Monday, December 28, 2015

Five tips on using medicines and medical devices at home

5 mg tips on health care

When I say 5 mg, I mean 5 tips only in this post.
1. When you
puncture
 a blister to take the pill out, do not start from the side of the blister that has the expiry date printed on back. You will, most likely, lose the legibility of the expiry date.  Start from the other side of the blister. This will be specially useful for those medicines to which you may return after several months or more (such as antibiotics, anti-vomiting, anti-rash, anti-diarrhoea medicines, etc.).   
2. When your pharmacist cuts two or three pills from a blister for you, to conform to your doctor's prescription, insist on seeing the expiry date on that blister. He or his Assistant may be giving you expired medicines unintentionally, given that a pharmacist does not check the expiry date of the thousands of medicines in his shop everyday.
3. When you are doing a finger-tip blood sugar test at home, make sure that your finger is clean and completely dry. Do not use sprit on the area to be pricked, but use spirit after the prick to prevent infection. The blood drop that oozes will interact with anything on the finger and this will affect the reading. Do not forget to check your blood sugar using your electronic device at home before going for your periodic lab tests, and then compare the readings and "calibrate" your electronic device to translate its readings to match your lab test readings (your electronic device may be giving you either a lower or a higher reading).
4. Do not leave the batteries of your blood sugar testing device in the battery chamber. Take them out after you are done with the procedure. Check your batteries for their strength after a year (they usually last for two years, if not more). Buy a battery tester if you do not have one. It would be worth the investment.
5. The electronic blood pressure testing devices are helpful but not completely reliable. The doctors hate them! Do not forget to check your blood pressure using your electronic device before going to see your doctor, and then compare his/her BP readings with the ones from your electronic device, and calibrate your device (as for the blood sugar testing device I explained above). Replace batteries (usually AAA) of your device after using them for about 20 times of using your device. You need strong batteries for a nearly-accurate reading. Do not be a kanjoos and buy cheap batteries for your electronic devices. The used batteries will still work well in your wall clock and other devices at home that take AAA batteries.
These tips are based on my own experiments with life, my interactions with my doctors, and/or my research on the Internet.
Suren
 


__._,_.___

Posted by: Surendra Varma <pisces4524@yahoo.com>



__,_._,___

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Fwd: Home Safety Tips For Seniors

Home Safety Tips For Senior Citizens
Copied from website: seniorneeds
​​

6 out of 10 falls happen at home. These accidents could be prevented by making simple changes in your living areas. With the increasing popularity of in-home care for seniors, it is important to ensure the safety of your loved one and be aware of the possible dangers that may occur at home and prepare accordingly. In order to help keep your loved ones safe.

Keep floors clean and uncluttered
One of the most important steps toward preventing accidents and falls at home is by removing anything that may cause them to slip or fall while walking. Slipping on rugs or tripping on phone cords, pet bowls, small furniture or clutter may cause falls. Also, remove items from pathways, hallways and stairs.

Proper lighting
Make sure that each room has enough lighting. Light bulbs with the highest wattage are your best option. Place night lights in the kitchen, bedroom, hallways and bathroom. Also, it best to have a flash light ready near their bed in case the power goes out and they need to get up. Good lighting on the stairway is also important.

Re-arrange things
It might be helpful to re-arrange commonly used items to make them more accessible. Place food, clothing, dishes, boxes and everyday essentials within easy reach. This simple step is beneficial as it may prevent a fall that might occur from standing on a stool to reach a certain item.

Bathroom safety
Install grab bars in the shower, tub and next to the toilet to help prevent falls. Make sure they are properly secured and attached to the wall. Putting non-slip rubber mats on the floor of the shower or tub is also recommended. If possible, don't allow them to bathe on their own.
​​

With Care

Team SeniorNeedz

SeniorNeedz I Tech Pvt Ltd, Type 2/7, Dr. VSI Estate, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai - 600 041
Email: info@seniorneedz.com Web: www.seniorneedz.com
Tel: 044 - 4060 5060 Toll Free: 1800 103 4060


If you no longer wish to receive mail from this sender, Please click here


Sunday, December 13, 2015

How to manage your blood pressure and be a winner

By Dr Surendra Kumar Varma
​​
Managing blood pressure for most seniors is a lifelong commitment.
What do the blood pressure (BP) readings mean? The upper figure in your BP measurement is your systolic (when the heart contracts to supply blood to the body, this is known
​​
as a beat) and the lower figure is your diastolic (when the heart returns from its contraction to "relax" and receive the oxygenated blood from lungs) blood pressure. Thus, a normal BP will be expressed as 120/80. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
Electronic blood pressure measuring devices are now available in the market at very affordable prices. These devices may not be as accurate as you would expect, but their readings are within the range of +/- 5 units, and are, thus, very helpful. What if there was a need for you to measure your BP at midnight? Would you be prepared to go to a doctor/hospital at that un-Godly hour? No.
Our blood pressure keeps on changing every minute if not every second, like the speed of our car when we drive through a chaotic traffic here. So, if you check your BP before and after reading an abusive e-mail, the readings will be different within a minute or two. Worry not. As soon as the abusive e-mail gets out of your system, your BP will return to normal. In such situations, listen to some songs/music of yesteryears, which you loved, or, better still, watch their clips.
For seniors, above 60, the threshold BP is 140/90. If it st​ays  ther​e​
or goes up, your doctor will most likely prescribe medication and/or lifestyle changes, including what you should and should not eat. Salt is the biggest culprit in causing high blood pressure.
High blood pressure could be caused by problems related to one's kidneys, liver and heart. But, the most common cause is hypertension. Your doctor will figure out what the real cause of your high blood pressure is from your lab tests and from your answers to his questions. Medication, thus, will vary from one individual to another.   
Whatever the root
​ ​
cause of a high blood pressure may be, it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and metabolic syndrome.
While medications and lifestyle changes, suggested by your doctor, must be followed, the following "Grandma's Nuskhas", using herbs, as adjuncts, can help in dealing with high BP:
Basil (Tulsi): Drink Tulsi leaves chai 2-3 times a day.
Cinnamon: Increase the use of cinnamon in your recipes.
Garlic: Other than in your curries, roast and eat garlic cloves every day. Or, use garlic in a supplement form everyday.
Before I leave you, let me not forget to say that a low blood pressure should also not be ignored. It can cause dizziness, fainting, fatigue, problems concentrating, blurry vision, etc. But you can treat it very quickly with anything salty. How about Haldiram's Dalmoth or Balaji's Samosa?.
PS: Stay tuned for more from me on health issues. I said in my intro to sss-global that my M.Sc. and Ph.D. are both very closely related to medical science and I taught Pre-Medical students for 15 years. That should explain my interest in medical science. My posts are intended only to improve knowledge about health issues, and no more.
​========================

