Received this as a forward from Sayantani. The tips seem simple and practical:
My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the world's most experienced rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.
I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a member of many rescue teams from many countries.
I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years. I have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for
simultaneous disasters.
The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City
during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene, unnecessary and I wondered why the children were not in the aisles. I didn't at the time know that the children were told to hide under something. I am amazed that even today schools are still using the Duck and Cover instructions- telling the children to squat under their desks with their heads bowed and covered with their hands. This was the technique used in the Mexico City school.
Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings falling
upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a space
or void next to them. This space is what I call the 'triangle of life'. The
larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the
object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability that the
person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next time
you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the 'triangles' you see
formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see, in a collapsed building.
TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
1) Almost everyone who simply 'ducks and covers' when buildings collapse ARE CRUSHED TO DEATH. People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.
2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position. You
should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. That
position helps you survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to
a sofa, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave a
void next to it.
3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during an
earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake. If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created. Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but less squashed bodies than concrete slabs. Concrete slab buildings are the most dangerous during an earthquake.
4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on the back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.
5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to a sofa, or large chair.
6) Almost everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is
killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!
7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different 'moment of frequency (they swing separately from the main part of the building). The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads horribly mutilated. Even if the building doesn't collapse, stay away from the stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged Even if the stairs are not
collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when overloaded by
fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety, even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
8) Get Near the Outer Walls Of Buildings Or Outside Of Them If Possible - It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than the
interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the
building the greater the probability that your escape route will be blocked.
9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls in
an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and lying in the fetal position next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them.
All the crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had columns fall directly across them.
10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact. Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.
In 1996 we made a film, which proved my survival methodology to be correct. The Turkish Federal Government, City of Istanbul , University of Istanbul Case Productions and ARTI cooperated to film this practical, scientific test. We collapsed a school and a home with 20 mannequins inside. Ten mannequins did 'duck and cover,' and ten mannequins I used in my 'triangle of life' survival method. After the simulated earthquake collapse we crawled through the rubble and entered the building to film and document the results.
The film, in which I practiced my survival techniques under directly observable, scientific conditions, relevant to building collapse, showed
there would have been zero percent survival for those doing duck and cover.
There would likely have been 100 percent survivability for people using my method of the 'triangle of life.' This film has been seen by millions of
viewers on television in Turkey and the rest of Europe , and it was seen in the USA , Canada and Latin America on the TV program Real TV.
Spread the word and save someone's life.. The entire world is experiencing natural calamities so be prepared!
Showing posts with label news you can use. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news you can use. Show all posts
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Heart surgery for children
I received this as an sms:
Heart surgery FREE of COST for children aged 0 to 10 years at Sri Sathya Sai Institute, Bangalore. Ph:08028411500
While I have not verified this, it might be worth the while to investigate it if any child needs such surgery.
Heart surgery FREE of COST for children aged 0 to 10 years at Sri Sathya Sai Institute, Bangalore. Ph:08028411500
While I have not verified this, it might be worth the while to investigate it if any child needs such surgery.
Volunteers needed by an NGO
Chandni forwarded me this:
Once again there is a great opportunity to volunteer with my favorite NGO: Down to Earth in Mumbai. Like every year we are organizing an Interactive Sports day on the 21st Feb 2010. It is different than most other sports day because instead of encouraging kids to compete with each other it will bring them together through sports!
Guys on a personal note ! I love them and what they do has a lot of thought put in it.. Also, volunteering with them is great fun and i can guarantee that that sunday will be the most satisfying and fin sunday of your life !
So please come forward and register to volunteer with us. The details are given below.
thanks
Sachi (9920877443)
Dear Team,
Hope the 2010 has got off to a great start for you.
We are less than a month away from DTE’s annual sports event the Interactive Games Day slated for 21st Feb 2010. Hope each one of you given your extended association with us and faith in the change we are attempting to catalyze will be there partaking in the fun. We seek volunteers for the event and hope you can commit the time. We promise you will have a lot of fun, probably more than the children participating J
This year is the third edition of the Interactive Games Day and we aim to host approximately 500 children from several schools and organizations. The children will be in the age group of 10 to 16 years.
The event would involve games that focus on physical and mental ability and would require for individuals to work in teams. The idea is to foster a spirit of team work and inclusiveness amongst children from participating organizations. Please note we will mix and merge children from multiple organizations and schools to form teams. As a volunteer you can sign up for one/two (depending upon the nature of the role) of the following
Manage a team of children.
Facilitate a game.
Tabulate scores.
Keep time.
Serve food.
Coordinate travel logistics.
Attend medical emergencies. (hopefully this person will not be needed and can double up as the close out packing volunteer)
Outreach for the event. Please note this is a pre-event assignment that can be kick started NOW from the cozy confines of your office/home.
The key to ensure that the event is both fun and smooth sailing lies in our ability to prepare thoroughly. For this we recommend that you attend a volunteer orientation session at 6:00pm Saturday 20th Feb 2010 at the St Mary’s SSC School, Mazgaon. We recognize that you will have to stretch your day a little to be able to attend the volunteer orientation but promise that it will pay dividends on 21st Feb 2010. If you know someone that would love to volunteer for the event please let both them and us. We request you to confirm participation by the 9th February 2010. We look forward to hear from you.
Please call Ashishwang Godha at 9870250560 or Sachi Maniar at 9820877443 and/or write to us at dteindia@gmail.com for any further assistance.
With love in service,
Team DTE.
Once again there is a great opportunity to volunteer with my favorite NGO: Down to Earth in Mumbai. Like every year we are organizing an Interactive Sports day on the 21st Feb 2010. It is different than most other sports day because instead of encouraging kids to compete with each other it will bring them together through sports!
Guys on a personal note ! I love them and what they do has a lot of thought put in it.. Also, volunteering with them is great fun and i can guarantee that that sunday will be the most satisfying and fin sunday of your life !
So please come forward and register to volunteer with us. The details are given below.
thanks
Sachi (9920877443)
Dear Team,
Hope the 2010 has got off to a great start for you.
We are less than a month away from DTE’s annual sports event the Interactive Games Day slated for 21st Feb 2010. Hope each one of you given your extended association with us and faith in the change we are attempting to catalyze will be there partaking in the fun. We seek volunteers for the event and hope you can commit the time. We promise you will have a lot of fun, probably more than the children participating J
This year is the third edition of the Interactive Games Day and we aim to host approximately 500 children from several schools and organizations. The children will be in the age group of 10 to 16 years.
The event would involve games that focus on physical and mental ability and would require for individuals to work in teams. The idea is to foster a spirit of team work and inclusiveness amongst children from participating organizations. Please note we will mix and merge children from multiple organizations and schools to form teams. As a volunteer you can sign up for one/two (depending upon the nature of the role) of the following
Manage a team of children.
