Applications invited as Consultant (New Drug) in CENTRAL DRUGS STANDARD CONTROL ORGANIZATION ( CDSCO )

 

CENTRAL DRUGS STANDARD CONTROL ORGANIZATION, Under the Drug and Cosmetics Act, the regulation of manufacture, sale and distribution of Drugs is primarily the concern of the State authorities while the Central Authorities are responsible for approval of New Drugs, Clinical Trials in the country, laying down the standards for Drugs, control over the quality of imported Drugs, coordination of the activities of State Drug Control Organisations and providing expert advice with a view of bring about the uniformity in the enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Post: Consultant (New Drug)

Essential Qualifications:-
i) A recognized medical qualification included in the First or Second Schedule orPart II of the Third Schedule (Other than licentiate qualifications) to the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. Holders of Educational Qualifications included in thePart II of the Third Schedule should also fulfil the conditions stipulated in sub-section 3 of the Section 13 of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956;
ii) Postgraduate Degree in Pharmacology of a recognized University or equivalent;
iii) 8 years experience in the planning of clinical trials including drawing up of protocols of the trials and designing of suitable proforma or in the screening of pre-clinical data and examination of clinical information on 'New Drugs'.

Desirable: Experience of administration of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and/or of manufacture and testing of drugs and knowledge of procedures for approval of New Drugs and/or drawing up of standards of drugs.

Duties:-
The duties in brief of the post are as follows:-
(i) Screening of pre-clinical and clinical data on new drugs molecules from the angle of safety and efficacy;
(ii) Examination of clinical trial protocols in India;
(iii) Liaison with agencies like ICMR, Central Drugs Laboratory, CIPL;
(iv) Examination of packaging insert of promotional materials and monitoring of adverse reactions to drugs.

TORs:- The Consultant will be given specified tasks and deliverables by way of TORs in terms of the assignment which will be monitored at appropriate level/s in CDSCO.

LAST DATE: 8th Oct, 2012

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Advt. No.18/2012

The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER) is an Institute of national importance established by an Act of Parliament under the aegis of Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India. The main thrust areas of the institute are Tuberculosis, Malaria, Leishmaniasis and Diabetes. The Institute has excellent facilities for advanced education and research in pharmaceutical sciences and technology and is looking for faculty of high caliber and potential, willing to face the challenge of building this Institute into a center of excellence.

The Institute intends to fill the four (04) posts of Professor (UR: 02, OBC: 01 & SC: 01) in the following disciplines.

Post: Professor- (Biotechnology-01, Pharmacokinetics-01, Advisor - Business Development- 01, Technology Development of APIs and Dosage Formulations- 01)

1. PROFESSOR (BIOTECHNOLOGY):
The incumbent should have worked in one of the frontier areas of biotechnologyspecializing in cell and molecular biology, stem cells, tissue engineering, cell differentiation and growth etc. addressing the issues of regenerative medicine and developmental biology.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:
Ph.D with first class or equivalent grade at the preceding degree in the appropriate branch with a very good academic record throughout and at least 10 years of teaching/research/industrial experience with published work of high quality well recognized and established reputation of having made conspicuous seminal contribution to knowledge in pharmaceutical and allied areas.

DUTIES:
In addition to teaching courses and supervising students, the incumbent has to provide leadership for implementing newer approaches in the emerging areas of advanced research.

PAY STRUCTURE:
PB-4 (Rs.37,400 - 67,000/-) with starting pay Rs.48,000/- pm plus Academic Grade Pay of Rs.10,500/- and other allowances at par with Central Government Rules.

MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT:
50 years (relaxable for specially qualified candidates).

