Showing posts with label Volunteer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Volunteer. Show all posts

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Anveshane - Discovering the Truth within

Anveshane is the open canvas for the interns to pen their experiences, thoughts, reflections, questions, challenges, ideas and memories.

Generally, an internship consists of an exchange of services for experience between the student and an organization. Students can also use an internship to determine if they have an interest in a particular career, create a network of contacts, or gain school credit. Some interns find permanent, paid employment with the organizations with which they interned. This can be a significant benefit to the employer as experienced interns often need little or no training when they begin regular employment. However, employment at the completion of an internship is not guaranteed.

These Internships are open to high school students, college or university students and post-graduate adults from both India and abroad. The areas of internship include Medicine, science, law, management, business, media and mass communications, technology and advertising. These are unpaid voluntary positions lasting 4 weeks to one year. 

The different types of internships include Work experience positions, including shadowing, research internships as well as virtual internships. 

All the internship programs are co-conceived methodically by the participants under guidance of their mentor Dr. Dayaprasad G Kulkarni - a medical doctor, public health specialist, entrepreneur, artist and development consultant.

To know more or to apply, write to: volunteer@aarogyaseva.org








Sunday, July 3, 2016

Maddy Bishop_VanHorn, Rwanda - Summer 2016

I recently graduated with a BSE in Biomedical Engineering from Tulane University, New Orleans and I am now in Rwanda for two months working as a Coordinator for Engineering World Health, an NGO from the US which empowers engineering students to repair medical equipment in developing countries, including Rwanda. I have experience teaching people to use 3D printers, and I am helping FAWE Gisozi Girls' Secondary School install and learn to use a Replicator printer while I am here in Rwanda.

Ramya Ramasubramanian, Chennai, India - Summer 2016

I am an Engineering graduate from SASTRA University focused on Biotechnology. I will be beginning my Master of Public Health course in the University of Minnesota, Twin cities in a couple of months. The ultimate goal for me to make healthcare accessible for every person and I strive to work towards it. I believe that this internship in Aarogya Seva would be an important step in achieving my goal. I will be a part of the 3-D printed prosthetic limbs project. I am hoping to work with everyone involved in this project and contribute significantly to it. During my work as a Research Assistant in Indian Institute of Public Health, I had witnessed the healthcare inequity in India during my field visits and I would like to work for this situation to change. In my free time, I love reading, and historical fiction and non-fiction is my favorite genre currently.

ShashiCiddharth, Chennai, India - Summer 2016

I graduated from SRM University in Chennai, India in 2015. I have been working with an NGO that educates underprivileged kids. Working there has taught me a lot about life and how certain things I take for granted can be huge life altering thing for another person. It has truly changed my perspective on life. I want to put my education to use and do more for the world around me, that is the inspiration behind everything I do, including taking up a project with AarogyaSeva.

Seva to me means, "A commitment to my community to change it for the better in anyway I can"

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Ishil Puri, California, USA - Summer 2016

Ishil is a 10th grader attending high school in the Bay Area. He started programming in 7th grade and has loved it ever since. He has made a few games and apps and has programmed for his robotics team, but wanted to make a bigger impact on the people of the world. He has also had an interest in Health science and has been the officer the HOSA health club at his school since middle school. He is excited to work as an intern for Aarogya Seva so he can apply both of his passions towards a cause that will benefit millions of people.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Thank you from Wendy IDEX fellow




I was placed with Aaorgayseva as part of my 6 month IDEX fellowship.  Time has flown so quickly.   When I first came I thought there would be so much time to do so many things.  Yes we did achieve a lot during my time here though there is still much to be done.

The highlight of my time here was having the opportunity to join the 2016 AIPNO Medical Yatra.  It was a different way to see the country, meet the locals and make new friends.  It was an unforgettable time where we all had to be flexible, creative and patient with limited supplies and language barriers. The thing about the Yatra is that it is not just about going out there and helping community it also included a visit to a girls boarding school, a women's empowerment project and Republic Day Festivities whilst staying in an Ashram. The other volunteers were an inspiration especially given that large majority were in their late 60s and had been doing this for the past 10 years and will continue to do so as long as they are able. 



