Monday, May 17, 2010
The importance of Education
Confucius once said: If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of 10 years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people. This important saying by Confucius sums our goal: to teach and educate ! A good education is considered the best investment.
Friday, May 07, 2010
NEEM - NATURAL HEALER
NEEM - NATURAL HEALER
A bitter treat from Azadiracta Indica
WHAT MAKES IT A LEGEND One of the Sanskrit names for neem isnimba which means that which cures all diseases. Legend has it that when Indra was carrying amrita to Devaloka, a drop fell on the tree, imbuing itwith healing properties. Even sitting under a neem tree is said to be curative.
Neem is also used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots, high cholesterol and gum infections. A 2004 clinical study at the IndianInstitute of Clinical Biology found that neem bark caused significant reduction, about 77%, in gastric acid secretion and helped in stomach ailments.
WHAT MEDICINE SAYS According to Ayurveda, neem is cooling anddetoxifying. For centuries neem has been used to treat fevers. Recentstudies show that it has anti-malarial and anti dengue properties as well.
According to a report from the National Research Council's Ad Hoc Panelon Science and Technology for International Development, preparations from neem leaves can be used as general antiseptics. The juice of theleaves is used to expel intestinal worms in children. A decoction of theleaves is used as a hair wash to prevent lice and dandruff. A paste madefrom neem leaves is used to treat skin infections - heat rashes, acne, skineruptions. Research found that neem leaves are very effective in treatingwounds and boils.
Neem is also used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots, high cholesterol and gum infections. A 2004 clinical study at the Indian Institute of Clinical Biology found that neem bark caused significant reduction, about 77%, in gastric acid segretion and helped in stomatch ailments.
A bitter treat from Azadiracta Indica
WHAT MAKES IT A LEGEND One of the Sanskrit names for neem isnimba which means that which cures all diseases. Legend has it that when Indra was carrying amrita to Devaloka, a drop fell on the tree, imbuing itwith healing properties. Even sitting under a neem tree is said to be curative.
Neem is also used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots, high cholesterol and gum infections. A 2004 clinical study at the IndianInstitute of Clinical Biology found that neem bark caused significant reduction, about 77%, in gastric acid secretion and helped in stomach ailments.
WHAT MEDICINE SAYS According to Ayurveda, neem is cooling anddetoxifying. For centuries neem has been used to treat fevers. Recentstudies show that it has anti-malarial and anti dengue properties as well.
According to a report from the National Research Council's Ad Hoc Panelon Science and Technology for International Development, preparations from neem leaves can be used as general antiseptics. The juice of theleaves is used to expel intestinal worms in children. A decoction of theleaves is used as a hair wash to prevent lice and dandruff. A paste madefrom neem leaves is used to treat skin infections - heat rashes, acne, skineruptions. Research found that neem leaves are very effective in treatingwounds and boils.
Neem is also used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots, high cholesterol and gum infections. A 2004 clinical study at the Indian Institute of Clinical Biology found that neem bark caused significant reduction, about 77%, in gastric acid segretion and helped in stomatch ailments.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Vegetarian - for better health
VEGETARIAN - IS NATURAL FOOD SYSTEM, FOR BETTER HEALTH.
* IT IS NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED
* SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND
* HEALTHFUL AND HUMANE
* ETHICALLY UNASSAILABLE
* ECOLOGICALLY SUPERIOR
* HAS NATURAL FLAVOUR
* DELICIOUS IN TASTE.
* IT IS NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED
* SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND
* HEALTHFUL AND HUMANE
* ETHICALLY UNASSAILABLE
* ECOLOGICALLY SUPERIOR
* HAS NATURAL FLAVOUR
* DELICIOUS IN TASTE.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Partying is fun and Diabetes
Partying is fun when moderation runs the show
Partying is part of our lives. Needless to say, no party can be conceived without food and beverages.
While everyone needs to guard against careless indulgence while partying, people with diabetes need to be even more careful. Parties generally tempt people to abandon healthy nutrition habits. However, the question is "how" to enjoy and still keep good health. Believe it or, not, it can be done.
Consider a few tips to start with.
• Do not miss your medicines and blood glucose monitoring on any occasion. Discuss with your doctor how you can enjoy without disturbing your health.
• Try to maintain consistency in meal timings. If food is going to be served late, try having some snacks.
• Practice portion control. You can, in fact, eat a variety of foods including your favorites if only you control the size of the portion of food you eat. A small portion is less likely to upset your blood-sugar levels.
• Follow a regular exercise routine. Moderate increase in physical activities can compensate for excess eating.
While going for a party and family get-together, do consider:
• Check your sugar before you leave so you have a fair idea of where your medication, drinks, food and dancing can take you. Have a small snack before leaving or with you if you think food would be served late.
• Never go to a party hungry. If you've already eaten, you'll be less likely to eat too much. Most buffet tables are filled with heavy, starchy and fatty foods and if you are too much hungry you are likely to eat more.
• Look at the entire buffet table before you eat anything. Choose non-fat or low-fat foods. At parties and other social events, gravitate toward the veggies and fresh fruit. When choosing a meal, try to stick to foods that have been grilled, barbecued, marinated, steamed, baked, or poached. Limit foods that are fried, creamed, buttered or that are served with sauces.
• If you feel that you are tempted by something sweet or a high calorie snack, can have a small serving. Either you can opt for for 1 or 2 units of increased insulin dose that day if you are on insulin or you could exercise little more than usual. If the party includes exercise like dance or other activities, you may be able to eat a little more without taking extra insulin.
• It is better not to have alcohol, as it can affect diabetes in many ways. Ask your doctor as over 100 medications interact with alcohol. If you want to drink, then don't drink on an empty stomach. (No more than 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men). The effects of alcohol can last well into the next day, so test more frequently and be extra careful throughout the following 24 hours. Always, try to have roasted snacks rather than fried ones with alcohol.
• Water is preferable to any sweetened or alcoholic drink. However, if you're going to have any other beverage, alternate every other drink with a glass of water. This tactic may keep you from drinking too much.
• If the party involves lots of walking or dancing, then have good fitting, comfortable shoes. Wrong footwear can cause blisters or other injuries to your feet.
• Undue exertion may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugars). Hypoglycemia can be dangerous. So always inform about hypos to your friends, so that you can get the required help if needed. Make sure there is some candy or sugar in your hand bag or pocket.
And if it's you who is hosting the party, it's your opportunity to set a example of health-friendly partying.
• Food doesn't have t 0 be sole means of entertainment. Try making the party fun in other ways.
• Have sugar-free sweets and desserts. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose are safe for baking and cooking.
• Have a wide variety of fruits instead of traditional mithai. You can have a spread of fruit salads, cocktails, chaats, fresh fruit drinks to choose from.
• Not only too much sugar is bad for health; high fat diets are too. Using healthy oils; low fat dairy products; lean meat and choosing microwave grilling or roasting as a method of cooking can go a long way in making your party good health friendly.
With India, being the diabetic capital of the world you can be sure that where you go or you invite a group, you will get a friend with diabetes. So, don’t hide the fact about your diabetes. Indulge in good diabetes care practices and spread them. People with diabetes can enjoy all food in moderation, which actually is good for every one. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle even when you are having a party will have a positive influence on your blood sugar and health. Regular exercise and sensible daily planning would make parties more enjoyable and fun. Pick a nice outfit and be ready for the show!
And always remember - you control diabetes, it doesn't control you.
Partying is part of our lives. Needless to say, no party can be conceived without food and beverages.
While everyone needs to guard against careless indulgence while partying, people with diabetes need to be even more careful. Parties generally tempt people to abandon healthy nutrition habits. However, the question is "how" to enjoy and still keep good health. Believe it or, not, it can be done.
Consider a few tips to start with.
• Do not miss your medicines and blood glucose monitoring on any occasion. Discuss with your doctor how you can enjoy without disturbing your health.
• Try to maintain consistency in meal timings. If food is going to be served late, try having some snacks.
• Practice portion control. You can, in fact, eat a variety of foods including your favorites if only you control the size of the portion of food you eat. A small portion is less likely to upset your blood-sugar levels.
• Follow a regular exercise routine. Moderate increase in physical activities can compensate for excess eating.
While going for a party and family get-together, do consider:
• Check your sugar before you leave so you have a fair idea of where your medication, drinks, food and dancing can take you. Have a small snack before leaving or with you if you think food would be served late.
• Never go to a party hungry. If you've already eaten, you'll be less likely to eat too much. Most buffet tables are filled with heavy, starchy and fatty foods and if you are too much hungry you are likely to eat more.
• Look at the entire buffet table before you eat anything. Choose non-fat or low-fat foods. At parties and other social events, gravitate toward the veggies and fresh fruit. When choosing a meal, try to stick to foods that have been grilled, barbecued, marinated, steamed, baked, or poached. Limit foods that are fried, creamed, buttered or that are served with sauces.
• If you feel that you are tempted by something sweet or a high calorie snack, can have a small serving. Either you can opt for for 1 or 2 units of increased insulin dose that day if you are on insulin or you could exercise little more than usual. If the party includes exercise like dance or other activities, you may be able to eat a little more without taking extra insulin.
• It is better not to have alcohol, as it can affect diabetes in many ways. Ask your doctor as over 100 medications interact with alcohol. If you want to drink, then don't drink on an empty stomach. (No more than 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men). The effects of alcohol can last well into the next day, so test more frequently and be extra careful throughout the following 24 hours. Always, try to have roasted snacks rather than fried ones with alcohol.
