ARTICLES ON Press Release

We all know that 1st Aug-7th Aug is celebrated as World Breastfeeding Week. To encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world, the theme of breastfeeding week 2020 was to ‘support breastfeeding for a healthier planet while the Theme for 2021 is Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility. All women of the world should support, protect and promote other women’s access to skilled breastfeeding counseling. Pregnancy and lactation are very crucial times not only for breastfeeding mothers but also for the family members. Breast Feeding mothers require special protection to prevent harm to their or their infants’ health, and they need adequate time to give birth, recover, and nurse their children. The core message to everyone while we celebrate World breastfeeding week would be: Remember, breastfeeding is a team effort to enable new moms to breastfeed. Fathers, partners, family members, workplaces, and communities need to support them because we share to care.

TIPS to keep hepatitis at bay? Follow these vital tips that can help you stay fit and fine throughout your life. Also, make sure to swear by these lifestyle modifications suggested in the article. So, read on to know more about this, and take charge of your health right away! Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is swelling and it can be seen when the tissues present in the body get infected or injured. Furthermore, it can take a toll on the functioning of the liver and damage it. Are you aware? Hepatitis can be acute that can be a short-term infection or chronic which is a long-term infection. This is so because some types of hepatitis can invite acute infections while other types can lead to chronic infections. There are a large number of people who are battling this condition and are unaware of it. Types of hepatitis: Hepatitis A AND E: This can happen because of contaminated food or drinks water infected with the feces of a person suffering from it. Hepatitis B: This is seen due to the transmission through semen, vaginal fluids, and blood that can be passed from a mother to a newborn at the time of delivery. Sharing needles and HAVING UNSAFE OR  unprotected sexUAL PRACTICES can invite hepatitis B. Hepatitis C: You may get it when you come in contact with an individual having hepatitis C virus (HCV)or BY RECEIVING BLOOD FROM A PERSON INFECTED WITH HEPATITIS C . Hepatitis D: happens when blood or other body fluids the body through the one infected with the virus. THERE ARE OTHER FORMS OF VIRAL HEPATITIS BUT ARE NOT COMMONLY SEEN The symptoms:  Having symptoms such as dark urine, stomach pain, jaundice that is yellow skin, pale stool, fever, poor appetite, joint pain, and weight loss will require immediate intervention as this can indicate hepatitis. The risk factors: If you are one of them who tends to share needles, practice unsafe sex, have many sex partners, consume a large amount of alcohol, or have poor nutrition then you are at a greater risk of suffering from hepatitis. Here is how to eliminate hepatitis? It is the need of the hour to spread awareness and educate people regarding this fatal condition to manage it promptly. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B after consulting the doctor. Stick to safe-sex practices.  Avoid sharing needles, personalized items such as razors, nail cutters, scissors, toothbrushes, and hair clippers.  Be alert while getting tattooed. See that the needle is new and not broken. Make sure the place where you are going to get the tattoo is hygienic and all the equipment and instruments are sterilized properly before using. Equipment that is used for manicures or piercings should be cleaned from time to time as it may have someone’s blood in it.  Practicing good personal hygiene can do the trick here. Don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water from time to time.  Keep in mind that you should not use an infected person’s personal items. ALSO, MAKE SURE THAT THE BLOOD TRANSFUSED TO A PERSON OR ONE’S RELATIVE IS BEEN TESTED NEGATIVE FOR HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C  Avoid drinks having ice cubes, alcohol, using foods items washed or made with contaminated water. Moreover, adhere to a well-balanced diet. The last word: We need to eliminate hepatitis in order to reduce morbidity and mortality that can be seen owing to it. This is so because hepatitis can cause scarring of the liver and ultimately liver damage. Hence, one may need a liver transplant as the liver will fail to function properly. Taking all the precautions and timely screening, diagnosis and treatment can be helpful in the elimination of hepatitis.

