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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 8 June 2020

A handy list of resources for living with the coronavirus and managing your chronic conditions. Just look for your condition below. If you don't find what you are looking for, please leave a comment and we will get back to you.    

We must live with Covid-19 pandemic for a while. For people with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, rheumatic conditions, pulmonary conditions, it is even more essential to manage these conditions better. For e.g. a person whose blood sugars are under control is better equipped to deal with the coronavirus infection. 

As we prepare for the easing of restrictions, we must be aware of the risks of infection associated with it and mitigate these risks by practicing safety guidelines viz. mask hygiene, regular washing and sanitisation of hands, and maintaining safe distance at all times. 

We must also recognise that we cannot delay seeking help and treatment of our chronic conditions, and seek out the doctor. The process of these has changed in some places. While some places have started OPDs, most still require that you first connect and consult with the doctor through telemedicine. If the doctor advises you to go for tests or go see the doctor in person, please go ahead and not delay diagnosis and treatment. Do not let your fear of Covid-19 risk overtake your need for timely care.

We have also compiled resources for various conditions. Click on the topics you are interested in to get a detailed understanding of your specific condition. If you have specific questions, you can ask in our discussion forums or contact us at  https://www.patientsengage.com/contact

Cancer

1. How to manage cancer treatment during Covid-19 by Dr. Vinay Deshmane, Consultant in Surgical Oncology & Breast Diseases and Medical Director and Jnt. Hon secretary of the Indian Cancer Society. Link to the webinar recording.

2.Also, here is the link to the key notes from the recording of the above webinar    

Diabetes 

1. How to live well with Diabetes during Covid-19 by Dr. Debashis Basu, Diabetes Awareness and You

2. How to manage diabetes during Covid-19 lockdown by Dr. Piya Balani Thakkar. Summary of her webinar recording

2a. How to manage diabetes during Covid-19 lockdown by Dr. Piya Balani Thakkar. Link to the webinar recording

Dementia

1. Dementia Home Care, the COVID-19 infection risk, and Lockdown/ Unlock challenges

This is a good resource to track the impact of the changes due to lockdowns and re-opening of cities and areas and how it impacts dementia care and even elder care. Useful tips for family caregivers of persons with dementia.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

Stories

  • High blood sugar 'raises depression risk' in diabetics
    Researchers have suggested that people with diabetes may be more prone to depression because of an interaction in this group between high blood sugar levels and a neurotransmitter associated with depression. The team presented their findings at the joint meeting of the International Society of Endocrinology and the Endocrine Society: ICE/ENDO 2014 in Chicago, IL. Previous research has suggested links between diabetes and depression, but scientists have been unsure of the…
  • Don’t shun them
    “Cancer patients in India are not just dealing with a major disease, they have to also deal with the stigma that comes with it” - Dr Purvish Parikh, Medical Oncologist and Hematologist; Health Activist and Editor in Chief at JASCAP Utsa Shah attends a cancer patients meet at Tata Memorial Hospital and experiences the truth of the statement. A middle-aged lady holding her 15-year-old kid’s hand, her eyes watery, said, “My kid is not allowed to play with other children.…
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    Yoga - Sarpasana or Snake Pose
    Meaning Sarpa means snake. Sarpasana mimics the posture of a snake. Benefits of Sarpasana 1. It strengthens the back and makes the spine supple. 2. The posture helps to stretch the abdominal cavity and the chest. 3. It stimulates and directly exercises internal organs such as the pancreas, intestines, liver and kidneys. Thus Sarpasana is believed to help manage diabetes. 4. It massages the pelvis and the reproductive organs, helps in menstrual and other gynaecological disorders. 5. It deepens…
  • Diabetic Complications - Nephropathy - Kidney
    The function of the kidney is to rid the body of toxins and to purify the blood. Diabetes can reduce the kidney’s ability to filter waste products, leading to build-up of waste products in the body. Anatomy of the kidney This is how the kidney works: The end functioning unit of the kidney is the glomerulus, which filters out ammonia, urea and other chemicals from the blood entering the kidneys. Blood vessels that enter the kidney are called afferent and those exiting are…
  • Stock pic of Image of family
    Role of family / friend in treatment of cancer patient
    In the words of Kamini Pradhan, a featured Ovarian cancer crusader Family and friends have a major role to play in the treatment of a cancer patient. A cancer patient can be supported in the following ways :- MENTAL / EMOTIONAL  SUPPORT 1.  Acceptance – Do not be in denial mode. Know and understand the implications of the disease so that you can help the patient in getting the best treatment. 2.  Positivity   -  Please remember in this…
  • Focus on exercise and diet control
    Says Mumbai-based Pradeep , 59, who gave up sweets and took up yoga to keep his diabetes under control. Q. What kind of diabetes are you suffering from?  Type 2 diabetes Q. When were you diagnosed? 1994 Q. Early symptoms? I had pain in my legs and general lethargy. Q. Is there diabetes in the family? No Q. Did you start managing it immediately or was there another trigger point? I started managing immediately. Q. What is your present condition? Diabetes is fully under control. Q. What…
  • Wing of an aeroplane indicating Air Travel
    Diabetes and Travel - Carry A Doctor's Note
    Despite being insulin-dependent, Jayesh Shah (54) continues to globe-trot for work. All it needs is a little extra planning, he says. Here, he shares his top tips for travelling safely with diabetes.  • Carry the doctor’s prescription with you • Inform airport security that you are a diabetic • When travelling across time zones, adjust your medication and food intake as per the time zone that you are currently in • Do not skip any meals; over eating is better than fasting,…
  • Yoga Regulates Stress Hormones and Improves Quality of Life for Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy
    For women with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy, yoga offers unique benefits beyond fighting fatigue, according to research from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.  The preliminary findings were first reported in 2011 by Lorenzo Cohen, Ph.D., professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson, and are now published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. This research is part of an ongoing effort to scientifically validate mind-body…
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    Yoga - Ardha Pavanamuktasana
    Meaning: Ardha is half.  Pavan is air/wind/gas. Asana is posture. This asana’s name reflects its benefits, that is, the release of unnecessary gases from the body, especially the stomach. Benefits 1. It strengthens the lower back and stretches the spinal cord. It is thus particularly good for treating back pain. 2. The posture helps to massage the abdomen and the digestive system thereby eliminating wind and preventing constipation. 3. It stimulates and directly exercises internal organs…
  • A gloved hand checking the foot for diabetic foot ulcers
    Diabetic Foot Ulcers : Prevention and Treatment
    Diabetic foot ulcers occur in approximately 15 percent of patients with diabetes, and is an open sore or wound that is located on the bottom of the foot. Infection of the wound and other ulcer-related complication can result in hospitalization. Learn to prevent and manage it.   What is diabetic foot ulcer? Diabetic patients are at a high risk of developing many foot problems. Even simple foot problems can become severe and cause complications. The root cause of…