THE PRIME MINISTER RELIEF FUND: All you need to know

                                                    

The Prime minister relief fund was initially started by the former prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru in 1948 with public contributions to help the displaced people from Pakistan. The.The funds  are now primarily utilized  to render immediate relief to families of those killed in natural calamities like floods, cyclones and earthquakes, etc. and to the victims of the major accidents and riots. Assistance is also rendered, to partially defray the expenses for medical treatment like heart surgeries, kidney transplantation, cancer treatment, etc. 

The fund consists entirely of public contributions and does not get any budgetary support. The corpus of the fund is invested with PSU banks in various forms. Disbursements are made with the approval of the Prime Minister. PMNRF has not been constituted by the Parliament. The fund is recognized as a Trust under the Income Tax Act and the same is managed by Prime Minister or multiple delegates for national causes. PMNRF operates from the Prime Minister’s Office, South Block, New Delhi-110011 and does not pays any license fee. PMNRF is exempt under Income Tax Act, 1961 under Section 10 and 139 for return purposes. Contributions towards PMNRF are notified for 100% deduction from taxable income under section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Prime Minister is the Chairman of PMNRF and is assisted by Officers/ Staff on honorary basis. Permanent Account Number of PMNRF is AACTP4637Q. PMNRF accepts only voluntary donations by individuals and institutions.

HOW TO APPLY:

Cancer patients can apply to the PMRF for financial assistance. For that one needs to apply to the Prime minister office directly with the cost estimate given by the patient's doctor. It may be useful in getting the application endorsed by the local constituency MP or MLA. Generally partial assistance is given.

      

The PMNRF Assistance Form

HOW TO DONATE:

Contributions to the Fund can be deposited in select branches of the Central Bank of India, State Bank of India, Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Syndicate Bank and Punjab National ,through cheques or bank drafts in favour of the 'Prime Minister's National Relief Fund'. Receipt of the contribution will be acknowledged by the receiving bank, and the donation sent to the Fund account for deposit. Thereafter, a formal receipt for the contribution will be issued from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. All donors should ensure that the pay-in-slip is properly filled-in while making the deposit, to enable the Prime Minister's Office to issue the formal receipt. The Fund does not accept contributions in kind. Contributors who live outside India may deposit their contributions with the nearest Indian Mission or in any branch of the State Bank of India for transfer to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

LIST OF HOSPITALS WHERE PRMF IS APPLICABLE:

Delhi:

1.AIIMS HOSPITAL

2.INDRAPRASTHA APOLLO HOSPITAL,

3.BATRA HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE,

4.DHARAMSHILA CANCER INSTITUTE AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

5.ESCORTS HEART INSTITUTE AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

6.G.B. PANT HOSPITAL,

7.MAULANA AZAD MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL,

8.NATIONAL HEART INSTITUTE,

9.RAJIV GANDHI CANCER INSTITUTE AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

10.DR. RAM MANOHAR LOHIA HOSPITAL,

11.SAFDARJUNG HOSPITAL,

12.SIR GANGA RAM HOSPITAL,

13.ST. STEPHEN HOSPITAL

Maharashtra:

1.ASHWINI CO-OPERATIVE HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTR

2.ACHARYA VINOBA BHAVE RURAL HOSPITAL

3.BOMBAY HOSPITAL AND INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

4.CENTRAL INDIA INSTT.OF MED. SCIENCE

 5.PRAMILARAJE GENERAL HOSPITAL

6.DEEN DAYAL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

7.NATIONAL HEART INSTITUTE,

8.GOVERMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL

9.GRANT MEDICAL FOUNDATION,

10.INAMDAR HEART HOSPITALS,

11.JEHANGIR HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL CENTRE,

12.JASLOK HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

13.KEM HOSPITAL,

13.DR. K.G. DESHPANDE MEMORIAL CENTRE,

14.LEELAWATI HOSPITAL AND RESEARCH CENTRE,

15LOKMANYA TILAK GENERAL HOSPITAL,

16.MILITARY HOSPITAL

17.MARATHWADA MEDICAL AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE,

18.DR. BALABHAI NANAWATI HOSPITAL

19.MUMBAI TATA MEMORIAL RURAL CANCER PROJECT

20.N.M. WADIA INSTITUTE OF CARDIOLOGY

21.PD HINDUJA NATIONAL HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE

For more hospitals see below:

http://www.medindia.net/financial_help_for_treatment/prime_minister_relief_fund_hospital_maharashtra.asp?name=MAHARASHTRA

Sources:

http://www.cancerhelpnet.in/resources-for-patients

http://www.archive.india.gov.in/howdo/otherservice_details.php?service=11

http://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/pms-funds/

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
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Cheers!

Author- Srishti Jain.
(Yoddhas Ambassador)

WHEN CHILDREN BECOME THE VICTIM OF THE 'CANCER DEVIL'

                                               

We’ve all watched movies where the hero fights the bad guys dodging various obstacles, encountering odds and fighting valiantly to come out victorious in the end.

The bad guy here is ‘Cancer’ and the hero is a little naïve child.

When a child or teen is diagnosed with cancer it comes like a blow to the parents, siblings, and others who love them. The cancer creates a crisis in the normal life of each family member. But just like our movies, it is our responsibility to handle obstacles sportingly and try to emerge out as heroes in the life of our children.

The types of cancers that occur most often in a child are different from those seen in adults. The most common cancers of children are:

• Leukemia - cancers of the blood and bone marrow account for about 30% of all cancers in children. These can cause bone and joint pain, fatigue, pale skin, bleeding, weight loss and fever.
• Brain and Central Nervous System tumors- constitute about 26% of childhood cancers. Most brain tumors in children initiate in the cerebellum. They can cause nausea,headaches, vomiting, blurred vision and dizziness.
• Bone cancer- Osteosarcoma is common in teens, and usually develops near the ends of the long bones in arms or legs. Ewing sarcoma is another type of bone cancer occurring in the pelvic bones, the chest wall or in the middle of the long leg bones.
• Lymphoma -These cancers start in the lymphocytes. They grow in lymph nodes and other lymph tissues, like the tonsils. Lymphomas can cause fever, weight loss, sweats, tiredness and lumps.
• Neurolastoma- starts in early forms of nerve cells found in a fetus and constitute for about 6% of childhood cancer.This tumor starts usually in the belly and can be noticed as a swelling.
•  Nephroblastoma accounts for roughly 5% of childhood cancers. It starts in one or both kidneys. It is most often found in children of the age group of 3- 4 years.
• Retinoblastoma- is a cancer of the eye and makes up for about 2% of childhood cancers. It normally occurs in children around the age of 2.

The family of a child diagnosed with cancer goes through a potpourri of mental turbulence. All parents seem to feel shock,fear, guilt, sadness, anger and anxiety. To add to the stress, parents feel like they are on an emotional roller coaster ride. The daily psychological, physical, financial and mental frustration of dealing with a complex health care system, new places, and many different care providers can also enhance disturbance and anger. 

                                          

There are various methods which parents should adopt while dealing with such a situation:

• Remembering that feelings of panic and shock will pass with time.
• The disbelief and denial that strikes at first can help buffer feelings of agony and stress. Some denial is perfectly normal and not harmful unless it keeps a child from getting the proper timely treatment.
• Having a thorough check of the reputation of the medical center and qualifications of the treatment team.
• Asking for help and getting a second opinion if necessary and reviewing the information.
• Talking with a team social workers working to fight cancer, about their feelings.
• Seeking comfort from family members or friends. Understandably, when unhappy,parents may want to avoid taking part in social activities. But having a break and being distracted from the cancer and its treatment will do everyone good.
• Seeking spiritual support, getting guidance from pastors, using prayer and meditation as a means of stress reliever.

Parents need to take cancer up as a challenge and help their children realize that they will always fight the battle together. Innocent as they are, children need to be properly explained about the disease, its effects and treatments. Different age groups require diverse methods of care and methods of understanding these complexities.

                           

Ages 0 to 3–Are not capable of understanding the term ‘cancer’ and are most afraid that the hospital staff will take them away from their parents and are deathly scared of medical treatments. Parents need to assure them that they will not abandon them.

Ages 3 to 7 - Can understand if the term ‘cancer’is explained in simple terms. Being honest with the child about the various tests , medicines and treatments helps. Also, it must be explained that the doctors are treating them to help make them better.

Ages 7 to 12 - can understand a more detailed explanation of cancer. It is best to be honest with them about pain likely from tests and treatments. Kids at this age tend to hear about information regarding cancer from other sources, such as school, TV, and the Internet. It will help, if the parents and children discuss it together instead of letting the poor kid engulf himself in a shadow of doubts and delusions.

Teenagers–are capable of understanding about a detailed and complex explanation of cancer and may have many related questions. They are likely to think about their cancer in terms of its symptoms and the effect it will have in daily activities, such as friends, school and sports.Teens also may have access to various other sources of information so they may want to play a role in making considerable decisions about their treatment. It is in the best interest to talk honestly with them about the possible side effects.

  

                                           

A brief, single conversation between the parent and child probably won't be enough. Having frequent discussions will help to keep the lines of communication open. Parents should try to be honest and encourage children to inquire about their doubts. Sharing feelings with children gives them support and the faith that their parents were, are and will always be the strongest pillars of their lives.

Cancer can come as a turbulent storm in our peaceful life but we need to stand steadfast in the face of difficulty and show the demon that we will not be deterred by it. 

                    

Yoddhas we are and as Yoddhas we shall fight!

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
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Author- Ivy Sinha
(Yoddhas Ambassador)

YOGA FOR A HEALTHY LIVING,YOGA FOR CANCER

                                                   

Yoga is the practice of creating unity between mind and body. When there's a disconnect between mind and body, our lives move out of balance, causing stress, fatigue and ultimately, illness. When you unify your mind and body through yoga, the reverse occurs. Your body can start to heal and re-balance naturally, helping you to feel healthier, happier and more alive.

Here are a few reasons that yoga helps you heal:

1. Yoga brings attention to your breathing, which is the single most important thing that you do every day.

2. Yoga is a spiritual practice that allows your mind to soften and your heart to open.It can bring your awareness to the tension being held in your body, so that you can let it go.

3. Yoga can help you stay connected to yourself. Its a great way to know what is important for your body and soul.

4. Yoga can help you to gain clarity about things you're working through each day.

5. Yoga can help you move beyond a negative inner-dialogue.

6. Balance poses in yoga invite you to get out of your head and into your body.. There are lots of different styles and levels of yoga allowing you to find the best 'fit' for you

7. Yoga gives you healing tools to better cope with stressful events and trauma.

8. Yoga re-balances your body and can help with weight loss, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), inflammation and other chronic ailments.

9. Yoga classes are a great way to meet new, interesting and like-minded people.

10. Creating a regular yoga practice can bring more flexibility and strength to your body. the twists in yoga can help you feel stronger and better able to cope with life's unexpected turns.

11. Yoga supports you to consciously make better and healthier food choices.

12. Yoga opens you up to new feelings like inspiration, joy and gratitude.

YOGA AND CANCER:

                                  

There is no assurance that yoga will cure cancer; however, it may make cancer and its treatment more bearable, both physically and emotionally.

Cancer patients are discovering that yoga offers both an accessible form of exercise and a path to mental clarity that is a welcome addition during and after treatment.

For cancer patients, the breathing and meditative aspects of the practice can create much needed clarity and peace, while the poses themselves provide a beneficial form of exercise during treatment.

As one of the steps on Patanjali’s eight-step path of yoga, pranayama has been practiced by yogis for thousands of years as a way to quiet the mind and tap into the subtle, energetic realms of the body. Prana is a Sanskrit term for the vital life force that animates all things; ayama translates as extension or elongation. Pranayama enables the practitioner to access prana and connect with the vast energetic network of the subtle body by controlling and playing with the flow of breath.

Current research has shown that beyond these subtle effects, pranayama has numerous observable health benefits. Several studies provide evidence that yogic breathing exercises help to induce a relaxed state by enhancing the action of the parasympathetic nervous system (otherwise known as the “rest-and-digest response”).

Researchers at the University of California – San Francisco investigated how the health benefits of pranayama specifically apply to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. 

The study had two aims:

1. To determine whether it’s feasible for patients undergoing chemotherapy to practice pranayama

2. To gauge the effect of pranayama on common chemotherapy-associated symptoms (fatigue, sleep disturbance, stress, anxiety, depression) and quality of life (QOL)

The researchers concluded that pranayama is appropriate, beneficial, and can be safely recommended for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Further study in this area will hopefully offer even more definitive evidence of pranayama’s efficacy.

Below are instructions for the four breathing techniques taught to and practiced by patients in the study.

