The day after devastation

THIS refers to the article "The day after devastation" by Sharad K. Soni (November 14). Whenever a natural calamity like the cyclone in Orissa occurs, a total lack of preparedness is observed. Our governments, both at the Centre as well as the concerned states, should be fully prepared to meet such contingencies. The government should provide timely warning of the risk potential to the people and put emergency systems in place to deal with a natural calamity.

Authorities at all levels must attain a high degree of capability to formulate and implement a sound disaster management plan. Tragedies which followed the cyclones in Orissa (1999) and Gujarat (1998) could have been averted had the people been warned in advance.

It is a pity to note that though several studies are being conducted on minimising the severity of natural disaster, what is lacking is an administrative and potential will to implement them.

ONKAR CHOPRA
Delhi

You and your back

Mohinder Singh’s write-up "Let your back not hold you back" (November 14), contained valuable suggestions for keeping one’s back in shape. To strengthen our back we must be careful to adopt the correct posture while sitting, standing and walking. You should stand with your chin out, body relaxed and neck pulled upward. The knees should be slightly bent with your body weight evenly distributed and your shoulders and hips in line. While walking, avoid sudden jerky movements or sideways tilt. And while sitting, the neck should be in the same position as it is while standing. While reading or working, avoid sitting in the same posture for long periods of time. Try to get up and walk around. While lifting and bending, try to involve the back as little as possible. Bend down from the knees, keeping your back straight, rather than bending the back to lift something.

VIJAY SHEEL JAIN
Ludhiana

II

Most backaches could be avoided by following a few simple rules: Bend your knees, when you wish to pick something heavy, but keep the back straight. A person who is not accustomed to heavy lifting should not try to carry too much at a time.

Exercise regularly. Taking a moderate amount of exercise regularly will do more good than strenuous exercise on rare occasions.

Change your position frequently and avoid sitting in a cramped position.

If you have back trouble, do not worry. With proper treatment, your back will soon be better. Careful bending from side to side and also rotating the upper part of the body, while holding the lower part steady will help to strengthen the back and keep the muscles strong and vigorous. At the same time, it will restore tone to all ligaments, tendons and joints.

ANUP KUMAR
Delhi

When drugs fail

This refers to "When wonder drugs fail" by Radhakrishna Rao (November 7). The indiscriminate and frequent use of antibiotics causes resistance to these. Of late , many kinds of bacteria have developed a defense mechanism against antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents.

While the pharmaceutical industry has to develop new drugs, medical practices need to be revised. Most aliments require only bed rest and a little of some analgesic medicine. But doctors are forced to prescribe antibiotics and steroids, lest the patients think them to be incompetent.

CHAMAN LAL KORPAL
Amritsar

Wish-fulfilling tree

This refers to Taru Bahl’s write-up, "The wish-fulfilling tree" (November 7). Actual Dharma is renouncing evil impulses like jealousy, enmity and vindictiveness. A person should constantly contribute to the happiness of those he comes into contact with in his everyday life. Maxim Gorky has rightly remarked: "We are taught to fly in air like birds, and to swim in water like fish, but how to live on earth we don’t know". Perhaps the performance of one’s Dharma is the only way to a happy and prosperous living.

VIVEK SINGH MAR GIRAN
Kurukshetra