2. PROFESSOR (PHARMACOKINETICS):
The institute is looking for a dynamic and result oriented person for the post of Professor (Pharmacokinetics). The incumbent must have post-doctoral training or relevant job experience in DMPK, PK PD modeling / simulation that may relate to development of drug therapies, drug targets, or drug delivery systems. Preference will be given to applicants with training and research expertise in areas of bio-pharmaceutics, BA-BE, or pharmacokinetics / clinical pharmacokinetics. Candidates
with experience in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic modeling or clinical research are especially encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:
Ph.D with first class or equivalent grade at the preceding degree in the appropriate branch with a very good academic record throughout and at least 10 years of teaching/research/industrial experience with published work of high quality well recognized and established reputation of having made conspicuous seminal contribution to knowledge in pharmaceutical and allied areas.

DUTIES:
In addition to teaching courses and supervising students in pharmaceutics, clinical research and drug metabolism, the incumbent will be responsible for managing 24-bed bioequivalence unit (National Bioavailability Centre) of the Institute and providing BA BE inputs and services to in-house projects and Indian Pharma Industry. The candidate is also expected to pursue and establish appropriate research collaborations within the Institute, Pharma or Biotech companies and engage in scholarly activity.

PAY STRUCTURE:
PB-4 (Rs.37,400 - 67,000/-) with starting pay Rs.48,000/- pm plus Academic Grade Pay of Rs.10,500/- and other allowances at par with Central Government Rules.

MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT:
50 years (relaxable for specially qualified candidates).

3. PROFESSOR (ADVISOR - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT)
The institute is looking for a dynamic and result oriented person for the post of Professor (Advisor - Business Development). The incumbent should have the exposure to pharmaceutical industry and shall possess the ability, capability and to cope up with the requirements and expectations of the institute. He is expected to be a person with positive attitude, capable of problem solving, with a proven ability to coordinate with the industry, set interaction with the niche area clients (both within India and abroad), explore contract research opportunities, licensing of generated know-how / services, consultancy arrangements etc. and in general research management / business development activities of the institute

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:
Ph.D with first class or equivalent grade at the preceding degree in the appropriate branch with a very good academic record throughout and at least 10 years of teaching/research/industrial experience with published work of high quality well recognized and established reputation of having made conspicuous seminal contribution to knowledge in pharmaceutical and allied areas.

DUTIES:
The duties of the incumbent would be to promote business development, business in public – private partnership, contract research, industrial liaison, management of IPR portfolio, transfer of know-how, promotion / linkages of activities of the proposed SME Centre at NIPER and other activities as advised by the Board of Governors from time to time.

PAY STRUCTURE:
PB-4 (Rs.37,400 - 67,000/-) with starting pay Rs.48,000/- pm plus Academic Grade Pay of Rs.10,500/- and other allowances at par with Central Government Rules.

MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT:
50 years (relaxable for specially qualified candidates).

4. PROFESSOR (TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT OF APIs& DOSAGE FORMULATIONS):
The incumbent should have experience in scale up, process / product translation or development and validation activities in the areas of drugs and pharmaceuticals either in new dosage formulations or APIs or both. Experience in setting up, operating and managing pilot plants, process control equipments including analytical laboratories would be an added advantage.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:
Ph.D with first class or equivalent grade at the preceding degree in the appropriate branch with a very good academic record throughout and at least 10 years of teaching/research/industrial experience with published work of high quality well recognized and established reputation of having made conspicuous seminal contribution to knowledge in pharmaceutical and allied areas.

DUTIES:
The selected candidate shall have the responsibility of managing the existingTechnology Development Centre (TDC) for APIs and upcoming dosage formulations plant and provide its clients, full range of services as an industrial developmental support upto bio-batches or clinical batches.

PAY STRUCTURE:
PB-4 (Rs.37,400 - 67,000/-) with starting pay Rs.48,000/- pm plus Academic Grade Pay of Rs.10,500/- and other allowances at par with Central Government Rules.

MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT:
50 years (relaxable for specially qualified candidates).

PB=Pay Band, AGP= Academic Grade Pay
Application should be accompanied with non-refundable fee of Rs.500/- (Rs.250/- in case of SC/ST) in shape of Demand Draft drawn in favour of Director, NIPER payable at Mohali/Chandigarh.
Application duly filled in prescribed form should be sent to Director, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali)-160062.

