Tag: wellness

Categories
Wellness

City gets its first private geriatric clinic

PD Hinduja Hospital opens multi-disciplinary geriatric clinic from today; wants to create awareness of gerontology and devise specific treatment plans.
by the Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Considering the high numbers of senior citizens in the country and the fact that by 2050, India will have the second highest numbers of elderly in the world (after China), it is a bit strange that there are not too many hospitals looking into specialised elderly care. Alarmingly, at least a third of this huge population will live alone and require care.

Dr._Preeti_Chhabria_Hearteningly, one of the city’s premier private hospitals, PD Hinduja Hospital, is opening the city’s first geriatric clinic today, on an OPD (Out Patient Department) basis. Says Dr Preeti Chhabria (in pic on left), consultant in internal medicine and who was instrumental in setting up the clinic, “As people age, there are several changes taking place in their bodies, which are accepted as ‘normal’ by virtue of ageing. We want to bring about the awareness of gerontology, and the idea that it is not necessary to accept these signs of ageing as normal.”

She says that these psychological and physical changes cause a sense of ‘burden’ in the elderly. “Their bodies change and their mobility is affected. Add to that the sense of being dependent, both financially and emotionally, on their children, plus the grief of losing children or the spouse, and the person undergoes a lot of pressure in his daily life,” Dr Chhabria explains. “The elderly suffer in silence because people around them may not be aware of or sensitive to the pressure that they are under.”

What to expect at the clinic

Dr Chhabria has worked in the field of elder care in the US for 15 years, and will use her experience in the multi-disciplinary clinic. There will be three doctors in attendance at the clinic – a consultant for internal medicine, a psychologist and a physiotherapist, all working in tandem to devise the best treatment plan for each patient. “We would evaluate their physical and mental status, and we would follow a ‘grading system’ for each patient. We have clinical scales for grading, to include the parameters Normal, Grey and Mild/Moderate Dementia. Anybody qualifying for the last scale is immediately brought to the attention of their families.

“The testing procedures we follow are fairly accurate, to the extent that we can determine if a person is suffering from ageing-related factors or if his or her condition is the product of other factors like illness or stress,” Dr Chhabria explains. The testing also involves evaluating a person’s mood, checking cognitive function and testing memory.

DSC_0033Back to the future

Dr Chhabria says that such a clinic is necessary in an environment that is extremely “tunnel visioned” towards providing only for the youth. “Geriatrics is the other end of the spectrum from paediatrics. In our daily lives, the young have to be aware of the fact that they are going to be caregivers for the elderly, and that they have to ensure that their old age is safe and peaceful. The elderly should not be marginalised, but taken care of with love and empathy.” In the future, Dr Chhabria says there are plans to offer counselling to caregivers of the elderly.

The clinic will remain open on Thursdays between 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Please call the clinic on 022 39818181/67668181 for appointments and more details.

(Pictures courtesy PD Hinduja Hospital)

Categories
Wellness

How a 12-year-old’s renal cyst was removed in 30 minutes

From treating only minor ailments, doctors in the city are increasingly turning to laparoscopy to excise cancerous tumours and cysts.

Dhaval Desai (name changed) was playing in his Govandi home with his younger brother a few days ago, when the younger boy jumped on his abdomen. For the next few minutes, the 12-year-old experienced excruciating pain in his flanks, and told his parents about it. “He complained of severe pain so we took him to our family doctor,” said his father, Vinod.

Their family physician prescribed medicines for stomach ache, but the pain persisted. Alarmingly, Dhaval was seen to pass blood in his urine. “Our doctor told us to get a sonography and CT scan done. We were told that he had a kind of tumour above his kidney. I was stunned to hear it, because Dhaval had never complained of any pain or discomfort before,” Vinod explained.

Dhaval had a seven-centimetre cyst in the upper regions of his right kidney. The fall brought to light this cyst, and had to be immediately removed.

Dr Roy PatankarDr Roy Patankar (in pic on left), noted gastrointestinal and laparoscopic surgeon, treated the case. He said, “The conventional procedure in this case would have been to cut open the abdomen and remove the renal cyst. But we find that cutting patients open does several debilitating things – you have to cut all muscles open, there is the possibility of high blood loss, and there is a long recovery time. It is best to avoid invasive procedures especially in young children, whose recovery and short-term mobility may be compromised.”

He added that with conventional surgeries, the patient would also be exposed to a higher risk of hernias later on, since a lot of flank muscles would have to be cut into to expose the kidney before excising the cyst.

