Dr. Viral Thakkar, Author at GOQii

November 16, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 2 Comments

A stitch in time saves nine

There are a number of discussions these days on why medical tests should be conducted at all. The veracity of tests is questioned many times by patients or health seekers, and this is what prompts me to write this blog on ‘Significance of Regular Medical Checkup’.

healt check up-diagnosis

‘Health is Wealth’ is a significant phrase and rightly so. Maintaining one’s health is a continuous process. Nature has created this body which is a sophisticated software and gives feedback in case of a major change. Your today’s body and personality is that feedback. When anything is amiss it manifests in the form of symptoms or alteration in the investigations.

You cannot eat healthy, exercise for a week and expect lifelong results. Maintaining one’s health stems from dietary habits, physical activity (including exercises), rest, occupation, exposure to high-risk factors, etc. To measure the above influential parameter, health checkup plays a vital role for every individual. Hence, health checkups including pathological and radiological investigations are useful if used judiciously and under health provider advice.

health check up-image 2

Benefits of a Medical Check

Prevention of disease

People falling into the high-risk category can easily detect the onset of a problem before it occurs.

Prevention / Early detection of incurable diseases

Regular medical checkup ensures catching up with body signals before an incurable disease becomes unmanageable. For instance, cervical cancer, breast cancer can be detected early if clinically examined at regular intervals. Usually, these can be caught during the basic 6 monthly or yearly checkups.

Since every person is different, a health issue might occur specifically due to age, sex, hereditary conditions, etc. Therefore, every individual will have a varied checkup according to the background. A person with a family history of diabetes can start taking early precautions, deliver lifestyle modifications to delay/stop the disease from affecting the body.

Another scenario is where the patient is suffering from a disease and the tests affirm or give indication of a change in the management. For instance, a person suffering from a high blood pressure needs to check his BP (blood pressure) regularly to ensure all is well.

If the disease is detected early and managed appropriately it can avoid the economic burden of long hospitalization.

A wonderful example is the detection of thalassemia minor patient to be careful while choosing a partner.

Investigations also play an essential role in altering one’s habits for good. eg. fired lungs act as a motivation for smokers to quit!

It must be pointed out here that before any test is run, the complete history of the person must be taken to ensure correct tests are recommended.

Commonly advised investigations are;

CBC- Complete Blood Count

ESR- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

LFT- Liver Function Test

RFT- Renal Function Test

Blood sugar fasting and post lunch, HBA1C

B12 and D3

Lipid profile

X-ray Chest

Pap smear for adult female

PSA for prostate adult males

Mammography

Thyroid Profile

Additional investigations might be prescribed depending on the history, age, sex, and other influential factors of the person.

Depending on what stage the disease is one can decide the line of action. Investigations if done under the supervision of a good practitioner can play a major role in the prevention of a disease.

So friends just like there are numerous facets of maintaining good health, ensure you do not forget the role played by a scientific investigation in helping you to be fit, fine and healthy.

April 28, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 12 Comments

Make Love: It’s Fun & Beneficial!

It cannot be denied, sex if consensual can be a lot of fun and has numerous benefits. In this blog, I will refer to ‘sex’ as ‘making love’, since that is exactly what I mean. The article will take you through the benefits of “making love” and not “sex”! So if you have a partner who is not that much “into it”, get them to read this blog and be ready for some fun!

Psychological Effect:
Making love has numerous psychological benefits. I am not referring to people into extensive meditation and the ones who have been able to channelise this sexual energy. But, for us ‘mortals’, sex is healthy. There is a deep energetic connection that bonds two people when they make love and it is not just the intermingling of juices.

Kamasutra not only describes the different ways to physical intimacy but, also speaks about equally involving your partner and developing a synergy for greater fulfilment. The physical bond builds an emotional connect which eventually leads to a happy family life. If you want to feel more connected to your partner, consider the simple act of saying “yes” to your partner, and see the shift in dynamics. If you’re both honoring each other correctly, sex will most likely help you feel closer to your love. Not to mention suppression of this primal need can distract a person from his routine activities, so might as well just do it and be happy.

Physical Effect:
Making love releases endorphins and oxytocin, and these feel-good hormones activate pleasure centers in the brain that create feelings of intimacy and relaxation, keeping anxiety and depression at bay. You don’t have to climax for the effects but, there is a surge of soothing hormones if you have an orgasm.

The same endorphins that help you de-stress can also relax your mind and body, and makes you sleep well. But, if you’re wild in the sack, highly active session can make you feel more energized than sleepy. Let it not be a snooze but, if you are sleeping thereafter, opt for a subdued session.

The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain. Have a migraine?? Even if your partner isn’t around, medicate by treating yourself with some solo sex!

Use your healthy days as sex days! People who have sex regularly were found to have higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA), according to researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania. These antibodies help combat diseases, enhances immunity & keeps the body safe from colds and flu.

Making love decreases the risk of prostate cancer as well. What better reason than this to slip into sheets with your partner!

Apart from making you feel good, making love makes you young and vital due to release of testosterone and estrogen. Estrogen also promotes soft skin and shiny hair.

The uterus contracts during orgasms and in the process, rids the body of cramp-causing compounds. The increased number of uterine contractions can also help expel blood and tissue more quickly, helping to end your period faster.

Sexual activity = modest workout on a treadmill. A romp can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories, depending on the length of the session. Your abs, back muscles, butt & thighs get a good workout.

It is also a workout for your pelvic floor muscles. When you have an orgasm, it causes contractions in those muscles, which strengthens them.

Slipping into the sheets with the one you love lowers your blood pressure & is good for your heart, because you are naturally in a relaxed state. It lowers your cholesterol by tipping the high density lipoprotein (HDL)/ Lower density lipoprotein (LDL). It keeps your estrogen and testosterone levels in balance; unbalance increases risk of osteoporosis and even heart disease.

Remember, the benefits listed above is for “making love” which implies consensual physical intimacy. Ensure when you indulge, it is consensual and preferably with one partner. Multiple partners creates a havoc with the body apart from creating risk of STDs (Many Indian scriptures stress on having one sexual partner because the cells in our body remember every physical touch on a subconscious level. Too many physical interaction lead to psychological & physical issues.).
Be safe and have a good time!

March 20, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 8 Comments

All you wanted to know about Premature ejaculation

It is a pity that the rate of separation amongst couples has increased due to sexual dissatisfaction. I recently got a call from a friend whose wife asked for separation on the basis of the husband’s inability of physical love.

Unfortunately, the stress of ‘sexual performance’ is mostly on men. And one of the common issues faced by men is pre-mature ejaculation. This common problem has a common solution- in one’s mind itself! Before we delve into that-

Pre mature ejaculation mostly happens due to the psychological factors. But, I am describing biological factors also for the readers benefit.

Psychological Factors

Anxiety about intercourse,
Being in a situation in which you hurry towards a climax,
Cultural guilt related to sexual pleasure,
Erectile dysfunction,
New partner,
Problems or lack of understanding between you and your partner,
Long time since last ejaculation.
Injury or trauma.
Sexual abuse
Guilt
Depression Image 1
One or combination of factors

Biological Factors

Long standing illness
Hormonal problems with the thyroid gland or abnormal levels of sexual hormones in the body,
Problems with neurotransmitters in the brain, which therefore fail to carry right signals to the pleasure centers of the brain,
Problems with the reflex mechanism of your ejaculatory system,
Infection in the urethra or prostate,
Damage to the nervous or sensory system due to either surgery or trauma.
Side effects of some drugs.
One or combination of factors

There are no physical or biological complications of premature ejaculation. However, it could strain your relationships. Many men also find it humiliating due to our social construct. Occasionally, premature ejaculation may cause fertility problems. If you have been ejaculating too often or too prematurely, your sperm count may be low. Ejaculating prematurely may also prevent fertilization from taking place.

What can you do?

Enjoy..it is sex not a race!Pre-mature ejaculation gets better on its own with time and experience.Relax! Look at intercourse as something pleasurable and not a trophy to be won!

Talk it out- Talk to your partner about your anxieties if it helps. It is ok to be not comfortable and feel stressed. Talking might help you feel ‘lighter’.

