HEALTH

BODY & MIND
Don’t take your eyes off these tips
Tripti Nath

Students who bury their heads in textbooks and notes before examination ought to spare a thought for eye care as well.

In a message to students appearing in annual and Board examinations, specialists at Bausch & Lomb have said that ignoring eye care at the initial stage leads to further eye damage. An extensive survey conducted by Bausch & Lomb among school and college students in over 100 cities showed that 50 per cent who had vision problems were not even aware of it. Mr J.P. Singh, Managing Director, Bausch & Lomb says that the midnight oil is perhaps never put to greater use than at this time of the year. His advice to students is to raise the flame to the maximum. He says that inadequate light and an improper posture are factors that have an adverse affect on vision. “This can be corrected by focussing the light source in the reading material and maintaining a distance of 40-45 cm between your eyes and the reading material,” says Mr Singh.

He also recommends giving the eyes a break every half an hour by looking out at distant objects for sometime. “Strenuous use of the eyes leads to fatigue, headaches and watery eyes. Long sittings in front of the computer further aggravates the problem. Anti glare screens on the computer helps but it is very important to keep the screen clean and at a distance of about 40-45 cm. You can also splash the eyes with some clean cool water to prevent reddening,” says Mr Singh.

He says that meditation also does a world of good to the eyes. “In between long hours on the study table, take a few minutes off and simply close your eyes. Not only it will relax the mind and the soul, it will revitalise and refresh your eyes for another round of stress.”

Specialists at Baush and Lomb have also drawn the attention of the students to the need for a good sleep. They say that nine out of ten students complain about insomnia at the time of examination. During sleep, the eyes recuperate from the stress of the day and get refreshed to start working the next day. “So whether it is a glass of warm milk or soft music that helps you doze, make sure to catch up on sleep because your eyes need it.”

The experts recommend an eye check-up once in six months. “A stitch in time saves nine. A vision problem corrected at the initial stage stops further deterioration.”

Specialists also recommend a regular and balanced diet comprising green vegetables and fruits like Papaya, which are rich in Vitamin A and keep eyes healthy. Eye specialists also recommend exercises as rotating the eyeball, focussing alternately on a distant and close object and focussing on the tip of a pencil while bringing it close to the eyes gradually.

While watching television a distance - five times the size of the screen should be maintained.

Apollo neuroscience centre in Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Group has announced the opening of a state-of-the-art treatment centre for neurological disorders at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi.

One of the main features of the centre is the neuro-rehabilitation division. An important part of neurological treatment in the West, systematic neuro-rehabilitation has been neglected in India.

The centre will be counted as one of the few in the country to offer almost all the advanced modes of rehabilitative therapies, including Biofeedback therapy, Occupational and Physical therapy, Botox treatment and Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy. The Centre has a stand-alone Stroke Unit, DSA (Digital Sustraction Angiograph) Lab and a dedicated Endovascular Lab performing intravenous and intra-arterial thromobolysis. It is also the only centre in Delhi to offer treatment utilising TPA (Tissue Plasmogen Activator)- a thrombolytic agent that dissolves clot(s) inside the arteries almost instantly and increasing manifold chances of survival for patients with Cerebro-Vascular disorders.

The Stroke Unit at the centre is expected to be of immense help in the treatment of the fast rising ailment. Stroke is the most common neurological disorder and is the third common cause of death globally after heart disease and cancer.

India also accounts for a large number of stroke-related deaths with the reported number of morbidity being around 80,000 a year. The Managing Director of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Dr Yogi Mehrotra says, “The Apollo Neuroscience centre brings together cutting edge technology in treatment of neurological disorders and has been designed under guidance from some of the most eminent experts in the field globally. It will serve as a highly specialised centre of excellence in treatment of neurological ailments in this part of the country and will ensure that patients get the benefit of the best international facilities in India itself at a fraction of the cost.’’

The Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is also organising a symposium on Saturday and Sunday at India International Centre on the latest advancements in stroke. The symposium will provide a platform to the Indian medical fraternity to interact with the international faculty on various aspects of neuro-treatment. Dr Shelder Stone, Senior Lecturer, Royal Free and University College, Medical School, London, Dr James Byrne, Radclifee Informary, Oxford, UK, and Professor John Stirling Meyer, Director, Cerebro Vascular Research Laboratory, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas are among the renowned experts in neurology who are participating in the symposium. Experts from India and abroad will make presentations on Stroke Epidemiology, Cerebral Circulation, Pathogenesis, Thrombolyis, Neuro-Protection, Vascular Dementia, Prevention and Neuro Rehabilitation.

