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World Alzheimer's Day 2021

Know about Alzheimer’s Disease

Sep 20th, 2021

Archive for 2021

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Know about Alzheimer’s Disease

Monday, September 20th, 2021

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. It is the most prevalent cause of dementia, which is characterised by a steady loss in a person’s mental, behavioural, and social abilities that impairs their capacity to function independently. It is estimated that 5.3 million people above the age of 60 had dementia in India in 2020. This equals to one in 27 people, according to the Dementia in India 2020 report. Therapy and medications can benefit patient’s quality of life by temporarily improving or slowing the course of symptoms.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that develops slowly and worsens with time. It eventually affects every part of your brain. The condition can affect memory, reasoning, judgement, language, problem-solving, personality, and movement. It progresses through five phases and each person’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease is unique. The different stages include:

  • Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
    This stage of Alzheimer’s can last for years, possibly even decades without showing any symptoms. Certain genetic tests can also help detect your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
    Mild cognitive impairment affects people’s memory and reasoning abilities just a little. These modifications aren’t yet large enough to have an impact on jobs or relationships. People may have memory lapses or make mistakes in their judgement.
  • Mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
    Alzheimer’s disease is often diagnosed in the mild dementia stage, when it becomes clear to family and doctors that a person is having significant trouble with memory that impacts daily functioning.
    The symptoms include:
    • Memory loss of recent events
    • Difficulty with problem-solving
    • Personality changes
    • Difficulty organizing and expressing thoughts
    • Getting lost or misplacing belongings
  • Moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
    During the moderate dementia stage of Alzheimer’s disease, people tend to become more confused and forgetful and need more help with daily activities and self-care.
    The symptoms include:
    • Show increasingly poor judgment
    • Experience even greater memory loss
    • Need help with some daily activities
    • Outbursts of aggressive physical behaviour
  • Severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
    Mental function continues to deteriorate in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, known as severe dementia, and the disease has a significant influence on movement and physical ability.
    The symptoms include:
    • Lose the ability to communicate coherently 
    • Require daily assistance with personal care
    • Experience a decline in physical abilities

Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is thought to be caused by the abnormal build-up of proteins in and around brain cells. Certain factors such as age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and concurrent medical disorders may increase your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. Here are some preventive health tips reduce your chances of contracting the disease:

  • Manage your numbers
    Research shows strong connections between Alzheimer’s and conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Be regular with your health checkups.
  • Check your weight
    Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Exercise regularly
    When you exercise, even if it’s just a little amount, more blood flows to the brain, making it healthier. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise five days a week or more.
  • Take safety precautions
    Always wear a helmet while riding a bike or a seat belt while driving a car. Protect yourself from accidents that may lead to severe head injuries.
  • Don’t smoke
    Avoid all forms of tobacco.
  • Healthy diet
    Eat a healthy and balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein. Limit intake of added sugar, refined foods, and alcohol.
  • Challenge your mind
    People who keep learning and stay social may be less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that mental stimulation helps you develop strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Here are some ways to keep your mind active and healthy:

  • Reading or writing
  • Solving puzzles like crosswords, sudoku or scrabbles
  • Playing cards
  • Arts and Crafts – Painting, drawing, knitting
  • Playing an instrument or listening to music

Alzheimer’s care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s is life-changing for the person with the disease, as well as their family and friends. Our Alzheimer and Memory Clinic offers a comprehensive screening and care program for this condition including neurology consultation, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. Take the first step towards managing your Alzheimer’s, consult our top therapists. Our team of experienced neurologists and rehabilitation specialists help manage this condition using a personalised multidisciplinary approach. Our Centre for Neurology is dedicated to provide world-class Alzheimer’s care, to improve the quality of life for those suffering from this condition. Please find below website for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_neurosciences/alzheimer_sdisease.html

How to Set Smart Goals and Achieve them

Monday, September 13th, 2021

Do you find it difficult to meet your health objectives year after year? Do your New Year’s resolutions often fail? Achieving health goals about fitness, eating healthy, weight loss, and monitoring your health numbers does not have to be complicated. Choose reachable goals that will have a long-term impact on your everyday behaviours and help you improve your life. Avoid short-term health fads that can’t be maintained for an extended period of time. Forty percent of all chronic diseases can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a healthy diet and working out regularly.

SMART goals

A good goal-setting strategy is the SMART goal checklist. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. If you are looking at being fitter and healthier here are some tips to achieve your goal the SMART way:

  • Specific
    Make your goal very clear and specific. The first step in developing a good habit is to describe exactly what that new habit will be. Instead of saying you will eat more vegetables and fruits, your goal might be to fill 2/3 of your plate with healthy fruits and vegetables at each meal.
  • Measurable
    Is your objective measurable? Keeping track of your progress and holding yourself accountable will help you stay on track. A journal, whether online or on paper, is a great method to keep track of your progress. As a result, you’ll know when you’ve accomplished it. For example, It’s simple to measure if you eat 5 servings of vegetables every day or perform 20 squats every day. Only set targets for which you have a clear measurement criterion.
  • Achievable
    Always choose health goals that you are able to do. Starting a new health program is exciting and it’s easy to get caught up in the wonderful possibilities. It’s easy to get caught up in the exciting prospects of starting a health programme. That’s excellent, but be sure the objectives you’re setting are realistic. Begin slowly and gradually increase the difficulty of your goals.
  • Realistic
    It feels fantastic to achieve your goals, but it feels even worse when you don’t. So, before committing to specific health goals, consider your abilities and commitments. Attempt something difficult but not impossible. If the aim is too easy, you may always change it afterwards. If you start small, you’re more likely to see long-term behaviour change.
  • Timely
    Set a deadline for yourself. A goal isn’t much use if it doesn’t have a deadline. Giving your goals a deadline instills a feeling of urgency and accountability in them.

Healthy Eating

When you’re trying to develop new habits—whether it’s healthy eating, getting more exercise, or quitting smoking—you have a better chance of success if you make a plan ahead of time. Knowing why you want to eat healthier can help you make changes in your eating habits. You may have a family history of certain health conditions, fighting obesity, or want to control your blood pressure or diabetes levels.

Rather than eliminating anything from your diet, try adding something new. Include items that you believe you require more of, such as fruits and vegetables. You may feel starved if you begin by eliminating foods that are heavy in fat or sugar from your diet. This will make it more difficult for you to change. Make a conscious effort to eat more of the healthy meals that you enjoy. Make a list of your favourite foods and see what you can do to make them healthy. Slow, steady steps will set you up for success. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Set your goals
    Write down your goals, and hang them up where you can see them. Reading your goals can be helpful.
  • Track your progress
    Keeping track of your progress using a notebook, journal, or food record helps evaluate your progress from time to time.
  • Think about your barriers
    When you hit a barrier, and most people do – seek support. Talk to your family members and friends to find support and overcome the barriers.

Exercise & Fitness

Research suggests that many people would exercise more and lose weight if they knew how to fit working out into their busy schedules. You know you should exercise more, but that alone isn’t enough to motivate you. Here’s how to plan a workout routine and stick to it.

You know you should exercise more, but that won’t always get you going. Here’s how to devise and stick to an exercise program.

  • Set clear fitness goals
  • Personalizing your exercise goals
  • Choose exercises you enjoy doing
  • Seek help from a professional

Setting SMART objectives for health and fitness means you have clear ideas and are able to focus your efforts. This allows you to manage your time in a way that maximises your return and increases your chances of success. Get started with your health goals today!

National Nutrition Week

Saturday, September 4th, 2021

Nutrition Matters

Every year, from the 1st to the 7th of September, India celebrates National Nutrition Week to raise awareness about the importance of good nutrition and health. Eating healthy foods and exercising on a regular basis will help you live a longer and healthier life. A nutritious diet promotes a healthy pregnancy, supports normal growth, development, and aging, aids in body weight maintenance, and lowers the risk of chronic disease. For a healthy mind and healthy body, it is essential to eat a balanced diet with high nutrition. 

Benefits of Good Nutrition

Healthy food starts with a healthy diet in pregnancy, continues with breast milk for babies, and is important for children, teenagers, adults as well seniors. Here is how a healthy diet helps your body:

  • Strengthens your immunity
  • Improves mood
  • Provides energy
  • Maintains a healthy body weight
  • Helps you live longer
  • Reduces your risk of chronic diseases
  • Reduces risk of mental disorders

Nutrition and children

The theme of the 2021 National Nutrition Week is “feeding smart right from start”. If you learn healthy eating habits as a child, they are more likely to stay with you. That’s why it’s important that you teach your children healthy eating habits from a young age. Here are some healthy eating suggestions to consider:

  • Be a role model
  • Offer a variety of healthy food choices
  • Make mealtimes a priority
  • Avoid force-feeding
  • Skip the food reward
  • Put limits on screen time
  • Set snack boundaries

A Balanced Diet

Did you know? 9 out of 10 people suffer from a protein deficiency. This could be due to the increasing consumption of convenience foods that are high in carbs and sugars and low in protein or due to lack of awareness. It is essential to eat the right type and amount of foods to support a healthy lifestyle. Always remember deprivation is not the solution, creating a balance is. A well-balanced diet focuses on giving your body all of the nutrients it needs. It contains macronutrients such as protein, carbs, and fat, as well as micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. These nutrients come from a variety of sources, including fruits and vegetables, cereals and pulses, meat and dairy products, as well as fats and oils. Here are some important foods to have:

  • Carbohydrates
    Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of energy. In India, 70-80% of total dietary calories are derived from carbohydrates present in plant foods such as cereals, millets, and pulses.
  • Proteins 
    About 30 to 35% of your diet should consist of protein. This could be in the form of pulses, milk, leafy greens, eggs, paneer, lentils, meat or sprouts.
  • Fats
    Fats provide energy, store vitamins, and synthesize hormones. About 1/5th of your diet should be devoted to fats all three kinds -polyunsaturated, monosaturated and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Vitamins and Minerals 
    These micronutrients support metabolism, nerve and muscle function, bone maintenance, and cell production. Minerals are inorganic and so minerals from plants, meat, and fish easily find their way into the body. They can be derived from nuts, oilseeds, fruits, and green leafy vegetables.

Prioritize Your Meals

To keep your body running smoothly, you require three main meals coupled with healthy snacking to curb unnecessary cravings. Here is what an ideal diet should consist of:

  • Breakfast
    A good morning meal should comprise of three things. These are dietary fiber or carbohydrates (whole-grain bread, paratha, oatmeal), proteins (eggs and egg whites, yoghurt, milk, and sprouts) and nuts (almonds, walnuts, figs). This way you’ll eat fewer calories the rest of the day.
  • Lunch
    Make it a mix of high-fibre whole grains like brown rice, barley, or jowar, starchy carbs, and some good source of proteins like cottage cheese, pulses, lentils chicken, or fish. Include some probiotics like yogurt or buttermilk and fibre from fresh salads.
  • Dinner
    To maintain a healthy balanced diet, choose your dinner with a high satiety value, which will keep you fuller for longer and help you avoid midnight binges. Fill your plate with a variety of vegetables to load up on vitamins and minerals. Limit carbs but don’t eliminate them completely.

Don’t give up on snacking: Choose to snack healthy and substitute your fried snacks and chips with roasted snacks, fresh fruits, nuts or dips.

Disease Prevention

Eating healthy foods, getting adequate exercise, and refraining from tobacco and excessive alcohol use has positive effects on your health. Healthy eating can help lower your risk of certain medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and various types of cancers.

Nutrition care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Looking for personalized dietary solutions to feel healthier? We offer holistic and individualized care to patients and help transform lives with a healthy diet plan. Meet highly trained and experienced dieticians from our Department of Nutrition Therapy for further guidance. Please find below the link for further details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/nutritiontherapy.html

Managing Psoriasis

Monday, August 30th, 2021

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the skin cells develop up to ten times faster than normal. The skin develops rough red spots covered with white scales as a result of this. Psoriasis is a papulosquamous skin disease with a wide range of appearance, severity, and duration. It affects 0.44 to 2.8 percent of the population in India and 1.5 percent to 3 percent of the population worldwide. Early adulthood is when psoriasis commonly emerges. It affects only a few locations for most people and usually appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. However, it can cover vast areas of the body in severe cases. The patches can heal and reappear at any time during a person’s life. Psoriasis significantly impairs the quality of life of patients and their families resulting in immense physical, emotional, and social burden

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type of psoriasis you have. Some common symptoms for “plaque” psoriasis, the most common form of psoriasis include:

  • Plaques of red skin, often covered with silver-coloured scales.
  • Itchy and painful scales.
  • Dry or cracked skin that bleeds.
  • Pitted or thickened fingernails or toenails.
  • Swollen joints.

Triggers of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is more likely to develop if you have a family history of it, have an overactive immune system, or are obese. According to research, at least 10% of people inherit genes that can cause psoriasis, although only 3% to 5% of those who inherit these genes develop the condition. Psoriasis symptoms can be influenced by a variety of situations known as triggers. These include:

  • Stress
    Stress is a major trigger for some people with psoriasis, either causing psoriasis to flare up for the first time or to make it worse after you’ve been diagnosed.
  • Cold weather 
    The cold, dry conditions of winter can aggravate psoriasis, but warm, sunny settings can aid. It’s crucial to keep your skin moisturized throughout the day. In addition, using a humidifier in your house can help.
  • Dry skin 
    Anything that injures the skin can cause a psoriasis flare, including excessively dry skin or allergies. Keep your skin moisturized.
  • Upper respiratory infections
    Colds and other infections, especially strep throat, activate the immune system and can cause psoriasis to flare. If you have psoriasis and develop a sore throat, speak to your doctor for further assistance.
  • Smoking and Alcohol
    Cigarette smoke can make the symptoms of psoriasis worse. Smokers have almost double the risk of developing psoriasis compared with people who’ve never smoked. Heavy drinking is also known to trigger psoriasis flares.
  • Medications
    Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis and mental disorders can trigger psoriasis.

Psoriasis Facts

  • It’s not contagious.
  • Psoriasis triggers vary from person to person.
  • There are five types of psoriasis including – plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, erythrodermic.
  • Psoriasis can affect more of your body than your skin.

Tips to Manage Psoriasis

While medication can reduce (or clear) psoriasis, anything that irritates your skin can cause psoriasis to flare — even when you use medication. By finding your triggers and learning how to manage them, you can gain better control of your psoriasis and have fewer flares. Dermatologists share these tips for caring for psoriasis: 

  • Try to avoid skin injuries, such as cuts, and bug bites.
  • Avoid getting a sunburn.
  • Treat your psoriasis on time.
  • Try not to scratch as it tends to worsen psoriasis.
  • Apply a cold compress.
  • Apply medication as directed by your dermatologist to your skin until the psoriasis clears.
  • Moisturize daily throughout the day.

Psoriasis Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Struggling to manage your psoriasis symptoms? Working closely with a dermatologist, the use of medication, and avoiding your triggers is known to help alleviate the symptoms of this skin condition. Consult our highly trained dermatologists for a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan. Please find below the website link for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/dermatology.html

Medical Conditions Affecting Seniors

Friday, August 20th, 2021

Have you noticed changes in your parents as they get older? Being forgetful, slow cognitive skills, reduced mobility as well as decreased hearing skills are some common conditions faced by the elderly. Physical as well as mental changes increase drastically with age and certain conditions are more commonly found in the elderly than the young. It is important to know if the differences you’re seeing are normal, or if they could be a sign of something more serious. As per the National Statistical Office (NSO)’s Elderly in India 2021 report, India’s elderly population (aged 60 and above) is projected to touch 194 million in 2031 from 138 million in 2021, a 41 per cent increase over a decade.

Common Age-related Diseases:

With the population of seniors rapidly increasing it is important to understand the challenges faced by people as they age. Increased awareness, early diagnosis and taking preventive measures can help you or a loved one on a path to healthy aging. Here are some common health disorders seen in seniors:

  • Bone & Joint problems
    Arthritis is the most common condition that people 65 or older suffer from. It can lead to pain and lower quality of life for some seniors. A large number of people over age 50 also suffer from low bone mass or osteoporosis, putting them at risk for a fracture or break that could lead to poor senior health and reduced quality of life.
  • Heart Disease
    For those over the age of 65, heart disease is the leading cause of mortality. High blood pressure and cholesterol must be managed properly and taking good care of your heart is essential to reduce your risk of getting heart disease.
  • Cancer
    Cancer is the second leading cause of death among people over age 65. If caught early through screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, pap smear tests and skin checks, many types of cancer are treatable.
  • Respiratory Diseases
    Chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia are the third most common cause of death among people 65 and older. Regular lung function testing, as well as taking the proper medicine or using oxygen as directed, will help you maintain your health.
  • Diabetes
    Statistics suggest that 25 percent of people aged 65 and older are living with diabetes, a significant senior health risk. With simple blood tests for blood sugar levels, diabetes can be detected and treated early. The sooner you realise you have diabetes or are at risk for it, the sooner you can take steps to manage it.
  • Falls
    With age, the number of accidental falls that result in disability, surgery, or fracture risk rises. Most of these falls occur in the home, where tripping hazards include area rugs, loose wires and slippery bathroom floors. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and maintaining your balance and mobility is key in fall prevention.
  • Vision or hearing loss
    Maintaining regular screenings for your vision and hearing is vital as you age. Millions of elderly people suffer from age-related eye problems such macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, and a majority of people with hearing loss are 65 or older.
  • Mental Disorders
    Mental health, like physical health, deteriorates with age, which explains why about 15% of persons aged 60 and up suffer from at least one mental condition. Common conditions include Parkinson’s, depression, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s disease. Exercising, adopting a pet, socializing, taking up a hobby, playing puzzles or reading can help you cope better with mental health disorders.
  • Oral health problems
    As you age, your mouth tends to become dryer and cavities are more difficult to prevent. Practicing good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist for a cleaning every six months will help keep your teeth and gums in good shape.
  • Bladder and prostate disorders
    As men and women age, it is difficult to control bladder as it may be less able to store urine. This causes you to pass urine more frequently and even lead to incontinence. In men, the prostate gland tends to enlarge with aging, gradually blocking the flow of urine. If untreated, this may also lead to kidney damage.

Medical care for the elderly at Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital

Your family history, age and lifestyle play a large role in your risk for certain medical conditions. Age gracefully with expert elderly health care at our Geriatric Clinic. Our senior healthcare team can help you learn how to live better with existing health conditions. Many health conditions in the elderly can be prevented or the progression slowed by making healthy lifestyle choices and being regular with your health checkups. To know more about our specialised health packages for senior citizens contact our Executive Health Checkup team. Please find below the link for further details: https://online.kokilabenhospital.com/health-checkup
https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/geriatricclinic.html

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