1. BREATH OBSERVATION:

Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Breathe naturally. Avoid forcing, controlling or manipulating your breath. Shift your attention to your breath. Simply observe and experience it without any judgment. You might notice the soft whispering sound the breath creates; how long or short the breath is; how deep or shallow it feels; or where in your body you feel the breath most noticeably. At certain points during this practice, you might notice that your mind is no longer focused on the breath. When this happens, acknowledge that the mind has wandered and gently guide it back to the breath.

2. UJJAYI (Victoriously Uprising Breath):

Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Keeping the mouth closed, inhale and exhale through the nose. Partially close the glottis (the opening between the vocal folds) by slightly constricting the muscles at the back of the throat. The action in these muscles should feel the same as when you exhale your breath onto a mirror to create fog. As the muscles contract, you’ll begin to notice that your breath creates a soft whispering sound similar to the sound of the ocean. Continue to create this sound with the breath and find a steady rhythm, breathing in for the same amount of time that you breathe out.

KAPALBHATTI* (Skull Shining Breath)

                                                            

Sit comfortably in an upright position and bring your attention to your lower belly. It can be helpful to rest one or two hands on the belly below the navel. Breathe in deeply then exhale completely. Inhale about halfway; then begin a series of short, sharp exhalations by pumping the abdomen. After forcing the air out by contracting the abdomen, release the belly and passively inhale. Repeat this several times. Start with however many breath cycles (one inhale and one exhale) you can comfortably do, then relax and breathe normally. Gradually over time, increase the number of cycles.

*Kapalabhati is not recommended if you are pregnant or suffer from high or low blood pressure, glaucoma, cardiac issues, or hernia.

3. NADI SHODHANA (Alternate Nostril Breath):

             

Sit comfortably in an upright position. Spread the fingers of the right hand. Create Vishnu Mudra by curling the right index and middle fingers in towards the palm, while the thumb, ring finger and pinky remain extended. Hold the right hand just beside the nose as you take a deep breath in through both nostrils. Close the right nostril with the thumb then exhale through the left. Inhale through the left, close both nostrils by lightly touching the ring finger to the left nostril and the thumb to the right. Lift the thumb and exhale through the right nostril. Inhale through the right nostril, close both, then lift the ring finger and exhale through the left. Continue for several cycles of breath.

BELIEVE in yourself and go wisely. If you are detected with Cancer in early stages then follow the precautions and rules and see the magic of your spiritualism and yoga. Take care and live well!

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Srishti Jain.
(Yoddhas Ambassador)

Yoddhas Non-discrimination Policy Statement

Yoddhas Nondiscrimination Policy Statement

Yoddhas Indians Fighting Against Cancer does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. 

These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Yoddhas is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action
measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

TeamYoddhas

Lung Cancer - Did you know ??

Image Source

DID YOU KNOW :

1. Do you know yesterday i.e. 1st August was World Lung Cancer day?

2. Do you know worldwide, Lung Cancer is the Number One killer among all cancers? Claims more life than breast, colon and prostate cancer combined.

3. Do you know, In India, lung cancer constitutes 6.9 per cent of all new cancer cases and 9.3 per cent of all cancer related deaths in both sexes?

4. Do you know, in India, the time trends of lung cancer show a significant rise in Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru in both sexes?

5. Do you know, due to comparative big area of lungs than to other organs and position of tumors hence not symptomatic issue, lung cancer many times detected only at last stage?

6. Do you know Lung Cancer is most prevalent?

7. Yes, smoking is dominating factor however do you know cases of Lung cancer is increasing in non-smokers too? For ex. in a specific type of lung cancer (NSCLC with ALK mutation), 56% cases are non-smokers and majority are young).

Early Signs

- Recognize the signs of lung cancer is to early detection and lifesaving treatment
- A cough that is getting worse and lasts for weeks
- Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm
- Shortness of breast
- Chest pain
- Hoarseness
- Pain in bones (as many metastatic to bones)
- Headache or pain like migraine (brain is one of the main metastatic site of lung cancer)
- Unintentional weight loss

How to avoid:

Along with right diet, good exercise like walking, Yoga/ Pranayama, regular heath check up including Xray and taking care of above symptoms, we could avoid big health risks.

Happy and Healthy living to all 

:-)

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Author 

Vivek Tomar

(Patients Advocacy)

His wife is is a Yoddha, battling Lung Cancer and he is helping in raising awareness around lung cancer and Clinical trials etc. 

