Max Hospital Patparganj plans Awareness Drive on Alzheimer Day

With the rising cases of Alzheimer's disease Max Super Specialty Hospital Patparganj plans Awareness Drive this month.  The hospital has taken the initiative to talk about the early signs of the disease so that it doesn’t go undetected, which happens to be the biggest challenge with the patients.

Dr. Vivek Kumar – Associate Director, Neurology, Max Hospital Patparganj says, “We see around  30-35 cases of suspected Alzheimer disease every year. The disease  involves such symptoms which people tend to overlook in daily life. It’s better to get a proper diagnose if facing the symptoms rather than thinking it’s a normal problem and neglecting it because negligence will only make the disease worse. Thus, primary thing that we need is ‘the awareness’. The more people become conscious and particular about early signs the more you can address the case and work for the betterment of the patient. ”

Alzheimer is a disease which once struck, destroys memory and other essential mental functions. It’s a form of dementia that interferes with daily life. Symptoms include difficulty completing tasks, memory loss, confusion with time and visual spaces, mood changes and forgetting locations. One needs to stay alert on these signs.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses varies. On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors. Whereas, changes in the brain related to Alzheimer's begin years before any signs of the disease.

“Its rightly said that precaution is better than cure. There are few things one should take care of to stay away from this incurable disease. A healthy diet, good amount of exercise help to keep your mind alert and healthy. Depression should not be ignored and better be treated within the time. These few things can work wonders,” adds Dr. Vivek Kumar – Associate Director, Neurology, Max Hospital Patparganj.

Max Hospital Patparganj plans to launch a drive to address the challenges and create awareness among vulnerable age groups. The disease is mostly seen in middle aged and elder people.

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Give your soul a Dancing Therapy

Meditation is the basis for all inner work. One of the best things that one can discover is a dance meditation. Dance Movement provides the conditions for learning, growth and healing through compassionate, embodied awareness within a therapeutic relationship.  There's a dancer in each and every one of us. Freeing ourselves to refocus inwardly and in community allows us to see who we are, and so this will be a complex but at the same time a simplified process of self-discovery.

As we connect to the direct experience of our embodied being, we awaken our somatic intelligence and begin to know our true nature. Dance reflects an individual’s patterns of thinking, feeling and communicating. Dancing is a means of self-discovery. It is a form of art where the body is the instrument. Dancing is a universal language of liberating your body, mind and soul, from your conscious awareness to deep down within your subconscious mind. Dance offers not just as a creative outlet of expression, but also to release pent-up emotions. Trust your body knows what it's doing as you breathe, listen and receive – allow your body to be an extension of you.

Transformation takes place when the individual is ready to make changes in his/her life and look within to find truth, and authenticity. This unique moving meditation is designed to assist you in accessing your conscious, subconscious and unconscious minds to release any physical, mental, emotional and spiritual blocks for healing through the intuitive movement and natural flow of your body.

Dance meditation is about getting in touch with our emotions, and our spiritual essence, and expressing that energy through our physical movements. To explore different aspects of ourselves,we can dance with a variety of musical styles, including jazz, rock, classical, and international music Regular practice of dance meditation can help phase out tension and anxiety from your life. This allows your mind to expand and your spirit to soar, thus helping you unleash feelings of positivity and joy in you. Jazz is essentially the father of all dance styles. The movements that characterize this form are very isolated, staccato and linear. Hip-hop emphasizes rhythm with a strong beat and the poetry of movement. Steps mostly move in a vertical direction. This form should be very stylized and enigmatic. A Zumba Fitness program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a fun workout that is more like attending a party than a dance or exercise class.

The concept of dancing is something strongly associated with gods. For example, Lord Krishna and his beloved dance the dance of love in their sacred Vrindavan gardens.  Lord Shiva, often personified as the dancing Lord Nataraja, is capable of dancing a furious dance that brings about massive amounts of destruction.  Performers of Indian classical dances often consider their art as a form of worship.  As a matter of fact many of the Indian classical dance forms have developed and flourished as a result of such traditions of learning, teaching and performing dances in temples.

Dance is not only Language; it is also "listening." Listen to the sounds of the waves within you. Not only the mind is free of outside world, but you also get a good sleep. After the sound, music, and movement stop, then enter into silence. In this silence one can absorb the qualities evoked during the dance. This is the most important part of the dance.

(The Writer, MS Kimaaya, is a certified trainer for Zumba and knows more than 20 styles of dancing. Worked with various renowned choreographers, Kimaaya runs CLK Dance Institute in east delhi)

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Doctors at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon report rise in diseases

With Monsoon Arrive a New Set of Health Woes: Doctors at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon Report Rise in Viral, Bacterial Infections

· Multispecialty, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon talks about some common disease prevalent during monsoon and measures to prevent them
· With high humidity coupled with heat, bacterial, viral and fungal infections become common

Gurgaon, July 2015: The monsoon season is a time for some much-needed relief from the scorching hot summer months, but it is also a time when diseases such as dengue, malaria, conjunctivitis, allergies, gastrointestinal infections and other bacterial and fungal infestations report a rise.

With patients in Gurgaon already reporting a spurt in infections, doctors at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon are advising people to adopt preventive measures.
“It is just a few days into monsoon and we are already receiving an increasing number of patients (40-50 patients a day) reporting gastrointestinal, respiratory, acute febrile illness as well as eye infections. Poor sanitation, contamination of food and water become more prominent during the season. While common cold and viral fevers are quite common, people are also exposed to several intestinal infections leading to Gastroenteritis, Typhoid and Hepatitis due to intake of unhygienic and infected food and water. Dengue and Malaria are another scourge that rears its head every year during this season. So, we always suggest our patients to keep a watch on health, food ; water hygiene & maintain high level of suspicion of the diseases discussed above and to report to doctor if the symptoms arise. In this season one should avoid eating on roadside joints” says Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Consultant, Internal Medicine.

The best way to prevent from being infected is to have a good knowledge about the cause and spread of the diseases that are common during the monsoon. As only then, you can chalk out the measures to prevent yourself from these diseases. Let’s take a look at the prevalent diseases:

Dengue, malaria, chikungunya
Dengue and chikungunya are acute viral infections transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The common symptoms of the diseases are fever; sever body aches, joint pain and rash. Both are viral infection. Aedes mosquito breeds in clean water (artificial water-filled container habitats). Malaria is caused by female Anopheles mosquito that breeds in the fresh- or salt-water marshes, mangrove swamps, rice fields, grassy ditches, the edges of streams and rivers, and small, temporary rain pools. Malaria is characterized by symptoms such as high fever at regular intervals with shivering, muscle pain, headache and weakness. All the three diseases discussed above can be prevented by preventing mosquito breeding, keeping the surroundings clean and dry; wearing full length clothes; using coils and repellants even during the daytime to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Diarrhea and cholera
Spread by contaminated consumption of foods and water and both spread due to poor hygienic conditions. Increased frequency of watery stools leading to dehydration is the hall mark of diarrhea & Cholera. Adequate intake of fluids with ORS is the key to prevent dehydration & renal failure which may follow loose stools. After every loose stool one should take at least 300 ml of ORS solution. If one is not able to take fluids then one should report to hospital. Both the diseases can be prevented by staying alert on the hygiene quotient.

