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The Aartery Chronicles - Malaria Vaccine

WHO’s Call for Widespread Use of the Malaria Vaccine

Reading Time: 4 minutes WHO’s Call for Widespread Use of the Malaria Vaccine Malaria is a serious disease that is caused due to parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The parasites get transmitted by the bite of a female-infected mosquito. The disease is primarily seen in tropical and sub-tropical areas where the climate is favourable for the breeding of vectors that transmit parasites. Malaria is treatable and preventable. Out of five Plasmodium parasites, P. falciparum is believed to be the deadliest and it is mostly prevalent in African countries. The unicellular protozoan parasites of malaria that belong to the genus Plasmodium have five types: falciparum malariae vivax ovale knowles  P.vivax and P. ovale may cause less severe forms of malaria, but they can still pose dangers. P. malariae and P. knowlesi are also malaria parasites, with P. knowlesi primarily infecting macaques but occasionally affecting humans, potentially causing severe disease. Incubation Period: After an infective bite of an Anopheles mosquito, the incubation period usually varies depending on the species of Plasmodium.  Typically, malaria symptoms appear within an incubation period of about 7 to 30 days. Most of the time shorter incubation periods are noticed with P. falciparum while longer incubation periods are more common with P. malariae. This variation in the incubation period is one of the factors that make diagnosing and treating malaria challenging. Symptoms of Malaria: People suffering from malaria may experience cycles of malarial ‘attacks’. These attacks begin with chills and shivering, leading to high fever and sweating. Severe symptoms are more likely to occur in newborns, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travellers, and those with HIV or AIDS. Some of the common symptoms of malaria: Fatigue Fever & chills Headache Cough Rapid breathing Abdominal pain Diarrhea Muscle and joint pain Sweats Anti malaria campaign in Qatiff [wikimedia commons] WHO Endorses Widespread Use of RTS, S/AS01 Malaria Vaccine in Malaria-Prone Regions The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates the extensive adoption of the RTS, S/AS01 (RTS, S) malaria vaccine for the prevention of malaria in children. The vaccination is advised for children living in areas with high transmission rates of P. falciparum malaria. RTS, S/AS01 is known to be the most successful vaccine so far. It was discovered that the vaccine can prevent disease in young children by up to 80%. WHO recommends the provision of vaccines to children from 5 months of age in a schedule of 4 doses to reduce the burden and malaria disease. Malaria is a prominent cause of death and childhood illness in African countries. Around 260,000 children in Africa under the age of five lose their lives to malaria annually. Reportedly, WHO has been accounting for the stagnation in the progression of malaria. The WHO Director Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has signified this as a historic moment and said that “The long-awaited vaccine for malaria is a scientific breakthrough for child health and control of malaria” The data and generated insights from the two years of vaccination have revealed key findings of the vaccine: Feasible delivery: With good and equitable coverage of RTS, S shown through routine vaccination systems, the introduction of vaccines is feasible. Safety: The vaccine was found to have a favourable safety profile and has reached more than two-thirds of children in three countries. Cost-effectivity and high impact: In areas with moderate to high malaria transmission, the vaccine is estimated to be cost-effective and there has been a significant reduction in deadly severe malaria. The R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine, a collaborative creation of the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India, utilizing Novavax’s adjuvant technology, has received the World Health Organization’s (WHO) endorsement following adherence to the necessary safety, quality, and efficacy criteria. Author: Ms Sanika Pande Health Updates Medicine An Analysis of Abortion Laws in the United States Celebrating National Doctor's Day: Prioritizing Regular Health Checkups for a Happier & Healthier Life National Doctor's Day Trauma on the Tracks: High Time to Address PTSD in India Mitigating Health Risks in the Aftermath of Floods: A Clinical Perspective Monsoon Woes: Rise in Eye Flu cases all over India

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Zestful Zumba – Dancing Your Way To Indian-Inspired Fitness

