Poor AQI – Respiratory Health Precautions

Does the skyline look hazy to you? Do you see the Mumbai smog? For most of the last few weeks, the air quality has remained in the ‘poor’ category in Mumbai. This has adversely affected the health of many people especially vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. According to the network of monitoring stations that make up the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 0-49 is regarded as “good,” 50 to 99 as “satisfactory,” and 100 to 199 as “moderate.” AQI above 400 ‘severe’ and above 500 is considered ‘severe+’.

How Air pollution harms your health?

Exposure to toxic substances can have both short and long-term consequences. Chest pain, breathing difficulties, coughing, throat irritation, airway inflammation, lung tissue destruction, impaired lung function, asthma, and an increased risk of respiratory infections are just a few of the negative impacts of breathing in low quality air. Around 3 million premature deaths worldwide are attributed to air pollution, the most of which are caused by lung cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute respiratory infections.

Particulate matter includes toxic substances including sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide. They cause swelling by irritating the bronchial passages. Breathing gets more difficult as the tubes get smaller. People with pre-existing respiratory health conditions have trouble breathing and the poor air quality makes matters worse for them. The poor air quality is also leading to chronic infections and allergies amongst school going children.

Chronic lower respiratory diseases — including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma deteriorate your quality of life and may also lead to fatalities in extreme cases. Further with increasing age, your lungs, just like your heart, joints, and other parts of your body, age with time. They can become less flexible and lose their strength, which can affect their breathing capability. You must adopt healthy lifestyle habits to maintain the health of your lungs, and help them work optimally.

Our health expert, Dr Tanu Singhal, Consultant Paediatrician and Infectious Diseases specialist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai suggests that she has been seeing an increase in viral infections among both children and adults in the past two weeks. Exacerbation of conditions like asthma and allergies is the most common ailment she is attending to at this duration. People with a milder form of respiratory infections are at risk of developing severe forms of the infection due to poor air quality, she said. She also warned against self-medicating, except in allergy cases, for minor coughs and colds as taking antibiotics for viral infections does more harm in the long run without providing any immediate relief.

Health precautions

Here are some simple and helpful tips to protect you and your family from the poor AQI and air pollution:

• Check the air quality
• Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high
• Try to stay indoors if possible
• Wear a mask if stepping outdoors
• Invest in an air purifier
• Quit smoking
• Don’t burn wood or trash

If you or a loved one are facing a breathing difficulty, chest discomfort or wheezing do not hesitate to seek care at our Department of Pulmonary Medicine. Our pulmonologists can help manage your symptoms with prompt diagnosis and care. Call 022 42696969 for appointments. Please visit the below website for more details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine.html

Are you happy and excited for the winter season and look forward to don your warm clothes? However the winter season may not be as pleasant for all. The colder temperature and the dryness in the weather can impact people’s health adversely and increase their risk of falling ill. The elderly and young children are more susceptible to seasonal winter infections. Let’s look at some of the most prevalent wintertime seasonal ailments that affect the community and understand their preventive measures:

• Gastroenteritis and norovirus
  Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are symptoms of these acute stomach infections. There are several causes of gastroenteritis, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The main sources of transmission for this condition are person-to-person contact and contaminated food and water.
  Prevention – It is best to drink boiled water and maintain high hygiene while preparing and storing food.
• Bronchitis
  Acute bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways between the mouth, nose, and lungs, is seen more often in the winter. The most typical sign of bronchitis is a hacking cough that, after a few days, may produce mucus. The majority of people will recover in seven to ten days with the help of medications and rest.
  Prevention – You must follow a healthy lifestyle, maintain high hygiene levels and stay hydrated.
• Common cold
  The winter season is when the ever-present “cold” is at its height. A sore throat, stuffy and runny nose, and a mild to moderate cough are the hallmarks of the common cold, a respiratory infection. Runny nose, congestion, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, moderate headache and body aches, lethargy, and low-grade fever are a few of the symptoms.
  Prevention – It is best to eat home cooked food, avoid meeting sick people and wash your hands regularly.
• Pneumonia
  A potentially fatal condition known as pneumonia is caused when bacterial and viral infections spread throughout the alveoli, or small air sacs in the lungs, and fill them with fluid. Therefore, those who have pneumonia have shortness of breath. Coughing, sneezing, or touching infected objects and then touching your mouth or nose right away can spread the bacteria that cause pneumonia. Chest pain, chills, a high temperature, quick and heavy breathing, and a cough with yellow or green mucus are a few of the signs of pneumonia. In some cases, pneumonia can be extremely serious and even fatal if not treated promptly.
  Prevention – You must wash your hands often, exercise regularly, eat healthy and quit smoking.
• Dry skin conditions
  It is among the most prevalent issues encountered throughout the winter. Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis also aggravate in winters and cause extreme dryness, cracked skin, bleeding, discomfort, etc.
  Prevention – It is advisable to prevent hot water baths, moisturize frequently to keep the skin moist.
• Joint pain
  The majority of arthritis patients experience pain and discomfort during the cold winter months. Wear warm clothing to keep your body warm and exercise during the winter.
  Prevention – Regular exercise, wearing warm clothes and hot water bags can help reduce the occurrence of such pains.
• Asthma and allergies
  Winter might be the most challenging season of the year for people with asthma. Your airways might become irritated by cold, dry air and abrupt changes in the weather, which can create more mucus. People who already have allergies may experience worse symptoms in the winter. Or, some individuals who are allergic to the dust mites may experience additional symptoms such as an itchy nose, watery eyes, clear mucus, and nasal congestion.
  Prevention – Stay away from triggers and keep yourself warm to reduce asthma attacks and allergies.

