Advantages Of Minimal Invasive Cardiac Surgery Over Open Heart Surgery

Minimal invasive cardiac surgery is usually done in patients with a better heart function and those with 3-4 blockages inside the heart Cases of heart attacks among young people are increasing dramatically. Experts say that the number will only continue to grow and blamed it on poor lifestyle choices such as lack of exercise and a bad diet, which is also increasing the incidents of type 2 diabetes. Earlier heart problems were primarily seen in the 50-plus population. However, recently more people in their 30s and 40s are getting affected. As per WHO, cardiovascular diseases (CDV) account for about 45 percent of deaths in the case of Indian adults aged 40 to 69. Disorders in the heart and blood vessels lead to most CVDs and often these patients need to undergo surgery. Creating awareness of cardiac health is very crucial and is the need of the hour. In an exclusive interaction with TheHealthSite, Dr. Mangesh Kohale, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai spoke about the advantages of minimally invasive cardiac surgery over open-heart surgery. Preference for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery is on the Rise There are several ways to treat a person with cardiac problems with advanced technology. Patients prefer shorter hospital stays and fewer postoperative complications, hence opt for Minimal Invasive Surgeries (MIS) over open-heart surgery said Dr. Kohale. He mentioned a case of a 76-year-old man from Madhya Pradesh who recently suffered from a heart attack. The man got the angiography done in his state, where the doctors also suggested a bypass, but he was not ready to opt for it considering his fear about the surgery. Within a week, he was admitted to Wockhardt Hospitals, where Dr. Kohale and his team did his bypass via minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Kohale recalled, “In his case, the heart pumping was at 25 percent which is a risk factor for the outcome of any procedure, but the only option was bypass surgery. We did his bypass via minimally invasive surgery. We usually do MICS (Minimal invasive cardiac surgery) in patients with a better heart function and those with 3-4 blockages inside the heart his surgery was successfully done with a small incision via the breastbone. The patient got discharged on the 5th day and doing well by performing his daily routine without any problems.” Benefits of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Dr. Kohale explained that while doing minimally invasive surgery, a small incision is made on the chest to reach the heart between ribs, rather than cutting via breastbone. This procedure is safe, and the success rate is high with less risk. A doctor will suggest MIS depending on a few factors such as the type of heart disease one is diagnosed with, how severe it is; the patient’s age, medical history, lifestyle; and results of tests done before surgery. As compared with the open-heart surgery, this type of surgery is less painful and has a quicker recovery in patients Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery Has Various Benefits Procedures for Minimally Invasive Heart Surgeries Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) This is a surgical procedure used to treat coronary heart disease. It helps divert blood around the clogged or narrowed parts of the major arteries to improve the oxygen supply and blood flow to the heart. Dr. Mangesh KohaleConsultant Cardiac SurgeonWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai To book an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/advantages-of-minimal-invasive-cardiac-surgery-over-open-heart-surgery-881990/
Do you sweat in your sleep? Experts on 7 reasons why it may happen

While hot temperature and lack of ventilation may cause night sweating at times, if you experience it frequently, there may be some underlying causes behind it. Do you often wake up all sweaty at night despite your air conditioning working fine and don’t really understand the reason behind it? While hot temperature and lack of ventilation may cause night sweating at times, if you experience it frequently, there may be some underlying causes behind it. Experts say being too stressed, drinking alcohol before bedtime, certain medications, diabetes, anxiety disorders, thyroid problems, or perimenopause could be some of the reasons why you are breaking out in a sweat at night. Dr. Krishan Raj, says there could be many factors behind sweating during sleep and in most cases, it could be an indicator of an underlying medical condition. “Though the most common factor associated is with diabetics (Diabetic neuropathy), those who take medications for hypoglycemia (low sugar) usually sweat due to the fact that the blood vessels expand to increase the blood flow and then contract,” says Dr. Krishan Raj. Here are other factors according to Dr. Krishan Raj and Dr. Aniket Mule, Consultant Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road that could lead to sweating during sleep. • Drinking alcohol before hitting the sack: You may end up sweating at night if you happen to drink alcohol in the evening. “This is so because alcohol increases the temperature of the body which can lead to sweating. Alcohol will relax the airways, which can make breathing harder. Moreover, it also acts as a stimulant by increasing the heart rate. Both of these can increase your body temperature and induce sweating. So, avoid alcohol consumption before sleeping,” says Dr. Mule. • Thyroid disorders: The thyroid gland assists in regulating several bodily functions including metabolism, thus a highly active thyroid gland, can make the body sensitive to heat causing night sweats, according to Dr. Krishan Raj. • Being stressed: Are you stressed or anxious? Then, you need to know that an overactive mind revs up your brain and body which can make you sweat at night. Try to de-stress by reading a book, taking a warm shower, or listening to music, says Dr. Mule. • Anxiety disorders: Anxiety and stress are the most common conditions that create a variety of physiological responses, majorly contributing to nighttime perspiration. Those with disorders like OCD, SAD, or PTSD are highly vulnerable to night sweats due to anxiety and vice versa, says Dr. Krishan Raj. • Going through menopause: Perimenopausal women report having night sweats which are extremely common. Alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, and smoking can trigger night-time sweating. So, avoid them at night, says Dr. Mule. • Certain medications: Taking antidepressants, antiretrovirals, or hypertension drugs impacts the parts of one’s brain that tend to control the body temperature or sweat glands. These medications can be responsible for inducing sweat during nighttime. You can speak to the doctor and check for other options for these medications. • Certain infections like TB or HIV: Night sweats have a strong linkage to a variety of infections including TB, HIV, or even blood disorders like leukemia. This is due to the fact that infections can create fever and overheating of the body, leading to night sweats, says Dr. Krishan Raj. Dr. Aniket MuleConsultant Internal MedicineWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/do-you-sweat-in-your-sleep-experts-on-7-reasons-why-it-may-happen-101652877498641.html
World Hypertension Day 2024 (17 May)

