Dr. Ravi Kshirsagar
MD (USA) PGDDE (UK) Consultant Physician and Diabetologist.5 min read
What is a brain tumour?
A tumour, in general, is a collection of abnormal cells in your any part of the body. Brain tumours are located inside the skull. The skull encloses the brain, which is very rigid! Any abnormal growth inside this restricted space can cause problems. Brain tumours can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). When benign or malignant tumours grow, they increase the pressure inside your skull. This additional pressure can cause brain damage and can be life-threatening.
Brain tumours are categorized as primary or secondary. A primary brain tumour originates in your brain. Many primary brain tumours are benign. Metastatic brain tumour, also known as a secondary brain tumour occurs when the cancer cells spread to the brain from a different organ of the body.
Types of brain tumours
Primary brain tumours originate in your brain. They can develop from your:
• brain cells
• membranes surrounding your brain, which is called meninges
• nerve cells
• glands
Primary tumours can either be benign or cancerous. Gliomas and meningiomas are common types of brain tumours in adults.
Gliomas
Gliomas are tumours that develop from glial cells. These cells normally:
• provide nutrition to your central nervous system
• supports the structure of the central nervous system
• break down dead neurons
• clean cellular waste
Gliomas tumours can develop from different types of glial cells.
Other primary brain tumours
Other primary brain tumours include:
• Pituitary tumours, which are usually benign
• Pineal gland tumours, which can be benign or malignant
• Ependymomas are generally benign
• Craniopharyngiomas occur mostly in children and could be benign, but these can change clinical symptoms like in vision or premature puberty
• Primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas that are malignant
• Primary germ cell tumours of the brain can be benign or malignant
• Meningiomas originate in the meninges
• Schwannomas arise in cells that produce the protective cover of your nerves (myelin sheath) called Schwann cells
Risk factors for brain tumours
Family history
About 5 to 10 per cent of all cancers are genetically inherited, or hereditary. It’s rare for a brain tumour to be inherited genetically. Seek a specialist doctor if several people in your family have been diagnosed with a brain tumour. Your doctor might recommend a genetic counsellor in that case.
Age
With age, the risk toward most types of brain tumours increases as well.
Race
Brain tumours, in general, are the most common in Caucasians. However, African-Americans are also more likely to find meningiomas.
Chemical exposure
Being exposed to certain chemicals, even those that you find at your work environment can increase the risk for brain cancer.
Exposure to radiation
People exposed to ionizing radiation have an increased risk of brain tumours. Ionizing radiation can occur through high-radiation cancer therapies. Radiation from nuclear fallout has similar effects. In the past, the nuclear power plant incidents in Fukushima and Chernobyl gives testament to how people can be exposed to ionizing radiation.
What are the symptoms of a brain tumour?
Symptoms of brain tumours depend on the location and size of the tumour. Some tumours cause direct damage by invading brain tissue, and some tumours cause pressure on the surrounding brain. You’ll have noticeable symptoms when a growing tumour creates pressure on the brain tissue.
Headache is the tell-tale sign of a brain tumour. You may experience headaches that:
• occur while you’re sleeping
• are worse in the morning after waking up
• are worse while coughing, sneezing, or exercising
You may also experience:
• Blurred vision or double vision
• vomiting
• Confusion
• Weakness in a part of the face or limb
• Seizures (especially in adults)
• A change in mental functioning
Symptoms of pituitary tumours
The following symptoms can occur with pituitary tumours:
• Nipple discharge, or galactorrhea
• Development of breast tissue in men
• Lack of menstruation in women
• Enlargement of the hands and feet
• increased amounts of body hair, or hirsutism
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
• Low blood pressure
• Blurry vision or tunnel vision
• Obesity
How are brain tumours diagnosed?
The diagnosis starts with a physical exam and a look at your medical history. They conclude the following,
• muscle strength
• memory
• coordination
• logical ability
The doctor may order more tests after they finish the physical exam.
