Hunger is the No One Cause of Death in India

Hunger is the No 1(one) Cause of Death in India

• Hunger remains the No.1 cause of death in the world also. Aids, Cancer etc. follow
• There are 820 million chronically hungry people in the world. / 10 million people die every year of chronic hunger and hunger-related diseases. Only eight percent are the victims of hunger caused by high-profile earthquakes, floods, droughts and wars
• 1/3^rd of the world’s hungry live in India.
• 836 million Indians survive on less than Rs. 20 (less than half-a-dollar) a day.
• Over 20 crore Indians will sleep hungry tonight.
• India has 212 million undernourished people – only marginally below the 215 million estimated for 1990–92.
• Over 7000 Indians die of hunger every day.
• Over 25 lakh Indians die of hunger every year
• Despite substantial improvement in health since independence, under-nutrition remains a silent emergency in India, with almost 50 percent of Indian children underweight and more than 70 percent of the women and children with serious nutritional deficiencies as anemia.
• The 1998 – 99 Indian survey shows 57 percent of the children aged 0 – 3 years to be either severely or moderately stunted and/or underweight.
• During 2006 – 2007, malnutrition contributed to seven million Indian children dying, nearly two million before the age of one.
• 30% of newborn are of low birth weight, 56% of married women are anemic and 79% of children age 6-35 months are anemic.
• The number of hungry people in India is always more than the number of people below official poverty line (while around 37% of rural households were below the poverty line in 1993-94, 80% of households suffered under nutrition).

 

 

 

Sources / Ref: UN World Food Programme

UN World Health Organization: Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition, 2006

UN Food and Agriculture Organization: SOFI 2006 Report

National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector (India)

National Family Health Survey 2005 – 06 (NFHS-3) (India)

Centre for Environment and Food Security (India)

Rural 21 (India)

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   Farakka ASHA (Amateur Society for Human Aid)  
   a Non-Profit Philanthropic Organization

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Health Benefits of Watermelon

Health Benefits of Watermelon

This summer fruit has to get "featured" in your refrigerator for being a perfect summer treat. Watermelon is loaded with nutrients which bestow it the status of a "star" fruit!

Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. As with many other fruits, it is a source of vitamins A, B6 and C. Additionally, watermelon is a good source of thiamin, potassium and magnesium. Watermelons contain a significant amount of citrulline - an amino acid our bodies use to make another amino acid, arginine. They have no fats, have fewer amounts of calories and are one of the healthiest fruits. Watermelon is also mildly diuretic and contains large amounts of beta-carotene.

Although watermelon with red-pink flesh is more common, there are varieties of watermelon that feature yellow, orange or white flesh. Watermelon with red-pink flesh is a significant source of a potent antioxidant, lycopene - a plant pigments responsible for the red color of watermelon, tomatoes, and pink guavas).

The Health Benefits:

 

1.   Provides Antioxidants: Watermelon is a natural source of the most powerful antioxidants. It is a good source of the antioxidant vitamins C and A (through its concentration of beta-carotene). Watermelons with red-pink flesh are also a good source of carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene. All these antioxidants reduce the risks of asthma, heart disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and various cancers by neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and cell membranes.

2.   Shows Cancer Fighting Properties: Adding watermelon into your diet can help prevent and fight cancer. This can be attributed to its rich antioxidant profile. The antioxidants of watermelon are very concentrated and they have the ability to kill the cancer causing free radicals. Lycopene, a potent carotenoid in watermelon, has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties. In research on humans, lycopene has been linked to the protection of DNA inside of white blood cells due to its antioxidant function to help protect cells from free radical damage. Lycopene has been found to be protective against many cancers, particularly prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, endometrial cancer and colon cancer.

3.   Improves Eye Health: Eating enough watermelon can prevent night blindness. This is because, watermelon is rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which improves overall eye health. Eating watermelon can also prevent age related macular degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in older adults. Macular degeneration is just a fancy word for loss of vision. Studies show that eating watermelon is actually healthy for your eyes than eating carrots. That holds true in preventing both short-term and long-term vision loss.

4.   Lowers Blood Pressure: Watermelon is a good source of potassium, which helps in controlling blood pressure and in maintaining the body's proper electrolyte and acid-base balance. Two cups of watermelon contains about 10 percent of the recommended daily value of potassium.

