PatientsEngage General Community

Dr Divya Parashar Head of Rehabilitation Psychology at Indian Spinal Injuries Centre narrates what helped one of her patients, who was paralyzed waist down, come out of his self-imposed exile at home to face the world in a wheelchair.  “I don’t want to be seen in a wheelchair, and you can do nothing about it,” said a very determined Deepak (name changed to protect privacy), sitting in my office. A fever had rendered him paralyzed from waist down three years ago. Every morning, he would…

Indians, especially vegetarians often do not get adequate protein in their diet. Registered Dietician, Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator Eileen Canday guides us on how vegetarians can make sure they get enough protein in their diets. An executive member of the Indian Dietetic Association she currently works with Sir H.N. Reliance hospital in Mumbai.  1.   Why is protein important for our body? Protein is important for our body to repair tissues from the physiological wear…

This one of a kind café in Mumbai provides employment opportunities to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities and is full of yummy snacks. Read trustee Ashaita Mahajan’s interview for full story. In the last few years, a handful of restaurants and eateries have opened across India that are creating opportunities for the differently abled. Café Arpan is the latest addition. Could you tell us how Café Arpan was envisaged and what is its mission? Cafe Arpan is the second supported…

Dr Menka Gupta, Nutritional therapist (PG Dip Nutritional Therapy, MBBS) talks about the health benefits of broccoli, especially in fighting cancer. Broccoli credentials It is a cruciferous vegetable related to the cauliflower and the cabbage. Cruciferous vegetables are all known for supporting the body in fighting cancer but broccoli’s healthy reputation supercedes all. Research Update 15 Aug 2018 According to research published in the journal Immunity, scientists at the Francis…

I Support Foundation tries to make cafes and restaurant visits a hurdle-free experience for families of persons with disabilities. We speak to co-founder Juhi Ramani on how they are going about it. This initiative is to create awareness and provide hassle free service to persons with disabilities. We, the I Support Foundation (NGO), started this initiative for achieving universal accessibility that will enable persons with disabilities to gain access for equal opportunity and live independently…

In recognition of Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7), Dr. Shital Patel reiterates the many benefits of breastfeeding babies.  Breastfeeding is known to be beneficial for not only the mother and child but for the society as a whole. It is the most natural and ideal way to feed babies. The World Health Organization recommends that mothers exclusive breastfeed (no other food or water, only breastmilk) for the first 6 months and then along with complementary foods till age 2 years and beyond. For…

"Hippocratic: 18 Experiments in Gently Shaking the World" is a documentary movie that chronicles the journey of Dr M. R. Rajagopal, founder chairman of Pallium India and his initiation into the field of Palliative Care.  A film synopsis and review by Dr. Shital Raval. Released in 2017, the movie is based on 18 experiments or quotes by Mahatma Gandhi who happens to be his inspiration and guide. Founder chairman of Pallium India, Padma Shri award winner and lovingly called the “father of…

Chair Yoga, a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair or standing using a chair for support, is particularly good for those unable to participate in a traditional yoga class due to the effects of aging or disabilities or for office goers to relax or release tension at the workplace. Mekhala, a Singapore based yoga teacher, guides us through. Whenever I tell someone that I teach Chair Yoga, besides the regular Mat Yoga, the common reaction is: "Is there such a thing as chair…

Dr. Divya Parashar, head of the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology at the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, weaves in her personal experience with that of a patient to emphasise the need to talk about quality of life choices and why story endings still matter.  "Hi Doctor, I wanted to speak to you about my father if you have a minute.”  And in walked Rohit (name changed), conversations with whom led me to assess my own beliefs and practices about medicine and what we as…

Loud snoring is often a sign of a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Here are all the facts on sleep apnea that you should know if you or your loved one snore. Including treatment options available. What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Obstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA is a medical condition in which breathing stops periodically during sleep in an involuntary process. These brief periods of no breathing are called apnea. हिंदी में पढ़ें: खर्राटों को कब गंभीरता से…