Category: health

Check-Mate on Anxiety

A recent study by The Center of Healing (TCOH) revealed that there has been a massive increase in stress and anxiety among people ever since the outbreak of the Covid-19 induced pandemic. The patient footfalls of a therapist and the hours they spend in treatment have both increased by 68.6%. Countless number of people has lost their loved ones and employment has gone for a toss for many. This has resulted in grave mental health issues and suicides among the mass. Since the year 2020, the entire globe has been suffering in an alarming situation and we must strive to cope.

Subsisting with anxiety and mental health issues is no more an option, it’s a must in order to sustain in this time of exigency. If a person is willing to do so, he or she should be able to try and cope with anxiety. Shivam Shah, an exstudent from La Martiniere Boys, Kolkata was suffering from significant anxiety disorder during his school days. He was advised by his school principle, Mr. Chakrabarti, to play chess to alleviate his tension and anxiety issues. Shivam’s enthusiasm and love for chess grew day by day after he started playing chess. This provided him with a subtle amount of respite from his issues.

Shivam began playing chess for corporations and city clubs soon after, serving as a captain for the Calcutta Swimming Club’s chess team in 2018 and afterwards he started playing actively for the Bengal Rowing Club where he won the tournament. He has recently achieved a third position in an All-India chess competition held in South Mumbai. Shivam has also received invitations from Corporate houses to host chess competitions for their employees, and he intends to make chess a popular sport in the corporate world very soon.

Shivam believes that chess should be a must in every educational institution because to him, it is a terrific cerebral workout and aids in strategizing and fetching resolution of day-to-day life and career challenges. Especially in this pandemic situation, people of all age groups should play chess to keep up with their mental health.

According to Shivam Shah, “Chess teaches us the philosophy of life.” He compares a pawn to a common man who has been sacrificing for larger entities of chess such as a knight, bishop or a king with a limited movement and pace but has the ability to become the most powerful entity of the game, the Queen, through patience and survival.

Medimix launches Their grow green initiative this World Ayurveda Day with DIY kits

Mumbai, 2nd November 2021: On the occasion of World Ayurveda Day, Medimix, in association with Prasiddhi Forest Foundation has launched a green initiative, Ayurve – ‘Do-It-Yourself’ (DIY) kits for people across all age groups to plant and make this planet greener.

With this initiative Medimix aims at spreading joy in planting plants with great benefits like Tulsi and make a huge difference to the community. Each Ayurve-DIY kit, consists of a ball of soil, an organically prepared pot and Tulsi seeds. This set up is easy to assemble where customers must mix the soil with water, fill the organic pot with the mixture and place the seeds on top of the soil.

This will encourage people to grow more herbal plants at home and at the same time spread awareness about the richness of Ayurveda, especially among the younger generation.

Since, Tulsi is one of the most revered and widely used herbs in Ayurveda with both spiritual and medicinal significance, Medimix has taken the occasion of World Ayurveda Day to bring the goodness of Fast Acting Ayurveda right into the homes of people.

The brand takes this step to instil the moto of #GrowGreenBeSkinFit on World Ayurveda Day falling on 2nd November 2021

Click on the link below to grab your Medimix DIY kit:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CVkNuYSoHtY/

New York Cancer & Blood Specialists and AdvantageCare Physicians Collaborate in Bethpage

Bethpage, NY, November 1, 2021- New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS), one of the leading oncology practices in the Nation, has once again teamed up with AdvantageCare Physicians (ACPNY), one of New York’s largest primary and specialty care practices, to provide state-of-the-art cancer care in Bethpage, New York. The new cancer center is located at 1055 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY 11714.

This will be the practice’s second Nassau County location within the ACPNY collaboration. “As we invest in more direct care for our Long Island communities, which includes our Bethpage and Valley Stream sites, as well as ACPNY’s soon-to-open Uniondale office location, our ‘whole you’ approach, continues to help Long Island patients pursue better health by giving them easier access to a full range of primary and specialty care right in their own back yard,” said Dr. Navarra Rodriguez, Chief Medical Officer of ACPNY.

