Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Breast Cancer Awareness Day, celebrated every year on October 13, serves as an important opportunity to promote awareness about breast cancer, a disease that affects millions of women globally. This day focusses on celebrating the importance of early detection, educating people about risk factors, and supporting those who are bravely fighting against the disease.

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers amongst women, and early diagnosis is key to improving survival rates.

One of the central messages of Breast Cancer Awareness Day is the importance of regular screenings. Mammograms and self-examinations are two of the most effective tools for detecting breast cancer early, when treatment is most successful.

Many women, however, are unaware of the need for routine checks or delay them, which can lead to the cancer being diagnosed at a more advanced stage. By promoting regular screenings and educating the public on how to identify early symptoms, such as lumps, changes in breast size or shape, or unusual nipple discharge, the day helps save lives.

Breast cancer has several risk factors. Genetics play a role, with women who have a family history of breast cancer at higher risk. Other factors include age, as the risk increases with age, and hormonal factors such as hormone replacement therapy or having children later in life.

While some of these factors are beyond individual control, lifestyle choices can influence breast cancer risk. Eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are all important steps to help lower the risk of developing the disease.

Beyond education, Breast Cancer Awareness Day is also about support. Women diagnosed with breast cancer often face both physical and emotional challenges. This day encourages people to offer emotional support to those affected, whether through personal acts of kindness or by participating in events that raise funds for cancer research and patient care.

The day provides a platform for sharing stories of survival and loss, which can offer hope and solidarity to those currently battling the disease.

Additionally, Breast Cancer Awareness Day emphasises the importance of ongoing research. Advances in treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy, have improved the prognosis for many patients, but continued research is critical to discovering more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Through awareness, education, and support, Breast Cancer Awareness Day plays a crucial role in the fight against this devastating disease.

International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is an international day that encourages every citizen and government to take part in building more disaster-resilient communities and nations. The United Nations General Assembly designated October 13 as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction as part of its proclamation of International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.

In 2002, by a further resolution, the General Assembly decided to maintain the annual observance as a vehicle to promote a global culture of natural disaster reduction, including prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.

In 2009, the UN General Assembly decided to designate October 13 as the official date for this day, and also changed the name to International Day for Disaster Reduction. The word risk was added to the name later.

Prime Meridian of the World established in 1884

 

Greenwich, London was established as the Universal Time meridian of longitude, from which all World time zones are based on, on this day, i.e., October 13, in 1884. GMT is the name for the mean solar time of the longitude (0°) of the Royal Greenwich Observatory in England. At different times in the past, it has been calculated in different ways and as a result, it cannot be used to specify a precise time unless a context is given. 

As Britain developed into an advanced maritime nation, British mariners kept at least one chronometer on GMT in a bid to calculate their longitude from Greenwich meridian, which was considered to have longitude zero degrees, by a convention adopted in the International Meridian Conference in 1884. This practice then led to GMT being used worldwide as a standard time independent of location. In the following years, GMT was adopted across the island of Great Britain by the Railway Clearing House in 1847 and by almost all railway companies by the following year. 

World Arthritis Day

 

World Arthritis Day (WAD) is celebrated every year on the 12th of October with the purpose of highlighting and promoting discussions about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and their prevention and facilitating access to effective arthritis treatments. 

Importance of World Arthritis Day (WAD)

The Arthritis and Rheumatism International, a collective of organisations involved in awareness programmes for arthritis-related conditions, laid the foundation for World Arthritis Day in 1996. Since then, October 12th has been observed as World Arthritis Day. Here are some of the reasons why World Arthritis Day is celebrated:

·       To inform and educate the public about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, including various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory arthritis

·       To facilitate discussions about common and specific symptoms of arthritis, including joint aches and pains

·        To encourage accurate and timely diagnosis of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions

·        To share tips on improving joint health and minimising the risk of arthritis

·        To raise awareness about ways to manage arthritis pain

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis, one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, refers to the inflammation, tenderness, or swelling in joints, or regions where two bones meet. This includes knees, shoulders, hands, feet and ankles, and hips. 

