almost one-third of cancer patients are diagnosed with cancer at a late stage, when their health has deteriorated or when admitted in an emergency. February 4th  is observed as World Cancer Day under the tagline ‘We can. I can.’ It is an opportunity to spread awareness about cancer, especially the fact that early detection can increase the chances of cure and many types of cancer can be prevented by simple changes in lifestyle. Simple lifestyle changes can help Early warning signs of cancer • Persistent pain • Lump, bump, or swelling • Ulcer or wound that does not heal • Extreme tiredness • Changes in bowel habits • Persistent cough or difficulty in swallowing and indigestion Some tips on prevention › know your family history. Several Cancers are hereditary in nature. Knowing the family history and staying alert to early warning signs can help prevent and diagnose cancer in the early stages. › Get an annual health check-up done. Screening for cancer and getting an annual health check-up helps catch diseases early, while also preventing other lifestyle diseases. Women above the age of 40 should have a mammogram every 1 or 2 years, as advised by the doctor. › Consult your doctor about vaccinations. Simple Lifestyle changes can help prevent cancer › Avoid smoking or second-hand smoking. › Avoid alcohol. › Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day. › Maintain a healthy weight. › Avoid excess exposure to the sun. › Limit red meat consumption: › Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. › Avoid sharing needles. › Mothers should breastfeed their babies for at least 6 months.

World Cancer Day – 4th February Do you know? • It Is estimated that India has 2 million cancer patients, of which 0.7 million are new cases, detected every year. Nearly half of the total cancer patients die every year. • More than 75% of patients are at an advanced stage of the disease by the time they consult a doctor. • Early detection can increase the chances of a cure. • Many forms of cancer can be prevented by simple changes in lifestyle. The risk of developing cancer Is higher If one is a heavy smoker, alcoholic, or tobacco chewer; is HIV or Hepatitis B or C virus-positive; Is on treatment, or has a disease that suppresses the Immune system, or has a family history of cancer. Early warning signs of cancer! * Recent changes in bowel habits, like constipation, diarrhea alternating with constipation, difficulty in swallowing, indigestion, etc • Recent urinary symptoms, like obstructions, painful urination, or blood in the urine • An ulcer or a wound or sore anywhere in the body that does not heal, for example, in the mouth, tongue, skin, or genitals • Unusual bleeding or secretions from any part of the body, like blood In the sputum, urine, stools, or vomit • A persistent swelling in the body, like a breast lump, lymph gland swelling, neck swelling, or testicular enlargement • An obvious, sudden change In the appearance of a long-standing mole • A change in voice that persists for more than a couple of weeks • A nagging cough which persists for 2 weeks, especially if associated with blood In the sputum Simple Lifestyle changes can help prevent cancer * Avoid smoking or second-hand smoking: it can cause several types of cancer, not only lung cancer * Avoid excess exposure to the sun.skin cancer is one of the most preventable diseases. Avoid exposure to UV rays/mid-day sun by wearing protective clothing when outdoors. * Avoid alcohol: it not only affects the liver but can have a much stronger side-effect of cancer * Limit red meat consumption studies show that a diet high in animal fat increases the risk for several types of cancer. A diet rich in fat can cause obesity, which may lead to cancer. * Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables. A well-balanced diet helps reduce the risk of cancer. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, especially green, yellow, and orange ones, which help repair damaged cells. * Get annual health check-ups. Screening for cancer and getting an annual health check-up helps catch diseases early and prevent other lifestyle diseases. * know the family history. Several Cancers are hereditary in nature. Knowing the family history and staying alert to early warning signs can help prevent and diagnose cancer in early stages.

