Common Sense and Healthcare

 

• Common sense in Healthcare 
• Common Sense influences numerous events in our daily lives.How do we describe Common Sense? Is it a Science? Is it based on one’s intellectual ability or what it is?
• Somewhere it is wisely described as “The power which aids us in distinguishing what we should consider as our duty as a right or as a thing confirming to equality established by law of intelligence.”
• It’s also stated to be the intelligence of instinct 
• Let’s consider role of common sense in healthcare.
• “Common sense is the wisest Physician whom it is possible to consult. If we followed it’s advice,we should be able to avoid the thousand and one little annoyance of illness caused by imprudence “ 
•                     Yoritomo Japanese pivotal figure 

"Common sense in healthy living" refers to the basic, practical, and widely accepted knowledge and judgments that help people maintain their well-being. It's about applying simple principles rather than getting bogged down in the latest fads or complex theories.

1. Nourishing Your Body:

 * Eat Real Food:

 * Listen to Your Body:

 * Stay Hydrated: 

2. Physical Activity:

 * Move Your Body: You don't need to be a top athlete. Simply incorporating more movement into your daily life can make a huge difference. Take the stairs, walk instead of driving for short distances, or go for a daily walk.

 * Find What You Enjoy: The best exercise is the one you'll actually do consistently. Whether it's dancing, hiking, cycling, or playing a sport, find an activity that you find fun and engaging.

3. Rest and Recovery:

 * Prioritize Sleep: Getting a good night's sleep is not a luxury; it's a fundamental pillar of health. It allows your body to repair and rejuvenate.

 * Manage Stress: Chronic stress can take a heavy toll on your physical and mental health. Find healthy ways to cope, whether it's through meditation, hobbies, or spending time in nature.

4. Emotional and Mental Well-being:

 * Connect with Others: Humans are social creatures. Nurturing relationships with family and friends contributes to a sense of purpose and happiness.

 * Practice Gratitude: Focusing on the good things in your life can shift your perspective and improve your overall mental state.

 * Seek Help When Needed: It's common sense to see a doctor for a physical ailment, and the same goes for mental health. If you're struggling, reach out to a professional or a trusted friend.

In essence, common sense in healthy living is about recognizing and acting on these basic truths:

 * Your body needs fuel (food), water, and rest.

 * It's designed to move.

 * Your mental and emotional state are inextricably linked to your physical health.

There is another aspect of common sense and popular notions such as “ The best things of life are free” What a joke

It is well understood that the best things of life costs earth.Clean air,water is extremely costly. Nutritious food, protective clothings are also not free.

Practically anything and everything that makes life healthy and comfortable are not free.

Another example “Whatever happens is for the  best ? Consider Earthquakes,floods,famines ,Wars or similar happenings!

Let’s come out of such misgivings.

The reason ——- as It's about making sustainable, everyday choices that support your well-being, rather than chasing quick fixes or extreme diets.

A wonderful book published in 2003 still relevant

 Book review

Title
Death by PrescriptionAuthor: Ray D StrandPublisher: Nelson Books,  
A division of Nelson Publishers
Place. Colorado ,USA
Year of Publication 2003
No of pages 262.


Review and Discussion
Prof Sudhir Dagaonkar
M.D FIAMS
Retired Prof of Pharmacology
Full address
Rajnigandha Apts 8/3 Garden lane Sherepunjab CHSL Mahakali Caves Road Andheri East Mumbai 400093
Telephone no 9892014069
Email id :sudhir.dagaonkar @gmail.com
 
