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Succession Planning Challenges in 2022

September 29th, 2022 by
Jayeeta Sarkar

Head- L&D, HCL Healthcare

About the Author

Jayeeta heads the Learning & Development function at HCL Healthcare and comes with over two decades of cross-industry experience. She is a certified NLP practitioner and a Certified Coach. Known for her creative training methodology, she injects a catalytic blend of positive energy and resonant experiences throughout her training. Her leadership qualities & ability to influence are perfectly suited for this critical HR domain.

Succession Planning

Challenges in 2022

A well-aligned and thought-through succession planning is critical for organizations to ensure business continuity, career progression, success, and achievement of business goals. As leaders we all believe in its urgency and importance, however, implementing the same is a challenge. Here are some challenges that are being seen in 2022.

Lack of Readiness Data: One cause for this, is qualitative data, as business succession planning, for most human resource managers is still a subjective process susceptible to human bias, both conscious and unconscious. Judging the potential of human performance and readiness for a new role is based on a manager’s perception and biases. We must have proper data or more so the desire to fish out the data.

Poor Mapping of Goals to Skills: The new role may require new sets of competencies and skills. The data is mostly collected from performance appraisals and goal sheets. During the goal setting process the new skills and competencies are not mapped or accessed. It’s imperative that organizations have well carved out competency models and mapping done on key critical business skills.

Changing Dynamics: Today’s work dynamics post-Covid has surely seen a change in work dynamics. The work environment is changing fast and so are opportunities. In many organizations, managers do not map the career progression road map with the career aspiration of the employees. So, while they may have selected X role for an employee but the employee actually wants to do or aspires for Y role. Also, with many employees preferring to work from home, managers are facing an additional challenge in identifying a willing successor.

Succession Induction: HR books talk of completely linked processes for induction to settle in. Then a structured KPI process with a fair appraisal and finally career progression. In this journey an employee goes through learning and training. However, training hours invested are not mapped with career progression in the organization. The employee ends up asking “am I generally picking up skills or is there a complete plan to the process”. A correct way should be to identify the performers, identify roles available at expected timelines. Post that, have a career aspiration discussion and structure the same with a good learning & development plan that follows the 70:20:10 principle.

The Comp & Ben Factor: Compensating the new incumbent to the role as per market standards is very important to ensure the system is effective. Consider this example, X is a great performer and we see that he/she can scale up and be a great supervisor in the team. We keep assigning X work and X delivers. All are happy. Suddenly there has been attrition and the earlier supervisor leaves. Management sees a position vacancy and promotes X to the new role. However, doesn’t make changes in the compensation and benefits of X but changes the designation. Initially, X works but gradually looks for opportunities and leaves. This proves to be the killer of succession planning. If the successors are compensated adequately, this entire cycle will be well-oiled, thereby reducing the challenges.

Managing Attritions: 2022 is the era of an apparent “post covid” world. The Great Resignation and the Big Quit are phenomena that are realities of today. The Pandemic taught employees certain indelible life lessons which contributed to making high attrition, a reality. The rising gig economy has exacerbated it. This is highly likely to continue. Despite best efforts, attrition management may not work as desired by the managers. Thus, we must be prepared for the same by ensuring more potential resources in the talent pipeline.

Ownership of Responsibility: Succession planning is mostly seen as the responsibility of the HR function. It is high time now that the onus of succession planning should not rest predominantly in the hands of the HR department. It must be a collective effort, with the business team also made equally responsible and accountable. This should be the talk in every leadership meet and every leader in the organization should have a well-filtered second line. Even while hiring, leaders and managers must not only hire for the position but they must hire for future potential as well.

Opportunity Profiling: Many times, lack of providing opportunities is an important factor in not being able to identify talent for succession. Playing the part, once key potentials are identified, they should be given opportunity. It’s a great way to test various leadership competencies like problem solving, people management, and very importantly, the Emotional Quotient of the person. One would be surprised to see that while playing the role we may find out new skills and latent talents.

Effective succession planning increases employee engagement and the overall employee value proposition with an added contribution to reducing attrition, thereby creating a tangible business impact.

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MONKEYPOX

August 8th, 2022 by
Health Advisory

(Authors: Dr. Amit Kumar Gupta MD, MBA and Dr. Roopesh Gupta MD)

Monkeypox is a viral infection, first discovered in monkeys, that can also transmit to humans and cause symptoms and complications. Of late, its incidence has risen globally, with cases reported from more than 75 countries, including India. On 23rd July 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Monkeypox as a global health emergency.

How does Monkeypox infection happen and spread?

person can catch this infection from an infected person, an infected animal, or through contaminated objects and surfaces.

Human-to-human transmission mostly happens through close contact – either direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a Monkeypox rash, or, less commonly, by touching items (such as clothing or bedding) that have encountered an infectious person’s sores or bodily fluids. Unprotected sex can also spread this infection. Infected pregnant women can pass this virus to their babies in the womb.

Common Symptoms of Monkeypox Disease

An infected person may remain symptom-free or develop symptoms after an incubation period of 5 to 21 days. Common symptoms include:

·      Flu-like illness (fever, headaches, body aches, etc.)

·      Swollen lymph nodes

·      Blister-like rashes

Although it may mimic the erstwhile Smallpox (which has already been eradicated several decades ago), the Monkeypox Disease is much less severe and rarely fatal.

The Monkeypox rash generally appears on the face, arms, legs, genitals, and even inside the mouth. It presents as multiple lesions with fluid-filled blisters which may be itchy and painful.

Most persons with this disease improve within 2-4 weeks, without any complications. However, a few may develop complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, secondary infections, and eye involvement (which may lead to loss of vision).

Individuals at High Risk

Pregnant women, young children, and persons with underlying immune deficiencies are more likely to have severe symptoms and complications. At present, it is not clear whether having COVID-19 or Post COVID-19 condition (Long-COVID Syndrome) puts a person at an increased risk of Monkeypox.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Monkeypox Disease

Monkeypox infection can be suspected in a person if suggestive symptoms appear within 21 days of risk exposure (such as close contact with an infected person, animal, or object and/or travel to a country or region reporting such cases).

The diagnosis can be confirmed through RT-PCR testing on an appropriate sample, particularly the fluid from blisters and dry skin crusts. At present, these testing facilities are available at select government labs only. Symptoms often go away on their own without the need for active treatment.

However, the following caution is advised:

·      The infected person is advised to stay in isolation to prevent the further spread of the disease

·      The affected skin should not be scratched and should be protected from further damage.

·      The person should eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and take adequate rest and sleep.

·      Common symptoms like fever, aches, itch, etc. can be alleviated by using appropriate anti-fever, painkiller, and anti-itch medications.

The Do’s and Don’ts to follow

• Be aware and generate awareness among others about Monkeypox and its precautionary measures.

• If you suspect that you or someone at your home has Monkeypox (due to suggestive symptoms or relevant risk exposure):

·      Seek medical assistance without delay and follow the advice.

·      Isolate yourself as per the medical advice.

·      Employees should inform their HR and Reporting Manager.

• One must Continue to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour (as the COVID-19 Pandemic is yet not over and the relationship of COVID-19 with Monkeypox is yet not clear):

• Practice safe sexual habits with your partner (s) and take precautions.

• Avoid contact with any substance or materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a patient suffering with Monkeypox.

• Avoid unprotected contact with wild animals, particularly those that are sick or dead.

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat (important for those countries and regions where Monkeypox is endemic and reported in animals).

• Avoid unnecessary travel to an affected area. If you or your partner have traveled through an affected area, talk to your doctor for advice.

• Wear masks and gloves when caring for patients.

The Role of Vaccination

·      Some studies suggest that several vaccines that have been developed for the prevention of Smallpox may also provide some protection against Monkeypox. However, these vaccines are yet not widely available. Moreover, researchers are still trying to understand the benefits of such vaccination.

Studies also suggest that people who have been vaccinated against Smallpox in the past will also have some protection against Monkeypox.

Maintaining the Workplace Safety

·      Raising awareness of this disease and its preventive & protective measures is the key.

·      Screening and surveillance at the workplace, including facilitating a sick employee for prompt isolation and further support can help stop the spread of Monkeypox.

·      Routine cleaning of all frequently touched surfaces (such as workstations, countertops, doorknobs, lift buttons, etc.) by using the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas.

·      Keeping appropriate preparedness and response measures in place (including contact tracing).

 

About the Authors – The authors are medical doctors cum public health experts and part of the Central Quality Team at HCL Healthcare

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Why you must encourage your parents to Stay Physically Active!

June 2nd, 2022 by

Why you must encourage your parents to Stay Physically Active!

Authored by –

Dr. Deepa Mehra & Dr. Neelam Bisht

Heard of the term ‘Use it or lose it? This phrase is not just applicable to the cognitive function of the brain but even to the muscular tissues. Muscles are the anchor of the body that keeps the body mobile and erect. Of course, bone and joints have a very important role in locomotion (basically movement) but today we are going to discuss about a less talked about Medial Condition called ‘Sarcopenia”. According to the Lancet ‘Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalised skeletal muscle disorder involving the accelerated loss of muscle mass and function that is associated with increased adverse outcomes including falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality.’

Which basically means that the body starts losing muscle mass and function which may result in fall & frailty. It is basically an age-related muscle loss and is a natural part of aging. As we grow old the natural wear and tear increases in the body including the muscles. After age 30, one begins to lose 3 to 5% of their muscle mass per decade. Most men will lose about 30% of their muscle mass during their lifetimes.

Less muscle means greater weakness which in turn means less mobility. And there starts the vicious cycle of less muscle, less mobility, increased weight leading to lesser mobility and further lesser muscle mass!! This also increases the risk of fall and fractures. A 2015 report from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research found that people with sarcopenia had 2.3 times the risk of having a low-trauma fracture from a fall, such as a broken hip, collarbone, leg, arm, or wrist.

The symptoms of Sarcopenia include weakness and stamina loss. This can affect the ability to carry out physical activities. A reduction in activity then leads to further muscle mass loss.

Now let’s talk about the various Causes of Muscle loss (sarcopenia) – The most common cause of this medical condition is decreased physical activity throughout the day. Other Causes of Sarcopenia may include:

·     Reduction in the nerve cells that send signals from brain to muscles to move

·     A lowering of hormone levels

·     A decline in body’s ability to convert protein to energy

·     Not consuming enough daily calories and protein to maintain the muscle mass

·     Inflammatory diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes mellitus

But just because the muscle mass is lost it does not mean it is gone forever. it is never too late to rebuild muscle and maintain it. And the solution is quite simple.

How to Avoid muscle loss

1.    Exercise Regularly- This is main mantra to stay away from this condition. Encourage your parents to get into the regular habit of following any exercise routine. It may mean a 30 min regular walk or yoga or gardening or going to a gym.  Anything and everything that ensures that the regime is there as a rule and not as an exception! Don’t limit moving around because they are old, have maids to do the work, Everything is home delivered (from grocery to medicines) it’s too hot or too cold to work out etc etc….. Ensure staying mobile and active is a part of their daily routine. If someone must take rest because of a medical condition, then try to get back to the routine of exercise as early as possible. Lying down for a week loses at least 5% of muscle mass! And in old age it is very difficult to get these muscles back.

2.    Consume a protein rich balanced Diet – Ensure that the diet is rich in protein, as a lot of wear and tear happens in old age. Protein helps in building the muscles. So, ensure that the diet is not calorie deficit and 30 to 50% of these calories are coming from proteins. It is helpful to know the health status by getting a Health Check minimum once a year. It helps in knowing the status of basic parameters of the body. And based on that status a more individualist approach can be planned.

3.    Keep a check on the Body weight – Data suggests that it becomes more difficult to lose weight once you cross the age of 50. Specially if one has never exercised before. The usual tendency is to start eating less to lose weight. It becomes a double whammy because the muscle mass is lost because of less activity and then eating less means consuming calories / nutrition deficit diet, further reducing the muscles mass. So, getting in touch with an expert like a Clinical Nutritionist will help in reducing weight without compromising the Nutrition.

So encourage your parents to stay Active and Stay fit!!

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Are you fatigued weeks after COVID? You may have Long COVID

June 2nd, 2022 by

Are you fatigued weeks after COVID?

You may have Long COVID

In the last two years of the pandemic, more than 517 million were infected with COVID-19. Most of them recovered from the infection but some continued to face health issues even after months of testing negative. These symptoms are part of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PACS) which is commonly known as Long COVID. Those who suffer from Long COVID often call themselves ‘long haulers’.