Facilitate a game.
Tabulate scores.
Keep time.
Serve food.
Coordinate travel logistics.
Attend medical emergencies. (hopefully this person will not be needed and can double up as the close out packing volunteer)
Outreach for the event. Please note this is a pre-event assignment that can be kick started NOW from the cozy confines of your office/home.
The key to ensure that the event is both fun and smooth sailing lies in our ability to prepare thoroughly. For this we recommend that you attend a volunteer orientation session at 6:00pm Saturday 20th Feb 2010 at the St Mary’s SSC School, Mazgaon. We recognize that you will have to stretch your day a little to be able to attend the volunteer orientation but promise that it will pay dividends on 21st Feb 2010. If you know someone that would love to volunteer for the event please let both them and us. We request you to confirm participation by the 9th February 2010. We look forward to hear from you.
Please call Ashishwang Godha at 9870250560 or Sachi Maniar at 9820877443 and/or write to us at dteindia@gmail.com for any further assistance.
With love in service,
Team DTE.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Jobs available
Received this mail as a forward from Chandni. Do forward the information if you know of any deserving candidates:
Dear All,
Job is available for office assistant- 2 vacancies
Pay Rs. 3600/- consolidated per month. Monday to Saturday 9-6
Qualification- 10th or 12th pass with a working knowledge of spoken English.
Candidates with 10 fail may also be considered if they have some experience.
Computer experience not required though preferable.
Those living near Andheri, Juhu, Vile Parle preferred.
Job Location- Juhu Vile Parle Development Scheme.
Prospective candidates may call me directly.
Akhila
9820340115
Dear All,
Job is available for office assistant- 2 vacancies
Pay Rs. 3600/- consolidated per month. Monday to Saturday 9-6
Qualification- 10th or 12th pass with a working knowledge of spoken English.
Candidates with 10 fail may also be considered if they have some experience.
Computer experience not required though preferable.
Those living near Andheri, Juhu, Vile Parle preferred.
Job Location- Juhu Vile Parle Development Scheme.
Prospective candidates may call me directly.
Akhila
9820340115
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Unique Identity Number
The process to assign a unique identity number to each Indian has been started under the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
(See http://uidai.gov.in/ for more details)
It is expected that a unique identification number (UID) that can be verified and authenticated in an online, cost-effective manner, and which is robust enough to eliminate duplicate and fake identities, will help to bring about transformation in the lives of many Indians, who struggle daily to access and rightfully use resources that are available for them. Do you agree?
Now is the time to give suggestions and inputs on how this UID Project can be designed and implemented to be people-friendly, useful and easily doable for
government.
Some examples:
a) what are simple and effective ways to prevent misuse?
b) is biometric identification the most suitable method to adopt in India?
c) how can UID be used to benefit groups such as migrant workers, street children, etc.?
d) should the UID be integrated with other existing I/Cards such as the Pan Card, Voting Card, etc.? How?
e) have you heard of experiences of similar initiatives in other countries, companies, etc.?
f) what are the experiences of NGOs which have been working with groups of all types and sizes, and how such persons could use and benefit from a UID.
Karmayog will compile and forward all suggestions received to the UID Authority, as well as display all these on our website for others to read and respond.
Thanks
Vinay
www.karmayog.org/uid -- bringing out your unique identity
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Help for financially constrained, bright students
If you have come across any bright students coming from poor financial background who have finished their 10th standard this year (April 2009) and scored more than 80%, please ask them to contact the NGO-Prerana (supported by Infosys foundation). The NGO is conducting a written test and those who clear the test will be eligible for financial help for their further studies.
Please ask the students to contact the people mentioned below to get the form in Bangalore
#580,Shubhakar,
44th cross,1st 'A' main road, jayanagar 7th block Bangalore
Mob no- 9900906338 (saraswati)
Mr. Shivkumar( 9986630301) - Hanumanthnagar office
Ms. Bindu(9964534667)-Yeshwantpur office
Even if you don't know anyone, please pass on this info, someone might be in need of this help desperately.
Please ask the students to contact the people mentioned below to get the form in Bangalore
#580,Shubhakar,
44th cross,1st 'A' main road, jayanagar 7th block Bangalore
Mob no- 9900906338 (saraswati)
Mr. Shivkumar( 9986630301) - Hanumanthnagar office
Ms. Bindu(9964534667)-Yeshwantpur office
Even if you don't know anyone, please pass on this info, someone might be in need of this help desperately.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
How To Get Blood In Emergency!!
Now it has become easier to get the blood we need.
All you have to do is just type "BLOOD and send SMS to 96000 97000"
EX: "BLOOD B+"
A BLOOD DONOR WILL CALL YOU!!
So please pass this message to all. It certainly would save many lives.
It's a Must to Know & Share. Do it now....
Forward this to all your friends whom you care ....as the minute you spare to share this information can save somebody's life with rare Blood Group!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Low cost spine treatment in Mumbai
"LOW COST SPINE CARE" of the SPINE FOUNDATION – extends to the
V N DESAI Municipal Hospital, Santacruz (East)
The spine unit (Previously at KEM hospital of Brihanmumbai Municipal corporation and presently at the Lilavati and Breach Candy hospital), has served the society for over two decades, working in various capacities and at variety of institutions. The focus, however has been on that section of the society who approached the unit with a problem, and the majority of such cases are 'well informed' about the options and their choices and are largely affording.
However, we are all aware that, an even larger section of the society remains unattended, purely for want of resources and sheer unaffordability. The spine problems affecting these "have nots" cause greater disability not only to the individuals but to their families and dependents, who have no other financial support systems. Although they are poor, the treatment options for their spine ailments still need a lot of expertise and prohibitive expenses mainly due to the cost of infrastructure.
The spine unit has decided to bridge this gap and reach out to atleast some of these unfortunate spine cases, who cannot afford these "state of the art" remedies.
The initiative called as the "LOW COST SPINE CARE [LCSC] SCHEME "- is a joint venture of the spine unit and the "spine foundation", which is a charitable organisation aimed at providing aid to spine cases with inadequate resources.
As an extension to this venture (Already running at CSSC an NGO – at Bandra Kurla Complex, and at Tilak Hospital – at BDD chawl Worli), the spine unit is now extending its free services to V N Desai Municipal Hospital, Santa Cruz East.
In the long term, this initiative aims at upgrading the spine care facilities in the peripheral hospitals and avoiding unnecessary referrals to Tertiary hospitals.
Who is eligible to avail of this facility ?
All spine cases needing treatment under the LCSC scheme, and who are not able to afford private clinics, will be seen on Monday/ Friday at V N Desai Municipal Hospital between 1 pm to 2 pm. If further management is required they will be admitted in the same hospital.
