Rejuvenating Body and Soul – A Natural Approach

Organising a 10 days’ workshop in its campus

Date: 15 to 25^th April 2021

Course will be guided by experienced experts.

Course Fee: 7,500/- (simple accommodation, vegetarian food and course materials)

Pay fees to following Account and send the filled forms provided in the link below,

Peaceful Society, Account # 20164804948, Bank of Maharashtra, Madkai (Goa) Branch

IFSC Code:MAHB0000491

CONTACT DETAILS: Peaceful Society

Honsowado-Madkai, Post: Kundai 403115, Goa, Email: [email protected]

www.peacefulsociety.org; Contact: 8668225393 or 7798251783

In her enlightening speech, she emphasized upon following important health-related precautions and measures. This information may prove vital to one and all:

1.           Man should have balanced and nutritious diet. Besides rice and wheat, the diet should also include cereals, milk, eggs, green vegetables (both cooked and uncooked), fruits etc.

2.           The vegetables should be washed properly before cutting in order to preserve its nutritive value.

3.           The vegetables should not be over-cooked.

4.           The use of preservatives, colours and artificial odours should be avoided in preparation of food.

5.           In order to avoid the problem of thyroid, iodised salt should be preferred.

6.           The eatable-oils should not be over-used.

7.           The allergic substances should be avoided. The symptoms of allergy are vomiting, dysentery, stomachache, joint pains, swelling of skin, dry coughing etc.

8.            Cold drinks / soft drinks should be avoided.

9.           The diet should be based on the life style of a person.  A person doing labour work should have heavy diet and the one having more of brainwork by continuously sitting on a chair should go for light diet.

10.       To avoid unwanted eating before and after food in order to ensure better digestion. It is proved that over-eating can lead to ill health.

11.       The sweets should not be eaten before food.

12.       Every person should have adequate in take of water before going to bed and after getting up from sleep in order to ensure better digestion and avoid kidney problems.

13.       The morning breakfast should be adequate enough to avoid the acidity problem. At least, morning breakfast should consist of a glass full of milk.

14.       The tiffin carried by school and college-going students should not include oily foods.

15.       For drinking, only boiled and disinfected water should be used.

16.       Girls and women participating in sports and also during summer days should drink adequate fruits juice.

17.       Aluminium and indalium utensils should not be used for storing or cooking sour food.

18.       Steel spoons should not be kept in pickle bottles for long intervals.

19.       Women with high blood pressure before menstruation period or women who experience swelling during the time of pregnancy should consume less salt in their diet.

20.       It is good to avoid hotel food for the health purpose. Due attention should be provided to cleanliness before buying hotel food or else the consumption of contaminated food can lead to amoebic infection.

21.       Eatables should always be properly closed to avoid contamination from flies and other insects.

22.       The fruits should be properly washed before eating to cleanse away the insecticides and other chemicals.

23.       A proper diet as advised by Doctor should be taken during ailments like stomach ulcer, diabetes, blood pressure, heart diseases, kidney diseases and liver problems etc.

 Precautions About Cleanliness:

1.           At least, once in a day bath should be taken. Bath should not be avoided for simple sicknesses. Women with long hair should take bath on their heads at least twice in a week.

2.           Nails should be cut at least once in a week with the help of nail cutter and not with the help of teeth.

3.           Due care should be taken to clean private parts of the body.

4.           Proper washing and cleaning of the clothes should be ensured before using them. Clothes, once used get dirt and sweat and therefore should be immediately washed.

5.           Due care should be taken to hot wash the clothes used by persons suffering from skin diseases.

6.           Napkins and towels should be washed after regular intervals.

7.           Clothes should be properly dried before wearing to avoid skin infection due to fungus.

8.           Under wares should be properly washed and dried before wearing.

9.           Mouth should be washed twice in a day, once while getting up from bed and again before going to bed.

10.       Proper cleanliness should be maintained during menstrual period, pregnancy and delivery.

11.       Coughing and spitting should be avoided in public places. During unavoidable times of coughing and sneezing, due care should be taken to use handkerchief to avoid spread of diseases.

12.       Due cleanliness should be maintained in house as well as in the surrounding areas to avoid infections like malaria.

13.       Trees should be planted around house to purify air.

Precautions About Children:

1.               Mother should provide adequate milk by breast-feeding to an infant during first four months. If, there is difficulty in getting mother’s milk then, out side skimmed milk or the milk of cow should be provided to an infant.