• Water is preferable to any sweetened or alcoholic drink. However, if you're going to have any other beverage, alternate every other drink with a glass of water. This tactic may keep you from drinking too much.
• If the party involves lots of walking or dancing, then have good fitting, comfortable shoes. Wrong footwear can cause blisters or other injuries to your feet.
• Undue exertion may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugars). Hypoglycemia can be dangerous. So always inform about hypos to your friends, so that you can get the required help if needed. Make sure there is some candy or sugar in your hand bag or pocket.
And if it's you who is hosting the party, it's your opportunity to set a example of health-friendly partying.
• Food doesn't have t 0 be sole means of entertainment. Try making the party fun in other ways.
• Have sugar-free sweets and desserts. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose are safe for baking and cooking.
• Have a wide variety of fruits instead of traditional mithai. You can have a spread of fruit salads, cocktails, chaats, fresh fruit drinks to choose from.
• Not only too much sugar is bad for health; high fat diets are too. Using healthy oils; low fat dairy products; lean meat and choosing microwave grilling or roasting as a method of cooking can go a long way in making your party good health friendly.
With India, being the diabetic capital of the world you can be sure that where you go or you invite a group, you will get a friend with diabetes. So, don’t hide the fact about your diabetes. Indulge in good diabetes care practices and spread them. People with diabetes can enjoy all food in moderation, which actually is good for every one. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle even when you are having a party will have a positive influence on your blood sugar and health. Regular exercise and sensible daily planning would make parties more enjoyable and fun. Pick a nice outfit and be ready for the show!
And always remember - you control diabetes, it doesn't control you.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Suggestions on Diabetes
Q. Can diabetes be cured ?
Diabetes cannot be cured, but can definitely be controlled. People with diabetes can lead a healthy life if their diabetes is well controlled (i.e. when their blood sugar levels are 90-130 mg/dl at fasting and less than 180 mg/dl 2hrs after meals) and other parameters like lipid profile, blood pressure and weight are in prescribed limits.
Q. Can I include fruits in my meal?
All people with diabetes should have at least 2 servings of fruit per day. One serving of fruit should contain 15 grams of carbohydrates. The size of the serving depends on the carbohydrate content of the fruit. The advantage of eating a low-carbohydrate fruit is that you can consume a larger portion. But whether you eat a low-carb or high-carb fruit, as long as the serving size contains 15 grams of carbohydrates, the effect on your blood sugar is the same.
The following fruit servings contain about 15 grams of carbohydrates: 1 Small Apple = 1/2 medium banana =1 1/2 slice mango = 1 1/4 cup watermelon = 1 Guava =15 Grapes = 1 Oranqee = l Peach = 1/2 pomegranate =1 kiwi = 3 Dates = 1/2 chikoo = 2-3 slice of papaya = 3 Plums = 1 1/2 slice pineapple.
So, a person with diabetes can eat any fruit, but the quantity should be measured.
Diabetes cannot be cured, but can definitely be controlled. People with diabetes can lead a healthy life if their diabetes is well controlled (i.e. when their blood sugar levels are 90-130 mg/dl at fasting and less than 180 mg/dl 2hrs after meals) and other parameters like lipid profile, blood pressure and weight are in prescribed limits.
Q. Can I include fruits in my meal?
All people with diabetes should have at least 2 servings of fruit per day. One serving of fruit should contain 15 grams of carbohydrates. The size of the serving depends on the carbohydrate content of the fruit. The advantage of eating a low-carbohydrate fruit is that you can consume a larger portion. But whether you eat a low-carb or high-carb fruit, as long as the serving size contains 15 grams of carbohydrates, the effect on your blood sugar is the same.
The following fruit servings contain about 15 grams of carbohydrates: 1 Small Apple = 1/2 medium banana =1 1/2 slice mango = 1 1/4 cup watermelon = 1 Guava =15 Grapes = 1 Oranqee = l Peach = 1/2 pomegranate =1 kiwi = 3 Dates = 1/2 chikoo = 2-3 slice of papaya = 3 Plums = 1 1/2 slice pineapple.
So, a person with diabetes can eat any fruit, but the quantity should be measured.
Monday, April 26, 2010
GREEN TEA - good for health
GREEN TEA – good for health.
Healthy Greens
Now, in the pursuit of good health, you may just have to go as far as a pack of green tea and a whistling kettle! Most people think oftea as an enjoyable beverage that is great with some cookies. Well, the steaming, tinted brew isn't as innocuous as it seems!
Green tea was first brewed in China, where it was known as a 'miracle medicine'. In her book, Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.
Today, research shows us how true that ancient claim was. Green tea, with its medicinal properties, is a boon for the health-conscious and a wonder, even to modern science. The benefits of green tea are many:
Inhibits Cancer
The main ingredient in green tea, Epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) inhibits the growth of cancer. The latest good news about green tea comes from a study done at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. A team of researchers headed by Dr Yihai Cao found that green tea can block angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels that tumors need, in order to grow. In an interview, Dr Caoexplained that the polyphenols in green tea prevent angiogenesis, which also explains why green tea is effective in preventing cancer. According to Dr Hasan Mukhtar, professor and research director of Case Western University, Cleveland, studies have shownthat the risk of stomach cancer goes down as consumption of green tea goes up.
Prevents High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease
With the chaos of our daily lives, we can do without the added tension of high blood pressure, which can result in heart problems. Scientific studies show that daily consumption of green tea can prevent high blood pressure. 3 to 4 cups of green tea a day, can substantially reduce an individual's risk of heart disease and stroke.
Restricts Buildup of Cholesterol
We all know that fat and cholesterol are bad for our health. Bur that doesn't stop us from drooling over a sinfully creamy dessert, does it? Now green tea brings along some great news for food freaks. Experiments demonstrate that green tea restricts the excessive buildup of blood cholesteroJ. It reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and increases the levels of positive cholesterol (HDL), thus reducing the chances of heart disease. For years, researchers were puzzled by what they called the 'French Paradox' … the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French had a very low incidence of heart disease. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and fatty diets. In a 1997 study, researchers from the Universiry of Kansas determined that EGCG, strongly present in green tea, is twice as powerful as resveratrol. Which explains why the rate of heart disease among the Japanese, who are regular drinkers of green tea, is quite low, even though approximately 75 % are smokers.
Lowers the Blood Sugar Level
Let green tea take care of health worries like blood sugar levels. The extract of green tea has the ability to actually lower blood sugar. It is believed that both the EGCG and polysaccharides in green tea are factors in lowering blood sugar.
Strengthens Immune System
Today, we live life right in the midst of the madding crowd ... with deadlines and schedules that leave no time for ourselves. With its share of ups and downs, our body needs to be strong enough to fight common diseases like the flu and other infections. Green tea helps to strengthen a weak immune system, guarding us from illnesses and infections that take a long time to heal.
Prevents Ageing
Oxygen is very important to us, but it can also be a very harmful agent in the form of active or free radical oxygen. One way to slow the ageing process is to prevent the accumulation of active oxygen in our body. This can be done by antioxidants, which are strongly present in green tea.
Oral Hygiene and Dental Care
Now you can flash that charming smile without worrying about bacteria and bad breath. Fluoride in green tea protects tooth enamel and EGCG reduces the development of bacteria growing in the plaque. Green tea can also kill other oral bacteria, which cause bad breath. It also stimulates the production of saliva and reduces the harmful acids that form in the mouth.
Boon for Dieters
Get yourself in shape with a new slimming potion. Yes, green tea can actually help burn fat. In November 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva, in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a green tea extract burned more calories, since green tea helped to excrete more fat.
So Drink To Your Health!
People who drink green tea daily, have lower rates of heart disease and cancer and a higher life expectancy. Unlike other antioxidants, those found in green tea cause no toxic side effects. Sounds good enough to put the kettle to boil and give green tea a try?
To Make That Perfect Cuppa ...
Boil water. Add 3/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of green tea per cup. Soak for 3-5 minutes. Add lemon or sugar to taste. For better results, serve without milk.
Healthy Greens
Now, in the pursuit of good health, you may just have to go as far as a pack of green tea and a whistling kettle! Most people think oftea as an enjoyable beverage that is great with some cookies. Well, the steaming, tinted brew isn't as innocuous as it seems!
Green tea was first brewed in China, where it was known as a 'miracle medicine'. In her book, Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.
Today, research shows us how true that ancient claim was. Green tea, with its medicinal properties, is a boon for the health-conscious and a wonder, even to modern science. The benefits of green tea are many:
Inhibits Cancer
The main ingredient in green tea, Epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) inhibits the growth of cancer. The latest good news about green tea comes from a study done at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. A team of researchers headed by Dr Yihai Cao found that green tea can block angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels that tumors need, in order to grow. In an interview, Dr Caoexplained that the polyphenols in green tea prevent angiogenesis, which also explains why green tea is effective in preventing cancer. According to Dr Hasan Mukhtar, professor and research director of Case Western University, Cleveland, studies have shownthat the risk of stomach cancer goes down as consumption of green tea goes up.
Prevents High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease
With the chaos of our daily lives, we can do without the added tension of high blood pressure, which can result in heart problems. Scientific studies show that daily consumption of green tea can prevent high blood pressure. 3 to 4 cups of green tea a day, can substantially reduce an individual's risk of heart disease and stroke.
