Showing posts with label wockhardt Hospitals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wockhardt Hospitals. Show all posts
World Epilepsy Day: Beware of Unwashed Vegetables
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
November 17th is observed as World Epilepsy Day .Eplilepsy is the commonest serious neurological disorder; prevalence figures ranging from 2 to 5 per thousand people.The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 10% of people have a seizure at some point in their lifetime, with 50 million suffering from active epilepsy. A study conducted by the Christian Medical College in Vellore in 2006 estimated that neurocysticercosis is the cause of nearly one-third of all the cases of active epilepsy in both urban and rural regions of Vellore. The study estimated that "about 1 million patients in India with active epilepsy attributable to neurocysticercosis''.
Neurocysticercosis is a condition in which parasitic tapeworms, from contaminated water and food, find their into the brain of an unsuspecting individual. The colony of tapeworms, which are breed in the brain, can trigger headaches, epilepsy, imbalance and even sudden death. On National Epilepsy Day on Tuesday, most doctors feel the battle against epilepsy can be won to a great extent if two of the preventable causes, namely birth injuries and neurocysticercosis, are dealt with firmly and effectively.
Neurocysticercosis is caused by ingestion of undercooked food, such as pork or vegetables grown in fecally-contaminated water or near sewage tanks. "People don't wash vegetables or sometimes eat undercooked pork. Tapeworm eggs that could be present in these items get injested into the body and find their way to the brain,'' said Dr Praveena Shah, who runs the city's E-Cell and is attached to Wockhardt Hospital in Mulund.
About 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, with almost 90% of these people being in developing countries. Epilepsy is more likely to occur in young children, or people over the age of 65 years, however it can occur at any time. Epilepsy is usually controlled, but not cured, with medication, although surgery may be considered in difficult cases. However, over 30% of people with epilepsy do not have seizure control even with the best available medications. Not all epilepsy syndromes are lifelong – some forms are confined to particular stages of childhood. Epilepsy should not be understood as a single disorder, but rather as syndromic with vastly divergent symptoms but all involving episodic abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
source: times of india
US Healthcare Outsourcing to India Doubles as Americans continue their Healthcare Debate
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Saritha Rai of globalpost points out in a recent post that US healthcare outsourcing to Indian continues unabated as US continues to debate and discuss their healthcare reforms.
Several American patients have been severely hit by the recession,with more and more employers cutting down their employees healthcare cost. American Patients are increasingly looking forward to coming down in some of the Indian medical tourism Hubs like Bangalore and Mumbai for getting treated.
She gives an example of " Seaver-Davis", a family mediator and teacher, who traveled halfway across the world from Greensboro to Bangalore, where Wockhardt’s Hospitals surgeons removed the loose implants from a previous surgery in his knee and replaced them with fresh implants.
The surgery cost $11,000, a bargain-basement price that was a quarter of what hospitals in North Carolina were quoting. “If more people knew about the quality of medical care here, American hospitals would go out of business,” said Seaver-Davis.
The surgery cost $11,000, a bargain-basement price that was a quarter of what hospitals in North Carolina were quoting. “If more people knew about the quality of medical care here, American hospitals would go out of business,” said Seaver-Davis.
Lying in a hospital bed in Wockhardt Hospital recuperating from a knee replacement surgery on his right knee, Les Seaver-Davis counts off on his fingers the number of times he has been in and out of hospitals back home in Greensboro, North Carolina.
You can read the full story here" Slumdog Doctors No More
About Sarita Rai
Saritha Rai covers India for GlobalPost. Rai has spent her journalistic career tracking diverse subjects such as globalization, the technology industry and social change. For six years, she was the India-based business reporter for the New York Times, writing about the economy, outsourcing, liberalization and change.
Nurses Day Celebrations at Bangalore
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Nurses at Wokhardt Hospitals,Bannerghata in a fashion show on International Nurses dayIt was a Nurses day out on 12th of May at the Bannerghata Road Branch at Wockhardt Hospitals,Bangalore. For a changes the nurses at Wockhardt Hospitals donned the latest fashion couture and gave up their nursing uniform.
