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Expert says potholes lead to physical and mental stress in people during monsoons Dr Behram Pardiwala, Internal medicine expert, from the Wockhardt hospitals in Mumbai Central talks about this problem. Monsoon is the time when you become prone to many upsetting diseases. If you aren’t careful enough then you might have to suffer for long. This is the time when the germs and infections will attack you more and you tend to feel sick in the gut. Add to it the problems of potholes that most city dwellers have to put up with during their long commutes lead to mental and physical problems. This is how you can save yourself from common monsoon diseases. Monsoons make everyone weary and cautious too. This is the time when the parents stay aware and do things in order to prevent the wards from suffering from the various illnesses. Still, you tend to suffer from some of the common ailments in monsoons. The list includes dengue, flu, cold, water infection, food infection, Leptospirosis and cholera. Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central have already seen 6 cases of dengue after the first spell of monsoon in South Mumbai. Dr Behram Pardiwala, Internal medicine expert, from Wockhardt hospitals Mumbai Central says, ‘Senior citizens and middle-aged people are the ones who complain most of the back problems like stiffness, degeneration, etc due to pothole-ridden roads. Generally, July and August are the months when I notice a rise in back pain-related complaints. Often, if the pain is bearable, people take some painkillers at home and do not come to us. But when they don’t, the condition turns to be acute which calls for a proper treatment. ‘Well, the problem with potholes on our roads is that they cause significant jarring of the back when cars or bikes or auto rickshaws go through them. With a large number of the population using autos for transport, we are seeing an increase in the number of patients who come in with back and neck problems. People in Mumbai suffering from back pain has increased in the last five years; potholes are a leading cause for this,’ he adds. Here are tips to fight the most common monsoon illnesses. Potholes and haphazardly placed speed breakers of all shapes and sizes on city streets have become a health hazard for two-wheeler riders. From cuts and bruises, wounds and a visit to the emergency room to serious and chronic back and neck-related complications, potholes have become an imminent threat for those on the road. ‘Rain ends up creating a lot of potholes, especially in interior parts of the city. Every third patient I see is a victim of the deadly potholes of the city. Besides the external cuts and injuries, bumps and jerks when riding over potholes can cause serious back and neck pain, especially among the elderly who may develop compression fractures in the spine. Drivers should exercise caution when riding on slippery roads or potholed stretches,’ says Dr Pardiwala Roads which are under construction are typically broken in many places. Bumpy and broken stretches should not be allowed for public use. Sudden jerks over bumps can cause backaches, slip-disc and even knee related pains. Source :http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/expert-says-potholes-lead-to-physical-and-mental-stress-in-people-during-monsoons-d0618/

The Summer Season is often accompanied by a plethora of health problems which can be prevented as well as treated with the right measures. Here are some common health concerns of this season that you should remember and take precautions: Heat Stroke is a serious kind of hyperthermia that is triggered when the human body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. In managing heat stroke, it is very important to bring down the body’s temperature as soon as possible. Switch on the air conditioner or take a cold shower. Stay hydrated, avoid physical exertion and wear lose/light-shaded clothes Skin allergies and rashes are very common during summer season. Prickly heat is a bacterial infection that is triggered by excess accumulation of sweat on a certain part of the skin. It mainly affects the neck & back region Applying medicated talcum powder to the affected areas. Wear loose clothing and take cold showers twice a day. Keep the infected area dry & clean. Sun burn and tanning occurs due to direct exposure of the sun. Ultra-violet ray burns the skin, resulting in dark patches leading to sun burns. It is better to avoid direct exposure to sun rays especially during summers, between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Make a paste from 6 peeled cucumber juice, 2 cups of powdered milk and 2 