Ray of hope for addicts’ parents
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 19
Ms Saini (45) turned grey overnight and her blood sugar went so high that she could have gone into coma. All these diseases were contracted by her due to enormous stress that was caused due to drug addiction of her son. The woman never took any care of her diseases as she thought that her life was meaningless as she never slept wondering what her son was up to in the middle of the night whereas her husband had his drinks and slept soundly.

Ms Saini along with parents of other drug addicts and alcoholics met members of the AL-Anon Family Group at Eak Jyot, a de-addiction centre, here yesterday and share their problems. The meetings are free and members of addicts’ families can join the meetings on every Sunday at the centre in Randhir Singh Nagar.

The participants have to recognise the fact that they have a right to dignity and a decent life and remember that many things said and done in anger, frustration or despair may make matters worse. The members need to help themselves to come out of their problems caused by someone else and how they can help themselves out of the intricate web of their own creation.

The group is a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics and drug addicts who share their experiences, strength and hope in order to solve their common problems. They believe the addiction is a family illness and changed attitudes can aid recovery.

The first meeting of family members suffering from the feelings of guilt, frustration and helplessness was held so that they could get relief in the fact that they are not alone in their sufferings.

In the beginning members were reticent and often broke down while narrating the stories. Turn by turn they narrated their anguished tales like Pushpa, a young married woman, could not fathom the aloofness of her husband, his irritation when she wanted to get close to him, his habit of doing meticulous work for days and nights without sleep.

One of the members said how she made excuses for her son’s behaviour. She lied to his employer for his absence from the office, all family members worked harder to supplement the income of the family. The family did his share of work. They even encouraged him to drink at home so that he would not create nuisance in the public.

The mother said the family was deep under mental strain and held themselves responsible for his addiction. After the outburst and listening to others she felt relieved that she was not responsible for his condition. Another woman whose son is addicted to drugs got him married, but that ruse failed and the girl’s life remains in shambles. The man stays out of the house and comes dead drunk. The mother does not want to let her go. She feels that his going to jail on some offences that he had committed would cure him of his addiction. But the other members disagreed. The counsellor advised her that until she stopped saving him from crises the boy would not come out of his addiction. All members broke down recounting their stories. Later, they were taught to meditate so that they would be more peaceful.

The drug and alcohol addiction is a family problem. The family members of the addicts are not yet aware that each member of the family can truly change only themselves. Addiction is a medical problem and even WHO recognises it. The only way to treat a drug addict is through counselling and treating the patient like any other sick patient.

Physiotherapy rebuilds lives
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 19
To prevent the occurrence of various coronary artery diseases (CAD), the concept of physiotherapy is fast catching up here. “Cardiac rehabilitation is not only important to those who have undergone bypass surgery and angiography, but also one of the best preventions from heart attack,” Dr G.S. Wander, Chief Cardiac Surgeon of a local heart institute, says.

Experts say that physiotherapy gives a shot of confidence to patients who have lost hope of leading normal lives after surgeries. Cardiac rehabilitation puts them back to work.

Dr Vivek Vasudeva, a physiotherapist in a city heart institute, says that studies show that residents of north India are more vulnerable to heart diseases due to their rich diet and lack of proper physical activity. Cardiac rehabilitation, therefore, is essential here. He said, “Physiotherapy includes aerobics-like physical exercises and does not involve the use of any medicine. It is the best way to control obesity, diabetes and hypertension — main causes of heart diseases.”

Heart surgeries leave patients discouraged and weak and many complications occur after heart operations. Patients complain of backache, stiff shoulder, edema of the lower limbs and the other postural problems. “On the basis of various tests like the tread-mill test (TMT) and the respiratory function test (RFT), the patient is suggested some physical activity. His or her stamina is closely monitored and he or she is suggested walk of some other light exercises,” says Dr Vasudeva. He also says that rigorous exercise is harmful for such patients.

Dr Vasudeva says that cardiac rehabilitation improves cardiac functioning and blood circulation. He says, “Patients have to undergo rehabilitation for about three or four months, after which, they are asked to revisit the centre for weekly or fortnightly check-ups. The recovery is closely monitored all these months.”

