Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Not many doctors for Parkinson's disease

This could be your grandfather or even your father expecting to bask in the sunset of his life, he gets a dire prognosis Parkinson's Disease (PD) is going to be his firm friend for the rest of his life. Parkinson's is a complex disease that varies greatly among affected individuals.

The "cardinal" symptoms of PD are resting tremor, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), postural instability (balance problems) and rigidity. Some other physical symptoms such as gait problems, reduced facial expression, cognitive impairment, mood disorders, speech and swallowing problems, etc are also of note.

The surgery for Parkinson's Disease, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) has been available in India since1999 but there have been not too many takers. Cost of the around Rs 5.5 lakh in a private hospital and approximately 3.5 lakh in government hospitals. In Hyderabad NIIMS is the only hospital to give treatment for Parkinson's disease and in all over India only 10 centres including NIIMs provide treatment for PD.

India is also observing a major shortage of specialists for movement disorder and that is the main reason that there are no good numbers of training centers or specalised centers for the cure of disease. In India, there is not a single training center in movement disorder. Training in movement disorder abroad is offered in US, UK and Canada in the form of a fellowship programme.

Shortage of movement disorder specialists, movement disorder clinics and genetic lab facilities plague the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder, which encompasses diseases like Parkinson's disease.

"The number of patient with Parkinson's disease is significantly increasing with the passing years. Many people don't know the dos and don'ts of the disease. There is a need of awareness among the people," said Dr Manoj Kumar Singh, Consultant Neurologist, Medwin Hospital.
"Many hospitals don't give treatment for PD because the patient needs to be hospitalised and given special care. It's not a contagious disease but again the patient requires special attention and need to be kept in a separate room. To some extent, PD also depends upon the hereditary conditions in family," he added.

Speaking on shortage of movement disorder specialist he said, "After spending as many as 11 years to become a neuro surgeon or a neuro physician, a neurologist does not evince interest in undergoing further training in movement disorders. By the time, a person becomes a neurologist; he is at least 35-year-old and does not prefer further education".

Statistics say one per cent of the older population above the age of 60 years suffer from PD. In India, that is around one million, given that the elderly constitute almost 10% of the population. "The extrapolated figures based on a Swedish study puts the number affected at 2 million by 2010. What is more worrying is that about 15-20% of the cases being detected are among the relatively young those below the age of forty, in the prime of their life. "What is shocking is that out of the nearly one million patients of this disease in our country, so far only about five thousand have reportedly contacted any expert doctors.

To popularise the specialty and enhance cure of movement disorder patients, experts suggest that the government should support setting up genetic lab facilities. "Private organisations should participate in setting up genetic lab facilities," opines Dr U Muthane, additional professor, neurology, NIMHANS, Bangalore.

—Anubha k. Singh

IT youth welcome ESMA Act

For the first time in the country, the State government has come out with an order bringing the IT industry under the purview of Essential Services Maintenance Act of 1971. The main intention to bring the IT industry under the cover of ESMA was because of political and communal tension in the city.

The move has come in the State at a time when it is finding ways to tackle the Telangana issue, which threatens to jeopardise the prospects of the economy. A representation was made by the National Association of Software & Service Companies (Nasscom), the industry's representative body, on February 15 this year in the wake of the agitations for a separate Telangana state, which started in December 2009 that crippled business and threatened the image of 'Brand Hyderabad'.

The Hyderabad Software Exporters Association and Nasscom had taken up the issue with Chief Minister K Rosaiah because the IT professionals had to stay away from work in December because of the ongoing Telangana agitation. The week-long curfew during the recent communal riots had also hit the movement of personnel and food supplies across Hyderabad.
The allied services, which kept the software industry running such as travel, transport and hospitality, would also be exempted and the employees in those services would not be allowed to go on strikes under the ESMA Act.

"It's a good step by Nasscom and State Government. The ESMA act will ensure proper functioning of software and other IT industries in State. This move by the government would help the IT industry in Hyderabad in winning back the confidence of the clients and bring back the lost glory," said, A Prabhakar, software engineer.

Not to forget, some offices of IT companies were attacked in Hyderabad, and during the frequent bandhs, attendance in IT offices was badly affected impacting productivity and customer confidence.

"It's a positive step by the State government, now any employee or organisation cannot resort to strikes. Also, they cannot cite bandhs or a curfew as an excuse not to report to work. With the industry being declared an Essential Service, all this will be passé," said Aditya Sarat, an IT employee. Since 1995, the software industry had driven a blooming BPO and ITeS services industry in Andhra Pradesh, providing jobs to over 3.2 lakh software engineers directly and another 15 lakh persons indirectly.