In Dhaval’s case, Dr Patankar tried a less invasive approach – laparoscopy. “We got the cyst with just a tiny incision on his abdomen. Where the boy would normally have spent at least a week in hospital, followed by post-op care, Dhaval was able to go home in two days and he resumed school in just five days.” On his part, Dhaval says, “I do not feel any pain at all after the operation. I am now waiting to go to school.”

Laparoscopy in cancer surgeries

Though surgeons in India have largely confined laparoscopy as a surgical tool to such treatments as gall bladder removal and uterine procedures, Dr Patankar says that in the last two years, doctors are using laparoscopy in cancer-related surgeries, too. “There is too much tissue injury and blood loss in conventional surgeries, and after the operation, about 80 per cent of the patient’s pain is caused by the surgical procedure used, than the actual surgery or ailment itself. With laparoscopy, the component of pain attached to surgery is removed.”

Apart from being minimally invasive, which leaves no scarring post-operation, laparoscopy also helps the surgeon get to the root of the issue faster and in a way that is safe for the patient. “While operating, since a camera attached to the probe magnifies the area significantly, it helps the doctor navigate the area better and faster. We have been able to operate on several cancer patients successfully with the use of laparoscopy when removing tumours and cysts,” Dr Patankar says.

He says that doctors in India are increasingly finding takers for cancer-related laparoscopic surgeries from such countries as Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Nigeria. “However, most patients from the West flying to India for laparoscopic surgeries are still opting for bariatric surgeries. Their insurance doesn’t cover the costs of the operation back home, and we do it at a fraction of the cost.”

(Pictures courtesy www.lapsurgeon.in, www.evergreensurgical.com. Feature image is used for representational purpose only) 

Categories
Wellness

Foot care made easy

They take a lot of pressure, but they are relatively easy to take care of, too. Follow these simple steps.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

taking care of your feetIf you think you are overworked, and if the stress in your body is focussed only in your shoulders and back, think again. While these parts of your body definitely bear the brunt of a stressful life, we actually forget that the most stresses are concentrated in our legs, and mostly in our feet.

Our feet don’t just take us places, they take the strain of sudden movement when we run for the bus or the train, spend long periods resting as we sit at our desks and the blood pools in them, get very little attention as regards a tone-up and massage, and are hardly ever exercised like they should be. What’s more, we don’t notice their poor health till the skin on our sole starts callusing, or we develop painful corns or bunions due to wrong footwear, or even such potentially serious conditions such as DVT in the vessels in the feet, and which may cause painful cramps and spasms.

Yet, it’s not too late to start caring for your feet. Just follow these steps and you’re good:
– Invest in a rubber cricket ball and place it near your feet. Whether at home watching TV or working at your desk in office, move your feet backwards and forwards over the ball in a regular motion. This stimulates blood circulation and massages aching muscles.

– If you suffer from poor circulation in your feet, try this: Slather a soothing lotion or a deep tissue oil on your feet, and massage firmly for two minutes. Next, warm a pair of socks and put these on for half an hour. Do not walk while the socks are on.

– If you’ve suffered a cut or injury on your feet due to new footwear, disinfect it immediately.

– A good indication of whether you are over-exercising or walking too many kilometres is when your feet develop aches or swell up. Walk briskly but only as much as your feet can take, and drink a lot of water before you exercise.

– In this weather, your feet are likely to get sweaty and give rise to bacterial infections. Give your feet a thorough disinfecting treatment – in a tub of warm water, squeeze the juice of foot bathtwo lemons and soak for 20 minutes. Next, rub a pumice stone or foot scraper gently over dead skin, then soak your feet in a fresh tub of lemon water for 10 minutes. Clean out your nails, file them and complete the treatment with a generous slathering of neem oil on your feet. Wear old socks over your feet and avoid walking for a while.

– If your feet have been bearing the brunt of too much running around at work, follow a regimen of massage before washing feet with warm water. You can use coconut oil or olive oil for a good massage.

– Do these simple exercises every day:

1) Rotate your ankles clockwise and anticlockwise for a fixed number of times. Your legs and body should be stationery.
2) Hold your ankles and bend your feet upwards and downwards slowly, for a fixed number of times.
3) If you are prone to cramps in your legs, flex your toes and point them as low as you can towards the ground. Then flex again and point them as high as you can. Do this slowly without pressurising your calf muscles.

– It is a good idea to have a pedicure and foot spa every two weeks, but ensure that the equipment used is clean.

(Pictures courtesy healthmeup.com, zongyi.blogspot.com)

Categories
Wellness

Vaginal discharge: good or not?

Not all vaginal discharge is bad. You only have to start worrying when it changes colour or develops an odour.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

It’s annoying and sometimes uncomfortable, but there’s no getting away from it – vaginal discharge is a necessary evil in every woman’s life.

