Category Archives: Awareness Day/Month

World Heart Day-September 29, 2016 : Your Heart says, “Listen to the Murmurs!”

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and the blood vessels which include coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease, ischemic heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, raised blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and heart failure. The usual acute events are heart attack and stroke that are mainly caused by the blockage due to fatty-acid deposition which prevents the blood from flowing to the heart or brain.

Disease burden

  • Globally, CVDs are the prime cause of death
  • Around 17.5 million people died from CVDs in 2012
  • Around 7.4 million deaths were due to coronary heart disease only
  • More than half of the CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries

Causes

Cardiovascular diseases may be caused due one or more of the following factors:

  • Tobacco and/or alcohol consumption
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • Dyslipidemia

Symptoms

A person experiencing any cardiovascular disease can be noted with the symptoms like:

  • Pain/discomfort in the centre of the chest(in case ofheart attack)
  • Discomfort in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back
  • Sudden weakness of the face, most often on one side of the body (in case of stroke)
  • Difficulty in walking, speech, or vision
  • Shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeats and chest pain (in case of rheumatic heart disease)
  • Light-headednessor severe headache
  • Cold sweating

Prevention

Thomas Fuller once said, “He who cures a disease may be the ‘skill-fullest’, but he who prevents it is the safest physician.”

Some precautionary measures and effective healthcare can definitely help in preventing the CVDs. Here are listed some healthcare measures that one should take to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems:

  • Abstain from tobacco use
  • Reduce harmful consumption of alcohol
  • Cut down the intake of salt in diet
  • Include 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in daily diet
  • Exercise for 30 minutes every day
  • Get yourself checked for blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar (diabetes) every three months

Preventive measures suggested by the World Health Organisation include:

  • Comprehensive tobacco control policies
  • Taxation on foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt
  • Campaigns to encourage physical activities such as walking and cycling
  • Regulations to reduce the consumption of alcohol
  • Healthy school meals for children

Individual healthcare interventions targeted to those at high cardiovascular risks

Your heart is at the heart of your health. Together with the World Heart Federation, Turacoz Healthcare Solutions (THS) raises awareness about the CVDs and wants to make you understand what you can do to fuel your heart and give power to your life. You ought to give your heart the care it deserves. So eat healthy, reduce alcohol and tobacco consumption, and keep your heart healthy. Being involved in the medical writing services, THS provides assistance in publication writing, clinical research and regulatory writing, medico-marketing writing, and support for conducting medical advisory board meetings.

 

World Rabies Day, 28th Sep 2016 : Educate. Vaccinate. Eliminate.

This year marks the 10th World Rabies Day, which has become a global phenomenon since its beginning in the year 2007. The theme of this year is: “Educate. Vaccinate. Eliminate.” which emphasizes on the two important actions that we need to take to prevent rabies. Also, the theme reflects the global target of eliminating deaths due to canine rabies by 2030.

Rabies is a viral disease in mammals that is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal and infects the central nervous system (CNS). Its symptoms range from fever, headache, and general weakness to insomnia, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, and difficulty in swallowing. Once clinical signs and symptoms appear, the disease is nearly fatal and the patient can be given only supportive treatment. Thus, it is very important to prevent the disease. Rightly said, prevention is better than cure and after all, prevention is the only remedy for this deadly disease.

KEY FACTS BY WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

·         Dogs contribute to 99% of all the rabies transmissions to humans

·         Rabies causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, majorly in Asia and Africa

·         40% of people bitten by suspected rabid animals are below 15 years of age

·         More than 15 million people get post-bite vaccinations globally, every year

 

Preventing rabies

Rabies can be easily prevented by vaccination. Following measures can help in easy eradication of the disease:

  • Vaccinating dogs to eliminate rabies.
  • Pre-exposure immunization in people, especially those involved in high risk occupations like laboratory workers dealing with animals, children etc.
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis immediately after exposure to rabies can prevent the infection from entering the CNS. This can be done via:
    • Local treatment of the bitten area/wound immediately after exposure
    • Administration of potent rabies vaccines
    • Administration of rabies immunoglobulin, if needed

Turacoz Healthcare Solutions, a medical writing company, aims to spread awareness about the rabies and ways to prevention, in order to help attain the global target of attaining ZERO deaths due to canine rabies by 2030. We offer services to healthcare professionals in publications writing, clinical research and regulatory writing, medico-marketing writing, and support for medical advisory board meetings. We aim to provide health solutions for everyone to live a happy and healthy life.

World Hepatitis Day July 28th: Know Hep for NOHep!

Viral hepatitis, an inflammatory liver disease is commonly caused by hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E virus. In 2013, an estimated 1.45 million people died of the disease. Around 400 million people are believed to be infected with hepatitis B and C virus worldwide. In India, the population prevalence of chronic hepatitis is around 3-4%. Sadly, only 5% of the patients know about their chronic infection and only 1% have access to current treatment options.

Viral Hepatitis: Know it to Act Now

Many people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. If symptoms occur with an acute infection, they can appear anytime from 2 weeks to 6 months after exposure. Chronic viral hepatitis can take decades to develop symptoms. Symptoms of hepatitis are: fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, grey-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice. Common modes of transmission of hepatitis virus are through contaminated blood or blood products, unsafe sex, and use of contaminated medical equipment such as infected syringes. Hepatitis B is transmitted from mother to baby at birth, from family member to child, and also through sexual contact. Hepatitis viruses B and C are the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer.

Let’s Join in for Hepatitis Elimination

In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) had announced World Hepatitis Day (WHD) to be celebrated each year on 28th July. Since then, millions of people across the world have been taking part in WHD campaign to bring awareness about hepatitis. In 2016, WHO has urged different nations to fast-track actions for educating people about the disease, its screening, and to improve access to quality healthcare and services to fight against hepatitis.

NOhep is a global movement which aims to unite hepatitis community worldwide and provide a platform for them to voice their opinion, share their stories, and plan for an action to ensure global commitments for elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.

  • Know the Risk: Be aware of the modes of transmission of hepatitis. With better information and knowledge about hepatitis risks, you can prevent yourself from getting infected and transmitting the infection to others.
  • Get Diagnosed: WHO has recommended simple testing strategies such as blood tests to help country efforts to scale up screening and early detection of hepatitis
  • Head for Treatment: More than 90% of people with hepatitis C can get completely cured of the virus within 3–6 months. Appropriate treatment of hepatitis B and C can prevent the development of major fatal complications associated with liver dysfunction.

Treatment for hepatitis generally includes:

  • Abstinence from alcohol and bed-rest
  • Medication strategy
    • Preventive vaccines
    • Use of interferons (standard and PEGylated)
    • Nucleoside/nucleotide analogues such as telbivudine, lamivudine, adefovir, or entecavir
  • Liver transplant in severe cases of hepatitis (hepatitis-induced liver damage)

 

Turacoz Healthcare Solutions provides assistance in publication of research articles and clinical research documents. We consider it our corporate social responsibility to raise awareness for hepatitis eradication. On World Hepatitis Day, let’s take a pledge to join the cause. Together we can make it possible!

Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week

Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her birthday on June 27 is commemorated as Helen Keller Day in the US.In 1984, US President Reagan announcedthe last week of June as “Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week” — an occasion to raise awareness about deaf-blindness and highlight the contributions of those who have this disability.

Helen Keller was born with normal hearing and sight butat the age of 19 months, shesuffered from an illness of “acute congestion of the stomach and brain” that was considered to cause her lifelong deafness and blindness.According to the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, there area variety of possible causes fordeaf-blindness which include maternal rubella, Usher syndrome, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, maternal drug use, AIDS, herpes, syphilis etc.

Keller was well-traveled and outspoken in her convictions. She went on to become a world-famous speaker and author. Today, she is remembered as an advocate for people with disabilities and as a political activist who campaigned for women’s suffrage, labor rights, socialism, antimilitarism, and other similar causes.“Helen Keller Services for the Blind” mission was established to help individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, and who may have additional disabilities, to develop independence. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York,Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s programs include comprehensive rehabilitation services, low vision clinics, children’s learning center, vocational assessment and job placement, assistive technology centers, preschool vision screening program, senior centers, day treatment program etc.

