7 Ways to Boost your Immunity
Your health is your biggest asset. In the last few months of 2020, many people have come to this realisation the hard way. Health and hygiene have been the top-most priority of most people this year, owing to the pandemic. A healthy person with a strong immune system can defend his body against disease-spreading microorganisms. Giving your immunity that boost requires a balance in your eating habits, exercise, stress levels and depends on various factors like age, genetics and lifestyle choices. Hospitals in Kolkata, even the multispecialty hospitals have been pointing out the benefits of a strong immunity system.
To give your immunity a boost, it is essential to follow a healthy lifestyle and maintain balance and harmony in your body. Here are certain ways to give your immunity that boost and defend any disease-causing germs and viruses.
- Healthy Diet: Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, a healthy and balanced diet provides your body with the fuel needed to keep it going. Adding more fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics to your diet can help keep your system healthy and fight diseases.
- Limited intake of Sugar: Added sugar contributes to obesity and too much sugar can cause a spike in blood sugar as well as increase the risk of diabetes. Curbing sugar can lead to weight loss which might reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
- Adequate Sleep: 6-8 hours of sleep is essential for your body to function well. Poor quality sleep is highly linked to increased risk of sickness. Getting adequate rest strengthens your natural immunity and more sleep helps the immune system to fight sickness.
- Moderate Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise like brisk walking, aerobics or sports can help reduce inflammation and improve your immunity. It aids in weight loss and helps improve your metabolism. It leads to quicker regeneration of immunity cells in the body.
- Proper Hydration: While there is no direct link between hydration and your immunity, preventing dehydration is the goal for better health. Dehydration can cause headaches and ailments in the digestive system, kidney or heart which can make your body susceptible to illness.
- Stress Management: Stress levels and anxiety need to be kept in check for better immunity. Prolonged stress can lead to suppression of the immunity system and can imbalances in the cells. Regular exercise, yoga, journaling, meditation or seeking professional help is advised for relieving stress.
- Maintain Hygiene: Washing of hands frequently, especially before eating or after coming back home, wearing clean clothes, eating properly cooked food, wearing a mask in public and taking precautions to avoid infections is recommended.
People with low immunity are more prone to diseases like pneumonia, bronchitis, meningitis and are at higher risk of contracting diseases from bacteria and other microorganisms, including COVID-19. These few changes in your lifestyle can really improve your health. While they do not guarantee your protection from different diseases, they do help you put up a better fight when your body is exposed to disease-causing microorganisms.
If you face any such issues, don’t delay the treatment and fix your appointment with our Pulmonology and Chest Medicine Department. In case of any emergency, contact or visit ILS Hospitals, a multispecialty hospital, known for its excellent healthcare services. To know more, call ILS Care +91 90514 60000 or visit www.ilshospitals.com.
Everything You Should Know About Minimally Invasive Surgery or Most commonly known as Key-Hole Surgery/Laparoscopic Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery which is most commonly known as the Key-Hole Surgery or Laparoscopic Surgery, is a specialised and advanced technique for conducting surgeries. This has been a popular technique for gynaecological procedures as well as gallbladder surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is one of the common types of minimally invasive surgeries, conducted by making small incisions, using tiny cameras, small tubes and surgical instruments. Constant innovations in the industry has led to these surgeries being shorter, with a faster recovery time, less invasive and painful along with fewer complications.
Scope of Key-hole Surgery / Minimally Invasive Surgery
Key-hole Surgery / Laparoscopic Surgery has been a popular choice for gynaecological procedures and gallbladder surgery. However, over the years, the scope for this key-hole surgery / minimally invasive surgery has increased to cater to many other surgical procedures. Now there’s scope for laparoscopic surgery for small and large intestinal surgeries, hernia repair, treatment for infertility. It is also used for diagnostic purposes like knowing the stages of cancer, checking for tumours or evaluation of the effectiveness of some treatment.
Advantages of Key-Hole Surgery / Minimally Invasive Surgery
In traditional open surgery, the doctor makes a large cut for visibility of organs and then operates on the patient. In case of minimally invasive surgery, here are some advantages that make it a better choice over traditional surgery:
- The surgeon can limit the number of cuts, the size of the incisions made and is considered much safer than traditional open surger
- The recovery period after a minimally invasive surgery is faster with smaller incisions leading to tiny or negligent scarring
- Not a lot of muscle or skin is opened up or affected, especially in key-hole surgery. The robotic surgeries are done with extreme precision
- The chances of complications also reduce in case of minimally invasive surgery, be it laparoscopic surgery or minimally invasive surgery
Along with the benefits, there is scope for major innovation and betterment of the current procedures, which is being worked on every minute by various surgeons all over the world. Minimally invasive surgery makes it easier for the patient and as well as the doctors and is the best solution to your issues. ILS Hospitals being the pioneers in laparoscopic surgery has been a leading hospital in Kolkata with renowned surgeons and facilities for key-hole surgery or minimally invasive surgery. To consult or know more about minimally invasive surgery, visit www.ilshospitals.com.
