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Scores of Hyderabadis participate in Health Rally for
awareness of Swine Flu
Hyderabad|India|May'2009:Holding placards, shouting slogans
enthusiastically, scores of people joined a rally organized for awareness
on Swine Flu by India ’s largest Health & Hygiene soap brand, Lifebuoy.
Amongst the eminent people present at the event were who Mr. L.V.
Subramanyam (IAS), Principal Secretary, Medical and Health, Govt. of
Andhra Pradesh, who flagged off the rally, Dr Subhakar Kandi, MD FCCP
(USA) State Coordinator H1N1 Influenza, Dr. Myriam Sidibe (Dr PH), Global
Social Mission Manager, Lifebuoy. The walk was held in support with the
leading twin city NGO, Concern for Twin Cities. It also saw an active
support of various other NGOs & Social organizations like the Lions Club,
Freemasons, Walkers, SIP Academy , Jaycees, Indira Park ’s Walker
Association, Allipuram Foundation, Smile Foundation, MV Foundation, and
many more.
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Dr. Subhakar gave an overview on the H1N1
virus and in very simple terms explained about
Swine Flu. He also spoke about the
interventions required to protect the spread
of the endemic. He apprised the public on the
simple techniques to safeguard oneself from
infections and spread of disease, the most
accessible being the act of washing hands
correctly. Washing hands regularly with soap
and water can protect against both direct (for
example, shaking hands with an infected person
who has touched his mouth or nose) and
indirect contact (for example, touching a
doorknob handled by an infected person) with
the flu virus. The doctor also said, “In a
recent study on Child Health conducted by
Lifebuoy, it was distressing to see that
Hyderabad was the only city to fall beneath
the average country score from the 4 southern
states. The concern that came out in the study
was around minor illnesses that seemed to
bother mothers across the country. Minor
illnesses are mostly classified as colds,
coughs, normal flu, diarrhoea etc. It is
extremely important to practice and maintain
good hygiene habits, irrespective of an
epidemic. Inculcating the habit of regular
hand wash can help lower the risk of catching
various infections and hence make us
healthier.”
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Mr. Subramanyam spoke about the pro-active measures taken by the Govt. of
Andhra Pradesh in restricting the disease. He said, “It is an excellent
initiative undertaken by the Lifebuoy in creating awareness around Swine
Flu and bringing forth issues and concerns of the virus. Such programmes
not only help in spreading the right message but also help in controlling
anxiety levels and reduce panic amongst public. We are extremely happy
that Lifebuoy has extended a helping hand to support the cause of public
health”.
Dr. Sidbi from Lifebuoy said, “It is overwhelming to see such an
enthusiastic support from the lovely Hyderabadis. As this is the first
case detected in the country, we felt the need to reach out to larger
audience and spread awareness about the incurable virus. The govt. and the
doctors here are doing an excellent job and we as Lifebuoy felt it was our
duty too as a Health and Hygiene brand to extend our help in our own way
towards their efforts, which is why this public awareness rally. We
believe that a simple habit change like washing hands at least 5 times a
day could go a long way in prevention of various infections and diseases.
Our aim is to get this message across so we all can, together make a
healthy Hindustan !”
Reachout's News Bureau
May' 2009
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