Saturday, December 12, 2015

A brief report on sss-global meet on 8th Dec 2015

SSS-Global get together 8th December 2015 Belson Taj Secunderabad

The much awaited grand get together, with 52 people participating, started off around 10:30 am in Belson Taj Hotel. Ms Kamakshi, the prime mover behind the show, welcomed one and all. Dr Vyasamoorthy narrated how it all started 15 years ago. Owner of the group K Sivaram briefed how the group was born in a cyber cafĂ© in Marredpally. From that humble beginning we have grown to be 700 strong, with a daily exchange of about 70-80 messages; we have been No 7 among Yahoo Groups, Number 4 some years later and actually on top (Number 1) for few years. Now we are almost always on the top for activity and 4 or  5, for membership numbers. Sri Chary appealed to all members to keep away from politics in our discussions as that brings about bickering and disunity.

Subsequently many members spoke briefly.  Sri Nityanandam recalled fondly earlier meetings with which he was associated. Sri Khanapur Krishna Rao said how photography, music and compiling e-books have been his driving passions. He has written more than 100 pages of his autobiography and about 500 plus e-books. Sri SV Ramana detailed how he has become a globe trotter, belonging to nowhere! Sri Ramanamurthy shared a few good jokes. Moghe Couple sneaked in to give us a one minute skit of uproarious laughter. I call them EVEREADY batteries – always ready to entertain in an unfailing way.

From Ram Prabhakar we came to know how electricity charges can be cut to half by installing Solar energy system in houses. Social aspects of ageing was specially dealt with By Prof Kalluri Subba Rao. Sri Mital explained how he lost faith in astrology: according to their predictions, he should have died many times around – and the last time he went to counter the astrologer for wrong predictions, the astrologer had passed away.

Mr Sivaram announced the revival of music group in his premises shortly. Mr Moghe mentioned how, enthused by sss-global, a group for retired army officers has come up. Justice Rangarajan posed a legal question to rack our brains: A person willed that a diamond bracelet should go to his daughter in law. The ornament was converted into diamond necklace. Then, the man died. Everyone knew what had happened. Will DIL get the diamond Necklace? No, she won’t, as at the time of death, no diamond bracelet existed.  Other people who spoke are:  Mr SS Varma, Mr Yechury Murty.  There were songs by Sivaram and Bina.

Mr Rajendra Rao, Mr Desikamani,  Mr Shankar Rao took charge registration and handling (and handing over) cash. Ms Jayanti from the beginning kept track of participants – who is in and who is out. Sri Shankar Rao donated name badges and banner. Among the people who contributed indirectly – by not coming or not staying for lunch – though having paid, are: Mr RD Vakil Mr & Ms Ramachandran.

During the initial part of the program, there were some inconclusive discussions on the date for next get together. Whatever may be the date, going by the assurances and enthusiasm of Ms Kamakshi, we can safely surmise that years ahead will witness many more enjoyable get together meetings like this. Several photographs and video shots were taken and are available in the web. The meeting concluded with delicious lunch, for which Belson Taj is quite well known. On behalf of sss-global moderators and owner, I extend a million thanks to one and all.


Addendum: There were quizzes to keep people active. One on Words starting with CAR designed by Wg Cdr Bhaskar and another on decoding names of places / localities in Hyderabad based of clues
devised by Ms Kamakshi. Winners were given prizes. Congrat to all brainy people.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Fwd: [sss-global] Health benefits of sss-global!

sss-global is a discusion forum for senior citizens.
One member Sri S Varma talks of:

Health benefits of sss-global!

1.  It keeps us busy, which is very important for our age group. Being busy imperceptibly reduces depression/hypertension and thus works like a medicine particularly for those with high blood pressure, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues. It also helps reduce the feeling of loneliness.

2. When your post generates appreciation or at least a "thank you", you feel happy.   The feeling of happiness stimulates the production of "Happiness Hormones" in your body, particularly dopamine and serotonin. Dopamine is a pleasure hormone that is released when you achieve an objective and feel you are on Cloud 9; it motivates you to work harder to achieve even greater satisfaction.  Serotonin is the key hormone of happiness, since it regulates mood, prevents depression, thwarts irritation and makes you happy and sociable.
​​

3. Some of the posts on health issues, based on the members' personal experience, benefit us directly. Other posts provide leads to dive deeper in medical literature to educate ourselves and take control of our health issues. This helps us talk to our doctor(s) knowledgeably and better understand the medicines being prescribed.