These could include:
CT scan of the head
MRI of the head
Angiography
Skull X-rays
Biopsy
Treatment of brain tumours
The treatment of a brain tumour depends on:
• the type of tumour
• the size of the tumour
• the location of the tumour
• your general health
The most common treatment for malignant brain tumours is surgery. The primary goal is to remove as many cancer cells as possible without causing damage or complications to the healthy parts of the brain. Sometimes, the location of some tumours allows for easy and safe removal. Other tumours may be located in an area that limits how much of the tumour can be removed. It is seen that even the partial removal of brain cancer cells can be beneficial.
The risks associated with brain surgery include infection and bleeding. Clinically dangerous benign tumours are also surgically removed. Metastatic brain tumours are treated according to the cancer present in the body. If surgery is suggested, it is most likely to be combined with other treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. After neurosurgery, physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy help you to recover.
A tumour in general, is a collection of abnormal cells which can be found in any part of the body. Brain tumours are located inside the skull. The skull encloses the brain, which is very rigid. Any abnormal growth inside this restricted space can cause problems. Brain tumours can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). When benign or malignant tumours grow, it increases the pressure inside UR skull. This additional pressure can cause brain damage and can be life-threatening.
Brain tumours are categorized as primary or secondary. A primary brain tumour originates in UR brain and can be benign. Metastatic brain tumour, also known as a secondary brain tumour occurs when the cancer cells spread to the brain from a different organ in the body.
Types Of Brain Tumours
Primary brain tumours originate in UR brain. They can develop from UR:
- Brain cells
- Membranes(meninges) surrounding UR brain
- Nerve cells
- Glands
Primary tumours can either be benign or cancerous. Gliomas and meningiomas are common types of brain tumours in adults.
Gliomas are tumours that develop from glial cells. These cells normally:
- Provide nutrition to UR central nervous system
- Support the structure of the central nervous system
- Break down dead neurons
- Clean cellular waste
Glioma tumours can develop from different types of glial cells.
Other Primary Brain Tumours
- Pituitary tumours are usually benign
- Pineal gland tumours can be benign or malignant
- Ependymomas are generally benign
- Craniopharyngiomas occur mostly in children and could be benign. But, these can change clinical symptoms in vision or during premature puberty
- Primary central nervous system lymphomas are malignant
- Primary germ cell tumours can be benign or malignant
- Meningiomas originate in the meninges
- Schwannomas arise in cells that provide the protective cover of UR nerves (myelin sheath) called Schwann cells
Risk Factors For Brain Tumours
Family history
About 5 to 10 per cent of all cancers are genetically inherited, or hereditary. It’s rare for a brain tumour to be inherited genetically. Consult a doctor immediately if several people in UR family have been diagnosed with a brain tumour. If so, UR doctor may recommend a genetic counsellor in this case.
Age
With age, the risk towards most types of brain tumours can also increase.
Race
Brain tumours, in general, are most commonly found in Caucasians. However, African-Americans are also more likely to have meningiomas.
Chemical Exposure
Being exposed to toxic and harmful chemicals at UR workplace can also increase the risks of developing brain cancer.
Exposure To Radiation
People exposed to ionizing radiation are at risk of developing brain tumours. Ionizing radiation can occur via high-radiation cancer therapies. Radiation from nuclear fallout has similar effects. In the past, the nuclear power plant incidents in Fukushima and Chernobyl give testament on how anyone can be exposed to ionizing radiation.
Symptoms Of A Brain Tumour
This is dependent on the location and size of the tumour. Some tumours cause direct damage by invading the brain tissue and some tumours may cause additional pressure on the brain. You’ll have noticeable symptoms when a growing tumour creates pressure on the brain tissue.
