The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

HEALTH

BODY & MIND
Cadaver organ donation: A moral dilemma?
Tripti Nath

The Human Organ Procurement and Education (HOPE) Trust, has arranged for screening of an Iranian film (with English subtitles) on cadaver organ donation, at 7 pm at India Habitat Centre here on September 12.

The screening of the film is well timed as two Indian doctors based in the UK are facing charges of offering to arrange for cheap human organs from live Indian donors. The 100-minute film ‘To be or not to be’ has been directed by Kianoosh Ayari.

The two-year Trust has screened the film earlier at India International Centre on August 11 with the help of Iran Culture House. The film tells the story of a girl in need of a heart transplant, the role of the doctors and her family members in persuading the brain dead person’s family to give consent for cadaver donation, their apprehensions and fears and the role of a relative who promises to influence the decision of the potential donor’s family in exchange for money.

For good health

Inspired perhaps by the success of her first book ‘Natural Remedies’, Delhi-based journalist, Manisha Jain, has authored `Plants for Good Health’ (Rupa and Co).

The 55-page book serves to educate the reader about the nutritive value and medicinal properties of 26 vegetables and fruits including carrot, radish, tomato, papaya, orange, bel, trifla, shikakai, reetha, cucumber, bitter gourd, fenugreek, grapes, pomengranate, apple, fig and khas-khas. While the paperback is priced at Rs 95, the hardbound edition is priced at Rs 150.

The author recommends cucumber to “soothe a queasy stomach or even calm a raging temper” and to prevent ageing and smoothen wrinkles.

Few persons would know that radish is a good stress-buster and cures insomnia or that tomato soup aids digestion and clears the stomach of impurities. Again, it is a lesser-known fact that spinach water is used to rinse hair to give it shine and extra bounce.

According to the book, ‘Bel’ referred to as the ‘Maharaj of Fruits; in the Shastras, quickens the reflexes and make one alert. It improves eyesight and increases concentration. Apart from Bitter Gourd (Karela) which is a magic vegetable for patients of diabetes, Methi seeds are known to cure diabetes. While apple is good for the nails and hair, watermelon cures irritability, restlessness and insomnia.

Dates cure constipation and nervous disorders and black plum (jamuns) are very good for lowering cholesterol and diabetes. Figs are a good cure for anaemia, hyperacidity, ulcers and worm infections.

The book motivates the reader to include the right kind of food in their diet for good health and young appearance.

According to the author, “The book describes plants which are easy to access. At the outset, one might think that the book is just about cucumber and tomato and that everybody knows that greens are good for health. If you see the book carefully, you will find that the nutritive and medicinal value of each plant has been mentioned in a concise and easy-to-understand manner. With each plant, a few recipes have been given which take just a few minutes preparation.

The book also combines remedies along with beauty treatment for sallow skin, falling hair, dark circles under the eyes.’’

Engaged in research on alternative systems of medicine, Manisha is planning to write a book on Yoga.

Fighting stress

Dr Samir Parikh, Consultant Psychiatrist with Pentamed Hospital and Max Healthcare medcentre, Pitampura, has formulated ten commandments of stress management.

According to Dr Parikh, it is important to anticipate likely stress and prepare to handle it. He recommends the company of friends and relatives as they contribute to emotional well-being. Dr Parikh is of the view that communication is one of the most important aspects of managing personal and professional life. He suggests that it is essential to know your thoughts, as it would help in setting realistic targets.

Emphasising the need for proper lifestyle, the psychiatrist says that fitness and good health are imperative for effective stress management. He says that if a person is not able to handle stress, he should seek the help of a mental health professional. It is essential to maintain the strength and stamina needed to meet daily challenges. In order to do this one should eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, use relaxation techniques, get regular hours of sleep and have some time for leisure.

The other commandments are `acceptance and confrontation’, `avoiding drugs and alcohol’, `adopting the right attitude’ and `problem solving attitude’.

Health education

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has identified three health issues for perusal in the coming year. According to the IMA National President, Dr S. Arul Raj, the IMA recommends the ban on Gutka and Pan Masalas to prevent tobacco-related diseases. Consumption of Gutka and Pan Masala caused cancer right from the mouth to the urinary tract besides increasing heart attacks and lung diseases.

The Association has prepared a diamond jubilee project to create a network to save lives of road accident victims in first golden hour. Apart from this, the IMA plans to start Health education channel on television to create awareness about chronic and lifestyle diseases.

