Journey Through Sri Lanka: Memories and Discoveries

God gave my wife and me the privilege of taking time off and spending a fortnight in Sri Lanka with friends. Dr Merle Fernando and his wife Betty, during their visit last year, invited us to their home. We took up the invitation and we have been here for a week. They both studied in CMC Vellore long before I joined that medical college.

Coming to Sri Lanka is like coming home for me. I lived in this country then known as Ceylon from age four till age fourteen. I completed my first seven grades of education here and returned to India to get into science courses in preparation for medical entrance.

Since my return to India for high school studies in 1959, I have returned to the island as part of vacation and leave privileges. My last visit was nearly twenty years ago.

It was a unique privilege to visit Divulapitiya, which changed out of recognition. I could not identify our old home. I went into the wrong house. An elderly gentleman who stood near the gate guided me to our old home. This house has changed but not too much. I could see my room and the room where my parents and siblings lived.

I also could see the campus where other houses have come up where there were mills and factories. I could also have a glimpse of the church which I attended.

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Our next destination was Fernando’s home in Kandy. We drove through the same pathway we normally took to reach Kandy. There was one particular stop, which we always did in those days. It was a small shop that made fresh ‘Tala Guli,’ or sesame candy. We stopped there and bought the famous candies for which this place was famous for many decades.

We reached the Fernando home, tucked in one of the hills opposite the University in Peradeniya. I never knew this part of Kandy existed. Looks like it is a relatively newer housing development area. Like most homes in this area, there are many fruit trees and flower plants of different shapes and colours, some of which I had never seen before. This is the beauty of Sri Lanka. We attended church, where I was baptised in 1957.

Recently, we heard about the shortage of many food items. Today, they are available in shops. The prices are somewhat comparable to India, except for some items. But this is available only for those who have the money. For the poor, several items seem costly.

We plan to visit Nuwara Eliya and later Mailapitiya, where the school I studied is situated. My brother and his wife also plan to be here next week, so we will spend some time with them.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country. If at all you get an opportunity, visit this country and spend some time. It would be a worthwhile lifetime experience.

In my free time, I have been busy writing. I hope to share with you some of the information that I have gathered that may be of interest to you.

Rajaratnam Abel

A Letter from an Orthopaedic Doctor to All Senior Citizens (Aged 50-100 and Above)

I wanted to post this blog some time back. I made some mistake with posting, so it just stayed in the draft posts. I am reposting the same

I had always wanted to share similar information contained in this guest post. Now that an ortho specialist has articulated this very descriptively, I am sharing this in the newsletter. This was circulated in my class thread, where we are aged around the 80s plus.

The following is the advice from the ortho specialist.

I no longer recommend bone density tests because senior citizens are bound to experience osteoporosis. As age increases, osteoporosis inevitably worsens, and the risk of fractures naturally rises.

Here’s a formula:

Risk of fractures = External impact force / Bone density

Seniors are more prone to fractures because the denominator (bone density) decreases, thus increasing the risk.

The most critical step for seniors to prevent fractures is to do everything possible to avoid accidental injuries.

How to Reduce Accidental Injuries?

I have summarized it into seven secret words:

“Be careful, be cautious, be vigilant!”

Specific precautions include:

                  1.             Never stand on chairs or stools to reach for something , even low stools.

                  2.             Avoid going out on rainy days if possible .

                  3.             Be cautious while bathing or using the restroom to prevent slips.

                  4.             For women especially: Avoid wearing undergarments in the bathroom by leaning against walls or other objects. This is a leading cause of slips and hip fractures. After bathing, go to your room, sit comfortably on a chair or bed, and then wear your undergarments.

                  5.             When using the restroom , ensure the floor is dry and not slippery. Use a seated toilet and install handrails to support yourself when getting up. Use a bath stool if showering while seated.

                  6.             Clear the floor of clutter before bedtime and be extra careful when the floor is wet.

                  7.             If waking up in the middle of the night , sit on the bed for 3–4 minutes before standing up, turn on the light first, and then get up.

                  8.             Do not lock the bathroom door from the inside , especially at night or even during the day. If possible, install an emergency bell in the bathroom to call for help if needed.

