Happy Women's Day

Just came back from a Function arranged by Mass Communication students to felicitate female teachers. I have been getting messages and forwards on this day about the importance of Women, the various roles essayed by them and the qualities of women.
Of the 2 women who have an influence on my life are my grandmother (my father's mother) and obviously My mother. My grandmother married into another caste and made a place for herself in society by helping other women. She was a Headmistress and that's probably the reason she encouraged us to study. I still remember she used to give us 10 Rs. or even 100 Rs. when we used to pass our Unit tests or Term exams. I used to look forward to that as a child. But slowly I started  realizing that by doing so she had not only encouraged me to learn but got me interested in the learning process. All my life I had seen her helping others. Unlike the typical Mother In law, my grandmother helped my mother , plain B.A when she got married, complete her post graduation and pursue a career of a Beautician. My aunt who could not ride a scooter was encouraged to learn the same and she too now works independently. I have seen her helping others all her life. What a Women indeed! I salute her.
Now I will talk about my mother. As all mothers are she too is a loving, caring, mother. Always helping me, scolding me, supporting me. Even today when I am married and working, I am able to do so because I know that my mother is there to help me. Not only in terms of giving me tiffin but in all other areas.
Now a big surprise. I will dedicate this day to a man. A man who has made me what I am today, has been a constant support and a Source of strength and inspiration, who taught me fly high. That man is my father. Its not my mother who taught me to cook but my father did. I used to ask my mother how do you decide how much salt, or spices or water to put while cooking and she would reply "you will know by experience" .My father observed this tussle and came to my rescue and told me the measurements. I may not be the best cook as my mother is but i can cook well. At least my husband has no complaints.
My father has always been a person whom I look up to for any solution. He has answer to my every query. Probably my personal Angel.
So thanks God for giving me such Wonderful parents and a Loving Husband.
Happy Women's Day to All!