teaspoons of dried lavender powder. Apply this paste to the tanned skin. Use a good quality sunscreen with SPF30+ is essential when you are moving out in the sun. Best is to avoid direct sunlight. Heat cramps and exhaustion occur in the form of muscle pain/spasms and can be a result of strenuous physical activity during the summer time. Heat Exhaustion symptoms include excessive sweating followed by weakness, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache and even fainting Relax your muscles and rest in a cool place. Consume electrolyte-enriched drinks. Even after the cramps subside, wait for some time before getting back to the strenuous activity in order to avoid heat exhaustion Foot infection: Sweat and humidity often paves way for the build-up of bacteria on the feet, leading to infection during summer Apply a good quality anti-bacterial powder to the affected area. Make sure to scrub your feet properly while taking a shower. This will help you get rid of the bacteria Dehydration is a physical state wherein the body almost stops sweating. Symptoms of dehydration also include muscle cramps, feeling of nausea, palpitations and light-headedness Always keep water handy before you move out in the sun. If dehydration is accompanied by fever, visit your physician. Asthma attacks:Summer can be a dangerous time for kids and adults with asthma. More smog and air pollution, high pollen levels and increased mould growth due to high humidity all cause a spike in asthma attacks. Swimmer’s Ear: Infection due to swimming very common during the summer months in the outside of the ear as well middle ear infections. Ear care is especially important during the summer months when heat and humidity can fuel the growth of the bacteria and fungi that can cause swimmer’s ear. Food Poisoning is also very common as during summer season perishable items tend to get spoilt due to the heat and can cause bacterial growth leading gastrointestinal infections. Keep food items well refrigerated and avoid keeping it out in the open. Wash all fruit and vegetables before consumption. Insect bites and infection due to insects is also very common during the summer season. Better to apply insect repellents when outdoors as prevention. In case of any health concern during the summer time please visit Wockhardt hospitals for further treatment and management.

Summers are here, and it’s also time for you to relax, enjoy, have fun and travel too. But what about the sweltering summer heat? It is important all age groups to stay healthy and safe in the summer time. With the change in weather, increasing temperatures and heat waves, simple precautions can help prevent heat strokes and dehydration. Some healthy tips to enjoy and stay fit this summer: Stay Hydrated The scorching heat leaves your body hydrated. You should make sure that you drink enough water or water-based drinks to keep your body hydrated. Cut down on your tea and coffee intake, switch to green tea and cool juices if possible! Drink loads of water to prevent dehydration and carry wet wipes to keep your skin hydrated! Sunscreen In the scorching summer heat, make sure you use a sunscreen lotion. Take precautions, try not going out in the sun when the sun is out, shining brightly.  If at all you are out in the sun for too long, make sure you reapply the sunscreen.  Protect Your Eyes It is not just your skin that needs to be protected, but also your eyes. Make sure you wear sunglasses when going out in the sun. Choose sunglasses which provide 99% protection against the ultraviolet rays. Watch your foods Summer also brings with it the temptation of ice creams, however, they are best avoided. Instead, choose fresh fruits and vegetables which are easy to digest.  Choose indoor play at noontime for children Play indoors during the afternoons to avoid extreme summer heat from 12.00 noon to 4.pm.  Dress appropriately Wear cotton clothes rather than synthetic ones to avoid Protect yourself – Kids must wear hats to cover their head from the sun’s heat. Use of Insect Repellents Also, children should apply insect repellents to avoid insect bites that can cause infections and diseases. Travel during the summer Consume wisely by eating freshly cooked food and drinking only from sealed water bottles. To protect against pollution in the cities, wear a scarf. It is also essential to travel with medications for diarrhoea, headache and other common ailments. In most situations, boiling water is the simplest solution in places with poor sanitation and hygiene. Always remember, correct food choices while travelling can make the difference between good health and sickness So enjoy your summer break by keep yourself healthy too.

