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URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI)

April 28th, 2022 by healthcareadmin

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 healthcareadmin

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 healthcareadmin

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 healthcareadmin

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 healthcareadmin

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 healthcareadmin

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.

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HEALTH TIPS ON CANCER AND ITS PREVENTION

April 28th, 2022 by healthcareadmin

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.

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HEALTH ADVISORY: ZIKA VIRUS INFECTION

April 28th, 2022 by healthcareadmin

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.

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BEAT YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL EXAM STRESS

April 28th, 2022 by healthcareadmin

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…

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HEALTH ADVISORY: BREAST CANCER

April 28th, 2022 by healthcareadmin

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).

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BREASTFEEDING: HEALTH BENEFITS TO THE BABY AND THE MOTHER

April 28th, 2022 by healthcareadmin

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.

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DENTAL IMPLANTS

April 28th, 2022 by healthcareadmin

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 healthcareadmin

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 healthcareadmin

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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