OTHER AMENITIES/ALLOWANCES
The faculty of NIPER shall be entitled to Dearness Allowance, Medical Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, LTC and other allowances etc. In addition, the faculty of the Institute shall be given the following special allowances to help them in their professional development.

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES/PROCURMENT OF JOURNALS
The faculty member shall get 50% subsidy on the cost of membership or of the journals up to a maximum of Rs.5,000/- per year.BOOK ALLOWANCE
The faculty member shall get a book allowance upto maximum of Rs. 5,000/- per year. The books shall ultimately form a part of the Institute’s Library accession.

CONTRACT RESEARCH & CONSULTANCY
The Institute encourages the faculty members to undertake consultancy work or work on sponsored projects.

GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Mere eligibility will not entitle any candidate for being called for interview. The Institute reserves the right to place reasonable limit on the total number of candidates to be called for interview.
2. The Institute reserves the right to withdraw advertised post(s) at any time without assigning any reason. Institute also reserves the right to fill or not to fill the post(s) and its decision in this regard shall be final.
3. Reservation policy will be followed as per Government of India rules. The candidates are required to attach valid caste certificate as per format prescribed by the Government of India.
4. The process of selection may include presentation / seminar / interview or a combination thereof.
5. Envelope containing the application form must be super scribed with ‘Application for the post of ______________ (discipline applied for)’.
6. Applicant(s) serving in Government / Semi-Government / Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous organizations must send their application ‘Through proper channel’.
7. The names, addresses and occupations of the two referees must be given in the application.
8. The age of Superannuation will be as per UGC norms.
9. Candidates shall have to produce original testimonials at the time of interview.
10. CANVASSING IN ANY FORM MAY LEAD TO CANCELLATION OF CANDIDATURE.
11. No interim enquiries/correspondence/communication of any sort will be entertained on the matter.
12. All appointments are contractual in nature for a period of five (05) years or attaining the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier. The contract can be renewed depending upon performance and mutual consent. However, except for the consequences of being on contract, the position filled on contract shall accrue all the benefits of permanency as per rules of NIPER.
13. Incomplete application or without relevant supporting enclosures (self attested copies of degree / certificates / marks sheets / experience certificate, reprint of important publications etc.) will be out-rightly rejected.
14. How to Apply: Application form is available at <below>. The candidates fulfilling the eligibility criteria may submit their application on the prescribed application form along with testimonials and latest passport size photograph along with a fee of Rs.500/- (Rs. 250/- for SC/ST) in the shape of Demand Draft favouring Director, NIPER, payable at Mohali / Chandigarh to Director, NIPER, S.A.S. Nagar – 160 062.
15. The last date for receipt of application form is 08-10-2012.
16. The Institute will not be responsible for non-receipt of application(s) within the stipulated date due to any postal delay / loss of application / document sent in transit.

 

Application Form

Walk-in-Interviews for the post of Assistant Dietician, Physiotherapist, Pharmacist, Perfusionist at AIIMS

ALL INDIA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110 608.

The Institute proposes to hold Walk-in-Interviews for the following posts of engagement on purely contract basis:-

Date of  Interview : 17.08.2012 (Friday)

