Dr Mangala of SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation) of Chennai shares wonderful case studies where friends and relatives have supported the person with schizophrenia empathetic and responsible caregiving. Plus 20 practical tips for caregivers.
The warmth and comfort we receive from a caring family member in times of distress, especially illness, often leaves us reflecting “What would I have done without him/her?" The presence of a loving relative by our side is far more reassuring…
Dr Niranjan Rathod, Associate Director and HOD, Haemato – Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Nanavati Hospital, maintains that gene therapy could herald a revolutionary shift in treatment of thalassemia, but research is still at a nascent stage. What is gene therapy, with reference to thalassemia? Gene therapy for thalassemia involves genetic manipulation of the defective gene responsible for thalassemia, in patient derived stem cells with the help of a virus vector to correct the…
Dr. Himanshu Garg, Pulmunologist from Gurgaon talks at length about the impact of indoor and outdoor pollution on respiratory health - Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD. Can you explain (physiologically) how the pollution directly affects health? Pollution affects the wellbeing of lungs. The particulate matter linked with air pollution ranges from PM10 to PM2.5. These particulate matters act as a trigger and tighten the breathing tubes recognizing that they are an enemy and they need to…
Writer’s Cafe, Chennai, in association with Madras Dyslexia Association (MDA) have come up with a unique way of creating awareness for Dyslexia by changing the spelling on their menus. For the entire month of April Writer's Cafe they were serving “vejetarien and non-vejetarian fare — grild chkein, grik caled, and flammenkuchen, for starters.” This is an awareness campaign to show how a person with dyslexia views the world, and how difficult it is for them to “navigate in a world that does…
Dr. KR Vasudevan, Director Liver Transplantation, PSRI Hospital talks about the major risks for a liver disease and how to keep our liver healthy. Also, are herbs and supplements safe for the liver? #WorldLiverDay NonAlcoholic Liver disease or NAFLD is the most common cause of Hepatic disease around the world. Why is that? Increasing opulence has brought about changes in life style. Availability of processed food and decreasing physical activity has resulted in accumulation of body fat.…
With nearly 5 lakh Indians dying of tuberculosis every year, India is labeled the Tuberculosis capital of the world. Dr Shet Masih, molecular biologist with Core Diagnostics, says that the best way to prevent contracting this life-threatening disease is to avoid unhygienic, congested areas and lead an active lifestyle. Efforts are being made to make India Tuberculosis (TB)-free in the near future, and yet there’s been an increase in the number of TB patients recently. Why is that…
Raising the Bar, an Indo-Australian documentary, is a lively, cheerful narrative on Down syndrome and has won many prestigious awards and accolades. Here we speak to director Onir who says the film aims to create awareness, encourage inclusion, celebrate differences and conquer preconceived boundaries. You are an acclaimed Indian film director known for unconventional works like ‘My Brother…Nikhil’ (on AIDS and homosexuality) and the National award winning ‘I am’ (on gay rights, sperm donation…
India's Supreme Court has upheld the right to die with dignity and ruled that people have a right to refuse medical treatment and having their advance directives honored. Are there any concerns? PatientsEngage reached out via e-mail to Dr. M.R Rajagopal, Chairman, Pallium India and Director, Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences (WHO Collaborating Centre for Training and Policy on Access to Pain Relief) "The judgement of the Supreme Court…
On World Kidney Day, Dr Jayesh Lele, earlier National Secretary, Indian Medical Association, helps us understand why women are more likely to have an increased risk of kidney diseases than men. The theme for World Kidney Day 2018 is ‘Kidneys & Women's Health: Include, Value, Empower’. It aptly highlights the importance of women’s kidneys health and the need to create awareness amongst women as well as give them equal access to healthcare all over the country. Researchers have shown…