Medicinal food

Nutritionists at the IXth Asian Conference of Nutrition stressed the importance of food therapy, including traditional foods as turmeric, fenugreek, soyabeen, garlic and onions in our diet. Expressing concern over the switch over to junk foods and a quick snack, nutritionists enumerated the benefits of ‘medicinal food’. Nutritionists from more than 30 countries participated in the five-day conference, which concluded here recently.

Dr Kamala Krishnaswamy, Emritus Medical Scientist (ICMR), National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, drew attention to spices and plant foods which are rich sources of phytochemicals and can reduce the risk of general chronic diseases and cancer and cardiovascular problems. Dr Krishnaswamy said that Curcumin, the main colouring component of turmeric or ‘haldi’, was assessed for its preventive effects in cancer and examined for its anti-mutagenifc, anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic effects in biological systems in animals and human beings.

It was found to increase detoxifying enzymes in the liver and intestinal mucosa besides preventing DNA damage, improving DNA repair and decreasing mutations and tumour formation. It is also known to have anti-oxidant effects.

Preliminary clinical trials on human shave shown that turmeric in as small a dose as 1 gram a day can have a significant impact on the excretion of mutagens in urine besides reducing cholesterol and triglycerides. Dr Krishnaswamys said that garlic, onions and mustard seeds have anti -carcinogenic potential.

Fenugreek (methi) seeds can be used as a food adjutant in diabetics. ``Adding a dash of garlic or a pint of spices to our food not only enhances the taste but also the nutritional content of the food significantly.’’

Dr H. Ohigashi of Kyoto University, Japan said, ``Chemoprevention being one of the most promising techniques for cancer control has been the subject of extensive research. We have seen some very encouraging results with the phytochemicals in vegetables and fruits especially in Asian countries.’’

Commenting on the specific role of medicinal plants in the food for the armed forces, Dr W. SelvaMurthy of Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences said, “Various natural products called ADAPTOGENS have been used traditionally to reduce stress related disorders in the armed forces. In extreme conditions, Adaptogens enhance resistance to general stress and improve mental activity.

Notable among these is Seabuckthorn, a high altitude plant, which holds a great promise in nutraceuticals and agro-based industry for its marked anti-oxidant and immuno-modulatory properties.’’

Dr Huo Junsheng of the Chinese Centre of Disease Control and Prevention said that India is not the only country rich in medicinal plants. ``The term medicinal plants appeared frequently in the literature of the Esat Han dynasty as early as 100 B.C. At around the same time, the term food therapy was also in vogue.’’

Dr Hyong Joo Lee of Seoul National University, Korea said, ``Prominent among the health promising foods of Korea are soyabeen foods, fish sauces, Kimchi and ginseng products. Soyabeen, in particular has been shown to help reduce hypertension. It also protects against formation of tumour lines and reduces the cholesterol levels.’’

SPORTS

Chautala promises modern sports infrastructure
Our Sports Reporter

New Delhi, March 1
Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala today stressed the need to tap young sports talent at the grass-root level to achieve excellence in international competitions. He said this while inaugurating the second Haryana Rural Games at the Rau Tula Ram Stadium at Rewari.

Mr Chautala said the Haryana Government was striving hard to create modern sports infrastructure in the State so as to enable the players to improve their performances and to prepare themselves for international competitions.

Twenty-four sports nurseries and two sports hostels have been set up for providing training to young players. He informed that the Chaudhary Devi Lal Regional Sports Centre was coming up at a sprawling 84-acre area in Joshi Chauhan, Sonipat district. The Sports Centre is being created in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India.

Mr Chautala said the sports policy of Haryana, which has been widely appreciated all over the country, had been implemented with the aim of improving sports standard in the State. The salient feature of the sports policy is that incentives like training the younger players in nurseries and hostels, reservation in jobs, concessional travelling in Haryana Roadways buses and pension to unemployed sportspersons, would be provided.

Cash incentives ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs one crore would be provided to medal winners in international competitions.

Mr Chautala distributed Rs 23 lakh to Government schools in Rewari, which include Senior Secondary Schools of Rewari, Kanwali, Sangwari, Rohrai, Bal Rewari, Dohkai, Rashiawas, Jatusana, Gudiani, Pranpura and Hari Nagar.

The Chief Minister also gave away Rs 33.10 lakh to 88 medal winners of the National Games held in Hyderabad.

Secretary-general of Haryana Olympic Association M S Malik said a number of steps had been taken to promote sports in the State.

