
IPSOWA camp stresses on early detection and regular health monitoring
The awareness campaign was aimed at educating participants about health concerns faced by women and encourage proactive health measures such as preventive screenings, timely medical attention, regular gynaecological check-ups, and HPV vaccination for females aged between 9 and 45 years.
As part of the initiative, free bone mineral density (BMD) checks and haemoglobin tests were conducted on-site. The event was presided over by Dr Nimisha Agarwal, director of Niramaya Centre for Women Care and Diagnostics, who addressed the attendees on the importance of early detection and regular health monitoring.
The programme was held under the guidance of IPSOWA president Madhurima Raj and supported by the association's medical members, Dr Archana Gangwar, Dr Nidhi Prasad, Dr Premshila, and Dr Rubel, who were actively involved in facilitating the tests and consultations during the event.
"This initiative is a sincere reflection of IPSOWA's commitment towards social responsibility and community engagement, especially in supporting the health and wellbeing of women in police families," said IPSOWA president Madhurima Raj.
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The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
RFK Jr.'s vow to overhaul vaccine injury program echoes grievances of anti-vaccine movement
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is vowing to 'fix' the federal programme for compensating Americans injured by vaccines, opening the door to sweeping changes for a system long targeted by anti-vaccine activists Vaccine Injury Compensation Program history and purpose Health experts and lawyers say updates are needed to help clear a backlog of cases in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, created by Congress in 1986 as a no-fault payment system for presumed vaccine injuries. But they also worry Kennedy's changes will reflect his history as a leader in the anti-vaccine movement, which has alternately called for abolishing the program or expanding it to cover unproven injuries and illnesses that aren't connected to vaccines. Kennedy and other critics believe the programme is 'too miserly in what it considers to be a vaccine injury,' said Jason Schwartz, a public health expert at Yale University. 'That's created great concern that he could expand what's included.' Anti-vaccine groups have long suggested a link between vaccines and autism, despite scientific consensus that childhood vaccines don't cause the condition. Adding autism to the list of injuries covered by the plan 'would dramatically increase the number of compensable cases, potentially bankrupting it," Schwartz said. Signed into law under President Ronald Reagan, the compensation programme is designed to provide quick, efficient compensation to Americans who report known injuries associated with vaccines, such as rare allergic reactions. At the time of its creation, a number of vaccine-makers were exiting the business due to risks of class action lawsuits. In a recent social media post, Kennedy called the programme 'broken' and accused federal lawyers and adjudicators who run it of 'inefficiency, favoritism and outright corruption.' Kennedy didn't specify the changes he's seeking. But some of the people he's enlisted to help have a history of bringing vaccine injury cases. In June, the Department of Health and Human Services awarded a $150,000 contract to an Arizona law firm for 'expertise' in the programme. The firm's Andrew Downing, an attorney specialising in vaccine injury cases, was listed in the HHS staff directory for a time. 'We just brought a guy in this week who is going to be revolutionizing the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program,' Kennedy told Tucker Carlson shortly after the award. Revamping the program would be the latest in a string of decisions that have upended U.S. vaccine policy, including this week's cancellation of research funding for vaccines using mRNA technology. Potential impacts of Kennedy's proposed changes Downing has had a leading role in lawsuits against Merck alleging injuries from its HPV vaccine, Gardasil, including a rare movement disorder. In a podcast last year for people with the condition, Downing lamented that the injury compensation programme 'has taken a hard line' against such cases, leading lawyers to file injury lawsuits in civil court. Approximately 70% of the Gardasil cases against Merck started as claims filed by Downing in the federal injury program, according to court records. A judge dismissed more than 120 of those cases, citing 'a paucity of evidence" that Gardasil caused patients' problems. A spokesman for Kennedy declined to comment on Downing's hiring. Kennedy himself has been involved in the Gardasil litigation, as both an attorney and consultant. Before joining the government, Kennedy received payments for referring potential Gardasil clients to Wisner Baum, one of the law firms suing Merck. Following questions about the agreement during his confirmation hearings, Kennedy agreed to give up his stake in the deal and transfer any future fees to 'a nondependent, adult son," according to his financial disclosures. One of Kennedy's sons is an attorney at Wisner Baum. Experts who study vaccine compensation say real changes are needed to modernise the 40-year-old programme. Existing gaps and proposed updates to the system The cap on compensation remains $250,000 for injury or death, the same as in 1986. Similarly, the program still has eight adjudicators, known as special masters, to review all cases before the government. On average, the process takes two to three years. The fund has paid out $5.4 billion, compensating about 40% of all people who filed claims. The U.S. has an 'ethical obligation' to promptly pay those harmed by government-recommended vaccines, says Dorit Reiss, a professor at the University of California Hastings College of the Law.'Plus, I think it increases trust in the vaccination program if you have quick, generous compensation,' Reiss said. As health secretary, Kennedy has broad powers to reshape the programme. One approach could be adding new diseases and illnesses to the government table of payable injuries. In the early 2000s, the program ruled against more than 5,000 claims from families who said vaccines led to their children's autism, citing hundreds of scientific studies discrediting the link. Critics of Kennedy say he could claim that he has new evidence of harm — perhaps from a large autism study he's commissioned — and add the condition to the program. In response, the federal government might have to increase taxes on vaccines to replenish the compensation fund, which would make the shots more expensive and less accessible. 'Then you will start to watch the vaccine programme infrastructure in this country disintegrate until someone steps in,' Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine researcher at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia who has clashed with Kennedy for years. A recent Senate hearing titled 'Voice of the Vaccine Injured' appeared to make the case for expanding the programme. Witnesses included two representatives from Children's Health Defense, the nonprofit group that Kennedy previously chaired and has repeatedly sued the government over vaccines. The group's chief science officer, Brian Hooker, told lawmakers he tried unsuccessfully for 16 years trying to get compensation for his son's autism, which he attributes to the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. Another approach would involve removing certain vaccines from the program, making it easier to bring lawsuits against vaccine-makers. Under current law, people claiming injuries from vaccines covered by the program must first pursue a compensation claim before they can sue. In cases where the science doesn't support a connection to vaccines, lawyers might be more successful before a jury. 'Jury trials take advantage of the fact that most jurors don't know anything about science or medicine,' Offit said. 'They are not going to be as easily moved by the data.' Still, attorneys who bring cases before the compensation program say the process has become more burdensome and adversarial over the years. Even small changes could improve things. For instance, the statute of limitations for claims could be extended beyond the current three years, which lawyers say cuts off many potential clients. 'I'm hoping there will be changes put in place that make the programme easier for petitioners to navigate' said Leah Durant, a vaccine injury attorney.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Cancer risk and the link with your habits; how to stay safe, lifestyle choices and family history
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Stay Physically Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Eat a Plant-Rich Diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts. Limit red and processed meats, refined sugars, and saturated fats. Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol increases risk for several cancers, including breast, colorectal, and liver. If you drink, do so in moderation (one drink per day for women, two for men). Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major cause of skin cancer. Use broad-spectrum SPF, wear protective clothing, and avoid tanning beds. Hydrate Wisely: Though not a direct cancer-fighting strategy, drinking enough fluids, around 8-13 cups daily, supports healthy cellular function and may reduce risks for certain cancers like bladder and colon. Know Your Family History: Genetic predispositions matter. 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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
This habit with smoking can increase your chances of oral cancer by 624% in the next 5 years
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