A persistent headache is one of the telltale signs of a brain tumour. You may have headaches:
- While UR sleeping
- May worsen after waking up
- Are triggered while coughing, sneezing, or exercising
You may also experience:
- Blurred vision or double vision
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Weakness in the face or limbs
- Seizures (especially in adults)
- A change in mental functioning
Symptoms Of Pituitary Tumours
- Nipple discharge, or galactorrhea
- Development of breast tissue in men
- Lack of menstruation in women
- Enlargement of the hands and feet
- increased amounts of body hair, or hirsutism
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
- Low blood pressure
- Blurry vision or tunnel vision
- Obesity
How Are Brain Tumours Diagnosed ?
The diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam and after UR doctor analyzes UR medical history thoroughly which includes the following:
- Muscle strength
- Memory
- Coordination
- Logical ability
The doctor may suggest more tests after the physical exam.
These could include:
- CT
- MRI
- Angiography
- Skull X-ray
- Biopsy
Treatment Of Brain Tumours
- Type of tumour
- Size of the tumour
- Location of the tumour
- UR general health
The most common treatment for malignant brain tumours is surgery. The primary goal is to remove as many cancer cells as possible without causing any damage or complications to the healthy parts of the brain. Sometimes, the location of some tumours allows for easy and safe removal. Other tumours may be located in an area that limits how much of the tumour can be removed. It is seen that even the partial removal of brain cancer cells can be beneficial.
The risks associated with brain surgery include infection and bleeding. Clinically dangerous benign tumours can also be removed surgically. Metastatic brain tumours are treated according to the cancer present in the body. If surgery is suggested, it is most likely to be combined with other treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. After neurosurgery, physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy help you to recover.
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Things you should know about UR family doctor Has he/she renewed their medical license This is very important for every doctor to follow. Sometimes a personal relationship can come in between questioning an important aspect. For the sake of UR loved ones and you, please make sure UR family doctor has a valid license. Addressing this reassures UR trust in your doctor as well. Are they well-versed with new medical practices? It doesn't matter since when you know UR family doctor. It's crucial that UR family doctor is updated with the latest treatments and medical practices. If you find it sensitive to shift, try doing an online consult and get another opinion. It’s so important for people in the medical profession to stay up to date with the latest advancements in medicine & technology. Are they aware of UR family's health history? During times of Emergency knowing yours and UR family’s history can be extremely beneficial. Being aware of UR allergies, medical history, family history, habits, lifestyle and environment play a huge role in times of emergency. Updating UR doctor with UR yearly family health check reports can be a huge leap towards taking responsibility for UR health. Are they available and accessible when you need them? It’s important that UR family doctor makes you a priority and is available when you need them. If they are too busy, it’s worth a change. Comfort is built through availability and accessibility. Remember they need you as much as you need them. Do they have tie-ups with teaching institutes, multi-speciality hospitals and other experts? This can be a deal-breaker because every individual should get the right medical treatment they deserve. UR family doctor should work with a set of experts to gain knowledge as well as a second opinion. Associations with multi-speciality hospitals or educational institutions help gain knowledge as well as access to a trusted network of experts at the time of need. I’m not saying this just because of Apollo, but I know how group practice works and how important it is for the doctor and patients to get a second opinion. UR safety is way more important than the doctor’s ego.
