Background:The worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus has risen dramatically in the developing countries over the past two decades. Regular screening of adults is essential for early detection and care. There are limited studies on diabetes awareness and prevalence in rural communities. Hence this prevalence and knowledge assessment study was undertaken. Such data are extremely important to plan the public health policies with specific reference to implementation of National Diabetic Control Program.Aims:To study the prevalence and awareness of diabetes mellitus in rural areas.Settings and Design:Cross-sectional, household study.Materials and Methods:A study on adults and elderly age group in Tamaka village was undertaken. Structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge of diabetes and capillary blood screening tests done to detect diabetes.Statistical Analysis Used:SPSS - 11 software.Results and Conclusions:Ten per cent of the 311 adults screened had hyperglycemia. Half of the interviewed population had some awareness about diabetes and its symptoms. But more than half (75%) of them were not aware of the long term effects of diabetes and diabetic care. The common perception about diet in diabetes was to avoid sweets, rice and fruits and to consume more ragi, millet and wheat chapattis. Diabetes in young adults is common. Relevant knowledge about diabetes is poor in rural population. Hence community level awareness programs have to be organized. Healthcare providers must be aware of community perceptions and practices.

INTRODUCTIONIn most regions of the world the global epidemic of traffic injuries is still increasing.1 In India motor vehicle population is growing at a faster rate than the economic and population growth.2 It has been estimated that unless immediate action is taken, road deaths will rise to the fifth leading cause of deaths by 2030. It may result in an estimated 2.4 million fatalities per year. Half of all road traffic deaths are among pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and adults aged between 15 and 44 years account for 59% of deaths. It has been estimated that unless immediate action is taken, road deaths will rise to the fifth leading cause of deaths by 2020. 4 Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) are the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 and second leading cause of mortality among 20-24 years ABSTRACT Background: In most regions of the world the global epidemic of traffic injuries is still increasing. In India motor vehicle population is growing at a faster rate than the economic and population growth. It has been estimated that unless immediate action is taken, road deaths will rise to the fifth leading cause of deaths by 2020.The present study was aimed to assess the level of awareness regarding road safety among the study participants and to study the behavior patterns while using motorized vehicles among the study participants. Methods:The present cross-sectional study was conducted in Sri Siddhartha Dental College, Tumkur. All Undergraduate students were included in the study. A total of 200 students were studied. They all drive either their own vehicles or others' vehicles. They were aged from 17-27 years. The study period was from October 2016 to November 2016. Results: In total, 200 dental students were studied, ranging from 1 st to final year BDS of age 17-27years; the mean age being 21.67 and standard deviation of 3.170.Only 148(74%) wear helmet and only 61(30.5%) interpreted Gap-InMedian correct. Conclusions: The awareness regarding road safety measures among the study participants was satisfactory but interpretation of traffic signs was poor-only 30.5% interpreted gap-in-median correct. The behavioral patterns among dental students are not satisfactory-only 74% of students wear helmet while riding, only 81.5% wear seat belts and 23.5% don't follow lane rules while driving.

Background: Maternal nutrition has a huge impact on the health of the mother and the fetus. Pregnancy imposes the need for considerable extra calorie and nutrient requirements. A food taboo is a prohibition against consuming certain foods. The restrictions imposed on people forces them to abstain from certain food and drinking items as these things are embedded into the cultural and religious threads. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted between July 2014 and September 2014. Study was conducted in urban and rural field practice area of Sri Siddhartha medical college, Tumkur, Karnataka.  Study involved three groups Mother –in- laws Anganwadi workers, Pregnant and lactating women. Six Focus group discussions were conducted and four themes were used. Quantitative data was tabulated and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: All most all women under the study followed some form of restrictive diet. Many nutritive and locally available foods were avoided which includes fruits, vegetables, pulses and green leafy vegetables. Special foods rich in energy were consumed during post-partum period. Concept of hot and cold food is prevailing high and there was no scientific reasoning given for the taboo. Anganwadi workers who are front line health workers were believed in the many of the food taboos. Conclusions: Food taboos in this community are deep rooted. Avoidance of nutritive food was common in both the religion. Many misconceptions are prevalent which do not have scientific basis. Maternal nutrition needs to be prioritized at community level among family members and front line workers. Anganwadi workers need to be sensitized   regarding different beliefs about food consumption during pregnancy and lactation.

Evidence suggests that childhood obesity is increasing at a rapid rate. The childhood obesity accelerated rapidly in ABSTRACT Background: Childhood overweight and obesity are global problems that are on the rise. Obesity in children appears to increase the risk of subsequent morbidity, whether or not obesity persists into adulthood. The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide. In developing countries such as India, especially in urban populations, childhood obesity is emerging as a major health problem. The aim is to assess the magnitude of overweight and obesity in government aided and unaided schools of Tumkur city, India. Methods: This is a cross sectional study including a total of 2207 students, aged 10-16 years selected from 10 schools in Tumkur city, India was evaluated during Nov 2012 till April 2014. Recommended cutoff points for Indian children (IAP Classification 2012) were utilized to assess overweight and obesity. Results: Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among school going children was 13.14%. It was more in boys (13.24%) than girls (13.04%), respectively. Prevalence was higher in unaided (16.8%) school children than in Government. (3.8%) and aided (9.4%) school children. Prevalence of childhood overweight was found to be 7.02% and prevalence of obesity was 6.12%. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children age 10-16 years in Tumkur city, India was found to be 13.14%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was more in unaided compared to government schools. Prevalence was 3.8% in government, 9.4% among aided and highest in unaided (16.8%) school children. Overweight and obesity showed an increasing trend with age.