World Polio Day: How India fought back from the claws of this disease

Recently, India was declared Polio-free by the United Nations World Health Organization after three years of no case of the disease being reported in the country. India, once considered the core of the world polio problem, is now free of the highly contagious virus. This achievement, considering the poverty, sanitation and population of the country is no small feat and has set an example for rest of the countries that are still plagued by the disease namely Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria.

For a country to be declared polio free it should have at least three years of zero polio cases and it means that the virus has died in the environment and new cases, if any, would be caused by infection in another country where infection persists.

Since the launch of UN Global Polio Eradication Program in 1988, the cases of polio in India have dropped from 150,000 to NIL. It has taken close to 25 years to reach this far and it has not been easy. India is a vast country and awareness and education are dismal in rural areas. There has been intense criticism from those who couldn't see a solution to the situation considering all the limitations that surround. 

But India has proven everyone wrong. "India's success is arguably its greatest public health achievement and has provided a global opportunity to push for the end of polio," WHO Director-General Margaret Chan stated. "Stopping polio in India required creativity, perseverance and professionalism - many of the innovations in polio eradication were sparked by the challenges in India. The lessons from India must now be adapted and implemented through emergency actions to finish polio everywhere," she said.

How the nation defeated polio?

The oral polio vaccine was introduced in India in 1978 and in 1985 Rotary International launched its global effort to end polio. India was a signatory to the 1988 WHO treaty committing participating nations to be part of that effort. In 1995, the government started organising annual national immunization days and in 1997, India established the National Polio Surveillance Project. In 1999, it set up an expert advisory group that monitored the program and provided continuous evaluation of how the disease was behaving around the country.

All these efforts showed results. By 2009, 741 cases of polio were reported in India. By 2010 that number dropped to 42, and by 2011 only one case - as of today, India's last - was reported in the entire country.

Because of its exceptional success, the National Polio Surveillance Project has become India's most extensive public-health surveillance system. There are about 27,000 reporting units across the country, being operated through a combination of funding from the government, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the CDC, along with other groups. India is also now one of the world's biggest donors to global polio eradication, pouring billions of dollars into curbing the disease in the home land and also lending its well- achieved expertise to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria, where the virus is still yet to be conquered.

Till today, India has spent over Rs 12000 crores on the Pulse Polio Programme. The program has been in the forefront of adopting technological innovations. The more successful monovalent oral polio vaccines were introduced in the Pulse Polio campaigns in 2005 which helped inhibit the most dangerous type 1 polio strains to record low levels by 2009.

In 2010 the bivalent oral polio vaccine was introduced which helped curtail both Type 1 and Type 3 polioviruses simultaneously and as efficiently as the monovalent oral vaccines. India took a lead in introducing bivalent polio vaccine in January 2010. Despite global shortage of both bOPV and trivalent Polio vaccine, India readied the domestic supply machinery for timely delivery of vaccine to ensure pulse polio rounds without interruptions.

There have been strategies and quick program responses that have been followed in the past few years which have contributed a lot in the final polio eradication efforts. As per the Advisory Group on Polio Eradication, every case, anywhere in the country is being responded to as a public health emergency. The only case of polio in 2011 in Howrah is an example of rapid response - with the first immunization round being held within seven days and three rounds in seven weeks of it being reported. In contrast, a case the same time in 2010 in Murshidabad saw the first immunization response in five weeks and three rounds spread over 17 weeks. The rapid and intense response in Howrah helped stop polio transmission and no other case was reported. This has shown that an immediate reaction to the problem is crucial.

Besides helping the struggling nations with funding and strategic help to bring them the same public health success, the wisdom that the country has gained during the long years of hard work will help design the future health programs. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis will benefit hugely from the kind of political will and national coordination that the government has shown in fighting polio. The infrastructure of the national surveillance project is already being used to deliver other health services to people living in hard-to-reach parts of the country. 

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Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami: Importance and why it’s celebrated

There are two important stories behind celebration of Dussehra festival in Indian. One story is associated with Lord Ram and another is associated with Goddess Durga. The festival of Dussehra signifies the victory of good over evil. Read on to know more about the significance and celebration of Dussehra festival.

