Citizen Matters 16June2012 JP Nagar edition

Citizen Matters JP Nagar-BTM-Jayanagar

No. 3/119, 9th Main, 3rd Block, Jayanagar

Local news like no one else does

Ph:42068504/05

risk of Bio-medical waste

Unlicensed clinics going scot free Page 11

6 BTM Residents get conned 7 Meet Laxminarayan 10 LDA limps

17 Nature Feature: Owls & Shikras not bad omens!

18 Confessions of a second-time mom

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Citizen Matters hosts Photography exhibition in BTM-JP Nagar parks This weekend - 16th & 17th.

See page 17

www.citizenmatters.in Vol-4 Issue-10

16 - 30 June 2012

Healthy skin depends on what you eat What is the role of diet in enhancing youthful-appearing skin?

Healthy skin is the manifestation of overall health and as such can be influenced by the quality of diet.

Both micro and macronutrients play crucial roles in maintaining skin health. Certain essential vitamins and antioxidants help in preventing damage to skin from ultraviolent ray exposure, oxidation and aid in skin repair. A healthy diet rich in these vitamins and antioxidants helps maintain youthful-appearing skin.

Will drinking eight glasses of water a day ensure proper skin hydration?

Although studies have found no objective improvement of wrinkles or skin surface roughness with increased water intake, dehydration can lead to decreased skin turgor and dryness.

Water, however, is an essential nutrient by itself as staying hydrated is important for overall health.

Can foods worsen skin conditions?

Food allergies can cause skin rashes or inflammation, besides leading to a wide variety of symptoms ranging from abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, headaches etc. Although common culprits are gluten, soy, egg, peanuts and milk, many people can be sensitive to a wide variety of foods.

Elimination diets that are specially designed to detect food allergies can effectively identify the food triggers.

Medical skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema or psoriasis, can be aggravated by eating certain foods

or consuming alcohol. Rosacea, characterised by facial redness and swelling, commonly can be triggered by alcohol or certain types of food.

The temperature of beverages or

foods consumed can also cause this.

Can a low-glycemic diet reduce acne (pimples)?

The focus of research in recent years has been on glycemic index of foods (i.e., the extent to which foods elevate blood sugar levels).

Emerging research now suggests there may be a link between a low-glycemic diet and an improvement in acne.

A study published in the July 2007 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined whether male acne patients aged 15 to 25 who followed a low-glycemic diet had a reduction in acne lesions compared to a group that consumed a diet rich in carbohydrates. The study found that at 12 weeks, acne lesions had decreased more in the young men in the low-glycemic group than their counterparts in the comparison group. (A low-glycemic diet has 25 percent of energy from protein and 45 percent from low-glycemic-index carbohydrates.)

What do I eat for healthy hair?

A balanced diet provides essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals required for healthy hair.

Micronutrients such as biotin, iron, zinc, and selenium ensure normal hair growth and repair of damaged hair. If you are on a pure vegetarian diet, you need to be aware of what foods can provide these nutrients and how to optimise their availability.

What is the role of nutrition in maintaining nails?

Nails are affected by deficiency of lot of vitamins, minerals and trace elements; virtually every nutritional deficiency can affect the growth of the nail in some manner. Biotin and trace elements like iron are essential for maintaining healthy nails.

Dr.U.Sudheendra

M.B.B.S, DDVL, Consulting Dermatologist, Berund Specialty Clinic, Jayanagar

Ms.Kavitha Simha

M.Sc, CRN, RD, Registered Dietician, Berund Speciality Clinic, Jayanagar

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Berund Specialty Clinic #797, Annapoorna, 10th Main, Jayanagar 4th Block, Bangalore-560011 Tel: +91 80 41411263/9342410377 Email: berundclinics@gmail.com www.berundclinics.com

Citizen Matters Vol-4 Issue-10, 16 - 30 June 2012 KARENG/2009/28904. Published & printed by Meera K for Oorvani Media Pvt Ltd. Printed at Lavanya Mudrana, 19, 15th cross, Vidyapeeta Circle, BSK I Stage, Bangalore 560060 Place of publication Oorvani Media, #98/1, MMR Plaza 1st Floor, Sarjapur Main Road, Jakkasandra, Koramangala 1st Block, Bangalore 560034 Editor Subramaniam Vincent.

Thyroid disease can affect your eye The treatment depends on the severity and stage of the disease: tablets, injections, or surgery for reconstruction are all used.

Abnormal opening of right eye in thyroid eye disease.

Same patient after surgery- eye is better protected

Thyroid disorders are increasingly detected among the population.

Thyroid affects the entire body, as well as the eye. Unfortunately, most patients either do not know that the eye can be affected by thyroid abnormalities; or they are under the impression that they have to accept the discomfort and changed appearance, without any remedy. Let us understand more about how thyroid disease affects the eye.

Who gets Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also called Graves’ disease, Graves’ ophthalmopathy?

Most commonly, patients with hyperthyroid (over-active thyroid) suffer from thyroid eye disease. But the disease is also seen in hypothyroid patients (underactive thyroid). A small percentage of the patients have TED, without ANY other sign of thyroid disease in the body.

It is estimated that more than half the patients with thyroid disease develop TED at some time.

How does thyroid eye disease affect the eye?

Young woman with altered appearance due to thyroid

Advertiser Feature

Same patient, back to normal condition after reconstruction

In mild cases, the eye can feel gritty, reddish, itchy. In moderate cases, there can be occasional double vision, a ‘bulging’ appearance of the eye, difficulty in closing the eye. The patient can feel pain around the eye, and ‘pressure’ on the eye.

