communitymedicine4all

This blog is dedicated to everyone who has struggled with Community Medicine. Through my posts I hope to simplify and demystify community medicine. The emphasis will be on clarifying concepts rather than providing ready-made answers to exam questions.

Feedback is crucial for the success of this endeavour, so you are encouraged to comment and criticize if you cannot understand something.

If you want a topic to be discussed sooner rather than later, please let me know via

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Community-Medicine-for-ALL/429533760433198

[Alternatively, you may join the group communitymedicine4ALL:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/456698611060927/%5D

Twitter: @DocRoopesh

A single example may not be able to explain 100% of a given topic, so multiple examples may be provided to explain different parts of a single concept.

If something doesn’t seem right:

a. Write to me about it (at commed4all@gmail.com), and

b. Cross check with another source (textbook, expert, etc.)

I hope that my exertions will make your experience with community medicine seem like a “Walk in the Park”

Note 1. Those who wish to contact me on facebook are requested to kindly send a personal message introducing themselves along with the request. This will help save time and effort of all concerned. Please do not expect me to visit your page to try and identify you/ your areas of work/ interest, etc. It is common courtesy to introduce oneself to another when interacting for the first time. I am merely requesting that the same civil courtesy be extended here, too. Henceforth, I may not accept any friend requests/ requests to join the group on facebook unless accompanied by a note of introduction (except when I already know the sender).

Note 2. Please understand that this blog (and the corresponding facebook page/ group) is maintained in my spare time. I have a full time job, and am available to pursue these activities only after regular working hours (after 5 pm Indian Standard Time). However urgently you may wish to receive a response from me, I will be able to respond only upon returning home from work (I am offline the rest of the time).

Note 3. Please mind your language when interacting with me/ in the group linked to this blog. Rude/ offensive language will result in expulsion from both my friends list and the said group.

World No Tobacco Day is celebrated on 31 May each year. This year the focus is on how the tobacco industry (Big Tobacco) is targeting youth and children with new products.

Background Information:

E-cigarettes:

E-cigarettes are the most common type of electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) and electronic non-nicotine delivery system (ENNDS). E-cigarettes heat a liquid to create aerosols that are inhaled by the user. These so-called e-liquids do not contain tobacco and may or may not contain nicotine. They also typically contain additives, flavours and chemicals that can be harmful to people’s health.

E-cigarettes emit toxic substances, including carcinogens, and are associated with various health risks such as lung disorders, poisoning, injuries, burns, and negative cardiovascular effects. Exposure to emissions from e-cigarettes also poses risks to
bystanders.

ENDS contain nicotine (sometimes at very high levels), a highly addictive substance that can adversely affect the development of the fetus in a pregnant woman as well as negatively affect brain development in children and adolescents.

E-cigarettes come in many varieties and many allow users to customize the products, including increasing nicotine uptake and/or the level of toxicants. Sometimes the level of toxicants reaches higher levels than in tobacco smoke.

Dual use (when people use both conventional cigarettes and e-cigarettes) is common and is as dangerous or likely more dangerous than using only one of these products.

Key Messages:

World No Tobacco Day 2024 will give a platform to young people across the world, who are urging governments to shield them from predatory tobacco marketing tactics.