Winter is almost approaching India and it’s the time to take out the warm woollies and enjoy endless cups variety of soups, ginger tea and coffee brews.  It’s a much required break from the hot months and there sense of holiday cheer in the air. However for many the winter season not only brings pleasant weather brings but is a precursor to illness and diseases as the temperature drops. . During winters, the body heat usually experiences a drop as the environment cools. At the same time, the body is adjusting to the new climate. As a result, the change in the process is demonstrated through a number of diseases.  Adults as well as children are very susceptible to the change in climate. Children especially end to be more absent from school and are more prone to catch a lot of winter related diseases as their immunity is still developing. During these months we are susceptible to diseases and should know how to manage ourselves better. Most of these diseases affect both adults and children. Colds and Flu:  In the winter, when temperatures begin to fall, the body naturally begins to work in overdrive to regulate the normal body temperature. Many individuals suffer from bacterial or viral induced cold and flu symptoms resulting from a drop in immunity.  Wearing a variety of warm clothes will help your body regulate the body temperature and reduce the chances of catching colds. Flu, also known as Influenza generally gets transmitted through the air in the environment. Yet, keeping yourself shielded from chilling winds is always helpful. Vitamin C can also be very helpful along with warm drinks. Children are very prone in catching colds and cough. It is better that they properly dressed warmly and avoid playing outside in later part of the day. Coughs and Croup: Winter also brings with it a lot of dust, dryness and cold winds. This adds to cough symptoms. Having warm beverages of extreme temperatures also triggers a throat infection. Always wear a helmet or use scarves to protect yourself from the dust while rising two wheelers. You may wake up in the middle of the night to hear your child coughing loudly. The croup cough often is described as “barking” or “like a seal”. Children with mild and moderate croup can usually be easily treated in the ER with nebulized treatments and steroids. Throat Infection: Symptoms start with painful, itchy and scratchy throat that makes us uncomfortable. Most throat infections are a result of a persisting infection or some environmental factors, such as dry air. Gargling, rest, and avoiding cold items will help. Acute Ear Infection – This leads to ear pain, blocked ears, itchy Ears. Excessive cold may result into an acute ear infection. Another cause of bacterial ear infection is due to moisture in the ear. An ear infection can occur even overnight, so it is best to identify it at the earliest. Seen not only in adults but also children. Tonsil Infection – Tonsillitis is a condition where there is an inflammation of the tonsils with severe pain in the throat, enlarged tonsils and the child is unable to gulp food or liquids. Eating anything cold may trigger this or even a virus or bacteria in the air can cause it. Avoid feeding your child anything cold when the weather is cold. Stomach Flu: When your immune system becomes weak, your body faces difficulty in fighting against the effects of bacteria. The most common symptoms of stomach infection include vomiting, excessive thirst, green stool, fever, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and pain the abdominal area. It’s a self-treatable ailment and does not require any specific course of treatment. Both adults and children are very prone. Itchy dry skin: A lot of people with sensitive skin develop itchy during winter due to the dryness. The best way to take care of this is by applying coconut, olive or almond oil every night. .  Eczema and psoriasis can worsen during winters. Respiratory ailments: The main source of infection is inhaling droplets with the concerned organism exhaled by already infected cases are sources of infection or low immunity causing respiratory distress. The cold and dry air leads to tightening of airways and makes it even worse while breathing As a result, individuals suffering from respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, may find it increasingly difficult to breathe during extreme cold temperatures and conditions worsen. To negate this effect, when venturing into the outdoors, layering the face and chest in warm clothing and scarves will help. In children Bronchiolitis and pneumonia are common respiratory infection observed. Heart Attacks: Winters is one of the prime seasons for heart attacks. As the temperature falls, the arteries become constricted making it difficult for the heart to pump the blood. Cardiologists suggest, people over the age of 30 should avoid exhausting themselves in winter season. Also, do not overeat food during winters and preferably eat in small quantities. Joint Pain: Flaring up of joint pains or increased pain in those who are having pre-existing joint conditions (arthritis) is seen quiet commonly in winter months. One of the most common remedies to get relief from joint pains is keeping yourselves and your feet warm. Also, wear two or three pairs of thin clothing instead of one pair of heavy warm clothes. Exercising is another way to get rid of all joint and muscle stiffness during winter time without overdoing it. Basking in the sun is also a great way to get rid of the joint aches. Eating healthy, including foods containing omega-3-fatty acids, vitamin C &K   rich foods in your diet helps preventing joint pain. Massaging the joints can reduce joint pain. The best tips would be to keep warm, do small exercises, take medications, Eat freshly cooked food preferably warm and rest. In case you are experiencing any of signs or symptoms and need treatment or would like to know please contact our centres at Wockhardt Hospitals. Wockhardt Hospitals is

