logo
Ernakulam schools hold sessions on life skills, wellness sessions

Ernakulam schools hold sessions on life skills, wellness sessions

Time of India05-06-2025
Kochi: Schools across Ernakulam district launched this academic year with sessions focusing on life skills and student well-being. They have dedicated an hour daily during the first two weeks for sessions on health, hygiene, nutrition and anti-drug awareness.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
"Familiarization week began with students sharing their vacation experiences and exploring school facilities. Each day, we dedicate an hour to life skills to support their emotional and social development," said Govt High School, Edappally, headmistress Minimol V V.
According to Minimol, apart from the two-week sessions on life skills, the school will conduct Zumba dance sessions throughout the academic year to ensure student wellness.
According to Ramamangalam High School social science teacher Anoob John, key topics to be covered in the sessions include road safety, digital discipline, resource conservation and school property care. "Activities such as role-playing, visual aids and poster-making are being used to enhance student engagement," said John.
Simultaneously, district is witnessing a technological transformation in classrooms, led by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE).
The agency is introducing artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics in schools, enhancing the state's push toward digital learning.
As part of this initiative, KITE distributed Arduino-based robotics kits to 270 high schools in both aided and unaided sectors. Teacher training and infrastructure development are also under way to support AI-based curriculum integration.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

How Safe Are Your Eyes From Smartphone Light? What Studies Say
How Safe Are Your Eyes From Smartphone Light? What Studies Say

NDTV

time2 hours ago

  • NDTV

How Safe Are Your Eyes From Smartphone Light? What Studies Say

Do smartphones affect your eyes? The majority of studies say yes, the smartphone light, particularly blue light, can potentially harm your eyes. Prolonged exposure to blue light has been linked to various issues, including strain in eyes, sleep disruption and retinal damage. Dry eyes, blurred vision and headaches happen because of extended screen time. It also causes suppressed melatonin production, affecting sleep patterns. Such exposure has a potential risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Notably, the amount of blue light released from smartphone screens is relatively tiny. A 2014 study from Harvard, which talks about the blue-light screen, remains the best evidence for light-emitting devices affecting sleep. The oft-cited study found that sleep gets delayed by an average of 10 minutes due to screen use before bed. However, some experts think it's not much. "The evidence for smartphone use near bedtime affecting sleep and circadian rhythms isn't great," Stuart Peirson, a professor of circadian neuroscience at Oxford University, said as quoted by WIRED. But many experts advise not to use mobile phones before bed, or reduce the screen time overall. According to a vision study by the US-based National Eye Institute, children are more at risk than adults because their eyes absorb more blue light from digital devices. Constant scrolling can distract a person and may stimulate the brain and delay REM sleep. A study revealed that mobile phone addiction is similar to substance addiction when it comes to its impact on brain activity. The study noted that those who were addicted to their phones showed higher levels of anxiety. They also had trouble focusing on tasks when not having their phones. 8 Tips To Protect Your Eyes Screen Settings: Lower brightness, use warmer colour temperatures, and enable night mode. The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. Blue Light Filters: Enable built-in filters or download apps like Twilight, Flux, or Night Shift. Maintain Proper Distance: Hold your phone at least 16-18 inches away from your eyes. Blink Regularly: Make a conscious effort to blink while using your phone. Wear Blue Light Glasses: Consider glasses that filter out blue light for added protection. Regular Eye Exams: Schedule check-ups to monitor your eye health. Text Size and Glare: Adjust text size and reduce glare to minimise eye strain. Use of Phone in Dark Rooms: Avoid using your phone in dark rooms or with harsh lighting. Take breaks and prioritise eye care practices.

ICMR study finds only 28.5% of cancer patients receive radiotherapy in India
ICMR study finds only 28.5% of cancer patients receive radiotherapy in India