Not really couture or the essence of a fashion show,but the nurses showed why it is not that difficult sometimes to change to your roles and give something your best shot,if you have the passion.
Beginning with the lighting of the lamp, the International Nurses day celebrations,started after the inaugural address Dr Davison, Centre Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Bannerghatta.
Mr. Davison congratulated all the nursing staff at Wockhardt on the occasion. “This is the noblest profession in the world probably the only profession that puts service before self,and not everyone can be a nurse. It requires a special calling, and the ability to be sympathetic, empathetic and truly concerned for the sick,” he said.
The show had three rounds and finally, the judges chose Dipty Diana Fernandes from Wockhardt, Cunningham Road, as “Queen of Wockhardt” and Rizwan from Wockhardt, Bannerghatta, as “King of Wockhardt”.
Causes,Symptoms and Complications of Pre-eclampsia:Is your Pregnancy at Risk
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Doctor Atul Ganatra,Gynecologist,Wockhardt Hospitals,Mumbai shares his thoughts on Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.
What is Pre-eclampsia
Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy.Women with pre-eclampsia have high blood pressure, protein in their urine, & may develop swelling of feet etc .The more severe the pre-eclampsia, the greater the risk of serious complicationsto both mother and baby.
Pre-eclampsia is thought to be due to a problem with the afterbirth (placenta), and so delivering the baby early is the usual treatment.Medication may be advised to help prevent complications.
Difference Between Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia?
- Pre-eclampsia is a condition that only occurs during pregnancy .
- It causes high blood pressure, protein leaks from the kidneys into the urine, & swelling of feet
- Other symptoms may develop (see below).
- It usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy. The severity of pre-eclampsia can vary. Serious complications may affect the mother, the baby, or both.
- The more severe the condition becomes, the greater the risk that complications will develop. Regular check up is hence necessary in pregnancy.
- Eclampsia is a type of seizure (convulsion) which is a life-threatening complication of pregnancy. About 1 in 100 women with pre-eclampsia develop eclampsia.
- most women with pre-eclampsia do not progress to have eclampsia.
- However, a main aim of treatment and care of women with pre-eclampsia is to prevent eclampsia and other possible complications (listed below).
Any pregnant woman can develop pre-eclampsia. It occurs in about 1 in 14 pregnancies.
However, you have an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia if you:
• Are pregnant for the first time, or are pregnant for the first time by a new partner. About 1 in 30 women develop pre-eclampsia in their first pregnancy.
• Have had pre-eclampsia before.• Have a family history of pre-eclampsia. Particularly if it occurred in your mother or sister.
• Had high blood pressure before the pregnancy started.
• Have diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), or chronic (persistent) kidney disease.
• Are aged below 20 or above 35.
• Have a pregnancy with twins, triplets, or more.
• Are obese.
What causes pre-eclampsia?
Pre-eclampsia runs in some families so there may be some genetic factor.Pre-eclampsia can also affect various other parts of the mothers body. It is thought that substances released from the placenta (afterbirth) go around the body and damage the blood vessels, making them become leaky.
How is pre-eclampsia detected?
Pre-eclampsia can develop anytime after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia is present if:
• your blood pressure becomes high, and• you have an abnormal amount of protein in your urine.
Understanding blood pressure readings
Normal blood pressure is below 140/90 mmHg. The first number (systolic pressure) is the pressure at the height of the contraction of the heart. The second number (diastolic pressure) is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between each heart beat.
• Moderate to severe high blood pressure is 160/100 mmHg or above.
High blood pressure can be:
Just a high systolic pressure, for example, 170/70 mmHg or just a high diastolic pressure, for example, 130/104 mmHg. Or both, for example, 170/110 mmHg.
However, any substantial rise in the blood pressure from a reading taken in early pregnancy is a concern, even if it does not get as high as the levels listed above. (You may have quite low blood pressure to start with.)
Is pre-eclampsia the same as high blood pressure of pregnancy?
