Times of India
07 April 2010

Breakthrough initiatives by healthcare specialists promise to redefine the way you live
Tackling TB
MDR & XDR – TB poses a formidable challenge to TB control due to its complex diagnostic & treatment challenges. According to WHO the annual global burden of MDR–TB is estimated at around 4.4 lakh cases or 5% of the global TB burden while around 1.5 lakh people die of MDRTB. However less than 5% of existing MDR–TB patients are currently being diagnosed as a result of constraints of laboratory capacity which is a matter of serious concern. Alarming increases in MDR–TB, emergence of XDR–TB, potential institutional transmission, and rapid mortality of MDR & XDR–TB patients with HIV co–infection has highlighted the urgency for Rapid Screening Methods. Conventional methods for Mycobacteriological Culture & Drug Susceptibility testing(DST) are slow & cumbersome. During this time the patients maybe inappropriately treated, drug resistant strains may continue to spread and amplification of resistance may occur. Novel technologies for rapid detection of anti–TB drug resistance have therefore become a priority in TB research & development. The GenoType MTBDRplus & GenoType MTBDRsl test have made a breakthrough by making diagnosis of MDR & XDR–TB in a single day from smear positive pulmonary clinical specimens or cultivated pulmonary & extra pulmonary samples. Results are obtained in 6–8 hrs compared to 1–2 months with conventional methods thus allowing early appropriate treatment which reduces transmission. Overall, it is economical as expensive, ineffective drugs can be avoided. Four parameters of crucial importance for the containment of TB are: – Early and accurate diagnosis – Prevention & spread of disease – Effective treatment with tuberculostatic drugs – Prevention of development of multiple drug resistance tuberculosis
Dr Manisha Shekhar Arya
Consultant Microbiologist,
SRL & Green Cross Labs

Beautifying You
What is Far Infrared Rays (FIR)?
Far infrared rays (5.6 microns 15 microns) are most beneficial for the human beings. Fir Waves are thermal, and unlike ultraviolet rays, FIR are harmless, with lot of medically proven benefits.

BLIZZ FIR Spot Reduction Non Invasive Mesotherapy
Unlike conventional mesotherapy done by cosmetic surgeons, FIR Mesotherapy is totally non–invasive – no needless, no knives, no surgery, no medicines, no pain and hence no side–effects. The therapy gives assured results of inch loss/spot reduction in every sitting, a minimum of 6 to 9 cms overall loss from the targeted spots of the body and further more thereafter as the fat bursting process is continuous. It can be done in any specific fat accumulation areas of the body like tummy, back, thighs, sides, arms, shoulders, breasts, back etc. The fat is removed by natural excretion process of the person. The Mesotherapic gel applied to the targeted spot is natural oil of plant origin and approved, licensed formulation of M/s BLIZZ biomed Systems. Bio–SculptingTm using BLIZZ

A Drop of Health
7th April, 2010 is celebrated worldwide as World Health Day on account of commemorating the foundation day of the World Health Organization (WHO). For healthy living, eating healthy is essential and edible oil is a major factor that needs to be taken care off for health. Different types of oils are available in the market like cottonseed, groundnut, sunflower, corn, etc. Corn oil, which is widely used all over the world mainly in US, Europe and in gulf countries, is known to be the best amongst all. Corn oil is largely used for cooking worldwide due to its manifold advantages like:

• It is inherently stable oil
• It is a rich source of essential fatty acids and vitamin E and thus plays a major role in human nutrition
• It not only reduces the risk of coronary heart disease but is also an effective dietary oil for lowering blood cholesterol and elevated blood pressure level

Gaurang Sangani, marketing manager of Ashwin Vanaspati Industries Pvt, which markets the leading refined corn oil ‘Korn–Drop’, says, “Korndrop is 100% pure corn oil, rich in natural vitamin E. It is odourless and retains the natural flavour of food. Corn oil is healthy, nonsticky and low absorption cooking medium and also keeps the food fresh for a longer period of time.”

Towards a ‘Healthy You’
The assumption that oil is harmful to one’s health is totally untrue, since, if consumed in the right proportion, it will be only beneficial you. Both, excessive intake or zero intake of edible oil in one’s diet, could be threatening. Our slogan “Sanjivini Sehat Ki’ is based on this belief,” says Jayesh C Patel, CMD, Vimal Oils & Foods Ltd. Edible oil contains essential fatty acids and Vitamin E which is must for the body. Oil also acts as a catalyst which is good for the essential functions of the body. Vimal Oil believes in quality, service and price. Offering all kinds of oils, beginning from cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, groundnut oil, and mustard oil, Vimal Oil believes in putting forth oils for all class of consumers. “Today, on World Health Day, I advise the citizens of India to follow a proper diet that includes an essential quantity of edible oil. Also, one’s lifestyle should include regular exercise. Here’s wishing everyone a “Healthy & Happy U”, adds Patel.