The Ideal Diabetic Diet

What is Infertility?

Infertility can take a toll on your life emotionally and may hamper your relationship with your spouse too. Most people will have a strong desire to conceive a child at some point during their lifetime. Understand what defines normal fertility, this helps you know when to seek medical help. Approximately 85 % of couples will achieve pregnancy within one year of trying. Infertility is defined when couples are unable to conceive a child, even though they’ve had frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. Up to 15 per cent of couples are infertile. In over a third of these couples, male infertility plays a role.

Infertility can be caused due to factors affecting the female or the male partner.

Female Infertility

Here are a few common reasons in women that lead to Infertility:

1) Advancing maternal age: Female age-related infertility is the most common cause of infertility today. For unknown reasons, as women age, egg numbers decrease at a rapid rate. And as ageing occurs, egg quality, or the likelihood of an egg being genetically normal, decreases as well.

2) Ovulation disorders: Normal and regular ovulation, or release of a mature egg, is essential for women to conceive naturally. There are many disorders that may impact the ability for a woman to ovulate normally.

3) Tubal occlusion (blockage): A history of sexually transmitted infections including chlamydia, gonorrhea, or pelvic inflammatory disease can predispose a woman to have blocked fallopian tubes. Tubal occlusion is a cause of infertility because an ovulated egg is unable to be fertilized by sperm or to reach the endometrial cavity.

4) Uterine fibroids: Fibroids are very common (approximately 40% of women may have them) and the mere presence alone does not necessarily cause infertility. The size and position of the fibroid determine its effects on your pregnancy.

5) Endometrial polyps: Endometrial polyps are finger-like growths in the uterine cavity arising from the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. They can decrease fertility by up to 50% according to some studies.

6) Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition whereby cells very similar to the ones lining the uterine cavity, or endometrium, are found outside the uterine cavity. It is found in approximately 10-50% of reproductive-aged women and can be associated with infertility as well as pain during intercourse and/or menstrual periods.

Quick Facts About Infertility

• Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body’s ability to perform the basic function of reproduction.
• Infertility affects men and women equally.
• Twenty-five per cent of infertile couples have more than one factor that contributes to their infertility.
• In approximately 40 per cent of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing cause of infertility.
• Irregular or abnormal ovulation accounts for approximately 25 per cent of all female infertility problems.
• Most infertility cases — 85% to 90% — are treated with conventional medical therapies such as medication or surgery.
• It is possible for women with body weight disorders to reverse their infertility by attaining and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Men and Women who smoke have decreased fertility.
• The risk of miscarriage is higher for pregnant women who smoke.

Male Infertility:

Male infertility is due to erectile dysfunction, low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Illnesses, injuries, hormonal imbalances, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices and other factors can play a role in causing male infertility. The semen analysis is one of the main tests to evaluate the male partner.

Factors that determine male fertility:

• You must produce healthy sperms and sufficient semen volume.
• There needs to be higher sperm concentration to increase chances of conception.
• Sperm must have the motility to be able to move for conception to happen.
• The sperm morphology or shape determines its ability to fertilize the egg.

Risk factors linked to male infertility include:

• Smoking tobacco.
• Using alcohol.
• Using certain illicit drugs.
• Being overweight.
• Being severely depressed or stressed.
• Having certain past or present infections.
• Being exposed to toxins.
• Overheating the testicles.
• Having experienced trauma to the testicles.
• Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery.
• Having a history of undescended testicles.
• Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder.
• Certain medications.

Fertility treatments for females:

• Fertility drugs and hormones to help the woman ovulate or restore levels of hormones.
• Surgery to remove tissue that is blocking fertility (such as endometriosis) or to open blocked fallopian tubes.