Where will these surgeries be performed ?
These surgeries will be performed at the V N Desai Municipal Hospital, Santacruz east, Mumbai.
The surgeries will of course be performed by any one of the experienced spine surgeons of the spine unit, depending on the complexity of the individual case. Requests made by the patients or their referring physicians-for "specific surgeons"-will not be entertained in the LCSC Scheme.
If you are a patient or if you want to refer a patient - How should you avail of this facility ?
[a] Come to OPD at V N Desai Municipal Hospital, Santa cruz east, Mumbai at 1 PM (On Mondays and Fridays), in OPD Number 6 for "primary clinical consultation."
[b] After primary consultation, if required the case will be counselled for surgery and given the earliest possible appointment for surgery.
We are sure that this facility will open up newer options and avenues for the treatment of spine cases with limited or meager resources.
We hope to reach out to more and more of the society, in the years to come and set a "role model" which can be initiated/ duplicated in different parts of our state and our country , thereby serving a larger portion of the population, in the near future !
Let us all work together in making this venture a great success !
Regards from the spine unit.
DR.SHEKHAR .Y.BHOJRAJ.
DR.ABHAY NENE
DR. SHEETAL MOHITE 9820900436
DR. RAGHUPRASAD VARMA 9820961936
DR. SAMEER KALKOTWAR 9833425432
DR TARAK PATEL 9833990913
DR TUSHAR DEORE 9619834091
DR. SIDDARTH BADWE 9322997403
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sure Start
A mail on an initiative by PATH to educate pregnant women on safe childbirth. Read more about it here:
Dear Indiahelps team,
A million babies in India die each year during child birth.
78,000 women die in India during labor.
Simply because they do not know about safe child birth practices.
Sure Start project, a five-year initiative by PATH, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works towards educating pregnant mothers in India about safe child birth. Sure Start trains volunteers to meet and interact with illiterate pregnant women and their families and spread the message of safe child birth.
Sure Start uses innovative tools like games, music, songs and radio programs to educate women on the importance of medical care during pregnancy, the need for hospital births and the significance of breast-feeding and regular vaccinations for the newborn child.
Sure Start is working on promoting safe child birth in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in India. Sure Start’s efforts have shown impressive results in these two states.
100% of committees in Uttar Pradesh have functional plans for providing transport for expectant mothers to the hospital for delivery
94% of all women in Uttar Pradesh receive the tetanus toxoid vaccine by their third trimester
75% pregnant women receive iron and folic acid tablets
85% of women in Navi Mumbai deliver in hospitals
But there are still miles to go…so many places to cover and so many lives to touch.
You can know more about us on:
Sure Start Site: http://www.path.org/projects/sure-start.php
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Sure-Start-Project-by-Path/178629192101
Twitter http://twitter.com/pathsurestart
Orkut http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Community?cmm=96618068
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/pathsurestart/sets/72157622703699725/
Slideshare http://www.slideshare.net/pathsurestart
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE9PVk3jGV0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdyKvbMwbOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCtJj7D9MA4
Dear Indiahelps team,
A million babies in India die each year during child birth.
78,000 women die in India during labor.
Simply because they do not know about safe child birth practices.
Sure Start project, a five-year initiative by PATH, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works towards educating pregnant mothers in India about safe child birth. Sure Start trains volunteers to meet and interact with illiterate pregnant women and their families and spread the message of safe child birth.
Sure Start uses innovative tools like games, music, songs and radio programs to educate women on the importance of medical care during pregnancy, the need for hospital births and the significance of breast-feeding and regular vaccinations for the newborn child.
Sure Start is working on promoting safe child birth in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra in India. Sure Start’s efforts have shown impressive results in these two states.
100% of committees in Uttar Pradesh have functional plans for providing transport for expectant mothers to the hospital for delivery
94% of all women in Uttar Pradesh receive the tetanus toxoid vaccine by their third trimester
75% pregnant women receive iron and folic acid tablets
85% of women in Navi Mumbai deliver in hospitals
But there are still miles to go…so many places to cover and so many lives to touch.
You can know more about us on:
Sure Start Site: http://www.path.org/projects/sure-start.php
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Sure-Start-Project-by-Path/178629192101
Twitter http://twitter.com/pathsurestart
Orkut http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Community?cmm=96618068
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/pathsurestart/sets/72157622703699725/
Slideshare http://www.slideshare.net/pathsurestart
Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE9PVk3jGV0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdyKvbMwbOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCtJj7D9MA4
Blankets for the poor in Delhi
I received this as a forward. Delhiites who would like to pitch in can please contact Snigdha directly:
Share a blanket! Share warmth and love!
A hot cup of tea/coffee, cosy bed, lots of blankets and loving family members make our winters warm and comfortable. But for hundreds of homeless people living on the streets in Delhi winters mean harsh and chilly nights, inadequate covering, illness, thus adding onto their daily battle for survival.
In a bid to share warmth and love with these people we have started distributing blankets this season. Yesterday was the first day and we had gone to ISBT from Pitampura via Punjabi Bagh and Azad Market area. On our way, we saw many people sleeping on the roadside pavements, under the bridge & flyover, on the road dividers and even on/under bus-stop seats. Some of them had blankets to cover themselves (but definitely not enough to beat the chilly weather), some barely had a sheet or cloth piece, some only had plastic sheets to wrap themselves and some had nothing. There was a man who had covered upper half of his body with his jacket as probably that was the only warm thing he had. It was a heart-rending sight. I felt as if I had never experienced low temperature.
We could give blankets to only some of the people as we dint have enough. We had to return with the images of expecting eyes in our hearts and minds but we did promise ourselves to go again with more blankets.
Your support in this regard would be most appreciated. You can help us by giving any number of blankets or money (Rs. 150 per blanket). Blankets are available in the market for even less than 150 but after some research on the quality and prices of different blankets, we found it to be the best buy. But please feel free to help us in any which ways. There is no deadline and you can give as per your convenience but would request you not to delay too much. It would be nice if you could inspire and ask your family and freinds to contribute as well. We plan to make more trips across Delhi and the next one will be tomorrow to ISBT again. Thereafter we will take different routes.
Heartfelt thanks to Rita Arora, Ashu Jain, Satya Jain, Madhu Taneja, Arti Loria, Monica, Priyanka and Anita Jain for their generous contributions in the form of blankets and/ money.
Please feel free to contact me to know or discuss anything. I look forward to your support and contribution to spread warmth and love this winter season :)
PS: Attached are some pictures that we had taken yesterday.
Regards
Snigdha Jain
prathamsnigdha@gmail.com
Share a blanket! Share warmth and love!