I am really proud that I took the leap to come to India.  To anyone considering a move from what they know I certainly say do it.  I feel that unless and until you challenge yourself and do what you fear you don’t really give yourself a chance to learn, grow and really know who you are.  It is in those times of worries and insecurity we realise just what is most important to us.  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their warm hospitality and hope that our paths will cross again. I look forward to being updated on what Aarogayseva is doing both in India and around the world. 



Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.



To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org






Thursday, June 16, 2016

Charanya Kaushik, USA 23 May - 20 July 2016


Charanya is pursuing an MPH in Epidemiology at UTHealth in Houston, Texas. Her research interest focuses on improving healthcare access and quality for underprivileged populations. Prior to starting her MPH program, she taught high school chemistry and coached tennis with Teach for America in Harlingen, Texas. A Native of Pittsburgh, PA, Charanya graduated from Washington and Jefferson College with a double-major in Cell & Molecular Biology and Spanish. Charanya will work with Aarogya Seva for two months to investigate TB and HIV co-infection at Accept, a HIV care center on the outskirts of Bangalore.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

World No Tobacco Day 31st May


"Worldwide, more than 1 billion people use tobacco products—the only consumer products that, when used as directed, will kill half of all users. Tobacco use is the world’s leading cause of preventable death, with nearly 6 million people dying of tobacco-related diseases each year, including more than 600,000 nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke. If current trends persist, tobacco will kill more than 8 million people each year by 2030—80 percent of them in the developing world.”  

(Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, http://www.gatesfoundation.org/What-We-Do/Global-Policy/Tobacco-Control)


31st May marks World No Tobacco Day which has been recognised since the late 80s.  This year’s theme is a push for plain packaging to be adopted by tobacco products.

I am proud to say that Australia were the first and have had cigarette packing without logos, large warnings and graphic images of tobacco related diseases since 2012.  This coupled with 25% increase in taxes on tobacco products in 2010 has worked to reduced the Australia's daily smoking rate among those over 14 to 12.8% between 2010 and 2013 from 15.1%.  




On April 1 the Indian government mandated that 85% of cigarette pack surface would need to be covered in health warnings up from 20%.   I understand that there are some implementation issues being worked.   It is noted however that there is limited and low legislation with regards the the smoking of bidis which accounts for 85% of all smoked tobacco in India.  Unfortunately bidis are not only cheap (average 4 rupees per pack), readily available everywhere but also contain more nicotine than regular cigarettes.

So does the size of warnings on packs matter?  It definitely increase the percentage of people thinking about quitting smoking. 



The amount of people actually taking the step to actually quit is another matter but I feel that at least thinking about quitting is the first step. 

One of the methods being used by WHO in the fight against smoking will be the use of the documentary "Addiction Incorporated”.  It is a film that documented the first ever USA federal regulation of the tobacco industry.  A trailer of the film is here.

If you’re thinking about quitting consider doing with with a Doctor as your chances improve 84% following intensive counselling.  Quitting is not easy but the benefits are worth it. Once we have our clinic up and running, feel free to drop by and chat to one of our doctors. 



Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org



Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Inauguration of Mahabodhi Aarogyaseva Kendra


Today was the Inauguration of our free medical clinic Mahabodhi Aarogyaseva Kendra.

It has taken a long time and much help.  The foundation stone for the centre was first laid in 2012.

It was a beautiful ceremony with blessings and speeches.




In attendance was
  • Venerable Kassapa Mahathera President, MBS
  • Sri Ramalinga Reddy, Honourable Minister of Transport Government of Karnataka
  • Dr Ravi Gopal Verma, Lead Consultant of Neurosciences, Aster CMI Hospital, former Prof and Head of Dept of Neurosurgery MS Ramaiah Medical College 
  • Monks from Mahabodhi Society 

Following the blessing we were honoured to begin our free medical camp led by Dr K B Lingegowda and Dr Ravi

Here are first pictures of patients being seen:



The Mahabodhi Meditation Centre was also inaugurated today.  This is co-located/ upstairs from the clinic.




