Sunday, 10 Sep 2023
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by Carol Aloysius
World Health Day April 7:
In two days’ time (April 7) the world will collectively focus attention on global health. The theme this year, “Universal Health Coverage” carries a simple message : the urgent need to raise awareness to improve global health the world over- whatever nationality or culture.
The message is simple. And for many countries like Sri Lanka it is not new. After all, did we not...
Organ transplantation best for critically ill patients:
With Kidney Day observances just over, the war against kidney disease has been stepped up recently as the state reiterated its pledge to wipe out the disease as early as possible.
In Sri Lanka some 150,000 persons are said to be affected by chronic kidney disease and CKDu mainly in rural areas which use ground water as their main drinking source, a report by the...
The days when women were bound in chains, gagged, taunted and sexually harassed may be over for most women. But does the glass ceiling that binds them still exist?
This is a question that haunts every woman who, despite their progress in breaking down jealously guarded male bastions, continue to face slavery of a different nature, invisible but very real in their homes,...
As we prepare for the New Year and get caught up in the celebratory mood, many of us with elders in our families, often forget to anticipate the risks they face, especially, during the festive period. Consequently, we expose them to numerous dangers outside their homes on the roads and worse inside their homes where they expect to feel safe.
To find out what these dangers...
In a few days it will be Christmas. Already the sound of crackers and church choirs rehearsing for the carol services, and a few enthusiastic carolers singing to their neighbours fill the air. For many of us this is a time for enjoying family get-togethers, cooking favourite Christmas dishes including the Christmas cake, pudding, Yule log and Breudher - and of course...
by Carol Aloysius
The World Health Organization in its publication of April 5 2021 commended Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry for the way it ably...
The resurgence of Covid-19 in some countries including Sri Lanka, and the seasonal influenza virus circulating across the world...
The government’s decision to re-open schools last week after a prolonged closure has been greeted with mixed reactions by parents...
Formulae milk increases risk of obesity and NCDs - Lancet, 2016, UNICEF, 2012
Starting from tomorrow (August 1) a National Breastfeeding Week organised by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA)...
With the third World Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) Day organised by the International Federation Head and Neck Oncological society (...
A person dies every 30 seconds from a hepatitis-related illness globally – WHO
A surge in waterborne diseases in certain districts of the country such as Badulla, Moneragala and Ratnapura which according to...
Most skin problems in adolescents are due to the hormonal changes and can be managed effectively - Past President Sri Lanka...
Multiple Sclerosis usually starts in young adults, between 20-30 years-mostly females
Neurologists across the world recently observed World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day. Described as one of the most serious...
Thrombosis is a life threatening disease linked to other serious health issues
As we observe yet another World Sickle Cell Disease Day which falls today, and Haematologists are raising awareness that globally...
A pint of blood can save upto five lives
Despite the many problems which arose during the Covid-19 pandemic, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has...
Childhood asthma is a significant cause of hospital admissions
The World Health Organisation ( WHO) in its latest report released on May 11, 2022 has stated that Asthma remains a major Non...
Cough for two or more weeks? It could be TB
The re - emergence of various infectious diseases amid the Covid-19 pandemic has caused concern among chest experts. T.B (...
The unfortunate plight of women caught up in violence has escalated in recent years following the Covid-19 pandemic, natural...
Work-related injuries are the commonest occupational hazards globally and in Sri Lanka
As the world as a whole moves forward into a hi tech world the invasion of computer technology, email and the internet has...
Osteoarthritis is on the rise both globally and in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately not many victims of this chronic and common joint...
Melanoma Day was observed recently. The Sunday Observer spoke to Consultant Dermatologist and a senior member of the Sri Lanka...
Asthma is a major non-communicable disease (NCD), affecting both children and adults. The steep rise in global figures of asthma...
A silent disease of the bone that can progress slowly without our knowledge:
Approximately one out of three women over 50 will have a fracture due to Osteoporosis - Study:The New Year may be over, yet the...