GENERAL CONDITIONS
1. Upper age limit is 35 years on the date of walk in interview which is relaxable for SC, ST, and OBC candidates and Govt. Servants, as per rules.
2. Eligible and willing candidates may Walk in for interview on dates mentioned above alongwith their bio-data/application in the prescribed format (Annexure-I).
3. The application in the prescribed proforma should be on a good quality A4 size paper.
4. The candidate should report at the Recruitment Cell, 1st Floor, Administrative Block, AIIMS, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110608 between 09:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. positively on respective date. Candidates reporting after scheduled time will not be allowed to appear in the interview.
5. The candidates should bring along original certificates in support of his/her age, educational/professional qualification, experience etc., one recent passport size colour photograph and a set of photocopies of the relevant documents duly attested by a Gazetted Officer failing which he/she will not be allowed to take the interview.
6. In case of large number of applicants, the Institute may conduct the interviews over 2-3 days or hold a screening test or adopt any other criteria deemed appropriate to shortlist the candidates. The decision of Institute authorities will be final and no correspondence what so ever will be entertained in this connection. To avoid inconvenience, the applicants are advised to send a copy of their application by e-mail on the following e-mail addresses (post indicated against each), atleast one day before the scheduled date of interview, so that necessary arrangements are put in place for smooth conduct of interviews:-
(i) walkinaiimsassistantdietician@gmail.com – for Assistant Dietician
(ii) walkinaiimsphysiotherapist@gmail.com – for Physiotherapist
(iii) walkinaiimspharmacist@gmail.com – for Pharmacist
(iv) walkinaiimsperfusionist@gmail.com – for Perfusionist
7. The above assignments are purely on contract basis, initially for a period of six months.
8. The Incumbent selected shall have no claim what-so-ever for regularization of their services in the AIIMS.
9. Candidates are advised in their own interest to satisfy themselves about their eligibility as per the notified eligibility criteria to avoid disappointment at a later stage. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria and producing all the prescribed documents will only be interviewed.
10. If any candidate is found canvassing for his/her selection, he/she will be disqualified for being called for interview/being selected.
11. The other terms and conditions are mentioned in Annexure-II.

CLICK HERE FOR ORGINAL NOTIFICATION

Inside the Brain: Unraveling the Mystery of Alzheimer's Disease

The human brain is a remarkable organ. Complex chemical and electrical processes take place within our brains that let us speak, move, see, remember, feel emotions and make decisions. Inside a normal healthy brain, billions of cells called neurons constantly communicate with one another.They receive messages from each other as electrical charges travel down the axon to the end of the neuron. The electrical charges release chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The transmitters move across microscopic gaps, or synapses, between neurons. They bind to receptor sites on the dendrites of the next neuron.This cellular circuitry enables communication within the brain. Healthy neurotransmission is important for the brain to function well. Alzheimer's disease disrupts this intricate interplay. By compromising the ability of neurons to communicate with one another, the disease over time destroys memory and thinking skills. Scientific research has revealed some of the brain changes that take place in Alzheimer's disease. Abnormal structures called beta amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are classic biological hallmarks of the disease. Plaques form when specific proteins in the neuron's cell membrane are processed differently. Normally, an enzyme called Alpha-secretase snips amyloid precursor protein, or APP, releasing a fragment. A second enzyme, Gamma-secretase, also snips APP in another place. These released fragments are thought to benefit neurons. In Alzheimer's disease, the first cut is made most often by another enzyme, Beta-secretase. That, combined with the cut made by Gamma-secretase, results in the release of short fragments of APP called Beta-Amyloid. When these fragments clump together, they become toxic and interfere with the function of neurons. As more fragments are added, these oligomers increase in size and become insoluable, eventually forming Beta-Amyloid plaques. Neurofibrillary tangles are made when a protein called tau is modified. In normal brain cells, tau stabilizes structures critical to the cell's internal transport system. Nutrients and other cellular cargo are carried up and down the structures called microtubules to all parts of the neuron. In Alzheimer's disease, abnormal tau separates from the microtubules, causing them to fall apart. Strands of this tau combine to form tangles inside the neuron, disabling the transport system and destroying the cell. Neurons in certain brain regions disconnect from each other and eventually die, causing memory loss. As these processes continue, the brain shrinks and loses function. We now know a great deal about changes that take place in the brain with Alzheimer's disease, but there is still much to learn. What other changes are taking place in the aging brain and its cells and what influence do other diseases, genetics, and lifestyle factors have on the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease as the brain and body age? Scientific research is helping to unravel the mystery of Alzheimer's and related brain disorders As we learn more, researchers move ever closer to discovering ways to treat and ulimately prevent this devestating, fatal disease.

Source: "Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center, a service of the National Institute on Aging."

FDA approves Lucentis to treat diabetic macular edema

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME), a sight-threatening eye disease that occurs in people with diabetes.