———-‘Death by prescription’ is a wonderful book written by Dr Ray D Strand based on the shocking truth behind and an overmedicated nation. He has penned the entire thought process into three parts with several chapters dedicated to the important aspects of drug development from the stage of Clinical Trials , Marketing and Post marketing surveillance period.
The first part titled “The system “ gives an introduction to the drug approval process, a deadly partnership between industry and agencies and lastly the Great clinical trial.
The second part titled “System gone wrong” describes the story of Rezulin, where the system went wrong, followed by clear concepts about present dangers. In the next three chapters, author describes drug interactions, polypharmacy and Poly doctors meaning more than couple of medical consultants involved in managing single patient as of today .The last part is dedicated to advise general public to take charge of their health. The use and impact of over the counter medications or therapies is well discussed with examples.
Further protecting oneself for a healthy life as well as health concepts developed by the author in his long experience as a medical practitioner are well described in lucid language giving number of examples of real life situation.Part one describes ‘The System’ considers Death-by prescription involving the drug approval process. There is a deadly partnership and the great Clinical Trial -you in four chapters in a lucid manner.
Part two deals  with thematter where System has gone wrong and it elaborates a specific story about Rezulin, How the System has gone wrong. Expressing the clear and present dangers, mix and match, Drug interations, Polydoc and poly pharmacy in appropriate way with examples.
Part three titled “take charge of your health “has expressions in a conclusive way describing Over the counter (OTC) medications, Herbal Therapies, Protecting yourself and lastly authors thoughts on Health conceptsIn Part one chapter  elaborates Use of HRT for preventing and managing symptoms of Peri -and post-menopausal women is absolutely correct. Author makes suggestions for observing due precautions and considerations for every individual patient before prescribing HRT. Further the stance is elaborated with numerous case studies. One may or may not agree with all the points mentioned.  Still it makes a lot of sense specifically for Medical Consultants, and Clinical Researchers. It’s an eye opener for those easy going prescribers who get swayed by pharmaceutical marketing gimmick’s.It is a common knowledge in the medical world that a Medical Practitioner uses 15/20 drugs in major part of professional life. In present times this understanding doesn’t stand anywhere as the speed with which newer molecules as single drug or in combination as FDC and thrust upon the prescriber has surpassed all past records.

                                              PRAGMATIC QUOTES

" whenever One gives best Professional Performance Chances of Bitter Rivalries at Professional Fronts are inevitable"

                                                                                                                  Sudhir

 

Pragmaric Quote

 

Prof.Dr.Sudhir Dagaonkar

 

Sudhir’s "Pragmatist quotes"

• 1.      “An educated mind must learn to make own opinions based on facts,not under information overload”
• 2.      “When we seek knowledge to understand the true picture,not necessary corrective solutions to the problems”
• 3.      “Accept failures, don’t live in denial “

 

Gaurav Dagaonkar Music Director

It is a matter of pride for all of Dagaonkar's to know that Our Gaurav has made a debue as Music director in the Bollywood with release of film Lanka. His musical score is considered best in the movie. We all are proud of him. Please listen the songs view video on

U TUBE key words Lanka film, Gaurav Dagaonkar

Nursing home Establishment regulations

It has been a common observation that any medical practioner with some financial backup or any fiancially sound party with some doctors venture to start small or medium sized nursinh homes these day. We do not have any regulation, norms for minimum infrastrtucte, facilities and treatment protocol for these establishments. It is high time that when treatment and healthcare has become so costly, unconcerned professionals that well thought regulation and controls be put in place. This may be for facilities and the chargesfor the care.Today the nursing home owners may not be the medical practioners and they may have no human touch but concerned with profits and loss of the establishment. This is added by the so called MBA experts in healthcare. trained from theinstitutions with no clinical facilities nor expertise. We and the society as whole needs to review the entire system today. A sensible dabte is necessaryat tihs point of time as we can not depend on the state to take ant steps in this direction

Nursing Home regulations

Arogya Melava 14th May

Health camp

"Reflections" - Doctor Bruno's Blog: India logs over 2 lakh traditional medical formulations

"Reflections" - Doctor Bruno's Blog: India logs over 2 lakh traditional medical formulations

