Use of Digital Serialization In Combating Counterfeit Medicines
16 May 2024
7 mins
Combating Counterfeit Medicines with Digital Serialization: The New FrontierCounterfeit medicines are a global menace, causing severe health risks and eroding trust in healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 10 medical products [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/substandard-and-falsified-medical-products] in low- and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified. As counterfeiters become more sophisticated, the pharmaceutical industry must adopt innovative solutions to protect consumers. Digital serialization emerges as a revolutionary approach, transforming the fight against counterfeit medicines by ensuring the authenticity and traceability of pharmaceutical products.   WHAT ARE COUNTERFEIT MEDICINES?   Counterfeit medicines [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/spot-fake-medicine] are deceptive by design. They often contain incorrect or no active ingredients, wrong dosages, or harmful substances. These fraudulent drugs infiltrate markets globally, jeopardizing patient safety, eroding public trust in healthcare, and causing significant economic losses. From developing nations to developed ones, no region is immune to this menace.   TOP 5 BENEFITS OF DIGITAL SERIALIZATION   Digital serialization is a game-changer. It involves assigning a unique identifier to each product unit, enabling its tracking and verification throughout the supply chain. This identifier—often a barcode, QR code, or RFID tag—encodes critical information about the product’s origin, manufacturing, and distribution history.   1. Enhanced Traceability: Every step of the product’s journey, from production to the consumer, is documented and traceable. This comprehensive visibility is crucial for identifying and intercepting counterfeit products. 2. Consumer Safety: Consumers can verify the authenticity of their medicines by scanning the unique identifier. This simple act provides reassurance and enhances safety. 3. Regulatory Compliance: Serialization helps pharmaceutical companies meet various international regulations aimed at combating counterfeit drugs, thereby avoiding hefty fines and legal issues. 4. Market Surveillance: Data from serialization enables real-time monitoring of market activities, allowing for the swift detection and removal of counterfeit products. 5. Supply Chain Efficiency: Serialization improves inventory management, reduces operational inefficiencies, and minimizes the risk of product recalls.   WAYS TO IMPLEMENT DIGITAL SERIALIZATION IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN   The journey to implement technology in identifying fake medicines [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/technology-against-counterfeit-medicines] is multifaceted:   1. System Integration: Integration with existing manufacturing and supply chain processes is essential. This step requires collaboration with technology providers and adherence to industry standards. 2. Data Management: Managing vast amounts of data is a cornerstone of serialization. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability and security, ensuring data is processed and analyzed efficiently. 3. Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaboration among all stakeholders—manufacturers, distributors, regulators, and healthcare providers—is vital. Standardized protocols and platforms facilitate seamless communication and data exchange. 4. Training and Education: Continuous training ensures that employees across the supply chain are knowledgeable about serialization processes and technologies. Staying updated with industry developments is critical for maintaining best practices.   POSSIBLE CHALLENGES OF USING DIGITAL SERIALIZATION   Implementing digital serialization is not without challenges, but solutions exist:  Cost and Complexity   * Challenge: The initial investment in serialization technology and packaging changes [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/innovations-packaging-fight-counterfeit] can be significant, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. * Solution: Long-term benefits, such as reduced counterfeit risk and improved operational efficiency, often justify the expenditure. Additionally, phased implementation and seeking financial assistance or subsidies can help manage costs.   Data Privacy   * Challenge: Protecting sensitive data associated with serialization is paramount. Data breaches and unauthorized access pose significant risks. * Solution: Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits, can safeguard serialization data.   Regulatory Variability   * Challenge: Different countries have varying serialization regulations, making global compliance challenging. * Solution: Staying informed about regional requirements, and developing flexible serialization systems that can adapt to different regulatory landscapes, can help ensure compliance.   System Integration   * Challenge: Integrating serialization systems with existing manufacturing and supply chain processes can be complex. * Solution: Collaborating with experienced technology providers and adhering to industry standards can facilitate smooth integration.   Stakeholder Collaboration   * Challenge: Ensuring collaboration among manufacturers, distributors, regulators, and healthcare providers is essential but can be difficult to achieve. * Solution: Establishing standardized protocols and platforms for seamless communication and data sharing can foster effective collaboration.  Data Management   * Challenge: Managing and analyzing vast amounts of serialization data is critical but can be overwhelming. * Solution: Utilizing cloud-based solutions for scalability and security, along with advanced data analytics tools, can streamline data management.   Training and Education   * Challenge: Ensuring that all employees are knowledgeable about serialization processes and technologies requires ongoing training. * Solution: Implementing continuous training programs and keeping abreast of industry developments ensures adherence to best practices.   PARTING WORDS   Digital serialization is a powerful tool in the fight against counterfeit medicines. By providing comprehensive traceability, enhancing consumer safety, ensuring regulatory compliance, and improving supply chain efficiency, serialization is transforming the pharmaceutical industry. Despite the challenges, the benefits of digital serialization are substantial. As technology advances and global collaboration intensifies, the vision of a counterfeit-free pharmaceutical market becomes increasingly achievable.  
