10 ways to effectively manage Diabetes

As the climate slowly gets cooler we know that out favourite season winter is here. This is the season of eating healthier, enjoying seasonal produce and enjoying more and more outdoor activities. However a sudden drop of temperature may also bring along seasonal ailments which especially affects the elderly, young children and those who already suffer from co-morbidities. This season increases incidents of cold, cough, flu and aggravates health conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, asthma, etc. Statistics also suggest that more people tend to suffer from heart attacks in winter. Here are some essential health tips to keep your body healthy this winter and fight seasonal infections:

• Have dry fruits
  Dry fruits and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews naturally increase your body temperature. When added to your winter diet, dry fruits can work wonders for you because they have more nutrition, vitamins, minerals, and fibre than any other fresh fruit.
• Eat seasonal root vegetables
  Many winter root vegetables are known for being carb-heavy and starchy. However, winter root veggies are complex, slow-burning carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates help you feel full and satisfied and won’t result in sharp blood sugar rises. Some common root vegetables include carrots, radishes, beetroot, sweet potato, purple yam, etc.
• Maintain high hygiene
  Wash your hands regularly to keep infections away. Wash well before eating, after using the washroom and touching any contaminated things. Encourage young children to wash their hands after coming home from outdoors.
• Stay hydrated
  You may not feel as thirsty in the winters. However, having enough water intake is one of the best things which you can do to avoid many of the winter ailments.
• Eat fresh fruits
  Boost your immunity by including more and more seasonal fruits that include oranges, strawberries, amla, papaya, kiwi, etc. in your diet.
• Have enough fibre
  People have a tendency to overeat during the winter months since it’s vital to stay warm. However, this does not mean you eat only calorie-rich foods and fatty foods. Include more plant based foods that include soluble fibre and help aid your digestion.
• Have leafy green vegetables
  Dark leafy greens are high in vitamins A, C, and K as well as a number of other nutrients. Include spinach, fenugreek leaves, mustard greens, etc in your diet that not only improve your bone health but also aid in preventing dry skin during the winter.
• Include Omega-3 fatty acids
  These are the good fats found in foods like fish, nuts, and seeds of plants. In addition to lowering a person’s stress levels, they aid in reducing the body’s levels of joint pain and stiffness.
• Use herbs and spices
  Include spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and onions in your diet to fight inflammation, maintain the health of your nasal passages, and boost your immune system.
• Exercise regularly
  Wintertime is a time when it’s normal to feel a little lethargic. However, it’s crucial to maintain a moderate amount of physical exercise to boost your immunity and fend off the seasonal illnesses that are typical during this time of year. Try some indoor exercises like yoga, aerobics, strength training, and other similar ones if the weather outside makes it impossible to exercise.
• Moisturize your skin
  Your skin may become dry, dull, and hard throughout the winter. To maintain it smooth and radiant, cover your skin with a high-quality moisturiser and sunscreen. This is especially important for people suffering from psoriasis and eczema.
• Keep yourself warm
  Keep your airways open and your immune system healthy by dressing for the weather and arming yourself with coats, mufflers, caps, and other protective gear.

Stay healthy and protected by following the above health precautions. Further boost your immunity by enjoying seasonal foods in moderation. Have a healthy and safe winter!

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in India, which accounts for 60% of all stroke patients globally. A stroke happens when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced due to a blockage or leak in the blood arteries. When this occurs, the brain’s cells begin to deteriorate because it is not getting enough nourishment or oxygen. The brain’s blood supply is reduced or blocked during a stroke. A person experiencing a stroke needs prompt emergency treatment. Every year, 1.8 million people in India experience a stroke, and only early treatment can lower morbidity and mortality caused by this disease.

Types of Stroke

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease. This indicates that it has an impact on the blood arteries that carry oxygen to the brain. Damage could begin if the brain does not get sufficient oxygen.Even while many strokes are curable, others can be fatal or leave a person disabled.

There are three main types of stroke:

• Ischemic stroke
  This is the most common type of stroke, where a blood clot prevents blood and oxygen from reaching an area of the brain.
• Hemorrhagic stroke
  This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures.
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  This occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is insufficient for a brief period of time. Also called ministroke, the normal blood flow resumes after a short amount of time, and the symptoms resolve without treatment.

