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Mental Health

Psychological impact of the second wave of COVID 19

Apr 28th, 2021

Archive for April, 2021

Psychological impact of the second wave of COVID 19

Wednesday, April 28th, 2021

Feeling restless, tensed, or worried all the time? Concerned about a loved one who is hospitalised? The unexpected rise of Covid-19 cases has increased the stress levels and affected the mental health of people across age groups. Neglected mental health problems can escalate and may cause serious disorders like depression or anxiety disorders. Psychologists suggest that one of the best strategies for managing emotions is to name them and discuss them with your loved ones. These are tough times for everybody, but don’t let it bring you down. Here is what you can do to manage your mental health better.

The second wave of COVID is upon us. But more than the virus, it’s the fear that is even more dangerous. Fear is the emotional response to a perceived threat while anxiety is the anticipation of any future threats. It is comparatively easier to avoid viruses, but the psychological “virus” of fear is most contagious! Fear of loss (e.g., loved one/economic/occupational/status) is one of the most prevalent fears. Chronic or extreme fear has a direct effect on our health. Fear leads to excessive functioning of the sympathetic (fight-flight) nervous system. Physically, it weakens the immune system, causes headaches/body-pains, cardiovascular problems (hypertension, angina), and gastrointestinal issues (ulcers, irritable bowel). It can also lead to accelerated ageing and premature death. Emotionally, it causes disorders like panic attacks, anxiety disorders, dissociative states, obsessions, PTSD, depression, or even severe mental illnesses like psychoses.

How to address the fear of your mind because of the second wave? How to avoid anxiety? How to maintain mental health. How to avoid stress?

To fight fear, it is important to strengthen the parasympathetic (rest-digest) nervous system. Some of these methods are:

  • Relaxation techniques – Deep diaphragmatic breathing, guided meditation, yoga, stretching, jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation method
  • Self-hypnosis techniques like visualizing a happy place or positive affirmations
  • Keeping a gratitude journal – write three good things that have happened to you that day before going to bed.
  • Maintaining a thoughts diary – Scrutinize the negative thoughts that your mind is throwing at you. Look at the evidence, is it really true?
  • Not being “perfect” all the time – Do not compare. Be kind to yourself. Be compassionate.
  • Communicating your fears – Take the help of a mental health professional, if needed.

Mental health tips

Here are 5 simple tips for all age groups for keeping yourself calm and maintaining your mental well-being in the times of COVID:

  1. Eat small, regular meals – Avoid over-eating or fasting for long periods. Strictly avoid nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, and other addictive substances.
  2. Develop a routine – Schedule a regular work pattern. Then, unwind. Take breaks. Develop a hobby. Do something fun after your daily work is over.
  3. Get plenty of sleep – But also, exercise daily. Practice deep breathing, yoga, stretching, and relaxation techniques.
  4. Connect positively with people -Share something positive or humorous with your friends and family. Avoid viewing/sharing/forwarding negative views or news. Repeatedly remind yourself of the important and positive things in your life.
  5. Take this opportunity to help others – Do not entertain the victim’s role in your mind. Take charge of your thoughts and emotions. Stay calm. If unable to do so, seek help from your nearest mental health professional.

Psychological Myths and Facts

Here are some common myths and facts about mental health that need to be cleared:

Myth: One should keep smiling and be happy all the time.
Fact: Suppressing negative emotions such as sadness or grief, with a fake smile can actually make you feel worse. Accepting and expressing your emotions in an appropriate manner is more useful.

Myth: Venting your rage will help you to overcome anger.
Fact: Rather than calming you down, venting positively reinforces your anger, causing you to become angrier, and for a longer period. Taking a break from the triggering situation, channelizing your anger into an activity such as exercise, and identifying the true reason for your anger is far more effective.

Myth: Drinking alcohol reduces anxiety.
Fact: Drinking alcohol does not reduce anxiety or protect you against COVID-19 infection. In fact, it can be dangerous as it lowers immunity and increases your risk of health problems.

