100 benefits of meditation

100 Benefits of Meditation

Physiological benefits: 1. It lowers oxygen consumption. 2. It decreases respiratory rate . 3. It increases blood flow and slows the heart rate. 4. Increases exercise tolerance. 5. Leads to a deeper level of physical relaxation. 6. Good for people with high blood pressure . 7. Reduces anxiety attacks by lowering the levels of blood lactate. 8. Decreases muscle tension 9. Helps in chronic diseases like allergies, arthritis etc. 10. Reduces Pre-menstrual Syndrome symptoms. 11. Helps in post-operative healing. 12. Enhances the immune system. 13. Reduces activity of viruses and emotional distress 14. Enhances energy, strength and vigour. 15. Helps with weight loss 16. Reduction of free radicals , less tissue damage 17. Higher skin resistance 18. Drop in cholesterol levels , lowers risk of cardiovascular disease. 19. Improved flow of air to the lungs resulting in easier breathing. 20. Decreases the aging process. 21. Higher levels of DHEAS ( Dehydroepiandrosterone ) 22. Prevented, slowed or controlled pain of chronic diseases 23. Makes you sweat less 24. Cure headaches & migraines 25. Greater Orderliness of Brain Functioning 26. Reduced Need for Medical Care 27. Less energy wasted 28. More inclined to sports, activities 29. Significant relief from asthma 30. Improved performance in athletic events 31. Normalizes to your ideal weight 32. Harmonizes our endocrine system 33. Relaxes our nervous system 34. Produce lasting beneficial changes in brain electrical activity 35. Helps cure infertility (the stresses of infertility can interfere with the release of hormones that regulate ovulation). Psychological benefits: 36. Builds self-confidence. 37. Increases serotonin level, influences mood and behaviour. 38. Resolve phobias & fears 39. Helps control own thoughts 40. Helps with focus & concentration 41. Increase creativity 42. Increased brain wave coherence. 43. Improved learning ability and memory. 44. Increased feelings of vitality and rejuvenation. 45. Increased emotional stability. 46. improved relationships 47. Mind ages at slower rate 48. Easier to remove bad habits 49. Develops intuition 50. Increased Productivity 51. Improved relations at home & at work 52. Able to see the larger picture in a given situation 53. Helps ignore petty issues 54. Increased ability to solve complex problems 55. Purifies your character 56. Develop will power 57. Greater communication between the two brain hemispheres 58. Respond more quickly and more effectively to a stressful event. 59. increases ones perceptual ability and motor performance 60. Higher intelligence growth rate 61. Increased job satisfaction 62. Increase in the capacity for intimate contact with loved ones 63. Decrease in potential mental illness 64. Better, more sociable behaviour 65. Less aggressiveness 66. Helps in quitting smoking , alcohol addiction 67. Reduces need and dependency on drugs, pills & pharmaceuticals 68. Need less sleep to recover from sleep deprivation 69. Require less time to fall asleep, helps cure insomnia 70. Increases sense of responsibility 71. Reduces road rage 72. Decrease in restless thinking 73. Decreased tendency to worry 74. Increases listening skills and empathy 75. Helps make more accurate judgments 76. Greater tolerance 77. Gives composure to act in considered & constructive ways 78. Grows a stable, more balanced personality 79. Develops emotional maturity Spiritual benefits: 80. Helps keep things in perspective 81. Provides peace of mind, happiness 82. Helps you discover your purpose in life 83. Increased self-actualization. 84. Increased compassion 85. Growing wisdom 86. Deeper understanding of yourself and others 87. Brings body, mind, and spirit in harmony 88. Deeper Level of spiritual relaxation 89. Increased acceptance of one self 90. Helps learn forgiveness 91. Changes attitude toward life 92. Creates a deeper relationship with your God 93. Increases the synchronicity in your life 94. Greater inner-directedness 95. Helps living in the present moment 96. Creates a widening, deepening capacity for love 97. Discovery of the power and consciousness beyond the ego 98. Experience an inner sense of Assurance or Knowingness 99. Experience a sense of Oneness 100. Leads to enlightenment

Sleep the panacea for all ills

Inspirational story about Col Sanders originator of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Idea that today spans across the globe

Never Give Up: Story of KFC

Its never too late to start....
When Colonel Harland Sanders retired at the age of 65, he had little to show for himself, except an old Caddie roadster, a $105 monthly pension check, and a recipe for chicken.
Knowing he couldn't live on his pension, he took his chicken recipe in hand, got behind the wheel of his van, and set out to make his fortune. His first plan was to sell his chicken recipe to restaurant owners, who would in turn give him a residual for every piece of chicken they sold--5 cents per chicken. The first restaurateur he called on turned him down.
So did the second.
So did the third.
In fact, the first 1008 sales calls Colonel Sanders made ended in rejection. Still, he continued to call on owners as he traveled across the USA, sleeping in his car to save money. Prospect number 1009 gave him his first "yes."
After two years of making daily sales he had signed up a total of five restaurants. Still the Colonel pressed on, knowing that he had a great chicken recipe and that someday the idea would catch on.
Of course, you know how the story ends. The idea DID catch on. By 1963 the Colonel had 600 restaurants across the country selling his secret recipe of Kentucky Fried Chicken (with 11 herbs and spices).
In 1964 he was bought out by future Kentucky governor John Brown. Even though the sale made him a multi-millionaire, he continued to represent and promote KFC until his death in 1990.
Colonel Sanders' story teaches an important lesson: its never too late to decide to never give up.
Earlier in his life the Colonel was involved in other business ventures--but they weren't successful. He had a gas station in the 30's, a restaurant in the 40's, and he gave up on both of them. At the age of 65, however, Harland Sanders decided his chicken idea was the right idea, and he refused to give up, even in spite of repeated rejection.
He knew that if he kept on knocking on doors, eventually someone would say "yes." This is how Jesus has commanded to approach life. He said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9) This verse follows a story Jesus told emphasizing the importance of a "never-give-up" attitude in prayer. Jesus is saying, "Ask--not just once, but as many times as is necessary. Keep on knocking till the door is opened." If you have made half-hearted attempts at doing God's will in your life...if you have given up too easily in the past...remember: It's never too late to become persistent. It's never too late to decide to never give up. Keep on knocking. Keep on asking. Keep on seeking. Posted By Rajiv Tewari

Tutorials on every illness giving you the right kind of advice

NOTE: These tutorials require a special Flash plug-in, version 6 or above... If you do not have Flash, you will be prompted to obtain a free download of the software before you start the tutorial.