In severe cases, the vision may decrease, the eye may have severe redness, pain and watering, and develop an ulcer. In the late, inactive stage of the disease, the eye can have a changed appearance, and a ‘staring, bulging’ look.

How will I know there is a threat to my vision?

Watch for the following signs1. The eye does not close well, there is redness, pain, watering, and/or a white spot on the black part of the eye – affecting the cornea.

2. Vision is not clear. The earliest way to detect it is to look at a bright red object every day, one eye at a time. If the red looks muddy and dull instead of bright red, please contact your doctor immediately.

3. W atch for double vision, i.e., one object appearing like two.

What is the treatment for thyroid eye disease?

Your physician will take care of the thyroid disease in the body. However, a well-controlled systemic thyroid level does not always keep the eye safe, and extra care is needed.

Thyroid eye disease is best treated by an ophthalmologist who specializes in the problem. Simple measures can keep you more comfortable: mild pain-killers, cool compresses, tear substitutes, and elevation of the headend of the bed while sleeping, are beneficial. Do stop smoking if you have the habit. Go for a checkup every 3 to 6 months.

Dr Roshmi Gupta, Orbit and Oculoplastic Surgeon

633, 100 feet Ring Road JP Nagar 3rd Phase, Bengaluru - 560078 Tel: 08026593210 fax: 08041209197 drrajashekaryl@shekarnethralaya.com Ph:9980562020 info@shekarnethralaya.com www.shekarnethralaya.com

Treating mouth ulcers Almost all of us have suffered from the dreaded mouth ulcers at some point or the other in our life…and have been told that we have to grin and bear it!!

Mouth ulcers, also known as Aphthous Ulcers are most common among people between the ages of 10 to 60 years. They often appear when the body’s immune system is weak or compromised, with mouth injury or by stress.

There are a lot of factors that can trigger or cause a mouth ulcer to develop such as infection with a virus or bacteria, dental problems and eating certain food. For now mouth ulcer treatment is based on relieving the pain and boosting the healing process.

A variety of factors can cause or trigger mouth ulcers such as: biting the inside of your cheek, lip or tongue, sharp or broken tooth, using a toothbrush that is too hard, hypersensitivity to certain foods, Inherited, Vitamin deficiency, especially B-complex, bacterial or viral infection, hormonal changes, medicines, anxiety, stress, poor oral hygiene, spicy food, alcohol and smoking.

SYMPTOMS The ulcers begin as small red swellings At this stage people will often feel a burning or tingling sensation. After a day the red swelling bursts open. The ruptured

Treatment It is normally said that you could treat ulcers with medicines within a week or it will otherwise take 7 days to get cured!!

When to see your doctor or dentist?

• If the mouth ulcers have not disappeared after two weeks • If you think that your mouth ulcers are caused by your medication • If the mouth ulcer starts to bleed • When you have a sudden outbreak of mouth ulcers accompanied with a fever • If you think that your mouth ulcers are caused by poorly fitted dentures

sores are covered by a thin white or yellow membrane and edged by a red inflamed border. Generally,the sores heal within two weeks without scarring. Mouth ulcers are usually found on the movable parts of the mouth, such as the tongue or the inside lining of the lips and cheeks, and at the base of the gums.

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Although mouth ulcers will disappear eventually by themselves, they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and it takes a while for them to heal.

There is no cure available for mouth ulcers. Treatment of a mouth ulcer is based on relieving the symptoms, reducing the chance of returning and promoting the healing process.

Before you start treating mouth ulcers it is advised at first to pursue an optimal oral hygiene.

A nightly dose of vitamin B12 is advocated to prevent them from recurring. In mild cases, use of topical coating agents such as Mucopain or Zilactin is appropriate.

In more severe cases, the use of a high potency topical steroid preparation, placed directly on the lesion shortens healing time and the size of the ulcer.For severe cases who do not respond to topical therapy the use of systemic therapy should be considered.

PERFECT 32

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jayanagar jp nagar & BTM

Fake BESCOM officials cheat BTM residents

O

n Sunday, June 3rd, two men pretending to be BESCOM officials conned R Nagarajan and his wife Swarnalatha, residents of BTM II stage, into buying cheap CFL bulbs at a high price.

According to Nagarajan, one of the men identified himself as a BESCOM Junior Engineer, Srinivas. He then convinced Nagarajan that BESCOM was distributing CFL lamps to senior citizens to replace the regular powerhungry incandescent bulbs.

Nagarajan says, “They said they will give us 12 bulbs free and another 12 for Rs 2400, which was supposed to be adjusted in the electricity bills of the subsequent 4 months.”

BESCOM reacts Citizen Matters spoke to BESCOM MD P Manivannan who said: Even if we get a complaint, our staff cannot do anything legally, unless we grab those impersonators and hand them over to police. Our staff are there to serve you on electrical issues, and they are not trained to respond/catch impersonators. So, next time, please inform the local police.

Do not entertain anybody from BESCOM or any other organisation whenever they ask for any money, unless you call up the helpline and confirm they are bonafide.

Swarnalatha and Nagarajan. Inset: the fake bulbs. Pic: AA.

No receipt was given and the bulbs given were also not ISI marked. On peeling the price sticker, this reporter saw the price marked as Rs 34 per piece.

When Nagarajan tried to complain about the con job to BESCOM, he says they refused to entertain his complaint.

