Medical Diseases - Health and Medicine in Postal Stamps

One stamp one story: Inflamed Bowel

Index Home Each stamp has a story to tell. These are lucky few, where I have either one, or just a few to weave a story. These medical themes may be rare, uncommon, or out of sight for those who do not have them. Further, their limited advocacy may have led to only a small number… Continue reading One stamp one story: Inflamed Bowel

Hundred years of international committee of Red Cross (1863-1963)

Index Home This is fourth in the series of Red-Cross philately blogs. Here we focus on Red Cross stamps from 1963, a year when International committee of Red Cross (ICRC) turned hundred. This was yet another occasion, for the entire world to show solidarity. Just a year ago in 1962, more than 100 countries created a… Continue reading Hundred years of international committee of Red Cross (1863-1963)

Women’s health, cancer screening and Papanicolaou

Index Home Healthcare suffers from male dominance. At the beginning of 20th century, most doctors were men. Maternal care, commonest women’s health concern, was more of a tradition rather than part of a profession. Midwives and later nurses were flag bearers of health issues affecting women. In this context, it is no surprise that in comparison… Continue reading Women’s health, cancer screening and Papanicolaou

Mission immunisation and polio eradication

Home Index Today polio stands eliminated from all but two countries in the world. India was declared to have eliminated polio in the year 2014. Ten years later about 65 odd cases are still reported annually from Pakistan and Afghanistan. 24th October is world polio day, and we still await its global eradication. Origins of poliomyelitis… Continue reading Mission immunisation and polio eradication

We have a lot of nerve !!

Index Home All living beings react to their environment. Barring a few, all animals can see, hear, feel, smell and taste our surroundings. We all can also walk, jump, balance and coordinate our movements. While many animals out-do humans in these acts, we probably excel in expression of our thoughts. All civilisations express hope, fear, desires… Continue reading We have a lot of nerve !!

Illicit drugs and addiction

Index Home All Illicit drugs were not always illegal. For centuries we used them in cultural & religious rituals, and also for healing. Addiction was considered more of a sinful individual behaviour, rather than a national threat. Things changed in the 19th century. Use of illicit drugs became explosive. Illicit drugs a bye product of development… Continue reading Illicit drugs and addiction

Tobacco: A merchandise of death

Index Home For a good part of human history, most world was oblivious to tobacco. In 1492, natives in Central American new world gifted Columbus with various items, as he was embarking on a return journey. These included dried tobacco leaves. Natives used it in religious functions, and also as a currency. Currency it indeed was,… Continue reading Tobacco: A merchandise of death

Cancer: An antagonist in human story

Index Home Dear Cancer, For centuries you have slithered inside our bodies. You silently grow, wrapping all the structures that come your way. As you become big, you siphon away all the power and energy from me. While you bloom, I tragically wither. Usually when discovered, you have already broken my seams, and have travelled within… Continue reading Cancer: An antagonist in human story

Heart dominates, but does it ?

Index Home Heart has a special place amongst all organs. While brain, blood, liver, skin and kidneys all work silently – heart is loud. It is the only one to beat, and to generate a perceptible pulse. Heart-beat and pulse are signs of life. Hence, dominant position of heart in all systems of medicine, should not… Continue reading Heart dominates, but does it ?

Diabetes: Not so sweet

Index Home A not so sweet disease Diabetes is a chronic disease. Individuals with diabetes have high blood sugars, pass more urine, and get more thirsty. While urine is sweet and sugar in blood is high, disease is not so sweet. Individuals need to restrict their diets, exercise more, and take tablets or insulin injection for… Continue reading Diabetes: Not so sweet