Monthly Archives: March 2020
How To Boost Your Immunity To Fight Against Virus Or Any Infection
A weak immune system makes us susceptible to seasonal flu or infections. If you become sick throughout the year then it’s an indication that you do not have a good immune system.
Since none of us wants to spend our days staying sick, ILS Hospitals, the multispeciality hospitals in Agartala and Kolkata would like to acquaint you with ways through which you can have a strong immune system.
Let’s look at the ways without any delay.
- Consume immune-boosting foods: Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, seafood, nuts, etc for a healthy immune system. Include spices, like ginger, garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves in your meals to keep yourself away from flu.
- Drink more water: Water flushes out toxins and impurities from your body so keep drinking water every hour to have a healthy immune system.
- Avoid certain food and drinks: Try to avoid the consumption of processed and canned foods, junk foods, sugary foods, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as all of them harm the immune system.
- Get sufficient sleep: Not getting enough sleep will make you more vulnerable to seasonal colds and infections. Therefore, get enough sleep every night without fail.
- Exercise regularly: Doing moderate exercises regularly prepares your body to actively fight against infections. Reserve 20-30 minutes of the day for your exercise regime to have an excellent immune system.
- Get enough sunlight: Sunlight is an extraordinary source of vitamin D. Studies suggest that people who spent enough time in the sun fell less sick than the ones who never received enough sunglight. Even soaking for 5 to 10 minutes in the sun daily during the summer season is more than enough for your immune system.
- Avoid stress: Stress hampers both our mental and physical health. Chronic stress has a huge impact on your body’s immunity so avoid living in a stressful environment.
- Stop smoking: Smoking affects the body’s ability to fight with diseases and infections by killing healthy cells of the body. Hence, quit smoking, right now.
- Take multi-vitamin supplements if needed: If your regular diet lacks essential vitamins then consider taking multi-vitamins to keep up with the body’s vitamin requirements.
Visit a medical professional and ask him or her for prescriptive multi-vitamin supplements as per your body’s daily needs.
You can visit ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala to get medical advice.
Tuberculosis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment
Tuberculosis is a communicable disease caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria mostly affect the lungs (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) but can spread to other parts of the body, kidney, spine, brain, liver and so on.
Today, ILS Hospitals one of the best hospital in Kolkata and Agartala will give you detailed information regarding Tuberculosis.
Types
The two main types of Tuberculosis are as follows:
1. Latent Tuberculosis:
It is a non-infectious, symptomless TB infection that can later progress into active TB. If you have latent TB you will require treatment to prevent it from becoming an active one.
2. Active Tuberculosis:
As the name suggests, it is an active and contagious TB infection that causes various symptoms in the patient.
Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of active TB infection are as follows:
-
Chest pain
-
Shortness of breath
-
Cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks
-
Weakness or Tiredness
-
Loss of appetite or Decreased appetite
-
Fever and Chills
-
Night sweats
-
Rapid weight loss
-
Lymph nodes or Swollen glands (mostly at the sides and base of the neck)
-
Haemoptysis or Coughing up blood.
Causes
Young children and people with weak immune system are at a higher risk of getting infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The causes of Tuberculosis are as follows:
-
Weak immune system
-
Breathing in the air infected by the person with TB infection
-
Chronic diseases, like diabetes and kidney diseases
-
HIV
-
Malnutrition
-
Smoking
Diagnosis
The diagnostic tests involved with Tuberculosis are as mentioned below:
-
TB Blood test
-
TB Skin test, in which the laboratory technician injects a small amount of PPD tuberculin into the lower arm to check for swelling after two to three days
-
Sputum test
-
Chest X-ray, the most reliable diagnostic method
Treatment
The treatment depends on whether you have active or latent TB.
1. Latent TB:
The main goal is to prevent the bacteria from becoming an active one. For that, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics as your TB treatment.
2. Active TB:
Drugs and medications for several months are recommended for treating active TB.
People diagnosed with Tuberculosis should complete their entire medication course to prevent TB bacteria from becoming drug-resistant.
If you are suspecting any of this symptoms, get an accurate diagnosis and complete treatment for Tuberculosis from ILS Hospitals one of the best hospital in Kolkata, Howrah and Agartala.
Let’s Learn Ways To Effectively Prevent Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer is a kind of cancer that develops in the breast cells. It can happen due to various factors, like gender (females are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer), obesity, ageing, exposure to radiation, previous breast conditions, alcohol consumption and genetics.
