World Heart Day-5 Simple Steps To Keep Heart Healthy

To convert knowledge into action requires that things are kept simple and easy! Here are the five things to do to keep your heart healthy.

Happy World Heart Day.

1. Get away from your seat and go for a walk with your loved one. Walk, we evolved by walking. Walking protects the heart and the brain. The earlier you start the better it is. Even if you are just out of college or in college, you need to establish an habit of walking if not running or jogging.

2. Eat healthy and balanced food. Hmmm, that is too broad an advice. So here you go, avoid soft drinks/carbonated drinks, processed foods like chips, cookies, etc.

3. Get out of bad job and bad relationship. Having a bad boss can b harmful to your heart! Having a abusive partner too is bad for health. Love yourself  to love others.

4.  Smoking damages your heart and lungs. Stop smoking, your heart will thank you.

5. And we have saved the best for the last. Yup, have a good nights sleep and supplement that with an afternoon nap. Good sleep can protect your heart and brain

Now, isn't that simple steps to follow to keep your heart healthy!

Is The Medication You Are Taking For Knee Pain Safe?

Invariably people suffer from knee pain. The reasons for knee pain can be various, but most often people are prescribed pain relievers. Most pain relievers belong to the class of drugs called Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID). Few do take only paracetamol which is not an NSAID.

                                                Image Courtesy: Flickr -James Buck


Recently we had a second opinion consultation for high blood pressure (BP). She is a 55 year old lady who suffers from severe knee pain on account of osteoarthritis since few years. As the first Orthopedician was not able to relieve her pain, they consulted a second orthopedician, who had put her on Oxaceprol for more than a month. She was also on Piroxicam. She was having giddiness since one month. Six days earlier they had visited their general physician who prescribed her Olemasartan for her high BP. The next day her giddiness symptoms aggravated. At this point, we were consulted.

When we went through the detailed history, we diagnosed that her BP was high because of the two NSAID drugs, that is, Oxaceprol and Piroxicam, for her knee pain. This was preventing the Olemasartan to reduce her BP. We immediately asked her to stop her pain medications (NSAIDS).
She improved significantly within 24 hours. We suspected that her kidneys might have been damaged because of NSAIDS. Blood report indicated elevated creatinine and urea. Luckily, they were just above the upper limit of normal.

Why are reporting this story here?

We have come across many patients who take pain relievers for prolonged duration only to end up having more severe side effects like elevated blood pressure, kidney damage, gastric ulceration.

So if you are suffering from knee pain or if you any one known to you suffers from knee pain and is on chronic NSIADS, get them checked for side effects. People with diabetes need to be 100 times more careful when they take pain relievers.

Be informed, stay healthy!

Where To Get Help For Elderly Parents

Taking care of your elderly parents can be made easy. You need to have the right people supporting you. Our team of experts make it easy for you to take care of your elderly parent and ensure they stay healthy.

Making your loved one's and your life better! Get help today. Get in touch with us

Elderly Care Support-Food & Swallowing in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's is a movement disorder which impacts the affected person severely and also the person taking care of.


You can read more about Parkinson's here.

The video below from National Parkinson Foundation talks about mealtime and swallowing.

 

If you are taking care of an elderly and you need help or support, get in touch with us. care@pranaenablers.com

Dizzines-What That Can Mean?

Dizziness, fainting spell or vertigo can be experienced by the young and the old. They can be troubling for few days and can go away on their own. You  need to consult your general physician or family doctor who will guide you to either ENT Surgeon or a Neurologist based on your history and physical findings.

                                               Image Courtesy: Tony Takitani at Flickr

What Are The Causes Of Dizziness/Vertigo?

