MAY 2023 MAY 2023
“He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything.”
– Thomas Carlyle
From the Editor's Desk
(Devanshi Bhardwaj)
Breaking barriers: Vinnytsia Celebrates First Ever Heart Transplant
(Sowjanya Ganesan)
World Red Cross day- The History and Evolution of Red Cross: From War Relief to Disaster Response
(Arsh Aashit)
Hypertension: What is it? Symptoms. Types. Causes.
(Alina Khan)
Beyond the Stereotypes: Understanding Autism on World Autism Awareness Day
(Sowjanya Ganesan)
Thalassemia: An Overview
(Sakshi)
The Gender Gap in Health: Understanding Access to Healthcare for Women
(Alina Khan)
World Veterinary Day: Celebrating Veterinarians
(Arsh Aashit)
Patron: The Super Dog
(Sharon Viji Joseph)
Clearing the Air: Understanding the Risks of Smoking on the Respiratory System and Beyond
(Susan Johnson)
Behind the Scenes: An Inside Look at the Sports Committee
(Devanshi Bhardwaj)
A Poetic Ode to Health
Everyone of us is sure to have come across The Red Cross on multiple occasions in our day to day life. It can be seen in hospitals, ambulances, first aid kits and various other places pertaining to provision of medical care. Every year on May 8th, World Red Cross Day is celebrated around the world. This day marksthebirthanniversaryofHenryDunant,thefounderofthe International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and servesasareminderoftheimmensehumanitarianworkcarried out by the Red Cross organizations globally. The Red Cross which was originally established to provide medical treatment andcaretothewoundedcombatantshasbecomesynonymous withnondiscriminatoryprovisionofhumanitarianaidtopeople sufferingduetoconflictornaturalorman-madedisaster.World Red Cross Day is an occasion to honor the spirit of compassion, selflessness, and volunteerism that drives the Red Cross movement and its contribution to saving lives, alleviating suffering, and promoting the well-being of vulnerable communities.
The origins of World Red Cross Day can be traced back to Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman who was inspired to establish the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) after witnessing the suffering of wounded soldiers during the Battle of Solferino in Italy in 1859. Dunant’s humanitarian efforts led to the adoption of the Geneva Conventions in 1864, which laid the foundation for the establishment of the Red Cross movement. The Red Cross movement was later expanded to include the Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems to ensure its neutrality and impartiality in providing assistance to all, irrespective of nationality, race, religion, or political affiliation.
In 1948, the League of Red Cross Societies,nowknownastheInternational Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), declared May 8th as World Red Cross Day in honor of Henry Dunant’s birthday. Since then, World Red Cross Day has been commemorated annually to recognize and celebrate the vital role of the Red Cross movement in providing humanitarian assistance and promoting the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service,unity,anduniversality.
The Red Cross has been providing humanitarian aid to people in the most dire and dangerous places during the War in Ukraine. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and local red cross branches have been supporting communities by providing food, safe drinking waterandcashassistance.TheRedCrossvolunteershave also been providing health care, relief supplies, mental health and psychosocial support and other services who fledthearmedconflict.IntotaltheRedCrossteamshave assisted more than 1.8 million people with access to emergency shelter and helped more than 800,000 peoplewithmigration.
World Red Cross Day holds immense significance as it highlights the unparalleled contributions of the Red Cross movement to humanity. The Red Cross organizations, including the ICRC, IFRC, and national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, are at the forefront of disaster response, providing emergency medical care, shelter, food, water, and other essential services to those affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, epidemics, and other humanitarian crises. They also play a crucial roleinsupportinghealthcaresystems,promotingdisaster preparedness,providingpsychosocialsupport,promoting community resilience, and ensuring respect for human dignityintimesofcrisis.
World Red Cross Day is an occasion to raise awareness about the fundamental principles of the Red Cross movement, which are the cornerstone of its humanitarian work. The principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence guide the Red Cross organizations in their efforts to provide assistance based on need, without discrimination,andwithouttakingsidesin conflicts.
The principles of voluntary service, unity, and universality emphasize the importance of volunteerism, unity of purpose, and inclusivity in the Red Cross movement, which is made up of millions of volunteers and members from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and communities aroundtheworld.