Dear ladies, ILS Hospitals, the best hospital in Kolkata would like to bring forward preventive measures for breast cancer. But before we tell you the preventive tips for breast cancer, let’s know the symptoms of the same.
-
Swelling in the breast or breasts
-
Rashes and redness in the breast/s
-
Changes in breast anatomy
-
Changes in the nipples’ appearance
-
Pain in the breasts
-
Feeling of lumps or nodes in the breasts
-
Discharge from nipples.
Now, it’s time to know how to prevent and lower your chances of developing breast cancer.
1. Maintain a healthy BMI:
Being overweight or obese (especially after menopause) puts you at more risk of developing breast cancer. Excessive fat issues increase the estrogen levels which in turn makes you vulnerable to breast cancer. To prevent breast cancer, keep a healthy body weight or BMI (18.5-24.9).
2. Control your alcohol consumption:
As we all know, alcohol consumption is injurious to health. Did you know, alcohol is also a culprit behind breast cancer? Alcohol not only raises your estrogen levels but also damages the DNA in cells causing cancer. Avoid consumption of alcohol or at least minimize it.
3. Do physical activities:
If you live an inactive lifestyle, you invite several health issues. It has been found that women who did physical activities regularly had a lower risk of breast cancer. So, ditch the sedentary lifestyle and engage yourself in physical activities.
4. Stop smoking:
Despite numerous warnings on the cigarette packets, people still smoke. Apart from lung cancer and other serious health conditions, smoking is also responsible for causing breast cancer. Ladies, if you have this harmful habit, get rid of it today to protect yourself from breast cancer.
5. Self-examine your breasts:
Regular breast self-exam (once a month) should be encouraged as it helps early diagnosis of any abnormality. To perform a breast self-exam, stand in front of the mirror and observe your breasts. Check for redness, swelling, change in size and nipple discharge. It is always best to learn this self-diagnostic method from an expert gynaecologist.
You should also consult an experienced gynaecologist, whenever you’ve any queries regarding your gynaecological health. Visit ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala for any medical help.
Things To Do For Happy And Healthy Kidneys
Every human being has two kidneys that perform functions, like the filtration of blood, formation of urine, maintenance of fluid balance, regulation of blood pressure and other vital functions.
Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD is on the rise in our country. A man can survive with one kidney but in case of both kidney failure, the treatment options left are dialysis and kidney transplant. Therefore, well-functioning kidneys are very important. On this World Kidney Day, ILS Hospitals will share things that you must do for healthy and happy kidneys. Let’s know them.
1. Keep yourself hydrated:
The secret for healthy kidneys is drinking sufficient water. Water helps to eliminate toxins and impurities from the kidneys. Drinking enough fluids will ensure that you do not develop kidney stones and other kidney disorders. You should always drink clean and purified water. Either purify water by boiling or invest in a water purifier for the same.
2. Consume a balanced diet:
We all know the importance of a balanced diet. A balanced diet is a diet which contains several vitamins and minerals from a variety of food groups. For healthy kidneys, eat the following foods:
-
Fatty Fishes
-
Strawberries
-
Apples
-
Red bell peppers
-
Garlic
-
Onions
-
Spinach
-
Egg whites
-
Cauliflower
-
Cabbage
-
Sweet Potatoes
-
Cherries
-
Olive oil.
You should strictly avoid these foods if you want to keep your kidneys healthy.
-
Fast foods
-
Sugary foods
-
Processed foods
-
Salty foods
-
Fried and fatty foods.
3. Maintain a healthy weight:
Being overweight or obese can raise your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, thus further affecting the kidneys. Exercise and keep yourself fit for healthy kidneys.
4. Do not smoke:
Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer. Quit this bad habit today.
5. Stop over consumption of alcohol:
Alcohol decreases the ability of kidneys to function properly. Reduce your alcohol intake to have good kidney health.
6. Do not overdose on OTC medications:
Frequent consumption of over-the-counter drugs can deteriorate your kidneys’ health. Do not take any medicines without the medical professional’s approval.
7. Get regular diagnoses:
To keep your kidneys healthy, you should keep your blood sugar and blood pressure at normal levels. Always get yourself tested from a trusted hospital. You can also choose our Renal Screening Health Package online.
Visit ILS Hospitals in Kolkata, Howrah and Agartala for optimum healthcare.
How To Take Care Of Your Health If You Are A Woman
Dear women, you are an important part of our society. As a woman, your health and mental well-being is supreme.
ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata, would like to present some health tips every woman should follow for a healthy body and mind.
1. Eat a healthy diet:
We’ve heard this almost all the time because it’s a true fact. Women should include fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, poultry, seafood, dairy products, dry fruits, legumes, lentils and so on in their diet.
2. Stay hydrated:
Drinking water is unavoidable. Apart from drinking adequate water, you should also have healthy soups, juices, lassi, buttermilk, smoothies and so on. Milk is something all women must include in their daily routine. Have a glass of milk every night to get the dose of calcium and prevent insomnia.
3. Be physically active:
In a busy schedule, it’s difficult for some people to visit the gym and do other physical activities. However, being physically active is not difficult. Even a 10-minute-walk to your nearest park or maidan can help your body and mind. Try walking, running, yoga and even doing household chores for a fit body.
4. Abandon your bad habits:
Bad habits are hard to break but with determination and strong support system there’s a chance of quitting them forever. Some common bad habits are:
-
Smoking
-
Drug and alcohol abuse
-
Being unhygienic
-
Undereating or overeating
-
Consuming unhealthy and outside food
-
Constantly stressing over things
-
Being negative
-
Addiction to smartphones and other gadgets.
So, say goodbye to your bad habits!
5. Practice proper hygiene:
Maintaining hygiene has been taught to us from our school days. Here are some simple personal and feminine hygiene tips for all girls and women:
-
Brush and floss twice a day
-
Shower or bath once a day
-
Clean your vagina with warm water
-
Wash hands frequently
-
Wash your face at least twice a day
-
Shampoo and condition your hair once or twice a week
-
Keep your nails trimmed and tidy
-
Wear clean underwear and clothes
-
Change your sanitary products frequently
-
Live in a clean and hygienic environment.
6. Visit a medical professional regularly:
As a woman, gynaecologist is going to be your best friend. Visit a good gynaecologist and raise your concerns regarding your health. You should also ask the gynaecologist about multivitamin supplements and breast self-examination.
7. Be positive:
A positive mind is a healthy and happy mind. Do not take stress unnecessarily. Love and care for the ones around you and get the same in return. Stress and anxiety are called silent killers, avoid them completely. Seek professional therapy if you find yourself unable to deal with your current situation.
You can always visit ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala whenever needed. Our entire hospital team is there to help and support you.
How To Take Care Of Your Child’s Health
Parenting is no child’s play. It takes multiple efforts and patience from the parent’s end to raise healthy children. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders so taking care of them means ensuring a healthy future of our country.
As a parent, it’s normal to be constantly worried about your kid’s health. So, today ILS Hospitals, the best hospital in Kolkata would like to share some health tips that will ensure your child’s good health. Let’s take a look at them.
1. Serve nutritious food:
Children are picky eaters by nature which can cause problems to the parents and affect the child’s growth and development. Your children deserve adequate nutrition which they will get from fruits, vegetables, pulses, dairy, meat and nuts. Your children do not like eating nutritious foods because they find it boring. Serve healthy meals with a tasty twist. Start with a wholesome breakfast of poha, upma, oats idli, stuffed parantha, boiled eggs, whole-wheat toast and milk. Ensure to pack one fruit of any choice on your kid’s lunch box. For lunch and dinner, you can go for the basic rice, roti, dal, vegetable curries, meat, salad and so on.
2. Feed your child frequently:
Mothers usually stuff their children’s plate with foods in larger quantities. Let your child eat frequent small meals throughout the day. Instead of piling up your kid’s plate with more food allow your child to ask for a second serving. The notion is to ensure that your children eat 4-5 meals a day to get more energy and nutrition.
3. Give them a glass of milk daily:
Give your children a glass of milk daily either during the morning or evening. If your child finds it difficult to fall asleep at night then let them drink milk before going to bed.
4. Encourage good hygiene:
Teach your kids to wash their hands properly and frequently as and when required to prevent infections and diseases.
5. Pay attention to their mental well-being:
Children are sensitive. A loving environment will improve your child’s mental health. Give lots of love and support to your kids.
6. Take them to get routine health checkups:
Regular health checkups are important for your child’s good health. ILS Hospitals value your child’s health and well-being so we offer Child Health Checkup Packages in our hospital units. Our Paediatric Unit works around the clock to ensure your child’s health and mental well-being.
Visit ILS Hospitals, the best hospital in Kolkata and Agartala for optimal medical supervision.