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This condition causes an intense and brief  sense that you're spinning or moving. These episodes are triggered by a rapid change in head movement, such as when you turn over in bed, sit up or experience a blow to the head. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo.
• Drop in blood pressure. A dramatic drop in your systolic blood pressure may result in brief lightheadedness or a feeling of faintness. It can occur after sitting up or standing too quickly. This condition is also called orthostatic hypotension.
• Poor blood circulation. Conditions such as cardiomyopathy, heart attack, heart arrhythmia and transient ischemic attack could cause dizziness. And a decrease in blood volume may cause inadequate blood flow to your brain or inner ear.
• Infection. A viral infection of the vestibular nerve, called vestibular neuritis, can cause intense, constant vertigo. If you also have sudden hearing loss, you may have labyrinthitis.
• Meniere's disease. This disease involves the excessive buildup of fluid in your inner ear. It's characterized by sudden episodes of vertigo lasting as long as several hours. You may also experience fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ear and the feeling of a plugged ear.
• Migraine. People who experience migraines may have episodes of vertigo or other types of dizziness even when they're not having a severe headache. Such vertigo episodes can last minutes to hours and may be associated with headache as well as light and noise sensitivity.
• Neurological conditions. Some neurological disorders — such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis — can lead to progressive loss of balance.
• Medications. Dizziness can be a side effect of certain medications — such as anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, sedatives and tranquilizers. In particular, blood pressure lowering medications may cause faintness if they lower your blood pressure too much.
• Anxiety disorders. Certain anxiety disorders may cause lightheadedness or a woozy feeling often referred to as dizziness. These include panic attacks and a fear of leaving home or being in large, open spaces (agoraphobia).
• Low iron levels (anemia). Other signs and symptoms that may occur along with dizziness if you have anemia include fatigue, weakness and pale skin.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This condition generally occurs in people with diabetes who use insulin. Dizziness (lightheadedness) may be accompanied by sweating and anxiety.
• Overheating and dehydration. If you're active in hot weather, or if you don't drink enough fluids, you may feel dizzy from overheating (hyperthermia) or from dehydration. This is especially true if you take certain heart medications.

Dizziness can affect your quality of life. It can prevent you from your routine activities. It also increases y our risk of falling or injuring yourself. Consulting a doctor prevents long term consequences.

Self-care

If you have vertigo, you may be able to prevent your symptoms from getting worse by:

• Avoiding sudden movements or position changes
• Keeping still and resting when you have symptoms
• Avoiding bright lights, TV, and reading when you have symptoms

When you feel better, slowly increase your activity. If you lose your balance, you may need help walking to stay safe.

A sudden, dizzy spell during certain activities can be dangerous. Wait 1 week after a severe spell of vertigo is gone before you climb, drive, or operate heavy machinery or consult your health care provider for advice. Chronic lightheadedness or vertigo can cause stress. Make healthy lifestyle choices to help you cope:

• Get enough sleep.
• Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. Don't overeat.
• Exercise regularly, if possible.
• Learn and practice ways to relax, such as guided imagery, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, tai chi, or meditation.

Reference: https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dizzinessandvertigo.html

To know more get in touch with your doctor or you can contact us anytime.

This post is not a substitute for professional medical advice. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or (in the United States) 911 immediately. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. Prana Healthcare provides information and guidance to health-related questions certain rights under Prana Healthcare's Terms of Service

Do You Say These Things To People Who Are Not Well?

As relatives, friends or well wishers we want to cheer up the spirit of a person who is not doing well. At times even if our intentions are good we say things which harm or demean a person struggling with her/his illness.

If only you could think positive, you will come out of this! You need to show greater will power!

                                            Image Courtesy: Sakiryildirim on Deviantart


These statements are very easily said. For a person who is not well it is at times being in swamp, she/he needs a helping hand to get out of it and not sermons.

If you say the following things you may want to think about it!

1. You Don't Look Sick:

People don't have to necessarily look sick even when they have multitude of problems. Conditions like Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, Kidney failure can look very normal in their initial phases. That does not mean that they are not battling their problems.

2. It's All In Your Head:

This is a very common phrase for people who complain that feel tired or say that they sleep less. In all reality they could possibly be recovering from viral infection or have Vitamin B 12 deficiency or experiencing side effects from medicines which they are taking.

3. It Could Have Been Worse:

This does not help the person as she/he is left wondering whether their disease will get worse. Also it does not take away the suffering they have.
The intention might have been good but your encouragement or advice can be better than the above phrase.