Keller wrote a total of 12 published books and several articles and at age 22, she published her autobiography “The story of my life” which depicted the story of her life up to age 21 and it was written during her time in college.She was the subject of documentaries “Helen Keller in Her Story” and “The Story of Helen Keller”. In 1984,Keller’s life story was made into a TV movie called “The Miracle Continues”.The Bollywood movie “Black” (2005) was largely based on Keller’s story, from her childhood to her graduation.

In 1915, Helen Keller International was founded that is dedicated to saving and improving the sight and lives of the world’s vulnerable by combating the causes and consequences of blindness, poor health and malnutrition.

Turacoz Healthcare Solutions is passionate to spread the awareness on such social or healthcare related issues as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity. On her birthday, we give her a tribute by sharing her story.

Men’s Health Month: Make a Commitment to Improve Your Health

Men’s Health Month is a special awareness period for men’s health observed across the globe. It was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bill Clinton on May 31, 1994. The purpose of “Men’s Health Month” is to increase the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Alarming statistics show that men’s health is at great risk. On an average, men die almost 5 years younger than women and have higher mortality rates for cardiovascular diseases.Research has also shown that men do not consult physicians for a physical exam as often as women.

There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men face, like colon cancer, heart disease orlung cancer, can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Besides, men are associated with the most dangerous occupations, such as mining, firefighting, construction etc. which affect their health adversely.

Men’s health has unique aspects and it should be properlytaken care of. So, this month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular check-ups, medical advice, and early treatment for diseases and injuries.

Turacoz Healthcare Solutions is passionate to spread the awareness on such social or healthcare related issues as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity. CSR is at the very heart of everything we do at Turacoz. Our medical writing team is well-versed with recent advances in various therapeutic areas which give them a head start in various publication, clinical research and regulatory writing projects.

Arthritis Awareness Month

It’s not just a pain.It’s a complete physical, mental, and emotional assault on your body.

-Jamie Wingo

May is declared as “National Arthritis Awareness Month” by Arthritis Foundation, America. Arthritis is a common chronic disease which affects 1% of the worldwide population.Itis one of the major health problem in the US population, by which more than 50 millionAmericans are affected. In India, it is believed to affect 15% populationi.e. around180 million people.

About Arthritis:

Arthritis is best characterized as an immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) and involves bothimmunological and inflammatory pathways. The exact pathophysiology of this disease is still unclear.

Types of Arthritis:

There are variousforms of arthritis,but the two most commontypesare osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There are over 100 other forms of arthritis such as arthritis associated with psoriasis, arthritis associated with lupus erythematosus, and septic arthritis. However, all these forms are much less common than OA and RA.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Joint deformity

Risk Factors:

  • Family history
  • Older age
  • Being female
  • Previous joint injuries
  • Being overweight and obesity
  • Infections

 

Diagnosis:

Arthritis is diagnosed based on complete medical history, including symptoms, and physical examination. Imaging techniquessuch as X-ray, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound are generally performed.

Management:

  • Drugs like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying drugs like methotrexate and leflunomide, biologics like etanercept and rituximab etc.
  • Non-pharmacological therapies like physical or occupational therapy and patient education
  • Surgery
  • Self-management

Self-Management:

  • Control your weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Use heating pads or ice packs for pain-relief
  • Assistive devices such as canes, walkers, and raised toilet seats can help perform daily tasks

May is marked as National Arthritis Awareness Month.Turacoz Healthcare Solutions joins with the Arthritis Foundation, America to be a part of this awareness program as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity. Our medical writing team is well-versed with recent advances in various therapeutic areas which give them a head start in publication writing, clinical research and regulatory writing projects and medical marketing services.

KNOW ABOUT ASTHMA AND ALLERGY!!!

The month of May is declared as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” by Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. It is the perfect time to educate people about asthma, its causes, and the ways to lead a normal life with asthma.

Asthma is an episodic yetchronic respiratory disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing due to bronchospasm and inflammation of the airways. It is the most common chronic disease among children. More than 100 million people worldwide are believed to from asthma, of which 15 to 20 millions are Indians. Asthma can influence the quality of life by causing missed school or working days, increased medical expenses, and poor work performance.

