Evaluation of awareness about obesity among general public visiting the tertiary care hospital

Background: Obesity is one of the fastest growing threats of health and well-being for both developed and developing countries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the awareness about obesity among general public.Methods: After obtaining institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent from the participants, anthropometric measures like height, weight, hip and waist circumference for computing body mass index and waist hip ratio were taken. Using portable bioelectric impedance analyzer body fat percentage was measured. A validated questionnaire including socio demographic details and questions evaluating the awareness about obesity were given to the participants.Results: Totally 100 participants were evaluated, of which majority being female. Mean height of the male and female participants was 164 and 152cm respectively. Similarly, mean weight was found to be 72 and 65 kg. Based on the body mass index only 19% participants were within normal range, remaining 81% were overweight and obese. Percent body fat and waist hip ratio was found to be increased in both sexes. Majority of the participants were aware that obesity is associated with health problems but most of them were unaware how it is measured and the dietary foods to be taken to reduce obesity. However 64% participants think that obesity can reduce the life expectancy of the individual.Conclusions: Majority of the participants were obese and overweight while awareness about preventive measures was still lacking. Hence health care personnel need to take greater effort to educate and inform people about the implications

Analgesic activity of Cissus quadrangularis linn with Zingiber officinale rosc in male wistar rats

Background: The global scenario, human beings are using various forms of treatment for relief of pain; among them, medicinal plant products have gained popularity because of its wide range of use and less side effects.Methods: Adult Albino rats of either sex were selected and divided into 5 groups. The Eddy’s hot plate was used and maintained temperature (55±0.5ºC), the animals were placed on the hot plate and the time taken for paw licking or jumping was recorded and considered as nociceptive response. The reaction time was observed on 0, 30, 60, and 90 minute.Results: The hot plate reaction time in sec was collected in the intervals of 0, 30, 60 and 90 minutes in all groups. Reaction times as follows: group III (Cissus quadrangularis Linn.) were 2.18±0.04, 3.13±0.05**, 5.83±0.05**, 5.39±0.04**;  Group IV (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) were 2.12±0.03, 4.13±0.04**, 7.43±0.07**, 7.16±0.06**; Group V Cissus quadrangularis Linn+ Zingiber officinale Rosc.) were 2.21±0.75, 4.67±0.98**, 8.15±0.89**, 9.02±0.75**; Group II (Dexamethasone) were 2.14±0.05, 5.53±0.05**, 8.14±0.06**, 10.08±0.10** respectively, Results are presented as mean±SEM, (n=6), *p<0.01, **p<0.05 dunnet test used as compared to control.Conclusions: Present study reveals that, the combination treatment of Zingiber officinale Rosc. + Cissus quadrangularis Linn. has been shown significant analgesic effect. High analgesic effect was observed with combination therapy; the effect was shown same as standard drug dexamethasone

Comparative Study of Iron Supplements in South Indian Antenatal Women with Iron Deficiency Anemia

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. It is a major public health problem particularly among pregnant women with adverse effects on the mother and the new born. Iron supplementation is universally recommended to correct or prevent iron deficiency. AIMS &amp; OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy and tolerability of three oral iron preparations in anemic pregnant women of more than 14 weeks of gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized Control trial, done at Tagore Medical College and Hospital, Chennai. 60 antenatal women were selected; they were divided into three groups, 20 in each group. They were treated with Carbonyl iron, ferrous sulphate and ferrous fumarate. Hemoglobin estimation was done at 0 day, 30th and 60th day. Adverse effects were monitored. RESULTS: Data analysis showed an increase in haemoglobin levels in all three groups after the 30th day (p&lt;0.05). Carbonyl iron showed highly significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in the haemoglobin level as compared to the other two drugs at the end of the 60th day. CONCLUSION: Carbonyl iron is superior in efficacy when compared to ferrous sulphate and ferrous fumarate and is better tolerated. So carbonyl iron is safe in pregnancy and can be given as a supplement to treat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy