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A new strain of COVID-19 (BA.2.12.2) and a dip in the temperature with the arrival of the monsoon will lead to a surge in the novel Coronavirus infections. A set of experts mid-day had spoken to earlier this year were the first to hint about the likely rise in cases by June. With cases already rising over the past few weeks, the experts have stressed the need for the public to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. The new strain is a sub-variant of Omicron. “For the foreseeable future, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 will continue evolving into new variants that lead to fresh waves of surging COVID cases across the world. Sub-variants of Omicron coming from South Africa and the US/Europe were predicted to cause a surge in cases in India by July 2022. The size of the wave will be determined by cold weather due to the rainy season. This newspaper carried this story way back in February when many virologists and epidemiologists discarded the scientific predictions of wave 4 that was otherwise supported by IIT Kanpur groups,” said Dr Subhash Hira. Citing an earlier report in mid-day, Dr Hira said he and other experts had recommended that high prevalence states of India during wave 3 should not dismantle their COVID barrier and treatment facilities till the world is finally done with the pandemic. Few in hospitals, really? Dr Wiqar Shaikh said, “Be it plague, cholera, measles or influenza, all have had multiple waves before they finally abated. Why should COVID-19 be an exception?” Dr Shaikh said he is shocked that people have been gloating over the fact that despite the uptick in cases, there are hardly any hospitalizations and deaths. He said that both hospitalizations and deaths will increase when Covid-19 cases jump to several thousand a day. Dr Shaikh said that when the 1st wave came to an end, everyone thought that the pandemic was over. “People threw caution to the winds, threw away their masks and mingled with huge crowds. But India did get a 2nd wave [the deadly Delta variant] and the 3rd wave [the Omicron variant]. Several countries such as South Africa, USA, European countries, have already had a 5th wave.” He also rued the removal of the mask mandate. He urged people to compulsorily wear masks and follow social distancing. Exercise caution Dr Ketan Vagholkar, said the BA.2.12.2 strain is more contagious and likely to be associated with severe illness. “… With the onset of monsoon on the anvil, the temperatures will vary significantly. This will predispose to respiratory infections. However, with newer variants of COVID emerging, citizens are advised to exercise caution. The usual flu-like illness needs to be taken seriously. Self-medication is to be strictly avoided. Citizens should seek medical advice immediately and receive medications under strict physician supervision,” he said. Need good screening Dr Santosh Bansode, HoD, Emergency Medicine, Wockhardt hospitals, said it’s concerning that the new variant is spreading fast in California. “So, we need good screening at our airports. We don’t want any variant which spreads fast to enter our country. We must encourage people to take booster doses of vaccines and wear masks when at crowded places or places where ventilation is not good. Hand hygiene is also important,” said the experts. He added, “People should keep their nutrition well and should try to live life with less stress to keep their immunity good. Rest, how Covid will spread and how serious symptoms it will give only time will tell.” Dr Santosh BansodeHoD, Emergency MedicineWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.mid-day.com/amp/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-drop-in-temperature-during-monsoon-will-lead-to-surge-in-covid-19-cases-say-experts-23230449

A 76-year-old patient who was suffering from hypertension and diabetes for 30 years got treated by Dr. Nitin Tiwari, Senior Consultant- Cardiology. He was advised of bypass surgery and was not ready for the same. Hence Dr Tiwari advised him on Angioplasty with help of IVL (Intravascular lithotripsy). According to Dr Nitin Tiwari, “This is a path-breaking therapy which is revolutionizing the treatment of hard plaque in Coronary arteries world over and I am glad that this is now available in India to patients in India. This will bring hope for many patients whose arteries could not be opened by balloon angioplasty because of calcium build up and were considered for Bypass Surgeries or left on medical management.” Calcium slowly develops and progresses to its hardened, bone-like state over the course of several decades of cellular growth and death in diseased plaque within the heart arteries. Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy is a novel procedure which brings hope for those suffering from an advanced form of coronary artery disease (CAD) having angina or heart attack in which the blockage becomes very hard due to deposit of calcium. This happens in 20% to 25% of the patients especially those who are elderly, diabetic, have chronic kidney disease, have long standing blockages or previous bypass surgery. Previously to tackle this, heavily calcified blockage, there were only drills called Rotablator or ultra-high pressure balloons, cutting balloons etc which are difficult to use and carry risk of rupturing the artery. Intravascular Lithotripsy launched by Shockwave Medical, USA is an innovative technology that generates sonic pressure waves to break up problematic calcium so that artery can be opened with ease and blood flow restored with the placement of a stent. The therapy leverages a similar minimally invasive approach that has been embraced by physicians for decades to treat kidney stones which are also made up of calcium. Hardened calcified blockage is a big challenge to treat by angioplasty and stents and is getting commoner. Such blockages can now be opened with ease and safety to give patients the best result for long term. The sonic pressure waves are produced when performing intravascular Lithotripsy which gives a novel, safe and proven treatment option to break the calcified plaque with potentially less risk of injury to the artery compared to other treatment. While it is slow to develop, its impact is immediately encountered when performing procedures in calcified lesions. The calcium's hardened structure restricts normal artery movement and makes the rigid arterial tissue resistant to traditional balloon therapies that have been designed to compress the plaque within the artery wall to restore normal blood flow. For these reasons, the presence of calcium increases the complexity of most cases and decreases the effectiveness of most treatments. Dr. Nitin TiwariSenior Consultant- CardiologyWockhardt Hospitals, Nagpur To book an appointment call: 0712-6624100 Source: https://thelivenagpur.com/2022/05/31/calcific-coronaries-treated-by-new-technique-ivl-at-wockhardt-hospitals-nagpur/

World Milk Day is an international day established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to recognize the importance of milk as a global food. It has been observed on June 1 each year since 2001. Our body changes and what was good for our health in childhood need not suit us as we age It’s a common sight in almost every household: Elders running after children with a glass of milk in hand. The children throwing tantrums to avoid drinking the white liquid. As we grow older, the white liquid changes into flavoured milk, coffee, or tea. The conditioning that we have had in childhood that milk is good for our health becomes part of our adult lives as well. However, many health experts have sparked debate over milk and its importance in diets for adults. Our body changes and what was good for our health in childhood need not suit us as we age. And, one fine day we realize that milk is no longer suiting our health, making us lactose intolerant. “According to research, medical professionals do not recommend adults to have milk and related products. It is due to the necessary enzymes required for digesting milk being present only in children up to three years of age,” explains Dr Smriti Jhunjhunwala. Milk is said to be a rich source of calcium. Children need more calcium to strengthen their bones in their growing-up years. But, it doesn’t have the same benefits in adults. Rather, the lactose present in milk is linked to health problems. Dr. Shankar Zanwar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, says milk intolerance happens due to a low level of digesting enzymes. “This leads to diarrhea, flatulence and occasional pain. Hence, doctors advise avoiding milk if a patient is suspected of lactose intolerance.” The serious issue is many people are sensitive to casein, a milk protein. It might result in symptoms such as vomiting, wheezing, skin rash, sinus infection, or even anaphylactic shock, explains Functional Nutritionist Mugdha Pradhan. It is a common belief that milk consumption helps in age-related muscle loss and muscle regeneration. However, many studies have claimed otherwise. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2007 examined in detail the correlation between calcium intake and the risk of bone fractures. The study found no connection between total calcium intake and fractures. Another study that appeared in The BMJ made similar claims. The study consisted of men and women older than 35 years of age. Consuming milk lent no protection to men and women, rather it was associated with increased death risk. Many are aware of the recent common practises of using drugs and procedures in cows and buffaloes to aid in producing more milk. This results in toxin accumulation, infections, and serious health problems like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and more. According to Edwina Raj, Senior Dietician, consuming full-fat dairy or milk at a higher level is linked to a higher risk of hormonal imbalance and prostate and gastric cancer. “But large studies with evidence are still necessary to further incorporate this as guidelines. Since milk is a poor source of iron and high in kidney solute load, it is discouraged in infants below one year. Some of them may have cow’s milk protein allergy.” Adding to Raj’s statements, Dr Saniya Wasim, says that milk and other dairy products are prime sources of saturated fats. “Their uninhibited consumption is directly related to various cardiovascular disorders due to clogging of arteries, diabetes, and malignancy and to an extent Alzheimer’s.” There is no cure for lactose intolerance and making dietary changes is the only solution to avoid health problems. In such a case, replacing milk with lactose-free options or choosing foods like kale, broccoli, tofu, nuts, beans, whole grains, etc., can prove beneficial in getting essential nutrients. Food That Does Not Usually Contain Lactose: To book an appointment call: 022-61784400 Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/health/world-milk-day-is-milk-unhealthy-for-adults-experts-weigh-in