2.               Priority should be given to arrange home made food to infants.

3.               A child should be given iron drops after completion of two months.

4.               A child should not be forced to eat.

5.               Due care should be taken to vaccinate a child against BCG, Polio, hepatitis –B, Chicken pox, rabies, typhoid etc.

6.               A child should be administered with a medicine against round worms after nine months and the same medicine should be repeated after every three months.

7.               Medicines should be administered only after consulting and getting prescription of a medical practitioner.

8.               Hazardous materials like chemicals and inflammable liquids like petrol should be kept away from the hands of a child.

9.               Proper precaution should be taken to avoid the biting of mosquitoes by putting on long clothes to a child. Mosquito repellent like good night may be used by 6 p.m. and should be kept at the places from where the mosquitoes are likely to enter the house.

10.           Proper flow of air should be ensured in bedroom by keeping open at least ventilators of the windows.

11.           Putting warm clothes to a child should be avoided during the time of fever. Proper preliminary medicines should be readily available at home.

12.            A child should be given electrolyte to drink during the time of vomiting and diarrhoea.

13.           A child with problem of hysteria should be kept away from danger by not allowing them to go near river, fire and places of heights etc.

14.            Special care and attention should be provided towards underdeveloped child having low I.Q.

15.           Exercise being an important aspect, a child should be encouraged to go for in-door as well as out-door games.

16.           Good qualities and hobbies should be inculcated in a child like reading good books, planting trees etc.

17.           Good prayers also play a major role in child development.

18.           Attention should be provided towards the behaviour of a child and any misdeed should be corrected in time.

19.           If a child regularly fails in completing studies then, proper medical check-up of eyes and ears should be done. Before building any expectation from a child, a thorough check-up should be done to ensure the intelligence quotient of that particular child. This can avoid frustration arising due to unrealistic expectations of parents from a child.

20.           Parents should not enforce their wishes and expectations about education and career on a child. But, proper care should be taken to understand the positive qualities and hidden talents of a child and accordingly parents should encourage a child by setting goals before him or her.

21.           Tension can be built upon eyes by excessive viewing of television programmes and can consequently lead to headaches.

22.           Proper love and care is essential for the all-round growth of a child.

23.           Parents should behave properly to ensure discipline in a child since; all parents are the first role models before their children.

24.           Good qualities [Samskar] and good habits should be inculcated in a child.

25.           There should not be gender discrimination among children.

Precautions During Adolescence:

1.               Adolescence is a very sensitive and delicate transitional stage from childhood to puberty. Therefore, proper guidance and emotional support during this period is very important for the growth a child into a full-fledged man.

2.               For an all-round growth during this vital period, nutritious diet should be provided with additional supplement of iron and calcium to girls and proteins to boys.

3.               Girls and boys should be properly educated about physical and emotional changes occurring during this adolescence stage and prepare their minds to accept this natural change.

4.               Proper emphasis should be laid on educating girls about menstruation period ad the precautions to be taken during this time. Girls attending Schools and colleges should carry proper food and water during this period.

5.               An adolescent child should be properly guided by taking into confidence during this critical phase of growth.

6.               A child should not experience isolation but parents should befriend them.

7.                A child committing mistakes should be rectified in proper manner without hurting feelings of that child.

8.               A boy should not be allowed more to associate and rely upon father in order to avoid inferiority complex during later period.

9.                A child should be properly guided about their future role in the society. A child should also be made aware about various opportunities available in the fields of education and career. Proper guidance about the future vocation of a child should be based on the realistic assessment of the qualities and hidden talents of a child.

10.           Parents ought to be the first and the best friends of a child for the all-round growth of that child.

11.            A child should be encouraged to practise and follow the science of Yoga for better physical and mental health along with other sports activities.

12.            Reading habits should be encouraged in a child.

13.           A child should be inculcated with spirit of self-confidence. Self-confidence is the pre-requisite of personality development.

14.           A child during this period should be properly guided about the diseases and ailments, which can be prevented like AIDS etc.

15.           Misconceptions and misunderstandings should be clarified to have sanity of mind and body in a growing child.

16.           During this vital growing phase of a child, proper emphasis should be laid on imparting moral values and spirit of discipline to ensure better disciplined and responsive citizen in the later period.

17.           An atmosphere conducive for healthy inter-personal relationships among all the members should be maintained in a house. This will ensure proper growth of a child. The conflicts and jealousies within the parents can misguide and mislead a child to bad habits and bad friendships.

 

Pregnancy Period:

1.               A balance diet is required during this period. The diet should prominently consist of milk two times in a day along with food items rich in calcium and iron.

2.               The physical and emotional changes taking place in a woman during pregnancy period should be well explained to her in order to avoid misunderstanding.