Abhishek Angad

abhishekangad@citizenmatters.in

2 years at the lake! by registering as an NGO for the TCS Bangalore 10K run.

The past year has been very eventful, with our focus on making Puttenahalli Lake a well-patronised Public Open Space and a secure avian habitat.

Our sincere appreciation to our volunteers: PNLIT Mitra, PNLIT Young Rangers and other volunteers.

A lot of recognition has also come our way - featured on Times Now Amazing Indians, shortlisted as a finalist for the Namma Bengaluru Awards, interviewed and featured in various media. We were delighted to receive a grant from Mahindra to meet some of our infrastructure expenditure. We raised some money

We have started new citizen-participation initiatives: Weekend Volunteers, Senior Citizen Volunteers, community gardening and composting. We now grow vegetables at the lake and have planted lots of fruit trees, which we hope will help in making the lake self-sustaining in future. Our PNLIT Shutterbugs and Birdwatchers have diligently documented the bird visits to Puttenahalli Lake.

Rain Water Harvesting is now operational at Puttenahalli Lake. Our other educational initiatives include nature walks and bird watching, birthday tours, etc.

Arathi Manay Yajaman is a trustee of PNLIT.

6 CITIZEN MATTERS 16 - 30 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-10

We have launched PNLIT “LAKE=LIFE” T-shirts to increase awareness about the importance of lakes and PNLIT’s model of citizen participation in the preservation of our Public Open Spaces.

The money generated will go towards the maintenance and improvement of Puttenahalli Lake.

These “Anniversary Limited Edition” Unisex T-shirts are available in Green Polo neck (sizes S, M, L, XL at Rs 390, Assorted colour Round neck (sizes S, M, L - Rs 280) and suitable for children from age 8 upwards and adults.

To get your T-shirts, call 9449039195 (L&T South City) or 9845079076 (Brigade Millennium).

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local matters

Back to basics with organic farming S Laxminarayan, 36, a software engineer by profession, is also a part-time urban farmer. He aims to get people started on kitchen gardening. He is a co-founder of Garden City Farmer’s Trust that aims to spread awareness on organic farming. He lives in ISRO layout with his wife Sowmya M, a physiotherapist. Edited excerpts from his interview.

You use a cycle for commuting while your motorbike and car are covered in dust.

Are you a green enthusiast?

Well, I am just getting ready for the future. Natural resources are depleting due to use and abuse of it. So I thought of using a bicycle, Pic: Abhishek Angad at least doing my bit. Also, this was the apt moment to buy agriculture, one as petrol prices are going Nimma really doesn’t high. neighbour need any farming

Why did you get into urban farming all of a sudden?

It happened during the financial crisis, around 2008. I was scared of losing my job. And I started wondering, what kind of sustainability we have. I wanted go back to the basics and develop ways to sustain myself. I also met Dr B N Vishwanath (former UAS Professor and an organic farming expert), my dad’s friend and at his place, there was a tomato plant. It made me think, why can’t I grow that? I also realised whatever I am eating, however beautiful it may be, I am not sure whether it has come without chemicals or pesticide. There was also a lot of noise about ill-effects of the usage of endosulfan. So all this led me to farming.

start farming.

to

I grow veggies like tomato, brinjal,

AbhisheK Angad

ALERT: Bannerghatta Road section ONE-WAY Bannerghatta Rd from Sagar hospital junction towards Gurappana palya junction stretch is going to be one way traffic, from June 16th onwards.

Vehicles coming from Jayadeva flyover have to take left turn at gurappanapalya junction as shown in the map. They will then have to take a right at East End Main Road in Jayanagar 9th Block and take another right at Swagath Road before hitting Bannerghatta Road again.

Vehicles coming from Diary circle comings towards Jayadeva flyover can proceed as usual. Src: Traffic police

Jun 5th environment day saw a cloth bag initiative at Jayanagar Complex. Newsmakers including Vasundhara Das, Bhavana, Malavika Avinash and Sunil Raoh autographed the shopping bags.

This was a initiative by Citizen Matters and Prakruthi.

Does this require any agricultural background? What do you grow?

Though I got tips from my parents as they practised

background

spinach and fruits like grapes which I have started it recently. It won’t suffice daily needs (completely) but I remember producing around 25 kgs of tomato and 6 kgs of brinjal, in the months, Jan to April, 2012.

Pic: Sankar C G

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Vol-4 Issue-10 16 - 30 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 7

check outs

Coffee, kaapi, it’s all here With so many coffee joints sprouting up around town, we Bangaloreans are pretty much spoilt for choice. Along with coffee that you can pick up and drink onthe-go, meals that are made to go with that fresh cuppa are the new deal.

S

everal upmarket coffee joints offer great combos so that your coffee becomes a full blown meal. Pairing it with freshly baked pizzas and sandwiches is a current favourite. Of course, muffins and cookies remain constant companions of the brew.

But what kind of coffee do you choose? Caramel laced, chocolate laden, or topped up with whipped cream and sprinkles? Bangalore is lucky enough to be home to some rather unique combinations. Lemon infused ( completely serious here), or blended with pastry? We have it.

Frappés and cappuccinos abound for those who like a little Italian in their cup. You can find delectable cheese cakes too, heavy on Irish creme, Oreo cookies or even berries to best suit the coffee you choose.

All the pictures from wikemedia.commons

Cold coffees are increasingly scoring well with customers, and it doesn’t look like hot coffees are making comebacks just yet. But for those who still hold on to the heat, double espressos and filter kaapis still d r a w admirers in the city. After a plate of hot idlis or some other Southern specialty, filter coffee just can’t be beat!

