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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 8 June 2020

A handy list of resources for living with the coronavirus and managing your chronic conditions. Just look for your condition below. If you don't find what you are looking for, please leave a comment and we will get back to you.    

We must live with Covid-19 pandemic for a while. For people with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, rheumatic conditions, pulmonary conditions, it is even more essential to manage these conditions better. For e.g. a person whose blood sugars are under control is better equipped to deal with the coronavirus infection. 

As we prepare for the easing of restrictions, we must be aware of the risks of infection associated with it and mitigate these risks by practicing safety guidelines viz. mask hygiene, regular washing and sanitisation of hands, and maintaining safe distance at all times. 

We must also recognise that we cannot delay seeking help and treatment of our chronic conditions, and seek out the doctor. The process of these has changed in some places. While some places have started OPDs, most still require that you first connect and consult with the doctor through telemedicine. If the doctor advises you to go for tests or go see the doctor in person, please go ahead and not delay diagnosis and treatment. Do not let your fear of Covid-19 risk overtake your need for timely care.

We have also compiled resources for various conditions. Click on the topics you are interested in to get a detailed understanding of your specific condition. If you have specific questions, you can ask in our discussion forums or contact us at  https://www.patientsengage.com/contact

Cancer

1. How to manage cancer treatment during Covid-19 by Dr. Vinay Deshmane, Consultant in Surgical Oncology & Breast Diseases and Medical Director and Jnt. Hon secretary of the Indian Cancer Society. Link to the webinar recording.

2.Also, here is the link to the key notes from the recording of the above webinar    

Diabetes 

1. How to live well with Diabetes during Covid-19 by Dr. Debashis Basu, Diabetes Awareness and You

2. How to manage diabetes during Covid-19 lockdown by Dr. Piya Balani Thakkar. Summary of her webinar recording

2a. How to manage diabetes during Covid-19 lockdown by Dr. Piya Balani Thakkar. Link to the webinar recording

Dementia

1. Dementia Home Care, the COVID-19 infection risk, and Lockdown/ Unlock challenges

This is a good resource to track the impact of the changes due to lockdowns and re-opening of cities and areas and how it impacts dementia care and even elder care. Useful tips for family caregivers of persons with dementia.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

Changed
13/Apr/2021

Stories

  • Causes of Cancer and Risk Factors
    What causes cancer There is no single cause of cancer. What affects a certain body tissue may not affect another. For example, tobacco smoke can cause lung cancer. Overexposure to sunlight can cause melanoma, but sun exposure won’t cause lung cancer and smoke won’t cause melanoma. Here are some common triggers: Genetics:Each cell in our body contains DNA, which controls its action. Any change or mutation to the DNA that damages the genes involved in cell division can lead to cancer. Cancer…
  • Prevention of Cancer
    Cancer accounted for an estimate 9.6 million deaths in 2018. This cancer burden can be reduced by avoiding key risk factors, early detecttion and management of patients. The risk of developing cancer depends on genes, environment and lifestyle. If the cancer is linked to certain behaviours, it may be prevented. Here are some dos and don’ts: Do not use tobacco (smokless and smoking) to protect against oral, lung and several other cancers Do not drink excessive alcohol to protect against liver…
  • Cancer Symptoms and Signs
    Cancer symptoms depend on the site and size of the cancer and how much it has affected the organ. If the cancer has spread, symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. Common symptoms include: Unexplained weight loss. Loss of more than 10 pounds may be the first sign. Lump under the skin. Fever, commonly seen in blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Tiredness or fatigue that does not get better even after rest. Unhealing sores on the skin,inside the mouth or the genital area.…
  • Types of Cancer and Stages
    Cancer is named after the part of the body where it originates. In 2018, it was estimated that 18 million cases of cancer were detected globally. The five top most common cancers among men, globally, are: Lung Prostate Colorectal Stomach Liver The five top most common cancers among women, globally, are: Breast Colorectal Lung Cervical Thyroid Other cancers include: Brain cancer Childhood cancer (neuroblastoma,Wilms’ tumour, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, retinoblastoma) Pancreatic cancer Bile duct…
  • Cancer Tests and Diagnosis
    Early detection can improve the effectiveness and success of the treatment. Depending on the type of cancer, the doctor may recommend some of the following: Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasound to locate the tumour and the organ affected by it. Blood samples are analysed for signs of cancer, which may include cancer cells, protein or other substances released by cancer cells. Examples of bloods tests include: Complete blood count: This common blood test is…
  • Breast cancer - urban, educated, affluent, employed women most at risk
    Says Dr Subhojit Dey, cancer researcher at the Indian Institute of Public Health. He tells us why, and how to protect yourself. 70% of Indian women with breast cancer seek medical help at the late stage. 5-year survival rate is around only 60%. In Developed Countries, for example in the USA 60-80% women reach the doctor at an early stage and 5 year survival is almost 90%. Awareness is key and saves lives. Breast cancer incidence is increasing. What are the factors…
  • Breast cancer at 31 and getting through Chemotherapy
    Rajita, now 42, looks back on her ‘shock’ diagnosis and treatment, and how she kept going through rough chemo sessions.  Please tell us a bit about your condition and your history.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31.  After I noticed a lump, I went to my gynaecologist as there’s a history of breast cancer in my family. I lost my mother to it at age 56. She suggested needle biopsy. The report of FNAC (fine-needle aspiration cytology) came out…
  • Connected by the thread of pain and love
    Breast cancer survivor and founder of RACE to rein-in-cancer, Rita Banik talks about how cancer changed her life and why she is passionate about helping others. Here, her thoughts on getting a second opinion, staying active, yoga… and more.  Please tell us a bit about your condition.  I am a breast cancer survivor.  I had a relapse of cancer in 2013, in the sternum bone.  So, I am also a cancer patient presently. When were you first diagnosed? March 2006 What…
  • Cancer was just a part of my story
    “On paper, I am better: I no longer have cancer… But off paper, I feel far from being a healthy 26-year-old woman,” said Suleika Jaouad in a New York Times article Lost in transition after cancer, documenting her battered and traumatised state after cancer treatment. Minakshi Ray, who battled breast cancer, responds to that article and offers her take on life after cancer.   That I have got a second chance to live is good enough reason for me to live life more…
  • Healing the mind after a stroke
    How stroke affects understanding and behaviour and how to regain lost ground. By Porrselvi A.P. a cognitive and psychosocial interventions specialist What happens in a stroke Stroke or Cerebro Vascular Accident (CVA) happens when there is either a block in the supply of blood to an area of the brain or when there is bleeding within the brain tissue. When this happens, areas of the brain do not receive sufficient amount of blood and nutrients they require and are damaged.…