3.               A pregnant woman should undergo all necessary tests and examinations as prescribed by the Doctor.

4.               A pregnant woman must test the blood group.

5.               A pregnant woman should go for required treatment in case of any ailment.

6.               During pregnancy a woman can do household works.

7.               A woman should prepare her mind to welcome child.

8.               A woman should gather information about pregnancy and related matters from responsible and knowledgeable persons.

9.               A woman should maintain all-cleanliness during and after pregnancy.

10.           A pregnant woman should take adequate rest. Whenever possible, a woman should take rest by sleeping on the left side of her body. This helps in blood circulation and better growth of the child.

11.           A pregnant woman should go for tetanus vaccination at appropriate time.

12.           A pregnant woman should not undergo any ex-ray examination during the first three months of her pregnancy. However, if need be Doctor can advise the woman to go for any such tests.

13.           Unless and until prescribed by any competent Doctor, pregnant woman should avoid all sorts of medicines.

Delivery Period And Breast-Feeding:

1.           Clean and safe atmosphere should be maintained during the time of delivery. It is always safe and in the best interest of the mother and child to prefer delivery in the hospital.

2.           Mother’s milk is the best diet for an infant.

3.           The initial secretion of milk should not be thrown out because it is very nutritious and essential for the newborn child.

4.           A mother should start breast-feeding an infant after two hours from the time of delivery.

5.           A mother should comfortably sit down and take proper posture while breast-feeding a child.

6.            Cleanliness should be maintained during this period.

7.           After breast-feeding, a child should be made to belch.

8.            Immediately after breast-feeding, a child should not be made to lie down.

9.           There is no need to feed water if, a child is exclusively relying on mother’s milk.

10.       If, there is difficulty in breast-feeding due to withdrawal of nipple inside the breast then, nipple shield should be used or the mother’s milk should be spoon-fed to a child.

11.       A mother should attend a child with care, peace of mind and confidence.

12.       A mother should consume balance diet.

13.       In case, a mother is unable to breast-feed her child then, powder milk may be fed in appropriate proportion.

14.       In case of powder milk, a child requires water. This water requirement may be only for two times in a day.

15.       If, a child is fat then, fresh milk of cow and she-buffalo should be avoided at least for first two months period. However, this milk can be fed after two to three months to such child.

 

Family Planning: 

1.           Breast-feeding women should take special care during menstruation period.

2.           Parents should maintain a gap of three years between the births of first child to second child.

3.           Appropriate measures of family planning should be adopted by consulting Doctor.

4.           After planning the family, either husband or wife should undergo operation to avoid future pregnancy.

5.           It is best advisable to have a family of maximum two children.

 

Precautions To Be Taken By A Woman After An Age Of Forty Years: 

1.           After every two years, a woman should consult gynaecologist.

2.            A woman should always do self check-up of the breasts. In case of any doubt, a woman should always go for a medical check-up.

3.           A woman should not consume tobacco or any product made of tobacco.

4.           In absence of menstruation period or in case of excessive bleeding, a woman should always consult a Doctor.

5.           At the time of menopause, a woman should take special precaution. She should exercise, consume less salt and avoid edible oils. She should check-up blood pressure regularly. She should also increase intake of calcium rich diet.

 

Precautions To Be Taken By A Man:

1.           The diet of a man should be balanced with nutritious items like cereals, fish and eggs etc.

2.           The diet of a man should depend upon the type of work he does. A man doing physical and hard work should eat more. A man not doing more of physical work should take precaution while eating.

3.           An appropriate diet should be chosen in case a man suffers from any ailment like diabetes, pressure, ulcer and kidney or liver problems etc.

4.           Exercise is very important for every man and more particularly for the one who is spending more time in an office by doing sitting work.

5.           After forty years of age, there should be regular medical check-up.

6.           Medicines if prescribed, should be taken regularly.

7.           A man should always abstain from all types of bad habits and addictions. The addictions, as we all know, destroy not only the person but also the total family life of a person.

8.           A person with an inclination towards bad habit like drinking alcohol should be handled properly by his family members.  All efforts should be made to divert him from this bad habit. If need be, counselling from a competent person and also medical help should be taken to save the person from ruining his as well as his family life.

 

Precautions During Old Age

1.           Proper care should be taken of the aged people in a family.

2.           An old man in a family is like a child and should be treated accordingly.

3.           An old person in a family should be treated with all love and respect.

 

To conclude with, it can be said that a woman plays a crucial role in maintaining a family. If a woman is happy, contented and confident then, the entire family remains happy and contented.