An injection administered once a month by a health care professional, Lucentis is intended to be used along with good diabetic blood sugar control.

DME is a condition in which fluid leaks into the macula, the center part of the retina where sharp, straight-forward vision occurs. The fluid makes the macula swell, causing vision to blur.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diabetes (type 1 and type 2) affects about 26 million people in the United States and is the leading cause of new blindness among people ages 20 to 74 years. In 2010, 3.9 million adults diagnosed with diabetes reported trouble with their vision.

“Diabetes is a major public health issue in our country, and all patients with diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic macular edema,” said Renata Albrecht, M.D., director of the Division of Transplant and Ophthalmology Products in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Today’s approval represents a major development for the treatment of people whose vision is impaired by DME as a complication of their disease.”

The drug’s safety and effectiveness to treat DME were established in two clinical studies involving 759 patients who were treated and followed for three years. Patients were randomly assigned to receive monthly injections of Lucentis at 0.3 milligrams (mg) or 0.5 mg, or no injections during the first 24 months of the studies. After 24 months, all patients received monthly Lucentis either at 0.3 mg or 0.5 mg.

The studies measured the number of patients who gained vision, as measured on an eye chart. Results showed that between 34 percent and 45 percent of those treated with monthly Lucentis 0.3 mg gained at least three lines of vision compared with 12 percent to 18 percent of those who did not receive an injection. No additional benefit was observed with the higher monthly Lucentis dose of 0.5 mg.

The most common side effects reported in patients treated with Lucentis include bleeding of the conjunctiva, the tissue that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye; eye pain; floaters; and increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure).

The FDA previously had approved Lucentis to treat wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition in which abnormal blood vessels grow and leak fluid into the macula. Lucentis also is approved to treat macular edema following retinal vein occlusion, a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina that can cause fluid to leak into the macula.

Lucentis is marketed by South San Francisco, Calif.-based Genentech.

Source: FDA

Red in the Face

Understanding Rosacea

Some people think of a rosy complexion as a sign of good health. But red patches on the face may point to something more troubling—a long-lasting skin disorder called rosacea.

Rosacea (pronounced ro-ZAY-she-ah) may start as redness on the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead. It might even look like an outbreak of pimples. But over time, the condition can worsen. Inflammation can make affected skin swollen and sensitive. Red, thick, bumpy skin may appear on the face, causing discomfort and distress. Up to half of people with rosacea also develop eye problems. Eyelids may become inflamed, and vision impaired.

Rosacea affects an estimated 14 million Americans. The causes of rosacea are unclear. The condition tends to run in families, so genes likely play a role.

Although anyone can get rosacea, lighter-skinned populations are at greater risk. People who blush frequently may also be more vulnerable. It usually first strikes in middle age, when people are between 30 and 60 years old. Women are 3 to 4 times more likely than men to develop rosacea, especially during menopause. But rosacea symptoms are generally more severe in men.

Rosacea symptoms can come and go, flaring up for weeks or months and then subsiding. Over time, the facial redness can deepen and become more permanent.

People are often embarrassed by rosacea flare-ups. “The physical appearance can be debilitating for people, causing them to lose work or to have low self-esteem,” says Dr. Richard Gallo, a skin expert at the University of California, San Diego. “Many psychological problems are the consequence of having this red, puffy face.”

Things that cause flare-ups are called triggers. Although they vary from person to person, common triggers include hot foods or beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, extreme temperatures, sunlight, stress, exercise and hot baths.

To identify and then avoid triggers, Gallo says, “take a very careful record of the things that you eat and the things you are doing. Then also record when your rosacea is flaring, and see if you can put the two together.”

Because rosacea tends to worsen over time, early detection is critical. There’s no test for rosacea, and several other conditions can have similar symptoms. Your doctor needs expertise and experience to make a diagnosis. A dermatologist—a physician who specializes in skin disorders—can aid with rosacea detection and care.

