Cancer on the rise among youth

Youngsters in Kolkata are paying a heavy price for failing to kick the butt and spit out the pan masala. Despite a more high-pitched anti-tobacco campaign, pictorial warnings on cigarette packets and restrictions on the sale of tobacco products around educational institutions, GenNext, it seems, can't get rid of the cancer stick or the gutkha sachet.
Statistics reveal that 1,500 to 2,000 young adults in the city are diagnosed with oral or head and neck cancer every year and nearly half of them die within 12 months. The number has never been higher and ranks among the highest among metros in India
Even as smoking habit is on the wane around the country, Kolkata and the eastern region have been merrily puffing and chewing away. The consequences have been disastrous. Nearly 91% of the 25,000 oral cancer cases in the state are triggered by tobacco use.
"The worrying news is that an increasing number of young adults those in the 18 to 25 age group are now falling prey. Our data shows that it has been rising despite government-imposed restrictions on the sale of tobacco. Along with smoking, pan masala has been taking a big toll. Tobacco chewing raises the risk of oral cancer by 31 times. Unfortunately, urban youngsters are now hooked to pan masala chewing more than ever before," said Gautam Mukhopadhyay, senior oncologist, who led a study on cancer in Kolkata.
While smoking is known to trigger lung cancer and cancer of the voice box, stomach or oesophagus, pan masala-induced cancer is largely restricted to the mouth. Instances of oral cancer are now higher than smoke-induced cancers among Kolkata youngsters. "Head and neck cancer has always been the commonest form of the disease among males, followed closely by oral cancer. Among women, breast and cervical cancer top the list. Traditionally, lung and oral cancer patients would be middle-aged. But there has been an alarming drop in the age of patients over the last three years. It seems youngsters are getting hooked to tobacco even earlier than they previously did," said Subir Ganguly, senior oncologist. The study has also revealed that a majority of the tobacco addicts is addicted to alcohol which enhances the risk of cancer ten-fold.
"Smoke and alcohol is a dangerous combination. It exposes you to the risk of oral, lung and stomach cancer. Unfortunately, a strong drinking culture now exists in Kolkata. Youngsters love to puff away while they are downing a few pegs," said Mukhopadhyay. Nearly 50% of the 80,000 cancer cases in West Bengal annually are reported in the final stage of the disease. More than half of those who die of cancer in the state are tobacco users.
A survey done by the Cancer Foundation of India (CFI) among school children in Kolkata, confirms the early use of tobacco. "A surprisingly high percentage of high school students are now taking to smoking and chewing tobacco. By the time they are in their early twenties, many have had enough exposure to tobacco for cancer," said M Siddiqui, chairperson, CFI.
Experts blame the poor implementation of anti-tobacco laws and a weak awareness campaign for the alarming scenario. Youngsters, especially men, in this part of the country, they argue, still look at smoking and chewing as machismo. Early incidences of cancer among women, says the study, has more to do with an unregulated lifestyle than tobacco abuse. Indiscriminate use of contraceptives and sexual activity from an early age have been found responsible for cervical cancer among women in Kolkata.

Cops cold to smoke ban violations

KOLKATA: The city, it seems, is reluctant to root out smoking in public.
It's been five months since the mechanism for imposing fines on those who flout the ban on smoking in public was put in place. The Kolkata Police armed itself with the challans and State Tobacco Control Cell ( STCC) got ready to swing into action. A series of meetings and advocacy sessions aimed at sensitizing the police and those responsible for enforcing the prohibition were held and a list of pubs and bars that were generous about smoking drawn up. But the first penalty is yet to be imposed.
This, despite the fact that Kolkatans continue to puff at hospitals, government buildings and educational institutions. Even though most restaurants and bars have managed to stub out smoking, lighting up on the road remains unrestricted. Smoking in public was prohibited under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act that came into force on October 1, 2008, exactly two years ago.
Cancer Foundation of India (CFI) that has been actively advocating the ban has lodged complaints against some restaurants that allow smoking late in the evening. Complaints have also been filed against offenders in public transport. But no step has been taken.
"Unfortunately, police are yet to conduct surprise raids which it had promised. There are a few prominent restobars which are still flouting the rule. As far as government buildings are concerned, they remain smokers' dens," said Sutapa Biswas, executive director, CFI. Each government department is supposed to have a designated officer authorized to slap the penalty. The police can impose a fine at any place where lighting up has been prohibited. Offenders in Kolkata and the state, it had been decided, would be fined Rs 200.
Three government hospitals in the city SSKM, Calcutta Medical College and Hospital and NRS Medical College had drawn up an action plan. They had appointed designated officers and put up no-smoking boards all over their campuses earlier this year. Their efforts, however, petered out.
"Their response was quite encouraging to begin with. But these places are too caught up with their own problems to keep up the momentum. The police must lend support," said Biswas. Coffee House at College Street, one of the city landmarks, continues to ignore the law. Even though the authorities have removed ash-trays from the tables, visitors are allowed to light up.
Institutions like Jadavpur University and Presidency College, too, have not been able to banish smoking or even restrict it. It has been officially disallowed on both campuses, but continues to be ignored.
A hookah bar in central Kolkata was recently warned by police. CFI members claimed they still allow patrons to puff away and even hold hookah parties late at night. Restaurant owners also admitted that many continue to ignore the law. "There are a few in central Kolkata which flout the ban. We'd be happy if police catch them," said S K Khullar, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Owners' Association of Eastern India.
CFI has been lodging complaints with the commissioner of police. "It's been a disappointing period for us and certainly a setback for the campaign. Ideally, we should have started by catching a few offenders to set an example. We must start all over again," said Biswas.

