Why Mother’s Health is Most Important in the Family

Mother plays a significant role in every family, who contributes physically, emotionally and mentally for providing a balanced and healthy life to the family. Because of the unparalleled love, care and support provided by mothers they are often called the ‘’backbone of the family’’. But it has been found while performing their duties and fulfilling their responsibilities (both at home and work place), they are left with no time for themselves. As a result, they start neglecting their own health and wellbeing, pay less heed to their eating habits and physical fitness regime which can lead to many health issues that most mothers suffer in their forties and fifties.

It is estimated that there is a direct relationship between family health, care and mothering practices. Mother’s health influences the family health directly. Thus it becomes imperative for the family members to reciprocate the same love and caring to the mother also. Children of the family should encourage their mother to go for regular health check-ups. Tests for BP, Diabetes (blood sugar test), Cholesterol (total and differential count including HDL, LDL and Triglycerides) should be conducted on a regular basis. Body mass index (BMI), based on person’s height and weight, to determine the healthy weight of the individual and waist circumference to measure abdominal fat should also be done.

Maintaining BP, blood sugar count and cholesterol count within normal limits is very important. High BP or Hypertension can be very harmful for the body and may lead to many serious cardiac disorders and can be fatal also. Diabetes makes the individual susceptible to many other health problems and reduces individual’s healing capacity also. High cholesterol can predispose to many severe health problems of which, Atherosclerosis is the most common. By making some healthy lifestyle changes indiet, daily routine activities alongside medicationwill help in keeping all these parameters under control.

The right balance of healthy diet and regular exercise can work miraculously and will help in maintaining the healthy weight, keeping bones strong and prevent many severe cardiac disorders. It has been found that women are more prone to osteoporosis than men after menopause. Thus high fibre, fat free, low sodium and calcium rich diet with all the essential nutrients in right proportion should be taken. Processed foods and beverages having Trans- fats and excessive sugar should be completely shunned. Below is the list of healthy foods to be eaten by every mother daily to stay healthy and keep the diseases at bay:

    

Green leafy vegetables: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

      

Oats: Rich in fibre.

 Green tea : Rich in antioxidants

 Flax seeds: High on fibre and reduces cholesterol as well.

 Brown rice and whole grain cereals: High fibre diet.

 Legumes: Rich in protein and fibre.

Low fat yogurt: Fibre rich and probiotic in nature.

Fresh fruits and vegetables.

After the age of 50 or even 40 it becomes crucial for the mothers to not neglect any signs of weakness, tiredness, constant headaches, irritability, sudden weight gain or weight loss. Women of the similar age also need to watch out for any sign of cervical and breast cancer, as their incidence are found to increase with age. Symptoms such as any lumps in breasts, pain or swelling(of breasts) or nipple discharge, require immediate advice from an experienced doctor. Thus it becomes imperative to go for routine mammography and pap smear test for early detection and treatment.

It would be best to make a protocol that includes going for regular check-ups, half yearly visit to a good gynaecologist beside shaving balanced and healthy diet and making a good exercise regime for staying healthy and staying stress free. Thus it is wise to take family health plans which ensures quality healthcare services  for the entire family and is economical as well.

The mother’s role is irreplaceable across all areas of family health .Thus it becomes equally important to take care of mother’s health both physically and emotionally to keep her stress free, healthy and happy.

6 Important Things to Know Before You Undergo Tummy Tuck

Have you ever experienced embarrassing moments among your peers at work and in any social gathering due to an awkward protruding tummy? Who wouldn’t want to get rid of that extensive unwanted belly fat? There is an easy way to scrap off the excess abdominal fat through tummy tuck. It’s a medical procedure termed as Abdominoplasty in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery in India.

More appropriately it is referred as tummy tuck plastic surgery. And, this surgery is ideal for the women who gain abdominal weight and who gain excess abdominal fat post pregnancy and people with obese issues due to heredity.

Surgery Procedure:

A small incision is made horizontally from left hipbone to right, just beneath the belly and the excess skin and fat is removed. Depending on the intensity of the case, complete, partial, extended abdominoplasty are done. The duration of the procedure varies from 1 to 5 hours, 1 to 2 hours respectively.

Apart from these three tummy tuck plastic surgeries, there are two other Abdominoplasty such as advanced and latest abdominoplasty procedures. Thanks to the technology advancement in the field of medicine.