World Red Cross Day also serves as an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to the millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers and staff who selflessly serve humanity, often risking their own lives to save others. Thesededicatedindividualsworktirelessly to provide first aid, disaster relief, health care, social support, and other services to the most vulnerable and marginalized, regardless of their nationality, race, religion, or political affiliation. Their unwavering commitment to alleviating human suffering and promoting wellbeing exemplifies the spirit of humanitarianism and compassion that World Red Cross Day aims to honour and celebrate.
- Arsh Aashit17th may is celebrated as world hypertension day. The objective of WHD(world hypertension day) is to communicate to the public the importance of hypertension and its serious medical complications, and to provide information on prevention, detection and treatment. The WHL launched its first WHD on May 14, 2005. Since 2006,the WHL has been dedicating May 17 of every year as WHD.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension).
High blood pressure is a common condition that affects the body's arteries. It's also called hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently too high. The heart has to work harder to pump blood.
Normal blood pressure. Blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or lower. Elevated blood pressure. The top number ranges from 120 to 129 mm Hg and the bottom number is below, not above, 80 mm Hg.
Stage 1 hypertension. The top number ranges from 130 to 139 mm Hg or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
Stage 2 hypertension.The top number is 140 mm Hg or higher or the bottom number is 90 mm Hg or higher.
Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm
Hg is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis.
Seek emergency medical help for anyone with these blood pressure e Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems.
Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms.
A few people with high blood pressure may have:
Headaches
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds
However these symptoms aren't specific these symptoms are only seen when high blood pressure reaches a life threatening level.
Blood pressure screening is an important part of general health care. How often you should get your blood pressure checked depends on your age and overall health.
Ask your physician for a blood pressure reading at least every two years starting at age 18. If you're age 40 or older, or you're 18 to 39 with a high risk of high blood pressure, ask for a blood pressure check every year. If you are experiencing severe headaches or nosebleeds and are otherwise unwell, contact your doctor as they could be symptoms of other health conditions.
A variety of symptoms may be indirectly related to, but are not always caused by, high blood pressure, such as:blood spots in eyes,dizziness ,facial flushing.
Primary hypertension,also called essential hypertension
For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of
high blood pressure is called primary hypertension or essential hypertension. It tends to develop gradually over many years. Plaque buildup in the arteries, called atherosclerosis, increases the risk of high blood pressure.
This type of high blood pressure is caused by an underlying condition.It tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension.
Conditions and medicines that can lead to secondary hypertension include:
Adrenal gland tumors
Blood vessel problems present at birth, also called congenital heart defects
Cough and cold medicines, some pain relievers, birth control pills, and other prescription drugs
lllegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
Kidney disease
Obstructive sleep apnea
Thyroid problems
Sometimes just getting a health checkup causes blood pressure to increase. This is called white coat hypertension.
Causes and risk factors
High blood pressure has many risk factors, including:
·Age. The risk of high blood pressure increases with age. Until about age 64, high blood pressure is more common in men.Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure after age 65.
Race. High blood pressure is particularly common among Black people. It develops at an earlier age in Black people than it does in white people.
Family history. You're more likely to develop high blood pressure if you have a parent or sibling with the condition.
Obesity or being overweight.Excess weight causes changes in the blood vessels, the kidneys and other parts of the body.These changes often increase blood pressure.Being overweight or having obesity also raises the risk of heart disease and its risk factors, such as high cholesterol.
Lack of exercise.Not exercising can cause weight gain. Increased weight raises the risk of high blood pressure. People who are inactive also tend to have higher heart rates. Tobacco use or vaping. Smoking,chewing tobacco or vaping immediately raises blood pressure for a short while. Tobacco smoking injures blood vessel walls and speeds up the process of hardening of the arteries. If you smoke, ask your care provider for strategies to help you quit. Too much salt. A lot of salt-also called sodium-in the bodycan cause the body to retain fluid. This increases blood pressure. Low potassium levels. Potassium helps balance the amount of salt in the body's cells. A proper balance of potassium is important for good heart health. Low potassium levels may be due to a lack of potassium in the diet or certain health conditions, including dehydration. Drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol use has been linked with increased blood pressure,particularly in men. Stress.High levels of stress canlead to a temporary increase in blood pressure.Stress-related habits such as eating more, using tobacco or drinking alcohol can lead to further increases in blood pressure. Certain chronic conditions.Kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea are some of the conditions that can lead to high blood pressure. Pregnancy. Sometimes pregnancy causes high blood pressure.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to complications including:
Heart attack or stroke. Hardening and thickening of the arteries due to high blood pressure or other factors can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other complications.
Aneurysm. Increased blood pressure can cause a blood vessel to weaken and bulge, forming an aneurysm. If an aneurysm ruptures,it can be lifethreatening.
Heart failure. When you have high blood pressure, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. The strain causes the walls of the heart's pumping chamber to thicken. This condition is called left ventricular hypertrophy. Eventually, the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, causing heart failure.
Kidney problems. High blood pressure can cause the blood vessels in the kidneys to become narrow or weak. This can lead to kidney damage.
Eye problems. Increased blood pressure can cause thickened, narrowed or torn blood vessels in the eyes. This can result in vision loss. Metabolic syndrome. This syndrome is a group of disorders of the body's metabolism. It involves the irregular breakdown of sugar,also called glucose. The syndrome includes increased waist size, high triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good") cholesterol,high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels. These conditions make you more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Changes with memory or understanding. Uncontrolled high blood pressure may affect the ability to think, remember and learn.
Dementia.Narrowed or blocked arteries can limit blood flow to the brain. This can cause a certain type of dementia called vascular dementia. A stroke that interrupts blood flow to the brain also can cause vascular dementia.
The number one misconception among patients with high blood pressure is that they don't feel sick. That's why high blood pressure or hypertension is commonly known as the silent killer-you don't have to feel anything to be affected.
Alina Khan
Despite its prevalence, however, ASD remains a relatively poorly understood disorder, both in terms of its causes and in terms of effective treatments.
ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person's ability to communicate, socialize, and interact with others. Symptoms of ASD can vary widely from person to person, but may include difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication,
April 2nd marks World Autism Awareness Day, a day dedicated to promoting greater awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in 54 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, making it one of the most common developmental disabilities in the country.
impaired social skills, repetitive behaviors, and an intense interest in specific topics. Some people with ASD may also have sensory sensitivities, such as being sensitive to certain sounds or textures.
By Sowjanya GanesanASD is typically diagnosed in early childhood, often around the age of two or three. Early intervention is crucial in helping children with ASD to develop important skills and improve their quality of life. However, many children with ASD may not receive a diagnosis until later in life, which can make it more difficult to access appropriate treatments and support.
There is no single cause of ASD, and researchers continue to study the disorder in order to better understand its underlying mechanisms. Some studies suggest that genetics may play a role in the development of ASD, while others point to environmental factors such as prenatal exposure to certain chemicals. However, there is still much that is not understood about the disorder, and more research is needed in order to develop effective treatments.
There are a variety of treatments and therapies available for people with ASD, including behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Medications may also be used to treat certain symptoms of ASD, such as anxiety or depression.
However, there is no cure for ASD, and treatments may need to be tailored to the individual in order to be effective.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to increase awareness and understanding of ASD. World Autism Awareness Day is just one example of this effort, aimed at promoting greater understanding of the disorder and encouraging early diagnosis and intervention. By raising awareness and improving access to resources and support, we can help to improve the lives of people with ASD and their families.
Ultimately, the goal of raising awareness about ASD is to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. With continued research and increased understanding, we can work towards a future where all people with ASD are able to live full and fulfilling lives.
— Sowjanya Ganesan
The thalassemias are a group of anaemias that result from inherited defects in the production of hemoglobin. The thalassemias are among the most common genetic disorders worldwide, occurring more frequently in the Mediterranean region , the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and West Africa .Ineffective bone marrow erythropoiesis and excessive red blood cell hemolysis together account for the anemia. Since reticulocytes manufacture equimolecular quantities of alpha and beta chains, mature erythrocytes contain essentially equimolecular amounts of each chain.
Patients with thalassemia do not produce enough hemoglobin (Hb) A (α2β2) because their cells cannot manufacture either the alpha or beta polypeptide chain of human hemoglobin. Alpha-thalassemia depresses only the production of the alpha chains, and beta-thalassemia depresses only the production of the beta chains.
