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Day 1: Update from the Refugee Camp

womenshealth May 30, 2016 In The Media

Day 1

We met with the team comprised of mainly British and a few Americans. The lead person, Dr. Afsana is originally from London. Her parents are from Bangladesh. She is a Family Practitioner and was originally supposed to be here for 2 weeks, as a volunteer physician. She now has been here for close to a month and will be here another 2 weeks. That is passion.

Our team was comprised of 3 physicians. Two of them are from London, England and myself. There are 2 Arabic Translators and an ER Nurse from London. Then you my daughter, Anisah.

We were sent to Camp Hara.

Camp Hara is on the Border with Greece and Macedonia. This is the last hope. People try to cross the border at this point. Mostly are males. However, I did meet a woman who was smuggled by a Pakistani and she made it to the Serbian Border which is about 160 miles away. She made it by foot, till she was caught and sent back.

The camp is on a Gas Station Ground, next to a restaurant called, Hara. About 1000 people are at this camp. There are multiple “non-official” camps in Greece. Our group, SAMS, Syrian American Medical Society, are in charge of three. They sent Anisah and myself there because we spoke, Urdu, a Pakistani dialect. Most of the refugees are Syrian. However, there are a significant Afghani, Pakistani, Kurdish, and Iranian population. Our linguistic skills did come in handy. This is “tent city.” They live in the tent. They do their cooking and cleaning here. This is their home. There is no running water on site. There 20 or so “Port a Pottys” for their use. Some have money so they can buy a few things from the Gas Station and Restaurant.

Our clinic was a Minivan with a Tarp.

Our team saw about 110 patients. Mostly, men who had injuries and other issues. Since, I was the only OB/GYN, I saw mainly women, some who were pregnant.

As on the Facebook Page, the first patient I met was about 6 weeks Pregnant. She told me through our translator that she did not want to have her baby born here. She wanted a termination. Very sad and disheartening.

The day went by treating patients in this fashion. Our Pharmacy was the Trunk of the Van.

Most of the patients were younger people who are trying to get across the border. They do not want to be here. The stories were sad and bewildering. People left their homes because of war and turmoil. Many stated that they will “die” trying. Their lives at the camp are so bad that death was better. There is no running water. Food is donated by the government. They live in tents. Most have some money and are educated. This camp is considered to be the “hard core” refugee camp. None I spoke to and treated were “bad” people. Actually, all were respectful and kind.

Anisah bonded with a 13 year old Syrian Girl who was fluent in Arabic and English. She kept on smiling and was very helpful. She wanted to go home. She misses her school and her home.

The world is a cruel place. If this is any indication of our next few days, we are in for a very gut-wrenching mission.

On Our Way!

womenshealth May 28, 2016 In The Media

I would like to thank all of my dear family and friends for their kind words.
As most of you know, my daughter, Anisah, and myself are en route to Thessaloniki, Greece. We will going to the largest Syrian Refugee Camp for medical/humanitarian relief.
This will be my 3rd mission and Anisah’s first.
I will do my best to keep you updated with pictures and commentary of our work.
I wish to especially thank my Wife and Practice Manager, Shabana, for all her support and kindness that she has shown me for this cause….
May God Bless You All!!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LOCAL DOCTOR AND DAUGHTER TO AID REFUGEES IN GREECE

womenshealth May 28, 2016 In The Media

For one local doctor, the scenes of refugees on the evening news has led him to action. Dr. Tahir Chauhdry, who operates Womens Health of Western New York in Olean and a new women’s health office in Bradford will be arriving with his daughter Anisah at a refugee camp near Thessaloniki, Greece this weekend.
“Providing humanitarian and medical relief is the least that Anisah, myself and all the people who have supported this mission can do. Some in spirit, others in words of encouragement, or through financial donations. We are all truly blessed to be living in our beautiful country. We are all human. We all deserve to be treated that way,” said Chauhdry.

He explained that about 50,000 Refugees are currently living in Greece. Six months ago, the peak refugee population was over 200,000. “These refugees have fled their homes in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan. The majority of these people have left due to war, religious persecution and other atrocities. They are going to countries such as Turkey, Jordan, Greece, and Italy. Most are trying to join their families in Western Europe. The trek is arduous and life threatening. Some flee via land and other via the Mediterranean Sea. This harrowing journey has been successful for some. Unfortunately, the Mediterranean route has been a graveyard for many.”

Chauhdry is going on the mission through a medical relief organization, Syrian American Medical Society, (SAMS). SAMS has established clinics in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Greece. SAMS is one of many Non Government Organizations, NGOs, that are working on the front lines of crisis relief to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian People. Chauhdry said that this is a nonpolitical, nonprofit, professional/medical relief organization.

