PatientsEngage General Community

The world of medicine is beginning to increasingly acknowledge the potential of expressive arts therapies such as art, music, drama, dance/movement, poetry/creative writing and play in the context of healing, treatment, psychotherapy, counselling and rehabilitation. Activities such as drawing, drumming, creative movement and play acting allow individuals of all ages to express deep-seated thoughts and feelings, improve physical, mental and emotional well-being and boost self-esteem and…

Don't miss our FB live event with dietitian and Diabetes Educator Ujjwala Baxi on Thursday 02nd March 2017 4pm IST, 6.30pm SGT. Get your questions and join the FB live event tomorrow

says RS Anand, parent of a child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy on the FDA approval of Emflaza (deflazacort). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Emflaza (deflazacort) tablets and oral suspension to treat patients age 5 years and older with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle deterioration and weakness. Emflaza is a corticosteroid that works by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system.…

The Choir of the Loaves and Fish, a musical ensemble of senior citizens, started by Pervin Varma with Regina Thomas in Bengaluru has been immensely therapeutic for the elderly and has helped bring loads of warmth and sunshine into their lives. Picture above: Ammachy taking a bow with Pervin Varma Imagine a group of people – all senior citizens between 65 and 96 – people who have suffered strokes or are living with cancer, arthritis, heart disease, dementia, physical disabilities, people with…

This pertinent question, that troubles many of us also, is forcefully raised by Dr Kamal Kumar Mahawar in his recently published book The Ethical Doctor, a critique of the health care system in India. He offers 10 reformatory guidelines that could salvage our medical institutions. Shivani Maheshwari reviews: There is an urgent need for more books like The Ethical Doctor by Dr Kamal Kumar Mahawar in the market. Especially in a country like India where a population of billion plus has to run…

You have the Complete Blood Test in front of you and don’t now what the results mean. Dr. Shital Raval explains it in simple terms in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series. A CBC or complete blood test is a basic blood test which is often carried out along with a physical examination to verify and analyse various cellular components in the blood. This allows the doctor to check and confirm any suspicions and find any potential health problems. CBC test result alone may not be sufficient to…

Having witnessed the power of the human-animal bond, Maureen Huang started Pawsibility that specializes in the use of Animal Assisted Therapy in conducting counselling and social emotional development programmes to help children and youth in Singapore overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Tell us how dogs help people with disabilities or conditions. Dogs change the atmosphere of a therapy setting. They help people to relax, be more engaged in the therapeutic process and be more…

The need to integrate inclusive design at our homes, schools, workplaces, malls, hospitals, parks, etc, especially to improve accessibility and mobility for the disabled, needs to be given urgent priority for the wellbeing of society, writes Daniel Wong, Access Consultant design professional. The world is experiencing a population boom never before seen in history. Birth rate is increasing while deathrate is slowing. People are living longer because of improved healthcare science particularly…

Dental needs become increasingly specialized with age, making regular visits to the dentist even more important. Dr Shail Jaggi highlights some common gum and teeth problems that could become burdensome, if ignored. When we think of an elderly patient the first vision that generally tends to flash by is someone with greying hair, stooping and bent over with age, thick glasses and a denture to eat! But let’s take a quick look at my office! I am dentist and deal with geriatric patients all the…

During National Nutrition week, we bring to you some common questions that you would like answers to. Content provided by National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad. 1.  Does excessive eating of salt increase blood pressure? Yes, in certain individuals who are salt sensitive, while this does not happen in those who are salt insensitive. 2.  What are the foods to be avoided by people with High Blood Pressure? Salted snacks e.g. Potato wafers Pickles and papads Ketchups Salted meat /…