Month: September 2014

By Dr Khushboo Shah Sawant

“World Heart Day” this year falls on 29th of September. It is a day to spread awareness about heart health and also create a `heart friendly environment`. Today, we shall get some basic information about heart health, which may prove as a life saver when the need arises. Heart attack is one of the leading causes of deaths in India. It is in fact one of the most common causes of death worldwide. But what exactly is a heart attack?

To put it in layperson terms, it is a commonly used name for one of the most frequently seen forms of heart disease in which the blood vessels which supply blood to the heart become narrow or blocked, and so are not able to supply the required amount of blood to the heart, or in case of a completely blocked blood vessel, not able to supply blood at all. What causes the blood vessels to narrow or get completely blocked? There are various factors, which increase the risk of heart diseases with many of them not being within control and hence inevitable. However, there are enough risk factors that are well within the means of man and thus are controllable.

Some of the risk factors that are inevitable include old age, as progressing age increases the chances of heart disease. This factor of age is fast changing due to changing lifestyle and poor quality of life with the trend now slowly affecting not just the older generation but also the middle age group. The tendency for a heart disease is far greater in males than in females. In case of women, the tendency to heart diseases increases greatly after attaining menopause. If a person has a history of immediate relatives like parents, siblings etc. who have been affected by heart disease then the person himself also naturally stands a risk for heart ailments.

By making some lifestyle changes a person can actually reduce the risk factors towards heart diseases. One risk factor that is controllable is smoking. Smokers have more than twice the risk of heart disease as compared to non smokers. So it is best to not smoke at all, or reduce smoking gradually and eventually quit. Increased cholesterol levels is another factor that increases the risk of heart attacks greatly. People should go for annual cholesterol check ups after the age of 35. The main aim should be to keep the total cholesterol count under 200 mg/dL, and increase in the HDL (High Density Lipids) levels which is the `good cholesterol`™ while reducing the amount of LDL (Low density lipids) which is the `bad cholesterol`™. It is always advisable for people with an abnormal cholesterol profile to visit a doctor to seek their opinion regarding starting medications to control the same.

High blood pressure also plays a vital role in increasing the risk towards a heart attack and is one of the most common heart conditions in India. Ideal blood pressure of a person must be 120/80 mmHg. If there is an increase in the blood pressure, then like cholesterol, its interpretation must be sought from a doctor and treatment should be individualized taking into account a person`™s entire risk profile. Diabetes contributes another significant amount to the risk factors of heart disease. Controlling diabetes by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular medications is known to reduce the risk.

Increased body weight and sedentary lifestyle are also other risk factors. Increasing weight gain puts unnecessary strain on the heart and also worsens several heart condition risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol etc. Exercising or maintaining a healthy weight by controlling the diet can help. Exercising infrequently or not exercising at all has a higher rate of tendency towards heart ailments. It is a healthy practice to do mild to moderate physical activity. Even leisurely walk or activities like gardening can significantly lower the risk. Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt content, saturated fats, cholesterol, refined sugars etc is a `heart healthy`™ habit. It is also healthy to increase the intake of foods rich in vitamins and other nutrients especially antioxidants which have been proven to lower the risk of heart diseases. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts is a very healthy habit.

Stress can contribute greatly to heart diseases and learning to cope with it is of vital importance. Dealing with stress by venting it out in the form of anger or violence only adds to health issues, rather than reducing it. Poorly controlled stress or anger can lead to heart attacks or stroke. It is important to learn stress and anger management techniques, by practicing relaxation exercises, practice yoga, learning to manage time, setting realistic goals, and also learn to accept failure and cope with it. It is important to spend quality free time doing things that a person likes or feels relaxed with.

While the inevitable risk factors are beyond control, it is best to follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle keep the controllable risk factors at bay.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/heart-friendly-this-world-heart-day/

By M.C. Linthoingambee

Often, we forget that we rely more on the drivers who drive around and bring us supplies. The National Highway Routes in Manipur have always been a constant place of danger for civilians who serve the profession of being carrier drivers. When will this ever stop? From the interstate territorial disputes to the constant conflict being prime reasons, every hour seems a constant rebellion as they journey along the beautiful scenery. The Right to Life seems to be negated in a constant standstill every now and then with the living blockade and strikes called in these seemingly beautiful routes. The general public are not fully aware of these happenings because let`™s face it, airways seems a better option for travel rather than suffering the backlog of these poor roads.