 

The following were the educative talk were held on women & child health at Peaceful Society

Measles: Exact presentation of measles, misunderstanding, prevailing, about diet during measles, other rashes confusing with measles, complications of measles, care of the patient with measles, vaccination importance.

Mumps: Presentation of mumps, misconcepts and confusions, other swellings confusing with mumps, care of oral hygiene, importance of nutrition, complications of mumps, vaccination.

Chicken Pox: Presentation, description of eruptions, importance of period and infectivity of the disease, diet-hygiene, prevention of secondary infections, other boils confusing with chicken pox, vaccination.

Jaundice: Mod of transmission, presentation and symptoms, exact dietary restrictions period and importance of resumption of normal diet. Other factors like rest, other hygienic care, prevention of spread to other members of family and around.

Diarrhoea & Dysentery: Importance of electrolyte and fluid replacement orally to prevent dehydration in any type of loose motions, need for prompt management, cause factor, treatment and prevention specially by avoiding exposed foods, hotel foods etc.

Fevers: Management of a child with fever, special care for children with febrile convulsions care during a convulsion, prevention of convulsion prompt medical care, cause of fever and medical management accordingly.

Worm Infestations: Health hazards caused by worms, prevention of worm infestations by hygiene, prevention of open defecations, treatment regularly, exact dosage, schedule and fears of deworming and importance of adequate treatment, complications of half hearted treatment.

Malaria: Types of malaria, different presentations, different mosquitoes causing malaria, methods of prevention of mosquito breeding, prevention of mosquito bites, importance of prompt and adequate treatment, proper health check up, prevention of malaria in other members of family and around by prophylaxes.

Typhoid: Presentation, spread, management, importance of prompt and adequate treatment, blood investigations, diet, prevention of typhoid by hygiene and vaccination.

Tuberculosis: Exact cause, ways of spread, presentations, different systems involved, common complaints, treatment, details with importance of adequate treatment, regularity and continuation for prescribed time period, fellow up, prevention by hygienic care, vaccination, prophylactic treatment, social stigma misconcepts.

Scabies: Cause, presentation, treatment methods like soaps to prevent scabies, importance of public place washing of clothes, care during medicine application, importance of treatment for prescribed time.

Family Planning: Importance, methods, advantages, guidance towards spacing, number of children.

First Aid: Guidance towards certain day to day emergencies, first aid boxes, kits for dressing of wounds, hygiene care kit.

Blood Group: Types of blood groups, importance of knowledge of one’s blood group, incompatibilities, blood donation, phobias of blood donation, blood transfusions, factors responsible, avoidance of same, prevention of attacks, prevention of complications.

Gastrointestinal problems: Gastritis, enteritis, vomiting, malabsorption, intolerance, allergies, symptoms, management, prevention, special cases like appendicitis, intussusceptions, ovules, perforation due to worms, intestinal obstructions due to worms, how the care to be taken.

Aids & other sexually transmitted diseases: Explanation about the disease, mode of spread, presentation, management, prevention, awareness, social effect, effect on children, importance of each individual effort to wipe out the disease.

Poliomyelitis: Presentation, spread, prevention, with vaccination, pulse polio vaccination importance, management of poliomyelitis patients, rehabilitation.

Rabies: Presentation, management, vaccination, details for doses, care of bite area, importance of tetanus, vaccine, passive immunisation, dog observation, prevention.

Tetanus: Presentation in adult and new born, vaccination in pregnancy, children and men, importance of booster doses.

Fungal infections: Presentations, different types of fungal infections, management, hygiene, importance of dryness, prevention of moisture, clothes care, other preventive measures, importance of adequate treatment for prescribed time period

Whooping Cough: Presentation, management, diet, other case, prevention, vaccination, complications of whooping cough

Diphtheria: Presentation, care, complications, prevention, vaccination

Anaemia: Presentation, causes, treatment, diet, period of treatment.

Conjunctivitis: Presentation, management, cleanliness’ of eyes and other hygiene, prevention of spread.

Congenital defects: Birth defects, common types, special case about feeding etc., management, medical care.

Respiratory infections: Causes, upper and lower respiratory infections, presentations, bronchial asthma, management.

Breast feeding:- Education about breast feeding, techniques, posture, frequency of feed, position of the baby, care of nipple and breast, position of baby after feed, importance of burping before and after feeds, importance and advantages of breast feeds, time period for continuation of breast feeds.