Dr. Shaunak Ajinkya – Consultant – Psychiatrist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital shares some great tips above about maintaining your mental health and staying resilient in these unprecedented times. Our Department of Psychiatry is available to help people feel better with online as well as offline consultations for all our patients. Do not suffer in silence, remember that taking care and seeking professional help for your mental health is as important as treating your physical health. Please visit the below website for further information:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/psychiatry.html

How to keep your liver healthy

Monday, April 19th, 2021

According to the World Health Organization, liver disease is the tenth leading cause of death in India. It is the next big lifestyle condition that could affect one out of every five Indians. Did you know? Even a single episode of binge drinking can have serious consequences and may damage your liver cells. Alcohol is responsible for four out of every five deaths due to liver disease. Increases awareness, early detection and treatment helps stop the progression of a liver disease.

Functions of the Liver

The liver controls the majority of chemical levels in the blood and excretes bile. This aids in the removal of waste products from the liver. The liver filters all of the blood that leaves the stomach and intestines. The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances, and creates the nutrients and also metabolizes drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body. The liver performs above 500 vital functions of the body, some include:

  • Regulates your supply of body fuel
  • Regulates the balance of hormones
  • Regulates your supply of essential vitamins and minerals
  • Production of cholesterol and special proteins
  • Processing of haemoglobin
  • Clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances
  • Regulating blood clotting
  • Resisting infections by strengthening your immune system

Common Liver Diseases

Different things lead to serious liver conditions. Here are some of the most common liver infections that need awareness:

1. Hepatitis – This is an infectious disease that inflames your liver. Viral hepatitis is the most common cause, including:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C

2. Alcoholic liver disease – This disease is a result of overconsumption of alcohol that damages the liver, leading to a build-up of fats, inflammation, and scarring. It can be fatal.

3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease  – This occurs when too much fat has built up inside your liver. The extra fat can inflame your liver, causing swelling and may damage your liver cells. Over time it may scar your liver and lead to cirrhosis.

4. Cirrhosis of the Liver – It is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Over time, this disorder inhibits the liver from working properly.

5. Liver Cancer – If cancer shows up in your liver, that’s most likely because it has spread from another part of your body, like your lungs, colon, or breasts or may have started in the liver.

6. Acute liver failure – This happens when you don’t have long-term liver disease but your liver quits working within a very short time – days or weeks. It may happen because of an overdose of certain medications, or drugs, or any other toxic infection.

Essential tips for a Healthy liver

Your liver can come under attack by viruses, toxic substances, contaminants, and diseases. Here are some healthcare tips to maintain a healthy liver:

1. Eat healthy – Eat a healthy diet that is low in refined sugars, processed foods, sweets, sodas, and refined carbohydrates. Choose fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods instead.

2. Exercise regularly – Exercise at least five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time as it helps to clear toxins from your system.

3. Say “No” to alcohol: Regular or heavy alcohol use can lead to permanent liver damage, as well as other health problems.

4. Practice safe sex – Unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners increases your risk of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Practice safer sex by using a condom.

5. Avoid supplements – A well-balanced diet is much safer than adding additional nutrients into your system. Some dietary supplements and herbal medicines are linked to liver damage.

6. Avoid toxins – Toxins can injure liver cells by inhalation, ingestion, or physical contact. Use cleaning agents and aerosol products, insecticides, and other chemicals with caution. Quit smoking.

7. Get vaccinated – There are vaccines available for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.

8. Painkiller use: Overuse of over-the-counter pain relievers have potentially harmful side effects on your liver health. Always follow dosage instructions, never mix your medication with alcohol, and take medications under a doctor’s supervision.

Management of Liver diseases at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

The Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases with cutting-edge technology. Our various divisions provide prompt treatment and medical intervention as and when appropriate, from infectious hepatitis to fatty liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Our highly skilled surgeons are experienced in both open and minimally invasive procedures for complex liver disorders. For further information please visit:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

Managing Parkinson’s disease

Monday, April 12th, 2021

Finding simple daily tasks like making breakfast, going to answer the phone, getting a glass of water, writing a shopping list exhausting? This may be due to Parkinson’s disease. You may look good, but you may feel entirely different from the way you look. Parkinson’s exhaustion makes it difficult to move, as though you don’t have any energy left. You may also suffer from a debilitating mental exhaustion, sometimes called Parkinson’s apathy, which impairs focus and makes it difficult to begin a task, follow directions or recall information.

