PatientsEngage General Community

The Choir of the Loaves and Fish, a musical ensemble of senior citizens, started by Pervin Varma with Regina Thomas in Bengaluru has been immensely therapeutic for the elderly and has helped bring loads of warmth and sunshine into their lives. Picture above: Ammachy taking a bow with Pervin Varma Imagine a group of people – all senior citizens between 65 and 96 – people who have suffered strokes or are living with cancer, arthritis, heart disease, dementia, physical disabilities, people with…

This pertinent question, that troubles many of us also, is forcefully raised by Dr Kamal Kumar Mahawar in his recently published book The Ethical Doctor, a critique of the health care system in India. He offers 10 reformatory guidelines that could salvage our medical institutions. Shivani Maheshwari reviews: There is an urgent need for more books like The Ethical Doctor by Dr Kamal Kumar Mahawar in the market. Especially in a country like India where a population of billion plus has to run…

You have the Complete Blood Test in front of you and don’t now what the results mean. Dr. Shital Raval explains it in simple terms in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series. A CBC or complete blood test is a basic blood test which is often carried out along with a physical examination to verify and analyse various cellular components in the blood. This allows the doctor to check and confirm any suspicions and find any potential health problems. CBC test result alone may not be sufficient to…

Having witnessed the power of the human-animal bond, Maureen Huang started Pawsibility that specializes in the use of Animal Assisted Therapy in conducting counselling and social emotional development programmes to help children and youth in Singapore overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Tell us how dogs help people with disabilities or conditions. Dogs change the atmosphere of a therapy setting. They help people to relax, be more engaged in the therapeutic process and be more…

The need to integrate inclusive design at our homes, schools, workplaces, malls, hospitals, parks, etc, especially to improve accessibility and mobility for the disabled, needs to be given urgent priority for the wellbeing of society, writes Daniel Wong, Access Consultant design professional. The world is experiencing a population boom never before seen in history. Birth rate is increasing while deathrate is slowing. People are living longer because of improved healthcare science particularly…

Dental needs become increasingly specialized with age, making regular visits to the dentist even more important. Dr Shail Jaggi highlights some common gum and teeth problems that could become burdensome, if ignored. When we think of an elderly patient the first vision that generally tends to flash by is someone with greying hair, stooping and bent over with age, thick glasses and a denture to eat! But let’s take a quick look at my office! I am dentist and deal with geriatric patients all the…

During National Nutrition week, we bring to you some common questions that you would like answers to. Content provided by National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad. 1.  Does excessive eating of salt increase blood pressure? Yes, in certain individuals who are salt sensitive, while this does not happen in those who are salt insensitive. 2.  What are the foods to be avoided by people with High Blood Pressure? Salted snacks e.g. Potato wafers Pickles and papads Ketchups Salted meat /…

Sangeeta is a blogger who instills rare insight into her role of a caregiver. She not only chronicles the various methods which work for her father, who has Parkinson's, Dementia and Diplopia, but she backs it up with profound logic and common sense. The best part of her blog is her all-pervading humour which gives such a bitter sweet taste to her snippets of caregiving. Here are her top tips for handling medical emergencies and hospital stays.  My father  Anna was in a hospital for…

Losing a loved one especially after a long period of caregiving can be distressing and leave you with a range of different and conflicting emotions. This article by PDMDS suggests six ways to deal with grief and loss.   Losing someone close to you is extremely distressing. That loss also signifies the end of your caregiver role which may create feelings of emptiness. How you cope with the demise of the person you cared for is a very personal thing. Remember, there is no right or wrong…

A person with any illness should be empowered to have a say in their treatment plans and choices. And mental health should not be any different. Dr. Ramesh Kumar of SCARF explains what a Psychiatry Advance Directive is and why it must be executed despite the concerns. Psychiatry advance directives (PADs) is a document which outlines the patients’ preference in his treatment. This is executed when the patient has capacity, so that these directions can guide his treatment at a later…