Improving Oral Health in Children

October 25th, 2024: In response to the oral health crisis affecting millions of children in England due to tooth decay, a group of recommendations has been put up by scientists at Newcastle University. The research urges the new government to create a national strategy for children’s oral health and offers suggestions for lowering childhood sugar intake, optimising fluoride exposure, and expanding access to dental care.

The study, which is titled “An evidence-based plan for improving children’s oral health with and through educational settings,” was produced by Child of the North and Anne Longfield’s Centre for Young Lives think tank. It focusses on how the incoming government may prioritise young people’s life opportunities in the formulation and implementation of public policy.

In England, tooth decay affects millions of children and young adults, and the research highlights the significant and varied scope of this problem and how it lowers their quality of life. If left untreated, it can lead to toothache, insomnia, changed eating patterns, and even harm speech and language development. Children who suffer from poor dental health may be less likely to develop to their full potential and experience a decrease in confidence. Additionally, there is evidence that indicates the impact of dental decay on children living in underprivileged areas is greater, even when taking into consideration the various degrees of dental decay.

In order to enhance children’s oral health and lessen social disparities—particularly those faced by youth in the North of England—the research suggests that the incoming government create and execute a national strategy for improving children’s oral health. A national board of representatives from departmental and local government offices, dental associations and speciality societies, academic institutions, citizen representatives, and charitable groups would be in charge of this. This approach would consist of:

· Minimising sugar intake through legislative measures like extending the Soft Drinks Industry Levy to cover additional sugar-sweetened drinks like sugary milkshakes.

· Imposing limitations on the promotion, marketing, and advertising of food.
restricting sales of energy drinks with caffeine to those under the age of sixteen.

· Maximising the amount of fluoride exposure by combining community water fluoridation with more focused initiatives like supervised brushing.

Additionally, it lays out recommendations for how early childhood and education-based interventions—co-designed by health visitors, nurseries, and schools—can be optimised for their impact.

The study showcases cutting-edge methods that are now being used to treat children’s oral health issues. It outlines the important role that local government may play in lowering sugar intake and the various approaches that local governments have taken to cut back on the consumption of foods and beverages that are rich in fat, sugar, and salt.

In comparison to their southern counterparts, children and young people living in the North of England are more severely impacted by higher levels of deprivation and associated unmet dental needs, according to Paula Waterhouse, President of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry and Professor of Paediatric Dentistry at Newcastle University. She said: “It is time to establish an oral health strategy for children and young people across England. The evidence base garnered by existing oral health research should be used to inform Government strategy and implementation of both national and local policies.

“We need to act now. Our children’s health depends on it and it’s everybody’s business – parents, dental and medical teams, health visitors, industry, education colleagues, and policy makers. We all have a part to play.”

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Hosts Dr. C.N. Manjunath for Heart Health Talk and Visit

Bangalore, 8th October 2024: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) had the privilege of hosting renowned cardiologist and Member of Parliament, Bangalore Rural Dr. C.N. Manjunath, during his recent visit to the company’s premises. Known for his vast experience and expertise in the field of cardiology, Dr. Manjunath graciously shared his insights on a critical and timely subject – “Myths and Facts about Heart Health.”

During his visit, Dr. Manjunath engaged with TKM employees in a lively discussion that delved deep into the intricacies of cardiovascular health. In a comprehensive and engaging session, he dispelled several widely held misconceptions about heart disease and offered practical advice on how to prioritize heart health amidst the demands of modern life. The session saw enthusiastic participation from employees across departments. The engaging presentation covered a variety of crucial topics, including debunking common myths for better understanding of real risk factors and recognizing early signs of heart-related issues. He also educated the audience on practical lifestyle changes to maintain long-term heart health, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and routine health check-ups.

Dr. Manjunath’s visit and his thought-provoking talk were greatly appreciated by the TKM community, leaving a lasting impact on all participants. His expertise not only shed light on the intricacies of cardiovascular care but also underscored the importance of health awareness in the corporate world.

