Beware Of Osteoporosis!

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. As a result, bones become weak and may break from a fall or even by minor bumps. Osteoporosis means porous bones. Osteoporotic bones have lost density or mass and contain abnormal tissue structure. As bones become less dense, they weaken and are more likely to break. World Osteoporosis Day, 20th October is dedicated to raising global awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

Fracture, the most common early symptom:

You may have a fragility-related fracture before you are diagnosed with bone loss or osteoporosis. This means that your wrist, back, hip, or another bone is fractured as a result of a mild to moderate trauma, such as falling from below your standing height. Mild impact caused by tripping, falling, or hitting an object that might not have fractured or broken a bone in previous years can cause future fractures when you develop bone loss or osteoporosis.

Other early signs of Osteoporosis:

• A loss of height or change in posture, such as stooping over, can be signs that you might have osteoporosis.
• If you have a height loss of more than two inches or you have curvature of the spine, ask your doctor.
• High levels of serum calcium or alkaline phosphatase on a blood test
• Bone mineral density results showing a T-score of -2.5 or less.
• Vitamin D deficiency.
• Difficulty getting up from a chair without using your arms to push.
• Joint or muscle aches.

Who should get screened?

Men and women older than 50 should talk to their doctor about Osteoporosis. Any adult who has had a fracture after age 50 needs to get their bone density checked. Bone loss begins without noticeable symptoms hence screening is required.

How to reduce your risk of osteoporosis:

• Exercise regularly: Exercise, particularly weight-bearing exercises like walking, is important for good bone health. Balance training can also help prevent falls which is a leading cause of fractures. People who already have osteoporosis should avoid forward-bending of the spine, or exercises that involve twisting or jerking of the spine, and should consult with a physical therapist regarding appropriate exercises.
• Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis, and quitting is necessary for overall good health, including bone health.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Consuming alcohol is another risk factor for osteoporosis, so limiting alcohol consumption is important.
• Calcium supplements: From the age of 40, through menopause and into old age, women should also consider taking calcium supplements on a regular basis to keep their bones strong and elastic to prevent fractures.
• Concentrate on Vitamin K: Kale, spinach, collards, chard, turnip greens, and other dark leafy greens are rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K improves bone health and helps slow down bone loss after menopause in women.

Osteoporosis, are you at risk:

• Age. Your bone density peaks around age 30. After that, you’ll begin to lose bone mass. So that’s all the more reason to do strength training and weight-bearing exercise — and make sure you get enough calcium and vitamin D from your diet — to keep your bones as strong as possible as you get older.
• Gender. Women over the age of 50 are the most likely people to develop osteoporosis. The condition is 4 times as likely in women than men.
• Family history. If your parents or grandparents have had any signs of osteoporosis, such as a fractured hip after a minor fall, you may be more likely to get it, too.
• Bone structure and body weight. Petite and thin women have a greater chance of developing osteoporosis. One reason is that they have less bone to lose than women with more body weight and larger frames.
• Broken bones. If you’ve had fractures before, your bones may not be as strong.
• Certain diseases. Some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis raise the odds that you’ll get osteoporosis.
• Some medications. Certain prescription medications taken for long durations can also boost your odds of getting osteoporosis.
• Smoking. It’s bad for your bones. To lower your risk of osteoporosis and fractures — and many other health problems quit smoking.
• Alcohol. Heavy drinking can lead to thinning of the bones and make fractures more likely.

Do you or a family member have any symptoms of Osteoporosis? Get it checked today itself without any delay. Consult our experts at the Osteoporosis Clinic at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Please find below link:

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

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can affect one joint or multiple joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, with different causes and treatment methods. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s important to be accurately diagnosed and know what type of arthritis you have to get the appropriate treatment.

Arthritis affects more than 180 million people in India – higher than many well-known diseases such as diabetes, AIDS and cancer. Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain. Keep an eye for the early signs of arthritis as arthritis worsens over a period of time.

