World Autism Awareness Day 2022: Inclusive Quality Education for All

What is it?

Autism/ Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of complex neurodevelopment brain disorders, characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped pattern of behavior. It typically affects a person's ability to communicate with others. ASD form of disease generally begins in childhood and last through adulthood. 

When is it Celebrated?

World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) is observed every year on 2nd April to raise public awareness of autism. First it was celebrated in 2008. WAAD highlights the need to help and improve the quality of life of those with autism so that they can lead full and meaningful lives as an integral part of the society.

The focus of World Autism Awareness Day 2022 is: "Inclusive Quality Education for All"

What are the types?

Autistic Disorder/ "classic" autism: 

• Most general form of autism. 
• Typically have significant language interruption, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. 
• May also have intellectual disability.

Asperger Syndrome: 

• Have mild symptoms of autistic disorder. 
• Might have social challenges and unusual behaviors and interests. 
• Typically do not have problems with language or intellectual disability.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): 

• It is called as "atypical autism". 
• People who meet some of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger syndrome, but not all, may be diagnosed with PDD-NOS. 
• Usually have fewer and milder symptoms than those with autistic disorder. 
• The symptoms might cause only social and communication challenges.

When it starts?

• ASDs generally starts at or before the age of 3.
• May last throughout a person's life, even though symptoms may improve over time. 
• May exhibit hints of future problems within the first few months of life. 
• May show symptoms until 24 months or later. 
• Some children seem to develop normally until around 18 to 24 months of age and then they stop gaining new skills, or they lose the skills they once had.

What are the symptoms?

A child with an ASD might:

• Does not react to his/her name by 12 months
• Does not play by 18 months
• Generally avoid eye contact and stay alone
• Also have difficulty in understanding other people's feelings or talking about their own feelings
• May show delayed speech and language skills
• Repeat words or phrases over and over (echolalia)
• Give unrelated answers to questions
• Does not like even minor changes
• Have obsessive interests
• Some time they flap their hands, rock their body, or spin in circles
• Have unusual reactions to the way things sound, smell, taste, look, or feel

What are the causes?

• The exact causes of ASD are not known. 
• Likely to be associated to genetics and environment factors.  
• Studies have also found irregularities in several regions of the brain. 
• Other studies suggest abnormal levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters in the brain. 
• Could result from the disturbance of normal brain development early in foetal development caused by defects in genes that control brain growth and that regulate how brain cells communicate with each other, possibly due to the influence of environmental factors on gene function. 

How to diagnose?

• Diagnosis can be difficult as there is no medical test, like a blood test. 
• Physician may look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis. 
• However, the children might receive an audiologic evaluation and a screening test for autism such as Checklist for autism in toddlers.

What are the managements?

• There is no cure for this disease. 
• But, it can be managed with the help of medications and specialist education. 
• Early intervention services can help in child's improvement. 
• These helps child talk, walk and interact with others. 
• Therefore, it is important to meet and talk to child's doctor as soon as possible.

References:

1. https://www.nhp.gov.in/disease/neurological/autism
2. https://www.nhp.gov.in/world-autism-awareness-day2021_pg#:~:text=World%20Autism%20Awareness%20Day%20(WAAD,raise%20public%20awareness%20of%20autism.
3. https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day
4. https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-awareness-day
5. https://nationaltoday.com/world-autism-awareness-day/

World Haemophilia Day 2021: “Adapting to change - Sustaining care in a new world.”

What is Haemophilia?

Haemophilia is an inherited condition that causes bleeding for a long time after injury or surgery and painful swelling of the joints either after injury or even without injury. 

("Inherited” means that the disease is passed from parents to children through their genes). Haemophilia is the commonest X-linked disorder affecting approximately 1 in 10,000 male births; whereas women act as carriers of haemophilia.

When is it Celebrated?

World Haemophilia Day (WHD) is celebrated on April 17 each year to raise awareness about haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. 

It was started in 1989 by the ‘World Federation of Haemophilia’  in honour of WFH founder Frank Schnabel’s birthday. 

The theme of WHD 2021 is “Adapting to change: Sustaining care in a new world.” 