Ethical aspects of Medical writing

The practice of hiring ghost medical writers is on increase both by the Pharmaceutical Industry as well as by the medical practioners as well. Recently I have come across a publication of a report which should serve as an eye opener for all of us . The details of the report are as given below:
OpEdNews: Robert Davidson - Writer By Robert Davidson, M.D., Ph.D.
November 27, 2009

The newly disclosed scourge of ghost written clinical research publications should not only be banned prospectively, but retracted retroactively. The FDA bases its decisions as to safety, efficacy, and whether to grant an NME (“new molecular entity”) expedited market approval under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”), in part, on clinical research publications. The FDA identifies “new risks” of marketed drugs and biologicals, on the basis of these articles and the AERS ("Adverse Event Reporting System"), and modifies the product's package labeling, accordingly. Most physicians base their clinical practice upon evidence found in these publications.

A Merck-funded study which appeared in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2000, “Oral Montelukast Compared with Inhaled Salmeterol to Prevent Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction,” Jonathan M. Edelman, et al. Ann Intern Med.2000; 132: 97-104 (http://www.annals.org/cgi/reprint/132/2/97.pdf), involving the Exercise Study Group, is a case in point.

This is more required to be understood by non medical report writers who in my opinion may not appreciate the value of such findings in any study.

Such trends will be harmful for the patients at large.

Therapeutic advice Services

Dear All,

We have initiated a new service for all health-care service utilizers. Therapeutic advise is a service which can be availed by a patient as well as the medical practioner to confirm the scientific basis of this/her prescription to a patient. We offer these services online only on post event scenario. No hypothetical prescription will be evaluated on the pharmacological basis. The services are at a cost. I feel that today such services are required when the practice is taking a different shape and becomming more commercial than ethical nature. The details can be viewed at our website www.mmspl.co.in

I would like to know your opinion and suggestions .

Best wishes

Prof.Dr.Sudhir Dagaonkar

My Father

My father late Shri V. S. Dagaonkar had an exciting life sketch. Born in a landlord's family in Dagava a small family village owned by the family in Makadai state during the British Raj. Got his basic education in Harda and went to Mumbai for further studies and finally settled in Indore. He participated in freedom movement as a student. Started his career in Makdai state army and later as an executive in Indore Nagar Nigam in pre-independece period. During this period, he received Silver and Bronze medal from the President of India for exceptional services in the very first and second census of the country.

He joined the Urban Cooperative movement in early 50s and continued till his death. He and our family has contributed for over 60 years in the growth of INDORE PARASPAR SAHAKARI BANK LTD which has completed 100 yeras this year. President of India, Hon. Smt. Pratibhatai Patil had inagurated the centenary celebrations this year. SAHAKAR GAURAV - an award named in his memory awarded to the best worker in the urban cooperative field. He wa member of the first founding National council of urban cooperative banks in India. Initiated new loan schemes for housing and other needs of urban middle class . He was best known for the honesty , integrety and hard work in both his capacities as an officer and a director of the bank.

On a personal note, he will always be remembered as a loving and caring family head. He ensured that his children got the best of education and upbringing, thus empowering them for a bright future and making sure that they upheld the values he lived for. A great follower of Nehruvian thoughts we remember him always for the love and affection towards one and all.

Government , Higher education and Responsibility

Today is birthday of Pandit Nehru. The man who had vision of future India. The manner in which our generation born after independence got education at nominal cost in all most all branches like Medicine, Engineering etc can not be imagined by the present generation students. The concept that education will improve thinking has been defeated by yhe post nehru rulers. I have always felt that the higher education specially medicine and Engineering can be best imparted by the Government run institutions like the IIT's AIIMS/PGI or the other institutes . The fact is that today the colleges both Medical and Engineering are in plenty but producing graduates who are qualified but not employable. Who is responsible for this state of affairs? In my opinion since the time concept" Higher education is not the responsibility of GOvernment" has got its root the decay had started. No one knows how and when this concept got its firm place among the ruling class. Very few institutes of repute have been opened after Panditji's death.As a responsible educationist I have always supported the cause of merit education, Scholerships or assistance of any nature too the needy students.I sincerely hope that the situation will change for higher education in India so that middle and economically weaker sections are not deprived of higher education