Clinically, both alpha- and betathalassemia may occur in the major (homozygous), intermediate, and minor (heterozygous) genetic forms and also can interact with the presence of abnormal hemoglobins in the same individual
By the beginning of the 20th century, European clinicians had become aware of an anemia syndrome in infancy associated with enlargement of the spleen . In the American literature the first clinical description of thalassemia is attributed to the Detroit pediatricians Thomas B. Cooley and Pearl Lee .The actual term thalassemia was coined by George Whipple .How this term arose remains obscure, although it is reported that early patients were mostly of Mediterranean origin . During the 1960s a genetic basis of the thalassemia diseases was proposed, linking them to unbalanced globin chain synthesis
At that point, it became necessary to determine whether protein synthesis was abnormal at the level of the structural gene or of globin chain synthesis. A series of experiments revealed a quantitative or qualitative deficiency of specific messenger RNA in many thalassemia syndromes as well as defects in the translation of the messenger RNA to protein .This latter stage requires ribosomal units that can initiate (promote or enhance), elongate, and terminate the globin chain
Hence a clearer picture of the genetic control of human hemoglobins had emerged. It became clear that several structural loci, i.e., alpha, beta, gamma, and delta, were responsible for the production of their respective globin chains.
In countries with a high incidence of thalassemia, it is vitally important to offer prospective genetic counseling and to warn carriers about the risks of intramarriage. To date, attempts at this approach have been relatively unsuccessful. Hence, considerable efforts have been directed towards prenatal diagnosis programs. As carrier states of the thalassemias are readily identifiable, affected fetuses can be diagnosed. Recent efforts have been directed to early diagnosis by fetal DNA analysis carried out on amniotic fluid cells or by chorionic villus sampling. Also, the development of oligonucleotide probes to detect individual mutations has markedly increased the accuracy rate of prenatal diagnosis. The harvesting of fetal cells from the maternal circulation is being explored for this purpose
- SAKSHI
Women's health is a nation's health. That's why there is a responsible task before medical establishments and the society to insure the safety and hygiene of women. They should decrease number of diseases appearing in women and prevent their appearing. This task is rather complicated, because of contemporary conditions and new risk factors of disease development in women which arise in connection with population migration, urbanization, change of young people's sexual mentality : early beginning of sexual life, irresponsible of society in context of marriage and conjugal infidelity. All these factors put under treat the future health of these women. These all factors reflects demographic indexes and is extraordinarily important for the state as a whole.
Few of the main issues regarding women's health are:
Cancer: Two of the most common cancers affecting women are breast and cervical cancers. Detecting both these cancers early is key to keeping women alive and healthy. The latest global figures show that around half a million women die from cervical cancer and half a million from breast cancer each year. The vast majority of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries where screening, prevention and treatment are almost non-existent, and where vaccination against human papilloma virus needs to take hold. Reproductive health: Sexual and reproductive health problems are responsible for one third of health issues for women between the ages of 15 and 44 years. Unsafe sex is a major risk factor-particularly among women and girls in developing countries. This is why it is so important to get services to the 222 million women who aren't getting the contraception services they need.
Maternal health: Many women are now benefitting from massive improvements in care during pregnancy and childbirth introduced in the last century. But those benefits do not extend everywhere and in 2013, almost 300,000 women died from complications in pregnancy and childbirth. Most of these deaths could have been prevented,had access to family planning and to some quite basic services been in place.
HIV: Three decades into the AIDS epidemic, it is young women who bear the brunt of new HIV infections. Too many young women still struggle to protect themselves against sexual transmission of HIV and to get the treatment they require. This also leaves them particularly vulnerable to tuberculosis-one of the leading causes of death in low-income countries of women 20-59 years.
Sexually transmitted infections: I've already mentioned the importance of protecting against HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (the world's most common STI). But it is also vital to do a better job of preventing and treating diseases like gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis. Untreated syphilis is responsible for more than 200,000 stillbirths and early foetal deaths every year, and for the deaths of over 90,000 newborns.
Violence against women: Women can be subject to a range of different forms of violence, but physical and sexual violence-either by a partner or someone else-is particularly invidious.Today, one in three women under 50 has experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a partner, or non-partner sexual violenceviolence which affects their physical and mental health in the short and long-term. It's important for health workers to be alert to violence so they can help prevent it, as well as provide support to people who experience it.
Mental health: Evidence suggests that women are more prone than men to experience anxiety,depression, and somatic complaints-physical symptoms that cannot be explained medically. Depression is the most common mental health problem for women and suicide a leading cause of death for women under 60. Helping sensitise women to mental health issues, and giving them the confidence to seek assistance is of importance.
Being young: Adolescent girls face a number of sexual and reproductive health challenges: STIs, HIV, and pregnancy. About 13 million adolescent girls (under 20) give birth every year.Complications from those pregnancies and childbirth are a leading cause of death for those young mothers.Many suffer the consequences of unsafe abortion.
