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Nephrology

When Should You Visit A Nephrologist?

The adage of ‘health is wealth’ can never be doubted. Every organ of our body is essential. But, it is also prone to diseases and damages. One such organ is our Kidney. We have two kidneys, and even if one of them fails to respond well, there is a need to seek help.

Nephrologists are the specialists to cure kidney diseases and malfunctions. But when to know that you need to visit a nephrologist? And where to find the best nephrologist in Kolkata, India? We will answer all your questions here.

A Nephrologist

If you haven’t heard about nephrologists before, it is not surprising. Nephrologists are doctors specializing in the conditions causing malfunctioning of the kidneys. They are specialists who work on the cure of kidney diseases.

The job of the kidney in our body is extremely critical. Kidneys get rid of the extra fluid and waste from our bodies. But if there is a deviation in this system, it can lead to kidney damage or kidney failure. If it is left untreated, it could be life-threatening.

Before you see a trace of such a case, it is time to visit the best nephrology hospital. How do you know the symptoms and when to visit the nephrologist? Let’s have a look.

When To Visit A Nephrologist?

In case of the following symptoms, you should rush to the nearest nephrology hospital:

  • Sudden loss of kidney function or acute renal failure
  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) that declines kidney functions
  • Traces of blood, cast, or protein in the urine
  • Recurring or long term kidney infections
  • Electrolyte disorders
  • Extreme high blood pressure
  • Urinary bladder or kidney cancer
  • Long term dialysis and its complications
  • Diabetic kidney disease
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Overuse of drugs or toxins
  • Kidney stones
  • Kidney inflammation or Glomerulonephritis
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome
  • Bacterial infections
  • Bacterial infections
  • Painful urination
  • Family history of kidney ailments

Evaluation Tests

Above are some indicators to visit the nephrologist. Detecting kidney complications at the nascent stages can be a challenging task. This is so because even if a small part of the kidney is functioning, it will do an excellent job of detoxifying the body.

Thus it is crucial to have a perfect diagnosis to start the treatment at an early stage. The following tests help in the diagnosis of kidney ailments:

  • Kidney Biopsy
  • Urinalysis
  • Serum Creatinine Test
  • Blood Urea Nitrogens
  • GFR
  • MRI
  • Kidney Ultrasound
  • Ureteroscopy
  • Urine and blood test

If the kidney problem is in the higher stages of complications, then kidney biopsies, dialysis, or kidney transplants are the next viable options.

Conclusion

The health of the kidney is vital for the overall functioning of the body. Visit a nephrologist who will help you to understand the cause and remedies of kidney diseases.

Finding the best nephrologist in Kolkata, India, is now easy. Follow https://www.ilshospitals.com/ to get the best and trusted treatment to ensure good kidney health. To know more, call ILS Care +91 90514 60000.

Health Package

Post-Cardiac Surgery Complications – What All Should Be Avoided After A Heart Surgery

Surgeries, of any nature, are complicated and require utmost care and precision. Especially, pre- and post-heart surgeries, everybody needs several weeks to heal itself. The post-care after surgery or ailment is equally valuable and should be a slow & progressive process. The gravity of post-cardiac surgery care must not be overlooked for faster recovery.

Cardiac surgery differs from general surgery, but general surgery hospitals might tell you about what to be avoided after heart surgery. Many general surgeons in Kolkata will guide you through post-cardiac surgery care.

Interventional cardiology is an advanced branch of cardiology that deals with non-invasive techniques to evaluate the functions of the heart and detect abnormalities. Some of the most common interventional cardiology procedures are as follows:

  • Coronary catheterization
  • Angioplasty and stenting
  • Percutaneous Valve Repair
  • Balloon Angioplasty
  • Atherectomy

Keeping this in mind, we have compiled the complications and preventions of post-surgery conditions that will help you enjoy a healthy life.

Post-Cardiac Surgery Complications

Cardiac surgery is usually done if there is a blocked artery to the heart. As much as it is a matter of care before proceeding with the surgery, it is imperative to be vigilant after the surgery.

Following is the list of complications that might arise after the cardiac surgery-

1 – Chest Infection

After the surgery and anaesthesia, there is a possibility of chest infection in the patient. Depending on the severity, antibiotics and painkillers are used to subdue the infection.

2 – Heart Attack or Stroke

Generally, this may happen if you have a history of cardiac ailments and have undergone surgery. Post-surgery strokes can impact the recovery and will require extra care.

3 – Kidney Failure

In rare cases, the kidney stops functioning post-surgery. In most cases, kidney failure is temporary and is resolved by dialysis.

4 – Blood Clots

Post-surgery, blood clots may form in the body if the patient has a history of obesity, chain smoking, or immobility. Usually, the clots start from the legs and move to the lungs resulting in serious problems.

5 – Post-operative Bleeding

Cardiac surgery involves a lot of incisions and suturing. Sometimes, the bleeding continues after suturing, and fluctuations are observed in the blood pressure. Surgeons take necessary measures to normalize the condition of the patient.

6 – Other

Other complications include irregular heartbeat, chest pain, delirium, difficulty in breathing, insomnia, nausea, poor appetite, constipation, sore throat, and fatigue. But they go away with time.

Post-Surgery Care

1 – Incision Healing

Cardiac surgery includes a lot of incisions and suturing. Thus, post-surgery, avoid direct contact of water with the incision to mitigate any infection on the incision site.

2 – Stop Smoking

While recovering from heart surgery, it is crucial to keep smoking at bay to avoid further complications in the heart and lungs.

3 – Exercising

Any general surgeons in Kolkata will prescribe light exercise or climbing the stairs after cardiac surgery. But at the same time, faster recovery needs enough rest and sleep. Avoid over-exercising and over-sleeping.

4 – Mental Health

Post-surgery, the stress in mind means stress on the heart. Involve yourself in small activities and meditation to avoid stress, depression, anxiety, and anger while recovering. Living happily post-surgery expedites the recovery process.

5 – Eating Habits

Avoid eating oily and fried food. Eat healthy food or consult dieticians in the general surgery hospitals to enquire about post-surgery diet plans. Loss of appetite is common post-surgery but keeping a healthy diet plan balances your hunger.

At ILS Hospitals, we are well-equipped to administer pre-cardiac and post-cardiac surgery care. With the best surgeons’ team, we provide all the treatment and care needed to the patient after cardiac surgery.

Whether it be general surgery or Interventional cardiology like Angioplasty or Valvuloplasty, you need experienced and top cardiologists & surgeons. Even here, the post-surgery aftercare is imperative to recover to your daily routines. We at ILS Hospitals can assist you with clinical cardiology or even general surgery.

If you wish to know more about interventional and clinical cardiology, or other medical treatments in the hospitals, call ILS Care, +91 90514 60000 or visit https://www.ilshospitals.com/

Health

Tips to Induce Healthy Eating Habits in Your Kids

Modelling your child’s eating habits at an early stage is very crucial as these manners lead to the later development of a healthy and active lifestyle. Obesity is a prevailing issue in the younger kids today. Junk is turning the kids into couch potatoes, and they don’t even bat an eye on the healthier options. There are various innovative and smart ways in which you can improve the eating habits of your little ones. A little understanding and creativity will go a long way.

Make Healthy Meals Look Delicious

Children get attracted to colours. Add more varieties of food ingredients to make the food appealing. You might also make cartoon characters or doodles with sauces and mustard to catch your kid’s attention and add a story to it. This trick works great with toddlers, and they will finish the meal in a breath.

Try Engaging the Kids Into Preparation

The fruit of hard work is always delicious. The case is the same with kids too. If they help you prepare the food, they will eat it. Also, you can introduce them to the nutritional values of certain veggies and fruits while cooking. This process will also help you learn your kid’s preferences.

Eat Healthy Yourself

How can you expect your little ones to stick to a healthy food regime when you don’t practice what you preach? Be a role model for your kids. If you follow a perfect eating habit, your child will follow the same path as you, and with little guidance, they will achieve a healthful diet routine.

Reduce Portions

To reduce the trans-fat and sugar intake, consult good paediatrics, and prepare a diet chart for your kid. Paying attention to the portion size will help avoid obesity and increase the nutritional intake and metabolism rate.

Healthy Snacking

One of the most effective ways to induce light veggies and fruits in your lad’s routine is through snacking. Time is a crucial factor. Plan the snacking time not too late and close to the dinner as it would make the child reluctant towards the night meal.

If you live in a big city, your child is more used to junk food, and that’s a given. Try contacting reputed aediatricians in Kolkata, to subsume better alternatives.

Try Making Your Approach More Friendly Than Dictating

As a parent, you must know now that kids can be rebellious. The more restrictions you subject them to, the more they try to defy you. Don’t dictate your child. Don’t put terms and conditions. Don’t reward or punish them through food. Instead, try educating them as to why healthy eating habits are necessary and beneficial for your future.

Look for What Your Kids Eat Outside

Have a check on what your child is served at school during the lunch hour. You can also pack some additional healthy side dishes for your kid to snack. Minimise the consumption of aerated drinks, fast food, and sodas. Whenever you go to a restaurant, choose healthy options, don’t make a health-conscious diet an occasion; incorporate it into your daily lifestyle.

You don’t have to be a specialist in designing the correct diet for your kids. It just takes a few steps and innovative ideas to set your lad’s eating habit on the right path. For any assistance, you can visit https://www.ilshospitals.com/ and try finding the best paediatricians in Kolkata. To know more, call us on ILS Care, +91 90514 60000.

Urology

Reasons Which Are Most Likely to Contribute to Urological Problems

Urological problems are pervasive in men and women of all ages today. Owing to our unhealthy lifestyle, these diseases could be short-lived or long term. Adults often ignore urological problems, but if these issues are not treated in time, one might have to face severe medical complications later.

The conditions do not occur automatically, and there is always some or other reason contributing to it. We usually do not pay attention to life events or habits that can potentially lead to urological issues. It’s high time we talk about them and take necessary notes to avoid them.

Ageing

With ageing comes a lot of bladder related problems due to the toughening of membranes. Urinary incontinence is one of the most prevalent issues in aged individuals. Furthermore, kidney stones and other chronic illnesses are also common. It is advised to visit urologists once you reach the age of 40.

Constipation

Constipation causes urinary tract infections in children and adults, which can further lead to urological disorders. If you suffer from constipation caused UTI’s, visit a urologist and bring necessary changes in your diet.

Blocked Urinary Tract

Obstruction in the urinary tract will lead to various urological problems concerning kidneys, urethra, uterus, bladder, etc. It will not only cause internal infections, but you might also witness the signs externally and through fluid discharge. Early detection and cure will save a person from complicated surgeries and stressful medication.

Diabetes

As diabetic people experience a severe grip of sphincter muscles and overactive bladder, the chances of occurrence of UTIs are high. Frequent urination may lead to infections. If you want to avoid urological complications, get diagnosed by a professional, and include the due medication.

Birth Defects

It is not mandatory that urinary tract related issue needs a stimulus to appear. In kids, these problems could be birth-related and can cause UTI’s at an early stage. Certain hospitals offer specialised services for such illnesses concerning children. Understandably, not all places are progressed enough to cater to all your needs and therefore, locate bigger cities near you for safe treatment. If you live in the northeastern part of India, try finding the best Urologist in Kolkata, as the city has some of the most advanced hospitals and offers a great set of choices for medical treatments.

Drinking Habits and Smoking

Alcohol increases the acidic character of urine. Also, the sugar content triggers the bacteria growth assisting in the development of UTIs. Similarly, smoking irritates the lining of the bladder and results in urinary incontinence. If you are a habitual drinker or smoker, the risk of urological problems is relatively high for you, and it’s time to consider your choices.

Physical Inactivity

Various researches have shown that prolonged sitting time and physical inactivity increase the risk of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). This situation is more common in females aged between 40-60 years. Encompassing 30 mins of aerobic exercise or any other physical workout form will help you overcome the urological issues.

Urological problems pose daily challenges in the affected person’s routine and degrade the quality of life. If you have any of such issues underway, you can visit https://www.ilshospitals.com/ and find the best urology hospital in Kolkata. For similar aids in other cities, there are plenty of well-reputed hospitals that provide a wide range of medical services. Other than medicinal assistance, you might as well try replacing destructive habits with healthier options for a prosperous living.

Gynaecologists in Kolkata

All About Blood Groups and Immune System

Blood groups affect our immunity directly. Different blood groups are responsible for antibody generation in our bodies in response to viruses, bacteria, and other intruders.

When antigens present in the blood come in contact with an unknown substance, they signal the immune system to take the needful measures against such components. Blood is broadly classified into 8 types, and you must know your blood group before undergoing any medical procedure.

Understand how your blood type is related to the health and immunity system and how likely your body will acquire various diseases based on your specific blood group.

Cancer

It is observed that blood group A is more likely to develop stomach cancer among all blood groups. The ABO gene also plays a significant role in heightening cancers of the lungs, breast, liver, etc. If you have an A blood group, it’s wise to get yourself thoroughly checked for these cancers.

Stress

If you have a blood group A, stress might be a common and frequent issue for you. As individuals with such blood type have more release of cortisol and stress hormones in their body, they might find it very tough to deal with anxiety.

Heart Diseases

A specific type of gene called an ABO gene can put you at a greater heart disease risk. This threat multiplies further if you live in an area where pollution levels are high. If you belong to the blood group- A, B, or AB, chances of coronary heart diseases are elevated for you. Get yourself thoroughly checked before any mishap.

Pregnancy Complications

Many people don’t know about the rhesus factor (Rh) and its fatal consequences in unfavourable contact with substances. If a pregnant woman’s rhesus factor does not match that of the child’s, the mother’s immune system might recognise the child as an allergy and start making antibodies against it. Further, this can lead to dangerous outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

If you are pregnant and are looking forward to a healthy and easy delivery of the baby, I would advise you to visit a gynaecologist hospital as soon as possible. If you live in a rural area, try contacting some well-known gynaecology hospital in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, etc. These hospitals will have the best medical facilities and services and will be able to cater to all your needs.

Brain Functioning

The ABO gene can also lead to low brain functioning and memory loss and cognition problems. As the O blood group doesn’t have this gene, people with this particular blood type are free from such illnesses. Study shows that individuals having blood group, A, B, and AB, are more likely to develop memory and brain-related problems than those having O blood group.

Malaria

People with blood group O are less prone to get infected with malaria, as the parasite causing this illness doesn’t get easily attached to blood cells of O type.

You need to know your blood type before entering into a medical procedure. Your immune system might not receive certain kinds of treatments positively, and the incompatibility could be fatal. As this problem is common in blood transfusions and pregnancy, you would want to get thoroughly checked beforehand. Dredge out the best gynaecology clinic, gynaecologist hospital near you, or visit sites like www.ilshospitals.com to contact the most reputed gynaecology hospital in Kolkata and nearby cities.

Health

How to Reduce Drying Skin and Hair During Winters?

Dry skin and hair during winters is a common problem we are all aware of. The low humidity indoors and outdoors doesn’t let our skin retain sufficient moisture, and in turn, it starts cracking. Dandruff is another primary concern and contributes to lowering our confidence. Fortunately, there are many cost-effective ways in which you can take good care of your skin during the chill season effortlessly without splurging money on expensive products.

Homemade Moisturizing Mask and Lotion

There is no need to spend a lot of money on moisturizing products because everything you need is already present in your kitchen. Coconut, being an excellent moisturizing agent, is a cure for both dry skin and hair. Honey and lemon mixed to make a perfect peel mask for dry skins. An avocado mask will also work as a hydrating item and will leave your skin soft and glowing. As you can get these products at home and there are no chemicals involved, you don’t have to worry about the side effects.

Using Humidifiers

Humidifiers are the perfect way to maintain a fair amount of moisture in the air. It regulates the moisture when the weather is drying. Keeping the cool air setting on is probably for the best.

Scrubbing

Even when it is winter, you need to bathe regularly while exfoliating your skin gently.
Dry skin mostly composes of dead cells and it is best to remove them. Try using natural, homemade scrubs as chemical-based scrubs might cause extra dryness.

Avoiding Harsh Cleansers

Face Washes and body washes with fragrance are generally hard cleansers. The chemicals present in such products make your skin drier and result in cracking. Use soaps and cleansers which are sulfate-free.

Use Oils and Water

Your dry skin and hair are indicative of less hydration in your body. To prevent that, use more oils like olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, etc. These have multi-benefits and could be used in both cooking and applying on the skin and hair to provide nutrition.

Drink as much water as you can. It’s difficult because your body fools you during the cold weather, and as you don’t sweat much, you don’t feel like drinking as much water. But the outer environment has less moisture content, and so you should double your usual water intake.

Consumption of Dry Fruits

Dry fruits are great warming agents. They also contain vitamins and minerals that provide nutrition to your body. As dry fruits like almonds and walnuts provide strength to hair and deliver the necessary proteins, you should consume them daily to prevent dryness.

Choice of Laundry and Shampoo Cleaners

Use the laundry detergents, which are fragrance-free as they would not cause unnecessary irritation to your skin, transforming into cracking and scaling. As for shampoo, use sulfate-free ones. Reduce the use of heat devices on hair and provide proper conditioning. Include oiling in your haircare routine.

Taking care of skin and hair during winters is a challenging task. You need to maintain a balanced diet and incorporate vitamin-rich food ingredients in your meals to provide sufficient nutrients, warmth, and moisture to your body. Excessive cracking of skin due to dryness can sometimes impose the dangers of severe skin diseases, and you would want to consult a doctor in such circumstances. Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin, nails, hair and its diseases and at ILS Hospitals, our team provides treatment for a variety of skin conditions. Visit www.ilshospitals.com for a consultation with the best dermatology clinic. Meanwhile, don’t forget to include the measures mentioned above and products in your daily lifestyle to reduce dryness from skin and hair.

To know more, visit www.ilshospitals.com or call ILS Care +91 90514 60000.

Health

How to Keep Yourself Warm During Winter – Healthy Food Intakes

The Winter season is always filled with challenges. If you have elderly relatives or toddlers living in the house, you know they are the ones who suffer the most in any extreme season. In the cold, bone-chilling weather, whatever we eat decides how energetic and motivated we would be throughout the day. When lying in a cosy warm blanket with many snacks is everything one could ever ask for, choosing healthy snacking options is a task.

Ginger Tea

A cup of hot ginger tea can do wonders. It provides stimuli for thermogenesis (production of body heat) and boosts the metabolism activity too. If not ginger, you can also go for teas with spices, vegetable soups, and dals. All these options work well in providing heat to the body, making you feel warmer.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of vitamins and protein. They also help in fighting infections and building immunity. As winter is infamous for cough and cold, eggs are of great help in constructing barriers for pathogens. Eggs are versatile, and you can make numerous dishes with them. Taste-wise, it’s something everyone likes.

Dry Fruits

Well, they are the best snacks. Dry fruits like almonds, apricots, walnuts, peanuts, dates, etc. can boost immunity and help you overcome dry and rough skin. They expel cold and provide the much-needed nutrition effortlessly.

Bananas

Rich in magnesium and Vitamin B, consumption of bananas, help in regulating body temperatures. They also improve the working of various glands of your body. The best part is, it’s easy to incorporate in any meal, and kids love bananas.

Spices

Turmeric, cumin, sesame, cinnamon, and pepper; these spices will offer the best winter flu-fighting mechanism. Turmeric in milk can make your body warm and boost the working of antibodies. Pepper, cinnamon, and cumin help in building barriers against flu and cold infections. Sesame is an incredible remedy for respiratory congestions and illnesses. Pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma is quite common to get triggered during winter. Make sure you have access to multi-speciality hospitals at times of need.

Caffeine

For coffee lovers, the winter season is an absolute bliss. Caffeine is a promising warming agent that keeps you active throughout the day. It helps to improve the rate of your body metabolism. You can combine and experiment with many flavours in your cup of coffee.

Honey

Consumption of honey during winter can work wonders. It reduces muscle pains and fatigue. Moreover, it’s great for sore throat, coughing, and wheezing. You can replace the bitter syrups with honey easily, and kids would love it.

There are times when we get excited about food more than anything. Winters, for example, make you so comfortable that getting out of bed seems impossible. But it’s crucial to maintain the right balance of nutrients and vitamins in the body.

If you are looking for the best hospitals in Kolkata or eastern India, ILS Hospitals is one of the torch bearers of the future of healthcare. We provide specialised treatments in nephrology, gastroenterology, diabetology, dentistry, etc. Check out their emergency helpline numbers for various cities all over India and get access to a safe medical treatment option.

To know more, visit www.ilshospitals.com or call ILS Care +91 90514 60000.

Best Hospitals in Kolkata

How To Prevent Heart Diseases

We often overhear about a seemingly healthy person passing away from an unanticipated heart stroke. one doesn’t know what’s going on in their body and in what ways it can contribute to the illness unknowingly. It’s extremely essential to start taking care of your health. Heart diseases have become a significant cause of deaths in India, and there is a crying need for spreading awareness about it. We have listed down a few measures to prevent heart diseases and lead a healthy life.

Maintaining A Healthy Weight

Obesity poses an influential risk of heart disease as it manipulates your triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Diabetic people are a majority in the population of those who suffer from heart illnesses. Try adopting a healthy lifestyle by cutting down sugar and eating the right amount of greens. It is important to not let obesity come your way as it makes way for numerous other diseases.

Controlling Blood Pressure

Any individual, irrespective of age, should get their blood pressure checked regularly, if not very frequently, at least once in a year. It’s the fluctuating blood pressure that triggers most of the heart problems. If you are already suffering from heart illness, you should be in constant touch with the top heart hospital near you and keep their contact handy.

Exercise Regularly

Going for a run every morning or partaking in any kind of physical activity for an hour a day improves the blood circulation in your body, and your arteries function well. In this way, blood pressure can be maintained at an optimum level, and hence, the risk of heart diseases is reduced.

Eat Healthy And A Balanced Diet

Many people work out strenuously but don’t give up on the junk food they consume. Further, this cancels out the benefits they are supposed to acquire through the exercises. Reduce your portions and include more and more veggies in your diet. Beans, legumes, fish, meat, low-fat dairy products, fruits, etc. will help you against diabetes and lessen your chances of catching any kind of heart disease too.

Get Enough Sleep

When you don’t stick to your proper seven-hour sleeping schedule, your body drains out, and you keep feeling exhausted all the time. It contributes to high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. If you have irregular sleep conditions, contact the best heart hospitals in Kolkata, India, and for that matter, any heart hospital located in major cities.

Stress Management

Stress is a trigger for heart attacks and strokes as it increases blood pressure in the most common situations. In today’s scenario, stress has become one of the main reasons for heart-related issues in all age groups. It is important to cope with stress in the healthiest ways like listening to calm music, exercising, meditating, practising yoga, etc.

Quit Alcohol Consumption And Smoking

Alcohol affects your body negatively in many ways. It makes you gain weight, increases blood pressure, and contributes to organ failure. Similarly, smoking causes the accumulation of harmful substances in the arteries and restricts blood flow. It is also one of the leading factors for coronary heart diseases, strokes, and attacks.

The cardiologists at ILS Hospitals handle multiple cardiological subspecialties. These include, but not limited to the followings:

Cardiac arrhythmia – Persistent irregular heartbeat, which is either too fast or too slow. It is of 2 types, more than 100 beats per minute are called tachycardia and below 60 beats per minute is called bradycardia.

Coronary artery disease, or ischemic heart disease – it includes diseases like stable angina, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and sudden cardiac death.

Cardiac arrest – a sudden failure of heart contraction that leads to the stoppage in the effective blood flow.

Hypertension – Persistent high blood pressure in the arteries reaching the heart. A prolonged condition can lead to coronary artery disease, vision loss, chronic kidney disease, stroke, heart failure.

Congenital heart defect – Presence of a defective heart since the time of the birth. The consequences can vary from none to life-threatening.

Keeping a close watch on your heart and getting checked regularly is a need of the hour. If not discovered at an early stage, the heart-related problems could become a fatal and substantial risk to your life. Find out the top heart hospitals near you and visit them once in a while as a precautionary measure. If you live in a rural area, get yourself equipped with contacts of big hospitals so that in the time of need, you won’t have to wander cluelessly and know what to do right away. For example, if you live somewhere in the northeastern part, locate the best heart hospitals in Kolkata, India, as it is the nearest metro city and contact www.ilshospitals.com in case of any emergency.

Health

Stress Management in the Times of Covid19

Even though the COVID-19 crisis is a physical health crisis at first but might grow into a major mental health crisis. Good mental health is key to a smooth lifestyle and we, as individuals, should stay on top of our conscience to keep sane.

The pandemic has induced fear and anxiety amongst people due to the exclusivity of the disease. The common emotion that has enveloped people has been stress, fear, and a unified overwhelming feeling. Social distancing has people feeling isolated and induced anxiety about bigger things in life. What we, as a society, can do is stick to our hygiene-first actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But while you are at it, ss per the World Health Organisation here are a few ways of coping with stress in a healthy way:

Pause. Breathe. Reflect.

Take some slow breaths: in through your nose, then slowly breathe out. Slow breathing is one of the best ways to lower stress because it signals to your brain to relax your body. Notice how you are feeling and what you are thinking, without judgment. Instead of responding or reacting to those thoughts or feelings, note them, and then let them go.

Connect with others

Talking to people you trust can help. Keep in regular contact with people close to you. Tell them how you are feeling and share any concerns.

Keep to a healthy routine Do:

  • Get up and go to bed at similar times every day.
  • Keep up with personal hygiene.
  • Eat healthy meals at regular times.
  • Exercise regularly. Just doing 3-4 minutes of light intensity physical movement, such as walking or stretching, will help.
  • Allocate time for working and time for resting.
  • Make time for doing the things you enjoy.
  • Take regular breaks from on-screen activities.

Don’t:

Don’t use alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom and social isolation..

Be kind to yourself and others

Don’t expect too much of yourself on difficult days. Accept that some days you may be more productive than others. Try to reduce how much you watch, read or listen to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Seek the latest information from trusted sources at specific times of the day. Helping others can be good for you too. If you are able to, offer support to people in your community who may need it.

Reach out for help if you need it

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you think you need it. A good place to start is your local health worker. Help-lines can also be a source of support.

Psychiatry is the medical domain that is dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of mental disorders of people who are otherwise disease-free. It evaluated patients who suffer from persistent and severe mood swings, unpredictable behaviour and actions, PTSD, panic attack, frightening hallucinations, self-harming, and hearing “voices.” it also includes patients suffering from long-term sadness, hopelessness, or anxiousness, up to a point when it begins to disrupt the everyday life. At ILS Hospitals, our expert psychiatrists are here to assist anyone in the times of a crisis.