Although there’s no cure for rosacea, medical treatments and lifestyle changes can reduce symptoms. Antibiotics taken orally or applied to the skin can lessen redness and bumps. For more serious cases, laser surgery can remove visible blood vessels, reduce redness or correct thickened, bumpy skin.

NIH-funded scientists continue to search for new insights into rosacea. Gallo and his colleagues have found that some people with rosacea have high levels of inflammation-causing chemicals in their skin. The researchers are using this knowledge to develop experimental therapies that are now being tested in clinical trials.

If you have troubling facial redness, talk to a dermatologist or other health care provider. Taking steps early on will help to control and reduce the symptoms of rosacea. 

Source: NIH

Dizziness Can Be a Drag

Coping with Balance Disorders

Imagine reaching for something on a grocery shelf and suddenly feeling unsteady. Or looking over your shoulder to back up the car and having things start whirling around you. Most people feel dizzy now and then. But if that feeling persists or interferes with your daily life, it could be a sign of a balance disorder.

A balance disorder makes you feel as if you’re moving, spinning or floating, even though you’re quite still. More than 4 in 10 Americans will experience an episode of dizziness sometime during their lives that’s significant enough to send them to a doctor. 

Dizziness can range from feeling lightheaded to woozy to disoriented. Feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning is called vertigo. Any of these sensations can be extremely distressing.

“Balance is a multisystem function,” explains NIH hearing and balance expert Dr. Daniel Sklare. It begins with a series of signals within the tiny balance organs of the inner ear. These organs work with your brain’s visual system to give you a sense of your body’s position. They also keep objects from blurring when your head moves. Sense receptors in skin, joints and muscles also send balance-related signals to the brain. The brain receives and coordinates information from all these different body systems. Balance disorders can arise when any of these signals malfunction.

Because balance is so complex, it can be hard to figure out the underlying cause of certain problems. Some balance disorders can begin suddenly. They might arise from an ear infection, a head injury or certain medications. Low blood pressure can lead to dizziness when you stand up quickly. Disorders related to vision, muscles, bones or joints can also contribute to balance problems.

“As America gets older, many people with imbalance have a collection of these problems,” says Dr. Gordon Hughes, NIH clinical trials director for hearing and balance. “They might have aging of the ear, aging of vision, cataracts, muscle weakness from losing some muscle mass or arthritis in the hips, plus other problems like diabetes.”

Researchers have identified more than a dozen different balance disorders. The most common is a sudden, often harmless burst of vertigo that might arise with an abrupt change in the position of the head, like when you bend over to tie your shoes. Technically known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), this condition can result from a head injury or simply from getting older. BPPV sometimes occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced. In that case, your doctor can treat BPPV by carefully moving the head and body to reposition these particles. An NIH-supported clinical trial showed that this treatment works well for BPPV.

Another common balance disorder is known as Ménière’s disease. It can develop at any age, but most often strikes adults between 40 and 60 years of age. Symptoms include intense vertigo, hearing loss, nausea, tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing in the ear) and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Ménière’s disease usually affects only one ear.

Some people with Ménière’s disease have single attacks of dizziness separated by long periods of time. Others may experience many attacks closer together over a number of days. Some affected people have vertigo so extreme that they lose their balance and fall. These episodes are called “drop attacks.”

An attack of Ménière’s symptoms, while not life-threatening, can feel completely overwhelming. The symptoms arise because of a change in fluid volume within the inner ear. But its underlying cause remains unknown. Scientists estimate that 6 in 10 people either get better on their own or can control their vertigo with diet, drugs or devices. In severe cases, surgical therapies can end the dizziness but might affect hearing.

NIH-funded researchers at the University of Washington are now exploring a new treatment option to stop a Ménière’s attack. An implant behind the ear is designed to control abnormal electrical activity in the nerve that sends balance information to the brain, bringing the sensation of spinning to a halt. The device is now being tested in clinical trials.

If you think you may have a balance disorder, talk with your health care provider. Your doctor can assess whether your symptoms might be caused by a serious disorder, such as a heart or blood condition. If an inner ear balance disorder is likely, you may be referred to a specialist such as an otolaryngologist, a doctor with expertise in the ear, nose and throat. You might receive a hearing test, a balance test and possibly an imaging study of the brain.