The boy was playing badminton with his friends when the shuttlecock landed on a tree on May 28 at Boisar in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. While removing it, his right thumb got stuck in a wire and was severed. A 12-year-old boy has regained 50% of his thumb movement a month after it was severed and doctors at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital performed a six-hour replantation surgery at midnight to reattach it. With the Covid-19 protocol in place, doctors in personal protective equipment (PPE) performed the delicate surgery, which involved connecting minuscule veins under a high-tech microscope. The boy was playing badminton with his friends when the shuttlecock landed on a tree on May 28 at Boisar in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. While removing it, his right thumb got stuck in a wire and was severed. He was completely traumatized from the accident. We immediately called our family physician, who instructed us to rush to a hospital and preserve the thumb in a plastic bag with ice,” said the boy’s father. The boy underwent a rapid antigen test for Covid-19, which came negative. But considering the efficiency rate of the test, doctors chose to conduct the operation with PPE. “In such cases, it is essential to operate…at the earliest as the cells in the cut-off portion start dying. So, we performed the six-hour-long surgery and the entire procedure under a microscope wearing PPE,” said Dr. Sushil Nehete, a plastic, and reconstructive microsurgeon. “It was quite challenging as we had to connect the tiny veins under the microscope with face shields. So, we had to be extra cautious but also had to act fast to save the thumb.” The surgeons joined vessels to restore blood supply. Nerves linked to sensation, and tendons needed to bend and extend fingers were also joined after fixing the bone with a metal wire. “The impact of the injury was so severe that he required a piece of the vein to repair the artery. Each and every structure of the thumb was repaired. This surgery aims to restore the normal form and function of the thumb to a maximum extent,” said Nehete. Doctors said with regular physiotherapy, the boy’s thumb will be fully functional. Dr. Leena Jain, a plastic and reconstructive microsurgeon who was part of the medical team that conducted the surgery said it is possible to re-attach or reconstruct detached fingers if people manage to preserve them and reach the hospital on time for surgery. “This patient was fortunate enough to reach the hospital within 3.5 hours after the injury and wisely brought his amputated part in a well-preserved condition.” Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/mumbai-doctors-reattach-boy-s-thumb-in-6-hr-surgery-101626426972949.html

A team of doctors of a Mira Road hospital removed a 50-gram rare cardiac tumor that had grown in the heart of a 28-year-old Covid-positive woman from Kolhapur. Dr Upendra Bhalerao, surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road, said the patient had complained of breathlessness, swelling over legs and was on high oxygen support. Echocardiography revealed a 7cm x 6.5cm x 5cm massive tumour in the right-side upper chamber (atrium) of her heart which was blocking the blood flow to the lungs. “It is a cardiac tumour called myxoma and not treating her at the right time may have led to death,” said Dr Bhalerao. “We first treated her with steroids and Remdesivir for Covid-19, After 10 days, she underwent a high-risk surgery to remove the cardiac tumour,” he said. The tumour was completely removed from the atrial septum after a six-hour surgery. He added that the patient was moved to the ward after four days in the intensive care unit (ICU), and then discharged home a week after the surgery. The doctor said the patient’s heart is in stable condition with normal blood oxygen saturation. He added that as symptoms of several heart and lung conditions overlap with those of Covid-19, all patients should be thoroughly evaluated based on all symptoms to uncover underlying diseases if any. Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/doctors-remove-covid-patient-s-cardiac-tumour-in-mira-road-101623263709852.html