Dr Vasudeva says that a recent WHO survey has shown that in the next 10 years, 60 per cent of the world’s heart patients will be in India, particularly north India. He says, “Those above the age of 35 should consult their physiotherapists to avoid heart problems.”

‘North Indians more prone to heart attacks’
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 19
Only 10 to 15 per cent of the Indians are aware of the symptoms, causes and precautions of the Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), and because of the low awareness majority of the Indians have been suffering various heart diseases, said Dr T.S. Kler, Chief Cardiac Surgeon, Escorts, Delhi, at a press conference organised at Dr Anil Kapoor’s ‘Panchkarma’, yesterday.

Dr Kler said various causes for the increase were pollution, sedantry life styles, wrong dietary patterns and hypertension. He said that North Indians were more prone to heart attacks because of their rich diet and lack of physical activity.

Dr Kler said junk food was also responsible for heart attacks to an extent. He stressed that people between 30 to 40 year of age should have thorough check-up for blood sugar and cholesterol level in the body.

He said it was unfortunate that a boy of about 24 year of age had suffered a heart attack recently. He said angioplasty was not a substitute for bypass, but, there were definitely chances to improve the scope of angioplasty.

Health camp for rural masses
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 19
Hero DMC Heart Institute and Dayanand Medical College and Hospital will jointly organise a health camp on November 22 at the Rural Health Centre of DMCH, Pohir (near village Ahmedgarh). The aim behind organising the camp is to provide the best health facilities to rural people for cardiac diseases, skin diseases and eye diseases.

The camp will be inaugurated by Mr Prem Nath Gupta, Secretary, Managing Society of DMCH. The main feature of the camp will be the treatment of cardiac diseases by highly qualified doctors like Dr G.S. Wander, Chief Cardiologist, Hero DMC Heart Institute and Dr V.M. Kohli, Chief Cardiac Surgeon, Hero DMC Heart Institute.

Dr G.S. Wander said, “Heart patients can also have the privilege of free tests like ECG and blood test. This will not only spread the awareness regarding heart disease among the rural population, but will also be beneficial for people who cannot come to the city or cannot afford treatment due to some financial constraints.

Not only this, the effort will promote the idea of cardiac camps in the region.”

Reputed doctors of DMC like Dr Alka Dogra, Dr Sunil Gupta, Dr R.K. Grewal and Dr Dinesh Garg will provide their services to the people. Dr V.Mohan, Chief of Social and Preventive Medicine of DMCH said, “A visit of medical students of DMCH will also be arranged by the Department of SPM to inculcate, the spirit of community participation for public health. A large number of people from Pohir and other surrounding villages like Ahmedgarh, Maloud and Dehlon are expected to benefit from the camp.”

Inter-school hockey tourney concludes
Our Correspondent

Doraha, November 19
The third Inter-School Divali Hockey Tournament organised by Guru Nanak National College, Doraha, concluded here yesterday.

Twelve teams participated in the tournament. On the opening day, Punjab Public School, Rupalon (A), defeated Nankana Sahib Public School 3-1, Government Senior Secondary School, Doraha, defeated Government Senior Secondary School, Sahnewal, 9-0, Government High School, Ghaloti, defeated Punjab Public School, Rupalon (B), 5-1 and Government Senior Secondary School, Shapur, defeated RS Khalsa School, Jaspalon, 2-0.

On the second day, Punjab Public School, Rupalon (A), defeated Government Senior Secondary School, Shahpur, 2-1, Government Senior Secondary School, Doraha, defeated Nankana Sahib Public School, Kilaraipur, 3-1, Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School defeated Guru Hargobind School, Sudhar, 1-0 and Government High School, Ghaloti, defeated Government Senior Secondary School, Kaddon, 2-1.

On the concluding day, Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School, Doraha, defeated Punjab Public School , Rupalon (A), 2-1, Government Senior Secondary School, Doraha, defeated Government High School, Ghaloti, 5-0, Government High School, Ghaloti, defeated Punjab Public School, Rupalon (B), 3-1 and Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School defeated Government Senior Secondary School, Doraha, 2-1.