Overpopulation And Ecological Imbalance
As the number of people grows, there is going to be a higher demand for resources. The world population will soon reach a critical level, and we will quickly start worrying about the scarcity of natural resources. We already know that to sustain life on this planet, we need minimal natural resources. Our world has minimal arable land and living space. It doesn't contain enough supplies to feed and accommodate our rapidly growing population. This situation will eventually lead to a limited satisfaction of individual needs and demands as the natural resources themselves are getting exhausted. Every year, the 11th of July is observed as 'World Population Day.' This day is meant to raise awareness programs on global population issues. The increase in population has led to many consequences that adversely affect the people living on this planet. One of the significant problems we are facing today is global warming. Due to the higher demand for resources and minimal effort to produce sustainable forms of energy, the planet is suffering this phenomenon. We cannot say that the extreme changes in the temperature, landslides, pollution, depletion of the ozone layer, earthquakes, deforestation, lack of fuel and scarcity of food and water are not the effects of overpopulation. On the other hand, there are various social and economic problems associated with overpopulation. Underdeveloped countries suffer from the direct effects of industrialization, and are the underlying cause of overpopulation. Over billions of people are living under the poverty line and lack access to food and shelter. As a result, many of these people die due to starvation, malnutrition and lack of housing every day while the rich enjoy the abundance of food shelter. The demand for food is more in developing countries. In the developed countries, the increase in wealth has rapidly increased the standards of living, giving their population more spending power and ultimately leading to increased demands for essential resources, as well as luxuries. Many developed countries import gross amounts of food which in return causes other countries to face shortage leading to an increase in food prices globally which causes a gross imbalance and wreaks havoc in the economy. Causes of overpopulation It is common knowledge that China is the world's number one populous country and India is the second. Still, tentatively there is a belief that India might overtake the world population in the next few decades. The main factor that leads to overpopulation in India is as follow. 1. The birth rate is higher when compared to the death rate. India had been able to successfully decrease the death rate but has not been able to control the rapidly increasing birth rate. 2. The tendency to marry early in India is a crucial reason that leads to overpopulation. Even if the constitution states that a girl cannot marry before the age of 18, an early marriage system still prevails freely in India, which subsequently results in early childbearing. 3. Illiteracy and poverty is another factor. People have a notion that the more the number of children in the family, the more the income. We still are yet to know more about the birth control method and contraceptive, and they are hesitant to discuss it. Also, India still lags behind in using effective birth control methods. Effect of Overpopulation 1. The rate of unemployment is rising quickly 2. A rise in the slum area, traffic congestion and overcrowded housing 3. Lack of education and health care 4. Rise in the cost of food and living due to the decrease in production and a rise in consumption 5. Unequal distribution of income leading to poverty Controlling Overpopulation 1. The government should take up various measures to overcome the problem of overpopulation in a more determined manner 2. The literacy rate should be increased, and awareness programs should be set up on the effects of overpopulation and prominent families 3. Distribute male sterilization and spacing in birth 4. Encourage female empowerment to avoid early marriage It is high time the people are made more aware about the ill-effects of overpopulation because it is in our hands to save the planet and make it sustainable to live comfortably for an extended period and also to make sure the generations that follow have natural resources left for them too.
Are UR Current Problems Connected To A Previous Life?
Dormant memories from a previous lifetime can adversely affect our present life in various ways. There are also certain things we may experience in our daily life that may have a deeper meaning or explanation. Many of us are fascinated by paranormal, clairvoyant phenomenon and also the concept of Déjà vu, which interestingly means, ‘you’ve lived through the present circumstances before.’ Let’s say there’s an alternate reality where time is infinite and the past, present and the future can coexist in one moment and UR present life may be one of the specks of what makes UR soul and its identity a whole! Sometimes, certain ailments cannot be cured by medical science. In such a scenario, therapists claim that past life regression therapy (PLRT) can help you get over certain physical, emotional and mental ailments that may be causing you distress. This is because it is believed that suppressed or dormant memories can sometimes get manifested in physical or psychological problems. Moreover, a past life imprint can show itself as an illness, pain or disease, all of which can hold you back from reaching your full potential. What is past life regression? Past life regression therapy taps into our subconscious mind to relive what practitioners believe to be memories of our past lives or incarnations. Time and space cease to exist when we begin to explore different dimensions in altered states of consciousness and unveil the previous chapters of our life. Alternatively, we see several layers of truth where all representations of our past lives exist concurrently. So while our souls are reincarnated many times, we end up carrying forward our regrets, fears or unsolved issues from our past lives into our present life. Reincarnation You may be surprised to know that your soul may have been reincarnated several times! Many past life regression sessions have even astonished the practitioner and