The Hindu

time2 hours ago

  • The Hindu

ICMR study finds only 28.5% of cancer patients receive radiotherapy in India

Radiotherapy is a cornerstone of cancer treatment in India, yet its expansion is hindered by high investment costs and effective planning, target estimation based on cancer burden are crucial to meet the radiotherapy demands of patients with cancer, noted a recent Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) study published in the UK-based BioMed Central (BMC) cancer journal early this month. Major shortfall in radiotherapy access India is faced with a substantial shortfall in radiotherapy utilisation across all cancer types and 28.5 percent of cancer patients receive radiotherapy, which is lower than the estimated optimal rate of 58.4 per cent. Breast, head and neck, lung and cervical cancer account for 60 per cent of India's radiotherapy needs. This underscores the need for interventions to meet the gap in machines required for equitable cancer care,'' said the study. Data from the Australian Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CCORE) were used by the researchers of ICMR-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Bengaluru, for conducting the study. India accounts for 7 per cent of global cancer incidence, ranking third after China and the USA. By the end of 2025, the incidence of cancer in India is projected to reach 1.57 million cases, posing a significant public health challenge. Cancer burden in India As the fifth leading cause of death in the country, cancer demands urgent attention to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Epidemiological data on stage, subsite and histology from the National Cancer Registry Programme were used to assess the optimal utilisation proportion for India. A sensitivity analysis was carried out. Similarly, the optimal radiotherapy fraction has also been calculated. These measures have been used to estimate the existing radiotherapy utilisation gap by comparing with the current radiotherapy utilisation from the cancer registry as well as to estimate the optimal radiotherapy machines required for the country. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of radiotherapy demand and existing gaps in radiotherapy utilisation and in the number of machines in India based on an epidemiological analysis of the cancer burden from the National Cancer Registry Programme. The study also recommended that India would require 1,585 to 2,545 machines, which may increase to a range of 2,016 to 2,291 external beam radiotherapy machines if the assumptions from previous benchmark studies are followed. This points towards an increasing demand for radiotherapy in the coming years as there is expected to be a 70-100 per cent increase in breast, head and neck and lung cancer in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Among the major indicated cancer sites, the deficit is more prominent in lymphoma and lung cancer (relative deficit of more than 70 per cent), followed by prostate, breast and oesophagus, said the study adding that radiotherapy, plays a crucial role in controlling tumour growth, reducing tumour size pre-surgery, and alleviating pain in advanced stages. Stating that high setup and operational costs are creating a significant gap between demand and resources, the study states that there is a need for greater investment to expand radiotherapy facilities to meet the growing demands of cancer patients. Urgent need to expand machines and reduce inequities The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum of one radiotherapy machine (external radiotherapy machine) per million population, with an optimal target of four per million, the study stated. For India's projected population of 1.45 billion in 2025, this translates to a need for a minimum of 1,450 machines. Yet, only 794 megavoltage (MV) machines are currently available. The shortfall is about 45 per cent from the minimal required standard, the study said. It further notes that aside from increasing the number of equipment, addressing the inequitable distribution of radiotherapy services is also crucial. To align with the country's cancer burden and ongoing control efforts, India must meet evidence-based targets for radiotherapy machine availability. The country is also ramping up efforts to develop and deploy affordable indigenous radiotherapy machines to improve access and reduce dependence on costly imports,' the study stated. The study notes that there is need for detailed situational study of radiation equipment deployment with its features and complexity, utilisation and throughput is required for informed planning and policymaking. Cancer screening and early detection programmes can facilitate the diagnosis of cancers at earlier stages. This could reduce the required quantum of radiotherapy shortly and thus, improve the overall survival of patients, the study said.

Doctors declared her dead. His family urged him to leave her, but he proved 'true love does not walk away.' Here's how
Doctors declared her dead. His family urged him to leave her, but he proved 'true love does not walk away.' Here's how

Time of India

time3 hours ago

  • Time of India

Doctors declared her dead. His family urged him to leave her, but he proved 'true love does not walk away.' Here's how