There is a growing burden of breast cancer in India. It is one of the deadliest cancers and a major health concern not only in the country but globally. Lack of awareness regarding breast cancer led to higher mortality and morbidity rates in the patients. Wockhardt Hospitals, launched a Breast Cancer Support Group, at the facility to spread awareness among all generations. The aim is to spread the message that breast cancer patients have a good survival rate and can lead a normal life. Experts Dr Aditi Agrawal, Consultant Breast Oncosurgeon, and Dr Atul Narayankar, Consultant Medical Oncology, addressed the event by educating everyone about the importance of regular mammograms, breast self-examination, diagnosis, counseling, the right treatment approach, quality care, and maintaining a well-balanced diet and exercise routine after getting diagnosed with breast cancer.  There is a growing burden of breast cancer in India. It is one of the deadliest cancers and a major health concern not only in the country but globally. Lack of awareness regarding breast cancer led to higher mortality and morbidity rates in the patients. The risk factors for this cancer are smoking, alcohol, family history, late marriages, and avoiding breastfeeding, and the treatment of the disease is based on the stage of cancer. The objective of this support group is to know that breast cancer patients have good survival and they can lead a normal life after completion of treatment though there would be regular follow-ups. “Breast is one of the common types of cancers seen in women. Many women fail to notice changes in the breast or neglect them, suffer in silence and lose their precious lives. There are many myths related to breast cancer that can keep one away from seeking timely help. Timely screening, diagnosis, and an array of treatment options can save lives. The patient will have to get support to cope with the physical and emotional changes of cancer and follow the instructions of the doctors to ensure a good prognosis of the disease. We want every woman to know that she should opt for self-examination at 20, clinical examination after 30, and mammography after 40 years on a regular basis,” stated Dr. Aditi Agrawal, Consultant Breast Oncosurgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals. Dr. Atul Narayankar, Consultant Medical Oncology said, “Breast cancer is not only limited to older women. Nowadays, it is predominantly seen in the younger population. Many women get depressed and go through a wide range of emotions. The diagnosis and treatment take a toll on one’s mental and physical well-being. Losing breast due to mastectomy is associated with dissatisfaction with appearance, perceived loss of femininity, and body image and integrity. It can take some time for a woman to adjust to a new body shape after breast cancer surgery. We have come up with a support group to send the message that breast cancer is preventable when diagnosed and treated during its early stages. Women should have a proactive approach and their partners, friends, and family members also encourage them to take utmost care of themselves.  Remember, together we can fight breast cancer wholeheartedly.” “Breast cancer diagnosis was shocking for me. I just couldn’t come to terms with the diagnosis. I was unaware of the treatment process. But the prompt treatment given made my journey to fight the disease smoother.  Breast cancer can strike anyone at any time. So, women should conduct breast self-examination and report any changes in the breast to their treating doctors. I am a proud breast cancer survivor and thank the hospital for taking such a big step in helping others to clear their doubts and take utmost care of their health.  Patients lose hair or have other issues due to chemotherapy, and need support. I hope I am able to encourage others like me to battle cancer and conquer it. Do whatever it takes to become a survivor,” concluded the breast cancer warrior Ms. Shalini. Dr. Aditi AgrawalConsultant Breast OncosurgeonWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road Dr. Atul NarayankarConsultant Medical OncologyWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: http://bwhealthcareworld.businessworld.in/article/Wockhardt-Hospital-Launches-Breast-Cancer-Support-Group-/27-05-2022-430412/

According to a study done by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, 17 percent of children or one out of six children aged between five-15 years are suffering from myopia. The UN data says that countries where myopia prevalence was estimated and measured as low in the past, such as India, will have major increases by 2050. The Myopia Awareness Week, set for May 23-28 each year, aims to bring attention to the global epidemic of short-sightedness cases in children. The theme this year is: Make your Eye Moves. On this day experts spoke with News9 on the reason for the rising prevalence in the country. According to Dr. Jaidhrath Kumar, there has been a rise in cases of myopia in children in the recent past. “In the last two years, every second child who comes to us has myopia – either their power has increased or they have become myopic. The incidence is so large that we think that it is COVID-induced myopia or due to lockdown,” Dr. Kumar said. Seconds Dr. Sandeep Kataria, consultant Ophthalmologist with Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central. “We