ILS Speaks – Healthy Hair, Healthy You
Hair has been called crowning glory as it is symbolic to the person’s health, beauty, and overall personality. A luscious thick mane is always considered healthy and so to achieve that people use a lot of products and provide a lot of TLC to the hair.
Have you ever wondered what your hair is trying to tell you? Just like your nails, your hair has a lot to say about the health of your body. The condition of your hair can hint at serious diseases, like thyroid, anaemia, etc. as well.
In today’s blog, ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala, will tell you what your hair is trying to tell you about your overall health. So, without any further ado, let’s proceed further.
Dull and lifeless hair
Dull and lifeless hair can happen due to a variety of reasons. You might make your hair dull and lifeless when you undergo chemical treatment, like hair colouring, rebonding, and other heat treatment or when you use harsh chemical-based products at home. From the medical point of view, dull and lifeless hair strictly indicates poor nutrition.
Solution: Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and meat. Drink plenty of water and avoid harsh chemicals on your hair.
Grey or white hair
Grey or white hair is normal after you turn 35 years. But if you have white hair in your twenties then it is a matter of concern. The hair becomes white due to insufficient melanin, a pigment that gives hair its natural colour. This can happen due to vitamin B deficiency and stress.
Solution: Stay away from stress and eat vitamin B rich foods, such as eggs, fish, chicken, mutton, oysters, milk, whole grains, almonds, broccoli, spinach, bananas, avocados, bananas, and so on.
Thinning hair
Hair thinning or receding hairline occurs due to nutritional deficiencies or thyroid. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause hair loss in men and women. If you wish to know more about thyroid, read this blog: Your Complete Guide On Thyroid
Solution: Consult your medical professional, preferably visit ILS Hospital and get thyroid function tests.
Excessive hair fall
Losing 50-100 strands of hair a day is completely normal but if the hair strands exceed this normal range then it can indicate towards iron deficiency or anaemia.
Solution: Eat foods rich in iron, like chicken, fish, cashews, whole grains, fortified cereals, spinach, legumes, lentils, tofu, raisins, apricots, and so on. Also, get a blood test to check your haemoglobin levels.
Dry hair and scalp
Dry hair and scalp can mean that you are not getting healthy fats in your body. Also, dry hair and scalp can happen due to scalp diseases, like psoriasis.
Solution: Eat healthy fats, like eggs, cheese, avocados, fatty fishes, coconut oil, almonds, cashews, etc.
For other hair-related queries, visit ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala to consult our professional trichologists.
The Key to a Healthy Heart
The heart is the engine that keeps a body running. It pumps blood to every part of the body and keeps it functioning like a well-oiled machine. It is essential to keep your heart healthy and strong. A healthy lifestyle reduces the chances of cardiovascular diseases and helps your heart work most efficiently. Cardiovascular or heart disease is on the rise in our country with more and more young people suffering from disease owing to the increasing stress and fast-paced lifestyle.
A lot of doctors suggest making certain basic changes in your lifestyle to improve your health and make your heart stronger, especially after a certain age when the risks are much higher. Here are a few things you should always keep in mind:
- Eat Right & Exercise: An active lifestyle along with a healthy diet can do wonders for your heart. Indulge in some activity like walks, playing a sport, dancing or working out in your daily routine. A sedentary life can be harmful to your heart. Eat healthy fats and avoid trans fat along with portion control and add fruits and vegetables to your diet for more fiber and the right dosage of vitamins and minerals.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is not just bad for your lungs but also can cause irreversible damage to your heart. Smoking is a major cause of coronary heart disease which can lead to heart attack. It is, in fact, considered one of the top controllable risks factors in case of heart disease. Avoiding tobacco can be a great way to take care of your health.
- Choose Stress-Relieving Hobbies: Stress can be one of the biggest reasons for heart diseases. Picking up hobbies like knitting, listening to calming music, watching fun movies or simply walking around greenery can help relieve stress and keep you happy.
- Get Proper Sleep: Those who don’t get enough sleep are at a higher risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases. Getting proper, restful sleep is essential for good health, overall. Sleeping less than the required hours can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure and inflammation.