It is not just today that news traveled of a driver being killed and thrown off or even abducted for a hefty ransom. Where is the protection? The citizens of India are guaranteed with the right to protection by armed forces in times of need. With more and more wings and recruitments generated, there are more people that join the link to military prospect. But, little aid comes by in these situations. There are heroic stories of a soldier saving a small girl in a far off village but that is ever so dim. The families that are left behind are often one of the main victims left without the necessary compensation and to topple it up not having the enough required financial funds necessities them to be deprived off basic requirements and enter the poverty strata.

The condition today are burnt trucks, money takers, and many other elements which are dreaded for experience even as the police escort provided for their safety are many too few. It brings to our notice that for a driver who works day and night and transport supplies and produces mainly for the people have to battle a constant factor of risks. The conflict present in these lines should be acknowledged if we to take initiatives to better the situation.

Coming across one such incident last year, certain demands were put forth. The Co-Ordinating Body of Trade Unions, Manipur submitted a Charter of Demands for immediate implementation for the motor workers, owners and bereaved family of the deceased driver.

It started with the idea booking the culprits immediately and punishing them according to the law of our country, paying compensation of more than 10 lakhs, institution of a High Level Committee to look at the causes of such type of incidents, permanent Highway Protection Force should be manned on the National Highways in the hill areas of Manipur to protect the vehicles, motor workers, owners and general public. And yet, the situation keeps on repeating itself.

The pride of a nation lies in acknowledging the safety guarantee of human rights and yet, we act as though we have never of the term. There are certain issues that spring up in each session of the legislative assembly yet, there are little proposed on the matter. The outline scenario of the loss felt by the loved ones is never asked nor answered. All speaks in awe of grave danger lurking through the passage to another state though the hill roads leading to other territories and yet, we have fallen to take notice. How many incidents of abduction will it take to make the news reach further?

The torture of a person is an encroachment of the guaranteed fundamental rights. It is high time that the calm scenery be looked up for the criminals with outstation of a task force. The right to freedom of trade and carry out profession is hampered and the hurdle and burden of long court proceedings often compel the families of these motor drivers not to take up the matter in court. It is time the additional benefits of the road transport corporations file for a collective application for the Government both Central and State to compel the transfer of police forces to protect its minor segment of motor drivers and their conductors. They need to seek out pro bono and be adjudicated in the need to guarantee a certain term of assurance that can show that the principle of Natural Justice have not completely given up on them. Insurance Companies need to come up with better plans to pay the liability owed to the vehicle owners and drivers in case of such special circumstances. It does not take one incident to stop a profession yet, some are constantly scared away with the instantaneous news that travel by. When we live in an era where we can launch satellite into Mars orbit, it is sad that the same country faces these other risks.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/drifting-route/

By Iboyaima Laithangbam

As a child when I hanged around dispensaries at Kangpokpi, Thoubal or Andro where the all pervasive stench of disinfectants wafted in the hospitals and wards. This distinctive stench is conspicuous by its absence in the general wards in general and special wards in particular in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, which is under the union health ministry. The reason is not deep to root for. Adequate fund must be sanctioned for such disinfectants. When I was admitted in a special ward recently there was no nurse in the cubicle. Some of them were gossiping in the rest room. Much later one sidled out. I explained to her that I had to rush to the eye ward for check up and the test reports were needed. The nurse casually asked me to take the reports and submit the same when I returned. The system is that the nurses on duty should have welcomed a patient like me, lodged in the room and my reports properly docketed.

One attendant should have taken the reports to the eye department. When I returned a new group of nurses were on duty. One sharp tongued nurse was not happy that I took the reports instead of depositing to the cubicle. Even after my explanation she kept on lecturing.

Anyway they should have swung into actions attending to my needs including medication. No nurse came to my room. On the second the doctor asked one nurse to send someone to fetch ear buds for me from the eye department. It was ignored with contempt. Instead of doing hospital work a hand written list of four bulbs, one bucket, one mug, etc was brought for my signature. It was quite insulting that RIMS treats patients as potential thieves who would steal a bulb costing about Rs 12.

In hospitals elsewhere in the country a nurse will closely monitor the patient and personally administer the medicines and tests usually done by a nurse on duty. But no nurse came during my three day stay there.