Typhoid and Jaundice and Gastroenteritis
Spread due to consumption of contaminated water or food, Typhoid incidence increases during monsoon. Poor sanitation and lack of hygiene favors the growth of typhoid bacteria other viruses which cause infection of liver (Hepatitis). High grade fever, sever headache, weakness, pain are common symptoms of typhoid, while symptoms like sever weakness, decreased appetite ,yellow urine and eyes, vomiting and liver dysfunction indicates Jaundice. Avoiding consumption of street-side food or water and drinking lots of healthy fluid can help avoid Typhoid & Jaundice both. If symptoms arise prompt medical consultation can prevent many complications.

After all Monsoon is not that gloomy, one can & should enjoy rains albeit with precautions as mentioned above. Have a pleasant & disease free Monsoon.

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DLF Foundation organises Healthy Heart Camp

Heart diseases are increasing at an alarming rate in the urban centres. It is being said to be the biggest killer in India replacing the communicable diseases. According to a survey, nearly 360 million Indians will be afflicted by heart diseases by 2020. Taking this menace into consideration DLF Foundation organised a two day camp on 22nd and 23rd of July at the Wellness Centres in DLF City phase-I and II. The camp facilitated detection of various heart ailments like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease. 

The camp provided free diagnosis and consultation by Doctors of repute. In order to facilitate diagnosis certain tests were conducted for free, these included Blood Sugar Test, ECG, Blood Pressure Monitoring and Height, weight & BMI Monitoring. The camp functioned from morning 10:00 am to 03:00 pm afternoon. It was aimed to provide the underprivileged a free check-up so that the aim of a disease free healthy society is achieved.

“This camp is helpful for us, we are unable to get our medical tests and treatment done in private hospitals. These wellness centres are very beneficial for us; we get free consultation and check-ups done here which here which saves our time and money” said Meena Kumari, a resident of Nathupur Village.

“These centres are part of the Urban Underprivileged Development Program that has been introduced last year where we are trying to work on issues related to heath, education, sanitation, drinking water, cleanliness. Healthy Heart camp was well received by the people, we plan to organise such camps regularly to serve the weaker section of the society. ” said Ritesh Sinha, Director, DLF Foundation.

“Increased use of tobacco and rise in the cases of diabetes has made Indians prone to coronary diseases. People need to be educated about the need for regular heart check-up to take preventive measures.” said Dr. Sunita Nandanwar, DLF Wellness Centre.

The 2 Wellness centres of DLF City were inaugurated recently to provide free consultation and medical facilities to the underprivileged.The centres are first of its kind in the entire DLF City; they are being run on rooftop solar panels. Both the centres are specifically designed to be progressive, environment friendly and sustainable for years to come. The wellness centres are aimed to serve huge number of maids, domestic helpers and construction laborers working in the DLF City and people living in the nearby villages like Chakarpur, Nathupur etc. The centre has experienced gynaecologists and physicians and special maternal care programme to cater to the women of the society.

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Options for Small Vessel Heart Disease in Diabetics

Dr. Bimal Chhajer, health and lifestyle expert at The Science And Art Of Living (SAAOL)

If you are a diabetic, have been treated for coronary artery disease with angioplasty, stents or coronary artery bypass graft surgery and the signs and symptoms haven't gone away, you may be having diffuse small vessel disease. Small vessel or coronary microvascular disease is a condition in which small arteries in the heart that are not visible in angiograms become narrowed and cause signs and symptoms of heart disease such as angina chest pain. The large vessels in the heart can become narrowed or blocked through atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits build up in the arteries. In small vessel disease, the narrowing is in the heart’s small vessels due to which they can't expand properly when the patient is active resulting in inadequate supply of oxygen-rich blood. 

This inability to expand due to endothelial dysfunction may cause small vessels to actually become smaller when one is active or under emotional stress. The reduced blood flow through the small vessels causes angina or a heart attack and is usually diagnosed after a check for blockages in the main arteries of the heart show little or no narrowing in the large vessels but patient has angina symptoms. When small vessel disease is present along with large vessel disease, the condition may be suspected only when a patients has angina even after a successful angioplasty or bypass surgery.

Although anyone can have small vessel disease, it's more common in women and in people who have diabetes, are obese, smokers, have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, unhealthy diet and inactive lifestyle. Diabetics normally feel less pain and chances of painless myocardial infarction that may go unnoticed are more. Diffuse small vessel disease is more difficult to detect and less easily treatable and if left untreated can cause coronary artery spasm, heart attack, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. When in a symptomatic patient coronary angiogram does not show blockages in larger vessels, additional tests for smaller arteries narrowing such as Stress Thallium test imaging and Cardiovascular Cartography heart flow mapping may be of help.

Because the blocked or narrowed blood vessels that cause the disease are very small, angioplasty, stent and surgery are usually not helpful. Small vessel disease treatment involves medications to control the symptoms of narrowed small blood vessels such as Nitroglycerin, Nicorandil, Trimetazidine and Ranolazine. Beta blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Statins, Angiotensin-converting enzyme, Angiotensin II receptor blockers and Aspirin are often prescribed. Helpful dietary supplements are Coenzyme Q10 and L-arginine.

There has been some research on diabetic patients who have Coronary Artery Disease treated with External Counter Pulsation (ECP) therapy. ECP is an option for small vessel disease patients as it dilates the coronaries, opens dormant blood vessels and stimulates angiogenesis - thus should be more effective than stents and bypass in small vessel disease. An analysis of data from the International EECP Patient Registry concluded that “ECP is safe, well tolerated and associated with improvement in angina, functional status, and quality of life and that clinical benefit was maintained in most patients at one year” in diabetic patients. Many diabetics do not present for medical care until their heart disease has progressed due to small vessel disease, endothelial dysfunction and altered pain perception. ECP has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on endothelial function as well as in patient’s symptoms with small vessel disease. Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and diabetes often make excellent candidates for ECP Therapy since diabetic patients are at known increased risk for interventional complications.

ECP Therapy has been demonstrated to increase a patient’s cardiac output and perfusion to all the organs throughout the body, which would absolutely be beneficial in diabetic patients as diabetes is a multi-organ disease. It makes sense that diabetic patients improve with ECP since many of the positive benefits associated with ECP are similar to the benefits of physical exercise and research has demonstrated that physical exercise definitely helps diabetic patients. Though more research is needed it is believed that symptoms of diabetic neuropathy improve in patients who undergo ECP Therapy.

It is not unusual to see a drop of about 20mg/dL in blood sugar after completing of one hour of ECP. Reports from ECP centres suggest that patients who have undergone ECP not only have better control of their blood glucose levels but have also had their physician lower (or in some cases, completely eliminate) the dosage of diabetic medication needed to maintain an optimum blood sugar level; this is not surprising since the benefits of EECP have a similar systemic effect to that of physical exercise.

Another research reported EDTA Chelation Therapy to benefits with up to 50% prevention of recurrent heart attacks and 43 percent reduction in all causes death rate. Dr. Gervasio Lamas, principal investigator of the National Institute of Health (USA) sponsored Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT) presented results at the American Heart Association meeting in Los Angeles in 2012. The randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 1,708 patients in 134 medical centres across the U.S. and Canada by cardiologists from prestigious medical schools at a cost of $30 million. Statistical analysis showed intravenous chelation therapy decreased subsequent cardiac events when compared to a control group of similar patients who received placebo. There were fewer deaths, fewer heart attacks, and fewer strokes, less need for cardiovascular surgery, and fewer hospitalizations for heart problems. Chelation therapy was shown to be safe, without any serious side effects. Patients experienced increasing benefits during the five years they were studied up to. Diabetic patients appeared to do better than the non-diabetic patients. This could be due to micro circulation being affected more than macro circulation in diabetic patients.

While we wait or the last word on treatment of small vessel disease, the best option would be to look into ways of preventing small vessel disease - controlling the major risk factors of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. Things than can be done that may help reduce risk include eating a heart-healthy diet with low saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet. Eating a heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of whole grains, lean meat, low-fat dairy, and fruits and vegetables. Also, watch the salt and fat intake as eating too much salt and saturated or trans fats may increase your blood pressure and cholesterol. Regular exercise, even 30 minutes a day, helps improve heart muscle function and keeps blood flowing through your arteries and prevent a heart attack by helping achieve and maintain a healthy weight and control diabetes, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure. And last but not the least stop smoking or use of any other tobacco products totally.

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Therapeutic Benefits of Yoga

Even as yoga has become India’s most famous cultural export to the world, a large number of Indians are oblivious to its efficacy in boosting body’s defenses and improving its mental functionality. To drive home the benefits of yoga in stress-prone Gurgaon city, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon organized a special session on Yoga’s therapeutic benefits for back pain and its ability to boost body’s immunity against cancer.

The session on International Yoga Day was held at Tao Devilal Park, Sector-52, Gurgaon, where the yoga instructors taught the participating people about the yoga positions especially relevant for back pain and educated them about its benefits for building cancer immunity.

The session was held early in the morning was led by Sanjeev Vatta, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, and Dr. Meenakshi Sharma , Senior Consultant , Laparoscopic Surgery , Paras Hospitals , Gurgaon who participated in the initiative.

“Therapeutic yoga works like a magic wand for people suffering from back pain. Although, practicing yoga in back pain may sound like an irony but the fact is that therapeutic yoga can reduce pain and improve function in people with chronic low back pain. Additionally, yoga practice also helps people better fight cancer. It detoxifies body, helps neutralize free radicals, increases its immunity, and improves resilience and strength, thereby helping people better fight cancer,” said Dr. Meenakshi Sharma , Senior Consultant , Laparoscopic Surgery , Paras Hospitals , Gurgaon.

Originating nearly 6000 years ago, the practice has the power to rejuvenate soul, body and mind. Yoga further has numerous divisions, which are effective in treating several health issues. For instance, therapeutic yoga is particularly effective in treating back pain and helping cancer patients in speedier recovery.

“People with cancer tend to get weaker and less energetic due to the sickening therapies and treatment. Although, it may sound contradictory, but gentle poses of yoga for cancer patients can help them on many levels. Yoga used as therapy can also help in clearing the toxics in the body accrued during the cancer treatment. Yoga positions also have the ability to stimulate muscles, increases blood flow, enhancing the lymphatic flow in body and enhancing body’s internal purification processes. Yoga for cancer survivors and patients also provides an internal anchor of calm,”added Mr Pradeep, Yoga Intructor, Yoga – On – Call .

Besides curing illness and pain, yoga in general has de-stressing quality because of which it is widely practice across the world. Deep breathing, which is often emphasized in yoga, helps in increasing the current of oxygen-rich blood to the cells, delivering vital nutrients to tired cells and further clearing out toxins. With celebration such as a day like this, more people will be able to get to know the benefits and will be able to connect with the person already in practice to get a guided training.

“The session experienced a good response from the people in the vicinity. With a footfall of over 100 people, the park was full of enthusiasts. People were very keen to learn and know about yoga practices. The excitement of the people was very overwhelming. It encouraged us to conduct more such session in future,” said Sanjeev Vatta , General Manager , Sales and Marketing, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon.

It was effort made by PM Narendra Modi during address to UN General Assembly that influenced United Nations to announce June 21 as the International Yoga Day. The move is supported by more 177 countries including USA, China, Canada and Egypt. Celebrated for the first time in history, the day will encourage and motivate mass of people to opt Yoga in their lives for a better living.

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Do you have two minutes for Maggi?

By P Neelakantha Achary, 
Editor, Business News This Week

Maggi is the popular food item India, no doubt about that. Ask any layman, you will get answer a best dish to serve in just two minutes. Hardly do many of us thought about the food safety standards and its limits. Thanks to media, otherwise we would have been continuing – two minutes food item - Maggi food as we have been doing for long.

At this point of time, we missed to judge it completely. Even we did not spare two minutes to think about its impact on health let alone on kids. Interestingly, there was discussion on maggi and food standard on news channel. One panelist in the programme backed maggi as safe, since she has been eating from her childhood. Now, she is adult and no health complaints at all. She got a good reply from the moderator that “thank God..Your alive”….

Ridicules, to hear such arguments in favor of a product that consists 17 times of lead, a chemical that is considered as dangerous, than permitted level. Being a media person, I do judge all the sides, without which the conclusion or view would be partial. Many of us are just ignoring food standards. Why we not to think about it before serving a dish that could be hazardous for us.

It’s not about going against one company or a group of companies, it is about our health. The big question raises that why this product is being sold in the market, and who gave the permission. Now, one-by-one states are in state to ban it from the market, which I believe could have done much before any media brining the matter into limelight.

The fourth pillar – media, once again worked as guardian of our society. The action of media is in the interest of common people and their health. And, it will be ever praised by the people of India. A two minutes story on Maggi, made all of to think about it – Two Minutes before serving it in just Two minutes.


Jai Hind

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Indian Spinal Injuries Centre marks 50 Years of Mount Everest Expedition

Indian Spinal Injuries Centre Commemorates 50 Years of India’s Historic First Successful Expedition to Mount Everest

New Delhi, June 1 2015: Four surviving members of the India’s first successful expedition to Mount Everest came together today to relive the historic moment that put them on top of the world, literally, 50 years back in 1965.


A mammoth five decades have elapsed since they became the first ever one-country expedition to climb the Mount Everest, but that hard fought victory remains the most cherished moment of the lives of the few surviving legendary members of that historic team.

Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, organized a special golden jubilee celebration to commemorate the historic episode and re-unite the team that made India proud on a fateful May morning in 1965. Reunited after years, the members of the mountaineering fraternity indulged in nostalgia, as they recalled the difficult expedition and the events preceding their final victory.

Capt M S Kholi, the leader of the Indian Everest Expedition Team, 1965 was the Chief Guest of the day. The celebrations were joined by Col N Kumar, the Deputy leader of Indian Expedition 1965, and Major HPS Ahluwalia, one of the members of the Expedition Team, 1965.
Col H S Chauhan, President, Indian Mountaineering Foundation, also joined in the special golden jubilee celebrations at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre and spoke about how advancement in technology over the years has helped in making difficult mountaineering treks easier today.
In May, 1965, 19 brave hearts, led by Captain M. S. Kohli and assisted by 50 Sherpas and 900 porters, stretched themselves beyond limits of human endurance and made history by putting nine climbers -- Major HPS Ahluwalia, Ang Kami, Phu Dorji, Harish Rawat, Sonam Wangyal, Nawang Gombu, Avtar S. Cheema, C P Vohra, & Sonam Gyatso on top of the world, electrifying an entire generation of Indians.

Such was the national euphoria that acting Prime Minister Gulzarilal Nanda, along with Defence Minister Y.B. Chavan, led the historic reception that was accorded to the team on their return to New Delhi at the Palam Airport.

Interestingly, India had held its first expedition to Mount Everest in 1960 and then in 1962; but both failed due to bad weather. Eventually the 3rd expedition of 1965 brought glory and pride as India became the first country in the world to put 9 men atop Everest in a single expedition.
The celebrations were followed by a special screening of the film, ‘Everest 1965’.

“I am often asked how I felt on the summit of Everest. When we finally stepped on the summit, it was freezing cold, maybe 30 degrees below zero. We took a long, wheeling look from the highest point on the earth. There were Mt. Makalu and Lhotse, Nuptse and Kanchenjunga looming on the horizon and host of other endless peaks far below us. The view was unforgettable. Of all the emotions which surged through us as we stood on the summit looking over miles of the panorama below us, the dominant one was perhaps of humility. The experience makes you conscious of your smallness in the immeasurable universe,” says Major HPS Ahluwalia.

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Doctor Introduces a new Device for Spine Surgery

New Delhi, May 27​: Slipped disc is a common problem, which affects approximately 1% of the population at any given time. It usually affects people between the ages of 30 to 50 years. But these days, it is not bound to any age group or gender. It commonly occurs in people whose occupation involves frequent bending and lifting. However slipped disc is not the only cause of backache/leg pain. These aches can often result from diseases like spinal tumor, infection, T.B. ,cancer spreading to spine, osteoporosis, arthritis, spinal stenosis, fractures, congenital diseases etc.

But thanks to the latest advancements in medical technologies, serious health diseases have now become curable. Determined for the same, Dr Satnam Singh Chhabra Director of Neuro and Spine Department at New Delhi based Sir Gangaram Hospital has successfully taken spinal surgeries to an altogether new level. Dr Satnam Singh Chhabra has recently introduced a new device to provide relief to patients suffering from savior slipped disc and compressed nerves. Gaining popularity under the same banner, Satnam Device has been submitted for patent rights by the name of Satnam Device for Endoscopic Surgery.

The device is now being used by numerous hospitals in India, providing a sigh of relief to patients suffering from the agonizing pain.

Dr Chhabra explains; Nowadays, surgery for slipped disc is performed through a tiny (about 1.5 cms) incision in the back with the help of an endoscope. The surgery grants patients the relief to go back home within 12-24 hrs of getting operated. Additionally, such patients can also easily walk and use the toilet the very same day, besides getting fit to resume office in a few days time. Generally the idea of undergoing a spinal surgery often puts people on tenterhooks given the risk of paralysis or fear of getting bed-ridden and depending on others. Such is the mindset of patients that they’d rather suffer the pain than get operated. However with modern surgical techniques on the go, such complications are extremely rare.

Satnam Device for Endoscopic Surgery is a special tube which is placed into the back of patient through a minor cut in the skin. Surgery is performed through this tube under endoscopic view on LED monitor. The device gives enormous magnification and clarity of vision which in turn minimizes the risk to normal nerves.

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Health Care at Home Launches Post Surgical Care Service

To ease the lives of patients and their family members in case of a surgery,Health Care at Home (HCAH), India’s first hi-tech, documented, quality homecare service provider, has launched Post Surgical Care services in the city.

After a surgery, the post care is very essential as the patient becomes very frail and vulnerable to catch infections, sometimes complicating their condition. At hospitals, the chances of acquiring infections are higher due to the presence of several patients with varied health problems and the bugs there not being friendly ones as against those in the settings of one’s home.

“Recovery at home is far speedier if it happens in the comfortable confines of home, given the services provided are on a par with hospital. Recognizing its need and the hassles that patients have to bear when a family member is at hospital post a surgery, we planned to launch our post surgery care. Treating patients post surgery not only requires medical expertise but also demands an extremely sensitive approach on the part of the treatment providers. This is what we exactly do by bringing professional healthcare services to patients’ doorsteps, so that they do not have to go through the cumbersome routine of hospital stay and visits after a surgery,” said Vivek Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer, HCAH.

Under its Post Surgical Care offering, HCAH provides multiple services like post-operative dressing, stitch removal and drain care, intravenous antibiotic therapy, vital signs monitoring, pain management and diet monitoring and nutritional counseling. Besides, HCAH also offers counseling to patients and their family members, as it is very important to boost the morale of the person who undergoes a surgery, given they feel low and weak, finding the recovery process difficult. Family members are told about the ways in which a patient should to be taken care of.

“We have specialized nurses who are skilled to deal with patients post a surgery, be it of any kind. They are trained in pain relief management, stitch removal and overall patient care. They very well understand the needs of patients and their family members, supporting them throughout the recovery process. The care provided by us matches the quality of any renowned hospital and so the patients are in safe hands. Patients recover faster when they are at home and around their family members. It gives a fillip to their confidence level to be back in shape quickly,” said Dr Gaurav Thukral, Head Medical Services, HCAH.

Homecare post surgical care service also helps the doctors of the patients to constantly monitor their patients’ condition. By keeping their doctors concerned always in the loop, HCAH ensures constant medical intervention and supervision to the patient without any interruption. The doctors have complete control over the treatment of the patients. HCAH provides extended reach to the patients’ doctors in conditions where the patients find it difficult to travel to the hospital. “Additionally, services provided by the company also free up doctors at the hospitals, making them available for other critical patients,” said Abhishek Malik, Unit Head, HCAH, Jaipur.

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Fitgen’s Smart Activity Tracker

Staying fit has become a popular jargon nowadays in the wake of increasing awareness on the advantages of leading a fit lifestyle. It is, however, a fact that while people are aware, they lack action to make it a reality. There remains a thin line to step to the other side, which many are not able to cross in the absence of ​'motivation and willpower’.

If you too have been struggling to bridge this fine gap, Fitgen has a solution in the form of its first-of-its-kind activity tracker, namely ‘Trek’, that not just makes you keep yourself fit, but also take care of your loved ones. The Fitgen device and its app help you connect with friends, family members and build fitness communities of preferred members wherein each one of them can track the activities of others and create challenges to tap onto the competitive spirit.

As it easily makes people measure their performance and compare it with that of others round-the-clock, the Fitgen product acts as a perfect ‘Motivator, Enabler and Companion’. Besides providing for the fun to connect with friends and family members for fitness sake, daring them and beating challenges together, the very important aspect it touches is of pushing the motivation level of people and keeping it intact.

“We realized that people in the initial phase are full of energy and are enthusiastic about their fitness programs and plans, but as time passes this seems to die down. Everything comes back to square one, resulting in the fitness resolutions to fall flat. After going deep into the reasons for the failure of sticking to the plans, we concluded that just motivation is not enough. We realized that what we cannot measure we cannot control. We also realized that when people worked together, the success rates were higher. We then thought of creating a product that addresses these issues. Our product helps you measure your activity and drives the motivation levels of people, while providing companionship in their goal to stay fit. With Fitgen one not only takes care of oneself, but also of their near and dear ones,” said Mr Anurag Malhotra, Chief Executive Officer, Fitgen Solutions.