A cash prize of Rs 3100 and mementoes were awarded to the winners, Guru Nanak Model Senior Secondary School, Doraha. Government Senior Secondary School, Doraha, won the second prize and Government High School, Ghaloti, were awarded the third prize.

Illegal sand mining continues despite ban
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 19
Residents of Kadian and five neighbouring villagers have protested against the illegal sand mining unabatedly going on in the Sutlej river bed near here, despite a ban by the administration. The district administration had banned the sand mining on November 1, from the controversial land near Kutbewal village, after a protest of the village panchayats and publishing of reports in the newspapers and had ordered an enquiry to ascertain the demarcation of government land from that of the tenants’. Mr S.K. Kler, ADC ( Development ) had asked the SDMs of Ludhiana, East and West to submit an enquiry report within a week. Other departments concerned were also asked to provide information to ascertain the demarcation of land.

According to department sources, the administration has not officially declared the report even after the lapse of a fortnight. No action has been taken to stop illegal sand mining and contractors are carrying on illegal sand mining saying, that the ban was just for a week.

Sarpanches of six villages including Kasabad, Kadian, Bhatian Bet, Bhaderke, Jamalpur Leli, submitted a memorandum to the administration and Police Station Salem Tabri here today demanding action against the contractors involved in illegal sand mining. Mr Inderjit Singh, Sarpanch, Kasabad village disclosed that ADC had banned sand mining from the river bed, but his orders are being flouted openly.

Though the revenue department had already put up polls demarcating the government land from that of the tenants’, but the administration and the police are not ready to take action against the culprits.

Mr Inder Mohan Singh, lumberdar of Kadian village, alleged that the administration was delaying action against the culprits, who had badly damaged the village link roads. On the one hand, the tehsildar had submitted a report confirming the illegal sand mining here, but instead of checking the culprits, police officials were trying to pressurise them not to protest.

He asserted that the villagers were determined to take the protest movement to its logical conclusion. Panchayats of six villages had passed resolutions to stop illegal sand mining, which was damaging the roads, crops and creating a potential threat to the Dhusi bandh.

The villagers alleged that the State government had failed to check the illegal sand mining, for the past many years with the connivance of some officials of the mining department, local police and neighbouring farmers.

The contractor was allowing the lifting of sand from the restricted area near the bridge, which is banned by the PWD department, through trucks and tractor-trollies. The trollies transporting sand, had no permit from the transport department. But no action was taken by any one.

Insiders among the sand trade revealed that a group of persons from the city and nearby villages were involved by paying a hefty cut to the contractor, the local police, some officials of the Mining Department and a local minister.

Now big brother will watch MC employees
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 19
The Municipal Corporation administration has introduced movement registers for all departments of the civic body and directed all its wings to maintain complete records of movement of employees.

The move reflects the change of guard in the MC and indicates that the new Commissioner, Mr R.L. Kalsia, means business. Following directives to the Engineering Department to check irregularities in receipt and opening of tenders, the step, aimed at monitoring the working of employees, is being considered a warning to them to either perform or perish.

Mr Kalsia had told reporters here a few days ago that, regarding the performance of the civic staff, the administration would follow a reward and punishment policy, where performers would be rewarded and defaulters punished.

The MC Commissioner said it would be mandatory for all employees to enter the purpose of leaving the office and the duration of absence in the movement registers. This information would help senior officials keep track of employees who were on field duty or out of office on official business. Senior MC officials would be personally accountable for the proper maintenance of records in these registers and there would be surprise checks to ensure compliance.

Sources in the MC said dereliction of duty and absenteeism among the MC employees was increasing and certain employees were coming to the offices only to mark their attendance and disappear afterwards. Most of them, the sources said, ran private businesses, while drawing salary from the civic body. In many cases, the supervisors concerned were well aware of the situation, but ignored it deliberately.

The success of the move will depend on the earnestness of senior officials, but the directive has certainly created panic among those who are regularly absent from office and run private businesses in the name of their kin. Such employees mostly remain “in the field” or on some or the other official duty, whereas, actually, they run their private enterprises in this time.