Hand washing frequently is the first step in lowering the risk of contracting several common illnesses throughout the winter. Apart from that you must eat healthy, exercise regularly and sleep well too to strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of illness. If you are suffering from any of the above conditions, get in touch with our health experts for further care. Call us on 022 42696969 for appointments or visit the below website: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com

Did you know? In comparison to women, men tend to pay less attention to their health. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, and depression are among the illnesses that plague men. However, they also face particular problems including benign prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. With a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a nutritious diet, quitting smoking, managing stress, and stopping alcohol use, many of the primary health problems that men confront can be avoided. Good health should be a priority for everyone including all men.

Heart disease, prostate cancer, liver cirrhosis are the most common diseases affecting Indian men. It’s never too late to start making healthier decisions, and any age is a good time to take charge of your health. Just like women, men need to choose nutritious foods, go to the doctor frequently, manage their stress, and exercise frequently. Here are a few expert recommended lifestyle changes to follow to help preserve men’s health:

• Have regular checkups
  Regardless of your age or health conditions, getting a health checkup done annually is one of the best things men can do for their personal wellbeing. The physical examination should also include tests for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. It is also important to pay equal attention to your mental well-being and seek care if required.
• Get moving
  Medical professionals recommend getting at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Apart from brisk walking, you must also engage in activity that gets your heart rate up. Get at least 75 minutes of severe activity (intense cardio or muscle-strengthening activities) or 150 minutes of moderate exercise (power walking, running, or swimming) per week. Your muscles and other body parts will become stronger the more your heart is working.
• See a doctor if  something doesn’t seem right
  A cut or sore that doesn’t appear to heal, a change in your moles or birthmarks, unexplained weight swings, or sexual dysfunction are all reasons to consult a doctor. It’s also vital if you’ve noticed changes in your sleep or bathroom habits. Keep in mind that many serious health conditions start out as minor issues that, if caught early enough, may have been avoided or managed better.
• Know your family history – and inform your doctor
  You may be more likely to develop some chronic health disorders if your father or other family members have a history of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or other chronic illnesses. Your doctor can assist you in creating a plan of action to reduce those risks and improve your chances of early detection.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
  Most diet plans focus on calorie restriction. Your body enters a state of starvation or conservation when you restrict your nutrient intake. Whatever you put in it is taken and saved for later. You will be stronger and healthier if you consume more of the proper calories. You must seek advice from a nutritionist for a personalized plan that suits your lifestyle and health.
• Get enough sleep
  You must get at least seven hours of sleep a night to help your mind and body relax and rejuvenate. Avoiding exposure to TV, phone, and computer screens an hour before bed is an excellent approach to improve your sleep. Men tend to suffer from libido issues and fatigue. These concerns may be automatically solved once they get enough sleep. Your body needs sleep to be able to respond to stress and change.
• Take regular breaks
  One of the best ways to manage stress is to take a break every now and then to play a sport you enjoy, connect with friends, read a book or take up a hobby you enjoy.
• Get your prostate checked
  Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis among Indian men. Urinary incontinence, discomfort during urination, or the presence of blood in the urine could all be symptoms of prostate issues. Consult a specialist and get your prostate health checked.
• Quit bad habits
  Habits such as smoking, chewing tobacco as well as consumption of alcohol are harmful for your body and may lead to diseases such as cancer, respiratory ailments, heart diseases as well as other complications Quit today.

Men’s healthcare at KDAH

Be it a cardiac ailment, a sexual dysfunction or a neurological disorder the team at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai is trained to diagnose, treat and manage various health conditions that affect men. It is time to increase the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Please find below our website for any further details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com

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