MrMed Team
Mental Health Tips for Working People
15 May 2024
10 mins
10 Mental Health Tips for Working Professionals  May is designated as Mental Health Awareness Month to educate people about mental health and create an environment that reduces the stigma associated with it. This awareness program helps to find new strategies to deal with deteriorating mental conditions and celebrate recovery from illness. Over the last decade, rapid economic progress and technological integration have compelled the corporate sector to adhere to strict deadline-oriented targets to produce excellent profits. Though this has provided excellent socioeconomic progress, it has also raised stress and anxiety in working professionals. Thus, it is essential to become aware of how to deal with mental health-associated problems in the office. This blog will guide you through some critical tips that will play a crucial role in managing stress and anxiety in the workplace. Here are some tips that may help you manage stress and improve mental health conditions caused by the workplace.   1.  START YOUR DAY WITH A HEALTHY ACTIVITY   We all know how a good start to the day sets the tone for the whole working hour at the office. Waking up earlier, around 4:00 to 6:00 am, was found to be effective for the developmental and healing activity of the body. Routine exercise and yoga [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/osteoporosis/five-yoga-poses-for-better-bone-health] are two major physical activities that bring down stress. Similarly, your night sleep also plays a pivotal role in mental health. Generally, adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep; failing to achieve that may induce insomnia and clinical depression. Therefore, taking note of your sleep cycle is a wonderful habit that can manage stress and anxiety.   2.  ORGANIZED AND CLEAN WORKPLACE   Working daily in a dirty and unorganized workplace is also one of the prime reasons for health issues, mental stress [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/mental-wellness/mental-stress-symptoms-effects], and lower productivity. As we spend most of the time at our office, it is very important to set up a place which is comfortable and calming. An organized office desk or place can bring your work-related stress down. The definition of an organized workplace may vary with individual and personal choices. For some individuals, an organized workplace may mean a clean desk and whiteboard with colorful sticky notes. For others, it may involve keeping photographs of family and friends.   3.  ACTIVE BREAKS   It was observed that taking small breaks every hour keeps your focus and productivity high. Further, it also assists in managing elevated stress levels to achieve daily professional goals. You can walk for a few steps, do some stretching exercises, have toilet breaks, and have small chats with colleagues, which are found to be effective in managing stress.   4.  SETTING UP BOUNDARIES   In a world driven by technology, it is quite difficult for individuals to detach communication with the workplace beyond official hours. However, setting up boundaries is crucial to manage your mental health related issues. Practicing some small exercises might help in managing your stress. For example, turning off notifications of office phones beyond working hours may relieve your stress. Similarly, you can avoid spending extra time in the office frequently.   5.  ADOPTING A HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT   It is important to build trust among your employees so that they can share their mental health-related issues with top management or colleagues. This strategy can sensitize the people around you where they can help you to overcome mental health related issues. There are other steps that employers can take to help people suffering from mental health conditions. For example, arranging seminars related to mental health issues, bringing mental health experts to the office, providing compulsory holidays to the employees who have not taken leaves for a longer duration of time, and establishing a mental wellness committee might help to address this challenging condition.   6.  BREATHING EXERCISES   Scientific reports [https://mhanational.org/]have shown controlling your breath is an excellent approach to managing stress and stress-related clinical conditions. Stress affects our breathing patterns and disrupts the normal gas flow patterns of our body. A person in a stress condition takes small breaths and feels anxiety. Therefore, in stress conditions, try to practice slow, even, and long breath patterns that reduce blood pressure and heart rate. It also reduces the concentration of stress hormones in blood circulation and calms you down.   7.  HELP OTHERS   According to studies conducted by Mental Health America, people who help others feel higher levels of self-satisfaction and happiness, which brings down their stress levels [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/mental-wellness/relieve-mental-stress]. Therefore, if you are facing some stress, try to make some efforts to help others. It is surely going to improve your health conditions.   8.  TRAVEL WITH YOUR LOVED ONES   Spending time with people you care for definitely has a healing outcome, and when you go on holiday to a new place, it has a multiplication effect. When you visit a new place, you learn new things like culture, language, and food. Traveling also connects you with nature and reduces the stress level.   9.  LEARN NEW THINGS   This activity helps your mind to nourish. Several studies have reported that learning painting, singing, or musical instruments assists in managing anxiety, depression, and stress. writing   10.  SOCIALIZE   Research shows when you meet with new people and have a pleasant conversation, your body releases endorphins, a hormone that makes you happy. Therefore, if you are feeling stressed, you may try to spend some time with your friends or relatives whose company you enjoy most.   Mental health plays a crucial role in determining the productivity of a working person. Therefore, it is essential to check your mental health to manage your stress and anxiety. One thing we need to understand is that it takes some time to overcome mental health-related issues. We believe the aforementioned tips for working professionals to manage mental health may help you manage your work-related stress.    