Vaginal discharge serves a primary function: it is secreted as a ‘clean up’ mechanism for a woman’s reproductive system, especially in the days immediately after the end of the monthly menstrual cycle. Its function is to rid the uterine and vaginal tract clear of old cells and fluid, and it is nature’s way of keeping the uterus, cervix and vagina clean.

How much discharge is normal?
vaginal discharge symptomsSays gynaecologist Dr Prachi Kakkar, “The amount of discharge varies from woman to woman, so what’s normal for one may be abnormal for another. Besides, the amount and intensity varies on other factors such as stress, an infection, an illness, use of antibiotics, ageing and pregnancy.”

While some women can experience a discharge daily, not counting the days they have a period, others can have occasional discharge. “As long as the discharge is transparent or slightly whitish, without an odour and it is not thick, the discharge is considered normal,” says Dr Kakkar.

When you should worry
The first sign of some distress in the uterine tract is normally exhibited through the vaginal discharge, says Dr Kirti Soman, Nagpur-based gynaecologist. “Whether a localised infection or a larger issue like a fibroid, the vaginal discharge will give the first indication of the condition,” Dr Soman says. “You might experience a sudden, heavy discharge. On the other hand, you might experience extreme dryness in the vaginal area with no discharge at all. Either way, it should sound an alarm bell.”

Additionally, the discharge may change appearance, which is when you should be concerned. “If it changes colour – becomes yellow or greenish or clotted white, like curd – and if it develops a strong fishy or unpleasant smell, then it means you have developed an infection. It may be a yeast infection or vaginosis or even a sexually-transmitted disease like gonorrhoea. The good news is that these infections can be treated with oral medication and if doctor’s orders are strictly followed, they can clear up in a few weeks,” Dr Soman explains.

How will you know if you’ve got a problem?
– If you experience sudden heavy discharge, try and chart for how long you’ve been suffering it. Ditto for sudden dryness and lack of discharge for days, if you’ve previously had doucheregular discharge. Ideally, you should not wait for longer than a week to see a doctor.
– A change of colour and smell of the discharge is an indication of an infection. An infection exists if the discharge is yellow, greenish, grey or curdy in appearance, and if it smells bad.
– You may get an infection if you have sexual intercourse with a person infected with chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
– If you’re experiencing pain during intercourse or if the vagina is swollen/dry, you may have an infection in the cervix.
– Do not try to treat yourself at home using douches (in pic on right) or vaginal washes purchased off the market without a doctor’s advice. There is a high chance of you killing the healthy cells in your system if you use a douche, or certain cleansing solutions in your vaginal area.
– Some infections recur, so if you’ve been treated once, don’t assume you won’t ever need treatment again. Consult your doctor when making lifestyle, food and medication choices.

(Pictures courtesy www.didibahini.com, www.ladycarehealth.com, www.women-health-info.com)

Categories
Wellness

Pepper season

Apart from enhancing the flavour of our food, black pepper can cure vitiligo, aid digestion and even lessen joint pain.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

It’s dark and so beautiful, you’ll wonder why it only plays a supporting role in your life, that too, only in your food preparations. We’re talking about black pepper – the fruit of the black pepper plant from the piperaceae family. In our country, it is native to the state of Kerala. Piperine, a chemical present in it, gives it a nutritional punch and its spicy bite.

Why use black pepper in cooking?
It is an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, and its nutritive value is preserved even after the cooking process is complete. It not only enhances the flavour of our food, it also aids in the absorption of nutrients in the blood. It is best used whole, instead of in a powder form. However, it should not be used in high amounts, because it may cause irritation of the gut. Excess pepper may also cause sneezing.

What does it contain?
Black_pepper fruitBlack pepper is a good source of Vitamins C and K, potassium, dietary fibre, iron and manganese. The good news is that all of it is useful, even the outer skin of the peppercorn. It is known to have a ‘scavenging’ quality once ingested, which accounts for its purifying and healing properties; this has implications for several medical disorders, especially those that see a rise in free radicals (such as injuries and diseases like cancer).

Digestion woes? Zap them with black pepper. Piperine increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which in turn, contributes to a smoother digestive process. Black pepper also reduces intestinal bloat and gas, and flatulence after meals. Since it causes sweating, it aids in the removal of toxins through sweat.

Vitiligo cure: Do you suffer from vitiligo or leukoderma? Does your skin have the tendency to develop light patches, owing to a loss or deficiency of pigment? Black pepper has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for years to treat these specific conditions. Black pepper is used in Ayurvedic oils and ointments as an external applicator to induce the increased production of melanin. This cure finds its place in Allopathy, too, where an ointment or paste containing black pepper is first applied over the affected area of the skin before it is given a UV light treatment.