Today, one in every seven adults in Sri Lanka may have diabetes - Diabetologist
In a few days the country will be celebrating the National New Year, with preparations already underway in hundreds of homes...
Tobacco use hurts more than just the users: It destroys the entire planet - WHO
Ever since 1950, World Health Day has been celebrated every year on April 7 with a different theme - each theme reflecting a...
Cerebral Palsy affects posture, movement and is the commonest childhood disability
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness and World Cerebral Palsy Awareness month. While cases of Cerebral Palsy ( CP)...
Chronic Kidney Disease at pandemic levels worldwide and in Sri Lanka
World Kidney Day was observed a few days ago. Due to the sharp rise of kidney diseases especially Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)...
Sleep disorders due to many reasons are now common phenomena across the world including Sri Lanka. While no real study has been...
The colour of beauty is the colour you own! Sudu Kalu thalelu Api okkoma Dakumkalu
Skin Lightening products are becoming increasingly popular despite many of them being illegal and not registered by the official...
Most children in residential care have both parents, but forced into alternative care due to unfavourable conditions at home...
International Childhood Cancer Day – February 15, 2022
Childhood cancer has leaped in recent years with the number of cases surging on a daily basis both in Sri Lanka and across the...
World Cancer Day falls on February 4
In a few days, cancer specialists and caregivers will come together to discuss an important issue that needs immediate attention...
Self-harm tendencies rise as adolescents struggle to adapt to a new normal - Psychiatrist
As students return to their classroom studies disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping the country after months of studying...
This month has been devoted to raising awareness on Cervical Cancer which according to health specialists across the world is...
The pandemic now ravaging the country with the added threat of the spread of the new Delta variant Omicron has raised anxiety and...
With no travel restrictions and life, in general, returning to normal, the health authorities have expressed fears of a surge in...
Unprotected anal sex carries the highest risk of HIV transmission followed by unprotected vaginal se
The recent opening of the country and relaxing health regulations that confined especially young persons from engaging in their...
Not a day goes by when newspapers and other social media outfits carry reports on children being subjected to some form of...
The rise in the number of babies born too soon has become a public health issue in many countries including Sri Lanka despite the...
Diabetes has often been referred to as the Mother of All Diseases as if affects almost every part of the human body if left...
World Pneumonia Day observed two days ago highlighted a public health problem of serious concern. With the current weather in Sri...
A significant proportion of Sri Lankans have osteoarthritis
Four days ago on the World Osteoporosis Day (October 20) experts across the world came together to raise more awareness on the...
When World Hospice and Palliative Care Day was observed last week (9), it brought together all those directly or indirectly...
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the prolonged closure of schools islandwide, depriving children not only of their classroom...
Cerebral Palsy, the most common neurological disorder affecting children
In three days on October 6, health officials, care givers and all those engaged in looking after the needs of more than 17...
Breast Cancer prevention:
Breast Cancer cases in Sri Lanka have leaped by a massive 85 percent in the past decade, rising from 2401 cases in 2010 to 4447...
The short heavy showers followed by bursts of sunshine we are currently experiencing has left pools of water on roads, lanes,...
Ranked as one of the leading causes (fourth) for cancer among women in Sri Lanka, the number of those with Cervical...
World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10
A few days ago psychiatrists, psychologists and activists around the world put suicide, its causes, how it can be prevented and...
New disability screening App offers hope to health impaired persons
While the Covid-19 pandemic poses a threat to all of society, persons with disabilities are disproportionately impacted due to...
The glut of plastic packaging now piling up island wide endangering the lives of millions inhaling their toxic fumes, is a great...
Safer work spaces for children in domestic work, the need of the hour
The recent spike in child abuse cases reported among domestic workers in the past few months of this year has become a public...
The rapidly aging population in Sri Lanka, and the surge in pre – existing diseases such as diabetes among elderly persons has...
Birth defects in new born babies continue to be a worrying concern to health authorities with recent studies showing that the...
Following the recent announcement of the Environment Ministry to ban all lunch sheets and enforce laws against plastic pollution...