· Diseases and Conditions o Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm o Acne o AIDS o Allergies to Dust Mites o Alopecia o Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) o Angina o Anthrax o Arrhythmias o Arthritis o Asthma o Atrial Fibrillation o Avian Influenza o Back Pain - How to Prevent o Bell's Palsy o Brain Cancer o Breast Cancer o Burns o Cataracts o Cerebral Palsy o Cold Sores (Herpes) o Colon Cancer o Congestive Heart Failure o COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) o Crohn's Disease o Cystic Fibrosis o Depression o Diabetes - Eye Complications o Diabetes - Foot Care o Diabetes - Introduction o Diabetes - Meal Planning o Diverticulosis o Endometriosis o Epstein Barr (Mononucleosis) o Erectile Dysfunction o Fibromyalgia o Flashes and Floaters o Fractures and Sprains o Ganglion Cysts o Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) o Glaucoma o Gout o Hearing Loss o Heart Attack o Hepatitis B o Hepatitis C o Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) o Hypoglycemia o Incisional Hernia o Influenza o Inguinal Hernia o Irritable Bowel Syndrome o Kidney Failure o Kidney Stones o Leishmaniasis o Leukemia o Low Testosterone o Lung Cancer o Lupus o Lyme Disease o Macular Degeneration o Malaria o Melanoma o Meningitis o Menopause o Migraine Headache o Mitral Valve Prolapse o Multiple Myeloma o Multiple Sclerosis o Myasthenia Gravis o Osteoarthritis o Osteoporosis o Otitis Media o Ovarian Cancer o Ovarian Cysts o Pancreatitis o Parkinson's Disease o Pneumonia o Prostate Cancer - What is it? o Psoriasis o Retinal Tear and Detachment o Rheumatoid Arthritis o Rotator Cuff Injuries o Sarcoidosis o Scabies o Seizures and Epilepsy o Sexually Transmitted Diseases o Shingles o Skin Cancer o Sleep Disorders o Smallpox o Spinal Cord Injury o Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) o Tennis Elbow o Tinnitus o Trigeminal Neuralgia o Tuberculosis o Ulcerative Colitis o Umbilical Hernia o Uterine Fibroids o Varicose Veins o Vasculitis o Warts o Tests and Diagnostic Procedures § Amniocentesis § Barium Enema § Bone Densitometry § Breast Lumps - Biopsy § Bronchoscopy § Colonoscopy § Colposcopy § Coronary Angiogram and Angioplasty § CT Scan (CAT Scan) § Cystoscopy - Female § Cystoscopy - Male § Echocardiogram § Echocardiography Stress Test § IVP (Intra Venous Pyelogram) § Knee Arthroscopy § Laparoscopy § Mammogram § MRI § Myelogram § Newborn Screening § Pap Smear § Shoulder Arthroscopy § Sigmoidoscopy § Ultrasound § Upper GI Endoscopy Surgery and Treatment Procedures · Aorto-Bifemoral Bypass · Cardiac Rehabilitation · Carotid Endarterectomy · Carpal Tunnel Syndrome · Chemotherapy · Cholecystectomy - Open Laparoscopic (Gallbladder Removal Surgery) · Clinical Trials · Colon Cancer Surgery · Colostomy · Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) · C-Section · Dilation and Curettage (D & C) · General Anesthesia · Heart Valve Replacement · Hemorrhoid Surgery · Hip Replacement · Hip Replacement - Physical Therapy · Hysterectomy · Knee Replacement · LASIK · Massage Therapy · Neurosurgery - What is it? · Open Heart Surgery - What to Expect? · Pacemakers · Preparing for Surgery · Prostate Cancer - Radiation Therapy · Shoulder Replacement · Sinus Surgery · Stroke Rehabilitation · Thyroid Surgery · Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy · TURP (Prostate Surgery) · Vaginal Birth · Vasectomy · Prevention and Wellness · Back Exercises

Importance of having Breakfast

Importance of having Breakfast

You may not be the only one, as many people, who know the benefits of eating a healthy meal, still leave the house in the morning without having consumed a filling or adequate breakfast. Most people who skip breakfast or who eat an unhealthy one use either lack of time in the morning or weight watching as their excuse. We will explain further on in the article that skipping breakfast in order to lose weight is a total misconception that holds absolutely no truth and in fact the opposite is true, in that skipping breakfast, in some cases, could cause you to become overweight. What happens to our body first thing in the morning? If you consider that when we wake up in the morning, for the majority of us, our body and brain have been without food for around 10 - 12 hours and for children it may be longer. Our body is similar to a car in the fact that it needs fuel to run, and like a car, the better you look after your body, the longer and better it will run.
Our bodies must be fuelled several times each day so that we function efficiently and carry out our daily tasks as best we can. In the morning, after many hours without food, it is essential to refuel in order to provide the necessary nutrients and energy to get us through the first part of the day. Why is it important to fuel our brain? It is from our brain that messages are sent to other parts of the body to get them moving and working well. If our brain is not fed, it will act in a slow and sluggish manner, which will impact greatly on the rest of our body. The brain requires glucose or blood sugar to provide it with energy to function, whilst the muscles of our body need glucose to activate them and get the body working physically.
To work and feel well, our blood sugar levels must be maintained at a certain level. After long periods without food, our blood sugar levels fall, causing tiredness and irritability amongst other symptoms that occur when you need food. The disadvantages of not having breakfast If you deprive your body of food in the morning you may find that you feel tired, dizzy and irritable and that your concentration is poor. It may take you longer to carry out tasks or you just might not feel up to anything mentally strenuous let alone physical. You will probably find yourself snapping at people unintentionally, especially if under stress and you will no doubt soon start to feel pangs of hunger as the morning wears on. If you don't eat anything in the morning, you will most likely find yourself craving something sweet to eat, as your body cries out for a quick fix to boost energy levels. If you are at work and it is not yet time for lunch, this is one of the moments when you may find yourself reaching for something very unhealthy such as a chocolate bar, croissant, cream cake or other unhealthy snacks. For those who are watching their weight, this is disastrous. It is also possible that you may become so hungry that you grab twice as many unhealthy snacks to eat before lunch or even end up eating all of your packed lunch by 11.30 am. No breakfast does not equal losing weight Some people erroneously think that by skipping breakfast, they will reduce their calorie intake for the day and that it will help them to lose weight. Not only are you giving your body the worst possible start in the morning and putting it under unnecessary pressure, this is also not the case. Missing breakfast often leads to overeating at some point later on in the day, usually snacking on unhealthy foods, which are high in calories and fat. You may also become over hungry mid-morning and by lunchtime could end up eating twice as much than if you had eaten a healthy breakfast that released energy slowly throughout the day. Three healthy square meals or six smaller meals a day should keep you going throughout, without having the need to snack in between.
The disadvantages of not eating an adequate breakfast People who start the day with a strong, sweet cup of coffee and a croissant, Danish pastry or bowl of sugar-loaded cereal, may think that because they have eaten something, that they are starting the day well, and providing their body and brain with a good start to the morning. They may also wonder why, their energy boost doesn't last very long and why they are ravenous mid-morning even after having consumed breakfast first thing. This is because although they did make time to have breakfast, their breakfast choice was very poor. Caffeine, as we all know, gives you instant energy and many people feel that they cannot start the morning or even go through the day without at least several shots! In actual fact, caffeine produces adrenaline, which sends some of the body's stored glucose to the brain. Cereals high in sugar have very little nutritional value. When eaten their high amounts of sugar are released almost immediately into the bloodstream (sugar fix) and provide an instant energy boost. Together with the caffeine, blood sugar (glucose) levels rocket and energy levels soar. The downside of this effect is that the energy boost is extremely short-lived. As the pancreas responds to this surge of glucose, it produces insulin in order to bring the levels back down to a reasonable amount. This means that a few hours after this unhealthy breakfast, you are left feeling tired and hungry again and in need of another quick sugar fix. The advantages of a healthy and nutritious breakfast After a good night's sleep and with an empty stomach in the morning, it makes sense that the best way to start the day and to energize and revitalize your body, is with a filling, nutritious and healthy breakfast that will keep you satiated until the next meal. Our body needs a healthy breakfast packed full of vitamins and nutrients whilst also providing energy and fuel for the brain. The best types of foods to be eaten at breakfast are complex carbohydrates such as whole grains including oats, rye bread and millet together with a small amount of dried fruit and freshly squeezed juice. These foods have a low GI (glycaemic index), which means that they release glucose steadily and slowly into the bloodstream, unlike the unhealthier breakfast choices mentioned earlier. Consequently, these foods will keep you fuller for longer, prevent unhealthy snacking, keep energy levels steady without dipping and provide you with essential vitamins and minerals that may be missed at other meals. Many people like to consume some form of protein in the morning, as protein balances blood sugar levels and recent studies have also proven that concentration levels are enhanced if some form of protein in consumed during the breakfast meal. Excellent sources of protein, which can be incorporated into the breakfast meal are eggs, fish, nuts and seeds. Eggs are a particularly rich source of choline (B vitamin), which the body converts into acetyl-choline, a neurotransmitter found in the brain. Studies show that adults and children who eat breakfast in the morning perform better at school and at work. It is proven that with breakfast, concentration and memory improve, mental performance and problem-solving ability is better and learning ability is increased. Not only this but studies generally prove that most people who eat breakfast manage their weight better, are not obese or overweight, have lower levels of cholesterol, which means they are less likely to suffer from heart disease and are generally in better health overall, not to mention in better mood. In children, their concentration and productivity at school is better and they are more creative, interested and alert. http://www.helpwithcooking.com/healthy-eating/breakfast-guide.html Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer. This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