As was spoken of by our guests, we hope that this is the beginning of centres which combine holistic view of treatment including brain and mind.  Without treating the other would be incomplete.





This was following by a delicious lunch provided by Mahabodhi Society.

Please come down and see the clinic and meditation centre when you get the chance.

We are also keen for more volunteers so if you have some time this summer please get in touch.

Also we note that Maha Bodhi Society has their 2560th Sacred Buddha Jayanti Celebrations on right now with activities planned all week.  This includes
  • Cancer Patients Service Day on 17th May from Noon at Dharmashala Kidwai Institute of Oncology 
  • One Day Children's Dhamma Camp on 18th May from 9am to 4pm at Maha Bodhi Auditorium Maha Bodhi Society 
  • Burns Patient Service Day on 19th May from 3:30pm at Medical Education Seminar Hall Victoria Hospital 
  • Animal Service Day on 20th July from 10am at People for Animals Kengeri
  • Vesakha Sacred Buddha Purnima Day on 21st July from 9am at Mahabodhi Loka Shanti Buddha Vihara
If you have the chance we invite you to join in the above festivities. 


Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.


To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org









Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Who is Sir Ronald Ross?



Did you know that the man behind the research on the transmission of malaria was born in India on May 13, 159 years ago?   He won the Nobel prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1902 for this work.


Sir Ronald Ross was born in Uttarakhand, India on May 13 1857.  Though he is actually British by nationality he spent a large part of his early career in the Indian Medical Service and it was in India that he did the majority of his malaria research. 

His breakthrough discovery was identifying how malaria is transmitted via mosquitoes specifically via malaria parasites which laid the foundation of the methods to fight the disease today. 

A link to his acceptance speech for the Nobel prize is here

Sir Ronald Ross has left quite legacy including: 
  • World Mosquito Day (August 20) to commemorate the day that he made the breakthrough discovery
  • The Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Parasitology Osmanai University Begumpet, Hyderabad is named in his honour.  
  • There is a memorial at SSKM Hospital Kolkata to commemorate the discovery
  • University Liverpool named their new Bio-Science facility Ronald Ross Building in 2010 in his honour
  • The Ross Institute and Hospital for Tropical Diseases was opened in London in 1926 though has unfortunately since lost its separate identity due to financial issues/reorganisation/absorption by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

So today on May 13 lets remember Indian born Sir Ross Ronald on his birthday for his pioneering work on malaria which done in India.

If you would like additional information about Malaria, please head to the blog I wrote a couple of weeks ago to celebrate World Malaria Day here.

You too can be be part of medical research- to get connect to opportunities, drop us a line.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org






Tuesday, April 5, 2016

World Health Day April 7th



April 7th marks World Health Day.  This year WHO has chosen to focus on the fight against Diabetes.  I’m sure everyone of us knows some one who has diabetes.  

Diabetes is a complex multi organ disease which is more than just your body not being able to process/use insulin normally leading to increased risk of heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, amputation and stroke.

In 2012 it was a direct cause of 1.5 million deaths with WHO predicting that diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death by 2030.


Why are we focused on Diabetes this World Health Day? 

  1. The diabetes epidemic is rapidly increasing in many countries, with the documented increase most dramatic in low- and middle-income countries.
  2. A large proportion of diabetes cases are preventable. Simple lifestyle measures have been shown to be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. Maintaining normal body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a healthy diet can reduce the risk of diabetes.
  3. Diabetes is treatable. Diabetes can be controlled and managed to prevent complications. Increasing access to diagnosis, self-management education and affordable treatment are vital components of the response.
  4. Efforts to prevent and treat diabetes will be important to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goal 3 target of reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by one-third by 2030. Many sectors of society have a role to play, including governments, employers, educators, manufacturers, civil society, private sector, the media and individuals themselves.