Women menstrual hygiene: Poor menstrual hygiene, however, can pose serious health risks, like reproductive and urinary tract infections which can result in future infertility and birth complications.
Few hygienic practices which can improve menstrual health of women are:
Wash your hands before and after using the restroom and before using a menstrual product.
Discard used disposable menstrual products properly.
Sanitary pads:Change sanitary pads every few hours,no matter how light the flow. Change them more frequently if your period is heavy.
Tampons: Change tampons every 4 to 8 hours. Do not wear a single tampon for more than 8 hours at a time.
Use the lowest-absorbency tampon needed.If you can wear one tampon for up to 8 hours without changing, the absorbency may be too high.
Menstrual cups: Clean cups every day after use. Sanitize menstrual cups after your period is over by rinsing them thoroughly and then placing them in boiling water for one to two minutes.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: PMDD is a much more severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may affect women of childbearing age. It's a severe and chronic medical condition that needs attention and treatment. Lifestyle changes and sometimes medicines can help manage symptoms. The exact cause of PMDD is not known. It may be an abnormal reaction to normal hormone changes that happen with each menstrual cycle. The hormone changes can cause a serotonin deficiency. Serotonin is a substance found naturally in the brain and intestines that narrows blood vessels and can affect mood and cause physical symptoms. While any woman can develop PMDD, the following may be some risk factor:Women with a family history of PMS or PMDD. Women with a personal or family history of depression, postpartum depression, or other mood disorders. Symptoms of PMDD appear during the week before menstruation and end within a few days after menstruation starts.
The following are the most common symptoms of PMDD
Depressed mood
Anger or irritability
Trouble concentrating
Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
Moodiness.
Increased appetite.
Insomnia or the need for more sleep.
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control.
Alina KhanOn the last Saturday of April of each year, we celebrate Veterinary Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and appreciating the important work of veterinarians around the world. From small animal clinics to large agricultural operations, veterinarians play a vital role in safeguarding the health and welfare of animals, as well as protecting public health and the environment. In this article, we'll explore some ofthekeyissuesandchallengesfacingveterinarianstoday,and highlightthecriticalroletheyplayinsociety.
Veterinary Day was established to recognize the importance of the veterinary profession, and to raise awareness of the critical role that veterinarians play in ensuring the health and welfare of animals. The day was first celebrated in 2000, and has since become a global event, with veterinary organizations around the world marking the occasion in different ways. Veterinary Day provides an opportunity for veterinarians to showcase their work, and for the public to learn more about the important role that veterinarians play in society.
As the world's population grows, so does the demand for veterinary services. This is particularly true in areas such as food production, public health, and animal welfare, where veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of animals and people alike. In addition to traditional veterinary services, such as diagnosis, treatment, and surgery, veterinarians are increasingly called upon to provide specialized skills and knowledge in areas such as genetics, biotechnology, and public policy. This demand is only expected to increase in the coming years, as new technologies and advances in science continue to reshape the veterinarylandscape.
Veterinary medicine encompasses a wide range of specialties and areas of expertise. From small animal clinics to large agricultural operations, veterinarians are called upon to treat a diverse range of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, cows, and even exotic animals. Each type of veterinary medicine requires specialized skills and knowledge, as well as a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of each animal species. For example, small animal veterinarians must be adept at diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions in dogs and cats, while large animal veterinarians must be skilled at managing the health and welfare of herdsofcowsorhorses.
As we celebrate Veterinary Day, it's important to remember that the veterinary profession faces many challenges and obstacles. These include limited funding, changing regulations, and increasing competition from other healthcare providers. In order to continue providing highquality care to animals and protecting public health, the veterinary profession needs support from both the public and policymakers. This includes increased funding for research and education, as well as initiatives that promote the health and well-being of animals.
Veterinarians are able to diagnose and treat the complaints of their patients who are not able to communicate it to them. This is due to the bond between the veterinarians and the animals which is a unique and special relationship that is built on trust, compassion, and care. The world Veterinary Day is a celebration of this bond and an opportunity to appreciate the contribution of all the veterinarians which is often not paid much heed to.
-ARSH AASHIT
Combat animals over the years have evolved from the large mighty looking elephants and sturdy horses during World War 1 to ……a social media popular / celeb - cute - small dog?
We are talking about Patron, a 3 year old Jack Russell terrier who plays a key role in the Ukraine - Russia War.