Symptoms of Arthritis:

• Joint Pain – The most common symptom of arthritis is joint pain, and this is the reason most people seek medical care for their arthritis. The type of pain can vary depending on the type of arthritis and the severity of the condition. Most people who have arthritis describe an aching pain in the joint that is worsened by activity and relieved by rest.
• Joint Swelling – Swelling of a joint can occur with many conditions, but the most common cause of joint swelling is arthritis. The second most common cause of swelling is an injury to the joint. So if no injury has occurred, it is likely that the swelling is due to arthritis.
• Stiffness of Joints – People who have arthritis almost always feel stiffness in their joints. You can check your joint motion by comparing it to the joint on the opposite side. Stiffness is usually worse in the morning or after long periods of sitting in one position. As the joint moves with activity, it usually loosens a bit.
• Deformity of Joints – As joint cartilage is worn away by arthritis, the extremity may take on a deformed appearance. This is often seen in the hands as crooked fingers. In the knee joint, people with arthritis may develop a knock-kneed or bow-legged appearance.
• Grinding Sensations – As joint cartilage is worn away, the smooth lining covering the rough bone is lost. When the bone is exposed, the joint may not move smoothly. You may feel or even hear a grinding sensation.
• Lumps and Bumps Around Joints – Arthritis can cause the formation of pockets of fluid (mucous cysts) or bone spurs. These are felt as knobby protuberances around the joint. They may or may not be sensitive to the touch, but they do give a lumpy appearance to the joint.
• Joint Tenderness – Joints that are arthritic are tender to the touch. Pressing around the joint and having an elicit pain is a reasonable indication that the joint is inflamed, and that it may have underlying arthritis.
• Warm/Red Joints – Joint inflammation can lead to symptoms of joint redness and warmth.

Some facts about Arthritis:

• Arthritis can affect children too. Arthritis is often thought of as an age disease that commonly affects the elderly. However, people of all ages may be affected, even children.
• Rheumatoid arthritis isn’t a type of arthritis related to old age, it usually develops in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Arthritis is three to four times more common amongst women as compared to men, especially older women.
• Patients suffering from arthritis symptoms, such pain and stiffness, often do not get adequate exercise due to increased levels of pain. This may lead to other lifestyle diseases like diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

Arthritis and food:

Following a healthy diet and adding in specific foods and spices could help fight inflammation and joint pain of Arthritis. Here are some suggested foods:

• Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. These veggies are part of the cruciferous family, and they are full of a compound called sulforaphane, which helps slow cartilage damage in joints due to osteoarthritis.
• Fatty fish. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation.
• Garlic. Garlic is a member of the allium family—which also includes onions and leeks. These items contain a compound called diallyl disulfide that may help with a number of diseases—including arthritis. This compound helpps limit cartilage-damaging enzymes.
• Turmeric. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, that is beneficial to manage chronic inflammatory-related joint disease.
• Vitamin C. Antioxidants in vitamin C may slow the progression of osteoarthritis. You can get vitamin C from strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, or cantaloupe.

Living with Arthritis

Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. Here are some do’s and don’ts about how to handle arthritis pain.

1. Everyday routine

• Keep your joints moving. Do daily, gentle stretches that move your joints through their full range of motion.
• Use good posture. A physical therapist can show you how to sit, stand and move correctly.
• Know your limits. Balance activity and rest, and don’t overdo. In addition, lifestyle changes are important for easing pain.
• Manage weight. Being overweight can increase complications of arthritis and contribute to arthritis pain. Making incremental, permanent lifestyle changes resulting in gradual weight loss is often the most effective method of weight management.
• Quit smoking. Smoking causes stress on connective tissues, which can increase arthritis pain.

2. Exercise

When you have arthritis, movement can decrease your pain and stiffness, improve your range of motion, strengthen your muscles, and increase your endurance.

What to do

Choose the right kinds of activities — those that build the muscles around your joints but don’t damage the joints themselves. Seek professional help if needed.

What to avoid

Avoid activities that involve high impact and repetitive motion, such as:

• Running
• Jumping
• Tennis
• High-impact aerobics
• Repeating the same movement, such as a tennis serve, again and again.