At the instruction of the doctor an allergic test was done at 4.38 pm on the second in preparation for the operation the following day.

However no nurse came and the night shift nurses did not know about it. At 7 pm I walked to the cubicle to ask about it and one nurse casually said that if I do not have itch it was okay.

One sweeper comes to “sweep” the room in less than one minute, really a gold medal winning performance. Later another comes for “mopping” without bucket or water. After two or three swipes she also leaves. There is no disinfectant. The bathroom is also cleaned without such disinfectants or water since the taps had gone dry by that time. Two plumbers visited the bathroom three times on the second day to set right the faucets. They forgot to turn off the same. Much later the bathroom, room were flooded and spilled over at the corridor. A nurse tongue lashed my wife. My wife also hit back saying that the plumbers are to be blamed. Since there was no sweeper at that time my wife had to mop the floors. A very attractive award of the paying ward. Being paying ward there should be restrictions on visitors, their number and duration of stay as is done elsewhere. In absence of such regulations visitors overstay in huge number suffocating the patients.

Besides as there is no nobody to guide the unlettered visitors knock each and every door in search of their relatives. The extent of harassment caused to the patients is maddening. Patients cannot depend on the nurses for timely medication whereas in other states patients` relatives are not allowed to handle the medicines. One nurse frankly admitted that it was her first contact with an eye patient. She also had forgotten to inform me on the timing of the medication. She could not identify two sets of tablets, It was only when a post graduate student came and identified the tablets that I took them.

The doctors, post graduate students and operation equipments will be envy of many big hospitals in the country. But proper supervision, administration, reorientation of the mindset of the nurses to make the hospital patient friendly are urgently called for. One does not have to delve deep to know why most of the patients prefer the private hospitals despite the prohibitive expenses. Is it any wonder that my treatment sheet was blank during my stay and even the name of the doctor was not taken and written there except the word `Prof`?

(My special thanks and gratitude to Dr Chingshuingamba and his dedicated team who attended to me).

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/doctor-stench-is-missing-from-rims/

By Chitra Ahanthem

The grass is green on the other side` is an oft-repeated saying. Every single time I run into a salesgirl or a receptionist or an attendant or security guard from various parts of the state in metros spread across the country, this saying comes to my mind, also considering that Manipur sees quite a number of migrant population eking out a living here. Yes, there are many from the state who are employed in various parts of the country in senior levels in highly paid salary bands and leading from the front in various sectors. But there are more lower ranked, lowly paid people from the state who exist on a few thousands per month than the few hundreds who are earning well and moving around in senior levels. This then begs the question of what is it that makes people move from their home and roots and try and get a foothold somewhere else. As far as the presence of migrant labour in Manipur is concerned, many say that the cost of living here is low. Over and above this bit, the lack of a work force that is prepared to do menial jobs like cleaning, sweeping, carrying loads easily facilitates a vacuum that migrants fill in the state. The sheer irony here is that a lot many young people from the state are heading outside the state to work more hours on not so much pay but where the cost of living does not come cheap at all.

You see them in shopping malls working as salespersons, as attendants in parking lots, as hotel helps and cooks, as helpers in saloons and beauty parlours. The ones who can speak polished English are visible in the same job sector but in a more better position: as hairdressers, spa staff, as receptionists, as stewards and waiters in hotels and restaurants. Strike a conversation with them and they will tell you that they have been around for some time, that they earn a 15,000 maximum salary band per month and that they work 8 hours a day with one day off for the week. Only a few of those I speak with say they are also continuing with their studies along with their work by taking up distance learning since they are too tired to do anything else. But ask about the reason for leaving the comforts of home to work long hours with little pay, and the reasons make an interesting mix. Some say that they were brought into the cities where they work to study by relatives who were studying but then offered the choice of jobs when their marks were found to be on the lesser side; a few say that working outside of the state is the best option as there is a dearth of the same kind of openings for people in the state.