And it’s not just the coffee shop chains that have scored with customers, but little cafés too.

Although they may

be hard to spot, tucked in between supermarkets and jewellery stores, you can find spaces that are big on flavour and variety, in terms of both food and drink.

However, coffee is not all that the city has to offer - flavoured teas are all the rage too. Strawberry, lemon,

Temple Street, , Jayanagar 3rd Block, near Ashoka Pillar

For tea enthusiasts Infinitea, 2, Cunningham 41148810

Shah Sultan Complex, Road. Ph: 41148428,

My Tea House, #293, 100ft Ring Road,4th Phase, 7th Block,, Banashankari 3rd Stage.

Ph: 09481462593

Gaana Srinivas is a student of Communications at Mt.Carmel College and is a summer intern at Citizen Matters.

mint, even chocolate flavoured teas have found a place in the stomachs and hearts of the city’s hangoutloving crowd. Several places around town have dedicated themselves solely to the ‘other’ beverage.

I hope you’re hungry now. If you are, here are a few places worth checking out.

JAYANAGAR Black Mug Café : No 177, 22nd Cross, Next To-Food World, Jayanagar 3rd Block Café Pascucci: High Street Mall, Jayanagar 3rd Block Hotel Pavithra: Jayanagar 4th T Block, near Vijaya College next to Cool Joint.

Cafe Mondo: Café Mondo: 2/2, Patalamma

8 CITIZEN MATTERS 16 - 30 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-10

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The mightier gift W

hen was the last time you bought a pen? How much did it cost? Was it made of plastic or coated with gold?

Yes some pens are made of gold and can cost up to a couple of lakhs.

Brand name, as in any other retail product is a key factor with the pricing of pens too. From Parker, Pierre Cardin, Cross, Sheaffer, Baoer, Waterman, Mont Blanc, Caran d’Ache, Q, the list is long.

You have a plethora of designs, trends and styles to choose from.

It also depends on the material from which pens are made from. The regular pens generally have plastic bodies.

But there are pens made from in carbon fibre, stainless steel, Chinese lacquer, Aluminium and rhodium, with coats of silver and gold! Gosh! And so much for writing! They are either ballpoint pens or ink pens. These brands don’t have gel pens.

So, gone are the days when pen was considered just a set of a plastic body and a refill, or even plain old fountain pen, just enough to get your work done. Pens have evolved into a status symbol, a trend, a style statement.

These pens are mostly used for the corporate

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Check outs

gifting purposes.

Some companies buy them in bulk during seminars and conferences. The brands depends on their budget.

There is also a trend of customised pens.

You can get names engraved over these pens.

Corporates use this the most. They can get the name of their companies engraved over these pens.

Well, here’s a secret little tip for you. Pens make for a wonderful gift when you are not sure what to give and still want to make it special, regardless of the gender.

So go to the nearest store and pick your favourite pen, and write it all out in style. Don’t forget to flaunt one over your shirt pocket as well!

You can pick your choice of pens from: William Penn: # 145, 1st Main, 5th Block, Koramangala. Ph: 25537803, 41104428, 40535555 Sapna Book house: # 6, 80 Feet Road, 7th Block, Koramangala. Ph: 40839999 Pen Fold: # 174/A, 19th Main, Sector 4, HSR Layout. Ph: 8553011056, 25724864

Anisha Nair

anisha@citizenmatters.in

Vol-4 Issue-10 16 - 30 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 9

exclusive

With no power to protect lakes, LDA limps

Construction debris being dumped on Agara Lake bed. Pic: Sankar C G

I

t has been four years since Bangalore’s Lake Development Authority (LDA), put forward a bill demanding more power and funds to protect the city’s lakes. The wait seems endless for the cabinet’s approval of the proposed LDA bill.

If passed, the bill will provide both resources and enforcement power to the LDA. Strangely the ‘authority’ was formed under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with practically no powers to act against violators. “LDA is working like a society. Lack of resources not allowing us for a fullfledged functioning. So we decided to propose a LDA bill in 2008,” says Rama Acharya, Public Information Officer, LDA. LDA was formed in 2002 by Karnataka’s environment ministry.

It has been funded by the State government.

According to LDA, Bangalore originally had 2785 lakes. People used lake water for domestic and agricultural activities. But due to industrialisation and urbanisation, 90% of the lakes have vanished. But without teeth and resources to back it up, LDA is unable to do much.

Currently there are 207 lakes surviving. Of these, BBMP is

responsible for 129. BDA is in charge of 49 lakes, five are under Karnataka Forest Department, and 18 under Minor Irrigation Department. And LDA itself controls only six lakes: Agara Lake (bounding HSR layout), Hebbal Lake, Nagavara Lake (near Hebbal), Venkayyana Kere (New Airport Road), Sheelavanthana Lake (Whitefield ) and Byrasandra Lake (Jayanagar 3rd block).

What LDA seeks through the bill 1. Power to take action against lake encroachers.

2. Power to take action against lake polluters.

3. Enough resources for task forces, and sufficient engineers.

4. Bring more lakes under its ambit.

5. Sufficient funds for lake development.

Non-existent enforcement currently Taking care of even these six lakes has not been possible for the LDA. When Citizen Matters asked about the dumping of construction wastes and pollution in Agara Lake, Acharya said, “We cannot take action against

10 CITIZEN MATTERS 16 - 30 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-10

those who are violating the lake. But we have informed about this to the Revenue Department and KSPCB.” LDA officials say their notices have been in vain. Eighteen cases are pending for the past two years with Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) with regard to the lake pollution.