the soul-searcher with the accurate details presented during a session. This could mean that the reason behind your fears or ‘strange feelings’ may be as old as time! People all over the world have been trying regression therapy to find the root cause of their unexplained phobias, pains, unresolved feelings or to connect with a departed loved one. But only after making that connection and finding the root cause of a persistent issue can individuals get cured and balance their karma. Past regression therapy has helped many relive and resolve some of their innermost thoughts that they may have carried over from their previous lives. Connecting with the spirit world It is frequently observed that our feelings are often more intensified when we lose a loved one from the physical realm. So if you’ve lost a loved one and feel that they are watching over you, it may be because they actually are! Spooked? Don’t be. Experts feel we don’t have any reason to fear because at times, a departed soul just wants to connect with a loved one and may also utilise physical mediums to do so. These encounters can offer individuals the much-needed reassurance and closure they may be seeking after the death of their loved ones. In some instances, spirits find objects, memories or some thread when they are trying to communicate with us. Additionally, when we are soul-searching, we open a channel of communication which helps us reveal parts of our previous lives. But just as science hasn't come close to fully explaining the remarkable workings of the human psyche and psychic phenomena, similarly past regression therapy doesn't offer what would be universally accepted as scientific proof to back up its assertions. However, regression therapy has undoubtedly proven to help many people find their life's purpose and in some cases also assist them in reconnecting with their lost loved ones. Heal UR Life After losing a loved one, reconnecting with them via past life regression has provided many people with emotional healing. Fascinatingly, eighty per cent of people who've tried past life regression therapy have found their peace. Furthermore, it’s definitely comforting to know that our loved ones never really die but are actually around (though not physically) and we can communicate with them by using the right medium. According to experts, when a person dies, the soul which is immortal moves on in its journey as it is ever evolving and in the process of discovering itself. We need to respect this. Cause & Effect Everything is connected and happens for a reason. Unveiling the root cause of a specific phobia or a suppressed feeling has helped many heal and overcome their fears. So if UR suffering from something that science cannot explain, try past life regression therapy to bring about harmony in UR life. Remember, UR present life can also influence UR past life or other life for precisely the same reason. This is why we always need to be mindful of the choices we make.
Caring For UR Eyes & UR Contact Lenses
Wearing glasses can pose to be a hindrance for certain physical activities, especially sports and athletics. Therefore, the use of contact lenses has significantly grown around the world and it is here to stay, as it is very easy to use them. However, a majority of individuals use contact lenses for cosmetic reasons. These thin lens that are placed directly on the eye has come a long way since its introduction, in terms of the material that is used in manufacturing (hard, semisoft or gas permeable and soft), wearability, oxygen permeability and more importantly, comfort. Types Of Contact Lenses And How To Use Them Nowadays, about 90 to 95 per cent people use soft contact lenses worldwide, due to their comfort and availability Contact lenses are available in many varieties depending on usage time and replacement: Daily disposable lenses – popular, good but expensive – discard after a single use. Weekly disposable lenses – change them every week. Biweekly, monthly or three-month disposables. Yearly lenses – though it can be used approximately for one year, if you have discomfort and if you notice deposits on the lens or if the lens is damaged, replace it immediately. Spherical lenses are the most prevalent variety used. Toric lenses are for those who have high cylinder power. Bifocals or multifocal contacts for those who need distant and near vision. Coloured contact lenses to alter the appearance of your natural eye colour. Extended wear contact lenses – this type of contact lens is designed to be worn overnight, and they need to be removed for cleaning and disinfection once a week. It is strongly recommended that contact lenses should be removed before sleeping. The eyes need oxygen. So while awake, during constant movements of the eye, sufficient oxygen reaches the eyes. But when you sleep with your contact lenses in, the amount of oxygen is reduced to your eyes, making your eyes vulnerable to infection and the development of corneal ulcers. Corneal infections (ulcers) are very serious, difficult to treat and may lead to corneal blindness, especially if neglected and delayed. Problems With Using Contact Lenses For Too Long Blurred vision – dryness Irritation of eyes – due to allergy Pain Sensitivity to light Excessive watering Overgrowth of surrounding blood vessels near the cornea Red eyes What Not To Do Don’t use your lenses for beyond eight to ten hours a day. Avoid lenses on weekends and as soon as you reach home. Don’t overuse lenses and stick to the stipulated duration as suggested by the ophthalmologist. Quote Change the solution in the contact lens case every day to avoid any eye infections. Overtime the comfort comes down and wearable time gets reduced. This is known as contact lens intolerance. So if you experience any of the above mentioned problems discontinue using your lenses and meet your eye care practitioner for advice. Contact Lenses Hygeine Dos & Don’ts Of Using Contact Lenses A regular eye check-up as suggested by your eye care specialist Change the solution in the contact lens case every day Clean your hands while inserting and removing contact lenses Clear your contact lens case every week Check the contact lens daily before use Look for dust and deposits on the lens Look for cracks and tears, especially at the edges Discard damaged lenses
Are Birth Control Pills Safe?