—Anubha K. Singh

Residents get contaminated water

It is just like rubbing salt on the wounds, when the people who are facing scarcity of water in the peak of the summers get contaminated water in their homes. Residents of the Road No 14, Lambadabasti, who line up for collecting drinking water from the tap provided by the local corporator, had got contaminated water in the water supply a few days ago.

"Since, pressure of water at houses is low we prefer to collect water from this tap that serves more than 20 households," points out one of the women. The usage of motor-pumps has prompted several women to go to the tap for fetching water.

As usual on April 29, when women started collecting water, they felt something unusual. Some sewage material along with the water fell into their containers and after witnessing that there has been change in the colour, these women stopped collecting water for more than two days. After the issue was taken up with the department, an assurance from an official of the Waterworks was made. Even though the women who were reassured started collecting water from the same place, there is a growing concern about the safety of the drinking water.

Local corporator B Bharati said that the issue which was taken up with the authorities has been solved and there would be no further problems related with the issue. "I have personally taken up the issue on Tuesday and Wednesday, which has been solved," she assured. She said that scarcity of water might have been in few of the areas, on the whole people are being provided alternative supply of water. "At several places, a project to install syntax tanks has been taken up," she added.

Many historical structures yet to be notified

Seeking to provide impetus to the initiative on conservation of heritage structures in and around the city, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has come out with new concepts. As part of this, it has been proposed to earmark heritage zones and avenues in places to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) that boast of historicity and architectural values too.

In addition to this the authority has also mooted another proposal to have property tax for the listed heritage structure, which has been ignored till now. Thus the money can be saved and ploughed back into the maintenance and upkeep of these structures. The idea had been discussed with the GHMC and is to be forwarded to the government for consideration.
But what is more shocking is the present status of the prominent historical sites of twin cities. According to a recent survey by the civil groups and archeaological experts, more than 50 historic buildings of the city are awaiting notifications from the heritage conservation committee, for more than four to five years now.

There are still many prominent historical sites, which are yet to be notified in the historical listings of Hyderabad's heritage. Many of these structures are lying in dilapidated condition and if any further and instant step is not taken the city may lose the heritage value of these structures.

Even restoration work of several listed heritage structures are yet to take off. Experts now fear that such negligence might further dampen Hyderabad's already deteriorating heritage value. Among the several listed heritage structures that are, for long, awaiting restoration and are under consideration for notification are the Nampally Sarai, the old Jail Khana in Monda Market, the Moazzam Jahi market, Chest Hospital, King Koti Palace and many more such structures in city.

As per the heritage rules, once a heritage structure or monument is notified or certified by the concerned authorities they are bound to protect it or ensure about its upkeep, but the irony here is neither the State Government nor the concerned department officials are solemn about the issue. Meanwhile, a recent presentation for the Heritage Conservation Committee brought out by the HMDA stresses the need to suggest and prescribe architectural guidelines for heritage areas on the basis of certain unique characteristics and with respect to urban design, heritage and environment.

—Anubha K. Singh

Wanna have a cup of coffee

These days the determined couples are seeking in new-age cafeterias such as Barista, Café Coffee Day, Costa Coffee, Café Rico and Café Earth! While Hyderabad has relished the taste of its Irani chai, it has welcomed the coffee culture with open hands too. In fact, these coffee shops have become second home to young couples and teenagers.

Café Coffee Day and Barista are the most well-known ones in the city simply because you can find an outlet at every alternate bend or corner. These coffee shops flaunt their casual ambience to the best, be it in their furniture, the décor, and the clothes of the staff or even the menu.
Café Rico also allows you a board game over some grub and coffee. Carrom, snakes and ladders, chess, ludo, spell 'o' word and more are all available here. So a great place to spend a couple of hours with friends or for any lovebirds.

Sweet Nirvana, which offers a truly luxurious option to sit back and relax in its green and serene ambience. The music here is not loud and jarring like in the other coffee shops. Worth a visit for a romantic date.
Mocha is surely something different to try; every room in this kitsch coffee shop has a theme and is an experience in itself. The dimly lit smoking lounge where the sheesha is brought in is contemporary in its décor and suave in its feel.

Another interesting coffee shop, Café Earth, serves pizzas, wraps, sandwiches and burgers apart from coffee and smoothies and fruit juices.
Café Latte is for the cine lovers. With several technicolor posters of golden oldies from both Hollywood and Bollywood making for kitsch wall-art, this place also has an awesome amphitheatre with super-comfortable seats where you can have your own private movie screening with friends.
At one time believed to be casual hangouts for the family, these so-called cafes have become one of the most wanted dating spots for couples to come, sit, relax and get cozy or a café culture has re-defined the very concept of dating in the city.