India is known as a land of festivals and celebrations. The festival continues for ten days and Dussehra is the tenth day. Many of the Hindu festivals are related to great epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata and Dussehra is one of the main ones. In fact it is believed that the war between Ram and Ravana went on during these 10 days and Ravana was killed by the hands of Ram on the tenth day.  

Dussehra is also called Vijaya Dashami and is celebrated as victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahisasura. The festival of Dussehra falls in the month of September or October of the English calendar. In fact, the main message that it gives is victory of good over the evil and success of truth over lies.  

What’s the significance of Dussehra festival?

The festival of Dussehra is unique in its perception and significance. According to the great Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Ram killed Ravana on the tenth day that is Dussehra. It is called as triumph of virtue over sin or immorality. Ravana is said to have abducted Ram’s wife, Sita and was also known as a dictating ruler. The end of Ravana meant end of bad and evil spirit as he was a demon by birth too.  

Throughout Navratri, Ramleela is organised in many parts of the country and people enjoy the enactment of the play based on Ramayana.  

The festival of Dussehra is also known as Durga Pooja and in eastern part of India people worship Goddess Durga all the nine days and celebrate Dussehra as it was on that day that the demon Mahisasura was killed by the Goddess. 

Dussehra celebrations in different parts of India

Dussehra Celebration in North India - In North India, usually people celebrate Dussehra by burning the effigy of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnath and it is the commencement of the play based on the epic, Ramayana. It is the final day and there is usually a fete organised and enjoyed by people. A chariot carrying Ram, Sita and Lakshaman passes through the crowd and the person enacting Ram aims an arrow to burn the effigies one by one.  

Dussehra Celebration in Gujarat - In Gujarat, men and women gather and dance every night of the Navratri and even lot of competitions and shows are organised on this occasion. The songs are usually devotional ones and the dance form is called Garba. Women in their best of attires surround beautifully decorated earthen pots and dance till late night. In many places Garba starts late at night and continue till dawn.  

Dussehra Celebration in South India - In South India, the days of Navratri are equally divided to worship three Goddesses - Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth and prosperity; Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge and learning and Durga, Goddess of power and strength. They decorate their houses and steps with lamps and flowers in the evenings. Dussehra festival of Mysore is well known and is celebrated in its own style with pomp and pageantry.  

There are many other stories associated with the festival of Dussehra. No matter what the stories are, festivals in India convey the message of benevolence, peace and love. If the people kept in mind the beautiful and meaningful messages throughout the year, it would have been peace and harmony all around.  

However, in India festivals are celebrated by all Indians, regardless of being a Hindu or belonging to any other religion. There is a spirit of brotherhood seen during festival seasons.

Lazoi team wishes you a very Happy Dussehra

World Iodine Deficiency Day

Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day is observed every year on 21st October. The aim behind this day is to generate awareness of adequate use of iodine and to highlight the consequences of iodine deficiency. The iodine deficiency disorders have become a major public health problem worldwide. In today's scenario one third of the world population stands on the risk of iodine deficiency disorders. According to the WHO around 54 countries are still iodine-deficient.

Iodine is important for hormone development. It is found in dairy products, seafood, seaweed, eggs, bread, some vegetables and iodised salt. A lack of dietary iodine can cause an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) or other iodine deficiency disorders, including mental retardation in children. Pregnant women need higher levels of iodine.

The thyroid is a gland in the throat that regulates many metabolic processes, such as growth and energy use. If you don’t have enough iodine in your diet, it can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) or other iodine deficiency disorders such as impaired cognitive development in children, muscle stiffness, stunted physical and mental growth, still birth, dwarfism, vision defects and more. Our bodies need iodine for the development of essential thyroid hormones.

Iodine deficiency is the world’s leading cause of preventable intellectual disability or mental retardation in children. All women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or considering becoming pregnant should ask their gynaecologists for advice about their individual dietary needs.

How to take care of iodine deficiency?

Iodine is not produced in our body hence it is always recommended to include iodine rich foods in our diet. Table salt is one of the major sources of iodine in our body. Sea vegetables or seaweeds are said to be the major source of iodine. The content of iodine is high at the coastal areas and it is very less in the mountain or hilly region. So, the crops grown near the coastal areas, fish, shellfish, and other seafood are a rich source of iodine. Apart from this, breads, cheese, cow's milk, eggs, soy milk, yogurt, onions, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, etc., can also contribute to the iodine level.