Despite its lack of powers and funds, LDA has been able to do some work. Last year, the authority did a lake water analysis on 86 lakes in Bangalore. 39 lakes were highly polluted and 47 moderately polluted.

But again, no action could be taken.

The long wait continues “Once LDA bill is passed, we will have enough resources and power. Then we can take action against those who are polluting or encroaching the lake. Moreover we will have enough resources to work for the preservation of lakes,” said Dr Ravi Ralph, CEO of LDA, echoing the line taken by his PRO, Acharya.

For a bill to become a law, it has to pass through different stages. But the LDA bill has not even passed the initial stages, since its drafting, says Ravi.

Sankar C G

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cm special

Unlicensed day clinics going scot free

O

n 8th May, BBMP issued a notice meant as a final warning to unlicensed health units to obtain trade licenses. But this was not the first time; BBMP had issued the notice thrice before - first on 5th December 2010, second in February 2011 and the third in June 2011.

Despite these notices, 937 health units out of a 2648 hospitals surveyed by BBMP were unregistered as of March 2012.

The notice makes it mandatory for health units to have an up-to-date receipt of tax payment, an authorisation letter from KSPCB (Karnataka State Pollution Control Board), an agreement with authorised bio-medical waste collectors - Semb Ramky Environment Management Pvt Ltd or Maridi Eco Industries Private Limited. Along with this, they should pay one year’s fee as mentioned in Suvarna Arogya Paravanige-2007 to obtain trade license.

What is biomedical waste?

Most visits to the hospital - for vaccinations, minor surgeries, major surgeries - all leave behind a trail of biomedical waste. If this is not scientifically disposed, it can cause serious trouble. For example, if you get a vaccination, the syringe, needle and even the cotton used becomes biomedical waste.

Biomedical waste if mixed with municipal waste can be hazardous. It can cause diseases like cholera, plague, tuberculosis, hepatitis (especially HBV), AIDS (HIV), diphtheria etc, and pose grave public health risk.

Biomedical waste should be segregated

and Handling) and disposed of with authorised waste Rules, 1998, the collectors. Pic: Abhishek Angad organisation/ institution generating waste is responsible for ensuring that such waste is handled without any adverse effect to human health and the environment.

So either the health units generating bio-medical waste should have an incineration plant to disinfect or burn it, or tie up with any private agencies for the same. Most hospitals found the latter viable. In 2001, two private players Semb Ramky Environment Management Pvt Ltd and Maridi Eco Industries Private Limited got the tender to handle waste in Karnataka. These two got the contract out of the 14 that had applied.

Maridi has its incineration plant in Kanakapura and Ramky has its plant in Tumkur Road. The two organisations collect biomedical waste in four colorcoded bags, segregated by the concerned health unit.

KSPCB remains the monitoring authority of the private players.

To obtain a trade license, the health units have to Maridi caters to South and East Bengaluru along with declare whether they generate bio-medical waste. Mandya, Kolar, Chickballapur and Ramanagara and handles roughly 1600 health units in Bangalore. M A This will ensure that the health units Srinath, Vice President Operations, generating bio-medical waste have an arrangement with Ramky or Health units include hospitals, Maridi, claims that almost all bedded hospitals are covered in Bangalore Maridi, for safe disposal of such waste. super-speciality hospitals, either by his company or Ramky, but Dr T Devaki Umesh, BBMP’s health clinics, nursing homes, dental also mentions that day clinics remain officer (West), says that it is mostly clinics, health clinics like a nuisance for them. the day clinics that are not licensed. spas, Unani and Ayurvedic “The day clinics are present in every However, on Sunday, 10th June, dispensaries, Ayush centre, nook and corner of Bangalore BBMP held a meeting with doctors of yoga centres, blood banks, and many are not registered. They day clinics to sort this issue. She adds, generate lot of waste. Also, the “70 people applied for the license and laboratories, veterinary hospitals and shelter homes. timings of the day clinics are irregular, we will see some more soon.” which makes it difficult for us to Who is supposed to collect biomedical collect the waste regularly.”

waste?

According to the Bio-medical Waste (Management Got feedback on our articles? Give us a missed call at 080-300 88 615

Abhishek Angad

abhishekangad@citizenmatters.in Vol-4 Issue-10 16 - 30 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 11

for your Info

FED UP WITH DIET FADS?

H

istorically, human civilisation’s growth is punctuated with attention to weight and to diet.

Diet fads like low fat diet, low carbohydrate diet, Duke diet, Couch Potato diet, HCG Diet, GM diet, banana breakfast diet, no breakfast diet, fruit diet, salad diet, tomato diet, etc. have evolved over time. In this maze, we have lost sight of what is known as balanced diet.

A balanced diet is a balanced proportion of different components are - carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In addition body requires certain vitamins, nutrients, and minerals to perform for different body functions. Body requires certain specific compounds like anti-oxidants, vitamins, fibres, and certain supplements.

Peer pressure, celebrity endorsement and Size-zero concept contributes to Diet Fads. Some also have the desire to lose a lot of weight, that too very fast!

