Prof. B.L.Kaul Athwajan stone quarry has been there, I believe for over a hundred years now. At least, I am sure that it exist- ed when I was a child sixty years ago. But then it was outside the city limits and quarrying was done on a small scale. Now Athwajan is very much a part of Srinagar city and a sizeable population lives in the area and around it. Besides a well reputed Public School, Government schools ,offices and a large number of police and para- military forces units exist near the quarry. The quarry operators start blasting early in the morn- ing disturbing sleep of the people and creating noise pol- lution. Clouds of dust arise and spread in and around the area polluting all house- holds, offices and institutions. Thick layers of dust cover furniture, clothes, utensils, oth- er household items, roofs and even the trees. The resi- dents of the area just watch helplessly. Then starts anoth- er activity namely movement of men and machines. The noise of the machines and vehicles continues throughout the day till late hours. The people of the area watch all this activity like mute spectators. It is a well known and documented fact that quarrying of all sorts and mining are a great environmental and health hazard (Refer " Ecodegradation of Himalayas- Causes and Remedies-B.L.Kaul Ed. 1995-Vinod Publish- ers").Stone quarrying generates dust particles which may contain radioactive substances. As the dust is carried by wind it enters the human respiratory system during breathing and creates respiratory problems and allergies. In case the dust carries radioactive substances it may cause health problems of very serious nature. I am told that a recent health status study, of the people of Athwajan and surrounding areas by medical professionals have revealed a high incidence of respiratory dis- eases compared to other parts of Sri- nagar.. True the stone quarrying activity must be earning revenue to the State besides providing employment to some people at the cost of Public health. Is it worthwhile ? Certainly not. Firstly it is to be understood that nowhere in the country and the world quarrying and mining activity is allowed within city limits. Secondly public health can't be risked for rev- enue and employment generation alone. The stone quar- rying at Athwajan needs to be stopped immediately. A new stone quarrying location outside the city limits and away from any habitation should be found to meet the require- ment of stones for construction purposes. It will also ensure that those employed in stone quarrying don't lose their jobs and there is no loss of revenue to the State. (The author is an Environmentalist) Dr Richa Sharma It of course a hope- better selection,, better embryos, better implanation, less multiples so less risk both to babies and mother so improving live birth rate. Quality better judge of outcome than Quantity !! Ideal and the only way of eSET Best treatment option for RIF More chances to survive freezing effects in lab storage We can choose whats the best . The first thing that usually comes to mind when people hear the term, "infer- tility treatment," is the risk of multiple births. The incidence of triplets or high- er-order births as a result of assisted reproductive technology is of great con- cern to all infertility practitioners and patients. But now there is a way to reduce or even eliminate the risk of mul- tiples.The new technology not only helps more couples become parents, it also decreases maternal and neonatal risks. The new technology is known as blastocyst transfer. With blastocyst transfer, fewer embryos are transferred while maintaining and even increasing pregnancy rates. This technique virtu- ally eliminates the risk of triplets or greater.Also we have a chance to select the best quality embryos.Its based on the concept of Survival of Fittest -so that fittest of all embryos will survive upto that stage.Its more physiological as its at this stage the embryos normally implant in body and this stage is rela- tively independent with full activation of embryonic genome !! 'Blastocyst culture provides more physiological synchronization of the embryo with the endometrium, improv- ing implantation rates'Blastocyst cul- ture eliminates aneuploidic embryos leading to a better implantation rate.Minimizing exposure of the embryo to a hyperstimulated uterine environment. In a typical non-blastocyst in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, a woman's eggs are retrieved and fertilized. If all goes well, the embryos are transferred into the uterus three days later. Due to the fact that it is difficult to predict on day three which embryos are more like- ly to produce a pregnancy, four or more embryos are frequently transferred in hopes that at least one will result in a live birth. Until now, this has been a rea- sonable approach in order to achieve acceptable pregnancy rates. The downside is that sometimes all the embryos become ongoing preg- nancies and the result is high-order multiple gestations (triplets or greater). In such pregnancies, there are consid- erable medical risks as well as financial and emotional considerations. So the couple is faced with the agonizing deci- sion of whether to opt for selective reduction (the removal of one or more embryos) or to continue with a risky pregnancy. Although everyone agrees that every possible safeguard should be in place to avoid such unfortunate situations, the distressing