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
Sudden Headache Followed by Unconsciousness is a Warning Sign of ‘Cerebral Aneurysm’

Chinese President Xi Jinping may be suffering from a ‘cerebral aneurysm’ and had reportedly sought treatment a few months ago. While no official confirmation has come in, reports have been speculating about his health for quite some time now. According to reports, the Chinese premier had been hospitalized towards the end of 2021. He had however opted out of surgery, preferring to be treated with traditional Chinese medicines that would soften the blood vessels and shrink an aneurysm. Previously, ‘Game of Thrones’ actor Emilia Clarke had opened up about the life-threatening condition during her time on the show, sharing with The New Yorker in 2019 that she had to undergo multiple surgeries and endure a long recovery period because of it. What is a Cerebral Aneurysm? Dr. Prashant Makhija, Consultant neurologist, Wockhardt hospital, Mumbai, explained that a cerebral aneurysm is a ballooning arising from a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. “The out pounding in the wall of the blood vessel is prone to ruptures which will result in internal bleeding. This blood can leak into the brain, threatening the life of the patient.” Thunder-Clap Headache, the Most Common Warning Sign Dr. Makhija said there are a number of symptoms. “Sudden outbreak of unbearable headache, which we term as ‘thunderclap’ headache is the most common symptom.” The risk may increase if, after such a thunder-clap headache, the patient loses consciousness. “We immediately advise screening if losing consciousness after sudden headaches have been observed,” he added. He further said conversion disorders like seizures also play role in the cerebral aneurysm. “These ruptures can be genetic as well. If a patient has developed the condition genetically then it is even harder to find out. These cases are usually asymptomatic,” he said. What Danger Does It Pose? “Rupturing brain aneurysm is life-threatening and can lead to death. It may also cause stroke as, during the ruptures, spasm of blood vessels has also been observed,” Dr. Makhija elaborated. He also said that the aneurysm can damage the brain and increase brain pressure. Treatment Depends on Individual Needs, Location, and Size of the Aneurysm According to the medical literature, if the size of the balloon-like structure is over 7mm, then the risk of ruptures will be higher, he informed. “There are two ways to treat the condition.” First is open surgery where a cut has to be made to the scalp bone that exposes the brain tissue. That is why it is also called open brain surgery. And second, microsurgical clipping is a technique that blocks the blood supply to an aneurysm using a metal clip. Dr. Makhija also said that the treatment option depends highly on the location and size of the aneurysm and whether or not it has ruptured, as well as the individual patient’s needs. “Medications are also given to people, in case of spasm, to control the brain pressure, electrolyte imbalance, etc,” he said. He added, “Patients who are asymptomatic and have discovered the condition incidentally are observed on whether there is a periodic increase in the size of the structures.” Dr. Prashant MakhijaConsultant NeurologistWockhardt Hospital, Mumbai To book an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.news9live.com/health/xi-jinping-suffering-from-cerebral-aneurysm-say-reports-know-about-the-condition-and-treatment-170077
International Nurses Day: 12 May, 2024

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/
Go easy on roadside meat during summer, caution experts