Adolescence: Special care during adolescence, emotional, moral and other support, nutrition and other care, awareness of importance of body changes, menstrual cycles in girls, special care during periods, hygiene, fluid intake, adequate nutrition, exercise, rest, spiritual development.

Pyoderma: Presentation, management, importance of hygiene, adequate local and systemic treatment, prevention’s of abscess formation and of glomerulonephritis.

Glomerulonephritis: Presentation, prevention, care and management, importance of medical care, importance of intake, output chart, urine examination, fluid and dietary restrictions, hypertension associated with complications in case of delayed treatment.

Epilepsy: Exact presentations, different forms of presentation, causes, treatment, care during epileptic fit, avoidance of situations, dangerous for such patients, importance of treatment till prescribed period of time, investigations and management.

Female Foeticide: Equivalence to crime, importance of girl child, defects in techniques like ultrasonography, health hazards after procedures of termination of pregnancies, possibility of permanent sterility after abortions, women’s role in counteracting such social crimes, confidence and awareness by women to take decision under pressure.

Menopause: Symptoms, dietary changes, exercise, preoccupation, special attention to certain complaints for early detection, calcium supplements, hormone replacement therapy.

Care of women after age 40 : Menopausal changes, cervical cancer, importance of Pap’s smear, management, Breast cancer, self examination, investigations available, management, treatment available, phobias, importance of self confidence and pleasant approach.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES

With the prevailing ‘misconceptions’ and attitudes of people in the society regarding essential aspects of health and nutrition, Peaceful Society decided to have a concrete initiatives on Health for a year with monthly follow up health check ups and health talks in the year 1987. Dr. Poornima N. Usgaonkar kindly agreed to pay one visit every month.

WORK PROCESS

The first health camp was held at Bandora-Goa & was attended by 25 children along with their mothers from poor community. A talk on “worm infestations” was given. Medicines required were prescribed and guidance towards nutrition was given since Anemia was prevalent with many cases of faulty feeding. Same Children attended the next follow up camp and it was obvious that the medicines prescribed were not bought and there was no much change in the health status of the children. So, for the third camp medicine samples with deworming medicines, certain antibiotics, cough syrups, iron supplements, calcium supplements samples brought from own clinic (“Usgaonker’s Children Clinic”) & were given to the patients as indicated. Most of the mothers were very happy since they could not get the exact benefit of the camp except for listening to the health talks, they could not buy the medicines prescribed as they did not get cooperation from the husbands. Subsequently, at every camp there was a health talk to start with, on separate topics and slowly the impact could be felt specially in deworming of the children. Earlier there were hundred queries about the deworming. Misconcepts prevailing in the older generations were coming in the way but with every camp the confidence between doctor and patients became stronger and slowly the advices were accepted on the first instance. The deworming trend began which was an outcome of proper explanations on hazards of worm infestations, exact method of medication which again was a very important factor since improper way and inadequate medicine would disturb worms, and create false impression on the patients about deworming. As for other medicines, though medicines were given after proper scrutiny, a little percentage of patients had their doubts about the expiry dates and all fancy doubts about medicines and avoided the camps initially. But to our surprise, over a period of time they were the most regular patients later on and the camps became a pleasant work with wholehearted participation of patients. Subsequently Peaceful Society partially bought medicines for the camps.  On completion of one year, on the demand from the public it was continued further and from 1990 it was shifted to Dhaknewada, Madkai, once Peaceful Society had shifted their office there. Initially the numbers of patients were not under control but later it was restricted to 25-30 per camp with their mothers. The mothers also received attention and their health problems were looked into, they were given iron, calcium supplements, deworming medicines and specific medicines for existing illnesses.

Interceptions did occur due to personal health problems. But soon the camps were resumed on recovery and Subsequently, since Sept. 1998, separate doctors for women were requested for their assistance in the check ups. During every visit, weight recording, examination in details, advice, Rx for the condition is given and records are maintained. Information regarding various health problems given during the camps and cases are picked up and demonstrated for better compliance.

Stress laid on different aspects regarding Health: –

NUTRITION

Health talks on nutrition at various ages of a child from antenatal period; new born stage; infancy, childhood and adolescence are given from time to time. Breast-feeding of the

children by mothers was stressed upon.  Because if the breast-feeding is not done or the mother doesn’t yield milk then the children may suffer from severe protein energy malnutrition, kwashiorkor etc. Therefore supplementary food in the form of powdered milk was supplied to the children with joint efforts of Usgaonker’s Clinic and Peaceful Society. Other deficiencies like iron, calcium etc. were taken care of by supplying regular iron and calcium tonics. The mothers were given calcium and iron supplements, too. Mothers’ nutrition was taken care with advices on proper ways of nutrition and importance of nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. Cerelac packets samples given to us by company on request were supplied regularly and the effect could be seen from the weight gain of the children. Cases of kwashiorkor were followed up under proper nutrition and their deficits were completely taken care. Advice on preparation of food items from locally available grains, vegetables & fruits is being given. Photographs, whenever possible were taken before and after treatment, showing the effect of proper management. Peaceful Society supplied eggs and milk for some period of time and pamphlets on nutrition for infants and children were distributed.