Here are a few assisted reproductive technology or ART treatments used for male as well as female infertility problems:

• IUI (intrauterine insemination): Sperm is collected and the placed directly inside the woman’s uterus while she is ovulating.
• IVF (in vitro fertilization): The sperm and egg are collected and brought together in a lab. The fertilized egg grows for 3 to 5 days. Then the embryo is placed in the woman’s uterus.
• GIFT (gamete intrafallopian transfer) and ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer): The sperm and egg are collected, brought together in a lab, and quickly placed in a fallopian tube. With GIFT, the sperm and eggs are placed into the fallopian tube. With ZIFT, a fertilized egg is placed into the tube at 24 hours.

Are you getting sleepless nights due to your infertility issues?

Are you waiting for your parenting journey to start?

Consult our Reproductive Endocrinologists for in-depth knowledge of your medical condition and how best it can be overcome. Our team offers the latest fertility treatments along with counselling support. Please find below link for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/reproductiveendocrinologyfertility/reproductiveendocrinologyandinfertilityrei.html

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder in which the normal chemical and electrical activities between nerve cells in the brain (neurons) become disturbed. This disturbance causes the neurons to fire abnormally, causing seizures. In a seizure, many neurons fire at the same time, much faster than usual — up to 500 times a second.

People often think of epileptic seizures as causing muscle spasms or loss of consciousness, but some seizures can instead cause sudden emotions, sensations, or behaviours that may seem inappropriate and may not be initially recognized as caused by epilepsy.

What happens in a seizure?

Some people with epilepsy stare off into space or make strange sounds during a seizure. Some people may undress, laugh, or walk in circles. Depending on the part of the brain affected and the severity of the disturbance in the brain, epileptic seizures can range from relatively benign events that happen rarely to recurrent, disabling, life-threatening emergencies. Regardless of the seizure type, a person generally must have had at least two “unprovoked” seizures at least 24 hours apart to be diagnosed with epilepsy. Unprovoked means the seizures have no other known medical cause apart from Epilepsy.

Epilepsy symptoms

The main symptom of epilepsy is repeated seizures. Here are a few symptoms which need medical attention:

• a convulsion with no fever.
• short spells of a blackout, or confused memory.
• intermittent fainting spells.
• for a short period, the person is unresponsive to instructions or questions.
• the person becomes stiff, suddenly, for no apparent reason.
• the person suddenly falls for no clear reason.
• for a short time the person seems dazed and unable to communicate.
• repetitive movements that seem inappropriate.
• the person becomes fearful, angry or may panic without reason.
• peculiar changes in senses, such as smell, touch, and sound.
• the arms, legs, or body jerk, in babies these will appear as a cluster of rapid jerking movements.

Seizure Triggers:

Here are some of the seizure triggers that are commonly reported by people with epilepsy:

• Stress.
• Alcohol and recreational drugs.
• Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed.
• Feeling tired and not sleeping well.
• Flashing or flickering lights.
• Monthly periods.
• Missing meals.
• Track your triggers and avid these situations to avoid seizures.

Causes of Epilepsy

For up to 60 percent of people with epilepsy, the cause is not known, even with a complete medical evaluation. For the rest, here are a few major reasons that may cause Epilepsy:

• Genetic mutations.
• Structural changes in the brain due to trauma, infection or stroke.
• Birth defect.
• Infections of the central nervous system.

Few Epilepsy Facts:

• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder.
• Primary symptoms commonly include seizures.
• Seizures have a range of severity depending on the individual.
• Treatments include anti-seizure medications.

Someone around you suffering an Epileptic seizure?

Some Do’s:

• Move any objects, such as furniture, away from them so that they don’t hurt themselves.
• Put something soft under their head to stop it hitting the ground.
• Call emergency medical help if needed.
• Try to stop other people crowding around.
• Stay with them until they have fully recovered.

Some Don’ts:

• Do not restrain (try to hold down) the person.
• Do not place anything between the person’s teeth during a seizure.
• Do not move the person unless they are in danger.
• Do not try to make the person stop convulsing. They have no control over the seizure and are not aware of what is happening at the time.