 

Almost 40% of COVID survivors suffer from long-term impact of the infection one month after the infection, according to a University of Michigan study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases on 22 April 2022. According to its findings, it is estimated that there are more than 200 million people who are suffering from Long COVID across the world.

 

Who is likely to suffer from it?

Various studies show that those who have been hospitalised for COVID-19 had a higher chance of suffering from Long COVID. Also those who suffered from severe COVID-19 are more likely to suffer from it than those who had a mild infection. Similarly some studies suggest unvaccinated individuals are more likely to suffer from Long COVID than those who are fully vaccinated.

 

The Michigan study, mentioned earlier, reviewed 50 studies from 17 countries and found that Asians (49%) followed by Europeans (44%) and those in North America (39%) had more likelihood of suffering from Long COVID. It also found that women (49%) had a higher likelihood of suffering from it than men (37%).

 

Pre-existing conditions like Asthma increased the likelihood of Long Covid. Other risk factors identified in the study were initial illness, older age and underlying conditions like obesity and hypothyroidism.

 

The most common symptom in the review was found to be fatigue which was found in 23% of the survivors followed by memory problems (14%), shortness of breath (13%), sleep problems (11%), and joint pain (10%).

How long do the symptoms last? 

Across the world, prevalence of Long COVID was 37% after 1 month of diagnosis, 25% at 2 months, 32% at 3 months and 49% at 4 months according to the Michigan study.

 

Another study published in the medical journal The Lancet in July 2021 showed that 91% of Long haulers took 35 weeks or about 9 months to recover. Researchers surveyed nearly 4,000 sufferers with confirmed or suspected COVID from nearly 60 countries, with illness of a month or longer. During their illness, survivors experienced symptoms across nine organ systems. The most frequent symptoms after six months were fatigue, post exertional weakness and cognitive dyfunction like memory loss, problems with attention span and problem solving.

 

What are the symptoms?

Long Covid can be varied and can impact different people differently. In the Lancet study, participants experienced anything from ear numbness, vision loss, reduced sensitivity to medicines, new allergies, suicide ideation and facial paralysis.

 

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, following symptoms are reported by long haulers.

 

General symptoms

●    Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life

●    Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as “post-exertional malaise”)

●    Fever

Respiratory and Heart symptoms

●    Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

●    Cough

●    Chest pain

●    Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)

Neurological symptoms

●    Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)

●    Headache

●    Sleep problems

●    Dizziness when you stand up (lightheadedness)

●    Pins-and-needles feelings

●    Change in smell or taste

●    Depression or anxiety

Digestive symptoms

●    Diarrhoea

●    Stomach pain

Other symptoms

●    Joint or muscle pain

●    Rash

●    Changes in menstrual cycles

Source: US CDC

POTS 

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or POTS is a condition where heart rate increases by at least 30 beats per minute after a person moves from sitting or lying down to standing. This is because their autonomic nervous system is unable to control their blood pressure and heart rate to make for your change in posture. There is recent evidence that those who have had COVID-19 are vulnerable to be POTS.

 

Long COVID in children

It is now emerging that even children are affected by Long COVID. Some of the symptoms that children show are different from adults. Usually children have complained of chest pain, cough fatigue, joint pain, loss of smell or taste and memory fog.

 

Living with Long COVID

Treating Long COVID is not straightforward or simple since it manifests differently for different people. Some of the symptoms may get better with time and others would require medical assistance. With growing awareness, there are doctors and clinics that specialise in helping people with Long COVID manage their symptoms.

 

Some general tips: 

Modify the way you work: You may need to take breaks between your work days to take care of your fatigue. Find what time in the day you feel most refreshed and aim to finish a major chunk of your work at that time. Speak to your colleagues and boss if you need more time to finish work and ask for help whenever you need it.

 

Get good sleep: In order to recover, you need to give your body good 7-8 hours of restful sleep. Use a fitness app to track your sleep to monitor if you are getting deep sleep. Reduce stress, keep away gadgets in the evening and exercise to maintain good sleep hygiene.

 

Seek help: Long COVID can leave you feeling tired, frustrated and lonely but know that help is available. Speak to a doctor well-versed with treating post COVID symptoms and ask for help. Seek help from a psychologist if you feel low. Get a physiotherapist’s help to begin working out gradually. Speak to your friends and family and tell them about how you are feeling, their support will be crucial in your recovery.

 

Get a health check up: If you find yourself suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above long after your infection, it is a good idea to go for a full body health check up that can give you a status update on the health of your body and help your doctors pinpoint the exact cause that is causing the symptoms.

 

Resources

To join the Long COVID India Survivors group on telegram: https://t.me/+3SHOL_cmzpkyYzdl

Follow @LongCOVIDIndia on twitter for latest news

For more information on Long COVID, go to https://www.wearebodypolitic.com/covid-19

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Smile without a worry: 4 Dental problems and their solutions

June 2nd, 2022 by

Smile without a worry: 4 Dental problems and their solutions

 

‘A smile is a curve that sets everything straight’ – Phyllis Diller.

As very rightly said, a healthy smile not only makes a good first impression it also has an impact on your social circle, relationships and Career, yet many of us hesitate to smile fully. We feel self-conscious about our ‘less than perfect’ set of teeth and hide our smile.

 

Our smile is defined by the Shape, size and orientation of our teeth as well as the health of our teeth, gums and surrounding structures.

 

Healthy teeth are important to cut, eat and chew our food. So it is important for us to regularly monitor the health of our teeth and thus always have a beautiful and healthy smile.

Here are some of the most common dental issues and the treatment for them.

 

Yellow or discoloured teeth: You may get yellow teeth if the outer coating of your tooth called enamel is eroded and the dark(Yellow) inner coating of the tooth called dentin is visible. Smoking or drinking too much tea or coffee can also cause discolouration in teeth. Sometimes too much fluoride in toothpaste and water can cause white-brown spots on your teeth. Lastly teeth may be discoloured due to some traumatic injury to the tooth

 

Solution: Treatment depends on the extent of discolouration and etiology. Sometimes simple over-the-counter bleaching agents/toothpastes do the job. However in most of the cases a proper in-office bleach is recommended for better results. In worse cases Your dentist can also do composite/Ceramic veneers  which are thin shell types of materials fixed on your teeth or ceramic crowns to change their appearance.

Cavity: Cavities occur when your teeth decay and it affects the inner and outer coating of your tooth. Cavities occur when high carbohydrate foods stay on our teeth which are broken down by oral bacteria into acids. These acids with saliva and food debris become plaque that sticks to your teeth. Over time, the acid in the plaque erodes enamel creating pits known as cavities. Initially, you may not see a cavity but experience sudden pain, sensitive teeth, bad breath and pain when you bite down.

Solution: The course of action will depend on the extent of damage. The dentist will remove the affected area and fill the cavity using dental fillings. If the root of the tooth is damaged, you may need a root canal where the dentist removes the pulp that contains nerve endings that cause pain. If that option is not possible, you may need to extract the tooth and get a dental implant in its place to ensure your teeth do not shift and your biting isn’t affected as well as the appearance remains intact.

 

Broken Teeth: Teeth can break due to accidents, biting too hard or cavities. Minor tooth chipping or breaking doesn’t hurt but if it has chipped too much, it can cause pain. The pain may come and go and intensifies on chewing. The sharp edge of the tooth may even hurt your tongue while chewing or talking.

Solution: You will have to visit the dentist as earliest as possible. The dentist may polish the tooth if the chip is minor. Sometimes the dentist will fill the crack with filling material and a crown on top. If the pulp of the tooth is affected, you may need a root canal treatment.

Irregular Teeth: Heredity and genes play a role in having irregular or crooked teeth. Sometimes, it is difficult to clean between the irregular teeth which increases risk for dental problems. They interfere with chewing and may impact speech and personality of the person.

Solution: If you have decided to seek correction for your irregular teeth, you may need to visit an orthodontist. Based on the health of your teeth, gums and your age, they may suggest Removable, fixed or Aligners. Most commonly used fixed appliances for teens are Braces, You can select metal, ceramic or transparent braces based on your preference and budget. For working professionals Aligners (also called invisible braces) is also a great option. In some cases, orthodontists may suggest additional surgery to correct your alignment if it affects your chewing or speech.

 

Some general tips to take care of your teeth:-

●    Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft brush and floss once a day. Flossing ensures that plaque deposited between your teeth is flushed out, preventing cavities and bad breath.

●    Quit smoking as it causes discolouration of teeth, gives you bad odour and increases your risk for gum disease.

●    Avoid too many sugary items and high carbohydrates foods as they can lead to plaque formation and tooth decay.

●    Visit your dentist at least twice a year to prevent gum disease and dental problems. ‘Prevention is better than cure’

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How to build stamina

June 2nd, 2022 by

Tips to Build Stamina and Conquer your Fitness Goals

 

It is one thing to be accurate in your line and length and another to bowl at 150 km per hour. For South African pacer Dale Steyn, both came easy. Called one of the best and the “most complete” fast bowlers of his generation, Steyn dominated the number one spot in ICC Test rankings for a record 263 weeks between 2008 and 2014 in his peak. Whatever the weather conditions or the pitch; Steyn’s bowling was accurate, lethal and a pleasure to watch.

 

What gave him an edge when other fast bowlers suffered near constant injuries?

“What bowlers should be doing is making sure they can train their muscles for taking part in battle for a long period. You want your quick bowlers bowling at 140km/h at the start of the day and just as quick in the late afternoon,” Steyn said in an interview once. He said rather than building muscles, bowlers need to train their muscles to bowl with endurance and durability rather than bursts of power.

 

What Steyn hinted to was building stamina which gives you the ability to sustain any prolonged physical or mental activity. It is not just fast bowlers who need to have good stamina to perform at their best. All of us need stamina in our day to day lives–be it to play with your children, shop for hours, not pant when taking the stairs or going for a hike.

 

Stamina is a combination of endurance (ability to endure a difficult activity without giving up) and strength (ability to lift heavy loads). With time and effort, you can build your stamina and watch your overall performance improve.

 

Here are some tips that can help you-

 

Long Walks: One of the simplest ways to improve your stamina as a beginner is to go on long walks. Walking for 30 to 60 minutes improves your cardiovascular health, fitness, puts less strain on your muscles and can improve your mood. Start by walking for 20 minutes for a few days and keep increasing the time by 10 minutes after every few days. Do a light stretch before you begin walking and walk at a medium pace to get proper exercise.

 

Interval Training

Interval training which combines high energy bursts of speed with slow, recovery spaces is a powerful way to improve endurance and stamina. Interval training ( for example take small sprints of 30 seconds every 3-4 minutes and walk) twice a week helps you burn more calories, avoid injuries by repetitive movement and helps you increase training intensity without burnout. Some tips to begin interval training: assess your fitness level, start slowly, warm up before you start and keep a steady but challenging pace throughout.

 

Play Sports

A cool way to increase your stamina is to play sports. It also helps to break the monotony of workouts in the gym or running. Playing sports involve different movements for example playing badminton involves running, picking up the shuttlecock and hitting with the racquet. This kind of intermingling uses different muscle groups and improves your stamina.

 

Lift Weight 

It may seem counterintuitive but weight training also improves stamina. A meta analysis of various studies has shown that lifting weights improves endurance and speed and economy of your workout (improves the time taken and energy required to finish your workout). If you have never lifted weight before, start with working out with a trainer who can assess your form and gradually increase the weights you lift. Also consult a doctor before weight training if you have pre existing diseases, injuries or illnesses.

Dance

Another fun way to break the monotony of workouts is to dance regularly. Dancing helps improve your cardiovascular health as well as improve your muscle strength. Dancing improves mobility, balance, increases agility, strengthens bones and reduces stress. What’s more, you can dance together with your family or friends and it would be a great activity to do together and de-stress.

 

Listen to music when you exercise

What pumps up your mood when you go to the gym or come home tired from home? Usually it’s the music. Listening to high-energy music while exercising helps you workout more, distracts you from the strain of the workout, changes your perception of fatigue and makes exercise feel easier. So keep a fast-paced playlist ready when you are lifting weights in the gym or go for a run.

 

Eat healthy and get adequate rest

Eating healthy food with an adequate portion of protein, fats and good carbohydrates is important to find the energy to workout. Also getting 7-8 hours of sleep is crucial for your body to rest and recover after a workout so do not scrimp on sleep. Also undergoing vitamin deficiency tests will also tell you if there are vitamin deficiencies that are making you feel lethargic and tired all the time.