That dull burning feeling in your chest not going away? Is it a heart attack or a normal chest pain? How to differentiate? Chest pain can be caused due to several reasons other than a heart attack. It could be due to acidity, muscle strain, panic attack, or several such reasons. Under the Patient Education Initiative of Wockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur Dr. Achyut Khandekar, Cardiologist, informs readers about the difference between chest pain felt during a heart attack and due to other reasons.  “A patient gets a heart attack when blood flow to your heart muscle gets restricted or blocked, often by a clot in an artery. Without oxygen, your heart muscle gets damaged or could even die”, told Dr. Khandekar.  A study found that chest pain is the most frequently reported heart attack symptom, and most of the participants in the study said their symptoms were constant which were discomfort, pressure, tightness, burning, fullness, and squeezing.  The classic signs of a heart attack to be aware of are: Killer chest pain (like something very heavy sitting on your chest), pain radiating down your left arm, pounding or racing heart, sweating, especially the quick onset of cold sweating.  Both heart attacks and chest pain cause chest discomfort, but there is a difference. “With a heart attack, pain radiates to other areas like the arm, jaw, or neck,” Dr. Khandekar says. “If it’s a panic attack,” he states, “pain will typically stay in the chest. “Chest pain usually is sudden onset, or precipitated by exercise cold weather or emotional stress. Usually lasts up to 30 minutes or more and is often associated with shortness of breath weakness nausea or vomiting. It may be relieved by rest or by taking tablet Sorbitrate under the tongue. The pain typically does not radiate above the lower jaw or below the umbilicus”, informed Dr. Khandekar. Chest pain symptoms last a few minutes or up to an hour. Then, the symptoms disappear, and one feels better. However, a heart attack won’t let up.  A heart attack might seem like it came out of nowhere. But in many cases, chest pain due to heart disease, known as angina, appears in the days or weeks before a cardiac event. One may feel a twinge of some pain in the shoulder or chest but think it’s something else. The symptoms go away. Then later, the pain gets worse, or you feel a little off. Dr. Khandekar informed that cardiac chest pain, usually, is a sudden onset, or precipitated by exercise, cold weather, or emotional stress. It usually lasts up to thirty minutes or more and is often associated with shortness of breath, weakness, nausea, or vomiting. It may be relieved by rest or by taking a tablet of Sorbitrate under the tongue. A heart attack is a medical emergency. Chest pain isn’t. But with the overlap in symptoms, it can be tough to tell them apart. Don’t take chances. If you have chest pain or other heart attack symptoms — or if you’re not sure if it’s a heart attack or panic attack — seek immediate medical care. Source: https://thelivenagpur.com/2021/07/18/wockhardt-hospitals-patient-education-initiative-heart-attack-or-normal-chest-pain/

Obese women of childbearing age usually find it difficult to conceive secondary to various problems such as PCOS causing hormonal imbalance. Despite multiple attempts, failure in losing weight can cause distress and trauma in such women. At such times, bariatric surgery comes to the rescue as it is one of the most effective treatments to tackle obesity and help with improving the chances of conception. Dr. Harsh Sheth, a leading bariatric surgeon in Mumbai says, ‘Bariatric surgery can help obese women suffering from infertility, lose weight resulting in resolution of hormonal imbalances. For the same, it is essential to seek proper consultation of the gynecologist and bariatric surgeon to create a comprehensive plan for a successful pregnancy.’ With nearly 10 years of experience, Dr. Harsh Sheth is one of the best bariatric surgeons in Mumbai associated with Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. Dr. Harsh Sheth is highly competent in performing bariatric procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini-gastric bypass, revision bariatric surgeries, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. He is an expert in performing advanced laparoscopic GI, hernia, HPB, splenectomy, and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction surgery. He adds, ‘PCOS and obesity are major risk factors for infertility which are best dealt with a multi-disciplinary approach by medical experts. It has been proven that a woman’s chances of conception increase after losing weight through bariatric surgery.’ He narrates the case of a 32-year-old lady weighing 120 kg with a BMI of 44.3 kg/m2 who approached him through an obstetrician’s referral for obesity treatment. She was also suffering from PCOS, diabetes, and hypertension. Initially, she had consulted an obstetrician for IVF treatment as she had a history of multiple failed attempts in conceiving naturally. The obstetrician emphasized the need to attain an optimum weight before going ahead with an IVF treatment and referred her for bariatric surgery. After seeking proper consultations and preparing for the surgery, both physically as well mentally, Dr. Harsh Sheth performed a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on the aforementioned patient in 2019. The following year she managed to lose nearly 35kg. Sher had been advised to use contraception for at least a year and a half after surgery to ensure minimal pregnancy-related complications. In the year 2020, she conceived naturally with the help of her obstetrician and delivered a perfectly healthy 3.2 kg baby girl 9 months later. Today, both the mother and the child are enjoying healthy and energetic lives. Women who have undergone bariatric surgery have to take special care and efforts towards getting ready for pregnancy. They need to seek advice relating to their nutritional levels and intake of nutritional supplements along with prenatal vitamins for having healthy babies. Generally, women can try to conceive after at least a year and a half of their bariatric surgery. Patients eligible for bariatric surgery must have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 or 35 accompanied by diabetes or high blood pressure or sleep apnea or, any other obesity-related condition. Bariatric surgery options include restrictive surgery that limits the amount of food the stomach can take in.  Here, the surgeon can perform a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in which nearly 90% of the stomach is removed and, the remaining stomach is given a shape of a tube that is known as a ‘sleeve’.  Similarly, the surgeon can perform a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass which not only reduces the size of the stomach but involves rerouting of the intestines. Moreover, it is impossible to plan a bariatric surgery overnight. It requires a great deal of preparation beginning from nearly one month before surgery with yearly follow-ups lifelong to yield the best outcomes. The consulting bariatric surgeon and team will conduct a thorough physical check-up along with a series of pathological and imaging tests.  It is equally essential to judge the mental preparedness and the determination of the patient towards weight loss and healthy living. The patient will have to accept tremendous changes in the life pattern especially, diet, exercise, and quitting tobacco. With the added advantage of IRDAI having approved bariatric surgery (October 2019) claims under health insurance, patients can go ahead with it and not only attempt to live healthily but also reduce the chances of infertility. Bariatric surgery has proved to be a boon to women and other patients struggling with weight loss along with their efforts to have a family. The positive outcomes of weight loss leading to improvement in the health quotient of the patients and readying them for parenthood along with a healthier lifestyle encourage people with issues in weight loss to seriously consider bariatric surgery as a viable option. Source: https://www.nyoooz.com/features/health/mumbais-dr-harsh-sheth-on-the-impact-of-weight-loss-after-bariatric-surgery-on-conception-and-fertility.html/6222/

Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central successfully kickstarted the much-awaited Sputnik V vaccine drive. A gap of 21 days between two doses has been approved in India.  To ensure that we give Mumbaikars options of different vaccines, the management at Wockhardt Mumbai Central had applied for Sputnik V and we are happy to administer Sputnik V jabs. At Wockhardt Hospitals all three vaccines are available to Mumbaikars, as our aim is to vaccinate as many as we can in our city and to prevent the surge of COVID19. Vaccination eliminates the risk of serious illness and avoids the risk of hospitalization.  The vaccination will be available from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with prior registration on the COWIN App. Speaking on the vaccination drive in Mumbai, Dr. Parag Rindani, Regional Head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central said, “Until now we have given Mumbaikars Covidsheild and Covaxin jabs, now from past 2 days we have started Sputnik V. We have got 200 appointments booked through COWIN for Sputnik V for both age groups. Vaccination is the only way to protect yourself against the COVID.” By March 2022 around 360 million Indians will get the Russian COVID vaccine Sputnik V. Globally 20 million people have received the first jab of Sputnik V. India gets 10 million doses of Sputnik in July. It is because of the efforts of our doctors and healthcare workers that Wockhardt has been able to treat more than 12,500 COVID-19 patients so far and it is now working together to distribute vaccines in the community having inoculated more than 100,000 people. Through their selfless service, dedication, and hard work have ensured that “Life Wins” – Always! Source: https://www.healthwire.co/wockhardt-hospital-mumbai-central-kickstarts-sputnik-v-jabs/

