We share a common environment with all other plants and animals. This is not merely a co-existence, but at times a competition for resources such as food and habitat. Our growing numbers, and expansion in available land for settlements, cultivation, and often adventure brings us in a close to the animal kingdom. Micro-organisms live within… Continue reading Zoonoses: Why diseases from animals now pass on to us
Author: rjoshimgims
Celiac disease: When wheat withers you down
Celiac Disease is an uncommon occurrence, and it affects less than 1% of people world-wide. Those who have it, suffer from diarrhea, bloating, and pain in abdomen. Their intestines do-not absorb nutrients as well, and so they often develop anemia, iron and vitamin deficiencies. Weakened bones, and dysfunctional nerves also take their toll. If it… Continue reading Celiac disease: When wheat withers you down
Widal: A century old blood test and its creator
Widal test is commonly used across tropical countries, in an attempt to find out if a person with fever, has typhoid. This popular test is named after its creator, Georges-Fernand-Isidor Widal, a French physician-scientist. While the test is still popular in areas where typhoid fever is a concern, medical texts rather focus on problems with… Continue reading Widal: A century old blood test and its creator
Olive branches and white doves
Olives Olives are native to Mediterranean region, but are also grown in various other parts of the world. This slow growing plant, does not need much of water to grow. Its oil, as well as fruit have many reported health benefits from preventing diabetes, cancers, obesity and heart diseases. Two olive branches are also a… Continue reading Olive branches and white doves
Heparin: A blood drug first found in Liver
Heparin a naturally occurring substances in many animals. It is an important drug to treat heart attacks and clots in our arteries and veins. We also use it when we want blood not to clot, and to keep it flowing through artificial conduits such as dialysis and vascular catheters. Discovery of heparin was also quite… Continue reading Heparin: A blood drug first found in Liver
Blood, when it was either black or white
It was between the years 1900-02, when Karl Landsteiner and colleagues discovered blood groups A, B, AB and neither A nor B (or O). This discovery not only led to a Nobel Prize in the year 1930, but also brought in a concept of blood banks. When the first blood banks were set up (Leningrad… Continue reading Blood, when it was either black or white
How did armies started having their own medical corps
Injuries were expected during wars, but neither doctors nor individuals with medical know-how were an integral part of the armed forces. These were either volunteers, or could be requisitioned for a short period of time. Such medics were mostly carrying out their profession in the civilian population. The earliest account of dedicated surgeons or physicians… Continue reading How did armies started having their own medical corps
Bitten by a snake and to reverse its venom
Rains are here, and soon snakes shall follow. This is a routine in vast swathes of rural tropics, including India. Snakes are an integral part of folklore, as well as of religious texts and mythology. There are many a temples dedicated to the “Snake Gods”, who apparently provide protection and an eternal life. Entire medical… Continue reading Bitten by a snake and to reverse its venom
Alcoholism: From an age-old drink to a medical taboo
As per World Health Organization “Alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance with dependence producing properties“. As per WHO estimates, 2.6 million deaths every year are attributable to Alcohol consumption. In India it is estimated that about 160 million individuals consume alcohol, and of these 14 million have a serious alcohol related problem, which we… Continue reading Alcoholism: From an age-old drink to a medical taboo
Some Military medics who made it to philately
Across the world military employs medical doctors in its workforce. This tradition is ancient, and can be traced back to Roman times. While primary task of these military medics was to keep armies fighting fit, and to address injuries and causalities during wars. However, some medics employed in the armed forces made their mark in… Continue reading Some Military medics who made it to philately