HEALTH

One million suffer from rheumatic heart disease
Monica Sharma

Chandigarh, August 25
In India, there are over one million patients suffering from rheumatic heart disease and it is responsible for upto 5 lakh deaths annually. These are the findings recorded by the Head of the Cardiology Department in the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Dr Anil Grover, and Dr Archana Bhatnagar, also of the institute.

In an editorial published in the Indian Journal of Cardiology — an official publication of the Indian Society of Cardiology — the doctors have asserted that the disease followed “infection with group A streptococci”.

The quarterly journal was today released by the Institute Dean, Dr Sudha Suri.

The doctors have further asserted in the editorial that it would be a challenge to develop vaccines with long term immunity against “streptococci at mucosal surface”.

Giving details, they have asserted that it was important to look for “vaccines which protected large number of individuals against streptococcal infections”.

Such a vaccine, they have added, “may consist of multiple streptococcal surface antigens and exotoxins for protection against invasion, colonisation sequalae.... Much work needed to be done to find more suitable antigens, which might fulfil these requirements”.

In another article “Changing trends of burden of cardiovascular diseases in India: implications for prevention based on 2001 Census”, Dr Grover and other doctors have said even though “cardio-vascular illness came under the category of non-communicable diseases, most heart diseases within limitations were preventable”.

In their conclusion they said : “At present, prevention is an established and cost effective strategy for rheumatic heart disease. Dissemination of education can assimilate this into routine health care practice.

For coronary artery disease, early detection and awareness of the known ante-natal risk factors can probably reduce the incidence.

“Genetic and general counselling for all adolescent heart diseases as well as advice about the appropriate timing of surgery is a must.

More emphasis on the establishment of adolescent heart clinics by trained specialists can significantly reduce morbidity. Advances in biogenetics will probably end these diseases”.

Dabur India opens ayurvedic centre

Chandigarh, August 25
Leveraging its equity in ayurveda coupled with a quest to provide healthcare solutions, the Dabur India has opened its first ‘ayurvedic centre’ at Patiala Pharmacy, Sector 27, Chandigarh here today. The centre will provide free consultation to patients between 7 pm to 9 pm.

For this, the company has roped in the services of Dr Ms Meenakshi Gulati, a gold medalist in ayurveda, said Mr Dilip Bhujbal, Business Head, Ayurvedic Specialities, here today. TNS

SPORTS

Sacred Heart girls annex soccer title
Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, August 25
Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Sector 26, clinched the soccer title in the Ist Chandigarh Sub-junior Girls Football Championship which concluded here today at Shivalik Public School, Sector 41. In a well contested final, they overpowered Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 46, by 3-1 in tie breaker. No team could score any goal in the stipulated time.

Sacred Heart girls were the first to attack after the kick off. Their first attempt was foiled by vigilant opponent goalkeeper Sunidhi who played a versatile game for GMSSS-46. She saved many goals thus foiling the attempts of the Sacred Heart team. Sacred Heart girls made second attempt in 10th minute when their left striker Divya Sharma missed a shot. Later, right winger Shikha got a golden chance to score but she hesitated at crucial moment and failed to score in 12th minute.

Government Model girls changed their technique and except one forward, all the players came back to defend their goal area.

After half time, Sacred Heart girls got a golden chance when a defender of opponent team stopped the ball with their hands in the dangerous area. The resultant penalty kick was taken by right striker Jasveen but her shot went straight into the lap of rival goal keeper Sunidhi, who saved the goal in 30th minute. Priti, the right full back of GMSSS-46, stopped the ball with her hands from going towards the goal post. Again the penalty kick was awarded in the 38th minute. But no team could score any goal in the stipulated hours.

During the extra time too, no team could score any goal. Then the tie breaker rule was applied in which luck favoured Sacred Heart School who won at 3-1.

Swimming meet

The Sports Department, Chandigarh Administration, will hold sub-junior (under-8 and 10), junior (under 12, 14) and senior (above-14 years) swimming meet at Swimming Pool, Sector 23 (Yoga centre), on September 4 and 5. The cash prizes will be given to the winners. Entries close with Ms Jasjit Kaur, swimming coach, on September 2.

Carrom meet begins

The UT Inter-school Carrom Tournament for boys section began here today at St Stephen’s School, Sector 45. Nine teams in under-14 section, 17 in under-17 and nine in the under-19 section are taking part in the tournament. In the under-14 section, the teams which made it to the last eight include St Kabir-26, Mount Carmel-47, St Joseph’s-44. In the under-17 section, the teams made it to the quarterfinal were, St Stephen’s-45, GMHS-26, GMHS-41, St Kabir-26, DAVPS-8 and St Joseph’s-44, while for under-19, GSSS-38 W, DAVPS-8, St Joseph’s-44 and PML SDP-32, all entered the last eight.