Don’t give up!Parkinson’s disease is a type of movement disorder that affects the nervous system and is a chronic and progressive disease. As per statistics, India has 7 million elders afflicted with Parkinson’s disease. Early diagnosis, timely intervention and treatment that includes medication and surgery helps manage this disease and control its progression.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Many people mistaken Parkinson symptoms for normal signs of aging and may ignore them. However any early signs of Parkinson’s disease must be discussed with a doctor. Here are a few signs and symptoms that need attention:

  • Movement: There may be a tremor in the hands
  • Coordination: A reduced sense of coordination and balance may lead to falls and dropping of items held
  • Gait: The person’s posture may change and they may lean forward
  • Facial expression: This can become fixed
  • Voice: There may be a tremor in the voice, or the person may speak more softly
  • Handwriting: This may become more cramped and smaller
  • Sense of smell: A loss of sense of smell can be an early sign

Mood changes, difficulty chewing and swallowing, problems with urination, constipation, skin problems, sleep problems are some other symptoms. When you have Parkinson’s disease, the nature of the disease makes you more prone to suffering from mental health disorders like depression. It is important for the care giver to recognize this on time and seek appropriate counselling assistance for the patient.

Living healthy with Parkinson’s disease.

Have you been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? Your focus should be on improving your symptoms and maintaining an active and positive lifestyle. There is currently no cure for this disease, however it is possible to successfully manage symptoms through healthy choices, medications, and in select cases medical procedures too. Here are a few health tips to follow:

1. Exercise Regularly

When you have Parkinson’s disease, a regular fitness regime helps give you flexibility, better balance, less anxiety and depression, improved co-ordination and added muscle strength

2. Prevent falls

Balance problems can make falling a real concern when you have Parkinson’s. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Plant your heel first when you take a step
  • Don’t move quickly
  • Work to keep your posture straight as you walk
  • Try not to carry anything when you walk

In spite of these steps if you find yourself falling often consider using a cane or a walker to help you move safely.

3. Sleep well

Sometimes, Parkinson’s can get in the way of a good night’s sleep and may lead to sleep problems. Create a relaxing pre-bedtime routine and follow it every night and maintain your sleep schedule.

4. Eat a healthy diet

It’s common for Parkinson’s disease to cause bone thinning, dehydration, weight loss, and constipation. Here are a few nutrition tips to follow:

  • Eat a variety of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits every day
  • Stay away from saturated and trans fats
  • Limit sugar, salt, and sodium
  • Say “No” to alcohol
  • Stay hydrated
  • Have foods high in vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K, and calcium for bone strength
  • Take your medications

Being regular with your medicines helps manage the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease well.

Parkinson’s treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

We understand the impact Parkinson’s disease can have on you and your loved ones. The loss of independence can be frustrating and emotionally draining for patients and carers alike. Our Centre for Neurosciences is committed to therapies that help improve the patient’s quality of life and help them regain the ability to perform their daily activities.

Meet renowned neurologists who are supported by state of the art technology to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate people with Parkinson and Movement Disorders. Our Parkinson’s Clinic offers a comprehensive screening and care program and is equipped with advanced facilities like a gait and balance lab, 3 tesla MRI, surgical suite and intratop MRI, and rehabilitation care.

Our Total Parkinson care program includes:

  • Movement Disorder Specialist Consultation
  • Physiotherapy
  • Speech and swallowing therapy
  • Dietary Counselling
  • Psychology Consultation

The team manages over 7430 Parkinson’s disease patients each year with their unmatched expertise. For further information please visit: https: www.kokilabenhospital.com

Keeping You Healthy

Tuesday, April 6th, 2021

With the second-largest population in the world, India is home to over 1.3 billion people. But are we a healthy population? Do we prioritise healthcare and are proactive with preventive healthcare? 1 in every 10 Indian suffers from a non-communicable disease mainly due to poor lifestyle choices, physical inactivity, uncontrolled stress, unhealthy diet, and environmental conditions. Non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension are responsible for 2 out of every 4 deaths in India. Research also suggests that unhealthy eating patterns alone are a risk factor in one in five global deaths, raising the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure immensely.