MEDICAl BLOGS:GRAFT VERSUS HOST DISEASE (GVHD)

The high dose chemotherapy given for certain types of cancer, is called myeloablative therapy because it kills all the normal bone marrow stem cells in addition to killing the cancer cells.In the Allogenic setting, the bone marrow/stem cells, from HLA matched donor, which has already been collected from the donors marrow/stem cells(collected from the bone marrow/ donor peripheral blood via a cell separator) is then infused into the patient ( recipient) with a view to rescue the patient.

RESCUE:

These donor transfused stem cells then home on to the recepient marrow sites and gradually over a period starting from around 14 days onwards, help in re formation of all the three cell lines( RBC, WBC & platelets) in the recipient.  The time for theprocess of recovery  given is variable, but within 4 weeks post PSCT and longer for the post BMT cases.

WHAT IS GVHD?

GVHD is the phenomenon observed as a complication following an Allogenic Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)or Peripheral blood Stem Cell Transplant (PSCT).GVHD happens when a type of WBC,called the T cells, present in the donorbone, attacks the recipients body cells. 

WHY DOES GVHD HAPPEN?

We all inherit our HLA from our parents which is unique for each one of us, except in identical twins ( who have the same HLA). That is why blood tests are done prior to transplant for the donor and recipient to see how far the HLA match one another.Post transplant, the patient (recipient) bone marrow starts making new blood cells from the donor stem cells. These new blood cells have the donor's HLA pattern. They recognise the HLA pattern on the host (recipient) body cells as foreign and therefor attack some of them. 

The GVHD may affect different areas of the recipient's body. Most commonly it affects the Skin, Digestive system (including the bowel and stomach) and the Liver. 

TYPES OF GVHD:

GVHD can be grouped according to when it starts after your transplant. 

• Chronic GVHD
• Late acute GVHD and overlap syndrome
• Acute GVDH

Acute GVHD:

Acute GVHD, starts within 100 days of the transplant and can be mild or severe. It starts after the new bone marrow begins to make blood cells,the process called Engraftment which usually happens in about 2 to 3 weeks after transplant. 

Acute GVHD may present as :A rash on the palms, soles, ears or even face of recipient. The rash may be itchy or painful. Acute GVHD may also affect the mouth, gut (digestive system) and liver and lead to nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and yellowing of the skin (jaundice).

Chronic GVHD:

Chronic GVHD normally starts more than 100 days after the transplant. It normally follows Acute GVHD, but can happen even by itself and affectsthe skin, mouth, gut, liver, eyes, lungs, vagina and joints. 

•  Skin: rash, discoloration, tightness or changes in texture
• Hair: thinning
•  Nails: changes in texture, brittleness or ridges
•  Eyes: irritation, dryness, blurred vision, a gritty feeling
• Mouth: dryness, sensitivity to foods or toothpaste
• Vagina: dryness, irritation, tightening
• Penis: irritation
• Digestive System: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss
•  Lungs: chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath
• Joints: difficulty fully extending fingers, wrists, elbows, knees or ankles
•  Fatigue
•  Low grade fever

Chronic GVHD may be mild or severe, and for some people can go on for several months or even years.

Late acute GVHD and overlap syndrome:

The National Institutes of Health classification includes late acute GVHD (starting after day 100) and an overlap syndrome with features of both acute and chronic GVHD. They are both more likely to happen after mini transplants (reduced intensity conditioning)

Risk factors for GVHD:

A number of factors can increase your risk of GVHD. These include the following

• Unrelated donor transplants. 
• Mismatched donor transplant.
• Large number of T cells in donor marrow/stem cells
• Age:Older the donor or recipient more chances of developing GVHD.
• Having a donor of a different sex to you: If your donors sex is different, the risk of GVHD is slightly increased. More true if a male is the recipient and female a donor who has had children or been pregnant in the past.
• Testing positive for cytomegalovirus (CMV): An otherwise common harmless virus observed in 60% of general population. But if recipient is CMV negative and Donor CMV positive the risk for GVHD is greater.

Benefits of GVHD:

GVHD can be unpleasant and reduce quality of life and in some cases it can be life threatening.

But mild GVHD can lower the chance of leukaemia or lymphoma coming back (relapse) by the graft versus cancer effect provided by the Donor T cells which kill the remains cancer cells.

Therefore treatments to prevent/reduce GVHD are used very judiciously so that the benefits of GRAFT VERSUS DISEASE EFFECT is not lost.

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Author- 

   

Dr. Ganjoo 

Head-Yoddhas Medical Expert Panel