No. Many pregnant women develop mild high blood pressure. Most do not have pre-eclampsia. With pre-eclampsia you have high blood pressure, plus protein in your urine, and sometimes other symptoms and complications listed below. About 1 in 5 pregnant women with high blood pressure progress to pre-eclampsia.
Therefore, if you develop mild high blood pressure, it is vital that you have regular ante-natal checks which can detect pre-eclampsia, if it occurs, as early as possible.
What are the symptoms of pre-eclampsia and how does it progress?
The severity of pre-eclampsia is usually (but not always) related to the blood pressure level. You may have no symptoms at first, or if you have only mildly raised blood pressure and a small amount of leaked protein in your urine. If pre-eclampsia becomes worse, one or more of the following symptoms may develop. See a doctor or midwife if any of these occur.
• Headaches.
• Blurring of vision, or other visual problems.
• Vomiting.
What are the possible complications of pre-eclampsia? • Blurring of vision, or other visual problems.
• Abdominal (tummy) pain. The pain that occurs with pre-eclampsia tends to be mainly in the upper part of the abdomen, just under the ribs.
• Vomiting.
• Just not feeling right. Swelling or puffiness of your feet, face, or hands (edema) is also a feature of pre-eclampsia. However, this is common in normal pregnancy. Most women with this symptom do not have pre-eclampsia, but it can become worse in pre-eclampsia. Therefore, report any sudden worsening of swelling of the hands, face or feet promptly to your doctor or midwife. Regular checks may be all that you need if pre-eclampsia remains relatively mild. If pre-eclampsia becomes worse, you are likely to be admitted to hospital. Tests may be done to check on your well-being, and that of your baby. For example, blood tests to check on the function of your liver and kidneys. Also, an ultrasound scan is usual to see how well your baby is growing.
Most women with pre-eclampsia do not develop serious complications. The risks increase the more severe as the pre-eclampsia becomes.
Complications for the mother
Serious complications are uncommon but include the following.
• Eclampsia (described above).
• Liver, kidney, and lung problems.
• A blood clotting disorder.
• A stroke (bleeding into the brain).
• Severe bleeding from the placenta.
HELLP syndrome occurs in about 1 in 5 women who have severe pre-eclampsia. HELLP stands for 'haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets' which are some of the medical features of this severe form of pre-eclampsia. Haemolysis means that the blood cells start to break down. Elevated liver enzymes means that the liver has become affected. Low platelets means that the number of platelets in the blood is low and you are at risk of serious bleeding problems.
For the baby - The poor blood supply in the placenta can reduce the amount of nutrients and oxygen to the growing baby. On average, babies of mothers with pre-eclampsia tend to be smaller. There is also an increased risk of stillbirth.
- About 10 women, and several hundred babies, die each year in the UK from the complications of severe pre-eclampsia. The risk of complications is reduced if pre-eclampsia is diagnosed early and treated.
Delivering the baby
The only complete cure is to deliver the baby. At delivery the placenta (often called the afterbirth) is delivered just after the baby. Therefore, the cause of the condition is removed. After the birth, the blood pressure and any other symptoms in the mother usually soon settle.
It is common practice to induce labour if pre-eclampsia occurs late in the pregnancy. A caesarean section can be done if necessary. The risk to the baby is small if he or she is born just a few weeks early. However, a difficult decision may have to be made if pre-eclampsia occurs earlier in the pregnancy. The best time to deliver the baby has to balance several factors which include:
It is common practice to induce labour if pre-eclampsia occurs late in the pregnancy. A caesarean section can be done if necessary. The risk to the baby is small if he or she is born just a few weeks early. However, a difficult decision may have to be made if pre-eclampsia occurs earlier in the pregnancy. The best time to deliver the baby has to balance several factors which include:
• The severity of the condition in the mother, and the risk of complications occurring.
• How badly the baby is affected.
• The chance of a premature baby doing well. As a rule, the later in pregnancy the baby is born, the better.
However, some babies grow very poorly if the placenta does not work well in severe pre-eclampsia. They may do much better if they are born, even if they are premature. As a rule, if pre-eclampsia is severe, then delivery sooner rather than later is best. If the pre-eclampsia is not too severe, then postponing delivery until nearer full term may be best
Globally, preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. By conservative estimates, these disorders are responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths each year.