“NYCBS’s collocation at AdvantageCare Physicians in Bethpage expands vital cancer care access to residents of Nassau County,” said Jeff Vacirca, MD, CEO of NYCBS. “The collaboration provides for greater resources and convenient care, all under one roof and closer to home. These additional services allow NYCBS to continue its mission of delivering comprehensive patient care. ”

The new cancer center co-located at ACPNY’s Bethpage Medical Office offers an array of integrated cancer services, including medical oncology, hematology, radiation oncology, diagnostic imaging, and comprehensive support services. In addition, NYCBS offers cutting-edge medical technology and equipment, a full-service research department, 60+ clinical trials with the latest cancer therapeutics, and an on-site laboratory and pharmacy.

Earlier this year, ACPNY celebrated the opening of the brand new, 68,582-square foot medical office in Bethpage. This state-of-the-art facility which has accommodations for 25 doctors, also includes a full GI suite with two procedure rooms, ultrasound-guided biopsies, ophthalmology services (optical coherence tomography testing, visual fields, Pentacam, laser procedures, and retina specialty), full laboratory, co-located partnership with Lenox Hill Radiology (x-ray, ultrasound, bone density, and 3D mammography) and co-located partnership with EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care (access to community resources, wellness programs, and in-person and virtual customer support).

ACPNY medical offices, like Bethpage, are designed to make coordination of care seamless by bringing together a range of primary care and specialty services offered by ACPNY and its clinical partners in one convenient location for patients. Board-certified hematologist-oncologist Dr. Aruna Gupta will practice at the Bethpage location, and Dr. Nolyn Nyatanga will join her on January 1, 2021.

To make an appointment, please call (718) 732-4049. For more information about NYCBS, visit nycancer.com.
To learn more about AdvantageCare Physicians, visit acpny.com.

Stroke Risk 5–30 Times Higher in Patients With Diabetic Kidney Disease; Maintaining Healthy Lifestyle Can Reduce Risk: Doctors

Stroke is a serious ailment because it is the third leading cause of death, after heart disease and cancer. Diabetic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy is a form of chronic kidney. Patients with diabetic kidney disease have exceptionally high rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Due to poor control of the mechanisms underlying the strong association between diabetic kidney disease and various forms of cardiovascular disease, deaths due to strokes have increased. As per a report published by NCBI journal, the risk of stroke is 5-30 times higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in those on dialysis.

Diabetic kidney disease is a type of chronic kidney disease caused by diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in many countries including India. According to a report about 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes have kidney disease. In India, stroke cases are on rise due to diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity and unhealthy lifestyle. A recent scientific paper published in the Lancet Global Health shows that in 2019, stroke caused 7 lakh deaths in India. This trend is alarming in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic and could further lead to the country’s disease burden.

“Chronic kidney disease patients are at increased risk of stroke, especially in presence of type 2 diabetes. It has been found to be a big risk factor as due to type 2 diabetes, there is impairment in the way the body regulates and uses sugar (glucose) as a fuel. This long-term condition results in too much sugar circulating in the bloodstream. Eventually, high blood sugar levels can lead to disorders of the circulatory, nervous, and immune systems and stroke is one such complication in kidney patients with diabetes. The risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is 5–30 times greater than that in the general population,” says Dr Deepak Dewan, MD, DM (Nephrology), Director Renal Sciences, Regency Superspecialty Hospital.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for stroke, including both hemorrhagic and ischemic subtypes. Most people with early diabetic kidney disease do not have any symptoms. The only way to know if one has diabetic kidney disease is to get examined by a doctor and get himself/herself investigates. In middle income countries like India, high prevalence of infectious causes of kidney disease as well as rising rates of hypertension and particularly of untreated diabetes are some the factors behind stroke in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Stroke risk due to diabetic kidney disease can be reduced by correcting reversible risk factors. This includes treating hypertension, stopping smoking, controlling diabetes, cardiac disease, regular exercise, adapting a healthy diet and preventing excessive use of alcohol. However, there are some nonmodifiable risk factors as well, these include age, male gender, family history of stroke, and nonwhite race.