Types of Arthritis 

There are many types of arthritis. In fact, arthritis is not a single disease, but is a term used for more than 200 types of conditions damaging various joints in the human body. Some of the common types of arthritis include: 

·        Osteoarthritis due to prolonged wear and tear

·   Inflammatory arthritis due to an overactive immune system response. Common types include rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) and psoriatic arthritis

·        Viral arthritis due to an infection from viruses such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV

·        Gout due to a build-up of excess of uric acid in the blood

Arthritis Treatments

There is no known cure for arthritis; however, there are numerous treatments available to manage pain and improve a patient’s quality of life:

Medications

NSAIDs are effective in reducing arthritis pain and inflammation. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs are another type of medication that helps slow the progression of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids are another option prescribed for reducing inflammation.

Therapies

Massages, heating pads, ice packs, and other techniques help increase blood flow, strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and reduce stiffness. 

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle modifications such as engaging in regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight help manage pain and maintain overall joint health.

Surgery

Various types of surgeries may be effective for arthritis treatment, depending on the joints affected and the severity of bone damage. Joint arthroscopy, and joint replacement surgeries are some options that may be recommended to repair unstable or broken bones and replace degenerated joints with implants.

Innovative Treatments and Therapies

Medications, physical therapy, and surgeries, such as joint replacements, are effective arthritis treatment options. However, research and development are making way for innovative treatments for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, including:

·  Hyaluronic acid injections, which help lubricate joints and help reduce pain in cases of osteoarthritis

·      Genicular Artery Embolization, a minimally invasive procedure to block blood flow and minimise pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis of the knee. 

·        Medications like methotrexate, an anti-inflammatory drug that suppresses the immune system, can help with pain management and reduce stiffness. It may be an effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment. 

·      Biologics and biosimilars- medications derived from living organisms, work as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and help bring down inflammation.

Newer, more promising arthritis treatments that are still under research include medications such as Mesenchymal stem cell therapy, a localised injection to reduce pain related to osteoarthritis of the knee and promote tissue repair.

Self-care Tips to Manage Joint Pain Due to Arthritis

In addition to medical treatments, there are several self-care practices that can help patients manage joint pains and aches. These tips improve overall health and wellness and prevent arthritis pain from limiting individuals from living an active life. Here are some self-care tips you can try:

 -Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet helps maintain joint health. Choose food items like leafy greens, nuts, dairy, pulses, garlic, and oily fish.

- Healthy Body weight 

Joints are fragile and excess body weight can put extra pressure on them, speeding up the damage. Maintain a healthy body weight, and you will see a marked reduction in arthritis pain.

-Exercise Therapy

Although it may sound counterintuitive, muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercises for 150 minutes a week can drastically ease stiffness and reduce pain.

-Quit Smoking

Smoking is linked to causing inflammation in the body, so quitting smoking is crucial.

 

World Biryani Day

 

World Biryani Day is observed on 11th October every year to celebrate one of the most cherished, delicious, and flavourful dishes in the world, Biryani. Made with long basmati rice, tempered with all the right spices and chunks of meat, Biryani is loved, especially in India and other South-East Asian and Middle-Eastern countries. World Biryani Day is about admiring this tasty recipe and indulging in eating this dish.

Every region in India has its own unique biryani recipe, such as Lucknowi biryani, Hyderabadi biryani, Sindhi biryani, Malabar biryani, etc. 

World Biryani Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm all around the world. On this day, people relish the comforting flavours of different types of biryanis. However, this day is not just about appreciating biryani but also understanding its rich history and its other complexities. World Biryani Day celebrates not only a dish but also cuisine and pays tribute to those who created this recipe.

What is Biryani?

Biryani is a rice-based dish made with long-grain basmati rice, which is slow-cooked with many different spices. Typically, some type of meat is added to the rice, but the dish can also be cooked with a meat-alternative vegetarian ingredient. On World Biryani Day, equip yourself with some more information about biryani here:

·  Biryani is one of the most popular dishes in South Asia, including in India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Iraq.

·    This dish originated among the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.

·    Similar dishes to biryani also originated in Persia.

·    Biryani is the most delivered food item on the Indian online food-delivery apps. 