Early signs of adverse effects of Diet Fads include: dizziness, confusion, fainting, dehydration, severe constipation or diarrhoea, muscle cramps, mood changes, constant hunger and lethargy

health matters

Col (Retd.) Dr Mukul Saxena Some tips to lose weight in balanced way Eat less but more frequently Avoid second helping Eat more of fibre, vegetables, salads, curd Avoid ice creams, cakes, trans fats, refined carbohydrates. colas, fruit juices, junk food, sweets and processed food.

Drink more water Regular exercises this does not mean going hungry.

Skipping breakfast, mindless snacking, a sedentary lifestyle and irregular sleeping habits can damage the body.

Pic: wikimedia.commons

To reduce weight, the options are to reduce total calorie intake, reduce specific components of food and burn up more calories. However

The key to lose weight without diet fads lies in balanced diet and balanced lifestyle.

What a pest (Part III) I

n the early days of my garden, I have been harassed a fair deal by the Mealybug! Of course I now realise that it was probably because I had not ensured that the soil was healthy enough.

Mealybugs tend to gather on the affected plant in large numbers, forming white cottony masses.

They start at the newer growth tips and spread to ‘hard to reach’ areas like the underside of leaves, inside fruit bunches, crevices of the bark and stem. They cause damage by sucking the juice from the host plant and secreting a waxy susbtance that sometimes even causes other fungal growth like black sooty mold.

Like most pests, the best control for mealy bugs is defensive. Healthy, vigorous plants are less susceptible to infestation than weak and stressed plants. Mealy bugs can

Pic: wikimedia commons

be dislodged with a steady stream of water. Repeat the treatment as necessary. This works well for light infestations. Neem oil acts as a fungicide and plants can absorb it so that they develop a greater resistance.

12 CITIZEN MATTERS 16 - 30 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-10

If an infestation cannot be controlled after two or three weekly applications of insecticide, consider destroying the plant before the mealybugs spread to other plants in your home.

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editorial

Life beyond tinted glasses I t has been two weeks since the June 5th deadline to remove sun films from cars. The urgency to evade fine has died down. The garages don’t have long queues anymore. They did make a lot of money though. On the last day, one of the garages in Bommanahalli made `15,000 rupees, just by removing films.

However, the owner of the garage was not pleased. ‘It is a lot of work for `300 per car, madam’ he said.

Has there been a lull in crimes, especially against women, post the removal of sun films? After all, that was the reason cited. Probably too early to say.

But here are things that have changed because of the sun film removal.

Air Conditioning in the car is turned up higher because monsoon is still evading the city and it is pretty hot during the day. One couple decided to wait till summer was over saying ‘at least this year we will cut down on the air conditioning costs.’ Laptops, wallets, blazers, laundry, veggies etc., cannot be

left in the parked car. The first four for the fear of theft and the veggies might not hold up without the sun film cutting down some of the heat.

Women, for whose protection the Supreme Court had made the ruling, feel this is not a great idea. Women are now openly stared at while sitting inside cars. Earlier, there was a screen of protection. However flimsy or illegal.

I heard a young mother complain, that traveling with her infant has become harder since she cannot breastfeed while stuck in long traffic jams. The father added, ‘yes, nappy changes too have become difficult.’

Also if there are no tinted glasses there isn’t a way for one check one’s appearance while on the move. No more mirrors parked by the roadside.

There is an entire lifestyle that has been built around tinted glasses that has to be rethought now. Who would’ve guessed?

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EVER FINE SUPER MARKET Opp RBI Colony KothanurMainroad RANGA SHANKARA 21st Main, 9th Cross 2nd phase SAMATHVAM Health Care 24th Main 6th phase SBI 24th Main 1st Phase PARKVIEW RESTAURANT 1st Main 3rd Phase NILGIRIS 9th Cross, 2nd Phase, DIWAKAR HOSPITAL 9th Cross, 2nd Phase SHEKHAR NETRALAYA 15th Cross, 2nd Phase

BTM 2nd STAGE BALAJI’S VEG DARSHINI 7th Cross JAYANAGAR SRI VAIBHAVA DARSHINI GELATO PAZZO ICE CREAM 39th Cross, 9th Block 7th Cross UDUPI GARDEN RAGHAVENDRA UPAHAR Opp Ragigudda Arch 16th Main KOVAI FARM FRESH 9th Block 7th Main TUSCANY ICE CREAM 26th Main, 9th Block GARDEN ENTERPRISES 16th Main M K AHMED BAZAR 40th Main, 9th Block HOME NEEDS 7th Main PRISM BOOK SHOP 11th Main, 4th Block Pragathi Book & Stationers M K AHMED BAZAR BTM ring road 40th Main Block ADYAR ANAND BHAVAN NETRADHAMA 16th Main 7th Block NAMDHARIS 8th Main, 3rd Phase

Vol-4 Issue-10 16 - 30 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 13

features

Physics, frog figurines and baking Shobhana Narasimhan travels the world teaching physics. But there is more to her than just science. A peek into a physicist’s life.

It’s a little bit different. Some skills are the same like having a good writing style, but you have to think logically and clearly. I do teach writing in JNC. I teach them how to write scientific papers which is different from writing fiction. You have to see a pattern in your head and get it out clearly, use simpler words. I teach different writing styles like how to read a recipe from a cookbook and how to read scientific instruction. Then they take a recipe from a cookbook and convert it in a scientific style. Like how to make chocolate pudding written like a lab manual. That makes it easier for the Physics students to understand and write the scientific papers in simpler manner.

Has there been an increase in the number of women joining Physics?

“K

issing a lot of frogs before I meet my prince charming.”

She laughs when asked about her collection of around 150 frog figurines of all shapes and sizes.

