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And the mistakes people make when dealing with people with disability and hidden illnesses. Aarthi Sampath who has Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy shares her some of worst experiences of being a wheelchair user. I am quite accustomed to people staring at me, curiously, inquisitively. They often wonder whether I have polio as awareness of other illnesses leading to paralysis  is limited. So I have to face inane questions like, “Did you get some fever which paralysed you?” “Did you visit a…

By maintaining a healthy gut or gastrointestinal tract, you can ward off a host of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, flatulence and constipation and conditions like bowel cancer, Depression and IBS. Tips from Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju. The importance of gut health Gut health is important. The health of the body starts with the gut to help reduce the risk of conditions like bowel cancer, constipation, etc. The food you consume is broken down to fats, proteins, and simple carbohydrates…

Geetha Paniker, a breast cancer survivor, shares her views on how various forms of creating art, and even photography, can heal both the mind and the body. Art and craft is a source of healing the mind and body. Creative pursuits can be transformed into healing arts, which, in turn, transform you. "He who works with his hands is a laborer; He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman; He who works with his hands, head and heart is an artist." Francis of Assisi The healing powers of…

Usha Jesudasan, who is affected by polio, diabetes and breast cancer, is a prolific writer of inspirational books and articles. Here, she advises on a holistic approach to cope with the diagnosis of chronic illness and move forward without letting life crumble. Sitting across from the doctor’s table, I hear him say something. “It is what we call a chronic disease.” 1. Your Attitude Matters Chronic disease? The doctor explained: “A chronic disease is one which continues for a long time. There is…

With the rapid increase in ageing population, elder abuse is predicted to increase in the coming years. We speak to Sailesh Mishra, who is working passionately for the advocacy of senior citizens and geriatric care, on the existing scenario and how best we can create an elder friendly society. How many senior citizens are there in India today? What percent of the total population do they comprise? There are 100 million plus senior citizens (above 60) in India today. They comprise about 10% of…

This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at the importance of Chloride levels in the electrolyte panel. Read the first part on Sodium Levels and second part on Potassium Levels An electrolyte panel is a blood test that measures the common minerals in the body such as sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. Electrolytes are essential for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and brain as they are needed to…

Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a holy month of fasting and abstinence. However, doing some light exercise when fasting is a good thing – it helps to keep the muscles strong and blood circulating. Here are some tips to stay healthy and fit during Ramadan. Abstaining from food and water during the hot summer month of Ramadan can be challenging. Many people skip their daily schedule of exercise and workout. Going to the gym on an empty stomach, without any water and sleep-deprived may…

This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at the importance of Potassium levels in the electrolyte panel. Read the first part on Sodium Levels  POTASSIUM: Potassium is both a mineral and electrolyte. It is important for heart, muscle, digestive and nerve functioning.  The potassium test is often part of a routine or done to check on the electrolyte balance of the body. The best sources of potassium are: Leafy greens such as swiss chard,…

Dr Prakash C. Gupta, Director of Healis-Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health, has researched public health in India extensively over decades and shares with us his valuable opinions on tobacco use and cessation. Scroll down to sign the pledge The Age when it all begins Even when it may be difficult to ascertain the age in which people start smoking, the mean age of initiating tobacco use in any form in India is determined at 17.8 years: 18 for males, 17.1 for females. For smoking, it is 17.9 (…

Dr Kalpana Kamdar, a physiotherapist from Ahmedabad, warns that slumping and slouching for long hours while sitting can result in severe shoulder dysfunction, unbearable pain, inflammation and restriction of movement in the neck, shoulders and upper back.  Case Study A 65-year-old male patient, retired from a clerical job, came with diffused pain in and around the left shoulder joint and loss of movement due to pain and weakness but no stiffness in the shoulder. He had first been treated…