Genetic Counseling

While talking about Genetic Counseling to my SEM IV students of Health care management I realized the importance of this great field of study. Being a student of Psychology I have always known the meaning and significance of Counseling-its nature and its impact. So when Genetic Counseling is being talked about I feel that we should first understand the nature of both in order to understand the intricacies involved.
Genetics: Genetics are simply amazing. Inside every animal or plant (living thing) there are cells and each of these cells makes up our genes. Genes can be described as instructions for our bodies make up. They determine all sorts of things, like what color hair we have, what color our eyes will be, our skin color, and this is the same for plants and animals.
It is normal for living things to have pairs of chromosomes. These are made up of one from each parent. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Each of the genes is made up of four different, long combinations of nucleotide bases that determine everything about a living being. The four nucleotides which make up these genes are called, thymine (T), guanine (G), Cytosine (C) and adenine (A). Everyone’s DNA structure is unique and belongs to only them crimes using peoples DNA. Breakthroughs in technology and medicine have allowed scientists to be able to pinpoint a DNA sample, even when more than one person has touched a surface.
It is genetics that allows scientists to perform greater studies on complex disorders and diseases. Many people feel that messing with DNA and genetics is playing with nature itself, but for people who suffer from genetic disease and genetic disorders, the study of genetics can help people understand more. Some genetic diseases which are passed on via the parent can be prevented before conception; some people are screened before hand, and can decide whether they want a boy or girl. Some genetic diseases are carried purely by boys and others by girls. So by going through this procedure it can prevent the genetic disorder being passed on via parent.
Counseling: Counseling on the other hand is a process which will help you in taking better decisions, understanding your own self. The process includes a counselor, or therapist, who helps you to understand the causes for your problems and guides you through the process of learning to make good life decisions. Thus “to counsel” means to take and give advice or guidance from a knowledgeable person. Initially, counseling can be a bit painful, as you will be discovering some unpleasant things about yourself. However, as you progress, the sessions will be easier and easier, as you learn to be more positive, and to make better decisions. The counselor’s role is to guide you through the process--NOT to tell you what to do.
Now to come to our topic i.e. genetic counseling following is the meaning of the term:
Genetic counseling is the process by which patients or relatives, at risk of an inherited disorder, are
• advised of the consequences and nature of the disorder
• the chance of developing or transmitting it, and
• The options open to them in management and family planning in order to prevent, avoid or ameliorate it.
This complex process can be seen from diagnostic (the actual estimation of risk) and supportive aspects. Genetic tests are done by analyzing small samples of blood or body tissues. They determine whether you, your partner, or your baby carry genes for certain inherited disorders.
Genes are made up of DNA molecules, which are the simplest building blocks of heredity. They're grouped together in specific patterns within a person's chromosomes, forming the unique "blueprint" for every physical and biological characteristic of that person.
Humans have 46 chromosomes, arranged in pairs in every living cell of our bodies. When the egg and sperm join at conception, half of each chromosomal pair is inherited from each parent. This newly formed combination of chromosomes then copies itself again and again during fetal growth and development, passing identical genetic information to each new cell in the growing fetus.
Current science suggests that human chromosomes carry from 25,000 to 35,000 genes. An error in just one gene (and in some instances, even the alteration of a single piece of DNA) can sometimes be the cause for a serious medical condition.
Thus genetic counseling will give the patients suffering from genetic disorders a chance to detect the disorders earlier (in case of pregnancy), prevent it and treat it if possible. Following is the list of Individuals and couples who may benefit from genetic counseling:
• Persons or families with genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, Huntington disease, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, PKU, hemophilia and other inherited disorders
• Persons or families affected with mental retardation, hearing or visual impairments, learning disabilities or other conditions which could be genetic
• Persons or families with a history of certain cardiac, cancer, psychiatric or neurogenetic adult disorders
• Persons with a history of multiple miscarriages, stillbirths or early infant deaths involving multiple congenital anomalies
• Persons or families with a history of cleft lip or palate, congenital heart defects, spina bifida, short stature or other physical birth defects
• Women age 34 and over who are pregnant or are planning pregnancy
• Pregnant women concerned about the effects of exposure to medication, drugs, chemicals, infectious agents, radiation or certain work conditions. This subspecialty is called teratology.
• Persons in specific ethnic groups or geographic areas with a higher incidence of certain disorders, such as Tay Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, or thalassemias
Genetic Counselors:
One can imagine that this process is very taxing on the couples who undergo this. Genetic counselors are health professionals with specialized graduate degrees and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. Most enter the field from a variety of disciplines, including biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, and social work. The counselor has to be very patient, empathic and a one who can offer solutions to the problems of the individuals. Also he/she needs to explain the details of the disorders to them in a simple and uncomplicated language.
Genetic counselors work as members of a health care team, providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and review available options with the family. In a country like India where half of the population lives below poverty line and lakhs are illiterate genetic counseling is a tough task. Here people still do not know the difference between a Schizophrenic and a Mentally retarded individual. This moreover emphasizes the need and importance of genetic counseling.
Example: An institution in Hyderabad has taken up this initiative of spreading awareness amongst public. A non-profit organization formed in 2006, Genome is an initiative of scientists, industry, doctors and concerned citizens. It invites every citizen to donate at least Re.1 and “so the Foundation is by the people and for the people”, said Singh, a founder-member, adding that it is a first of its kind initiative in the world. Eminent economist C. Rangarajan is the chairman.
“The main diagnostic center in Hyderabad and its branches will test various kinds of genetic disorders, provide genetic counseling and recommend treatments like stem cell therapy for people with genetic disorders,” he said.
“This is just a beginning. It is a huge task. How far we succeed we don’t know.”
It will also create public awareness on genetic disorders, especially among the rural populace.
The Foundation, which hopes to bridge the gap between scientists and clinicians, will set up collection networks with hospitals and charity organizations.
A story: I do not remember the name or the author of this story but I remember that my father told me this.So here it goes.
Once upon a time there lived a very happy couple in Mumbai. To add to their happiness they discovered that they are going to have a child. The family members were delighted, the overall atmosphere in the house was cheerful . Soon they were blessed with a baby boy. The parents were enjoying their new state of parenthood. But this state of happiness didn't last long. They soon realized that their child was very slow, as if something is not normal about him. then the visits to doctor started and they discovered that their child was Mentally Retarded. Their world suddenly shattered.
Their home-which was once bustling with laughter was now a silent place. Family members exchanged hushed conversation and glances at their once beloved child. The mother was the one who took the responsibility of the child as it was her own flesh and blood. The father too accepted the reality and started looking after the child.
Years passed by and the child grew up. The parents were finding it hard to take him in public places such as gardens where others teased him, abused him and taunted him. They too could not find any solution to this problem and though that probably they had done something wrong for which God has punished them. Still life moved on.
One day there was a fair in the nearby area and they decided to take a break from their routine.The child also went along with them. The child was extremely happy to go outside and so were the parents. Somewhere they forgot their tensions in the hustle bustle of the crowd. They too were enjoying the various colorful lights and decorations.
Suddenly they heard a loud noise and saw a huge crowd across the road. They instantly looked at each other and rushed towards the crowd. The people gathered were saying, " How careless of the parents! How can one leave the child!"
They pushed aside the crowd and saw their own child lying in the pool of blood. They were shocked.They could not believe how could they be so careless.The crowd slowly disperesed and they were left with the lifeless body of their only child and one question in their mind:
"Did they leave the child's hand or did it happen accidentally" ?
In marathi is goes "Haath sutla ki haath sodla?"
I too had tears in my eyes when I finished hearing this story.
I then realized how hard it must have been for these parents to live with such pain and to see their only child lead an abnormal life. And another question was what if  they could realize this before hand? What if they could use Genetic Counseling ? Probably they could have saved their son and themselves from such terrible pain.







References:
http://www.financialexpress.com
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/genetic_counseling.html
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genecounseling.shtml