Page 85 - ACCF - Stories of Resilience

The diagnosis triggered a wave of emotional distress in the resident. Fear and uncertainty left her visibly shaken. As healthcare
professionals, it is our duty to not only provide medical care but also offer emotional support and guidance. For patients living
in old age homes, where resources and social support are often limited, our role extends beyond clinical treatment. Through
counseling and a structured recovery plan, we aim to replace despair with hope, empowering patients to face their challenges
with courage.
After completing the screening process, we bid farewell to the home, assuring the residents of our return. My thoughts lingered
on their well-being, particularly the case of the woman with leukoplakia, which required close monitoring.

Over the following month, our team conducted numerous camps across the district while maintaining phone follow-ups on
her progress. The patient began her treatment, and her condition showed improvement.
Habits, however, are hard to break. For this woman, tobacco had become a constant companion, offering solace during her
tough life as a tea garden worker. Tradition, myths, and the belief that chewing tobacco provided warmth and reduced hunger
during long work hours had made it a deeply ingrained practice. The social dynamics of tobacco use, where groups of workers

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