What Is Low Birth Weight And Its Main Causes
After a full term of pregnancy, a baby is born with body weight ranging between 2500 to 4200 grams in order to live a normal functional life. However, very often some of these babies are born with exceptionally lesser weight than medically considered as ideal. These babies need critical care and are often kept at special care units of maternity hospitals.
As per World Health Organization, babies having a body weight of 2499 grams or less are considered as low birth weight. This is further subdivided into very low birth weight (having less than 1500 gram) and extremely low birth weight (having less than 1000 grams).
Having a low birth weight puts the baby subjected to developing a wide number of medical complications, both in short term and in long term.
Causes of low birth weight
The low birth weight is either caused due to preterm birth or due to being small for the gestational or environmental factor of the prenatal growth and development.
Preterm birth
The gestational period ideally consists of 37 weeks and any pregnancy than matures before this duration is considered as preterm birth. Being born before the ideal time than the baby is supposed to, results in making the baby susceptible to multiple medical issues and being born with a low birth weight is one of them.
Being small for gestational age
As already mentioned, the gestational duration does play an important role. However, some babies born with low birth weight even with a full term. This happens when the baby is doing full term but is underdeveloped with respect to his or her age. It is often a result of some or the other medical or genetic condition. As any malnourished individual would perform less and will be less immunized, the rules apply same for an infant only to a bigger proportion.
Environmental factors
Several factors such as a young age of mother, previous low birth weight babies, multiple pregnancies, poor nutrition, substance abuse and malnourished prenatal stage etc contribute towards negatively affecting the birth weight of the baby. It also includes exposure to smoke, pollutant air, water, lead and other toxic substances as well.
As already mentioned, the babies having a low birth weight is highly likely to suffer immense adverse health conditions. Thus, every family having an expectant mother is advised to take proper care of the mother and the child in every aspect to ensure a safe pregnancy and healthy child. In case of any doubt, it is always wise to approach a maternity hospital as soon as possible.
Does The Monsoon Makes People More Prone To Illness Than Usual?
Monsoon – the time of heavy rain in several parts of India. And needless to say, after the scorching summer, it is a respite. Apart from bringing joys and cool breeze, it also brings us another factor- the cold and flu. Monsoon is after all, highly associated with running nose and sick leaves from work and schools. Many are even seen in the hospitals in Kolkata when their self-medication does not work.
Is there a coherent connection between these two, or it is simply a silly reason to avoid getting drenched in rain. Let’s understand in details
There is an old myth that suggests getting wet in the rain lowers the body temperature significantly and attracts all the symptoms of several illnesses. However, one must remember that flu is caused due to the intervention of virus not due to prolonged contact of water on the body. If it had been true, a long shower or bath would result in flu as well.
So, let’s understand what happens. The rainwater itself does not possess any threat to our health, it is water after all, which we use to clean and freshen ourselves. However, the rainwater is circulated from open water bodies which are exposed to natural and chemical pollution and biological pathogens. Also, during the entire process of the water cycle, it attracts dirt and other airborne pathogens as well. Overall, the rain water is nothing resembling the distilled water, as many people believe it.
Once we are exposed to the rain, the pathogens get an easy pass to spread its count and cause symptoms. However, whether or not we directly get drenched in it, the rainwater certainly wets our clothes, building and other possession that we contact directly. This way, the virus and other pathogens enter our system and start hampering the immune system. The most common monsoon illness are the common cold, viral fever, flu, etc.
Moreover, being in wet clothes for a longer period of time can also lower the temperature significantly and weakens the white blood cells, thus it makes the work of immune system a bit more challenging. So, changing into the dry set of clothes after getting wet is highly recommended along with not eating junk food from the street vendors, which are directly exposed to all the ill effect of monsoon.
Despite all these effects, this season can actually be enjoyed with few precautions and trips to hospitals. So stay healthy and happy monsoon to you!
Why an Operation Theater Is Called So
Several times, the oral medication and therapy cannot cure a medical condition entirely and then it requires surgical care. Hospitals are equipped with several operating rooms to carry out these surgical procedures. These operating rooms are also known as Operation Theater.
Though the first thing that comes to mind when we hear the term ‘theater’ is mostly associated with a building that displays either real time or recorded film, play or stunt shows. The word theater comes from the Greek origin word ‘theatron’ which literally means ‘a place for viewing’. Then why is it associated with the sterile room, where no one but patient and medical staffs is allowed is called a theater?
