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Posts Tagged ‘Health’
Oranges – from the Haouz Plains to Marrakech
Being a major orange producing region, the Haouz Plains that surrounds Marrakech provides the city with abundance oranges that are characteristics of orange juice carts in Djamaa el Fna. Being a predominantly Muslim nation, the Moroccans have created a variety of some of the freshest natural fruit juices and shakes that are nutritious, refreshing and affordable.
A Sustainable Future for Argan Oil and Widows
Known for their medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic properties, argan pits have been processed long before the Phoenicians arrived and continues to be in demand today. Processed by widows, divorcees and unmarried single mothers in the Little Atlas Region of Morocco the formation of women cooperatives that works within a biosphere protected in UNESCO, has given a renewed lease of life for both the women and Argan trees.
Reflections: Yamuna River
Despite it’s “clear blue” coloration, the Yamuna is one of the most polluted rivers in the world, especially around New Delhi, which dumps about 58% of its waste into the river. With nearly 57 million people dependent on the Yamuna waters which accounts for 70% of Delhi’s water supply, the government has spend nearly $500 million on clean up efforts and over Rs 1,700 crore to control pollution since the 1990s with little success.
Miracle Healer or Merciless Killer
Endangered species from Africa’s forests are laid out for local buyers seeking sex boosters, spiritual and physical cures and exotic food while skins of jungle cats and reptiles are to Western buyers in UNESCO enlisted Djemaa el Fna. Can a membership with CITES curb illegal wildlife trade in Morocco? Or will culture, spiritual practices of the medicine man prevail?
Spastic Children’s Association
Established in February, 1960 in a garage of the Red Cross to address the shortfall in the education system that does not cater to children suffering from cerebral palsy (CP), the Spastic Children Association caters for 300 students to date providing inclusive education aimed at creating self-reliant individuals.
1 of 10 Million Blind
More than 1.5% of India is blind. Of these 15 million, almost two thirds are blind due to cataract where surgery is one of the most cost effective health interventions known and most operated eye condition with highest rate of success and satisfaction. Barriers to access cataract surgery includes financial, fear, distance, lack of awareness and support, all of which are more prevalent in rural and peri-urban areas.
Cancer Is A Bitch
More than 100 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually. However, only 3% of skin cancer cases are melanoma, which causes more than 75% of skin cancer death. Unfortunately, melanomas in Asians tends to be at advanced stages during diagnosis due to its occurance on non-exposed skin with less pigmentation.
I am HIV+
In April 2009, 6 people stood tall and proud and uttered these simple but profound words that would change their world: “I am HIV+”. Through their eyes, an educational process took shape that helped spread the message of awareness and inspired others to come forth and lead a life worth fighting for.