A hot cup of tea/coffee, cosy bed, lots of blankets and loving family members make our winters warm and comfortable. But for hundreds of homeless people living on the streets in Delhi winters mean harsh and chilly nights, inadequate covering, illness, thus adding onto their daily battle for survival.
In a bid to share warmth and love with these people we have started distributing blankets this season. Yesterday was the first day and we had gone to ISBT from Pitampura via Punjabi Bagh and Azad Market area. On our way, we saw many people sleeping on the roadside pavements, under the bridge & flyover, on the road dividers and even on/under bus-stop seats. Some of them had blankets to cover themselves (but definitely not enough to beat the chilly weather), some barely had a sheet or cloth piece, some only had plastic sheets to wrap themselves and some had nothing. There was a man who had covered upper half of his body with his jacket as probably that was the only warm thing he had. It was a heart-rending sight. I felt as if I had never experienced low temperature.
We could give blankets to only some of the people as we dint have enough. We had to return with the images of expecting eyes in our hearts and minds but we did promise ourselves to go again with more blankets.
Your support in this regard would be most appreciated. You can help us by giving any number of blankets or money (Rs. 150 per blanket). Blankets are available in the market for even less than 150 but after some research on the quality and prices of different blankets, we found it to be the best buy. But please feel free to help us in any which ways. There is no deadline and you can give as per your convenience but would request you not to delay too much. It would be nice if you could inspire and ask your family and freinds to contribute as well. We plan to make more trips across Delhi and the next one will be tomorrow to ISBT again. Thereafter we will take different routes.
Heartfelt thanks to Rita Arora, Ashu Jain, Satya Jain, Madhu Taneja, Arti Loria, Monica, Priyanka and Anita Jain for their generous contributions in the form of blankets and/ money.
Please feel free to contact me to know or discuss anything. I look forward to your support and contribution to spread warmth and love this winter season :)
PS: Attached are some pictures that we had taken yesterday.
Regards
Snigdha Jain
prathamsnigdha@gmail.com
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Jobs for candidates from Low Income Communities
Dear All,
1. About us:
We specialise in helping youth from low-income communities only to get entry level jobs with companies. In the past two and a half years we have placed about 700 candidates in various cities with reputed Retail, Hospitality and other companies (such as Cafe Coffee Day, Yum! Restaurants [KFC], Jumbo King, Smokin' Joe's Pizza, Westside Stores, The Loot Stores, Eureka Forbes, and S.R. Facilities). We assist several NGOs in getting jobs for the youth they support.
2. Jobs available:
There exist several vacancies for youth between 18 to 30 years in different cities with reputed companies in the Retail and Hospitality (fast food outlets) sectors. Vacancies exist for 10th standard educated or not, and English / non-English speaking. Gross salaries range between Rs. 48,000 to Rs. 72,000 p.a. plus performance incentives. No placement fees is payable by the candidates.
3. Soft skills training:
We also conduct training classes in Mumbai for youth in spoken basic English, confidence building and interview appearing skills thereby strengthening the candidates' communication skills leading to better job prospects for him/her.
Seriously interested persons / NGOs may kindly contact: munsarservices@yahoo.in or 09321539390.
Kind Regards,
Kapil Marwaha
Munsar Services
. . . . Helping Hands
[An initiative of Kapil Marwaha and Associates]
Kids needing heart surgery...
Parents of kids needing Heart Surgery,
Contact - Shri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences,
E.P.I.P Area, Whitefield, Bangalore, 560066
Tel - +91-080-28411500
Email - adminblr@ssihms.org.in
Team Indiahelps also requests everyone reading this to pass on the message too.
Monday, November 2, 2009
For Mumbaikars
Mumbai city will soon get a new Municipal Commissioner, who heads the the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM).
The MCGM was established in 1882, and is one of the largest local governments in the world; it serves a population of 18 million people over an area of 500 sq. km. with an Annual Budget of Rs. 19,000 crores. The functioning of MCGM affects the daily lives of every citizen, as it is the policy-making and implementing agency for a wide range of services that include Public Health, Water and Sanitation, Building Proposals, Roads and Footpaths, Trees and Gardens, Zoo, Stray Dogs, Solid Waste Management, Education, Hawkers, Sewage, etc. (See http://www.mcgm.gov.in/ for details)
a) What are the 3 targets to improve Mumbai that you would like to suggest to the new Municipal Commissioner for the next 3 years.
e.g.: ensuring rain water harvesting to meet 20% of Mumbai's water needs.
b) What are the guiding principles that an organisation such as MCGM should adopt: e.g. to tackle corruption or to increase effeciency?
Responses shall be compiled and forwarded to the new Municipal Commissioner.
Inputs and suggestions from individual citizens are essential to help government perform better. It is only when we all think of what we would like our city and country (and therefore society) to be, and start participating in the process to make this change, that we will achieve change at a faster rate.
Regards,
Vinay
http://www.karmayog.org/ - creating cities for citizens
The MCGM was established in 1882, and is one of the largest local governments in the world; it serves a population of 18 million people over an area of 500 sq. km. with an Annual Budget of Rs. 19,000 crores. The functioning of MCGM affects the daily lives of every citizen, as it is the policy-making and implementing agency for a wide range of services that include Public Health, Water and Sanitation, Building Proposals, Roads and Footpaths, Trees and Gardens, Zoo, Stray Dogs, Solid Waste Management, Education, Hawkers, Sewage, etc. (See http://www.mcgm.gov.in/ for details)
a) What are the 3 targets to improve Mumbai that you would like to suggest to the new Municipal Commissioner for the next 3 years.
e.g.: ensuring rain water harvesting to meet 20% of Mumbai's water needs.
b) What are the guiding principles that an organisation such as MCGM should adopt: e.g. to tackle corruption or to increase effeciency?
Responses shall be compiled and forwarded to the new Municipal Commissioner.
Inputs and suggestions from individual citizens are essential to help government perform better. It is only when we all think of what we would like our city and country (and therefore society) to be, and start participating in the process to make this change, that we will achieve change at a faster rate.
Regards,
Vinay
http://www.karmayog.org/ - creating cities for citizens
Take a look at this..
Sent in by kbpm, I thought this was a wonderful way to inculcate social consciousness amongst children.
http://www.sharemycake.org/
http://www.sharemycake.org/
Monday, September 14, 2009
A 'Literacy Day' True Story
Received this as a forward, and found it touching. Thank you Chandni.
http://blog.prathambooks.org/2009/09/literacy-day-true-story.html
By Mala
September 8 is International Literacy Day. And I'm able to write this and you're able to read this because someone thought it was necessary to make you and me literate.
