Guv to inaugurate new 20,000 sqft Red Cross Society bldg
IRCS district president Shantharam Shetty told reporters here on Tuesday that the new 20,000 sqft building, built at a cost of Rs six crore, comprises a basement, ground floor, and two upper floors. The ground floor has an office, visitor's lounge, and a meeting hall, an AC conference hall with a capacity of 300 seats, has been set up on the first floor. A conference hall with a sea view has been set up on the second floor with a seating capacity of 500 people, he said.
"Though the foundation stone for the centenary building was laid on 26 cents of land in 2021, the work could not be expedited due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors. The building was completed utilising the CSR funds, contributions from donors, and support from the state govt," said Shetty.
The Red Cross office, which operated from a small room in the DC's office, was allocated a dedicated office space in 2007.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
No annual fees for life
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
Later, the IRCS unit built its own facility in 2011. With the services of the IRCS expanded, the district unit planned to have a larger facility and implemented the centenary building project.
"With a 70-year history, the Dakshina Kannada branch of IRCS has been promoting humanitarian values. The IRCS blood bank functioning inside the Government Lady Goschen Hospital has been providing free blood to pregnant women and other patients at the hospital.
Patients at Wenlock District Hospital have been given blood at a 50% concession. On average, 500 units of blood are distributed free of cost each month," he said.
The DK unit of IRCS has plans to supply free blood to BPL patients being treated at private hospitals. Shetty said there is a need to create a dedicated fund for the project. Efforts in this regard will continue after the new building is made fully operational, he said.
The unit also plans to establish an eye bank or a dialysis unit with support from CSR funds and other grants. A disaster management unit will be set up on the ground floor, to train volunteers and stock materials required for rescue operations. The conference halls will be given for programmes organised by NGOs and other organisations on days when there are no IRCS activities, he added.
Shetty announced that a mobile application is being developed by a private company for the IRCS Dakshina Kannada unit. The app will be launched during the inauguration.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Leftovers that heal vs. leftovers that kill: What's nutrient-rich and what's a bacteria buffet
Image credits: Getty Images Food is the primary source of nutrition for humans. Not only does it provide us with the sense of taste and satiation, but it also promotes the proper nourishment and functioning of the human body. In everyday lives where we are always trying to reduce work as much as possible to focus on the "bigger" things, health and nutrition sometimes take the backseat. This is where the culture of frozen meals and weekly meal prep begins. While these might feel like time-saving ideas, according to doctors, it is always better to cook fresh food, as no other form of food is comparable. Sometimes, we also tend to save leftovers from the fresh food for the next day. While some of these may remain fresh and healthy after hours, others can lead to dangerous health risks. Below, find out which leftovers are nutrient-rich and okay to keep and which could be a bacteria buffet that could kill your health. Safe to keep leftovers Image credits: Getty Images When it comes to leftovers, wrapping and storing them correctly is important. Cooked meats, poultry and legumes are generally nutrient-rich leftovers that should be stored in shallow containers and refrigerated within 1-2 hours. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Safety Checklist Construction Teams Trust answerwizardy Learn More Undo You can keep them for 3-4 days and reheat at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Vegetables and grains, except rice, also remain fresh for 3-5 days and must be stored and refrigerated promptly like meats. Soups, stews and casseroles are also healing leftovers that you must cool before refrigerating and ensure reheating before consuming. High risk leftovers Image credits: Getty Images While some foods can be good to keep as leftovers and can maintain their nutrition for days, others can become the breeding grounds for bacteria by night. Rice and pasta can become vulnerable to Bacillus cereus spores that survive cooking and reproduce at room temperature. Thus, these must not be kept for more than a day or two and must be reheated before consumption. Eggs and dishes that include them are also on the handle with care list as they can easily develop bacteria, and their proteins can change upon reheating. It's better to eat them fresh, and if kept as leftovers, they must be discarded after a day. Seafood that is undercooked or stored for more than 1-2 days in the fridge can develop histamine-related toxins and get spoiled quickly. Even reheating it is not healthy and could lead to a case of food poisoning. Leafy greens and mushrooms are some vegetables that are not a part of the pro leftovers list. Reheating them can create nitrosamines, and keeping them for long can get them contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria and more. Deli meats such as ham, bacon, salami and hot dogs are also better off to eat fresh. These can also develop Listeria and Staphylococcus aureus when kept for long. Tips on leftover food Image credits: Getty Images Bacteria grow rapidly in food between the temperatures of 40° F and 140° F. After cooking, food must be removed from the container within 2 hours, and leftovers must be refrigerated. You can also make use of labels to keep track of time for the leftovers in the food. Write the date of the day they are being refrigerated and try finishing them within 3-4 days. Also, remember to always perform a smell test before eating or reheating leftovers. A good prevention when storing leftovers is to cool them to 40° F or below, wrap them in airtight packaging and label them. It is always safe to thaw the refrigerated leftovers before reheating, and when you reheat, make sure to measure the temperature with a food thermometer to prevent overheating.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Can't sleep? New research shows ancient Indian and Chinese exercises enhance sleep quality
Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night? You're not alone. Insomnia now affects over 16% of people around the world, and it's only getting worse with today's busy, stressful lifestyles. While therapy and sleep medications can help, they're not always easy to access. A new study shows that simple movement-based practices like yoga, tai chi, walking, and jogging could be just as effective. These ancient, natural remedies don't just relax your body; they also help reset your sleep rhythm. If you're looking for a gentle, affordable way to sleep better, these time-tested techniques are worth trying. Global insomnia statistics: Why the world is struggling to sleep Insomnia is no longer a personal issue; it's a widespread health concern. Recent research reveals that 16.2% of the global population suffers from insomnia, and around 8% deal with more severe forms of it. In the United States, the CDC reports that 14.5% of adults experience chronic sleep difficulties. Traditional treatments such as CBT-i are highly effective but often require structured sessions with trained therapists. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo For many, the cost and availability of this therapy are barriers. This is where physical activity, particularly gentle and mindful forms like yoga, tai chi, walking, and jogging, may offer a promising solution. Study reveals yoga and tai chi improve sleep quality naturally A 2024 meta- analysis published in the journal Nature and Science of Sleep explored how various physical activities impact sleep. It concluded that regular participation in yoga, tai chi, walking, and jogging significantly improves sleep quality, sometimes even rivaling CBT-i. Yoga for insomnia was found to increase sleep duration by up to two hours and improve sleep efficiency by 15%, thanks to its focus on mindfulness, breathwork, and relaxation. Tai chi for better sleep, a slow and meditative martial art from China, showed long-term sleep improvements that lasted up to two years with consistent practice. Walking and jogging, though more aerobic, were linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and a more stable circadian rhythm, helping regulate your natural sleep-wake cycle. How gentle exercises help you sleep better What makes these practices effective is their impact on the nervous system. Yoga and tai chi reduce activation of the sympathetic nervous system, your "fight or flight" stress response, and instead stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax and prepare for rest. Aerobic activities like walking and jogging also help by Lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) Boosting serotonin and melatonin (sleep-regulating hormones) Reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms Reinforcing your internal body clock Why natural sleep remedies like yoga and tai chi are so effective One of the most encouraging aspects of these findings is accessibility. Unlike therapy or medication, yoga, tai chi, walking, and jogging require little to no cost and can be done in your living room, neighbourhood park, or even during a lunch break. They also provide wide-ranging health benefits, including Better cardiovascular function Improved balance and flexibility Enhanced mood and mental health Lower risk of chronic diseases These lifestyle-based solutions address the root causes of insomnia rather than masking symptoms. Lifestyle habits that may be ruining your sleep Modern sleep struggles often stem from overstimulation and irregular habits. Some common culprits include High-stress jobs and work-from-home burnout Too much screen time, especially before bed Irregular sleep schedules Exposure to artificial light at night Overthinking and anxiety about not sleeping Ironically, worrying about sleep can itself worsen insomnia. In this context, gentle movement practices help introduce structure, calm, and body awareness, creating a healthier sleep environment from within. The growing body of research shows that natural movement-based practices can be a low-risk, highly effective solution to insomnia. Whether you're aiming to sleep more soundly without medication or improve your overall wellbeing, incorporating yoga, tai chi, walking, or jogging into your daily routine could make a lasting difference. Small changes in movement may lead to major improvements in your rest. And in the long run, that could translate to a better mood, sharper focus, and a healthier life. Also Read: Strong calves, your clue to a long life: 7 simple exercises to build strength and stability
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Efforts on to reopen GMSH-16 drug de-addiction centre closed for 5 years
The Chandigarh administration has once again initiated efforts to reopen the drug de-addiction centre at Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16, which has remained closed for the last five years. The health department has been asked to make arrangements, but due to a shortage of psychiatrists, the centre is yet to become operational. According to Dr Suman Singh, Director of Health Services, a proposal has already been sent to the administration for the recruitment of two psychiatrists. She mentioned that the department currently has only two psychiatrists who are already overloaded with patient cases, making it impossible to run the de-addiction centre with the existing staff. Therefore, additional dedicated staff is essential. This de-addiction centre at GMSH was first opened around 10 years ago but had to be shut during the Covid-19 pandemic when the facility was converted into a Covid care centre. Since then, the lack of psychiatrists and other staff has prevented its reopening. The facility is equipped with 10 beds, but to operate efficiently, it requires 24×7 staff, including psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. As only two psychiatrists are available for all psychiatric and addiction cases, managing the high patient load from the entire region is a challenge. Drug and alcohol abuse remain a major issue in this region, contributing to the rising number of addiction patients. Despite the rising numbers, PGI remains the only public institution offering full-scale addiction treatment, while GMCH-32 and GMSH-16 offer basic psychiatric services. In 2023, PGI's Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre recorded 36,683 OPD visits, 12,570 from Chandigarh and 24,112 from neighbouring states. Approximately 246 patients were admitted for inpatient treatment, with a significant number from Punjab. In Punjab, the highest use is of opioids, with synthetic drugs now also being used more frequently. Subodh B N, Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry, PGI, says that a decade ago, 80 per cent of cases were of alcohol dependency. Still, now the percentage is 50, as the use of opioids and cannabis has increased, with PGI offering patients Opioid Substitution Therapy. Doctors stress that without dedicated staff and proper infrastructure, the situation will continue to push patients toward unregulated private de-addiction centres, especially in Punjab. Reopening GMSH's de-addiction centre remains a critical need, but hiring qualified professionals continues to be a major hurdle.