Kolkata men most hit by tobacco cancer

Cancers caused by tobacco is highest among men from Kolkata and least among those from Mumbai, in the four metropolitan cities.
Among women, tobacco related cancers were highest in those from Chennai and least among women in Delhi.

Cancers caused by tobacco is highest among men from Kolkata and least among those from Mumbai, in the four metropolitan cities.
Among women, tobacco related cancers were highest in those from Chennai and least among women in Delhi.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research's "Cancer associated with the use of tobacco" report, nearly 44.4% of all cancers in men in Kolkata are because of tobacco followed by Chennai (41.4%), Delhi (39.4%) and Mumbai (39.2%).

Women from Chennai record the highest number of tobacco related cancers (15.2%) followed by Mumbai (13.5%), Kolkata (12.3%) and Delhi (11%).
Besides the four metropolitan cities, the burden of tobacco associated cancers is acute even in other cosmopolitan cities like Bangalore and Pune. Almost 35% of all cancers in men and 14.3% of all cancers in women from Bangalore are related to tobacco consumption.

In Pune, 39.3% of all cancers in men and 16.8% of all cancers in women are associated to tobacco.

However, among the 20 cancer registries surveyed, the burden of tobacco related cancers is most acute in Dibrugarh district in both men and women. Around 57% of all cancers in men here and 26.3% of all cancers in women in Dibrugarh were tobacco related.
Experts said, "In most societies smoking rates are higher for men than for women, but more men than women are giving up, and in some societies the number of female smokers is rising."
Director of medical oncology of AIIMS Dr Vinod Raina said, "One-third of all cancers in India is due to tobacco -- chewing or smoking. India needs to immediately strengthen its anti-tobacco programme and launch it across the country."
Tobacco kills nearly 5.7 million people worldwide each year, including 5.1 million people who die from their own smoking. The World Health Organisation says smoking is the world's leading cause of preventable death.
It causes 1 in 10 deaths among adults worldwide. At the current rate, the death toll is projected to reach more than 8 million annually by 2030 and a total of up to one billion deaths in the 21st century.
Second-hand tobacco smoke is equally dangerous to health.
In India, 34.6% of adults use tobacco in any form out of which 47.9% were male and 20.3% were female. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful and more than 50 are known to cause cancer.
Women comprise about 20% of the world's more than 1 billion smokers. Both men and women who smoke are prone to cancer, heart disease and respiratory disease.
Experts say that 90% of all lung cancer deaths in women smokers are attributable to smoking. Women who smoke have an increased risk for other cancers, including cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx (voice box), esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder, and uterine cervix.

Natural ways to a healthy heart

Arjuna (Kahu, Terminalia arjuna)
The bark powder of this indigenous tree is a powerful cardiac tonic. While some consume the powder (approximately 1-2 grams) with their meals, others prefer to prepare a decoction using milk and jaggery and consume first thing in the morning.

Cinnamon
It is said to be the spice for the heart. To lower cholesterol levels, consume ½ a teaspoon of cinnamon daily. It has an anti-clogging impact on the arteries and veins. Cinnamon tea is good for heart patients. To prepare, steep ½ tsp cinnamon powder in 250 ml boiled water for about six minutes or so. 