According to a UNESCO list of literacy rates, 146 countries have better adult literacy rates than India, with its score of 60%. Clearly, the way to improve adult literacy is to go about getting our children literate. And that is where the challenge is, for there seem to be so many factors that help deny basic education to our children---poverty, casteism, infrastructure. Add to this the fact that a huge mass of adults do not have the conviction that education and literacy are necessary tools for the development of our children.
On this International Literacy Day, I'd like to share a story. A true story.
Many years back, a woman died in a hospital leaving behind a three-year old child named Saraswathi. The hospital handed over the child to Anatha Shishu Sevashram, an orphanage in Wilson Garden, Bangalore. Ms. Parvathamma Hirematt, who founded the institution in 1942, sent Saraswathi to school. When she was in Class 4, Saraswathi lost her eyesight following a smallpox attack.
Saraswathi, providentially named after the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, continued her schooling at Jayanagar Blind School, finished her degree at B.E.S College, and earned an MA in Political Science from Mysore University. She was a lecturer in B.E.S. College for 11 years. But what inspires me is not that a blind girl attained these heights of literacy.
When Parvathamma passed away, Saraswathi took up the running of the orphanage. Since 1992, Sarawathi and her husband have been maintaining it. They do all the cooking, with the help of a few senior students. Today, she tends to 60 children, aged between 4 and 18. Several of her 'children' have finished their studies and have been married into good families.
I'm privy to this story because of something that started as a little idea. My husband's colleagues decided that their company should donate whatever they could to charity each year. My humble contribution was a set of books from Pratham Books. (I had just signed up for the 7-day challenge organized by Joy of Giving. Friends and family think I must be the stingiest 'donor', for our books cost just Rs.25 or less). Some days back, Saraswathi Bhat---blind, extremely busy, unacquainted to me---called me up. "Thanks for the books! Some people from your husband's office just came in and donated many things in cash and kind to our ashram, but I was so happy to get books for our children! They are going to be delighted."
Literacy is not just about learning to read, write, comprehend and speak, it is also about spreading the worth of these skills, the joy of using these skills. If you believe in this, do spend five minutes today and every other day possible to spread the joy of reading. Talk to a street child. Help her 'read' a traffic sign. Show her a newspaper and read out the cartoon strip. Point out a school that she could go to. And do let us know what you did to inspire a child to become literate.Let's spread the joy of doing our bit....
By Mala
September 8 is International Literacy Day. And I'm able to write this and you're able to read this because someone thought it was necessary to make you and me literate.
According to a UNESCO list of literacy rates, 146 countries have better adult literacy rates than India, with its score of 60%. Clearly, the way to improve adult literacy is to go about getting our children literate. And that is where the challenge is, for there seem to be so many factors that help deny basic education to our children---poverty, casteism, infrastructure. Add to this the fact that a huge mass of adults do not have the conviction that education and literacy are necessary tools for the development of our children.
On this International Literacy Day, I'd like to share a story. A true story.
Many years back, a woman died in a hospital leaving behind a three-year old child named Saraswathi. The hospital handed over the child to Anatha Shishu Sevashram, an orphanage in Wilson Garden, Bangalore. Ms. Parvathamma Hirematt, who founded the institution in 1942, sent Saraswathi to school. When she was in Class 4, Saraswathi lost her eyesight following a smallpox attack.
Saraswathi, providentially named after the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, continued her schooling at Jayanagar Blind School, finished her degree at B.E.S College, and earned an MA in Political Science from Mysore University. She was a lecturer in B.E.S. College for 11 years. But what inspires me is not that a blind girl attained these heights of literacy.
When Parvathamma passed away, Saraswathi took up the running of the orphanage. Since 1992, Sarawathi and her husband have been maintaining it. They do all the cooking, with the help of a few senior students. Today, she tends to 60 children, aged between 4 and 18. Several of her 'children' have finished their studies and have been married into good families.
I'm privy to this story because of something that started as a little idea. My husband's colleagues decided that their company should donate whatever they could to charity each year. My humble contribution was a set of books from Pratham Books. (I had just signed up for the 7-day challenge organized by Joy of Giving. Friends and family think I must be the stingiest 'donor', for our books cost just Rs.25 or less). Some days back, Saraswathi Bhat---blind, extremely busy, unacquainted to me---called me up. "Thanks for the books! Some people from your husband's office just came in and donated many things in cash and kind to our ashram, but I was so happy to get books for our children! They are going to be delighted."
Literacy is not just about learning to read, write, comprehend and speak, it is also about spreading the worth of these skills, the joy of using these skills. If you believe in this, do spend five minutes today and every other day possible to spread the joy of reading. Talk to a street child. Help her 'read' a traffic sign. Show her a newspaper and read out the cartoon strip. Point out a school that she could go to. And do let us know what you did to inspire a child to become literate.Let's spread the joy of doing our bit....
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Some tips to stay safe from H1N1
I received this the other day as a forward. All the points make sense,
therefore have posted it on India Helps. Thanks Itchy:
therefore have posted it on India Helps. Thanks Itchy:
Some tips for prevention from AIIMS doctor
Friends,
Thanks to media hype about H1N1, several people who trust me have
either approached or called me to advice. The hype in media about the
utility of face masks and N95 respirators as a tool for general
protection against H1N1 can't be deplored enough. Yesterday, a friend
who listened wanted me to write down briefly what I advised so that he
could tell others in similar
words. Hence this short email to friends whom I have advised recently
(and others whom I haven't yet). Please realize that this is not an
official advice, especially the one about face masks or N95.
Most N95 respirators are designed to filter 95% particulates of 0.3µ,
while the size of H1N1 virus is about 0.1µ. Hence, dependence on N95
to protect against H1N1 is like protecting against rain with an
umbrella made of mosquito net.
Tamiflu does not kill but prevents H1N1 from further proliferation
till the virus limits itself in about 1-2 weeks (its natural cycle).
H1N1, like other Influenza A viruses, only infects the upper
respiratory tract and proliferates (only) there. The only portals of
entry are the nostrils and mouth/ throat. In a global epidemic of this
nature, it's almost impossible not coming into contact with H1N1 in
spite of all precautions.
Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation
is.While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1
infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms
and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps - not
fully highlighted in most official communications - can be practiced
(instead of focusing on how to stock N95 or Tamiflu):
1. Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any
part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you
don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the
throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.
Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt
water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on
an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and
powerful preventative method.
4. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day
with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra
Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the
nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds
dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral
population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C
(Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin
C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids as you can. Drinking warm liquids
has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They
wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where
they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
All these are simple ways to prevent, within means of most households,
and certainly much less painful than to wait in long queues outside
public hospitals.