World Arthritis Week – October 7 -13 Arthritis is a general term used to refer to more than 100 different joint-related diseases. Arthritis affects millions of people all over the world every year, Irrespective of age and gender. It is a leading cause of disability, while also taking a considerable financial toll on its patients. Common symptoms: Pain, tenderness and stiffness around the joints, reduced movement at function, Inflammation, redness, and muscle weakness World Arthritis Week helps us to raise awareness about arthritis and inflammatory diseases. Beat arthritis with these simple tips • Avoid smoking; It can lead to rheumatoid arthritis. • Physical activity and exercise – cooking, housework, gardening, playing with children and pets – keep the spirits high and the mind and body fit. • Intake of Omega 3 reduces joints swelling and stiffness. Fish is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids. Vegetarian alternatives are flaxseed, walnuts, and fish oil supplements. • A diet rich in vitamin C is essential for patients with arthritis. Eat strawberries, oranges, kiwi, pineapple, cauliflower, broccoli, kidney beans, and cabbage for your daily dose of Vitamin C. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help beat osteoarthritis. • Animal products, especially milk, can aggravate arthritis symptoms. So eat fresh, whole foods that supply antioxidants. • Ginger contains chemicals that are similar to those found in anti-inflammatory medicines. • Turmeric also helps prevent inflammation of joints. • Maintain a healthy weight; overweight people find that weight loss reduces the stress on their weight-bearing Joints and helps increase mobility. • Yoga helps increase flexibility and relieves joint pressure. But ensure that you do not place too much pressure on your joints.

Happy Women’s Day !!! Your health is your most precious asset. Good health allows you to fully participate in all activities, be at work, family, or social. A healthy woman brings up a healthy family… Every woman can be healthy by following these simple tips * Keep a check on your weight every week. Maintain a body mass index (BMI) of 23. * Exercise every day for at least 30 minutes, household work accustomed exercise, It will not burn calories. Preserve your bones & muscles as you age. * Eat healthy – reduce your salt intake, avoid ready-to-eat meals, pickles, high-calorie carbohydrates & saturated fats Eat more veggies & fruits. Eat natural foods. * Check for a thyroid swelling (a butterfly shape in the tower part of the neck) when you look into the mirror. * After 30, get blood sugar & BP tests done every year & a thyroid test every 3-Syros. * Every girl should know how to perform a breast self-examination once she is a teenager It should be done every month after the periods and after menopause on a fixed day every month. * Exposure to the sun every day for 30 mins (10 am — 2 pm) builds up vitamin D & keeps the bones healthy. Drinking milk and taking a calcium-rich diet protects you from osteoporosis. * Folic acid should be taken regularly by all pregnant women & women with ‘a low immunity to disease, it plays a vital role in cancer prevention. It is found In green leafy vegetables & fruits. * Avoid caffeine & alcohol. They slow down the absorption of minerals that are Important in maintaining a healthy self. * Get a pap smear done once a year, Cervical cancer affects more than 30% of women every year. * Annual health check-up & doctor consultations will go a long way in keeping you healthy.

Blood Donor Day – 14th June 2014 “Safe Blood for Saving Mothers” Every year 14th June is observed as Blood Donor Day around the world to raise awareness about the need for safe and blood products. It Is also meant to thank blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO)’s theme for the Blood Donor Day campaign Is “Safe Blood for Saving Mothers”. As per WHO, every day about 800 women die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. Severe bleeding during delivery and after childbirth Is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, and long-term disability. The campaign aims at increasing awareness about the need for timely access to safe blood and blood products in countries, as part of a comprehensive approach to preventing maternal deaths. Blood donation saves lives – not only of women with pregnancy-related complications but also of patients with cancer, those undergoing major surgery, children with severe anemia, and accident victims. “Save a Life “ * Donating blood improves the donor’s overall cardiovascular health. Increased levels of iron in the blood raise the chance of heart disease. Regular blood donations help men, in particular, to reduce the iron in their blood, thus reducing the chance of a heart attack by 88%. * When you donate blood the body immediately begins to replenish the lost blood. New cells are produced by the marrow within 48 hours of donation and all the red blood cells are completely replaced within 1-2 months.this process of replenishment helps the body work more efficiently and stay healthy. * Donating blood regularly improves fitness. Donating 450ml of blood burns 650 calories in a donor’s body. * Before donation, the donor receives a free health screening plus a mini blood test the blood is also tested for major diseases and the donor is immediately informed in strict confidentiality if any of these tests are positive. * Above all, donating blood gives a wonderful feeling of helping save a life.