- Get Regular Check-ups: Go for regular check-ups to ensure your heart is working to its full capacity without any troubles. Keep a constant check on your levels of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. In case of any issues, go for an angiogram or angiography and further tests to get to the roots of the problem and consult a heart specialist.
It is vital to ensure that you follow a healthy lifestyle and take precautionary measures to avoid cardiovascular issues and other health diseases in the future. However, in case of any symptoms or signs of trouble, it is a necessity to seek medical advice from professionals. ILS Hospitals are one of the leading hospitals in Kolkata for cardiovascular treatment and have an outpatient department in case of emergencies. For regular check-ups or consultations, visit us and stay healthy.
For further details, visit www.ilshospitals.com.
Anemia And Its Prevention In Women
Anemia is a health condition in which the body does not make enough RBCs (red blood cells) or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an essential protein found in the blood that is responsible for giving blood its colour and it also helps in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. When you have low hemoglobin, you have anemia, when you have anemia, you encounter symptoms, like fatigue and shortness of breath. Anemia can be mild to severe and short-term to even long-term.
Anemia is a serious health concern in our country, India. More than 50% of women in India under the age of 15-49 years are suffering from anemia. It is a matter of concern and we all must talk about it. The biggest question to ask is why women are more prone to suffer from anemia? As per health professionals working at some best hospitals in Kolkata, women are more vulnerable to suffer from iron deficiency anemia because of blood loss during menstruation, pregnancy, and post-childbirth. Mostly, in our country, more women are suffering and have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, obviously, due to malnutrition or poor nutrition. Anemia can be easily diagnosed by a blood test or hemoglobin test and is treated by medications, blood transfusion, and lifestyle changes, all depending upon the severity and the type of anemia.
Today, ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala will guide all women who are reading this blog on preventing this serious medical condition called anemia. So, to all women, carefully read and apply the following mentioned things in your life to never see the face of anemia.
Consume lots of iron-rich foods
Iron is crucial to avoid iron deficiency anemia. Consume iron-rich foods, like spinach, eggs, red meat, chicken liver, fish, peas, black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, tofu, oysters, apples, banana, and pomegranates.
Get sufficient vitamin B12
Most patients with anemia have low vitamin B12 levels. Eat eggs, fish, chicken, mutton, milk, cheese, butter, fortified breakfast cereals, and so on.
Receive enough vitamin B9 or folate
Vitamin B9 or folate is extremely important for pregnant women. Consume foods that are rich in vitamin B9, such as peanuts, whole grains, eggs, fish, liver, leafy greens, citrus fruits, etc.
Include more vitamin C in your diet
Vitamin C helps in better absorption of iron. Have more tomatoes, bell peppers, oranges, lemons, papayas, strawberries, and so on.
Avoid drinking hot beverages along with meals
Ensure to not drink hot beverages – tea and coffee along with your meals as it hampers the iron-absorbing power of the body.
Take vitamin supplements
Sometimes diet cannot provide all the vital nutrients needed for the body. In that case, vitamin supplements are prescribed by the medical practitioner. Consult the doctor and ask him or her to prescribe you vitamin supplements if needed.
Get a complete body checkup to rule out other types of anemia
There are other types of anemia as well – sickle cell anemia, hemolytic anemia, etc. Get a complete body checkup from a reputed healthcare centre or hospital in Kolkata to rule out other types of anemia.
Visit ILS Hospitals, the leading hospital in Kolkata and Agartala to get accurate diagnoses and timely treatment for anemia.
The Know how of Bariatric Surgery
Obesity is a major health risk. It can lead to many cardiovascular diseases, high blood sugar or diabetes, high blood pressure, trouble in your bones and joints due to excessive weight, sleep apnea, gallstones and even a contributing factor to some cancers. Bariatric Surgery includes a series of surgical procedures that involve making changes to the digestive system to help people lose weight. Bariatric surgery provides a safe and comparatively, long-term solution for weight loss.
Types of Bariatric Surgery
There are a few types of procedures for weight loss surgery. They are:
- Lap Band: A surgical procedure to lose weight, here, a silicone band is wrapped around a part of the stomach to create a smaller food pouch. The food eaten is then stored in this smaller pouch. The band can be adjusted to make the pouch bigger or smaller as per the requirements. This band can be removed after achieving the desired weight loss.
- Gastric Sleeve: Here, the stomach is reduced by 60-70% vertically. It is also known as the vertical sleeve gastronomy. The thinner stomach which is like a tube is stapled to be connected to the esophagus and small intestine.
- Gastric Bypass: Gastric Bypass is a slightly more complicated method, also known as the Roux-en-Y method. It involves creating a smaller pouch out of the stomach by stapling it and using the rest of the stomach to digest enzymes. Along with it, the small intestine is cut to a certain length and then connected to the smaller stomach so that lesser nutrients are absorbed.
