World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2015: Stop illicit trade of tobacco products
One in every 10 cigarettes, and many other tobacco products, consumed worldwide are illegal, making the illicit trade of tobacco products a major global concern from many perspectives, including health, legal, economic, governance and corruption. The tobacco industry and criminal groups are among those who profit from the illegal tobacco trade, leaving the public to pay the health and security costs. Ratification by governments of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products is necessary to respond to the financial, legal and health impacts of the illicit trade of tobacco products. The public, academia and other sectors can take action by urging their lawmakers to make their countries Parties to the Protocol
Tobacco kills up to half of its users.
Tobacco kills nearly 6 million people each year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless urgent action is taken, the annual death toll could rise to more than eight million by 2030.
Nearly 80% of the world's one billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries.
Leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Approximately one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco, accounting for one in 10 adult deaths. Up to half of current users will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease.
Nearly 80% of the more than one billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest.
Tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development.
In some countries, children from poor households are frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide family income. These children are especially vulnerable to "green tobacco sickness", which is caused by the nicotine that is absorbed through the skin from the handling of wet tobacco leaves.
Gradual killer
Because there is a lag of several years between when people start using tobacco and when their health suffers, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease and death has just begun.
Tobacco caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century. If current trends continue, it may cause one billion deaths in the 21st century.
Unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will increase to more than eight million per year by 2030. More than 80% of those deaths will be in low- and middle-income countries.
Surveillance is key
Good monitoring tracks the extent and character of the tobacco epidemic and indicates how best to tailor policies. Only one in four countries, representing just over a third of the world's population, monitor tobacco use by repeating nationally representative youth and adult surveys at least once every five years.
Second-hand smoke kills
Second-hand smoke is the smoke that fills restaurants, offices or other enclosed spaces when people burn tobacco products such as cigarettes, bidis and water pipes. There are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
In adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In infants, it causes sudden death. In pregnant women, it causes low birth weight.
Almost half of children regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke in public places.
Over 40% of children have at least one smoking parent.
Second-hand smoke causes more than 600 000 premature deaths per year.
In 2004, children accounted for 28% of the deaths attributable to second-hand smoke.
Every person should be able to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air. Smoke-free laws protect the health of non-smokers, are popular, do not harm business and encourage smokers to quit.
Over 1 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free laws.
Tobacco users need help to quit
Studies show that few people understand the specific health risks of tobacco use. For example, a 2009 survey in China revealed that only 38% of smokers knew that smoking causes coronary heart disease and only 27% knew that it causes stroke.
Among smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit. Counselling and medication can more than double the chance that a smoker who tries to quit will succeed.
National comprehensive cessation services with full or partial cost-coverage are available to assist tobacco users to quit in only 21 countries, representing 15% of the world's population.
There is no cessation assistance of any kind in one-quarter of low-income countries.
Picture warnings work
Hard-hitting anti-tobacco advertisements and graphic pack warnings – especially those that include pictures – reduce the number of children who begin smoking and increase the number of smokers who quit.
Graphic warnings can persuade smokers to protect the health of non-smokers by smoking less inside the home and avoiding smoking near children. Studies carried out after the implementation of pictorial package warnings in Brazil, Canada, Singapore and Thailand consistently show that pictorial warnings significantly increase people's awareness of the harms of tobacco use.
Just 30 countries, representing 14% of the world's population, meet the best practice for pictorial warnings, which includes the warnings in the local language and cover an average of at least half of the front and back of cigarette packs. Most of these countries are low- or middle-income countries.
Mass media campaigns can also reduce tobacco consumption, by influencing people to protect non-smokers and convincing youths to stop using tobacco.
Over half of the world's population live in the 37 countries that have implemented at least one strong anti-tobacco mass media campaign within the last two years.
Ad bans lower consumption
Bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship can reduce tobacco consumption.
A comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship could decrease tobacco consumption by an average of about 7%, with some countries experiencing a decline in consumption of up to 16%.
Only 24 countries, representing 10% of the world’s population, have completely banned all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Around one country in three has minimal or no restrictions at all on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Taxes discourage tobacco use
Tobacco taxes are the most cost-effective way to reduce tobacco use, especially among young people and poor people. . A tax increase that increases tobacco prices by 10% decreases tobacco consumption by about 4% in high-income countries and about 5% in low- and middle-income countries.
Even so, high tobacco taxes is a measure that is rarely used. Only 32 countries, less than 8% of the world's population, have tobacco tax rates greater than 75% of the retail price. Tobacco tax revenues are on average 175 times higher than spending on tobacco control, based on available data.
WHO response
WHO is committed to fighting the global tobacco epidemic. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control entered into force in February 2005. Since then, it has become one of the most widely embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations with 178 Parties covering 89% of the world's population. The WHO Framework Convention is WHO's most important tobacco control tool and a milestone in the promotion of public health. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of people to the highest standard of health, provides legal dimensions for international health cooperation and sets high standards for compliance.
In 2008, WHO introduced a practical, cost-effective way to scale up implementation of provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on the ground: MPOWER. Each MPOWER measure corresponds to at least one provision of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
The 6 MPOWER measures are:
Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
Protect people from tobacco use
Offer help to quit tobacco use
Warn about the dangers of tobacco
Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
Raise taxes on tobacco.
For more details on progress made for tobacco control at global, regional and country level, please refer to the series of WHO reports on the global tobacco epidemic.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2015: Stop illicit trade of tobacco products
World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2015: Stop illicit trade of tobacco products
WHO
15 April 2015 -- One in every 10 cigarettes, and many other tobacco products, consumed worldwide are illegal, making the illicit trade of tobacco products a major global concern from many perspectives, including health, legal, economic, governance and corruption. The tobacco industry and criminal groups are among those who profit from the illegal tobacco trade, leaving the public to pay the health and security costs. Ratification by governments of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products is necessary to respond to the financial, legal and health impacts of the illicit trade of tobacco products. The public, academia and other sectors can take action by urging their lawmakers to make their countries Parties to the Protoco
l
Tobacco kills up to half of its users.
Tobacco kills nearly 6 million people each year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless urgent action is taken, the annual death toll could rise to more than eight million by 2030.
Nearly 80% of the world's one billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries.
Leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Approximately one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco, accounting for one in 10 adult deaths. Up to half of current users will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease.
Nearly 80% of the more than one billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest.
Tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development.
In some countries, children from poor households are frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide family income. These children are especially vulnerable to "green tobacco sickness", which is caused by the nicotine that is absorbed through the skin from the handling of wet tobacco leaves.
Gradual killer
Because there is a lag of several years between when people start using tobacco and when their health suffers, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease and death has just begun.
Tobacco caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century. If current trends continue, it may cause one billion deaths in the 21st century.
Unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will increase to more than eight million per year by 2030. More than 80% of those deaths will be in low- and middle-income countries.
Surveillance is key
Good monitoring tracks the extent and character of the tobacco epidemic and indicates how best to tailor policies. Only one in four countries, representing just over a third of the world's population, monitor tobacco use by repeating nationally representative youth and adult surveys at least once every five years.
Second-hand smoke kills
Second-hand smoke is the smoke that fills restaurants, offices or other enclosed spaces when people burn tobacco products such as cigarettes, bidis and water pipes. There are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
In adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In infants, it causes sudden death. In pregnant women, it causes low birth weight.
Almost half of children regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke in public places.
Over 40% of children have at least one smoking parent.
Second-hand smoke causes more than 600 000 premature deaths per year.
In 2004, children accounted for 28% of the deaths attributable to second-hand smoke.
Every person should be able to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air. Smoke-free laws protect the health of non-smokers, are popular, do not harm business and encourage smokers to quit.
Over 1 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free laws.
Tobacco users need help to quit
Studies show that few people understand the specific health risks of tobacco use. For example, a 2009 survey in China revealed that only 38% of smokers knew that smoking causes coronary heart disease and only 27% knew that it causes stroke.
Among smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit. Counselling and medication can more than double the chance that a smoker who tries to quit will succeed.
National comprehensive cessation services with full or partial cost-coverage are available to assist tobacco users to quit in only 21 countries, representing 15% of the world's population.
There is no cessation assistance of any kind in one-quarter of low-income countries.
Picture warnings work
Hard-hitting anti-tobacco advertisements and graphic pack warnings – especially those that include pictures – reduce the number of children who begin smoking and increase the number of smokers who quit.
Graphic warnings can persuade smokers to protect the health of non-smokers by smoking less inside the home and avoiding smoking near children. Studies carried out after the implementation of pictorial package warnings in Brazil, Canada, Singapore and Thailand consistently show that pictorial warnings significantly increase people's awareness of the harms of tobacco use.
Just 30 countries, representing 14% of the world's population, meet the best practice for pictorial warnings, which includes the warnings in the local language and cover an average of at least half of the front and back of cigarette packs. Most of these countries are low- or middle-income countries.
Mass media campaigns can also reduce tobacco consumption, by influencing people to protect non-smokers and convincing youths to stop using tobacco.
Over half of the world's population live in the 37 countries that have implemented at least one strong anti-tobacco mass media campaign within the last two years.
Ad bans lower consumption
Bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship can reduce tobacco consumption.
A comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship could decrease tobacco consumption by an average of about 7%, with some countries experiencing a decline in consumption of up to 16%.
Only 24 countries, representing 10% of the world’s population, have completely banned all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Around one country in three has minimal or no restrictions at all on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Taxes discourage tobacco use
Tobacco taxes are the most cost-effective way to reduce tobacco use, especially among young people and poor people. . A tax increase that increases tobacco prices by 10% decreases tobacco consumption by about 4% in high-income countries and about 5% in low- and middle-income countries.
Even so, high tobacco taxes is a measure that is rarely used. Only 32 countries, less than 8% of the world's population, have tobacco tax rates greater than 75% of the retail price. Tobacco tax revenues are on average 175 times higher than spending on tobacco control, based on available data.
WHO response
WHO is committed to fighting the global tobacco epidemic. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control entered into force in February 2005. Since then, it has become one of the most widely embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations with 178 Parties covering 89% of the world's population. The WHO Framework Convention is WHO's most important tobacco control tool and a milestone in the promotion of public health. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of people to the highest standard of health, provides legal dimensions for international health cooperation and sets high standards for compliance.
In 2008, WHO introduced a practical, cost-effective way to scale up implementation of provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on the ground: MPOWER. Each MPOWER measure corresponds to at least one provision of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
The 6 MPOWER measures are:
Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
Protect people from tobacco use
Offer help to quit tobacco use
Warn about the dangers of tobacco
Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
Raise taxes on tobacco.
For more details on progress made for tobacco control at global, regional and country level, please refer to the series of WHO reports on the global tobacco epidemic.
WHO
15 April 2015 -- One in every 10 cigarettes, and many other tobacco products, consumed worldwide are illegal, making the illicit trade of tobacco products a major global concern from many perspectives, including health, legal, economic, governance and corruption. The tobacco industry and criminal groups are among those who profit from the illegal tobacco trade, leaving the public to pay the health and security costs. Ratification by governments of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products is necessary to respond to the financial, legal and health impacts of the illicit trade of tobacco products. The public, academia and other sectors can take action by urging their lawmakers to make their countries Parties to the Protoco
l
Tobacco kills up to half of its users.
Tobacco kills nearly 6 million people each year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless urgent action is taken, the annual death toll could rise to more than eight million by 2030.
Nearly 80% of the world's one billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries.
Leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Approximately one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco, accounting for one in 10 adult deaths. Up to half of current users will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease.
Nearly 80% of the more than one billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest.
Tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development.
In some countries, children from poor households are frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide family income. These children are especially vulnerable to "green tobacco sickness", which is caused by the nicotine that is absorbed through the skin from the handling of wet tobacco leaves.
Gradual killer
Because there is a lag of several years between when people start using tobacco and when their health suffers, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease and death has just begun.
Tobacco caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century. If current trends continue, it may cause one billion deaths in the 21st century.
Unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will increase to more than eight million per year by 2030. More than 80% of those deaths will be in low- and middle-income countries.
Surveillance is key
Good monitoring tracks the extent and character of the tobacco epidemic and indicates how best to tailor policies. Only one in four countries, representing just over a third of the world's population, monitor tobacco use by repeating nationally representative youth and adult surveys at least once every five years.
Second-hand smoke kills
Second-hand smoke is the smoke that fills restaurants, offices or other enclosed spaces when people burn tobacco products such as cigarettes, bidis and water pipes. There are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
In adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In infants, it causes sudden death. In pregnant women, it causes low birth weight.
Almost half of children regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke in public places.
Over 40% of children have at least one smoking parent.
Second-hand smoke causes more than 600 000 premature deaths per year.
In 2004, children accounted for 28% of the deaths attributable to second-hand smoke.
Every person should be able to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air. Smoke-free laws protect the health of non-smokers, are popular, do not harm business and encourage smokers to quit.
Over 1 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free laws.
Tobacco users need help to quit
Studies show that few people understand the specific health risks of tobacco use. For example, a 2009 survey in China revealed that only 38% of smokers knew that smoking causes coronary heart disease and only 27% knew that it causes stroke.
Among smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit. Counselling and medication can more than double the chance that a smoker who tries to quit will succeed.
National comprehensive cessation services with full or partial cost-coverage are available to assist tobacco users to quit in only 21 countries, representing 15% of the world's population.
There is no cessation assistance of any kind in one-quarter of low-income countries.
Picture warnings work
Hard-hitting anti-tobacco advertisements and graphic pack warnings – especially those that include pictures – reduce the number of children who begin smoking and increase the number of smokers who quit.
Graphic warnings can persuade smokers to protect the health of non-smokers by smoking less inside the home and avoiding smoking near children. Studies carried out after the implementation of pictorial package warnings in Brazil, Canada, Singapore and Thailand consistently show that pictorial warnings significantly increase people's awareness of the harms of tobacco use.
Just 30 countries, representing 14% of the world's population, meet the best practice for pictorial warnings, which includes the warnings in the local language and cover an average of at least half of the front and back of cigarette packs. Most of these countries are low- or middle-income countries.
Mass media campaigns can also reduce tobacco consumption, by influencing people to protect non-smokers and convincing youths to stop using tobacco.
Over half of the world's population live in the 37 countries that have implemented at least one strong anti-tobacco mass media campaign within the last two years.
Ad bans lower consumption
Bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship can reduce tobacco consumption.
A comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship could decrease tobacco consumption by an average of about 7%, with some countries experiencing a decline in consumption of up to 16%.
Only 24 countries, representing 10% of the world’s population, have completely banned all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Around one country in three has minimal or no restrictions at all on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Taxes discourage tobacco use
Tobacco taxes are the most cost-effective way to reduce tobacco use, especially among young people and poor people. . A tax increase that increases tobacco prices by 10% decreases tobacco consumption by about 4% in high-income countries and about 5% in low- and middle-income countries.
Even so, high tobacco taxes is a measure that is rarely used. Only 32 countries, less than 8% of the world's population, have tobacco tax rates greater than 75% of the retail price. Tobacco tax revenues are on average 175 times higher than spending on tobacco control, based on available data.
WHO response
WHO is committed to fighting the global tobacco epidemic. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control entered into force in February 2005. Since then, it has become one of the most widely embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations with 178 Parties covering 89% of the world's population. The WHO Framework Convention is WHO's most important tobacco control tool and a milestone in the promotion of public health. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of people to the highest standard of health, provides legal dimensions for international health cooperation and sets high standards for compliance.
In 2008, WHO introduced a practical, cost-effective way to scale up implementation of provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on the ground: MPOWER. Each MPOWER measure corresponds to at least one provision of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
The 6 MPOWER measures are:
Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
Protect people from tobacco use
Offer help to quit tobacco use
Warn about the dangers of tobacco
Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
Raise taxes on tobacco.