Do you know anyone suffering from Arthritis? Consult our team of specialists at the Centre for Bone and Joint. Please find below link for more details:

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

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It can be a devastating discovery for the patient. Sadly, no one knows the exact causes of breast cancer. Doctors seldom know why one woman develops breast cancer and another doesn’t, and most women who have breast cancer will never be able to pinpoint an exact cause. What is certain is that breast cancer is always caused by damage to a cell’s DNA.

Facts About Breast Cancer

• One in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women.
• Breast cancer can often relapse after complete cure, and is called recurrence.
• Although breast cancer is less common in men, a small percent of men suffer from breast cancer.

Tumours

A tumour is a mass of abnormal tissue. There are two types of tumours: those that are non-cancerous, or ‘benign’, and those that are cancerous, which are ‘malignant’.

1. Benign Tumours

When a tumour is diagnosed as benign, doctors will usually leave it alone rather than remove it. Occasionally they may continue to grow, pressing on organs and causing pain or other problems. In these situations, the tumour is removed, allowing pain or complications to subside.

2. Malignant tumours

Malignant tumours are cancerous and aggressive because they invade and damage surrounding tissue. When a tumour is suspected to be malignant, the doctor will perform a biopsy to determine the severity or aggressiveness of the tumour.

3. Metastatic cancer

Metastatic cancer is when cancer cells of a malignant tumour spread to other parts of the body, usually through the lymph system, and form a secondary tumour.

When dealing with breast cancer, tumours are often graded based on a scale of one to three indicating how aggressive the cancerous cells are:

• Low grade (1) – Well-differentiated.
• Intermediate grade (2) – Moderately differentiated.
• High grade (3) – Poorly differentiated.

Breast cancer tumour grades are not to be confused with cancer stages. Tumour grades help to determine the best treatment plan, and in general, a lower grade tumour means a better chance for a full recovery. However, there are individuals who make full recoveries at every stage and with even the highest grades of aggressive tumours.

Risk Factors:

Here are some of the risk factors of breast cancer.

Risk Factors You Cannot Change:

• Getting older. The risk for breast cancer increases with age; most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
• Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who have inherited these genetic changes are at a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
• Reproductive history. Early menstrual periods before age 12 and starting menopause after age 55 expose women to hormones longer, raising their risk of getting breast cancer.
• Having dense breasts. Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, which can sometimes make it hard to see tumours on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts are more likely to get breast cancer.
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases. Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to get breast cancer a second time. Some non-cancerous breast diseases such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
• Family history of breast cancer. A woman’s risk for breast cancer is higher if she has a mother, sister, or daughter (first-degree relative) or multiple family members on either her mother’s or father’s side of the family who have had breast cancer.
• Previous treatment using radiation therapy. Women who had radiation therapy to the chest or breasts before age 30 have a higher risk of getting breast cancer later in life.

Risk Factors You Can Change:

• Not being physically active. Women who are not physically active have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
• Being overweight or obese after menopause. Older women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those at a normal weight.
• Taking hormones. Some forms of hormone replacement therapy (those that include both estrogen and progesterone) taken during menopause can raise the risk for breast cancer when taken for more than five years. Certain oral contraceptives (birth control pills) also have been found to raise breast cancer risk.
• Reproductive history. Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.
• Drinking alcohol. Studies show that a woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with the more alcohol she drinks.

Types of breast cancer:

Breast cancer can begin in different areas of the breast — the ducts, the lobules, or in some cases, the tissue in between. In this section, you can learn about the different types of breast cancer, including non-invasive, invasive, and metastatic breast cancers, as well as the intrinsic or molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Here are some types:

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive breast cancer where abnormal cells have been contained in the lining of the breast milk duct.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma means that abnormal cells that originated in the lining of the breast milk duct have invaded surrounding tissue.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Triple negative breast cancer means that the cells in the tumour are negative for progesterone, estrogen, and HER2/neu receptors.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer is a less common form of breast cancer that may not develop a tumour and often affects the skin.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the breast, sometimes into the lungs, bones, or brain.