4. Associated with the above benefits and indirectly contributing to them are:  a feeling of self-accomplishment, learning and development, self-confidence, no time for negativity, and making new friends.

I invite other members to expand this list.

Dr S. Varma
ICRISAT Colony
Akbar Road
Secunderabad
,_.___

Posted by: Surendra Varma <pisces4524@yahoo.com>
 

Monday, October 26, 2015

Inauguration of Senior Citizens Home in Mahabubnagar

Inauguration of Senior Citizens Home in Mahabubnagar

 

On Sunday 25th October 2015, along with Sri Rajendra Rao, Sri IVLN Chary and Sri A Suryanarayana, I participated in inaugural function of a new old age home in Mahabubnagar. It is Vayojana Saphalaya Nilayam (Senior Citizens Rehabilitation Center) set up by Ramakrishna Seva Trust in the Oblaipally Village. Nearly 120 people participated. Sri Shthikanthananda Swamy and Sri Bhithiharananda swamy of Sri Ramakrishna Mutt were chief guests.  The trust has about twenty trustees – our Smt Pushpalatha Yelisetty is one of them. She donated Rs 10 Lakhs.

 

There was Vastu Puja, Satyanarayana Punja, felicitation of dignitaries etc. An hour long meeting with nearly ten speakers was held, after Puja and distribution of  Prasadam and Theertham. Several persons were honored with shawl and garlands including Dr Vyasamoorthy. He delivered a short speech in Telugu. All participants were given breakfast and lunch.

 

The old age home has 18 double rooms. Ground floor is now complete; plans are afoot for two more floors of similar capacity. Rooms are spacious, well lighted, well ventilated.  The trust has arranged a free medical consultancy by leading specialists in almost all fields in the OAH premises once a week on Sundays. Routine operations of the home will start in a couple of months. An indication that an advance of Rs 10000/- and a monthly charge of Rs 4000 per head is envisaged for occupants of OAH.

 

 

Contact:                                                                                   Seva Trust Asram, Oblaipally Village,

Administrative Office                                                             mobile: 9440717700

Kakatiya Eye Clinic, 1-5-77/1                                                 Mahabubnagar

New Town Mahabubnagar. 509001

Ph 98542-256964

 

 

 

 

Dr P Vyasamoorthy
30 Gruhalakshmi Colony, Secunderabad 500015 Telangana
LL 040-27846631 / Mobile: 9490804278

Every wife has a wireless connection by default. It is called "Wife's Eye" (Elders Oct 2015 issue)

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Nightingales Home Health Services, Hyderabad

Nightingales Home Health Services Hyderabad has started service recently.
They offer following services
    • Professionals on call
    • Doctors / Nurses / Bedside Attendants / Dentists / physiotherapists etc
    • Home based treatment :

      • Wound Management
      • Dementia care
      • Stroke Rehabilitation
      • Pulmonary rehabilitation
      • Physiotherapy
      • ICU at home
      • Swine Flu Vaccination at home for Rs 800/-

    • Equipment hire
    • Non Invasive Ventilator
    • Oxygen concentrator
    • Alpha bed
    • Wheel chair
    • Walkers
    • ​S​
      urgical cots
    • Door delivery of medicines
When you become a member (Rs 1000 per annum) all services are offered at a discount.

Concept: If you get it done directly by yourself you may more. Through Nightingales you pay less. Most services are at your doorstep. All services are paid for at actuals at specified rates.

Contact:
1-11-256/c/5 gagan vihar colony near icici bank old airport branch begumpet hyderabad 500016
040-40020001 / 1800 103 4530 toll free
D Shiva Prasad Sales 7799764008 shivaprasad.d@nightingales.in

I am not too sure about the present relationship of this Hyderabad outfit with Nationally famous Nightingales Medical Trust of Bangalore,
​which was ​
once headed by Dr Radha murthy
​.​
=============

Friday, October 9, 2015

Telugu Books on Gerontology released

Books Release function by Dr Sobha Gurajada Perindevi

On  5th October 2015, there was a Book(s) release function in Thyagaraja Gana Sabha Chickadpally Hyderabad. Two books namely: 1. Telugu Stories: Elder’s Problems and 2. Old Age: Boon or Bane?
written by Ms Sobha Gurajada Perindevi were released.  Dr N Gopi Ex VC of Telugu University was the chief guest. The event was organized by the NGO Abhinandana.

Other dignitaries on the dais included: Dr B Jayaram Formerly of Dept of Oriental Languages OU;
Ms M Bharathi , well known writer; Smt Hymavathi Bhimanna; Sri Y Venkataramana; Dr Kalavenkata Dikshitulu; Sri P Subba Rao; Sri BVR Chary; Smt J Valabhoja garu  and Dr P Vyasamoorthy.

The function was preceded by a series of entertainment items – all by senior citizens. Special mention must be made of mono acting by a 80+ gentleman, Dance by Sri  Chepuri Shankar Rao to the singing of Sri Akkula Gupta, Sri J Venkateswaralu’s Laddu Laddu song, recitation of poems etc.
The books were made available for sale at substantial discounts at the venue.

The author Sobha is a writer in Telugu, social activist especially interested in senior citizens welfare. Her special area of interest is enthusing youngsters to serve the elderly and to inculcate respect towards the ageing population. The first book is purported by be giving a gist of her PhD work on “Treatment of the elderly in Telugu literature”. The second one is a collection of her writings in magazines, newspapers, seminars and elsewhere.