Strokes You Didn’t Know Existed

29th October is World Stroke Day. It is observed on 29th October every year, with an aim to raise global awareness about stroke and encourage prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Deaths and permanent disabilities due to stroke not only seriously affect the individuals, their families but society as a whole. According to the WHO Worldwide, stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India. The estimated prevalence rate of stroke range 100,000 population is 262 per in rural areas and in urban India, it is 424.

Brain stroke is one of the most dreaded non-communicable diseases in the world and is the third most leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Brain stroke is the result of reduced blood supply to the brain or leakage of blood from blood vessels. This happens when blood vessels turn friable, as a result of underlying risk factors.

The common risk factors for stroke are high BP, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, drugs, obesity, cardiac problems and genetic factors. The most common presentations of stroke are sudden onset of weakness of limbs, facial deviation, difficulty in speaking, walking, vomiting, and sudden loss of consciousness. However, sometimes even without any of these symptoms, patients can suffer silent strokes due to reduced blood supply to the brain. This results in small clots in different parts of the brain, which can be diagnosed upon careful examination.

Strokes can make themselves manifest through headaches, loss of dexterity in fingers, numbness of body, memory impairment, slowness of activities, and abnormal gait. These symptoms could progress over months. Some people could undergo cognitive decline too.

Usually, these clots are detected when patients undergo MRI scans for some other medical condition.

Amyloid angiopathy is another condition where the patient will have progressive symptoms like memory loss and cognitive impairment, with multiple microbleeds in the brain. In a condition called CADASIL, the patient will have similar silent ischemia, which will not manifest itself in the early stages.

“One in 6 people worldwide suffer from stroke. Life is short so take proper precautions and don’t let a stroke take it away from you. If one is suffering from sudden face drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty visit a hospital at the earliest”, says Dr. Rajasekhar Reddy, Senior Neurologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.

It is very important to identify these conditions early on, as preventive actions can be taken and progression of the disease halted. Risk factor identification is the key. All people above 40 years, and all above 30 years who smoke and consume alcohol and drugs, should check their BP and sugar or glucose levels frequently. If any abnormality is seen in either of the two, the person should begin doing physical exercises regularly and change their dietary habits, apart from taking medicines. When in doubt, it is best to check carotid vessels using Doppler technology to identify any excessive cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels. If any major issues are identified, corrective steps can be taken.

Those people who have risk factors and abnormalities on investigation need to carefully obtain timely treatment. At the slightest possibility of a major stroke, the person should be taken to a local hospital and a brain scan conducted. If any infarction is detected, it is possible to lyse the clot with clot-buster drugs. In some cases, we can even consider putting a stent in the large blood vessels.

Lifestyle modifications, frequent BP checks, glucose checks, and regular exercising can go a long way in preventing brain strokes and silent brain ischemia.

First-of-its-kind, WaterScience brings unique water conditioning filters for skin and hair care protection

Bengaluru, October 29th, 2021: Breaking the perception that water filtration at homes is needed only for drinking and cooking, India’s leading water purification company WaterScience, offers solutions for India’s specific water quality conditions. WaterScience filters reduce the effects of hardness in water, making water cleaner and safer for use. This filtered water can be used in your kitchens, showers and laundry rooms, with better water improving overall hygiene, health and beauty.

Already a huge hit among customers, these unique filters convert hazardous chemicals present in hard water into harmless, which ultimately result in better hygiene and better hair and skin health. The company is getting a phenomenal response for its innovative solutions and has serviced up to 3,00,000 households so far. What started in a factory shed in 2014 with one product concept, has now evolved into India’s leading shower filter manufacturer with operations across India. The company also plans to expand to 2,000 outlets by the end of the financial year.