5.   Promotes Brain Power: Being a very good source of vitamin B6, watermelon serves as a great brain food. Vitamin B6 helps the body to create brain chemicals that regulate sleeping patterns, relieve stress and even give a feeling of elation.

6.   Promotes Heart Health: Scientists suggest that when watermelon is consumed, citrulline (an amino acid) is converted to arginine through certain enzymes. Arginine is an amino acid that works wonders on the heart, the circulatory system and the immune system. The citrulline-arginine relationship promotes heart health.

7.   Acts as the Natural Viagra: Scientists suggest that watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body's blood vessels and may even increase libido. It has been found to show great effects in relaxing blood vessels without involving any side effect of a drug.

8.   Treats Erectile Dysfunction: Arginine, produced by the body using citrulline, is used by the cells lining your blood vessels to make nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes the blood vessels and this is the same effect which Viagra produces while treating erectile function.

9.   Treats Impotence: Arginine seems to improve sexual function in men with impotence. Arginine boosts nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels. A study of 50 men with impotence reported significant improved sexual function after they were given arginine supplementation.

10.    Promotes Muscles Health: Potassium-rich foods like watermelon help athletes to cope up with muscle strain and cramps. Eating a slice of watermelon immediately after rigorous exercises can even prevent the muscles from becoming sore.

11.    Aids in the Weight Loss Process: Watermelon is low in calories and high in water content. This makes it filling but not fattening. Eating watermelon in place of high-calorie treats can help to shed pounds without the feeling of missing out on something. The natural sweetness found in melons will help you not to be tempted to grab those high calorie sweets.

12.    Boosts the Immune System: Arginine is the physiologic precursor in the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), which plays a pivotal role in many biological processes such as platelet aggregation and immune system modulation. A study involving 40 children demonstrated an increase in lymphocytes, which play an important role in the immune system, after oral administration of arginine.

13.    Helps Remove Toxins: Arginine plays an important part in the healing of wounds and the removal of ammonia and other toxic compounds from the body. Excess ammonia in the blood can lead to fatigue, kidney and liver disease.

14.    Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Arginine has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity in obese type 2 diabetic patients with insulin resistance.

15.    Add in Energy Production: Watermelon is concentrated with B-vitamins. B-vitamins are responsible for a lot of your body's energy production. This means, eating watermelon can give you substantial energy. It also has high amounts of the energizing nutrients, magnesium and potassium. Eating watermelon is a safe alternative to taking energy drinks prior to exercise. It also keeps you hydrated with its high water content as opposed to caffeine filled energy drinks that dehydrate you.

[Reference: LMT/ RC]

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   Farakka ASHA (Amateur Society for Human Aid)  
   a Non-Profit Philanthropic Organization

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Health Benefits of Lemon Water

Health Benefits of Lemon Water

Yes! There are enormous benefits of lemon juice and water in your everyday life. You simply need to arm yourself with relevant knowledge and you would soon start valuing this amalgamation more than ever.

Lemon is an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit, popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamins like vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon is generally consumed in the form of lemon juice or lemon water. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits like: 

• Good for stomach: Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones. 
• Excellent for Skin Care: Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin. 
• Controls High Blood Pressure: Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression. 
• Good for Weight Loss: One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well. 
• Cures Throat Infections: Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently. 
• Good for treating Rheumatism / inflammatory disorders: Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body. 
• Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders: Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma. 
• Reduces Fever: Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration. 
• Acts as a blood purifier: The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier. 
• Aids in Dental Care: Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums. 
• Anti Cancer properties: lemons and/or limes, contain compounds called limonoids that have been shown to help fight cancers of the stomach, lung. breast, skin and colon in animal studies and laboratory tests with human cells. Lemons and limes are a good source of a very long-acting limonoid called limonin, which can readily absorbed and utilized by our bodies. Scientists found traces of limonin in the body even 24 hours after consumption, where as natural anti-carcinogens present in other food items were found to be active for just 4 to 6 hours; for example, phenols in green tea.

How much should I drink?

In case you are in good health and weigh 70 kg or less, it is advisable for you to have juice of one-half of the lemon squeezed into one glass of water, twice daily. However, if you weigh more than 70 kg, juice of one whole lemon in a glass of water should be preferred. For maximum benefit, this mixture should also be taken two times a day, though you may dilute more lemon juice according to your taste if you wish.

So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of warm lemon water in the morning and then open your gateway to enjoy its health benefits.