For more details on progress made for tobacco control at global, regional and country level, please refer to the series of WHO reports on the global tobacco epidemic.
World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2015: Stop illicit trade of tobacco products
World No Tobacco Day 31 May 2015: Stop illicit trade of tobacco products
WHO
15 April 2015 -- One in every 10 cigarettes, and many other tobacco products, consumed worldwide are illegal, making the illicit trade of tobacco products a major global concern from many perspectives, including health, legal, economic, governance and corruption. The tobacco industry and criminal groups are among those who profit from the illegal tobacco trade, leaving the public to pay the health and security costs. Ratification by governments of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products is necessary to respond to the financial, legal and health impacts of the illicit trade of tobacco products. The public, academia and other sectors can take action by urging their lawmakers to make their countries Parties to the Protoco
l
Tobacco kills up to half of its users.
Tobacco kills nearly 6 million people each year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless urgent action is taken, the annual death toll could rise to more than eight million by 2030.
Nearly 80% of the world's one billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries.
Leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Approximately one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco, accounting for one in 10 adult deaths. Up to half of current users will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease.
Nearly 80% of the more than one billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest.
Tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development.
In some countries, children from poor households are frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide family income. These children are especially vulnerable to "green tobacco sickness", which is caused by the nicotine that is absorbed through the skin from the handling of wet tobacco leaves.
Gradual killer
Because there is a lag of several years between when people start using tobacco and when their health suffers, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease and death has just begun.
Tobacco caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century. If current trends continue, it may cause one billion deaths in the 21st century.
Unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will increase to more than eight million per year by 2030. More than 80% of those deaths will be in low- and middle-income countries.
Surveillance is key
Good monitoring tracks the extent and character of the tobacco epidemic and indicates how best to tailor policies. Only one in four countries, representing just over a third of the world's population, monitor tobacco use by repeating nationally representative youth and adult surveys at least once every five years.
Second-hand smoke kills
Second-hand smoke is the smoke that fills restaurants, offices or other enclosed spaces when people burn tobacco products such as cigarettes, bidis and water pipes. There are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
In adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In infants, it causes sudden death. In pregnant women, it causes low birth weight.
Almost half of children regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke in public places.
Over 40% of children have at least one smoking parent.
Second-hand smoke causes more than 600 000 premature deaths per year.
In 2004, children accounted for 28% of the deaths attributable to second-hand smoke.
Every person should be able to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air. Smoke-free laws protect the health of non-smokers, are popular, do not harm business and encourage smokers to quit.
Over 1 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free laws.
Tobacco users need help to quit
Studies show that few people understand the specific health risks of tobacco use. For example, a 2009 survey in China revealed that only 38% of smokers knew that smoking causes coronary heart disease and only 27% knew that it causes stroke.
Among smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit. Counselling and medication can more than double the chance that a smoker who tries to quit will succeed.
National comprehensive cessation services with full or partial cost-coverage are available to assist tobacco users to quit in only 21 countries, representing 15% of the world's population.
There is no cessation assistance of any kind in one-quarter of low-income countries.
Picture warnings work
Hard-hitting anti-tobacco advertisements and graphic pack warnings – especially those that include pictures – reduce the number of children who begin smoking and increase the number of smokers who quit.
Graphic warnings can persuade smokers to protect the health of non-smokers by smoking less inside the home and avoiding smoking near children. Studies carried out after the implementation of pictorial package warnings in Brazil, Canada, Singapore and Thailand consistently show that pictorial warnings significantly increase people's awareness of the harms of tobacco use.
Just 30 countries, representing 14% of the world's population, meet the best practice for pictorial warnings, which includes the warnings in the local language and cover an average of at least half of the front and back of cigarette packs. Most of these countries are low- or middle-income countries.
Mass media campaigns can also reduce tobacco consumption, by influencing people to protect non-smokers and convincing youths to stop using tobacco.
Over half of the world's population live in the 37 countries that have implemented at least one strong anti-tobacco mass media campaign within the last two years.
Ad bans lower consumption
Bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship can reduce tobacco consumption.
A comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship could decrease tobacco consumption by an average of about 7%, with some countries experiencing a decline in consumption of up to 16%.
Only 24 countries, representing 10% of the world’s population, have completely banned all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Around one country in three has minimal or no restrictions at all on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Taxes discourage tobacco use
Tobacco taxes are the most cost-effective way to reduce tobacco use, especially among young people and poor people. . A tax increase that increases tobacco prices by 10% decreases tobacco consumption by about 4% in high-income countries and about 5% in low- and middle-income countries.
Even so, high tobacco taxes is a measure that is rarely used. Only 32 countries, less than 8% of the world's population, have tobacco tax rates greater than 75% of the retail price. Tobacco tax revenues are on average 175 times higher than spending on tobacco control, based on available data.
WHO response
WHO is committed to fighting the global tobacco epidemic. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control entered into force in February 2005. Since then, it has become one of the most widely embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations with 178 Parties covering 89% of the world's population. The WHO Framework Convention is WHO's most important tobacco control tool and a milestone in the promotion of public health. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of people to the highest standard of health, provides legal dimensions for international health cooperation and sets high standards for compliance.
In 2008, WHO introduced a practical, cost-effective way to scale up implementation of provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on the ground: MPOWER. Each MPOWER measure corresponds to at least one provision of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
The 6 MPOWER measures are:
Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
Protect people from tobacco use
Offer help to quit tobacco use
Warn about the dangers of tobacco
Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
Raise taxes on tobacco.
For more details on progress made for tobacco control at global, regional and country level, please refer to the series of WHO reports on the global tobacco epidemic.
WHO
15 April 2015 -- One in every 10 cigarettes, and many other tobacco products, consumed worldwide are illegal, making the illicit trade of tobacco products a major global concern from many perspectives, including health, legal, economic, governance and corruption. The tobacco industry and criminal groups are among those who profit from the illegal tobacco trade, leaving the public to pay the health and security costs. Ratification by governments of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products is necessary to respond to the financial, legal and health impacts of the illicit trade of tobacco products. The public, academia and other sectors can take action by urging their lawmakers to make their countries Parties to the Protoco
l
Tobacco kills up to half of its users.
Tobacco kills nearly 6 million people each year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless urgent action is taken, the annual death toll could rise to more than eight million by 2030.
Nearly 80% of the world's one billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries.
Leading cause of death, illness and impoverishment
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Approximately one person dies every six seconds due to tobacco, accounting for one in 10 adult deaths. Up to half of current users will eventually die of a tobacco-related disease.
Nearly 80% of the more than one billion smokers worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related illness and death is heaviest.
Tobacco users who die prematurely deprive their families of income, raise the cost of health care and hinder economic development.
In some countries, children from poor households are frequently employed in tobacco farming to provide family income. These children are especially vulnerable to "green tobacco sickness", which is caused by the nicotine that is absorbed through the skin from the handling of wet tobacco leaves.
Gradual killer
Because there is a lag of several years between when people start using tobacco and when their health suffers, the epidemic of tobacco-related disease and death has just begun.
Tobacco caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century. If current trends continue, it may cause one billion deaths in the 21st century.
Unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will increase to more than eight million per year by 2030. More than 80% of those deaths will be in low- and middle-income countries.
Surveillance is key
Good monitoring tracks the extent and character of the tobacco epidemic and indicates how best to tailor policies. Only one in four countries, representing just over a third of the world's population, monitor tobacco use by repeating nationally representative youth and adult surveys at least once every five years.
Second-hand smoke kills
Second-hand smoke is the smoke that fills restaurants, offices or other enclosed spaces when people burn tobacco products such as cigarettes, bidis and water pipes. There are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.
There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
In adults, second-hand smoke causes serious cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including coronary heart disease and lung cancer. In infants, it causes sudden death. In pregnant women, it causes low birth weight.
Almost half of children regularly breathe air polluted by tobacco smoke in public places.
Over 40% of children have at least one smoking parent.
Second-hand smoke causes more than 600 000 premature deaths per year.
In 2004, children accounted for 28% of the deaths attributable to second-hand smoke.
Every person should be able to breathe tobacco-smoke-free air. Smoke-free laws protect the health of non-smokers, are popular, do not harm business and encourage smokers to quit.
Over 1 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, are protected by comprehensive national smoke-free laws.
Tobacco users need help to quit
Studies show that few people understand the specific health risks of tobacco use. For example, a 2009 survey in China revealed that only 38% of smokers knew that smoking causes coronary heart disease and only 27% knew that it causes stroke.
Among smokers who are aware of the dangers of tobacco, most want to quit. Counselling and medication can more than double the chance that a smoker who tries to quit will succeed.
National comprehensive cessation services with full or partial cost-coverage are available to assist tobacco users to quit in only 21 countries, representing 15% of the world's population.
There is no cessation assistance of any kind in one-quarter of low-income countries.
Picture warnings work
Hard-hitting anti-tobacco advertisements and graphic pack warnings – especially those that include pictures – reduce the number of children who begin smoking and increase the number of smokers who quit.
Graphic warnings can persuade smokers to protect the health of non-smokers by smoking less inside the home and avoiding smoking near children. Studies carried out after the implementation of pictorial package warnings in Brazil, Canada, Singapore and Thailand consistently show that pictorial warnings significantly increase people's awareness of the harms of tobacco use.
Just 30 countries, representing 14% of the world's population, meet the best practice for pictorial warnings, which includes the warnings in the local language and cover an average of at least half of the front and back of cigarette packs. Most of these countries are low- or middle-income countries.
Mass media campaigns can also reduce tobacco consumption, by influencing people to protect non-smokers and convincing youths to stop using tobacco.
Over half of the world's population live in the 37 countries that have implemented at least one strong anti-tobacco mass media campaign within the last two years.
Ad bans lower consumption
Bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship can reduce tobacco consumption.
A comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship could decrease tobacco consumption by an average of about 7%, with some countries experiencing a decline in consumption of up to 16%.
Only 24 countries, representing 10% of the world’s population, have completely banned all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Around one country in three has minimal or no restrictions at all on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Taxes discourage tobacco use
Tobacco taxes are the most cost-effective way to reduce tobacco use, especially among young people and poor people. . A tax increase that increases tobacco prices by 10% decreases tobacco consumption by about 4% in high-income countries and about 5% in low- and middle-income countries.
Even so, high tobacco taxes is a measure that is rarely used. Only 32 countries, less than 8% of the world's population, have tobacco tax rates greater than 75% of the retail price. Tobacco tax revenues are on average 175 times higher than spending on tobacco control, based on available data.
WHO response
WHO is committed to fighting the global tobacco epidemic. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control entered into force in February 2005. Since then, it has become one of the most widely embraced treaties in the history of the United Nations with 178 Parties covering 89% of the world's population. The WHO Framework Convention is WHO's most important tobacco control tool and a milestone in the promotion of public health. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of people to the highest standard of health, provides legal dimensions for international health cooperation and sets high standards for compliance.
In 2008, WHO introduced a practical, cost-effective way to scale up implementation of provisions of the WHO Framework Convention on the ground: MPOWER. Each MPOWER measure corresponds to at least one provision of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
The 6 MPOWER measures are:
Monitor tobacco use and prevention policies
Protect people from tobacco use
Offer help to quit tobacco use
Warn about the dangers of tobacco
Enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
Raise taxes on tobacco.
For more details on progress made for tobacco control at global, regional and country level, please refer to the series of WHO reports on the global tobacco epidemic.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
World Hypertension Day 2015 May 17
World Hypertension Day 2015
17 May
World Hypertension Day was first inaugurated in May 2005 and has become an annual event ever since. The purpose of the day is to promote public awareness of hypertension and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated in the arteries. This means the heart has to work too hard to pump the blood through the system. It is the leading risk factor for disease burden worldwide. Approximately 4 in 10 adults have raised blood pressure which often goes undiagnosed, but healthy attitudes can help combat hypertension
17 May
World Hypertension Day was first inaugurated in May 2005 and has become an annual event ever since. The purpose of the day is to promote public awareness of hypertension and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated in the arteries. This means the heart has to work too hard to pump the blood through the system. It is the leading risk factor for disease burden worldwide. Approximately 4 in 10 adults have raised blood pressure which often goes undiagnosed, but healthy attitudes can help combat hypertension
World Hypertension Day 2015 May
World Hypertension Day 2015
17 May
World Hypertension Day was first inaugurated in May 2005 and has become an annual event ever since. The purpose of the day is to promote public awareness of hypertension and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated in the arteries. This means the heart has to work too hard to pump the blood through the system. It is the leading risk factor for disease burden worldwide. Approximately 4 in 10 adults have raised blood pressure which often goes undiagnosed, but healthy attitudes can help combat hypertension
17 May
World Hypertension Day was first inaugurated in May 2005 and has become an annual event ever since. The purpose of the day is to promote public awareness of hypertension and to encourage citizens of all countries to prevent and control this silent killer, the modern epidemic.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated in the arteries. This means the heart has to work too hard to pump the blood through the system. It is the leading risk factor for disease burden worldwide. Approximately 4 in 10 adults have raised blood pressure which often goes undiagnosed, but healthy attitudes can help combat hypertension
Friday, May 15, 2015
Yes, long term use of psychiatric medication is harmful to health .Aleem M A. BMJ 2015;350:h2435
Head To Head
Maudsley Debate
Does long term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?
BMJ 2015; 350 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2435 (Published 12 May 2015)
Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h2435
Rapid response
Re: Does long term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?
Yes, long term use of psychiatric medication is harmful to health
Definitely long term use of psychiatric drugs is harmful to male and female fetuses, neonates and infants. It may produce impact on alertness attention concentration and all day today activities in individuals who are using psychiatric medication with or without using alcohol or any other substance abuse. It also produces many neurological disorders with other organ and system involvement. So a definite guideline with period specific duration of treatment for major and minor psychiatric disorders should be adopted and followed universally to avoid long term adverse effects of psychiatric medication.
Competing interests: No competing interests
14 May 2015
M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Annamalainagar Trichy 620018 Tamilnadu India
Maudsley Debate
Does long term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?
BMJ 2015; 350 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2435 (Published 12 May 2015)
Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h2435
Rapid response
Re: Does long term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?
Yes, long term use of psychiatric medication is harmful to health
Definitely long term use of psychiatric drugs is harmful to male and female fetuses, neonates and infants. It may produce impact on alertness attention concentration and all day today activities in individuals who are using psychiatric medication with or without using alcohol or any other substance abuse. It also produces many neurological disorders with other organ and system involvement. So a definite guideline with period specific duration of treatment for major and minor psychiatric disorders should be adopted and followed universally to avoid long term adverse effects of psychiatric medication.
Competing interests: No competing interests
14 May 2015
M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Annamalainagar Trichy 620018 Tamilnadu India
Yes, long term use of psychiatric medication is harmful to health .Aleem M A. BMJ 2015;350:h2435
Head To Head
Maudsley Debate
Does long term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?
BMJ 2015; 350 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2435 (Published 12 May 2015)
Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h2435
Rapid response
Re: Does long term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?
Yes, long term use of psychiatric medication is harmful to health
Definitely long term use of psychiatric drugs is harmful to male and female fetuses, neonates and infants. It may produce impact on alertness attention concentration and all day today activities in individuals who are using psychiatric medication with or without using alcohol or any other substance abuse. It also produces many neurological disorders with other organ and system involvement. So a definite guideline with period specific duration of treatment for major and minor psychiatric disorders should be adopted and followed universally to avoid long term adverse effects of psychiatric medication.
Competing interests: No competing interests
14 May 2015
M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Annamalainagar Trichy 620018 Tamilnadu India
Maudsley Debate
Does long term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?
BMJ 2015; 350 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2435 (Published 12 May 2015)
Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h2435
Rapid response
Re: Does long term use of psychiatric drugs cause more harm than good?
Yes, long term use of psychiatric medication is harmful to health
Definitely long term use of psychiatric drugs is harmful to male and female fetuses, neonates and infants. It may produce impact on alertness attention concentration and all day today activities in individuals who are using psychiatric medication with or without using alcohol or any other substance abuse. It also produces many neurological disorders with other organ and system involvement. So a definite guideline with period specific duration of treatment for major and minor psychiatric disorders should be adopted and followed universally to avoid long term adverse effects of psychiatric medication.
Competing interests: No competing interests
14 May 2015
M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Annamalainagar Trichy 620018 Tamilnadu India
International Day of Families15 May 2015
International Day of Families
15 May 2015
"As we strive to usher in a more sustainable future, achieve the Millennium Development Goals, shape a new development agenda and combat climate change, let us mobilize the world’s families."
2015 Theme: Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families
This International day provides an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families. Activities include workshops and conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes highlighting relevant themes.