Positive thinking: Accumulating Happiness

Positive thinking Accumulating happiness.....Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj ji
How do we accumulate happiness? A tough task for all, but not an impossible one. It is said that a person with a happy, healthy mind is the one who is happiest, because in this state of mind he remains calm and truly happy.
The main reason for our unhappiness is when we fall below the line of self respect. The lower we sink beneath our self respect, the more miserable we become, slipping into a state of denial, thinking that it is normal not to have happiness.
However, our focus should not be on constant happiness, but it should be on how we can begin to achieve a happy and healthy mind. A wiser person is the one who instead of trying to make big leaps in life, just tries moving from one lamp post to the next. By doing so he experiences significant changes that take place and enlighten him from within. One must always learn to live in the present and tryto connect with what is around us. This simple method will give us a heightened state of awareness. The more aware we are, the more we are able to stay above. The habit of seeing benefit in everything helps us to stay above when the world is down below. What is needed for this is good feelings, energy, light and more understanding. We can learn from everything that happens around us. If someone else makes a mistake, we can learn from it as well. Positive vision is an incredible way to bring happiness into the world. So try to cultivate positive vision in life and keep accumulating happiness. Om shanti.
URL: http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column_positive-thinking-accumulating-happiness_1646875

An innovative idea by Ogilvy and Mather on behalf of HSBC to tackle climate change

A stunning view of the swimming pool at Bhakti Park, Wadala, Mumbai !!! The eye-catching swimming pool in Mumbai, India, has been built to raise awareness about the threat of sea level rises as a result of global warming. It was constructed by attaching a giant aerial photograph of the New York City skyline to the floor of the pool. The idea was conceived by advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather, who were commissioned by banking giant HSBC to promote its £50million project tackling climate change. The Ogilvy team came up with an innovative way to show the adverse impact of global climate change. They glued an aerial view of a city to the base of a swimming pool. When the pool was filled with water, it gave a shocking effect akin to a city submerged in water. The visual of a sunken city shocked swimmers and onlookers, driving home the impact of global warming, and how it could destroy our world someday.

ICMR-Effect of mental health Disorder and Substance Use on Maternal and Child Health

ICMR-Effect of mental health Disorder and Substance Use on Maternal and Child Health
Indian Council of Medical Research is keen to work on Effect of mental health Disorder and Substance Use on Maternal and Child Health
ICM is inviting research proposals from researchers and scientist of India to study in following areas- 1. Socio behavioral and mental health consequences of drug use/abuse among women of reproductive age group (15-49) Changing lifestyle and behavior of women is the key in present days. The drug use/abuse is increasing trend. There is need to find out the socio behavioral pattern of women who are using/abusing the various drugs.
2. Socio behavioral and mental health consequences of alcohol use/abuse among women of reproductive age group (15-49) 3. Effect of post natal depression (PND) among young mothers - The majority of PNDs are self-limiting though, if untreated, this process of resolution may take up to 6 to 12 months. There is a "compelling body of evidence implicating PND in a range of adverse child cognitive and emotional outcomes". The detection of PND is of great public health interest not only because of its profound impact on maternal and child health but also due to the abundant evidence that simple inexpensive interventions such as non-directive counseling are of significant benefit in terms of remission of PND.
4. HIV/AIDS and common mental disorder (CMD) among women - The effect of caring for terminally ill persons on the mental health of care givers is now recognized as an important cause of CMD. There are reports that women, who are often care givers for persons with HIV/AIDS, suffer considerable mental and physical health problems as a result of care-giving and that depression, in particular, is common.
5. Effect of substance/alcohol use/abuse on fetal growth.
6. Gynecological Morbidity and Psychological Disorder.
Gynecological Morbidity and Psychological Disorder:
Gynecological symptoms, for example vaginal discharge, are among the most commonly cited health problems in women in developing countries. Although much earlier research assumed this symptom to be indicative of reproductive tract infections, recent studies (particularly from South Asia) show considerable discordance between symptoms and actual disease. Depression typically presents in the form of medically unexplained physical symptoms. Rates of depression are high in women attending gynecological clinics and qualitative studies demonstrate a strong relationship between vaginal discharge, weakness, psychosomatic symptoms and psychosocial stress. Part of the etiology of ‘medically unexplained’ vaginal discharge may be that it is a somatic idiom for depression and psychosocial distress.
The proposal(s) should be submitted to Head (RHN), Indian Council of Medical Research, V. Ramalingaswamy Bhawan, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110092.
Soft copy should be forwarded to Dr. K.K.Ganguly. Scientist E’, Division of RHN, ICMR Ansari Nagar, New Delhi -110029
Email kalyanganguly@hotmail.com.
Please write Call for Ad-hoc Research Proposal on “Effect of mental health Disorder and Substance Use on Maternal and Child Health” in subject line and send the proposal as an attachment. The proposals will be peer reviewed and will have to be presented by PI /discussed during meeting of Expert Group. Approved research proposals would be supported by the Council for funding, subject to the availability of funds. The proposal should be submitted in ICMR ad-hoc project format which can be downloaded along with the terms and condition for submitting the research proposal for funding from ICMR website
The last date of submitting the research proposal is up to 29thFebruary, 2012.
Posted by Dr. Pam's HRD Consulting at 1:35 AM

Grants for mental health issues

SPEED POST F.No.V.15011/6/2007-PH -I ( Vol 2) Government of India Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Deptt. of Health & Family Welfare) Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi - 110108 Dated 28th November, 2011 To. All Health Secretaries of States/ UTs Subject: Implementation of the National Mental Health Programme during the Eleventh Five Year Plan - Approval of District Mental Health Programme, IEC activities, Research & Training, Monitoring & Evaluation etc. Sir/Madam, In continuation and partial modification to the guidelines for Implementation of the National Mental Health Programme during the Eleventh Five Year Plan issued vide this Ministry’s letter no. V.15011/6/2007-PH(Pt 2) dated 24th April, 2009, I am directed to convey the approval of the competent authority for implementing District Mental Health Programme, IEC activities, Research & Training, Monitoring & Evaluation etc. there under with an outlay of Rs. 149.99 crores. The details of the schemes are enclosed herewith. 2. The breakup of allocation for various schemes under the Programme apart from those mentioned in the above mentioned letter is as under: Schemes 2010-11 2011-12 Total (Rs. In crores) DMHP with added components 53.32 57.17 110.49 IEC activities 10.00 10.00 20.00 Monitoring & Evaluation 4.00 4.00 8.00 CMHA/ SMHA Support 2.50 2.50 5.00 Research & Training 3.00 3.50 6.50 Total 72.82 77.17 149.99 1. The above allocation is over and above the allocation communicated vide this Ministry’s letter no. V.15011/6/2007-PH(Pt 2) dated 24th April, 2009 which was as under: (i) Manpower Development Schemes (Rs. In crores) (a) Establishment of Centres of Excellence in the field of Mental Health 338.121 (b) Scheme for manpower development in Mental Health 69.890 (ii) Spill over activities of the 10th Plan (upgradation of psychiatric wings of Govt. 58.030 Medical Colleges/ General Hospitals, and Modernization of Govt. Mental Schemes Hospitals), as per existing norms. (iii) Continuation of existing District Mental Health Programmes (DMHPs) under 6.900 implementation on existing norms Total 472.941 2. This issues with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Division vide Dy. No. C-1713 dated 15.11.2011 Encl: Scheme of NMHP. Copy to : 1. All Nodal Officers of NMHP of States/ UTs. 2. All State Health Societies.