As suspected shawarma-triggered food poisoning leaves a girl dead and sends 58 to hospital in Kerala, health experts advise Mumbaikars to stick to hygiene, stay alert for fever and bloody diarrhea Following the detection of Shigella and Salmonella bacteria in shawarma samples days after suspected food poisoning in Kasaragod district of Kerala claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl and left 58 unwell, health experts have cautioned Mumbaikars against eating roadside meat, especially during summer. V R Vinod, Commissioner of Food Safety, Kerala, said they got the test report on Saturday confirming the presence of the above bacteria in shawarma samples. “Also, the pepper samples collected from the said food joint in Kasargod also tested positive for Salmonella. We have intensified our crackdown on shoddy roadside food joints,” he said. Vinod said they have so far collected 125 samples from across Kerala and have destroyed 161.50 kg of chicken that was spoiled or kept in an unhygienic condition. Of 1,481 food joints inspected, Vinod said, 132 were found to be violating the FSSAI guidelines. He said, “Also, notices have been issued to 226 joints for violation of FSSAI norms, including operating without a license.” The state has come up with a helpline—1800 425 1125—for people to lodge complaints against food joints for violation of food safety guidelines. He quoted the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA, which said that every year there are 80 to 165 million Shigella cases worldwide and 6 lakh Shigella deaths annually. Dr Wiqar Shaikh said Shigella is mostly found in uncooked vegetables, chicken, and shellfish. Fever, bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dehydration are the common symptoms of Shigella, said Dr. Shaikh. “…Shigella dysentery outbreak from roadside Shawarma-style meat dhabas should be treated as a public health alert in all states. The classical route of transmission of Shigella bacteria is from infected feces to the mouth of the new host. This happens when a food handler is a Shigella carrier and doesn’t wash his/her hands with soap and water…,” said Dr. Subhash Hira. If meat is not cooked properly bacteria and worms can persist in it. “In metro cities, the public at large is fond of street foods and meat preparations like shawarma, which are common everywhere. When it comes to roadside food joints or dhabas, across highways, we do not know the hygiene parameters in such eating joints,” said Dr. Santosh Bansode, HoD, Emergency Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central. Stressing that contaminated water is yet another significant source of spread of Shigella, Dr. Ketan Vagholkar, said citizens must report to their physician if they develop symptoms like loose, watery stools with blood in them. ‘Will educate street vendors’ A senior official from Maharastra Food and Drugs Administration said they have been holding awareness programs on hygiene and sanitary practices for food joints. FDA has also certified certain pockets in Girgaum Chowpatty and Juhu as ‘Clean Street Food hub’. “We will also educate the street food vendors on the Kerala incident, and ensure that they take adequate care of maintaining hygiene while cooking meat and non-vegetarian food, especially Chinese food,” said the official. Attempts to contact BMC health officials did not yield any result. To stop Shigella Dr. Santosh BansodeHOD, Emergency MedicineWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central For an appointment call: +918291101001 Source: https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/go-easy-on-roadside-meat-during-summer-caution-experts-23226315
Around 50 new moms share their motherhood experiences at a special event in the city

In an endeavour to provide the new mothers with a bout of fun activities, a city hospital has taken a unique initiative by organizing a fun-filled day. The celebration took place in the hospital and saw participation from almost 50 new moms who shared their experiences of motherhood. This event aimed to appreciate all mothers and allow them to de-stress, relax and take a break from their hectic schedules. Doctors supported at the event were Dr Mangala Patil, Gynaecologist, Dr Vishal Parma, Paediatrician, Dr Mayola Dsouza and Dr Amit Shah. The city hospital pledged to honour mothers by giving them the gift of health and by organizing an event to mark Mother’s Day. Dr Amit Shah, Consultant Child Psychologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, , Mira Road said, “A mother plays so many pivotal roles. She is a manager of the family, a teacher for her children, a nurse for family members, a good chef, and even a counsellor. She discharges all her responsibilities with hard work, dedication, and honesty. The event was conducted at the hospital to applaud the spirit of such inspiring women. The event also helped the new mothers and their family members to interact with the experts and clear all their doubts regarding parenting. Nowadays, many new mothers are from nuclear families and have questions regarding nursing the baby, the right kind of nutrition, or how to manage the baby. The highlighted the challenges faced by women during and after pregnancy and showcase the magical bond between a mother and a child. So, educative sessions were conducted by the experts. They were explained how to cope with the challenges of motherhood. Many new mothers who came along with their husbands and babies shared their experiences which were helpful for other mothers attending the event.” Dr Mayola D’Souza, Consultant physiotherapist said, “The event started with refreshments and witnessed a number of interesting activities like dancing, exercises, photographs at the selfie-booth, cake-cutting, and enjoying the day. Mothers wrote messages on the board regarding their wishes when it comes to themselves or their babies or about the event or even the treatment provided at the hospital. Women poured out their heart-touching experiences. We aim to give holistic care to each and every mother. It was a proud moment for us as we were able to conduct Mother’s Day activity and give them some moments to cherish. At the end of the event, after snacks, all the mothers were gifted a Tulsi (basil) plant which is a symbol of good health to appreciate their time and valuable presence. We also urged all the mothers to take care of themselves too along with their babies.” “My experience with Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road during pregnancy has been great always. The hospital is committed to providing uninterrupted services to patients. This event was fun and energetic. We are thankful to doctors for sharing vital tips regarding baby care. I look forward to attending more such lovely events in the near future and am delighted to be a part of the hospital as it is just like a family for all of us,” concluded Sheetal Shah, a newly mother. For an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/around-50-new-moms-share-their-motherhood-experiences-at-a-special-event-in-the-city/articleshow/91466458.cms
Sore throat to the runny nose; experts on common Covid symptoms in fully vaccinated people