reality is that multiple pregnancies sometimes do occur. However, with blastocyst transfer, only two healthy embryos are trans- ferred, practically eliminating the pos- sibility of triplets or greater. And the same pregnancy rates are achieved as would be expected when three or more embryos are transferred on day three. Blastocysts are "heartier& healthier" than day three embryos and produce higher implantation rates (the percent- age chance that an embryo will initiate a pregnancy). Studies at some some centers report achieving even better pregnancy rates with blastocysts. Doctors are limited by law to trans- ferring a maximum of 2 embryos (in women under 40), it can be difficult to select the one embryo that may devel- op into a healthy baby. All 6 embryos may look like they have the same potential on day 3. Two additional days development in the blastocyst culture medium allows the natural selection process to continue. Thus, after 5 days of growth in the laboratory, only 2 or 3 of the original embryos may remain viable. This gives the doctors the best way to analyze which is the best embryo to transfer leading to a healthy pregnancy and baby. So ultimately not the quantity but quality counts to add to outcome which every couple wants and interested - Take home baby rate. Taran Adarsh Biopics are fast gaining popularity in Hindi movies and several conscientious film-makers are attempting movies based on the life events of iconic and distinguished person- alities. THE LEGEND OF BHAGAT SINGH and BOSE: THE FORGOTTEN HERO won immense critical acclaim... PAAN SINGH TOMAR not only won critical and commercial suc- cess, but fetched the most prestigious honor as well -- Nation- al Award... THE DIRTY PICTURE, on the life and times of an actress, too made waves... Another biopic on a sportsper- son, Mary Kom, is currently taking shape… Biopics on gang- sters have been attempted in the recent past... A biopic on the life of legendary singer Kishore Kumar is on the cards, while the one on the 19th century artist, Raja Ravi Varma [RANG RASIYA], is already complete. Expect many more in days to come. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's biopic BHAAG MILKHABHAAG, based on the life of legendary athlete Milkha Singh, the country's national treasure, is now ready for view- ing. A handful of films sprint that extra mile beyond providing meager entertainment to its spectators. BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG is one such cinematic experience. However, direc- tor Mehra and writer Prasoon Joshi encompass pertinent episodes/chapters from the icon's life and create a film that makes you salute the sportsperson, besides evok- ing the spirit of nationalism in the spectator. BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG chronicles the life of Indian sprinter Milkha Singh from his childhood to achieving the iconic standing.The film takes you back in time when Milkha lost his family members during the partition and his rise to the celebrated status without any prescribed guidance or monetary backing. The film also encapsulates his attach- ment to his sister [Divya Dutta] and the woman he gave his heart to [Sonam Kapoor]. Also depicted in this 3-hour+ film are the conquests, the lows, the rise to splendor and distinction, the skilful attainment... The supremely talented director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and the proficient writer Prasoon Joshi amass the varied occurrences from the phenomenon's life, although the focus is clearly on the documenta- tion of Milkha's illustrious career, his uphill struggle, impedi- ments, apprehensions and eventual triumph. Besides stay- ing true to Milkha's life and con- quests, Mehra and Joshi inter- weave a spellbinding screen- play that doesn't limit it to being a mere sports-based film. In fact, the writer comes up with an incredible script that keeps you hooked from commencement to conclusion. There are a num- ber of sequences that make you moist eyed, besides leaving an indelible impression. The sharp edit [P.S. Bharathi] and the electrifying background score further elevate the film to an exceptional level. There's no denying that Mehra has a ear for superior melody and the soundtrack of RANG DE BASANTI and DELHI 6 bear testi- mony to the fact. However, this time, Mehra opts for Shankar- Ehsaan-Loy. This one's a plot-motivated movie; consequent- ly, the songs cater more to the situations than creating a sound-rich album. Binod Pradhan's cinematography is of international grade. He captures every beat, every tone, every nuance with mastery. Hindi movies offer infrequent opportunities to actors to depict iconic and inspirational characters and Farhan gets the opportunity of portraying the most demanding role of his career so early in his acting vocation. Over the past few years, Farhan has progressively evolved into a superior actor, but he outshines himself -- and also the spectator's expectations -- with BHAAG MILKHABHAAG. Farhan delivers an enchant- ing performance as the Flying Sikh, leaving the spectator awe-stuck in several sequences. His brilliant portrayal and meticulous interpretation of the character is sure to win him colossal admiration, approbation and respect from all quar- ters. What's noteworthy is the effort the actor has invested in look- ing the part. Right from his chiseled, athletic physique, the hair, the body language et al, Farhan has pushed himself beyond