WORMS

A number of lectures with the emphasis on health problems caused by worms and the methods of preventing worms and treatment were delivered to give an impact on the mothers that worm removal is not hazardous which was a misconception for years. Pamphlets on prevention of worm infestations provided by Pfizer Co. were distributed. Removal of worms under certain seasons was a misnomer prevailing. This was effectively taken care and the de-worming treatment was streamlined and the people ultimately accepted it in such a pleasant way that every 3 months they take the medicines and come on their own for deworming purpose. The improvement in the health conditions is appreciable and the mothers could get convinced about the good effects of deworming and the initial resistance from the mothers passed away after a few months. The first camp in Madkai after deworming reported around passage of 200 worms and above by each child, the story now is 2-3 worms at the most. No admissions to the private hospitals or Goa Medical College as was indicated by their discharge summaries from the respective hospitals and showed a total nullification of such types of admissions caused by different worm problems. Pfizer Company gave their utmost cooperation for timely deworming by their supply of Combantrin syrup and tablets for years. This was a major achievement of the camps, which still Continues.

SCABIES

During the initial stages a number of cases with scabies were seen, but by regular and timely treatment and lectures on methods of prevention of scabies and detailed care during scabies indications, it was almost totally eradicated. The advice on care of the clothes and public cleaning of clothes during consecutive camps helped to stress all such factors and with the demonstration of the cases to all the attendants the topic was well understood and the women were very receptive and followed the advice properly, resulting in total absence of cases of scabies during recent camps.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS

Considerable number of mothers had Paronycheal abscess with fungal infections of nails of fingers and toes as well as skin of hands and feet due to constant contact with water during household and field work. A thorough local treatment with systematic treatment was given to them with detailed instructions about care to prevent such infections like importance of keeping the hand and feet dry during and after working. They were also informed about the fungal infections caused due to the use of damp clothes, undergarments, etc. There was a marked improvement in the condition and many were relieved of these painful conditions and awareness was created about maintaining dryness of hands and feet. The patients were supplied with anti-fungal lotions, ointments and powders that were brought from Usgaonker’s Children Clinic samples. At present awareness is already present to ask for medicines in the start of the disease.

 

TUBERCULOSIS

The children since being diagnosed regularly could be grouped out from their weights. The inability to gain weight in spite of nutritional improvements, removal of other infective conditions etc. and those other children with persisting respiratory complaints in spite of timely treatment and treatment for eosinophilia etc. were grouped out for investigations and they were investigated for tuberculosis, with blood tests, PPD and X ray chest, PPD test was done in own clinic with readings on 3^rd day taken there in the campus. X ray chest were done at Amey X-ray Clinic, Ponda and blood tests were done at Patholab, Ponda by Dr. R. A. D’costa. The cases found positive were started on treatment. Later to screen the contacts, a survey was conducted in various parts of Madkai by the Tuberculosis Department and Peaceful Society with sputum examinations and the positive cases were given treatment by the TB Department with follow up carried out by Peaceful Society. A case of TB spine, some cases of primary complex, progressive primary complex were the cases found in children which were treated adequately with the help of ID hospital Ponda-Goa, in addition to samples brought from Usgaonker’s Clinic.

 

IMMUNIZATION

The immunization record of every patient is kept in the books and timely reminders are given for boosters and subsequent immunizations, if required. Talks on importance of immunization and the Vaccinations, are given from time to time, which could help those who could afford private treatment. MMR Vaccinations were given at Usgaonker’s Clinic free of cost for the needy patients. Pamphlets containing information on schedule of immunizations are distributed from time to time.

 

BLOOD GROUP DIRECTORY

Blood Group is a very important factor in certain health conditions and prior knowledge of an individual’s blood group is very useful and helpful tool in situations like Blood Donation, Blood reception and Prevention of certain blood group incompatibilities in the newborn e.g. Rh incompatibility, ABO incompatibility.