Advantages of Bariatric Surgery
When it comes to weight loss, laparoscopic bariatric surgery is a highly effective way to lose weight for the morbidly obese. Other than losing weight, it also has many other benefits like improved cardiovascular health, better body image which leads to a healthier mood, reduces or eliminates obstructive sleep apnea, provides relief to the joints and improves fertility among women. It also alleviates as well as prevents other medical conditions like complications in pregnancy, gallbladder diseases, etc.
For people with a BMI above 35 and serious health issues, bariatric surgery is ideal for permanent weight loss and to improve your health. ILS Hospitals, a multi-specialty hospital that is renowned for safe Bariatric Cares urgery under the guidance of Dr. Om Tantia, with 32 years of experience. He is also accredited as “Surgeon Of Excellence” by SRC. The Bariatric Care division is ideal place to get a safe surgery done without worrying about your health and side effects. The Pioneers in Laparoscopic Surgery, ILS Hospitals have 4 branches in the city out of which the Salt Lake branch has the Bariatric Care division. For any queries, consultations or to know more, visit www.ilshospitals.com.
Childbirth: ILS Hospitals’ Guide On Postpartum Depression
Pregnancy and childbirth are incredible experiences but for some women, they can also become overwhelming. Sometimes, pregnancy and delivery are not sunshine and rainbows because baby blues are real. Baby blues are a psychological condition felt by women right after delivery. When you have baby blues, you feel unhappy and emotionless for no reason. Usually, baby blues go away on their own within a week but in case if a new mother has baby blues that last longer than two weeks then she might be suffering from postpartum depression.
(Get premium care during pregnancy and childbirth from ILS Hospitals, the best maternity hospital in Kolkata and Agartala)
Postpartum depression is a serious mental condition that happens to new mothers post childbirth due to psychological and hormonal changes in the body. You’re more at risk of developing postpartum or postnatal depression if you fall under the following criteria:
- History of depression or other mental disorder
- Do not have support from the spouse, family, and friends
- Lack of sleep
- Have an unwanted and unplanned pregnancy
- Dealing with a financial crisis
- Living a stressful life
- Genetics.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
- Feeling sad and hopeless
- Mood swings
- Frequent crying without any reason
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
- Anxiety
- Poor appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anti-social behaviour
- Anhedonia (not enjoying things that were once enjoyable)
- Thoughts of hurting the baby or oneself.
If you have the above symptoms that persist for more than one or two weeks, do not delay getting medical treatment.
Treatment for Postpartum Depression
Once you’ve been diagnosed by the healthcare professional for postnatal depression, you might be prescribed the following treatment:
- Talk therapy
- Medications – mostly antidepressants
- Electroconvulsive or shock therapy (in severe cases when the above methods don’t work)
Visit ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Agartala and Kolkata to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for postpartum depression.
4 Outstanding Facts On Liver By The Best Hospital In Kolkata
A liver is an amazing organ that requires no further introduction. Your liver performs essential functions, like detoxifying the body and storing vital nutrients.
Recommended Read: Signs Of A Liver That’s Damaged And Requires Liver Treatment
Today, ILS Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala will tell you 4 outstanding facts on liver so stay connected!
Your liver can regenerate itself
Yes, you heard that right. It’s an absolutely correct statement. A liver can completely regrow itself from 25% to 100 % in a matter of weeks. When a person donates 75% of his or her liver then the liver can regenerate itself to its original size in two weeks without fail.
Healthy liver = Well-functioning brain
Your liver regulates plasma glucose and ammonia levels in the body. If these two enzymes are not regulated then it will lead to a serious medical condition called hepatic encephalopathy (declined brain function) that can result in a coma. So, yes, admit it, a healthy liver is crucial for a healthy brain.
Liver is important for drug metabolism
Oral medicines are first converted by the liver for the body to accept and if your liver does not or is unable to perform this vital function then no matter how much effective the oral medicines are, they just won’t work.
Our liver is the second largest organ in the body
The liver weighs more than 3 pounds and is the second-largest organ in the body. So, which one is the first largest organ? Well, it’s your skin.
Since the liver is such a superstar organ, it needs great care and love. An unhealthy liver can lead to serious liver ailments, like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. If you want your liver to be young and healthy, then take note of the following things:
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Ditch your sedentary lifestyle
- Avoid hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections
- Quit smoking
- Drink alcohol moderately
- Get regular medical checkups
If you need liver treatment in Kolkata and Agartala, consider ILS Hospitals. Our several healthcare units in Kolkata and Agartala aim to provide accurate and effective liver treatment.
