HEALTH

Seminar on liver diseases on October 18
Our Correspondent

Chandigarh, October 15
The Department of Hepatology, PGI, in collaboration with the Department of Gastroenterology, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences(AIIMS), Delhi, is organising a seminar on “ Current perspectives in liver diseases” on October 18 and 19, a press note said here today.

More than 300 doctors, working in the field of hepatology, gastroenterology and internal medicine, are expected to participate in the seminar. The first day is devoted to fatty liver diseases. On October 18, in the evening session, a symposium will be organised on liver transplantation.

It has been pointed out that incidences of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are increasing due to sedentary life style, low fibre diet, increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, diabetes mellitus and abnormal lipids.

On October 19, topics for discussion include viral hepatitis, a panel discussion on portal hypertension and debates on the management of asymptomatic gallstones and the cancer of the bile ducts.

The conference will be inaugurated on October 18 by Prof N.K.Ganguly, Director, PGI.

Verma sounds caution on dengue
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh October 15
Bracing up the Administration to take all preventive measures to meet the threat of dengue in Chandigarh, the UT Administrator, Justice O.P. Verma (retd) today instructed the Health Secretary to work out a coordinated plan to educate the public and take all measures to check the breeding of mosquitoes.

Justice Verma said though not a single case of dengue had been reported in Chandigarh but the Administration should take all preventive measures. He said the Health Department should identify the probable places where there was possibility of breeding of mosquitoes. He said a quick survey of all and water-logged areas should be carried out and the Malaria Department should disinfect that area. He said the area in and around the N-choe, Patiala-ki-Rao choe, Sukhna choe and various slums should be properly monitored. He said the public should be educated to drain out their coolers. He said all auto market should be surveyed because dengue mosquitos breeds in water that collects in old tyres and plastic material strewn around. “It is important to take control measures to eliminate the mosquitoes and their breeding places”, the Administrator added.

Justice Verma said dispensaries and hospitals should not ignore patients with probable symptoms of dengue and such patients should be segregated immediately. City residents should also be educated regarding probable symptoms of dengue, which included high fever, irritation of the eyes, aching bones, vomiting and diarrhoea.

The Administrator said early treatment can prevent complications and death. People should be advised that in the case of any such symptoms noticed in any patient, he should be taken to dispensary or hospital immediately.

City doctor on Almond Advisory Board
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 15
The Almond Board of California today announced the formation of its Indian Almond Advisory Board (AAB). The formation of this advisory board is in conjunction with the “Almond Might” India campaign launched by the Almond Board of California to create awareness about the multiple health benefits of almonds. Through this advisory panel, the almond board aims to highlight the importance of balanced dietary patterns and healthy snacking habits amongst Indians.

The Board through its sustained efforts over the years in many countries has successfully brought about a better understanding of the benefits of almonds as part of a healthy diet amongst people across continents. Through this advisory panel, the Almond Board of California is repeating a model immensely successful in other countries and is confident of driving a similar change in India, regarding dietary habits. The Indian advisory board formed by the ABC is the right mix of top professionals ranging from educationists such as Dr Shyama Chona, Principal, Delhi Public School, top cardiac surgeons such as Dr Naresh Trehan, Executive Director and chief cardio-thoracic surgeon at Escorts Heart Institute and Research Center, Dr Achintya Moulick, Chairman, Cardio Vascular Sciences Fortis Heart Institute & Multi-Specilality Hospital, cardiologists such as Dr R.R. Kasliwal, Senior Consultant Cardiologist in the Escorts Heart And Research Centre.

SPORTS

Table tennis tourney from October 26
Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, October 15
The Chandigarh State Table Tennis Association will hold the Stag Chandigarh State Table Tennis Championship from October 26 to 29 at the table tennis hall, Sector 23. According to Mr Patanjali Kumar, secretary of the association, matches will be held, in sub-junior boys and girls, junior boys, and girls, men and women and cadet boys and girls categories. Individual matches in sub-junior boys and girls section, girls and boys and women and men singles will also be held. Entries will close on October 23 at 7 p.m.

MCM DAV College for Women, Sector 36, came third in the Panjab University Inter-College Basketball ‘A’ Division Tournament, which concluded here on Wednesday on the PU campus. Government College for Girls, Sector 11, stood fourth.

DAV College, Hoshiarpur, won the tournament while the Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana, were the runners-up.