Shobhana Narasimhan, 48, is a professor and chairman at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore. She has a PhD in Physics from Harvard University, Cambridge. This world traveller is passionate about social work and encouraging women in the field of physics.

As a school student you had a phobia for Physics. How did you end up being a physicist?

Even though I scored well in physics, I had a mental block that I was not good at physics. But in my junior college I had good teachers. I learnt more modern things in physics like

Scientist has hobbies too I read a lot. Probably four to five books in a week. I am very interested in art.

I like to go to museums. I bake when I have time. quantum mechanics and relativity.

I found them interesting. I was asked to do an essay for a radio programme for children on Einstein.

When I was reading about Einstein, I read about his discoveries and work.

I found all of that really interesting and then I got really fascinated with physics.

You also teach scientific writing. How have you inculcated these writing methods to your students?

14 CITIZEN MATTERS 16 - 30 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-10

I have to say ‘no’. In the US, there is generally this assumption that the women are not smart enough to go into science. They are really fighting hard for it and the number of women in science is gradually increasing in the US. In India, I felt that this idea was not there. But I don’t know why they disappear afterwards (after completing their Graduation and Post Graduation in science) But they are doing more of biology.

So why are they not in physics - is a puzzle. Even now if you look at the professors in physics, there are very few women. It is only about 5% to 10% in the top departments of the research institutes in India. In colleges, maybe a little higher. But it is not clear why.

What was your role as a member of the task force for women in science, set up by the Govt of Maharashtra, dept of Physics, set up in 2003?

That was meant to examine why are there so few women in science.

What can be done to increase the number of women in science? And give recommendations.

Anisha Nair

anisha@citizenmatters.in

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HEALTH & Nutrition

Others

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see & do MUSIC & Dance A Kuchipudi dance feature PARAMPARA Vyjayanthi Kashi along with her daughter and disciple Ms. Prateeksha Kashi is presenting a Kuchipudi Dance Duet billed as “PARAMPARA” as part of Nrityantara.

Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Wed 20 Jun, 8pm SAMA conference 2012 Sri Academy of Music and Arts is organising day long program including musical recitals, free workshops.

Sunday 17 June, Auden Public School, No-6, Banashankari 3rd stage, Hosakerehalli

Workshop

FREE Woodworking Workshop Sunday, June 24,10am at Esthete Studio/Factory, #24, 8th/7th Main(Cross), Tavarekere Main Road, Opposite “Zenith”, Close to St. John’s Woods Apartments and Oracle. Look out for Karnataka Wood and Ply. Ph: 9902059328 Travellers Meet Travelers Thursday, where traveler converse about where they came from and where they are going next. The experience of learning and growing, to challenge our self, stretch our self limits and foster an appreciation for people who set out to experience new destinations, culture and breath taking moments.

Be there because some roads aren’t meant to be travelled alone….

6.30 pm, 21 Jun, Jaaga, double Road Discover Bengaluru through art Art House is organizing various art workshops on sketching and water colour.

Venkatappa Art Gallery campus,

Sheshagiri Hall, Tippu Summer palace, Lalbagh, CKP, Market, Bus Station, Railway station etc., across Bengaluru City, Sun 24 Jun, 10:30am SAM Workshop (Find out What’s Missing in Education) A motivational Youth workshop for 15-35 yrs age group.

Shikshak Sadan, KG Road, Opp. Kaveri Bhavan Majestic, Sun 17 Jun, 04:30 pm To 06:30 pm

Exhibition

The Flâneur in the City: A Comic Art Exhibition - Works by Appupen, EP Unny and Gokul Gopalakrishnan.

Galleryske 2, Berlie Street, Langford Town, Till Sat 30 Jun Exhibition of Photographs by late M Krishnan Alliance Francaise, P.B 108, Thimmaiah Road, Vasanth Nagar, Sat 30 Jun, 04:00pm

Theatre

Rangashankara Plays 19 Tue Rumors (E) 100 mins 20 Wed to 22 Fri Gumma Banda

16 CITIZEN MATTERS 16 - 30 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-10

Auto expo and show This weekend in Koramangala, June 16th17th 2012 Neighbourhood expo and Auto show. Welcome to the auto exhibition from IBN-Neighourhood Expo Bangalore. Leading four-wheeler brands, car accessories and car loan providers will be present.

Entry is free.

Venue: Koramangala Reserve Police Ground, opposite St Francis Junior College, on Sarjapur Road, in Koramangala.

Contact: +91-8892099817, 9740402514, 9620769942.

Gumma (K), 90 mins 23 Sat Kaveri of Kiththale Villa (E), 100 mins 24 Sun Aadaddella Olithe…? (K), 90 mins (also at 3.30 pm) 26 Tue Karibanta (K), 90 mins 27 Wed, 28 Thu Jugaari Cross (K), 115 mins 29 Fri to 1 Jul Sun Galileo (E), 125 mins Rangashankara, 8th Cross, Nt To Post Off, JP Nagar, Phase II, Ph: 2649 3982 Submit your events online www.citizenmatters.in or mail events@citizenmatters.in

LIST your event free!

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Features

A treat for photography enthusiasts JP Nagar and BTM parks will host 40+ framed cityscapes over the weekend. Why go to a gallery to see the best of photography?

‘Art 4 Public’ is coming to your doorstep!

C

itizen Matters, in association with Red Frames is hosting a photography exhibition, on June 16th and 17th, at two venues in South Bangalore.

The selected images are from ‘Frames of my City’ contest held late last year, that witnessed a spectacular response.