It is a misnomer for the modern day operating room but is actually justified for the pioneer operating room, which was functional centuries ago. In the earlier times, the operating room had a sitting arrangement around the operating table. The medical student and interested people were allowed to be present and witness the procedure as it was carried out. This gallery resembled like the theater and the purpose being operation, gave rise to the term correctly as ‘Operation Theater.’
The purpose was to provide live, practical knowledge regarding surgery to the next generation of doctors and also to advertise the procedure in the newspaper and other keen participants. In fact, the number of people willing to witness (and also pay) this was so huge, that often operations had to postpone until a bigger theater is arranged.
Obviously, it did more harm than good. Unlike today’s operating procedures, the earlier rooms, equipment’s were not sterilized and also the doctors used to carry out these procedures one after the other without changing into a clean set of gloves, mask or gown. Due to exposure to germs, and infections, the number of death post-surgery were sky high.
Thankfully, with time, every negative aspect was addressed and improved. In current times as well, medical students attend several surgery procedures along with their senior doctors in the hospitals. However, that is purely for learning the purpose and they all maintain the same level of hygiene and sterility as the doctor and thus it no longer possess any threat to the health and recovery of the patient. Moreover, video recording of surgery has eliminated the singular need to be physically present in the operating rooms anymore.
Though having a surgical procedure in the aforementioned operation theater in the present era will be a nightmare for both the patient and the doctors, it must be remembered that medical science did not evolve into this current day scenario overnight. It took a lot of efforts from so many people over the ages and we are obliged to every single of them.
Importance and Role of a Doctor in the Society
‘Some heroes don’t wear capes, we call them doctors’
This one-liner said by an anonymous person is something we all have felt at some point or the other in our lives. Indeed, doctors play a significant role in our lives. The absolute first and the last event of a human are both certified by doctors, in maternity hospitals and morgue. A doctor is a person with extensive knowledge in the domain of medical science, who applies and dedicates his knowledge to identify the medical problem faced by the patient and then uses his skill to prevent or cure it.
Hippocrates and Imhotep are some of the most ancient doctors in the world who contributed a lot towards mankind. In India, the history of medicine goes way back as well. Sushruta was the first surgeon in the world who lived around 800 BC. All these men belonged to different era and background, however, their dedication and passion for saving lives and mending them are what makes them stand together. They represent the community known as doctors.
Their contribution to human health is beyond comparison and the rich culture of the medicinal world is still in its glory in this era. So let’s have a look at how the doctors play an important role in our lives.
1. Saving life
Mostly this arises during the event for an emergency procedure or an elective procedure for a rather time sensitive or serious illness. An accidental injury and troubled labor also account for the same.
2. Extending life
Unfortunately, not every illness can be cured completely. But with the effort of doctors and medicines and therapies, the lifespan of the patient or onset of the worst effect of an illness can be extended significantly. Though this time varies greatly from case to case and patient to patient, the efforts behind the cause are commendable.
3. Improving lives
Not every disease threatens the life of the patient. However, living with the discomforts for a lifetime is not an acceptable option either. The effort of doctors makes it possible to mitigate these discomforts and help live their life to fullest.
4. Controlling the epidemics
Some diseases claim an entire population than just handful of random people. Contagious disease and other epidemic conditions are for instance, are a huge threat to the health of a common people living in that geographical boundary. Timely measures and awareness by doctors can curb or eliminate such catastrophic situation.
These are some of the many, many contributions these apron-wearing armies make for us. To pay our tributes to doctors in India, we celebrate Doctor’s day on 1st July every year. This date coincides with both the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. It reminds us the special contribution made by this legendary physical, who treated thousands and inspired millions of lives, including the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
On this very special event of Doctor’s Day, we are proud to say that ILS Hospitals house some of the most talented medical professionals in the country. These doctors are fully capable of dealing with any kind of medical emergencies, and thus, we feel that it is our privilege to be one of the best hospitals in Kolkata.
What Is Patient’s Right and How ILS Hospitals Contribute?
Being a preacher is hard, being a parent is even harder. However, there is one status that can be easily earned, i.e. being a patient. One morning you are doing fine, suddenly you get drenched in rain and in the evening get a sore throat that worsens overnight, and now you are a patient who needs immediate medical attention to get back to healthier self. In the hour of medical emergencies, you mostly tend to follow the doctors and the staffs of the healthcare system.