The Fitgen device can be synchronized with the Fitgen app that can be downloaded on any phone supporting iOS or Andriod. All the data the activity tracker captures keeps getting updated on the app. The information is available on the wearable device as well and can be viewed any time. However, for detailed information, one can check the app and even create the profile page containing all information on oneself. People can feed details about the food consumed or to be consumed and measure the intake of calories and how much the body needs to burn to stay fit.

The device is fed with the goal of attaining 10,000 steps a day as it is believed that these numbers of steps are ideal to stay fit, though one can very well go beyond the figure. Not just steps, the tracker takes into account various movements of a person and accordingly makes him indulge in more activities. There are availability of graphical representation of the activities one takes for easy deciphering of numbers.


Unlike foreign-made devices, the Fitgen app has in-built Indian food menu, spanning from North to South India and from West to East India, along with continental delicacies for calculation of calories consumed.

Besides, Fitgen device users can send each other requests and add more people to create a community. With the help of the leader dashboard on the app, they can keep an eye on others’ performance and stay motivated. In a group, people can create challenges and dare others to achieve them. Fitgen device users also receive regular notifications on the percentage of goals achieved to keep people motivated at all times.

With your companion and motivator on your side, take the path of keeping yourself fit, alone or with others, as you like it! Connect with us on www.fitgen.in

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Endoscopic Surgery for Slipped Disc

Endoscopic Surgery for Slipped Disc
DR. SATNAM SINGH CHHABRA
Neuro & Spine Surgeon, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi

Slipped disc is a common problem, which affects approximately 1% of the population at any given time. It usually affects people between the ages of 30 to 50 years. It is more common in males and frequently occurs in people whose occupation involves frequent bending and lifting.

Disc is cushion like material between the numerous small bones of the spine column called vertebrae. This gelatinous material is enclosed in a fibrous capsule. Any tear in this capsule predisposes to prolapse of the disc. Prolapse of the disc causes compression of the nerve that lies very close to it. This problem is more common in lower portion of spine called lumbar spine. The slipped disc typically causes low back pain, which travels to buttock and further down to back of thigh and calf muscles. This leg pain is also called as Sciatica because it radiates along distribution of sciatic nerve. This pain increases on sneezing or straining, walking etc. Pain may be accompanied by numbness or weakness in leg muscles and in severe situations bladder and bowel disturbances.

Slipped disc, is not only cause of backache/leg pain but many other diseases can cause it like spinal tumor, infection, T.B ,cancer spreading to spine, osteoporosis, arthritis, spinal stenosis, fractures, congenital diseases etc.

We should not forget that even abdominal tumors and infections can also cause backache and leg pain and numbness. The known factor causing backache are lack of exercises and physical fitness, bad posture, smoking, heaving lifting, bending, twisting, prolonged sitting, anxiety, depression, various games like gymnastics, tennis, football etc. and genetic.

In recent years, MRI scanning is becoming available more easily and is the preferred diagnostic test for spinal problems. MRI scan can clearly show the site and amount of disc prolapse and the nerve compression. Majority of patients respond to the non-surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment is given in the form of bed rest, medicines to reduce pain and swelling. Physiotherapy is gradually started. Surgery is required in 10-20% of patients whose pain persists after conservative treatment or who have paralysis or bladder and bowel dysfunction from beginning.

Now a day, the operation for slipped disc can be performed through a tiny (about 1.5 cms) incision in the back with the help of an endoscope. Patients can go back home in 12-24hr and patients are usually very comfortable after operation and they can start walking or going to toilet same day. They can go back to their work in a few days. Generally people are very scared of spinal surgery because of risk of getting paralyzed, bed ridden or dependent after operation. They would prefer to suffer rather than getting themselves operated and cured. But with modern surgical techniques such complications are extremely rare.

Human spine is made up of 33 bones calls vertebrae and between each two bones is a soft rubber like disc, which is jelly like in the centre and acts as a shock absorber for the spine and also gives flexibility to the spine. In the centre of the spine runs a canal, which contains the spinal cord. Spinal cord is a big nerve coming from the brain and its branches go into hand and legs. These nerves get compressed, when the disk slips back into the spinal canal and the problem of backache and leg pain starts. Besides slip disc other lesions can also press the nerves and because similar symptoms like tumors, infections, deformities etc. hence a proper diagnosis is essential for the treatment.

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Simple but Effective Measures to Prevent Swine Flu

Swine flu or H1N1 has already claimed over 800 lives in India, including several deaths in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR. However, doctors say educating citizens adopt some simple, expedient yet useful techniques can go a long way in keeping the virus from spreading further.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms, maintaining at least a meter distance from the infected and avoiding crowded places can keep the virus from spreading person to person.

With the swine flu virus claiming hundreds of lives across India and causing a pan-country scare, doctors at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon have initiated measures to educate people about simple but effective preventive actions that can help the city defeat the deadly H1N1 without panicking.
Apart from displaying informative posters, doctors at Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon are communicating to most of the patients visiting the hospital, be it for any medical indication, about H1N1 and educating them about the preventive discourse.

“We have decided that all the patients who visit our hospital, for whatever reason, need to return completely informed about the swine flu prevention measures and symptoms. It is extremely important to remember that the contracting routes for the H1N1 virus are the nose and the mouth. Therefore the key to prevent the disease is to make sure one does not inhale the virus through these two routes,” says Neeraj Gupta, Sr Consultant Pulmonology, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon

Apart from all people who are required to maintain hand hygiene, a lot of the responsibility of preventing the spread also lies on the person who is infected. The key is to never take the signs and symptoms lightly.

“If you wake up one morning with flu symptoms like high temperature, cold, cough, running nose and pain in muscles and joints, make sure you keep away from other people and at no cost go to work or to study. Avoid crowded places so as not to infect anybody else and stay at home and contact your physician. Your physician will decide the need of HINI test as mentioned in the government guidelines. One should leave the diagnosis to the doctor and not get scared. However sitting over the disease and self medicating is only not a wise option.” adds Dr Rajesh Kumar, Consultant Internal Medicine, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.

Even if we deliberately avoid crowded places like cinema halls, malls and markets, we cannot stay back from travelling to work each day. As we move across the city, taking the public transport, we tend to come in direct contact with a large number of people. At the same time, we come in contact with objects that an infected person might have touched on his/her way. For example, seats in buses, metros, handles, door knobs, tables, public toilets etc.

While one cannot avoid touching all these objects as we move, we can certainly make sure that we do not touch our nose or mouth with unwashed hands. Hence hand hygiene is the single most important aspect of protection against swine flu as is the isolation of the infected patient , adds, Dr Rajesh Kumar, Consultant Internal Medicine, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.

Washing hands thoroughly with soap several times a day, carrying a hand sanitizer and using it as and when required is important. You should discard the same after every two hours. The napkins and the tissues should be safely disposed inside a dustbin. Avoiding handshakes are other ways that can minimize your risk of acquiring the infection.

Also important is washing your face thoroughly and cleaning and blowing your nostrils intensely the moment you return home.

“People who are at higher risk should consider vaccination in consultation with their doctors. The high risk bracket includes young children, the elderly, people with respiratory diseases, and others who have a weak immune system,” adds Dr Dr Rajesh Kumar, Consultant Internal Medicine, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.