Symptoms of Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency, so the sooner you receive care, the better. The long-term effects of a stroke might differ from person to person depending on the type of stroke and the part of the brain that is damaged. It may lead to:

• Cognitive symptoms like memory problems and trouble speaking
• Physical symptoms such as vision changes, headache and difficulty swallowing
• Emotional symptoms like depression

Watch out for these F.A.S.T. warning signs of a Stroke:

• F – Face drooping
• A – Arm weakness
• S – Slurred speech
• T – Time to call the Emergency services

Without oxygen, every second counts, and brain cells start to perish within minutes. When brain tissue dies, the portions of the body it controls won’t function properly. As a result, the leading cause of long-term disability is stroke. Brain damage can be stopped by clot-busting medications, but they must be administered quickly — often within three hours of the onset of symptoms.

Stroke Rehabilitation

A stroke can have serious cognitive and emotional impact on the patient. Neuropsychologists and rehabilitation psychologists can perform screenings for these issues and establish a plan to enhance cognitive performance and foster resilience in the face of potential long-term lifestyle changes. Working with a patient to execute a variety of actions, including walking or combing hair, during physical and occupational therapy can help identify which parts of the brain are impaired. Speech-language therapy is crucial for patients who have trouble swallowing due to stroke or aftereffects of having a breathing tube.

Stroke Prevention

When it comes to preventing a stroke, simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference. Here are important changes in your lifestyle that can help reduce your risk of getting a stroke:

• Move more
• Stop smoking
• Eat more vegetables
• Avoid alcohol
• Control blood pressure
• Control cholesterol levels
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Control your diabetes
• Treat atrial fibrillation

Stroke care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai has established a comprehensive stroke care programme for the management of acute and chronic stroke patients. The Code Stroke Plan includes stroke ambulance, emergency care services, neuro-imaging, neurological intensive care unit, neuro-intervention services, neurosurgical services, and a dedicated stroke unit. Our team offers comprehensive acute neurointervention services under highly trained experts. The Centre for Neurosciences has conducted over 1500 brain surgeries for stroke in the past with successful outcomes. Further we also offer a Stroke rehabilitation program that provides an optimal environment for recovery, functional improvement, and reduction in secondary complications and disability.

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital (KDAH) is one of the only private hospitals in Mumbai and more so in Western India to have a comprehensive Level-1 Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) for patient care, training and research. The Trauma Centre is reputed to respond the fastest in times of a stroke, which ensures higher recovery chances. If you believe you or someone you know is having a stroke – call our emergency services on 022 42699999 immediately. Making the decision to call for medical help can make the difference in avoiding a lifelong disability. Please find below the link to our website:

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

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

Diwali, the festival of lights and joy is here. Families get together and enjoy themselves during these auspicious days. It’s time to share sweets, gifts and light diyas. While you are busy enjoying this festival of joy and togetherness, you need to watch out for a few things that can harm your health. This is especially true for cardiac patients, asthmatics, pregnant women, infants, heart patients and diabetics. You are exposed to fire, smoke, and significant amounts of high-calorie foods that are rich in oil, salt and sugar. You must take some health precautions while enjoying the festive days. Follow these helpful tips to stay happy and safe this Diwali:

Healthy Diwali tips:

Here are a few useful tips for you and your family to have a healthy Diwali:

• Stop use of Crackers
  Noise pollution and air pollution has been increasing in India over the years and we must take corrective action together to reduce it. High decibel sounds can have major health complications for children, pregnant women and the elderly. Fireworks in the sky make for a beautiful sight but they also emit harmful fumes that can lead to many respiratory ailments and especially harm asthmatics, young children and the elderly. So, let’s take a pledge to be a more responsible citizen and scale down on noise and air pollution. Celebrate a cracker-free Diwali.
• Keep yourself hydrated
  The weather is very humid now-a-days. Further people also eat many heavy food items during the festive days. It is important to flush out toxins that are accumulated by eating unhealthy sweets and snacks by drinking enough water. You can also sip on nimbu paani, chaas, coconut water and fresh fruit juices.
• Get enough sleep
  Even though Diwali is celebrated in the evening, sometimes the festivities last well past midnight. You might sleep less as a result of this upsetting your regular sleep pattern and lead to weariness, mood changes, and tiredness. Make sure you get enough sleep during Diwali. Cover-up with an afternoon nap next day to ensure that you get your recommended amount of sleep for the day.
• Use Anti-Pollution masks
  During Diwali days, the pollution levels rise to excessively dangerous levels. This can have adverse effects on patients with chronic lung diseases, COPD, asthma, etc. As a precaution use a face mask that covers your nose and mouth to limit exposure to pollutants.
• Avoid alcohol
  Diwali is a time for many get-togethers with family and friends, card games, etc. and can include alcohol consumption too. Excessive alcohol intake is injurious to your health, makes you dehydrated and also leaves you with a hangover. Say “No” to alcohol.
• Supervise for safety!
  Children must be under strict supervision by adults especially while bursting crackers and also when they are around diyas. It is recommended to wear safe cotton clothes instead of heavy fabrics. Keep a first-aid kit handy around you to handle any untoward emergency.
• Eat healthy
  Diwali is filled with fried snacks, sugar-rich mithaais and ghee-laden consumables. However, these items contain a very high amount of calories which aren’t good for health and may raise your blood sugar or blood pressure levels. Follow these healthy eating tips:

• Practice portion control at all times.
• Consume sweets that are prepared using natural sweeteners.
• Avoid drinking aerated drinks and packaged juices.
• Avoid sweets made of white flour.
• Have more probiotics to aid better digestion.
• While socializing always opt to finish the meal in one go, and not to eat in small intervals.

This Diwali don’t let your diet plans ruin your festivities or your celebrations ruin your diet. Moderation is the key in everything you eat. Wishing you and your family a Happy and Healthy Diwali! The team at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai is always available for any kind of medical requirements on all festive days. Reach out to our team at the below link: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/

More than 18 crore Indians suffer from arthritis, which is the leading cause of joint pain, mobility problems, and discomfort among women. Over 14% of Indians seek medical attention each year for this joint issue. Age-related degenerative arthritis, which involves cartilage degeneration (wear and tear) and can affect any joint, including the knee, is the most prevalent type of arthritis found in India. While osteoarthritis remains the most common form of arthritis, other common joint conditions affecting Indians include gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Poor nutrition, obesity and a deficiency in vitamin D levels are the main cause behind this condition which affects more women than men.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a common disorder that affects your joints, causes pain and inflammation, making it difficult to move or stay active. Arthritis comes in a variety of forms. More than 100 different diseases and disorders that affect the body’s joints collectively fall under the umbrella term “arthritis.” Each type has unique symptoms and can need a different set of treatments. People of all ages can be affected, and it can range from moderate to severe symptoms. It is a significant source of disability and, if untreated, can lead to:

• Chronic pain
• Stiffness or swelling
• Limb deformities
• Impaired range of motion

These signs can significantly interfere with your daily life. It might be challenging to learn how to live with arthritis. However, you can manage the symptoms and enhance your quality of life with the right care and therapy from orthopedic specialists. The type of arthritis, personal health requirements, level of pain, and presence of symptoms in other body organs will all influence the treatment.

Lifestyle changes for Arthritis

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may lower your risk of getting some types of arthritis. Additionally, it can lessen how severe your symptoms are. For instance, being overweight or obese puts more strain on your joints. It might also aggravate the symptoms of arthritis by causing widespread inflammation. These symptoms may be lessened by a healthy weight loss. The first stages in controlling arthritis symptoms frequently involve making healthy lifestyle adjustments. Try to get more sleep, work out frequently, and eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet. Exercise may be very beneficial for easing arthritic symptoms. Low-impact exercise has shown to help strengthen bones and muscles, alleviate pain and fatigue, and enhance joint mobility.

Managing Arthritis

There are several effective ways to ease the pain of arthritis with medication, exercise and stress reduction techniques. How you manage your arthritis will have a significant impact on how well you recover from your illness and maintain your health. Making good lifestyle decisions and learning how to control the mental and emotional impacts of arthritis are both aspects of self-management. You’ll need to develop a close relationship with your doctors and learn everything you can about your condition. You can successfully control your sickness by practicing these self-management techniques:

• Keep your joints moving with daily gentle stretches.
• Engage in non-impact cardio.
• Strengthen the muscles around a painful joint.
• Pay attention to your joints, while sitting, standing or engaging in activity.
• Avoid activities that involve high impact or repetitive motion.
• Always maintain a good posture.
• Manage your weight.
• Know your limits and balance activity and rest.
• Use the stairs less often.
• Try cold and heat therapy.
• Use a mobility aid if required.
• Quit smoking.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Take medications if prescribed
• Remove hazards in your home that could lead to a fall.
• Improve sleep.

Arthritis Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Experts at our Centre for Bone & Joint offer comprehensive treatment for disorders of the musculoskeletal system that includes arthritis. Our dedicated operation theatres are supported by Computer-Aided Navigation Systems for Joint Replacement & Arthroscopic Surgery that provides superior long-term results. We also offer a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Programme that helps our patients recover after a knee replacement surgery. Our Centre for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation has dedicated areas for instrumented gait and motion analysis, isokinetic multi-joint dynamometer, pneumatic strength training and exercise systems to assist in recovery of arthritis patients. Please find the below the links for further details:

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

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