Details: Vardhakyam – Varama? Sapama? By Dr Gurajada Sobha Perindevi. May 2015 Rs 100 Pages 105 - A5. Published by: JV Publications Hyderabad 8096310140.  On Sale at: Sri Venkatramana Book Distributors, Gandhi Nagar Hyderabad Ph 040 27543500 / 9676799500


Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Peeing and Problems of Ageing

Peeing and problems of Ageing

During Cinema Intermission if you go to the toilet for peeing, do you have to wait for a long time to start? You may feel embarrassed that others are behind you waiting. Sometimes you may even zip up and come away in frustration, without doing what you went in for. Has this ever happened to you? Years ago, Sujatha, a well known Tamil writer, commented that, on such occasions, it is the guy in front in your line that chooses to void copious volumes of undiluted urine. What a contrast!

This predicament may happen to senior citizens who suffer from Prostate Enlargement. It is usually a sign of advanced stage. May be you are waiting for an appointment for surgical intervention. It might also occur in youngsters for no reason at all. They are just timid and have low self confidence.

How do you handle this situation? Normally I choose a seat nearest to the exit door and rush to be the first few to be in the toilet. I prefer a regular closed commode instead of plain open type of urinal stand. Gain enough courage not to budge and come away unfinished. Hold your breath and grind your teeth – these help.

When old men pee there are a couple of other concomitant problems. At times you may forget to zip up after the deed. Sometimes urine may drip down your pants and if the pants are of light color you had it. I once read in a urinal wall facing me:

You might shake it and shake it as much as you please
But the last drop will always drip down your knees

Or the pants may become wet by the cloth touching rims of the toilet oval base. If you are facing loose bowls, fluidic stool may compete with water in getting out first, thus wetting back of your pants as well. How true, these problems are, only the experienced can appreciate this. To avoid these problems, stand properly. Don’t lean on the wall with your mobile in your hand as that may slip into – where, we can’t guess.

Before leaving, pick up your mobile; zip up; observe damages if any and take appropriate action. I am sorry this note is heavily gender biased. But I am sure ladies wouldn’t mind it as they would be relieved that I am not peeping into their peeing privacy. According my friend Dr Thomas, a person who dwells on stool or pee or acts related thereto, is called Professor of Scatological Profanity. Do you think I am one?



Sunday, September 20, 2015

One hand is enough to slap but two are required to clap

One hand is enough to slap but two are required to clap

You slap a person with one hand and that almost always happens on the spur of the moment arising out of galloping anger. You bring both hands together to clap to appreciate someone or something nice.  You also bring your hands together in Namaskar position to show respect to someone. Actions connecting both hands are happening after some responsible thinking on your part.

Slapping a person leads to unwanted or unexpected complications. You may be slapped back. The recipient may hold a grudge and deal with you later in unimagined ways. You might feel guilty but not have the courage to apologize. You may be admonished by others and you may be outlawed.

Clapping in appreciation is a win-win situation. Both are happy and mutual friendship grows. Showing respect with Namaskar fold of hands improves relationship. It is easy. Plenty of opportunities turn up every day.

The title “One hand is enough to slap but two are required to clap” has deeper connotations. Not just applicable to the use of hands. In any situation where we may harm ourselves and others by negative emotions that are quick to surge like anger, envy, fear etc, it is better to practice switching by slowing down. Just take a couple of deep breaths. Scenarios will change instantly. Try and tell others your experience.

Why choose to use only one hand when God has given you two? Preachy, I might sound. But this write-up, is in fact a reminder to myself to make deliberate choices that are helpful and not harmful.






Monday, September 14, 2015

Restricting Road Access by Resident Welfare Association

Restricting Road Access by Resident Welfare Association



IMG_20150914_180801.jpg

Resident Welfare Association in Vikrampuri Colony in Secunderabad is a law unto itself. They behave as if they are the only people to live and others should vanish.  Reasons for my angst are given below:

The colony has constructed several gates preventing free access to area outside or in the boundary of the colony. Most gates are kept closed. Even the gates connecting main roads (Wellington road on one side and Rajeev Rahadhari on the other side) are closed at night, preventing access to OXYGEN hospital on karkhana side, in case of emergencies.
  • 1.     There are many ill designed road bumps for no reason whatsoever in the road linking as mentioned above. There is no school warranting speed breakers. They are so badly designed and constructed that vehicles suffer break down and damage. Even pedestrians suffer injury while walking in the night.
  • 2.     Even manhole covers are in some places 18” above road level making it impossible to use it as a walk way.
  • 3.     Adding insult to injury the colony has recently done this: The road width near Rainbow hospital has been reduced to one third by walls on both sides to accommodate a gate in between. There is a height restricting barricade also near Rainbow Hospital. There is a notice saying it is a private road. Funny thing is that the local (Karkhana PS) police have blindly supported this abuse by displaying a board on their own. First of all, it is NOT a private road. Secunderabad Cantonment Board has not given any permission to convert Vikrampuri into a gated community. Lay out was not designed to be a gated community. When areas surrounding the colonies developed, this isolated colony gated itself preventing access via its roads to other parts in the neighborhood.  Colony residents want to enjoy all the comforts of a developed area but not ready to accommodate their passing through ‘their’ roads. To build height restricting barricade there must be a reason, say high tension wires, low head bridge etc. Here it is plain.
  • 4.     Such artificial gated communities have up in many other places also. Vikrampuri is the leading offender.


Such unlawful activities must be curbed. I request SCB / Police / NGOs and others to take necessary action: a) reduce height of road bumps b) remove height barricade c) Remove gates d) remove false warning that it is a private road.