The 2015 observance of the International Day of Families aims to promote gender equality and rights of children within families. It will also highlight prevention of family violence through fair family law frameworks and a variety of programme interventions
15 May 2015
"As we strive to usher in a more sustainable future, achieve the Millennium Development Goals, shape a new development agenda and combat climate change, let us mobilize the world’s families."
2015 Theme: Men in Charge? Gender Equality and Children’s Rights in Contemporary Families
This International day provides an opportunity to highlight different areas of interest and importance to families. Activities include workshops and conferences, radio and television programmes, newspaper articles and cultural programmes highlighting relevant themes.

The 2015 observance of the International Day of Families aims to promote gender equality and rights of children within families. It will also highlight prevention of family violence through fair family law frameworks and a variety of programme interventions
Monday, May 11, 2015
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report April 2015, Volume 77, Issue 1 Supplement, pp 90-91
Indian Journal of Surgery
April 2015, Volume 77, Issue 1 Supplement, pp 90-91
Date: 09 Sep 2014
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report
D. Baskaran, M. A. Aleem, R. Ravi

* Final gross prices may vary according to local VAT.
Get Access
Abstract
We report a case of parasitic twin or incomplete or heteropagus twining of extra portions of a pelvis, lower and upper limbs, duplication of genitalia and herniation of intestinal tract with spleen—variant of conjoined twinning (CT) consistent with fusion of two embryos followed by resorption of the caudal half of one of them, resulting in a normal male baby with the upper half of a male parasitic twin fused to his chest.
Article Metrics
Co-published with
Association of Surgeons of India

Title
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report
Journal
» Indian Journal of Surgery
» Volume 77, Issue 1 Supplement, pp 90-91
Cover Date
2015-04-01
DOI
10.1007/s12262-014-1165-8
Print ISSN
0972-2068
Online ISSN
0973-9793
Publisher
Springer India
April 2015, Volume 77, Issue 1 Supplement, pp 90-91
Date: 09 Sep 2014
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report
D. Baskaran, M. A. Aleem, R. Ravi

* Final gross prices may vary according to local VAT.
Get Access
Abstract
We report a case of parasitic twin or incomplete or heteropagus twining of extra portions of a pelvis, lower and upper limbs, duplication of genitalia and herniation of intestinal tract with spleen—variant of conjoined twinning (CT) consistent with fusion of two embryos followed by resorption of the caudal half of one of them, resulting in a normal male baby with the upper half of a male parasitic twin fused to his chest.
Article Metrics
Co-published with
Association of Surgeons of India

Title
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report
Journal
» Indian Journal of Surgery
» Volume 77, Issue 1 Supplement, pp 90-91
Cover Date
2015-04-01
DOI
10.1007/s12262-014-1165-8
Print ISSN
0972-2068
Online ISSN
0973-9793
Publisher
Springer India
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report
Indian Journal of Surgery
April 2015, Volume 77, Issue 1 Supplement, pp 90-91
Date: 09 Sep 2014
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report
D. Baskaran, M. A. Aleem, R. Ravi

* Final gross prices may vary according to local VAT.
Get Access
Abstract
We report a case of parasitic twin or incomplete or heteropagus twining of extra portions of a pelvis, lower and upper limbs, duplication of genitalia and herniation of intestinal tract with spleen—variant of conjoined twinning (CT) consistent with fusion of two embryos followed by resorption of the caudal half of one of them, resulting in a normal male baby with the upper half of a male parasitic twin fused to his chest.
Article Metrics
Co-published with
Association of Surgeons of India

Title
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report
Journal
» Indian Journal of Surgery
» Volume 77, Issue 1 Supplement, pp 90-91
Cover Date
2015-04-01
DOI
10.1007/s12262-014-1165-8
Print ISSN
0972-2068
Online ISSN
0973-9793
Publisher
Springer India
April 2015, Volume 77, Issue 1 Supplement, pp 90-91
Date: 09 Sep 2014
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report
D. Baskaran, M. A. Aleem, R. Ravi

* Final gross prices may vary according to local VAT.
Get Access
Abstract
We report a case of parasitic twin or incomplete or heteropagus twining of extra portions of a pelvis, lower and upper limbs, duplication of genitalia and herniation of intestinal tract with spleen—variant of conjoined twinning (CT) consistent with fusion of two embryos followed by resorption of the caudal half of one of them, resulting in a normal male baby with the upper half of a male parasitic twin fused to his chest.
Article Metrics
Co-published with
Association of Surgeons of India

Title
Parasitic Twin with Gastroschisis Is One of the Rarest Variant of Conjoined Twins: a Case Report
Journal
» Indian Journal of Surgery
» Volume 77, Issue 1 Supplement, pp 90-91
Cover Date
2015-04-01
DOI
10.1007/s12262-014-1165-8
Print ISSN
0972-2068
Online ISSN
0973-9793
Publisher
Springer India
Monday, May 4, 2015
Technology Addiction In Children
Gadget addiction: How To Recognize and What To Advice
Dr M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Trichy
Introduction

Technology is growing and changing just as quickly as our children. With constant exposure to screens, it’s only natural for a parent to be concerned about what all this screen time is doing to our children.
HEALTH CONCERNS
In recent days children can’t entertain them self without electronics. Disconnecting them from them results in tantrums or high level of irritation.
They develops a negative attitude towards spending time in nature.
They can’t manage guidelines surrounding electronics.
Older kids are entering a digital world with social issues connected to cyber bullying with texting, social media, adult content websites, and violent video games. We are just beginning to learn the trickle effect of advanced time spent connected to screens and children plugged into gadget technology.
As a parent – and the one who buys devices, games, and apps – you control your child’s access to technology. Sometimes things get out of hand before we realize what happened. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s never too late to reframe your family’s technology rules.
One in three children are using tablets and phones before they can talk
In recent days the rise in gadgets is being attributed to the rise in technology addiction
Gadgets Addiction in children can interfere with their learning education sleeping patterns and eating which results in overweight and obesity . In continuous gadget users signs include withdrawal symptoms and a rise in devious behavior can also occur. These devices uses definitely having a significant impact of the mental health of young people.
Tablets and phones have replaced the TV as a way of keeping children entertained, yet these devices could be damaging to a child's health potentially leading to technology addiction.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR GATGET ADDICTION IN CHILDREN

Check for signs of anxiety and irritability.
Children may become angry by small things when suffering from withdrawal from gadgets.
They also stressed the importance of taking a 'digital detox' to remedy their obsession.
When people feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when not online, we know that the relationship with technology is not being managed properly.
GADGET ADDICTION
Parents today often struggle with understanding how crucial social media is to children today; the modern day playground is virtual.
Yet when electronic devices start to have more influence over behavior than anyone else or anything else, when children become very distressed when technology is removed from them, that is the moment when really you need to start changing things continued.
For children who are addicted to technology, it is primarily about the way they feel when using it that is the issue, they explained.
Children who are not addicted may get a buzz from a range of activities not just technology.
If a child is displaying signs of severe distress and agitation when separated from technology, then we know there is an unhealthy dependence.
In effect, it is giving them a 'hit', similar to a drug user.
This unhealthy dependence doesn't just mean the child becomes agitated when told they can't use technology, Dr Graham also explains that the addiction may manifest itself in other behaviours.
Technology addiction can impact a child's sleep, interfere with meal times and eating habits and make children act up during play time.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR GATGET ADDICTION IN CHILDREN

Check for signs of anxiety and irritability.
Children may become angry by small things when suffering from withdrawal from gadgets.
They also stressed the importance of taking a 'digital detox' to remedy their obsession.
When people feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when not online, we know that the relationship with technology is not being managed properly.
LACK OF INTEREST IN OTHER ACTIVITIES
One sign a child may have an issue with gadget is when a parent is trying to get the child to do something else that is fun - such as going to the cinema or take part in an outdoor activity - and the child is reluctant to do so.
In Kids if this reluctance increases and 'it becomes harder and harder to get them to do anything other than engaging with technology, they may be showing signs of addiction.
CONSTANTLY TALKING ABOUT OR GETTING DISTRACTED BY TECHNOLOGY
If children talk about when they are next going online, or a parent suspects they are thinking about their next technology fix, they may have an issue.
Look for signs of them constantly wanting to get back to their devices. For example, if they keep playing and checking their phone wanting to switch it back on.
MOOD SWINGS AND ARGUMENTATIVE BEHAVIOUR
Another sign to look for is if the amount of time they spend using devices increases.
Equally, if they 'become very sensitive when any concern is expressed about their technology usage to the point it can easily escalate into an argument.
Some children may tell the adult they don't understand because they didn't have devices when they were growing up.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
If a child appears tense or upset when they can't get online, and this feeling noticeably goes away when they are given their devices, they may have a problem .
They may become distressed or angry by small things and when they are back online become calmer' and advises parents to check for signs of anxiety, agitation and irritability.
INCREASE IN LYING OR A RISE IN DEVIOUS BEHAVIOUR
This includes concealing the extent to which they use their devices, hiding them or using them in bed without your knowledge.
Children with potential addiction will try to do as much as they can to minimise the extent to which they are asked about their technology use by keeping it a secret.
It's normal for children to want to have some space and secrets but advises parents to ask friends how much time their similarly-aged kids are spending online, or check forums.
Addicted children may become secretive and defensive about their gadgets and their gadget use, as well as argue with parents more often.
Additionally, children addicted to technology may also avoid or ignore real-life activities and refuse to go to places where their gadgets can't be used, such as the cinema.
It's pretty much guaranteed parents will think their child is spending too much time online or on smartphones. The key thing is to talk to other parents at the school gates, or similar, to find out if a child is more preoccupied than their mates.
If there is a real difference, you need to speak to your child not just about cybersafety, but about what is so preoccupying, what might be addictive within it, and what this addiction might help them avoid in the real world.