To know more, visit www.ilshospitals.com or call ILS Care +91 90514 60000.

Health

Understanding Brain Tumour – Signs, Symptoms and Myths

The human body is controlled by one of the most complex and largest networks of nerves – the brain. Understanding the functioning of the brain is vital to decoding brain tumours. It can be an overwhelming experience, courtesy: the sea of information available. In this piece, we have simplified the definition, listed down the myths and stated the facts.

To begin with, a brain tumour is a mass or growth of unnatural cells in any part of the brain.
Tumours can be broadly categorised into two – noncancerous (benign) tumours and cancerous (malignant) tumours. The cancerous tumours are more complex and can vary in size and implications. In rare cases, the sensitivity and balance of the nerves are compromised resulting in headaches, blindness, facial paralysis, etc. Owing to technology and advancements in medical science, brain tumours can be treated through surgeries and radiation.

Signs & Symptoms of Brain Tumour

The signs and symptoms of brain tumours are dependent on the location of the tumour. This mainly happens because the position determines the complexity of the tumours – some might directly affect the brain tissues while some may affect the peripheral nervous system.
Since different parts of the brain control different parts of the body, the symptoms also differ.
However, some of the common brain tumour symptoms are:

  • Seizures
  • Speech or hearing impairment
  • Vision issues
  • Issues in balancing, walking due to numbness in the arms and legs
  • Problems with memory, personality changes
  • Weakness, nausea and vomiting

To be noted: The symptoms can result from various conditions and don’t necessarily mean you have a tumour. It is strictly recommended to consult with a doctor to assess and process.

Common Myths & Facts

Myth: All non-cancerous (benign) brain tumours are harmless
Understanding the difference between non-malignant and malignant brain tumours can be difficult depending on its grade and stage. What is important to note is some non-malignant tumours can be as serious as the malignant ones. This occurs when the tumour is located in an inaccessible location, such as the brain stem. Thus, even non-cancerous tumours may cause harm if it goes untreated.

Myth: The signs and symptoms of all brain tumours are identical.
The most common and untrue myth that circles around brain tumours is this one – similar symptoms. Different people have different journeys to diagnosis – some may have no symptoms that indicate it is a tumour while others may have grave symptoms.

Myth: A non-malignant brain tumour does not require chemotherapy.
There are a host of factors that are to consider when it comes to chemotherapy. For example, any person’s age and overall condition, and the location and size of the tumour play an important role in determining if chemo is required. In most non-cancerous cases, it is usually not required, but exceptions are always there.

Myth: Once a patient finishes their treatment plan, life goes back to ‘normal’.
For some patients, there comes a day when active treatment ends. That day can bring with it numerous mixed feelings, relief, happiness, anxiety but also uncertainty. The end of treatment does not mean the end of the experience of having a brain tumour and the person may need to adapt to a “new normal” depending on long-term effects the person may have from treatment.

Myth: Brain tumours are rare and do not affect young people.
The number of brain tumours cases in children under the age of 20 has now surpassed leukaemia. Tumours are the third leading cause of cancer deaths in young adults between the age of 20-39. Secondary brain tumors are common than primary brain tumors – cancer begins elsewhere and spreads to the brain.

Myth: Brain Tumours are caused by cell phones and microwaves

Physiologically speaking, this myth makes zero sense as the studies have proved that radio frequency radiation (RFR) affects the skin first and a long way before reaching the brain. Calcium is the best absorber of radiation and thus, the skull protects the brain from the radiation to enter.

Neurosurgery is the medical branch that addresses the conditions related to the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system through surgical procedures. ILS Hospitals is all set with expert neurosurgeons to offer extensive treatment along with Surgical Management of Pain that interferes with the everyday life of the patient. To know more, visit www.ilshospitals.com