June 16, 5:30pm to 7:30 pm at Kuvempu Nagar Park, BTM 2nd Stage June 17, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Dhanavantri Park, JP Nagar 2nd Phase The travelling exhibition gathers the collective talents and perspectives of amateur as well as professional photographers across India. Moving from online to print, to a collector book to exhibitions across India, ‘Frames of my City’ has made a tangible, valuable impact in the field of photography.

Selvaprakash, the Bangalore based photographer posing next to his award winning picture (file pic). You can see this and more at the show!

A Vidyashankar, a member of RWA BTM layout feels this is a great initiative, “With more such events, residents will have something nice to look forward to”, he says.

Venkatesan Perumal, a well known photographer and founder of Red Frames, the photography site, says, “Photographers across the country can showcase their talent, it is a welcome opportunity to take it back to the people, who are the real audience”.

Newsdesk

Meet the rat control brigade W

underground e have a lot of birds Nature Feature and open sewers around us in the Deepa Mohan of our city, and city. Some eat seeds, some since many of fruits and some eat live them are rabid, they spread diseases, prey. We’ve all seen sparrows pecking too. at the grain in the market areas, or seen parakeets pecking at ripe fruit...

When the population of but some birds are predators. rodents increases, Nature’s way of maintaining the Here’s the Barn Owl. It often balance is to get birds like the roosts and nests in groups near Barn Owls to the spot! These apartment buildings, or homes nocturnal birds, prey upon with gardens. For some the rodents, and actually reason, it is traditionally considered a bird of ill omen. help us stem the rising rodent population. So, they should be Some people don’t like thought of as good omens, not them because they often bring dead rats and bad! mice, and make a very Several Barn Owls hunt around disturbing “chirring” noise my building and I love watching their all night. But have we considered why noiseless flight as they swoop down the dead rats and mice are there? upon their prey!

Our urban lifestyle generates a lot Another bird that controls rodents is of trash, much of it food waste. And the Shikra. Shikras are small and have rodents - rats, mice, bandicoots, the typical hooked beaks and sharp thrive on this trash. They live in the claws that birds of prey have. They

are active at dawn or dusk, but can sometimes be seen in daylight, also, sitting quietly on the branch of a tree, or any other roost where they feel comfortable.

So...when going for a walk, especially at dawn or dusk... do look around and see if you can spot these members of the Rat Control Brigade! Yes, both of them are fairly common in Bangalore.

Left: Barn Own. Right: Shikra. Pic: DM

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Vol-4 Issue-10 16 - 30 June 2012 CITIZEN MATTERS 17

last word

So what do I do all day?

What was it that the mothers did, staying in this mysterious place called home where there really wasn’t much to do except manage a kid or two, keep them clean and well fed and keep the house looking like it wasn’t rummaged by a tornado.

I

t takes you so long to write a 700 word story!

Said the horrified editor friend of mine. I counted sheep in my head (helps me stay calm. Another good alternative is the in-yourhead-grocery list) and waited for the one question that I hate

them the question: So what is it that you do the whole day?

confessionS of a second time mom

Reshmi Chakraborty

“Umm...you really want to know?” Asked the friend with a four month old.

The edge in her voice should have warned me off but I ploughed on. “At 7 I clean the baby’s diaper.

7.15 is feeding time. 7.30 there’s a diaper change again. 8 there’s some feeding again. By 9 I grab whatever food I can see around the house as I am so hungry I could eat an entire buffet and possibly even the baby. Happy now?” I hang up, longtime friendship at stake.

Pic: Reshmi Chakraborty

The other one is better behaved but has no time to talk. “Sorry dear. My daughter’s friends are coming over and I need to make some nutritious homemade pizzas or else nobody will send their children over to our fast food consuming house again.” hearing ever since I gave up working full time to be a stay at home mother: So what do you do all day?

Really, what was it that I did the entire day? And what was it that the other mothers did, staying in this mysterious place called home where there really wasn’t much to do except manage a kid or two, keep them clean and well fed and keep the house

looking like it wasn’t rummaged by a tornado.

It didn’t require excel sheets or meetings so how tough or time consuming could it be?

If general opinion is to be believed, there isn’t much that is done all day except for the above mentioned cleaning/feeding bits, along with copious TV watching and (gasp) even visits to the salon! With eight luxurious hours

18 CITIZEN MATTERS 16 - 30 June 2012 Vol-4 Issue-10

stretching before her, what’s a woman to do!

Since I fall in the above category of moms with nothing much to do but still do not get the time to finish a 700 word article in 7 days, I decided to do some stock taking with other mummy pals of mine. Clearly I was a failure in time management and had it all wrong. I was sure they had it all figured out.

So I decided to ask them

The third keeps it short and to the point. “Cannot talk. Filing the husband’s tax returns. After that need to take the car for servicing. Busy day. In fact this is how all my days are.

I am the secretary cum driver cum housekeeper cum babysitter.”

The fourth cuts my call. I had made the mistake of texting her my question.

Amen.

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presents the first

Bringing art to your neighbourhood In association with

A selection of award winning images from Frames of My City contest.

June 16, 5:30pm-7:30 pm at Kuvempu Nagar Park, BTM 2nd Stage June 17, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at Dhanavantri Park, JP Nagar 2nd Phase

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Mail edit@citizenmatters.in or call 98459 65573 for more. * The commissioned article is written independently.

The funder can only propose topics for investigation.

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Pioneered by Citizen Matters.