According to Chauhdry, many of the Refugees initially entered Greece. However, the massive influx into Europe through Greece has created issues. Many entered illegally. Some, have paid smugglers their life savings to be reunited with their loved ones in Germany, France, the Balkans and other European Countries. Europeans are facing a similar situation as Americans are. Illegal immigration has caused economic, political, social, and religious strife in many European Countries. Some fear the possibility of terrorism since many have entered without any form of “vetting.” The European Union, also known as the EU, has made a deal with Turkey. All new refugees entering Greece will be returned to Turkey in exchange for approximately $6 Billion. For each Syrian returned to Turkey, Europe has promised to accept another Syrian living in a Turkish camp.

Since the border with Macedonia is closed, about 40,000 refugees have been trapped in squalid conditions. Living in makeshift camps has become a major issue. Currently these camps are in the process of being cleared.

Currently, the SAMS team is operating a clinic at Sindos, a government camp, but Chauhdry said the medical staff at the camp is dwindling. SAMS has sent medical volunteer teams on a weekly basis to these areas for many months.

Though Chauhdry is an OB-GYN, he will be providing all types of medical care while serving at the camp.

This is Dr. Chauhdry’s third medical mission. He belong to a humanitarian group called Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA).

“I was with the First US Medical Team that arrived in Northern Pakistan in 2005. Pakistan suffered its worst Earthquake and it claimed about 100,000 people and injured about 70,000. In 2013, I went with IMANA to Haiti to provide Medical Care to the underprivileged and earthquake victims.” said Chauhdry.

Anisah, who is a senior at Olean High School will be entering her Freshman Year at St. Bonaventure University. She has participated in several local volunteer activities with Olean High School, Olean General Hospital, Olean Food Pantry, and IMANA. This will be her first major medical-humanitarian mission. She hopes to become a physician after college, and while in Greece, will be serve as her father’s assistant.

Chauhdry said, “We are so lucky to live in the greatest country in the World. We have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes, it is necessary to aid the less fortunate of the world. We do take things for granted. Even basic needs are hard pressed for these refugees. Many of these refugees are Doctors, Lawyers, Businessmen, Teachers, etc. They have risked everything to find a better tomorrow for their families. Leaving their homes and lives because of war and violence is a tragedy in and of itself. Many chose to leave. Most have stayed in Syria. These poor souls are fleeing the same tyranny the world is fighting. Fanatics, such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and the Assad Regime have tarnished a truly peaceful religion. Islam does not promote violence. A few have ‘hijacked’ my religion, killed and injured scores of innocent people, and displaced many of their countrymen.”

The cost of travel, lodging, and any other expenses from the trip are were covered by Dr. Chauhdry himself, but he has received more than $5,000 in donations from people in the community who want to help.

Chauhdry expands gynecological services to Bradford

womenshealth April 16, 2016 In The Media

From the Bradford Era
Dr. Tahir Chauhdry, D.O., FACOG, has announced he will expand his practice to offer gynecological and women’s health services in Bradford, where he will start seeing patients this month at 195 Pleasant St., Suite 3.
Chauhdry will continue to see patients at Women’s Health of Western New York in Olean, N.Y., which he opened in 2007.
Since many of his patients are from the Bradford area, Chauhdry felt it was a logical step to open the new office and be able to perform surgical procedures in Bradford.

“About 20 percent of our patients are from the Bradford region. So, instead of our patients coming to Olean, we are going to our patients to make it more convenient,” Chauhdry said. “We want to make a longstanding and permanent commitment to our patients and the region.”
Chauhdry, diplomate, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, offers the area’s only ambulatory hysterectomy, a less invasive procedure which diminishes pain, recovery time and complications. Often, patients can go home within six to eight hours of the surgery and normal activity can generally resume within two weeks, he said.
“This procedure has been a great success in Olean. Now, we want to bring this to Bradford,” Chauhdry said.

Additional Resources Coming Soon

womenshealth November 13, 2015 resources

Child Care

womenshealth October 30, 2015 Important Decisions

If you are planning to return to work after having the baby, finding good child care will be a top priority for you and your partner. Give yourself some time to figure out which option is best for your family. You may want to arrange child care during the final weeks before the baby arrives. Ask around for child care recommendations.

There are three basic child care options: care in your home, care in a caregiver’s home, or care in a child care center. If you want to hire someone to care for your baby in your home (such as a nanny or au pair), contact agencies that focus on child care placements. This type of care can be very costly. To cut costs, some parents share a caregiver with another family. The caregiver in these “share-care” setups is paid to watch two babies in one family’s home.