 

With these tips, you will improve your stamina in no time and conquer your fitness goals.

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7 Diabetes Myths you shouldn’t believe

June 2nd, 2022 by

Diabetes is a household name these days. Almost all families have at least a member with diabetes in it. Changing diets and sedentary lifestyles have led to an explosion of diabetes in the country. There are 74 million diabetes patients in India, second to only China. The incidence of diabetes is increasing in both urban and rural parts of the country.

As common as it is, there are still many misconceptions about diabetes, from what causes it to how to manage it. We bust the most common myths about diabetes so that you can break the cycle of misinformation

1.   Diabetes is caused due to eating sugar

Given that it is called “madhumeha” in Sanskrit, literally translated as a condition that causes sweet urination, diabetes is attached to eating sugar in most people’s minds. This is not entirely true. When we eat carbohydrates, they are broken down as glucose. Our body then produces the hormone insulin so that this glucose is available to the cells for their energy needs. In diabetics, the body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin well leading to excess glucose in the bloodstream. Over time, the excess glucose in the bloodstream causes issues with the kidneys, heart, vision etc. This is why diabetics are asked to avoid foods that are sweet and high in simple carbohydrates which will be converted to glucose quite easily.

 

2.   Diabetes isn’t that serious

Many believe since many have the disease, diabetes is something that comes with age and has to be lived with. Complacency is a wrong approach to have because diabetes harms indirectly through complications. Longer that you have diabetes and the more uncontrolled the diabetes, the higher is the risk for complications. Some of the most common complications of diabetes are cardiovascular problems, nephropathy or kidney damage, neuropathy or nerve damage, retinopathy or eye damage and foot damage that can cause amputations.

 

In 2015, 3.46 lakh Indians died of complications related to diabetes. This is why regular follow up with the doctor, managing blood sugar and regular check ups are important.

 

3.   Diabetics should avoid sweets

Like we said earlier, diabetes isn’t caused just by eating sugary foods or sweets, but sweets do increase blood sugar drastically, so they need to be eaten once in a while and with consideration. For example, fruits also contain a lot of simple sugar, but they also contain fiber, various antioxidants, and vitamins that are good for the body. On the other hand, cakes, loaves of bread, and biscuits do not contain fiber and hence are broken down quickly increasing blood glucose level so they have to be eaten once in a while as a treat. Also recent research shows, it is not just what you eat, the order in which you eat also impacts the glucose spike. The recommended order is vegetables, followed by protein and fat and starches and other carbohydrates in the end. This also ensures that you remain full longer.

 

4.   Herbal medicines can cure diabetes

People are attracted to herbal remedies because they are promised they are free of side-effects and can cure disease. However most herbal medicines that promise to cure diabetes have not been pharmacologically tested, do not have quality assurance and some are even toxic in nature. Yet, many believe these “cures” rather than relying on tested and evidence-based medicine that has been proven to work for decades often leading to serious harm. Remember, before you replace your diabetes medicine with something “herbal” or natural, speak to your doctor first.

 

5.   Those who take insulin are more serious than those on oral medicines

Those who have type 1 diabetes need to take insulin as their bodies do not produce the hormone anymore. Others with type 2 diabetes may also need insulin shots as their disease progresses and is not controlled by oral diabetes medicines alone. Not taking insulin does not mean your diabetes is milder either, your doctor may choose to manage diabetes with whatever treatment option is the most suitable for you.

 

6.   If your parents don’t have diabetes, you will not have it

While having diabetes in your family increases your risk for it, not all diabetics have a family history. Other risk factors for diabetes are: obesity, age, prediabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, gestational diabetes, and race (Indians have a higher likelihood of diabetes than Caucasians).

 

7.   Only those who are fat are prone to diabetes

While excess weight gain and obesity do increase the risk for type 2 diabetes, it is not the only risk factor for diabetes. In India, diabetes especially happens at a much younger age and in people with lower body mass index. In diabetes, as with other metabolic diseases, abdominal fat is a more important marker than just your weight. So going for an annual health check which includes a blood glucose test is a good idea in your 30s.

 

Also, there is a condition called prediabetes where your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 diabetes. This condition is a precursor to diabetes. However, you can still make lifestyle and dietary changes to prevent diabetes at this stage.

 

Diabetes may not be curable, but it is manageable with regular health checks, the right kind of medication, a diet plan, exercise, and a change in lifestyle. At HCL Healthcare, we offer a complete care consortium to HCL employees and their dependents, through our health and wellness facilities right on your campus as well as in the comfort of your home.

“Diabetes is a great example whereby,

giving the patient the tools,

you can manage yourself very well.”

― Clayton M. Christensen.

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Power to the patient How employees can make better health decisions

May 4th, 2022 by

Power to the patient How employees can make better health decisions

Power to the Patient How can employees make better health decisions?

After two years of the COVID pandemic, we do not need to reiterate how important it is to take care of one’s health. All of us have witnessed enough health scares around us to know that just age or weight are not the factors that can indicate the status of our health. Like we pay attention to our workplace deliverables and our finances, we need to monitor our health parameters and take preventive steps so that we stay fit and healthy.

In this article, we discuss how to take control of your health so that you remain on top of your health game and use the facilities provided, to the optimum. A little proactiveness and three words – Know, Access, and Act – can help you take charge of your health and thus your life. Read more to find out how:

KNOW

  1. Annual Health Check-up: One of the first steps to taking control of your health is to know your health parameters and the easiest way to do that is to undergo regular health check-ups. “Only if a person goes for a health check-up, will the doctor be able to guide the patient to prevent health issues in the future like to quit smoking, go for vaccination or make dietary modifications,” said Dr Amit Kumar Gupta, Senior Consultant and Head, Medical Services and Quality, HCL Healthcare. Most employers provide annual executive health check-ups that cover most of the basic tests that tell you the status of your heart, liver, kidneys, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, other blood profile parameters, etc. Remember, it is common to feel anxious and want to avoid health check-ups but keep in mind, that it is better to know about your health issues now than suffer later.
  • Health Insurance: A sudden hospitalization can strain your finances and cause unnecessary worry. Thankfully, most employers provide health insurance cover for their employees and to some extent their families. This means you can make the best decision for your health without worrying about how much it will affect your bank balance. But just knowing you are covered is not enough, go through your employer’s health insurance documents to know what is covered, if there is any waiting period, what are the limits? If you think that the cover is not sufficient, you should invest in a personal health insurance cover that provides the additional protection you need for the health of you and your loved ones. Remember to inform your family also about these arrangements in case of emergencies.

ACCESS

  1. In-house services: Once you know how your health parameters are, you should access the health services and expertise that are available to you. For example,

 HCL Healthcare provides virtual doctor consultations by specialists including internal medicine specialists, gynaecologists, paediatricians, dermatologists, dentists, physiotherapists, and dieticians. For seeking consultation and guidance, you can book appointments with these experts by using the registered number given on their website.

  • Health management plans: It is important to know that chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and thyroid issues require constant monitoring and customized planning. Therefore, you should opt for disease management plans which will give you doctor consultation, regular follow-up, detailed health examinations, and diet advice. Being proactive about managing conditions will help you prevent complications that follow these chronic conditions.
  • Emotional wellbeing: Do not forget your emotional well-being when you think about your health. Like any other condition, it is important to seek help from trained counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists if you have mental and emotional issues. These experts have a neutral perspective, have great listening skills, and can offer skills that will help you feel better.

ACT

After getting to know your health status and getting a consultation from the doctor, it is now important to act and implement those lifestyle changes and medicines if advised. We give you a list of things you need to pay attention to irrespective of your age and health status.

  1. Sleep: The importance of getting a full night’s (7-8 hours) sleep cannot be stressed enough. Those with sleep deficiency have a greater risk of many health complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and obesity according to the US’s National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. A good night’s sleep is also important for memory, cognitive functioning, and mood regulation. Experts recommend getting sun exposure during the daytime, reducing screen time exposure during evenings, having a fixed sleeping schedule, and taking melatonin supplements to sleeping better at night.
  • Diet: In order to improve your fitness level, you have to improve your diet. Few tips include avoiding packaged foods, including green leafy vegetables and fruits, and increasing protein intake. There is growing evidence that a low-carbohydrate diet can help manage diabetes, reduce weight, control blood pressure, decrease bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol.

HCL healthcare has in-house dieticians who can guide employees wanting to make modifications to their diet.

  • Exercise: It is important to spend at least 30 minutes each day in some form of exercise. Physical activity has been proven to prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, obesity, depression, osteoporosis, and premature death. To be consistent, choose a form of exercise that you will enjoy, be it sports, swimming, dance, or gymming. To start small, start by walking 10 minutes each day and increase it to reach 30 or 60 minutes in about a month. It would be a good idea to seek consultation from a physical trainer or physiotherapist before you begin any new workout.
  • De-stress: It is important to counter stress from day-to-day life by spending time doing activities you enjoy, be it art, spending time in nature, cooking, playing, or indulging in another hobby.  Meditation is also an excellent way to counter stress. If you are short of time, try finding at least 10 minutes each day in mindfulness practice.  Mindfulness has been shown to increase cognitive ability, improve working memory, counter stress, and improve focus.

With these steps, you can proactively take measures towards making a healthier ‘You’ and live your life to the fullest.

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Is Sitting the New Smoking

May 4th, 2022 by

Is Sitting the New Smoking

The short answer to the question whether sitting is the new smoking is– No. 

Studies conclusively show that while both sitting for long durations and smoking are harmful, smoking is a great deal, much worse.

 

Researchers from Canada, the US and Australia said that while excessive sitting (more than 8 hours a day) increases the risk of premature death and some chronic diseases by 10-20%, it is nowhere close to smoking. Smoking increases the risk of premature death from any cause by 180%. The findings published in American Journal of Public Health in 2018, finally put to rest the myth that got popular in media and health circles in recent years.

Hence, it is not fair to compare a sedentary lifestyle with smoking, but it is important to know that sitting has many harmful effects on the body.

Sitting increases risk for diabetes, impacts heart

Sitting for long, harms your heart and increases risk for diabetes. A study found that men who watched more than 23 hours of TV a week, had a 64% higher chance of suffering a heart disease compared to those who watched only 11 hours of TV a week.

 

There is more, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies found sitting increased the risk for Type 2 Diabetes by 112%, increased the risk for heart attack and stroke by 147%, and risk of death due to heart problems by 90%.

 

Increases risk for Cancers

Increased sitting increases the risk for cancer. A 2020 study published in JAMA oncology of over 8000 individuals showed that sitting increased the risk of death by cancer by 13%. It further showed that those who are extremely sedentary had as much as 80% more risk of dying by cancer than those who sit the least.

 

Weakens your muscles

When we sit for the whole day, the muscles in the lower body get weak increasing the chance of injury and pain. For example, sitting causes the hip flexor muscles to shorten, causing lower back pain and difficulty in mobility. Similarly, when we sit at work, we slouch forward to look at the screen that causes weakening of the chest muscles.

 

Weight gain

Sedentary behaviour affects the body’s ability to process fat. It reduces the production of lipoprotein lipase, the enzyme that helps break down fat. This causes the body to store fat instead of burning it.

 

What can you do?

Even a little exercise helps counter it: The JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) study that showed sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk for cancer also showed that for individuals that exercised for 30 minutes instead of sitting, the risk of dying from cancer fell by 31%. Even if they substituted exercising with gentle strolling, housework, gardening or light-intensity activity, the risk of dying from cancer fell by 8%. 

 

Another research showed that 60-75 minutes of moderate–vigorous intensity activity everyday was necessary to counter all the harms of sitting. Given how difficult it is to do half an hour of activity every day, it is important to keep yourself active throughout the day rather than relying on exercising alone.

 

Take breaks: There is evidence that taking frequent breaks (once every 30-40 minutes) helps. A 2017 study shows walking between prolonged sitting or light exercise helps reduce inflammation that can lead to heart problems and increase good cholesterol. Breaking your posture also improves blood circulation and prevents weakening of muscles.

 

Find reasons to move: One way to prevent prolonged sitting is by moving more while working and during leisure. This means walking up to your colleague for a chat instead of sending an email, taking a short walk break during lunch break or teatime, having standing meetings and stretching in your seat whenever time permits. When you are at home, it is important to not spend all the time watching TV, lounging, or scrolling your phone–play with your kids, play a sport, stroll a garden, take walks, and help around the house to get in more activity.