are seeing a rise in myopia in kids. This is because their screen time has risen in the last few years. Indoor activities and reading among kids have gone up especially those till the age of 17. If a child complains of headaches or sits too close while watching TV are some signs that parents need to catch on to. Early detection of myopia can to a certain extent reduce the rise in power,” Dr. Kataria said. Reasons for Myopia The reason is simple. When the pandemic hit, everyone was locked in their homes. With no outdoor activity, kids took to playing games on their smartphones or laptops. Reading increased, classes went online and the amount of screen time went exponentially high. “The kids were staring at the screens from up close. They were constantly staring at their screens. Whenever you are working on things that require closely looking at things, it induces myopia. This happens in kids the minute they are of an age where they can start reading – usually four to five years. Earlier, parents were a lot more careful. They didn’t randomly hand over gadgets to children. Now, by default, they have no choice which has led to an epidemic of myopia in kids. In the next couple of years, we are going to see many kids who will require spectacles due to myopia,” Dr. Kumar explained. Symptoms of Myopia Some common symptoms that a child may face are squinting of the eyes which signifies that the child is making an effort to read or see what is in front of him. Second, watery eyes mean the child has been staring at the screen for too long. Three, constantly rubbing their eyes; this means that he is unable to see things clearly and hence the rubbing. Finally, when the kid says he can’t see things. However, if the child is quick to point out weak eyesight then myopia is preventable. “There are several things that can be done to stop the onslaught. One must sit properly – this means to sit on a chair with the books or the laptop at least 33 cm away from you. One must do eye exercises – blink your eyes several times; look away from the screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. One must also eat a well-balanced diet. The kids and even adults must eat a diet that is rich in vitamin A. Eating green leafy vegetables, carrots and papaya will help make good retinal cells which are good for our sight and vision,” Dr. Kumar said. While surgery options are available, it is not for kids since they are still growing. “As kids pick up height, the eye length also grows. Surgery is only possible when the person stops growing. Myopia increases with age. Once it has started, the eyesight will deteriorate till a person is a full adult. We recommend surgery only if a person has not had a vision correction for at least six months,” Dr. Kumar said. Dr. Sandeep KatariaConsultant OphthalmologistWockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: 022-61784400 Source: https://www.news9live.com/health/myopia-awareness-week-2022-almost-17-children-suffer-from-it-number-will-rise-exponentially-by-2050-172395

High blood pressure is called a silent killer not without a reason. Most of the time, there are no noticeable signs of hypertension and even if you have some symptoms, you may not immediately act upon it dismissing it as routine tiredness, work pressure, or exertion. Ignoring BP issues can however prove deadly and in worst cases, it can cause a heart attack, heart failure, aneurysm, stroke, memory problems, or dementia. Monitoring blood pressure regularly is the key to evading the risk of serious illnesses. Around 1.13 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension and the condition is more common in men than women. However, only 1 people in 5 have it in control while others still face the risk of developing complications from it. The incidences of hypertension have seen a sharp rise across the world and while earlier it was common in the older age groups, now we get to see many new cases of young people with hypertension. “We should not ignore some of the common symptoms of high blood pressure like severe headache, blurring vision, breathing difficulty, especially breathlessness on exertion, chest discomfort, and easy fatigability. High blood pressure can affect your health and cause serious complications if it is left untreated,” says Dr. Rajesh Budhiraja. 1. Fatigue: Are you unable to do your office work or household chores with ease then this can be due to high blood pressure. Feeling exhausted even after doing nothing? Try to reach your treating doctor for further evaluation. 2. Shortness of breath: One may also have difficulty breathing when his/her blood pressure is high. This is one of the common symptoms of hypertension. 3. Blurred vision: Untreated hypertension can alter one’s vision. Thus, one will encounter vision problems. His or her vision will be blurred. One more sign of hypertension is blurring of vision or developing black spots in your visual field or sudden complete loss of vision are the symptoms which should be taken seriously, says Dr. Savla. 4. Chest pain: It is seen when one’s blood pressure is high. Try to take immediate treatment after you notice these symptoms. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious complications in later life. Can High Blood Pressure Land you in ICU? “Hypertension can have a disastrous effect on the heart resulting in the hardening and thickening of the heart arteries thereby, causing the heart to receive less blood supply, in worst cases, it can cause a heart attack besides other life-threatening conditions brought about by affecting other organs,” says Dr. Budhiraja. “Patients with high blood pressure may also develop chest pain and restlessness and some may develop myocardial infarction i.e. heart attack as a result of long uncontrolled hypertension. There is a serious condition called hypertensive heart failure which may present as low oxygen levels, difficulty in sleeping due to breathlessness (due to water-filled lungs) along with swelling over the legs and chest pain patients if not treated on time, will end up in ICU. Epistaxis i.e. bleeding from the nose can occur as a serious complication of high blood pressure and may also call for urgent ICU admission. Hence it is best to do regular health checkup, get diagnosed on time, and treated as soon as possible,” says Dr. Savla. Managing BP If you are suffering from high blood pressure, there is plenty that you can do on a day-to-day basis to keep it in check. Dr. Honey Savla,Consultant – Internal MedicineWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/world-hypertension-day-2022-6-signs-of-high-blood-pressure-you-shouldn-t-ignore-101652519207657.html

Every year, May 12 is celebrated as International Nurses Day. It’s the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale. She was born on this day in 1820. Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road organized a fun-filled event to celebrate International Nurses Day and applauded all the nursing staff for their incredible work during the pandemic. Everyone including doctors, paramedical and non-medical staff as well as 35 to 40 from the hospital came together to participate in various interesting activities. The theme attributed for this year’s International Nurses Day is – “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Invest in nursing and respect rights to secure global health”. Nurses play a vital role in the patients’ well-being. They identify the patient’s requirements, focus on their needs, and immediately act on them. They act as a support system for the patient by nurturing a compassionate environment by giving psychological support as the patient is away from his/her family. Nurses tactfully resolve all the problems of the patient. The much-awaited celebration at the hospital started with the Wockhardt anthem being played in the presence of nurses, After the nursing pledge, the felicitation of nursing heads was conducted followed by messages by Ms. Zahabiya Khorakiwala, Managing Director, Dr. Clive Fernandes, Group Clinical Director & COO-Maharashtra Wockhardt Hospitals. The hospital had conducted activities with Allocation competition, cultural events, reel making, best out of waste competition, and greeting card making competition. The atmosphere at the hospital was pleasing and cheerful. Tokens of appreciation were distributed to nurses who completed maximum years at the event. The celebrations came to an end after a cake-cutting ceremony. Expressing her views on the occasion, Ms. Zahabiya Khorakiwala, MD, Wockhardt Hospitals, said, “Not All Heroes Wear Capes” and our nurses are our heroes who dedicatedly provide round-the-clock care to the patients. Nurses deal with patients on an individual basis and try to fulfill all their requirements. They are the link between the doctor and the patient. They monitor the patient closely by giving that much-needed care, love, and compassion. International Nurses Day is an event to honor the most dedicated and behind-the-scenes caregivers who work tirelessly in making a hospital what it is. We appreciate each and every nurse for her commitment and support. Our nurses have made a life-altering contribution when it comes to patient care by giving the best of services to them.” “Our nurses have been at the forefront of serving patients and taking good care of them even during these unprecedented times. We are extremely proud of them and thank them for recognizing patients’ symptoms on time and taking measures within their scope of practice to resolve their queries. Nurses are an inseparable part of the healthcare team that provides holistic care to the patients. I can safely say that nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system,” concluded Dr. Clive Fernandes, Group Clinical Director & COO-Maharashtra Wockhardt Hospitals. “Like every year, the hospital organized activities this year to encourage us and keep our spirits high. Participating in activities was relaxing for us. We are obliged to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the patients, educate the patients and their families regarding the prevention of diseases and improve overall well-being. We thank the hospital for recognizing our efforts and giving us so much love, warmth, and respect. We aim to serve more and more patients and help them lead a disease-free life. We pledge to put all our efforts for the benefit of the patient,” concluded Lissymol Saji, Nursing head, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: http://mibhatimes.com/latest-news/sisters-honour-on-international-nurses-day-at-wockhardt-hospital/