A less-costly option is having a relative or a licensed provider care for your baby in their home. In most cases, these caregivers watch more than one child. Child care centers are another option. This type of setting may take care of many groups of children of all different ages. Some accept babies as young as six weeks, and some do not take infants until they are out of diapers, so be sure to ask questions while you’re doing your research.

Pain Relief During Labor

womenshealth October 30, 2015 Important Decisions

You may want to start thinking about whether you would like pain relief during labor and delivery. You don’t have to decide now, but it’s a good idea to know your options. Even if you do make a decision now, you may change your mind once you’re in labor.

Each woman’s labor is unique. The amount of pain a woman feels during labor may differ from that felt by another woman. Pain depends on many factors, such as the size and position of the baby, the strength of contractions, and how you handle pain.

Some women take classes to learn breathing and relaxation techniques to help cope with pain during childbirth. Others may find it helpful to use these techniques along with pain medications.

There are two types of pain-relieving drugs — analgesics and anesthetics. Analgesics lessen the pain, while anesthetics block all pain and sensation. Some forms of anesthesia, such as general anesthesia, cause you to lose consciousness. General anesthesia usually is not used for vaginal births. Other forms, such as regional anesthesia, remove all feeling of pain from parts of the body while you stay conscious. Several forms of regional anesthesia are used during childbirth:

Epidural Block: Epidural blocks cause loss of some feeling in the lower part of a woman’s body, yet she remains awake and alert. An epidural block may be given soon after contractions start or later as labor progresses. It is given through a thin tube inserted in the lower back.

Spinal Block: A spinal block — like an epidural block — is done with an injection in the lower back. It provides good relief from pain and starts working fast, but it lasts only an hour or two. It usually is used for cesarean delivery and only rarely in late labor or for a vaginal delivery.

There are advantages and disadvantages for each form of anesthesia. An anesthesiologist will work with your health care team to help you choose the best method.

Families in the Delivery Room

womenshealth October 30, 2015 Important Decisions

Some patients wish to have their families present to witness their bay’s birth. You can have as many visitors before and after the birth. However, we request ONLY 2-3 people for the delivery. The rooms are small and our Delivery Room Team may have issues providing the best care if there are too many people in the room.

Male Circumcision

womenshealth October 30, 2015 Important Decisions

Male Circumcision

Circumcision means cutting away the foreskin, a layer of skin that covers the tip of the penis. An anesthetic will be used to lessen the pain. Circumcision usually is done soon after birth and before the baby leaves the hospital.

For some parents, circumcision is a religious ritual. It also can be a matter of family tradition or personal hygiene. Studies show that there are some medical benefits to circumcision, including a slightly decreased risk of urinary tract infections during the first year of life; a lower risk of getting cancer of the penis (although this cancer is very rare to begin with); a slightly lower risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS); and a lower risk of infection of the foreskin.

However, these medical reasons are not sufficient to recommend circumcision for all infant boys, and the American Academy of Pediatrics believes the decision should be left to the parents. If you want your son circumcised, tell your health care provider ahead of time. Also, check with your insurance provider because the procedure may not be covered.

Childbirth Preparation Methods

womenshealth October 30, 2015 Important Decisions

Childbirth preparation is a means of coping with pain and reducing the discomfort associated with labor and delivery. Childbirth preparation classes teach these various techniques. The most common methods of preparation — Lamaze, Bradley and Read — are based on the theory that much of the pain of childbirth is caused by fear and tension. Although specific techniques vary, childbirth methods seek to relieve discomfort through education, support, relaxation, paced breathing and touch. Here is a brief overview:

Lamaze: The Lamaze method of childbirth was invented in the 1950s by French obstetrician Dr. Fernand Lamaze. This method is based on the idea that a woman’s inner wisdom guides her through childbirth. Lamaze childbirth education helps women gain confidence in their bodies and learn to make informed decisions about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting. To learn more about this method, visit Lamaze International.

Bradley: The Bradley method views childbirth as a natural process and is based on the belief that a healthy pregnancy and birth can be achieved through education, preparation and support from a childbirth coach. This method involves the active participation of the mother and her coach during the labor process and teaches a variety of relaxation techniques. Find more information about the Bradley method here.

Read: One of the first methods to introduce the concept of prepared childbirth, the Read method seeks to eliminate fear and anxiety by educating mothers and coaches about labor and delivery. The Read method is explained in the book Childbirth Without Fear, written by its founder, Dr. Grantly Dick-Read.

Hypnobirthing: This method teaches relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques. The instructors have gone through extensive training. The goal is to teach women how to harness the body’s natural painkilling chemicals — endorphins — to achieve a natural and fear-free childbirth. Information about this method is available online.

With all of the choices available, you’re likely to find something that appeals to you and your individual beliefs.

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