Work with your doctor to figure out how to cope with your dizziness on a daily basis and reduce your risk of injury. For example, wear low-heeled shoes or walking shoes outdoors. You might decide to try using a cane or walker. Safe, secure handrails in stairwells and grip handles in bathrooms can help make your home safer. Driving a car may be especially hazardous, so ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to drive.

A specialized rehabilitation therapist can give you a set of head, body and eye exercises to help reduce dizziness and nausea.

Meanwhile, researchers continue to work to develop new, more effective approaches. In one experimental rehabilitation strategy, now in clinical trials, scientists have created a “virtual reality” grocery store. It allows people with balance disorders to walk safely on a treadmill through computer-generated store aisles. While holding onto a grocery cart, they can look up and down, turn their heads and reach for items on virtual shelves. By doing this, they safely learn how to navigate an environment that can be challenging for someone with a balance problem.

“The key for people looking for treatment is to go to the best team of clinical experts that they can gain access to,” says Dr. Sklare. “It’s very important to get that level of assessment.” 

Source: NIH

Goodness of Tea

AArticle by Mili Sarkar (Nutritionist /Yoga Instructor)

On average, Indian people drink approximately 3-4 cups of tea a day with about 70% of the UK & British population drinking tea on a regular basis. And tea drinking is most common in older people, the 40 plus age range On-going research is discovering that at this level of intake tea may offer significant health benefits. Drinking three or more cups of tea a day is as good for you as drinking plenty of water and may even have extra health benefits, say researchers.

The work in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition dispels the common belief that tea dehydrates. Tea not only rehydrates as well as water does, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers, UK nutritionists found. Experts believe flavonoids are the key ingredient in tea that promotes health.

Tea’s contribution to overall daily fluid intake as well as the presence of powerful antioxidants called flavonoids, tea, when taken with milk, may also contribute to our daily intake of certain nutrients. Taken on its own tea has no calories but when milk is added to it, can provide a number of vitamins & minerals. Tea provides 70% of our daily Fluid intake. Fluoride is needed to support bone mineralisation and protect teeth against dental caries. For further information about fluid and antioxidants, please refer to the fact sheets, ‘Tea and Hydration’ and ‘Tea and Antioxidant Properties’. Drinking tea is actually better than drinking water. Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids and contains antioxidants so it's got two things going for it. Claire Williamson of the British Nutrition Foundation said: "Studies in the laboratory have shown potential health benefits.

The evidence in humans is not as strong and more studies need to be done. But there are definite potential health benefits from the polyphenols in terms of reducing the risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancer. In terms of fluid intake, we recommend 1.5-2 litres per day and that can include tea. Tea is not dehydrating. It is a healthy drink.

Studies on caffeine have found very high doses dehydrate and everyone assumes that caffeine-containing beverages dehydrate. But even if you had a really, really strong cup of tea or coffee, which is quite hard to make, you would still have a net gain of fluid. Also, a cup of tea contains fluoride, which is good for the teeth .There was no evidence that tea consumption was harmful to health. However, research suggests that tea can impair the body's ability to absorb iron from food, meaning people at risk of anaemia should avoid drinking tea around mealtimes. After reviewing numerous studies on the benefits of drinking tea, they've concluded that tea is a superior drink.

References:

National Drinks Survey, April 2001, Rao GS (1984) Dietary intake and bioavailability of fluoride.

Ann Rev Nutr 4; 115-136 , Holland, B., Welch, A.A., Unwin, I.D., Buss, D.H., Paul, A.A. and Southgate,

D.A.T. (1991) McCance and Widdowson's The Composition of Foods, 5th

edition, Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge.

DoH (1991) Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the United Kingdom; Report of the panel on Dietary Reference Values of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy.