Doctors are putting their lives on the line and taking up a major risk while taking care of COVID patients. Wockhardt Hospital, Mira Road, celebrated National Doctor’s Day to honor and acknowledge the contribution of doctors during these unprecedented times. Around 70 – 100 doctors Participated in fun-filled activities and were felicitated with silver medals for their selfless service towards society. Present on the occasion were Commissioner MBMC Shri. Prakash Dhole and special guest Chief Medical Officer MBMC Dr. Prakash Jadhav. Dr. Pankaj Dhamija, Center Head, Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road said, “Doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system. During these tough times when we are all concerned about our family and ourselves, without thinking about their safety, the doctors fearlessly worked to save the lives of the patients. To applaud the limitless efforts of the doctors, the hospital organized an event to help them de-stress during the pandemic. The doctors participated in many interesting activities such as karaoke, stand-up comedy acts followed by a chaat party. They were also honored with silver medals for protecting the patients. We are elated to come forward, and do our bit for our doctors who are the strongest pillar, and thanked them for their valuable contribution.” Dr. Girish L. Bhalerao, Super Specialty Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road said, “We are touched by the hospital’s efforts to make us feel special. We thoroughly enjoyed all the activities organized by the hospital. This has helped us get that much-needed break from our hectic schedule, come together and spend some quality time with each other. I thank the hospital for taking care of us during the pandemic and ensuring that we are safe.” Source: http://mediabulletins.com/health/wockhardt-hospital-mira-road-organized-doctors-day-by-felicitating-doctors-fun-filled-activities/

Dear Doctors, As our nation celebrates Doctor’s Day 2021, I am both honored and delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate each of you. You indeed are an integral part of the Wockhardt family. We at Wockhardt Hospitals have always cherished and nurtured a deep bond with the doctor fraternity that enables us to deliver patient-centered care and the finest clinical outcomes.  I salute the 1,200 doctors that work with us at our group hospitals and more than 8,000 community doctors that support us in various capacities. Your selfless service, dedication, and hard work have ensured that “Life Wins” – Always! Today as we continue to reveal your immense contributions to individuals and communities, I can’t think of a more compelling year to honor the doctors in our lives based on the irreplaceable role they played in responding to the pandemic. In the last 18 months, starting with a limited understanding of how to treat COVID-19, doctors across the country and globally persisted under immense stress to seek a better understanding of the virus and identify effective therapies, all the while exposing themselves to the virus they were valiantly working to treat. As reported by Indian Medical Association, more than 1,100 doctors have even sacrificed their own lives in the line of duty. Humanity will always be grateful to them and Wockhardt hails their courage. It is because of the efforts of our doctors and healthcare workers that Wockhardt has been able to treat more than 12,500 COVID-19 patients so far and it is now working together to distribute vaccines in the community having inoculated more than 100,000 people.  With a Focus on supporting the nation to steer through this pandemic, Wockhardt Hospitals and its doctors have not shied away from looking after the non-COVID patients. Our highly knowledgeable and experienced infection control team has done an outstanding job in segregating COVID and non-COVID patients and treatment facilities instilling confidence in the community. On behalf of Wockhardt Hospitals, I wholeheartedly acknowledge your contributions, sacrifices, skills, and unwavering concern for patients and look forward to continue working with you to deliver clinical excellence. Thank you for all that you do. Happy Doctor’s Day, Zahabiya KhorakiwalaManaging DirectorWockhardt Hospitals

June 21 is celebrated as the ‘International Yoga Day’ every year. This Day is used to create awareness about the facts and effects of Yoga on the health of the people. In India Yoga is considered to be 5,000 years old mental, physical and spiritual practice. Yoga is a primeval practice that brings Calmness, Confidence, and Courage to make one lead their life in a better way. International Yoga Day 2024 Theme The official theme for International Yoga Day 2024 is “Yoga for Women Empowerment”. On the occasion of International Yoga Day Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central organized Yoga Day for the overall well-being of the doctors, nurses, and ward boys in helping to prepare them for future pandemics. Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central doctors, nurses, and ward boys attending a yoga session on World International Yoga Day. “Yoga is our ancient tradition. It manifests the unity of our mind and body, thought and action. On the World International Yoga Day we at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central have organized Yoga Day for the overall well-being of the doctors, nurses, ward boys and bracing them for future pandemics,” said Dr. Parag Rindani, Regional Head, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. Wockhardt hospital supports these benefits of yoga. The benefits are both Physical as well as Mental Body. General Benefits of Yoga Include: Yoga generally consists of asanas; asanas cab be defined as a physical Yoga posture or position that is designed to help master the body and enhance the body’s functions. Asana can be classified into the following categories: