Conditions

Palliative care at home can be best executed if certain preemptive measures are taken in a disciplined manner to avoid pitfalls and also to ensure comfort and peace for the person with a condition, says Usha Ravi Palliative care at home can be custom-made for many seriously and terminally ill patients, which ensures tender loving care with comfort and dignity in their own familiar environment. Provision of such compassionate care doesn’t hasten death, but rather enables an individual to live…

And other such questions on Migraine addressed by Dr Amit Haldar, Head of Neurology at Medica Superspeciality Hospital, Kolkata. He also tells us about the role of triggers and the best way of avoiding migraines. Is migraine the same thing as a common headache? If not, how does it differ? Migraine is an episodic hemicranial (one-sided) throbbing headache. It has got definite diagnostic criteria that include intolerance to light and sound. There may be associated issues like nausea and vomitting…

World Ovarian Cancer Day Nearly 70 % of ovarian cancers are not discovered until they have reached an advanced stage III or later when it is more difficult to treat and can be fatal. Dr Kiran Coelho, gynaecologist and obstetrician, counsels women, particularly those at high-risk, to undergo regular ovarian cancer screening to be safe. 1. What is the rate of incidence of ovarian cancer among Indian women? The incidence of ovarian cancer has shown an increasing trend in India in the last 20 years…

This time in our health by numbers/tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at our platelet count that can be determined by a routine blood test. If the platelet count is high or low from the normal range, it can provide insight into various abnormalities and blood disorders including infections and cancer. A platelet count test is conducted to check the number of platelets in the blood. This test is usually a part of the CBC or complete blood count. Here is a look at what platelet count…

10 Myths and Facts about Epilepsy and Seizures dispelled by leading neurologist Dr Nirmal Surya, who has been working for over two decades to control epilepsy. Dr. Nirmal Surya emphasizes that with timely diagnosis and treatment about two-thirds of people with epilepsy can completely control their seizures. MYTH: Epilepsy is contagious disease and spreads through touching and coughing. FACT:  Epilepsy is a disease of the brain. It occurs due to the abnormal hyperactivity or sudden surge…

In India, nearly 80% of asthma patients are on oral medications due to fear and stigma associated with the inhalers. Dr Shilpa Nayak, an allergist and immunologist, dispels misconceptions about inhalers and shares tips to manage asthma well to lead a full and active life. WORLD ASTHMA DAY #WorldAsthmaDay Which are the 5 most common asthma triggers in India? Asthma is triggered most commonly by – Viral flu and cold Outdoor and indoor pollution Cigarette smoking Allergen exposure Strenuous…

The best way to help a person with dementia is to ensure that they maintain control over as many areas of their life as possible and encourage them to maximise their remaining abilities, recommends Amrita Patil–Pimpale, a dementia care consultant. During my recent home visit to Mr. Dsouza (name changed) who is living with Dementia, I noticed a bottle of floor cleaner kept on his dining table. Usually this isn’t matter of concern. However in Mr. Dsouza’s case, he is in mid-stage of dementia, has…

Falls are a common complication of advancing Parkinson's disease. So how can you minimise the risk of falls, be in good shape and lead an active life? Find out here: It is important that you do not allow a fear of falling to stop you doing things, provided that you are sensible. Keeping active is good for your mobility and independence, and doing the things you like is good for your morale. Try not to let falls curb your activities too much as this can have a negative impact on your quality of…

WORLD LIVER DAY Did you know Type 2 diabetes (T2D), insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome and NAFLD (Non Alchoholic Fatty Liver Disease) are particularly closely related? Dr Parijat Gupte, Consultant Hepatologist or Liver Specialist, provides us with a basic knowledge on NAFLD and what it can signify. What Is NAFLD? In simple terms, NAFLD or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is abnormal or excess accumulation of fat in the liver. Normally, liver does not contain more than 0-5% fat.…