More than half of parents worry about their children's use of technology. A third of children, stock image pictured, check their phone for messages several times an hour, while almost two thirds use their devices in bed.
It is important to restrict the time children spend using technology to help prevent forming an unhealthy dependence.
Techniques include ensuring prolonged periods where children are focused on the 'real world' and play time with other children.
Establishing a maximum daily time allowance can be a good place to start. It is also about making sure adults leave their phones off or on silent during meal times and when with friends and family as children learn behavior from their parents.
HOW TO CONTROL A CHILD'S TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION
Tune out, turn off
What can you do about it? I’ve talked with dozens of parents about this, and while there’s no magic formula, it really boils down to a few simple rules:
1. Create a contract.
It’s a good idea to sit down with your kids and collaborate on guidelines for when and how they’re allowed to use their devices. Write them down so there’s no dispute later over what they agreed to.
2. Establish tech-free zones.
A popular tactic is to set times or spaces where technology is verboten . Meals are a typical time to ask everyone to check their phones at the door; many parents forbid technology after a certain hour or in kids’ bedrooms; and some plan gadget-free trips and other activities.
You will probably need some kind of monitoring system on your home network to help enforce these rules. You’ll also want to get familiar with the devices your kids use most. The iPad, Kindle, and Xbox all have rudimentary parental controls built in, while AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon let you set time restrictions and put other limits on their phones for a small monthly fee.
3. Choose your screens carefully.
Measuring screen time alone is missing the point. There’s a big difference between spending two hours building cool stuff in Minecraft and spending two hours decimating zombies in Dead Rising. I think my son spends too much time watching YouTube videos, but actually many of them are about science or history. It’s not a substitute for playing football, but it’s not a total brain-melting waste either.
4. Get active.
What does a kid do when there’s no screen to turn to? What you used to do when you were a kid: Break out the board games, ride bikes, play hopscotch. There was a period in third grade when my daughter was obsessed with knitting and got all of her friends obsessed, too. That worked fine.
There are also dozens of Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii games that allow kids to exercise more than just their thumbs, using the consoles’ cameras and motion detectors. These games are also easier for most adults to play along with. It’s still technically screen time, but it’s social and physically active screen time.
5. Heal thyself.
Want to see someone who probably spends too much time staring into the electronic void? Look at the reflection in your monitor. Or smartphone. Or tablet. If you’re not dealing with your addiction to pixels, how can you ask your kids to deal with theirs?
FAMILY 'S GATGET RULES
1) Don’t view your phone as a shut-up toy.
When our oldest child was repeatedly asking for our phone parent explained that they didn’t want to shut them up. Parent always wanted to hear their thoughts. That conversation (and a few reminders) ended the habit they had formed of always asking for our phone out of boredom.
2) Free range your children!
The summer months are ideal for getting outside more and sitting in front of a screen less. This is the best tip for that older 10 year old who can’t get enough video games. Give them the freedom to free-range with a friend, visit a local park, or just to explore! Start with smaller time intervals and let them enjoy exploring the neighborhood on their own. As a mom learning to encourage free-range play, it’s difficult to not feel panic at first. Parent should stay positive by thinking of free-range play as a gift thet can give their children to help them grow and discover the beauty of play and nature through their own eyes and experiences.
3) Insist on electronic-free play dates.
We’ve all seen the effect of one child pulling out an ipod and suddenly all social interaction is lost with a group of children. Request that electronic gadgets don’t accompany guests or play dates when you are hosting.
4) Have a child that doesn’t like nature?
Rekindle their love by including low-level technology to help enhance their connection. Have an old digital camera? Children love to take pictures and you can create amazing eye-spy games and hunts. Another tool to getting kids outdoors is geocaching. It’s a digital style treasure hunt that involves either a GPS or just following clues and instructions. Time spent in nature is incredibly important – if you need to take baby steps to get kids outside, every little bit counts.
5) Look at your own habits.
What example are you teaching children with your relationship to electronics? When you have idle time – how do you spend it? If you are checking your phone and needing constant stimuli, it might be time to wean yourself down from your own technology addiction. Need something to keep hands busy and productive? Take up a hobby. Watch yourself through the eyes of your child and show them that you are willing to detox from electronics too.
Sometimes we need to reevaluate technology and the huge advancements and accessibility to understand how connected we’ve become. There’s no app that can replace the importance of play and time spent in nature.
CONCLUSION
Awareness of this problem has given rise to a new phenomenon: unplugging camps for adults, where overly wired professionals free themselves from the shackles of technology.
The rules at camp are taken seriously. No digital technology, no work talk, and no networking. The focus isn’t on disconnecting from devices as much as it is about reconnecting to the things that really matter in life.

Here’s what adults get up to when they’re not glued to their devices.
Modern phone age families
If you are feeling the urge to toss your kids’ smartphones into the trash, there are two more things to keep in mind. First, this is not a new problem. Parents’ biggest complaint was that TV rotted kids’ brains. Their parents probably worried about an excess of talking pictures. Go far back enough; I bet we’d discover Fred and Wilma were concerned that Pebbles was spending too much time in front of cave paintings. Most of us survived just fine.
The second thing to remember is that we have to prepare our kids for the world they will inherit, not the one we grew up in. Barring some kind of technology apocalypse, nearly everything they read, do, or say as adults is going to be delivered digitally.
In other words, they will be spending even more time in front of screens. One of our jobs as parents is to make sure they don’t spend all their time in front of them. Another is to make sure that the unavoidable time they do spend with technology is spent well and wisely.
Dr M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Trichy
Introduction

Technology is growing and changing just as quickly as our children. With constant exposure to screens, it’s only natural for a parent to be concerned about what all this screen time is doing to our children.
HEALTH CONCERNS
In recent days children can’t entertain them self without electronics. Disconnecting them from them results in tantrums or high level of irritation.
They develops a negative attitude towards spending time in nature.
They can’t manage guidelines surrounding electronics.
Older kids are entering a digital world with social issues connected to cyber bullying with texting, social media, adult content websites, and violent video games. We are just beginning to learn the trickle effect of advanced time spent connected to screens and children plugged into gadget technology.
As a parent – and the one who buys devices, games, and apps – you control your child’s access to technology. Sometimes things get out of hand before we realize what happened. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s never too late to reframe your family’s technology rules.
One in three children are using tablets and phones before they can talk
In recent days the rise in gadgets is being attributed to the rise in technology addiction
Gadgets Addiction in children can interfere with their learning education sleeping patterns and eating which results in overweight and obesity . In continuous gadget users signs include withdrawal symptoms and a rise in devious behavior can also occur. These devices uses definitely having a significant impact of the mental health of young people.
Tablets and phones have replaced the TV as a way of keeping children entertained, yet these devices could be damaging to a child's health potentially leading to technology addiction.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR GATGET ADDICTION IN CHILDREN

Check for signs of anxiety and irritability.
Children may become angry by small things when suffering from withdrawal from gadgets.
They also stressed the importance of taking a 'digital detox' to remedy their obsession.
When people feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when not online, we know that the relationship with technology is not being managed properly.
GADGET ADDICTION
Parents today often struggle with understanding how crucial social media is to children today; the modern day playground is virtual.
Yet when electronic devices start to have more influence over behavior than anyone else or anything else, when children become very distressed when technology is removed from them, that is the moment when really you need to start changing things continued.
For children who are addicted to technology, it is primarily about the way they feel when using it that is the issue, they explained.
Children who are not addicted may get a buzz from a range of activities not just technology.
If a child is displaying signs of severe distress and agitation when separated from technology, then we know there is an unhealthy dependence.
In effect, it is giving them a 'hit', similar to a drug user.
This unhealthy dependence doesn't just mean the child becomes agitated when told they can't use technology, Dr Graham also explains that the addiction may manifest itself in other behaviours.
Technology addiction can impact a child's sleep, interfere with meal times and eating habits and make children act up during play time.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR GATGET ADDICTION IN CHILDREN

Check for signs of anxiety and irritability.
Children may become angry by small things when suffering from withdrawal from gadgets.
They also stressed the importance of taking a 'digital detox' to remedy their obsession.
When people feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when not online, we know that the relationship with technology is not being managed properly.
LACK OF INTEREST IN OTHER ACTIVITIES
One sign a child may have an issue with gadget is when a parent is trying to get the child to do something else that is fun - such as going to the cinema or take part in an outdoor activity - and the child is reluctant to do so.
In Kids if this reluctance increases and 'it becomes harder and harder to get them to do anything other than engaging with technology, they may be showing signs of addiction.
CONSTANTLY TALKING ABOUT OR GETTING DISTRACTED BY TECHNOLOGY
If children talk about when they are next going online, or a parent suspects they are thinking about their next technology fix, they may have an issue.
Look for signs of them constantly wanting to get back to their devices. For example, if they keep playing and checking their phone wanting to switch it back on.
MOOD SWINGS AND ARGUMENTATIVE BEHAVIOUR
Another sign to look for is if the amount of time they spend using devices increases.
Equally, if they 'become very sensitive when any concern is expressed about their technology usage to the point it can easily escalate into an argument.
Some children may tell the adult they don't understand because they didn't have devices when they were growing up.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
If a child appears tense or upset when they can't get online, and this feeling noticeably goes away when they are given their devices, they may have a problem .
They may become distressed or angry by small things and when they are back online become calmer' and advises parents to check for signs of anxiety, agitation and irritability.
INCREASE IN LYING OR A RISE IN DEVIOUS BEHAVIOUR
This includes concealing the extent to which they use their devices, hiding them or using them in bed without your knowledge.
Children with potential addiction will try to do as much as they can to minimise the extent to which they are asked about their technology use by keeping it a secret.
It's normal for children to want to have some space and secrets but advises parents to ask friends how much time their similarly-aged kids are spending online, or check forums.
Addicted children may become secretive and defensive about their gadgets and their gadget use, as well as argue with parents more often.
Additionally, children addicted to technology may also avoid or ignore real-life activities and refuse to go to places where their gadgets can't be used, such as the cinema.
It's pretty much guaranteed parents will think their child is spending too much time online or on smartphones. The key thing is to talk to other parents at the school gates, or similar, to find out if a child is more preoccupied than their mates.
If there is a real difference, you need to speak to your child not just about cybersafety, but about what is so preoccupying, what might be addictive within it, and what this addiction might help them avoid in the real world.

More than half of parents worry about their children's use of technology. A third of children, stock image pictured, check their phone for messages several times an hour, while almost two thirds use their devices in bed.
It is important to restrict the time children spend using technology to help prevent forming an unhealthy dependence.
Techniques include ensuring prolonged periods where children are focused on the 'real world' and play time with other children.
Establishing a maximum daily time allowance can be a good place to start. It is also about making sure adults leave their phones off or on silent during meal times and when with friends and family as children learn behavior from their parents.
HOW TO CONTROL A CHILD'S TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION
Tune out, turn off
What can you do about it? I’ve talked with dozens of parents about this, and while there’s no magic formula, it really boils down to a few simple rules:
1. Create a contract.
It’s a good idea to sit down with your kids and collaborate on guidelines for when and how they’re allowed to use their devices. Write them down so there’s no dispute later over what they agreed to.
2. Establish tech-free zones.
A popular tactic is to set times or spaces where technology is verboten . Meals are a typical time to ask everyone to check their phones at the door; many parents forbid technology after a certain hour or in kids’ bedrooms; and some plan gadget-free trips and other activities.
You will probably need some kind of monitoring system on your home network to help enforce these rules. You’ll also want to get familiar with the devices your kids use most. The iPad, Kindle, and Xbox all have rudimentary parental controls built in, while AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon let you set time restrictions and put other limits on their phones for a small monthly fee.
3. Choose your screens carefully.
Measuring screen time alone is missing the point. There’s a big difference between spending two hours building cool stuff in Minecraft and spending two hours decimating zombies in Dead Rising. I think my son spends too much time watching YouTube videos, but actually many of them are about science or history. It’s not a substitute for playing football, but it’s not a total brain-melting waste either.
4. Get active.
What does a kid do when there’s no screen to turn to? What you used to do when you were a kid: Break out the board games, ride bikes, play hopscotch. There was a period in third grade when my daughter was obsessed with knitting and got all of her friends obsessed, too. That worked fine.
There are also dozens of Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii games that allow kids to exercise more than just their thumbs, using the consoles’ cameras and motion detectors. These games are also easier for most adults to play along with. It’s still technically screen time, but it’s social and physically active screen time.
5. Heal thyself.
Want to see someone who probably spends too much time staring into the electronic void? Look at the reflection in your monitor. Or smartphone. Or tablet. If you’re not dealing with your addiction to pixels, how can you ask your kids to deal with theirs?
FAMILY 'S GATGET RULES
1) Don’t view your phone as a shut-up toy.
When our oldest child was repeatedly asking for our phone parent explained that they didn’t want to shut them up. Parent always wanted to hear their thoughts. That conversation (and a few reminders) ended the habit they had formed of always asking for our phone out of boredom.
2) Free range your children!
The summer months are ideal for getting outside more and sitting in front of a screen less. This is the best tip for that older 10 year old who can’t get enough video games. Give them the freedom to free-range with a friend, visit a local park, or just to explore! Start with smaller time intervals and let them enjoy exploring the neighborhood on their own. As a mom learning to encourage free-range play, it’s difficult to not feel panic at first. Parent should stay positive by thinking of free-range play as a gift thet can give their children to help them grow and discover the beauty of play and nature through their own eyes and experiences.
3) Insist on electronic-free play dates.
We’ve all seen the effect of one child pulling out an ipod and suddenly all social interaction is lost with a group of children. Request that electronic gadgets don’t accompany guests or play dates when you are hosting.
4) Have a child that doesn’t like nature?
Rekindle their love by including low-level technology to help enhance their connection. Have an old digital camera? Children love to take pictures and you can create amazing eye-spy games and hunts. Another tool to getting kids outdoors is geocaching. It’s a digital style treasure hunt that involves either a GPS or just following clues and instructions. Time spent in nature is incredibly important – if you need to take baby steps to get kids outside, every little bit counts.
5) Look at your own habits.
What example are you teaching children with your relationship to electronics? When you have idle time – how do you spend it? If you are checking your phone and needing constant stimuli, it might be time to wean yourself down from your own technology addiction. Need something to keep hands busy and productive? Take up a hobby. Watch yourself through the eyes of your child and show them that you are willing to detox from electronics too.
Sometimes we need to reevaluate technology and the huge advancements and accessibility to understand how connected we’ve become. There’s no app that can replace the importance of play and time spent in nature.
CONCLUSION
Awareness of this problem has given rise to a new phenomenon: unplugging camps for adults, where overly wired professionals free themselves from the shackles of technology.
The rules at camp are taken seriously. No digital technology, no work talk, and no networking. The focus isn’t on disconnecting from devices as much as it is about reconnecting to the things that really matter in life.