You might wish to take therapy from a sex therapist who will undertake a physical examination, talk to you and your partner about your sexual life to understand the root of your sexual problems. You could be prescribed medications along with techniques to delay orgasms. While the therapy ensures that your sexual encounters are stress free, medications ensure that your hormonal levels are in check and that you are healthy enough to have normal, pleasurable intercourse. While antidepressants and topical anesthetics are used, none of these drugs are medically approved for specifically treating premature ejaculation.

Kick the stress out: One of the best ways is to be happy and stress free. Keep your “mind” in check. Relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing relieves stress and gradually it settles down anxiety of intercourse.

If you have a lot of stress or if you are depressed as well, your doctor may advise cognitive behavior therapy. This is a psychological treatment for you to be more open and less anxious about sex. Counseling and cognitive therapy is usually used in conjunction with drugs like antidepressants or mood enhancers.

Try the “Start-Stop” Technique. This is by far the simplest technique and can be done alone or with a partner.The technique involves stimulating the penis and stopping just before you feel you are about to ejaculate. Stop the stimulation for 30-60 seconds and start again once you feel that you have regained control. Repeat this process 4-5 times, stopping and “resting” every time you feel that you are about to have an orgasm. Finally, let the ejaculation occur, so that you can identify the “point of no-return”

“Squeeze” Technique- works by squeezing the penis in the area between the shaft and the glans (for about 30 seconds), just before you are about to ejaculate. This stops the ejaculation, but may affect your erection, at least until you are stimulated again. You should then repeat this process 4-5 times until you decide not to delay orgasm anymore.To be effective, this method has to be used for several months and it requires great perseverance from the man and his partner.The idea behind the “squeeze” technique is that, after a while, you are able to recognize the “point of no return” and may be able to delay future ejaculations.

Ayurveda prescribes gentle message of the penis with 1 ounce of sesame oil, 5 to 10 drops of mustard oil 1 hour before intercourse. Wash it off thoroughly before intercourse. You can also use medicated ghees like brahmi ghee, shatavari or ashwagandha ghee to message the pubic bone and the glans penis before making love.

Yoga Asanasas answers!

Matsayasan- Fish pose Helps improve posture, strengthens the upper back and back of the neck muscles, stimulates and stretches belly and front of the neck muscles.

Vajrasan relieves stress and tones the body.

Bow Pose stimulates the spine, expands the shoulders and chest, and strengthens the lower back, hip’s gluteus, hip flexors and hamstrings. It helps strengthen the low back musculature which plays an important role during intercourse. This pose can stimulate organs of the neck and tone the abdominal organs.

Ustrasana- Camel Pose helps improve the posture, strengthens the back muscles and stretches the hip, groins, ankles, chest, abdomen and the entire front body.

For optimal results take deep 5 breaths in each asana. These asanas are not only effective in premature ejaculation but are also known to increase the libido.

So friends, it will be great if you recognized that there are numerous reasons for premature ejaculation and the most common of these being the cluttered mind. The issue is over once you gain confidence. Hopefully the above given techniques will of help all those trying to find a solution to this problem.

February 2, 2017 By Dr. Viral Thakkar 6 Comments

Surya Namaskar-The 12 Commandments of Sun!

Avinash, 40 years is hypertensive, diabetic and obese. He has a hectic lifestyle that involves lots of travel. His dietary habits are ill-disciplined and there is no physical activity. He visited me to tell him a mantra which can be followed easily and anywhere for his health. There are many people like Avinash who are concerned about their health but a busy lifestyle is a huge road-block to pursue anything. For such people the practice of Surya Namaskar- Sun Salutation is an ideal habit to inculcate. It is a dynamic exercise which can be done by anyone, at any age and the time required to practise this is not more than 10-15minutes.

Sun is the basic source of energy on the basis of which everyone exists. The importance of sun and the energy it provides is revered in various traditions. The energy of the sun has tremendous healing power, if tapped in the right way the results are miraculous in physical and mental ailments.

Pranamasan- Stand erect with feet together. Join the palms together in front of the chest in a ‘namaste’ pose. Usually your hands will fall around your heart. Inhale and exhale slowly and gradually. This posture helps to induce a state of relaxation, calmness, gratitude and love.