                  9.             Always sit on a chair or bed to wear pants , etc.

                  10.          If you fall, use your hands to support yourself. It is better to suffer a wrist or forearm fracture than to break the neck of the femur at the hip joint.

                  11.          Exercise regularly, at least walking as much as you can.

                  12.          For women , maintaining body weight within permissible limits is critical. Diet control is key. Avoid eating leftovers. Instead, give them to stray animals. Keeping your weight in check should always be a priority. “It’s better to stop eating when half full than to eat until completely full.”

                  13.          To improve bone mass, I recommend dietary supplements like dairy products, soy-based foods, and high-calcium fruits like bananas, rather than medical supplements.

                  14.          Spend time outdoors to expose yourself to sunlight (under UV rays), which converts cholesterol in the skin to Vitamin D. This promotes calcium absorption and slows down osteoporosis.

Pay close attention to keeping bathroom floors slip-resistant. Use handrails when climbing stairs, and avoid falling. Take care of yourself.

Therefore, seniors must focus on anti-slip and anti-fall measures .

A single fall can cost ten years of life, as all bones and muscles may get damaged. So, be cautious.

Avoid standing for long periods.

This message might seem lengthy, but it is worth reading, especially for seniors and caregivers of senior citizens.

Dr. Shrujal Shah

A Letter from an Orthopaedic Doctor to All Senior Citizens (Aged 50-100 and Above)Orthopedic Specialist & Joint Replacement Expert

I would like to add my own thoughts.

  1. Sitting and wearing pants and undergarments is very important both for men and women. This must be practiced consistently. Just failing once may be the time for a fall and fractures.
  2. Those who have back pain, especially along the spinal cord, might benefit from using a handheld shower and letting hot water of bearable heat be poured over the spine even as you bend forward, sidewards and rotate the spine. Do the same separately for the neck.
  3. Many of my contacts are younger. Feel free to forward this to your senior citizen family members.

Please share in your groups.

Forwarded as received with my additional tips.

Thanks

Rajaratnam Abel

Happy New Year 2025

This message is to wish you a very happy, fruitful and prosperous new year IN 2025.

Many of us will try to make New Year’s resolutions so that we do better than the year passed.

I am aiming to do more blogging this year. I have been promoting my book through free downloads as well as by purchasing.

This year I hope to share the contents of the book by highlighting the main messages of the book so that it would be helpful for those involved in reducing poverty.

God bless you as you traverse through this year.

Rajaratnam Abel

My birthday and my free ebook download

I have used my birthday each year to make my ebooks available for free download. This year is no exception.

Somehow I have been lethargic this year with my blogs. I was progressing well with my book on development economics. Then a publisher entered the scene and challenged me as to how I a doctor can write a book on economics. That changed my path entirely putting development economics on the back burner and starting an entirely new book. Still economics. It had drained a considerable amount of time from blogging.

Before I miss the purpose of this blog, here is the link to my Global eBook Businessmen for the Poor http://tiny.cc/f801tz  Please click on the link above for a copy of the free e-book.

My second book Dr John Scudder is available at this link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KGVRSF4 Please click on this link for this book.

Both books are available for free download from Saturday the 14th of September till the 18th of September.

Please use this opportunity.

Some prefer the paperback copy. I give the link below for both the Global and the Indian edition.

Global Paperback Businessmen for the Poor http://tiny.cc/q901tz      

Paperback Indian Businessmen for the Poor http://tiny.cc/6f71tz 

Paperback John Scudder book https://www.amazon.in/dp/1638731578?&tag=notionpcom-21

I trust that you will enjoy reading one or more of the books.

Rajaratnam Abel

Differences between economists, epidemiologists and community development workers

Belated greetings for the new year. I wish you all God’s rich blessings.

Earlier I had mentioned that I am writing my next book on development economics. It is progressing and I hope to complete it soon.

There is one area I would value inputs from experts in economics. I have prepared a table comparing economists, epidemiologists, and development professionals whom I have started addressing as develomentists in the forthcoming book.

Since this book economics, I would be happy economists and others with some experience in economics could add or delete to and from the list under economist. An accurate list of tasks/activities/resposibilities of economists would help me make correct inferences.

