All posts by Sumana Rao

Don't worry about the people in your past; There's a reason they didn't make it to your future.
Mexico bans glyphosate

Mexico Bans Glyphosate Herbicide

Glyphosate the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer is banned or restricted not just in one or two but many cities and countries throughout the world. New addition to the existing list is, Mexico. The Mexican Government is working on banning use of glyphosate and planning to be glyphosate free by end of 2024.

Glyphosate is an infamous chemical active ingredient of Roundup herbicide manufactured by Monsanto company. Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) working to free Mexican soil from Roundup contaminants in phases by next four years.

Glyphosate is claiming to cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or NHL or sometimes called lymphoma is a cancer that starts in lymphocytes of white blood cells that are part of our immune system. It affects body’s lymph system that helps to fight infections and diseases. Its function is also to help fluid movement through the body and removal of toxins.

Herbicides or weed killers are chemicals that are used in agriculture and sprayed in lawns to kill unwanted weeds. The active ingredient glyphosate present in these weed killers are responsible for the killing of weeds. In United States use of Roundup has caused quite a stir in the courts. In its monograph in 2015, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), published the results of its investigation into the link between cancer and glyphosate. The research working group consisting of 17 renowned scientists from 11 countries concluded that the chemical is ‘probably carcinogenic to humans’ and exposure to glyphosate could cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Since introduction of genetically modified crops, global production of glyphosate has increased dramatically. In USA use of this herbicide rose from 4000 tons (from 1987) to more than 80000 tons in 2007. Residential use of the herbicide has been increases and use of the glyphosate has been registered in more than 130 countries. Now, we can see more reports on presence of the weed killer in soil, surface and ground water. Air and rainwater samples collected in Iowa, Indiana states showed 60 to 100% of glyphosate. Studies conducted on mice by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) found significant increase in tumors that could link to glyphosate dosage. Study from Farm Family Exposure found that urine samples of farmers showed presence of glyphosate and farmers who did not use rubber gloves had higher concentration of the chemicals.  As for the general public, the exposure to glyphosate occurs mainly via food. World Health Organization’s cancer scientists also found strong evidence that formulation of the herbicide containing glycophase are genotoxic.

In India, as of October 2018, the Govt of Punjab banned sale of glyphosate in the state. In 2019, Kerala issued a ban on use, sale and distribution of the chemical. There are several countries – Luxembourg, Malawi, Italy, Greece, Germany, Fiji, France, Denmark, Canada, Brazil, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, UK – either banned use of glyphosate or several cities, provinces or states banned the use. Sri Lanka was first country to issue a ban on glyphosate. However, due to crop loses and overgrowing weeds, country lifted the ban.

“Beyond productivity, there is human and environmental health” –San Vicente Tello.

According to Minister of the Environment Mexico, Victor M. Toledo, along with glyphosate, Mexico is also banning 111 pesticides that are deemed ‘highly dangerous” for environment. Director general of SEMARNAT primary sector and natural resources Adelita San Vicente Tello revealed that agency is analyzing alternatives for glyphosate.

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wdm/26979619191 Global Justice Now IMG_8430 CC By 2.0

About image: Activists have been relabeling bottles of Monsanto’s Roundup weed killer in garden centers and DIY shops across the UK. Roundup contains glyphosate, a chemical that the WHO has shown to be “probably carcinogenic”.

References:

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: August 4, 2020
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Medical supplies to fight Covi-19

Home Medical Supplies To Fight Covid-19

An increase in number of Covid -19 cases has made it difficult for people to go to hospitals for coronavirus testing. During these difficult conditions, it is a good idea to own some of the simple and affordable medical supplies at home. While we take precautions to prevent infection and spreading of virus by means of hand wash, hygiene practice and social distancing, it is also recommended to have some of the devices and supplies (and kits) at home in case we need them.

These simple medical supplies and kits are: Covid-19 sample collection kit, N95 respirator, Pulse oximeter, Medical gloves, Steam inhaler, Facial mask -surgical masks and Non-contact Infrared Thermometer.

These medical supplies can help by keeping us safe and can save lives.