Restricts Buildup of Cholesterol
We all know that fat and cholesterol are bad for our health. Bur that doesn't stop us from drooling over a sinfully creamy dessert, does it? Now green tea brings along some great news for food freaks. Experiments demonstrate that green tea restricts the excessive buildup of blood cholesteroJ. It reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and increases the levels of positive cholesterol (HDL), thus reducing the chances of heart disease. For years, researchers were puzzled by what they called the 'French Paradox' … the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French had a very low incidence of heart disease. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and fatty diets. In a 1997 study, researchers from the Universiry of Kansas determined that EGCG, strongly present in green tea, is twice as powerful as resveratrol. Which explains why the rate of heart disease among the Japanese, who are regular drinkers of green tea, is quite low, even though approximately 75 % are smokers.
Lowers the Blood Sugar Level
Let green tea take care of health worries like blood sugar levels. The extract of green tea has the ability to actually lower blood sugar. It is believed that both the EGCG and polysaccharides in green tea are factors in lowering blood sugar.
Strengthens Immune System
Today, we live life right in the midst of the madding crowd ... with deadlines and schedules that leave no time for ourselves. With its share of ups and downs, our body needs to be strong enough to fight common diseases like the flu and other infections. Green tea helps to strengthen a weak immune system, guarding us from illnesses and infections that take a long time to heal.
Prevents Ageing
Oxygen is very important to us, but it can also be a very harmful agent in the form of active or free radical oxygen. One way to slow the ageing process is to prevent the accumulation of active oxygen in our body. This can be done by antioxidants, which are strongly present in green tea.
Oral Hygiene and Dental Care
Now you can flash that charming smile without worrying about bacteria and bad breath. Fluoride in green tea protects tooth enamel and EGCG reduces the development of bacteria growing in the plaque. Green tea can also kill other oral bacteria, which cause bad breath. It also stimulates the production of saliva and reduces the harmful acids that form in the mouth.
Boon for Dieters
Get yourself in shape with a new slimming potion. Yes, green tea can actually help burn fat. In November 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva, in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a green tea extract burned more calories, since green tea helped to excrete more fat.
So Drink To Your Health!
People who drink green tea daily, have lower rates of heart disease and cancer and a higher life expectancy. Unlike other antioxidants, those found in green tea cause no toxic side effects. Sounds good enough to put the kettle to boil and give green tea a try?
To Make That Perfect Cuppa ...
Boil water. Add 3/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of green tea per cup. Soak for 3-5 minutes. Add lemon or sugar to taste. For better results, serve without milk.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
ENT – Problems in the elderly
ENT – Problems in the elderly
About one third of the patients seen by an average ENT specialist are aged more than 65 years. Unfortunately the problems of the aging population through highly important are only partially recognized. The elderly population is more likely to be affected by one or more of the following ENT problems –
• Deafness
• Balance disorders
• Noise in the ears
• Snoring
• Bleeding from the nose
• Swallowing difficulties
• Voice disorders
These ENT problems of elderly population should be addressed immediately.
About one third of the patients seen by an average ENT specialist are aged more than 65 years. Unfortunately the problems of the aging population through highly important are only partially recognized. The elderly population is more likely to be affected by one or more of the following ENT problems –
• Deafness
• Balance disorders
• Noise in the ears
• Snoring
• Bleeding from the nose
• Swallowing difficulties
• Voice disorders
These ENT problems of elderly population should be addressed immediately.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Hospitality
Hospitality
Hospitality is all about people and relationships. We, at Cindrella, constantly address team spirit and emphasise on quality to make guest comfortable.
There are five important aspects to hospitality – attitude, learning, listening, warmth/smile/care and simplicity. Minute things make a big difference and creates a bigger picture.
In hospitality, consistency is something invaluable.
Today the clear and present danger facing hotels in the brand game is one, and only one. It’s the assumption that the brand promise is reposed in another facet of a hotel, perhaps in its legacy, its technology or its glossy interiors. But like yesterday, it still rests with the employee, who defines, delivers and determines the guest experience.
Hospitality is all about people and relationships. We, at Cindrella, constantly address team spirit and emphasise on quality to make guest comfortable.
There are five important aspects to hospitality – attitude, learning, listening, warmth/smile/care and simplicity. Minute things make a big difference and creates a bigger picture.
In hospitality, consistency is something invaluable.
Today the clear and present danger facing hotels in the brand game is one, and only one. It’s the assumption that the brand promise is reposed in another facet of a hotel, perhaps in its legacy, its technology or its glossy interiors. But like yesterday, it still rests with the employee, who defines, delivers and determines the guest experience.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Hospital services are horrible in India
Peter Tiller from UK wrote me,
Hospices are establishments that take care of people who have life-threatening illnesses that cannot be cured. People can spend a short time as a resident, or may move into a hospice when it is too difficult to take care of them at home. They are usually small units and have a doctor who leads a team of nurses and other medical professionals.
The hospice that Terry is now in has ten beds. The medical team there is led by a Consultant in palliative care medicine. In the case of someone who is terminally ill, as Terry is, the medical team will do all they can to make the rest of life as pain-free and comfortable as possible. Terry will also be able to talk to people who are trained in supporting the terminally ill who can help them try and cope with the situation.
We hope that this explanation helps.
Rajendra Baid replied from India,
In India, we have hospital by Govt of India. Moreover every state Government build Large Hospitals in each District Town (Numbering more than 650 ) and Sub-division towns (Numbering more than 3000 ). More over Primary Healthcare Hospitals with 10-20 Beds each in each Block ( more than 12000 ) are there. Moreover Different depts of Govt of India and State Govt build hospitals i.e. Railways, Public Sector Undertakings/ Industry , Army, Border Security Force, Air Force, Navy etc build their hospitals. They give treatment to people free of any charge, but medical facilities standards are different. The people with terminally ill stay in the hospitals, till they die. These Hospitals are treated as Hospices.
Indian Govt Hospital system does not provide right to citizens to get free medical treatment, but it is like begging for treatment. The services are horrible for common citizens and poor people.
Hospices are establishments that take care of people who have life-threatening illnesses that cannot be cured. People can spend a short time as a resident, or may move into a hospice when it is too difficult to take care of them at home. They are usually small units and have a doctor who leads a team of nurses and other medical professionals.
The hospice that Terry is now in has ten beds. The medical team there is led by a Consultant in palliative care medicine. In the case of someone who is terminally ill, as Terry is, the medical team will do all they can to make the rest of life as pain-free and comfortable as possible. Terry will also be able to talk to people who are trained in supporting the terminally ill who can help them try and cope with the situation.
We hope that this explanation helps.
Rajendra Baid replied from India,
In India, we have hospital by Govt of India. Moreover every state Government build Large Hospitals in each District Town (Numbering more than 650 ) and Sub-division towns (Numbering more than 3000 ). More over Primary Healthcare Hospitals with 10-20 Beds each in each Block ( more than 12000 ) are there. Moreover Different depts of Govt of India and State Govt build hospitals i.e. Railways, Public Sector Undertakings/ Industry , Army, Border Security Force, Air Force, Navy etc build their hospitals. They give treatment to people free of any charge, but medical facilities standards are different. The people with terminally ill stay in the hospitals, till they die. These Hospitals are treated as Hospices.
Indian Govt Hospital system does not provide right to citizens to get free medical treatment, but it is like begging for treatment. The services are horrible for common citizens and poor people.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Fire Safety Tips
Fire Safety Tips
Conduct a family / office meeting and discuss the following topics:
Make sure all family / office members know what to do in the event of a fire.
Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room. Make a drawing for each floor. Dimensions do not need to be correct. Make sure the plan shows important details: stairs, hallways and windows that can be used as fire escape routes.
Test windows and doors—do they open easy enough? Are they wide enough. Or tall enough?
Switch off the main power connections of the building or floor if possible
Choose a safe meeting place outside the house.
Practice alerting other members. It is a good idea to keep a bell and flashlight in each bedroom.
Always sleep with the bedroom doors closed. This will keep deadly heat and smoke out of bedrooms, giving you additional time to escape.
Find a way for everyone to sound a family alarm. Yelling, pounding on walls, whistles, etc. Practice yelling "FIRE!"
In a fire, time is critical. Don't waste time getting dressed, don't search for pets or valuables. Just get out!
Roll out of bed. Stay low. One breath of smoke or gases may be enough to kill.
Practice evacuating the building blindfolded. In a real fire situation, the amount of smoke generated by a fire most likely will make it difficult to see.
Practice staying low to the ground when escaping.
Feel all doors before opening them. If a door is hot, get out another way.
Learn to stop, drop to the ground, roll if clothes catch fire.
Additional Tips
Install smoke detectors & Fire extinguishers - Check smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. Smoke detectors sense abnormal amounts of smoke or invisible combustion gases in the air. They can detect both smoldering and burning fires. At least one smoke detector should be installed on every level of a structure. By placing smoke detectors close to doors, you accomplish two tasks: Not only does this make enough noise to awaken the family, but it also serves as a way to know the exits by sound, should the smoke hinder your vision.
Buy a fire proof safe - These things are worth their weight in gold. Place all legal documents, birth certificates, marriage license, and voter ID cards, passports, PAN cards inside, computer backup external HDD. Include several cherished photos that can't be replaced, such as baby or wedding pictures, and pictures needed for an itemized insurance list, should there be a total loss.
Post emergency numbers near telephones - Be aware that if a fire threatens your home, you should not place the call to emergency services from inside the home. It is better to get out and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the home.
After a fire emergency - Give first aid where appropriate. Seriously injured victims should be transported to professional medical help immediately. Stay out of the damaged building. Return only when fire authorities say it is safe.
Make sure you have a safe fire escape method for all situations - You may have installed a very expensive home security system. But if you cannot escape the burning structure you have a false level of confidence.
Space Heaters Need Space - Keep portable and space heaters, geysers at least 3 feet from anything that may burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep. Children and pets should always be kept away from them.
Smokers Need To Be Extra Careful - Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
Be Careful Cooking - Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep the handles of your pots turned inward so they do not over-hang the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner.
Matches and Lighters are Dangerous - In the hands of a child, matches and lighters can be deadly! Store them where kids can't reach them, preferably in a locked area. Teach children that matches and lighters are "tools" and should only be used by adults.
Use Electricity Safely - If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and don't overload extension cords. They should not be run under rugs. Never tamper with the fuse box or use the improper size fuse.
Cool a Burn - If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound under cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burn blisters or chars, see a doctor immediately!
Be Careful of Halogen Lights - If you have halogen lights, make sure they are away from flammable drapes and low ceiling areas. Never leave them on when you leave your home or office.
Fire can engulf a house in 60 seconds! Make sure you have a safe and quick method of escape!
Also get a fire insurance policy to cover the damage for your home and office - Take pictures. An at home fire safety plan for your belongings involves taking pictures beforehand. Of course you know everything that's in your house, but trying to recollect every toothbrush, washcloth, and sweater can become overwhelming, after the fact. You will have to list all items for the insurance company. Your at home fire safety plan should involve being able to list what's in the home.
Conduct a family / office meeting and discuss the following topics:
Make sure all family / office members know what to do in the event of a fire.
Draw a floor plan with at least two ways of escaping every room. Make a drawing for each floor. Dimensions do not need to be correct. Make sure the plan shows important details: stairs, hallways and windows that can be used as fire escape routes.
Test windows and doors—do they open easy enough? Are they wide enough. Or tall enough?
Switch off the main power connections of the building or floor if possible
Choose a safe meeting place outside the house.
Practice alerting other members. It is a good idea to keep a bell and flashlight in each bedroom.
Always sleep with the bedroom doors closed. This will keep deadly heat and smoke out of bedrooms, giving you additional time to escape.
Find a way for everyone to sound a family alarm. Yelling, pounding on walls, whistles, etc. Practice yelling "FIRE!"
In a fire, time is critical. Don't waste time getting dressed, don't search for pets or valuables. Just get out!
Roll out of bed. Stay low. One breath of smoke or gases may be enough to kill.
Practice evacuating the building blindfolded. In a real fire situation, the amount of smoke generated by a fire most likely will make it difficult to see.
Practice staying low to the ground when escaping.
Feel all doors before opening them. If a door is hot, get out another way.
Learn to stop, drop to the ground, roll if clothes catch fire.
Additional Tips
Install smoke detectors & Fire extinguishers - Check smoke detectors once a month and change the batteries at least once a year. Smoke detectors sense abnormal amounts of smoke or invisible combustion gases in the air. They can detect both smoldering and burning fires. At least one smoke detector should be installed on every level of a structure. By placing smoke detectors close to doors, you accomplish two tasks: Not only does this make enough noise to awaken the family, but it also serves as a way to know the exits by sound, should the smoke hinder your vision.
Buy a fire proof safe - These things are worth their weight in gold. Place all legal documents, birth certificates, marriage license, and voter ID cards, passports, PAN cards inside, computer backup external HDD. Include several cherished photos that can't be replaced, such as baby or wedding pictures, and pictures needed for an itemized insurance list, should there be a total loss.
Post emergency numbers near telephones - Be aware that if a fire threatens your home, you should not place the call to emergency services from inside the home. It is better to get out and place the call to fire authorities from a safe location outside the home.
After a fire emergency - Give first aid where appropriate. Seriously injured victims should be transported to professional medical help immediately. Stay out of the damaged building. Return only when fire authorities say it is safe.
Make sure you have a safe fire escape method for all situations - You may have installed a very expensive home security system. But if you cannot escape the burning structure you have a false level of confidence.
Space Heaters Need Space - Keep portable and space heaters, geysers at least 3 feet from anything that may burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to sleep. Children and pets should always be kept away from them.
Smokers Need To Be Extra Careful - Never smoke in bed or when you are sleepy. Carelessly discarded cigarettes are a leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.
Be Careful Cooking - Keep cooking areas clear of combustibles and wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook. Keep the handles of your pots turned inward so they do not over-hang the stove. If grease catches fire, carefully slide a lid over the pan and smother the flames, then turn off the burner.
Matches and Lighters are Dangerous - In the hands of a child, matches and lighters can be deadly! Store them where kids can't reach them, preferably in a locked area. Teach children that matches and lighters are "tools" and should only be used by adults.
Use Electricity Safely - If an appliance smokes or has an unusual smell, unplug it immediately and have it repaired. Replace frayed or cracked electrical cords and don't overload extension cords. They should not be run under rugs. Never tamper with the fuse box or use the improper size fuse.
Cool a Burn - If someone gets burned, immediately place the wound under cool water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the burn blisters or chars, see a doctor immediately!
Be Careful of Halogen Lights - If you have halogen lights, make sure they are away from flammable drapes and low ceiling areas. Never leave them on when you leave your home or office.
Fire can engulf a house in 60 seconds! Make sure you have a safe and quick method of escape!
Also get a fire insurance policy to cover the damage for your home and office - Take pictures. An at home fire safety plan for your belongings involves taking pictures beforehand. Of course you know everything that's in your house, but trying to recollect every toothbrush, washcloth, and sweater can become overwhelming, after the fact. You will have to list all items for the insurance company. Your at home fire safety plan should involve being able to list what's in the home.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Effective Use of Time
Effective Use of Time
One of the most important factors in our life is time. Each one of us has specific amount of time measured to us and as the clock moves forward the time left to us becomes less and less. Wisely has it been said that “lost wealth may be regained by industry and economy, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance and medicine but the lost time is gone for ever.” The success in life depends on whether we have put each moment of time available to us to the best possible use or wasted it.
“I am too busy”, “I haven’t the time” are the usual replies we hear from the top executives. This is often an unconscious effort to excuse incapacity. There is always enough time to go around if it is used properly. If we enquire in detail we would be shocked to know how waste of time is going on everyday in offices, factories and stores.
(a) Letter redictated because information was not
fully assembled before first dictation 10 Minutes
(b) Half-an-hour writing a formal report which
could have been better in a three-sentence memo 25 Minutes
(c) Ten minute’s coffee break stretched to 25 minutes 15 Minutes
(d) Looked for a paper not properly placed 10 Minutes
(e) Went upper storey to see the Boss to know his
programme which could have been enquired from
his P .A. on phone 15 Minutes
(f) A fellow executive comes for a minute’s consultation
and indulged in idle gossips with him 20 Minutes
(g) Inspected a new machine installation which could
have better been supervised by a foreman 40 Minutes
(h) Telephone from wife discussing an outing programme
for the evening 5 Minutes
(i) Waited alongwith four others, in a conference, for
a file which could have been collected beforehand 10 Minutes
(j) Work interrupted too often when clerks and supervisors
came to supply information or to seek clarification 30 Minutes
Total avoidable waste of time for the working-hour-day 180 Minutes
Planning effective use of time
Before you plan out your work you need to know, in detail, exactly how you spend your time. For this purpose you should record time spent on various activities in a day atleast for a week. The time taken by each activity may be recorded. Compilation of these figure will reveal the pattern of activities, tasks involving greatest expenditure of time and factors responsible for waste of time. On the basis of this analysis it is possible to plan or budget your daily time.
One of the most important factors in our life is time. Each one of us has specific amount of time measured to us and as the clock moves forward the time left to us becomes less and less. Wisely has it been said that “lost wealth may be regained by industry and economy, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance and medicine but the lost time is gone for ever.” The success in life depends on whether we have put each moment of time available to us to the best possible use or wasted it.
“I am too busy”, “I haven’t the time” are the usual replies we hear from the top executives. This is often an unconscious effort to excuse incapacity. There is always enough time to go around if it is used properly. If we enquire in detail we would be shocked to know how waste of time is going on everyday in offices, factories and stores.
(a) Letter redictated because information was not
fully assembled before first dictation 10 Minutes
(b) Half-an-hour writing a formal report which
could have been better in a three-sentence memo 25 Minutes
(c) Ten minute’s coffee break stretched to 25 minutes 15 Minutes
(d) Looked for a paper not properly placed 10 Minutes
(e) Went upper storey to see the Boss to know his
programme which could have been enquired from
his P .A. on phone 15 Minutes
(f) A fellow executive comes for a minute’s consultation
and indulged in idle gossips with him 20 Minutes
(g) Inspected a new machine installation which could
have better been supervised by a foreman 40 Minutes
(h) Telephone from wife discussing an outing programme
for the evening 5 Minutes
(i) Waited alongwith four others, in a conference, for
a file which could have been collected beforehand 10 Minutes
(j) Work interrupted too often when clerks and supervisors
came to supply information or to seek clarification 30 Minutes
Total avoidable waste of time for the working-hour-day 180 Minutes
Planning effective use of time
Before you plan out your work you need to know, in detail, exactly how you spend your time. For this purpose you should record time spent on various activities in a day atleast for a week. The time taken by each activity may be recorded. Compilation of these figure will reveal the pattern of activities, tasks involving greatest expenditure of time and factors responsible for waste of time. On the basis of this analysis it is possible to plan or budget your daily time.
Monday, March 29, 2010
My website & blog
I have made my personal website www.rajendrabaid.in and i request my friends to visit my website to meet me.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Strike & Bandh
Strike is a holiday for Siliguri people and an opportunity to clear some of the pending works. For people like us, who are businessman, Industrialists, Entreprenuers, this is no holideay. We have to pay full salary to our monthly or daily staff, whether there is a bandh or strike. Losers are small shopowners and daily wageearners, they loose their ... See morebread. They should unite and fight back with the the political party leaders, who are calling strikes, bandhs, hartals, without any reason or cause.
Now it is time to fight back.
Now it is time to fight back.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Ministers without work
This week I was in Delhi. When I am in Delhi, I meet some of my friends, who are Ministers in Govt of India. I met a minister of state and I found his life pathetic.He is Minister of State, Govt of India, a very big designation, but without any work, any responsibility and without any power. Ofcourse he has 600-700 sqft office with a office table, a 8-10 seater sofa set, a dining table with 6 chairs and an attached bathroom in Shastri Bhawan,but you can feel with so many things 600 - 700 sq feet is very small place. He has a 250 sq ft room for his 6-7 assistants, sitting too crowded, very little space to move.
With such a space in a prestigious building, but without work and power is very sad affair for the minister. His senior minister treat him very shabbily.
During week day, he has to come to office and sit in the office, reading newspaper & magazines. I think he is busy with planning for 2011 West Bengal Assembly election. He is Member of Parliament, so his party will not allow him to fight West Bengal Assembly election. He will be required to work for 2011 WB Assembly election. If by chance his party wins 2011 WB Assembly election and form the govt, his 40-50 friends in party will join WEst Bengal Cabinet and enjoy the fruits of power, but he will waste his future in Delhi, doing nothing, without any power, position and prestige.
I felt very sorry for this minister, but this is not the only case of position without power and work. Most of Ministers of State in Govt of India are facing the same fate and passing their time and feeling depressed. Most of these Ministers of State are young, energetic and youthful persons with a zeal to work very hard for their country and their people. This energy is wasted in Indian Parliament, sitting and listening useless speeches of senior MPs or some time shouting with their party MPs in corus.
God save and support these young MInisters.
Rajendra Baid
With such a space in a prestigious building, but without work and power is very sad affair for the minister. His senior minister treat him very shabbily.
During week day, he has to come to office and sit in the office, reading newspaper & magazines. I think he is busy with planning for 2011 West Bengal Assembly election. He is Member of Parliament, so his party will not allow him to fight West Bengal Assembly election. He will be required to work for 2011 WB Assembly election. If by chance his party wins 2011 WB Assembly election and form the govt, his 40-50 friends in party will join WEst Bengal Cabinet and enjoy the fruits of power, but he will waste his future in Delhi, doing nothing, without any power, position and prestige.
I felt very sorry for this minister, but this is not the only case of position without power and work. Most of Ministers of State in Govt of India are facing the same fate and passing their time and feeling depressed. Most of these Ministers of State are young, energetic and youthful persons with a zeal to work very hard for their country and their people. This energy is wasted in Indian Parliament, sitting and listening useless speeches of senior MPs or some time shouting with their party MPs in corus.
God save and support these young MInisters.
Rajendra Baid
Thursday, February 25, 2010
How to use the Book
HOW TO USE THE BOOK
The book, specially made for busy people, shall help in successful performance, each day, during the whole year. To ensure success use this book as it is meant. You cannotexpect better results unless you follow the procedure explained.
Prepare each morning, or better still the previous night, a schedule of important things to be done during the course of the day. While preparing the schedule write first things first, as per priority you could think of. Divide your time correctly between different activities to ensure one work at a time. Do not overcrowd your schedule. Have some blank-time for unexpected calls and emergencies.
As soon as the day's work begins tackle these things first, leaving the remaining work to be taken in hand after the more urgent items listed in the schedule have been attended to. Look to your diary frequently during the day, ticking off each item as disposed of. Carry forward the undisposed jobs to the next day.
What to note in the Diary
Note the important among following items in your Diary each day :-
1. Appointments and interviews.
2. Meetings and Conferences.
3. Reports to be submitted.
4. Promises made.
5. Persons to write to.
6. Persons to telephone to.
7. Urgent jobs to attend to.
8. Follow up of jobs/ideas.
9. Ideas and suggestions, from visitors/employees/telephones, that call for action.
10. Flashes of inspiration or brain waves.
Faithfully maintaining Diary will ensure regularity of work and maximum utilisation of available time. In the present day multifarious duties and multitude of engagements one is likely to slip some important items unless he "writes everything down" and follows the progress minutely. Therefore, make full use of Diary by maintaining it as explained above. This will have the added advantage of being retained as a personal record. On many occasions it will act as a crutch for an over-taxed memory about the past transactions, names' and time sequences.
The book, specially made for busy people, shall help in successful performance, each day, during the whole year. To ensure success use this book as it is meant. You cannotexpect better results unless you follow the procedure explained.
Prepare each morning, or better still the previous night, a schedule of important things to be done during the course of the day. While preparing the schedule write first things first, as per priority you could think of. Divide your time correctly between different activities to ensure one work at a time. Do not overcrowd your schedule. Have some blank-time for unexpected calls and emergencies.
As soon as the day's work begins tackle these things first, leaving the remaining work to be taken in hand after the more urgent items listed in the schedule have been attended to. Look to your diary frequently during the day, ticking off each item as disposed of. Carry forward the undisposed jobs to the next day.
What to note in the Diary
Note the important among following items in your Diary each day :-
1. Appointments and interviews.
2. Meetings and Conferences.
3. Reports to be submitted.
4. Promises made.
5. Persons to write to.
6. Persons to telephone to.
7. Urgent jobs to attend to.
8. Follow up of jobs/ideas.
9. Ideas and suggestions, from visitors/employees/telephones, that call for action.
10. Flashes of inspiration or brain waves.
Faithfully maintaining Diary will ensure regularity of work and maximum utilisation of available time. In the present day multifarious duties and multitude of engagements one is likely to slip some important items unless he "writes everything down" and follows the progress minutely. Therefore, make full use of Diary by maintaining it as explained above. This will have the added advantage of being retained as a personal record. On many occasions it will act as a crutch for an over-taxed memory about the past transactions, names' and time sequences.
Success
SUCCESS THROUGH THIS BOOK
Success is probably one of the most common of the goals of mer. We succeed by association with those of greater experience and by making available to ourselves the oral and written expression of the wise. We grow by reading and studying purposefully, and finally we grow by quiet period of thought and meditation in which we assimilate our daily experiences and our newly acquired knowledge.
Keeping in view and to enable you to develop your potentialities that are essential for the success of a man, we have included chapters on the following topics :-
1. EFFECTIVE USE OF TIME. 8. CREATING NEW IDEAS:
2. THE USE OF SPARE MOMENTS. 9. DECISION MAKING.
3. THE ART OF READING. 10. SUCCESS.IN HANDLING PEOPLE.
4. THE ART OF SPEAKING, 11. SECRETS OF SUCCESS,
5, THE ART OF WRITING. 12. PERSONAL EFFICIENCY.
6. THE SUCCESSFUL LISTENING. 13. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS OF EFFICIENCY.
7. THE SHARPENING OF THE MEMORY.14. HEALTH AND EFFICIENCY.
Several persons never have the opportunity or time to read books on self-improvement. As this will be their constant companion they would be tempted into reading these chapters while on tour' or in their spare moments.
You may read each of these chapters a number of times, since a single reading is not considered adequate. Then, while you go to work try to experiment with the ideas explained therein. There are many pages in the book to note your experiences. It will help you in evaluating your day's or month's performance and in devising improvements. You will find while going through the back pages of this book that you had good as well as bad days, success as well as failures.
At the end of the year have an assessment about the success achieved during the year. In this connection remember that success should not be measured with job progress or accumulation of riches. It is an individual matter and must always be determined by the degree in which a specific person has reached his own potentialities.
Success is probably one of the most common of the goals of mer. We succeed by association with those of greater experience and by making available to ourselves the oral and written expression of the wise. We grow by reading and studying purposefully, and finally we grow by quiet period of thought and meditation in which we assimilate our daily experiences and our newly acquired knowledge.
Keeping in view and to enable you to develop your potentialities that are essential for the success of a man, we have included chapters on the following topics :-
1. EFFECTIVE USE OF TIME. 8. CREATING NEW IDEAS:
2. THE USE OF SPARE MOMENTS. 9. DECISION MAKING.
3. THE ART OF READING. 10. SUCCESS.IN HANDLING PEOPLE.
4. THE ART OF SPEAKING, 11. SECRETS OF SUCCESS,
5, THE ART OF WRITING. 12. PERSONAL EFFICIENCY.
6. THE SUCCESSFUL LISTENING. 13. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTS OF EFFICIENCY.
7. THE SHARPENING OF THE MEMORY.14. HEALTH AND EFFICIENCY.
Several persons never have the opportunity or time to read books on self-improvement. As this will be their constant companion they would be tempted into reading these chapters while on tour' or in their spare moments.
You may read each of these chapters a number of times, since a single reading is not considered adequate. Then, while you go to work try to experiment with the ideas explained therein. There are many pages in the book to note your experiences. It will help you in evaluating your day's or month's performance and in devising improvements. You will find while going through the back pages of this book that you had good as well as bad days, success as well as failures.