Patron whose name means “ammo" is a detection dog and mascot for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. He has become a National Hero, a symbol of Ukraine's resistance against Russia. With a whopping 412K followers on instagram he has turned into an internet sensation. His bio reads “the super dog” and that pretty much sums it up.
It all started with the video, in which Patron can be seen sniffing around debris and sitting on his caretaker’s lap while wearing a small bulletproof vest personalized with his name in Cyrillic letters, went viral, garnering over 267,000 views and 16,000 reactions on Facebook. Patron was described as "unexpected social media weapon" for Ukraine (JPost.com. The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 19 July 2022.)
Patron is under the care of Mykhailo Iliev, from Chernihiv. He was professionally trained by cynologists to showcase how dogs can be trained to perform specific tasks, but pivoted at the start of the war to learning how to sniff out mines, according to TODAY Parents. Patron was trained to recognize the smell of gunpowder. When he smells it, he gives a signal to Iliev, who then works with his human teammates to find and defuse the devices, He has helped find over 300 explosive objects.
Patron not only does mine detection work but he is also a charity worker. He and Mykhailo visit communities to teach children to be careful and follow the rules in case they discover an unknown object. The children absolutely love him and Patron captures their interest and are keen to learn from him.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy award service dog “Patron” during a news conference, as Russia’s attack on Ukraine continues, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 8, 2022. REUTERS/Valentyn OgirenkoPatron was awarded a special title –Goodwill Dog – from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ukraine for the first time in the history of the organization, on 20 November 2022, on the occasion of World Children's Day
On 5 May 2022, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrsky announced the creation of the International Coordination Center for Humanitarian Demining, with Patron as its mascot. Four days later, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accompanied by Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, jointly honored Patron and Iliev with the Order for Courage, Third Class, thanking them for their service to Ukraine. This award is presented for Individual courage and heroism while rescuing people or valued materials while endangering one's own life.
"I want to award those Ukrainian heroes who are already clearing our land of mines. And together with our heroes - a wonderful little sapper Patron who helps not only to neutralize explosives, but also to teach our children the necessary safety rules in areas where there is a mine threat," President Zelensky said during the ceremony.
On 27 May 2022, Patron was awarded the Palm Dog for "DogManitarian Work" at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
On 1 September 2022 Ukrposhta started selling Patron charity stamps to raise money for a demining vehicle and animal shelters.
In January 2023 a Patron YouTube channel was opened with an animated Patron starring the cartoons, with English and Polish subtitles, were produced with USAID support and in partnership with UNICEF.
“The cartoon is about me and Tom, and also about very important animals that impressed us with their courage during these 10 months. It’s so adventurous that I’m like, “Woooo!”. There I am chasing very strange creatures … but I will not reveal all the secrets yet,” wrote Patron’s official Instagram account.
The music for the series “Patron The Dog” was written by Pianoboy. The animated film was created by the Plastic Bag studio, and the director of the series was Anastasiia Falileeva.
He has inspired a number of artworks by fans across the country, ranging from illustrations to knitted animal replicas.
Patron has become a true patriotic icon for Ukraine.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco kills over eight million people each year, with approximately one million of those deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. Anti-tobacco Day is observed globally on May 31 each year to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking and tobacco use.
Smoking is a leading cause of respiratory diseases, such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema. The harmful effects of smoking on the respiratory system are welldocumented. Smoking damages the airways and alveoli in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. This damage can cause a chronic cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
One of the most significant risks associated with smoking is the development of lung cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that smoking accounts for 85% of lung cancer cases. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the DNA in lung cells, causing mutations that can lead to cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the duration and amount of smoking. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, even for those who have smoked for many years.
In addition to the direct harm caused by smoking, secondhand smoke is also dangerous. Secondhand smoke is exhaled by smokers and from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease, and other respiratory illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), secondhand smoke causes approximately 41,000 deaths from lung cancer and heart disease in non-smoking adults annually in the United States alone.
The addictive properties of nicotine make quitting smoking difficult for many individuals. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to quit smoking. In addition, nicotine acts on the brain, causing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This release of dopamine reinforces the behavior of smoking, making it difficult to quit.
Despite the well-known health risks associated with smoking, tobacco use remains prevalent in many parts of the world. The social and economic costs of tobacco use are significant. The economic burden of smoking includes the cost of healthcare and lost productivity due to illness and premature death. The environmental impact of tobacco use is also a concern, with tobacco farming and manufacturing contributing to deforestation and pollution.