“Realising that 97% of water we use is not for drinking, we are exploring the concept of non-drinking water filtration to protect people from the perilous effects of hard water on their skin and hair. The new healthy water keeps the skin and hair hydrated and nourished, rather than stripping away the valuable oils present in them. Moreover, the pandemic has also made Indian people more aware of the quality of water they are using at home. This has created awareness and opportunity, making India one of the markets that have a genuine need in the non-drinking water filtration space. The products are Made in India and made for the Indian water conditions. Our aim is to be present by the end of the financial year across various retail channels, supermarkets, hardware outlets, dermatologists, and bath fittings showrooms, ” said Pavithra Rao, Co-Founder, WaterScience

WaterScience is the category creator and leader with their range of products. With continuous research, development, and innovation has expanded the range to include 8 more products to their portfolio. They now develop shower filters, tap filters, washing machine filters, kitchen tap filters, and filters for the whole house primarily apart from aromatherapy shower filter and water saving nozzle. Notably, one of its shower filters, the CLEO Multi-Flow Shower Filter, has received the highest water-saving star rating from the IAPMO.

About WaterScience

WaterScience is India’s leading water purification company in the non-drinking space. Making non-drinking water healthy is their mission as 97% of the water we use and come in contact with daily is not for drinking! Filtered water is the norm for drinking and cooking, however protection for health, hygiene and beauty has been largely ignored. WaterScience develops Shower Filters, Tap Filters, washing machine filters, kitchen tap filters and filters for the whole house. From the words of a happy customer, “WaterScience Shower Filter is really good as it has reduced hair fall and skin problems I was facing due to hard water in the area. It’s value for money and comparatively low maintenance cost than other water softeners” says Kopal, a customer of WaterScience from UP.

Observing Respiratory Care Week: How poor care of respiratory organs leads to increased use of ventilators

Mumbai, 29th Oct’21: Since this is the respiratory care week – between 24th and 30th October this month – this is an opportune time to underline the need to take good care of respiratory organs and spread awareness among people.

Respiration which involves inhaling of oxygen into the body and expulsion of carbon dioxide from it is an integral part of our very existence. A fairly elaborate process using a number of organs – from mouth and nose to throat to trachea and bronchial tubes to lungs – an affliction or a problem in any one of these parts can cause respiratory complications and disorders which could further impact cardio-vascular systems including the heart. While one can develop some respiratory disorders due to unavoidable reasons, taking lightly of seemingly minor issues with respiratory system can prove to be costly in the long run. In fact, ignoring or poor care of respiratory organs can lead to a stage where one might even require more advanced level of care which would necessarily involve use of ventilators.

And there is a range of conditions that one might find himself faced with if one doesn’t take proper care of respiratory organs on a regular basis: from respiratory allergies to asthma to infections leading to pneumonia and bronchitis to extremely serious conditions such as lung cancer and COPD and acute respiratory failure, the list is rather long and many of which would require immediate care and mechanical ventilation.

“There is a reason why we call ventilators a lifesaving device. The ability to breathe normally and continuously through our respiratory organs constitutes an inextricable part of our very living. Any disruption, for whatever reasons, calls for immediate medical attention and care. And ventilators form that intervening lifesaving device for someone struggling to breathe and who could possibly lose his life. Although there is a range of modern-age ventilators available today from ICU ventilators to ICU ventilators, anaesthesia ventilators to home care and portable ventilators to related devices such as HFOT to help people with their breathing and related problems, people should regularly attend to their respiratory systems and organs in a way that rules out or minimizes the need for ventilatory assistance. While about 1.71 lakh Covid patients alone are on ventilators in the country today, when combined with other serious respiratory patients this number could become much higher,” said Mr. Ashok Patel, the founder and brain behind Max Ventilator.

“We often tend to take most of our respiratory organs for granted as long as they are functioning externally not realizing that the slightest issue with any one of the organs if not attended to timely could deteriorate into a debilitating disease for life requiring prolonged or even lifelong advanced level of medical attention including ventilatory assistance. We have to be cautious against this grim possibility. Therefore, any small disruption in our breathing through nose or an irritant in our throat or any minor inconvenience in our respiratory tract or related organs and muscles must not be overlooked because that could turn out to be the difference between life and death for a person. Remember, COPD, a major respiratory condition has been the second most common cause of mortality after heart disease in the country. So, during this Respiratory Care Week, it becomes imperative to educate people on the need to take proper care of their respiratory organs regularly which would to a great extent forestall any respiratory emergency obviating the need for ventilator support,” said Dr. Rajesh G Gajara, MD (Medicine), Consultant Physician and Cardiologist, Fortis, Mulund, Mumbai