At the end of the year have an assessment about the success achieved during the year. In this connection remember that success should not be measured with job progress or accumulation of riches. It is an individual matter and must always be determined by the degree in which a specific person has reached his own potentialities.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Darjeeling (un)limited
Train Times goes global with a look at the work of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society (DHRS). Winners of 'Best International Achievement' at last year's Community Rail Awards, DHRS Chairman David Barrie shows the impact the society is making on the lives of those served by the railway ...
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is probably the most famous narrow gauge railway in the world, offering spectacular views and a journey that is unrivalled in atmosphere.
Since first opening in 1881 to develop the hill station of Darjeeling, the railway has attracted enthusiasts from around the globe. In the days of the Raj, the coming of the railway not only reduced the journey time by several days, but travellers were whisked through the daunting jungle - home of wild tiger and malaria spreading mosquitoes - in a few short hours. In addition, the tea bush flourished to the Darjeeling climate and the railway found itself busy transporting tea and other goods in addition to plentiful passenger traffic, the previous alternative being a bullock cart.
The building of the line was achieved in less than two years, its original 51 miles criss- crossing the track known as the Hill Cart Road 180 times in order to gain height and to lessen the gradient, which rises from 300 feet above sea level to 7,407 feet at the summit- twice the height of Snowdon. The Sight of a
Victorian steam engine pulling its train around a spiral or reversing up a zigzag In order to gain height, or perhaps inching through a crowded bazaar, remain the iconic Darjeeling image.
The railway's fortunes were promising, even with the regular wash aways that occurred during the monsoons, when sections of track slid down the hillside, resulting in a whole new alignment having to be built. However, by the early 1990s, taxis had taken over, reducing the trip to Darjeeling from eight hours by train to just three by car. Goods traffic had also been lost to the road. Owned by Indian Railways, the line wheezed on because that's what it had always done - progressively more unreliable and trapped in a time warp.
In the mid 1990s, DHR fans around the world, fearing the railway might close, began to think seriously about its future. In 1997, the DHR Society was founded by a group of rail enthusiasts based in the UK. It quickly gained an international membership and crucially the ear of Indian Railways, who decided that the railway should be preserved for future generations. A fillip was the granting of World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1999. Then began the rejuvenation of the DHR, with the building of new coaches and locomotives and a promising future. It was at this point that a very interesting development occurred.
The town where the DHR starts is Siliguri and in 2001, an influential businessman, Rajendra Baid, made contact with the DHRS. As Chairman, I met him in a small hotel room in Earls Court. We spent the evening talking and soon found that our views melded. With the line now more secure, the Society became directly drawn into the community aspect of the DHR. Initially, this was because we were part of visiting tour parties, but guided by Rajendra, we saw that much could be done to help those who live in the area, which even by Indian standards is a poor region. We saw the hardship, the lack of healthcare, schooling and employment opportunities and resolved to do something about this.
Ably assisted by his son, Vivek, Rajendra devised a number of projects, for which we in the UK raised the funds, via everything from selling DHR DVDs to giving talks to interested groups and even buying local handicrafts and selling them in the UK. As such, our charity arm, the Darjeeling Railway Community Support, set to. We started small but last year alone raised £5,000; every penny (or should that be rupee?) spent on the projects, overseen by Rajendra and Vivek, who also raise funds internally.
To give some idea of where the fundraising goes, to send a doctor to a village for a day to treat everyone costs £50. To buy a sewing machine transported by DHR train to a remote village and training someone to use it costs £30. That person then not only has a job, but can train others. Aside from making their own clothes, the surplus can be sold at market. In one village, there was a teacher who struggled to teach the children because there was no school, so they met in a bus shelter. To find a suitable building, renovate, equip and rent it for a year cost £300.
But don't think that this is all one way. like us, the people we help want to achieve things and make something of their lives; they just need the opportunity. In one village, some youths constructed DHR model engines and coaches to sell to tourists. It was also realised that more people would visit if the railway looked smarter, so the local communities began planting shrubs and painting and tidying stations. Another project pioneered by Rajendra was the training of guides for the tourism market !
Whilst Rajendra was busy extending his projects working his way up the line, another of our UK offshoots, the Education Group, forged bonds with a number of Darjeeling residents and became directly involved with the schools. Money was raised in the UK and funded competitions amongst the children to design a DHR poster, write a DHR poem, perform a DHR play - all activities designed to allow the children to see the importance of the DHR in the fabric of their lives. A reward would be to have a day out on the DHR with a picnic lunch - something they could never afford.
So to some 12 short years, not only has the DHR been transformed, but so have the lives of a growing number of communities who live along the line. All this has been achieved not only by Indian Railways, but many dedicated individuals from two continents - ourselves in the UK and Rajendra and his team in India. By continuing to work closely together, the future for the unique Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is brighter than ever.
For further information about the work of the DHRS, please contact David Barrie at david@Well·being.co.uk or visit their website at www.dhrs.org
If you want to contact Rajendra Baid, President of DHR India Support Group,Siliguri, you can email : cindrella@bsnl.in
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is probably the most famous narrow gauge railway in the world, offering spectacular views and a journey that is unrivalled in atmosphere.
Since first opening in 1881 to develop the hill station of Darjeeling, the railway has attracted enthusiasts from around the globe. In the days of the Raj, the coming of the railway not only reduced the journey time by several days, but travellers were whisked through the daunting jungle - home of wild tiger and malaria spreading mosquitoes - in a few short hours. In addition, the tea bush flourished to the Darjeeling climate and the railway found itself busy transporting tea and other goods in addition to plentiful passenger traffic, the previous alternative being a bullock cart.
The building of the line was achieved in less than two years, its original 51 miles criss- crossing the track known as the Hill Cart Road 180 times in order to gain height and to lessen the gradient, which rises from 300 feet above sea level to 7,407 feet at the summit- twice the height of Snowdon. The Sight of a
Victorian steam engine pulling its train around a spiral or reversing up a zigzag In order to gain height, or perhaps inching through a crowded bazaar, remain the iconic Darjeeling image.
The railway's fortunes were promising, even with the regular wash aways that occurred during the monsoons, when sections of track slid down the hillside, resulting in a whole new alignment having to be built. However, by the early 1990s, taxis had taken over, reducing the trip to Darjeeling from eight hours by train to just three by car. Goods traffic had also been lost to the road. Owned by Indian Railways, the line wheezed on because that's what it had always done - progressively more unreliable and trapped in a time warp.
In the mid 1990s, DHR fans around the world, fearing the railway might close, began to think seriously about its future. In 1997, the DHR Society was founded by a group of rail enthusiasts based in the UK. It quickly gained an international membership and crucially the ear of Indian Railways, who decided that the railway should be preserved for future generations. A fillip was the granting of World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1999. Then began the rejuvenation of the DHR, with the building of new coaches and locomotives and a promising future. It was at this point that a very interesting development occurred.
The town where the DHR starts is Siliguri and in 2001, an influential businessman, Rajendra Baid, made contact with the DHRS. As Chairman, I met him in a small hotel room in Earls Court. We spent the evening talking and soon found that our views melded. With the line now more secure, the Society became directly drawn into the community aspect of the DHR. Initially, this was because we were part of visiting tour parties, but guided by Rajendra, we saw that much could be done to help those who live in the area, which even by Indian standards is a poor region. We saw the hardship, the lack of healthcare, schooling and employment opportunities and resolved to do something about this.
Ably assisted by his son, Vivek, Rajendra devised a number of projects, for which we in the UK raised the funds, via everything from selling DHR DVDs to giving talks to interested groups and even buying local handicrafts and selling them in the UK. As such, our charity arm, the Darjeeling Railway Community Support, set to. We started small but last year alone raised £5,000; every penny (or should that be rupee?) spent on the projects, overseen by Rajendra and Vivek, who also raise funds internally.
To give some idea of where the fundraising goes, to send a doctor to a village for a day to treat everyone costs £50. To buy a sewing machine transported by DHR train to a remote village and training someone to use it costs £30. That person then not only has a job, but can train others. Aside from making their own clothes, the surplus can be sold at market. In one village, there was a teacher who struggled to teach the children because there was no school, so they met in a bus shelter. To find a suitable building, renovate, equip and rent it for a year cost £300.
But don't think that this is all one way. like us, the people we help want to achieve things and make something of their lives; they just need the opportunity. In one village, some youths constructed DHR model engines and coaches to sell to tourists. It was also realised that more people would visit if the railway looked smarter, so the local communities began planting shrubs and painting and tidying stations. Another project pioneered by Rajendra was the training of guides for the tourism market !
Whilst Rajendra was busy extending his projects working his way up the line, another of our UK offshoots, the Education Group, forged bonds with a number of Darjeeling residents and became directly involved with the schools. Money was raised in the UK and funded competitions amongst the children to design a DHR poster, write a DHR poem, perform a DHR play - all activities designed to allow the children to see the importance of the DHR in the fabric of their lives. A reward would be to have a day out on the DHR with a picnic lunch - something they could never afford.
So to some 12 short years, not only has the DHR been transformed, but so have the lives of a growing number of communities who live along the line. All this has been achieved not only by Indian Railways, but many dedicated individuals from two continents - ourselves in the UK and Rajendra and his team in India. By continuing to work closely together, the future for the unique Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is brighter than ever.
