From recovery to independence: Amar Seva Sangam hosts annual spinal cord injury reunion
According to a press release issued here on Tuesday, the two-day event brought together former beneficiaries from across Tamil Nadu, offering a platform for learning, sharing, and emotional renewal.
The 20-bed rehabilitation facility at the Amar Seva Sangam provides post-acute care for persons with SCI, including mobility and self-care training, transfer and wheelchair skills, vocational rehabilitation, counselling, and follow-up home visits. Since its inception, more than 250 persons have been rehabilitated, with many achieving independence and sustainable livelihoods.
This year's meet featured a series of technical sessions including bladder and bowel management; women's health – sexual and reproductive life and ageing and pressure sore management by Sumitha Gounden, a renowned Australian SCI physician.
A medical camp was organised with the participation of specialists including neurologists, urologists, and cardiologists offering on-the-spot consultations. Participants also benefited from individual and group counselling given by M.S Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of founder president Padmashri S. Ramakrishnan and S. Sankara Raman promoter, co-chairman and secretary, the note added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
20 hours ago
- Hans India
Australian govt to fast-track assessment of toxic algae outbreak on marine species
Canberra: The Australian government announced on Wednesday it will fast-track an assessment to determine if any flora and fauna affected by a toxic algal bloom off the country's south coast should be added to the threatened species list. Murray Watt, Australia's Minister for the Environment and Water, said during a visit to South Australia (SA) on Wednesday that he will expedite an expert assessment of the impact of the toxic algal on marine life. Since it was first detected off the coast of SA in March, the outbreak of the toxic algae Karenia mikimotoi has caused the deaths of thousands of marine creatures, including sharks, octopuses and penguins, across 500 kilometres of coastline. Watt said in a statement on Wednesday that the outbreak has had a "devastating impact" on more than 400 species. He said that he has written to the chair of the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC), which advises the government on updating the threatened species list, to urgently investigate whether any species need to be added to the list as a result of the algal outbreak. Once a species is officially listed as threatened, it can have a legally-binding recovery plan developed and adopted until it is removed from the list, Xinhua news agency reported. "We can leave no stone unturned to understand the impact of this on local marine life, so we can begin investing in the appropriate strategies to bring these important animals back to healthy numbers," Watt said. Authorities from the SA National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on Wednesday morning removed a dead dolphin that had washed up on Henley Beach in the western suburbs of the state capital of Adelaide. The NPWS said that a necropsy would be undertaken to investigate the cause of death but that marine mammals are not believed to be at "immediate risk" from the algal bloom. According to the SA Department of Environment and Water, possible contributing factors to the bloom include a marine heatwave and extra nutrients being washed into the sea by flooding. The department says that no human intervention can be made to dilute or dissipate the algae. The federal and SA state governments in July committed 28 million Australian dollars (18.3 million US dollars) in joint funding for the response to the bloom, including science and research and clean up efforts. Watt on Monday apologised to South Australians who had criticised both governments for being too slow to respond to the crisis. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to inspect the algal bloom later in August.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
From recovery to independence: Amar Seva Sangam hosts annual spinal cord injury reunion
Amar Seva Sangam, organised a two-day reunion for rehabilitated persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in which resource persons and experts shared their views and latest updates. According to a press release issued here on Tuesday, the two-day event brought together former beneficiaries from across Tamil Nadu, offering a platform for learning, sharing, and emotional renewal. The 20-bed rehabilitation facility at the Amar Seva Sangam provides post-acute care for persons with SCI, including mobility and self-care training, transfer and wheelchair skills, vocational rehabilitation, counselling, and follow-up home visits. Since its inception, more than 250 persons have been rehabilitated, with many achieving independence and sustainable livelihoods. This year's meet featured a series of technical sessions including bladder and bowel management; women's health – sexual and reproductive life and ageing and pressure sore management by Sumitha Gounden, a renowned Australian SCI physician. A medical camp was organised with the participation of specialists including neurologists, urologists, and cardiologists offering on-the-spot consultations. Participants also benefited from individual and group counselling given by M.S Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation. The programme was conducted under the guidance of founder president Padmashri S. Ramakrishnan and S. Sankara Raman promoter, co-chairman and secretary, the note added.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Anti-aging and stem cell research gains momentum in India's healthcare sector
The landscape of health and longevity in India is witnessing a quiet but profound transformation, driven by advancements in regenerative medicine, particularly stem cell research. What was once considered a speculative area of science is now demonstrating tangible results, fostering a new perspective on aging not merely as an inevitable decline but as a process amenable to management and enhancement. This evolving narrative is being shaped by both personal anecdotes and rigorous clinical exploration, signaling a pivotal moment in the nation's healthcare trajectory. The deeply personal experience of a wealthy industrialist's family has, for instance, illuminated the potential of these advanced therapies. Following the untimely demise of his 71-year-old brother due to a cardiac event, the younger sibling, then 65, embarked on a deliberate quest for healthy aging. This journey led him to embrace cellular therapy as an annual regimen, often necessitating travel abroad for access to these specialized treatments. At 75, he not only maintains a remarkably active lifestyle but has also strategically invested in numerous biotechnology and stem cell research ventures, underscoring his conviction in their potential. His personal narrative has become a catalyst for broader discussions on how advanced therapies can contribute not just to extended lifespans but crucially, to an enhanced quality of life in later years. Echoing these individual successes, India itself is beginning to generate its own compelling case studies. A notable example is that of Mr. Pathak, a resident of Kanpur, who had grappled with uncontrolled diabetes for many years. Enrolled in a clinical program at GSVM Medical College, Pathak underwent a transplant utilizing adipose-derived stem cells adipose derived cellular concentrate. The outcome proved remarkable, exceeding even his own expectations. His HbA1c, a vital marker for long-term blood sugar control, saw a significant reduction from 9.5 to 6.5, achieved without substantial alterations to his existing medication regimen. This particular procedure was meticulously guided by Dr. B.S. Rajput , a visiting professor at GSVM Medical College and a distinguished consultant in orthopedic and cellular transplants. Dr. Rajput elucidated the methodology, stating, 'We carried out this cellular therapy using an Australian patented ultrasonic cavitation technology. This approach holds approval from the Drug Controller General of India for the management of pain in arthritis-affected knees.' He further emphasized a critical, often underestimated, aspect of healthy aging: 'When people can move without pain, their overall health outcomes improve significantly. Mobility is one of the most underrated factors in healthy aging. ' This highlights the intricate connection between pain management, mobility, and overall well-being in the aging process. The broader wellness and regenerative medicine industry in India is keenly observing these developments. Rajiv Chaturvedi, Vice President of Umbicell Pvt Ltd, a Mumbai-based healthcare firm, affirmed the accelerating awareness surrounding healthy aging. 'The next decade unequivocally belongs to wellness and longevity science. We are witnessing a greater societal acceptance of stem cell enhancers and joint health supplements, integrating them into everyday healthcare practices,' Chaturvedi commented. This indicates a growing consumer appetite and market readiness for innovative solutions in this domain. Beyond its foundational role in pain management, stem cell therapy's applications are progressively expanding. Researchers and clinicians are now exploring its efficacy for conditions once deemed intractable, including severe spinal cord injuries, debilitating muscular dystrophies, and even cerebral palsy in children. Dr. Rajput elaborated on these burgeoning areas: 'We are witnessing positive outcomes in cases once thought to have limited treatment options. While these remain closely monitored and clinically guided, the results offer substantive hope for a significantly improved quality of life for patients,' This expansion into complex neurological and musculoskeletal disorders underscores the transformative potential of regenerative approaches. Concurrently, research interest is branching into related, yet equally vital, areas such as gut health, which is increasingly recognized for its profound links to immunity and metabolic function. Varun Singh, Director of Scigenomics Pvt Ltd, a Navi Mumbai-based genomics and stem cell research laboratory, highlighted this symbiotic relationship. 'Gut wellness is emerging as a cornerstone of comprehensive anti-aging strategies. Our extensive microbiome testing work across Southeast Asia is instrumental in identifying precisely how gut bacteria influence not only digestion but also broader patterns of overall health and aging.' Singh stated. This interdisciplinary approach, integrating genomics and gut microbiome analysis, represents a holistic strategy toward understanding and mitigating the effects of aging. Globally, the anti-aging industry is projected to exceed USD 90 billion by the year 2030. India is poised to be a significant contributor to this substantial growth, propelled by its expanding middle class, increasing disposable incomes, and the continuous evolution of its healthcare infrastructure. While present challenges such as the high cost of therapies and limited accessibility remain pertinent, experts anticipate that wider adoption will naturally lead to reduced costs as research scales up and the underlying technologies mature, fostering greater affordability and reach. For the present, success stories like Pathak's remarkable improvement in diabetic control and the businessman's sustained vitality and activity well into his seventies are instrumental in reshaping public perception of longevity in India. These individual triumphs, synergistically combined with the rapid advancements in regenerative medicine, are fueling a more expansive public discourse. This conversation centers on aging not as an inevitable slide into infirmity but as a dynamic process that, with scientific intervention and responsible choices, can be actively managed for a better future. Dr. Rajput distilled the emerging philosophy succinctly. He commented, 'The science is ready, and awareness is unequivocally growing. If individuals approach these treatments responsibly, integrating prevention alongside therapy, then the goal of living longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives can indeed become a realistic and attainable objective.' This forward-looking perspective underscores a shift from merely extending lifespan to fundamentally enhancing the quality of those additional years through informed and proactive health management. The above is non-editorial content and TIL does not guarantee, vouch or endorse any of it. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified.