Birth control pills or oral contraceptive pills are hormonal medications that prevent pregnancy. These may contain combinations of the hormones estrogen and progestin or progestin alone. They are one of the methods of birth control and spacing between children. How It Works While the pill obstructs the ovaries from releasing eggs every month (ovulation), it also thickens the mucus inside the neck of the womb. It prevents the sperm from penetrating the womb and reach an egg. It also lessens the lining of the womb so that there is less probability of a fertilised egg infusing into the womb and grow. Safe Or Unsafe? A 39-year-old study following 46,000 women showed that the pill does not raise death risk and might even help women live longer. Therefore, the birth control pill is an accepted and highly effective method of birth control, if taken correctly. Moreover, the tablet has less than one per cent failure rate. For women who miss taking their medicines, the lack of success rate elevates roughly to eight per cent. Otherwise, eight out of a hundred women become pregnant unintentionally. Beginning on the first day of your period: If you start the combined pill on the first day of your period (day one of your menstrual cycle), you will be straight away safeguarded from pregnancy and will not need additional contraception. Beginning on the fifth day of your cycle or before: In case you start the pill on the fifth day of your period or earlier, you will need additional contraception, such as barrier methods until the next cycle. Care Instructions On The Combined Pill In case there are no medical reasons involved, you can take the pill until menopause. However, you should avoid the pill if you are pregnant, are a smoker and aged 35 or more, have stopped smoking less than a year ago, are overweight and take certain medications. Additionally, you should also avoid the pill if you have (or have had): • Thrombosis (a blood clot) in your vein, maybe in your leg or lungs • Anyone in your close family below the age group of 45 with a blood clot • Stroke or any other disease that reduces the functioning of the arteries • Severe migraine, especially with aura (warning symptoms) • Breast cancer • Any disease of the gallbladder or liver • A heart irregularity or heart disease, including high blood pressure • Diabetes with complications or diabetic for the past 20 years Advantages & Disadvantages Of Using Birth Control Pills • You will have lighter periods and also less frequent periods • The birth control pill can reduce heavy bleeding, pain and severity of endometriosis and fibroid tumours • The intake of birth control pills may reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer Side Effects • A woman’s general danger of blood clots is approximately one in 10,000. Still, due to the higher risk for blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks, estrogen-containing birth control is not advisable if you have the above risk factors • The hormones in the pill can alter the level of your sexual desire • You may also notice spotting or bleeding between periods (this is more common with progestin-only pills) sore breasts, nausea, or headaches • Acne or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) may also get exacerbated due to birth control pills
Celebrating The Red Cross Society
Keeping humanity alive through voluntary humanitarian work across the globe, Red Cross Society is spread in more than 180 countries. Their fundamental principles are to help during a disaster, emergencies and provide healthcare to people that are from the vulnerable communities. To celebrate the establishment of such a wonderful organization, the 8th of May is marked as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day. COVID-19 Crisis On the international forefront, the IRCF (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) is working on guidance, preparedness, contingency, recovery after the pandemic, Staff/volunteer health and wellbeing, mental health and psychosocial support, risk communication, community engagement, rapid training for community response, water, sanitation, hygiene, basic needs and shelters. They are also raising funds with a target of a hundred and fifty million dollars to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian Red Cross Society set up a mobile blood collection units as it’s one of the essential service needed to save lives. Psychosocial Counselling and