Category: health

India Postal Service Honors Holy Family Hospital’s 40 Years of Care with Special Cover Stamp

Mumbai- Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, a renowned healthcare institution, has been honoured by the India Postal Service with a Special Cover Stamp, commemorating its remarkable journey of over four decades of dedicated service to the community. This distinguished recognition highlights the hospital’s contributions to healthcare in Mumbai and the countless lives touched through its compassionate care.

The event, held on 9th October 2024, featured esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Deepshikha Birla Senior Superintendent of Post Offices (SSP) North, India Post, Adv. Ashish Shelar, MLA Bandra West Assembly, and Dr. (Sr.) Beena, Executive Director of Holy Family Hospital and renowned Cardiologists – Dr. Yash Lokhandwala and Dr. Jaipal J Jadwani. The Special Cover Stamp release symbolizes the hospital’s historic journey, which began as a small 10-bed nursing home, “Silverene,” and has since grown into a 268-bedded multi-specialty healthcare facility.

Speaking at the event, Dr. (Sr.) Beena emphasized the hospital’s mission to deliver affordable and compassionate healthcare to people from all walks of life. “This recognition from the Indian Postal Service honours not just the institution, but the countless families healed and the hope restored within our walls,” she said, emphasizing the hospital’s role in the community during critical times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Deepshikha Birla lauded the hospital’s commitment to service and its collaboration with India Post, noting that the Special Cover Stamp is a tribute to the hospital’s legacy of healing and innovation.

Advocate Ashish Shelar, in his address, acknowledged the hospital’s crucial role in serving Bandra and the broader Mumbai region, praising its consistent contributions to healthcare and community well-being.

The event concluded with a presentation of mementos to the honoured guests, symbolizing gratitude for their involvement in the hospital’s journey and this commemorative moment.

India Postal Service Honours Holy Family Hospital’s Four Decades of Compassionate Healthcare with Special Cover Stamp Release

Mumbai, 14th October 2024: Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, a renowned healthcare institution, has been honoured by the India Postal Service with a Special Cover Stamp, commemorating its remarkable journey of over four decades of dedicated service to the community. This distinguished recognition highlights the hospital’s contributions to healthcare in Mumbai and the countless lives touched through its compassionate care.

The event, held on 9th October 2024, featured esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Deepshikha Birla Senior Superintendent of Post Offices (SSP) North, India Post, Adv. Ashish Shelar, MLA Bandra West Assembly, and Dr. (Sr.) Beena, Executive Director of Holy Family Hospital and renowned Cardiologists – Dr. Yash Lokhandwala and Dr. Jaipal J Jadwani. The Special Cover Stamp release symbolizes the hospital’s historic journey, which began as a small 10-bed nursing home, “Silverene,” and has since grown into a 268-bedded multi-specialty healthcare facility.

Speaking at the event, Dr. (Sr.) Beena emphasized the hospital’s mission to deliver affordable and compassionate healthcare to people from all walks of life. “This recognition from the Indian Postal Service honours not just the institution, but the countless families healed and the hope restored within our walls,” she said, emphasizing the hospital’s role in the community during critical times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Deepshikha Birla lauded the hospital’s commitment to service and its collaboration with India Post, noting that the Special Cover Stamp is a tribute to the hospital’s legacy of healing and innovation.

Advocate Ashish Shelar, in his address, acknowledged the hospital’s crucial role in serving Bandra and the broader Mumbai region, praising its consistent contributions to healthcare and community well-being.

The event concluded with a presentation of mementos to the honoured guests, symbolizing gratitude for their involvement in the hospital’s journey and this commemorative moment.

Go With Your Gut: How avocados help keep your digestive system happy and healthy

An ever-growing amount of research points to the significant role the gut plays in your health and well-being. In fact, more than 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, and the good bacteria in it keeps us healthy by producing vitamins that help fend off harmful bacteria.

According to research carried out by the Journal of Nutrition, avocados have been proven to help promote gut health and aid digestion due to the number of nutrients and antioxidants they contain, as well as their biochemical profile. Studies have found that avocados are rich in a variety of nutrients that support a healthy gut microbiome. Research has also shown that avocados are a great source of fibre, which can help regulate bowel movements and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and doctors have recommended avocados as one of the healthy fats to add to your diet to boost gut health and the immune system.

Avocados contain healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, that can help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve nutrient absorption. They also contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin E and potassium, which are important for overall gut health. In addition, the fibres in avocados can act as prebiotics (food for beneficial bacteria in the intestines) and have been found to improve intestinal health. Eating fibrous foods, such as avocados (4.6g of fibre per half an avocado), is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. Most people are able t0 enhance their gut health naturally through their diet, which is why the World Avocado Organisation are sharing some tasty avo-filled recipes that are easy on the stomach but packed full of flavour and fibre.

Avocados are more than just a creamy, delicious addition to meals—they are a nutritional powerhouse and have emerged as a true superfood with a myriad of health benefits. Embrace the avocado and savour the benefits it brings to your life, added Ms. Rima Rao, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, Convenor, NetProFaN Gujarat.

MGM Healthcare Successfully Restores Breathing and Speech for 60-Year-Old Patient

Chennai, October 9, 2024: MGM Healthcare, a leading multi-specialty quaternary care hospital in Chennai, has successfully performed a complex laryngo-tracheal reconstruction surgery, on a 60-year-old patient from Pondicherry, who had been reliant on a tracheostomy for nearly 9 months. Restoring both his voice and the ability to breathe independently. This procedure, which involved using cartilage from the patient’s upper rib, resolved months of respiratory distress and speech loss caused by complications from the tracheostomy.

