People living with disabilities strive every day, sometimes against exceptional possibilities, to be seen as productive and worthy members of society.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that medical disparities among people with disabilities often lead to premature deaths, sometimes as long as 20 years.
Limiting factors include negative attitudes of healthcare workers, the presentation of confusing medical information, and difficulty accessing healthcare providers.
Sibo Dube, Head of Patient Advocacy at Novartis, a global healthcare company, said: They should be respected and appreciated for their contributions in every sense of the word. “
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Medically speaking, Dube said, disability is a serious health problem and, unfortunately, people with disabilities are at a much higher risk of contracting other illnesses.
“Therefore, they should receive personalized and frequent care from specialized health care providers. Novartis is on a mission to educate, raise awareness and advocate for change in the public about health issues.
“Change always starts with acknowledging that a problem exists. As a society, we need to raise awareness about disability, learn how to work correctly with people with disabilities, educate others, and promote positive change. is important.”
What is disability?
There are many types, degrees, and severities of failures, and each instance of failure should be treated differently.
There are three main categories of disability. activity limitations, such as hearing or walking difficulties; participation limitations, such as the inability to participate in work or social or recreational activities.
Causes and risk factors for disability include diseases such as epilepsy, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. physical injuries; musculoskeletal disorders; poor overall health and weight problems; mental health problems and depression.
These can affect a person’s ability to see, hear, learn, remember, communicate, or think, and can lead to social stigma and discrimination.
People with disabilities are twice as likely to develop other conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, body aches and obesity.
proper etiquette
Dube said it’s naturally difficult to understand unless someone knows how to work and interact correctly or appropriately with people with disabilities.
“For health workers, it is much more important to understand how to properly treat and support people with disabilities.
“There is a fine line between treating these individuals as we would treat others and including them in all aspects of society, paying special attention and consideration to their particular needs. A balance must be struck.
“One of the pieces of advice I give others is to focus on the strengths and capabilities of these individuals rather than their disability.”
Other etiquette tips:
• Ask before helping someone.
• Use neutral, respectful and non-offensive language.
• Find and focus on common ground and common interests.
• Make natural eye contact at eye level.
• Don’t underestimate people’s abilities.
• Where relevant, explain complex concepts in simple terms.
• Always be patient.
• Provide easy access to facilities.
“Always be respectful, treat others as you would like to be treated, and be yourself.
“At Novartis, our purpose is to develop science-based innovations to create breakthrough medicines and products that deliver better outcomes for patients.
“Ongoing research, especially in the area of aging and regenerative medicine, aims to radically improve the health and lives of people with disabilities,” Dube added.
He said pharmaceutical companies are keen to raise awareness of disorders and other public health issues and advocate for better healthcare globally.