The recovery time may be somewhere from four to six weeks depending on the person. Most importantly there are some risks also associated with this tummy tuck plastic surgery. Few to be mentioned could be blood clots and infections which may lead to serious complications affecting the heart and lungs. However, these complications can be prevented to some extent through mobility lifestyle after the tummy tuck plastic surgery procedures.

Factors to Remember Before Undergoing Tummy Tuck Surgery:

·        Planning – Tummy tuck requires uninterrupted bed rest and the person should not involve in any physical activity.

·        Help in Hand – Post tummy tuck surgery people require help from the attendants to perform daily activities and in the stages of recovery.

·        No Work during Recovery – Even if the person feels like active and ready to do work however small it is, it is not advisable to do so.

·        Pain in the first 6 Weeks – Expect pain for the first 6 weeks. It is common and can be managed by pain killers if there is intense pain.

·        Nutritional Food – Taking high-fiber content food and completely (or till the surgeon suggestion) avoiding any junk or high calorie food is advisable. 

·        Time for Complete Healing – Depending on person and the body type, tummy tuck takes 6 months to 1 year for complete recovery.

Why India is Best Destination for Tummy-Tuck

Cosmetic plastic surgery in India has gained recognition and offered at affordable costs today. It is done at reputed hospitals servicing individuals who want to enhance their appearance or for any health related reasons. General cosmetic surgery which is a corrective surgery to rectify birth defects and impacts of any injury.

Medical tourism in India is thus witnessing tremendous growth keeping the growth curve on consistent rise every year. Patients across the globe prefer India to be their perfect medical destination to treat their medical ailments. The prime reason being the affordable costs and the trust on the doctors’ efficiency to treat the diseases and disorders. Moreover, medical facilities equivalent to western countries and adequate numbers of multispecialty and super specialty hospitals attract many medical tourists to India for the treatments of all major diseases especially cardio, eye, lungs, kidney surgeries.

Chennai takes the pride in being the medical capital of India. Thanks to the warmth and care offered by the hospitals, doctors and staff to the patients from abroad. The cost for all such treatments in India is just one tenth of the medical expenses incurred in western countries. These are the promising factors for the growth of medical tourism in India boosting the country’s economy.

Gamma Knife Surgery in India

Gamma knife surgery is a type of radiation therapy used in the treatment of brain tumours, vascular malformations and other abnormalities in brain or cervical spine. It is not a surgery as there is neither an incision (cut) given during therapy nor any kind of knife is involved in the procedure. Gamma knife radiation therapy is a precise form of therapeutic radiotherapy that uses several beams of highly focused gamma radiations that fuse to form an intense dose of radiation, meticulously focused on the lesion under treatment (only). There is minimum effect on the surrounding healthy tissue.

During gamma knife procedure a metal frame is secured around patient’s head, after which exact location of tumour is detected with the help of CT or MRI. A three-dimensional radiation treatment is then planned which aims to focus on the exact contours of the lesion. Almost 200 small gamma radiations are focused simultaneously at the target. Duration of the treatment can vary from few minutes to few hours depending on the type and area involved.

Advantages:

Minimally invasive as it does not involves cuts or opening of skull.

Safe and highly effective therefore very little chance of damage to surrounding or nearby healthy tissue.

Since it doesn’t require general anaesthesia (may be required in case of children) it eliminates the possibility of side effects related to general anaesthesia.

Highly indicated for patients in which conventional surgical techniques is of little help e.g., in elderly patient, who sometimes cannot take the stress of major surgery (because of some other medical condition or advancing age) and is also indicated in few hard to treat, inoperable lesions because of the location deep within the brain,which can limit the surgical approach.

No risk of infection, haemorrhage, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) leak which may happen in conventional surgical intervention.

Painless hence very little discomfort.

Since it is done on outpatient basis, thus it doesn’t require lengthy post treatment hospital stay and also ensures faster recovery.Patient can also resume to routine activities usually within a day.

Cost effective and minimizes the rehabilitation cost.

Accurate and reliable.

Gamma knife procedure has become the most preferred treatment for brain tumours. It is performed in several leading hospitals across the globe. It has been in function for more than a decade and lakhs of patients have benefited from this treatment. It can be used alone, as an alternative to conventional surgery, may also be indicated post-surgery or whole brain radiation for treating any recurrences or residual tumour and can be used in conjunction with traditional surgery or other radiation therapy.