For "Bringing the global bleeding disorders community together" it provides an opportunity to focus on the importance of sharing knowledge about the disorder and access to care and treatment; so that family, friends, colleagues, and caregivers can work together to provide support to persons living with an inherited bleeding disorder.

What are the types?

Types of haemophilia are

Haemophilia A – It is a more common type of haemophilia. It is due to deficiency of clotting factor VIII (factor eight).   

Haemophilia B- It is less common, only about 20% of people with haemophilia have haemophilia B. There is a deficiency of clotting factor IX (factor nine) in haemophilia B.

What is the cause?

Haemophilia occurs due to a deficiency of clotting factor & this results in increased bleeding.  There are two types of Haemophilia A (clotting factor VIII deficiency), which is more common and occurs in about 1 in 5,000 births. Haemophilia B (factor IX deficiency) is less common and occurs in around 1 in about 20,000 births. 

What happens in haemophilia?

Patients with haemophilia, bleed for a longer time than others after an injury, injections, operations or tooth extractions. 

They may bleed inside (internally), and in the joints - knees, ankles, and elbows. 

This bleeding can damage the joints and internal bleeding (head, abdomen) may be life-threatening.

Haemophilia patients bleed for a very long time after injury and often have delayed bleeding e.g. after a few days after tooth extraction or trauma. 

Patients with severe haemophilia can bleed even without injury-spontaneously, this usually occurs in severe haemophilia patients.

References:

1. https://www.worldhemophiliaday.org/
2. https://nhp.org.in/en/health-programmes/99-world-haemophilia-day
3. https://www.wfh.org/en/events/world-hemophilia-day
4. https://news.wfh.org/world-hemophilia-day-2021-adapting-to-change-sustaining-care-in-a-new-world/
5. https://haemophilia.org.uk/events/world-haemophilia-day/
6. https://haemophilia.org.uk/get-involved/world-haemophilia-day-2021/
7. https://www.hfq.org.au/get-involved/events/world-haemophilia-day
8. https://haemophilia.scot/whd21/

World Health Day 2021: Building a fairer, healthier world for everyone!

What is the need?

“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”

As we all have seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, some people are able to live healthier lives and have better access to health services than others - entirely due to the conditions in which they are born, grow, live, work and age. 

All over the world, some groups struggle to make ends meet with 

little daily income, 

have poorer housing conditions and education, 

fewer employment opportunities, 

experience greater gender inequality, and 

have little or no access to safe environments, clean water, and air, food security and 

health services. 

This leads to unnecessary suffering, avoidable illness, and premature death. And it harms our societies and economies.

That’s why it is needed to ensure that everyone has living and working conditions that are conducive to good health.  

At the same time, we have to monitor health inequities and ensure that all people are able to access quality health services when and where they need them. 

COVID-19 has hit all countries hard, but its impact has been harshest on those communities which were already vulnerable, who are more exposed to the disease, less likely to have access to quality health care services, and more likely to experience adverse consequences as a result of measures implemented to contain the pandemic.

When is it celebrated?

The World Health Day celebrated annually on 7th April and each year it draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world. 

The date of 7 April marks the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948 and since taking effect in 1950. 

This year, On World Health Day, 7 April 2021, we will be joining hands together for a new campaign to "build a fairer, healthier world."

We need leaders to:

Work together: 

Work hand in hand with affected communities and individuals to address the root causes of inequities and to implement solutions – within and beyond the health sector – to address them. 

The impact will be greatest when governments and communities work together, in a coordinated approach.

Collect reliable data: 

Ensure collection and use of timely and reliable health data - disaggregated by gender, age, income, education, migratory status, disability, geographic location, and other characteristics relevant to the national context. 

Only then it is possible to assess inequities across population subgroups and take actions that have an impact. 

Tackle inequities: 

Adopt a whole-of-government approach to tackling the root causes of inequities and increase investment in primary health care. 

This is key to meeting today’s challenges of ensuring Health for All and to building the resilience of tomorrow. 