In the beauty, wellness and hospitality sector, those from the state and the other North Eastern states are preferred over others, provided they are confident and do not have a language issue. It is this category that has the most opportunities in terms of promotions and incentives, with employers wanting faces from the region to exhibit just a bit of exotica. My youngest sister who has been in the beauty and wellness industry in a senior level executive industry tells me that more and more, the industry is looking for people from the region with employers going the extra mile of providing company staying places. She tells me that the difference in facial structures is a huge hit with consumers who may or may not know about the citizenship of people from the region. She would know: many years as she began her first foray into the beauty sector, my sister was picked to have her photo for a promotional campaign of the beauty training institute that had a tagline saying `across the world`™. The advertisement had foreign faces and hers would have been included an Asian (read Mongoloid) face.

End-point:

Be what it may, the world today has shrunk and just as young people are venturing out to work as per their qualifications, so also the presence of migrant labour in the state. This crisscrossing of people across places and regions in search of livelihood will endure and continue. Some will be lucky to have a supportive environment as they try to fit into alien surroundings, and some will be unfortunate enough to have restrictions on their movement and work. But the struggle for a better life will continue over the ages.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/in-search-of-greener-pastures/

By Tinky Ningombam

Are you the decision maker in the family? That`™s what they normally ask in marketing research. One of the first signs of power is decision making. A kid turns an adult once we know that he/she is capable of making his/her own choices. But it is the toughest job. And the bigger the stake, the harder it is.

Most of us believe that we make our own decisions but as I have repeatedly espoused it is not so. We seldom question who the decision maker is and what he does with our lives `“ in our personal or social space. We just know that there is. He/she who has power over our lives.

When you ask people of who they think have power, one will always point to the authority figure. It will be the majority in a group, the leader of the pack, the rich, the elite, the famous? But power can also be a very subjective term. Man is powerful than animals, Ideas are more powerful than Man, God is all powerful than everything else? But above all, power is the control over choices. This is the power play we face every day. Who decides over whom?

We somehow secretly think that life would be much easier if all we did was just follow orders. If we are ok in believing that just following orders will make us be successful, accomplished, famous and alive. If we knew that those orders are going to make our life good. Even if they seemed wrong. `Why did you burn the house down, john?` `Because the boss said so.`

Because ignorance is bliss and a huge majority of people like to be told what to do. People like to follow the boss. The boss who has the courage to control the lives of people. When people believe in him/her, they give them the authority to decide and take over their lives. Maybe not entirely it may seem but an awful huge part of it. Because it is easier to live that way. As a child, one would not question if an adult told us to stay in one place and not move. Obviously as a child, we wouldn`t have had the mental prowess to question that order nor will the adult accept the validity of a rebuttal. We are all `children` to someone or the other, we like to be `children`. To be told things.

The hypocrisy in our lives hence is, the fact that we are quite protective of our personal daily choices while we give away all the important decision making to people in power without even raising a question of doubt. The sad part of everything here is that while most men envy power and the control, most common men do not think they are capable of wielding it. People think of power as in this context something that is manipulative, evil or corrupt. Something for people with money or people with connections.

I will get a little cheesy and quote Spiderman`™s Uncle Ben here and say that `With great power comes great responsibility`. Common people need to understand that Power doesn`t mean making others follow them blindly. It does not mean arm-twisting the law. Power does not mean having to decide over others`™ lives to serve selfish purposes. And it is definitely not only with the leader of the pack, the rich, the elite or the famous. Not all great ideas comes from the top. Not all great movements comes from board-rooms. Power comes from the people. From the citizens. Decision-making comes first from the people, from the citizens. Laws are made and are supposed to be made to accommodate the lives of citizens. And if that is not the case, people need to use their individual rights, their powers to revolt, redress and reform.

Yes, being your own boss is the hardest task of all. The boss who thinks of all the pros and cons, the boss who apparently can see the big picture, the boss who`™s neck will be in the noose if something bad happens, the boss whom everyone relies on. Not everyone wants power. It seems fun for a while, but not for long. Hence we consciously stay out of the power games. We leave them to the so called connected people, the moneyed people, the people with agendas, the people who like to take control. And then we get caught in the vicious circle, because we rely on them to make our decisions for us, without even knowing what power it is that we are giving up ,the same one that they are using over you.

You ask me, where do we start? Start with your family, with your neighborhood, with your community. Power should be democratized. You need to question choices that are made for you. Question if people are using power over you and if it is justified. See if your opinions are considered for the choices that affect you. Don`™t just do it for yourself, do it for the people, for your children and the children after that. If you do not take control of your lives, you give control of your lives to people who are waiting to take it.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/09/democratize-power/