 

Don’t forget the evils of smoking

 

Let us again remind you that sitting may be harmful, but smoking is much worse. While smoking is becoming unpopular in rich countries, 80% of smokers today are from low and middle income countries where it is expected to kill half of the smokers prematurely. Those who smoke have a doubled risk of dying from any cancer and heart disease and they have 23 times more chance of getting lung cancer than non-smokers. Smoking not only impacts those who smoke but also has a harmful impact on those around them through second hand smoke.

 

So, quitting smoking and getting more activity throughout the day could be the kindest thing you can do to your body.

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New Variant of Covid-19

May 4th, 2022 by

HCL HEALTHCARE | 11TH APRIL’ 2022

On 6 April 2022, India reported the first case of XE COVID-19 variant when a 50-year-old South African lady was found to be positive in Mumbai. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, which reported the case, said the patient does not have any severe symptoms and has tested negative on RT PCR. The Union Health Ministry has said further tests are required to confirm whether the variant indeed is XE.

The news caught media attention because the World Health Organisation (WHO) last week said that the XE variant is more transmissible than previous variants of Omicron.

Even though it is not clear yet if it is indeed XE, it still is a matter of concern given that the number of COVID-19 cases has been at its lowest in the last couple of weeks and COVID-19 restrictions and mask mandates have been relaxed in many parts of the country including Delhi and Mumbai.

If you are wondering about the variants and their precautions, here is a primer on all that you need to know about the new COVID-19 variant so that you are not caught off-guard.

What’s new about this variant?

Almost 90 percent of all the infections reported in 2022 were of the Omicron variant. It has two main sub-variants–BA.1 and BA.2. In India, BA.2 was the most common during the third wave, reported Indian Express.

BA.2 was found to be more transmissible than BA.1, even though it was not found to be more dangerous. According to WHO at the moment, 94% of all samples sequenced across the world were of BA.2. 

XE is a recombinant –which means it contains the mutations present in both BA.1 and BA.2. XE was first found in the United Kingdom in January 2022 and has been reported in 623 cases in the country. Recently, Thailand and New Zealand have also found XE variant in their samples.

What is recombinant?

Recombinant variants occur when an organism is infected with two variants of the virus and their genetic material mixes together or through DNA technology in the laboratory.

Other than XE, there is also XD which is a recombinant variant of BA.1 and Delta and which is found in Belgium, Denmark and France and XF which is a recombinant variant of BA.1 and Delta and found mostly in the UK.

Is XE more dangerous?

It does not seem so, yet.

The WHO on 29 March reported that XE has a “10% transmission advantage” as compared to BA.2 which means it spreads 10% faster than BA.2 variant. This finding requires further confirmation, it further said.

Now, XE is being tracked as part of the Omicron variant till significant differences in its transmission and disease characteristics, including severity, may be reported, the global health agency said.

“There was no evidence, yet that XE was any more serious in disease severity, with all Omicron variants so far shown to be less severe”, the WHO said.

What are the symptoms caused by the XE variant?

Symptoms caused by XE are the same as those by Omicron including fatigue, dizziness, headaches, sore throat, fever, heart ailment, and palpitation. Some also experience loss of taste and smell.

What can you do?

Completing your COVID-19 vaccination doses, and getting a booster dose if you are eligible, will help in protecting yourself against severe disease.

At the moment, it would be wise to follow all the existing COVID-19 appropriate behaviour including wearing a face mask when outside, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowded places, seeking medical help, and testing yourself if you experience any of the symptoms.

Remember, this is not a time to lower your guard, “People think it is summer which hinders infection but that’s not true, these viruses are now perennial.

Especially those with respiratory allergies and long-term diseases are more prone to infection-related complications, so they must take extra care,” said Dr. Amit Kumar Gupta, Senior Consultant and Head, Medical Services and Quality, HCL Healthcare.

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URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI)

April 28th, 2022 by

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI)

Author: Dr Saiful Hassan, MBBS, DEM, General Physician, HCL Healthcare

Urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of your urinary system — Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder and Urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra.

Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to kidneys.

Cause: Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.

 

Risk Factors in Females:

  • Female anatomy.A woman has a shorter urethra than a man does, which shortens the distance that bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.
  • Sexual activity.Sexually active women tend to have more UTIs than do women who aren’t sexually active. Having a new sexual partner also increases your risk.
  • Certain types of birth control.Women who use diaphragms for birth control may be at higher risk, as well as women who use spermicidal agents.
  • After menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract that make you more vulnerable to infection.

 

Other Factors:

  • Urinary tract abnormalities. Babies born with urinary tract abnormalities that don’t allow urine to leave the body normally or cause urine to back up in the urethra have an increased risk of UTIs.
  • Blockages in the urinary tract. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder and increase the risk of UTIs.
  • A suppressed immune system. Diabetes and other diseases that impair the immune system — the body’s defense against germs — can increase the risk of UTIs.
  • Catheter use. People who can’t urinate on their own and use a tube (catheter) to urinate have an increased risk of UTIs. This may include people who are hospitalized, people with neurological problems that make it difficult to control their ability to urinate and people who are paralyzed.
  • A recent urinary procedure. Urinary surgery or an exam of your urinary tract that involves medical instruments can both increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection.

 

When is a UTI suspected:

Urinary tract infections don’t always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:

  • Fever with chills
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine and strong-smelling urine
  • Urine that appears cloudy, Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
  • Pain in the flanks or Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.

When treated promptly and properly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, a urinary tract infection can have serious consequences.

Complications of a UTI may include:

  • Recurrent infections, especially in women who experience two or more UTIs in a six-month period or four or more within a year.
  • Permanent kidney damage from an acute or chronic kidney infection (pyelonephritis) due to an untreated UTI.
  • Increased risk in pregnant women of delivering low birth weight or premature infants.
  • Urethral narrowing (stricture) in men from recurrent urethritis, previously seen with gonococcal urethritis.
  • Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection, especially if the infection works its way up your urinary tract to your kidneys.

Investigations for diagnosis:

The doctor will advise for Urine Routine analysis or Urine Culture for detection of bacteria, in addition, Complete Blood Count (CBC) and other higher investigations like Ultrasound, Intravenous pyelogram, Cystoscopy, CT scan may be done as per your doctor advice.

Treatment:

Based on the signs and symptoms and the lab investigation reports, the doctor will prescribe medicines to relieve the symptoms and Antibiotics are prescribed to clear the bacteria. The treatment may vary from 5-7 days.

Prevention: You can take these steps to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections:

  • Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.Drinking water helps dilute your urine and ensures that you will urinate more frequently — allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
  • Drink cranberry juice.Although studies are not conclusive that cranberry juice prevents UTIs, it is likely not harmful.
  • Maintain good personal hygiene, especially of the genital area. Wipe from front to back.Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
  • Empty your bladder soon after intercourse.Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria.
  • Avoid potentially irritating feminine products.Using deodorant sprays or other feminine products, such as douches and powders, in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
  • Change your birth control method. Diaphragms, or unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms, can all contribute to bacterial growth.

*If you feel that you are getting the above symptoms and signs, feel free to visit to HCL Healthcare clinics or through Virtual consult through the helpline.

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PARENTING DURING PANDEMIC

April 28th, 2022 by

PARENTING DURING PANDEMIC

(Dr Naghma Javed, Life Coach, HCL Healthcare, Lucknow Clinic)

The ongoing Covid 19 Pandemic has changed our lives in many ways and, all the social distancing measures designed to keep individuals physically distanced from others are, though necessary, are causing widespread mental health issues, including depression and frustration, in old and young alike.

The basic problem for children during pandemic happens to be a lack of structure in their lives. Structure is important in everyone’s life especially children as they thrive in predictable routines and structures and feel lost if they don’t know what’s happening next; and so, it’s very crucial for their emotional and psychological development. The consistency of schedules, predictable rules, and set expectations teach children how to behave, develop self discipline, and impulse control.

Another important factor in parenting happens to be that children often learn many things by observing the behaviour of their parents and other care givers. Since during the pandemic, everyone is spending a lot of time together at home; and there is no space for people to hide their strong emotions from children. Children are often witnessing how their parents are behaving with their office staff, what kind of language is being used, how they themselves are following routines and structures, and to top it all being together in the confines of home twenty-four by seven is testing everyone’s patience.

Before we try to find solutions, it is important for all to realize that this is indeed a very tough time for everyone, and it’s important for all of us to find ways to stay positive and try to create a structure to our days as it’s no longer a few days, weeks, or even months; it has been more than a year.

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MALE INFERTILITY

April 28th, 2022 by

MALE INFERTILITY

INTRODUCTION : 

  • Infertility incidence
  • Male Factor Rising up off of the Population

Male Infertility

  • Responsible for 1/3rd of IVF treatments
  • Off of the cases idiopathic or unexplained
  • Mainstay of treatment ART ( IVF/ICSI )
  • Live birth after ICSI – 25-30% PER (fresh ) treatment cycle 

CAUSES :  

Lifestyle Factors and Male Infertility : 

Obesity and Weight Loss :

  • Statistically Significant relationship between obesity & semen analysis parameters
  • Obese men more likely to be oligospermic or azoospermic
  • Paternal obesity negatively affects ART outcome
  • Conflicting results regarding effect of significant weight loss on semen analysis parameters

Diet :  

  • Vegetables , fruits , fish , poultry , cereals & low-fat dairy products – positively associated with sperm quality
  • Processed meat , full-fat dairy products , alcohol , coffee & sugar-sweetened beverages – poor semen quality & lower fecundity rates
  • Favourable effects of selenium , zinc , omega-3 fatty acids , coenzyme Q10 & Carnitines on Semen Parameters

Vitamins and Antioxidants :

  • Oxidative Stress (OS) can impair sperm motility, reduce fertilizing ability & cause sperm DNA damage
  • Antioxidants can protect cells from OS
  • Many antioxidant supplements commercially available , but none has high-quality clinical data
  • Antioxidant use : increase live birth rate (OR 1.79) increase clinical pregnancy rate (OR 2.9 )
  • Overall low quality evidence

Cigarette Smoking and vaping : 

  • Smoking negatively affects semen quality but underlying mechanism not yet clear
  • No definite relationship between smoking & male infertility but current available evidence supports smoking cessation & decreasing tobacco exposure for couple trying to conceive
  • Smoking associated with decrease semen count , motility & abnormal morphology – leads to decrease in sperm quality in both fertile & infertile men ( higher effect in infertile )
  • Worsened semen quality in moderate & heavy smokers
  • Oligospermia more prevalent in smokers ( RR 1.29 )
  • Paternal smoking adversely affects ART outcomes
  • Risk of treatment failure (specially miscarriage ) reduces by 4 % in former smokers with each additional year following smoking cessation
  • Vaping refers to e-cigarettes which contain propylene glycol , vegetable glycerine , nicotine , food-grade flavouring & water . Generally viewedas less harmful but does have negative effect on spermatogenesis & OS

Alcohol :  

  • >50 % men drink alcohol yet effect on male fertility not understood
  • Overall –lower semen quality but variable & dose – dependent effect on semen parameters
  • Habitual alcohol intake – decrease semen quality & changes in reproductive hormones
  • Semen volume , sperm count , motility & number of morphological normal sperm ALL decreased significantly

Caffeine :

  • Apparently unaffected semen characteristics but male coffee drinking associated with prolonged time to pregnancy
  • May be associated with sperm aneuploidy & DNA breaks but no other DNA damage

Stress : 

  • Psychological stress – decrease sperm concentration , progressive motility & increase fraction of sperm with abnormal morphology
  • Primarily caused by suppression of testosterone by increase corticosteroid levels
  • Antidepressants drugs – Negatively affect sexual function & semen quality
  • Manage stress non – pharmacologically – CBT , Psychotherapy , fertility counselling & support   

Sleep :

  • Slepp duration associated with testis size in healthy young men
  • Sleep disturbance may contribute to male infertility
  • Testosterone has diurnal pattern & increase coinciding with REM Sleep ( rather than melatonin )
  • Prolactin increase during sleep & levels are sleep – dependent
  • Co-effects if stress / depression & poor sleep on fertility
  • Long –term use of hypnotics – not recommended

Sperm assessment and selection

Semen Analysis ( SA ) 

  • Essential in evaluation & initial lab test
  • Single SA usually sufficient to decide the most appropriate management pathway
  • If initial SA ≥ 1 abnormal parameters – consider Repeat
  • Men with risk factors or abnormal semen parameters – refer to male reproductive specialist for full evaluation

Sperm DNA Fragmentation 

  • SA has limited diagnostics accuracy & cannot predict ART outcomes
  • Association between high Sperm DNA Fragmentation & poor reproductive outcomes in natural conception / IUI but unable to predict with ART outcomes
  • No treatment for high Sperm DNA Fragmentation proven yet 

New developments in sperm selection in ART :

  • Sperm selection –Standard methods are density gradient centrifugation or swim-up both with similar ART outcomes
  • Live births after ICSI – 25-30% per ( fresh )treatment cycle

Genetic testing in male infertility :  

  • Genetic Testing and karyotyping– in klinfelter Syndrome ( 47,XXY), testicular disorder of sex development ( 46 , XX ) , translocation ( balanced or unbalanced ), inversions, insertions or deletions

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COVID-19 VACCINATION IN WOMEN

April 28th, 2022 by

COVID-19 VACCINATION IN WOMEN

(Dr T Kabila Raje, Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, HCL Healthcare, Madurai)

·       All Individuals above the age of 18 years including pregnant and lactating women are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

o   Symptomatic pregnant women are at increased risk of severe disease.

o   Pregnant women above the age of 35, with obesity and / or other pre-existing long-term diseases (comorbidities) are at higher risk of complications.

o   Babies born to COVID-infected mothers are at higher risk of being pre-mature and having low birth weight and other complications.

o   However, the COVID-19 vaccines’ long-term side effects on the mother and their babies are not yet established.