limits to illustrate the eminent and renowned character of Milkha Singh with precision. He leaves you astonished at varied stages and you can't help but admire the hard slog, passion, commit- ment and earnestness of the actor. This is an unblemished, memorable performance that should find a strong nomination in the year's best performances. Milkha learnt some of life's most crucial and critical tutorials from his senior, portrayed luminously by Pawan Malhotra. He inculcated valor and determination in Milkha to encounter the uphill struggles in life and I genuinely believe that any amount of admiration will not do ade- quate justice to the extraordinary depiction of this character by Pawan Malhotra. Cricketer Yuvraj Singh's actor-father Yograj Singh, who has been an integral part of several films in the past, excels as Farhan's coach. He is simply incredible here. Prakash Raj, cast in a positive role, is in fine form too. Sonam puts her best foot for- ward as well. Although the character is brief, she shines in those pertinent moments nonethe- less. Aus- tralian actress Rebecca Breeds has a pivotal part and the chemistry she shares with Farhan is super. Divya Dutta is simply outstanding as Farhan's sister. An extraordinary actor, she handles the demanding part with flourish. British actor Art Malik seems most appropriate in the role of Farhan's father. Dalip Tahil [as Pandit Nehru], K.K. Raina [as Mr Wadhwa], Nawab Shah [as Coach Javed], Meesha Shafi [as Perizaad], Dev Gill [as Abdul Khaliq] and Shanta Kumar [as Gen. Ayub Khan] are wonderful in their respec- tive parts. Jabtej Singh, as the young Milkha, is superb. On the whole, BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG is sure to win accolades, admiration, respect and esteem, besides emerg- ing as a champ. Reserve the applause for Milkha Singh and the team behind BHAAG MILKHA BHAAG. Give it a stand- ing ovation! Courtesy: bollywoodhungama.com Dr Sanjay Sachdeva Glaucoma is the term used to describe a number of relat- ed conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, which transmits information from the eye to the brain. It usually (but not always) is associated with high intraocular pres- sure (IOP). Left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. Does increased eye pressure mean that I have glau- coma? Not necessarily. Increased eye pressure means you are at risk for glaucoma, but does not mean you have the dis- ease. A person has glaucoma only if the optic nerve is dam- aged. If you have increased eye pressure but no damage to the optic nerve, you do not have glaucoma. However, you are at risk. Who is most at risk for glaucoma? If you're over age 60, diabetic or have a family member with glaucoma, you are at higher risk for glaucoma than oth- ers. What are the different types of glaucoma? Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most com- mon form of glaucoma. The other types are: normal-ten- sion, narrow-angle, closed-angle, congenital, pigmentary and secondary. How can I prevent the disease from occurring? early detection and treatment of glaucoma, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the dis- ease. So, if you fall into one of the high-risk groups for the disease, make sure to have your eyes examined regularly. What are the symptoms of glaucoma? Although acute angle-closure glaucoma may cause pain, redness, haloes, and blurred vision, most people with glaucoma do not experience any symptoms until they have lost a significant amount of vision. How is glaucoma detected? Glaucoma is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, visual field test, dilat- ed eye exam, tonometry, and pachymetry. What glaucoma treatments are currently available? Doctors usually prescribe specia lglaucoma eye drops that reduce intraocular pressure. These are used one or several times a day, depending on the medication. If the drops don't work, surgery may be the next step. In some cases, surgery might be the first option for glaucoma treat- ment. What can I do to protect my vision? If you are taking medicines for glaucoma, be sure to take them every day as directed by your eye care professional. People at risk for glaucoma should have a dilated eye exam at least every two years. If you have been diagnosed, you may need to see your eye care professional more often. What can I do if I already have lost some vision from glaucoma? If you have lost some sight from glaucoma, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision. What should I do for a family member or friend who may be at risk of glaucoma? Encourage them to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once every two years. Remember -- lower- ing eye pressure in glaucoma's early stages slows progres- sion of the disease and helps save vision. If a Person Has Glaucoma, How Often Do They Need to Be Checked? The frequency of checkups depends on the severity of one's glaucoma. If the person is a low-risk glaucoma sus- pect, they may only need to be examined on an annual basis. For more severe glaucoma, examinations may need to be done monthly, or possibly even more frequently, until the glaucoma stabilizes. Once the glaucoma is stable, examinations every 3 to 4 months are usually appropriate. SUNDAY, JULY 14, 2013 (PAGE-4) E x celsior celsior MA MAGAZINE GAZINE daily Bhaag Milkha Bhaag Treating Glaucoma Stone Quarrying at Athwajan ENVIRONMENT MOVIE REVIEW HEALTHLINES New hope for intfertile couples