Liver tonics

We come across patients with liver dysfunction consuming Liver tonics some on prescriptions and some without any medical advice. When I studies these preparations searched the available published literature the information was limited to some statements without any evidence. Are there any such proven preparation worth describing as Liver tonics? if we look into the cost of these preparation some are really unaffordable. The market segment of such preparations is huge.
Education of medical professional is definitely important but more important is education of general population who consumes without much benefits to them.
how to achieve this ? Can we think of any good modules for such a project?

Are there any real Livertonics?

Liver disorders affect human population to a significant extent. At the same time, besides curative medicines( Where Pathology is known) numerous preparation sold as Liver tonics. Does any of these have any significant therapeutic value? I have searched literature, conducted some studies but could not come across a single real meaningful preparation worth calling Liver tonic? Have you come across any? Number of preparations under herbal/ alternative medicine/ holistic medicine are popularly sold for the improvement of Liver functions. None has shown any documented proofs so far.

Higher education commission, India

The HRD ministry has decided to constitute a new commssion to regulate the professional higher education in India. At the same time it has also declared the reduced role of constitutional bodies like DCUI/MCI/UGC. Is it replacing commission A by B?
Creating new power educational centre in place multi-memeber bodies? HRD is being led by an Advocate a competent person . It seems that he will WIN THE ARGUMENT BUT LOSE THE CASE. Attitude in case of IIT teacher"s problem is also disappointing. Ultimately education is nobodys interest in this country. Hope they will not creat more and more DOOM universities in the country.

Environmental Pharmacology 17th Mrach 2003

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON" ENVIRONMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY" was organized by the Department of Pharmacology & Clinical Research MGM Medical College & Hospital affiliated to MGM university of Health Sciences Navi Mumbai on 17th March 2007.


The seminar was conceptualized by Prof. Dr.Sudhir Dagaonkar head department. Prof. Dr. Sudhir Kadam M.D. MRCP Director of the Institute inaugurated the seminar. He advised the Medical fraternity to take an active interest in the provisions for safe disposal of biological waste containing drugs as such or as metabolites.
Prof.Dr.Y.K.Gupta Prof, Head Pharmacology AIIMS New Delhi delivered keynote address, Prof.Dr.Jaising Phadtare Hon Prof. Chest Medicine was the guest speaker. Dr. Himanshu Tayade provided a detailed account of the horror story of the uses of synthetic colors in pharmaceutical preparations as compared to the natural colors.
Dr.Sudhir Dagaonkar introduced the subject. He said that today detectable levels of pharmaceuticals preparations either as parent drug or metabolite are found in the food stuffs, water both rivers as well as sea and in the no vegetarian items. Although the levels are not toxic in single exposure but low dose chronic toxicity is anticipated. There are few models to study these effects under the purview of the discipline of Pharmacology - what is described as Toxicoknietics & dynamics.
Dr. Y.K. Gupta explained the impending dangers for a healthy society on the account of careless disposal of human excreta from hospitals as well as from other sources.
Dr.Tyade gave an account of pediatric preparations with synthetic colors as well statistics of the ADR's on this account.
Prof. Dr. Phadtare discussed the impact of environmental pollution on the Respiratory therapeutics. He commented on the changing pharmacokinetics of antiasthamatic drugs such as Theophylline in Pediatric patients with Bronchial asthma."
It was decided to form a working group to take the message further for making recommendations to the appropriate authorities as well as get in touch with international groups working in this field.

Contact Person
Prof.Dr.Sudhir Dagaonkar
dr.s.v.dagaonkar@hotmail,com
Prof. Dr. Y.K. Gupta
yk.ykgupta@gmail.com