• How badly the baby is affected.
• The chance of a premature baby doing well. As a rule, the later in pregnancy the baby is born, the better.
However, some babies grow very poorly if the placenta does not work well in severe pre-eclampsia. They may do much better if they are born, even if they are premature. As a rule, if pre-eclampsia is severe, then delivery sooner rather than later is best. If the pre-eclampsia is not too severe, then postponing delivery until nearer full term may be best
Globally, preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. By conservative estimates, these disorders are responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths each year.
Heart Disease Among Women: What You Need To Know
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Heart disease threatens all women, even those as young as 30 and 40. Women in their 30s and 40s are now having more Cardiac Related problems and is increasing much faster than in men their same age—rising 30 percent in the last decade. Of those who survive heart attacks, 35 percent of women will have a second heart attack compared to 18 percent of men. Women with diabetes are two-to-three times more likely to have heart attacks. Women who smoke have heart attacks nearly 20 years earlier than non-smoking women. However, a majority of women between the ages of 25 to 34 years believe that cancer is their greatest health threat.
We talked to our leading cardiologist and Heart Consultants at Wockhardt Hospitals,Heart Care Center of Excellence, and tried to figure our what does a Women need to know to prevent heart disease and more importantly how do they they protect themselves from sudden cardiac attacks
Here are some of ethe excerpts with our Doctors
Wockhardt Hospitals had taken a lead in initiating a Campaign on 6th Feb, which was called Wear Red Day.National Wear Red Day was a day to support the movement of creating awareness around heart diseases in Women and urging everyone to show their support for the cause by wearing Red on that day.
We talked to our leading cardiologist and Heart Consultants at Wockhardt Hospitals,Heart Care Center of Excellence, and tried to figure our what does a Women need to know to prevent heart disease and more importantly how do they they protect themselves from sudden cardiac attacks
Here are some of ethe excerpts with our Doctors
Are women at risk?
Women are at risk for heart disease and heart attacks, just like men. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women over 65. American (Indian Data) women are 4 to 6 times more likely to die of heart disease than of breast cancer. Heart disease kills more women over 65 than all cancers combined. Women develop heart problems later in life than men -- typically 7 or 8 years later. However, by about age 65, a woman's risk is almost the same as a man's.
What do I need to know about heart disease and heart attacks?
Women are less likely to survive heart attacks than men. No one knows why. It may be that women don't seek or receive treatment as soon as men. Or it may be because women's smaller hearts and blood vessels are more easily damaged. Doctors are working on finding answers to these questions. There's no question, however, that it makes sense to prevent heart problems before they start.
What can I do to protect myself?
For both men and women, the biggest factors that contribute to heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history and age. Take a moment to look at your lifestyle, family history and your general health. With this information, you and your family doctor can assess your risk and make a plan to avoid potential problems. Although you can't do much about your family history or your age, you can make lifestyle changes to avoid many of the other risk factors.
Don’t smoke. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease in women. More than half of the heart attacks in women under 50 are related to smoking. If you stop smoking, you can lower your risk of heart attack by one third within 2 years. Women who smoke and use birth control pills increase their risk even more. There are a variety of products to help you quit smoking. You may want to try using nicotine skin patches or nicotine gum: these types of medicines are available over the counter. There are also prescription medicines available that can help you stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about the best way for you to quit smoking. Breathing smoke from someone else's cigarettes is also bad for your heart and lungs. If you live with someone who smokes, encourage him or her to quit.
Control your blood pressure. Treating high blood pressure can lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Losing weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet are all ways to help control high blood pressure. Reducing how much salt you consume can also help. If these steps don't lower your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend medicine for you to take.
Control your cholesterol level. If you don't know your level, ask your doctor to check it. Diet is a key part of lowering high cholesterol levels. However, some people may need to take medicine in addition to diet and exercise.
Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts strain on your heart and arteries. Exercise and a low-fat diet can help you lose weight. Being overweight means you have a higher risk for many other health problems, especially diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. If you're overweight, talk to your doctor about a safe and effective way to lose weight.
Exercise regularly. Remember, your heart is a muscle. It needs regular exercise to stay in shape. Aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, jogging or biking, gives your heart the best workout. You can also use fitness equipment like exercise bicycles, treadmills and ski machines when exercising indoors. Finding an exercise partner may make it easier and safer for you to exercise often. You should exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes, 4 to 6 times a week. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Eat a low-fat diet. Keep fat calories to 30% or less of the total calories you eat during a day and avoid saturated fat (the fat in meats and coconut oil). Information is available to help you make healthy choices. For example, food labels list nutrition information, including fat calories, many cookbooks have heart-healthy recipes, and some restaurants serve low-fat dishes.
Take care of diabetes. If you have diabetes, regular exercise, weight control, a low-fat diet and regular doctor visits are important. If you need to take medicine for diabetes, be sure to take it exactly as your doctor tells you to.
Take care of diabetes. If you have diabetes, regular exercise, weight control, a low-fat diet and regular doctor visits are important. If you need to take medicine for diabetes, be sure to take it exactly as your doctor tells you to.
Be aware of chest pain. Be sure to contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from pain in your chest, shoulder, neck or jaw. Also notify your doctor if you experience shortness of breath or nausea that comes on quickly. If you are having a heart attack, the faster you can get to the hospital, the less damage will happen to your heart. Every second counts.
Know your family history. Having a father or brother with heart disease before age 55, or a mother or sister with heart disease before age 65, are factors that contribute to heart disease. Inform your doctor about your family history.
Will medicine lower my risk of heart disease and heart attacks?
Cholesterol-lowering medicines lower the risk of heart attacks in men. However, there is not enough evidence to show that these medicines work as well in women who have never had a heart attack. If you have already had a heart attack, cholesterol-lowering medicines can lower your risk of another attack.
Taking an aspirin every day may lower your risk of problems if you have coronary artery disease, a heart attack or angina. Aspirin makes your blood thinner, so it is less likely to make a blood clot. However, aspirin can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and other problems. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors for heart disease and whether you should consider taking aspirin.
Angina is chest pain caused by a sudden decrease in the blood supply to the heart. Medicines called statins, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors may also help if you have heart problems. Ask your doctor if any of these medicines are right for you.
Can estrogen replacement therapy reduce my risk for heart disease?
No. Estrogen replacement therapy, also called hormone replacement therapy, can help minimize the symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes) and to reduce the risk of osteoporosis (weakening of the bones). It was once thought that HRT could also help protect against heart disease. New studies have shown that when it comes to heart health, HRT actually does more harm than good. If you’re taking HRT to help prevent heart disease, talk to your doctor about whether you should stop.
Questions to ask your doctor: am I at risk?
Be prepared to speak with your doctor by writing your questions down and bringing them with you to your appointment. Use the list below as a guide.
1. What is my overall risk for heart disease?
2. What lifestyle changes can I start making to improve my heart health?
3. What tests should I have to monitor my risk factors for developing heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases? How often do I need these screenings?
4. What are my blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels? What do these test results mean?
5. How much exercise do I need to help protect my heart?2. What lifestyle changes can I start making to improve my heart health?
3. What tests should I have to monitor my risk factors for developing heart disease or other cardiovascular diseases? How often do I need these screenings?
4. What are my blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels? What do these test results mean?
6. Should I take aspirin to help prevent a heart attack? If so, how much and how often?
7. Am I at high risk for heart-related complications if I take birth control pills?
8. I’ve heard the warning signs of a heart attack can be different in women. What should I look for?
For more information on Women and Heart .Log on to Wockhardt Hospital,Heart care Centre or send your queries including consultaion with our Doctors at enquiries@wockhardthospitals.net
welcome to wockhardt Hospitals Blog
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Welcome to the blog of Wockhardt Hospitals. We look forward to receiving your feedback and ideas on making this blog a truly representative of our online community
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