ensuring the safety of staff and volunteers supporting them during this time of crisis is also available. More than forty thousand volunteers in the country are working around the clock to help vulnerable people with groceries, cooked food, hygiene kits, medicines, drinking water, face masks, sanitizers, towels and ambulance services wherever needed. In the recent Vizag Gas Leakage Tragedy, IRCS volunteers helped in the evacuation and announcement of precautions. They also distributed food & water among the affected families. As their core principles suggest, they are helping in everything they could with a kind heart. Visit www.vizagsafe.in for updated information the unfortunate incident or call 1800 4250 0009. If you are stranded are starving please call 9537622758/ 8790015666. Foundation The establishment of such an organization has an interesting starting point. During the Franco - Austrian war of 1859, a young businessman named Jean Henry Dunant was horrified at the view of injured soldiers helplessly waiting on the battlefield for medical care. After pitching the idea of relief services at an international conference, Geneva, Red Cross Movement took shape. Honouring the country he was born in, he chose an inverted cross of the Swiss national flag as an emblem for Red Cross. Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) World War I left Indian soldiers without a major relief service to treat their injured body. Though the British Red Cross was established, it was not able to help all those soldiers in need. A bill passed in 1920 to set up an Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) independent from the British Red Cross helped the organization to stay rooted in India. It operated all over the country through the Delhi headquarter. The Seven Principles Any staff, volunteer or supporter of Red Cross Society represents and abides seven principles that are the core of this organization. They are, 1. Humanity: Budding from respect towards human beings, the Red Cross works to ease the pain inflicted on humans. They are the strong advocates of reducing human suffering without discriminating them on any basis. 2. Impartiality: To treat people solely based on the medical emergency they pose and tend to their needs accordingly. They will not discriminate people based on nationally, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. 3. Neutrality: To win the trust of all, the representatives and supporters stay away from controversies that mainly stem from associating themselves with political, racial, religious or ideological vocal views. 4. Independence: They retain their autonomy status in the countries they are established in by abiding the laws of the respective countries. It gives them the authority to offer their services to mankind independently. 5. Voluntary service: It is not prompted by a desire for gain in any manner. 6. Unity: Only one Red Cross or Red Crescent establishment should be there in a country. While carrying out their humanitarian services, they should encourage understanding, fellowship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst everyone. 7. Universality: Red Cross doesn't discriminate. The 189 countries have equal status and share similar responsibilities. They believe in helping each other. Programmes in India Promoting humanitarian principles and values: To help people by promoting the above seven core values and believes. Disaster Relief: Provides relief during natural calamities like drought, earthquake, floods, cyclones and other natural disasters. Disaster response: Cater to the needs of people who are hit by disasters and are vulnerable. Disaster preparedness: A workshop is conducted based on strategic planning, community preparedness, disaster management structure, etc. Other Activities • Blood Bank • Awareness and prevention of HIV / AIDS • Hospital Services • Home for Disabled Servicemen • Vocational Training Centre • Tracing Activities • Maternity and Child Welfare • Family Welfare • Nursing How To Volunteer For The Red Cross Society Wanting to do something for the community is a noble thought. IRCS provides you with a path to bring some joy to the needy. Here is how you can serve. Consult UR nearby Red Cross branch Enrol Go through the orientation process Get to know the several viable ways that IRCS provides you to serve Get in touch with UR team and do UR bit And just like that, you opt to serve this historical society!
