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Breast-Cancer-Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness

Oct 12th, 2020

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Breast Cancer Awareness

Monday, October 12th, 2020

Breast cancer ranks as the number one cancer among Indian females with a rate as high as 25.8 per 100,000 women and mortality of 12.7 per 100,000 women. One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 4 minutes in India. Almost 50 percent of breast cancer patients in India first visit the doctor when they are in stage 3, and 15-20% of patients visit when they are in phase 4. Low awareness levels about breast cancer, its preventive screening and treatment options contribute to these alarming statistics. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer need the right treatment at the right time for higher chances of recovery.

Breast Cancer: Risk factors
There are a number of factors that make you more prone to getting breast cancer. Here are the most common risk factors:

Risk factors you cannot change

  • Being a woman
  • Age over 50 years
  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Gene mutations – BRCA1 and BRCA2
  • Early menstruation
  • Late menopause
  • Having dense breasts

Risk factors you can control

  • Smoking
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Using hormone replacement therapy

Make conscious efforts every day to live healthy and make wise lifestyle choices to help reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer: Symptoms
The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. See an oncologist for further investigation if you notice any of the below symptoms:

  • A new lump or area of thickened tissue
  • A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
  • A discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
  • A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
  • Dimpling on the skin of your breasts
  • A rash on or around your nipple
  • A change in the appearance of your nipple

Breast Cancer: Screenings
If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance of survival. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 93 percent or higher survival rate in the first five years.

Breast self-examination
All women should check their breasts for lumps, thicknesses and other changes every month. By examining your breasts regularly, you will know how your breasts normally feel. Consult your doctor for any unusual changes.

Mammograms
Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths. A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. Women should get a mammogram once a year beginning at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or any other risk factors you must start screenings early.

Breast Cancer – Myths & Facts
Myth: Presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 means you will develop breast cancer.
Fact: It’s true that women with one of these genes have a higher risk. However, not everyone with a breast cancer gene will develop breast cancer.

Myth: Having a biopsy will cause breast cancer to spread.
Fact: A biopsy is the surest way to diagnose breast cancer. If the disease spreads, it’s not because of the biopsy.

Myth: A breast cancer diagnosis requires immediate surgery.
Fact: That is not always true and depends on your stage of cancer. Take a second opinion, and make sure you have the right information about all the treatment options available before you start treatment.

Myth: Breast Cancer surgery always results in ugly scars.
Fact: Although breast surgery does involve leaving scars, it’s possible to hide them. Advanced technology, minimally invasive techniques, cosmetology as well as breast reconstruction surgery leave minimal or no scars.

Myth: Most women with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
Fact: About 80 percent of women with the disease don’t have a family history. There are a lot of other factors that play a role in developing breast cancer.

Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Expert oncologists at our Centre for Cancer work together to help women for screening and early treatment of breast cancer. The Comprehensive Breast Care Unit offers advanced screening, diagnosis, treatment as well as rehabilitation for breast cancer.

Our Centre for Cancer is well-equipped with state-of-the-art radiation machines and daycare chemo suites that provide comprehensive treatment options. Our team of specialists has conducted over 1,100 breast cancer surgeries, of which over 50 percent have been breast conservation surgeries. In addition to breast conservation, commonly performed procedures are modified radical mastectomy with whole breast reconstruction pedicle free flaps/implants using oncoplastic surgery for good cosmesis.

Our team of highly trained specialists follows the model of Evidence-Based Medicine so that our patients can receive the highest level of care in surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy that is prevalent in the world.

If you or a loved one need help for screening, diagnosis, or treatment of breast cancer, meet our experts. Please find below the link for our website:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/comprehensivebreastcareunit.html

Get Healthy with a Strong Immunity

Monday, October 12th, 2020

A strong immune system is your body’s defence system and helps individuals fight infections and reduce the risk of contracting highly contagious diseases. The complex system is made up of cells in your skin, blood, bone marrow, tissues, and organs that protect your body against potentially harmful pathogens (like bacteria and viruses), and limit damage from non-infectious agents. With COVID-19 persisting all over the world, having a strong immune system is more important than ever. That’s because your immune system defends you against harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses that cause colds and the flu.