The H1N1 virus originated from pigs, hence the name swine flu. However, the prevalent strain is a mutation of the original virus and unlike the original it doesn’t need animals to spread. It spreads from human to human like other common influenza strains. This is why people who work in crowded places and come in contact with several people every day are at greater risk of contracting it.

Measures to Follow:

• Washing hands multiple times a day with soap and water
• Not touching eyes, nose or face with unwashed hands
• Avoiding hugging and shaking hands
• Boosting immunity by consuming fruits, vegetables, vitamin c
• Avoiding crowded public places like cinema halls, markets, recreational spots
• Cover your nose and mouth with a napkin when you sneeze or cough
• Dispose your napkins quickly and safely in dustbins

One should lead a normal but aware life. If you are aware of the signs and symptoms you can take important steps to safeguard yourself and your family.

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Essilor launches Mobile Refraction Van in association with Drishti Eye Hospital

Out of the 2.5 billion people in the world who need vision correction, 95% of them live in emerging countries. In India alone, uncorrected poor vision accounts for more than 500 million people. However, simple measures can be found in order to fight against poor vision and reach people in the smaller cities of India.

Considering that affordable and accessible eye care is a challenge in rural areas, Essilor’s inclusive business division, the 2.5 New Vision Generation (NVG), started the Mobile Refraction Van Project (MRVP) in 2006, in association with most of the renowned Eye Hospitals in India. 2.5 NVG is now launching a new MRV with the Drishti Eye Hospital.

The Mobile Refraction Van (MRV), which will be attached to the Channapatana unit of the Dhristi Eye Hospital, is fitted with state-of-the-art instruments for providing holistic eye care including on-the-spot spectacle dispensing. The MRV will travel to rural areas with a team of optometrists, ophthalmologists and other support staff to conduct eye screening camps. During these camps, the team will offer a comprehensive free eye examination for all people coming to the MRV and also provide spectacles at affordable prices to those requiring vision correction.

Patients who are in need of further clinical support will be referred to the base hospital in Channapatana. People in the age category of 60 years and above that can’t afford to pay for their eye operations, will be offered free-of-charge surgery, supported through grants.

“This project will provide comprehensive eye-care services to a larger section of Indian people living in rural areas and is truly aligned with our mission to improve lives by improving sight,” said Jayanth Bhuvaraghan, Chief Corporate Mission Officer, Essilor International. “Essilor’s recent announcement of the creation of the Vision For Life™ strategic-giving program will furthermore support all initiatives that help drive the socio-economic development of emerging countries by targeting poor vision through awareness-raising, capacity-building and the creation of basic vision care infrastructure.“

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Rare Bone Replacement Surgery Cures Uzbek Man of Unusual Cancer

Having undergone three failed surgeries to treat multiple point recurrent cancer of the leg bone in Uzbekistan, 24 year old SobidjOn Juraev had all but given up hope of ever returning to a normal life. The resurrection of the cancer despite several rounds of treatment also posed the serious threat of a leg amputation or worse a disarticulation of the hip. This is when the young man and his family decided to travel to India to seek medical help.

It is in New Delhi that the young Uzbek man got much needed medical succor. In a rare and difficult surgery that lasted 8 hours, Dr Rajeev K Sharma, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon along with his team including Dr. V.P Singh, Cancer Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, removed the entire cancer-affected bone right from the hip to the knee, replacing it with an artificial Total Femoral Replacement implant.

The difficult surgery which was a combination of Hip & Knee Replacement has successfully cured the patient of cancer, eliminating the risk of a permanent disability. A failure to get rid of the cancer affected bone would have lead to two eventualities: either a disarticulation of the hip (surgical removal of the entire lower limb at the hip level) or an amputation of the leg to save the life of the man. However, both these situations would have resulted in permanent disability.

A successful surgery that not only rid the man of cancer, but also gave him a new hip and knee joint, has given a fresh lease of the life to him.

Sobidjon had tumor (bone malignancy) at multiple points on the bone between the knee and hip. He first underwent a total hip replacement in June 2011, which failed. The same was followed up by two more surgeries in his home country, which temporarily kept the cancer at bay but failed to have the desired result. Sobidjon Juraev found it difficult to walk and lead a normal life. The risk of recurrent cancer also posed a threat of permanent disability for the young man.

After struggling with the ailment for four years, the family decided to travel to India to seek better medical treatment and cure for the debilitating disease.

“We examined the patient thoroughly and discovered that the cancer in the Right femur bone had recurred. Now, it was at three points in the right femur bone between the hip and the knee, necessitating an amputation which would have been a life-long disability for a young man,” said Dr Rajeev K Sharma, Senior Consultant, Orthopedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

“Total Femoral Replacement in this case was a very difficult and rare surgery as it was a kind of a combination of hip replacement, knee replacement and thigh bone replacement. To be able to get rid of the cancer completely, we needed to remove the entire stretch of thigh bone from the right hip to the right knee and reconstruct the same artificially. It was a challenging surgery as it involved the removal of whole thigh bone at the same time. The challenges included threat of post-surgical infection, knee and hip instability and damage to the nerves and vessels of the area. However, in an 8-hour procedure we successfully removed the full cancerous thigh bone and replaced it with an artificial Total Femoral Implant,” added Dr Sharma.

In such cases, the surgery is followed by a prolonged process of rehabilitation and physiotherapy which helps the patient regain the limb’s lost strength, strengthen the muscles and get back on feet.

The patient is responding well to the surgery and hopes to get back to his normal youthful life soon after four tumultuous years. India will always remain a positive memory in his life as it gave him a fresh hope of survival.

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India Losing Fight against Cancer Due To Lack of Awareness

Talk to a random person in India and asking her about the precautions she takes to save herself from common cold or flu, and she is going to list out a series of measures from washing hands to boosting immunity. However, ask the same about preventing cancer and you are going to draw a blank.

Despite cancer being among the ten leading causes of deaths in India, it is still considered by many people as a remote disease that cannot strike them. Even those who are aware of its implications, do little in their daily lives to minimize the risks of contracting the disease.

As we observe the World Cancer Day, it is important to educate people about preventing cancer by cutting risk factors and leading a healthy life. A huge burden of cancer in India can be reduced if people are aware about risks and work systematically to minimize them in daily lives. Quitting tobacco and reducing alcohol intake are just two such measures that can go a long way to reduce your risk f suffering from cancer. Cancer monitoring and screening are other two measures that can radically boost chances of survival, and reduce cancer related deaths.

“Undoubtedly there is massive void of awareness, even among the relatively educated masses. Today, majority of the cases that come to the hospital are already in the last stages or at crucial stages, even for those cancers that can easily be treated if detected early. With greater awareness, people will be more serious about screening and monitoring. However, lack of awareness makes life not just difficult for the patient but also for the physicians treating them,” says Dr Indu Bansal, Consultant Oncology, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.

Cancer is a group of abnormal cells. They are often referred to as “mad cells”, “wayward cells” or “crazy cells”. The normal cells turn crazy, defy nature’s ways of propagation, and multiply rapidly, altering the normal functioning of the body. If this process goes unchecked, it has the capacity to migrate to any other part of body.

“Cancers like mouth cancer and lung cancer should be detected early and can be prevented by life style modifications; however trends show an exponential rise in the same. Breast Cancer and Cervical cancers are the other two types that can be detected through simple and cost effective tests like an ultrasound/mammography and a PAP Smear, however many women don’t even know the importance of the same,” adds Dr Bansal.