Goals of World Health Day 2016

  1. Increase awareness about the rise in diabetes, and its staggering burden and consequences, in particular in low-and middle-income countries;
  2. Trigger a set of specific, effective and affordable actions to tackle diabetes. These will include steps to prevent diabetes and diagnose, treat and care for people with diabetes; and
  3. Launch the first Global report on diabetes, which will describe the burden and consequences of diabetes and advocate for stronger health systems to ensure improved surveillance, enhanced prevention, and more effective management of diabetes
Take the quiz on your knowledge of diabetes here:  Take Diabetes Quiz here


When our clinic opens we encourage everyone to come down and get a health check including assessing if you have diabetes. 


Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.


To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org







Friday, April 1, 2016

What's Toby Up to These Days?


Remember Toby Lamp who volunteered with us last year? 


Toby is a Registered Nurse from Indiana USA with over 4 years experience as ER Trauma Tech, Medical Support Assistant and LPN.  He has a big smile and lots of energy.

After spending a month in India followed by 2 months in Nepal post the Earthquakes he was inspired to cycle across America to raise awareness and funds for AarogyaSeva, Nepal and Chennai.   It was a massively inspiring effort and we thank him for his contribution.

So what's Toby up to these days? 

He's back in US working as an ER/ICU nurse for Dupont Hospital.  In his spare time he is keen to raise awareness on health issues and is looking to run for Congress.  Toby is also who connected us to our current crowd funding campaign on female hygiene kits.  Thanks for bringing this to our attention! 

To find out more on what Toby is up to: Toby Lamp 
To donate to our crowdfunding campaign: Donate Here


Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AarogyaSeva and AarogyaSeva does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.


To get in touch with the author or to join our team write to us at – Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org








Thursday, February 25, 2016

March 8 International Women's Day Event



International Women's began with women protesting against wages and conditions within the textile industry at the turn of the 20th Century and has since grown into a global movement on March 8th. 

Annually around the world events are held that celebrate women’s contribution to society from fun runs, breakfast panels, gala events to festivals. 

We are excited to announce that AarogyaSeva will conducting an event at our soon to be open new AarogyaSeva Clinic- AarogyaSeva Karuna Clinic opposite the Lalbagh Siddapura gate on International Women’s Day.

The new AarogyaSeva Clinic centre will not only be a free clinic but also a prosthetic limb centre. Disability is an important public health problem in India with 2.6 million people living with a disability according to the 2011 census.

The clinic will house a 3-D printer with a focus on creation of upper limb prosthesis for children.   The recipients will be involved in designing, printing and assembling the limb making it an experiential and empowering process. 

It is intended that in collaboration with our partner organisations- The Challenging Ones, Association of People with Disability, IEEE, BMS College of Engineering and Rochester Institute of Technology least 25 limbs will be created in the first year.  

In additional we are seeking to use the space to provide workshops, education and awareness on 3D printing and health as well as allowing students and innovators to experiment with creating low cost medical solutions.

So please come along on March 8th and see the new clinic and support the female artists! Looking forward to seeing you all there. 

If you are interested in learning more or providing assistance please write to us at  Volunteer@aarogyaseva.org






Sunday, February 7, 2016

2016 AIPNO Medical Yatra

 

As was previously noted, Aarogyaseva was again part of 2016 Medical Yatra in Gujarat which ran from 23rd January to 30th January in connection with the following organisations
  • Association of Indian Physicians of Northern Ohio (AIPNO)
  • Action Research in Community Health (ARCH)
  • Rotary Club of Dharampur 
  • Shabri Chhatralaya
  • Intal

It brought 37 both medical professionals and general volunteers from USA, UK, India and Australia in conjunction with local health workers, Rotarians and ARCH workers.  We had with us a mix of internal/family doctors, emergency physicians, paediatricians, obstetrics/gynaecologists, dentists and an orthopaedic surgeon.  Apart from seeing the patients we also conducted CPR and dental hygiene education sessions as well as have patients take part in blood pressure research.