Image credit: Medical vector created by articular – www.freepik.com

Covid-19 Sample collection Kit 

Covid-19 Sampling kit

Pulse Oximeter

Pulse oximeter

 

Non contact Infrared Thermometer:

Infrared thermometer

Steam Respiratory Inhaler:

Steam respiratory inhaler

N95 Respirator:

N95 Facial mask

Medical gloves:

Surgical gloves

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 31, 2020
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Covid-19 Sampling kit

COVID-19 Sample Collection kit

Many countries have made Covid-19 test kit. People have choice of testing done for Coronavirus at local health care centers or can request designated lab to send sample collection kit.

In the second option like in USA, FDA has approved home sample collection kits. If anyone want to test for coronavirus infection, they can log into designated Lab website, create an account, answer questions and provide necessary information. If the person or family is eligible then, the lab will test sample collection kit to home by next day air with shipping label to ensure that sample reaches back lab for test within 24-48 hours.

The kit will have instruction on how to collect the samples along with cotton swabs, collection tubes with liquid and biohazard pouch to enclose the sample and return it to facility for testing. After completion of the test, report will be given to the concerned person.

Image credit & Attribution:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:CDC_2019-nCoV_Laboratory_Test_Kit.jpg

U.S. Centers for Disease Control / Public domain

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Pulse oximeter

Pulse Oximeter

Pulse oximeter is a non invasive device that helps to measure blood oxygen level. Blood oxygen level in our red blood cells must be maintained at certain level. A normal arterial blood gas (ABG) level for healthy lungs is between 80 and 100 mm Hg. Normal reading for blood oxygen level in pulse oximeter falls between 95 and 100 percent. If someone is infected with Coronavirus, their blood oxygen level will go down by increasing carbon dioxide. Pulse oximeters particularly measure the amount of light absorbed by blood and then indicates blood oxygen level.

Pulse oximeter thus are helpful as a tool to see how significantly our lungs have been affected by coronavirus.

If someone test positive for Covid-19 getting a pulse oximeter for home is a good idea as it monitors lungs capacity by monitoring oxygen level. In case, the oxygen level goes down, it acts a barometer to tell the person to visit hospital right away for further tests and admission if needed.

Image credit & Attribution: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:OxyWatch_C20_Pulse_Oximeter.png

Thinkpaul / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Steam respiratory inhaler

Steam Respiratory Inhaler

The inflammation of nose leads to stuffy nose. One of the Covid-19 symptom is accumulation of phlegm /mucus and fluid in the nasal passage as well as in lungs. Steam respiratory inhaler eases breathing problem.

Breathing moist and warm steam helps to ease the irritation and prevents accumulation of fluid. It also reduces irritation and eases swelling of blood vessels in nasal passages. Moisture helps to thin the mucus in sinuses and makes it easy to clean and empty the nose. It brings back the normal breathing.

One can do warm steaming at home using regular kitchen vessels. But respiratory steam inhaler (like Vicks or Mypurmist) that are available as medical devices come with temperature regulation and easy to use. This can be used regularly to keep nasal passage moist and to prevent viral intrusion minimum. One can handle these devices easily. If someone tests positive for Covid-19 having respiratory steam inhaler help for easy access and person can be restricted to a room while using steam inhaler.

Steam inhalation provides temporary relief from – congestion, flu, sinus infections, nasal allergies, bronchitis and breathing issues due to common cold. It will not kill virus responsible for infection but makes the person feel better.

Image credit: www.walmart.com

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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N95 Facial mask

N95 Respirator

N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device. It is designed to achieve an efficient filtration of airborne particles and for a very close facial fit. Edges of the respirator are designed to form close seal around mouth and nose. These are commonly used in healthcare facilities. These are subset of N95 Filtering Face piece Respirators (FFRs), or N95s.

N95 respirator are FDA regulated and tested for filtration efficiency, fluid resistance, flammability and biocompatibility.  Particulate filtration and microbial filtration efficiency are a must for N95 respirator.

These respirators cannot be and should not be shared or reused. However, due to tremendous demand CDC suggests one can reuse N95 up to five times and throw. Washing N95 respirator is not recommended. If someone wants to sterilize respirators then Hydrogen peroxide vaporization and steam dry heat are two options.