Experts say a bulk of the most common cancers can be prevented by targeting four major risk factors: reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, adopting healthier diets and improving physical activity levels. At the same time, it is also important to protect from UV radiation by wearing sunscreen religiously. Cancer incidence can further be reduced if infections like HBV and HPV associated with liver and cervical cancers respectively are controlled with vaccinations.

According to WHO, five most common sites of cancer in men are lung, prostate, colorectum, stomach, and liver; while in women they are breast, colorectum, lung, cervix, and stomach.

Cancers are caused due to malfunction of the genes that control cell growth resulting in indiscriminate multiplication of the cells in the affected part of the body. However, the genetic abnormalities are mostly a result of mutations that occur in the genes due to a series of environmental factors.

How to Prevent?

According to World Health Organization around one third of cancer deaths occur are due to five leading behavioral and dietary risks:high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use. Naturally, dealing with these five risk factors can radically reduce the incidence of the disease.

• Eat Healthy: People with greater intake of meat are more susceptible to cancer (though being a vegetarian doesn’t guarantee zero risk). So, even as you relish your non vegetarian delicacies make sure you consume adequate amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Anti-oxidants are believed to reduce risk of cancer and other disease.
• Give Up Bad Habits: It may sound like a cliché, but quitting smoking and excessive drinking can prevent lung and liver cancers to a large degree. Over 1 million people die of tobacco cancer every year. Tobacco is responsible for 50% of all cancers
• Get your Body in Shape: If you are overweight, you have many reasons to worry. Excessive weight not just increases risk of cancer, but also makes you more prone to diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis of the knees. So, get yourself into the right body mass index.
• Exercise: If you are of normal body weight, this doesn’t mean you do not need to exercise. Lack of physical exercise is the reason behind a range of lifestyle diseases including cancer, in both overweight as well as thin people. 

Vaccination & Screening: Vaccination can save two major forms of cancer. Vaccinate yourself against human papilloma virus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). At the same time get yourself regularly screened for cancer to enable timely detection and treatment in case of a negative outcome.

Warning signals of Cancer: CAUTION US

• C hange in bowel or bladder habits
• A sore that does not heal
• U nusual bleeding or discharge
• T hickening or lump in breast or elsewhere
• I ndigestion or difficulty in swallowing
• O bvious change in wart or mole
• N agging cough or hoarseness of voice
• U nexplained anemia
• S udden and unexplained weight loss or fever

For more information:
Rishi Sinha/Abhinaw Pandey

9911872345/8285204629

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Unltdoffers.com, one-stop destination for jewellery with Healing-effects

Unltdoffers.com scours to India Aarogyam Energy Products which have been tested individually on Machines for Energy level.All Aarogyam Energy Products are made from non-corrosive Titanium or Stainless Steel.Aarogyam Energy Products uses functional application of magnets to the body to stimulate various nerves and create a better flow of blood into various parts of the body, it is a safe, non-invasive method of applying magnetic fields to the body parts for healing purpose.

Magnetic jewellery makes the best use of magnets to treat many medical conditions, including cancer, rheumatoid disease, stress-related illness and body pain.Magnetic Bracelet is an alternative healing treatment for a wide variety of symptoms, most notably for pain. While the use of magnets for healing has a centuries-old history, only recently have some controlled studies been done which demonstrate the effectives of magnetic field therapy over various internal injuries.

According to Chirag Haria, Founder, www.unltdoffers.com, “We run unltdoffers.com especially to make Aarogyam Energy Products reach every household. Bio-magnetic Bracelets offered by us are well known for their quality and robustness, these bio-magnetic bracelet solve many present health problems, improving blood flows and to enhance day to day living. Our Bio-magnetic Bracelet is appreciated in the world-wide market and we are offering them at very affordable price.”

Chirag Haria further reiterates, “These days we have been getting a lot of queries from people who wish to use the jewellery as a gifting option. I feel that through Unltdoffers.com we will be able to give holistic yet health benefits with simple usage of the jewellery “

Health benefits of Bio-magnetic Jewellery-

1. Bio-magnetic therapy is the application of magnets to the body to stimulate the nerves and create a better blood flow to various parts of the body. 
2. The thermal effect within the deep layers of tissues cause blood vessels in capillaries to dilate, promoting a better blood circulation, and the heat so produced helps to get rid of body toxins and metabolic wastes through sweating 
3. Improves immune power enhances energy level and regulates blood pressure. 
4. Enhances body, brain & mental power. 
5. Helps the body regain its self-healing balance naturally, because each organ and cell in the body is influenced by magnetic fields. 
6. It helps in Insomnia/Sleeplessness, Constipation, Blood pressure, Respiratory problems, Arthritis & Rheumatism, Backache, and Headache etc. 
7. Assist your body to heal itself faster, Promote cell regeneration, Provide increased energy levels, Provide increased circulation, Allow better mobility, Provide deeper, more restful sleep. 

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Bust Your Winter Health Myth from Dr. Pratibha Walde

Dr Pratibha Walde, consultant, Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Kharadi, Pune is suggesting you to bust “Winter Health Myths”-

Myth 1) Common cold needs antibiotics: Most people believe that antibiotics are needed to cure cold or flu infections, which are common in winters. This is a fallacy. Antibiotics treat bacteria while common cold or flu is caused by virus. To be honest, medical science is yet to find a cure to fight all types of viruses bar a few. A viral infection is said to be self-limiting i.e. resisted by the body’s own immune system.

In those whose immune system is weak like in uncontrolled diabetics, cancer patients or transplant patient son immunosuppressive medicines, even a minor ailment can become serious due to lack of ability of the body to fight viruses. Antibiotics are prescribed in case of secondary infections, if any. In fact, some people have a habit of popping up antibiotics even without prescription; and overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic-resistance. The truth is antibiotics do not treat a common cold or viral fever.
To fight common cold, boost your immune system by maintaining healthy nutrition and hydration.

Myth 2) Sunscreen and Sunglasses are summer accessories: Most people believe that they do not need sun protection in winters because the sun doesn’t seem so harsh in the colder months. But, this is a fallacy. The skin and eyes need as much protection from the sun in winters as they do in summers. In fact, we tend to spend greater amount of time outdoors in winter and logically need greater protection.
The sun sends out radiation of different kinds including Ultra Violet radiation, commonly called UV rays. UV radiations that can cause harm to the skin as well as to the eyes are up as much as in winters as they are in summers. Sunscreen and sunglasses are accessories that help protect against UV radiation. Like UV radiation, these are also not weather specific. Sometimes people going out in the snow need greater eye protection as the sun’s glare also reflects back from the snow.

Myth 3) You Shouldn’t Exercise in Winter: Some people believe exercising in winters will expose them to cold, others give up exercising in winters because they just cannot step out of the blanket. The truth is you need greater movement and exercise in winters to keep your muscles warm and joints active. The winter chill accompanied by a barometric change in atmospheric pressure stiffens the nerves and muscles of the body, resulting in muscular or joint pain in some people. This has to be tackled by keeping your muscles exercised and fitter.