I express my thanks in advance to those who take the time to respond to my request.

EconomistEpidemiologistCommunity Development Professional
Field of study: Production, Distribution and Consumption of goods and servicesDistribution and Determinants of eventsProcesses of Social, Cultural, Ecological, Economic, and Political change, and the Historical and contemporary forces that shape those dynamics.
Focus: Understanding and managing economic systems, Production, Inflation, Employment and Overall wellbeing of a societyHealthEnvironmental factors that are associated with health outcome.Socio-economic development of communities, regions, or countries. Poverty alleviationImproving quality of life Healthcare, Education, and Infrastructure development.
Methods: Economic theories, Economic models, Statistical methods, Analyse economic trends, Predict outcomes, Assess impact of policies on economic conditionsObservational epidemiology Analytical epidemiologyExperimental epidemiologyEmploy a multidisciplinary approach, combining   Economic, Social, and Environmental considerations. They often work with Communities, Governments, and NGOs to implement projects and programs
Data sources: Government reports, Financial statements, General dataInternational dataSpecialised dataReference guidesBlogsSurveys,  Primary data collected by the individualSecondary data collected by other individuals for another purpose- surveys, population health statistics, medical recordsPrimary data has to be collectedSecondary data-very little is available
Goal: Economic freedom, Economic growth, Economic efficiency, Economic equity, Economic security, Price stability, and Full employment.Improve public health- understanding and controlling the spread of diseases, Identifying risk factors,  Developing interventions.Improve overall living standards, Reduce inequality, and Enhance the well-being of communities. Address specific development challenges.  
Applications: Economists work in various sectors, including Government, Academia, and Private industry, providing insights into economic trends, Advising policymakers,  Contributing to the development of economic policiesThey work in Public health agencies, Research institutions, Healthcare settings  Inform health policy, Guide healthcare practices, and Contribute to disease prevention strategiesThey work in Community developmentPoverty reductionLivelihoodsHealthcareDisability, and mental health, Family and children protection  Homelessness, Aged care, Drug and alcohol support,
Scope: Economists may specialize in fields such as Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, International economicsDevelopment economics working in academia, government, and private industry. Epidemiological Triad of Agent, host, and environment plus Determine How many people have a disease, How this varies by time and place, and What specific factors put individuals at risk.Community service, Community initiatives, Economic development, Activism, Community building, Community mobilization. working in international development organizations, non-profits, government agencies, and consulting firms.
Time Frame:   Analyse short-term and long-term economic trends, Contributing to policy decisions that impact economies over time.  Short term descriptive and case control studiesLong term cohort studiesLifetime cohort studiesImmediate focus on addressing specific development challenges in communities or regions.
Interdisciplinary Approach: May or may not  collaborate with experts in other fields, such as sociology or political science, but their core expertise lies in economics.It is interdisciplinary and connected to Public health Clinical medicine Biomedical sciences Biostatistics.Social workThey often take an interdisciplinary approach Economic, Social, Political, and Environmental factors to create comprehensive development strategies.  
   

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The Spirit Of Chennai BY Biju Vergheese

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I could not hesitate to share this piece from Chennai. Hope this motivates you to be helpful in situations like these wherever it may occur.

While the entire nation is debating on the “Non-sense” called “Intolerance”, there is humanity at its best in Chennai. I can tell this for sure because, I stay in Qatar and my family (wife and 2 kids aged 11 and 7) are in Chennai. With all the floods and problems, I am getting the message from them, “We are safe”.

In the wake of calamity, Chennai is “One”. It has only one religion, “Humanity”; It has only one enemy, “Water”; there is only one aim “Help”. And they did it in style. When they were offering help, they didn’t ask whether you are “Hindu” or a “Christian” Or a “Muslim”. They didn’t ask whether you are “Rich” or “Poor”. They didn’t ask whether you are a “Tamlian”, “Malayalee”, “Telugu”, “Kannadiga” or “North Indian”. Only one question they asked; “Do you need any help?”