Happy breathing!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Information you can use
Pune Swine Flu 24 X 7 Helpline and Swine Flu Help
Pune Swine Flu Helpline
Government Wiki for Swine Flu Awareness Pune
Wiki for Swine Flu Awareness in Pune
Mumbai Swine Flu Helpline 108
Hospitals in Mumbai for H1N1 detection and treatment
Hydrabad Swine Flu Helpline and SMS number
Hospitals in Hydrabad for H1N1 detection and treatment
Hospitals in Delhi for H1N1 detection and treatment
Quarantine Unit at the Indira Gandhi International airport, RML hospital and LNJP Hospital have been made fully ready to deal with the situation.
GTB Hospital, Hindu Rao Hospital, Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, Safdarjang Hospital, ESI Hospital, Central Railway Hospital and Maharishi Valmiki Hospital
Chennai Swine Flu H1N1 Helpline 044-24321569
Swine Flu Testing Hospitals Chennai
Pune Swine Flu Helpline
020-64006095
020-32538626
020-20250050
Hospitals
Hospitals in Pune for H1N1 Treatment020-32538626
020-20250050
Hospitals
Naidu Hospital 020 – 26126242
Aundh Civil Hospital 020 – 27280603/2
Updated List of Swine Flu Screening Centers Hospitals in PuneAundh Civil Hospital 020 – 27280603/2
Government Wiki for Swine Flu Awareness Pune
Wiki for Swine Flu Awareness in Pune
Mumbai Swine Flu Helpline 108
Hospitals in Mumbai for H1N1 detection and treatment
Kasturba Hospital 022- 23083901/ 02/03/04
Sir J J Hospital 022- 23735555, 23739031,
23760943, 23768400 /
23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366
Haffkine Institute 022-24160947, 24160961,
24160962 9819064649
Sir J J Hospital 022- 23735555, 23739031,
23760943, 23768400 /
23731144 / 5555 / 23701393 / 1366
Haffkine Institute 022-24160947, 24160961,
24160962 9819064649
Screening and isolation Centres in JJ Hospital, St George and GT, apart from MT AGarwal (Mulund), Siddharth Hospital (Goregaon), Rajawadi Hospital (Ghatkopar), Bhagwati Hospital (Borivali) and among the private hospitals Prince Aly Khan Hospital has confirmed it meets the requirements to be a detection and treatment centre so far.
Screening Centres in Mumbai:
Cooper Hospital (Vile Parle)
VN Desai (Santacruz)
Bhabha (Kurla)
Shatabdi (Govandi)
SKPatil (Malad)
Mahatma Phule (Vikhroli)
Hospitals in Hydrabad for H1N1 detection and treatment
SMS with the text `H1N1HYD' should be sent to 55352
Government General and Chest Hospital
040-24656852
9849902452
040-23814422
Delhi Swine Flu Helpline Toll Free (1075) Government General and Chest Hospital
040-24656852
9849902452
040-23814422
Hospitals in Delhi for H1N1 detection and treatment
Quarantine Unit at the Indira Gandhi International airport, RML hospital and LNJP Hospital have been made fully ready to deal with the situation.
GTB Hospital, Hindu Rao Hospital, Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, Safdarjang Hospital, ESI Hospital, Central Railway Hospital and Maharishi Valmiki Hospital
Chennai Swine Flu H1N1 Helpline 044-24321569
Swine Flu Testing Hospitals Chennai
King Institute of Preventive Medicine Chennai
(24/7 Service) 044-22501706
Kolkata Swine Flu H1N1 Hospitals and Testing Centers(24/7 Service) 044-22501706
Swine Flu Precautions
FOLLOW THIS.
1. Wash your hands frequently Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.
2. Get enough sleep Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.
3. Keep hydrated Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.
4. Boost your immune system Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.
5. Keep informed The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.
6. Avoid alcohol Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.
7. Be physically active Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.
8. Keep away from sick people Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else̢۪s nose. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact.
9. Know when to get help Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.
10. Avoid crowded areas Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside. Moreover, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Take care everyone!
Sent from BlackBerry® on Airtel
1. Wash your hands frequently Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.
2. Get enough sleep Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.
3. Keep hydrated Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.
4. Boost your immune system Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.
5. Keep informed The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.
6. Avoid alcohol Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.
7. Be physically active Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.
8. Keep away from sick people Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else̢۪s nose. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact.
9. Know when to get help Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed.
10. Avoid crowded areas Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside. Moreover, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Take care everyone!
Sent from BlackBerry® on Airtel
Sunday, August 9, 2009
H1N1 Information
The best way to deal with any medical outbreak is information and awareness. Here is basic information about the swine flu, what it is, what are the symptoms, what you can do to prevent getting it, and more importantly, what should you do should you be running any symptoms.
What is H1N1:
This is what Wikipedia has to say about it. This is what is available on the vaccines. This is what the Health Minister had to say about the current status of H1N1 in India.
Symptoms:
Read this:
Swine Flu Symptoms
The swine flu symptoms reported when infected with the swine flu are similar to the symptoms of the influenza virus most are familiar with. The good news is that most people who become infected will do fine and will not have any long term complications. Those who are immune compromised, older or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness. The most common swine flu symptoms include:
Cough
Congestion
Nasal Congestion
Nausea/Vomiting
Diarrhea
Body aches
Joint Pains
Fevers
Sore throat
Headaches
Fatigue
Decreased energy
Rarely death in more severe cases, especially from pneumonia.
Transmission
The viral infection is transmitted to humans who are in contact with swine, although there are several cases of swine flu in people who had no known exposure to either infected people or pigs. Once the species barrier is crossed, human to human transmission can occur with casual contact or airborne transmission, like when one sneezes or coughs. Eating pork products will not cause one to develop the swine flu. Basically, this flu is passed from one person to another like any cold of flu infection.
Prevention of Swine Flu
Washing hands routinely with soap and warm water, and wearing a N99 mask/respirator, such as the Wein ViraMask may also be helpful if you must be in public places. The Wein mask/respirator is strapless and adheres tightly to all faces. When used appropriately, it does not leak. N99 masks provide 100 x more protection than a N95 mask, which are sill a decent option. 3M is also a manufacturer of such masks. If you are planning on traveling by air or train, having a mask available would be a good idea in case it is needed. Also, avoid contact with sick people whenever possible. If you are sick, stay home.
Use alcohol based hand sanitizers to minimize infection risk. Some also use the Wein Air Supply Personal Air Purifier to help reduce exposure to airborne germs. Further, we know that eating healthy food, getting plenty of sleep and keeping your immune system strong can help prevent infections. Vitamin D supplementation may also be of benefit when taken in adequate doses.
Diagnosis of Swine Flu
Remember- most with flu symptoms simply have a viral infection and NOT the swine flu. Maintaining adequate hydration is very important if you contract any viral illness. The swine flu is diagnosed when a physician suspects infection, and sends a nasopharyngeal swab ( a Q-tip of shorts placed about 2 inches in your nose towards your throat) in a special viral collection container to a special lab to be tested.