Factors responsible for iodine deficiency

The deficiency of iodine can result in serious consequences. Following are some of the reasons behind the deficiency of iodine in our body:

·         Among the most common causes of iodine deficiency is the intake of iodine deficient food. Many people are careless about the type of food they intake. It is always recommended to take food rich in iodine like leafy vegetables, cheese, cow's milk, eggs, yogurt, sea food, etc.

·         Due to the high metabolic rate in pregnant women, lactating women and adolescent children, there is a deficiency of iodine which can result in serious disorders. So, it is important to maintain a proper intake of iodine during pregnancy and adolescent age.

·         Due to deforestation, soil erosion and bad farming techniques, the fertility of the soil is decreasing at a very high rate. Due to this, there is an increase in the deficiency of iodine in crops and vegetables. As these are the major source of iodine, they can be considered one of the causes of iodine deficiency.

·      The intake of toxic chemicals hampers the iodine level in the body. These toxins compete with the iodine reactive sites and decrease the ability of the body to absorb iodine. These toxic substances are the halides which consist of fluoride, chloride, bromide and iodide. Among these four, only iodide is good for our body. So, because of their similar structure they get attach to the reactive site instead of iodine. Hence resulting in low amount of iodine.

Episodes of deficiency of iodine in a population are best treated by increasing intake of iodized food in the diet programs of people. Hence, it's more logical to prevent the occurrence of this deficiency rather than treatment. In the last 80 years, WHO has made herculean efforts to eliminate this deficiency in developing nations? Across the globe, iodized salt has been the main treatment method. While complete treatment of the deficiency may not be possible, still it can be controlled to some extent. 

World Osteoporosis Day is observed every year on 20th October across the world dedicated to create global awareness for prevention, diagnosis and treatment and of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosisis the loss of bone density, which happens when the levels of calcium and minerals deplete in the bones, and they start becoming weak. This further increases the risk of fractures especially in the spine, hip and wrist. Women are at greater risk of osteoporosis than men especially after the age of 50.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), osteoporosis comes second to cardiovascular disease as a global health problem. This disease mainly affects the elderly population which is growing in number, thus putting a burden to the healthcare. As per the statistics, 1 out of 8 males and 1 out of 3 females in India is affected from osteoporosis. This makes India one of the largest countries affected from osteoporosis in the world.

Typically, treatments for osteoporosis include medications like calcium and mineral supplements, and light exercise. Yoga has specific poses or 'asanas' that focus on increasing bone strength. They help reduce aches and pain that follow in osteoporosis. Besides, one can continue conventional treatment and still follow yoga regularly. Below are some Yoga poses for increasing bone density and maintaining a steady bone health:

·         Extended Triangle Pose or 'Utthita Trikonasana':  The three angles that are formed in this pose represent the three facets of yoga; mind, body, and spirit. This pose gives the entire body a good stretch, wherein, the lower body is strengthened.

·         Half Moon Pose or 'Ardha Chandrasana': This pose is very beneficial for providing relief from pain experienced due to osteoporosis. The pose focuses on strengthening the spine and abdomen. It also stretches the legs and glutes.

·         Bridge Pose or 'Setu Bandha Sarvangasana': This pose is therapeutic to osteoporosis, and gives a relaxing stretch to the spine, neck, chest, and back. It strengthens the back, pelvis, and spine.

·         Twisted Triangle Pose or 'Parivrtta Trikonasana': This pose gives the spine a gentle twist, which puts pressure on the bones, and the body responds to it by building more bone for strength. This pose also supports the spine and builds strength.

·         Tree Pose or 'Vrikshasana': The tree pose is excellent for improving body posture. It stretches the spinal cord in great alignment with the body. It strengthens the back, shoulders, and hip muscles, and assists the body in achieving stability and balance in the hip muscles.

·         Wide-Legged Standing Forward Bend or 'Prasarita Padottanasana': This pose puts weight on the hips and legs, and strengthens the lower body. It is beneficial, as the weight-bearing act strengthens the large bones of the hips and legs. It also improves posture and flexibility. The pose also lends concavity and flexibility to the spine.

·         Seated Twisting Pose or 'Ardha Matsyendrasana': In this pose more pressure is put on the spine. The spine gets a gentle twist and stretch, which, in turn, puts pressure on the bones, but not the vertebrae. The body responds to this pressure in a way that it builds more bones.