[Source: PB/LMT/ Oct-12]

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   Amateur Society for Human Aid (Farakka ASHA) 
   a Non-Profit Philanthropic Organization

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Health Benefits of Guava

Health Benefits of Guava

This mouth-watering treat comes with immense health benefits. Being rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, copper and manganese, they are often included among superfruits.

Guava fruit (amrood), usually 5 to 10 cm (2-4 inches) long, are round or pear shaped depending on the variety. It bears a green, yellow or maroon cover while the inside of the fruit features the white ("white" guavas) or pink ("red" guavas) fleshy part containing many small, hard seeds.

Here are the Health Benefits of Guava:

• Cancer Prevention: Guava is an excellent source of the cancer-fighting antioxidant, lycopene. Lycopene in guava is more easily absorbed by our body than lycopene from tomato becuase of the difference in the cell structure that allows the antioxidant to be absorbed whether the fruit is raw or cooked. Lycopene consumption is associated with significantly lower rates of prostate cancer, and it has also been found to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Lycopene promotes good health by acting against the influence of “free radicals”, which can damage cells and can contribute to developing cancer and coronary heart disease. All varieties of guava are loaded with antioxidants but the one with the red flesh type contains more than the white-fleshed apple guava. 
• High Blood Pressure: Guava, being hypoglycemic in nature (if taken without skin) and fiber rich, helps in decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This makes guavas highly beneficial for those at risk for heart disease and hypertension. Also, a medium guava (165 gm) provides you with 20 percent of the recommended daily value (DV) for potassium. Studies have shown that people who consume more potassium have lower blood pressures than those who consume less. 
• Diarrhea: Guava has proved to be beneficial to individuals suffering from Diarrhea. Guava has astringents (chemical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues, for example compounds those make your gums feel tighter and fresh after you eat a raw guava), which are helpful in binding up loose stools during the conditions of diarrhea. These alkaline compounds display antibacterial properties and have the ability to prevent microbial growth during dysentery. Other disinfectants present in guava include Carotenoids, Vitamin C and Potassium. These properties and ingredients of guava also support healing in cases of gastroenteritis. 
• Cough and Cold: The decoction of guava leaves or the juices of raw or immature guavas bring relief to individuals suffering from cough and cold. This can be attributed to the astringent properties of guava juice. The juice works by loosening the cough, decreasing mucus and by making the respiratory tract, throat and lungs infection-free. Guava is also rich in vitamin C and iron, which provide protections against cold and viral infections. 
• Constipation: High amount of dietary fiber present in guava helps prevent constipation. A medium guava provides you with 36 percent of the recommended daily value for dietary fiber. Also, the seeds of guava are very effective laxatives. Both these attributes help in the formation of bowels and the cleaning up of the excretory system. 
• Diabetes: According to a study conducted on rats, both the guava fruit and its leaves can help diabetic patients by lowering their blood glucose levels. However, if consumed along with its skin, it can be bad for your blood sugar. According to the research published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research and conducted by researchers at the Medicinal Research Laboratory of the University of Allahabad, blood sugar levels in rats injected with guava peel extract rose by 91% in sub-diabetic rats within two hours of administration and by 27% in normal rats after eight hours of administration. So, the best way to consume a guava for diabetics is to peel off its skin. 
• Weight Loss: Guava forms an essential component of a weight loss diet. Guava is rich in fiber, proteins and vitamins and this implies that individuals looking to lose weight would not have to compromise on their intake of these nutrients! Guava with no cholesterol and low carbohydrates, can still offer a feeling of fullness. A medium sized guava for lunch is enough to supply nutrition till dinner. Again, guava can help thin people gain weight. This can be attributed to its nutrients which aid in the better absorption process of the body.
• Skin Care: The astringents of guava enhance the skin texture and tighten loosened skin. In fact, guava works more effectively than any other skin nourishing lotions in the market. Decoction of immature leaves and fruits can be applied on the skin for tightening and toning purposes. Additionally, guava has high contents of vitamin A, vitamin C and Potassium, which are characterized by their antioxidant functions. These nutrients carry out detoxification processes and keep the skin healthy and wrinkle-free. 
• Scurvy: The Vitamin C content of a common guava (apple guava) is about four times than what we find in an orange. Thus, guavas are effective remedies for scurvy, which is characterized by swollen and bleeding gums due to deficiency of Vitamin C. 
• Dental Care: The juice of the guava leaves containing astringents and vitamins is a remedy for toothaches, swollen gums and ulcers of the mouth.