The IMA has also suggested that the government issue a family health card, which would be renewed every five years. It has also recommended national health issuance for those who cannot afford treatment. The IMA is of the opinion that the National Health Policy should declare Health as a fundamental right of every citizen. It is in favour of redefining the healthcare delivery system of India. IMA plans to present to the government documents on national guidelines for infectious and lifestyle diseases.

Cough syrup

Boots Piramel Healthcare Ltd. (BPHL) has launched Strepsils cough syrup.

The company claims that the new Strepsils cough fighter is a unique herbal preparation enriched with Tulsi, Vasaka and Uashtimadhu. Strepsils cough fighter is priced at Rs 28 and is available at all chemist shops throughout the country.

Natural brown sugar

After the launch of sulphurless sugar, Dhampur Sugar Mills has launched Demerara natural brown sugar. The mill claims that Demerara Sugar consists of vital nutrients and is made naturally without adding any colour or artificial additive.

It is low in calorie and is free from harmful chemicals as phosphoric acid, formic acid, sulphur dioxide, preservatives, flocculents, surfactants, bleaching agents or any other modifiers.

It’s rich flavour brings out the aroma of coffee beans and also melts five times faster than normal sugar. A pack of Demerara comes with 50 sachets and is available at all retail outlets in Delhi and NCR.

SPORTS

Special Olympics Torch begins journey
Our Correspondent

New Delhi, September 7
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today lit the Special Olympics Torch, marking the opening of the Special Olympics National Games 2002. At an event marked by gaiety and enthusiasm, the torch was handed over to the special athletes.

The torch will reach Pondicherry for the inauguration of the games on September 11 and would pass through Raipur and Bhopal. Lit at Raj Ghat, it marks the beginning of the longest Special Olympics Torch Run in the 35-year history of Special Olympics International.

Speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Arvind Popli, CEO and Executive Director of the India Programme, said, “National Games 2002 will see the participation of 2,500 athletes who have gone through intensive training and put in exemplary effort. Our task is to go beyond this number and take this to all the special people. These games are a source of inspiration and motivation for others to try and achieve the same level.”

The nationwide annual sports event for the mentally challenged individuals will be held across seven cities in the country beginning on September 11 and will continue till October 26. Being hosted at Pondicherry, Chennai, Kochi, Bangalore, Ahemedabad and Chandigarh, the games will see participation in 11 sports, including aquatics, athletics and cycling, apart from cricket, basketball, bowling, football, tennis and volleyball.

Special Olympics training and competitive events are provided free of cost to all mentally challenged people who are at least eight years old. While revealing the organisation’s plan, Air Marshal (Retd) Denzil Keelor, Chairman of Special Olympics, said that Olympics Bharat is currently working in 21 Indian states. He added, “our final objective is to extend this programme to all the mentally challenged people in the country.”

All Special Olympics activities – at the local, state, national and international levels - reflect the values, standards, ceremonies and events of the Olympic movement.

Special Olympics Bharat, the national accredited programme of Special Olympics International, offers mentally challenged children and adults a year-round training and competition in 11 sports. In India, the programme has so far drawn 1,500 coaches to work with over 21,000 athletes across 21 states. Special Olympics Bharat is headquartered in New Delhi and provides administrative and operational support to the accredited sub-programmes in each of the states in the country.

Chock-full of cricket action in Haryana
A. Gulati

Rohtak, September 7
This city, known as ‘political capital’ of Haryana, is set to be converted into the ‘cricket capital’ of the state this winter. While finalising venues of this year’s domestic cricket fixtures, Haryana Cricket Association (HCA) has ensured an action packed season for the cricket enthusiasts of this district.

Briefing the NCR Tribune about venues of 28 cricket matches of different recognised tournaments to be hosted by Haryana, HCA secretary Ranbir Singh Mahendra disclosed that District Cricket Association (DCA), Rohtak, will host a dozen cricket matches. These include five matches of Ranji Trophy One-day tourney and one Ranji Trophy (four-day) tie. He also described that the DCA Gurgaon, will host 9 matches and DCA, Faridabad, will organise six matches whereas one match has been allotted to DCA Panchkula.

According to Mahendra, Haryana will start it’s campaign in Ranji one-dayers on December 4, by playing against Jammu and Kashmir at Rohtak. As Haryana is hosting the entire North Zone One-day Ranji Trophy tourney this season, Punjab vs. Himachal and Services vs. Delhi tie will be held simultaneously at Faridabad and Gurgaon respectively. The HCA Secretary also clarified that DCA Gurgaon will host it’s matches at two grounds namely Nehru Stadium and TERI Oval whereas Nahar Singh Stadium will be the ground at Faridabad. At Rohtak, all Ranji Trophy matches will be held at Maharaja Aggarsain Stadium at Vaish College Complex. This stadium will stage the important ties to be played between Haryana and Delhi as well as Haryana and Punjab, which are known for their stiff competitiveness in the North Zone.