Dr. Purusottam Mishra
10 pros and cons of fluoridated drinking water
15 May 2024
7 mins
Top 10 Pros & Cons of Fluoridated Drinking WaterDrinking water fluoridation is a controversial issue yet again, and it has been debated for decades. Admitted by dental health care providers as useful and blamed by some public health personnel for its risks, the putting of fluoride in drinking water provokes many emotions. The purpose of this article is to cover the ten greatest pros and cons regarding water fluoridation, thus providing a broad picture that will enable you to comprehend this complex issue better.   WHAT IS MEANT BY FLUORIDATION?   Fluoridation of drinking water is regarded as a major public health achievement because it is mainly responsible for reducing dental caries in all sectors (age groups) of society. However, this also happens to be the problem with every health intervention, which raises numerous controversies. Evaluating the point of view on both sides of the fluoridation story is an action that requires understanding the health of the whole community.   PROS OF FLUORIDATED DRINKING WATER   Here are the five important benefits:    1.  Prevents Tooth Decay: Studies showed that fluoride is known to be an anticavity agent because it helps to re-mineralize and strengthen the tooth enamel and prevent demineralization. In fact, that is the major advantage of mobile dentistry and it is specifically beneficial to the communities where the access to dental care is limited. 2. Cost-Effective Public Health Measure: One can say that fluoride in water is among the most economical measures for dental health prevention that can drastically cut the community-level outlay for dental treatment. 3. Reduces Health Disparities: Fluorides in drinking water are key to achieving health equity among different social classes who are at different risk levels. For children from low-income families whose visits to the dentist are hard to be frequent and preventive methods are expensive, fluoridated water becomes a silent but meaningful guardian against dental decay. This would mean that children from all economic strata will be able to access the prevention benefits and, therefore, ultimately attain better oral and kidney health [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/nephrology/drinking-water-health-kidneys] across the community. 4. Natural Element: Fluoride is abundantly available in many of the natural water sources found in the world, so the adjustment of the fluoride levels in such water to the optimal level is ingrained in the public health improvements. 5. Wide-Ranging Public Health Benefits: The improved public health of fluoridated water can benefit social and policymakers who are well aware of this tool and its ability to offer dental health benefits for all populations.   CONS OF FLUORIDATED DRINKING WATER   Things to keep in mind before you opt for fluoridated water:   1. Risk of Dental Fluorosis: Dental fluorosis, as a result of overexposure to fluoride or treatments that have been personalized by your health expert [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/health-care/personalized-medicine-india], causes changes in the structure of tooth enamel and is commonly observed in children. The other most frequent symptom of fluoride toxicity. 2. Potential Health Risks: Long-term high fluoride levels may cause multiple health problems like bone abnormalities and more concerns related to the functioning of the thyroid gland. 3. Ethical Concerns: Mandatory fluoridation provokes ethical concerns concerning the caste and mass medication without allowing the individual to make his choice of health treatment of his own free will. 4. Environmental Impact: Such effects on water distribution systems may result from the fluoride production adding to natural waterways, which may create harmful industrial byproducts. 5. Uncertainty Over Long-Term Effects: Some people are saying that the effects of having fluoride in water after a long-term being consumed over an unknown time has not studied further enough, based on that they are asking for more extensive research.   SOME FAQS YOU MUST KNOW OF   Here are some facts and stats that you should keep in mind:   How does fluoride influence drinking water in terms of short-term and long-term health consequences?  Over time, fluoride in water can lead to many forms of health problems, including skeletal fluorosis. This can mostly happen if the water contains a higher-than-usual level of fluoride. The levels of exposure proper to the morality of oral health are at the minimum, but health disorders are rarely seen in that case.   In what way can fluoride prevent teeth damage?  Human teeth consist of enamel, which in turn consists of calcium and phosphate ions. Bacteria in the mouth produce an acidic attack on these ions adversely affecting the teeth; fluoride helps to remineralize, damaging the calcium and phosphate ions thereby additionally strengthening the teeth.   