Experts note that the symptoms of Covid-19 in fully vaccinated people may progress a bit differently than in unvaccinated people. All you want to know. As Covid-19 cases once again see an uptick in the country, the efforts to contain its spread and reduce the risk of hospitalizations and deaths through booster drive are at full steam. Getting fully vaccinated against Covid-19 is known to significantly reduce the risk of a severe disease needing admission to hospital or ICU and mortality. However, vaccines do not necessarily prevent one from getting infected with Covid, and with the emergence of newer strains and subvariants of Omicron, the risk of breakthrough infections seems to have increased. Experts note that the symptoms of Covid-19 in fully vaccinated people may progress a bit differently than in unvaccinated people. The symptoms are expected to be milder and doctors note that during the third wave, sore throat was the only symptom in vaccinated people, while others had a cough, cold, fever, sore throat, high-grade fever, and body pain even after vaccination. “The main difference between the unvaccinated and vaccinated population is not the symptoms but the progression and the pace of progression of the disease. In an unvaccinated population, progression is rapid and disease is severe,” Dr. Sai Reddy, told HT Digital. Dr. Reddy says considering the majority of the population is already vaccinated, Covid at present is slightly different from the Covid in the past. Vaccination may not fully protect you from Covid and this is the reason one must watch out for breakthrough infections although the symptoms may not be severe. “Vaccination is a vital tool to prevent yourself and those around you from the life-threatening virus, and reduce the severity of the disease. But vaccination will not mean that you will not get infected with Coronavirus at all. All the available Coronavirus vaccines are good at protecting people against severe forms of Covid-19, but they are not 100 % effective in preventing infection. Those fully vaccinated people with weakened immunity due to various medical conditions like cancer or chemotherapy or the ones who fail to follow Covid-appropriate behavior are at the risk of breakthrough Covid infection,” says Dr. Bipin Jibhkate, Consultant critical care medicine, and ICU director at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. The sore throat was the most common symptom in vaccinated people during the third wave. Dr. Jibhkate says severe symptoms such as breathing problems, brain fog, back pain, loss of speech or mobility, confusion, or chest pain have not been reported in fully vaccinated people. “The common symptoms of Covid-19 in the ones who were fully vaccinated are a headache, cough, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, fatigue, sneezing, fever, muscle pain, or joint pain,” says Dr. Bipin Jibhkate. Dr. Jibhkate says that breakthrough coronavirus infections may lead to mild or moderate illness, but assures the risk of serious Covid-19 is very low when it comes to those who don’t have any chronic health condition. “People with vaccine breakthrough infections may spread Covid-19 to others. However, fully vaccinated people with a breakthrough infection are less likely to have a serious illness with Covid-19 than those who are unvaccinated. Even when vaccinated people develop symptoms, they tend to be less severe than those experienced by unvaccinated individuals,” says Dr. Santosh Jha. According to Dr. Jha, the classic symptoms of Covid-19 in unvaccinated people are fever, continuous cough, loss of sense of smell and taste, fatigue, and joint pain. He, however, says in fully vaccinated people, Covid symptoms mimic flu symptoms and some of the most common signs are sore throat, headache, runny nose, and sneezing. Long-Covid symptoms not reported among fully vaccinated According to Dr. Bipin Jibhkate, those who were fully vaccinated did not report any serious long-Covid symptoms such as memory problems, pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, pneumonia, gut problems, sleep issues, anxiety, or extreme fatigue (tiredness). He adds that as per the evidence available, the patients who got admitted to the hospital were not vaccinated at all. Dr. Jibhkate concludes that even fully-vaccinated people must strictly follow the Covid norms of masking, social distancing, hand sanitizing, avoiding crowded places, not being around sick people, and must take the booster dose when eligible for it. Dr. Bipin JibhkateConsultant Critical Care Medicine, and ICU DirectorWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/sore-throat-to-runny-nose-experts-on-common-covid-symptoms-in-fully-vaccinated-people-101651124192476.html
90% of knee replacement patients walk within 3-4 hours of surgery

