Confuting the Myths on Osteoporosis

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a disease which reduces the mass and density of the bone. This further leads to weakening of the bone, making them prone to low trauma fractures.Osteoporosis is accompanied by decreased functional impairment, pain and respiratory obstructions. Eventually it leads to decreased quality of life in older age. 

Bones in osteoporosis

It is important for all to remain acquainted with the true facts in order to maintain a good bone health and stay away from the potential risks of osteoporosis.

Here are some common myths or assumptions that prevent people from availing the right prevention and treatment strategies.

Men are safe from osteoporosis

Although the incidence is marginally more among females due to menopause, the assumption that osteoporosis is a feminist issue is not true. A Canadian study shows that 1 out of 8 men suffer from osteoporosis.Fractures due to osteoporosis are equally common in older men specially those above 50 years of age. The likelihood of developing osteoporosis among male is greater as compared to prostate cancer. 

Osteoporosis occurs only in old age

Osteoporosis can occur at any age. The serious complication of osteoporosis can be seen at old age when the natural healing process of the body slows down.While age is one of the established risk factor, the presence of any of the other risk factors, can induce osteoporosis irrespective of the age. 

Only medicines can help curing Osteoporosis

Although non-pharmacological treatment are most effective for managing the condition, one can also benefit from regular exercise sessions including muscle strengthening exercises, cardiovascular or aerobic exercises. Exercise is seen to improve the bone mineral density and produce a synergistic effect with the drug combination.

Calcium supplements are sufficient to prevent osteoporosis

While calcium is vital, other essential components like vitamin D, K, B_6, B_11, along with minerals are equally important for maintaining the bone health. Vitamin D is one of the key components as it helps the body to absorb calcium.

Osteoporosis is natural as we age

The prevalence of osteoporosis increases dramatically with age but in osteoporosis, bone loss is significantly higher as compared to normal aging process.The older people are at a greater risk for vitamin D insufficiency which may exaggerate their condition hence, it is very important to manage calcium and vitamin D deficiency in older people.  

Osteoporosis has a familial association

Genetics or family history definitely makes one more susceptible to osteoporosis, but there are many other factors for instance improper nutrition, hyperthyroidism, low levels of vitamin D, excessive smoking, alcohol consumption,sedentary lifestyle that can attribute to this condition.

There are indications or manifestations of the disease

Surprisingly, osteoporosis remains symptom less until the bones are extremely fragile to withstand minor fractures. People may not experience any sign throughout their 20s, 30s, and 40s when the disease may remain in a progressive stage. Hence, in order to detect osteoporosis at earlier stage, one should go for routine bone density tests.

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10 Common Pregnancy Risks Every Woman Should Know

Motherhood is a boon to women from the almighty which makes them a complete woman. God has chosen woman to bear and reproduce life thus proclaiming her as the power of evolution on earth for two prime reasons. First and foremost being her emotional characteristics to bear and give birth to a baby with love, care with warmth. Secondly, a woman’s patience to withstand the pain and difficulties bearing the baby for ten months sacrificing her comfort. So, a woman should always be respected in our society providing a safe environment though not comfortable living standards.

Giving birth to a new life is like a second birth for every mother. Many complications and risks are associated with pregnancy. A pregnant mother undergoes psychological and physiological complications. Hence due care and attention should be rendered from the first month until delivery.

Let us discuss few common pregnancy complications that may arise due to certain infections during pregnancy:

• Ectopic Pregnancy –egg is fertilized outside the uterus in the fallopian tube which is a dangerous complication.This pregnancy complication occurs usually due to STD called as chlamydia, women who have undergone surgeries, or any other gynaecological disorders. Symptoms include severe pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness which needs immediate medical care.

• RH negative disease –this disease is caused by a condition when certain protein that needs to be produced around red blood cells is absent. This impacts creation of antibodies due to which a pregnant mother becomes RH negative. So in such a situation if the baby happens to be RH positive, pregnancy complications arise during next pregnancy. This complications is handled by testing the mother and putting her under a medication called Rhogam for 28 weeks or after delivery if the baby happens to be RH positive.

• Premature labour –a mother delivers premature babies when the delivery happens before the full term of 37 weeks. Severe cramps, back ache, stronger or longer contractions are some of the symptoms of preterm labour. A doctor gives relevant medications to control preterm labour thus saving the mother and baby.

• Miscarriage –another common pregnancy complication that occurs at a very early stage of before 12 weeks of pregnancy. This complication arises due to chromosomal anomalies that prevents the fertilized egg for further development. Heavy bleeding occurs causing severe pain to the mother.

• Gestational diabetes –this is special condition of diabetes unlike the regular diabetes. It occurs during pregnancy and can be controlled only through insulin and diet because it may lead to further complications and risks for mother and baby especially babies resulting in some birth anomalies.

• Group B strep–a common infection that affects new born. This can be avoided by identifying the infection through a culture done during pregnancy.

• Low birth weight – a common pregnancy complication due to poor nutrition of pregnant mothers which results in several birth complications such as congenital diseases etc.,

• Preeclampsia –this occurs in pregnant mothers who have high blood pressure or abnormal proteins in urine, kidney. This will lead to serious life threatening situations for the mother. Hence early delivery is done which is even worse.

• Low amniotic fluid – this condition is called as oligohydramnios when there is less fluid in the placenta that protects a baby’s growth. This condition should be treated to avoid further pregnancy complication.

• Placenta Previa–the placenta lowers to the bottom of the uterus near the cervix during early stages of pregnancy that needs to be addressed by dragonising though ultrasound scan to avoid serious medical complications.

Pregnancy complications are not confined to the points discussed above. There are many more pregnancy complication which are not typical and varies with a person’s specific condition.Hence, a pregnant mother should be carefully monitored through monthly check- ups especially for managing high blood pressure that may cause serious pregnancy health problems and due care should be taken as it is a concern of two lives – mother and baby.

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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.