Dr. C.N. Manjunath, Member of Parliament, Bangalore Rural and Former Director, Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, said, “Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most significant health challenges globally, and the key to addressing them lies in awareness, education, and early intervention. I believe that empowering people with the right information is crucial. By understanding the real risk factors, recognizing early symptoms, and making small yet impactful lifestyle changes, we can significantly reduce the burden of heart disease. It was a pleasure to engage in such a meaningful dialogue at TKM and share insights that can hopefully influence their day-to-day decisions about health. I commend TKM for their commitment to health awareness and look forward to continuing these discussions in other settings. Let us remember that good heart health is not just about medical intervention, but about preventive care and making informed choices that lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.”

Following the presentation, employees had the opportunity to engage in a dynamic Q&A session with Dr. Manjunath. Questions ranged from understanding cholesterol management to the effects of genetics on heart disease. Dr. Manjunath responded with expert advice tailored to the individual concerns of the participants, ensuring everyone left with actionable knowledge they could apply in their daily lives. His genuine concern for their well-being and personalised solutions of each query resonated deeply with the audience.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor recognizes the importance of creating a healthy and supportive work environment. TKM looks forward to hosting more such informative and beneficial sessions in the future as the company continues its commitment to employee wellness.

Shailaja Teacher: AMR Recognized as Global Health Security Threat by WHO, CDC, and UN

Hyderabad, October 03, 2024-The three-day G-SPARC 2024, Global South Conference on Infection Prevention, Control, and Antimicrobial Stewardship began on Thursday morning at Shilpakalavedika in Madhapur in the city.

Speaking on the Management of outbreaks and health crises- a politician’s perspective, Ms. Shailaja Teacher, Former Health Minister of Kerala said Infection Prevention and Control, AMR (Anti Microbial Resistance) are global issues. AMR is a silent pandemic she said. AMR is recognized as a global health security threat by WHO (World Health Organisation), CDC(Centre for Disease Control), and UN(United Nations). UN addressed AMR as early as 2016. She gave insights into the preparedness before COVID spread and how proactive measures about AMR, its ‘ policy were taken in Kerala, etc and the introduction of the AMR action plan, the first time India proved to be very effective.

Speaking further she said we need one health approach to address AMR. The estimated global cost it is $ 1000 trillion by 2050.

Kerala became the first state in India to release a sub-national Actional Plan called KARSAP in 2018 and it is conceptualized and implemented on a One Health Platform. We launched the Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign in 2019 to make all citizens of Kerala aware of the judicious use of antibiotics in all sectors. We have also launched an AI-based Antibiogram App, she said.

Participating in a panel discussion on the Leadership role in IPC & AMS policy and practices, Dr. Evita Fernandez- Chair of the Fernandez Foundation said nurses are true custodians of the patients. However, they are scared to raise issues when the patient’s health is compromised. When anyone including doctors touches the patient, they need to be sanitized well. Nurses must get their respect. They are not subordinates to doctors. They are our colleagues. Nurses play a big role in stopping infections spread to patients. Doctors must change their attitudes towards nurses and give mutual respect, she added.

Dr Anuj Sharma of the WHO Country Office of India said for an effective AMR plan and its implementation we need a state government’s concurrence on IPC (Infection, Prevention, and Control) and AMR

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr.Hari Prasad-Chaiman – CARE Group of hospitals

The panelists were Dr. Evita Fernandez- Chair, Fernandez Foundation Dr.Gurunath Reddy-Chairman – Continental Hospital; Dr.Vincy Tribhuvan -VP- Of nursing, CARE Group; Dr. Giridhar Gyani -DG- AHPI; Dr. Kashipa Harit- Deputy Director NABH; Dr. Anuj Sharma-Team Focal Point – AMR | IPC, World Health Organization, Country O ce for India

Earlier the meeting began with a session on Understanding the science of complexity and its applications in IPC by Prof. Dr. Vijay V.Yeldandi, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA.

Another session by Dr Annie Thakore, CEO, of Pranaam Hospital Enhancing Infection Control Practices in Hospital Settings followed it.