·         Cobra Pose or 'Bhujangasana': This pose gives the spine a stretch with a gentle back bend. It strengthens the spine and upper back muscles. The pose is excellent for improving the posture of the spine. Poses that focus on the spine are very beneficial for preventing a hunchback, which is a common sign in osteoporosis.

·         Chair Pose or 'Utkatasana': In this pose, the muscles around the hips are strengthened. These are most susceptible to injury, and the most common site for osteoporosis. It aligns the body with great balance, which in turn, also improves posture.

Remember, as we age, our bones become weaker. When we are young, sudden body movements do not create complications, in most cases. But, the body cannot take sudden and extreme body movements when we are older. In osteoporosis, especially, there is a risk of harm to the bones with uncontrolled and extreme movements. So, always be gentle when performing any yoga poses. Take your time, and slowly move in and out of the pose. Always warm up, first and stretch your body well.

On this World Osteoporosis Day, let’s pledge that we’ll all eat a balanced diet and perform yoga to prevent osteoporosis. 

Ayurvedic medicines for osteoporosis

Gandhi Jayanti: Why the whole nation celebrates it?

Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated all over India on October 2 to remember the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi well renowned as Gandhi and Bapu. He was born on 2nd October 1869 and is known as the Father of the Nation. Throughout his life he always followed the principles of truth, non violence, honesty and believed in simple living. He had a valuable contribution in India’s freedom struggle. At Raj Ghat in New Delhi, where he was cremated, the prayer meetings are held on this day which is attended by Prime Minister, President of India and other dignitaries. The whole nation remembered him on this day.

Significance of Gandhi Jayanti

Mahatma Gandhi was born as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi on 2nd October, 1869 in Porbandar, a coastal town in Gujarat. His father, Karamchand Gandhi, belonged to the Hindu Modh community while his mother, Putlibai, came from the Hindu Pranami Vaishnava community. His mother was Karamchand’s fourth wife, the former three wives died at the time of childbirth. Gandhi attended middle school in Porbandar and high school in Rajkot. He studied law in United Kingdom and went ahead to South Africa to practice as a lawyer. However, he left his practice and returned to India due to his love for his country and to fight for the freedom of his people.

Gandhi became a keen political leader and fought for the nation. His characteristic of getting identified separately from the mass made him popular among the Indians and British as well. To express his protests against the tax on salt, he undertook the Salt March from Ahmadabad to Dandi covering a total distance of 388 kilometres. He even founded the philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha). Gandhi had a heart of courage and spirit of the unafraid. He had been imprisoned on several accounts during the freedom struggle.

Despite the hurdles and difficulties, Gandhi went ahead and played a significant role in making India an independent country. He even announced a fast of 21 days for the cause of “Harijans.” His “Quit India” slogan proved a final signal for the British dominion in India. Gandhi’s teachings and practice are invaluable for the country and are largely used in providing peaceful solutions to problems and in solving current conflicts. Gandhi’s birthday is celebrated in his remembrance by the whole nation. His high thinking, simple living and strong willpower made him a revered leader of India.

The President and the Prime Minister of India, along with other political leaders, pay homage at Raj Ghat, the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi. To honour Gandhi's respect for all religions and communities, representatives from different religions take part in the prayer meeting held at Raj Ghat. Prayers and Verses are read out from Holy books of all religions. Mahatma Gandhi's favourite song 'Raghupati Raghava' is customarily sung at all meetings associated with him.

Gandhi Jayanti Celebration in Schools

Grand celebration events are organized by the major schools in India to celebrate the Gandhi Jayanti at 2^nd of October every year. Students of schools enthusiastically take part in the Gandhi Jayanti event celebrations. Gandhi Jayanti, a birthday anniversary of the Mahatma Gandhi is also celebrated as the International Peace Day all across the world. Students sing a song based on the truth and non violence message of Bapu, recite poems and present their own sights on the Gandhian philosophy by the speeches and recitations.

Small children celebrate this event by dressing up same as the Gandhi Ji as well as performing the nationalistic songs. Students also take part in the rally using banners which conveys the significance of peace and non-violence throughout the country. In the end of the celebration, students and teachers take a pledge. 

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