If blood group of mother is Rh –ve and baby is +ve or if mother is O and baby A or B, then such incompatibilities can occur.  If prior to pregnancy, the blood group is known, it helps to prevent neonatal jaundice due to incompatibility or manage it timely, to prevent complications of brain. Anti D Injection can be given soon after birth if mother is Rh –ve. Therefore Awareness of this blood group is very essential and camp was held to –

1)    Issue cards to individuals including children for the sake of a record of blood groups.

2)    Blood group directory for donation of blood in case of emergency. With this aim a blood grouping camp was arranged.

A blood grouping camp was held on 27^th Feb. 1998 with the help of Dr. R.A. D’costa from Ponda where blood grouping was done and a directory is maintained with blood group cards supplied to the people with their photographs. Dr. D’costa arranged the required material along with reports, syringes, slides, and reagents free of cost. Dr. R.A. D’costa gave a talk on blood grouping and blood transfusion. Peaceful Society supplied the photographs.

 

PAP’S SMEAR

For early detection of Cancer Cervix of uterus, a camp for women above 40 was done with pap’s smear with the help of Dr. Sudha Vaidhya, ID hospital and Goa Medical College, Pathology Department.

 

Subsequently, for the sake of proper examination and treatment of women, Dr. Sudha Vaidhya and Dr. Smita Usgaocar, were requested to do the check up every month from September 1998.

 

DENTAL CHECK UP

Dr. Chhaya Bandodker Practising dental surgeon from Ponda did dental check up with talk on oral hygiene on 24^th Sep. 1998.

Mega Camp with all specialities was held on 29^th May 1998 with consultants in medicine (Dr. Lalana Bakhale, physician), (Dr. Sudha Vaidya, Gynaecologist), (Dr. Bandekar, Ophthalmologist), (Dr. Santosh Usgaonker, Paediatrician). 140 patients were examined and those requiring further follow up were called in respective Clinics for further management at free of cost. Dr. Uday Kerkar & Dr. Ghanshyam Mardolkar also contributed for the camp.

 

EYE CHECK UP

Dr. Bandekar did eye check up and Peaceful Society supplied spectacles to the patients.

 

SAFE MOTHERHOOD DAY

“Safe motherhood day” was celebrated on 20^th July 2001, jointly with Public Health centre under the guidance of Dr. M. Mohandas.

FIRST AID BOXES

First aid boxes containing Scissors, towel, nail-cutter, antiseptic cream, lotion, cotton, gauze, adhesive tape, toothbrush, paste etc. were supplied to each family with proper detailed instructions, to mothers for how and when to use each item.

Certain special cases like a perforated eardrum was operated by Dr. Acharya, ENT Surgeon, from Madgaon, free of cost. Patients with congenital heart defects, epilepsy, mental retardation etc. were given special treatment jointly by Usgaonker Clinic & by Peaceful Society.

 

HEALTH TALKS

During every health camp a health talk on different health problems and prevalent misconceptions regarding infective diseases, worms, immunization, nutrition, care during pregnancy, care of the newborn, care during adolescence, health problems in the rainy seasons, tips towards family health, hygiene, rabies, measles mumps, tetanus, chicken pox, anaemia, calcium deficiency, nutritional deficiencies, mental health, jaundice, malaria, tuberculosis, fungal infections, were given from time to time.

Information materials distributed from time to time on malaria, worms, nutrition, immunization, rabies, scabies etc.

 

DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED

Beginning of the camps was a tough encounter to overcome certain fixed concepts prevailing.

→  Purpose of health camp was not understood.

→  Mothers also could not buy necessary medicines, so samples were distributed and later Peaceful Society arranged the required medicines.

→  Doubts about medicine samples – expiry dates etc.

→  Inadequate medications – overcome in course of time by persuasive attempts of teaching the importance of adequate medications and removal of false fears.

→  Faulty attitudes of the elderly – were timely taken care with assurance and subsequently accepted with practical experience.

 

SOCIAL STIGMAS

Tuberculosis was and is taken, as a social stigma. Even today, more public the issue is made more difficult is the cooperation. So the matter is tackled in a different way without making it public, with personal advices, and management. Assurance about the cure after proper treatment and ways of prevention of spread are stressed upon.

 

SPECIAL CASE STUDIES

I.             Potts spine – Mast. Raju Gaude presented with febrile convulsion with fever OFF and ON, put on anti-convulsants developed a painful swelling on the thoracic paraspinal region. He was referred for investigations at ID hospital. X-ray spine revealed koch’s lesion at T3 – T4 – level. He was started on a course of anti TB Rx, completed the full course and recovered completely, no convulsions thereafter.