Here’s what adults get up to when they’re not glued to their devices.
Modern phone age families
If you are feeling the urge to toss your kids’ smartphones into the trash, there are two more things to keep in mind. First, this is not a new problem. Parents’ biggest complaint was that TV rotted kids’ brains. Their parents probably worried about an excess of talking pictures. Go far back enough; I bet we’d discover Fred and Wilma were concerned that Pebbles was spending too much time in front of cave paintings. Most of us survived just fine.
The second thing to remember is that we have to prepare our kids for the world they will inherit, not the one we grew up in. Barring some kind of technology apocalypse, nearly everything they read, do, or say as adults is going to be delivered digitally.
In other words, they will be spending even more time in front of screens. One of our jobs as parents is to make sure they don’t spend all their time in front of them. Another is to make sure that the unavoidable time they do spend with technology is spent well and wisely.
Technology Addiction In Children
Gadget addiction: How To Recognize and What To Advice
Dr M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Trichy
Introduction

Technology is growing and changing just as quickly as our children. With constant exposure to screens, it’s only natural for a parent to be concerned about what all this screen time is doing to our children.
HEALTH CONCERNS
In recent days children can’t entertain them self without electronics. Disconnecting them from them results in tantrums or high level of irritation.
They develops a negative attitude towards spending time in nature.
They can’t manage guidelines surrounding electronics.
Older kids are entering a digital world with social issues connected to cyber bullying with texting, social media, adult content websites, and violent video games. We are just beginning to learn the trickle effect of advanced time spent connected to screens and children plugged into gadget technology.
As a parent – and the one who buys devices, games, and apps – you control your child’s access to technology. Sometimes things get out of hand before we realize what happened. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s never too late to reframe your family’s technology rules.
One in three children are using tablets and phones before they can talk
In recent days the rise in gadgets is being attributed to the rise in technology addiction
Gadgets Addiction in children can interfere with their learning education sleeping patterns and eating which results in overweight and obesity . In continuous gadget users signs include withdrawal symptoms and a rise in devious behavior can also occur. These devices uses definitely having a significant impact of the mental health of young people.
Tablets and phones have replaced the TV as a way of keeping children entertained, yet these devices could be damaging to a child's health potentially leading to technology addiction.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR GATGET ADDICTION IN CHILDREN

Check for signs of anxiety and irritability.
Children may become angry by small things when suffering from withdrawal from gadgets.
They also stressed the importance of taking a 'digital detox' to remedy their obsession.
When people feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when not online, we know that the relationship with technology is not being managed properly.
GADGET ADDICTION
Parents today often struggle with understanding how crucial social media is to children today; the modern day playground is virtual.
Yet when electronic devices start to have more influence over behavior than anyone else or anything else, when children become very distressed when technology is removed from them, that is the moment when really you need to start changing things continued.
For children who are addicted to technology, it is primarily about the way they feel when using it that is the issue, they explained.
Children who are not addicted may get a buzz from a range of activities not just technology.
If a child is displaying signs of severe distress and agitation when separated from technology, then we know there is an unhealthy dependence.
In effect, it is giving them a 'hit', similar to a drug user.
This unhealthy dependence doesn't just mean the child becomes agitated when told they can't use technology, Dr Graham also explains that the addiction may manifest itself in other behaviours.
Technology addiction can impact a child's sleep, interfere with meal times and eating habits and make children act up during play time.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR GATGET ADDICTION IN CHILDREN

Check for signs of anxiety and irritability.
Children may become angry by small things when suffering from withdrawal from gadgets.
They also stressed the importance of taking a 'digital detox' to remedy their obsession.
When people feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when not online, we know that the relationship with technology is not being managed properly.
LACK OF INTEREST IN OTHER ACTIVITIES
One sign a child may have an issue with gadget is when a parent is trying to get the child to do something else that is fun - such as going to the cinema or take part in an outdoor activity - and the child is reluctant to do so.
In Kids if this reluctance increases and 'it becomes harder and harder to get them to do anything other than engaging with technology, they may be showing signs of addiction.
CONSTANTLY TALKING ABOUT OR GETTING DISTRACTED BY TECHNOLOGY
If children talk about when they are next going online, or a parent suspects they are thinking about their next technology fix, they may have an issue.
Look for signs of them constantly wanting to get back to their devices. For example, if they keep playing and checking their phone wanting to switch it back on.
MOOD SWINGS AND ARGUMENTATIVE BEHAVIOUR
Another sign to look for is if the amount of time they spend using devices increases.
Equally, if they 'become very sensitive when any concern is expressed about their technology usage to the point it can easily escalate into an argument.
Some children may tell the adult they don't understand because they didn't have devices when they were growing up.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
If a child appears tense or upset when they can't get online, and this feeling noticeably goes away when they are given their devices, they may have a problem .
They may become distressed or angry by small things and when they are back online become calmer' and advises parents to check for signs of anxiety, agitation and irritability.
INCREASE IN LYING OR A RISE IN DEVIOUS BEHAVIOUR
This includes concealing the extent to which they use their devices, hiding them or using them in bed without your knowledge.
Children with potential addiction will try to do as much as they can to minimise the extent to which they are asked about their technology use by keeping it a secret.
It's normal for children to want to have some space and secrets but advises parents to ask friends how much time their similarly-aged kids are spending online, or check forums.
Addicted children may become secretive and defensive about their gadgets and their gadget use, as well as argue with parents more often.
Additionally, children addicted to technology may also avoid or ignore real-life activities and refuse to go to places where their gadgets can't be used, such as the cinema.
It's pretty much guaranteed parents will think their child is spending too much time online or on smartphones. The key thing is to talk to other parents at the school gates, or similar, to find out if a child is more preoccupied than their mates.
If there is a real difference, you need to speak to your child not just about cybersafety, but about what is so preoccupying, what might be addictive within it, and what this addiction might help them avoid in the real world.

More than half of parents worry about their children's use of technology. A third of children, stock image pictured, check their phone for messages several times an hour, while almost two thirds use their devices in bed.
It is important to restrict the time children spend using technology to help prevent forming an unhealthy dependence.
Techniques include ensuring prolonged periods where children are focused on the 'real world' and play time with other children.
Establishing a maximum daily time allowance can be a good place to start. It is also about making sure adults leave their phones off or on silent during meal times and when with friends and family as children learn behavior from their parents.
HOW TO CONTROL A CHILD'S TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION
Tune out, turn off
What can you do about it? I’ve talked with dozens of parents about this, and while there’s no magic formula, it really boils down to a few simple rules:
1. Create a contract.
It’s a good idea to sit down with your kids and collaborate on guidelines for when and how they’re allowed to use their devices. Write them down so there’s no dispute later over what they agreed to.
2. Establish tech-free zones.
A popular tactic is to set times or spaces where technology is verboten . Meals are a typical time to ask everyone to check their phones at the door; many parents forbid technology after a certain hour or in kids’ bedrooms; and some plan gadget-free trips and other activities.
You will probably need some kind of monitoring system on your home network to help enforce these rules. You’ll also want to get familiar with the devices your kids use most. The iPad, Kindle, and Xbox all have rudimentary parental controls built in, while AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon let you set time restrictions and put other limits on their phones for a small monthly fee.
3. Choose your screens carefully.
Measuring screen time alone is missing the point. There’s a big difference between spending two hours building cool stuff in Minecraft and spending two hours decimating zombies in Dead Rising. I think my son spends too much time watching YouTube videos, but actually many of them are about science or history. It’s not a substitute for playing football, but it’s not a total brain-melting waste either.
4. Get active.
What does a kid do when there’s no screen to turn to? What you used to do when you were a kid: Break out the board games, ride bikes, play hopscotch. There was a period in third grade when my daughter was obsessed with knitting and got all of her friends obsessed, too. That worked fine.
There are also dozens of Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii games that allow kids to exercise more than just their thumbs, using the consoles’ cameras and motion detectors. These games are also easier for most adults to play along with. It’s still technically screen time, but it’s social and physically active screen time.
5. Heal thyself.
Want to see someone who probably spends too much time staring into the electronic void? Look at the reflection in your monitor. Or smartphone. Or tablet. If you’re not dealing with your addiction to pixels, how can you ask your kids to deal with theirs?
FAMILY 'S GATGET RULES
1) Don’t view your phone as a shut-up toy.
When our oldest child was repeatedly asking for our phone parent explained that they didn’t want to shut them up. Parent always wanted to hear their thoughts. That conversation (and a few reminders) ended the habit they had formed of always asking for our phone out of boredom.
2) Free range your children!
The summer months are ideal for getting outside more and sitting in front of a screen less. This is the best tip for that older 10 year old who can’t get enough video games. Give them the freedom to free-range with a friend, visit a local park, or just to explore! Start with smaller time intervals and let them enjoy exploring the neighborhood on their own. As a mom learning to encourage free-range play, it’s difficult to not feel panic at first. Parent should stay positive by thinking of free-range play as a gift thet can give their children to help them grow and discover the beauty of play and nature through their own eyes and experiences.
3) Insist on electronic-free play dates.
We’ve all seen the effect of one child pulling out an ipod and suddenly all social interaction is lost with a group of children. Request that electronic gadgets don’t accompany guests or play dates when you are hosting.
4) Have a child that doesn’t like nature?
Rekindle their love by including low-level technology to help enhance their connection. Have an old digital camera? Children love to take pictures and you can create amazing eye-spy games and hunts. Another tool to getting kids outdoors is geocaching. It’s a digital style treasure hunt that involves either a GPS or just following clues and instructions. Time spent in nature is incredibly important – if you need to take baby steps to get kids outside, every little bit counts.
5) Look at your own habits.
What example are you teaching children with your relationship to electronics? When you have idle time – how do you spend it? If you are checking your phone and needing constant stimuli, it might be time to wean yourself down from your own technology addiction. Need something to keep hands busy and productive? Take up a hobby. Watch yourself through the eyes of your child and show them that you are willing to detox from electronics too.
Sometimes we need to reevaluate technology and the huge advancements and accessibility to understand how connected we’ve become. There’s no app that can replace the importance of play and time spent in nature.
CONCLUSION
Awareness of this problem has given rise to a new phenomenon: unplugging camps for adults, where overly wired professionals free themselves from the shackles of technology.
The rules at camp are taken seriously. No digital technology, no work talk, and no networking. The focus isn’t on disconnecting from devices as much as it is about reconnecting to the things that really matter in life.