Gmail need not remain simple anymore

Gmail is no more simple gmail, rather need not be so.
By installing one of these 16 Apps you can simplify or complicate your gmail usage as much as you please. 
You can: 
    • find large email messages that have heavy attachments, ( to delete them & make space)
    • schedule a message to be sent later, 
    • find out if the recipient opened / read / clicked a link in your message, 
    • whether your gmail reading activity is being tracked, 
    • converting inbox into lists, 
    • send what you are at (any web page) via gmail, 
    • get full info on any contact instantaneously, before you reply
    • Share a label across friends
    • create custom signatures
    • Integrate gmail and dropbox
    • Add animated gif to outgoing message
    • Use gmail offline
    • send self destructing emails
    • unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters
    • create templates / polls in jiffy
I have tried most of them individually at some time or the other and deleted them as too fanciful or not of daily use. Some, I may re-visit again. 
​Read the original article here: 
​http://goo.gl/n0AIsp



Saturday, September 12, 2015

FD Interest Rates - From TRC - SSS-Global -Sept 2015

FD Interest Rates - From TRC - SSS-Global -Sept 2015
========================================

The FDR interest rates(for Seniors) in some of the financial institutions are as under:

NHB SUNIDHI Deposit Scheme (Fully Owned by RBI)

12months/24 months   @8.85 pa (Annualised 9.15%)
36/60months                 @9.10% (9.42%)

LIC HOUSING FINANCE (Above Rs 50,000)
1year/18 months     8.85
2 year                      8.95
3year                       9.00 
5 year                      9.25  

HUDCO

1 year                      9.25  (Annualised 9.58)
2/3 years                 9.10
4/5 years                 9.00

Sundaram Finance

1year to 3 years    9.00 % pa Qrtrly interest 


REPCO Bank

THIRUPTHI (For senior citizens)  Only one year  9.50%

REPCO CROWN      9.25 %

KVB

1year/5years         8.75%


TMB

555 days                9.10 seniors

5 t0 10 years          9.10%

Above 21 months upto 5 years  9.00%


Lakshmi Vilas Bank    

3 to 5 years         9.10 % pa


Shriram Transport Finance 

36/48/60 months   yearly 9.50%

Since all banks have reduced their rates recently I thought the above information would be of use to seniors

Tamil Nadu Power Finance Corporation rates were intimated some times back which remains unchanged as on date.

TRC
​​
_._,_.___

Posted by: Tiruvarur Chandrasekaran <tiruvarur@gmail.com>

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

What could be this?!?

Please see attached image.
Something looks like Tamil letter sa or cha
If you can enlarge and look at it 100% you will something very strange.

A large bunch / cluster of intertwined petty or pretty roots - terminal ends - of a tree; wet; full of dirt and grime. Want to know the source?
This was retrieved from our bathroom drain pipeline (3/4 inch) that was fully blocked / choked.

How did it get into the underground metal  pipe?
About twenty  feet away, outside the bathroom, in the garden we have a big mango tree. The under ground metal pipe got corroded, full of cracks and holes. Roots got entry to perennial water source; Restricted growth space forced them intertwine within metal pipe finally choking the water flow.

When we got the drain block repaired, this longish block came out! The skilled plumber extricated this just using long thin spring wire used for curtains. He did not break the floor which we feared might become necessary. He admitted that he has never seen such an unexpected blockage.



Dr P Vyasamoorthy
30 Gruhalakshmi Colony, Secunderabad 500015 Telangana
LL 040-27846631 / Mobile: 9490804278


Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Senior citizens’ use of computers and mobile phones might shave 10 years off their mental age - Quartz


Everyone fears a decline in mental ability as they age. However, if you are an avid user of technology, that decline could be delayed.
A new study, published in the journal Intelligence, found that the use of computers and mobile phones could partly explain why senior citizens today appears to be four to eight years younger, cognitively speaking, than a similar population less than a decade ago. The positive effect stands up even after controlling for factors such as education, gender, and health.

​​

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Why do we ask stupid questions?



Why do we ask stupid questions?

There is no such thing as a stupid question but there sure are a lot of inquisitive idiots. This applies to people who initiate questions by themselves. See the cartoon below. “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubts.”  This refers to people who reply when they are faced with questions. I am sharing a problem in communication and stupid questions here.

Many times my daughter accuses me of asking stupid questions.  They are not always meant to be so nor said with that intention. It is the result of a racing mind filled with sixty interpretations of half a sentence actually heard. I am gifted to be partially deaf – I hear only first half or the second half and try to make out the other half: first half, if she is nearby and second half, if she is far away say in another room. And the result is my blurting out something that is seemingly coming out a stupid unthinking idiot. Many times this happens when I deeply engrossed with some work and the other person takes me by surprise / shock by suddenly talking from nowhere. So my daughter makes special efforts to draw my attention and then only say the actual words meant to be communicated without any transmission loss.

How not to reply impulsively, is my problem. If I become attentive or pose so, the other person becomes nervous or annoyed – why such a drama during ordinary conversation, she asks.  For instance, when my younger daughter rings me up and I pick and say: Hi, What’s the news?, she gets annoyed. What could possibly go wrong in just about twelve hours, she thinks.

 Is the behaviour due to indifference, anxiety to say something and get off, inability to comprehend what is said quickly? Is it hearing problem? Being immersed in work almost akin to deep sleep? In this post I have dealt with only replying to posers. Not initiating stupid questions myself. That requires more unthinking on our part.Do you have a practical solution to swap?