II.           A.S.D – A care of acyanotic congenital heart disease, from Bandora followed up at the campus. ECG was done at private clinic free of cost. X-ray chest at Amey X-ray clinic revealed primary complex, received full course of Rx from Usgaonker’s Children Clinic samples + Peaceful Society sponsored meds – Recovered completely, now 20 years old.

III.        Eczyma – Sheetal Gaude from Bandora a case of eczema legs, scalp, face followed up at the camps was referred to Dr. Mallya, skin specialist, Margao, received treatment and with regular follow up examination and instructions recovered completely.

IV.        Kwashiorker – Protein energy malnutrition with hair changes, skin changes, due to faulty feeding followed up at the camps. Milk powder from Usgaonker’s Children Hospital at subsidised rate bought by the Peaceful Society and supplied free of cost to the patient with proper feeding instructions, recovered fully.

V.          Mentally – Retarded

a.   Sangeeta: – complete cerebral palsy following Encephalitis – followed up at every camp was treated with Neurocitam, encephabol supplied regularly by the company samples on request, oral hygiene care, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, B’plex regularly given, oral antiseptic lotions and toilet training instructions showed marked change in condition, no drooling of saliva, presence of social smile and could recognise, physiotherapy taught and was followed to some extent improved muscular activity quite a bit. Succumbed to respiratory infection later.

b.   Olga Gomes – Another mentally retarded, followed up at every camp had attained menarche and had epilepsy, repeated urinary infections, proper instructions on personal hygiene and timely treatment for urinary infections in addition to neurocetam, encephabol showed improvement in the condition. Anti-convulsants were continued after EEG.

VI.        A case of Perforated ear drum – with chronic suppurative otitis media – infection was controlled and surgery of repair of ear drum was performed by Dr. Acharya ENT Surgeon from Margao, free of cost on personal request. Maximum co-operation of the surgeon was available.

VII.     V.S.D – Mrinal Naik a case of V.S.D was diagnosed at GMC was followed up regularly during the camps, with ECG done at Usgaonker’s Children Clinic free of cost, Echo at Dr. Colaco Margao and respiratory infections were timely treated to prevent sub-acute bacterial endocarditis. Regular follow up X-rays, ECG & Echo done. Child has good growth, no repeated respiratory infections and is studying with normal physical activities even sports games.

VIII.   Cleft Palate – Leena Naik a case of Cleft Palate was advised surgery but due to parental scare did not opt for surgery.

IX.        DUB – Gokul Gaude a case of Dysfunctional uterine bleeding was referred to Dr. Sudha Vaidhya and then sent to GMC for further investigations where treatment was given and it was controlled.

X.           Umbilical granuloma – was diagnosed at the camp and cauterisation was done in the clinic free of cost.

XI.        Fancom’s Syndrome a primary complex – 10 months old diagnosed at GMC followed up at camps, and then in private clinic free of cost, X-ray chest done in pit, antikoch’s medicines supplied from private clinic samples. Got mediclaim done from GMC to be referred at Manipal

XII.     Adenoids Chronic tonsillitis – followed up at camps referred to GMC for tonsillectomy adenoidectomy

Fears: – Parents of a child having Cleft Palate, in spite of assurance and volunteering of surgery free of cost were not ready for surgery, out of fear of complications. Certain facilities offered were not taken by a few due to fears.

 

All critical cases of children under follow up who need admissions and other subsequent medical care are looked after by Usgaonker’s Children Clinic and Hospital and neonatal care unit by Dr. Purnima & Dr. Santosh Usgaonker absolutely free of cost right from the beginning of the camps till today.

 

CONCLUSION

Though with initial difficulties which were subsequently overcome with time and patience, a bond has been built up over a period of years and though it looks purely a supply of medicines at every camp, they are still the most needed medicines which are supplied if not for which the health could not be maintained to this present level, which obviously is devoid of hospitalisations with advanced health problems, caused due to variety of the causes already listed above and are being taken care from time to time with definitely a confident cooperation from mothers whose health also is taken care adequately. It is still a pleasure to work in the same manner since one can enjoy the cooperation of the mothers, which is most important base for any further projects.

 

WAY FORWARD

So far with due tackling of the notorious situations and concepts the camps are comparatively a smooth flow and with this further bold steps can be taken up towards newer affordable immunizations not available in Govt. Health Services. Regular Pap’s smear testing every year or so, Ophthalmologic check up of children, ENT check up of children, IQ testing, introduction of yogas, pranayama, suryanamaskars which will help to overcome variety of health problems, more so mental fitness a bad need of the time to overcome present stress.