Asthma attacks can be mild, moderate, severe, or sometimes life threatening!!!!Shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, chest tightness, andpus-like sputum (in the recovery phase) are some of the symptoms of mild to moderate asthma. Labored and shallow breathing, bluish discoloration of the skin, and loss of consciousness may indicate life-threatening condition.

Allergy and asthma often occur together. Asthma occurring due to allergens is referred to as “allergic asthma”.

How Does Allergy Cause Asthma?

Exposure to allergens causes release of inflammatory cells such as mast cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils in the bronchi and bronchioles leading to inflammation and obstruction of the airways. This leads to increased contractibility of smooth muscles, that further results in narrowing of the airways.

Allergens Causing Asthma:

  • Pollens
  • Dust mites
  • Cockroaches
  • Animal dander
  • Mold
  • Exposure to indoor volatile organic compounds
  • Air pollution

How is Allergic Asthma Managed??

“Prevention is better than cure”, an age old saying holds good for asthma too. Asthma patients are advised to avoid exposure to known allergens and triggering factors. Though there is no cure for asthma till date, the symptoms can be improved by prompt medications. Bronchodilators are recommended for short-term relief, while low-dose inhalational corticosteroids or mast cell stabilizing drugs are recommended for long-term therapy.

Recent studies have revealed that oligonucleotide agents are found to decrease allergen-induced early and late asthmatic response. Infliximab, etanercept and golimumab are found to provide a short-term efficacy in patients with the severe disease.

Can an Asthmatic Patient Lead a Normal Life??

Asthmatic attacks may occur periodically, based on the exposure to triggering factors. However, a few changes in lifestyle can help an asthmatic lead a normal life. Here are a few:

  • Maintaining good physical and mental health
  • Regular intake of medications
  • Regular physician check-ups
  • Keeping distance from the known allergens
  • Avoiding the use of tobacco

Why is it Important to Raise Awareness About Allergy and Asthma?

According to a survey, 51-68% of the patients experiencing severe asthma and 30-61% of patients with moderate symptoms said that they suffer uncontrolled asthma. As most people may be unaware of the causes and triggering factors of asthma, educating people about allergy and asthma may yield a better treatment outcome.

What are the Various Methods to Spread Awareness About Allergy and Asthma in Public?

  • Conducting a questionnaire study about allergic asthma
  • Publishing the articles on allergy and asthma in social media
  • Organizing medical camps to reach rural population
  • Organizing awareness programs in educational institutes
  • Publishing articles in newspapers and arranging for correspondence
  • Organizing lectures about the disease
  • Organizing for a marathon, to create awareness, will help gain enormous public attention

Some Facts About Allergic Asthma

  •  People with food allergy, allergic rhinitis, hypersensitivity, familial history of asthma are at higher risk of developing asthma
  • Once an individual is sensitized to an allergen, a very minor exposure to the allergen may also precipitate the asthmatic attack
  • 50% of people with allergic rhinitis have asthma
  • Actopic eczema is probably the first sign that a future asthmatic patient develops as a child
  • Treating rhinitis may improve the symptoms of asthma, especially cough
  • In children, males are twice as susceptible to asthma than girls, while, after puberty, it is more common in females

Turacoz Healthcare Solutions is passionate to spread the awareness on such social or healthcare related issues as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity. CSR is at the very heart of everything we do at Turacoz. Our medical writing team is well-versed with recent advances in various therapeutic areas which give them a head start in various publication, clinical research and regulatory writing projects.

Hepatitis Awareness Month

For Hepatitis, Prevention is the Best Intervention

The month of May is titled as “Hepatitis Awareness Month”, as a proactive step to bring together various federal, non-federal, social groups, and public health care groups across the world for spreading awareness about hepatitis infection. As described by the World Health Organization (WHO), hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by drugs, alcohol use, or certain medical conditions. But in most cases, it is caused by a virus. This is known as viral hepatitis. Currently, there are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E, but the most common forms are hepatitis A, B, and C.  Hepatitis is a global concern as it leads to more than1.4 million deaths every year.  Hepatitis is a relatively silent disease in its acute phase, its symptoms often go unnoticed till the disease is progressed to a chronic and often a fatal stage. In its advanced stage, hepatitis can result in fatal complications like liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure. Bridging the knowledge gap about hepatitis (its causes, symptoms, and prevention) among the masses as well as healthcare professionals is the key to reduce the global burden of the disease.