Myth 4) Alcohol Can Warm You Up in Cold: This is a major misconception. Many people believe that drinking alcohol, that makes you feel warm, is a good remedy to cold weather. It is not. It is all the more harmful as it deceives you into thinking that you are warm. Actually, alcohol dilates the blood vessels near the skin, prompting warmer blood to flow to the peripheral areas. The skin becomes warm but the core of the body actually becomes colder. This coupled with the numbing of the senses can make you believe that you do not need much protection from cold. So, the truth is that alcohol just makes you feel warmer; it doesn’t actually warm you up.

Myth 5) Temperature of your eatables can affect your health: It is a common belief that drinking an iced drink in winters will cause cold or flu. But the temperature of whatever you eat, even ice, become warm quickly after you swallow it up. So, essentially the temperature of eatables do not cause cold or cough. Yes, if you are already suffering from a sore throat, the touch of ice can add to the discomfort of your throat. Warmer fluids are easier to swallow and comforting when you are suffering from a sore throat.

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Paras Hospitals holds special OPD for people with back pain

Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon, holds special OPD for people with back pain

In winters when muscles stiffen and physical exercise is limited, instances of stiff backs, neck or joint pain too report a rise

At Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon, a special OPD by spine specialists offered consultation to people experiencing back pain, spine problems and other orthopedic issues

Gurgaon, Dec, 2014:As temperatures drop and winds turn chilly, a number of factors lead to increasing pain and discomfort in the body specially the back, knee and other joints.Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon today organized a special day-long OPD dedicated to people experiencing pain or discomfort in the back and spine. The spine specialists offered free consultation to patients and advised them on protecting their back and ways to keep their muscles and nerves active and flexible in the winters. They are also continuing their initiative and have declared every Wednesday of the week as a Free Consultation day.

The change in weather acts on the body in multiple ways. In lower temperatures the nerve endings in our body become extra sensitive even to minor pain stimuli. Now, the nerve endings are responsible for all sensations, including pain. This is why in winters, even a small scratch or a minor hit gives so much more pain. Another reason is that the cold stiffens the muscles and increases the chances of pain or strain. At a time when our muscles need more physical exercise to warm them up, we tend to become indoor animals, confined in blankets and beds. This further gives us pain in the back and joints in winters. Less exercise leaves your body vulnerable to low back pain.

At the OPD, doctors examined people, sifted the ones with more serious problems from those with minor sprains and aches, and advised them for the course ahead.

“Back pain is becoming very common and affects people of all ages and genders. Some back aches may be due to a single injury or minor injuries occurring over a long period of time, others may be due to muscular tension or sprain. The former should never be ignored as spine injuries can lead to more severe consequences if left unhealed. However, in winters a lot of people experience pain in the back due to muscular stiffness or sprain which needs mild medication and a physical routine as a recourse,” says Dr Arun Bhanot, Chief of Spine Services, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon

All people who have played sports in some point in their lives know the importance of warm up before launching into aggressive activity. After long hours of inactivity, muscles tend to stiffen and immediately launching rigorous activity may cause a tear or sprain.

“In winters, when the temperatures are low, the need for warming up increases even further. However, people become all the more sedentary and even forego their daily walking and jogging routines. Sometimes, they then suddenly launch into a rigorous action like pulling a piece of furniture, shifting mattresses or indulging in a game after several days of inactivity. Picking up a child from ground while bending is another such activity. These all are responsible for sprains and tears in muscles,” added Dr Arun Bhanot, Chief of Spine Services, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.

Measures to Prevent Back Pain due to Changing Weather:

Warm Up Your Muscles: Muscles may get injured when they are suddenly launched into a rigorous activity without a prior notice. Mild exercise and stretching serves as a warm up to the muscles. When the weather is cold, the stiffness and tightness in the muscles increases even further. This is why we should keep moving and exercising in winter rather than seek cover under blankets all the time. Keep your daily workout routine intact. Warm up by stretching and light lifting every day before you begin the day. In fact, a small two-minute stretching program can be undertaken right in the bed before one puts his feet on the ground.

Cover Yourself up Well: Exposure to chilly winds can also exacerbate pain sometimes. Always cover yourself in layers of clothing to keep the body heat from escaping.

Workout Indoors: To prevent exposure to cold, shift your workout routines indoors. If the ground where you walk or run everyday has gotten too cold, shift to a gym or find an indoor space to walk every day. If your office has a long gallery, you can use it as a walking space for 30 minutes every day.

Adopt back strengthening exercises: Lower back muscles are quite vulnerable in winters. It would help if you adopt exercises that strengthen the lower back. Make sure you learn them under expert supervision.

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5 Cosmetic Treatments for Brides to Be

5 Cosmetic Treatments for Brides to Be
Dr. Reema Arora, Cosmetic Physician, Reva, Delhi


If you have already taken the marital plunge, you would know the many concerns that cloud your mind in the build up to the Wedding Day. One of the many worries experienced by the bride is about her appearance and skin. Some want to get rid of scars and blemishes, others desire more facial glow.

So, if you are looking for viable solutions to multiple skin problems or desire a more even complexion, skin tone and glow, you can pick and chose from the following options:

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels is a simple procedure that stimulates skin regeneration and helps reveal a fresh, smoother and clearer layer of skin. With time, continuous sun exposure and environmental onslaught, the skin loses its sheen. Dead cells crowd the upper layer of the skin, making it appear dull, tanned, pigmented and lifeless. Using chemical agents, a dermatologist will help exfoliate or scrub out this damaged and dull upper layer of the skin, and a fresh new layer of skin takes its place. This new regenerated skin is free from scars and blemishes, pigmentation and tanning and is full of life and vigor. This procedure will give you a clearer complexion, even and brighter skin tone and glow.

Laser Hair Removal: Body hair is another major worry that women have to deal with throughout life, especially those who have excess hair. Regular waxing routines can be an irritant. A lot of time is wasted in the routine twice a month. If, for some reason, you are unable to wax or shave you have to be restricted in what you wear. No waxing means no short sleeves, no short skirts. Laser hair removal is a preferred way to get rid of the worry permanently. It is also one of the most popular treatments brides seek.

Juvederm Refine: One of the most notable concerns of women is lack of glow and skin dullness. Every bride wants to look radiant and glowing on her wedding day and the following few days when she goes about meetings new friends and family. Hyaluronic acid based fillers like Juvederm Refine are a very good way of achieving long lasting radiance and glow. Hyaluronic acid, when administered into the skin, helps the dermis absorb and retain water. This gives the skin a beautiful glow and radiance. Moreover the effects of this quick procedure last for a good six months. Some women also like to get the procedure done on their hands to make them appear more beautiful, especially before applying henna.


Hair & Scalp Treatment: Along with skin, hair is another major worry for women. Dull, rough, lifeless hair, split ends, dandruff can be immensely worrying especially before the wedding. It is recommended that a few weeks before the wedding get your hair and scalp examined by a dermatologist. Dandruff also leads to hair fall. If you have dandruff you may need antibiotics – both oral and topical -- to treat the infection. The hair may then need rejuvenating treatments like hydrating spa, or laser hair combing to give your hair more life and vigor.

Botox: Today, as more and more women delay their plans to settle down and dedicate more time to establishing their careers, some of them have to also deal with early signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. Botox helps to reduce the stress lines on the forehead and the crow’s feet around the eyes, giving you a younger, fresher and a more relaxed appearance.

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