As the city continues to witness hot and humid weather, paediatricians said they are noticing an unusual rise in the number of viral infection cases among children, especially diarrhea, which is one of the causes of dehydration Paediatrician Dr Bijal Srivastava said, “Acute diarrhoea in children has gone up in the last few weeks. We recently treated an infant with severe diarrhoea who was hospitalised because of dehydration. His stool was positive for rotavirus.” Rotavirus is a virus that spreads easily among infants and young children. The virus can cause severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Dr Srivastava added that most of the diarrhoea cases in children that the team of doctors are seeing today are viral in origins such as norovirus, astrovirus, and adenovirus. She also noted that the most common and also the worst is rotavirus as the frequency of passing stools is too high and many have to be hospitalised due to dehydration. While viral diarrhoea is self-limiting, doctors said that the recovery timing for children is around a week. Dr Vishal Parmar, paediatrician, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road said diarrhoea cases are commonly seen in children less than five years of age. “Most of these are viral diarrhoea cases. Very few of them are because of bacterial infections. We have to hospitalise the child if the diarrhoea is causing severe dehydration. Daily, we are seeing 5 to 10 cases of diarrhoea in children in our outdoor patient department.” He said with all Covid-19 restrictions being lifted accompanied by people socialising more because of festivals and comparatively hotter summer, the diarrhoea cases in children are more in the last two years. Dr Suresh Birajdar, said they are seeing diarrhoea cases commonly in infants and kids attending day-care or preschool. “The severity of diarrhoea is more in the younger age group and children with less weight. During the lockdown, contact of kids with other kids was less, travel was less, people didn’t eat outside food, so chances of food contamination were less, and everyone was taking precautions even following hand hygiene. All of these have led to lesser cases of diarrhoea. Now, things are moving back to normal. So, we are not only witnessing diarrhoea but other infections like respiratory tract and skin infections,” he said. Dr Purshottam Vashistha has been seeing at least two patients with gastroenteritis every day, at least one of them is a child. “Most common complaints of patients are diarrhoea and food poisoning. Most of these patients find immediate relief after symptomatic treatment and adequate hydration. Rarely do patients who suffer severe dehydration need admission and active treatment. People are advised to avoid eating or drinking out at unhygienic places and carry a bottle of water with them to avoid dehydration. Children should carry water bottles from home and strictly drink boiled water,” he advised. Mumbai-based paediatricians are also seeing a rise in hand, foot and mouth diseases caused by viruses. Dr Vaidehi Dande said she is seeing 2-3 cases daily in her consultation and said, “Hand, foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious infection and spreads easily. The outbreaks are seen every year, especially in early summer. During this season, cases continue to rise exponentially till a large part of the susceptible population is infected.” She added that parents whose children get affected by hand, foot and mouth disease need not worry as the infections last for a maximum of four days. “However, a few precautionary steps should be followed by the parents, like keeping your child hydrated, immediately consult your doctor to get itch relieving medicines. Parents need to be aware and careful of signs like- high grade and prolonged fever, drowsiness, decrease in urine frequency and difficulty in breathing. An infected child should be kept inside the home and away from other children, especially till the time lesions get dried as it is infectious is important during this time,” said Dr Dande. Dos and Don’ts for parents Keep your child hydrated Avoid giving children outside food and give a healthy nutritious diet Give ORS solution if the child has loose motions to avoid dehydration Precautions and advice:  Practising good hygiene is the best defence against HFMD. Regular hand washing can greatly reduce your risk of getting this virus. You can teach your children how to wash their hands using hot water and soap. Washing your hands after using the restroom, before eating, and after being out in public is important. Children should also not put their hands or other objects in or near their mouths. It’s important to disinfect any common areas in your home on a regular basis. Try cleaning shared surfaces first with soap and water, then with a diluted solution of bleach and water. You should also disinfect toys, pacifiers, and other objects that may be contaminated with the virus. If you or your child experience symptoms such as a fever or sore throat, stay home from school or work. It’s best to avoid contact with others once the blisters and rashes develop. This can help you avoid spreading the disease to others. Dr Vishal ParmarConsultant – PaediatricianWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/mumbai-witnesses-rise-in-viral-diarrhoea-cases-among-children-101651601688333.html