Healthy ways to strengthen your immune system
Every individual must make their health a priority and work towards building a strong immunity. Follow these health tips to help strengthen your immunity naturally:

  • Have a nutrition-rich diet
    Eat a balanced diet that consists of plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Have a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green varieties. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with immunity-boosting capabilities, including key nutrients such as vitamins A and C.
  • Be physically active
    Remember to exercise regularly; even light exercise will go a long way in releasing the toxins from your body. It is recommended to exercise for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your stamina. If you have not started exercising yet, then it is a good time to start. Regular exercise improves metabolism, which has a direct correlation with body immunity.
  • Don’t compromise on sleep
    Sleep is a time when your body produces and distributes key immune cells like cytokines, T cells, and interleukin 12. When you don’t get enough sleep, your immune system may not do these things as well and weakens your immune system. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and sleep for 7 to 8 hours. Avoid screens and late-night eating before bedtime.
  • Stay hydrated
    Drink up to 8-10 glasses of water every day, to stay hydrated. Hydration will help flush out the toxins from the body and lower the chances of any infections. Coconut water and fresh fruit juices are also other alternatives.
  • De-stress yourself
    Long-term stress leads to chronically elevated levels of the steroid hormone cortisol. When cortisol levels are constantly high, it essentially blocks the immune system from doing its job to protect the body against potential threats from germs like viruses and bacteria. Here are a few steps to help relieve your stress:
  • Practice meditation
  • Pursue a hobby
  • Connect with family and friends
  • Take breaks
  • Listen to music
  • Avoid Smoking, alcohol, and other addictive substances
    Certain habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance abuse have a direct correlation on your weakened immunity. High levels of alcohol consumption can weaken your body’s ability to fight infection and slow down your recovery time. The toxic chemicals released by cigarette smoke interfere with the growth and function of your immune cells.
  • Manage your chronic conditions better
    Chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes can affect the immune system and increase the risk of infections. It is essential to take care of your pre-existing conditions and manage them with medicine and precautions.

How good nutrition helps boost your immunity
Good nutrition is fundamental to improving immunity. The immune system is the body’s defence against disease and infection and it has long been established as a factor that influences the function of your immune system. Are you concerned whether you are getting the right amount of nutrients from your diet? Here are a few superfoods that can help boost your immunity: 

  • Vitamin C: This particular vitamin is a crucial participant in the army of immunity. It helps prevent the common cold. It acts as a powerful antioxidant and protects against damage induced by oxidative stress. It is found in citrus fruits like oranges, berries, and vegetables like broccoli, lemon and spinach.
  • Vitamin D: Sunlight is the most natural source of this vitamin however not everyone gets enough sunlight every day. Most people are deficient in Vitamin-D, consult your doctor about taking a Vitamin D supplement.
  • Zinc: Zinc is a vital component to WBC (white blood corpuscles) which fights infections. Zinc deficiency often makes one more susceptible to flu, cold, and other viral infections. Seafood, lentils and oatmeal are some good sources of this mineral.
  • Turmeric and Garlic: The bright yellow spice, turmeric, contains a compound called curcumin, which boosts the immune function. Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties which enhances body immunity.

It is time to help each other to increase the awareness about the right ways to boost their immunity naturally with small lifestyle changes. Your family and your health is largely dependent on your immune system and a strong immunity helps ward off many diseases. Start living better for a healthier and stronger life ahead.

World Heart Day

Monday, September 28th, 2020

In India, more than 17 lakh people die every year due to heart diseases and by 2030, the figure is expected to increase with 2.3 crore deaths. As per the World Health Organization, Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the major cause of mortality globally, as well as in India. Indians due to their genetic make-up are more vulnerable to heart diseases as compared to their western counterparts. According to the Indian Heart Association, 50% of all heart attacks in Indians occur under 50 years of age and 25% of all heart attacks in Indians occur under 40 years of age. It is time that Indians make their heart health a priority and make positive changes towards reducing their risk of heart diseases.

Heart Disease: Types
Heart disease refers to various types of conditions that can affect heart function. These include:

  • Coronary artery (atherosclerotic) heart disease that affects the arteries connecting to the heart. Heart attack comes under this.
  • Valvular heart disease that affects how the valves function to regulate blood flow in and out of the heart.
  • Cardiomyopathy that affects how the heart muscle squeezes.
  • Heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias) that affect the electrical conduction.
  • Congenital heart disease heart has structural problems before birth.

Classic signs and symptoms of coronary heart disease may include:

  • Chest pain (angina)
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Irregular heartbeat

If you notice any of these symptoms, this is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.