Is there a risk of fluoride deficiency?  Fluoride deficiencies are not known to be a health condition as fluoride isn't an essential compound required for the development of the human body. On the other hand, insufficient fluoride intake is a factor that can affect the teeth more and can give rise to many cavities.   What areas of exposure are contributors to fluoride intake?  Common sources, specifically dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash, and foods made using the water.   PARTING WORDS   It is complex to make up your mind on whether to fluoridate drinking water for the whole population or not because the balance between the obvious dental health benefits and negative effects has to be considered. Fluoride is a fact without any doubt that it has been effective in the prevention of dental diseases.  Nonetheless, its safety and ethics are still a matter of debate eve For the future, as research develops and understanding, how to use fluoride in public health will improve. Probably there will be more safety than risk for the benefit.  
MrMed Team
World Asthma Day: Cutting-Edge Treatments And Management Strategies
7 May 2024
9 mins
World Asthma Day: Cutting-Edge Treatments And Management StrategiesBreath Easily; Live Freely!   While almost everyone is familiar with the appearance and sound of an asthma inhaler, only some are aware of the actual nature and cause of the condition and the fact that there are various types of asthma.  World Asthma Day is an annual global healthcare event held on the first Tuesday of May to raise awareness of asthma globally. The 7th of May (Tuesday) in 2024 is designated as World Asthma Day. Today, many worldwide and local organizations join together to tackle the world's leading non-communicable disease in children and adults. GINA (Global Initiative For Asthma) created World Asthma Day in partnership with the World Health Organisation.   WORLD ASTHMA DAY 2024 THEME    This year's World Asthma Day 2024 theme is “Asthma Education Empowers” which emphasises the need to spread the knowledge about the appropriate management of disease and recognize the right time to seek the doctors help.   Today, GINA seeks to expand and deepen its relationship with local and national policymakers. GINA also pledges to make specific recommendations for environmental sustainability by discussing concerns about global health with a focus on patient safety. GINA works to enhance the lives of people with asthma around the world, and multifaceted collaboration for improvement in all elements of asthma care for patients and the environment is essential. IMPORTANCE OF WORLD ASTHMA DAY    Asthma is the most common chronic disease in both children and adults worldwide. Asthma was identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other regulatory bodies as both a cause and an effect of poverty in low- and middle-income nations. According to the WHO, 26.2 crore people have asthma, [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma] with a mortality count (deaths) of 4.55 lakh globally in 2019. According to the Global Burden of Disease Report (GBDR) 2019, India has the world's highest and growing burden of asthma in terms of deaths and disability-adjusted life years, with over 3.4 crore people suffering from the disease, despite accounting for only 13% of the world's asthma population and 42% of global asthma death rates.    HISTORY OF WORLD ASTHMA DAY    The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) established World Asthma Day in 1998. The day was designed to raise awareness of asthma as a growing problem. It affects at least 14% of children worldwide [https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/asthma-day/] and appears to be rising. Asthma was recognized as a serious public health concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2016. This day aims to enhance asthma care worldwide by educating people about the disease and advocating for better management and preventative techniques.   WHAT IS ASTHMA?    A Fight For Breathable Air!   Most of you must have heard that asthma is an infectious lung disease that can be transmitted from person to person. While the fact is that asthma is a non-communicable inflammatory condition that affects the lungs. Asthma is a chronic lung condition that occurs due to inflammation of the airway that leads to constriction in bronchial tubes or airways. Besides the inflammation, there is also excessive mucus production and muscle stiffening around the bronchial tubes, leading to narrowing airways.   