In today’s era, India has become the most coveted option for international patients who are looking for quality treatment, excellent services and hospitality at affordable price, due to which India is gaining immense popularity in field of medical tourism at global level. It is estimated that the cost of gamma knife surgery in India is almost half or less than half the cost of similar procedure in developed countries, which makes it highly advantageous for medical tourists. Many cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore , Pune ,Chennai( and many more) offer gamma knife radiosurgery  and the hospitals which cater this treatment are well equipped with state of the art facilities and highly skilled and experienced health care professionals who not only treat the patient’s disease with greatest care and professionalism but also makes them feel at home.

Medical tourism companies in India play a vital role in helping foreign patients travelling to India to seek medical treatment. From basic arrangements (that is, right from arranging medical visa, accommodation for patient and family, health meals as advised by the doctor, to and fro airport travel and vacation tour) to (provide)access to the best hospitals in the country. Ensure patient’s safety, care and maintain medical ethics to take care of patient’s needs. Indian government also provides incentives and guideline for information and knowledge of medical tourists and patients. Takes care of patient’s safety at greatest priority and ensures strict implementation of international health standards. Thus, India represents a cost-effective, safe, approachable and beneficial alternative than expensive medical treatment to foreign patients (at home) which makes it a most preferred medical destination well within reach of the patient.

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery - Latest Advancement in the Field of Spine Surgery in India

As the man getting civilized, so are the diseases and so are the advancements in the treatments. In a world of stress and competition, diseases are more frequent as body undergoes a functional imbalances. But thanks to the medical scientists and the strenuously working doctors and paramedics for shielding the mankind with their innovative treatment approaches in curing the diseases. Medical sciences in recent years have grown up extensively in order to ease and comfort the patient suffering. One such new advancement in the field of medical sciences is spinal surgery with minimally invasive techniques which has helped to overcome the chronic backaches.   

As the name suggests it is a minimal invasive surgery where there is a small incision is made and open the affecting area with minimal damage to the muscles and the soft tissues on the operating patient. This has lot more benefits than the traditional techniques. The traditional technique of the spine surgery required 5-6 inches deep incision where in the muscles are pulled and moved for the procedure and for visibility. This results in massive bleeding and the injury to the muscles and the soft tissues thereby leading to pain and cause longer recovery period for the patient.

This is solved by the latest advancement of Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery (MISS). This latest spine surgery procedure has increased the success rate of the spine surgeries in recent years.    

What is MISS?

Minimal Invasive Spinal Surgery also called as Endoscopic Spinal Surgery where a small tubular retractors are used to do the fusion or the decompression of the vertebral bones in order to relieve the pain caused by a specific disease.

Purpose of MISS

The main purpose of MISS is to reduce the surrounding trauma and in preserving the soft tissues motility and functions normally. It also helps in maintaining and restoring the structures of the spine.

The spinal surgery in India has seen a new growth by this new invention in the surgical field which helped in the specialized care of the patients with back pain, in India. 

Conditions for MISS

This surgery can treat various diseases and conditions of the Neck and Back region. When the medicines and the recommended lifestyles including the exercises fail, MISS comes for help. MISS surgery can efficiently treat the conditions like -

•         Scoliosis
•         Spinal tumors
•         Stenosis
•         Congenital abnormalities
•         Degenerative diseases
•         Chronic low-back ache
•         Neck pain
•          Herniated Discs
•         Traumatic spinal injuries

Benefits of MISS procedure

In contrast to the traditional open spinal surgery, MISS has a lot more of benefits in terms of success in surgical outcomes and in recovery of the patients. The main benefits of MISS procedures are -

Less Bleeding - Bleeding is very minimal which is considered as a part of the puncture and is normal when compared to heavy blood loss of traditional incision methods.

Minimal Injury - As the procedure includes a puncture of the retractor, there is no incision made or any injury to the inside muscle done with tear or pull.

Reduced Infections - As the wounds are small and minimal, the chances of infections are less. The patient is also monitored with antibiotics before, during and after surgical procedures to reduce the infections.

Decreased Pain at the Operated Site - In old traditional methods, the muscle pull and the contraction of the muscles resulted in excess pain for days but this surgery has minimal pain at the operated site.

Fast Recovery - As the wound is small it helps in minimal infection, tear and bleeding, result in the faster recovery of the patient.

Minimal Hospital stay - As the wound is very minimal it requires no longer hospital stay for the hospital care.

Less Post-Operative Care - The patient after the surgery needs minimal care with faster recovery. Hence there is only minimal post-operative care of the wound to be taken.