Garlic
Various studies from different parts of the world hold garlic in high esteem in preventing and healing heart related disorders. There are folks who claim two raw flakes of garlic a day keep their heart healthy and strong. 

Apples
Potassium plays an important role in the health of our heart. Ideally, it ought to be consumed via edible natural products that contain it. Apples being a rich source of both, potassium and phosphorus, make for vital heart food.

Grapes
Fruit therapists explain, “The production of energy essential for the proper functioning of heart depends on the metabolism of glucose. Thus, grapes being rich in pure glucose are extremely useful in treating heart ailments.” Besides toning up the heart, grape juice is effective in relieving cardiac pain and palpitations.

Asparagus
The following is claimed to be a trustworthy home remedy for a weak or enlarged heart.
Fresh juice of asparagus mixed with honey ought to be taken thrice a day (1 teaspoon at a time). Steam cooked asparagus consumed liberally with meals also benefits heart patients.

Karadai (Safflower seeds)
Karadai oil ranks as one of the most polyunsaturated oils. Consumption of the same is said to aid lowering of cholesterol and is beneficial for those suffering from ischaemia and hypertension.

Honey
In several cultures across the globe, honey has been upheld as nature’s wonderful cure for a range of ailments. In cases of arteriosclerosis, weak heart, cardiac pain and palpitation, honey is considered a safe home remedy. Generally, patients are advised a glass of water with honey and lemon juice at bed time.
(The write up is purely informative and not a substitute for proper medical diagnoses and treatment of heart ailments)

Natural ways to a healthy heart

Arjuna (Kahu, Terminalia arjuna)
The bark powder of this indigenous tree is a powerful cardiac tonic. While some consume the powder (approximately 1-2 grams) with their meals, others prefer to prepare a decoction using milk and jaggery and consume first thing in the morning.

Cinnamon
It is said to be the spice for the heart. To lower cholesterol levels, consume ½ a teaspoon of cinnamon daily. It has an anti-clogging impact on the arteries and veins. Cinnamon tea is good for heart patients. To prepare, steep ½ tsp cinnamon powder in 250 ml boiled water for about six minutes or so. 

Garlic
Various studies from different parts of the world hold garlic in high esteem in preventing and healing heart related disorders. There are folks who claim two raw flakes of garlic a day keep their heart healthy and strong. 

Apples
Potassium plays an important role in the health of our heart. Ideally, it ought to be consumed via edible natural products that contain it. Apples being a rich source of both, potassium and phosphorus, make for vital heart food.

Grapes
Fruit therapists explain, “The production of energy essential for the proper functioning of heart depends on the metabolism of glucose. Thus, grapes being rich in pure glucose are extremely useful in treating heart ailments.” Besides toning up the heart, grape juice is effective in relieving cardiac pain and palpitations.

Asparagus
The following is claimed to be a trustworthy home remedy for a weak or enlarged heart.
Fresh juice of asparagus mixed with honey ought to be taken thrice a day (1 teaspoon at a time). Steam cooked asparagus consumed liberally with meals also benefits heart patients.

Karadai (Safflower seeds)
Karadai oil ranks as one of the most polyunsaturated oils. Consumption of the same is said to aid lowering of cholesterol and is beneficial for those suffering from ischaemia and hypertension.

Honey
In several cultures across the globe, honey has been upheld as nature’s wonderful cure for a range of ailments. In cases of arteriosclerosis, weak heart, cardiac pain and palpitation, honey is considered a safe home remedy. Generally, patients are advised a glass of water with honey and lemon juice at bed time.
(The write up is purely informative and not a substitute for proper medical diagnoses and treatment of heart ailments)

Ten ways to prevent a heart attack

1. Eat right Avoid saturated fats and trans-fats as they raise the bad cholesterol level (LDL). Check the labels of food items before consuming them and avoid anything that is “partially hydrogenated” as this is a clear indicator that it contains trans-fat. Cut out red meat from your diet and add fruits and vegetables instead. However, not all fats are bad for the body, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that include Omega-3 and Omega-6 are essential for good health and help protect against risk of heart attacks and strokes. Food items that contain good fats include almond, walnut, avocado, tuna and flax seed.
2. Choose your oil wisely
   Cooking oil needs to be chosen carefully to maintain heart health and optimum levels of cholesterol in the body. Use oils with a higher monounsaturated fat content and lower saturated fat content, such as canola oil, olive oil and groundnut oil can be used. Do not reuse your cooking oil as this can result in the creation of trans-fats.
3. Take a walk
   Exercise helps protect against heart disease and several forms of cancer. But besides regular exercise every extra step you take during the day builds up your ‘health balance’, and helps prevent disease. Try and factor in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as walking) in your daily life. Exercise burns the excess fats in the body and helps control the blood cholesterol. It will also reduce stress and normalise the pulse rate.
   