Act beyond borders: 

Act beyond national borders: For example, only when we can protect, test, and treat the whole global population can we end the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As well as assuring an equitable supply of vaccines, tests, and treatments, we must strengthen national and international mechanisms and build community trust and participation into their delivery and uptake to ensure access for all globally.

References:

1. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2021
2. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day
3. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1
4. https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender#tab=tab_1
5. https://www.who.int/health-topics/universal-health-coverage#tab=tab_1
6. https://www.who.int/health-topics/primary-health-care#tab=tab_1
7. https://www.who.int/health-topics/urban-health
8. https://www.who.int/activities/promoting-health-in-all-policies-and-intersectoral-action-capacities
9. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-rights-and-health
10. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc)
11. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/primary-health-care
12. https://www.who.int/initiatives/sdg3-global-action-plan
13. https://www.who.int/data/gho/health-equity
14. https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB148/B148_R2-en.pdf
15. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/multimedia/infographics/health-equity
16. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news/events/detail/2021/04/07/western-pacific-events/world-health-day-2021

World TB Day 2021: The Clock is Ticking!

What is the need?

TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. 

Each day, nearly 4000 lose their lives to TB and close to 28,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease. 

Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 63 million lives since the year 2000.

India accounts for one-fourth of the global TB burden. In 2015, an estimated 28 lakh cases occurred and 4.8 lakh people died due to TB.  

When is it celebrated?

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is celebrated every year on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. 

The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way towards diagnosing and curing this disease. 

This year the theme of World TB Day 2021 - ‘The Clock is Ticking’ –conveys the sense that the world is running out of time to act on the commitments to end TB made by global leaders. 

This is especially critical in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that has put End TB progress at risk, and to ensure equitable access to prevention and care in line with WHO’s drive towards achieving Universal Health Coverage.

What is TB (Tuberculosis)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs but can also affect other sites (extrapulmonary TB). Tuberculosis is curable and preventable.

How does it spread?

It spreads from person to person through the air, when people who are infected with TB infection cough, sneeze, or otherwise transmit respiratory fluids through the air. It is a disease that can be cured with proper treatment.

What are the symptoms?

Tuberculosis most commonly affects the lungs. Common symptoms of active lung TB   are:

• A persistent cough of more than two weeks that brings up phlegm and blood at times
• Breathlessness, which is usually mild, to begin with, and gradually gets worse
• Lack of appetite and weight loss
• A high temperature of 38ºC (100.4ºF) or above
• Extreme tiredness or fatigue
• Night sweats
• Chest pains
•  Less commonly TB infection  can occur in other organs of the body, as  :

Lymph nodes, bones and joints, digestive system, nervous system, bladder, and reproductive system. This is known as extrapulmonary TB. 

Symptoms of extrapulmonary TB vary according to organ/system affected. Extrapulmonary TB is more common in people with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV.

What are the preventive measures?

The various infection control measures are:

• Early diagnosis, and proper management of TB patients.
• Health education about cough etiquettes and proper disposal of sputum by the patient. 
• Cough etiquette means covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. This can be done with a tissue, or if the person doesn’t have a tissue they can cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve or elbow, but they should not cough or sneeze into their hands. The tissue should then be safely disposed of.
• Houses should be adequately ventilated.
• Proper use of air-borne infection control measures in health care facilities and other settings.
• Contact tracing for search of any active TB case.
• Preventive therapy is recommended to Children < 6 years of age, who are close contacts of a TB patient.
• BCG vaccination- It is provided at birth or as early as possible till one year of age.
• Addressing social determinants of TB like poverty, malnutrition, urbanization, indoor air pollution, etc

The clock is ticking! A World TB Day campaign for action!

On World TB Day, WHO calls on everyone to keep the promise to:

Accelerate the End TB Response to reach the targets.

Diagnose and treat 40 million people with TB by 2022 including 3.5 million children and 1.5 million people with drug-resistant TB. 

This is in line with WHO’s an overall drive towards Universal Health Coverage and the WHO Director General’s flagship initiative “Find. Treat. All. #EndTB” jointly with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership.

References:

1. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-tb-day/world-tb-day-2021#:~:text=The%20theme%20of%20World%20TB,TB%20made%20by%20global%20leaders.
2. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-tb-day
3. https://nhp.org.in/en/health-programmes/2353-world-tb-day
4. https://www.cdc.gov/tb/worldtbday/default.htm
5. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-tb-day
6. https://www.tballiance.org/world-tb-day-2021
7. https://www.nhp.gov.in/disease/respiratory/lungs/tuberculosis
8. https://www.euro.who.int/en/media-centre/events/events/2021/03/world-tb-day-2021-the-clock-is-ticking,-its-time-to-end-tb

World Oral Health Day 2021: Be Proud Of Your Mouth; value and take care of it!

What is the need?

Taking care of the mouth is very important for overall body health because the mouth and body are connected and the mouth is a mirror to the body that reflects the general health and well-being. 

Diseases like tooth decay, gum disease can affect routine things like eating, speaking, smiling, and sleeping. 

Therefore, there is a need for you to take a pledge to look after oral health for an enjoyable healthy life because it is crucial to keeping it functioning correctly for maintaining overall health and quality of life.

What is oral health?

According to WHO, Oral health is a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral sores, birth defects such as cleft lip and palate, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that affect the oral cavity.  

When is it celebrated?

World Oral Health Day is observed every year on 20th March. It focuses on highlighting the benefits of good oral health, spreads awareness about oral diseases, and promotes maintenance of oral hygiene.

The theme of the 2021 World Oral Health Day is "Be Proud Of Your Mouth. In other words, value and take care of it. "

Tips for maintaining good oral health

• Brush your teeth twice a day regularly.
• Brush thoroughly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.  
• Eat fruits that are rich in Vitamin C.
• Eat a healthy diet and avoid snacks in between meals. 
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed
• Rinse your mouth after every meal.
• Floss daily to remove food particles that get stuck in between teeth and to remove plaque. 
• Don’t brush too hard. 
• Over-brushing erodes the enamel and irritates the gums. So, brush your teeth back and forth gently. 
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption as they are the prime causes of oral cancer. 
• Use tongue cleaner every morning to remove tongue plaque and freshen your breath. 
• Avoid food and drinks which contain high sugar content to prevent tooth decay.
• Visit a dentist every 6 months and get an oral health check-up done.
• Avoid excessive intake of refined sugar foods like cakes, cookies, and candies.

It’s never too early or too late to start looking after oral health! 

References:

1. https://nhp.org.in/en/health-programmes/2350-world-oral-health-day
2. https://www.nhp.gov.in/healthlyliving/oral-health
3. https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/campaign-theme-2021-2023
4. https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/resources
5. https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/fact-sheet-protect-your-oral-health-during-covid-19-pandemic
6. https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/advertisement-oral-health-professionals
7. https://www.worldoralhealthday.org/press

No Smoking day 2021: Say NO to Smoking & YES to Life!

What is the need?

Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the worst habits which can be adopted. It is one of the biggest preventable causes of premature death.

The health risks are known to all but still thousands of youth, between 12 to 17 years of age, who start smoking each day. 

Some start it out of curiosity and others might just want to look like grownups.

The effect of smoking starts with coughing and throat irritation accompanied by bad breath and bad-smelling clothes. It also leads to patchy skin and discoloration of teeth.

Over time, more serious conditions may develop, including health problems like heart disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, stroke, and many types of cancer, out of which, oral cancer is quite common.

When is it celebrated?

No Smoking Day is observed every year on the second Wednesday of March, to encourage people over the world to quit smoking. 

No Smoking Day, 2021 is being celebrated on March 10, but you can quit smoking on any day of the year. 

The main purpose of this day is to spread awareness about the harmful health effects of tobacco consumption through cigarettes and other modes. 

The important message is to help smokers to get rid of the bad habit of smoking.

How can we stop?

No matter what your age is or how long you've been smoking, your health benefits will begin as soon as you quit.

In order to quit smoking, firstly you need to be firm that you want to quit smoking. 

Once decided, do not be lured by others. 

It is very hard to quit smoking; after all, nicotine in cigarettes is a powerfully addictive drug. But with the right approach, you can do it. 

You'll need a lot of patience and, yes, willpower to quit this habit. It won’t go in a day and it will gradually improve. 

What is Craving?

This is the urge to consume tobacco that comes and goes. There are people, places, things, and situations that may trigger the urge to consume tobacco. These urges are called Cravings. Craving for tobacco is normal and can sometimes be challenging to handle.

What are Tobacco Use Triggers?

Triggers are situations or things that increase the urge or craving to use tobacco. Everyone who consumes tobacco has tobacco use triggers. Knowing your triggers helps to stay in control. 

At first, you might want to avoid triggers altogether. 

After staying quit for a while, you may be able to find other ways to handle your triggers. 

Here are some common tobacco use triggers:

• Feeling stressed

• Feeling sad

• Talking on the phone

• Drinking alcohol

• Watching TV

• Driving

• Finishing a meal

• Taking a work break

• Seeing someone else smoke or using tobacco

• To cool down after a fight or argument

• Feeling lonely

• Drinking coffee

• A need to relax

How to Manage Craving?

All tobacco use triggers can not be avoided, so it is important to make a plan for how to handle cravings. 

Remember, cravings typically last for a few minutes. 

It might be uncomfortable, but try to wait it out. 

Make a list of things you can do to distract yourself, like:

• Call someone. You don't have to do this alone, lean on the people you trust to distract you.

• Wait 15 minutes. Challenge yourself to read a magazine, listen to music, chant or play your favorite game for 15 minutes. Cravings only last a few minutes!

• Take a walk or jog. If you do not have the time, try some deep breathing. Physical activity, even in short bursts, can help to make you feel energetic and get over a craving.

• Review your reason for quitting. Just having tobacco even once will only increase your craving and make it stronger. Get over the craving by reminding yourself why you want to be tobacco-free.

• Go to a tobacco-free zone. Most public places don't allow smoking. Go to a movie, a park, or any other tobacco-free public place where you're forced not to use tobacco.

• Calculate your savings. Tobacco products are expensive. Add up all the money you're saving and decide what you're going to buy with it.

• Keep your mouth busy.Keep saunf, laung or elaichiin your mouth. Buy chewing gum instead of a tobacco product, or keep hard candy with you. Drinking water also works!

• Do something else. When a craving hits, stop what you're doing immediately and do something else. Simply changing your routine can help you shake off a craving.

• Take deep breaths. Breathe through your craving by inhaling (through your nose) and exhaling (through your mouth). Repeat this 10 times or until you're feeling more relaxed. Yoga or pranayam can help you get over the craving.

Cravings will come and go. A craving lasts only a few days/weeks. Remember, trying something to fight the urge to consume tobacco is always better than not trying anything. Do what works best for you when a craving hits. 

Just don't use tobacco. Not even once!

 References:

1. https://www.nhp.gov.in/no-smoking-day_pg
2. https://www.nhp.gov.in/how-to-manage-craving_mtl
3. https://www.nhp.gov.in/10-easy-ways-to-get-support-to-quit_mtl
4. https://www.nhp.gov.in/media/quit-tobacco
5. https://twitter.com/cdctobaccofree/status/983313576399200257?lang=ca photo credit
6. https://share.upmc.com/2016/04/how-smoking-affects-lungs/ photo credit

World Glaucoma Week 2021: The world is bright, save your sight!

What is the need?

It is estimated that around 80 million people have glaucoma worldwide. 

• Approximately 50% of the individuals with glaucoma are unaware that they have the disease, and this number may be even higher in underdeveloped countries.
• Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world accounting for up to 8% of total blindness ( 4.5 million people). 
• In India, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness with at least 12 million people affected and nearly 1.2 million people blind from the disease. 
• More than 90 percent of cases of glaucoma remain undiagnosed in the community. 
• Glaucoma prevalence also increases with age.  
• It is reported that while anyone has about 2.3% lifetime risk of glaucoma, first-degree relatives (FDRs) of glaucoma patients have a ten-fold increase in the risk of glaucoma.

So, making people aware of the need, for glaucoma investigations including examination of the optic nerve may save blindness in a large number of people.

When is it celebrated?

World Glaucoma Week will be celebrated from 7 to 13 March, 2021 as a global joint initiative between the World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Committee (WGPC) to raise awareness on glaucoma.

• The goal of this week is to alert everyone to have regular eye (and optic nerve) check-ups to detect glaucoma as early as possible.
• The overarching goal of this campaign is for everyone to know about the disease called ‘glaucoma’ and encourage the general public to go and get tested.
• The theme for WGW 2021 IS 'The World is Bright, Save your Sight!' reflects the hope that with regular testing, people continue to see the world around us: full of beauty, charm, and adventure. 

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of the optic nerve that produces characteristic visual field damage. Glaucoma is the second cause of blindness, and importantly: it is irreversible.

• This is because, in its early stages, glaucoma is asymptomatic. If untreated, glaucoma may progress to blindness.
• Though raised pressure of the eye (pressure maintained by fluid in the eye) is an important risk factor, a few individuals can develop glaucoma even with the normal pressure of the eye.

Periodic testing allows the early diagnosis to prevent visual disability.

Risk Factors:

• Having high internal eye pressure (intraocular pressure).
• Age above 60.
• Family History. 
• Having certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and sickle cell anaemia.
• Having certain eye conditions, such as myopia.
• Had certain types of eye surgery.
• Taking corticosteroid medications, especially eyedrops, for a long time.

Preventive measures:

Regular eye care: 

• Regular comprehensive eye examinations are recommended once every 2/3 years after the age of 40 and every year after the age of 60. 
• Individuals with risk factors for glaucoma may need more frequent screening examinations.

Treatment:

• Once diagnosed with Glaucoma, treatment is required lifelong and anti-glaucoma eye drops have to be instilled regularly as prescribed even if the patient has no symptoms.

Control of systemic diseases:

• Hypertension and diabetes need to be well controlled as inadequate control of these conditions is a risk factor for the progression of glaucoma. 

Develop a healthy lifestyle:

• A healthy diet and healthy lifestyle can help to prevent and control systemic illnesses, thereby decrease the risk of glaucoma progression. 
• Taking a diet rich in salads / green vegetables, aerobic exercise, deep breathing, and relaxation, stopping cigarette smoking, meditation, etc. can help to reduce the stress associated with the disease and also may reduce IOP.
• Any Yoga asana with head down posture (shirshasana) should not be performed as it can increase the IOP.

Protective eyewear:

• Both blunt and penetrating trauma to the eye are known risk factors for glaucoma. 
• Individuals at risk of injury to the eye like those using power tools and those playing high-speed sports must use protective eyewear to prevent injury to the eye.

Check use of steroids:

• Eye drops containing steroids should be avoided or used for a short period with regular IOP checks to prevent the development of glaucoma.
• With regular treatment and follow-up, most patients can preserve a good quality of vision throughout their lifetime.

References:

1. https://www.worldglaucomaweek.org/
2. https://wga.one/wga/world-glaucoma-week/#:~:text=March%207%2D13%2C%202021,to%20raise%20awareness%20on%20glaucoma.
3. https://www.nhp.gov.in/world-glaucoma-week_pg#:~:text=World%20Glaucoma%20Week%20will%20be,up%2C%20including%20optic%20nerve%20examination.
4. https://www.eyedoctors.ie/campaigns/glaucomaweek/
5. https://www.glaucoma.org/news/world-glaucoma-week.php
6. https://www.nhp.gov.in/glaucoma-week-2020_pg

Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day 2021

What is the need?

Sexual health is a broad area that encompasses many inter-related challenges and problems. 

• Key issues and concerns are human rights related to sexual health, sexual pleasure, eroticism and sexual satisfaction, diseases (HIV/AIDS, STIs, RTIs), violence, female genital mutilation, sexual dysfunction, and mental health-related to sexual health. 
• Sexually transmitted infections continue to be one of the major public health concerns. 
• Health awareness events create publicity for health issues and aim to improve the condition and help save lives, sometimes these events encourage preventative action against conditions becoming more serious.

When is it celebrated?

Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day is held every year on February 12 & This year SRH Week is from February 8-14 with the theme: Youth-friendly care: it’s your right. 

• It is an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues and to educate people to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
• Every young person deserves to have their sexual health taken seriously. 
• Youth-friendly sexual health care centers see access to sexual and reproductive health as a right. It means having open, non-judgmental, trauma-informed, and sex-positive conversations about sex, sexuality, and sexual health.
• Every young people should feel empowered, comfortable, and supported when they visit a healthcare provider.

Important SRH issues:

Puberty: 

• Adolescence is an appropriate time to build healthy habits and lifestyles relating to SRH, as it is the transition from childhood to adulthood and is associated with physical and psychological changes. 
• They are also vulnerable to human rights abuses, in the areas of sexuality, marriage and childbearing. Health services should be adolescent-friendly.

Access to modern contraception: 

• Women and young girls must-have information and access to services that can help them to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
• Contraceptives prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the number of abortions, and lower the incidence of death and disability related to complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

Pregnancy and unsafe abortion: 

When girls and women do not have access to quality services and information they are at risk of unintended pregnancy.

Almost half of all pregnancies are unintended and approximately half of unwanted pregnancies end in abortion. 

If abortion is unsafe it can put women’s and girls’ lives and well-being at risk. 

Unsafe abortion can be prevented through:

• Comprehensive sexuality education

• Access to affordable contraception

• Safe abortion care

• Information relating to sexual activity- ICTs and social media have enormous information on sexuality and relationships, however, these technologies can also provide access to inaccurate and inappropriate information.

• Cyberbullying- Cyber harassment can lead to disorders.

• Sexting- The private exchange of self-produced sexual images via cell phone or the Internet is new high-risk behaviour among youth, which should be addressed in SRH.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS: 

• STIs and HIV/AIDs have a profound impact on an individual’s and couple’s sexual and reproductive health and well-being. 
• It is therefore imperative that all people have access to sexual and reproductive information, education and communication to prevent STIs and HIV.

Gender-based violence: 

Violence is a violation of a person’s rights and also puts women, girls, and already vulnerable populations at heightened risk of HIV infection and unintended pregnancy, among other health and social issues.

Influence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on sexual behaviour:

Poor mental/emotional health: 

Emotional and mental health problems are also associated with increased rates of unsafe sex, sexually transmitted diseases, and early sexual experiences.

Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs abuse: 

A high prevalence of risky sexual behavior is reported in association with substance misuse, as alcohol and drug consumption may impair decision-making.

Interventions related to SRH

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has launched several programmes under the umbrella of RMNCH+A to provide health services for sexual and reproductive health.

Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram:

Launched in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a health program for adolescents in the age group of 10-19 years, to provide preventive, promotive, curative, and counseling services with routine check-ups at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh:

National Population Stabilisation Fund or Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh (JSK) is an autonomous society of the Ministry. 

• It has a toll-free helpline 1800-11-6555 for replying queries on reproductive health, family planning and infant health.
• This helpline operates daily from 9am to 11pm. 
• A team of health executives and doctors answer questions about sexual health concerns, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, pregnancy, infertility, abortions, menopause, and puberty and can explain the functioning of the reproductive systems of males and females.

School-based sexuality education programs: 

These are most effective for creating positive effects, including increasing knowledge about different aspects of sexuality, behaviors, and risks of pregnancy or HIV and other STIs.

• To maintain one’s sexual and reproductive health, people need access to accurate information and the safe, effective, affordable, and acceptable contraception method of their choice. 
• They must be informed and empowered to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections, HIV/ AIDS, unintended pregnancies, and unsafe abortions.

Reference:

1. https://www.nhp.gov.in/sexual-and-reproductive-health-awareness-day_pg
2. https://www.nhp.gov.in/about-sexual-and-reproductive-health-awareness-day_pg
3. https://www.actioncanadashr.org/srhweek
4. https://twitter.com/mohfw_india/status/962941841237721089?lang=sv photo credit
5. https://shrikhandeivf.com/blog/sexual-and-reproductive-health-awareness-day/ photo credit