The doctors had officially declared her dead. But it was her loving husband who insisted that she had not yet left the living and stayed by her for 30 days, bathing and feeding her diligently. In this crisis, Varinder proved he was here to support her in sickness and health, as he had once vowed to when they tied the knot. Life had been gentle and fulfilling for a woman who shared her heartfelt story through Humans of Bombay. Married to Varinder through an arranged setup, she remembered falling in love the moment she saw his photograph. Without any hesitation, she told her father about her feelings, and the two families soon united the couple in marriage. Their routine was simple but fulfilling—daily visits to the temple, leisurely walks holding hands, and raising their two children with love and care. For a long time, life felt perfect—complete in every sense. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Technology Healthcare Leadership Operations Management CXO Finance Product Management Digital Marketing Others others Management Data Analytics Degree MBA Design Thinking Artificial Intelligence Data Science MCA Cybersecurity Data Science Project Management healthcare Public Policy PGDM Skills you'll gain: Duration: 12 Weeks MIT xPRO CERT-MIT XPRO Building AI Prod India Starts on undefined Get Details But everything changed in an instant on March 11, 2012. That day, as she was descending a flight of stairs, a sudden stumble left one of her legs feeling oddly numb. Believing it to be a sign of tiredness, she initially ignored the sensation. However, Varinder was concerned and took her to consult a doctor. Even the medical expert dismissed it as something minor. But what followed the next morning changed their lives forever. An Unexpected Diagnosis As she attempted to get out of bed the following day, her body gave way—she collapsed and realized she could no longer feel her leg. Alarmed, she screamed for Varinder, who immediately rushed her to the hospital. After a series of tests, doctors diagnosed her with Guillain-Barré Syndrome ( GBS ), a rare but life-threatening neurological disorder. The situation quickly spiraled into a nightmare. Her body became a battleground of pain and paralysis. Needles pierced her skin constantly, and eventually, even the simple act of breathing turned into a struggle. Varinder, helpless but determined, repeatedly pleaded with medical staff to help his ailing wife. But no treatment seemed to work. Then came the worst moment—her consciousness faded, and everything went dark. A Husband's Refusal to Let Go When she regained awareness, she found herself in a different hospital. Varinder explained what had transpired during her blackout. The previous hospital had administered an incorrect dosage of medication, nearly ending her life. The attending doctors had declared her dead, certain there was nothing more they could do. But Varinder, unwilling to accept their finality, took matters into his own hands. For 35 relentless minutes, he performed CPR on her, refusing to surrender to fate. Miraculously, his efforts succeeded — she came back to life. This was not just an act of love; it was a battle for survival that he chose to fight alone when the world had already given up. Standing Strong Amid Pressure and Pain Throughout her hospital stay, Varinder remained a constant presence. Despite immense pressure from relatives and even some medical staff suggesting that he abandon her—saying she would not recover and it was better to send her back to her maternal home—Varinder refused to budge. Every single day, he remained by her side. He bathed her gently each morning, ensured she received every meal on time, and held her hands whenever she underwent painful treatments. His dedication went far beyond duty—it was a living embodiment of the marital vows they had taken years ago. A Caregiver's Journey at Home After an entire month of intensive care, she was finally discharged. But the journey to recovery was far from over. At home, Varinder took on multiple roles—caregiver, father, homemaker, and breadwinner. He looked after the children, managed household chores, and continued his job, all while tending to her every need with compassion and care. To her, it felt like being reborn. Varinder gave her a second life, one that was fragile yet filled with love and meaning. A Testament to Enduring Love Thirteen years have passed since that harrowing ordeal. Though she now walks with a limp and is a bit slower than she used to be, the love between them remains unchanged. In fact, it has only grown deeper. Hand in hand, they still go on walks—just like they used to—a powerful symbol of a love that defied death and despair. In every sense, Varinder lived up to the promise made during their wedding: to be there in sickness and in health. "He gave me a new life. That's the treatment I received—not medicines, but love. He proved that true love doesn't walk away, even when life gets hard.." she wrote. Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) According to the Mayo Clinic , Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare condition where the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks its nerves. The condition often begins with a sensation of tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. This feeling can rapidly worsen, leading to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, full-body paralysis. GBS is considered a medical emergency, and most patients require hospitalization. Though its exact cause remains unknown, in about two-thirds of cases, the onset of GBS is preceded by an infection — such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, and sometimes even COVID-19 or the Zika virus. The progression of symptoms can be swift. Initial indicators may involve: Tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation in fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists. Muscle weakness, beginning in the legs and potentially spreading to the upper body. Difficulty with walking, balance, or climbing stairs. Problems with facial expressions, chewing, or speaking. Double vision or eye movement challenges. Severe nerve pain that may worsen at night. Complications with bladder or bowel control. Irregular heartbeat or unstable blood pressure. Respiratory issues that can become life-threatening. Due to the serious and unpredictable nature of GBS, early detection and immediate medical attention are crucial. Recovery can take weeks to months, and some patients may face long-term effects, including limited mobility. Final Thoughts: Love's Resilience This powerful story is not just about survival; it's about an unbreakable bond. In an age where relationships often falter at the first sign of hardship, Varinder's steadfast commitment stands as a moving testament to what love truly means. He didn't just stand by her in her darkest hour—he pulled her back into life through sheer will and devotion. Their journey offers hope, courage, and a reminder that when love is real, it doesn't run away from storms—it becomes the shelter.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store