A panel discussion on the Role of Environmental surveillance in mitigating infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance was held. The Panelists were Dr. Rakesh Mishra, Director, Tata Institute of Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bengaluru and Principal Investigator, Alliance for Pathogen Surveillance Innovations (APSI)-India; Dr. Vinay K. Nandicoori, Director, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad and Principal Investigator, APSI-India; Dr. Aruna Panda, Program Director, APSI-India, CCMB, Hyderabad; Dr. Shivranjani C. Moharir, Senior Scientist, TIGS; Dr. Mahesh Dharne, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

Some of the prominent speakers who participated in the conference include Dr Anuj Sharma, WHO India Office; Prof Chedly Azzouz, Chairperson, Infection Control Africa Network; Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, DGHS & Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC); Ms Shailaja Teacher, MLA and Former-Health Minister, Govt of Kerala

The objective of the conference is to provide a platform for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and Patient Safety stakeholders from Global South (resource-limited countries in Asia, Africa, Middle East, South America) to collaborate for better policies, research, tailored solutions and practices on IPC, AMS and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and pandemic preparedness.

Marvell Collaborates With United Way Bengaluru‘s’Rural Rising’ Initiative towards Sustainable Development in Bagepalli taluk of Chikkaballapura District, Karnataka

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Bengaluru, June 18, 2024: Marvell, in collaboration with NGO partner United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), is driving an impactful intervention, ‘Rural Rising’, an integrated rural development program, in the Chikkaballapura District of Karnataka. The program is designed to meet the Mission Anthodya and Human Development Index (HDI) indicators, validated through an in-depth needs assessment in collaboration with local authorities and community members.

This intervention addresses fundamental needs across key thematic areas, including education, health and well-being, safe drinking water, and renewable energy in the Guluru Gram Panchayat.

Under the initiative, an ambulance is provided to Bagepalli Taluk Govt. Hospital, which caters to a catchment population of 1,20,000+ people and lacked a dedicated ambulance. Two new Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) have been constructed alongside the setting up of kitchen gardens and provisioning of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs) in the AWCs. Based on the need, a government school has been strengthened through refurbishment support, making the environment conducive to learning.

To address the need for a functional toilet facility, a new toilet has been constructed and an incinerator has been provided to a government school. Additionally, the initiative focuses on the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) component, particularly for raising awareness about menstrual health and hygiene among female students. Sanitary napkins have been distributed in five schools.

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To ensure the availability of safe drinking water, three water purifier units have been installed in Anjinapura and Laxman Thanda villages, and at a government school, benefiting numerous households and students. In commitment to renewable energy, 150 solar streetlights have been successfully installed at strategic locations across the gram panchayat.

The intervention has reached over 5,285 direct beneficiaries and numerous indirect beneficiaries.

Today marked a significant day as key stakeholders involved in the initiative came together to officially announce the launch of the intervention. Key delegates present included Mr. Navin Bishnoi, Marvell India Country Manager, Ms. Bharathi Kanuj, Marvell India CSR Head and Mr. Ganesh Karnatakam, Marvell India Finance Controller, Sriram Ananthanarayanan UWBe Director or Projects, Varun Kumar UWBe Corporate Relations, Pravin Kumar UWBe Rural Projects Lead.

“Convergence and collaboration are key elements for achieving lasting effects. The Rural Rising initiative has demonstrated the power of bringing together Gram Panchayat, NGO, corporate and community members towards a shared goal,”, said, Mr. Navin Bishnoi, Marvell India Country Manager.

“Prioritising the need to invest in rural development, the Rural Rising program intends to build self-sustainable rural communities with assured access to quality education, better health and well-being, safe drinking water, and a clean environment. We are grateful to our CSR partner, Marvell, and the local community for supporting us since the inception of the program at Guluru Gram Panchayat.“, said, Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, of United Way Bengaluru.

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About United Way Bengaluru (UWBe)

UWBe is an NGO focused on social issues that seek immediate and long-term attention. United Way Bengaluru marked a significant milestone this year as it completed its 15-year journey. As a part of the global network, United Way Worldwide, the largest network of non-profit organizations with 1,100 chapters in 37 countries, United Way Bengaluru carries a global image with a ‘local heart’ committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of the local communities. True to the organization’s mission “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world”, UWBe catalyzes unified efforts from corporates, civic bodies, and citizen associations to bring about visible and sustainable change in the lives of the communities. The organization works in four key areas – environment, education, healthcare, and rural development.