Heart Disease: Risk factors
Several risk factors play an important role in determining if you will develop heart disease. Two of these factors, age, and heredity, are out of your control. However, you can make changes in your lifestyle to reduce your heart disease risk:

  • Smoking  – Smoking damages the blood vessels in your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Quit smoking, protect your heart health.
  • Unhealthy diet  – The foods you eat can affect your heart health. What you eat and how much can impact other risk factors for heart disease, such as your cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and weight.
  • Being inactive  – People who aren’t active enough have a higher risk of developing heart disease. Doing regular physical activity or exercise often can cut your risk of having a heart attack or developing heart disease.
  • Obesity – Being overweight or obese can lead to many health conditions and increase your chances of developing heart disease. Achieving a healthy weight is an important step in improving your heart, health, and wellbeing.
  • Alcohol – Drinking a lot over the long term can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, weaken your heart muscle, and increase triglycerides. Say “No” to alcohol.

Heart Disease: Preventive measures
Heart disease is dangerous, but you can prevent heart disease to some extent by following a heart-healthy lifestyle. Here are strategies to help you protect your heart:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Stop smoking
  • Eat healthy
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce stress in your life
  • Control your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
  • Get an annual heart check-up done
  • Take medications for any health conditions

Heart Disease: Healthy eating
Your eating habits play an essential role in deciding your heart health. It is time to make some conscious changes to adopt a heart-healthy diet. Here are a few simple tips to follow:

  • Control your portion size
  • Eat more vegetables and fruits
  • Select whole grains
  • Limit unhealthy fats
  • Reduce the sodium in your food

Centre for Cardiac Sciences at Kokilaben Hospital
The burden of heart diseases in India is on the rise. Specialists at our Centre for Cardiac Sciences provide an all-inclusive programme for the management of heart disease from newborns to adults including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The team also conducts advanced minimally-invasive procedures for valve replacement, key-hole surgery, beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting, and awake cardiac surgery. Our experts have performed more than 1700+ Coronary Angioplasties and 6200+ Cardiac Surgeries.

The centre is supported by

  • Advanced Cardiac Cath Labs
  • Dedicated Cardiac Operation Theatres
  • Fractional Flow Rate (FFR) for better diagnosis
  • External Counter Pulsation (ECP) for Refractory Cardiac Failure patients
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology for managing Cardiac Rhythm Abnormalities0
  • Vibrant Non-Invasive Cardiology Programme

Centre for Children’s Heart
1 in 10 children suffers from congenital heart disease in India. Early detection and treatment aided by advanced technology help improve the survival and quality of life of newborns. The Children’s Heart Centre at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, is a world-class facility specialising in providing comprehensive care for neonates, infants, and children. The Centre possesses top of the line Heart Lung Machines used during surgeries, ECMO used in Critical Care, and 3D Echo machines for an accurate diagnosis.

Concerned about heart conditions like atherosclerosis, angina, heart failure, heart attack, irregular heartbeats, aortic valve disease, congenital heart problems? Consult highly trained experts from our Centre for Cardiac Sciences & Centre for Children’s Heart for timely diagnosis and exceptional treatment. Call us on 022 42699999 for any cardiac emergencies. Please find the below link for more details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cardiacsciences.html

Taking care of your spine

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020

Complaining about lower back pain or neck pain? 80% of adults report lower back pain at some point in their lives. Spinal conditions are far more common than you think. According to the data published in The Lancet, in 2010 musculoskeletal disorders were the cause of nearly 166 million years lived with disability (YLDs). Neck and low back pain account for 69.9% of total musculoskeletal disorders globally.

Back pain is the number one reason why people miss work, and it can happen to anyone. For many people, back and spinal pain can interfere with their day-to-day lives and, in some cases, cause stress and depression. Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Thus, it’s important to understand what the spine is, what it does, and — most importantly — how we can keep it healthy.

What is the spine?
The spine is one of the most important parts of your body. Without it, you could not keep yourself upright or even stand up. It gives your body structure and support. It allows you to move about freely and to bend with flexibility. The spine is also designed to protect your spinal cord. The spinal cord is a column of nerves that connects your brain with the rest of your body, allowing you to control your movements. Without a spinal cord, you could not move any part of your body, and your organs could not function. This is why keeping your spine healthy is vital if you want to live an active life.

What can lead to spinal problems?
Any misuse and abuse of your spine will have a negative effect. Mostly the back or neck pain is from weakness, overuse, or abuse of the muscles around the back. If not taken care of, this pain may become chronic. Usually, spinal problems depend on several factors. Some of the common factors include:

  • Poor posture
  • Poor mobility in surrounding muscles
  • Bad biomechanics
  • Weakness of supporting musculature
  • Muscle imbalances
  • Sedentary lifestyle

How to improve your spine health?
It is important to make your muscles strong and flexible. There is no substitute for fitness. Make exercise a lifestyle. A simple exercise program that focuses on stretching and strengthening the back, hamstrings, and abdominal muscles can go a long way towards keeping the spine healthy. Here are some additional tips to follow:

  • Stay active
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Sleep comfortably
  • Remember posture
  • Limit Smartphone usage
  • Take frequent breaks while sitting

Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity impact your spine health immensely and may lead to lower back pain. Timely intervention by experts and corrective measures help treat disorders of the spine and improve your quality of life.  

