Index Home Yoga is a centuries-old practice that combines physical, mental, and spiritual elements to promote overall well-being and harmony. The word means – “to join”. It joins mind and the body. Rooted in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga has gained immense popularity worldwide as a holistic approach to health and self-discovery. Yoga describes a series of… Continue reading Yoga: An Indian cultural export to the world
Category: Health concepts
Healthy, well, happy, quality
Semmelweis’s struggle for a hand-wash
Index Home Washing hands is a simple, low cost, and an obvious health-promoting measure. Yet, we need not one, but two days in a year to reinforce its need. 5th May every year is a World hand hygiene day, and 15th October, a global hand-washing day. In mid-19th century, a doctor named Semmelweis struggled to introduce… Continue reading Semmelweis’s struggle for a hand-wash
How big and complex is our genetic code: A philately journey
Index Home Our body is a collection of cells, that give shape to our organs, structure, function, thoughts, language, and behaviour. We are a collection of about 30 trillion cells and 38 trillion bacteria who live within. Each of these cells have a beginning. It was a single cell when our lives began, and then over… Continue reading How big and complex is our genetic code: A philately journey
Stethoscope: An integral tool in medical practice
Index Home First stethoscope was invented only in 1816. While this 200 year old instrument, is quite synonymous with medical practice, it is more of a physician’s tool. It has evolved, both in its appearance, as well as its utility. It has the same mysticism, as the symbol of medicine – the staff and the intertwined… Continue reading Stethoscope: An integral tool in medical practice
When sun, air, water and food treated Tuberculosis
Index Home Let’s begin this story in 1906. This is the year of first ever postage stamp on tuberculosis (TB). On 21st December, Netherlands issued a postage stamp. This was a semi-postal Christmas charity, where postal authorities sold 1c, 3c, 5c stamps at double the price. One half went to postage. They gave the other to… Continue reading When sun, air, water and food treated Tuberculosis
Medical books and journals in postal stamps
Index Home Every budding doctor needs to read many books. These medical books are not only an integral part of training, but also a companion for life. Today, in this world of information explosion, books compete with journals. Journals are a collection of periodic updates, newer thoughts, and renewed experiences. With innumerable medical books and about… Continue reading Medical books and journals in postal stamps
Compassion in healthcare and its imagery in postage stamps
Index Home Empathy and compassion are integral to healthcare. Most patients seek care when they have discomfort, infirmity or incapacitation. Compassion is a concern for another person’s discomfort. It is not possible to provide care, without concern. However people have different concern-reactions. For some it is a mere obligation, to listen and to abruptly close the… Continue reading Compassion in healthcare and its imagery in postage stamps
Founders of healing: from ancient to the early medieval times
Index Home Healing is an art, and no one knows it better than the healers themselves. A system of healing is in place, since the beginning of mankind, much before the advent of modern scientific discoveries and invention. Early healers were priests and philosophers. They were a link between mortals beings and the divine. Since… Continue reading Founders of healing: from ancient to the early medieval times
The rise & fall of a leading medical university
Index Home Till early 1900s, Vienna was a leading centre for medical education. Ranked after Paris, and Berlin Medical University of Vienna had brought many innovations. University was so prestigious, that American Medical Association had a branch in Vienna. University provided training even for US doctors, who then moved back to their own country to set… Continue reading The rise & fall of a leading medical university
Global recognition of Child rights
Index Home Child rights are less than a 100 years old Children have rights, and today all countries recognise them. Firstly, all children have a right to education. All governments provide for free and publicly funded school systems. Secondly, children have a right to health. Most states, international agencies, and local charities focus on maternal… Continue reading Global recognition of Child rights