Breast Cancer During Pregnancy

Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy may face tremendous additional strain due to concern for the safety of the unborn child.

Other Types

Less common types of breast cancer include Medullary Carcinoma, Tubular Carcinoma, and Mucinous Carcinoma.

Is anyone you know suffering from Breast cancer? Consult our team of specialists at the exclusive Breast Clinic at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Our experienced team provides accurate diagnosis with the best possible treatment options. Please find below website link:

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

World Heart Day is observed across the world on 29th September. It is observed to spread the message of maintaining a healthy heart amongst people. Globally cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death claiming 17.5 million lives each year. The day aims to make people aware about how to control and prevent heart diseases. Controlling risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity can avoid 80% of premature deaths from heart diseases.

Cardiovascular (CVD) disease is the world’s number one killer today. It is time we change these statistics. By making just a few small changes to our lives, we can reduce our risk of heart disease. The theme for this year is for my heart, for your heart, for all our hearts. This means to make a promise to take steps to improve your heart health as well as of other around you.

Be regular in your medical check ups:

• Check your blood glucose levels: High blood sugar can be indicative of diabetes.
• Check your numbers: Measure your cholesterol, weight, body mass index regularly as well as your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Your doctor can advise you on your CVD risk and help you improve your heart health.

Understand the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Over 70% of all cardiac and breathing emergencies occur in the home when a family member is present and could help a victim. Talk to your healthcare professional about cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses so you can help a loved-one in the event of a heart attack.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Here are some signs of a heart attack:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light headedness.

Symptoms vary between men and women. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Do not waste a minute, call for emergency medical help if someone around you is having a heart attack.

Some facts about heart diseases:

• Heart disease is also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD) or coronary heart disease (CHD) and includes illnesses associated with the heart and vessels.
• Heart attacks occur when oxygen-rich blood is blocked and can’t flow to the heart. The section of the heart devoid of oxygen begins to die if the flow isn’t restored in a sufficient amount of time.
• There are many types of heart disease, including: hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary heart disease (heart attack), and cerebrovascular disease (stroke).
• It is predicted that by 2030, almost 23.6 million people will die from a type of heart disease globally.
• Alcohol and stress can also increase cardiovascular risk.

Health tips to prevent heart diseases:

1. Cholesterol levels:
High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Preventing and treating high blood cholesterol includes eating a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, keeping a healthy weight, and getting regular exercise. All adults should have their cholesterol levels checked once every five years. If yours is high, your doctor may prescribe medicines to help lower it.

2. Prevent and control high blood pressure:
Lifestyle actions such as healthy diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, and: healthy weight will help you to keep normal blood pressure levels and all adults should have their blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Blood pressure is easily checked. If your blood pressure is high, you can work with your doctor to treat it and bring it down to the normal range.

3. Control diabetes:
People with diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease but can reduce their risk through weight loss and regular physical activity.

4. No tobacco:
Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Never smoking is one of the best things a person can do to lower their risk. And, quitting smoking will also help lower a person’s risk of heart disease.

5. Moderate alcohol use:
Excessive alcohol use increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. People who drink should do so only in moderation and always responsibly.

6. Maintain a healthy weight:
Healthy weight status in adults is usually assessed by using weight and height to compute a number called the “body mass index” (BMI). BMI usually indicates the amount of body fat. An adult who has a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Overweight is a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Normal weight is a BMI of 18 to 24.9. Proper diet and regular physical activity can help to maintain a healthy weight.

7. Regular physical activity:
Adults should engage in moderate level physical activities for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.

8. Diet and nutrition:
Along with healthy weight and regular physical activity, an overall healthy diet can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. This includes eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lowering or cutting out added salt or sodium, and eating less saturated fat and cholesterol to lower these risks.

The best heart healthy exercises:

• Suryanamaskar – This yoga move will strengthen the upper body and keep it supple. The repetitive movement of going up from the ground to standing is a great heart-pumping exercise.
• Swimming – Water can be a great medium to give you a super effective cardiovascular workout. It is a safe and intense workout.
• Cycling – The continuous non-impact pedalling can place smooth and constant tension  on the leg muscles and make the heart work as hard as you want it to.