Virtual Volunteering

Potential of virtual volunteering January 27, 2012: D. MURALI ‘Kaho, Karo, ya Karwao,’ or ‘Say, Do, or Get it Done,’ reads the tagline of http://karmayog.org, “a resource that enables you to ‘Improve Your World’ by connecting you with like-minded people and organisations in your locality, city and world.’ Describing Karmayog as ‘an excellent example’ of how technology has impacted volunteering in a positive way, Femida Handy, Meenaz Kassam, Jillian Ingold and Bhagyashree Ranade write inFrom Seva to Cyberspace: The many faces of volunteering in India(www.sagepublications.com) that ‘virtual volunteering’ is attracting technologically savvy youth to participate in volunteer projects in India and to collaborate with others globally to make a difference. One learns that the organisation connects citizens, NGOs, corporations, media, and government, through online and offline methods. “Karmayog’s interests extend to the corporate sector as well, where it works with corporations to promote volunteering among their employees. Karmayog also conducts an annual evaluation of the CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts of the 500 largest companies in India.” IT and CSR A chapter devoted to CSR mentions initiatives such as IT (information technology) and vocational training given by the Tata companies to communities, ‘on-demand community programmes’ in IBM India, time-offs in Microsoft, and funding assistance by Wipro. It can be instructive to know from www.tata.com that Clause 10 of the Tata Code of Conduct mandates Tata companies to encourage volunteering among their employees and help them around their areas of operation. The book speaks of the ‘Directory of Employee Volunteers’ established by the group as an efficient way of matching jobs in the community with available employee skills and interests. One other example from the IT space is of Wipro where the authors find that ‘involvement in the disaster relief activities increased awareness in a number of Wipro volunteers of the dire needs of the community and instilled in them a desire to continue their service even after the immediate crisis was over. A quote of a Wipro official cited in the book concedes that companies cannot function as ‘islands of excellence’ in a community that is dismally lacking in the basic necessities of life, because such inequality breeds resentment; something too critical to ignore, considering the fact that the community is the source from which companies will find their future employees. Never too late To emphasise that it is never too late to volunteer, the authors highlight the example of a CSR effort in Infosys which engages retired professionals. The company has “various teams of employee volunteers who are actively involved in providing additional support to government schools on weekends. They exploit the skills and experience of retired school teachers in Bangalore to assist them in their efforts to provide free education for children in government-sponsored childcare centres and orphanages.” The concluding chapter of the book reminds that virtual volunteering enables ‘volunteering in your pajamas’ because many services can be provided over the Internet by volunteers using their home computers. Examples of such services listed by the authors include translating documents, sending out information to members, conducting online research, providing online mentoring, fundraising campaigns, and signing of petitions. “As NGOs struggle to meet the growing demands of their members and clients with limited resources, virtual volunteering is particularly beneficial because it can bring many specialised services to the organisation at reduced costs.” Insights of value to the different stakeholders in the sphere of volunteering. BookPeek.blogspot.com http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/columns/d-murali/article2839655.ece?homepage=true B

How your memory works

Via: Online Colleges Blog

Volunteer convention dec 2,3 , 2011

Dear Volunteers, This is your chance to choose the one voluntary engagement you like from a handful offered by the best upcoming social enterprises in India. What’s more - iVolunteer brings you this opportunity for free (normal registration fee for the same is Rs 6,500) ‘Unconvention 2011’, India's premier Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship conference, held by Villgro on 2-3rd Dec, Chennai. Visit www.unconvention.co.in for more information. iVolunteer is the Session Partner on Volunteering. iVolunteer has designed a special ‘Volunteer Speed Dating’ session (2 Dec, 2 - 5:30 pm). Some of the most promising social enterprises will be pitching their volunteer positions at the session. And you, the volunteer, get to choose what fits you best. Through the session, you can: ● interact with these organisations, ● understand their volunteers requirements, and ● explore your specific engagement. Volunteers and organisations also get to identify and workout solutions to some of the most common issues related to volunteer engagement. You can also join us for the morning panel discussion on ‘Volunteering - the jargon busted’ (2 Dec, 11.30-12.30 am). The panel will be moderated by iVolunteer co-Founder & Director, Mr Shalabh Sahai. Joining us on the panel are a CSR lead from an MNC, a senior corporate professional in avatar of a star volunteer, an eminent NGO head and regional head of iVolunteer who connects them all. Each panelist will the volunteering under-currents and related jargons from their industry and experience. Volunteer policy, recruitment & retention, awards and corporate volunteering are just some of the topics we will cover. To book your seat, email me at prarthana@ivolunteer.in with the subject line “Volunteer-Unconvention”. (Please note that there are limited free volunteer seats. Book early for a confirmed seat). Thanks much and happy volunteering….

Final preparation for Suicide Survivors Day prog

Organizing an International Survivors of Suicide Day Conference Site Final Details Dear Organizers, Believe it or not, ten years ago, in 2001, there were just 3 International Survivors of Suicide Day conference sites. Thanks to all of you, this year survivors in 300 cities in 19 countries will join together for this day of healing along with thousands more online. Thank you for making this happen. Please read over the following information so you’ll be ready next Saturday, and let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We’re here to help. What to do leading up to November 19th: 1. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT If you do not receive the DVD by the end of the business day tomorrow, Friday Nov. 11th, email survivingsuicideloss@afsp.org right away with your current mailing address so we can resend it immediately. Test the DVD as soon as possible upon receipt, preferably using the same equipment you plan to use on November 19th. 2. TO DO ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19th · Test your DVD and all audio-visual equipment. Don’t forget to arrange for external audio, on the day-of, especially if you are using a laptop to project the DVD onto a screen. Laptops have tiny internal speakers that will not be loud enough. For details, see the Technical Information Sheet. · Set up room(s) – As a final touch, we recommend putting a box of tissues in each room. · Post large, clear signs that say “International Survivors of Suicide Day” outside the building. You may also need additional signs inside the building, especially if you are having sharing sessions, activities, or food in different rooms. · Greet attendees - We highly recommend having at least 1 greeter at the door, plus a greeter who can take down the names of attendees and hand out any name tags or materials you may be providing. · Attendee Evaluations Ask each attendee to fill out an Evaluation Form. 40 of forms were mailed to the primary organizer. If you expect more than 40 attendees, please photocopy more. We read every single evaluation, and take feedback very seriously. Click here to view the evaluation. 3. AFTERWARDS · Attendee Evaluations–Mail forms back to AFSP Survivor Initiatives Dept, 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10005. · Let us know how many attendees you had. · Attendee List – Please send a list of all attendees (or copies of local registration forms) with attendee contact information (full name & email at a minimum) so AFSP can share information on future resources and programs. · Organizer Feedback – We will email each organizer a short questionnaire on Monday. Please take a few moments to share your feedback with us so we can continue to improve this program. · Save the Date for Next Year– Saturday, November 17, 2012 · Reserve next year’s location now if it worked well. We are here to help, so please be in touch if you have any questions at all. Thanks, and take good care, Rebecca and Elizabeth Rebecca Thorp, Survivor Initiatives Manager - rthorp@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2033. Elizabeth Hish, Survivor Initiatives Assistant – ehish@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2035 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 Fax (212) 363-6237 www.afsp.org Reply Forward Rebecca Thorp rthorp@afsp.org

Call on Congress to prevent Veteran Suicides, AFSP

Call On Congress to Prevent Veteran Suicides In honor of Veterans Day (Friday, Nov. 11), let’s come together to pay tribute to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces; patriots who have risked their lives in service to their country and the families who support them. Please join AFSP to ask members of Congress to support efforts aimed at reducing the high rate of veteran suicide. We are urging our Field Advocates and their family members, friends and colleagues to call Congress through Thursday, Nov. 10, to tell them that AFSP supports our veterans year round and urges Congress to do the same by providing funding at the highest levels possible for veteran suicide prevention and education programs. Call the toll-free phone number below through November 10. Your calls will be redirected to the appropriate offices. Call 1-877-762-8762 to reach the United States Capitol Switchboard. You will be asked by an operator what office you would like to connect with. Please call three times and request to speak with each of your senators and your member of the House of Representatives. You can find out who your members of the Senate are by visiting www.senate.gov and your member of the House of Representatives at www.house.gov.

National Workshop on Mental Health Rehabilitation on 28th Oct 2011

National Workshop on Mental Health Rehabilitation (Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting) on 28th October 2011 Background Note Introduction Rehabilitation has been defined by the WHO as the application of measures aimed at reducing the impact of disabling conditions and enabling disabled people to achieve social integration. Implicit in this definition are two components. First, an active process through which a person adapts or acquires the skills needed to mitigate the constraints of disease, and second, an acknowledgement that there may also need to be changes in the environment, including the attitudes of non-disabled people, if optimal social integration is to be achieved. The ideal rehabilitation service provides a comprehensive, continuous, coordinated, collaborative and patient-oriented approach. Continuum of Care The full range of comprehensive mental health services in any contemporary society which should be available includes a variety of outpatient & inpatient services for acute / short-term treatment, crisis intervention & rescue services, and community rehabilitation service viz. Day Care Centres, Occupational / Vocational Rehabilitation Centres, and Residential Care Centres. The concept of continuum of care is also important so as to ensure smooth transition & phase-wise application of different types of services for each patient & his/her family, as per the need in the life course of the person with mental illness. Needless to say, the range of services has to go beyond availability, to ensure accessibility & affordability for all sections of the Society. Psychiatric rehabilitation: Indian perspective Psychiatric rehabilitation in India can be divided into two phases. In the first phase, comprising the first 25 years since independence, most of the services were hospital based and largely confined to the government mental hospitals. The emphasis was on keeping the long-stay patient occupied with some form of work or activity. It is the second phase, from the early 1970s that saw concerted efforts being made to reintegrate the patient with the family and the community. In contrast to the slow and sporadic growth of psychiatric rehabilitation in the hospital setting, the response in the community has been very encouraging. These initiatives have largely come through NGOs. Community-based rehabilitation Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) is very appropriate in the Indian cultural setting, where social and community bonds are quite strong and deep-rooted. The challenge of CBR, and its success, depends on whether people with disabilities, their families and communities, and the concerned governmental agencies pertaining to health, education, welfare and social service can work together to make use of the resources in the community. The ultimate goal for majority of mentally ill person is to achieve right to living independently in the community as per article “ 19” of the UNCRPD. It is the most desirable goal, & now statutory obligation of the state, however, there are varying dimension to the process which need to be recognized and it has to be stepwise process. o Preparedness and sensitization of the community o Preparedness of professionals, NGO, civil society to work towards this goal. o The development of system and infrastructure conductive to the goal. Need for the National workshop The field of mental health rehabilitation is making rapid advance worldwide but in India there is slow and sporadic growth of psychiatric rehabilitation. There needs to be a consensus on the best possible model suited to the unique needs of the entire community. In this background, a national level workshop is being organized on rehabilitation in mental health to discuss the various models/approaches, the needs and difficulties and to attempt to arrive at a consensus on the way ahead. The need for such workshop can be justified in the light of the following background: - 1. Experience of tertiary care mental health institution like IHBAS The IHBAS has been constantly and vigorously doing the rehabilitation activities especially in the line of deinstitutionalization and rehabilitating the long stay patients back into the family / community. However, the basic need of mental health services for effective rehabilitation of the person with mental illness aimed at reducing the impact of disabling conditions and enabling disabled people to achieve social integration has always been felt and considered a significant barrier. The homelessness is a significant area of concern which is significantly linked to the deinstitutionalization coupled with lack of range of rehabilitation services in the community. 2. Users and Carers’ perspective In our experience after frequent interaction with the users and carers’ groups in the last few years on various forums and occasions, the similar need has been echoed from the users and carers’ group and there is significant need felt for having Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) model and services even for the person with mental illness living with the families. 3. UNCRPD and recent policy initiative by the planning commission India has ratified the UNCRPD. The ultimate goal for majority of mentally ill person is to achieve right to living independently in the community as per article “ 19” of the UNCRPD. It is the most desirable goal, & now statutory obligation of the state, The planning commission has constituted a working group on ‘empowerment of persons with disability’ in order to formulate the 12th Five Year Plan (FYP) in the disability sector. The working group has formulated a draft report which has been discussed and finalized in the recent meeting of the working group held on 03rd October, 2011. The draft report has been compiled keeping in mind the spirit of the UNCRPD and mental health rehabilitation has been highlighted as a thrust area under the policy for 12th FYP and proposals related to the same have been incorporated in the draft report. Keeping in view the need felt from various stakeholders as mentioned above and policy initiative being undertaken by the policy makers in the background of the UNCRPD, it is felt perceived need that this is the most appropriate time to consult and interact with multiple stakeholders and crystallize ideas which can be conveyed to the working group on empowerment of Persons with Disability (PwD) as in next 3 months time the report of the working group will be submitted to the planning commission for consideration for 12th FYP. The Workshop details In this background, a national level Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on Mental Health Rehabilitation is being organized by IHBAS in collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation, an NGO with partial funding from the said NGO on 28th October, 2011. We have requested World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR) India Chapter to be the co-organizer for this workshop. Since this workshop will cover issues of ground realities of Mental Health Rehabilitation, the scope of this workshop does not cover Mental Retardation, Neuro-rehabilitation including Dementia and related geriatric disorders, substance use disorders and issues of law and legislation on rehabilitation Specific Objectives: 1. To assess needs and service gap regarding Mental Health Rehabilitation services in India 2. a) To enlist the a) Types of rehabilitation services/models currently available in the country and b) To review and appraise about the proposals under consideration/development in the area of Mental Health Rehabilitation 3. To establish networking with various Government and Non-governmental organizations working in the field of rehabilitation for mutual experience sharing. 4. To identify and enlist the essential and necessary components of Mental Health Rehabilitation. 5. To enumerate various sectors and agencies contributing to and needed to join efforts in rehabilitation services. The invitees and participants for this workshop include technical experts in the field of Mental Health Rehabilitation, NGOs working at the ground level, Users and Carers’ groups, Mental Health Professionals from Government and Private Settings, Member Secretaries of State Mental Health Authorities as well as senior level Government administrative officials and policy makers. The role of the organizing agencies for the workshop is delineated as: · IHBAS as a tertiary care Neuropsychiatric Institute and academic body is to provide technical expertise, infrastructure, advocacy as well as coordinate with concerned Ministries and Government bodies. · Sambandh Health Foundation is expected to bring in the civil society’s concerns, caregivers’ perspectives. · World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR) India Chapter will be bringing in professional perspective in mental health rehabilitation; best practice models and takes the recommendations to other forums for wider dissemination. Methods and Approaches to be used: This workshop being a National Consultative Meeting of all stakeholders will use panel discussions method on the themes mentioned below to facilitate the dialogue. Each panel discussion will have about four panellists from the related disciplines who will put across their remarks and key messages based on their experience and expertise. Each panel discussion will be of one hour and each panellist will get 4-5 minutes each followed by discussion for half an hour and summarization of important points. There will be no lectures or presentations. The identified themes include: 1. Overview 2. Alternatives to hospital care : Deinstitutionalization and other services 3. Continuum of care: Types of rehabilitation facilities 4. Needs for rehabilitation services: users & carers perspectives 5. Possible consequences of inadequate rehabilitation services This workshop is expected to have discussions focusing on the concept on continuum of care, its components, how many of these components are available at present and what are the possible mechanisms to create such facilities and how to sustain it in long term. At the end of the workshop it is hoped to achieve better understanding and consensus about possible models of Mental Health rehabilitation besides establishing the urgent need for such model. Monitoring & Evaluation and follow up: (a) Evaluation Feedback Questionnaire (b) 1) Networking through World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR), India Chapter ii) Implementation of emerging ideas related to Mental Health Rehailitation (WAPR), India Chapter ii) Implementation of emerging ideas related to Mental Health Rehabilitation (c) Initiation of Residential and non residential rehabilitation services across Delhi in one year and across the country in 12th Five Year Plan (d) The recommendations and outcome of the workshop which will be submitted (within 3 months) to the planning commission through the Working Group on empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is expected to influence the Mental Health Rehabilitation policy for 12th Five Year Plan proposals under MOS&JE and MOH&FW, GOI NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON MENTAL HEALTH REHABILITATION (Stakeholders Consultative Meeting) Organised by IHBAS in Collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation Date: 28th October (Friday), 2011 Timing: 09:30 AM to 05:30 PM Venue: Mini Auditorium, 2nd Floor, Academic Block, IHBAS, Delhi PROGRAMME SCHEDULE 09:30 AM-10.00 AM Inaugural session 10:00 AM-10.30 AM TEA BREAK 10.30 AM -11.30 AM Overview of Indian Experience on Mental Health Rehabilitation- Canadian Experience on Mental Health Rehabilitation- NGO perspective on Mental Health Rehabilitation Civil Society’s perspective on Mental Health Rehabilitation Recent Initiatives at Mental Health Rehabilitation in Delhi State 11:30 AM-12.30 AM Panel Discussion on Alternatives to hospital care : Deinstitutionalization and other services 12:30 AM-01.30 PM Panel discussion on Continuum of care: Types of rehabilitation facilities 01:30 – 02:00 PM LUNCH 02:00 – 03:00 PM Panel Discussion on Needs for rehabilitation services: users & carers perspectives 03:00 – 04:00 PM Panel Discussion on Possible consequences of inadequate rehabilitation services 04:00 – 05:00 PM Synthesizing : Summary of individual sessions 05:00 – 05: 30 PM Valedictory Session