For further information about the work of the DHRS, please contact David Barrie at david@Well·being.co.uk or visit their website at www.dhrs.org
If you want to contact Rajendra Baid, President of DHR India Support Group,Siliguri, you can email : cindrella@bsnl.in
Monday, January 25, 2010
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway,
an UNESCO declared world Heritage.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is an UNESCO declared world Heritage. The DHR is an outstanding example of the influence of an innovative transportation system on the social and economic development of multicultural region, which was to serve as a model of similar developments in many parts of the world.
The uniqueness and the vintage of this railway system, along with the charm of the steam locomotion, make the DHR Experience an object of ultimate desire for rail-lovers all over the world.
The DHR journey takes one through some of the most breath-taking scenic panoramas from the plains to lofty Himalayan snowscapes and all else in between. Over the decades, many have decreed that this is the best scenic terrain that they have encountered anywhere.
Adding to the great green experience are the numerous tea estates that one passes through or sees. Tea adds another unique dimension to the DHR Experience.
The cultural offerings of the ‘DHR Zone’ include a major attraction in Buddhist religion, philosophy and shrines – all oases of spiritual uplift and soul-soothing serenity.
This remarkable 2 ft. gauge line begins on the hot, dusty Indian plain and in the course of its 55 mile journey rises to almost 7,500 feet as it ascends to Darjeeling in the Himalayas. The journey is regarded as amongst the most amazing in the world, and many travelers see it as a gateway to a region of mystery and imagination. The landscape can only be described as spectacular and the views of the Himalayan peaks breathtaking. Travelers are awed by both the scenery and the railway, truly an engineering masterpiece and without doubt, one of the wonders of the world! It is probably the ultimate dream of every narrow-gauge railway enthusiast, at some time in their life, to visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Built in the late 19th century, this railway is unique in a number of ways. Rising at an average gradient of 1 in 30 the line uses loops and zig-zags to work its way up the mountainside, crossing itself and the road many times in the process. Even today we are amazed at the tenacity of the Victorian engineers! The little ‘B’ class tank engines with their extraordinarily short 0-4-0 wheelbase, haul their trains entirely by adhesion.
an UNESCO declared world Heritage.
Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) is an UNESCO declared world Heritage. The DHR is an outstanding example of the influence of an innovative transportation system on the social and economic development of multicultural region, which was to serve as a model of similar developments in many parts of the world.
The uniqueness and the vintage of this railway system, along with the charm of the steam locomotion, make the DHR Experience an object of ultimate desire for rail-lovers all over the world.
The DHR journey takes one through some of the most breath-taking scenic panoramas from the plains to lofty Himalayan snowscapes and all else in between. Over the decades, many have decreed that this is the best scenic terrain that they have encountered anywhere.
Adding to the great green experience are the numerous tea estates that one passes through or sees. Tea adds another unique dimension to the DHR Experience.
The cultural offerings of the ‘DHR Zone’ include a major attraction in Buddhist religion, philosophy and shrines – all oases of spiritual uplift and soul-soothing serenity.
This remarkable 2 ft. gauge line begins on the hot, dusty Indian plain and in the course of its 55 mile journey rises to almost 7,500 feet as it ascends to Darjeeling in the Himalayas. The journey is regarded as amongst the most amazing in the world, and many travelers see it as a gateway to a region of mystery and imagination. The landscape can only be described as spectacular and the views of the Himalayan peaks breathtaking. Travelers are awed by both the scenery and the railway, truly an engineering masterpiece and without doubt, one of the wonders of the world! It is probably the ultimate dream of every narrow-gauge railway enthusiast, at some time in their life, to visit the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Built in the late 19th century, this railway is unique in a number of ways. Rising at an average gradient of 1 in 30 the line uses loops and zig-zags to work its way up the mountainside, crossing itself and the road many times in the process. Even today we are amazed at the tenacity of the Victorian engineers! The little ‘B’ class tank engines with their extraordinarily short 0-4-0 wheelbase, haul their trains entirely by adhesion.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Comments from UK Writer
Local Hero - Shri Rajendra Baid.
President, India Support Group, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society.
(This article was published in Association of Community Rail Partnership, UK ‘s magazine “ Train Times” written by Paul Salveson )
What many people probably don’t realise is that, in the 1990’s, this little line, some 55 miles long, was on the verge of closing, and being lost forever. The reasons were a combination of coping with the annual monsoon washaways, that some years rendered the line out of action for months at a time, life expired equipment represented by worn out Victorian museum piece steam locomotives clawing and wheezing their way up the hills each day, and an ever busier road up to Darjeeling that is constantly criss crossed by the DHR as road and rail fight for space on the same hillside ledge. The sheer cost of rebuilding after the monsoon season when over 300 inches of rain fall in a 3 month period is expensive enough, however add into the equation the gargantuan task of renovating the line and coping with the traffic and you have a daunting proposition indeed.
As the railway seemingly entered its twilight, support manifested from a number of unlikely places. From the UK emerged a number of supporters, including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society. In India, the DHR, owned by the State owned Indian Railways found both supporters and those who wished it closed, in equal measure in the corridors of power. At this time the very idea that someone who was not a railway employee might have an interest in the line’s survival was, frankly, eccentric. Step forward newspaper owner, hotelier, and philanthropic businessman, Rajendra Baid.
So it was that he travelled halfway around the world from Siliguri, a town through which the DHR runs, also where he has his hotel, to the UK. His purpose was to interest travel companies in the much-neglected yet supremely beautiful potential tourist destination of the Darjeeling area in northeast India. That, and to meet this DHRS, run by these enthusiastic Englishmen.
Here was Rajendra, a man who had made his way in the world, looking to give something back. Being involved in the newspaper and tourism business in the Darjeeling area, he wondered how to get more tourists to visit this beautiful scenic region. The traditional destination for those India bound is the Golden triangle in the west, or Goa. It was only the hardy souls, the devout rail fans, that made the difficult trek eastward to West Bengal. Those that came fell in love with the unrivalled scenery, the Tibetan monasteries, the virgin rainforest, the abundance of beautiful flowers and shrubs, and of course, this brave little steam railway that gamely shuffled its way upwards through the clouds. At some point, Rajendra decided to dedicate the rest of his life to encouraging eco friendly tourism to the area, with all the benefits that would bring to the local people, and the key to this was that unique jewel, known throughout the world, the DHR. It would act as a magnet if it were marketed well.
After our meeting he returned to India and, fired with enthusiasm, set about his mission. We spoke about all manner of matters via the wonders of email. Rajendra, wearing the hat of , ‘President, DHRS India Support Group’, began to campaign to secure the DHR’s future from his office in his hotel. This became the nerve centre from whence his endless energy made itself felt throughout India. Talking with Government big wigs became the norm. On one memorable occasion, when a portion of the line was about to be lost, Rajendra saved it.
It happened like this. At the bottom end of the line, the DHR tracks and the metre gauge run side by side. They cross by means of a diamond crossing before going their separate ways. When the metre gauge was being converted to broad gauge, the engineers declared that a new crossing simply could not be made, thus the first 4 miles of the DHR would be lost and the train would have to start at a new location, higher up the line. It was all but signed and sealed. Rajendra, man of action, contacted his MP and gained his support. They went to Delhi and succeeded in getting an appointment with the Chairman of Indian Railways. By sheer personality and argument, the result was a stay of execution and an agreement to have a new diamond crossing constructed.
Whether it is dealing in the corridors of power, or humbly creating new projects in the region, Rajendra is never still. He has created employment opportunities for local people by training some as tourist guides, others plant flowers and shrubs alongside the DHR tracks, whilst Rajendra has helped with medical support for the people at one village through which the line passes. All this and so much more. As I write this article he has dreamt up another half dozen ideas that will further inspire the local people to see that the DHR is good for them.
To create publicity for the DHR this powerhouse of a man decided to host an annual DHR Lovers conference at his hotel. This to coincide whilst one of our tours was present. A high profile affair, with speakers from the UK and from all over India, this now annual event serves to focus activity, refresh enthusiasm, and remind us all ofour purpose.
I’ve seen Rajendra skillfully negotiate with high-ranking Government ministers in Delhi, also seen him in earnest discussion with the young people who live alongside the DHR. His extraordinary abundance of energy and ideas has ensured the DHR is high profile all over India. I once asked a senior Indian Railways officer, “Is Rajendra a help or a hindrance to you in his quest to save the DHR”. “It’s like this”, the officer replied, “Because he operates outside of Indian Railways, he can either be one big pain to sleepy officers who are passive and couldn’t care about the line, whilst on the other hand, he can achieve things that none of us could.”
You may wonder, what is it that motivates Rajendra? Perhaps some financial objective or position of power? Well, he owns three hotels that are pretty much full, he runs a newspaper, has various other interests. He need never be concerned about finance again. His motivation is simply to build a legacy for future generations. He loves the region, he loves the DHR, for this railway will secure the financial well being of the region and its people. Above all, he loves the people. That’s why he is my ‘Local hero’.
President, India Support Group, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society.
(This article was published in Association of Community Rail Partnership, UK ‘s magazine “ Train Times” written by Paul Salveson )
What many people probably don’t realise is that, in the 1990’s, this little line, some 55 miles long, was on the verge of closing, and being lost forever. The reasons were a combination of coping with the annual monsoon washaways, that some years rendered the line out of action for months at a time, life expired equipment represented by worn out Victorian museum piece steam locomotives clawing and wheezing their way up the hills each day, and an ever busier road up to Darjeeling that is constantly criss crossed by the DHR as road and rail fight for space on the same hillside ledge. The sheer cost of rebuilding after the monsoon season when over 300 inches of rain fall in a 3 month period is expensive enough, however add into the equation the gargantuan task of renovating the line and coping with the traffic and you have a daunting proposition indeed.