4. I Know How You Feel:

Even if you have suffered the same illness or have the same chronic condition, it does mean that you can relate to their feeling. Each individual's pain threshold, body metabolism is different. The medicine which worked for your relative or you, may not be working for this person. Empathy can best expressed by listening to them.

5. "Just Think Positive"

This is an all time favorite. While positive thinking helps, it cannot be a cure in itself unless aided by other support mechanism. When in chronic pain or acute pain, try thinking positive, you will know how challenging it is.

You can let us know your thoughts and your suggestions. You can add to this list by writing to us.

What Can You Do To Save A Life Today

Many of us underestimate ourselves. We think we are not making a difference in this world. This false feeling can diminish your life and also that of people who love you.

The reality is we make a difference by just lending a listening ear. Those who are our friends value us for the time we spend with them and the way we value them.

What is that we are driving at?

                                                         Image Courtesy: Pixabay


Today is World Suicide Prevention Day! You have the power to make someone happy and therefore life better.

Key facts

• Over 800 000 people die due to suicide every year.
• For every suicide there are many more people who attempt suicide every year. A prior suicide attempt is the single most important risk factor for suicide in the general population.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
• 75% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally.

You can read more here at WHO 

 Few resources for prevention of Suicide:

022 2754 6669

AASRA

Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Languages: English, Hindi

Website: www.aasra.info

• Suicide Prevention Resource Centre
•  Suicide.org

Befrienders India - National Association 
c/o Sneha, 11 Park View Road
R.A.Puram
600 028
Chennai
Website: befriendersindia.org 

Centres

Lifeline Foundation 
17/1A Alipore Road
Sarat Bose Road
700 027
KOLKATA
Hotline: +91 33 2474 4704
Hotline: +91 33 2474 5886
Hotline: 2474 5255
Website: education.vsnl.com/n4h/ 

AASRA 
A-4, Tanwar View, CHS,
Plot NO - 43, Sector 7
Koparkhairane
400 701
NAVI MUMBAI 
Contact by: Face to Face  - Phone  - Letter: 
Hotline: +91 22 2754 6669 
Hours: 
    Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 09:00 - 21:00

MAITREYI 
255 Thyagumudali Street
605001
PONDICHERRY 
Contact by: Face to Face  - Phone  - Letter: 
Hotline: +91-413-339999 
Hours: 
    Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun: 14:00 - 20:00

ROSHNI 
1-8-303/48/21 Kalavathy Nivas,
Sindhi Colony
S.P. Road
500003 A.P.
SECUNDERABAD 
Contact by: Face to Face  - Phone  - Letter: 
Hotline: +91 40 7904646
E-mail Helpline: help@roshnihyd.org 
Hours: 
    Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 11:00 - 21:00

Saath 
B12 Nilamber Complex
H.L. Commerce College Road
Navrangpura
380 006
AHMEDABAD
Hotline: +91 79 2630 5544
Hotline: +91 79 2630 0222 

SNEHA 
11 Park View Road
(Near Chennai Kaliappa Hospital)
R.A. Puram
600 028
Chennai 
Contact by: Face to Face  - Phone  - Letter: 
Hotline: +91 (0) 44 2464 0050 
Website: snehaindia.org
E-mail Helpline: help@snehaindia.org
24 Hour service: 

The Samaritans Sahara 
Sir J-J. Road
Byculla Bridge
400 008
MUMBAI 
Contact by: Face to Face  - Phone  - Letter:  - E-mail: 
Hotline: +91-22-2307 3451
Website: mumbainet.com/health/samarita.htm 
Hours: 
    Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 15:00 - 21:00
    Sat, Sun: 10:00 - 21:00

Sumaitri 
1 Bhagwandas Lane
Aradhana Hostel Complex 
Basement
110 001
NEW DELHI 
Contact by: Face to Face  - Phone  - Letter: 
Hotline: 2338 9090
Website: sumaitri.org 
Hours: 
    Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri: 14:00 - 22:00
    Sat, Sun: 10:00 - 22:00

MAITHRI - Cochin 
Ashirbhavan Road
Kacheripady
Ernakulam Kochi
682 018
Kochi
KERALA 
Contact by: Face to Face  - Phone  - Letter: 
Hotline: +91 239 6272
Website: maithrikochi.org
E-mail Helpline: maithrikochi@yahoo.co.in

Why You Should Prevent Falls In Edlerly

How many times have you heard or come across a grandparent or uncle or aunt who had a fall in the bathroom or someplace and had to be hospitalized! Remember right?