Close to 60 to 70 million people in the country suffer from common and severe mental health disorders that have a lasting impact on their lives. India is the world’s suicide capital with over 2.6 lakh cases of suicide happening each year. Both physical and mental health needs to be identified and treated promptly. Healthcare is a basic human right and must be accessible and affordable to all. This year “World Health Day” focuses on the theme “Building a fairer, healthier world”. Let us eliminate inequalities, fight discrimination based on gender, race, caste, or creed and bring people together to build fairer and healthier communities.

Healthy living tips

The first step toward preventive healthcare is to choose to live a healthier lifestyle. This not only lowers your chances of contracting multiple chronic illnesses, but it also increases your chances of living a long life. Here are a few things you can do every day to improve your health:

Eat well
Have a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and consume a balanced diet to fulfil your body’s nutritional needs. Stay away from fad diets as they may deplete you of certain nutrients.

Exercise daily
A physically active lifestyle can aid in the prevention of a variety of health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Aim for consistency in your exercise routine and gradually increase the amount and intensity.

Get screened
Regular health screenings are important and essential to help detect diseases early. Age-appropriate tests based on any symptoms, risk factors or family history help detect chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, etc and start prompt treatment.

Stay socially active
Staying connected with your family and friends, colleagues, your classmates, joining a hobby class, or volunteering helps you build a sense of community and boosts your overall happiness.

Manage safety risks
Take the required safety precautions to safeguard your and your family’s life. Drive within the speed limits, avoid distractions, don’t drink and drive, wear a seat belt or a helmet as required and wear appropriate equipment during an adventure sports too.

Maintain good dental hygiene
Brushing twice daily and flossing regularly protect your teeth  from decay and keeps your gums healthy. The inflammation in the gums may lead to heart disease, breathing problems and other health risks.

Quit Smoking and drinking
Smoking harms nearly every organ in your body, and is a leading preventable cause of death. By quitting, you can reduce your chances of serious health problems like heart disease and various cancers. Excessive use of alcohol has harmful effects on your liver and is also linked to various cancers.

Get immunized
Immunizations are a key way to stay healthy and ward off many life-threatening illnesses. Talk to your paediatrician about the recommended vaccine schedule for your child and also ask your doctor about essential adult immunizations.

Sleep well
Aim to sleep between seven to nine hours a night to optimize the amount of deep, restorative sleep you get. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, and minimize distractions like screens, caffeine, or noise before bedtime.

Manage stress better
Stress is a part of everyone’s life nowadays due to professional deadlines, multi-tasking and managing various responsibilities. Meditate daily, maintain a journal or take up a hobby you enjoy to reduce your stress levels.

Why choose Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital has been voted as Mumbai & Western India’s no. 1 Multispeciality Hospital for 5 consecutive years. We are proud of our team for scaling these heights and promise to continue delivering world-class healthcare services each day. Our team is at the forefront of research and adapts to the most advanced medical technologies. We believe that healthcare systems become more efficient and accessible as a result of digitization. Our hospital is driven by advanced surgical procedures, minimally invasive techniques, robotics, high-end imaging, and superior diagnostic methods to facilitate high-quality healthcare services for our patients. Our specialists are highly trained, experienced and offer expertise that match international standards.

Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, innovative technologies, and a multi-disciplinary care approach our team offers specialised treatment to children, women, and the elderly. Our Centre for Cancer offers a range of therapies, medication as well as conventional and minimally invasive surgical support for patients suffering from various cancers. We help detect, diagnose and manage minor health problems as well as the most serious health conditions.

Some important healthcare statistics at our hospital:

  • Centre for Cardiac Sciences
    2577+ Angioplasties
    7850+ Cardiac surgeries
  • Centre For Cancer
    12,298 complex cancer surgeries
  • Centre for Bone & Joint
    1960+ Joint Replacement Surgeries
    1902+ Spine surgeries
  • Centre for Neurosciences
    1373+ Brain tumour surgeries

Your health is important to us. With over 750 beds, 180 ICU beds, 15 Centres of Excellence, 140+ OPD Clinics, Diagnostics & Day Care Services, Full-Time Specialist System and cutting-edge technology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is committed to your well-being. Our team is dedicated to offer comprehensive healthcare solutions to you and your family. Keeping you healthy at all times. For further information please visit: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com