AUTISM

Autism is a lifelong disorder that interferes with the ability to understand what is seen, heard, and touched. Autism occurs in as many as one or two per 1,000 children. It is found four times more often in boys (usually the first-born) Autism usually is evident in the first three years of life, although in some children it's hard to tell when the problem develops. Sometimes the condition isn't diagnosed until the child enters school.
Profound problems with social interaction are the most common symptoms of autism. They avoid eye contact and don't seem to want or need physical contact or affection and show little interest in human contact. Such a child doesn't smile or lift his arms in anticipation of being picked up. He forms no attachment to parents nor shows any normal anxiety toward strangers. He doesn't learn typical games of childhood
Studies show that people with autism can improve significantly with proper treatment. A child with autism can learn best with special teachers in a structured program that emphasizes individual instruction. The two most-often studied types of treatment are Educational or behavioral treatment and Medication

A MARRIAGE OF DIFFERENCE

''No gift please" that is the request made by some people in Vellore District of Tamilnadu, India, but they accept the gift as "BLOOD DONATION" and even they in their marriage invitation specify that only blood donation would be accepted. It was started by R. Chandrasekaran, a social activist during his marriage in 1977. So far 10 marriages with blood donation camps have been taken place in the Vellore District with the help of R. Chanrasekarn. Really it is a marriage of difference with no fun, extravaganza and spending loads of money.

FATHER OF LSD DIES AT 102

Albert Hofmann, the father of the drug LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamine) has died. He was 102.

The Swiss chemist discovered lysergic acid diethylamide-25 in 1938 while studying the medicinal uses of a fungus found on wheat and other grains at the Sandoz pharmaceuticals firm in Basel.
After its discovery, LSD was viewed as a wonder drug with the potential to treat problems including schizophrenia and alcoholism.

For decades after LSD was banned in the late 1960s, Hofmann defended his invention.
"I produced the substance as a medicine. ... It's not my fault if people abused it," he once said.

ASBESTOSIS

Asbestosis is chronic, progressive inflammation of the lung. It is not contagious. Asbestosis is a consequence of prolonged exposure to large quantities of asbestos, a material once widely used in construction, insulation, and manufacturing. When asbestos is inhaled, fibers penetrate the breathing passages and irritate, fill, inflame, and scar lung tissue. In advanced asbestosis,, the lungs shrink, stiffen, and become honeycombed.

The first symptom of asbestosis is usually shortness of breath following exercise or other physical activity. The early stages of the disease are also characterized by a dry cough and a generalized feeling of illness.

Anyone who works with asbestos should wear a protective mask or a hood with a clean-air supply and obey recommended procedures to control asbestos dust. Anyone who is at risk of developing asbestosis should:
---not smoke
---be vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia
---exercise regularly to maintain cardiopulmonary fitness
----avoid crowds and people who have respiratory infections
A person who has asbestosis should exercise regularly, relax, and conserve energy whenever necessary.

PROTECT YOUR SKIN AND EYES FORM UV RAYS

ULTRA VIOLET rays popularly known as UV rays are known to cause damage to skin. Ultra violet radiation consists of invisible rays from the sun which will burn the skin and can damage the eyes.

• Avoid staying outdoors for long hour especially between 10 a.m. and 4 pm. during which period three-quarters of UV exposure occurs in summer.
• Wear a hat as possible a broad-brimmed one.
• Wear a cool sun glass.

BEAT THE HEAT

• Keep out of the heat. If possible, do not go outside during the hottest time of the day.
• Avoid strenuous activity but if you cannot, plan to do the activity during the early morning.
• Try to spend time in the coolest parts of your home. Keep curtains and blinds closed in rooms that catch the sun.
• Remember that lights generate heat. Keep windows open where possible, unless it is cooler inside than out.
• Fans can help sweat evaporate but do not cool the air itself.
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing.
• Splash yourself with cold water at regular intervals and take cool baths or showers.
• Use damp towels or cloths to cool off.
• Drink lots of fluids, even if you are not thirsty.
• Water and fruit juice are best.
• Both alcohol and caffeine can make dehydration worse: avoid them.
• Eat cold food, particularly salads and fruits that are high in water. Heavy meals are best avoided.

ADDICTION

Addiction is a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance. Some researchers speak of two types of addictions: substance addictions (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse, and smoking); and process addictions (for example, gambling, spending, shopping, eating, and sexual activity). According to data from the World Health Organization, there were 1.1 billion smokers worldwide and 10,000 tobacco-related deaths per day.

Some substances are more addictive than others, either because they produce a rapid and intense change in mood; or because they produce painful withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly.Some people appear to be more vulnerable to addiction because their body chemistry increases their sensitivity to drugs. Some forms of substance abuse and dependence seem to run in families.

Inexpensive or readily available tobacco, alcohol, or drugs produce marked increases in rates of addiction.Treatment requires both medical and social approaches. Substance addicts may need hospital treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms. Individual or group psychotherapy is often helpful, but only after substance use has stopped.

• Admit powerlessness over the addiction.
• Believe that a Power greater than oneself could restore sanity.
• Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of self.
• Admit to yourself and another human being the exact nature of your wrongs.
• Make a list of all persons harmed by your wrongs and become willing to make amends to them all.
• Make direct amends to such people, whenever possible except when to do so would injure them or others.
• Continue to take personal inventory and promptly admit any future wrongdoings.

The most effective form of prevention appears to be a stable family that models responsible attitudes toward mood-altering substances and behaviors. Prevention education programs are also widely used to inform the public of the harmfulness of substance abuse.