The MISS procedures have been getting the attention day by day because of this tremendous health benefits. Our best spine surgeons not only help in relieving your chronic pains by surgical interventions but also help in managing the post-operative problems with their regular follow-ups and guidelines. The MISS has helped in a new improved quality treatment to the spinal diseases of the mankind. 

When does the waiting time for Healthcare Services become Devastating?

Canada has been lately in news for their lack of timely healthcare services and this unfavourable development has also been reported from its neighbour, the U.S. The delay in offering timely medical care is due to several factors, but the main reason is the lack of enough facilities and professionals to cater to huge masses of patients.

The waiting period is a very common terminology in the healthcare sector. It is the amount of time an individual spends waiting to receive proper healthcare services. From scheduling an appointment to receiving treatment, today, patients have to wait for a very long time to get the right treatment for their illness. 

Some of the time-consuming processes

Individuals seeking emergency medical treatment have to wait in long queue for a specialist’s appointment.

The tests for diagnosing ailments can take up to weeks to get completed.

The waits are extremely long for organ transplants

Long waits to book an operation

Devastating effect of long waiting periods on patients

Doctors are supposed to offer medical assistance to patients within 30 minutes of their arrival at the hospital or clinic, but at many centres healthcare wait times extend for several hours. Long waits for healthcare services can lead to the following adverse effects on patients -

Delay in diagnosis of an illness

Can lead to deterioration of the health

Additional expenses

Patients may give up on seeking treatment

Psychologically taxing. It can create anxiety and stress in individuals

Mortality

Causes of long waiting periods for medical treatment

Incompatibility in supply and demand

Complex procedures for accessing care and reimbursement

Use of outdated technology for scheduling

Geographical and financial constraints

Incompetent medical professionals

Going abroad for medical treatments

Medical tourism has gained immense popularity over the years and this is mainly due to the fact that some countries offer quick access to the best medical treatments. India has been the front runner in offering quality medical care to foreigners. Medical assistance in India is the best because patients can meet up with highly qualified doctors without long waits. The government offers quick visas for individuals travelling to India for seeking medical care.

People from all over the globe find medical treatment costs in India very affordable and of top quality. In fact, studies show that in India the medical costs are 30 percent fewer costs than in the western countries. The country has several modern healthcare facilities which house experienced medical professionals with various specializations. The technology is cutting edge and these facilities offer immediate treatment for heart attack, cancer, organ failure, infertility and other emergency conditions.

Since English is the second official language in India, patients from abroad will not find it difficult communicating the caregivers in India. Being home to 5000-year-old medicine systems such as Naturopathy, Ayurveda, and Yoga, India has made immense advancements in medicine. All of these holistic approaches are equally favoured by foreign patients, along with the modern medicine.

World Thalassemia Day

Thalassemia is blood disorder that occurs due to deletion of major gene fragments that plays a key role in producing the haemoglobin. In some cases, a genetic mutation in the haemoglobin genes also causes this disorder.

Haemoglobin is a molecule of a protein in the red blood cells. In this inherited disorder, the body produces an abnormal form of haemoglobin and it results in inadequate oxygen supply to the muscles.

Usually, parents become the carriers of this genetic disorder. If both parents have this disorder, there are greater chances that the next generation will have a more serious form of this disease.

Types of Thalassemia:

Based on the severity of this disorder, there are 3 main types of Thalassemia.

Thalassemia Minor -  People with this disorder don't actually have any symptoms. However, they act as the carriers of this disorder to next generation. With the lack of visibility of any symptoms, it is not possible to identify this disorder. It makes important for us to get tested if any of the family members or relatives have this disorder.

Alpha Thalassemia–This type has two sub types - Hemoglobin H disease and Hydrops Fetalis.

Hemoglobin H – This mainly affects the facial bones causing over or abnormal growth of jaws, cheeks, and forehead. Additionally, it causes enlargement of spleen, jaundice, and malnourishment by causing poor appetite, especially in children. 

Hydrops Fetalis – This is an extreme condition of the disease that mainly observed in the fatuous in the womb. Most cases, the baby will be either stillborn or dies shortly after the delivery. 

Beta Thalassemia – In this case, both parents would be Thalassemia patients and the disorder will be severe in the next generation. This also has two subtypes - Thalassemia Major (aka Cooley’s Anemia) and Thalassemia Intermedia.