Whether its chest pain or discomfort or you want a second opinion regarding a heart surgery. Consult our expert Cardiologists at the Centre for Cardiac Sciences. Please find below link for more details:

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

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia. Dementia is a broader term for conditions caused by brain injuries or diseases that negatively affect memory, thinking, and behaviour. These changes interfere with daily living. Most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease need full-time support at later stages to complete daily living tasks such as getting showered and dressed, eating, or completing any household task.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Most people with the disease are diagnosed after age 65. If it’s diagnosed before then, it’s generally referred to as early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers have discovered that Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the build up of proteins, sometimes called plaques or tangles, within the brain. However, the cause of these protein build-ups is still unknown. Some risk factors have been determined, including age, genetics, and head injuries. Proper care giving and support can increase a person’s quality of life. There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but there are treatments that can slow the progression of the disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s:

Everyone has episodes of forgetfulness from time to time. But people with Alzheimer’s disease display certain ongoing behaviours and symptoms that worsen over time. These can include:

• memory loss affecting your daily activities, such as your ability to keep appointments.
• trouble with familiar tasks, such as using a microwave.
• difficulties with problem-solving.
• trouble with speech or writing.
• becoming disoriented about times or places.
• decreased judgment.
• decreased personal hygiene.
• mood and personality changes.
• withdrawal from friends, family, and community.

Alzheimer’s Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors which make you more prone to Alzheimer’s:

• Age: Most people who develop Alzheimer’s disease are 65 years of age or older.
• Family history: If you have an immediate family member who has developed the condition, you’re more likely to get it too.
• Genetics: Certain genes have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Head injuries: A serious head injury can highly increase your chance of getting Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s Stages

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means the symptoms will gradually worsen over time. Alzheimer’s is broken down into seven different stages:

• Stage 1: There are no symptoms at this stage, but there might be an early diagnosis based on family history.
• Stage 2: The earliest symptoms appear, such as forgetfulness.
• Stage 3: Mild physical and mental impairments appear, such as reduced memory and concentration. These may only be noticeable by someone very close to the person.
• Stage 4: Alzheimer’s is often diagnosed at this stage, but it’s still considered mild. Memory loss and the inability to perform everyday tasks is evident.
• Stage 5: Moderate to severe symptoms require help from loved ones or caregivers.
• Stage 6: At this stage, a person with Alzheimer’s may need help with basic tasks, such as eating and putting on clothes.
• Stage 7: This is the most severe and final stage of Alzheimer’s. There may be a loss of speech and facial expressions.

As a person progresses through these stages, they’ll need increasing support from a caregiver who can be a family member or a hired help.

Myths and Facts

Here are some myths and facts about Alzheimer’s:

Myth 1: Memory loss is a natural part of aging.

Reality: As people age, it’s normal to have occasional memory problems, such as forgetting the name of a person you’ve recently met. However, Alzheimer’s is more than occasional memory loss. It’s a disease that causes brain cells to malfunction and ultimately die. When this happens, an individual may forget the name of a long time friend or what roads to take to return to a home they’ve lived in for decades.

Myth 2: Alzheimer’s disease is not fatal.

Reality: Alzheimer’s disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviours and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person’s identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.

Myth 3: Only older people can get Alzheimer’s.

Reality: Alzheimer’s can strike people in their 30s, 40s and even 50s. This is called as early onset Alzheimer’s.

Prevent Alzheimer’s

Here are a few things you can do to prevent Alzheimer’s:

• Be physically active.
• Learn new things, keep your brain busy.
• Adapt healthy eating habits.
• Get enough sleep.
• Lower your stress levels.
• Treat depression.
• Conduct regular health checks ups to maintain normal blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and weight.
• Avoiding smoking & excessive alcohol intake.

The specialised Alzheimer’s Clinic at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital sees numerous patients every year. Our team of experts offer holistic support for the patient to live better. Please see the below website link for further details:

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