Here’s what adults get up to when they’re not glued to their devices.
Modern phone age families
If you are feeling the urge to toss your kids’ smartphones into the trash, there are two more things to keep in mind. First, this is not a new problem. Parents’ biggest complaint was that TV rotted kids’ brains. Their parents probably worried about an excess of talking pictures. Go far back enough; I bet we’d discover Fred and Wilma were concerned that Pebbles was spending too much time in front of cave paintings. Most of us survived just fine.
The second thing to remember is that we have to prepare our kids for the world they will inherit, not the one we grew up in. Barring some kind of technology apocalypse, nearly everything they read, do, or say as adults is going to be delivered digitally.
In other words, they will be spending even more time in front of screens. One of our jobs as parents is to make sure they don’t spend all their time in front of them. Another is to make sure that the unavoidable time they do spend with technology is spent well and wisely.
Dr M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Trichy
Introduction

Technology is growing and changing just as quickly as our children. With constant exposure to screens, it’s only natural for a parent to be concerned about what all this screen time is doing to our children.
HEALTH CONCERNS
In recent days children can’t entertain them self without electronics. Disconnecting them from them results in tantrums or high level of irritation.
They develops a negative attitude towards spending time in nature.
They can’t manage guidelines surrounding electronics.
Older kids are entering a digital world with social issues connected to cyber bullying with texting, social media, adult content websites, and violent video games. We are just beginning to learn the trickle effect of advanced time spent connected to screens and children plugged into gadget technology.
As a parent – and the one who buys devices, games, and apps – you control your child’s access to technology. Sometimes things get out of hand before we realize what happened. Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s never too late to reframe your family’s technology rules.
One in three children are using tablets and phones before they can talk
In recent days the rise in gadgets is being attributed to the rise in technology addiction
Gadgets Addiction in children can interfere with their learning education sleeping patterns and eating which results in overweight and obesity . In continuous gadget users signs include withdrawal symptoms and a rise in devious behavior can also occur. These devices uses definitely having a significant impact of the mental health of young people.
Tablets and phones have replaced the TV as a way of keeping children entertained, yet these devices could be damaging to a child's health potentially leading to technology addiction.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR GATGET ADDICTION IN CHILDREN

Check for signs of anxiety and irritability.
Children may become angry by small things when suffering from withdrawal from gadgets.
They also stressed the importance of taking a 'digital detox' to remedy their obsession.
When people feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when not online, we know that the relationship with technology is not being managed properly.
GADGET ADDICTION
Parents today often struggle with understanding how crucial social media is to children today; the modern day playground is virtual.
Yet when electronic devices start to have more influence over behavior than anyone else or anything else, when children become very distressed when technology is removed from them, that is the moment when really you need to start changing things continued.
For children who are addicted to technology, it is primarily about the way they feel when using it that is the issue, they explained.
Children who are not addicted may get a buzz from a range of activities not just technology.
If a child is displaying signs of severe distress and agitation when separated from technology, then we know there is an unhealthy dependence.
In effect, it is giving them a 'hit', similar to a drug user.
This unhealthy dependence doesn't just mean the child becomes agitated when told they can't use technology, Dr Graham also explains that the addiction may manifest itself in other behaviours.
Technology addiction can impact a child's sleep, interfere with meal times and eating habits and make children act up during play time.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR GATGET ADDICTION IN CHILDREN

Check for signs of anxiety and irritability.
Children may become angry by small things when suffering from withdrawal from gadgets.
They also stressed the importance of taking a 'digital detox' to remedy their obsession.
When people feel an uncomfortable sense of withdrawal when not online, we know that the relationship with technology is not being managed properly.
LACK OF INTEREST IN OTHER ACTIVITIES
One sign a child may have an issue with gadget is when a parent is trying to get the child to do something else that is fun - such as going to the cinema or take part in an outdoor activity - and the child is reluctant to do so.
In Kids if this reluctance increases and 'it becomes harder and harder to get them to do anything other than engaging with technology, they may be showing signs of addiction.
CONSTANTLY TALKING ABOUT OR GETTING DISTRACTED BY TECHNOLOGY
If children talk about when they are next going online, or a parent suspects they are thinking about their next technology fix, they may have an issue.
Look for signs of them constantly wanting to get back to their devices. For example, if they keep playing and checking their phone wanting to switch it back on.
MOOD SWINGS AND ARGUMENTATIVE BEHAVIOUR
Another sign to look for is if the amount of time they spend using devices increases.
Equally, if they 'become very sensitive when any concern is expressed about their technology usage to the point it can easily escalate into an argument.
Some children may tell the adult they don't understand because they didn't have devices when they were growing up.
WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS
If a child appears tense or upset when they can't get online, and this feeling noticeably goes away when they are given their devices, they may have a problem .
They may become distressed or angry by small things and when they are back online become calmer' and advises parents to check for signs of anxiety, agitation and irritability.
INCREASE IN LYING OR A RISE IN DEVIOUS BEHAVIOUR
This includes concealing the extent to which they use their devices, hiding them or using them in bed without your knowledge.
Children with potential addiction will try to do as much as they can to minimise the extent to which they are asked about their technology use by keeping it a secret.
It's normal for children to want to have some space and secrets but advises parents to ask friends how much time their similarly-aged kids are spending online, or check forums.
Addicted children may become secretive and defensive about their gadgets and their gadget use, as well as argue with parents more often.
Additionally, children addicted to technology may also avoid or ignore real-life activities and refuse to go to places where their gadgets can't be used, such as the cinema.
It's pretty much guaranteed parents will think their child is spending too much time online or on smartphones. The key thing is to talk to other parents at the school gates, or similar, to find out if a child is more preoccupied than their mates.
If there is a real difference, you need to speak to your child not just about cybersafety, but about what is so preoccupying, what might be addictive within it, and what this addiction might help them avoid in the real world.

More than half of parents worry about their children's use of technology. A third of children, stock image pictured, check their phone for messages several times an hour, while almost two thirds use their devices in bed.
It is important to restrict the time children spend using technology to help prevent forming an unhealthy dependence.
Techniques include ensuring prolonged periods where children are focused on the 'real world' and play time with other children.
Establishing a maximum daily time allowance can be a good place to start. It is also about making sure adults leave their phones off or on silent during meal times and when with friends and family as children learn behavior from their parents.
HOW TO CONTROL A CHILD'S TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION
Tune out, turn off
What can you do about it? I’ve talked with dozens of parents about this, and while there’s no magic formula, it really boils down to a few simple rules:
1. Create a contract.
It’s a good idea to sit down with your kids and collaborate on guidelines for when and how they’re allowed to use their devices. Write them down so there’s no dispute later over what they agreed to.
2. Establish tech-free zones.
A popular tactic is to set times or spaces where technology is verboten . Meals are a typical time to ask everyone to check their phones at the door; many parents forbid technology after a certain hour or in kids’ bedrooms; and some plan gadget-free trips and other activities.
You will probably need some kind of monitoring system on your home network to help enforce these rules. You’ll also want to get familiar with the devices your kids use most. The iPad, Kindle, and Xbox all have rudimentary parental controls built in, while AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon let you set time restrictions and put other limits on their phones for a small monthly fee.
3. Choose your screens carefully.
Measuring screen time alone is missing the point. There’s a big difference between spending two hours building cool stuff in Minecraft and spending two hours decimating zombies in Dead Rising. I think my son spends too much time watching YouTube videos, but actually many of them are about science or history. It’s not a substitute for playing football, but it’s not a total brain-melting waste either.
4. Get active.
What does a kid do when there’s no screen to turn to? What you used to do when you were a kid: Break out the board games, ride bikes, play hopscotch. There was a period in third grade when my daughter was obsessed with knitting and got all of her friends obsessed, too. That worked fine.
There are also dozens of Xbox, PlayStation, and Wii games that allow kids to exercise more than just their thumbs, using the consoles’ cameras and motion detectors. These games are also easier for most adults to play along with. It’s still technically screen time, but it’s social and physically active screen time.
5. Heal thyself.
Want to see someone who probably spends too much time staring into the electronic void? Look at the reflection in your monitor. Or smartphone. Or tablet. If you’re not dealing with your addiction to pixels, how can you ask your kids to deal with theirs?
FAMILY 'S GATGET RULES
1) Don’t view your phone as a shut-up toy.
When our oldest child was repeatedly asking for our phone parent explained that they didn’t want to shut them up. Parent always wanted to hear their thoughts. That conversation (and a few reminders) ended the habit they had formed of always asking for our phone out of boredom.
2) Free range your children!
The summer months are ideal for getting outside more and sitting in front of a screen less. This is the best tip for that older 10 year old who can’t get enough video games. Give them the freedom to free-range with a friend, visit a local park, or just to explore! Start with smaller time intervals and let them enjoy exploring the neighborhood on their own. As a mom learning to encourage free-range play, it’s difficult to not feel panic at first. Parent should stay positive by thinking of free-range play as a gift thet can give their children to help them grow and discover the beauty of play and nature through their own eyes and experiences.
3) Insist on electronic-free play dates.
We’ve all seen the effect of one child pulling out an ipod and suddenly all social interaction is lost with a group of children. Request that electronic gadgets don’t accompany guests or play dates when you are hosting.
4) Have a child that doesn’t like nature?
Rekindle their love by including low-level technology to help enhance their connection. Have an old digital camera? Children love to take pictures and you can create amazing eye-spy games and hunts. Another tool to getting kids outdoors is geocaching. It’s a digital style treasure hunt that involves either a GPS or just following clues and instructions. Time spent in nature is incredibly important – if you need to take baby steps to get kids outside, every little bit counts.
5) Look at your own habits.
What example are you teaching children with your relationship to electronics? When you have idle time – how do you spend it? If you are checking your phone and needing constant stimuli, it might be time to wean yourself down from your own technology addiction. Need something to keep hands busy and productive? Take up a hobby. Watch yourself through the eyes of your child and show them that you are willing to detox from electronics too.
Sometimes we need to reevaluate technology and the huge advancements and accessibility to understand how connected we’ve become. There’s no app that can replace the importance of play and time spent in nature.
CONCLUSION
Awareness of this problem has given rise to a new phenomenon: unplugging camps for adults, where overly wired professionals free themselves from the shackles of technology.
The rules at camp are taken seriously. No digital technology, no work talk, and no networking. The focus isn’t on disconnecting from devices as much as it is about reconnecting to the things that really matter in life.

Here’s what adults get up to when they’re not glued to their devices.
Modern phone age families
If you are feeling the urge to toss your kids’ smartphones into the trash, there are two more things to keep in mind. First, this is not a new problem. Parents’ biggest complaint was that TV rotted kids’ brains. Their parents probably worried about an excess of talking pictures. Go far back enough; I bet we’d discover Fred and Wilma were concerned that Pebbles was spending too much time in front of cave paintings. Most of us survived just fine.
The second thing to remember is that we have to prepare our kids for the world they will inherit, not the one we grew up in. Barring some kind of technology apocalypse, nearly everything they read, do, or say as adults is going to be delivered digitally.
In other words, they will be spending even more time in front of screens. One of our jobs as parents is to make sure they don’t spend all their time in front of them. Another is to make sure that the unavoidable time they do spend with technology is spent well and wisely.
Friday, May 1, 2015
World Press Freedom Day 3rd May-Theme 2015: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.
World Press Freedom Day 3rd May-
Theme 2015: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.
Dr M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Trichy
Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
Quality journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power. For this, journalism must be able to thrive, in an enabling environment in which they can work independently and without undue interference and in conditions of safety.
Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993. Since then, 3 May, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
This day is an opportunity
To Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
To Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
To Defend the media from attacks on their independence;
To Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year the United Nations agency mandated to promote and protect press freedom worldwide, has named renowned journalist and CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour as its Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety.
Three Sub themes are focused for World Press Freedom Day this year:
1. The need for “quality journalism” - reporting that is accurate and independent, remains a constant concern in a media landscape that is changing due to technological and commercial developments.
2. Gender imbalance continues in the media 20 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Change. All too few women journalists like Malini Partasaraty in The Hindu in India are able to reach decision-making positions in the media.
3. The third theme is digital safety, a topic of growing concern because digital communications makes it difficult for journalists to protect themselves and their sources.
The year world press freedom prize winner is Syrian journalist and human rights activist, Mazen Darwish, who is currently imprisoned.
Theme 2015: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.
Dr M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Trichy
Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
Quality journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power. For this, journalism must be able to thrive, in an enabling environment in which they can work independently and without undue interference and in conditions of safety.
Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993. Since then, 3 May, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
This day is an opportunity
To Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
To Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
To Defend the media from attacks on their independence;
To Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year the United Nations agency mandated to promote and protect press freedom worldwide, has named renowned journalist and CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour as its Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety.
Three Sub themes are focused for World Press Freedom Day this year:
1. The need for “quality journalism” - reporting that is accurate and independent, remains a constant concern in a media landscape that is changing due to technological and commercial developments.
2. Gender imbalance continues in the media 20 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Change. All too few women journalists like Malini Partasaraty in The Hindu in India are able to reach decision-making positions in the media.
3. The third theme is digital safety, a topic of growing concern because digital communications makes it difficult for journalists to protect themselves and their sources.
The year world press freedom prize winner is Syrian journalist and human rights activist, Mazen Darwish, who is currently imprisoned.
World Press Freedom Day 3rd May-Theme 2015: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.
World Press Freedom Day 3rd May-
Theme 2015: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.
Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
Quality journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power. For this, journalism must be able to thrive, in an enabling environment in which they can work independently and without undue interference and in conditions of safety.
Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993. Since then, 3 May, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
This day is an opportunity
To Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
To Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
To Defend the media from attacks on their independence;
To Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year the United Nations agency mandated to promote and protect press freedom worldwide, has named renowned journalist and CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour as its Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety.
Three Sub themes are focused for World Press Freedom Day this year:
1. The need for “quality journalism” - reporting that is accurate and independent, remains a constant concern in a media landscape that is changing due to technological and commercial developments.
2. Gender imbalance continues in the media 20 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Change. All too few women journalists like Malini Partasaraty in The Hindu in India are able to reach decision-making positions in the media.
3. The third theme is digital safety, a topic of growing concern because digital communications makes it difficult for journalists to protect themselves and their sources.
The year world press freedom prize winner is Syrian journalist and human rights activist, Mazen Darwish, who is currently imprisoned.
Theme 2015: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.
Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
Quality journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power. For this, journalism must be able to thrive, in an enabling environment in which they can work independently and without undue interference and in conditions of safety.
Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993. Since then, 3 May, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
This day is an opportunity
To Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
To Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
To Defend the media from attacks on their independence;
To Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year the United Nations agency mandated to promote and protect press freedom worldwide, has named renowned journalist and CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour as its Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety.
Three Sub themes are focused for World Press Freedom Day this year:
1. The need for “quality journalism” - reporting that is accurate and independent, remains a constant concern in a media landscape that is changing due to technological and commercial developments.
2. Gender imbalance continues in the media 20 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Change. All too few women journalists like Malini Partasaraty in The Hindu in India are able to reach decision-making positions in the media.
3. The third theme is digital safety, a topic of growing concern because digital communications makes it difficult for journalists to protect themselves and their sources.
The year world press freedom prize winner is Syrian journalist and human rights activist, Mazen Darwish, who is currently imprisoned.
World Press Freedom Day 3rd May-Theme 2015: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.
World Press Freedom Day 3rd May-
Theme 2015: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.
Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
Quality journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power. For this, journalism must be able to thrive, in an enabling environment in which they can work independently and without undue interference and in conditions of safety.
Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993. Since then, 3 May, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
This day is an opportunity
To Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
To Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
To Defend the media from attacks on their independence;
To Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year the United Nations agency mandated to promote and protect press freedom worldwide, has named renowned journalist and CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour as its Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety.
Three Sub themes are focused for World Press Freedom Day this year:
1. The need for “quality journalism” - reporting that is accurate and independent, remains a constant concern in a media landscape that is changing due to technological and commercial developments.
2. Gender imbalance continues in the media 20 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Change. All too few women journalists like Malini Partasaraty in The Hindu in India are able to reach decision-making positions in the media.
3. The third theme is digital safety, a topic of growing concern because digital communications makes it difficult for journalists to protect themselves and their sources.
The year world press freedom prize winner is Syrian journalist and human rights activist, Mazen Darwish, who is currently imprisoned.
Theme 2015: Let Journalism Thrive! Towards Better Reporting, Gender Equality, & Media Safety in the Digital Age.
Every year, 3 May is a date which celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom; to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession.
Quality journalism enables citizens to make informed decisions about their society’s development. It also works to expose injustice, corruption, and the abuse of power. For this, journalism must be able to thrive, in an enabling environment in which they can work independently and without undue interference and in conditions of safety.
Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993. Since then, 3 May, is celebrated worldwide as World Press Freedom Day.
This day is an opportunity
To Celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
To Assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
To Defend the media from attacks on their independence;
To Pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
This year the United Nations agency mandated to promote and protect press freedom worldwide, has named renowned journalist and CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour as its Goodwill Ambassador for Freedom of Expression and Journalist Safety.
Three Sub themes are focused for World Press Freedom Day this year:
1. The need for “quality journalism” - reporting that is accurate and independent, remains a constant concern in a media landscape that is changing due to technological and commercial developments.
2. Gender imbalance continues in the media 20 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Change. All too few women journalists like Malini Partasaraty in The Hindu in India are able to reach decision-making positions in the media.
3. The third theme is digital safety, a topic of growing concern because digital communications makes it difficult for journalists to protect themselves and their sources.
The year world press freedom prize winner is Syrian journalist and human rights activist, Mazen Darwish, who is currently imprisoned.
Cost Effective Experimental Drugs With Minimum side. effects are Required for Ebola . Aleem M A . BMJ 2015;350:h2105
Editorials
Ebola and ethics: autopsy of a failure
BMJ 2015; 350 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h2105 (Published 23 April 2015)
Cite this as: BMJ 2015;350:h2105
Rapid response
Re: Ebola and ethics: autopsy of a failure