As the railway seemingly entered its twilight, support manifested from a number of unlikely places. From the UK emerged a number of supporters, including the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society. In India, the DHR, owned by the State owned Indian Railways found both supporters and those who wished it closed, in equal measure in the corridors of power. At this time the very idea that someone who was not a railway employee might have an interest in the line’s survival was, frankly, eccentric. Step forward newspaper owner, hotelier, and philanthropic businessman, Rajendra Baid.
So it was that he travelled halfway around the world from Siliguri, a town through which the DHR runs, also where he has his hotel, to the UK. His purpose was to interest travel companies in the much-neglected yet supremely beautiful potential tourist destination of the Darjeeling area in northeast India. That, and to meet this DHRS, run by these enthusiastic Englishmen.
Here was Rajendra, a man who had made his way in the world, looking to give something back. Being involved in the newspaper and tourism business in the Darjeeling area, he wondered how to get more tourists to visit this beautiful scenic region. The traditional destination for those India bound is the Golden triangle in the west, or Goa. It was only the hardy souls, the devout rail fans, that made the difficult trek eastward to West Bengal. Those that came fell in love with the unrivalled scenery, the Tibetan monasteries, the virgin rainforest, the abundance of beautiful flowers and shrubs, and of course, this brave little steam railway that gamely shuffled its way upwards through the clouds. At some point, Rajendra decided to dedicate the rest of his life to encouraging eco friendly tourism to the area, with all the benefits that would bring to the local people, and the key to this was that unique jewel, known throughout the world, the DHR. It would act as a magnet if it were marketed well.
After our meeting he returned to India and, fired with enthusiasm, set about his mission. We spoke about all manner of matters via the wonders of email. Rajendra, wearing the hat of , ‘President, DHRS India Support Group’, began to campaign to secure the DHR’s future from his office in his hotel. This became the nerve centre from whence his endless energy made itself felt throughout India. Talking with Government big wigs became the norm. On one memorable occasion, when a portion of the line was about to be lost, Rajendra saved it.
It happened like this. At the bottom end of the line, the DHR tracks and the metre gauge run side by side. They cross by means of a diamond crossing before going their separate ways. When the metre gauge was being converted to broad gauge, the engineers declared that a new crossing simply could not be made, thus the first 4 miles of the DHR would be lost and the train would have to start at a new location, higher up the line. It was all but signed and sealed. Rajendra, man of action, contacted his MP and gained his support. They went to Delhi and succeeded in getting an appointment with the Chairman of Indian Railways. By sheer personality and argument, the result was a stay of execution and an agreement to have a new diamond crossing constructed.
Whether it is dealing in the corridors of power, or humbly creating new projects in the region, Rajendra is never still. He has created employment opportunities for local people by training some as tourist guides, others plant flowers and shrubs alongside the DHR tracks, whilst Rajendra has helped with medical support for the people at one village through which the line passes. All this and so much more. As I write this article he has dreamt up another half dozen ideas that will further inspire the local people to see that the DHR is good for them.
To create publicity for the DHR this powerhouse of a man decided to host an annual DHR Lovers conference at his hotel. This to coincide whilst one of our tours was present. A high profile affair, with speakers from the UK and from all over India, this now annual event serves to focus activity, refresh enthusiasm, and remind us all ofour purpose.
I’ve seen Rajendra skillfully negotiate with high-ranking Government ministers in Delhi, also seen him in earnest discussion with the young people who live alongside the DHR. His extraordinary abundance of energy and ideas has ensured the DHR is high profile all over India. I once asked a senior Indian Railways officer, “Is Rajendra a help or a hindrance to you in his quest to save the DHR”. “It’s like this”, the officer replied, “Because he operates outside of Indian Railways, he can either be one big pain to sleepy officers who are passive and couldn’t care about the line, whilst on the other hand, he can achieve things that none of us could.”
You may wonder, what is it that motivates Rajendra? Perhaps some financial objective or position of power? Well, he owns three hotels that are pretty much full, he runs a newspaper, has various other interests. He need never be concerned about finance again. His motivation is simply to build a legacy for future generations. He loves the region, he loves the DHR, for this railway will secure the financial well being of the region and its people. Above all, he loves the people. That’s why he is my ‘Local hero’.
Advice to Diabetic patients
How to be Happy ?
About the person who already has diabetes?
Modern lifestyle with its emphasis on fast food, fast cars and an undying quest to succeed leads to overeating, lack of exercise and mental stress respectively. All these are associated with impaired function of the human body and are the most commonly cited reasons for the increase in the number of persons with diabetes. Conversely, eating enough, exercising regularly and avoiding stress have been shown to lead to a reduction in the occurrence of diabetes. So doctors all over the world are busy reinforcing the message that a healthy lifestyle is called for in all their patients to protect them against diabetes and heart disease. But what about the person who already has diabetes? What does the future hold in stone for them?
Having diabetes is a fait accompli. Diabetes is a constant companion who remains with us; for better or worse, through thick or thin, which threatens to harm us at every stage and which must be held in check by eternal vigilance. Fortunately we have a strong ally who can keep several of the dangers of diabetes at bay. Insulin is one of the most versatile of the dangers of diabetes at bay. Insulin is one of the most versatile hormones in the human body. Single handedly it influences, carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism; provides nourishment to and helps cells utilize nourishment reduces lipid levels, fights inflammation, strengthens skeletal muscle, improves blood flow, prolongs endurance, preserves tissues and in general improves the quality of life of the person with diabetes.
It is not difficult to understand why insulin is so important for the person with diabetes. After all, what is diabetes but a state where the person has less insulin than they need? As money is the treatment of poverty, so is insulin the treatment of diabetes. To treat poverty money has to be earned and it needs hard work, intelligence, commitment and opportunity. Similarly to treat diabetes insulin must be taken and it needs understanding and insight to accept daily insulin injections as a way of life.
Recent world medical literature reports several pieces of evidence in favour of initiating insulin early for helping persons with diabetes live longer, with fewer complications, and enjoy a better quality of life. Several leading experts have recommended early insulin initiation for better glucose control and in several of the world’s leading diabetes centers insulin is being offered as the first choice to all persons with diabetes.
What then stops insulin from being used more effectively in the management of diabetes? People in general often choose the easy why out – viz. oral tablets rather than injection, compelling their doctors to follow suit. And the situation compounds itself when the same patients return with more severe disease complications. These are not only more difficult to treat, they are more expensive to treat and can never restore the lost function of the affected organ or the patient’s life. Now is the time to break the vicious circle. Insulin therapy has been proven to be of benefit in retarding complications by providing better blood glucose control and doing good to the body far beyond blood glucose control alone. Yes, a few precautions to guard against low blood glucose are necessary, understanding how to be able to adjust the dose is needed and the discomfort of an injection prick has to be endured. But the results are definitely worth it. Ask any doctor.
About the person who already has diabetes?
Modern lifestyle with its emphasis on fast food, fast cars and an undying quest to succeed leads to overeating, lack of exercise and mental stress respectively. All these are associated with impaired function of the human body and are the most commonly cited reasons for the increase in the number of persons with diabetes. Conversely, eating enough, exercising regularly and avoiding stress have been shown to lead to a reduction in the occurrence of diabetes. So doctors all over the world are busy reinforcing the message that a healthy lifestyle is called for in all their patients to protect them against diabetes and heart disease. But what about the person who already has diabetes? What does the future hold in stone for them?
Having diabetes is a fait accompli. Diabetes is a constant companion who remains with us; for better or worse, through thick or thin, which threatens to harm us at every stage and which must be held in check by eternal vigilance. Fortunately we have a strong ally who can keep several of the dangers of diabetes at bay. Insulin is one of the most versatile of the dangers of diabetes at bay. Insulin is one of the most versatile hormones in the human body. Single handedly it influences, carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism; provides nourishment to and helps cells utilize nourishment reduces lipid levels, fights inflammation, strengthens skeletal muscle, improves blood flow, prolongs endurance, preserves tissues and in general improves the quality of life of the person with diabetes.
It is not difficult to understand why insulin is so important for the person with diabetes. After all, what is diabetes but a state where the person has less insulin than they need? As money is the treatment of poverty, so is insulin the treatment of diabetes. To treat poverty money has to be earned and it needs hard work, intelligence, commitment and opportunity. Similarly to treat diabetes insulin must be taken and it needs understanding and insight to accept daily insulin injections as a way of life.
Recent world medical literature reports several pieces of evidence in favour of initiating insulin early for helping persons with diabetes live longer, with fewer complications, and enjoy a better quality of life. Several leading experts have recommended early insulin initiation for better glucose control and in several of the world’s leading diabetes centers insulin is being offered as the first choice to all persons with diabetes.
What then stops insulin from being used more effectively in the management of diabetes? People in general often choose the easy why out – viz. oral tablets rather than injection, compelling their doctors to follow suit. And the situation compounds itself when the same patients return with more severe disease complications. These are not only more difficult to treat, they are more expensive to treat and can never restore the lost function of the affected organ or the patient’s life. Now is the time to break the vicious circle. Insulin therapy has been proven to be of benefit in retarding complications by providing better blood glucose control and doing good to the body far beyond blood glucose control alone. Yes, a few precautions to guard against low blood glucose are necessary, understanding how to be able to adjust the dose is needed and the discomfort of an injection prick has to be endured. But the results are definitely worth it. Ask any doctor.
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