You will be surprised to know the following facts:

• One out of three older adults (those aged 65 or older) falls each year but less than half talk to their healthcare providers about it.
• Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
• Older adults living in nursing homes and long-term institutions fall more often than community dwelling older adults
• Falls are also the leading cause of death due to injury in the elderly.  87% of all fractures in the elderly are due to falls.

Why do they fall?

Many conditions cause repeated falls.

1. Poor eyesight
2. Orthostatic hypotension, that is BP falls on standing and therefore blood supply to brain is cut off.
3. Parkinsonism
4. Stroke
5. General decrease in hand, body and mind coordination 

How can older adults prevent falls?

• Exercise regularly. It is important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance, and that they get more challenging over time. Tai Chi programs are especially good.
• Ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines—both prescription and over-the counter—to identify medicines that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.
• Have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and update their eyeglasses to maximize their vision. Consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for some activities such as walking outside.
• Make their homes safer by reducing tripping hazards, adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet, adding railings on both sides of stairways, and improving the lighting in their homes.
• Having attendant or support staff to help them in their daily activities also reduces falls. 
• Make city, parks, transport systems safer and elderly friendly

To lower their hip fracture risk, older adults can:

• Get adequate calcium and vitamin D—from food and/or from supplements.
• Do weight bearing exercise.
• Get screened and, if needed, treated for osteoporosis.

 

If You Take Pride Working Long Hours-You Need To Read This

If you are a person working in private sector chances are, you work long hours. Working long hours is unfortunately considered good and people look down on those who work standard hours. It is a different matter that many studies have shown that productivity dips as people work long hours. 

Well, we are not discussing efficiency or productivity of working long hours here. Our concern is about what working long hours does to health.

                                                           Image Courtesy: Pixabay


Many studies have found that working long hours increases risk of  heart disease and stroke (paralysis). 

A recent Lancet study confirms the findings. It says that people who work 55 hours or more per week have a 1.3 times greater risk of incident stroke than people who work standard hours.

Below is an excerpt from the article which throws more light on the possible reasons for increased risk from working long hours.

"Sudden death from overwork is often caused by stroke and is believed to result from a repetitive triggering of the stress response Behavioural mechanisms, such as physical inactivity, might also link long working hours and stroke; a hypothesis supported by evidence of an increased risk of incident stroke in individuals who sit for long periods at work. Physical inactivity can increase the risk of stroke through various biological mechanisms, and heavy alcohol consumption—a risk factor for all types of stroke -might be a contributing factor because employees working long hours seem to be slightly more prone to risky drinking than are those who work standard hours. Some, albeit inconsistent, evidence suggests that individuals who work long hours are more likely to ignore symptoms of disease and have greater prehospital delays in relation to acute cardiovascular events than do those who work standard hours."

So What is the take home message?

1. Work standard hours or even better less hours!

2. Avoid sitting for prolonged period

3. Avoid or eliminate Alcohol.

4. Jogging, cycling or walking will protect you from some of the risk!

Stay  healthy! If you have any health related questions or doubts, our Doctors will be happy to answer you.

Does Alcohol Increase Cancer Risk?

We all know that smoking causes cancer. Smoking or rather tobacco related products are responsible for varied cancers like oral, pharyngeal, lung, kidney, bladder, cervical to name a few.

                                                          Image Courtesy: Pixabay


But what about Alcohol? Does Alcohol cause increase?

Alcohol consumption leads to higher risk of many cancers like breast, oesophagus, oral, pharyngeal, liver, colon and rectum!

If you are wondering that some alcohols are better over others, you are mistaken. All forms of alcohol from wine, beer, whiskey to rum, all increase risk of cancer. However the risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who had two to three drinks a day had a 20 percent higher risk of breast cancer compared to women who didn’t drink at all.