Globally, there have been rapid developments in the prevention, diagnosis, and comprehensive management of various spinal ailments. This is the need of the hour as spinal problems pose a grave challenge to humanity. Lower back pain, for example, is among the top 10 causes for the highest number of disability-adjusted life years lost worldwide.

The Centre of Sports Medicine at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is conducting a series of lectures regarding the management of spine health. The webinar series “Taking care of your Spine” is focused towards prevention strategies of spinal ailments, education about common spinal conditions and ways to enhance spine hygiene. The webinar is balanced towards the neck, thoracic region, and low back musculoskeletal disorders and ways to look after them. Be a part of our webinar, register at:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/landingpage/sports-medicine-webinar/

Healthy living with Alzheimer’s

Monday, September 21st, 2020

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disorder in which the death of brain cells causes memory loss and cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease tends to develop slowly and gradually worsens over several years. Eventually, Alzheimer’s disease affects most areas of your brain. Memory, thinking, judgment, language, problem-solving, personality, and movement can all be affected by the disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Mild forgetfulness can be a normal part of aging. But if memory problems are seriously affecting your daily life, they could be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. They include:

  • Memory loss
  • Misplacing things
  • Lapse in judgment
  • Daily tasks are a challenge
  • Times and places are confusing
  • Changes in vision
  • Words and conversations are frustrating
  • Social withdrawal
  • Mood changes

These symptoms need further investigation by a neurologist.

Reduce your Alzheimer’s risk

Adopting healthy lifestyle changes may lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease by up to 60 percent. Here is what you can do:

  •  Physical exercise – Regular physical exercise helps prevent the development of Alzheimer’s and can slow the progression in people who have symptoms.
  • Eat healthy – A nutritious diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, and beans helps reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s.
  • Sleep – Protect your brain and lower your risk for Alzheimer’s disease by establishing a bedtime routine and sleeping at least 7 to 8 hours.
    Stress – Studies suggest that stress and hypertension increase the risk of both vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Manage stress better.
  • Mental stimulation – Reduce Alzheimer’s risk by stimulating your brain. Solve puzzles, crossword, sudoku, or play card games. Keep your brain active.
  • Social interaction – Alzheimer’s experts believe that social engagement promotes healthy aging and can help prevent the disease. Socialize with family and friends, participate in community activities, learn a new skill to help keep your mind engaged.
  • Quit Smoking – Smoking is harmful to your body and your brain.
  • Medical conditions – Problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase your risk of getting Alzheimer’s later in life.
  • Maintain a healthy weight –  Maintaining a healthy weight with exercise and a proper diet can help reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer’s.

Living with Alzheimer’s
There isn’t a cure yet for Alzheimer’s disease. But certain medicines help slow down the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and make the disease easier to live with. There’s a lot you can do to help someone you care about with Alzheimer’s enjoy their day-to-day activities. Even though people with the disease can get frustrated or confused easily, take these steps to help them feel calm and safe. Here are a few helpful tips:

  • Keep a routine: People with Alzheimer’s tend to prefer a familiar schedule and settings. Changes can be hard for them.
  • Limit distractions: People with Alzheimer’s can be easily overwhelmed by crowds and noise. Gather in small groups, avoid crowded places, keep the TV off during other activities.
  • Be flexible: Over time, a person with dementia will become more dependent. To reduce frustration, stay flexible, and adapt your routine and expectations as needed.
  • Create a safe environment: Dementia impairs judgment and problem-solving skills, increasing a person’s risk of injury.
  • Make decisions for your loved ones: People with Alzheimer’s may get flustered when they have to make decisions. It is okay for the caregiver to take some control of everyday choices.

Alzheimer’s in India

In India, more than 4 million people are estimated to be suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, giving the country the third highest caseload in the world. India’s dementia and Alzheimer’s burden is forecast to reach almost 7.5 million by the end of 2030. It is time we increase the awareness of this disease and reach out for medical help.

Concerned about a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s? Our specialists at the Alzheimer’s clinic offer a comprehensive screening and care program for Alzheimer’s and other memory disorders, including neurology consultation, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. Please visit:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/alzheimersclinic.html

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