Nagpur: Total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries have become very common these days, and doctors are following the ‘Enhanced Recovery Protocol’ to enable patients to start walking within 3-4 hours of the surgery. Research data published in the Lancet journal in 2019 shows that TKR is a very long-lasting solution, with benefits lasting over 25 years in at least 8 out of 10 patients. Like any other surgery, there have been continuous improvements in surgical techniques, implant designs, surgical materials, longevity, and surgical outcomes of TKR. Nowadays, doctors in Nagpur have started adopting the Enhanced Recovery protocol (ERP) which has very effectively reduced the length of hospital stay after TKR, said leading knee replacement specialists in the city. As per the documentation by doctors in the city, ERP has improved long-term outcomes and satisfaction after TKR. Patients can start eating and drinking soon after surgery and don’t feel weak. Some 90% of patients were walking on the day of surgery, within 3-4 hours of surgery. All patients can independently use toilets and climb stairs within 2-3 days and can safely go home faster. Patients regain range of motion faster, and many patients are even able to sit cross-legged a few weeks after surgery. “Our average length of hospital stay after TKR in Nagpur is 2.4 days for unilateral TKR and 2.5 days for bilateral TKR, which is better than reported TKR length of stay data from our country,” said Dr. Alankar Ramteke from Wockhardt Hospitals. “Due to ERP, patients experience less pain as there is less tissue damage due to minimally invasive surgical techniques. There are no tubes, drains, or pipes after surgery, and patients can resume normal life activities much sooner after surgery,” he added. According to doctors, ERP is important for all ages, especially in younger, active, and working patients, who want to get back to their jobs early to reduce time off from work and avoid financial losses. According to scientific evidence, Enhanced Recovery in TKR is also associated with minimum bleeding, faster recovery, a higher range of motion, and reduced risk of complications. Even government hospitals are also following the protocol. “ERP is a standard protocol these days and we are also following it in GMCH,” said Dr. Mohd Faizal from GMCH orthopedic department. “Hip joint replacement is more common in GMCs. Patients from poor financial backgrounds can get it done through schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojna. They recover early and get back to work with ERP, which is the biggest benefit for patients who chose government hospitals,” he added.
Why Spending Time Away From Your Partner Can Improve Your Relationship

‘Me time’ is precious for many people and the need for solitude is intrinsic to them. Be it slowly sipping that daily cup of coffee along with a favorite book or taking a solo walk in the park, spending some alone time in the company of nature or simply contemplating comes naturally to some. In fact, some amount of alone time is important for everyone. However, in relationships, many a time, especially new ones, the need for ‘me-time’ is often seen as a sign of declining interest. According to experts, spending time away from the partner can take the stress away, reduce friction and bring excitement to relationships. “For a healthy relationship, it’s imperative that couples have as much of ‘me-time’ as ‘we-time’. It acts as a safety valve for the pressure cooker of relationships,” says Amrita Sharma, author of the book What Did I Ever See in Him. Spending time away from the partner, however, doesn’t mean neglecting your beloved. It means taking out time to reflect, recharge and contemplate. “Alone time does not mean absolute alienation from each other, rather it is a time for self-reflection and self-development,” says Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai. Dr. Anand says, finding that ‘me time’ is especially important in longer relationships where space is needed to repair and create. “Issues like taking each other for granted and giving less importance to couple priorities may crop up easily after a point and can become a cause of unconscious stress. Spending some quality time with self can help reassess one’s situation,” says Dr. Sonal Anand. Giving a little breather to each other can also give couples to resolve issues and think of novel ways to reignite their passion. “It helps improve self-dependency and there’s always something new to look forward to which can help reduce friction and bring out excitement which is required in relationships,” concludes Dr. Anand. Dr. Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/relationships/why-spending-time-away-from-your-partner-can-improve-your-relationship-101651072232858.html