Thursday, August 13, 2015

My First Attempt to create a video - SCF Forum Song

My First Attempt to create a Video

My nephew, Hemanth, once told me that he has signed up for some self-improvement course. On certain days he is unable to attend the class in person he simply witnesses the entire lecture that he missed on youtube. His teacher uses Google Hangout for this, I learnt. Ever since then I had been toying with using Google Hangout for senior citizens group activities like interviews, common chatting, bringing up nostalgic recollection, recorded oral histories etc.There were certain problems including finding a few net savvy elders who can take part in experiments.

Just the other day, some six of us completed a successful Google Hangout Video session. Sri G Balasubramanian. Sri Subramanian, Prof V Ramamurti, Justice TNC Rangarajan and his wife Ms Kamala joined me. We spoke for about 45 minutes about "First or Oldest movie seen". It was very enjoyable exchange of personal happy moments - sort of re-living the past you might say. Though I thought that the session would have been recorded as a video, it was not, much to my dismay.

Digging through help files I found out the "how" of it better. The result is a very short test video showing me reading out the SCF Forum Song. It is shared here as embedded video. Please tell me how this facility may be used for our advantage.



Sunday, August 9, 2015

medical allowance to beneficiaries of old Age Pension hiked | Business Standard News

​I am not aware of any other state proving ​​medical allowance for OLD Age Pensioners.​ Please correct me if you know better
====================================


medical allowance to beneficiaries of old Age Pension hiked

Press Trust of India  |  Puducherry 

August 8, 2015 Last Updated at 21:02 IST

The Pud
​u​
cherry government has hiked the monthly medical allowance for beneficiaries of the Old Age Pension (OAP) scheme.

A notification of the Department of Women and Child Department operating the scheme said each beneficiary would be entitled to get Rs 500 for medical treatment against Rs 100 available so far.

The increased allowance would be effective retrospectively from June this year.

The government has effected necessary amendment in this regard to 'Grant of Financial Assistance to Old Age Pensioners for Medical Treatment Rules 2001', the notification said.

The government provides a monthly assistance ranging between Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 to the elderly, depending on their age. This is a very popular welfare scheme government has been operating.

Earlier there was a uniform monthly assistance of Rs 1100 to the aged, irrespective of the age. But now the assistance has been revised upward depending upon the age of the beneficiaries.

Friday, August 7, 2015

National Council for Senior Citizens - Minister's reply in Rajya Sabha

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=124561 What mr sampala hides from Rajya Sabha is that National council of SEnior citizens constituted in 2012 has not met even once.

Posted by Padmanabha Vyasamoorthy on Friday, August 7, 2015

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Live-in relationship Legal Angle


Highly educative article from legal angle on live-in relationship.
Thanks a lot to Justice Rangarajan for this alert.
Published by Sandip Bhosale on June 28, 2012



Live-in Relationship
1. Introduction:
India a country of cultural values and rituals, ceremonies cannot afford to plunge into western society. But since growing economy and people getting more and more aware, India finally has to step ahead and walk with the rest of the world by legalizing Live-in relationship. Yeah it sounds absurd that country like India would allow its citizens to do that, but its fact the state cabinet gave its green signal to amend Section 125 of Criminal Procedure Code which seeks to protect the pecuniary interests of the other women. However, it would need the centre's stamp of approval to become a law.

The definition of the word wife would have to be change which is under section 125. The amendment done would be like a woman who believes in Live-in relationship or wants to have a polygamous relationship is legal. The state has proposed a reasonably long period for that woman to stay with the mate, but has not defined duration of that period specially
In a country like India this is one of the odd steps taken, but still its better one. 

2. Meaning of Live-in Relationship:
The legal definition of live in relationship is "an arrangement of living under which the couples which are unmarried live together to conduct a long-going relationship similarly as in marriage" [1].

Live-in relationship is one such connection in which a boy and girl have some relation before their marriage and if they are satisfied with their partner they get married or be like that for years. This kind of act though seems different; it is one, which is being implemented today. Live-in relationship handles matter of premarital sex, but those couples who are maintaining relations don't mind such things. Overall, this relation builds up harmony between the couples, but spoils their social influence [2]. 

Live in relation i.e. Cohabitation is an arrangement whereby two people decide to live together on a long term or permanent basis in an emotionally and/or sexually intimate relationship. The term is most frequently applied to couples who are not married [3].

3. Difference between Live-in Relationship and Marriage:
A marriage is governed by a separate set of laws in all countries which safeguards the interests of both parties who enter into the union. Live-in relationships on the other hand have received due recognition in a few countries such as France and Philippines. In India, presently there is no law defining the maxims of a live-in relationship. The Supreme Court however, has observed in a current ruling that a woman who has lived in a live-in relationship for a long period of time should enjoy the same rights that a married woman is entitled to.

Live-in relationships do guarantee immense financial freedom for both parties involved. In a marriage however, it is generally accepted that the married couple share their earnings and enter into joint financial venture. However, these rules are not carved in stone. In today's day and age even married couples tend to keep their financial matters separate and many live-in couples decide to share their individual earnings.

Despite the fact that there are scores of couples who are opting for live-in relationships, the society still attaches a taboo to such relationships. The majority looks at live-in relationship as a dilution of morals and more importantly tradition. Marriage on the other is still venerated by most despite the alarming rise in the number of divorces and problems in relationship. Therefore, the primary difference between live-in relationships and marriage is that marriage has received the societal stamp of approval and live-in relationships are yet to do so [4]. 

4. Live-in Relationship in Other Countries:
Different countries have different stand on Live-in relationships. For example Bangladesh cohabitation after divorce is frequently punished by the salishi system of informal courts, especially in rural areas. In Indonesia, an Islamic penal code proposed in 2005 would have made cohabitation punishable by up to two years in prison. Also Cohabitation is illegal according to sharia law in countries where it has been practiced. On the other side in many developed countries like USA (23% in 2003), Denmark, Norway, Sweden (above 50 %) and Australia (22% ) etc Live-in relationship are very commonly practiced, accepted and are not considered to be illegal.