Employee Health: The ‘Yoga’ way

Posted by Mili Sarkar (Nutritionist /Yoga Instructor)

At first I want to say something about our lifestyle. Increasing stress of work pressure has crippled the lifestyle of many. Wellness has thus become an integral part of existence. Feeling stress doubt is a common phenomenon in today’s life. The hectic routine of juggling between home & work can leave you drained out. If this is your routine, you need to take a closer look at some thing very basic, your food platter. So, healthy eating & yoga/exercise is a key to healthy living/fitness. A balanced meal/yoga/relaxation & not only keeps you fit going throughout the day, but also helps to keep illness.  So take care that your body gets all the important nutrients that will keep you hail & hearty. And your meal should be eaten to keep you energetic with the need for inner wellbeing growing at an enormous Pease. We needs to solve certain issues to help you in leading truly healthy lifestyle.

I come to the point that to be happy and healthy with increased job satisfaction-Don’t engage yoga/knowledge of balanced diet in business! However, an enlightened employer looking for a corporate solution for de-stressing events, people and teams-make contact with yoga/knowledge of right diet and create a Great staff benefit and improve productivity!

Please note that yoga in business will not insist on sort of philosophy or spirituality. Yoga in business will focus exclusively on body, breath and mind. Yoga gives your staff the opportunity to experience of mind in the work place. By taking a little time out from the day to day stresses and pressures of the job, employees will be re-energized and be able to tackle their jobs with fresh clarity and vitality. Yoga /diet in your workplace can increase the effectiveness of meetings and presentations, improve morale and staff relations, improving energy levels of staff will tend to improve their work life balance that too easily shifts in favor of work, but with deleterious effects on the health, performance at work and family life.

Stretching the body and working with the breath engages the body’s parasympathetic nervous system-allowing the body to normalize, gradually improving health & posture-defeating fatigue, increasing alertness and leading to improved productivity, feeling of well-being and less time off work due to sickness.

Balanced diet/yoga gives the staff stress free life style for an example-

• Stress Management Employees are stressed by any number of reasons like being promoted beyond their capability, not having factors is the first step to health, gaining perspective and doing something to correct the problems, everybody should have ways to manage their stress. Many  people use sport, caffeine, tobacco or alcohol to unwind themselves after being affected by stress. Wouldn’t it be better if we could manage the stress at source?(You can still enjoy your sport!)You can then work efficiently and avoid throwing the stress onto your body. You can help your employees to be more resilient stress.
• Improve Employee Productivity Your employees are likely to be stressed by the demands of the modern workplace, but you can help them to be more resilient. In return  your employees will naturally work more productively. If you feel better you tend to have more energy for the job. If you are aware of a deadline without becoming paralyzed with dread you can work more efficiently and accurately, If your employees are more often at work rather then absent through a stress-related problem-what does that do for performance? There is no need to let employees find their own way to cope-as an employer you can help. In fact it is almost a no-brainer. Just think- spend a little on STREES MANAGEMENT and gain a lot in productivity, creativity and accuracy.
• Improve Employee Health Having aches and pains is not a normal human condition. Sitting at a desk, focusing on a screen and receiving stressful stimuli all tend to work against a healthy body. Bodies are made to move to be balanced and to have varied activities. Lack of awareness of the body means we only listen when the body shouts with muscle problem, joint problem or serious stress related diseases. We all have a right to good health and you can help your employees to learn how to stay healthy whilst working.
• Sick Absence Minimize And the result of neglecting the body over periods of time disease. The employee has sick leave. Simple aches and tensions when continued over a long period can cause all sorts of problems. Stress related diseases are the most common form of sick absence in India and probably in most developed nations. You can help your employees to avoid this. You can do something about stress reated disease. As an employer, how can you not do something?
• Improve Decision Making Wouldn’t it wonderful if all decisions were made quickly & without worry? When employees can think clearly about the issue and do the right thing? You can help your employees to do this, and the managers & executives too.
• Improve Morale Give your employees the tools to cope and excel and you will reward by improved morale, team working, productivity & creativity. Yoga/Good Diet in business makes good business sense.

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