·       Hence, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for pregnant and lactating women with informed consent as the benefits outweigh potential risks to them and their babies.

·       The currently available COVID-19 vaccines are largely safe for pregnant women.

o   Minor side effects like pain at the injection site, mild fever, headache, and body aches may be seen after vaccination, but these generally subside within 2-3 days and can be managed and treated with Over-The-Counter (OTC) medicines.

·       COVISHIELD can be given at any vaccination centre with a recommended gap of 12-16 weeks between the two doses.

·       COVAXIN is recommended in women with high-risk pregnancies such as those with Gestational Diabetes (GDM), Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), Epilepsy, severe anaemia, and those on blood thinners like Aspirin or Heparin group. They should be vaccinated in tertiary care centres under medical supervision with a recommended gap of 4-6 weeks between the two doses. These women should seek medical advice before vaccination.

·       Pregnant ladies can be vaccinated anytime during the pregnancy.

·       A pregnant woman who gets infected with COVID-19 during her pregnancy can be vaccinated 90 days after recovery from the acute infection OR soon after the delivery.

·       Injections of the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine can be administered on the same day. Similarly, Anti-D injection can also be given on the same day but at a different site.

·       A nurse or healthcare worker should accompany a pregnant lady during COVID-19 vaccination, and a regular follow-up should be done to check for any Adverse Effect Following Immunisation (AEFI). Such cases are to be duly reported to the vaccination centre and the treating doctor (Physician/ Obstetrician).

·       Women on long-term contraception and with a previous history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or other clotting disorders should seek medical advice before COVID-19 vaccination.

·       Rh-negative women and those with previous caesarean operation are not categorised as high-risk group for COVID-19 vaccination.

·       The COVID-19 vaccination status with the date of vaccination should be entered in the RCH card.

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HEALTH ADVISORY FOR WORKING WOMEN

April 28th, 2022 by

HEALTH ADVISORY FOR WORKING WOMEN

(Author: Dr Amit Kumar Gupta, MBBS, MD, MBA)

Women empowerment is one of the most important factors in overall growth and development. Four key pillars of women empowerment are in terms of women’s health, education, income, and participation in decision-making, out of which health is of paramount importance. As the working women are contributing immensely in the overall social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, ensuring their health would not only lead to their own good health but also result in greater productivity, growth, and development of the entire society. Let us see as to how working women can maintain their own health while remaining connected to their office jobs as well as caring for others.

Know yourself!

Every woman has her own uniqueness in terms of physical, mental, and personal health status. Some women may need to take extra care of their health due to such reasons as monthly periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and certain women-specific health issues. A good self-awareness can help you take necessary steps for prevention and management. Talk to your doctor for further help and support.

Prevent spread of germs!

Every season is a season of its characteristic infections such as flu, stomach infections etc. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for at least 30 seconds; ensure it especially before eating your food or snack. Take care of your workplace too. Use an appropriate disinfectant cleaner or spray to clean your desk, keyboard, mouse, phone etc.

Maintain good personal hygiene!

Importance of personal cleanliness, daily bathing and wearing clean clothes is known to everyone. However, working women need to take extra precautions during their special days every month. Poor maintenance of personal, physical, and reproductive hygiene can pose risk of various infections, other health problems and gynecologic issues. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist for further information and guidance.

Take a balanced diet!

Ensure that your diet contains not only sufficient calories but also adequate amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Women with certain health condition like as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol level and hormonal problems may need to take further precautions in their meals. You can seek advice from your doctor and dietician, if required.

Do not skip meals, you can have working snacks!

Never skip your meals due to work pressure. Plan your day for work as well as meals. Take your breakfast, lunch and dinner on time and do snacking in-between at least twice (that is, between breakfast & lunch and between lunch & dinner). Plan a healthy working lunch or choose a healthy snack. Prefer salads, fruits, nuts and multigrain food items over oily fast foods, candies, and other junk foods in your snacks.

Keep yourself well-hydrated!

Drink plenty of water and healthy beverages like green tea, warm milk, buttermilk, limewater, and vegetable soups.

Instead of fresh juice, eat the fruit with its pulp and fibre which is a healthier practice. Drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water and other liquids daily (which means a glass of water after every 1 to 2 hours). Avoid too much of coffee, cold drinks and other aerated soft drinks.

Exercise at workplace

As per your liking, stamina, and feasibility, choose any exercise such as morning walk, jogging, cycling, yoga, swimming, or any other outdoor sport, and make it a part of your daily routine. At your workplace also, you can do certain exercises such as stretching of your neck, arms, and legs. So, leave your office chair after every 2 to 3 hours of continuous work and exercise for 5-10 minutes, or simply go for a walk. After that, you can resume your work with more freshness. Controlling weight not only keeps you fit and freshened but also prevents or delays the onset of such diseases as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and osteoarthritis (problems of joints).

Be smoke-free and avoid alcohol!

Do not start smoking; and if you do smoke, quit it now. Also avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking poses greater health risks to women, especially during pregnancy and after delivery. Avoid alcohol and other habit-forming bad substances (such as sleeping pills). During pregnancy and breastfeeding, such habits can affect the mother as well as her baby.

Take adequate sleep!

Do not remain engaged for so long periods at your work and household chores that deprive you of your sleep. Lack of adequate sleep can affect one’s health adversely. Ensure that you get sound sleep for at least 6 to 8 hours daily. Before going to sleep, you can read a book, do some meditation, or condition yourself to any other task of you interest so that you get a sound sleep.

Manage stress!

Working women are more prone to have stress due to their higher requirements to maintain a work-life balance. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out, overwhelmed, or out of control. Some of the best ways to manage stress are to find support, connect socially, spend quality time with family & friends, and get plenty of sleep. Have some “Me Time” in your daily life and vent your daily stress out during that time. Also, know your rights at the workplace such as your rights for prevention of sexual harassment at workplace and your entitlement to the use of personal protective equipment to prevent occupational hazard. If needed, meet the life coach at HCL Healthcare clinic with whom you can share your personal concerns under strict confidentiality and seek necessary guidance and support to make your life happy and stress-free.

Do self-breast examination regularly!

This examination in done in different postures and every woman should know how to do it. It can help you detect any lump or other abnormality in breast at an early stage so that you can take further action well in time. When needed, no woman should hesitate and must seek help from her doctor or gynecologist immediately. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist for further information about it.

Get your health check done!

Take advantage of cashless health checks available for you and your family members. If you have history of any illness either in you or your family, speak to your family doctor or gynecologist for health check-up and advice. There are also certain women-specific screening tests (such as Pap test for cervical cancer), which help in prevention, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment of respective women-specific diseases. Talk to the clinic doctor/gynecologist for further information and guidance.

Take extra care for the special and vulnerable ones!

Many working women suffer silently due to their women-specific health problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual problems, gynecologic infections etc. Women with certain chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorder, asthma, heart disease, morbid obesity etc., have higher risk of infections, other health problems and their complications. Similarly, women need extra care and support during pregnancy and after delivery. Moreover, many women experience problems while moving towards their menopause and after the menopause. If you are one of these special and vulnerable ones, do not delay in seeking help in case you have any symptom or health issue.

(The author Dr Amit Kumar Gupta is a medical specialist cum public health expert working as Senior Consultant – Medical Services & Quality at HCL Healthcare. He can be reached out at Amit_Gupta@hcl.com)

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HEALTH TIPS- BUILDING IMMUNITY THIS MONSOON

April 28th, 2022 by

HEALTH TIPS- BUILDING IMMUNITY THIS MONSOON

(Author: Dr Amit Kumar Gupta, MBBS, MD, MBA)

Common cold can account for up to three years of the average person’s life! The reason behind this rather depressing statistic is not easy to pinpoint, and in contrast to what many believe, have nothing to do with the approaching chill in the air!

While it is the most common illness among humans it does not occur because of wet hair, stress, a change in temperature, cold feet, or bad weather. The fact of the matter is that when the weather

forecast is at a low, our immune systems are weakened making us more susceptible to cold attacks. Do not let colds and flu stop you this monsoon. Follow these tips and hints and you can continue to get more out life despite the weather forecast.

Clean Hands!

Hands are described as a germ factory for a reason, so be sure to wash your hands several times throughout the day using a sanitizer. While warm soap and water also work, make sure you do not rush the process and wash your hands for at least 30-seconds to kill all germs. Use paper towel to dry your hands and close the tap so that you do not come into contact with germs once again after washing them. Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth wherever possible so that they do not attract additional germs. And if you need to sneeze, try to do so in the crook of your arm so that the germs on your hands do not come into contact with your nose.

Exercise!

Exercise to build your immunity. Research suggests that by working out and making your heart pump a little faster you strengthen your immune system. If you are already sick, the general rule of thumb is that you can continue to do so if the symptoms are experienced above the neck, such as stuffy noses and sore throats. If, however, you have a temperature and are experiencing aches and pains in your body you should rest and give the gym a skip.

Eat and sleep!

Get at least six to eight hours sleep a night to prevent your immune system from weakening and making you more susceptible to colds and flu. Eating large quantities of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables supports your immune system so make sure your diet is designed to protect you.

Stay Hydrated & drink clean water!

Drink plenty of water and water-based drinks such as green tea during monsoons because the increased humidity makes us sweat more and leaves our bodies dehydrated & more susceptible to falling ill.

Take a shower if you get wet in the rain! 

The shower will wash off any infection or germs that might have passed on to you. Also, avoid sitting in an air-conditioned room with wet clothes or hair so that you do not fall sick

Maintain a high level of personal hygiene! 

Infection and bacteria multiply at an alarming rate especially during rainy season when the surroundings are already polluted, dirty and contaminated. Stay away from mosquito infested areas and avoid walking through puddles of water. Use an antiseptic soap & hand wash.

(The author Dr Amit Kumar Gupta is a medical specialist cum public health expert working as Senior Consultant – Medical Services & Quality at HCL Healthcare. He can be reached out at Amit_Gupta@hcl.com)

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HEALTH TIPS ON CANCER AND ITS PREVENTION

April 28th, 2022 by

HEALTH TIPS ON CANCER AND ITS PREVENTION

(Author: Dr Amit Kumar Gupta, MBBS, MD, MBA)

Cancer is a serious and life-threatening health condition worldwide. Of late, it is emerging as a major public health problem in India also (here it has become one of the ten leading causes of death). Cancers of mouth, lungs, breasts and cervix make the largest proportion of this disease. The irony is that many cancers manifest late in an advanced stage when the disease has already spread from its primary site (organ of origin) to other organs (metastasis) thereby increasing the risk of further complications (including death). However, appropriate changes in lifestyle and other identified measures can help in prevention, early diagnosis and prompt treatment of many of such cases.

To raise awareness on cancer and encourage people for its prevention, detection, and treatment, we observe World Cancer Day on February 4 every year. Let’s know about cancer and how we can prevent and manage it.