Suicide Survivors Day

International Survivors of Suicide Day Organizing a Conference Site: October E-Bulletin Would you believe that International Survivors of Suicide Day is just 6 weeks away? Please help us to finalize the list of participating cities as quickly as possible. Are you holding a conference site this year? Let us know by: · Registering now · Or replying to this email · Or calling us at the numbers below We’d also like to know if you are experiencing any difficulties. Can’t organize a site? We completely understand. Just let us know if you would like us to be in touch next year. (And please let survivors in your area know about the free webcast & live chat on Saturday, November 19th. More info at www.afsp.org/survivorday) Thank you. We hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Rebecca and Elizabeth Rebecca Thorp, Survivor Initiatives Manager - rthorp@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2033. Elizabeth Hish, Survivor Initiatives Assistant – ehish@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2035 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 Fax (212) 363-6237 www.afsp.org

centres of Independent living

Captain Johann samuhanand, BANGALORE INDIA 91 80 42023252 www.captainjohann.blogspot.com SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE TEMPLE UNIVERSITY COLLABORATIVE! Serving Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities In Centers of Independent Living: A Fact Sheet The national network of Centers for Independent Living increasingly serves individuals with psychiatric disabilities, or a combination of physical/sensory/intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disabilities. This revised and updated publication from the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities provides CIL staff with clear and current information to help them better respond to the needs of people in recovery from mental illnesses. Developed in conjunction with CIL staff and mental health consumers from around the country, the revised Fact Sheet - first issued last year - provides brief responses to twelve frequently asked questions (e.g., What is psychiatric disability? Do people with psychiatric disabilities recovery? Where can people with psychiatric disabilities turn for clinical care and rehabilitation services? What impact is the mental health consumer movement having on MH system services? How can CIL staff respond to the needs of mental health consumers?, etc.) as well as online linkages to websites with more detailed information and instruction for each topic. The publication is designed both for individual CIL staff and for use in CIL staff training programs focusing on this growing portion of the CIL consumer base. Serving Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities in Centers for Independent Living: A Fact Sheet can be downloaded at no cost form the Temple University Collaborative website (www.tucollaborative.org) or by clicking here. This document is also available in a variety of accessible formats. Please contact Richard Baron at rcbaron@temple.edu with requests. --------------------------------------- New! A Research and Practice Brief from the Center on Adherence and Self-Determination The Center on Adherence and Self-Determination (CASD) investigates the concept of "service engagement" as an alternative to "compliance" or "adherence", asking what influences the individual's choice to engage with or disengage from services. CASD's third Research & Practice Brief (R&PB) summarizes CASD's research into succinct statements that might be used by advocates, policy makers, and other interested parties to promote self-determination with regard to service engagement. R&PB No. 3 offers a discussion of the use of the terms "compliance," "adherence," and "service engagement" as they relate to the concepts of consumer choice and self-determination, and the need for models to understand decision making processes, both rational and socially based, for service engagement. Research and Practice Brief No. 3 is available by clicking here. The Temple University Collaborative, including Dr. Mark Salzer, is a proud partner with CASD. To learn more about the Center on Adherence and Self-Determination, visit their website at: http://www.adherenceandselfdetermination.org/.

Suicide survivors webinar

International Survivors of Suicide Day Organizing a Conference Site: October E-Bulletin Would you believe that International Survivors of Suicide Day is just 6 weeks away? Please help us to finalize the list of participating cities as quickly as possible. Are you holding a conference site this year? Let us know by: · Registering now · Or replying to this email · Or calling us at the numbers below We’d also like to know if you are experiencing any difficulties. Can’t organize a site? We completely understand. Just let us know if you would like us to be in touch next year. (And please let survivors in your area know about the free webcast & live chat on Saturday, November 19th. More info at www.afsp.org/survivorday) Thank you. We hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Rebecca and Elizabeth Rebecca Thorp, Survivor Initiatives Manager - rthorp@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2033. Elizabeth Hish, Survivor Initiatives Assistant – ehish@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2035 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 Fax (212) 363-6237 www.afsp.org

Ageing population can alter eco and health policies

Statistics of Ageing population in India 71 million in 2001 100 million in 2011(approx) 126 million approx projected estimate for the elderly population in 2026 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- India takes up old challenge Oct 2, 2011, 06.36AM IST TNN[ Malathy Iyer ] MUMBAI: On October 13, government officials in Delhi will discuss funding for an old-age issue: an ambitious project spanning 25 years to study how various socio-economic issues affect the country's senior citizens. The study will follow 30,000 people over 45 for 25 years to chronicle how factors such as nuclear families, migration of children, lack of pension, inadequate health system, etc impact their lives. India's 60-plus brigade-often neglected in discussions about our young population-has been growing steadily. The group accounted for less than 5% of the population in 2001, but will make up 14% by 2050. In sheer numbers, projections from the latest 2011 Census pegged the 60-plus population at 100 million. "In 2026, they will account for over 174 million," said Dr Fauzdar Ram, director of the International Institute of Population Sciences. The burgeoning population of senior citizens has the potential to dramatically alter existing economic policies. More greybeards, for instance, means that insurance and pension schemes have to be reworked. The rise in nuclear families, especially in urban India, underlines the need for better social infrastructure. These are just a few of the reasons propelling Indian experts to embark on a Longitudinal Ageing Study. One aspect that will be analyzed in all its socio-economic details will be the "feminization" of the aged or the fact that there are more 70-plus women than men who are financially dependent. "Most women don't have any financial independence. In rural areas, land is almost never in the woman's name. When they outlive their husbands, they have to depend on their children or relatives," said Dr Fauzdar Ram, director of the International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS). The study, which will begin next year, will be undertaken by the IIPS, which is based in Deonar. The US National Institutes of Health will be the main funding organization, and Harvard University will be a partner. Next month, IIPS will announce the findings of a pilot study in Punjab, Rajasthan, Kerala and Karnataka. "The pilot study helped us fix a module for the larger study," said Ram. For instance, people underwent diagnostic tests to establish health indicators such cholesterol, BP, etc. Many European countries as well as China, Japan, Indonesia and Korea are carrying out such studies. But India's issues are unique. "Families are becoming smaller, especially in urban India, but affluence is rising. Children are migrating, getting well-paying jobs and providing economic succour to parents. But what about the physical support that a 75-yearplus needs?" said an IIPS researcher. Healthcare here is not oriented for the aged. "Infant and maternal mortality still dominate. Even our doctors aren't oriented to think for the aged. It's going to be one of the biggest challenges for India," said Ram. One solution, say experts, would be to levy taxes on people with aged parents in such a manner that the state can build infrastructure for the aged in terms of homes, hospitals, etc. STUDY HIGHLIGHTS The International Institute for Population Sciences says that by 2050, the silverhaired group will account for over 14% of the population-up from 5% in 2001 The oldest old-the population aged 80 and over-will also increase from 1% to 3% Health insurance, work and retirement, income and changing family characteristics are some of the problems identified vis-a-vis senior citizens Now, the Indian government along with US National Institutes of Health will undertake a 25-year-long study to assess ageing and it socio-economic impact on the nation's population. The study will follow 30,000 people in the 45-60 age group. Population Aging and Social Policy Annual Review of Sociology Vol. 18: 449-474 (Volume publication date August 1992) DOI: 10.1146/annurev.so.18.080192.002313 Peter Uhlenberg Department of Sociology and Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 FULL-TEXT| PDFPDF (808 KB)| Permissions Citation: Web of Science ® Download| Email notification| Web of Science ®: Related Records ®| Times Cited: 11 ABSTRACT As the life course currently is structured, old age is socially defined as a stage of life beginning in the early sixties, in which retirement from work and many other social responsibilities is expected. Few incentives exist for older persons to make productive contributions to the society, and obstacles to their engagement in productive activities exist. Consequently, large transfers from the working population to the retired are required, and potential contributions of the elderly to societal well-being are lost. Further, adult children often face a long period of being responsible for their aging dependent parents. Changes occurring in the older population challenge this existing arrangement. Not only is the ratio of the older to younger adults increasing, but also an increasing proportion of adults entering old age have the ability to make significant contributions (i.e. they are well educated, healthy, economically secure, and politically astute). Concern over this growing mismatch between older people's abilities and the roles they are expected to fill leads to a discussion of social policy. How might social policy increase the productivity of the elderly and/or reduce the burden of supporting a growing dependent older population. Three major categories of policies responsive to this question are considered. The outcome of these policy debates will significantly shape the future of aging in the United States. Go to full-text...

