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December 13, 2016 By Urvashi Sareen 19 Comments

10 health care tips for a shift worker

Shift workers as we know them are people who work through the night. But, ideally, it is not so. Anyone who works outside a steady 9 to 5 schedule is considered a shift worker. Working in shifts has become more prevalent in the last few years thanks to the numerous BPOs that have started across the country. Anyone working in shift goes through serious psychological and physiological changes that give rise to health issues

Working in a shift can have a serious impact both in the short and long term. Short term symptoms are equivalent to symptoms faced by individuals who have had a long flight, or a late night at work these include Gastrointestinal symptoms like upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn, Increased risk of injuries and accidents, Insomnia, decreased the quality of life and general feeling of being unwell.

Long-term effects are much serious and these include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. A Japanese study found that shift workers — specifically, those who worked 16-hour shifts — had a 50% higher incidence of diabetes than those who work during the day for normal hours.Metabolic syndrome is a combination of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. These lead to diabetes, heart attacks, and stroke. Apart from these individuals working in shifts are prone to obesity, mood swings and depression and serious gastrointestinal problems.

Here are 10 healthcare tips for individuals working in shifts:

Take an hour or so to relax after work, whether it is day or nighttime. Relaxing music or a warm bath will help.
Eat meals at the same time each day seven days a week. This schedule helps maintain the body’s clock.
Eat high protein foods (egg whites, peanut butter on crackers, roasted nuts etc) to keep you alert. If you simply must eat some sweets, which tend to make you sleepy, do so at the END of your shift.
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages before bedtime. Although the sedative effect helps you fall asleep, it tends to wear off in 2 – 3 hours and causes disturbed sleep in the latter half of the night.
Avoid coffee, tea, colas, and other caffeine drinks, which interfere with sleep. During a coffee break, drink orange juice and walk around. Physical activity promotes wakefulness.
Avoid going to bed on an empty stomach. If you don’t feel like eating much, try a glass of milk or dairy products, which promote sleep.Keep the temperature in your bedroom cool, not cold.
Darken bedroom or wear comfortable eyeshades. Eyes are sensitive to light even when the lids are closed, preventing you from falling asleep or getting consolidated sleep.
Block out daytime noises, which can disturb deep restful sleep. Use comfortable sponge ear plugs or “white noise” electrical devices such as fans, air conditioners, or a quiet tape.
Exercise, at least, every other day AFTER sleep. Daytime sleepers should avoid early morning exercise, which can promote wakefulness during the day.
Beware of certain medication. Avoid prolonged use of sleeping pills and other sedatives, which interfere with normal sleep patterns. Beware of cold and allergy medications which have sleep-related side effects. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) has a stimulating effect and antihistamines (Dristan) can cause drowsiness.

Follow these tips and bring a permanent shift in your lifestyle. Get healthy and fit.

December 8, 2016 By Farzana Chauhan 1 Comment

Health Benefits of the Wonder Spice Cinnamon

Cinnamon, an aromatic spice, is obtained from the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the laurel family. This hot and sweet spice does not only add a special flavour to different cuisines but also helps in combating health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, stomach flu, cold, cough and tooth decay among others.

Let us have a detailed look at the benefits of Cinnamon.

Type 2 Diabetes: It has been proved time and again that cinnamon helps in controlling blood sugar levels and is thus beneficial for Type 2 diabetes patients. Researchers state that cinnamon bark contains potassium, manganese, chromium, copper, calcium, iron iodine, phosphorus, vitamins A, Bi, B2, C and zinc that help in preventing and curing diabetes.

As per a study published in the Journal of Diabetic Medicine, the blood sugar levels of the participants who had cinnamon supplements showed greater improvement as compared to those who had the standard diabetes medicine.

Stomach Flu: Stomach infection can give you sleepless nights. While pain killers may give instant relief however doctors advice against these as they may cause adverse side effects. Cinnamon, known for its strong anti-bacterial properties, is an effective way to cure this condition. The strong anti-bacterial properties of this wonder spice helps in destroying the Salmonella, Campylobacter and Escherichia coli bacteria that cause stomach flu. Cinnamon also works faster as compared to other natural herbs.

Cancer: Cinnamon is also known to prevent cancer. Researchers claim that cinnamon extracts limit the growth of various kinds of cancer including melanoma cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer and lymphoma cancer. It is said that this super spice interferes with a protein that aids the tumors in establishing blood supply which is imperative for their growth.

Weight Loss: Regular consumption of cinnamon helps in thinning your blood and improving blood circulation. Proper circulation of blood in the body boosts your metabolism and thus helps you lose weight. However, studies show that coumarin, the ingredient that mainly helps in thinning the blood is found in large amount in cassia cinnamon and regular and high dose of this particular ingredient is not good for your liver.

Cold and Flu: One of the most common problems, especially during the changing season, cold and flu may also be prevented with the consumption of this aromatic spice. It is the anti-bacterial and warming properties of cinnamon that help in fighting against this ailment.

Besides these, cinnamon also helps in curing arthritis, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, Parkinson’s disease and boosts concentration power.

How to Have Cinnamon?

It is best to boil a few cinnamon sticks in water for some time and add some honey to it. You may even add ginger to it to make it more effective. Various brands sell cinnamon tea however it is better not to go for these as they have artificial flavourings and very little anti-bacterial properties.

It is also recommended to go for Ceylon cinnamon and not Cassia cinnamon which is readily available at the retail stores. This is because cassia cinnamon contains high levels of coumarin which may damage the liver.

December 1, 2016 By Dr Manali Rao Leave a Comment

Living Healthy with HIV – Reality or Myth

Have you seen the latest#CondomEmoji campaign by Durex, the Global Sexual-well-being brand depicting an “Umbrella with Raindrops”? This was the unofficial safe sex emoji launched ahead of World AIDS Day today. It was an interesting campaign to communicate ‘Safe Sex’ among the young adults. The campaign called for putting a safe sex emoji on every smartphone in order to help young people communicate about safe sex. The campaign has trended both on Twitter and Facebook with supporters from over 160 countries backing the movement.

The survey findings noted while more than 60 per cent of young people surveyed admitted to being uncomfortable discussing safe sex, 72 per cent of respondents admitted that they found it easier to express emotions using emojis and more than three quarters admitted that they use emojis to discuss sex and relationships.

Why is this discomfort about talking of sex or sex related diseases such as HIV/Aids even in the 21st Century?
One of my earliest memories of AIDS would be the movie PHILADELPHIA where Tom Hanks sues his Company for being fired from his workspace for being HIV positive.

Whenever we hear the word AIDS or HIV the word itself it creates a lot of fear and makes one judgmental. This is not the case only among the lay man but also is the case equal judgment, not only among general public but also within the medical fraternity. Unfortunately more than a the disease, AIDS is considered to be a social stigma and a taboo.
It’s become imperative to understand why this stigma is attached to HIV/AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) as we all know is a syndrome caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which directly attacks the immune system of the patient leaving the body vulnerable to a host of infections. Aids is the last stage of HIV infection where the disease progresses and the body can no longer defend itself leading to more severe infections, malignancies and eventually death (if left untreated).
Let me try to look into the ways one can get infected with this Virus which are considered some of the main reasons for fear and stigma.

1. Unprotected sex- with an individual who is infected with HIV is the biggest cause of new HIV cases be it vaginal or anal sex. Oral sex also predisposes one to HIV if there are any cuts, ulcers or sores in the mouth. Wearing a condom is the easiest way to protect yourself and your partner against the disease. Unprotected Sex is more prevalent among young adults.
2. Blood transfusion with infected blood. This is one of the most unfortunate ways to contract the disease as the recipient is unaware of the blood being infected. It is always a good idea to make sure that the blood has been screened for HIV infection.
3. HIV infected mother can pass on the virus to her baby during pregnancy lactation or even delivery. These mothers can now take treatment to protect their babies.
4. Sharing razors or needles with infected people also puts you at risk of contracting the virus like in the case of drug abuse or needle prick in hospital.
In short the virus can be transmitted through infected blood, semen and vaginal fluids. In fact, when the disease first came to light in India, it was the sex workers and their clients who had the maximum prevalence followed by truck drivers.

The latest ‘DIPPER’ at night campaign where the Condom is disguised as the dipper is a great way to create awareness among truck drivers in India to frequent sex workers often.
But, honestly it’s not so bad as it’s been made out to be over the years. Currently, experiments are being conducted to find a cure for this disease. The good news in India is that we are seeing an overall reduction in HIV infections among the adult population.

According to more recent National AIDS Control Organisation data, India has demonstrated an overall reduction of 57 percent in estimated annual new HIV infections (among adult population) from 0.274 million in 2000 to 0.116 million in 2011.

India has the third largest number of people living with HIV in the world, according WHO.

LIVING WITH HIV / AIDS:

It’s not as bad. One can live with HIV.

The diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test and depending on the extent of severity of the immune deficiency, anti-viral medication is started which improves the number of immune cells which help fight infections and restore near normal life.

The medicines though expensive are distributed free of cost to patients at Government and NGO run clinics.Psychological help for not getting overwhelmed after the diagnosis, is also readily available. Confiding in a trusted person who won’t be judgmental. Judgmental helps in calming your nerves.

One must realize and believe that they can live to their potential inspite of being HIV positive. Having social and emotional support is very essential, hence patients must not isolate themselves from their near and dear ones and f.amily and friends should also not ostracize the patient.

The Constitution of India prevents any discrimination against anyone having HIV and AIDS and neither is it a legal ground for dismissal from occupational services.