Covid -19: How To Breastfeed Your Baby If You’re Covid Positive
COVID-19 cases are increasing drastically and the vaccine is still not available to the masses. If you’re a COVID positive new mother then you have to take as many precautions as you can because you have to breastfeed your newborn baby.
(Get in touch with the best gynaecologist in Kolkata for clearing queries related to gynaecological health.)
According to WHO (World Health Organization), mothers can breastfeed their babies even if they have tested positive for COVID-19. We still don’t have enough evidence to point out that Coronavirus can be transmitted through breastmilk. As breastmilk is extremely important for the newborn baby’s health and development, we encourage all new mothers to breastfeed their little ones cautiously and by keeping note of the things mentioned below:
Wear a mask while breastfeeding
Never forget to wear a mask or cloth covering before breastfeeding your baby. Wear a proper face mask that covers your nose and mouth perfectly. You can also wear a face shield over your mask.
Wash your hands before and after holding your baby
Wash your hands right before and after holding your baby. Also, use a hand sanitizer once you’ve washed your hands with soap and water.
Use a breast pump
Using a breast pump is an excellent choice now as it will require contactless breastfeeding. Ensure that the breast pump is well-sanitized after each use. When you’re using a breast pump, you can ask someone else to hygienically feed your baby.
Avoid close contact with the baby
Do not let emotions drive you. Avoid touching and being in close contact with your baby while breastfeeding.
Take good care of yourself and we hope you defeat Corona soon. For any health-related supervision, visit ILS Hospitals, the best hospital in Kolkata and Agartala.
Medical Emergency: Things Paramount To Your First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit is something that should have its place in every house, office, restaurant, shop, and vehicle. You never know when a medical emergency might happen, so it’s always good to be prepared beforehand.
In today’s blog, ILS Hospitals, one of the best multispeciality hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala will enlighten you on First Aid Box essentials. Let’s take a look at things that must be inside your First Aid Kit.
Adhesive bandages
Adhesive bandages or conveniently called “band-aids” must be kept inside your First Aid Kit. Band-aids are commonly applied on common cuts to protect them from infection so that they don’t interfere with the healing process.
Antiseptic liquid
An antiseptic liquid needs to be there as it is used for removing germs from your wounds that might lead to infections if not cleaned properly.
Antiseptic cream/ointment
Keep a good antiseptic cream or ointment inside your First Aid Box so that you can apply one whenever you hurt yourself. Remember to always apply an antiseptic ointment after cleaning your wounds with a disinfectant or antiseptic liquid.
Medical cotton wool
It’s very obvious to keep medical cotton wool as you’ll need them to use on wounds as well as,while applying antiseptic liquid and ointment.
Medicated pain relief spray
Medicated pain relief spray is a must.You never know when you might get a sprain or backache.
Ice Pack
You should keep an Ice pack as it is very useful to minimize swelling post-injury.
Doctor’s approved pain relief medicines
Sometimes, taking medicines is the only option. In that case, always keep pain relief medicines after getting the medical professional’s nod.
Prescription medicines
If you have a specific health condition that requires you to take prescriptive medicines, then you can keep them inside your First Aid Box.
Antacids
Antacids are taken when one suffers from indigestion. Antacids neutralize the stomach acid and can be in any form – tablets or liquids. You can ask a medical professional to prescribe you some good antacids.
Decongestant
Seasonal changes can give you cough and cold. Nobody likes to deal with a runny nose and sore throat. That’s when decongestants come to the rescue. Surely, keep a good one.
Headache Roll-on/Balm
Headaches have become extremely normal in today’s hectic world. A headache roll-on or balm should be a part of your Medical Box. If you have migraine then consult your doctor to prescribe you an effective headache roll-on.
Sanitary napkins
Sometimes you or someone you know might get periods all of a sudden. So, it is crucial to keep sanitary napkins inside a First Aid Kit.
Hand sanitizer
A medical emergency can occur at any given moment and you may not get the chance to wash your hands before treating yourself or someone who needs First-Aid. That’s why you will have to keep an alcohol-infused hand sanitizer.
Thermometer
Keeping a thermometer is a smart choice. Nowadays, digital and no-contact infrared thermometers have come into prevalence.
Ensure there are no expired products inside your First Aid Box. For severe burns and other major injuries, First-Aid is not the ultimate cure. You have to report to the hospital’s ER in case of a serious medical emergency. Visit ILS Hospitals – Kolkata and Agartala for any medical emergency. Our ERs are well-equipped with the latest infrastructure and we provide 24*7 Emergency Care to our emergency patients in Kolkata and Agartala.