In addition to the economic costs, smoking has social costs as well. The harm caused by secondhand smoke affects not only the smoker but also those around them. Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke may experience respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other health issues. In many cases, non-smokers are unable to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, such as in public spaces or their own homes.
Efforts to reduce tobacco use have been successful in some parts of the world. Anti-smoking campaigns, education, and public policies, such as smoke-free laws, have helped to decrease smoking rates in some countries. However, tobacco use remains a significant public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
— Susan Johnson
The Sports Committee of Pirogova National Memorial Medical University is an independent structural unit of the student self government (Studrada). It consists of 32 members including 3 foreign students. The committee is responsible for providing a society of games and physical activities for interested students. The team of Pirogovka was honored and equally enjoyed interviewing three major members of the committee, Kateryna Miskova (Head of the committee), Uliana Titarova (Secretary to head of committee) and Victoria Kravets (manager of the PR team of the committee).
What inspired you to come up with the idea of initiating a separate committee for Sports and games in the university? (Kateryna
Miskova)
- It was the idea of my friend Kate, who is continuing her studies now in Poland. We were in third course when we decided to start this club or committee. Those were very difficult times for everybody because of COVID when our classes were going online and we were struggling to maintain a healthy physical and mental balance. To be honest we wanted to create a healthy space for student-athletes. We wanted to share the healthy influence of sports on overall education, growth and well being of individuals.
How does the Sports committee connect to students? What is the process of joining the committee and what students can look forward to after they join?
- It is very simple. Students can connect to our team by the committee’s Instagram handle, @vnmu_sportcom or the official Instagram page of student government (@studrada_vnmu). The information and updates are constantly available on our telegram page too (link available on Instagram). All students from the university are welcome. We conduct different projects and love to connect to students as new members with their inspiring ideas for the club. Students can pick the project of their choice and work accordingly.
- The students can look forward to a cool experience and healthy environment.
- It’s very interesting to interact with each other and the members enjoy meetings. Overall it’s a fun time for students. We’re proud of our members because all of them are approachable and open minded. We respect great ideas. It’s not necessary to be an athlete or a sports person, students can join to enjoy watching different matches and have a great fun time.
What are the goals and objectives pursued by the Sports Committee long run?
- I think the students of our university have a very sedentary lifestyle. The load of studies is so much and they can barely take out some time to do some physical activity which is very important for future doctors to maintain a healthy living for themselves. We want to improve the sports life of students which consequently will give a boost in their study life too. Moreover, we want to provide great social circles for students.
What challenges have been faced by the Committee till now and how the members managed to grow through them?
- I think every committee has this problem related to finance and we’re struggling for that too. The committee lacks sufficient funding to get enough resources to meet the needs of all the members. Providing all the necessary stuff to conduct events and games has been a real challenge in the whole journey. Since Ukraine is going through a tough time as well, it became a major issue to raise all the funds required. But we’re doing our best.
What are your ideas for encouraging healthy sportsmanship among the students?
- We believe to provide a physically and mentally healthy atmosphere which is a result of contribution by each and every member of the committee. We think that every idea and opinion is important and deserves equal respect and consideration. We admire the quality of being open to conversations and positive approach towards all the projects. It is about participation, working hard and being a part of something you can look forward to.
What are the various activities organized by the Sports committee in the previous academic years?
- We keep organizing activities and games which include various competitions like chess, yoga, self defense for women, basketball, volleyball etc. We’ve different activities assigned for each day of the week on our telegram group.
- We promote the committee not only for offline meetings such as competitions but we also organize online activities and challenges for social media as well where people accept them and share their personal involvement in the task.
- We took part in a food fair in university where different committees exhibit their specialties and sell them to raise funds to help the army of Ukraine.
What advice the committee would like to convey related to the importance of sports, games and physical activities in our day-today lives? (Uliana Titarova)
- Regular physical activity is very good for one's health. If we don’t move enough our metabolism will slow down which will affect our body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, metabolize fats and have negative effects on blood pressure and weekend muscles etc. When we move a little and sit a lot, the body literally turns off. Therefore, we as future doctors should take care of minimal physical activity. This is what the sports committee aims to do.
Interviewed by Devanshi Bhardwaj
Translated by Gunko Mariia
Susan Johnson - Editor-in-chief
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Vinnytsia 2023