Causes and risk factors

Although multiple factors may play roles and contribute, most cancers (90-95% of cases) are linked to environmental factors and only a small proportion (5-10%) occurs due to genetic factors.

Smoking and tobacco chewing: They form the single most important modifiable risk factor for cancer. In addition to the cancers of mouth, lungs, voice box, throat and food pipe, they can also lead to cancers of pancreas and kidneys. Passive smoking (second hand smoking) also results in increased risk of cancers among non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke.

Alcohol: Alcohol intake is associated with cancers of liver, mouth, throat, voice box and food pipe. Alcohol and smoking habits together can further increase the cancer risk significantly.

Sexual and reproductive factors: These are associated with breast and cervical cancers. Sexual behaviour factors (like young age at first sexual activity, multiple sexual partners and poor sexual hygiene) and infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been linked to cervical cancer. Late age at marriage, not having any kid and late menopause increase the risk of breast cancer.

Dietary factors: Diets high in fresh vegetables and fruits tend to reduce the risk for cancer whereas diets rich in animal fats (especially red meats) increase the risk. Other specific dietary factors linked to certain cancers include smoked fish, lack of dietary fibre, high fat diet and certain food additives & food contaminants.

Occupational exposures: They include exposures to benzene, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, vinyl chloride, asbestos, polycyclic hydrocarbons etc. The risk of developing cancer is higher among certain industry workers such as rubber tyres makers, textile workers, ship & dockyard workers, wood workers and those working in chemical & pharmaceutical plants. The risk increases further in smokers.

Certain viral infections: They include chronic infections with hepatitis B and C viruses (liver cancer), HIV (Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), HPV (cervical cancer), certain other viruses.

Genetic factors: Primarily, they are inherited genetic defects (mutations). Carriers of such mutations are at increased risk of developing cancers. More common ones among such cancers are breast cancer, ovarian cancer, certain blood cancers (leukemias) and certain gut cancers. A person having a family member with such a cancer is also at an increased risk of developing that cancer.

Other factors: These include certain parasitic infections, exposure to radiation, certain pesticides etc.

Clinical manifestations

Most cancers do not cause any symptom in their initial stages. Some cancers have a pre-cancerous stage (in which the affected body tissue becomes borderline abnormal but yet not fully cancerous). When manifest, the symptoms may appear slowly (such as a lump that increases in size slowly, causing discomfort, pain or other local symptoms depending upon the type and location of the cancer). In advanced stages, the cancer may spread to other body organs, which can lead to further symptoms due to it. In addition, there can also be certain nonspecific or general symptoms common to most cancers.

Pre-cancerous conditions and features: They may include:

A white or reddish patch on the inner side of cheek (esp. in smokers/tobacco chewers)

An ulcer-like skin lesion or a slowly growing lump on or under the skin

A lump within the belly or in an organ (such as breast) that a person can feel.

Local features: These generally occur due to the cancerous mass or its ulceration. For example:

  • Localised pain (though a mass or swelling may be painless initially)
  • Cough, blood in phlegm (in lung cancer)
  • Changes in bowel habits, blood in stools (in gut cancer)
  • Anemia, progressive weakness and fatigue (in blood cancers)
  • Abnormal and heavy periods (in cervical and uterine cancers)

General (systemic) features: The following non-specific features may occur in many cancers:

  • Progressive loss of weight
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever without an apparent cause
  • Generalised lethargy and weakness
  • Skin changes

Features upon metastasis:  As a cancer spreads to other body organs, following feature may appear:

Enlarged lymph nodes (glands in neck, armpits, groin etc)

  • Enlarged liver and/or spleen
  • Bone pains and easy fractures
  • Neurological features (unexplained vertigo, epilepsy, paralysis etc)
  • Warning signals for cancer

These may be spelled out with the pneumonic “CAUTION” :

  • C: Change in bowel or bladder habits
  • A: A wound that does not heal
  • U: Unusual bleeding or discharge
  • T: Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
  • I: Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
  • O: Obvious change in a wart or mole
  • N: Nagging cough or hoarseness of voice

All people should be aware of these warning signals. Merely the presence of any of these features does not mean a definitive diagnosis of cancer, however, any such sign not responding to appropriate treatment warrants immediate medical attention and prompt management.

Diagnosis

Periodic health check-up and screening are very important in early diagnosis of cancers. When a patient visits a doctor for one problem, the doctor can also utilize that opportunity to screens him/her for another specified condition (for example, screening for a reddish patch in mouth). During medical evaluation, doctors pay special attention to early warning signals and those with suspected cancer are investigated with various medical tests. A definitive diagnosis generally requires confirmation through histopathological examination (such as biopsy and liquid cytology). Further tests may be required for determining the disease extent, deciding the treatment options available and evaluating the patient during follow-up.

As a preventive measure, certain screening tests can be done to detect potential pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions, esp. in those who do not yet have clinical manifestations. They help in early detection, timely treatment at an early stage, and reduction of further risks & complications.

Pap test: This test screens women for pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions of cervix. In this test, the gynaecologist scrapes and collects cells from the surface of the cervix, which are then examined for any abnormal cells (including pre-cancerous and cancerous cells). Pap test can also be combined with the human papillomavirus test (called as the Pap-HPV co-testing) which can be done in single sitting and is considered better than an isolated Pap test.

Self-breast examination: This is an important screening method used for detecting early breast cancer in women, in which the woman herself looks at her breasts in the mirror and feels each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling, and then seeks professional help if indicated

Mammography: This test uses low-energy X-rays to examine the breasts for screening and early detection of breast cancer.

Tumour markers: Some cancers release specific biochemical substances which can be measured in the blood and are useful in the detection and diagnosis of those cancers. Such tumour markers include:

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer
  • Alpha feto-protein (AFP) for liver cancer
  • CA-125 for ovarian cancer
  • Carcinoma-embryonic antigen (CEA) for gut cancer

Histopathological tests:  These include tissue biopsy and liquid cytology (such as on blood, bone marrow and other body fluids). They not only confirm the diagnosis and differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous lesions but also provide further details about the cancer’s nature (like type, stage, grade etc).

Other tests: They may include blood tests (such as liver and kidney function tests to know functions of these organs), X-rays, ultrasonography, CT scan, MRI scan, radio-nuclear scan, and endoscopic tests.

Treatment

  • In a given case, depending upon the type, location and grade of the cancer, the facilities available and the patient’s overall health and wishes, the following treatment modalities may be needed (alone or in combination):
  • Surgery:  It is done primarily to remove isolated solid cancers and improve quality of life. For some types of cancer, this is all that is needed for a good outcome
  • Chemotherapy: Various anti-cancer drugs have proven useful in different cancers
  • Radiotherapy: Use of radiation helps cure or improve the symptoms of certain cancers. It is typically used in addition to surgery and/or chemotherapy.
  • Palliative care: This involves symptomatic and supportive care in advanced cancers to reduce physical, emotional, spiritual and psycho-social distress and make the patient feel better. It may help improve the quality of life of such patients and their families facing such serious conditions.

Prevention

More than 30% of cancer deaths are preventable and we can reduce the cancer risk by choosing a healthy lifestyle and maintaining good personal habits. Many of the cancer-related environmental risk factors are also controllable through such simple measures as give below:

Quit smoking and tobacco chewing: If needed, talk to your doctor and life coach who can provide help and guide you through various programmes on smoking cessation and tobacco de-addiction. Avoid passive smoking (second hand smoking) including spending too much time in polluted air (such as during heavy traffic on roads).

Stop alcohol: Controlling alcohol consumption is no more a difficult task. Meet your doctor and life coach today.

Take healthy, balanced diet: Include fresh vegetables, fruits and fibre in your diet. Avoid junk foods and food items that are rich in fats (esp. animal fats/red meats).

Do regular exercise and control weight: Regular physical activity and exercise are good for both patients as well as healthy persons. You can take up any exercise of your choice and capacity (such as jogging, morning walk, outdoor games, yoga etc) to control your weight and keep you fit and freshened.

Maintain good personal, sexual and reproductive health: Keep good physical & sexual hygiene. Avoid high-risk sexual behaviours (like starting sexual activity at a young age, having multiple sexual partners, and having casual sex with unknown or risky persons). Talk to your doctor for further advice.

Be aware: Health education focused on various cancer-related risk factors & risk behaviours and on their preventive measures can help reduce the risk. Talk to your doctor; read health articles, participate in relevant group sessions; and take necessary steps actively. HCL Healthcare and Benefit Box periodically release newsletters and organize group sessions on these topics.

Get health checks done: Take advantage of cashless health checks available for you and your family members. Your doctor will evaluate including screening against common cancers & pre-cancerous conditions. Appropriate clinical examination and necessary investigations (such as Pap test in women and PSA in men) help detect problems at an early stage so that they can be handled promptly and further risks reduced.

Do self-breast examination regularly: This examination in done in different postures and every woman should know how to do it. When needed, no woman should hesitate and should seek help from her doctor or gynaecologist immediately.

Get your vaccination:  The risk of certain cancers can be reduced through vaccination (such as HPV vaccine for cervical cancer and HBV vaccine for Hepatitis B). Talk to your doctor for further information and advice.

Avoid unwarranted drugs and radiation: Do not indulge in self-medication and getting unnecessary radiation (like x-rays, CT scans etc). Always follow your doctor’s advice in this regard.

Protect against occupational exposures:  In case your workplace has risk of harmful occupational exposure (such as carcinogenic chemicals in certain industries), the risk can be reduced by such measures as use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), frequent rotation of the workers, mechanized handling of such chemicals etc. Talk to your work manager and doctor for further information and advice.

(The author Dr Amit Kumar Gupta is a medical specialist cum public health expert working as Senior Consultant – Medical Services & Quality at HCL Healthcare. He can be reached out at Amit_Gupta@hcl.com)

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HEALTH ADVISORY: ZIKA VIRUS INFECTION

April 28th, 2022 by

HEALTH ADVISORY: ZIKA VIRUS INFECTION

(Author: Dr Amit Kumar Gupta, MBBS, MD, MBA)

Zika fever or Zika virus disease is a viral infection which gets spread through biting by an infected mosquito (just like malaria and dengue). It is an infection of public health concern, especially because it can spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby (foetus) and result into serious complications in the brain and other organs of thus impacted baby. With no specific treatment available so far, this infection is primarily managed through symptomatic treatment and other supportive measures only.

Recently several cases of this infection have been reported from Kerala, India, and the entire State has been put on high alert to prevent further spread of this infection and control the situation from getting worsened. So, in addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we need to know about the Zika virus infection also so that we may take appropriate measures of prevention and control.

What is Zika?

Zika is a viral disease caused due to infection with the Zika virus. Just like malaria and dengue, this infection spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. Typically, this mosquito first bites an infected person to become infected itself and then the infected mosquito bites a non-infected person to infect him/her too. Apart from mosquito-bites, this virus can also get spread through sexual contact, blood transfusion, and from pregnant woman to her baby (foetus) during pregnancy or at the time of delivery.

Symptoms

Most people with Zika virus infection do not develop symptoms. When manifested, symptoms are generally mild and usually appear 3 days to 2 weeks after the bite of an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, rash, red eyes, muscle and joint pain, headache, and generalized weakness. Symptoms typically last for 2 to 7 days. Importantly, these symptoms resemble those seen in Dengue and now even in COVID-19, which should be ruled out through appropriate testing.

Zika virus infection during pregnancy can result in adverse pregnancy and foetal outcomes such as miscarriage, foetal malformations, and pre-term birth. Zika virus infection in adults and children can sometimes lead to serious neurologic complications. Although death is not a usual complication, the negative impacts on pregnancy, brain malformations in foetus, and neurological complications in adults are serious concerns in this infection.

Diagnosis

Infection with Zika virus may be suspected based on symptoms and recent history of travel (such as travel to or residence in an area with active Zika virus transmission). A diagnosis of Zika virus infection can only be confirmed through laboratory tests on blood or other body fluids (such as urine, saliva or semen).

Treatment

Zika virus disease is usually mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with this infection should take adequate rest, drink plenty of liquids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines (such as paracetamol but avoid aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical advice and care.

There is currently no vaccine available to protect against Zika virus disease, though several candidate vaccines are under research phase and clinical trials.