Types of Biryani

In the Indian subcontinent, there are a lot of different types of biryanis. Every region of the country seems to have adapted the dish into its own version by incorporating spices or ingredients particular to their own cuisine into it. Try out some of the different types of biryani in India to determine the best biryani in India. Here are some of the must-try recipes:

·   Hyderabadi biryani - This is the most popular version of biryani in India. It is made with basmati rice and specially marinated goat meat.

·   Chettinad biryani - Found in Tamil Nadu, this biryani is cooked with ghee and special samba rice and is served with a tangy and spicy goat meat gravy called nenju elumbu kuzhambu.

·  Delhi biryani - In the Mughal era, when Delhi became the capital city of the country, this dish of Mughal origin found its own unique flavorus in the capital. Nizamuddin biryani and Shahjahanabad biryani are some of the popular Delhi biryanis.

·   Sindhi biryani - This biryani is fragrant and spicy, and the meat added to it is tender and juicy. Along with the meat, vegetables are also added to this dish.

·   Thalassery biryani - Made with khyma rice mixed with meat, and nuts, this biryani is the exclusive recipe of the Malabar Muslim community from Kerala.

History of Biryani Day

World Biryani Day originated in India - the country where this dish is extremely popular. Biryani came to India via Persian and Mughal travellers, and quickly became popular. Today, it is the most frequently ordered dish on Indian food delivery apps.

Biryani has a tradition of feasting associated with it. It is a dish that is supposed to be eaten together with family and friends. This dish has a rich culinary as well as cultural history.

Navratri 2024 Day 9, Maa Siddhidatri

The ninth form of Durga is Maa Siddhidatri, who is worshipped by the Hindu devotees on the ninth day of Navratri festival. Known as the giver of supernatural and meditative powers, Maa Siddhidatri is associated with the colour purple that symbolises luxury, grandeur and nobility hence, worshipping Navdurga while wearing purple is believed to bestow devotees with opulence, richness and spiritual strength.

Maha Navami marks the victory of Durga over the demon buffalo Mahishasura. While the nine forms of Maa Durga - Navdurga - are worshipped during the nine days of Navratri, devotees pray to Maa Siddhidatri on the ninth day.

Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. According to Hindu mythology, Rudra worshipped Adi-Parashakti, the supreme Goddess of Power, when the universe began. Since she had no form, Adi-Parashakti appeared in the form of Siddhidatri from the left half of Lord Shiva. When this happened, Shiva came to be known as Ardha-Narishwar.

Maa Siddhidatri provides direction and energy to planet Ketu, which is governed by her. She is the believed to be the Goddess who possesses and bestows all types of Siddhis (accomplishments) to her devotees. She has eight types of Siddhi - Anima, Mahima, Prapti, Prakamya, Garima, Laghima, Ishitva and Vashitva. She is also believed to take away ignorance from her devotees and grant them knowledge. Even Shiva is believed to have received all his Siddhis by the grace of Siddhidatri.

Maa Siddhidatri sits on a lotus and rides a lion. She has four arms - she holds a mace and Sudarshan chakra in her right hands and a lotus and a shankh in her left. She is surrounded by Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas and Asuras, who worship her.

National Post Day - India

Every year October 10 is observed as National Post Day in India. It is observed to recognize the role played by the Indian Postal Department for more than 150 years. The British brought postal service to India. Lord Dalhousie established it in 1854. It is currently the most commonly used postal system in the world and is run by the Ministry of Communications. India has 9 postal zones, 23 postal circles, and one Army Post Office. India's post offices use a 6-digit PIN Code system that was implemented there in 1972. 

Why are the Letter Boxes in India in red colour?

The red colour of British letterboxes is as much part of the iconic nature of the postal service as any other feature. During the early British era, green-painted boxes were used. unobtrusive, excessively so. But due to its unobtrusiveness, complaints were received by people having difficulty finding them. This brought in red colour letter boxes in around 1874. The red colour has the highest wavelength and the shortest frequency, which makes it visible even from a distance.

It took 10 years to complete the programme of re-painting. Also, since then, Red remained the standard colour for boxes from then on with few exceptions.