People who have chronic breathing problems or heart conditions must talk to doctor before using N95 respirator as it can make them difficult breath.  Some N95 respirators come with exhalation valves to support easy breathing and help to reduce heat. However, these exhalation valves respirator should not be used if sterile conditions are necessary.

sImage credit: Photo by CDC from Pexels (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Surgical gloves

Medical Gloves

Medical gloves are regulated by FDA. These devices are reviewed by the agency to ensure the performance criteria of gloves for tear resistance, leak resistance and for biocompatibility. These gloves include surgical gloves, examination gloves and gloves required to handle chemicals called chemotherapy gloves.

Medical gloves can be used if available in pandemic season. One can use them while handling body fluids such as respiratory secretion, saliva, vomit, urine, feces or blood and hazardous drugs as well as contaminated items. These are good for handling Covid-19 pandemic situation and in case of doubt of exposing oneself into such conditions.

Gloves must fit properly for anyone who wears them and sit comfortably during activities. Sharp objects can puncture medial gloves. If the gloves are ripped or teared do not use them. Washing hands thoroughly is must after using these gloves. Some people could be allergic to glove material (ex. latex gloves).  Medical gloves does not need sterilization.

One can also use regular gloves if prefer. Regular or ordinary gloves are much cheaper.

Image credit: Photo by Anton Uniqueton from Pexels (Free for commercial use)

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on:
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Why giving is good

Why giving is good

Have you ever felt you have enough and thinking of giving away things to others? If so, then your thinking is in right direction. Giving is good both for you and the recipients. It brings happiness to you and strength to receiver. To reap the benefit of giving you don’t need to go for shopping. You can give what you have extra and what you don’t need anymore that is in good condition. Donating to charity or giving away stuffs that are unnecessarily cluttering your home, participating in soup kitchen, helping in homeless shelter which is giving your time – all these are good for you and for the community.

Whether giving things or giving time for someone’s benefit, it should give you happiness and it is good for your health for the following reasons.

  1. Giving brings more friends in your circle: When you give, you will also develop a network. It increases your social connection. Your kindness and generosity appreciated by people who needs it. The good words about you will bring more connections and good people around you. It strengthens your ties in the community and brings positivity in your life. You will bond with those who receives from you and they will feel closer to you.
  2. Giving to charity brings satisfaction: When you give your time, money or things to charity causes, it will help those who are in need. If you help a child to study or fostering a child, it brings the best in child and he or she can complete studies to help family. Donating to animal charity will give satisfaction of feeding and rescuing those who does not have their own voice. You will become voice for those innocent animals. It will bring satisfaction of doing something good.
  3. Donating evokes gratitude: When you give something or helping hand to someone who is in need it evokes gratitude in the person who is at receiving end. The expression of gratitude brings happiness in our lives. The good wishes associated with gratitude or thankfulness increases happiness. It boosts positivity in your life and promotes generosity in your children.
  4. Giving encourages others: Giving is contagious. When you open your wallet and give few coins to someone who is in need, it is an inspiration for a person who is onlooking. Our generosity can influence on others behavior. The more they see us donating and participating in charity events, people who witness will start understanding the value of giving and will start taking part in good cause. In fact, study says each person who take part in good work can influence dozen to hundreds of people whom they meet.
  5. Giving brings happiness: Donating or giving also linked to mindfulness. It secretes oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the feeling happiness, warmth and positivity. One will feel more empathy towards others, and it helps to calm the system. Giving brings more meaning to your life.
  6. Every little bit that you give helps: Whether in terms of money, food, clothing or time, giving brings happiness in someone’s life. Giving food means, meal for a starving child, money could be medicine for sick person or school fee for a child, – whatever you give, it goes a long way in someone else life. Old furniture, clothes, blankets, shoes, jackets etc. – all these are valuable items in some people lives because either they cannot afford, or they don’t have it.

Giving is good – once you understand the meaning and value of giving, you will enjoy “giving”.

Image credit: Photo by Dan Gold on Unsplash

Author: Sumana Rao | Posted on: July 30, 2020
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