pet therapy-adopt a pet for therapeutic effectrs

Adopting a pet is therapeutic! ll Gajanan Khergamker Oct 2, 2011, 05.43AM IST Tags: Smriti Parmar| adopting pet Forty eight-year-old Smriti Parmar had been suffering from chronic depression and her blood pressure had shot up alarmingly since her husband's death last June. Medication didn't seem to be helping and her family was at its wits end trying to figure a way out of this problem. That's when somebody suggested pet therapy. And, it worked! "Since we got Pia, our one-and-half-year-old Alsatian home last month, my mother's health has improved considerably. Her blood pressure is under control and she seems a lot happier too," says Ms Parmar's son Chirag, an SYBA student. In fact, Ms Parmar spends most of her time with Pia, talking to her, disciplining her, singing to her or doing just about anything . And, now she also wants to get another pet Alsatian to "give Pia company' ," says Chirag. Research has proved time and again that petowners tend to be healthier and happier than those who do not have pets at home. They not just have higher survival rates following coronary heart disease ; they are also believed to be less prone to death due to heart attack. "Pets are great stressbusters , they're good companions , who listen to all your woes without any complaints!" offers senior veterinarian Dr Siloo Bhagwager . Besides the therapeutic value of keeping a pet, they are known to do wonders to a child's development. "Children who own pets develop a nurturing behaviour, positive self-esteem and an enhanced all-round development," says Dr Bhagwager. And then, pets are known to be much more perceptive than human beings. Your spouse may not notice that you are in a foul mood, but your pet definitely will! "Just as I enter my home, I know Tarzan - my two-year-old Doberman - knows how my day has been!" says realty consultant Tarun Mehra. "And, he'll do all that he can, roll on the floor; dance even play dead to fetch a smile on my face, if I've had a crappy day at work," adds Mr Mehra, who "can't really say the same" about his wife Nandini though. "Interestingly, dogs pick up even on the subtlest of body signals, especially of their owners. They can easily gauge your disposition from the smell of your body," explains Canine Behaviour Counsellor Shireen Merchant. "Besides, they understand your non-verbal signals - facial expressions, body language, et al - too well so you don't need to tell them everything," adds the counsellor. Unlike children, pets are not wilful; they don't have mood swings and never talk back. "Whether I'm irritable or not, I know Canny, my two-and-halfyear-old cat, adores me unconditionally. She makes me feel that I'm great just the way I am!" says marketing executive Deepika Pradhan. Now, that's something most human beings just can't do, can they? PET FACTS Pet-owners visit the doctor less often than those who do not own pets. Pet-owners are said to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than non-pet-owners . Pets reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness especially among single owners . Walking with a dog or sharing space with a dog, fills the pet-owner with a sense of security. Children who own pets are known to have positive self-esteem and better cognitive development. They tend to have an enhanced all-round development . Companionship of pets helps one deal better with some serious illness or death in the family. Ads by Google

No death penalty if convict can be reformed: SC

No death if convict can be reformed’ Mohan K Korappath, Hindustan Times Mumbai, October 02, 2011 First Published: 01:30 IST(2/10/2011) Last Updated: 01:32 IST(2/10/2011) Share more... 0 Comments Email print The Supreme Court (SC), in two recent judgments, has held that there is no reason to impose death penalty if a convict can be rehabilitated and reformed. The SC's remarks could put a different spin on the controversies surrounding clemencies for Afzal Guru and the plotters of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. On Friday, a division bench of justice P Sathasivam and justice BS Chauhan on commuted a death sentence to life imprisonment following an appeal by the accused Kishor Matkari. Matkari challenged a decision of the Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court, which enhanced a life sentence to that of death. Earlier in the week, a division bench of justice DK Jain and justice Asok Kumar Ganguly, substituted the death sentence of accused Rajesh Kumar after he appealed against the sentence awarded by the Delhi high court. In both cases, the judges examined facts that went into making a case 'rarest of rare' and whether a significant mitigating factor justified exemption from a death penalty. The judges also noted that it was necessary to look into factors such as criminal antecedents and socio-economic background of the convicts. In Kumar's case, the division bench, referring to constitutional judgments and the internationally accepted standards, pointed out that "the death sentence should only be imposed instead of life sentence in 'rarest of rare' cases where the crime or crimes are of exceptional heinousness and the individual has no significant mitigation and is considered beyond reformation." The bench also observed that the court must show a real and abiding concern for the dignity of human life, which must postulate resistance to taking life through law's instrumentality. Except in 'rarest of rare cases' and for 'special reasons', death sentence cannot be imposed as an alternative option to the imposition of life sentence. Meanwhile, in Matkari's case, the high court held that there was no reason to disbelieve that the accused could not be reformed or rehabilitated or that he was likely to continue criminal acts of violence and be a menace to society.

Stop the death Penalty

STOP DEATH PENALTY This fight to end the death penalty is not won or lost through me but through our strength to move forward and save every innocent person in captivity around the globe. We need to dismantle this Unjust system city by city, state by state and country by country. (TROY DAVIS, executed on 21st September 2011 in the United States) The issue of Death Penalty has always been a contentious one, on which to take a call, for or against based on the existing standards of morality, crime and punishment and above all the barrage of media driven legal dispensation, colours the judgement of even the ardent supporters of human rights who would like to transcend all the boundaries of nationality, race, religion, language and gender. But yet in history it is the struggle for a humane and just society which has made the world modern and progressive, travelling arduously from barbarism of the past. It is a fact that world over the state and establishments have transgressed and trampled upon the fundamental human rights in their anxiety to safeguard their iniquitousrule over people. Especially when it is the issue setting “examples” against rebellious events which challenges their concept of a Nation State. The question one has to ask; is death penalty the remedy to the crime and the cycle of violence that is inherent in the societies that we live. Is it not the case that most of the times the acts of violence especially against the oppressive state comes from the situation of despair and helplessness. Presently the most talked about cases of death penalty in India are of the three Tamils facing execution; Perarivalan, Murugan and Santhan. All of whom are charged and convicted in the gruesome Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. All these three have served 19 years of jail sentence out of which 12 happens to be the most hateful years expecting the death any day, any hour. Even though the courts and the judicial system of this country have pronounced their verdict, it is yet debatable whether the justice has been done, For example Perarivalan, who was charged with 'conspiracy to murder' , the prosecution's evidences are highly suspect, the very fact that he was qualified electronics engineer, and “gave” a 9 volts Battery cell to the perpetrators of the crime, touting this as the clinching evidence against him is nothing but travesty of justice. It is time that the civil society rise up to the occasion to defend the human rights and to see that the practice of Death Penalty which is otherwise a blot on democratic principles of justice is done away with. Death Penalty is no deterrent to the crimes that are perpetrated on a regular basis, it has to be replaced with more humane democratic mechanism of justice system against outlaws, it is fundamentally a question and challenge before us to create a society and system which ends all forms of systemic violence, practised both by the state and non-state actors. Stop Death Penalty Public Meeting Speakers: Ashok Mathew – Director SICHREM will chair the meeting Thirumurugan Gandhi-May17th Movement Dr. Vijayamma, leading journalist, feminist thinker Dr. Sitharamam Kakarala, Senior Fellow at CSCS Gauri Lankesh, Editor Lankesh Patrike Uthaya Senan- International coordinator , Tamil Solidarity VenueSCM House, Mission Road, (Behind Priyadarshini Handlooms), Bangalore. Date1stOctober 2011. Time1.30pm to 5pm The meeting will be followed by a protest demonstration @ Town Hall ,5.30pm 1st October 2011 Organised by New Socialist Alternative (CWI-India) & Tamil Solidarity New Socialist Alternative Mobile:+91 9448394365 Phone: +91 80 26742616 Skype: horaata

