Conditions

Mrs Usha Raval, who has Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis shares precautions that persons with chronic lung diseases should take to handle the monsoon/ rainy season.  Plus a homemade hack.  Seasonal variations can adversely affect people with chronic lung diseases such as Pulmonary Fibrosis. The change in humidity and temperature during the monsoon can aggravate symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, weakness and susceptibility to common respiratory illnesses. For…

Dr. Pravin Patil, Rheumatologist gives a comprehensive overview of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and how it is different from spondylosis and regular back pain, tips on managing this condition and the role of exercise.   Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a disease of young adults. Regrettably, ankylosing spondylitis has very little identity unto its own. Anything with “spondylitis” is considered to be linked with old age or simple ‘wear and tear’. Adding the prefix “ankylosing”…

Dr Pravin Patil, Rheumatologist from Pune, Maharasthtra shares the top 7 mistakes that people with Rheumatoid Arthritis with respect to their medications. People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are commonly prescribed several medications. It is very important to take medications regularly and follow correct instructions. It is the responsibility of the patients to know their medications well and avoid making mistakes, which can have serious consequences. Mistake No. 1: You take Methotrexate…

Dr. Rima Anand of Wadia Hospital, Mumbai, who has 17 years of experience in Pathology and Transfusion medicine, answers burning questions on the feasibility of stem cell transplants for Thalassemia, eligibility criteria and post transplant care required for patients. What is the burden of Thalassemia in India? Have you seen an increase or decrease in these in their numbers? India has a huge burden with an estimated 100,000 patients with a β thalassemia syndrome. There are more than 1000…

An insightful panel discussion with two cancer winners and a Psycho Oncologist who talk about the various aspects of cancer survivorship especially among young adults.   The latest in our ‘Living Better’ series of Live Q&A sessions looks at the psycho-social aspects of young adults who have to deal with cancer. This session covers how cancer re-defines identity, how it affects relationships and friendships, equations at work and perspectives in life. Listen to an insightful and…

Zeenat Jahan, advanced life coach, takes us through the myriad benefits of positive psychology that reverses the focus from negative to positive and can benefit people at different stages on the mental health spectrum. At a recent conference on Bipolar Disorder, you spoke about how positive psychology can help adults with depression or bipolar. What exactly is positive psychology? Positive psychology is a scientific approach to studying human thoughts, feelings, and behavior with a focus on…

Liver Cirrhosis is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Dr. Ameet Mandot (DNB GastroEnterology) addresses commonly asked questions on Liver Cirrhosis.  1.   What is Cirrhosis of Liver? It is a chronic disease characterized by a structurally and functionally impaired liver. This includes loss of liver cells and scarring of the tissue. 2.   What are the causes of Liver Cirrhosis? Though routine understanding shows that alcohol consumption causes the Liver…

Pranav Kumar Rajgopal is on the Autism Spectrum and works as a Business Analyst in a technology firm. He shares lessons he has learnt based on his experience. His advice to others on the autism spectrum and their parents.  1. Never force your children to do something they are not interested in doing. Every child is unique and special. They may have an interest in pursuing drawing, painting, and creative craftwork, or pursue hobbies and passions in music and dance. Autistic children may…

Managing your diabetes can seem like a never ending task that leaves you emotionally drained. Dr. Indu Elizabeth Mathew, Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Ernakulam Medical Centre talks of the concept of Diabetes Distress and how it affects Type 1 and Type 2 patients and their family members and what they can do about it. Updated on 24 March 2019 with the Diabetes Distress Study Details What is Diabetes Distress? Are there different types of distress and worry that affect people with…