Scotland:
Family law (Scotland) Act 2006, for the first time identified, and in the process by default legalized, live-in relationship of over 150,000 cohabiting couples in the country. Section 25 (2) of the Act said that in determining for the purpose of any of section 26 to 29 whether a person (A) is cohabitant of another a court of law can consider a person as a co-habitant of another person (B) the court shall have regard :
  • The length of the period during which they lived together,
  • The nature of the relationship during that period and
  • The nature and extent of any financial arrangements.
In case of breakdown of relationship, under section 28, a cohabitant has right to apply in court of law for financial support [5].

United States:
The American legal history was then witness to several consensual sex legislations, which paved the way for living together contracts and their cousins, the "prenuptial agreements". The country later institutionalized cohabitation by giving cohabiters essentially the same rights and obligations as married couples, a situation similar to Sweden and Denmark. Those living together are not recognized as legal parents [6].

Australia:
Section 4AA of Family Law Act 1957(Australia) defines the meaning of de facto relationship it says that a person is in de fact relationship with another person if;
  • The persons are not legally married to each other; and
  • The person are not related by family and;
  • Having regard to all the circumstances of their relationship, they have a relationship as a couple living together on a genuine domestic basis [7].
Canada:
Live-in relationship is legally recognized in Canada also. Section 54 (1) of Family law Act, R.S.O. 1990 says that, two persons who are cohabiting or intend to cohabit and who are not married to each other may enter into an agreement in which they agree on their respective rights and obligations during cohabitation, or on ceasing to cohabit or on death, including,
  • Ownership in or division of property;
  • Support obligations;
  • The right to direct the education and moral training of their children, but not the right to custody of or access to their children
And further sub section 2 of section 53 says that if the parties to a cohabitation agreement marry each other, the agreement shall be deemed to be a marriage contract [8].
 
United Kingdom:
Live-in relationships are largely covered by the Civil Partnership Act 2004 [9]. Though a man and woman living together in a stable sexual relationship are often referred to as "common law spouses", the expression is not wholly correct in law in England and Wales. The UK feel that live-in partners owe each other more than that to be worthy of the term. As per a 2010 note from Home Affairs Section to the House of Commons, unmarried couples have no guaranteed rights to ownership of each other's property on breakdown of relationship. If a cohabiting couple separates, the courts have no power to override the strict legal ownership of property and divide it as they may do on divorce [10].

France:
The French National Assembly passed the Civil Solidarity Pact on Oct. 13, 1999. Live-in relationship is governed by civil solidarity pact in France. The civil solidarity pact is a contract binding two adults of different sexes or of the same sex, in order to organize their common life; contractants may not be bound by another pact, by marriage, sibling or lineage. Adult under custody cannot contract [11].

5. Live-in Relationship: Indian Scenario:
On 23.03.2010 the Hon'ble SC in Khushboos case opined that a man and woman living together without marriage cannot be construed as an offence. "When two adult people want to live together what is the offence. Does it amount to an offence? Living together is not an offence. It cannot be an offence," a three judge bench of Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, Deepak Verma and B S Chuhan observed. The court said even Lord Krishna and Radha lived together according to mythology.

Live in relations suffered a setback with the bar imposed by the Supreme Court [12] in its recent judgment delivered on 17th May, 2010 in a Family dispute in the matter of Bhaasthamata v R Vijeya Renganathan [13]. The Supreme Court held that a child born out of a live-in relationship was not entitled to claim inheritance in Hindu ancestral coparcenary property. The dictum of the division bench comprising Dr B S Chavuhan and Swatanter Kumar, JJ appears to be a general law but its root of jurisdiction lie in the facts peculiar to this case. This ruling may not be accepted as a general law at all. It is only justified in this particular matter, but if applied to all live-in relations raising a presumption of marital bond; it would definitely result in gross miscarriage of justice. 

In S.P.S. Balasubramanyam v Suruttayan Andalli Padayachi & Ors [14]. The Supreme Court allowed presumption of marriage u/s 114 of Evidence Act out of live-in relations and presumed that their children were legitimate. Hence, they are rightfully entitled to receive a share in ancestral property. In the instance case, Mariammal claim her brothe Muthu Reddiars property who died unmarried and intestate. Rengammal lived-in with Muthu and had children from that bond. After his death, she claimed inheritance. Earlier Rengammal had married Alagarasami Reddiars (who was alive) but they didn't live together because of undissolved marriage between them. The trial Court did not accept her live-in claim. Her first appeal was dismissed. Subsequently, the Madras High Court held the judgment in favour of live-in partner.

In the cases prior to independence like A Dinohamy v Blahamy [15] the Privy Council laid down a broad rule postulating that, where a man and a woman are proved to have lived together as a man and wife, the law will presume, unless the contrary be clearly proved, that they were living together in consequence of a valid marriage and not in a state of concubinage. 

After independence the first case that can be reviewed is Badri Prasad v Dy. Director of Consolidation [16] wherein the Supreme Court recognized live-in relationship as valid marriage, putting a stop to questions raised by authorities on the 50 years of life in relationship of a couple.

In Payal Katara v. Superintendent Nari Niketan Kandri Vihar Agra and Others [17] the Allahabad High Court ruled out that "a lady of about 21 years of age being a major, has right to go anywhere and that anyone –man and woman even without getting married can live together if they wish".