TEN TYPES OF ASTHMA   * Exercise-induced asthma: Not all types of physical activity aggravate asthma symptoms. [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/respiratory-disorder/all-you-need-to-know-about-asthma] For those prone to asthma attacks, strenuous exercises can worsen the condition leading to severe wheezing. * Occupational asthma: For certain people subjected to chemicals (dyes & rubber) in textile, agricultural, metal, and manufacturing industries, the fumes can irritate their airways and cause asthma attacks. * Nocturnal asthma: A type of asthma that occurs primarily at night and causes sleep disturbances. * Allergic asthma occurs when asthmatics consume allergic foods or expose themselves to external triggers such as dust, mites, molds, etc. * Nonallergic asthma happens when asthmatics are confronted with strong emotions such as stress, exposure to strong odors, etc. Such emotions can flare up asthma attacks. * Intermittent asthma: This type of asthma attack occurs in those people who experience on-and-off asthma symptoms. * Persistent asthma: For some people, asthma symptoms may endure for a chronic period. This type of asthma can be presented with mild or moderate to severe symptoms. * Adult-onset asthma: Asthma symptoms that occur in the late teens. * Childhood asthma: It has been named childhood asthma based on the onset that occurs in infants or toddlers. * Asthma- COPD overlap syndrome: This occurs if an asthma attack occurs along with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that flares up the shortness of breath that worsens the wheezing.   WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT CAUSE ASTHMA?   *  Hereditary: A family history of asthma is likely to contribute as a risk factor, and it is related to having a high risk of causing asthma. * Obesity: In obese people, an excess amount of fat accumulated in the chest and abdomen region leads to difficulty in breathing due to strong constriction of the airways. * External factors include passive smoking or exposure to pollution or chemical fumes that tend to irritate your bronchial pathways and elevate the risk of asthma. In addition, those of you with a history of RSV virus or respiratory syncytial viral infection are more likely to develop asthma.   BREATHING SOLUTIONS: ASTHMA TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS   Asthma can be treated by the following methods which are given below:   * Quick-relief medicine: They can help you to give immediate relief, prevent or ease the symptoms of asthma. Some of the common relievers which are used in asthma are short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs), Oral corticosteroids, Short-acting anticholinergics. * Long term medication: Your doctor or healthcare provider may prescribe you controller medicines to prevent and control the asthma attacks and its symptoms. Medicines like corticosteroids, biological medicines, leukotrienes modifiers, long-acting bronchodilators, mast cell stabilizers and allergy shots like subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) are helpful in preventing and controlling the asthma. 5 WAYS TO MANAGE ASTHMA   According to the WHO experts, here are the five tips to manage asthma in a better way:   1. Be aware of your symptoms: Speak with a doctor, if you have symptoms like coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. 2. Identify and avoid your triggers: It is recommended to identify your asthma triggers (smoke, fumes, viral infections, pollen and animal fur) that worsen the symptoms of asthma and try to avoid it or keep your inhalers with you before you are exposing it. 3. Know your inhalers: Use an appropriate inhaler which your doctor recommends you for the asthma symptoms. Some might be recommended to use reliever inhalers whereas others are prescribed steroid inhalers. 4. Use a spacer: A spacer is a plastic chamber which connects the inhaler to your mouth through a plastic pipeline. It helps the medicines to be breathed in for more time and improve the effectiveness of the inhaled medicines. 5. Take back control: It is recommended to clarify your doubts with your doctor regarding how to use an inhaler in an emergency situation and it is also necessary that your friends and family members are also aware of the steps that they need to take during the emergency situation.   Watch your breathing breath; every breath matters!   Asthma can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. Consider having a skin prick test to avoid the triggers. Maintaining a healthy weight and following an active lifestyle is important to prevent asthma attacks. It is recommended that you discuss with your doctor about the type of asthma you have and know which treatment plan works best for you. On this world asthma day 2024, let's vow to end air pollution and provide our support to asthmatics by creating a healthy environment to breathe clean air.
Ishwarya R
What is terminal cancer, its life expectancy, and treatment options?