[Source: LMT/RC. Dec-10]

--- Issued in Public Interest by NGO ASHA
   Amateur Society for Human Aid (Farakka ASHA) 
   a Non-Profit Philanthropic Organization

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Amateur Society For Human Aid (Farakka-ASHA)

a Non-Profit Philanthropic Organization

Registration No: S/89012  |  Estd -1996  |  PAN No:  AAATF3454D  | 80G Tax Benefits

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All About Swine Flu (H1N1)

What is Swine Flu (H1N1)?

Influenza-A (H1N1) (earlier know as swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.  First detected in Mexico in April, 2009, it has spread to many countries in the World. Swine flu is basically a misnomer. This was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to those found in pigs in North America.  Further on, it has been found that this new virus has gene segments from the swine, avian and human flu virus genes. The scientists calls this a "quadruple reassortant" virus and hence this new (novel) virus is christened "influenza-A (H1N1) virus".

How do people become infected with influenza-A (H1N1)?

The new influenza A (H1N1) virus spreads from person-to-person, in the same way that seasonal influenza viruses spread. The main form of transmission is through the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Infected droplets are released into the air and breathed in by others. However, these droplets do not remain in the air long and generally only affect people within two metres.

It is also possible to get influenza by touching contaminated surfaces, and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes. Water chlorination also makes it very unlikely that people will get this virus from drinking water or swimming in chlorinated pools.

How infectious is it?

Because this virus is new, people have no immunity to it so it will spread more quickly and widely than the seasonal flu. The pandemic situation could mean lots of people become sick at the same time and this could have a big impact on our day-to-day lives, and place considerable pressure on the health services.

Infected person may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.

What are the signs and symptoms of influenza-A (H1N1) in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhoea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu:

• the worst symptoms usually last about five days, but coughing can last up to two to three weeks.
• some very young children, people with some long-term medical conditions, pregnant women, and older people, can get very sick.

How to keep away from getting the flu?

Currently available seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:

• Wash and dry your hands frequently:Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and dry them for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Wash your hands before preparing food and eating or smoking; after coughing, sneezing, wiping children’s noses, visiting the toilet or changing nappies.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and put your used tissue in a bin (if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve - not your hands). Remember to wash your hands afterwards. Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. Germs spread that way.
• Stay away from other people if you or they are sick: If you become unwell, stay away from other people. Try to stay a metre away from sick people to reduce the spread of germs. Reduce time spent in crowded settings.
• Contamination and cleaning: Regularly clean flat surfaces such as bathroom sinks, bedside cabinets, desks and table tops where germs can live for up to 48 hours. Wipe them down with a household disinfectant.
• If you've got flu symptoms: Stay at home until essentially well, that is not sneezing and coughing as this is how the virus spreads. This is usually around three to four days after symptoms start, but coughing may last up to two or three weeks.
• Get medical advice if you have a serious condition: This includes if you have respiratory disease, heart disease, liver disease, blood disorders and neurological conditions or immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV).

Try to stay in good general health.  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Are there medicines to treat this flu?

Yes. The new influenza A (H1N1) virus can be treated with antiviral drugs, such as Oseltamivir. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or inhaler) that fight against influenza by keeping viruses from reproducing in your body. They make your illness milder and make you feel better, faster. They may also help stop serious influenza complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

The Government has  necessary medicines in sufficient quantity available. The Government has in the designated hospitals stored medicines if required.  It is strongly advisable not to take medicines of your own, as it will lower your immunity.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What kills influenza virus?

Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where influenza A H1N1 cases have been identified and become ill with influenza like symptoms e.g. fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.

Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.  If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

Can swine flu be fatal?

Just like the regular flu, swine flu worsens pre-existing medical conditions in people. So people with already compromised immune systems can die after contracting it.

What are the precautions I should take while removing the mask?

1. Remove the mask by holding the strings that support the mask at your ears.
2. Do not touch the surface of the mask (not even the outer surface) as it might have the virus.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly after removing the mask.

Is it safe to take pork items?

Pigs have nothing to do with this disease.  Pork products are absolutely safe if properly cooked.  There is no need to cull pigs.  Do not panic if some pigs die in the community due to natural disease.

Source: Ministry of Health - India, Ministry of Health - New Zealand, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - US, (LMT-RC-Aug09)

Issued in public Interest by NGO ASHA

    

    "Amateur Society for Human Aid" 

(a Non-profit Philanthropic Organisation)

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