PatientsEngage General Community

Shilpa Aneja, who credits her own Breast Cancer recovery to a positive mindset and her passion for fitness and exercise, shares step-wise process to build stamina based on her own experience.  I believe even though you cannot always keep cancer from coming back, it's important to eat right, exercise regularly and go for follow up check ups. Being fit makes you feel positive and keeps a lot of health issues at bay. Before you start, here are a few pre-requisites: Speak to your doctor…

To move or not to move to a senior living community is a topic of discussion amongst many as they approach retirement and for many years after retirement. Retired Chief Executive Mr. S. Balagopal shares the factors that affected their choice and what they like about their senior living community. #QualityOfLife Tell us a little bit about your background and your family.  I am a Physics Graduate with an Electrical Engineering degree as well and have worked in the Private Sector in…

Urinalyis or Urine Tests are often prescribed by doctors to detect certain conditions. Dr. Shital Raval explains what the results of a urine test mean, and the right way to collect a urine sample.   #KnowYourTest Series What is urinalysis? Urinalysis or Urine tests are a group of tests conducted on your urine that a doctor may prescribe. These tests are indicators of acute or chronic conditions or illnesses. It can also help detect insidious infections like urinary tract infections or…

Dr Neena David, a Clinical Psychologist, emphasises the importance of developing positive coping skills, a sense of resilience and a growth mindset among adolescents and teenagers as they have long term positive mental health outcomes and stave off suicidal tendencies. You have many years of experience in setting up processes for school mental health programmes. What changes did you need to bring about in your programmes over the years? I am not sure I understand this question- ‘your programmes…

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…