It is estimated that there are 12 million people with Epilepsy in India. The right diagnosis and treatment can help people with Epilepsy live better. Consult our Centre for Neurosciences for Epilepsy treatment. Please find below link for more details:

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

India is currently witnessing nearly two million heart attacks a year, and a majority of the victims are young adults. This is an alarming figure! Heart disease is an umbrella term which addresses conditions and disorders that affect the structuring and functioning of the heart in some way or the other. Common known heart conditions include heart failure, heart attack, angina, heart valve disease, congenital heart disease or irregular heart rhythms. Of these different types of heart diseases, some are a result of lifestyle disorders while some are inherent in nature.

Here are a few common factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases:

• Unhealthy eating.
• Overweight or obesity.
• Physical inactivity.
• Smoking.
• High cholesterol.
• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• Depression.
• Family history of CVD.

Do you juggle between your professional, personal and social lives?

Do you have little time for your fitness goals?

Do not take your heart health lightly, infact make changes to live better. Make lifestyle and diet changes so that every day is a heart healthy day. Do not wait for any symptoms, instead start living heart healthy from today.

Your heart is the centre of your whole system; and here’s what you can do to keep it happy and healthy. Do all of these as part of your daily routine and you will have a healthy heart:

1.  Take fitness seriously.

Exercise regularly to make your heart muscles strong, so they contract and release repeatedly at a fast pace. This also burns away any accumulated fat that could deposit in your arteries that leads to heart attacks.

Pick one activity from here, and do it six days a week for 30 minutes:

• Walk.
• Jog.
• Run.
• Cycle.
• Swim.
• Aerobics/zumba/kick boxing.
• Active sport (football, tennis, badminton; etc).

2. Choose healthy foods.

Eat heart-healthy foods like avocado, oatmeal, salmon, olive oil, nuts, berries, pure chocolate, legumes and spinach. Make one of these a part of every meal.

3. Eat healthy fats not trans fats.

We need fats in our diet, including saturated and polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats. One fat we don’t need is trans fat, which is known to increase your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke over a lifetime. This is because trans fat clogs your arteries by raising your bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and lowering your good cholesterol levels (HDL). Stay away from fried foods and processed foods.

4. Don’t be sleep deprived.

Sleep is an essential part of keeping your heart healthy. If you don’t sleep enough, you may be at a higher risk for a cardiovascular disease no matter your age or other health habits. Adults who slept fewer than six hours per night are about twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack compared to people who slept six to eight hours per night.

5. Stay away from second- hand smoke.

The risk of developing heart disease is about 25 to 30 per cent higher for people who are exposed to second-hand smoke at home or work. This is because the chemicals emitted from cigarette smoke promote the development of plaque build-up in the arteries.

6. Meditate.

This reduces your stress levels and makes the heart pump normally. Even 10 minutes of meditation a day can help make a difference to your heart health.

7. Do things that you enjoy.

Do one enjoyable activity every day. Solve a crossword, phone your best friend,  read a book, watch a comedy show, anything that is happy and positive.

8. Practise good dental hygiene.

Dental health is a good indication of your overall health, including your heart, because those who have periodontal (gum) disease often have the same risk factors for heart. Brush twice a day and floss daily to maintain good dental hygiene.

Your heart and your diet.

Here are a few health tips on eating heart healthy:

• In order to take control of your heart health and your health in general, it’s important to evaluate your meal. Analyse the meals you eat, ingredients you use and cooking methods you use.
• The biggest part of turning a kitchen into a healthy place to cook and eat is to replace all junk foods and empty calorie foods with healthy options.
• Start cooking often. This helps you eat healthy and fresh home food and stay away from packaged foods and restaurant meals.
• An essential component of a heart-healthy diet is eating the right kinds of foods throughout the day. Snack strategically mid-morning and mid-afternoon to help keep you satisfied so that you don’t overeat at mealtime.
• Shop smart and plan ahead. Create weekly meals plans and buy groceries in advance. This will ensure you eat home food and get the maximum nutrients. Stocking the required ingredients also keeps you away from ready to eat packaged foods.