6 May 2024
10 mins
What is terminal cancer, its life expectancy, and treatment options?In the hushed corridors of hospitals and the intimate spaces of homes, there’s a profound struggle playing out. It’s not a battle of armies, but a battle fought quietly, courageously, against cancer. Imagine facing each day with the uncertainty of how many you have left. For those confronting terminal cancer, every breath is a testament to strength, every moment a precious gift. They endure pain, fear, and doubt, yet amid this darkness, there's a flicker of hope—a collective effort to ease their burden, to bring comfort and relief. Today, we journey into their world, to understand their struggles, and to discover the many ways we can make their journey a little less daunting, a little more bearable.   WHAT IS TERMINAL CANCER?   Terminal cancer is otherwise known as end-stage cancer, which cannot be controlled or treated with any other treatment options. It is different from advanced-stage cancer, where there exists an option to control the effect of cancer or to cure it completely. Patients who are affected by advanced cancer have a rapid spread of cancer cells to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. Terminal cancer [https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/advanced-cancer#:~:text=Those%20that%20cannot%20be%20controlled,or%20elsewhere%20in%20the%20body] can occur for any type of cancer patient who is in the stage 4 or final stage of the cancer.   WHAT ARE THE END-STAGE CANCER SYMPTOMS?   Terminal cancer patients can experience the symptoms which are given below:   1. Fatigue: Individuals may experience exhaustion or feeling tired without doing any stressful activities. 2. Vomiting: Patients may experience vomiting or forceful throwing up of food from the stomach. 3. Loss of appetite: Individuals may experience a loss of appetite or lose an interest in eating the foods. 4. Weight loss: Patients can experience sudden weight loss due to the eating disorder. 5. Feeling unwell: Individuals may experience uncomfortable feelings or discomfort. 6. Delirium: Patients may experience a serious change in mental ability, which can lead to confused thinking and a lack of awareness of their surroundings. 7. Shortness of breath: Individuals may experience difficulty breathing or discomfort during breathing. 8. Coughing: Individuals may have a continuous cough, which can lead to discomfort. 9. Constipation: Patients may have trouble passing the stool. 10. Trouble swallowing: Individuals may experience trouble in swallowing the foods and liquids which can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss. 11. Myoclonic jerks: Patients may have a sudden muscle jerk that they cannot control. 12. Fever: Individuals may have a rise in body temperature or an abnormal increase in body temperature.   WHAT IS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF TERMINAL CANCER PATIENTS?   The Life expectancy of a terminal cancer patient is usually shorter when compared to others who are in different stages of cancer. The life expectancy of an individual is based on various factors,    * Cancer type * The overall health of the individual * Health issues other than cancer.   Some of the methods like Karnofsky performance scale, Palliative prognostic score are helpful in estimating the life expectancy of an individual. However, these estimations are just predictions which help people and doctors to make decisions according to the timelines.   ARE THERE ANY TREATMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR TERMINAL CANCER?   The fact is that terminal cancer is incurable and does not respond to any type of cancer treatment. But, there are some options in which a person can make [https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/advanced-cancer/care-choices] the rest of the lifetime valuable through non-medicine approaches. Some of the options are given below:   1. Palliative care:  Palliative care is a holistic approach to elevate the quality of patients ' lives and their families who are facing struggles with life-threatening illnesses. It starts when the disease is diagnosed and continues even with the treatment. Palliative cancer is essential for patients who choose to stop the cancer treatment due to its lack of improvement and worsening side effects. Palliative can usually include the following processes, which are given below: * It helps to treat or prevent the cancer symptoms and its treatment side effects. * It provides emotional and spiritual support to the patients. * It helps to address both the patients and the family's concerns.   2. Hospice care: Hospice care is a specialised approach in which medical, psychological and spiritual support are given to patients and their families in situations where there is no option in treating the cancer. Hospice can help to provide comforts and care to the patients and the families members.   Here are the 8 major things you need to know about hospice care:   1. Hospice care is not similar to palliative care: You might be confused that both hospice and palliative care are similar due to the comfort and support they provide to the patient. However, this is not the case; palliative care can be started from the diagnosis of cancer till the treatment or after the end of the treatment, whereas hospice care is focused only on relieving the symptoms and providing support at the end stage of a patient. 2. Hospice care is about caring and not meant to cure: The hospice care is mainly focusing on providing relief from pain and symptoms of cancer. It is not meat to cure any disease in the individuals. 