However, ILS Hospitals gives you an additional advantage and ensure that you get quality treatment. They provide a standard patient’s right. Patient’s right is a set of rules that ensure transparency between the patient party and the health caregivers. In India, however, not many people are aware of the same, the main reason being the fact that not all hospitals and clinics offer the same.
We believe that trust and hope is as important as medicines for recovery and good health. Thus, we provide a set of patient’s right for the same. The followings are the patients’ right we offer to anyone who seeks treatment in our institution-
Patient Rights
- Right to Impartial access to care
- Right to Respect & Dignity
- Right to Privacy & Confidentiality
- Right to personal safety & Security
- Right to know the identity & Professional status of the Care giver
- Right to informed participation in Decision involving his/her care
- Right to refuse treatment
- Right to go for 2nd opinion
- Right to be informed of Hospital rules & regulation
- Right to information on how to file a complaint
- Right to explanation for all items charged in Bill
- Right to access medical record
While talking about right, another important aspect that is correlated to the same is the responsibility. Unlike the prior set of guidelines, these are to be followed and respected from the patient’s side for establishing an effective system.
Patient information/guidelines
- Following the rule and regulation of the Hospital
- Providing complete & accurate information about your past illness, medical history, allergies etc.
- Following the treatment plan recommended by your care givers
- You are responsible for outcomes if you do not follow the instruction or treatment suggested by your care giver.
- Paying your bills promptly
- Misbehaving with hospital staffs or mishandling hospital’s asset is a punishable offense by IPC
- Notify your care giver if you do not understand the instruction
Having the patient’s right strengthens the assurance of patients towards receiving a better treatment and encourages us, the healthcare party to improve and deliver the best possible treatment.
ILS Hospitals Health Packages
Staying healthy all the time is more like a wish than reality. No matter how careful we are, we all fall into the trap of diseases at times. Surviving on spice-less, taste-less nutritious food is what we all have done at some point or the other in our lives. Unfortunately, some people need a lot more trips to hospitals than others for their treatment.
We, at ILS Hospitals are taking the initiative in this regard and helping to stay healthy with the help of the health packages. Here is a glimpse of all the packages with its highlights.
- Basic Health Check-up – As the name suggests, it covers the basic medical information, such as ECG, ABO and Rh grouping, random blood sugar, hemoglobin with ESR, chest X-ray, urine and serum profile.
- Child Health Check Up – It includes the screening required to ensure the sound health of the child. It includes blood sugar profile, urine and stool test, hemoglobin with ESR, ABO and Rh grouping.
- Well Women Check Up – It consists of all the tests mentioned in the basic package with a set of women-oriented tests, such as breast and abdomen USG, Pap smear, thyroid profile and also a consultation with the gynecologist.
- Care of Senior Citizen – As senior patients need extra care, this package has be designed for the elderly in our society. It comprises of all the tests of the basic package. In addition, it has cholesterol profile, USG abdomen and PAP/PSA for women/men respectively.
- Decoding Diabetes – By looking at the alarming statistics of diabetes in this era, this particular package is extremely helpful. It comprises of ECG, SGOT, SGPT, HBA1C, urea, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, creatinine and bilirubin profile and albumin-creatinine ratio in urine.
- Silver Healthcare – As the name suggests, this package consists of a wide range of screening to ensure one stays in perfect health. Several of these tests are common as that of the basic package. The add on are TSH, EEG, liver function, lipid profile, uric acid, pulmonary function, and USG of abdomen.
- Gold Healthcare – Being an upgrade of the previous package, it consists of all the screenings of the same. In addition, it includes electrolytes and renal profile, along with USG for women and PAP/PSA for women/men respectively.
- Cardiac care – The number of people getting affected with some or the other cardiac ailments call out for this particular health package. It includes ECG, chest X-ray, EEG, TMT, lipid profile, blood sugar fasting and haemogram profile.
- Renal Screening – The health of the kidneys often skip the minds of people. To bring awareness for the same, this package comprises of several screenings such as, ESR, calcium, bicarbonate, chloride, creatinine, Potassium, Inorganic Phosphorus, Sodium, urea, uric acid profile, along with screening of blood sugar fasting, haemogram, HbSAG and urine.