Patients living with HIV must maintain a healthy lifestyle just like diabetics or any other chronic disorders. Having a healthy diet and exercising regularly are a must to boost your immunity along with the medication. Till date HIV and AIDS has no cure but anti-retroviral therapy (ART medicines) are helping people live a healthy and happy life for almost 2 to 3 decades.

Currently, Art drugs have become ‘very good’ at controlling infection but patients need use the medication for life. If they stop the treatment, the virus rapidly replicates, eventually leading to the fatal AIDS disease.

Pregnant mothers have successfully delivered children without HIV with the help of anti-viral medication.
Lot of research by brilliant minds is being done around the globe to find more effective medicines and a cure.
HIV facts to know

• According to the WHO, more than 70 million people have been infected with HIV so far and about 35 million people have died of from the virus.

• In 2015, an estimated 36.7 million people were living with HIV and so far the infection remains incurable.

October 20, 2016 By Dr Anand Kulkarni 3 Comments

OSTEOPOROSIS

How often have you come across your parents, grandparents or an elderly relative who has had a minor fall in the bathroom, slipped on the floor or had a terrible jerk while travelling on a bumpy road and sustained fractures of bones with a lot of pain, suffering and disability.

It has been noticed that the culprit for such incidents is OSTEOPOROSIS.

Osteoporosis is one of the most common disabilities encountered in the elderly. It literally means POROUS BONE. The condition results in reduced density and increased fragility of bones resulting in higher risk of fracture with minor falls, cough, sneeze, or minor bumps.

The condition is observed worldwide. There are more than 10 million cases per year in India. In the USA about 55% of its population aged 50 years and older have Osteoporosis. One third have disabilities and one third regain their pre-fracture status. The health costs from fractures are tremendous amounting to billions of dollars annually.

It is very important to learn about osteoporosis because it is a ‘SILENT DISEASE’ except occasional bone pains. You may not know that you have osteoporosis until your thin weakened bones fracture in a bump or fall. The more common sites are Hip, Spinal Vertebrae and Wrist.

Clinical studies suggest that approximately 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men aged 50 years and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Such people in this age group usually present with chronic vague backache, loss of height, or stooping (Kyphosis) and should consult doctor immediately.

THE RISK FACTORS ARE,

Advanced age
Family history of osteoporosis
Early menopause
Short Stature
Lack of Exercise
Poor nutrition with lack of Calcium
Lack of Vitamin D
Chronic Cigarette Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Medical Illnesses- like hyperthyroidism, surgical removal of ovaries, long term steroid therapy and rare inherited bone disorders like Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

SCREENING is advised for all elderly above 65 years of age and Men and Women less than 65 years of age who have increased risk of fracture or already suffered from fracture.

DIAGNOSIS – is by bone scan which measures-Bone Mineral Density (BMD). The test called DEXA (Dual Energy X ray Absorptimetry) gives indication of likelihood of fracture due to osteoporosis.

It is also used to monitor response to treatment.

Result.— T score a) ( -1) and above ——- normal

b) (-1) to ( -2.5) ——- mild bone loss or osteopenia
c) ( -2.5) and below —- osteoporosis

Our aim should be to prevent bone less or slow down the occurrence of Osteoporosis and encourage healthy bone mineralization.

Following measures are recommended:

Healthy Nutritional Diet – To be incorporated during childhood and adolescent period itself with adequate calcium and magnesium intake. Calcium intake should be 1000 to 1200 mg per day. Common calcium rich foods are dairy products, cheese, ragi, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, green beans, soy beans, okra, dates, egg, salt water fish and fruits like orange, figs.
Vitamin D intake of 800 IU per day is a must. We encourage exposure to SunLight and supplementation as Vitamin D requirement cannot be fulfilled through nutrition alone.
EXERCISE plays a major role. Weight bearing exercises like walking, playing golf, Dancing, Hiking, Racket sports like Tennis, Squash promote mineralization of bones and make them healthy. Muscle strengthening exercises like weight lifting benefit by increasing muscle strength and Non- Impact activities like YOGA help in balancing, posture, agility of joints and benefit people with osteoporosis by decreasing the risk of falls and fractures.

Studies have also reported an increase in BMD in the spine of those who do YOGA regularly. Exercise should be tailored to the individual person based on BMD report and medical condition in consultation with health care professional.

Other Lifestyle Changes – Have a Positive Attitude towards Life, avoid the use of tobacco and Cigarette Smoking, moderate alcohol intake if any, and measures to avoid falls like having railings, avoid slippery floors, having a mat or carpet on the floor helps etc.

Medications—You may also require osteoporosis medications to either build or maintain bone density. People have been treated with medications like Bisphosphonates, Hormone Therapy in Women, Calcitonin, Parathyroid Hormone. Stem Cell Therapy is also being tried out in severe cases.

But, any of these modalities of treatment should be undertaken in consultation with your Doctor. The doctor is the only one who will be able to decide the right treatment for you weighing the benefits and risks of the therapy.

Cultivate healthy living and enjoy life!