Cost Effective Experimental Drugs With Minimum side. effects are Required for Ebola
Most viral infections are self limiting. In people infected with Ebola, supportive and symptomatic treatment shows good results in recent epidemic in countries like the USA. A cost effective and properly designed study with minimum side effects in patients who are bleeding like people infected with the Ebola virus is the need of the hour.
Competing interests: No competing interests
30 April 2015
M A Aleem
Neurologist
ABC Hospital
Annamalainagar Trichy 620018 Tamilnadu India
TIPS TO AVOID HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS IN SUMMER
TIPS TO AVOID HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS IN SUMMER
Prof.Dr.M.A.Aleem M.D.D.M. (Neuro) Consultant neurologist and Epileptologist (Trained at Institution of Neurology Queen,s Square. London.UK.) ABC Hospital , Trichy - 620018 Former of Vice Principal HOD & Professor of Neurology KAPV Government Medical College & MGM Government Hospital drmaaleem@hotmail.com Cell.94431-59940
What is summer heat – related problem?
Too much heat in summer can be harmful to our health. The summer Heat – related illness is the result of our body gaining heat faster than it can cool itself down. Heat – related illnesses can almost always be prevented. Heat – related illness can lead to weakness, disorientation, and exhaustion. In severe cases; it can lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke is a life – threatening medical emergency. The effects of heat are made worse if you do not drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
What cause heat – related problem in summer?
The healthy human body maintains a temperature of about 37 o C (98.6oF). When our body temperature rises, heat is released through increased sweating and blood flow to the skin. This allows our body to cool and return to its normal temperature. Heat – related illness occurs when our body is unable to properly cool itself in hot outdoor or indoor environment, or during intense. Physical activity. This occurs in extremely hot environments or in cases of overexposure to heat. Being in a hot environment can make our body temperature go up. Examples of hot environments include the inside of a car or a tent on a hot day, the upper floors of a house on a sunny day, a hot tub or sauna, and heat from direct warmth or sunlight in the outdoors.Heat – related illnesses can also occur in certain workplaces where a hot environment may be created by equipment or enclosed spaces, including: bakeries, kitchens laundries, boiler rooms, foundries and smelting operations, mines, and certain manufacturing plants.
What are the symptoms of heat – related problem?
There are a variety of mild to severe symptoms linked with heat – related illness, including : Pale,cool,moist skin; heavy sweating ; muscle cramps; rash; swelling, especially hands and feet; fatigue and weakness; dizziness and/or vomiting; fever, particularly a core body temperature of 40oC (104oF) or more; confusion and decreased mental alertness; hallucinations; red,hot,dry skin (in the late stages of heat stroke); seizures; and unconsciousness/coma. Hot temperatures can be dangerous especially if you have heart problems and breathing difficulties.
In summer who is at higher risk of heat- related problem?
Those at increased risk for heat – related illness include: Infants and children up to 4 years of age who rely on adults to make sure their environments are comfortable and provide them with enough fluids. People 65 years of age or older who may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to high temperatures. Healthy individuals who do a lot of physical activity or work in hot environment. Other things that may increase our risk of heat – related illness include: increased body mass; drinking too much alcohol or caffeine; chronic illnesses such as uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, heart failure, emphysema, kidney failure, colitis, mental health issues, and cystic fibrosis; certain medications such as diuretics or water pills, and certain psychiatric medications; previous heat stroke; exercising or find a place to cool down; and not drinking enough water during hot weather.
How can we prevent heat – related problem in summer?
There are many ways to reduce the risk of having a heat – related illness. These include: Never leave children alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52oC (125oF) within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34oC (93oF). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at safe temperature.When it is hot and when you are active on a warm day, drink plenty of fluids. Drink extra water even before you fell thirsty. Ask your health care provider about how much water you should drink on hot days if you are on water pills or limiting your fluid intake. To keep cool and avoid mild heat exhaustion on hot days, stay indoors in air – rated area are in air – conditioned buildings or take a cool bath or shower. At temperatures above 30oC (86oF), fans alone may not be able to prevent heat – related illness. Remember, sunscreen will protect against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays but not from the heat.Plan your outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun’s Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) is the weakest. Avoid tiring work or exercise in hot, humid environments. If you must work or exercise, drink 2 to 4 glasses of non – alcoholic fluids each hour. Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade. Avoid sunburn – use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Wear lightweight, light – colored, loose – fitting clothing and a brimmed hat, or use an umbrella for shade. Regularly check older adults, children and others for signs of heat – related illness and make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people with emotional or mental health concerns whose judgment may be impaired.
What are home treatments for mild heat – related problem?
When recognized early most mild heat – related illnesses can be treated at home. Home treatment for mild heat exhaustion may include: moving to a cooler environment; drinking plant of cool, non – alcoholic fluids; resting; taking a cool shower or bath; and wearing lightweight clothing. If your symptoms last longer than 1 hour, change worsen, or because you concern, contact a health care provider. Mild heat exhaustion does not cause changes in mental alertness. Consult a health care provider about changes in mental alertness in someone who has been in the heat, has been exercising, or working in the heat.
Other than direct effects of heat is there and summer related diseases?
Yes there are some of the most common diseases in summer, which will affect most common the children srelders.
What Is Sunburn?
So much for its egregious spell, sunburn can hinder our daily routines. Sunburn refers to the burn caused to a living tissue such as the skin due to overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Some of the sympotoms of sub burn include a red or reddish skin, mild dizziness and fatigue. If sun burn is common or is further exposed to the UV rays, it may cause skin cancer. To protect yourself from sunburn, apply a sun screen lotion on the exposed areas of your body 20 minutes before heading out in the sun.
What about Prickly Heat?
Prickly heat refers to red rashes that occur due to an excess of humidity and heat. Prickly heat may be caused by clogging of the sweat glands. You can relieve prickly heat by applying cornstarch or prickly heat powder on areas that show signs of prickly heat or in and around places that are likely to sweat more than the rest of the body. If the symptoms persist despite treatment, consult a doctor immediately.
Is it poisoning to Food Poisoning in summer?
Owing to excessive heat in summer, the food can spoil quickly. To prevent the risk of food poisoning, put the leftover food inside the refrigerator. Food must be well – cooked to ensure that it doesn’t get spoiled. When purchasing raw vegetables as that is a sign of spoilage. Also, make sure that the food doesn’t smell bad before purchasing.
Is Diarrhea is common in summer?
Because food gets spoilt quickly, diarrhea is common in summer. Eating contaminated food and unsafe drinking habitys can lead to dirrhoea. To keep away from diarrhea, make sure that you drink water only after boiling it and wash vegetables thoroughly before and after slicing them.
Is any poisoning out breakfast of viral disease in summer?
Summer’s here and with the temperatures soaring, it’s not only the unbearable temperatures that can harm you but a large variety of viral & bacterlal diseases you should be vary of this summer. They are chickenpox, Measles, jaundice, and Mumps.
What is Chicken Pox?
Ever wonder where this condition got its name? Well, that’s because the boils resembled you peck marks of a chicken, and the disease was christened ‘chicken pox’. Caused by: The Varicella zoster virus. At the onset of summers, chicken pox manifests as itchy red rash like spots or boils all over the body, usually in children. Spread by air – borne particles, the diseases spreads when an already infected person sneezes or coughs or coughs. Another mode of transmission is if a caregiver touches the blistera or the fluid oozing out of it. Some of the first symptoms are fever, headache and sore throat. After about a day or two a rash like blister appears in a localized part of the body which will later spread to the entire body. The boils or blisters burst after about 2 days and once they crust over, the patient can resume their daily activities. Until then, it is important that the he/ she is kept in completed isolation and given a good amount of rest. It takes about 10 days for the body to recover from the illness. On the bright side, once you suffer from chicken pox you will not contract the disease again due to the natural immunity the first attack confers on you. There is a vaccine available to protect yourself against this virus. Even so some simple precautions like washing your hands thoroughly after Visiting a common or crowded or crowded place and to isolate a person suffering from the disease to prevent its spread can be exercised.
Is it Measles common in summer?
Also called rubeola or morbilli, it is a common condition seen in the summers. Caused by: The paramyxo virus, it infects the lining at the back of the throat. It is transmitted the same way as chicken pox. Its initial symptoms are high fever, cough, runny nose throat and red eyes. These symptoms later progress to what’s called a measles rash (rashes that look like small red spots), fever, cough, runny nose and tiny white spots within the mouth. The measles rashes usually appear 3-5 days after the initial symptoms and start around the hairline and face in most cases. The MMR vaccine (Measels, Mumps and Rubella) usually given to all children is highly efficient in preventing the disease from occurring.
How Jaundice in common in summer?
Also called Hepatitis A, it is a water – borne disease caused mainly by contaminated water supplies and food cooked in unclean places. causes by: Jaundice is spread by the Hepatitis A virus, which affects the liver causing over – production of bile. The initial symptoms of jaundice include yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and the whites of eyes, light – colored stools, dark – colored urine and itching of the skin. A vaccine is available, but to protect yourself better, you should avoid eating food made in unhygienic places. Drink only filtered or doubled water.
What is Mumps?
It Is an extremely contagious viral disease. It is known to occur mainly in children during peak summer. Causes by: The mumps virus, it is transmitted when an infected person sneezes or coughs. One of the most common symptoms is the swelling up of the person’s salivary glands at the base of the neck. It typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite, and is followed by swelling of salivary glands. The MMR vaccine (Measels,Mumps and rubella) can help protect you from contracting the disease. Summer can be a beautiful time to spend with friends and family if you are healthy. All you need is awareness and a few precautions to enjoy the good times.
Is Typhoid occurs in summer?
Commonly known as typhoid fever, it is a water borne disease passed on through the oro – feacal route and it is. Caused by: A bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Passed on by the oro – feacal route, the bacterium is commonly found in unsanitary food or water sources.Its common symptoms include high fever, fatigue, weakeness, pain in the abdomen, headache, loss of appetite, and sometimes a rash. Once treated a person can still carry the bacteria but not suffer from the diseases. These people are called ‘carriers’ and often are the cause for further spread of the virus. There are two types of vaccines available to protect you against typhoid. One is a vaccine that uses the killed bacteria, and is injected into a person. The second is the attenuated or weakened bacterium that is administered in the form of medicine or a pill.
How Summer affect Children’s health?
When the season changes to summer children are most likely to get affected with common summer illnesses like sore throat, cold fever etc. However, if you take right precautions, you can prevent the common summer illnesses in children. Everyone should know more about the common summer illnesses in children and how to prevent them.
Summer means schools being over children stay at home or spend time as they want. This needs lot of attention and attentiveness which is no always possible for working parents. However, if you are aware of the common illnesses in summer season you can take the preventive measures and make your kids enjoy the vacation at the fullest.
If your child is feeling fatigued most of the time in summer, do not painc because it can be due to the summer season. It can also be because your child is suddenly free from the tight rountine of going to school and coping with the studies and home works and so he is feeling lazy and fatigued too. However, there are certain common infections that occur in summer and you should be familiar with them and the causes and symptoms too.
What are all the Common illnesses in children’s in summer?
Here are some of the common summer illnesses which can be observed in children.
Boils
The body heat most often erupts in the form of boils on different parts of the body. Take proper and professional advice in this case.
Allergy
In addition to sun allergy and heat allergy there are many other types of allergies seen in small children and adults too.
Water Borne Diseases
Water borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, jaundice, dysentery, amoebiosis, diarrhea and many more are commonly seen especially among those who are used to eating outdoors. Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environment and so food poisoning and occurrence of diseases due to food infection is more during summer days.
Any Tips for Preventing Summer Illnesses in Children?
Avoid giving cut fruits and food items from roadside vendors to your children. Also avoid cooking spicy and fried food items for children. Stick to fresh fruits, green vegetables and fresh fruit juices. Encourage your children to increase intake of water. Make sure that the water is properly purified and free from germs and viruses.Take lot of fluid when traveling or when going outdoors for a long time with kids. Provide food rich in fiber to your kids. Pay attention to their diet and right nutrition.Give lemon juice, coconut water and other natural fluids to your children as they help in hydrating from within. They have lots of nutrition that your child’s body needs at this time.Make your child wear light weighted and loose fitting clothes preferably made of natural fibers. Exercise with your kids early in the morning or late evening to avoid over exhaustion. Since you are aware of the common illnesses during summer season, should take necessary precautions to keep your child healthy and safe. Make sure you take care of sun safety, water safety and avoid insect biting summer season. Pay attention to intake water and nutritious diet in summer. Increase intake of fresh fruits and insist on making your children take minimum two baths daily to stay cool and infection free.