Reading Time: 5 minutes Zestful Zumba – Dancing Your Way To Indian-Inspired Fitness Remember Aerobics? Where do we exercise to music? Well, Zumba is similar –  a fusion of physical exercise and dance to Latino music. It is very energetic and involves simple dance steps and exercises, which anyone at any age can do. Be it your 50-year-old Mother or your 8-year-old child. Zumba has its origins in Columbia which can be traced to the 1990’s. It all began when a Fitness instructor Alberto “Beto” Perez, forgot his Aerobics music tapes at home. He got the idea to use his personal playlist, consisting of Latino tracks, and take the class with this improvisation, and the rest is history. Zumba became very popular and a customized fitness class based on Latino music was developed. He, along with two other Alberto-s – Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, created this style of fitness and fun. Alberto Perez, Choreographer and creator of Zumba. [wikimedia commons] Zumba in India: Pioneering the Fitness Revolution Today Zumba is very popular and has a very wide reach worldwide. It was the vision of Ms.Sucheta Pal, who introduced India to Zumba in 2021, after facing many hardships both personally and professionally. She is an accredited Zumba trainer, and seeing her work, many Indian women have received training and become Zumba instructors in India.   My experience with Zumba happened at a family get-together in a sanatorium in Lonavala. People visiting there have to organize some activity in which all the visitors can participate. So my cousins organized a Zumba session and all of us had a great time doing Zumba (which was a mix of exercises and dance moves) to the music. Believe me, in that session each and every part of your body is involved. All in all it’s a fun activity to stay fit and healthy. Benefits of Zumba: Dance Your Way to Better Health Zumba consists of a full body workout in a fun manner so that you enjoy yourself plus you have the benefit of staying fit. These workouts are beneficial in the following manner: Promotes weight loss as you are burning more calories Your muscles get toned and blood circulation reaches all parts of your body. Improves co-ordination of the body Promotes de-stressing and is enjoyable Improves cardiovascular health Elevates your mood Makes you feel good about yourself – an increase in self-worth Hones your reflexes Makes you move to the rhythm of the music – increasing alertness Appropriate for all age groups Builds up the endurance of the body Best morning workout to get the oxygen flowing in your body Improves blood pressure levels Socially rewarding as you get to meet people from all walks of life in your class Adaptable as per your individual requirements Improves body balance A good way to learn dance Such benefits make it worth the while.  So you can ignore those aching body parts and continue Zumba, after all as they say “No pain, no gain”.     Zumba: More Than Just Dance – A Path to Personal Growth Zumba aims to exercise your body in a fun way, enjoy it and feel good about yourself. It is a way to build up your stamina and also mental wellness. I mean, who can beat such a cool combination? These are the small ways in which we can develop ourselves personally. A step towards our ultimate goal in life – to be a better human being to do our bit for Society, and to co-exist peacefully with fellow humans.     The World of Zumba: Personalized Fitness, New Friendships, and a Dream Career There are various Zumba teaching classes and instructors are taught how to personalize their sessions according to their students. The sessions are designed keeping in mind the weight, medical condition and medical history of each student. The instructors are trained as to which exercises are to be done and which are to be avoided in case some student has some underlying health condition. This is really a good way to have personalised steps which do not harm your body and also a good way to work on those parts of your body that need exercise the most.   Zumba, being a group activity, increases your interaction with the group members and you can form lifelong friendships. You can hang out together and help each other. It’s a good way for introverts to lessen their fear of meeting new people. You get to hear of their life experiences and learn more about life. You can analyse your life and learn how to oversee some of your actions and how you can improve your life.  Becoming a Zumba instructor means you get paid for doing something you love, Now, this is the best deal! Just imagine !! It is a fact that people have given up their mundane high-paying jobs, and turned professional Zumba instructors and are not regretting this at all. As they say, everyone has some or other hidden talent inside them, just takes the right time for it to appear. And when it does, grab it with both hands and give it your best! Conclusion: Zumba provides a dynamic path to fitness and personal growth. It’s not just about breaking a sweat but also breaking barriers and making new connections. The personalized approach ensures a safe and enjoyable workout for everyone. So, why not let the rhythm move you, and perhaps, you too can turn your passion into a fulfilling career? Zumba isn’t just a dance; it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a journey to becoming a better version of yourself. Join the Zumba revolution and let the music guide you to a healthier, happier, and more harmonious life. Author: Ms Rupal Sonpal Editorial The Medical Perspective: Helmets as a Lifesaving Measure for Head Injury Prevention 8 Commonly Asked Questions When Visiting a Psychiatrist​ Understanding the Body Language of an Interviewer An Analysis of Abortion Laws in the United States Celebrating National Doctor's Day: Prioritizing Regular Health Checkups for

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Journey To The Source: Exploring The Origins Of Ayurveda