- Pre-Marital HCP for Male and female- Before two people start their relational-life, it is better to have a healthy start with these packages for men and women. It comprises of the ABO and Rh grouping, fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin profile, Hb electrophoresis, HbSAG, HCV, HIV and DVRL screening for both partners. It also has an USG of lower abdomen and urine profile screening for females.
Thus, we encourage every individual to come forth and get a complete checkup to ensure they stay in perfect health.
Autumn Health Hazards – 8 Common Illnesses People Face during Rainy Season
After withstanding the scotching summer, its now the turn for monsoon to bring the drops of relief. The rainy season bring lots of excitement and fun, but unfortunately, it also brings several infections. Let’s have a glimpse of the illness that strikes the hardest doing the rainy season.
1. Cold and flu – Having a cold and later its progression into flu is quite common during rainy season. Generally, it resolves by rest, over the counter medicine and homemade remedies. But when it persists, it ought to be addressed in a hospital to be on safe side.
2. Malaria – Though malaria can strike any time of the year, especially in the places with low level hygiene such as slums, however, the risk of the same enhances significantly during rainy seasons. The main reason for the same is breeding of mosquitoes in unmanageable water logging and clogging of drains.
3. Typhoid – Typhoid is a very common water borne disease that arises due to the pathogen bacteria Salmonella typhi. It onsets with the consumption of contaminated water. Another prime source is improper sanitation. The symptoms of typhoid such as sore throat, fever headache and weakness are often confused with flu, and thus, its treatment becomes quite tricky.
4. Dengue – Just like malaria, the mosquitoes, namely the tiger mosquito are the vector for dengue pathogen as well. Using mosquito repellents and keeping the body covered can help to prevent the mosquito biting.
5. Jaundice – Though it onsets due to malfunctioning liver, Jaundice is yet another disease that often onsets during monsoon. Mainly due to consumption of contaminated water and food. The disease can be easily distinguishable due to yellowing of skin, nails and sclera of eyes.
6. Cholera – It is more than just a disease, it is a threat that used to wipe clean the population of entire geographic clan in earlier days. Thankfully it can be controlled to a large extent these days. However, since it spreads due to contaminated water and food, its occurrence is most probable during monsoon.
7. Viral fever – As clearly the name suggests, viral fever is caused by virus pathogen which are most active during the rainy season. It weakens the overall immune system of the individual and makes them prone to have several other illness as well.
8. Diarrhea – Yet another illness that occurs during the rainy season mostly due to the consumption of unhygienic food and drinks. It causes severe loss of fluids from the body and leaves the body very weak and susceptible.
Though these are the most common possible diseases that can strike during the rainy season, several others might attack as well. It is best to practice caution and care to stay in good health.
The Structure of the Tooth
Teeth are an important organ in the human body. Apart from tearing and chewing food, it also plays vital role in speech and helps building the facial structure. The dentists advise to take proper care of the teeth to maintain all its functions. The number and type of teeth had already been discussed here.
Let’s have a look at its structure closely.
The tooth comprises of two major parts, namely, the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part present uproot from the gums. The root is the embedded part in the jaw. It is not the visible part and anchors the tooth in the socket.
If we look closely, anatomically the following are the parts of a tooth-
Enamel- It is the hard, white color portion that forms the outer layer of the teeth. It is made up of calcium phosphate, which makes it the hardest element of the body.
Dentin- It is made up of live cells that underlies the layer of enamel. The dentin secretes hard mineral substance that fills the bulk of tooth. Without the enamel, it can suffer serious erosion.
Pulp- It is the soft living tissue in the inner structure of the tooth. The pulp has blood vessels and nerves running through them. It extends from the root tip to the crown of the tooth.
Cementum- It is a layer of connective tissue which helps the roots of teeth to bind with the gums and jawbone. It plays an important role to maintain the teeth stability.
Periodontal ligament – It is the tissue which keeps the teeth firm against the jaw. It comprises of thousands of fibers. These fibers hold the cementum tight to the bony socket. It also acts as a shock absorbent during heavy chewing.
Apart from the structure of the teeth, the followings are the structure around the teeth-
Oral mucosa- It is the moist soft tissue that lines the mouth.
Gingiva- Most commonly known as the gums, it is the soft tissue, which lies immediately around the teeth and bone. It protects the teeth and bone.
Bone- It is the solid structure that surrounds and supports the teeth, especially the root.