He disclosed that astro turf for hockey was being laid at Ambala and Gurgaon, and gym equipment worth Rs 50 lakh was imported from Holland and installed at Ambala. Mr Malik said the International Wrestling Association (FILA) had approved a proposal mooted by the Wrestling Federation of India to include in its calendar a gold cup international wrestling competition in the name of Ch Devi Lal. The Wrestling Federation of India will hold this gold cup event in Delhi from September 24 to 26 this year.

Skating rink for Hauz Khas
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 1
President of All India Sports Council and Member of Parliament from South Delhi Prof Vijay Kumar Malhotra on Saturday laid the foundation stone of a skating rink in District Park, Hauz Khas.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will construct the skating rink at an estimated cost of Rs 18 lakh. The skating rink (18 x 36 metres) is being developed in the children’s park located within the District Park.

According to DDA sources, the construction of skating rink is likely to be completed by May. Prof Malhotra also inaugurated a fountain built at a cost of Rs 35 lakh in the District Park.

Prof Malhotra said the skating rink would provide recreational facility for children and young ones in a clean and green surrounding. No construction work, he said, would be allowed in the District Park as it was the lungs of the area.

On the occasion, he said the lake in the District Park would be developed. Water would be brought to the lake after proper treatment from the Water Treatment Plant at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT.)

The District Park in Hauz Khas is spread over an area of about 142 hectares. The DDA has developed 111 District Parks so far. The DDA has also developed four regional parks, 25 city forests, 235 neighbourhood parks, 26 playfields, 30 children’s parks, 13 sports complexes, 21 multi-gymnasia and six skating rinks in the city.

RVC-KIDC lift polo crown
Our Sports Reporter

New Delhi, March 1
RVC-KIDC beat ASC 6-5 to lift the Additional DG RVS Cup (two-goal) Polo Cup at the Army Equestrian Centre polo ground.

In an exciting title clash, Vikram Sodhi opened the account for ASC but Abhimanyu Pathak pulled off the equaliser for RVC-KIDC. Capt S. K. Yadav, however, regained the lead for ASC by the end of the first chukker (2-1). ASC then added two more goals in the second chukker through Brig G. S. Rathore and Nb Ris Bhawani Singh, who replaced Vikram Sodhi, to take their tally to a handsome 4-1 as RVC-KIDC could not find the mark in this chukker.

But the eventual winners roared back in the third chukker to strike home three goal to bring parity. Maj B. S. Lakra scored two goals while Abhimanyu Pathak accounted for one.

In the last chukker, Tony Singh put RVC-KIDC in the lead (5-4) while G. S. Rathore restored parity for ASC. In the closing minutes of the match, Abhimanyu Pathak scored a brilliant goal to help RVC-KIDC emerge title winners.

Maj-Gen B. S. Panwar, additional director-general, RVS, gave away the trophy and mementoes to the winners and runners-up.

Teams: RVC-KIDC: Vijendar Singh, Maj B S Lakra, Abhimanyu Pathak and Tony Singh. ASC: Deepak Yadav, S K Yadav, Vikram Sodhi, Bhawani Singh and G S Rathore.

Seema races to 5000m gold
Our Sports Reporter

New Delhi, March 1
Seema of Sonipat clocked 19:12.44 minutes to lift the 5000m gold on the opening day of the second Haryana State Rural Games, which began at the Rao Tula Ram Stadium in Rewari on Saturday.

Rajesh of Panipat clocked 4:08.94 secs to win the 1500m race for men. Ramesh of Sonepat and Naresh of Kaithal clocked 4:11.84 and 4:14.03 secs respectively, to take the second and third position respectively.

Kaithal prevailed over Fatehabad 25-21, 25-20 in a first-round match of volleyball. Hissar defeated Rewari 25-12, 25-16, Yamunanagar outclassed Rohtak 25-23, 25-21 and Gurgaon prevailed over Panchkula 25-20, 25-23 in other matches.

Chowrasia wins Pro Golf title

New Delhi, March 1
Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia, after playing near flawless golf all day, made a fine charge in his final two holes with a birdie-birdie finish pole-vaulting him to a memorable win at the Rs 8 lakh prize money Pro Golf Tournament played at Gurgaon.

However, he was two strokes behind Gangjee at this stage. It was only when Gangjee dropped shots on the 11th and 12th that Chowrasia managed to bridge the deficit. Chirag Kumar won the amateur title at 14-over 302 after shooting a three-over 75. Aditya Singh finished second at 304.