Is your heart healthy and strong? Do you have any queries on your cardiac health? Talk to our cardiologists at our Centre for Cardiac Sciences.  Please find below link for more details:

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

The Tata Mumbai Marathon is to be held on 20th January 2018. Are you running the marathon this year? Many have been training for months for the marathon day. Are you excited or nervous about the marathon? Relax your anxieties as we take you through essential health tips that help you cruise through the marathon smoothly.

Plan your marathon in advance:

1. Correct footwear

Invest in some good quality running shoes to protect your bones, muscles, joints and tendons during your training. Depending on your weight and the type of shoe, most running shoes should last between 300 and 800 miles.

2. Drink on the Run

During your training run, have the sports drink and energy gels you intend to refuel with during the race.

3. Don’t exceed your limits

Stick to your plan when training for a marathon. Doing more miles than you’re used to in the last few weeks will hurt–not help–your race.

4. Run a Dress Rehearsal

Four or five days before the marathon, do a two- or three-mile marathon-pace run in your marathon outfit and shoes. Besides boosting your confidence it will also test your endurance levels.

5. Get plenty of protein

Protein-rich foods are often associated with bodybuilders, but they’re just as important for runners. When you run, your body may use protein as fuel to keep going, so it’s important to regularly replace your stores.

6. Don’t forget core training

Remember to do regular core training, this will work the muscles in your abdomen which control posture and support the rest of your body. A strong core will make you a stronger, better runner and help prevent injuries.

7. Carbo-Load, Don’t Fat-Load

During the last three days, concentrate on eating healthy carbohydrate-rich foods and avoid fats.

You have been training for months for the marathon. Are you wondering what to do on the marathon day and how to prepare yourself on the final day? You may have many unanswered questions. Here are some expert tips from our Sports Medicine team to ace the marathon:

• Eat Breakfast

Two to three hours before the race eat a carbohydrate-rich breakfast. Breakfast restocks your body and prepares it for the run.

• Warm Up

Do a little warm up like jogging before the marathon because you want to preserve the glycogen stores and keep the core body temperature down. It also helps keep the heart rate slightly elevated.

• Line up Loose

Fifteen minutes before the start, begin some gentle stretching. Concentrate on the muscles of the back side of your body–your calves, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. Remember, your goal is to start the race comfortably.

• Start Slow

Run the first two to three miles 10 to 15 seconds per mile slower than goal pace. This preserves precious glycogen stores for later in the race so you can finish strong.

• Drink Early & Often

Have a sports drink at the first station and every one after. Taking in carbohydrates and fluid early will help postpone or prevent serious dehydration or carbohydrate depletion later, so you’ll be a lot more likely to maintain your pace.

Here are a few marathon mistakes to avoid:

• Training without a plan.

Everyone runs and trains differently so finding a plan that works for you is key. Be sure to follow a plan that suits your likings and needs.

• Improper diet intake

Your marathon training plan also includes eating a healthy diet. Finding proper ways to fuel and refuel your body will support your performance on the day of your marathon. Make sure that your choice of fuel is the exact same one [that] you use on race day. Do not change anything on race day.

• You’re not prepared for common running injuries.

Blisters are one of the most common alignments that runners suffer from. You can avoid setbacks like this by wearing the right running shoes during training.

Talk to your doctor immediately if your body shows some signs that you are not ready for a marathon:

1. If your heart rate increases to a very high level with minimal exercise. Normally the heartbeat increases gradually with increasing level of exercise.

2. If BP rises to a very high level during running then probably you are yet not fit. A systolic BP more than 180 mm Hg and diastolic BP more than 110 mm Hg during running is considered significantly high. Normally the BP increases marginally during exercise.

3. If the BP falls instead of rising during running, then there may be some serious underlying cardiac disease and you are not fit to run.

4. If the oxygen saturation dips to a very low level during exercise or running then you are not fit for a run. Consult a doctor immediately.

5. If you feel excessively fatigued with a relatively low level of exercise, then you are not fit to run.

Wishing all the runners a healthy and fun Marathon! Our Sports Medicine experts can help you with any sports related injuries. Please find below link for more details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/outreach/centre/sports_medicine_clinic_-_mumbai.html