Through the Lens: Exam Prep and Eye Care Essentials

Hyderabad, 23February 2024: As the academic year comes to an end, millions of students are preparing for their final exams. This is a period of high expectations, anxiety, and long hours of studying. However, in the midst of all this exam preparation, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: the health of their eyes, which are their most valuable asset.

With the ever-increasing demands of digital learning and screen time, coupled with the strain of prolonged study sessions, students experience unprecedented levels of eye fatigue and discomfort. Symptoms such as dry eyes, headache, blurred vision, and migraine have become a common concern among both students and parents. These issues can make it more difficult for children to perform well in school and can increase their stress levels. Additionally, students with vision impairment may need to spend even longer studying. It is important for everyone involved – students, parents, teachers, and doctors – to work together to prioritize good eye health for students.

To combat eye strain and enhance efficiency during demanding study hours, students can adopt various safety measures to ensure a healthier and smoother studying experience.

Get a comprehensive eye examination: Before diving into the study break, it’s advisable for students to undergo an eye examination by an ophthalmologist. This helps rule out any changes in glasses prescription and identifies any potential eye issues that may arise during prolonged study sessions.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Taking regular breaks during study sessions is essential to prevent discomfort from prolonged near activity. Adhering to the 20-20-20 rule—looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes—helps relax the eye muscles and shift focus from near to far distances.

Frequent blinking: Encourage students to blink frequently to prevent dryness, itching, and eye fatigue, which can occur during extended study sessions.

Maintain correct posture: Maintaining a proper posture and reading distance helps prevent neck and back problems. Students should sit upright with their backs straight to avoid excessive strain on their necks and backs.

Limit digital gadget use: While it may be unavoidable at times, students should restrict their use of digital gadgets. When using screens, opt for larger screens positioned at eye level and use screen protectors to reduce glare and adjust brightness levels for comfortable viewing.

Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning: Sitting directly in front of air conditioners, coolers, or fans can dry out the eyes. Students should sit in well-illuminated, ventilated rooms to reduce eye strain and discomfort.

Prioritize physical activity and sleep: Encourage students to engage in at least an hour of physical activity daily and maintain a healthy sleep schedule to promote overall well-being and relaxation.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration during the scorching summer months can exacerbate restlessness and migraine. Ensure students remain hydrated and consume a healthy diet to support their overall health and well-being.

Let’s create a supportive environment and offer emotional support to students during these stressful exam periods. Prioritizing eye care and adopting healthy habits can help students navigate exams with greater ease and efficiency.

Breathe Easy with Innovation: Nano Aerpod, India’s First Medical-Grade PAPR, Now Available

Bangalore: 1.2.2024 – Introducing a revolutionary advancement in personal air purification, Nano Aerpod, India’s first and only Personal Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) certified for medical use, is now available to empower individuals to take control of their respiratory health. Packed with cutting-edge technology and rigorous safety standards.

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Nano Aerpod stands out from the crowd. Its medical-grade HEPA filter effectively captures 99.97% of harmful airborne particles, including viruses, bacteria, dust, and allergens, offering superior protection compared to standard air purifiers. This enhanced filtration is backed by IEC Test with International safety standards for home medical devices, ensuring users breathe the cleanest air possible.

Tailored Solutions for Respiratory Challenges

Nano AerPod’s cutting-edge filtration technology is engineered to target and eliminate microscopic particles, including airborne irritants known to trigger respiratory problems. For individuals dealing with asthma or chronic respiratory issues, this revolutionary air purifier acts as a safeguard against pollutants, providing a constant supply of clean, fresh air.

ASIN AERPOD 9

 

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Innovation doesn’t stop there. Nano Aerpod boasts several unique features that elevate its user experience:

• Patent-protected technology: This ensures you’re getting a truly innovative product with cutting-edge design and functionality.

• ISO 9001 certification: Underscores the company’s commitment to quality management and consistent excellence.

• STQC NABL testing and certification: Provides independent verification of the product’s safety and efficacy.

Beyond technical prowess, Nano Aerpod prioritizes health benefits:

Improved respiratory health: By filtering out harmful pollutants, it can alleviate symptoms of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions.

Enhanced cognitive function: Cleaner air intake can lead to improved concentration, memory, and overall mental well-being.