3. Going for hospice care doesn't mean that you have given up hope: Hopsire care can help you provide hope for a good quality of life for the remaining period where you're going to live. 4. Hospice care can be given in any place: Hospice care can be given in the patient's home. But, it can also be given in hospitals and nursing homes, which generally consist of medical and nursing services, medical supplies and equipment, medicines for managing cancer-related symptoms and pain, inpatient care (short term), volunteers for substituting the caregiver [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/cancer-care/self-care-for-cancer-caregivers], counseling and spiritual care, social work services, grief counseling and support team. 5. Hospice is full of trained people: Hospice consist of trained professionals and volunteers like doctors, nurses, home health aides, social workers, clergy or other counsellors, speech, physical and occupational therapists. 6. Hospice can give support for months: If you want to start hospice care, you can't wait for the last day or week of life. Hospice can provide support even before one month of your last life expectancy. 7. You need to get a certificate: You can receive hospice care if you are registered with insurance (such as Medicare), which requires a statement from your healthcare provider and the hospice medical director indicating that you have a life expectancy of a month or less. This statement initiates hospice care, which can be continued even after six months if your doctor provides recertification for it. 8. You can stop hospice care if you want: Hospice care can be terminated at any time if a patient feels that he/she doesn't want to continue it or is switching over to cancer treatment again.   3. Clinical trial:   Another option people can choose during their end-stage cancer is clinical trials. Clinical trials are procedures that are conducted to find the appropriate dose and to ensure the safety of a medicine before it is approved or entering into the market. Terminal cancer patients who are eligible for clinical trials are joined due to the hope that the new medicine can aid in treating them, or they want to participate to benefit the patient in the end stage of their life.   FINAL NOTES!   Patients who are in the stage of terminal cancer need appropriate guidance that will help them lead a comfortable and fulfilled life in the last period of their lifetime. Let's give care and hope to those super souls who are counting their days.
Ishwarya R
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
29 Apr 2024
10 mins
Elevating Healthy Work Culture: World Day for Safety and Health at WorkEvery year, on April 28th, the International Labour Organization (ILO) organizes World Day for Safety and Health at Work. This day highlights the importance of creating safe workplaces and spreading awareness about the real impact of work-related accidents and diseases. It was organized in 2003 to urge us to consider how occupational safety and health can be prioritized in global and local policy-making. It is a call to action to bolster our national systems and align them with top international standards for labor safety.   A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT   A safe and healthy workplace is the fifth Fundamental Principle and Right at Work. On April 28, 2023, some special implements were made during the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, which every worker must be aware of. The International Labour Organization (ILO) celebrated a big decision during the 110th International Labour Conference. They decided that having a safe and healthy workplace is super important—it is actually a basic right for all workers around the world!   Not just that, but two specific rules about keeping workers safe—Conventions Nos. 155 and 187 [https://webapps.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_protect/---protrav/---safework/documents/publication/wcms_874743.pdf]—got a special status—they are now called Fundamental Conventions, making them extra important. It means that wherever you work, you should feel safe and healthy while you are there. It has now become a fundamental right at work.   WHY DOES WORKPLACE SAFETY MATTER?   Why is it essential to consider workplace safety as a fundamental right? Well, get ready to uncover some eye-opening facts and figures that emphasize just how critical this matter truly is. Nearly 60% of people worldwide spend a big chunk of their time working. So, it is pretty huge that everyone deserves a safe and healthy workplace, right? Think about it—since we spend so much time at work, it is like a second home. And just like we want our homes to be safe, we should expect the same from our workplaces.   This is not just about physical safety, though. It is also about our mental and social well-being. We want to go to work feeling good, both physically and mentally. But sometimes, workplaces can have hazards—things that can make us sick or hurt us. These risk factors can lead to serious health problems, making it hard for us to keep working.   STUNNING STATS   According to a report by the WHO and ILO, most of the deaths related to work were respiratory and cardiovascular diseases [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/heart-care/diagnosis-of-cardiovascular-disease]. * The biggest reasons for these deaths were lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/respiratory-disorder/all-about-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease] (which caused around 450,000 deaths), strokes [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/heart-care/stroke-causes-types-symptoms-treatment] (which caused about 400,000 deaths), and heart issues like ischaemic heart disease (which caused around 350,000 deaths). * Also, some deaths happened because of injuries at work, which made up about 19% of all work-related deaths. In total, around 360,000 people died because of these injuries. * In 2016 alone, nearly 2 million people worldwide died because of work-related diseases [https://www.who.int/news/item/17-09-2021-who-ilo-almost-2-million-people-die-from-work-related-causes-each-year] and injuries! That is a huge number. These risks at work are also a big environmental concern. * Recent 2023 stats estimated an annual 36,700 fatalities, 1,83,00,000 injuries, and 18,50,000 diseases [https://oem.bmj.com/content/75/Suppl_2/A144.1] related to occupational hazards in India.    