Treatment of Swine Flu
If you contract the swine flu, there are 2 flu medications which can be helpful. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. These medications can also be used for the usual avian influenza. Symptomatic care is most important. Antibiotics will not help. Ask your doctor about your options. Those at high risk should strongly be considered for treatment with medications. High risk patients include those with diabetes, heart disease, immune compromised, seniors over age 65.
Swine Flu Vaccine
On June 12, a new vaccine was apparently produced by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. If you did receive a flu vaccine this year, it will not offer you protection against the swine flu. Baxter Pharmaceuticals however issued a press release saying they are working on a vaccine also. Whether these will prove to be effective is unknown. In 1976, the swine flu vaccine actually killed more people that it helped (learn more).
Other
A study by Dr. Cannell from California also showed that vitamin D can help prevent traditional influenza infections by strengthening the immune system. A daily intake of 2,000 IU daily should be taken at minimum, by most. A dose of up to 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily for a few days may also be helpful. Talk to your doctor about this. However, there are no studies specifically which show swine flu is prevented by vitamin D. Read more about vitamin D’s potential and the swine flu. or visit the vitaminDcouncil.org
Talk to your physician if you have concerns or other questions regarding swine flu.
(From http://healthandsurvival.com/)
And read this:
Background
The novel H1N1 flu virus is causing illness in infected persons in the United States and countries around the world. CDC expects that illnesses may continue for some time. As a result, you or people around you may become ill. If so, you need to recognize the symptoms and know what to do.
Symptoms
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it’s possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. People at higher risk of serious complications from seasonal flu include people age 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV).
Avoid Contact With Others
If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. You should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel and not going to work or school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) If you leave the house to seek medical care, wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. In general, you should avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness, especially people at increased risk of severe illness from influenza. With seasonal flu, people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. People infected with the novel H1N1 are likely to have similar patterns of infectiousness as with seasonal flu.
Treatment is Available for Those Who Are Seriously III
It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care.
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. Be aware that if the flu becomes widespread, less testing will be needed, so your health care provider may decide not to test for the flu virus.
Antiviral drugs can be given to treat those who become severely ill with influenza. These antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with activity against influenza viruses, including novel H1N1 flu virus. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
There are two influenza antiviral medications that are recommended for use against novel H1N1 flu. The drugs that are used for treating novel H1N1 flu are called oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu ®) and zanamivir (Relenza ®). As the novel H1N1 flu spreads, these antiviral drugs may become in short supply. Therefore, the drugs may be given first to those people who have been hospitalized or are at high risk of severe illness from flu. The drugs work best if given within 2 days of becoming ill, but may be given later if illness is severe or for those at a high risk for complications.
Aspirin or aspirin-containing products (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate – Pepto Bismol) should not be administered to any confirmed or suspected ill case of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection aged 18 years old and younger due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. For relief of fever, other anti-pyretic medications are recommended such as acetaminophen or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For more information about Reye’s syndrome, visit the National Institute of Health website.
Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.
Children 5 years of age and older and teenagers with the flu can take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms.
Children younger than 4 years of age should NOT be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.
Emergency Warning Signs
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community
Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available. Visit the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners* are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
If you are sick and sharing a common space with other household members in your home, wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, to help prevent spreading the virus to others. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use.
Learn more about how to take care of someone who is ill in "Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home"
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.
If you don’t have one yet, consider developing a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of extra food, medicines, and other essential supplies. Further information can be found in the "Flu Planning Checklist"
(From http://www.cdc.gov/)
If you are concerned about your children:
Serious Swine Flu Symptoms
More serious symptoms that would indicate that a child with swine flu would need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Swine Flu Symptoms vs. a Cold or Sinus Infection
It is important to keep in mind most children with a runny nose or cough will not have swine flu and will not have to see their pediatrician for swine flu testing.
This time of year, many other childhood conditions are common, including:
spring allergies - runny nose, congestion, and cough
common cold - runny nose, cough, and low grade fever
sinus infections - lingering runny nose, cough, and fever
strep throat - sore throat, fever, and a positive strep test
What You Need To Know
Swine flu likely spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions of someone that is sick with swine flu, like if they were coughing and sneezing close to you.
People with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they began to get sick with swine flu symptoms.
Droplets from a cough or sneeze can also contaminate surfaces, such as a doorknob, drinking glass, or kitchen counter, although these germs likely don't survive for more than a few hours.
Anti-flu medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat swine flu.
The latest swine flu news from the CDC includes advice that children should not attend summer camps if they have had swine flu symptoms in the previous seven days and that camp staff should be quick to identify campers with swine flu symptoms and separate them from well campers.
(This from http://pediatrics.about.com/)
Watch this for the four misconceptions about H1N1:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videoshow/4871758.cms
Finally, stay healthy, eat well, keep out of crowded places, use hand sanitisers and face masks, keep away from people who seem to be ill. Take adequate multivitamins and build up your immunity levels.
And if you are ill with any of the symptoms, get an influenza strain test done by your GP. If your symptoms are caused by Type A virus, you might need to go for an H1N1 test.
Stay healthy everyone.
What is H1N1:
This is what Wikipedia has to say about it. This is what is available on the vaccines. This is what the Health Minister had to say about the current status of H1N1 in India.
Symptoms:
Read this:
Swine Flu Symptoms
The swine flu symptoms reported when infected with the swine flu are similar to the symptoms of the influenza virus most are familiar with. The good news is that most people who become infected will do fine and will not have any long term complications. Those who are immune compromised, older or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness. The most common swine flu symptoms include:
Cough
Congestion
Nasal Congestion
Nausea/Vomiting
Diarrhea
Body aches
Joint Pains
Fevers
Sore throat
Headaches
Fatigue
Decreased energy
Rarely death in more severe cases, especially from pneumonia.
Transmission
The viral infection is transmitted to humans who are in contact with swine, although there are several cases of swine flu in people who had no known exposure to either infected people or pigs. Once the species barrier is crossed, human to human transmission can occur with casual contact or airborne transmission, like when one sneezes or coughs. Eating pork products will not cause one to develop the swine flu. Basically, this flu is passed from one person to another like any cold of flu infection.
Prevention of Swine Flu
Washing hands routinely with soap and warm water, and wearing a N99 mask/respirator, such as the Wein ViraMask may also be helpful if you must be in public places. The Wein mask/respirator is strapless and adheres tightly to all faces. When used appropriately, it does not leak. N99 masks provide 100 x more protection than a N95 mask, which are sill a decent option. 3M is also a manufacturer of such masks. If you are planning on traveling by air or train, having a mask available would be a good idea in case it is needed. Also, avoid contact with sick people whenever possible. If you are sick, stay home.