Nerves and blood supply- Each of the tooth and the periodontal ligament has a nerve to supply blood, which is vital for its function.
All of these must work together for effectual functioning of your teeth. Any deviation from the same must be consulted and corrected with the help of a well-qualified dentist.
Why Every Child Needs the ‘Child Checkup Package’?
As Benjamin Franklin had rightly said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The standard procedure of treatment that onsets after the symptoms begin to persist, and home remedies don’t work. After a series of discussions and screenings in the hospitals, a particular disease is recognized and suitable medications begin accordingly. This situation is far more delicate for the children.
To mitigate such long procedure and to ensure that children stays in good health, the hospitals are taking initiatives regarding the same. Meanwhile, we have introduced one of the best screening for children. It is called the ‘child checkup package’ and it comprises of the following tests-
- Complete hemoglobin with ESR profile
- ABO and Rh blood grouping
- Fasting blood sugar
- Urine test and
- Stool test
Each of these tests has its own significance. For instance, knowing the exact blood group will help greatly to deal with any serious medical emergency that need blood transfusion. Precious minutes can be spent to collect the suitable blood group, instead of doing a blood test and awaiting its result.
The stool and especially urine test in this season is very helpful to keep a track on the excretory system of children. During winters, children tend to drink a very limited amount of liquid and often this habit clings on to them even when summer arrives, which causes a higher concentration of salts in urine. A timely screening would disclose the exact condition and thus, the child can be guided to be more careful.
The best feature about this checkup package is that it comes with a complimentary session with a pediatrician. Thus, instead of simply handing over a bunch of paper with numbers and ranges on it, this package gives parents some quality time with a doctor for consultation. This way, the parents become aware which aspects of their child to be more careful for.
The child checkup package offered by ILS Hospital is very economical and affordable. It is best to keep these mentioned vitals in check and take preventive measures on time, rather than let them bloom over time and then take corrective measures for the same.
Thus, the child checkup package is recommended for every child to ensure a healthy childhood, growth and development.
10 Period Myths You Need To Bust Right Now
Our lives are all surrounded by myths and opinions. And sadly, the menstrual cycles are not any exception. Sometimes it appears as if common people have more facts regarding periods as compared to the gynecologists in Kolkata.
But, now it’s time to get rid of these myths and know the facts-
#1. Menstrual cycle is of 28 days
It is the average length of the cycle. However, it varies from woman to woman. Only your body can tell your cycle length, not your friends or internet apps.
#2. It is dangerous to wash your head during the cycle
Thank the almighty, it is a myth. Washing your body or hair has neither effect on your flow or length of the period, nor on your health otherwise.
#3. PMS is a myth
If you feel irritated and have mood swing, particularly before having your periods, and resolves soon after it onsets. Chances are that you are suffering from PMS and not bipolar disorder.
#4. You need to take bed rest during periods
It is true that you need rest if you lose a large amount of blood, during periods, though, you lose only a small amount. Though you can take a day off and relax in case of severe cramps, it is not a must-do.
#5. No exercise
Exercise is always good, even during periods. Sometimes, it even helps to soothe the cramps and uplifts the mood.
#6. You can’t get pregnant during the cycle
No gynecologists in Kolkata would give such a non-scientific advice. The chances of pregnancy are related to the ovulation cycle, not the menstrual cycle and thus, conceiving during periods it is quite possible.
#7. Swimming in the ocean is dangerous because it can attract sharks
No, never. Under no circumstances, you are likely to be a potential/favored target for shark biting, if you are swimming while menstruating. It is applicable for bear attack as well.
#8. Proper age of menarche
There is no right age of on-setting the menstrual cycle. Most girls get their periods somewhere between 9 years to 15 years. Often, your cycle begins close to other women’s in your family. But, in case, it does not, even when you or your ward reaches 15, it is better to get a consultation from a gynecologist in Kolkata.
#9. Missing period means you are pregnant for sure.
Just because you are missing your period for a few days or even weeks, sometimes, does not imply you are free to announce the good news. You can skip your cycles even for 2-3 months without a pregnancy. So, be extra sure before celebrating or panicking!
#10. Menstrual blood is not normal blood
Bleeding means loss of blood, no matter the biological location. And there is only one type of blood, the normal blood that rushes through veins.
So, don’t get drift away from facts and stay updated!