It is seriously shocking to see so many people literally being killed by their jobs. This is a wake-up call to all countries to protect the health and safety of their workers.   WHAT ARE THE PRIMARY OCCUPATIONAL RISKS IN WORKPLACES?   Workers are exposed to some occupational risks as part of their professional activities. These risk factors are a major public health issue and are responsible for work-related deaths. A recent European observational study estimated the following occupational risk factors from 20,000 workers [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9967294/#app1-ijerph-20-03632] at their workplaces.   Occupational Risk Factors Physical factors 1. Noise 2. Working in bad weather 3. Vibrating machines and tools 4. Ultrasound 5. Extreme Temperatures (hot or cold) 6. Non-ionizing radiation 7. Ionizing radiation Ergonomic risk factors 1. Inappropriate working postures 2. Poor handling of loads Biological factors 1. Work in contact with products of human origin 2. Waste disposal and management works 3. Food industry 4. Work in contact with animals or animal products Chemical agents exposure [https://www.mrmed.in/health-library/cancer-care/cancer-causing-chemicals] 1. Handling chemicals or cosmetics 2. Exposure to fumes, gases, and/or dust 3. Fiber (asbestos, refractory ceramic, insulation wool, etc.) Atypical working hours 1. Weekend work 2. Working irregular hours 3. Work in alternating shifts 4. Night shifts Psychosocial factors 1. Emotional demands of the job 2. Work requirements 3. Autonomy of organization 4. Socioeconomic fears 5. Support at work (colleagues, employer, supervisor) 6. Recognition at work (colleagues, employer, supervisor) 7. Conflict at work   * Climate The impact of climate change on occupational health has also recently emerged as a concern. Climate-related hazards, particularly extreme weather events, limit work output and duration and pose risks to workers’ health and safety.    * Informal Jobs Now, here is another concern: some people work in what we call "informal" jobs. That means they don't have all the protections and benefits that other workers might have. For them, staying safe at work can be even tougher. They might not have the right equipment or training, and they are more likely to get hurt or sick because of it.   * Mental Health Health and safety also go beyond physical concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic has alarmed us to address mental health issues in the workplace. A safe and healthy working place supports mental health, and good mental health, of course, enables people to work productively. Issues such as depression and anxiety are pervasive in workplaces, impacting productivity and performance. When left untreated, the economic cost is estimated at US$1 trillion annually.    Fact Box Occupational Risk FactorsDeaths Linked to Each Factor: WHO report (2000-16)Long Working HoursApproximately 750,000 deathsExposure to air pollutants (particulate matter, gases, and fumes)Approximately 450,000 deaths.   WHAT CAN BE DONE? A CALL-TO-ACTION   The above risk factors are clearly becoming major health concerns worldwide. So, what can be done? Here are six proactive steps that every workplace in every country can take to promote workers' well-being and safety.   1. Clear Rules and Procedures: It is super important for your workplace to have clear rules in place to keep you safe and healthy. Make sure you know what they are and follow them! 2. Regular Health Check-ups: Regular check-ups and follow-ups with your doctor are a great way to catch any health issues early on. Your employer should help out by providing some basic health screenings for everyone once a year. 3. Working Together: We are all working on this together! Governments, employers, and workers need to team up to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for everyone. Let us encourage collaboration between health and labor ministries to tackle workplace health issues head-on. 4. Support for Everyone: No one should be left out. Everyone deserves access to support systems, especially if they work in informal jobs. Let us push for policies that ensure everyone gets fair treatment and support if they get sick or injured at work. 5. Making Health a Priority: Taking care of our health at work is not just good for us; it is good for society, too! Governments and organizations should invest in workers' well-being. That way, we can all grow and be resilient, even in the face of challenges like climate change. 6. Positive Workplaces: Let us create workplaces where everyone feels happy and healthy. When we cultivate well-being, it not only benefits us individually but also enhances the effectiveness and success of our workplaces.   THE BOTTOM LINE   It is super important to ensure that every worker, no matter where they work or what they do, has a safe and healthy workplace. It is not just about keeping us safe—it is about looking out for each other and making sure everyone can work without worrying about occupational hazards.
Dr. Vijayalakshmi