Hepatitis awareness month is an initiative to bring in all stakeholders of the healthcare industry to alliance together in spreading awareness about hepatitis. Enabling the people to identifyviral hepatitis as a critical health concern and providing better healthcare facilities to all the patients with hepatitis are the prime objectives of this collation. The key strategies that are promoted for spreading the awareness are:

  • Campaigns: As an age-old method of spreading awareness, campaigning about hepatitis is a dynamic tool in spreading the word.Patient stories, supporting videos, fact sheets, posters, templates, infographics, customizable flyers, infographics, promotional badges and bands, on the spot quizzes, and street plays are few modalities that could be used for campaigning at institutional and community levels.
  • Digital tools: Using digital media like television, radio,ormobile messagesfor sharing informationabout hepatitis, its risk factors, and vaccines.
  • Social Media: Various social media platforms are used to share information about various campaigns, resources, publications, news updates, and latest updates on hepatitis. This acts as an open platform for masses and healthcare professionals to share knowledge and experience about the disease. Any user can easily join the conversation by using hashtags #HepAware, #HepTestingDay, and #hepatitis.
  • Proclamations: Atinstitutional and community level,several proclamations related to hepatitis such as hepatitis awareness day, hepatitis awareness week, or hepatitis screening day can be initiated to generate awareness among people at the specific level.
  • Free hepatitis risk assessments and testing: Various healthcare institutions, public health care centres, community health groups, and private hospitals run a day/week long free hepatitis risk assessment and testing camps. The sole idea of these camps is to enable the masses to identify the risk factors for hepatitis infection and prevention strategies for the same.Self-assessment forms and professional diagnostic checks are the components for this risk assessment and testing programs.

Viral hepatitis is a preventable disease. Effective and timely vaccination among the high-risk group and all infants is highly recommended by healthcare professionals. Providing cheap vaccination and encouraging people to get vaccinated are crux steps in halting the endemic of hepatitis across the globe.

As said earlier, prevention is the best treatment; the statement holds true for hepatitis. The best way to combat this lethal disease is to make people aware about how it spreads, what are the early signs, what can be done to prevent it, and what should be done if one gets hepatitis. As a member of healthcare industry, we all should actively take up the responsibility to spread awareness about hepatitis in our own way. Remember to be informed is to be safe!

Awareness is the first step towards prevention of viral hepatitis. As a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity,Turacoz Healthcare Solutions wants to raise awareness for prevention of this disease through this blog. We are a medical communication company in Delhi. Our medical writers are well-versed with recent advances in various therapeutic areas which give them a head start in various publication, clinical research and regulatory writing projects.

World Malaria Day : Understanding Malaria

Malaria is a serious life-threatening parasitic disease caused by parasites known as Plasmodium vivax (P.vivax), Plasmodium falciparum (P.falciparum), Plasmodium malariae (P.malariae) and Plasmodium ovale (P.ovale). Its transmission takes place through the infective bite of Anopheles mosquito. Man develops this disease after 10–14 days of being bitten by an infective mosquito.

Every year April 25 is celebrated as “World Malaria Day” across the globe in an effort to provide effective control of the disease. This occasion also provides a common platform for the affected countries to share experiences, showcase technologies and collaborate in programs in the fight against malaria.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MALARIA

Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes) because of the loss of red blood cells. Infection with one type of malaria, P. falciparum, if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, seizures, mental confusion, coma, and death.

POPULATION AT RISK

In 2015, approximately 3.2 billion people—nearly half of the world’s population—were at risk of malaria.

Maximum number of malaria cases and deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. However, Asia, Latin America, and, to a lesser degree, the Middle East, are also at risk. In 2015, 97 countries and territories had ongoing malaria transmission.