Vitamin C power: Its Vitamin C content makes black pepper a potent force in treating cough, cold, sinusitis and congestion. It is also a good anti-black pepper powderbacterial, thus helping treat constipation and diarrhoea. When boiled with a neutral oil as a base, or simply crushed and used over a painful tooth, it is known to alleviate the pain associated with dental problems. Additionally, it provides localised relief from insect bites. When used in oil massage, it is known to lessen joint pains.

Excellent antioxidant: Black pepper shows tremendous promise in fighting free radicals in the body. It seeks out free radicals and minimises the damage caused by them. This has huge implications in the treatment of such diseases as cancer, especially skin cancer.

Fat loss: Black pepper assists in the faster breakdown of fat cells. This helps the body respond faster to exercise and a controlled diet, thus resulting in weight loss. Additionally, it boosts metabolism and attacks belly fat. Naturopaths insist on black pepper being added to the diet of obese patients. Apart from providing these benefits, black pepper also causes sweating and urination, for the removal of toxins. It is also good for the heart, since it helps in the clean-up of arteries and in purifying blood.

Alleviates depression: Piperine is known to act on the central nervous system. The stimulation it provides acts like an anti-depressant. In turn, this improves cognitive capacity and function.

 (Pictures courtesy R Boroujerdi, commons.wikimedia.org, www.indian-spices-exporters.com, hawaiiplantdisease.net)

Categories
Wellness

Stay fighting fit this season

Keep yourself and your family fit this rainy season with some expert tips for eating healthy food and staying disease-free.
by Deepa Mistry

The monsoon season is always greeted with a hearty welcome by soaking in the rains after the scorching summer heat, sipping your favourite cuppa from the road side chai tapri. Like many others, I love this romantic season, especially with some hot road-side vada pavs and kanda bhajjis to gorge. But the street food that we crave in this season is actually a gateway for viruses and illnesses; therefore we must avoid eating out at all costs.

The monsoons come with both pros and cons; they reduce our overall immunity and make us susceptible to many diseases. We have to help our body resist these diseases, by boosting our immunity and taking precautions. Some of the diseases associated with the monsoon are malaria, jaundice, and gastro-intestinal infections like typhoid and cholera. Apart from these, viral infections like cold and cough are common and spread fast.

Dr Vidya Yevale, nutritionist says, “During monsoons, it’s highly recommended that you avoid outside food, as high humidity makes your digestive system weak. It is important to get the right nutrition and keep your body resistant against diseases by boosting immunity through a healthy diet.”

Confused about what to eat and what to avoid? Wondering how to guard against diseases? Try these tips:
– Have a glass of warm water, one teaspoon honey and a drop of ginger oil every morning. It will cure your sore throat and keep your skin hydrated.

cinnamon tea– Skip your usual black and opt for tulsi or cinnamon green tea. These will also help you lose weight.

– Only drink boiled and purified water from home. If you are travelling, carry your own bottle of purified water.

– Eat raw vegetables and fruit only if you have washed them properly. While washing fruit, add a teaspoon of vinegar to a bowl of water and soak all your fruits for 5 minutes. Wash with plain water before you eat. This method helps wash away all dirt and chemicals.

– Avoid buying pre-cut vegetables and eating salads or cut fruits at restaurants and roadside stalls.

– Try to avoid direct intake of dairy products like raita and cottage cheese (paneer) while eating outside. Curd or buttermilk is a preferable option over milk.

– Eat fresh home-cooked food and add a little ginger-garlic to all your meals. Ginger is known to have properties that increase immunity.

– Hot soups are the best to fight cold and cough during this season. Add some pepper as it is loaded with vitamins and disease-fighting properties.

– Try and avoid too much of fish or meat. Stock your fridge with green vegetables, cereals and fruit. Also avoid fried or overcooked food since it decreases your body’s digestive efficiency.

Homemaker Prerana Singh shares her healthy cooking tips. “During monsoons, my kids love to munch on street food like samosas, corn-on-the-cob, chaats but avoid home cooked chana chaatfood so I have started making all these dishes at home. I secretly add vegetables they don’t like in my home-made burger patties and samosas and they love it.”

Children can nag you for street food during the monsoons, so make sure you eat from a good restaurant and the food served is piping hot. Also, drink plenty of water as it helps wash out all the toxins and helps you detox. As you eat healthy this monsoon, stay fit by trying some easy exercises at home – try yoga, pranayama and Surya Namaskar – which will boost your immunity against cold and flu.

(Pictures courtesy healthmeup.com, foodsapor.com, easiestrecipes.blogspot.com)

Exit mobile version