In Patel and others [18] case the apex court observed that live- in –relation between two adult without formal marriage cnnot be construed as an offence.

In Radhika v. State of M.P. the SC observed that a man and woman are involved in live in relationship for a long period, they will treat as a married couple and their child would be called legitimate.

In Abhijit Bhikaseth Auti v. State Of Maharashtra and Other [19] on 16.09.2009, the SC also observed that it is not necessary for woman to strictly establish the marriage to claim maintenance under sec. 125 of Cr.P.C. A woman living in relationship may also claim maintenance under Sec.125 Cr.P.C.

The Maharashtra Government in Oct. 2008 approved a proposal suggesting a woman involved in such a relationship for a 'reasonable period' should get status of a wife. The Malimath committee had also suggested that the word 'wife' under Cr.P.C. be amended to include a 'woman living with the man like his wife' which means the woman would also be entitled to alimony.

In Lata Singh v State of UP & Anr. [20] the Apex Court held that live-in relationship was permissible only between unmarried major persons of heterogeneous sex. If a spouse is married, the man could be guilty of adultery [21] punishable under section 497 of the IPC. 

The same was relied on in S. Kushboo v Kanniammal & Anr. with the husband surviving, Rangammal cannot invoke presumption of live-in. thus the children became illegitimate and disqualified to inherit u/s 16 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. This judgment is not prohibitive law for live-in kids. So, live-in could be 'a dangerous thing' between a wife and non-husband as it could lead to the crime of adultery, but never to 'marriage'.

6. Rights of Children born out of Live-in Relation:
Although Supreme Court of India has granted the legal status to Live-in Relationship,but what happens if one partner decides to walk out. Could the other partner be left homeless? Will the children born into live-in relationship be recognized by the law? Will it empower women with the Right to Inheritance, Right to maintenance, and Right to demand Alimony? Will the law give the same standing status to live-in relationship as that of Marriage? 

Answers to these questions are changing on a regular basis. Recently Supreme Court of India laid down that, child born out of live-in relationship possess a right to inherent the properties left behind by one of the partners. Bench of Justice P Sathasivam and B S Chauhan said that "if a man as well as a lady are living under the same roof and living together for quite a few years, there will be presumption under Section 114 of the Evidence Act that they live as husband and wife and the children born to them will not be illegitimate" [22]. Delhi High Court case (Arvind Yada Vs Renu Sharma, dated 19th January, 2011) wherein a 18 years old unmarried girl chose a path for herself to live with a married man. 

The court protected their live-in relationship but alerted them that they will not be entitled to claim Maintenance and Alimony in case one of them later walks out of this wedlock. It is so because they do not qualify condition No. 3 of live-in relationship. They both must be unmarried [23]. 

Even in UK also child born out of such relationship has right to maintain himself/herself. At the end of a relationship, both partners will be responsible for supporting children financially, regardless of which one of you the children live with. The court can make order about who the children should live with. The order will usually allow contact between the child and the parent with whom the child is not living unless there are exceptional circumstances [24]. In Canada there is no difference in law in the status of a child born to someone who is legally married, to a single mother, to a person in a common-law relationship, or to a couple in a same-sex relationship or an opposite-sex relationship. A child born outside marriage is treated in the same way as a child born inside marriage [25]. 

7. Conclusion:
It's better to have a live-in relationship rather than having a divorced life.This is common and quite rational line favoring live-in relations in the world. It should not be denied that our culture does need a legislature to regulate relationships which are likely to grow in number with changes in the ideology of people. The right time has come that efforts should be made to enact a law having clear provisions with regard to the time span required to give status to the relationship, registration and rights of parties and children born out of it. Laws should be made by the parliament, which should keep a check on the practice of evading bondages.

References:
[1] http://www.thegeminigeek.com/what-is-live-in-relationship
[2] http://www.rishabhkullar.com
[3] http://airwebworld.com/articles/index.php?article=1266
[4] http://www.onlymyhealth.com/difference-between-live-in-relationship-marriage
[5] http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2006/2/contents
[6] http://www.indianexpress.com
[7] http://www.austlii.edu.au
[8] http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca
[9] http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/33/contents 
[10] http://www.indianexpress.com/news/the-rights-of-livein-partner
[11] ttp://www.unc.edu/depts/europe/francophone/a_la_carte/pacs/qrd_pacs.pdf
[12] Madabhushi Sridhar, Live-in hassles, Witness, vol.2, August 2010, p. 82.
[13] 2010 STPL (Web) 406 SC.
[14] AIR 1992 SC 756.
[15] (1928) 1 MLJ 388 (PC).
[16] AIR 1978 SC 1557.
[17] AIR 2001 All 254.
[18] (2006) 8 SCC 726.
[19] AIR 2009 (NOC) 808 (Bom.).
[20] AIR 2006 SC 2522.
[21] JT 2010 (4) SC 478.
[22] news.vakilno1.com/sc-rules-that-children-born-out-of-live-in-relatio
[23] Om S. Verma, Live in Relationship, Journal of Extension System, Vol. 26, Dec. 2010., available at http://www.jesonline.org/current.htm.
[24] http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/f_ending_a_relationship_unmarried_couples.pdf
[25] http://www.cba.org/bc/public_media/family/140.aspx

Published by 
Mr. Sandip Bhosale
LL.M Student at Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala























































































































































































































































































































































































































Dr P Vyasamoorthy
30 Gruhalakshmi Colony, Secunderabad 500015 Telangana
LL 040-27846631 / Mobile: 9490804278


When someone demanded that I apologize for something for which I was not responsible, I did apologize. His Ego was satisfied. What else do I need?