Hyderabad catches up with FIFA World Cup

While South Africa will play host to the FIFA World Cup 2010, soccer fans in Hyderabad will not be left behind either. As the football fever is setting in with FIFA World Cup; various brands are all set to give leverage on the occasion.

From discounts to special merchandise, one can make most of the football mania. Star hotels are to arrange live screenings for its clients along with free snacks and beverages. Hyderabadis have a huge variety of exclusive World Cup offers to make the most of it.

Hypercity brings the World Cup collection with a wide range of apparels for boys and girls with jerseys of the various FIFA teams. Accessories like sweatbands, studs, key chains, stockings, etc are also being sold like hot cakes. FIFA World Cup 2010 merchandise at Hypercity is a colorful and exciting collection for all footie fans and priced between Rs 49-Rs 399 for the accessories, Rs 249-Rs 399 for the apparel range and Rs 99-Rs 349 for footballs. So rush to Hypercity and choose merchandise that describes your way of cheering your favourite teams of the FIFA World Cup.

Ista Hyderabad brings 'KICK OFF' - FIFA World Cup 2010. Enjoy live screening of World's biggest sporting extravaganza - FIFA World Cup 2010 matches at Ista Hyderabad. The screening begins from June 11 and will end on July 11. Ista Hyderabad is screening live all the matches from 7:30 pm onwards. The Live Screening is available at Rs 699 plus taxes with unlimited snacks and beer. One can also enjoy the games from the comforts of their homes.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Choose the perfect camp for your kid


Choosing a summer camp can seem like a daunting task. There are literally thousands to choose from, and even when the programs appear similar, each camp has its own personality. Summer camps have a significant impact on a child's life. It is important for parents to learn how to make an informed decision when choosing a camp. Many issues must be considered before locating the perfect camp. Careful planning will ensure that your child's summer camp is enjoyable and memorable. Keep the below points before enrolling your child’s name in any summer camp.


List the goals and activities you and your child want to gain from summer camp. There is a wide range of camps available, such as athletic camps, religious camps, academic camps, adventure camps and fantasy camps to name a few. Start with an evaluation of your child's needs and your family's requirements.

Create a short list of only 4 or 5 camps that meet these criteria. Look for reasons to exclude each camp from your short list. Request brochures’s from each of the selected camps and speak to their staff. Visit the camp if at all possible.

Involve your child in choosing the camp. Determine the needs of your child. All children are different and all have different needs to consider. The camp you choose needs to be age appropriate and should meet the physical, emotional and mental needs of your child.


Verify who sponsors the camp. Camps are run by a variety of organizations. Camps run by municipalities or by agencies tend to be lower-cost. Private camps tend to fill-up early and are usually more expensive but may offer more number of activities.

Find out the cost of the camp. By planning ahead, many camps offer ways to assist parents with the cost of the camp. There are also many camps available that are free if the child or family meets certain requirements.

If your child has medical issues such as asthma or seizures make sure there are medical personnel at the camp who can properly care for your child in case of an emergency. Find out what their medical emergency policy is and what hospital would be used if an emergency took place.

Nearest summer camp from your place:

Kids Gurukul

8-2-547/M Dharam Mansion Compund, Near Meridian School, Road No 7 Opp Krishnama House, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Kalanidhi Institute Of Music

10-1-726, Opp; Shenoy Nursing Home, 10 Line No 7, West Marredpally, Hyderabad

Tricias Chocolates

115 Gordhanpuri Garden, Near Rsi Army Club, Rsi Army Club, Yapral, Hyderabad

Satnav Pre Schools Pvt Ltd

203, Lake Shore Towers, Opp Reliance Foot Print, Raj Bhavan Rd, Somajiguda, Hyderabad

Magical Minds

Plot No 4, Lane Next To Yoko Sizzlers, Ubi Colony, Road No-3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Siri Math AcademyG4, Sarada Gopalan Apartments,, Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad

Vibgyor Kids

Beside Lane To Eshwarya Silk Showroom, Raj Bhavan Road, Somajiguda, Hyderabad

Colors Kidz Play School

Plot No: 157 MIG I Opp Plot No 139, Malayasia Town Ship, 9th Phase, Kphb Colony, Hyderabad

Kidzee

4-822/1, Diagonally Opp To Pargon Apartments, Street No 1, Barkatpura., Hyderabad.

-Anubha K. Singh