DISEASE BURDEN

  • According to the latest WHO estimates, released in December 2015, there were 214 million cases of malaria in 2015 and 438,000 deaths.
  • Between 2000 and 2015, malaria incidence among populations at risk reduced by 37% globally; during the same period, malaria mortality rates among populations at risk registered a decline by 60%. An estimated 6.2 million malaria deaths have been averted globally since 2001.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa continues to contributethe highest share of the global malaria burden. In 2015, the region accounted for 88% of malaria cases and 90% of malaria deaths.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR CONTROLLING MALARIA

  • Taking antimalarial drugs to kill the parasites
  • Eliminating places where mosquitoes breed
  • Spraying insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes that come inside
  • Sleeping under bed nets—especially effective if they have been treated with insecticide, e.g. insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) and
  • Wearing insect repellent and long-sleeved clothing if out of doors at night.

CURRENT SCENARIO OF MALARIA VACCINE

  • Effective malaria vaccine could helpeliminate and eradicate malaria; there are currently 63 vaccine candidates, 41in preclinical and clinical stages of development.
  • Vaccines are being designedto target pre-erythrocytic stages, erythrocytic stage or the sexual stages ofPlasmodium taken up by a feeding mosquito, or the multiple stages
  • Twovaccines in preclinical and clinical development target falciparum; and themost advanced candidate is the pre-erythrocytic vaccine RTS,S which is inphase-III clinical trials.
  • RTS,S/ASO1 is the first malaria vaccine to have completed pivotal Phase 3 testing and obtained a positive scientific opinion by a stringent medicines regulatory authority.
  • Collaborators of RTS,S Clinical Trials Partnership showed that RTS,S/AS01 prevented a substantial number of cases of clinical malaria over a 3–4-year period in young infants and children when administered with or without a booster dose. Efficacy was enhanced by the administration of a booster dose in both age categories. Thus, the vaccine has the potential to make a substantial contribution to malaria control when used in combination with other effective control measures, especially in areas of high transmission.

Turacoz Healthcare Solutions is committed to spread the awareness on such social or healthcare related issues as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity. Our medical writing team is well versed with recent advances in various therapeutic areas which gives them a head start in various publication, clinical research and regulatory writing projects.

World Hemophilia Day

Let’s Join Hands to Fight Against Hemophilia

Hemophilia is one of the oldest known genetic bleeding disorder which is caused by deficiency of the genes responsible for synthesis of clotting factors. Clotting factors are special type of proteins required for blood clotting. If a person does not have enough clotting factor VIII, then the condition is known as “hemophilia A”, while deficiency of clotting factor IX is known as “hemophilia B”.

Misconception                Individuals with hemophilia bleed faster than normal people

    Fact                             Individuals with hemophilia bleed longer than normal people

 

The major symptoms of hemophilia are: prolonged bleeding, spontaneous bleeding, bleeding into joints and muscles, excessive bleeding following trauma or surgery, easy bruising, swelling, pain, and stiffness. Left untreated, it can lead to various life-threatening complications like deep internal bleedings, joint damage, and intracranial hemorrhage. However, there are various treatment options available for the disorder like replacement therapy with clotting factors, gene therapy and anti-fibrinolytic medicines. Unfortunately, a large population of hemophilic patients is unable to receive adequate treatment due to its high cost.

Although the incidence of hemophilia is low and is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 10,000 people, only 25 % of those living with hemophilia get proper care.

 

World Hemophilia Day (WHD) is, therefore, a day to consider those hemophilic patients who are unable to access the care and treatment they require to live a healthy life.

History: WHD was established in 1989 with the help of the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). Since 1989, WHD is observed globally on April 17 in order to honor Frank Schnabel, the founder of WFH, whose birthday falls on the same date. Today, WHD has grown into a global event which is celebrated across 113 WFH member countries.

 

“Treatment for all is the vision of all” is the main goal of WHD.

The main aim of WHD is to increase public awareness, educate patients, attract volunteers, and advocate for improved treatment and care of hemophilia. This day provides an opportunity to talk to your family, friends, and colleagues to raise awareness and increase support for the patients living with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders.

A patient with hemophilia must be encouraged to think and act positively. Since hemophilia is a lifelong condition, requires expensive treatment, and affects patient’s family life, therefore, it is important that parents, spouses, and other family members of the patient should be educated in all aspects of the patient’s care. Besides, general information and education should also be given to the community where hemophilic patient lives.

Today, someone born with hemophilia can live a normal life if he/she has access to adequate treatment. Although access to adequate treatment is a big challenge but the WFH has a vision and is trying hard to provide treatment for all the people with hemophilia.