TIPS TO AVOID HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS IN SUMMER
TIPS TO AVOID HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS IN SUMMER
Prof.Dr.M.A.Aleem M.D.D.M. (Neuro) Consultant neurologist and Epileptologist (Trained at Institution of Neurology Queen,s Square. London.UK.) ABC Hospital , Trichy - 620018 Former of Vice Principal HOD & Professor of Neurology KAPV Government Medical College & MGM Government Hospital drmaaleem@hotmail.com Cell.94431-59940
What is summer heat – related problem? Too much heat in summer can be harmful to our health. The summer Heat – related illness is the result of our body gaining heat faster than it can cool itself down. Heat – related illnesses can almost always be prevented. Heat – related illness can lead to weakness, disorientation, and exhaustion. In severe cases; it can lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke is a life – threatening medical emergency. The effects of heat are made worse if you do not drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
What cause heat – related problem in summer? The healthy human body maintains a temperature of about 37 o C (98.6oF). When our body temperature rises, heat is released through increased sweating and blood flow to the skin. This allows our body to cool and return to its normal temperature. Heat – related illness occurs when our body is unable to properly cool itself in hot outdoor or indoor environment, or during intense. Physical activity. This occurs in extremely hot environments or in cases of overexposure to heat. Being in a hot environment can make our body temperature go up. Examples of hot environments include the inside of a car or a tent on a hot day, the upper floors of a house on a sunny day, a hot tub or sauna, and heat from direct warmth or sunlight in the outdoors.Heat – related illnesses can also occur in certain workplaces where a hot environment may be created by equipment or enclosed spaces, including: bakeries, kitchens laundries, boiler rooms, foundries and smelting operations, mines, and certain manufacturing plants.
What are the symptoms of heat – related problem? There are a variety of mild to severe symptoms linked with heat – related illness, including : Pale,cool,moist skin; heavy sweating ; muscle cramps; rash; swelling, especially hands and feet; fatigue and weakness; dizziness and/or vomiting; fever, particularly a core body temperature of 40oC (104oF) or more; confusion and decreased mental alertness; hallucinations; red,hot,dry skin (in the late stages of heat stroke); seizures; and unconsciousness/coma. Hot temperatures can be dangerous especially if you have heart problems and breathing difficulties.
In summer who is at higher risk of heat- related problem? Those at increased risk for heat – related illness include: Infants and children up to 4 years of age who rely on adults to make sure their environments are comfortable and provide them with enough fluids. People 65 years of age or older who may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to high temperatures. Healthy individuals who do a lot of physical activity or work in hot environment. Other things that may increase our risk of heat – related illness include: increased body mass; drinking too much alcohol or caffeine; chronic illnesses such as uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, heart failure, emphysema, kidney failure, colitis, mental health issues, and cystic fibrosis; certain medications such as diuretics or water pills, and certain psychiatric medications; previous heat stroke; exercising or find a place to cool down; and not drinking enough water during hot weather.
How can we prevent heat – related problem in summer? There are many ways to reduce the risk of having a heat – related illness. These include: Never leave children alone in a parked car. Temperatures can rise to 52oC (125oF) within 20 minutes inside a vehicle when the outside temperature is 34oC (93oF). Leaving the car windows slightly open will not keep the inside of the vehicle at safe temperature.When it is hot and when you are active on a warm day, drink plenty of fluids. Drink extra water even before you fell thirsty. Ask your health care provider about how much water you should drink on hot days if you are on water pills or limiting your fluid intake. To keep cool and avoid mild heat exhaustion on hot days, stay indoors in air – rated area are in air – conditioned buildings or take a cool bath or shower. At temperatures above 30oC (86oF), fans alone may not be able to prevent heat – related illness. Remember, sunscreen will protect against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays but not from the heat.Plan your outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., when the sun’s Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) is the weakest. Avoid tiring work or exercise in hot, humid environments. If you must work or exercise, drink 2 to 4 glasses of non – alcoholic fluids each hour. Rest breaks are important and should be taken in the shade. Avoid sunburn – use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Wear lightweight, light – colored, loose – fitting clothing and a brimmed hat, or use an umbrella for shade. Regularly check older adults, children and others for signs of heat – related illness and make sure they are keeping cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Check on those who are unable to leave their homes, and people with emotional or mental health concerns whose judgment may be impaired.
What are home treatments for mild heat – related problem? When recognized early most mild heat – related illnesses can be treated at home. Home treatment for mild heat exhaustion may include: moving to a cooler environment; drinking plant of cool, non – alcoholic fluids; resting; taking a cool shower or bath; and wearing lightweight clothing. If your symptoms last longer than 1 hour, change worsen, or because you concern, contact a health care provider. Mild heat exhaustion does not cause changes in mental alertness. Consult a health care provider about changes in mental alertness in someone who has been in the heat, has been exercising, or working in the heat.
Other than direct effects of heat is there and summer related diseases? Yes there are some of the most common diseases in summer, which will affect most common the children srelders.
What Is Sunburn?So much for its egregious spell, sunburn can hinder our daily routines. Sunburn refers to the burn caused to a living tissue such as the skin due to overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Some of the sympotoms of sub burn include a red or reddish skin, mild dizziness and fatigue. If sun burn is common or is further exposed to the UV rays, it may cause skin cancer. To protect yourself from sunburn, apply a sun screen lotion on the exposed areas of your body 20 minutes before heading out in the sun.
What about Prickly Heat? Prickly heat refers to red rashes that occur due to an excess of humidity and heat. Prickly heat may be caused by clogging of the sweat glands. You can relieve prickly heat by applying cornstarch or prickly heat powder on areas that show signs of prickly heat or in and around places that are likely to sweat more than the rest of the body. If the symptoms persist despite treatment, consult a doctor immediately.
Is it poisoning to Food Poisoning in summer?Owing to excessive heat in summer, the food can spoil quickly. To prevent the risk of food poisoning, put the leftover food inside the refrigerator. Food must be well – cooked to ensure that it doesn’t get spoiled. When purchasing raw vegetables as that is a sign of spoilage. Also, make sure that the food doesn’t smell bad before purchasing.
Is Diarrhea is common in summer?Because food gets spoilt quickly, diarrhea is common in summer. Eating contaminated food and unsafe drinking habitys can lead to dirrhoea. To keep away from diarrhea, make sure that you drink water only after boiling it and wash vegetables thoroughly before and after slicing them.
Is any poisoning out breakfast of viral disease in summer?Summer’s here and with the temperatures soaring, it’s not only the unbearable temperatures that can harm you but a large variety of viral & bacterlal diseases you should be vary of this summer. They are chickenpox, Measles, jaundice, and Mumps.
What is Chicken Pox?Ever wonder where this condition got its name? Well, that’s because the boils resembled you peck marks of a chicken, and the disease was christened ‘chicken pox’. Caused by: The Varicella zoster virus. At the onset of summers, chicken pox manifests as itchy red rash like spots or boils all over the body, usually in children. Spread by air – borne particles, the diseases spreads when an already infected person sneezes or coughs or coughs. Another mode of transmission is if a caregiver touches the blistera or the fluid oozing out of it. Some of the first symptoms are fever, headache and sore throat. After about a day or two a rash like blister appears in a localized part of the body which will later spread to the entire body. The boils or blisters burst after about 2 days and once they crust over, the patient can resume their daily activities. Until then, it is important that the he/ she is kept in completed isolation and given a good amount of rest. It takes about 10 days for the body to recover from the illness. On the bright side, once you suffer from chicken pox you will not contract the disease again due to the natural immunity the first attack confers on you. There is a vaccine available to protect yourself against this virus. Even so some simple precautions like washing your hands thoroughly after Visiting a common or crowded or crowded place and to isolate a person suffering from the disease to prevent its spread can be exercised.
Is it Measles common in summer? Also called rubeola or morbilli, it is a common condition seen in the summers. Caused by: The paramyxo virus, it infects the lining at the back of the throat. It is transmitted the same way as chicken pox. Its initial symptoms are high fever, cough, runny nose throat and red eyes. These symptoms later progress to what’s called a measles rash (rashes that look like small red spots), fever, cough, runny nose and tiny white spots within the mouth. The measles rashes usually appear 3-5 days after the initial symptoms and start around the hairline and face in most cases. The MMR vaccine (Measels, Mumps and Rubella) usually given to all children is highly efficient in preventing the disease from occurring.
How Jaundice in common in summer? Also called Hepatitis A, it is a water – borne disease caused mainly by contaminated water supplies and food cooked in unclean places. causes by: Jaundice is spread by the Hepatitis A virus, which affects the liver causing over – production of bile. The initial symptoms of jaundice include yellow discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and the whites of eyes, light – colored stools, dark – colored urine and itching of the skin. A vaccine is available, but to protect yourself better, you should avoid eating food made in unhygienic places. Drink only filtered or doubled water.
What is Mumps? It Is an extremely contagious viral disease. It is known to occur mainly in children during peak summer. Causes by: The mumps virus, it is transmitted when an infected person sneezes or coughs. One of the most common symptoms is the swelling up of the person’s salivary glands at the base of the neck. It typically starts with a few days of fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite, and is followed by swelling of salivary glands. The MMR vaccine (Measels,Mumps and rubella) can help protect you from contracting the disease. Summer can be a beautiful time to spend with friends and family if you are healthy. All you need is awareness and a few precautions to enjoy the good times.
Is Typhoid occurs in summer?Commonly known as typhoid fever, it is a water borne disease passed on through the oro – feacal route and it is. Caused by: A bacteria called Salmonella typhi. Passed on by the oro – feacal route, the bacterium is commonly found in unsanitary food or water sources.Its common symptoms include high fever, fatigue, weakeness, pain in the abdomen, headache, loss of appetite, and sometimes a rash. Once treated a person can still carry the bacteria but not suffer from the diseases. These people are called ‘carriers’ and often are the cause for further spread of the virus. There are two types of vaccines available to protect you against typhoid. One is a vaccine that uses the killed bacteria, and is injected into a person. The second is the attenuated or weakened bacterium that is administered in the form of medicine or a pill.
How Summer affect Children’s health? When the season changes to summer children are most likely to get affected with common summer illnesses like sore throat, cold fever etc. However, if you take right precautions, you can prevent the common summer illnesses in children. Everyone should know more about the common summer illnesses in children and how to prevent them.
Summer means schools being over children stay at home or spend time as they want. This needs lot of attention and attentiveness which is no always possible for working parents. However, if you are aware of the common illnesses in summer season you can take the preventive measures and make your kids enjoy the vacation at the fullest.
If your child is feeling fatigued most of the time in summer, do not painc because it can be due to the summer season. It can also be because your child is suddenly free from the tight rountine of going to school and coping with the studies and home works and so he is feeling lazy and fatigued too. However, there are certain common infections that occur in summer and you should be familiar with them and the causes and symptoms too.
What are all the Common illnesses in children’s in summer?
Here are some of the common summer illnesses which can be observed in children.
Boils The body heat most often erupts in the form of boils on different parts of the body. Take proper and professional advice in this case.
Allergy In addition to sun allergy and heat allergy there are many other types of allergies seen in small children and adults too.
Water Borne Diseases Water borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, jaundice, dysentery, amoebiosis, diarrhea and many more are commonly seen especially among those who are used to eating outdoors. Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environment and so food poisoning and occurrence of diseases due to food infection is more during summer days.
Any Tips for Preventing Summer Illnesses in Children?Avoid giving cut fruits and food items from roadside vendors to your children. Also avoid cooking spicy and fried food items for children. Stick to fresh fruits, green vegetables and fresh fruit juices. Encourage your children to increase intake of water. Make sure that the water is properly purified and free from germs and viruses.Take lot of fluid when traveling or when going outdoors for a long time with kids. Provide food rich in fiber to your kids. Pay attention to their diet and right nutrition.Give lemon juice, coconut water and other natural fluids to your children as they help in hydrating from within. They have lots of nutrition that your child’s body needs at this time.Make your child wear light weighted and loose fitting clothes preferably made of natural fibers. Exercise with your kids early in the morning or late evening to avoid over exhaustion. Since you are aware of the common illnesses during summer season, should take necessary precautions to keep your child healthy and safe. Make sure you take care of sun safety, water safety and avoid insect biting summer season. Pay attention to intake water and nutritious diet in summer. Increase intake of fresh fruits and insist on making your children take minimum two baths daily to stay cool and infection free.