Say no to ragging

Mumbai ICSE board plans anti-ragging squads in schools Deepti Khera, Hindustan Times Mumbai, September 30, 2011 Email to Author First Published: 01:44 IST(30/9/2011) Last Updated: 01:45 IST(30/9/2011) Share more... 0 Comments Email print After a prank played on a 14-year-old student of an ICSE school went horribly wrong last week, the ICSE board is considering setting up anti-ragging squads in its schools in the city. The Class 9 student landed in hospital after the prank. The boy, from a reputed school in south Mumbai, had taken a sip of water from his bottle and soon after, complained of pain in his throat. When he started to choke, the school authorities panicked and called a doctor, who advised them to rush the teenager to a hospital. During an endoscopy at Jaslok Hospital, the doctors found a soft board pin lodged in the boy’s intestine. The school later found that one of the boy’s classmates was responsible for putting the pin in his water bottle. The boy was suspended for 15 days and the family had to pay compensation of around Rs25,000. Perin Bagli, secretary of the association of ICSE schools in Maharashtra, said they were planning to form anti-ragging squads to prevent such incidents and discipline children. “I will meet all ICSE school principals and discuss this issue with them,” said Bagli, who is also the principal of Activity High School at Peddar Road. “Disciplinary action is important to put an end to such pranks. Setting up anti-ragging squads may be the solution. We will also form a committee to take care of such complaints.” Bagli is also in talks with the police department and its anti-ragging squad to give lectures to school students.

AFSP september bulletin

AFSP International Survivors of Suicide Day Saturday, November 19, 2011 Organizing a Conference Site: September E-Bulletin Over 225 of you have let us know that you’re definitely organizing sites this year. Thank you! Remember, you must register your site to receive the DVD and be listed online as a participating city. Register today so visitors to the AFSP website can learn about your conference. Not able to organize a site this year? We understand – just reply to this email to let us know if we should be in touch next year. The step-by-step guide at www.afsp.org/survivorconference provides information on every aspect of planning your day, but you can also reply to this message or call Rebecca Thorp at 212-363-3500 ext 2033 or Elizabeth Hish at 212-363-3600ext 2035 if you have any questions. We are here to help. « SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT « 2011 PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH, FRENCH & ENGLISH, in order to reach an even wider population of survivors of suicide loss. Please spread the word to Spanish and French speaking survivors and those who work with them. Anyone can now organize a conference site in Spanish, French, or English. And survivors who don’t live near a conference site can sign up at www.afsp.org/survivorday to watch from home in Spanish, French or English on or after November 19th. « SEPTEMBER FOCUS « IDEAS FOR LOCAL PROGRAMMING Simply showing the AFSP broadcast on November 19th is a meaningful service to the local community which shows survivors everywhere that they are not alone. For many, this is the first time they will meet another survivor of suicide loss. However, if you would like to add additional local speakers and/or activities to your conference, here are some ideas (updated for 2011). WRITTEN MATERIALS Looking for materials to distribute? You have two options: 1. You can print out the following free of charge and provide photocopies for your attendees: Poem: We Remember Them Surviving Suicide Loss: A Resource and Healing Guide Facts about Suicide Handling the Holidays Surviving a Suicide Loss Bibliography Talking to Children About Suicide 2. Additional materials may be ordered for a nominal charge by visiting the AFSP Store. Order before October 17th to be sure that you receive everything in time. Shipping & handling costs for U.S. orders are included in prices below. If you live outside the U.S.: Order by emailing ehish@afsp.org. Shipping and handling charges will apply. PLANNING YOUR DAY AFSP makes it easy for anyone to host a local conference site by providing the main program content on DVD. However, we recognize that every community has different needs, so in addition to showing the DVD, we encourage you to customize the day in a way that will best support your local attendees. See step 6 at www.afsp.org/survivorconference for detailed guidance, and Ideas for Local Programming. Keep these key points in mind: (Details available in step 6 at www.afsp.org/survivorconference ) Survivors overwhelmingly tell us that having the opportunity to talk with other survivors is one of the most helpful aspects of the day. Help survivors connect one-on-one by providing name tags, and colored coded ribbons, stickers, or mardi-gras style beads to signify loss relationship. Planned “sharing sessions” create a safe environment for self-expression and mutual support. These are informally facilitated by a survivor who is further along in his/her loss. Any local speakers, activities, or workshops should focus on bereavement. This day was originally created by U.S. Senate resolution exclusively for those who are grieving after suicide. This is not a day that focuses on suicide prevention. More information in FAQ. Recently bereaved survivors often feel that their lives have been turned upside-down and that the world no longer makes sense, so focus on helping attendees feel safe, secure, and cared for. Make sure you give accurate information about driving directions and parking, provide a day-of-event program, post a sign in front of the building, and have a volunteer greet attendees at the door. We are here to help, so please be in touch if you have any questions at all. Thanks, and take good care, Rebecca and Elizabeth Rebecca Thorp, Survivor Initiatives Manager - rthorp@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2033. Elizabeth Hish, Survivor Initiatives Assistant – ehish@afsp.org or 212-363-3500 x2035 ØIf you don't want to receive future emails about organizing a conference site, just let us know by return email. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 120 Wall Street, 29th Floor New York, NY 10005 Fax (212) 363-6237

Stem cell therapy in India

Chaitanya Stem Cell Center Chaitanya Stem Cell Center is a part of Chaitanya Hospital, an ISO 9001/2008 accredited organization. We have already treated more than 92 cases with the help of Stem Cells, out of which 70% cases have shown clinical improvements. We use cells of highest purity, viability and integrity from world quality laboratory. It has been proved that more transplantation cycles give better results. Chaitanya Stem Cell Center is a charity based organization and thus we provide the treatments at economical rates. Following are some of the highlights of Stem cell therapy: Stem cell therapy has shown significant positive results worldwide in conditions like Cerebral palsy, Mental retardation, Autism and many diseases over the last 3 -6 years. Stem cell therapy is used to treat incurable diseases like Cerebral Palsy, Brain Hemorrhage and Stroke, Spinal Cord Injury & Paraplegia, Autism, Parkinsonism and more than 75 diseases. Preliminary studies at our center have shown encouraging outputs. It is our aim to facilitate further scientific research of clinical application of Autologous Bone marrow Derived Mononuclear Stem Cells Therapy in economical rates. The stem cell therapy done at our center is from your own bone marrow and hence acceptability of the human body is more with no adverse effects. The exact treatment can change from patient to patient and is prescribed after a thorough analysis of the patient’s condition by our panel of expert doctors. Chaitanya Stem Cell Center Ph.: 020-24329666,24328600 Mo. No.: +91-80877 99091 Mo. No.: +91-90111 11222 E-mail: anantbagul@yahoo.com, chaitanyastemcell@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Neurogen- Dr Alok Sharma ---- Brain and Spine Institute ---9920200400, 022-25283706, Surana Sethia Hospital, Sion-Trombay Rd, Suman Nagar, Opp Corporate Park, Mumbai -71

Inauguration of National Association for Muscular Dystrphy

Inaugural function of the National association for Muscular dystrophy and commemorative function for Muscular dystrophy day held on 17 sept 2011 at Matunga gymkhana. Around 150 people gathered to celebrate their struggle with life and they included muscular dystrphy patients, family members, care givers, doctors from Neurogen, friends and well-wishers. A book on 'Stem cell therapy and other recent advances in Muscular Dystrophy ' was also released on the occasion. A website for the National Association for Muscular dystrophy was also activated on that day. www.musculardystrphyindia.com