Partial solar eclipse 2023: April 30 will mark the first solar eclipse of 2023, although it will be a partial one as The Sun, Moon and Earth will not be perfectly aligned during the event. Parts of southern South America, Antarctica, and the Pacific and Southern Oceans will witness the celestial event just before and during sunset, but it will not be visible in India. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth. However, a partial eclipse will be seen on Saturday which will give the Sun a crescent shape. Eclipses are awe-inspiring and drastically change the appearance of the Sun and the moon, which has also given birth to several myths about celestial events. There are old beliefs that a solar eclipse emits harmful radiation that can spoil food, cause blindness or cause mood swings. People also regard them as inauspicious events which are not true. Here are some of the popular myths associated with the solar eclipse busted by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) scientists and doctors. Myth 1: Solar Eclipse Can Cause Blindness Fact: Scientists at NASA say, during a total solar eclipse when the disk of the moon fully covers the sun, the brilliant corona emits only electromagnetic radiation, though sometimes with a greenish hue. According to scientists, this radiation is a million times fainter than the light from the sun itself and cannot cause blindness. They however warned that watching a glimpse of the solar surface could cause retinal damage, though the typical human instinctual response is to quickly look away before any severe damage has actually occurred. Myth 2: Solar Eclipse Can Cause Anxiety, Mood Swings Fact: According to NASA, the celestial event has terrified people for centuries. Some ancient cultures believed a dragon was devouring the sun while others thought it was a sign of a god’s anger. As per the scientists, people might react with a primitive fear with regard to the appearance of the celestial event. “Solar eclipse may create a range of emotions for us as for many years it was a mystery for us for thousands of years and the fears and anxiety associated with it could cause some kind of alteration in our behaviors,” says Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai. Myth 3: Solar Eclipse is Harmful to Pregnant Women Fact: Scientists at US space agency NASA say this myth may have been rooted in the previous false idea that harmful radiations are emitted during a total solar eclipse. They confirm that solar eclipse is entirely harmless for pregnant women and would not harm the developing fetus. Myth 4: It is Not Safe to Eat or Drink During the Solar Eclipse Fact: There is a myth that solar eclipse produces harmful radiation that poisons the food and one should not eat during the event. Scientists at NASA rubbish this and say that someone might have accidentally got food poisoned and related it to the eclipse which is not true. Dr. Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/partial-solar-eclipse-2022-health-myths-associated-with-eclipse-that-are-not-true-101651235090490.html

The patient was reluctant to undergo the surgery and continued medical management. Since last year the condition worsened, and she started getting increasingly breathless so much so that she couldn’t do her daily chores. A 65-year-old patient was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis 5 years ago. The patient was reluctant to undergo the surgery and continued medical management. Since last year the condition worsened, and she started getting increasingly breathless so much so that she couldn’t do her daily chores. She got admitted in a hospital in an ICU in Ranchi with severe breathlessness requiring non-invasive ventilation. Patient’s 2D echocardiogram showed severe aortic stenosis with heart pumping of 10 – 15%. She also was diagnosed to have severe kidney and liver injury. This was accompanied by severe urinary tract infections. Considering the patients critical condition, she was airlifted to Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central to undergo Trans catheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). Trans catheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) is a minimally invasive heart procedure to replace a thick aortic valve which can’t be opened completely. This aortic valve is located between the lower heart chamber called left ventricle and the body’s main artery. In case if the valve doesn’t open correctly, the blood flow from the heart to the body is reduced. TAVR helps to restore the blood flow by reducing the signs and symptoms of aortic valve stenosis- chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting and fatigue. Speaking on the case, Dr Ankur Phatarpekar, Consultant Cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central says, “The patient was advised to opt for open heart surgery around 5 years back for severe aortic stenosis however she declined any surgical procedure. When she landed at Wockhardt Hospitals the heart pumping was very low just 10 to15% which is low. She also had other complications like low platelet count, renal & liver failure which made her a very high risk for TAVI. The pumping of heart was so low that the heart was not tolerating any balloon dilatation during TAVI and required Cardiopulmonary resuscitation multiple times during the procedure. On the 3rd day post-surgery, the heart pumping improved to 40%. Later she recovered and her kidney function and liver parameters improved due to TAVI procedure. The doctor recommends TAVR surgery if one has severe aortic stenosis which causes issues in the functioning of biological tissue aortic valve. Another health condition such as kidney or lung disease which makes open-heart valve replacement surgery risky and complicated. Dr Ankur PhatarpekarConsultant CardiologistWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central Source: https://www.mumbailive.com/en/health/life-wins-for-65-year-old-patient-at-mumbai-hospital-72731