The torrential rains in Mumbai have always been a concern and major health hazard. One of the usual adversities that the monsoon season causes is damage to the roads creating uneven footpaths, pot-holed roads and inevitable open drains. The spinal cord is a long, fragile tube-like structure that begins at the end of the brain stem and continues down almost to the bottom of the spine. It consists of nerves that carry incoming and outgoing messages between the brain and the rest of the body. The human spinal cord acts as our entire centre for reflexes. Spinal cord injuries are very common due to road accidents. Any damage can lead Loss of normal bowel and bladder control, Numbness Sensory changes and Pain, weakness, and paralysis. Motorists especially bikers are tormented and hassled with these terrible road conditions every year during this time. Doctors evaluate and treat many bike related injuries and the cases seem to on a rise every year due to the road conditions. One of the most common injuries seen in emergency units is fracture of the spinal cord. Other than spinal injuries, lower back and neck wear and tears have also been observed in many motorists as well. Dr. Urkesh Shah consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Sterling Wockhardt Hospitals Vashi advises that avoiding two wheelers could be the best solution, however if a motorist is riding  his bike it would be imperative that he wears protective gear like knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets to reduce the chances of injuries to vital areas in the body. Spine Surgery is a surgical speciality which is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of spine functions by managing various spinal disorders. It includes both non-operative and complex operative treatment modalities. At a glance, Spine Surgery in India, is a combination of orthopaedic and neurosurgical surgery. The speciality comprises a gamut of spinal surgeries with an aim to relieve pain, stabilization of spine and decompression of spinal cord/nerves. At Wockhardt Hospitals the Spine Care services  is running A MULTI DISCIPLIANRY program in the country by a team of dedicated and highly experienced spine surgeons, neurophysicians neurosurgeons pain block experts, physiotherapists and rehabilitation experts.  The speciality has one of the best of state of the art equipment, world class infrastructure, and diagnostic services in achieving the right diagnosis and bringing about optimal care. The Spine care services department at Wockhardt Hospitals is well complimented by an excellent physical therapy and rehabilitation department. If you are complaining of any spinal concerns or injuries in monsoon season please visit our centres at Wockhardt Hospitals. Wockhardt Hospitals have been regarded as canters of excellence in field of neurosurgery including spine, with facilities in North Mumbai (Mira road), South Mumbai (Mumbai Central), Navi Mumbai (Vashi), Nagpur, Nasik and  Rajkot. Wockhardt Hospitals is having state-of-the-art infrastructure whose prime objective is patient safety first and quality of care at the core of its strategy. The guiding philosophy is to serve and enrich the Quality of Life of patients and to make life win.

Mumbai welcomes the monsoon season after the scorching heat once again. But as we are aware apart from the pleasant weather the season brings many diseases like typhoid, dengue, malaria, common cold, skin infection due to the damp and unhygienic conditions during this time. Furthermore, this season takes a toll on one’s immune system making us susceptible to these infections and allergies. Let’s have a look at some simple yet effective health tips for Monsoons that can make the season even more enjoyable without worrying. In case you are experiencing any signs and symptoms associated with common monsoon ailments do visit us at Wockhardt Hospitals.

The winter season brings a chill in the air and one tends to feel pleasant. However, it is better to watch out for certain ailments that usually accompany the drop in temperature. It is a well-known fact that disease such as arthritis and heart diseases can worsen during this period.  But cold-related ailments including respiratory and skin conditions and many more can flare up or even worsen. Let’s take a look at some conditions that you can suffer from during the winter months. 1)Respiratory conditions such as upper and lower respiratory tract infections like common cold, flu and viral or bacterial pneumonia can occur commonly. Respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis may worsen during the cold season. The main source of infection is inhaling droplets with the concerned organism exhaled by already infected cases are sources of infection or low immunity Conservative line of treatment is the best way to cure these types, keep yourself warm, take rest and hydrate yourself adequately with warm fluids.  Antibiotics rarely help as most of the infections are likely to be due to viruses which do not respond to them.  