Prevention

Since mosquito bite is the most common reason for spread of this infection, getting rid of mosquito breeding sites and taking other steps to prevent mosquito bites are the key to control this disease. Other measures include controlling the spread of infection through sexual contact and blood transfusion.

Protect yourself against mosquito bites. Wear full-sleeved clothes. Keep doors & windows closed. Use window screens. Sleep under mosquito nets. Apply mosquito repellant to skin, clothing, or mosquito net.

Pay special attention to protect pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children from mosquito bites. Use mosquito nets to protect them.

Avoid unnecessary travel to an affected area. If you or your partner have travelled through an affected area, talk to your doctor for advice. Proper use of condom is helpful in situations when you are not sure of the infection status of your partner

If you are living in an affected area, follow the above basic precautions to protect from mosquito bites.

Eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Don’t let water to get collected around homes, schools, and work sites. Cover water storage containers. Clean up trash and used tires. Remove standing water in flowerpots. Clean, scrub and dry your desert coolers every week and keep them dry when not in use.

Support local governmental initiatives and public health programs to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

Don’t use aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to treat fever. Paracetamol is safer.

For further information or advice, talk to your doctor.

(The author Dr Amit Kumar Gupta is a medical specialist cum public health expert working as Senior Consultant – Medical Services & Quality at HCL Healthcare. He can be reached out at Amit_Gupta@hcl.com)

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BEAT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL EXAM STRESS

April 28th, 2022 by

BEAT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL EXAM STRESS

(Author: Dr Amit Kumar Gupta, MBBS, MD, MBA)

Oh! It’s exam time…

For most of us, school time has always been a fun except when it is exam time. Not just the students but their parents also tend to experience considerable stress during exam time. Many parents feel as if these are not their children’s exams but some kind of exams for themselves! In the modern world of high ambitions and neck-toneck competitions, a given result of annual school exams is treated to have significant bearing on a student’s academic future, social attire and many-a-times the direction of his/her further professional pursuits. Therefore, it is obvious that students as well as their parents and other family members may perceive school exams as a huge burden – both physically and mentally.

School exam stress is an inevitable part of student life that can be a tough nut to crack. If not tackled properly, an undue stress of school exams can be harmful. It may affect a student’s overall performance and sometimes lead to other complications. However, we can beat this stress easily if we want to do so. We can channelize the school exam stress into positive vibes and greater energy by following certain simple steps. Let’s understand how this can be done…

Change your and your child’s perception to school exams

Any stress is nothing but our body and mind’s way of responding to any kind of demand. It is only our perception – an event, which is exciting and pleasurable to one person, may be painfully stressful to another

If we look at the school exams as a challenge (positive stress), our bodies will react by releasing good chemicals into the blood, which will give us more energy and strength offering greater potential gain.

Also, devise an outlet for release of this extra energy and strength, which can be academic (such as revising what you have read earlier) or even non-academic (such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, listening to music, or simply chatting with family or a friend). Let your child spend some time in such activities that make hm/her feel happy and relaxed (but make it for short periods only, say 5-10 minutes).

Motivate your child to take the exams as a challenge and prepare strategically but don’t let him/her attach any emotions with future/probable outcome of the exams.

Watch your child for signs of exam stress

Recognition of school exam stress is the first step in learning how to deal with it. When anyone experience exam stress, his/her body and mind show the effects in the form of certain physical and mental manifestations to which we must pay attention. Some of them may include:

  • ‘Nervous’ behaviour (anxiety, twitching, fiddling, talking too much, nail biting, teeth grinding, pacing, other repetitive habits, tiredness, dryness of mouth)
  • Faster heartbeat and breathing
  • Excessive sweating and cold hands, feet or skin
  • Feeling sick to the stomach (‘butterflies‘
  • Muscle-tightening and tense-feeling
  • Frequenting the bathroom
  • Change in appetite (poor interest in food or eat more than normal)
  • Difficulty in concentration
  • Difficulty in sleeping, bad dreams
  • Headache
  • Anger, resentment, irritability and conflicts
  • Isolation and hopelessness
  • Uncertainty about the future
  • Some tips to beat school exam stress

Time management. Help your child to plan well for the exams. It is very important to make a realistic study plan (with timetable for preparations, revisions, practice papers etc) and then adhere to such a plan. A good time management will help prevent any last-minute nervousness or panicky behaviour in your child. Since there is usually a gap of 1-2 days between two consecutive exam subjects, make your plan with an active involvement of your child in order to utilize such time optimally.

Give your child a balanced diet. Make sure your child eats well. Give him/her a nutritious diet that should also contain seasonal fruits and vegetables. A good diet will make your child feel good to prepare well and ease exam stress. Avoid too oily or fatty food items. High-caffeine items and junk foods should also be avoided. And obviously, prefer not to give your child any eatables from outside that could be unhygienic; after all you will never want your child to fall sick during school exam period!

Make sure your child sleeps well. See that your child gets adequate sleep (about 6-8 hours at night). It will improve his/her concentration and thus exam preparedness. Insufficient sleep can cause fatigue, anxiety and irritability. Ensure an ambient and peaceful environment at home so that your child can take a sound sleep and then wake up with fresh mood and greater energy.

Support your child to study. Know your own capacity and help your child in his/her studies. Provide a good ambience (such as a peaceful room and proper study table & chair) for preparation. Also, understand your child’s limitations and give more attention to those subjects in which your child needs more support. For this purpose, you may do such works as discussion on key study concepts, help in doing numericals, and listening to your child’s crammed answers as part of revision. Help your child in using mnemonics and utilizing other tactics for better cramming, understanding and memorizing important things for the exams.

Allow time for fun and relaxation. Provide your child with some time for relaxation and enjoyment also. Studying for a long stretch is less effective than doing it in intervals; so allow your child to take a break of 5-10 minutes after every 45-60 minutes of continuous study. During such breaks, facilitate your child to do some relaxation activities. During exam periods also, let your child play, watch TV, perform a hobby, or do physical exercise for about 30 minutes daily as it will keep him/her calm and stress-free. Other options may include meditation, yoga, prayers, listening to relaxing music, spending quality time with pets/nature etc.

Talk to your child. Allow your child to talk to you as a friend. Discuss and try to understand his/her concerns and provide appropriate support and guidance rather than scolding, criticizing or adding to the already existing pressure of exams. Such a good talk on regular basis will not only improve love and bonding between you and your child but also allay his/her exam fears. Talking to parents and other family members will improve your child’s confidence and reduce his/her exam stress.

Maintain balance at home. During exam periods, when your child is more involved in studies, he/she is likely to forget some other activities. It may lead to such situations as not taking adequate diet, keeping the room untidy, forgetting to do other household works etc. Stay calm and support your child on priority, even if it is at the cost of some compromise at your end. Don’t burden your child unnecessarily with trivial issues, family arguments and works that can be postponed. After all, you are making efforts to benefit your child and ease his/her exam stress.

Support and guidance of peers. Many-a-times, your child’s peers, friends and schoolteachers can also prove to be of great help when your child shares his/her concerns and worries. You may first talk to such peers who will then talk to your child in a positive and optimistic manner. Their support and guidance can thus lessen your child’s school exam stress.

Before the exams. Always support your child for the exams in a positive way. Before an exam, tell your child that you love him/her and will continue to do so irrespective of the exam results. Always emphasize that the life will remain beautiful for your child even if any exam does not go well. Your child needs a stress-free mind before and during exams so as to put in his/her best efforts. On the exam day, make sure that your child is ready on time and is not late.

On the exam days. Ensure that your child has taken adequate sleep and is refreshed. Make sure that he/she is ready on time and is not late for the exam. In case of exam being held physically at school/ centre, ensure that your child possesses his/her school ID or exam admit card and has all necessary exam logistics (such as pen, pencil, eraser, geometry box, colours etc). In case of exam being held online from home, ensure to provide an ambient environment with adequate internet connectivity, good light and no external disturbance from other persons, noise etc. Reassure your child and remind him/her to take the exam calmly and strategically. Your child should learn to do appropriate time allocations to various questions in the exam at the beginning. It is generally a good idea to attempt the easy questions first followed by the more difficult ones.

After the exams. Encourage your child to discuss his/her exam paper with you. During such a discussion, keep motivating your child. Don’t criticize him/her for any wrong answer to questions; rather, highlight your child’s positive acts and reassure how he/she can do further better. Always emphasize that the life will remain beautiful for your child even if any exam does not go well. Upon completion of the exams, you may like to give a treat to your child or even throw a party.

Consult an expert. In case there is a need, don’t hesitate to consult an expert for counselling and advice. If there seems to be too much of school exam stress either before or during the exams and your child is unable to cope, approach the right person such as a child counsellor, a psychologist, or a doctor who will help your child to beat the stress in a better way. Similarly, if your child has some negative/warning signs that are persistent even after the exams are over, it would be prudent to seek the expert’s advice. Nowadays, many schools, education boards and even governmental agencies provide help through their online portals and helpline numbers to counsel school children and their parents so as to beat school exam stress. When required, take help through these services also.

OK. What is the next step now? 

Plan well for your child’s school exams and follow the plan to beat the exam stress. Happy school exams…

(The author Dr Amit Kumar Gupta is a medical specialist cum public health expert working as Senior Consultant – Medical Services & Quality at HCL Healthcare. He can be reached out at Amit_Gupta@hcl.com)

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HEALTH ADVISORY: BREAST CANCER

April 28th, 2022 by

HEALTH ADVISORY: BREAST CANCER

(Author: Dr Amit Kumar Gupta, MBBS, MD, MBA)

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting the women worldwide. Adequate awareness about breast cancer and its preventive measures can help us take necessary steps for avoiding this disease and seeking timely, appropriate help to minimize harms in case of an actual disease.

In India, breast cancer accounts for nearly one-fourth to one-third of all cancers among women. Almost half of the breast cancer victims are below the age of 50 years, and more than half of the patients present in late stages with poor outcome. Only 60 out of 100 women diagnosed with breast cancer are likely to survive for more than 5 years. The most common reason for such a rising prevalence of breast cancer and its toll on women wellness in this country is a lack of awareness about this cancer and the screening for it. We can reduce the risk of breast cancer and its adverse impacts by having adequate prior knowledge about this disease and taking necessary steps for its prevention, screening, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.

Structurally, the human female breasts are composed of fat tissue, lobules of milk glands and their ducts that open into the nipple. During adolescence, they start growing under the influence of body hormones (especially the female sex hormones) and attain their adult size and function. During pregnancy and at delivery, further changes occur in the breasts so that mothers can breastfeed their babies with the most natural meal – the mother’s milk.

Breast cancer can occur in a woman due to multiple reasons such as:

  • Genetic (hereditary) factors: The risk of breast cancer is higher in those women who have a history of this cancer in their mothers, sisters, daughters, or first-degree cousin sisters.
  • Hormonal imbalance: This is the most common reason for breast cancer. It is largely a problem of estrogen hormones which also affect menstrual periods and motherhood (fertility) in women. Breast cancer has been reported more commonly in spinsters, never-pregnant middle-aged women, and those having their first full term pregnancy at an advanced age.
  • Environmental influences: These include radiation to chest, radiotherapy for other cancers etc.
  • Bad lifestyle: Smoking, alcohol intake, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, inadequate physical exercise, and nonbreastfeeding (or early weaning) increase the risk of breast cancer in women. Women can reduce the risk of breast cancer by avoiding such high-risk behaviours and adhering to a healthy lifestyle.

Combination of one or more of these risk factors ultimately causes unregulated growth of cells in the breast tissue resulting in abnormalities of structure and function of one or both the breasts. The cancer in one breast can spread locally in and around that breast, or to the other breast, or to various other organs in the body thereby leading to further symptoms and complications accordingly

Women with breast cancer may not have any symptom at all in its early stage. Later they may have some subtle manifestations; and recognizing them is important for early diagnosis and prompt action.

Common symptoms and signs of breast cancer are:

  • Visible or palpable lump in one of both the breasts
  • Dimpled skin over the breast
  • Colour changes in the skin overlying the breast
  • Texture changes in the skin overlying the breast
  • Inward bending (inversion) of the nipple
  • Abnormal discharge from the nipple
  • Lump in the armpit

If you have any of these symptoms and signs, don’t ignore them. Seek help from your doctor or gynaecologist. Your doctor will take a detailed medical history, perform a clinical examination including breast examination, and may advise certain tests such as mammography, needle aspiration/biopsy etc. if the initial work-up suggests breast cancer, further tests may be required for know the extent/stage of the cancer and the plausible options for its treatment.