4. Control body weight
   Studies have shown that exercise programs and healthy eating lead to improved health parameters, even in the absence of weight loss. However, these studies should not be seen to be a license to be overweight. Body weight is directly related to eating behaviours and the type of food being consumed. Depending on your height and age, it’s advisable to figure out your ideal weight and then make an effort to achieve or maintain that.
5. Be relaxed
   Stress has several negative effects on our body, and should be kept under control. While, some stress is important it is vital to not allow it to completely take over our lives. Take up a hobby that helps you relax. It could be something as simple as cooking or gardening but make sure you take some time out for yourself.
6. Blood pressure under control
   Blood pressure is an important measure for prevention of heart attacks. Your heart has to work harder to push blood through your body when your blood pressure is high. This causes your heart to enlarge and can speed up atherosclerosis (deposition of fats inside the arteries). In case you suffer from this condition, make sure you take your medications on time. Avoiding excessive consumption of sodium can also help reduce high blood pressure.
7. Stop smoking
   A smoker’s risk of having a heart attack is more than twice that of a non-smoker. Smoking speeds up the development of plaque in the arteries. It also reduces the level of the good cholesterol (known as HDL), and increases the stickiness of blood cells causing blood clots inside the arteries.
8. Sugar’s not so sweet
   If you have diabetes, keep the blood sugars under ‘tight control’. Remember, physical activity is the best way to burn off excess sugar in the blood. Those with diabetes are more prone to heart disease, especially women.
9. All in the family
   Heart disease has a strong genetic component. If your parents or siblings have had heart disease you need to be doubly careful and need to start getting yourself checked at an early age. However, just because you may have a family history does not mean you are deemed to suffer, but your risk is higher.
10. Get yourself checked
    We all feel that it will ‘never happen to me’, but heart disease is an equal opportunity killer. Unfortunately most of the risk factors for heart disease are silent – they give you no warning of their presence. You should get your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight checked on a regular basis. Ideally these tests should start at the age of 15, and then repeated periodically. If you have crossed 40, it’s also a good idea undergo a stress test.

Be heart-smart with almonds

Today is World Heart Day. And as cardiovascular diseases are the world's largest killers, claiming 17.1 million lives a year. The event also aims to promote preventative measures that reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This year you can take a pledge to give your heart a healthy diet and

 

keep it away from all the disorders. This year on World Heart Day, keep your fist-sized vital organ healthy by giving it a healthy gift of fistful of almonds.
Almonds contain many nutrients that contribute to heart health, namely, fibre, mono-saturated fat, vitamin E and phyto-chemicals. Research has shown that these nutrients not only help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, but may also protect against obesity, cancer and diabetes by promoting satiety, contributing to healthy cholesterol levels and helping regulate blood sugar.

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition showed that compared to controls, participants who ate almonds-containing meals lost more weight and experienced greater improvements in their cholesterol profiles, two of the major contributing factors to heart health. That same research also documented increased alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) levels among the participants who consumed almonds. Vitamin E is thought to promote cardiovascular health by protecting against oxidative damage.

Almonds are a smart snack that offers many heart-healthy nutrients. More than 17 years of research and nine clinical studies support the role of almonds in helping maintain a healthy heart and healthy cholesterol levels. A fistful of almonds provide 6 grams of proteins and 3.5 grams of fibre and is an excellent source of vitamin E - 7.5 grams and 76 milligrams of magnesium. A handful of almonds apart from these also offer potassium, calcium and iron.

Almonds are high in several types of antioxidants. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods is thought to prevent damage to cells in your body, a mechanism implicated in the development of chronic disease. Fruits and vegetables have long been known for their antioxidant content, but more recently researcher have discovered that almonds also contain high levels of several antioxidant compounds, in amounts similar to levels found in many fruits and vegetables.

This is a heartfelt recommendation to take a positive approach to heart health. Just a handful of almonds provide several key nutrients that contribute to cardiovascular health. With all these nutrients on your platter you can enjoy each bite knowing that you are helping your heart grow stronger.