Thalassemia Major (aka Cooley’s Anemia) – This type of Thalassemia is usually so severe and life threatening that the patient may require frequent blood and bone marrow transfusions. The symptoms also including infections, jaundice, poor growth, enlarged organs, and fussiness.

Thalassemia Intermedia – People with this form of Thalassemia don’t require the blood transfusion. The severity is way lesser than Thalassemia Major. However, regular diet and doctor consultation may help the patient to keep health in stable condition. 

Treatment 

The treatment of Thalassemia depends on the form and severity of it. Regular consultations with the doctor help in understanding the form of the disease and hence the treatment. Need to take diet which is nutritionally rich along with the supplements if prescribed.

In the severe forms of Thalassemia, it is advisable not to take food or supplements that contain iron. Human body develops excess iron when the blood is transfused. If the food also has iron contents, there are chances of excess iron in the body which is not good for health.

If any of the above mentioned symptoms are observed in infants below 2 years, or any of the family member has this disorder, the child needs to be taken to the haematologist (Blood related disorder specialist).

If you have Thalassemia, consult a genetic counsellor before thinking of having children.

Severe form of Thalassemia is a chronic disorder and coping with it is challenging. The patient require healthy diet, regular consultations with the doctor and most importantly moral support from the family members and friends. 

Acid Reflux in Babies

A new mommy is worried when she finds her kid spitting out every time after feeding. This spitting though is common in infants but the increased frequency or the continuous spitting could be an alarming symptom. It may be due to the disease condition called as Acid reflux. Acid reflux is a condition where in the food taken is brought up back in to the oesophagus or in the mouth from the stomach. When it continues for several times a day and for more than six months then it is called as Gastric Oesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD).  

Acid reflux can affect any age group from infants to the adults. About 30% of new born babies are suffering from this disorder with in the first few months after birth. 

Causes of Acid reflux

The causes of reflux are the improper closure of the oesophageal sphincter which is present at the junction between the lower end of oesophagus and upper part of the stomach. It may also be due to immature development of the digestive system at the time of birth.A history of positive GERD in the infant’s family can also be a probable cause for the disease in infant.

Infants feeding on artificial foods, may also develop acid reflux due to allergies to few substances in the artificial foods.

Symptoms of Acid reflux

As infants are too little and they cannot express themselves or describe their pain it is the duty of the parents or the guardian to check out for the following set of acid reflux symptoms. Although the symptoms are not universal for all the infants, the group of one or two symptoms are sufficient for a pediatric history.

Acid reflux symptoms are prolonged crying without cause, repeated vomiting, gagging or choking during the breast feed, difficulty in the swallowing of the food or milk, cough or wheezing, refusing the food, crying for food, no gain in the weight, bad breath especially in the early morning and constant burping. 

How to prevent Acid reflux?

Soon after the birth of the baby, the pediatrician advises the mother that after each breast feed the baby has to be to held against the chest on one side and give a light pat on baby back for the burp. This is to prevent acid reflux. Even then if the child starts with spitting out then do not over feed, feed the baby at frequent intervals i.e. at every 2 hours once but in small amounts, lean the baby against chest for some time until the child burps.

In cases of formula fed babies, a change in the brand or flavor can also help to prevent the vomiting in infants. 

When to visit your doctor?

It’s time to take your little one to a child specialist, when all the above prevention methods go in vain. When the child continues to refuse the feeding, or if there is continued vomiting for days or if there is uncontrolled crying with no cause then do not delay to consult pediatrician. If neglected, it may soon result in physical growth injury to the baby.

Examination

When the child is taken to a pediatrician, he confirms the condition by the history taken from the mother, growth chart and the diet history. This is also confirmed by a Barium swallow or by upper GI endoscopy in older kids. 

Treatment

As the acid reflux is self-limiting to the age of one, it does not require any specific treatment. But in severe cases they require acid reflux medications, which includes H₂ receptors like Ranitidine, Proton prompt inhibitors (PPI’s) such as Omeprazole and antacids like Maalox.

An increased dose of antacids can result in diarrhea and the long term use may have the increased risks of rickets in growing children. As there is no much safety evidence of PPI’s to infants, discuss with the pediatrician with the proper dosage and right administration.

If the symptoms continue for a period longer than one or two years then Nissen Fundoplication is done where the junction of sphincter is wrapped together for strengthening and preventing back the food contents in to the esophagus from the stomach.

For medical treatment in India, Visit: HealthOpinion