Use alcohol based hand sanitizers to minimize infection risk. Some also use the Wein Air Supply Personal Air Purifier to help reduce exposure to airborne germs. Further, we know that eating healthy food, getting plenty of sleep and keeping your immune system strong can help prevent infections. Vitamin D supplementation may also be of benefit when taken in adequate doses.
Diagnosis of Swine Flu
Remember- most with flu symptoms simply have a viral infection and NOT the swine flu. Maintaining adequate hydration is very important if you contract any viral illness. The swine flu is diagnosed when a physician suspects infection, and sends a nasopharyngeal swab ( a Q-tip of shorts placed about 2 inches in your nose towards your throat) in a special viral collection container to a special lab to be tested.
Treatment of Swine Flu
If you contract the swine flu, there are 2 flu medications which can be helpful. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. These medications can also be used for the usual avian influenza. Symptomatic care is most important. Antibiotics will not help. Ask your doctor about your options. Those at high risk should strongly be considered for treatment with medications. High risk patients include those with diabetes, heart disease, immune compromised, seniors over age 65.
Swine Flu Vaccine
On June 12, a new vaccine was apparently produced by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. If you did receive a flu vaccine this year, it will not offer you protection against the swine flu. Baxter Pharmaceuticals however issued a press release saying they are working on a vaccine also. Whether these will prove to be effective is unknown. In 1976, the swine flu vaccine actually killed more people that it helped (learn more).
Other
A study by Dr. Cannell from California also showed that vitamin D can help prevent traditional influenza infections by strengthening the immune system. A daily intake of 2,000 IU daily should be taken at minimum, by most. A dose of up to 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily for a few days may also be helpful. Talk to your doctor about this. However, there are no studies specifically which show swine flu is prevented by vitamin D. Read more about vitamin D’s potential and the swine flu. or visit the vitaminDcouncil.org
Talk to your physician if you have concerns or other questions regarding swine flu.
(From http://healthandsurvival.com/)
And read this:
Background
The novel H1N1 flu virus is causing illness in infected persons in the United States and countries around the world. CDC expects that illnesses may continue for some time. As a result, you or people around you may become ill. If so, you need to recognize the symptoms and know what to do.
Symptoms
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with novel H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups for novel H1N1 flu are not known at this time, but it’s possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. People at higher risk of serious complications from seasonal flu include people age 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV).
Avoid Contact With Others
If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. You should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel and not going to work or school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) If you leave the house to seek medical care, wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. In general, you should avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness, especially people at increased risk of severe illness from influenza. With seasonal flu, people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. People infected with the novel H1N1 are likely to have similar patterns of infectiousness as with seasonal flu.
Treatment is Available for Those Who Are Seriously III
It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care.
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. Be aware that if the flu becomes widespread, less testing will be needed, so your health care provider may decide not to test for the flu virus.
Antiviral drugs can be given to treat those who become severely ill with influenza. These antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with activity against influenza viruses, including novel H1N1 flu virus. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
There are two influenza antiviral medications that are recommended for use against novel H1N1 flu. The drugs that are used for treating novel H1N1 flu are called oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu ®) and zanamivir (Relenza ®). As the novel H1N1 flu spreads, these antiviral drugs may become in short supply. Therefore, the drugs may be given first to those people who have been hospitalized or are at high risk of severe illness from flu. The drugs work best if given within 2 days of becoming ill, but may be given later if illness is severe or for those at a high risk for complications.
Aspirin or aspirin-containing products (e.g., bismuth subsalicylate – Pepto Bismol) should not be administered to any confirmed or suspected ill case of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection aged 18 years old and younger due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. For relief of fever, other anti-pyretic medications are recommended such as acetaminophen or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. For more information about Reye’s syndrome, visit the National Institute of Health website.
Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.
Children 5 years of age and older and teenagers with the flu can take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms.
Children younger than 4 years of age should NOT be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.
Emergency Warning Signs
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community
Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available. Visit the CDC H1N1 Flu website.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners* are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
If you are sick and sharing a common space with other household members in your home, wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, to help prevent spreading the virus to others. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use.
Learn more about how to take care of someone who is ill in "Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home"
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures.
If you don’t have one yet, consider developing a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of extra food, medicines, and other essential supplies. Further information can be found in the "Flu Planning Checklist"
(From http://www.cdc.gov/)
If you are concerned about your children:
Serious Swine Flu Symptoms
More serious symptoms that would indicate that a child with swine flu would need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Swine Flu Symptoms vs. a Cold or Sinus Infection
It is important to keep in mind most children with a runny nose or cough will not have swine flu and will not have to see their pediatrician for swine flu testing.
This time of year, many other childhood conditions are common, including:
spring allergies - runny nose, congestion, and cough
common cold - runny nose, cough, and low grade fever
sinus infections - lingering runny nose, cough, and fever
strep throat - sore throat, fever, and a positive strep test
What You Need To Know
Swine flu likely spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions of someone that is sick with swine flu, like if they were coughing and sneezing close to you.
People with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they began to get sick with swine flu symptoms.
Droplets from a cough or sneeze can also contaminate surfaces, such as a doorknob, drinking glass, or kitchen counter, although these germs likely don't survive for more than a few hours.
Anti-flu medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat swine flu.
The latest swine flu news from the CDC includes advice that children should not attend summer camps if they have had swine flu symptoms in the previous seven days and that camp staff should be quick to identify campers with swine flu symptoms and separate them from well campers.
(This from http://pediatrics.about.com/)
Watch this for the four misconceptions about H1N1:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videoshow/4871758.cms
Finally, stay healthy, eat well, keep out of crowded places, use hand sanitisers and face masks, keep away from people who seem to be ill. Take adequate multivitamins and build up your immunity levels.
And if you are ill with any of the symptoms, get an influenza strain test done by your GP. If your symptoms are caused by Type A virus, you might need to go for an H1N1 test.
Stay healthy everyone.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Monsoon helpline initiative from Rise Up
Posting a forward, which seems like a noble initiative:
THE MONSOON HELPLINE - Rise Up's next initiative
THE MONSOON HELPLINE - Rise Up's next initiative
This Rainy Season, We've decided to help out all of you in need and give
everyone a chance to help out as well.
Introducing Rise Up's latest initiative, the "Monsoon Helpline*."
We've started helping people since the first showers, but we've finally
decided to go mainstream and make it more easily available to the masses.
You can call us on our cellphones in the case of any emergency or situation
and we'll try to help you out with our team of volunteers!
In case you wish to be a volunteer and help us help others, DO FEEL FREE to
contact us! we need all the help we can get!
Our numbers are,
Kaizad Bhamgara : 9820297774
Nigel Quraishy : 9221006212
Akshay Shah : 9820909043
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