Panaji, 3rd April 2025. The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Goa, launched a nutritional support program for 200 tuberculosis (TB) patients as part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan on Thursday. The event was graced by Shri Gaurish Dhond, Chairman of IRCS Goa, along with State TB Officer Dr. Manish Gaunekar, Vice Chairman Shri Manguirish Pai Raiker, Member Shri Rajesh Salgaonker, General Secretary Shri John Aguiar, Shri Rio Couto, and other esteemed guests.
During the launch, Shri Dhond emphasized the Prime Minister’s ambitious goal of making India TB-free, aiming to achieve this five years ahead of the global target. He highlighted that the program is making significant strides towards this objective.
“To attain this target, we are providing essential nutritional support to TB patients, guided by the unwavering support of His Excellency, the Governor of Goa,” said Shri Dhond. This initiative underscores the commitment of the Indian Red Cross Society and the government to combat tuberculosis and improve the health and well-being of affected individuals.
Panaji: The Rotary Club of Panaji Mid Town Mathias Panaji Run 2025, a charity-driven fitness event that combined health, inclusivity, and community service was held recently.
The event, held outside Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao, witnessed 1,200 participants that comprised athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and community members.
The inaugural edition attracted elite and passionate runners from across the country, elevating the event’s competitive appeal
The Mathais Panaji Run included a 10-km timed race, a 5-km walk/run, and a 1-km walk with students from the National Association for the Blind (NAB) and People with Disabilities (PwD).
The event coincided with the Carnival festivities, with participants donning creative outfits in hopes of winning prizes for the Best Dressed Individual and Best Dressed Group.
Winners were awarded cash prizes totaling ₹1 lakh across various categories.
Beyond promoting fitness, the run also contributed to Rotary’s flagship social initiatives that include Saksharata – Educational grants for deserving students, Sudharata – financial aid for corrective surgeries, Sahayanta – nurse training for elderly care, Swachata – water purifiers for schools in remote areas, and Sanjivani – medical resources such as oxygen concentrators and fowler beds for those in need.
Rtn. Dattatray W. Kamat, President of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid Town, expressed his delight at the success of the event. “I am extremely happy that the first-ever Mathias Panaji Run was organized during my tenure. The overwhelming response and the grand success of the event give us the confidence to continue this initiative for years to come. Most importantly, the funds raised will be directed toward great causes, making a meaningful impact on the community,” he said.
While Sheetal Pai Kane, Convenor- Mathias Panaji Run 2025 said, “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the Mathias Panaji Run 2025, with 1,200 participants coming together to celebrate fitness, inclusivity, and community service. Seeing individuals of all ages embrace the spirit of the event was truly heartwarming. This run was not just about fitness, but also about making a difference through Rotary’s key initiatives,” she said.
“A big thank you to all our participants, sponsors, and volunteers for their incredible support. We look forward to an even bigger and better Edition 2 next year,” Kane added.
Neil Dsilva and Agnelo Desa from Team Yoska played a crucial role in overseeing the run with their technical expertise, ensuring a smooth and well-managed event.
Meanwhile, title sponsors Joe and Mariola Mathias have committed to continuing their association with the event, reaffirming their support as the title sponsors of the Rotary Club of Panaji Mid-Town Mathias Panaji Run in the coming years.
The participants praised the overall organisation of the event.
“The 10K event I participated in was exceptionally well-organized, starting on time with adequate traffic control and road closures in place. The hydration stations were well spaced, though I didn’t need to use them. The post-run breakfast was well-planned and ideal for recovery. Overall, it was a fantastic experience, ” said Dinesh Heda an Ultra Marathoner from Vasco, who was first Runner-up (50-59 Age Category).
“The Panaji 10K Run was planned in the simplest way—a true race experience. Ample aid stations, excellent route management, a well-organized start and award ceremony, and the best post-race refreshments I’ve ever had made it perfect. I would love to race in this event again, ” said another participant Nihal Ahamad Baig, Hyderabad who came First (30-39 Age Category). He was the winner in the IRONMAN 70.3 Goa in 2022 and 2023.
As a renowned dietician specializing in PCOD and hormonal health, Richa Shet Talauliker has helped numerous individuals achieve optimal wellness. In an exclusive interview, Richa shared her inspiring journey, approach to nutrition, and expert advice on managing PCOD, diabetes, and weight loss.
Growing up in Goa, Richa appreciated the nourishing effects of home-cooked meals. However, her personal experience with hormonal imbalances post-pregnancy led her to delve deeper into PCOD and hormonal health. This journey sparked her passion for nutrition and inspired her to become a dietician.
Richa believes in a balanced, sustainable approach that integrates real, wholesome foods. She focuses on individual needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds to create personalized plans that are easy to follow. Whether it’s a Goan diet plan or a specific medical condition, Richa ensures that her recommendations fit seamlessly into her clients’ lifestyles.
To provide evidence-based advice, Richa continuously reads scientific journals, attends webinars, follows credible nutrition experts, and participates in professional courses. This commitment to ongoing education enables her to offer cutting-edge guidance to her clients.
Richa addresses common misconceptions about PCOD, such as the notion that it can only be managed with medication. In reality, lifestyle and dietary changes play a significant role. She also educates clients on balanced carb intake rather than restriction.
Richa recommends prioritizing high-fiber, protein-rich meals, reducing refined sugar and processed foods, managing stress through meditation or yoga, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep and hydration.
Richa acknowledges that PCOD can be emotionally challenging. She focuses on a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, encouraging small, sustainable changes, celebrating progress, and incorporating mindfulness techniques to help clients manage stress and body image concerns.