Treatment of breast cancer depends not only upon its extent, severity (stage) and clinical type but also on the concerned patient’s age and overall health status. Keeping all these factors in mind, the plan of treatment is finalized after a detailed discussion with the patient and considering her preferences. It may include surgery, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or simple supportive/palliative treatment (in case of a very advanced stage disease). Modern medical advances such as breast reconstruction surgery and artificial breast implants have added to cosmetic rehabilitation after surgical removal of breast. So, timely diagnosis of breast cancer and its proper treatment can help such patients live a good, cancer-free life subsequently.

However, it is said that prevention is better than cure and it holds true for breast cancer also. For this purpose, always remember the following:

  • Healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking and alcohol intake. Maintain a healthy weight. Take healthy, balanced diet. Exercise regularly (it helps even if you are nor overweight). Take sound and adequate sleep for at least 6-8 hours daily.
  • Self-breast examination: This is a very important screening method used for detecting early breast cancer in women. In this method, the woman herself looks at her breasts in the mirror and feels each breast for possible lumps, distortions or swelling. The examination in done in different postures and every woman should know how to do it.
  • Breastfeeding: Give you baby his/her right to the mother’s milk. The longer you breastfeed, the greater the protective effect against breast cancer.
  • Periodic health check: Know your health status through regular (at least annual) health check. Never skip your routine health check due to reasons of busy schedule or other excuses. If you have a family history of breast cancer, tell you doctor about it and have discussion for your own health benefits. Follow your doctor’s advice for any needful test (such as mammography).
  • Gynaec consultation: An expert’s advice is always good, especially for health education and counselling of adolescent girls and adult women. If you have any breast-related or other gynaecological problem or concern, don’t hesitate in seeking help from your gynaecologist who will examine you and can give you proper advice and treatment, if required.

Avoid unnecessary drugs and radiation: Never do self-medication. Always take drugs as prescribed by your doctor. To manage symptoms of menopause, some women may need hormonal therapy which should be taken only after consulting your gynaecologist. Similarly, avoid any unnecessary radiation (including any unnecessary chest x-ray not advised by your doctor).

(The author Dr Amit Kumar Gupta is a medical specialist cum public health expert working as Senior Consultant – Medical Services & Quality at HCL Healthcare. He can be reached out at Amit_Gupta@hcl.com)

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BREASTFEEDING: HEALTH BENEFITS TO THE BABY AND THE MOTHER

April 28th, 2022 by

BREASTFEEDING: HEALTH BENEFITS TO THE BABY AND THE MOTHER

(Author: Dr Amit Kumar Gupta, MBBS, MD, MBA)

Breastfeeding is a sacred gift from a mother to her baby that lasts a lifetime. It has been scientifically proven that breast milk is the best natural source of nutrition for your infant’s health, and its benefits are unrivalled. The cells and the antibodies found only in mother’s milk cannot be obtained from any other food source. Together, they play a vital role in immunity build-up of your child from the early stages of life.

The several benefits of breastfeeding are not limited to your child’s growth and development only, but they are also associated with your fair health in later life. You will gradually realise that what’s good for your baby is good for you too and when you follow nature’s course for feeding, you benefit your body too!

Let’s have a look at the many benefits that breastfeeding provides to you and your baby:

Breastfeeding fullfills the ideal need of nutrition for your baby as mother’s milk contains the right balance of protein, fat, carbohydrate, minerals, and vitamins. Also, the composition of mother’s milk changes as per the baby’s requirement of nutrition.

The vital antibodies present in breast milk make your infant’s immunity stronger and help ward off development of many allergies and several diseases. As compared to formula-fed babies, the breastfed babies remain healthier. The first milk called ‘Colostrum’ makes your baby more resistant to infections and diseases in life.

Babies who are breastfed have higher IQ and better cognitive skills than the formula-fed ones. It has been observed that such babies are able to solve various puzzles and problems very early in life. Also, they develop fewer behavioural, psychological, and learning problems when they grow older.

Many studies have established that breastfed babies have lesser chances of developing risks of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer in later stages of life.

Women who breastfeed their babies encounter less instances of breast cancer later in their lives as well as have reduced risks of osteoporosis and ovarian cancer.

The feeding mothers experience a delightful feeling from the physical and emotional communion gained through the nursing of their babies. Breastfeeding causes greater release of hormones like oxytocin in a feeding mother, which not only help her uterus to return to its normal state more quickly but also benefit her by reducing the duration and the pain of postpartum bleeding.

Above all, breastfeeding is the best way to bond with your baby – both emotionally and physically. It helps strengthen the bonding between you two as the ‘tiny little life’ feels safe in the warmth of your arms and remains comfortable knowing that you’re around. These benefits make your baby a superbaby and you a supermom!

If you wish that you breastfeed your baby properly, you might have to make some lifestyle changes and follow a timely schedule of feeding. After delivery, therefore, it is a good idea to consult a Paediatrician.

(The author Dr Amit Kumar Gupta is a medical specialist cum public health expert working as Senior Consultant – Medical Services & Quality at HCL Healthcare. He can be reached out at Amit_Gupta@hcl.com)

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DENTAL IMPLANTS

April 28th, 2022 by

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Are you abstaining yourself from the little joys of life? Not anymore, as you can now relish what you want with dental implants!

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a metal post, placed surgically in the jawbone, that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. An artificial tooth as the crown part is placed on an extension of the post as an abutment on the dental implant. The implant gives a person the look and the feel of a real tooth.

The dental implants are a better option than the fixed bridgework or dentures as these implants won’t slip, make noise, or cause any damage to the bone. Also, the material used for dental implants (most of the time it is Titanium) can’t decay like your own teeth supporting bridgework can.

Types of Dental Implant

Considering the various advantages and with the growing demand for the implants, lots of clinics are providing dental implants, including the HCL Healthcare clinics. Let’s have a look at the different types of dental implants.

  • Subperiosteal dental implants: This type of dental implants is placed under the gum but on or above the jawbone. These implants are specifically used for the patients who have a shallow jawbone.
  • Endosteal dental implants: These are typically small screw, cylinder or plate shaped implants and are placed in the jawbone.
  • The dental implants clinics can provide you with different choices of dental implants to satiate your individual requirements. You can get them in different sizes and heights (including standard and narrow types). Your dental implant expert can help you determine the right kind of dental implant for you, depending on the tooth or teeth that need to be replaced.

Advantages of Dental Implants

The dental implant acts as a perfect replacement for your missing tooth or tooth roots. In order to form a fully functional replacement tooth, the dental implant is topped by a dental restoration such as a crown, a bridge or a denture.

Dental implants are the most durable and long-lasting form of dental replacements and recommended for all having a dental issue. Amongst the innumerable benefits of dental implants, let’s have a look at some of the important ones:

  • These replacements have nearly the full chewing power of natural teeth.
  • The implants reduce the load on the remaining oral structures by offering independent support to the adjoining parts.
  • As compared to the conventional bridgework implants, the dental implants don’t need any cutting of the adjacent teeth and thus help preserve the natural tooth tissue.
  • Dental implants significantly reduce bone resorption and deterioration and thus prevent the loss of jawbone height.
  • Dental implants are also effective in reducing the need for subsequent restorative interventions of the adjoining teeth.
  • Dental implants can be used to replace either a single tooth or all missing teeth in a jawline.
  • They also help in supporting a removable or fixed denture. The number of dental implants needed for a given patient depends on the final restoration and the amount of bone density available for the procedure.

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POST COVID TRAVEL

April 28th, 2022 by

POST COVID TRAVEL

Precautions on travel in post COVID times / COVID – 19 Travel Advice

(Author: Hina Datt, HCL Healthcare)

“Life imposes things on you that you can’t control, but you still have the choice of how you’re going to live through this.” – Celine Dion

Considering travel during Pandemic?

Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19

Covid has had a huge impact on the way of living.

Widespread vaccination holds promise for ending coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic, but it will not happen overnight.

Ask yourself few basic questions before you plan to travel.

Self-Questionnaire:

(Please speak to the doctor if any answer to the below question is Yes)

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AIR POLLUTION – HEALTH TIPS

April 28th, 2022 by

AIR POLLUTION – HEALTH TIPS

(Author: Dr Amit Kumar Gupta, MBBS, MD, MBA)

A clean environment is directly related to good health whereas a bad or polluted environment poses risk of various

diseases to the population. Of late, the incidents of various environment-related health problems – particularly those

associated with air pollution – have been increasing rapidly and there is a need for a collective effort to control this

problem and make our environment clean and safe. In this backdrop, air pollution has become an important public

health concern and we need to know how we can protect ourselves from it ill effects. Let’s see what we can do

proactively to control air pollution and avoid or minimize its harmful effects.

WHAT IS AIR POLLUTION?

It is the presence of toxic or harmful substances in the air, at such high levels that pose health risks. Major air pollutants include harmful gases, dust particles and aerosols, which are largely produced due to biomass burning, vehicular emission, industrial processes, civil construction works, diesel genset exhaust, wildfires, mining etc. Polluting fuels and unvented, low-performing heating and cooking stoves are the major causes of indoor air pollution.

Such air pollutants can affect us either directly by coming in contact with our skin, eyes, airways etc., or indirectly by

lowering the air quality with resultant damaging effects. Rising vehicular smoke, mass stubble burning, indoor air

pollution and dust storms have added to air pollution and posed further health risks to the exposed people.

HEALTH HAZARDS OF AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution and inhalation of dust particles can affect our health adversely, resulting in mild symptoms to serious health problems. More common symptoms include:

  • Eye redness and watering
  • Sneezing, runny nose
  • Cough, repeated throat clearing
  • Shortness of breath, wheeze, asthma attacks
  • Chest tightness, chest pain
  • Hay fever
  • Dizziness, giddiness, nausea
  • Headache, irritability
  • Inability to concentrate, low productivity
  • Reduced visibility due to dusty environment, with more risk of accidents

Persons having an existing chronic respiratory condition (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis etc.) are at a much greater

risk. In addition, smokers, heart patients, people working in dusty workplaces (like certain factories and occupations),

children and the elderly are also more vulnerable to health problems due to air pollution.

Prolonged exposures to outdoor and indoor air pollution have been linked to chronic lung disease, lung cancer, heart

disease, brain stroke, frequent chest infections and other complications. Even many normal healthy young individuals

are also getting affected due to the worsening air quality, with a negative impact on their productivity.

TIPS TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTION

Steps at individual level:

  • Avoid spending time in polluted air and dusty outdoor (esp. in mornings and evenings)
  • Exercise indoor (rather than in dusty outdoor)
  • Keep yourself well hydrated (drink water and relish on other beverages like soups, lime juice, fruit juice, milk
  • shake, lassi, buttermilk etc. in adequate quantities: average 2-3 litres daily, or even more in summers)
  • Don’t indulge in activities that increase air pollution or dust pollution
  • Show your environment-friendly actions:
  • Do carpooling or use public transport system to reduce burden of vehicular air pollution
  • Don’t burn leaves/garbage
  • Follow statutory guidelines for control of air pollution
  • Motivate your friends, colleagues and family members to reduce air pollution
  • Keep your house, office etc. clean, smoke-free and dust-free:
  • Use vacuum cleaner and do wet-mopping (rather than dry sweeping)
  • Use curtains to further reduce dust entering your living space
  • Sprinkling of water in and around your house can help settle the dust particles down
  • Protect yourself by getting your flu shot (ask your doctor for more information)
  • Use protective face masks (like N95 masks) in more polluted areas
  • If you have any symptom that might be related to air pollution, seek medical advice without delay.
  • Steps at mass level:
  • Focus on controlling the origins of air pollution and dust particles
  • Strict implementation of standards and regulations for pollution control (industry license, motor vehicles)
  • Continuous monitoring of air pollution indicators
  • Sharing information in public domain on key air pollution indicators
  • Legislative actions to prevent air pollution and mitigate its hazards
  • Prudence in civil construction activities
  • Curbing deforestation
  • Promotion of green drives, afforestation and vegetation buffers
  • Awareness generation through mass media, emailers, group talks etc.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Be proactive to prevent, reduce and control air pollution. When needed, seek medical help without delay. Talk to your

doctor for further information and advice.

(The author Dr Amit Kumar Gupta is a medical specialist cum public health expert working as

Senior Consultant – Medical Services & Quality at HCL Healthcare. He can be reached out at Amit_Gupta@hcl.com)

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