The patient, Mr. Vinayagam (name changed), a retired sub-inspector of police from Pondicherry, faced life-threatening complications after a severe accident in March 2023 in Pondicherry. He was treated at a private hospital in Chennai for multiple injuries, including a crushed hand (which was amputated) and lung complications, he underwent several surgeries, and spent extensive time in the ICU. A tracheostomy was performed to manage his respiratory needs, and he was discharged in May 2023 to recover at home. However, in July 2023, tissue growth around the tracheostomy site began obstructing his airway, causing breathing difficulties and a complete loss of speech. He was taken to a local hospital in Pondicherry, but after being denied further treatment, he was rushed to MGM Healthcare in Chennai on nasal oxygen the same day. Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty, Senior Consultant, ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, and his team immediately took charge of his care. Recognizing the complexity, they quickly performed another tracheostomy to restore the patient’s breathing, and subsequently discharged him.

After three months of observation and healing, in November 2023, nearly forgetting the sound of his own voice (for 9 months), Mr. Vinayagam was re-admitted to MGM Healthcare. Dr. Mohanty and his team planned for the removal of tracheostomy and performed a laryngo-tracheal reconstruction surgery to permanently relieve Mr. Vinayagam from the tracheostomy and help him regain his voice. Dr. Mohanty and his team performed the highly specialized laryngo-tracheal reconstruction, inserting cartilage from the patient’s upper rib into the narrowed windpipe to widen the airway and restore normal function. A stent was placed to support the grafting, Mr. Vinayagam got his voice back after this surgery. Patient was under observation of the doctors till July 2024, and underwent a minor procedure for the removal of the stent.

“Laryngo-tracheal reconstruction is one of the most complex airway surgeries,” explained Dr. Sanjeev Mohanty. “For this patient, we used cartilage from his upper rib to widen the trachea, allowing him to breathe and speak normally again. This was a life-altering surgery, as his airway had become almost completely blocked. We are pleased to have restored his quality of life.”

The surgery was a success, and Mr. Vinayagam has since regained his ability to breathe freely and, most importantly regained his voice. His family expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Mohanty and the MGM Healthcare team for their timely intervention and state-of-the-art care, which brought them

Preventing Oesophageal Cancer: The Power of Nutrition and Wellness

In today’s fast-paced world, our lifestyle plays a significant role in shaping our overall health and wellbeing. The way we live, eat, and interact with our environment can either increase or decrease our risk of developing chronic diseases, including cancer. A healthy lifestyle is not just about avoiding unhealthy habits, but also about embracing positive changes that nourish our body, mind, and spirit. By making informed choices about our diet, physical activity, stress management, and other aspects of our daily lives, we can significantly reduce our risk of developing life-threatening diseases, including oesophageal cancer.

Oesophageal cancer, also known as esophageal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the oesophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is the 8th most common cancer in the world and is more common in men than women. The symptoms of oesophageal cancer include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, chest pain, and hoarseness.

Risk Factors for Oesophageal Cancer

Several risk factors contribute to the development of oesophageal cancer. These include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Other risk factors include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s oesophagus, and a family history of oesophageal cancer.

Dietary Changes to Prevent Oesophageal Cancer

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in preventing oesophageal cancer. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk of developing this disease. Foods that are high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and bell peppers, can help protect the cells in the oesophagus from damage. Avoiding processed meat, red meat, and foods high in sugar and salt can also help reduce the risk.

The Importance of Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a significant risk factor for oesophageal cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing this disease. Exercise can also help improve digestion and reduce the symptoms of GERD, which is a risk factor for oesophageal cancer.

Quitting Smoking and Limiting Alcohol Consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are significant risk factors for oesophageal cancer. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of developing this disease. There are several resources available to help individuals quit smoking, including support groups and nicotine replacement therapy.

Managing Stress

Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of GERD, which is a risk factor for oesophageal cancer. Practicing stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help manage stress and reduce the risk of developing this disease.

Regular Health Check-Ups

Regular health check-ups can help detect oesophageal cancer in its early stages, when it is more treatable. Individuals who are at risk of developing oesophageal cancer should undergo regular endoscopies and biopsies to detect any abnormalities in the oesophagus.

Oesophageal cancer is a deadly disease that can be prevented through lifestyle changes. By making dietary changes, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and undergoing regular health check-ups, individuals can reduce their risk of developing this disease. A healthy lifestyle is the key to a long and healthy life.

Winner of Cannes Palme d’Or 2024, Anora, to close MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024

Mumbai, October 07, 2024: MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is thrilled to announce this year’s Closing Film, Anora. Directed by Sean Baker, Anora will have its South Asia Premiere on 24 October 2024, the final day of the festival, marking a grand conclusion to an exciting lineup of world-class cinema.

Sean Baker’s Anora has captivated audiences since its premiere at the 2024 Festival de Cannes, where it won the prestigious Palme d’Or. Distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery in India, the film blends Baker’s trademark empathy for marginalised characters with screwball dramedy, telling the story of Ani (Mikey Madison), a Brooklyn sex worker who gets mixed up with the Russian mafia.

Baker, who served as the head of jury for the International Competition section at MAMI in 2018, continues his exploration of the marginalised and often overlooked individuals in society (as seen in Tangerine and The Florida Project).

Anu Rangachar, Head of International Programming at MAMI said, “It’s a fitting tribute to close the festival with one of MAMI’s most loved alumni Sean Baker’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner Anora – a searing critique on wealth, privilege and the American dream, brought to life by Mickey Madison’s luminous performance.”

MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, from Saturday, 19 to Thursday, 24 October 2024, promises a spectacular six-day celebration of world cinema, community, creativity, and culture. With over 110 films in more than 50 languages, including features and non-features across all genres, the festival will once again bring cinematic excellence to the heart of Mumbai.