AIPNO was founded in 1983 and is a non-profit membership organisation of physicians of Indian origin in Northern Ohio. It has membership of 300 physicians and have they organised Medical Yatras since 2001.  They have provided aid to Mexico, Haiti, Peru, Ecuador, Uganda, Kenya, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Burundi and India. What is amazing is that the volunteers who came were in the late 60s and 70s who were either semi retired or retired.  Visit their website http://www.aipno.org/ for more information

ARCH currently provides provides primary health care services to approximately 25,000 patients along with basic health education and preventative services such as vaccinations and prenatal care. In addition they provide movie health camps in surrounding villages.  More about them can be found here: http://www.archgujarat.org/ 

We were split into 2 groups each visiting 5 locations over 5 days seeing up to 1,000 patients daily and ~4,000 patients in total. (The exact numbers are still to be finalised.)  People came from nearby villages and waited patiently for several hours to be seen. At each spot we spent 4-8 hours depending on the number of patients that presented.   For some of us we stepped into unfamiliar roles of dental, paediatric, gynaecology or pharmacy assistants, whilst others had to recall prior knowledge to diagnose, prescribe and dispense medications.   All of us had to improvise with limited supplies and diagnostic tools whilst working in a team to provide the best possible outcome.

Each stop was unique with a different variety of diagnosis and facilities. On some days it took us only about 30 minutes to get there and on others over 90 minutes across dirt roads. The majority of time we were situated within the local school which meant the kids had a disruptive day and were free to interact with the group, be seen by paediatricians or dentists and/or attend educational sessions being run. Regardless of where we were, the locals were all very welcoming and patient. It was heartwarming to see some of the older children assist with translation, directing people and/or helping the older patients to where they needed to go. 




Undernutrition was massive problem with 14-16 year old teenagers looking like they were 9-10 years old. The adults on the other hand looked much older than they should be due to physical outdoor labour with in many cases extremely high blood sugars and blood pressures. 

Language was a massive issue with local tribal languages being spoken in many instances as opposed to Gujarati or Hindi which become a case requiring up to 3 interpreters sometimes depending on the translator and Doctor.   


Observations

  • all who came were strong, happy and didn’t complain about the wait or their lot in life with physical examinations easy due to the lack of fat (many of those in their 40s/50s had six pack abs!) 
  • Biggest issues were undernutrition, undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes, goitres, cataracts, dry skin and cavities 
  • Introduction of fluoride, reduced salt and sugar diets and iodised salt would greatly assist these communities as part of preventable health schemes  
  • Girls were particularly shy with all being curious particularly around the tall Americans, our smart phones and cameras 
Outcomes from 2016 Medical Yatra
  • Recommendations to reduce cavities and improve teeth health particularly in children to be provided to local government officials 
  • ARCH has committed to follow up patients seen including scheduling of 33 cataract surgeries 
  • A piece for AJ+ (on online news and current events channel by Al Jazeera Media Network AJMN) is being finalised.  







All of us came with open hearts, warm smiles, positive and flexible attitudes and a sense of humour but left with so much more.  We have much to learn from each other and language is not a barrier.


I would highly recommend going on Medical Yatra as it is so much more than volunteering with an amazing bunch of people and seeing the countryside and interacting with the locals in a unique way as it includes component of spirituality as we stayed at Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur and were even fortunate enough to have an audience with Baba Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshbhai.  More about the Ashram and their work is here: http://www.shrimadrajchandramission.org/

More photos are available here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1582019118687142.1073741860.1384301005125622&type=1&l=4335feceba 

Number of Doctors: 14 including 2 dentists
Total number of volunteers: 37
Number of patients seen: ~4000
Number of sites visited: 10 

Volunteer hours (based on average 6 hour day for 37 volunteers) : 1110 hours