Following is the district-wise and tourney-wise allocation of cricket matches to be held in Haryana this season:

Matches to be held at Rohtak:

Ranji Trophy One-day tourney: Haryana vs. Jammu and Kashmir (Dec.4), Delhi vs. Haryana (Dec.6), Delhi vs. Himachal (Dec.8), Haryana vs. Himachal (Dec.10) and Haryana vs. Punjab (Dec.12).

Ranji Trophy (four-day game): Haryana vs. Madhya Pradesh (November 9 to 12).

Polly Umrigar Trophy (under-15): Haryana vs. Jammu and Kashmir (Oct. 17 to 19)

Cooch Behar Trophy (U-19): Haryana vs. Delhi (October 12 to 14), Haryana vs. Punjab (October 22 to 24), Haryana vs. Himachal Pradesh (October 27 to 29)

BCCI’s Under-25 tourney: Haryana vs. Himachal (January 11 to 13), Haryana vs. Jammu and Kashmir (January 16 to 18).

Matches to be held at Gurgaon:

Ranji Trophy One-day tourney: Services vs. Delhi (Dec.4), Punjab vs. Services (Dec.6), Punjab vs. Jammu and Kashmir (Dec.8), Punjab vs. Delhi ( Dec 10), Himachal vs. Services (Dec.12).

Ranji Trophy (four-day game): Haryana vs. Bihar (Dec. 19 to 22). Polly Umrigar Trophy : Punjab vs. Haryana (Oct.22 to 24).

Vijay Merchant Trophy: Haryana vs. J&K (Nov.27 to 29) and Haryana vs. Punjab (Dec 2 to 4).

Matches to be held at Fardiabad:

Ranji Trophy one day tourney: Punjab vs. Himachal Pradesh (Dec 4), Himachal Pradesh vs. J&K (Dec 6), Haryana vs. Services (Dec 8), Services vs. J&K (Dec 10), Delhi vs. J&K (Dec 12)

Ranji Trophy (four-day game): Haryana vs. Karnataka (Dec. 28 to 31) Panchkula will host the Haryana versus Maharashtra Ranji Trophy four-day tie on November 27 to 30.

Administration begins to enforce ban on pigs
Ravi S. Singh
Tribune News Service

Gurgaon, September 7
The local administration has come down hard on the pig owners who have not kept their livestock under leash as per the prohibitory orders issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Anurag Rastogi.

The local municipality has gone into high gear since September 1 and, so far, nabbed more than 200 pigs found straying on the streets. The pigs have then been let off in different areas, including in the remote areas of the national Capital, according to official sources in the municipality.

In the past seven days, the municipal employees have been visible in some of the areas like Krishna colony, Old DlF colony, Patel Nagar, Hira Nagar, Bhim Nagar, Bhim Nagar Kedi and Rajendera Park as part of the drive against stray pigs.

The Deputy Commissioner had invoked the emergency power of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in the city and its nearby areas, about a couple of months back, directing the individual owners and the institutions patronising pigs to keep their animals within the confines of their houses and enclosed areas. One of the reasons for the drastic measure was the reports of stray pigs attacking and injuring persons. The notice of the prohibitory order against pigs was served to those concerned long before it was enforced. But the pig owners did not take it seriously. The pig owners initially sought more time from the administration to fall in line.

The administration responded by showing leniency even without withdrawing the order (till August 31). When there was hardly any improvement, the authorities decided to enforce the order strictly.

An officer of the municipality said that there was a big racket in breeding and owning of pigs in the city. The elected body had identified 19 dons patronising this racket and who controlled the pig business. They had divided among themselves their areas of jurisdiction in the city, the officer said. They had appointed agents (or given sub-contracts) to raise pigs.

The municipality officials feel that breeding and keeping pigs have become one of the most cost-effective businesses. The pigs are simply left in the colonies. The animals take care of themselves by feeding on the garbage and leftovers. There have been reports that they (in groups or singly) chase persons and children carrying eatables.

The authorities of the municipality have brought to the notice of police authorities about this crooked business and have urged to book the violators of the prohibitory order. They have recommended booking of cases for violating the order as well under Section 133 of the CrPC for creating mischief.