While we would like to recommend that you should not drink at all, the American Cancer Society recommends no more than two drinks  a day for men and one drink a day for men.

If you want to read more

1. The Burden Of Cancer Attributable to Alcohol

2. American Cancer Society Recommendation 

If you have any health related questions, get in touch with us.

Are Fruit Juices Healthy?

People are waking up to the fact that carbonated beverages (Soda drinks) like Coke, Pepsi, Thumbs Up, Sprite etc are harmful to health when consumed on a regular basis. More and more research is throwing light on their association with Diabetes and Obesity.

                                                             Image Courtesy:Pixabay

But did you know that drinking Fruit Juices and Artificially flavored drinks can also increase the rsik for Diabetes!
New research published in BMJ  shows that consumption of sugar sweetened beverages over years may be related to a substantial number of cases of new onset diabetes.

 So what is the message?

Stop drinking:

1. Fruit juices

2. Carbonated beverages

3. Artificially Sweetened beverages

What to Eat?

Raw fruits washed clean. They have fiber which helps you in multiple ways.

                                                          Image Courtesy:Pixabay


If you have any questions get in touch with us.

If you want to read more scientific articles:

1. Basu S, McKee M, Galea G, Stuckler D. Relationship of soft drink consumption to global overweight, obesity, and diabetes: a cross-national analysis of 75 countries. Am J Public Health2013;103:2071-7.

   CrossRefMedlineWeb of Science
2. Stanhope KL. Role of fructose-containing sugars in the epidemics of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Annu Rev Med2012;63:329-43.

   CrossRefMedline
3. Weed DL, Althuis MD, Mink PJ. Quality of reviews on sugar-sweetened beverages and health outcomes: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr2011;94:1340-7.

   Abstract/FREE Full Text
4. Malik VS, Popkin BM, Bray GA, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diabetes Care2010;33:2477-83.

   Abstract/FREE Full Text

Know Your Drug-Aspirin

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)  is probably the oldest medicine used by humans. It can be extracted from Willow bark, which has been used as long back as 3000 BC to reduce pain and inflammation.

                                                             Image Courtesy:Pixabay


Aspirin is available in different  strengths as follows.

325 mg

75 mg

80 mg

150 mg

500 mg  (Mostly Not Available In India)

Aspirin can used for following conditions:

1. Relief of Pain

2. Fever and inflammation

3. Influenza

4. Common Cold

5. Low back and neck pain

6. Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)

7. Headache

8. Toothache

9. Sprains and strains

10. Fractures

11. Mysoistis

12. Neuraligia

13. Arthritis, synovitis and bursitis

14. Aspirin 500 mg is also indicated for migraine and associated photophobia (irritation from light)

15. Aspirin low dose (75 mg & 80 mg) are used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, thromboembolism in high risk patients. Consult your doctor to know about what qualifies a person as high risk.

16. Aspirin's long term prophylactic use  is also know to prevent the risk of Colon cancer, Stomach cancer and Esophageal cancer.

Who Should Not Take Aspirin:

1. Patients who are allergic to Aspirin

2. Patients whose Asthma gets triggered by NSAIDS (pain relievers) or Aspirin

3. Pregnant ladies especially in the last 3 months.

4. Who have bleeding tendency and have platelet problem.

5. Gastric Ulcer or Acute Gastritis

6. Renal (Kidney) Failure

7. Liver Failure

8. Severe Heart Failure

General Warning:

Aspirin is one of the commonest cause of poisoning in toddlers and infants.

It is usually advised to stop taking Aspirin before any surgical intervention. One should be stopping at least 3 days before the procedure. 

Patients who have had Diabetes for long duration should take it with caution  as it can cause injury to  kidneys.

Children with viral infection should not be given Aspirin.

Summary:

Aspirin is a wonderful drug with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties. Used under right guidance for right population for right duration it has potential to save lot of lives!

To know more contact your doctor or get in touch with us.

This post is not a substitute for professional medical advice. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or (in the United States) 911 immediately. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. Prana Healthcare provides information and guidance to health-related questions certain rights under Prana Healthcare's Terms of Service