Richa emphasizes balanced meals with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, portion control, choosing whole grains over refined grains, spacing meals properly, and educating clients on the glycemic index of foods.
Richa focuses on habit-building rather than drastic dieting. She encourages mindful eating, portion control, and increasing protein intake while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Richa sets small, achievable goals to keep clients motivated.
For cravings, Richa suggests healthier alternatives and mindful eating techniques. For emotional eating, she works with clients to identify triggers and develop coping strategies. Plateaus are tackled by modifying workouts, adjusting macros, and reinforcing consistency.
Richa promotes a flexible and guilt-free approach to eating. She encourages clients to listen to their bodies, enjoy their meals mindfully, and shift focus from restriction to nourishment.
Richa recommends setting small, measurable goals, tracking progress, and finding an accountability partner. She also encourages celebrating non-scale victories, such as better energy or improved digestion.
Richa encourages self-compassion and shifting focus from perfection to progress. She helps clients reframe their thoughts around food and body image, emphasizing nourishment over deprivation.
Richa respects cultural food preferences and adapts meal plans accordingly. She also offers flexible consultation timings to cater to different time zones.
Richa has successfully adapted to online coaching, ensuring effective communication and support through video calls, voice notes, and messages.
Richa uses simple language, visual guides, and voice notes if needed. If technical issues arise, she reschedules calls or switches to a different communication method.
After struggling with weight gain, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances post-pregnancy, Richa regained her energy and health through mindful eating and lifestyle changes. This personal journey made her more empathetic toward her clients.
Richa believes that health is about balance, not extremes. She emphasizes sustainable habits, real food, and self-care, helping clients find an approach that works for them rather than forcing rigid diets.
Richa makes time for daily walks, nourishing meals, and moments of relaxation. She also practices gratitude and ensures work-life balance to avoid burnout.
Richa Narvekar’s inspiring journey, expert advice, and compassionate approach to nutrition and wellness make her a trusted guide for individuals seeking to achieve optimal health and balance in their lives.
February 10th marks a significant day in India’s journey towards a healthier future – National Deworming Day. This initiative, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, aims to deworm all children between the ages of 1-19, combating the widespread issue of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) or intestinal worms.
The Importance of Deworming Worm infections can have severe consequences on a child’s health, hindering nutrient absorption and leading to problems like:
Anemia
Malnutrition
Impaired mental and physical health
Stunted growth
Low body weight
If left unchecked, these infections can cause a range of other health issues, affecting not only the child’s well-being but also their academic performance and overall quality of life.
Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention Common symptoms of worm infections include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Weight loss
These infections are often caused by:
Poor sanitation and hygiene
Contact with infected soil
Consuming contaminated food and water
Poor personal hygiene practices
Prevention is key, and simple measures like:
Washing hands before eating and after using the toilet
Wearing slippers
Drinking safe and clean water
Washing vegetables and fruits with clean water
Trimming nails
Eating properly cooked food can go a long way in preventing worm infections.
Join the Fight Against Worms National Deworming Day is conducted bi-annually, with the first round on February 10th and the second round on August 10th. The program is implemented through Anganwadis and schools across states and union territories, aiming to reach every child in need.
Let’s join forces to create a worm-free India. Ensure your children don’t miss their dose of deworming and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can make a difference!
Key Facts:
National Deworming Day is observed every year on February 10th.
The program aims to deworm all children between the ages of 1-19.
Worm infections can cause anemia, malnutrition, and impaired mental and physical health.
Simple measures like washing hands, wearing slippers, and drinking safe water can prevent worm infections.
Take Action:
Ensure your children receive their deworming dose on National Deworming Day.
Spread awareness about the importance of deworming and prevention measures.
Support the National Deworming Day initiative and help create a worm-free India.
Every year on February 4th, the world comes together to commemorate World Cancer Day, a global awareness day that aims to educate, mobilize, and inspire individuals to take action against cancer.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, affecting not only the patients but also their families and loved ones. Low- and middle-income countries face additional challenges due to lack of awareness, low literacy rates, and limited access to affordable treatment.
World Cancer Day serves as a powerful reminder that we can make a difference in the fight against cancer. By building a cohesive community, inspiring action, and promoting education and awareness, we can work towards a cancer-free world.
World Cancer Day brings people from all walks of life together to discuss cancer, share experiences, and explore ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent the disease. This collective effort helps raise awareness, build empathy, and foster understanding towards cancer patients.
World Cancer Day encourages individuals to contribute to the fight against cancer through fundraising activities, supporting education and research, and advocating for improved health facilities. Every action counts, and collective efforts can lead to significant positive change.
World Cancer Day serves as a platform to educate people about cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection, adequate treatment, and prevention. By debunking myths and misconceptions, we can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
The theme for World Cancer Day 2025 is “United in Unique,” emphasizing the need for personalized, people-centered care in the fight against cancer. Every individual is unique, with their own needs, perspectives, and challenges. By working together to provide tailored support and treatment, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones.
So, how can you contribute to the fight against cancer? Here are some ways to make a difference:
Educate yourself about cancer and its effects
Advocate for better health resources and support
Participate in community events and fundraising activities
Strike a conversation about cancer with friends, family, and colleagues
Every action counts, and collective efforts can lead to significant positive change. Let’s come together to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
World Cancer Day is a powerful reminder that we can make a difference in the fight against cancer. By building a cohesive community, inspiring action, and promoting education and awareness, we can work towards a cancer-free world. Let’s unite in our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of cancer patients and their loved ones.