In case of pre-existing asthma and bronchitis keep yourself warm, and take their medications and inhalers regularly. 2)Dryness of skin in the winter season is extremely common. This can lead to intense itching, especially on the shin, thighs, trunk and arms.  Eczema and psoriasis can worsen during winters.  The best line of treatment is to keep your skin moisturized at all times. If possible try to get some sun exposure. In addition to diet and exercise, if you keep yourself and the house warm, expose yourself to as much sun as possible, and do breathing exercises and meditation to regularise the breathing pattern, the impact of winter-related ailments could be significantly reduced. 3) Stomach Flu very common during winter months. When your immune system becomes weak, your body faces difficulty in fighting against the effects of bacteria. The most common symptoms of stomach infection include vomiting, excessive thirst, green stool, fever, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and pain the abdominal area. It’s a self-treatable ailment and does not require any specific course of treatment. During the infection following is advised: 4) Heart Attack  If you have an underlying heart condition please takes maximum precautions during the winter months. During the winter season many breathing problems occur, which directly or indirectly increase the chances a person suffering from a heart disease. Here are some awareness tips to guide you for preventing the same: 5)  Pneumonia: It’s a lung infection caused by fungi, bacteria, or viruses. Doctors suggest that symptoms of Pneumonia must not be ignored or taken lightly, for if the infection is not treated at the earliest, it can gravely hamper the functionality of the lungs, the brain and many related organs of the body. In case of signs and symptoms of pneumonia please consult your doctor includes as follows: 6) Bronchiolitis: Caused by a viral infection that disturbs the air passages in the lungs, affecting children and appears in infants, but affect adults as well. It seems quite similar to a common cold, but as the condition progresses, it causes a breathing problem. Symptoms of bronchiolitis are as follows Fatigue, Vomiting, Cough, Fast breathing, Sluggish appearance, wheezing. In case the conditions worsen please visit your doctor. 7) Throat Infection: Symptoms start with painful, itchy and scratchy throat that makes us uncomfortable. Most throat infections are a result of a persisting infection or some environmental factors, such as dry air. Gargling, rest, and avoiding cold items will help. 7) Allergic Asthma: Allergic asthma, as the name suggests, is a condition wherein an individual suffers from an asthmatic condition as a result of an allergic reaction. Individuals with allergic asthma usually experience symptoms as soon as they inhale an allergen the patient as breathlessness on rest with increased respiratory rate. Some basic tips to prevent asthma: 9) Raynaud’s Syndrome: It is a condition wherein the flow of blood to your fingers, toes, nose, and ears gets restricted. This typically happens when the blood vessels present in these areas constrict. Common symptoms include colour changes in the skin, stinging pain and stress. Some tips to prevent this include: 10) Arthritis: Joint pain in winter results due to stiffness of muscles. During winter people tend to stay indoors getting very little exercise and hence making muscles stiffer.  Those suffering from Arthritis also complain that winter worsens their condition. The pain can get worse in case one has suffered joint injuries. Some tips to ease the pain: In case you are experiencing any of signs or symptoms and need treatment or would like to know please contact our centres at Wockhardt Hospital. Wockhardt Hospitals is one of the countries premium hospitals that are focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Wockhardt Hospitals, a chain of tertiary care super-specialty hospitals has more than 25 years of experience in the creation and management of Super Specialty Hospitals in India. Wockhardt Hospitals is regarded  as a centre of excellence the healthcare domain,  having facilities in North Mumbai (Mira road), South Mumbai (Mumbai Central), Navi Mumbai (Vashi), Nagpur, Nasik, Rajkot and Surat. Wockhardt Hospitals has state-of-the-art infrastructure. Our prime objective is patient safety and quality of care at all levels. The guiding philosophy is to serve and enrich the Quality of Life of patients and to make life

Diwali the most joyous festival celebrated throughout India. It calls for loads of lights, colours, burn crackers and sweets. With the coming of this fiesta, it also welcomes some unwanted accidents and health hazards at times. But this does not mean this festival can’t be safe and healthy. Wockhardt hospitals takes this occasion to share with you some health tips so that u and your family can have a safe, happy and prosperous Diwali. Precautions on Lighting Fire Crackers:  Never experiment with crackers or make your own fireworks. Management of Burns: Most common injury and accident during Diwali season mostly seen whilst lighting fire crackers. Burn is damage to the skin caused by contact with dry heat. It may be caused by fire, flames, steam, hot liquids, hot metal, sunlight, electricity or chemicals. The degree of burn varies: DOS: Don’ts Visit your nearest Wockhardt hospitals for any mishap this Diwali.. We are open 24X7.