Reading Time: 4 minutes Journey To The Source: Exploring The Origins Of Ayurveda Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word, where “Ayur” signifies Life, and “Veda” signifies Sciences. This medicine system has its roots in ancient India and originated about 3000 to 5000 years ago, prevailing to the present day. With a Rich history and traditional heritage, Ayurveda is often admired and esteemed for its holistic approach to health and well-being. Just imagine how they managed to find cures for all ailments without the help of modern Science! According to Hindu mythology, the origins of Ayurveda can be traced back to the Creator of the Universe- Lord Brahma, who passed on the knowledge to Dhanvantari, the physician of the Gods. Another legend suggests that Lord Brahma shared holistic healing knowledge with sages, who passed it down through generations, eventually reaching the common people through oral narratives and writings. Yet another legend claims that Lord Brahma transmitted this holistic wisdom to Lord Indra, who then passed it to Atreya, the author of the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda. Agnivesa compiled this Vedic knowledge, and Charaka further refined it. This compilation is known as the Charaka Samhita, encompassing all aspects of Ayurvedic medicine. The founder of Ayurveda is Charaka also called Charaka Muni, an ancient scholar and physician who contributed notably to the Ayurveda field of medicine. His work, the Charaka Samhita, continues to be a vital reference for holistic medicine practitioners and has been translated into Tibetan, Greek, Chinese, Arabic, and Persian. Ancient Wisdom Scripted in the Vedas The Vedas, the earliest written scriptures in the Sanskrit language, contain profound knowledge. The Atharva Veda, in particular, imparts wisdom about the healthy lifestyle we ought to follow. Ayurveda, often referred to as the 5th Veda has its roots in these ancient texts. Within these historical scriptures, the teachings concerning the healing properties of various herbs and medicinal plants are conveyed through poetic verses known as “Shlokas.” Recognition of Ayurveda on Global Platform In fact, Nepal has embraced Ayurveda and issued a National Policy on Ayurveda and it is widely practised there. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized it as a traditional medicine system, acknowledging its significance alongside other conventional medical systems from different countries. This recognition highlights Ayurveda’s importance in the global healthcare landscape. Principles of Ayurveda The Core Elements: According to Ayurveda, the body has four basics : Dosha, Dhatu, Mala and Agni aka “Mool Siddhant” which form the  basic fundamentals of Ayurvedic treatment. 6 Pillars of Ayurveda: There are six pillars of Ayurveda i.e. right food, right exercise, right sleep, breathing & stress management, cleansing and self-awareness/self-reflectionIn essence, these principles are precisely what the doctor prescribes! Dietitians and physicians recommend this lifestyle to ensure our lives remain healthy and free from diseases. The regulatory principles of Ayurveda are “Vata” (wind), “Pitta” (bile) and “Kapha” (phlegm) aka “Tridoshas” which correspond to the three elements in the Universe : air, fire and water.   “Vata” – maintains the activities of the cells in our body, electrolyte balance, and eliminates waste products. “Pitta” – regulates body temperature, co-ordinates optic nerves, manages hunger and thirst “Kapha” – lubricates our joins for easy body movement Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of maintaining a perfect balance of these three doshas to prevent illness and promote overall well-being. However, it’s essential to note that Ayurvedic principles and practices are based on a holistic approach to health, and individualized recommendations may vary based on a person’s constitution (Prakriti) and current state of health (Vikriti). Ayurvedic medicines are renowned for their lack of side effects, as they are crafted from natural herbs, medicinal plants, and sometimes incorporate the essence of fruits, spices, animal extracts, and minerals. These remedies are complemented by adopting a wholesome diet, a balanced lifestyle, and regular exercise. Notably, Baba Ramdev, a Yoga guru, and his partner Acharya Balkrishna established Patanjali Ayurved in Haridwar, a company specializing in Ayurvedic medicines and food products. In an episode of The Kapil Sharma Show, Kapil Sharma shared that actor Akshay Kumar follows a practice of chewing each bite of his food around 40 to 42 times. This aligns with the golden rule of Ayurveda, where chewing each bite 32 times is recommended for better food absorption and easier digestion Kerala: The Ayurvedic Paradise Kerala, a state in Southern India, renowned for its geographical location and beauty and wide array of natural herbs/plants, is considered the Paradise of Ayurveda. It is said that a physician from Sindh province visited Kerala in search of natural herbs and trees, and since they were found in abundance, thence began the association of Kerala and Ayurveda. While Kerala is a prominent hub for Ayurveda, Ayurvedic practices and treatments are used in various states across India, and it’s also recognized as an alternative or complementary system of medicine in many parts of the country. There are many Ayurvedic centres/spas here, where people come to rejuvenate and enjoy Ayurvedic therapy. There are also the largest number of Ayurveda colleges and practitioners in Kerala, as compared to the rest of India or the world Conclusion: Our country has so much richness in terms of culture and medicine. We should acknowledge this and ensure that this heritage is preserved for the coming generations, so that they can also reap its benefits, like us.    To conclude with an Ayurvedic proverb “ When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use, when diet is correct, medicine is of no need”. Ms Rupal Sonpal

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