The rich people; my neighbors who never interacted with anybody in the neighborhood in last 4 years; opened the gates of their huge house. The man stood outside and welcomed people to his house. “We will eat whatever we have. We will share whatever we have. You can stay here until the water recedes”; that all he had said.. He accommodated around 35 people in his house. He is a Hindu Brahmin. He provided mat for the Muslims to do Namaz. He allowed Christians to pray in his Pooja room.

There were volunteers outside helping people to reach safe places. They used anything and everything as tool; until the army people reached. Once the experts came, they gave the leadership to the more experienced and helped them to help others. My wife told me that, there were group of people going through the streets with neck deep water and asking “Sir / Madam, do you need any help?” in front of every house. They provided whatever help they can and they distributed food and essentials. There were groups providing cellphone batteries for 5 minutes to anybody who want to talk.

I have seen people fight for food when there is a calamity. Even the most modern countries, when there is a calamity, people fight for food. They think only about themselves at that time. But, when the food was distributed in Chennai, it was calm. People stood in queues and they have given food for the people who are not able to stand in queues (elderly, mothers and kids). They brought boats. They made temporary rafts and just went on helping people.

On top of all these things, this is what my kids are seeing. This is what they are learning. How to help each other at the time of need. It goes straight into their brain. The images gets implanted there. And then, when there is another calamity, they know what to do.. How to survive.. How to get help and how to help others… This is what I want my kids to learn.. Humanity, without boundaries….

There is no wonder that, Chennai is one of the oldest cities in the world. It has survived everything thrown at it.. It will definitely remain so for ever. They are united. They can beat anything.. They can survive anything…

I am a proud Chennaite… I will never forget this in my life! A city which gave me and my family safety in the hour of need.. Thank you Chennai!.. Thank you Indian Army ! Thanks you India!!!

ReplyReply all Forward

    Happy new year

    I did not want to let the passing days of the new year go by without wishing all of you a very happy new year 2023 with all the new possibilities at the door of each one.

    I have stated that my busy commitments made me go slow in my postings. With the end of commitments in sight, I hope to post more in the coming weeks.

    We all thought covid was over. We are learning different aspects of the lingering pandemic. I hope to share more about the problems related to the vaccines against covid.

    There are issues emerging about long covid or the chronic form of the disease. The medical profession is learning from experience.

    There has been a big debate about ivermectin in the treatment of covid. Newer information on this is also emerging.

    There was always the question of whether anyone would challenge the high road taken by big pharma. Challenges have been made and it will be interesting how this pans out in the future.

    Moving on to development economics, my delayed book in writing, I would like to share bits and pieces of what is emerging from that forthcoming book.

    Finally, as I often do, around this time I would like to make my e- book available for free download from the following link for five days from 3-7 Jan 2023. Hope you will enjoy and share with those who might benefit. It is free for these 5 days.

    I look forward to keeping in touch.

    Rajaratnam Abel

    Calling from Hong Kong

    This is my second visit to Hong Kong (HK) after 25 years. The transfer from the UK to China was taking place just then. In spite of the transfer the change seem to be gradual.

    Two years ago when I wrote the small booklet on Covid, I started with Hong Kong’s experience. Now I can physically see their life style. Masking is 100%. Keeping pace with masking while outside all the time was not easy. A number others reminded often me that my mask was down.

    One of the thoughts I present to my students is that HK is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. I could visualise it this time. There are only high rise apartments. There are hardly any single houses. Poverty appears to be hidden in these skyscrapers.

    Using QR code efficiently is somthing we can learn from Hong Kong. The visa and health details were entered in India before I left India. QR code was issued. From arrival every contact is through the QR code. Till today we had an amber colour code restricting certain public movements. Today it turned green and that gives unrestricted movement. It removes long queues.

    I hope to keep in touch through more frequent blogs.

      Online survey for a new educational curriculum in India

      This is an online survey being carried out by NCERT in planning a new curriculum. As I believe it is important that many people participate in this survey, I am posting it here. Click on the link to go to the survey.

      Cyrus Mistry’s Message Always wear your car seat belt

      It’s becoming more routine. Many who don’t wear their car seat tend to die in an accident.

      He need not have fded. His co-passengers who wore their seat belts escaped death.

      The message is clear.

      Do I have to say more?