Hastauttanasana- Join your hands together again, inhaling stretch both arms above the head, palms facing upward. Arch the back and stretch the whole body backwards. This posture stretches the chest and the abdomen and lifts the energy to the upper parts of the body propelled by inhalation. It is an excellent stretch for the back muscles making it stronger.

Padahastasana – Bend the body down while exhaling and keep the spine straight. Keep the legs straight and perpendicular to the ground. The knees should ideally be straight; don’t force yourself, but try to touch your feet. In due course you will!

This posture impacts the abdominal organs- liver, kidneys, pancreas, adrenals, uterus and ovaries. The power of digestion increases and female disorders such as prolapse and menstrual irregularities are relieved. A healthy flow of blood is sent to the spinal nerves as they are stretched and toned. The hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh and calf muscles are stretched and toned.

Ashwa Sanchalanasana – While inhaling, extend the left leg back and drop the knee to the ground. The right knee is bent and kept between the hands and the right foot placed flat on the ground. Lift the spine and open the chest. Concentrate at the eyebrow center. This posture tones the abdominal organs and gives flexibility to the leg muscles during stretching. It is a balancing posture because the spine lengthens upwards while the hands are grounded.

Parvatasana (Mountain posture)- On the exhalation bring the right leg back to join with the left leg. Simultaneously raise the buttocks and lower the head between the arms, so that the body forms a triangle with the floor and you look like a mountain! Try to place the heels flat on the ground.

This posture strengthens the nerves and muscles in the arms and legs, stretches the calf muscles and Achilles’ tendons and makes the spine straight and taut. It relieves varicose veins and tones spinal nerves. Parvatasana pulls up all the abdominal, pelvic and side muscles, stretches the spine and ribs, loosens the hips, stretches and exercises the usually inactive waist zone and helps to reduce a fat, flabby and protruding abdomen. It also aids correct breathing.

Ashtanga Namaskara – Exhaling gently drop both knees to the ground and slowly slide the body down at an angle as you bring the chest and chin to the ground. All eight limbs – toes, knees, chest, hands and chin touch the floor. The buttocks are kept up. You can hold your breath. This posture develops the chest and strengthens arms. It sends additional blood to this area helping to rejuvenate the nerves. It works and improves the muscles of all the 8 limbs involved.

Bhujangasana- On the inhalation, lower the hips while pushing the chest forward and upward with the hands, until the spine is fully arched and the head is facing up. The knees and lower abdomen remain above the floor. This pose expands the all organs of the chest and abdomen, relieving many ailments such as asthma, constipation, indigestion, kidney and liver problems. It is very helpful in relieving tension in the back muscles and spinal nerves.

From here on, you will do the poses in a reverse action.

Parvatasana (Mountain posture) Exhale and get back to posture 5

Ashwa Sanchalanasana- Inhale and swing the right leg forward between the hands. The left leg remains back. Resume posture 4.

Padahastasana (Hand to foot posture)- Exhaling, bring the left foot forward. Join both legs and resume posture 3

Hastauttanasana (Raised arm posture)- Inhale, raise the trunk up and bend backward. Resume posture 2

Pranamasana (Salutation posture)- Straighten the body and bring your hands in front of the chest. Resume posture 1.

These simple set of 12 exercise postures ensures that you begin your day with a bang! As a Doctor who understands the science of human body, I believe these set of exercises are a boon. Every posture in Surya Namaskar has a corresponding effect on our internal organs as described above. For best results, one should practise these steps with deep inhalation and exhalation. You can also do each pose quickly and have 2-3 cycles of Namaskar, but for best results, take deep breaths- 5-8 for each pose.

It is not only beneficial for the physical body, but it leads to mental and spiritual growth if done regularly. In ancient literature even Patanjali describes it as a complete exercise- involving every muscle, joint and organs. It balances all the systems of human body- it rejuvenates the cells of the body leading to an ideal health state. The above mentioned benefits are just a few of the huge list of advantages.

Salute the Sun! Salute your Health!

Surya Namaskar is a set of 12 poses (steps), if performed in sequence every day with correct breathing is the best gift one can give to one’s own self. Ideally, these poses should be done empty stomach, at the time or just before sunrise. I will introduce you to each of these poses and the significance of each.