Reduced risk of infections: The medical-grade filtration helps protect against airborne viruses and bacteria, boosting your immune system.

Particle Size Precision: Nano AerPod’s ability to capture particles as small as 0.1 microns ensures that even the tiniest pollutants, such as dust mites and allergens, are effectively removed. This level of precision is crucial for individuals with asthma, as it minimizes triggers that could lead to respiratory distress.

Portable Solution: The compact and lightweight design of Nano AerPod makes it a portable solution for individuals who may need respiratory support in different areas of their homes or while traveling.

Improving Quality of Life for Older Adults

For the elderly, especially those dealing with age-related respiratory challenges, Nano AerPod represents a significant leap forward in enhancing the quality of life. The device’s ability to provide a constant supply of clean air can alleviate the burden of respiratory distress, promoting better overall health and well-being.

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Benefits for Asthma Sufferers and the Elderly

Particle Size Precision: Nano AerPod’s ability to capture particles as small as 0.1 microns ensures that even the tiniest pollutants, such as dust mites and allergens, are effectively removed. This level of precision is crucial for individuals with asthma, as it minimizes triggers that could lead to respiratory distress.

Testimonials and Success Stories:

Early users of Nano AerPod have reported noticeable improvements in their respiratory health, citing reduced symptoms, increased energy levels, and improved sleep quality. These testimonials underscore the potential life-changing impact Nano AerPod can have for those grappling with asthma and respiratory issues.

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A Beacon of Hope:

As Nano AerPod takes center stage in the fight against respiratory challenges, it stands not only as a technological marvel but as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking relief from asthma and respiratory issues. The future of air purification is here, and it breathes with the promise of a healthier tomorrow.

Ready to experience the difference?

Nano Aerpod is now readily available online platforms, including:

Official website: www.aerpod.in
JioMart: A leading e-commerce platform (Nano Aerpod personal air purifier)
Amazon India: The nation’s largest online marketplace (Nano Aerpod personal air purifier with HEPA filter APNFH100-H)

Google selects Medical Dialogues Among Top 10 Media Organisations for GNI Startups Lab 2nd Cohort

New Delhi: Tech Giant Google recently unveiled the second cohort of the Google News Initiative (GNI) Startups Lab, a 12-week catalyst program that aims to help the next generation of independent, news startups in India. Medical Dialogues, a leading health and medical news portal in India has been selected as one of the 10 startups participating in the program.

GNI Startups Lab is a 12-week catalyst program created in collaboration with Anymind Group and T-hub. The program aims to help the next generation of independent Indian news startups achieve financial and operational sustainability. The GNI Startups Lab India supports high-quality reporting for local communities, niche audiences and/or previously underserved communities across India.

Medical Dialogues is a medical news portal created to provide accurate, updated and timely information to medical and healthcare professionals and other stakeholders of healthcare. Aimed at promoting Medical journalism in India, Medical Dialogues is a unique platform for consolidated news in the healthcare sector, including Medical News, Health News, Pharma & Healthcare Industry News, News related to latest medical technology and much more.

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Chosen out of over 110 applicants from across India, Medical Dialogues is a part of ten news startups that cover an array of types of journalism, including investigative, political, medical, youth, climate, and local news organizations and give a voice to underrepresented communities.

The other news startups apart from Medical Dialogues who have been included in the program include The Mooknayak, Queerbeat, SouthLive, Democratic Charkha, Feminism In India, Ground Report, Pratidhvani, Telugupost, and Truescoop.

Meghna A Singhania, Founder and Editor in Chief, Medical Dialogues, said, “ We are thrilled to embark on a transformative journey through the GNI Startup Lab, contributing to the evolution of medical journalism in India. We hope that this will help us to take the concept of Medical Journalism in India & Asia regions to the next level and fight the growing menace of medical misinformation in the country.”

Dr Prem Aggarwal, Co-founder and Chairman of Medical Dialogues, added, “We are honoured to be recognized by Google as one of the top 10 Media Startups under GNI Startups Lab. This recognition motivates us to continue our mission of delivering high-quality medical & healthcare news and insights and inspires us to continue our journey of providing impactful medical and healthcare journalism”.