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Mar13
नामस्मरण आणि अस्वस्थता: डॉ. &#
नामस्मरण आणि अस्वस्थता: डॉ. श्रीनिवास कशाळीकर.

अस्वस्थता हा जीवनाचा अविभाज्य भाग आहे. कारण शरीर आणि मन ही दोन्ही काळ आणि अवकाश यान्च्या आधीन आहेत. सुख आणि दुख्ख ही देखील अवकाश आणि काळाच्या आधीन आहेत. विचार देखील अवकाश आणि काळाच्या आधीन आहेत. ही एक प्रकारची असहाय्यताच आहे. त्यामुळे हिन्सा, अहिन्सा, प्रेम, राग, द्वेष, खिन्नता, उन्माद, निराशा; ही द्वन्द्वे देखील एक प्रकारची अपरिहार्यताच आहे. कोण्त्याही एका भावनेत शान्ति नाही. समाधान नाही. कोणत्याही एका मुल्यांमध्ये व तज्जन्य कृतीमध्ये समाधान नाही.

पण तरीही आपण एका कारणाने स्वस्थ बनू शकतो. ते म्हणजे; आपले गुरू आपल्याबरोबर असतात या वास्तवतेने. नामस्मरण करीत राहिल्यास या वास्तावतेचा अनुभव देखील येतो. हा अनुभव नामस्मरणाचे प्रमाण आणि आणि उत्कटता जशी वाढतात तसा अधिकाधिक आंतरिक होतो; आणि जीवनाचे सर्वस्व बनतो.


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Mar13
PRAPANCH AND PARAMARTH: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR
PRAPANCH AND PARAMARTH: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

Most of us are automatons (with our control elsewhere), who are having a delusion that we are independent individuals. The activities going on in this delusion; irrespective of our age, sex, occupation, position and even state of evolution; constitute PRAPANCH.

As and when the cosmic trans-temporal reality, the omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent truth pervading every particle, every dimension of space and every moment of time and every bit of consciousness i.e. God, Guru (also called BRAHMA or NAMA); reveals our oneness (although far from complete) with that reality, it marks the beginning of PARAMARTH or spiritualism. This is usually coupled with faint glimpses of future and recognition of the purpose (although indistinct) of our life.

Guru takes care of us like our mother. Just as our mother nurtures us in her womb for nine months; our Guru nurtures us through several lives; by experiences of pain and pleasure; both petty and noble; and like our mother He also delivers us at appropriate time; to the realm of immortality; His abode! This is the ultimate victory called GURU-BHET i.e. being one with true self.

This is a matter; accessible to study, practice and experience; and not casual belief or disbelief.


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Mar12
STRESS AND BHAKTI : DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR
STRESS AND BHAKTI : DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

The words health, well being, stress management, welfare, holistic renaissance, superliving etc; are used by us in a casual and superficial manner. Even if we are honest; we are ignorant. We have no experience any of these; in true sense!

This is true for the word bhakti also!

Many of us conceive it as a gullible and impractical activity or a neurotic endeavor; suitable for the illiterates. But this is not true.

What is bhakti?

Bhakti is the firsthand experience of well being in true sense! It is intense, wholesome, selfless, universally benevolent and immortal state; in which a person transcends the individuality or subjectivity! There is no sectarianism, no prejudice, no hatred, no vengeance, no fear, no expectation…no trace of pettiness! Every moment; he or she exudes objective universal benevolence; divine love.

The presence of such a person (bhakta) SURELY catapults the others to well being in true sense; the immortal bliss.

We all; evolve or progress through the grace of Guru (gurukrupa) from our casual, superficial and petty life; to increasingly holistic thinking, feelings, instincts and behavior; only to realize that we are far away from the truth!

Gradually; every thought and effort of ours towards superliving, holistic renaissance or Total Stress Management or Total Well Being; at individual and global level; reminds us that it all is still a superficial and peripheral ‘stepping stone’! True health, true well being i.e. our true aspiration is actual firsthand experience of the submission to our guru; and His krupa!

This is bhakti; the culmination (and not substitution) of every effort and aspiration in life; and it is the greatest bounty of Guru. It is our greatest fortune if we could experience even a semblance of it! Hence; it has to be most important, dearest, singular and exclusive pursuit in our life.


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Mar12
Osteomyelitis
Introduction
Osteomyelitis is a medical term that describes an infection of bone. The infection is usually bacterial. Symptoms of osteomyelitis may include:
high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above
pain in the affected area, which can often be intense
swelling in the affected area
a passageway that opens in the skin through which pus or fluid leaks (this is known as a discharging sinus)
Types of osteomyelitis
There are two main types of osteomyelitis:
Acute osteomyelitis is where the bone infection develops within two weeks of an initial infection, injury or underlying disease and may respond to antibiotic treatment.
Chronic osteomyelitis is where the bone infection has produced irreversible bony changes that cannot be treated by antibiotics alone.
Acute osteomyelitis
There are two ways that acute osteomyelitis can occur:
Contiguous osteomyelitis is where an infection spreads directly into the bone as a result of an injury, such as a fractured bone or animal bite, during surgery, or as a result of another condition such as diabetes or vascular disease.
Haematogenous osteomyelitis is where an infection spreads into a bone from the bloodstream.
Contiguous osteomyelitis is the most common type of acute osteomyelitis, accounting for four out of five cases. It mainly affects adults.
People who have a condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of their body, such as type 2 diabetes, have an increased risk of developing contiguous osteomyelitis. Any surgical procedure on the skeleton may introduce infection into bone.
Haematogenous osteomyelitis mostly affects younger children, although adult cases may occur in anyone with a weakened immune system, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis or HIV.

People who regularly inject drugs, such as heroin, also have an increased risk of developing haematogenous osteomyelitis.
Chronic osteomyelitis
Chronic osteomyelitis can sometimes start as acute osteomyelitis. If acute osteomyelitis is not treated properly it can become established and produce permanent, destructive changes to bone, resulting in pain, discharge and loss of function.
As with acute osteomyelitis, the infection can be spread through the blood or directly into the bone as a result of injury or other trauma.
Chronic osteomyelitis can also develop as a complication of a pre-existing infection such as tuberculosis (a bacterial infection) or syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection).
How common is osteomyelitis?
At present, there are limited data on how widespread osteomyelitis is in adults.
Acute osteomyelitis is rare in children. It is estimated that one child in every 1,000 children under the age of one, and one in every 5,000 over the age of one will develop acute osteomyelitis.
The condition is known to be a common complication of certain health conditions. For example:
30-40% of people with diabetes who experience a puncture injury to their foot will develop osteomyelitis
One in every 200 people with sickle cell anaemia (a hereditary blood condition) will develop osteomyelitis in any given year
Outlook
The outlook for acute osteomyelitis is generally good because the condition usually responds well to antibiotics. However, for people with underlying risk factors for osteomyelitis, such as diabetes, there is a chance that the infection could come back.
The outlook for chronic osteomyelitis is mixed because the infection can be more challenging to treat, particularly if significant bone damage has occurred. Most cases will require a combination of antibiotics and surgery.
Symptoms of osteomyelitis
Acute osteomyelitis
Most cases of acute osteomyelitis involve one of the long bones in the legs. However, sometimes the bones in the arm or the vertebrae (in the back) can be affected.
The symptoms of acute osteomyelitis include:
A sudden high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F) or above, although this symptom is often absent in children under one year old
Bone pain, which can often be severe
Swelling, redness and warmth at the site of the infection
A general sense of feeling unwell
The affected body part is tender to touch
The range of movement in the affected body part is restricted
Lymph nodes (glands) near the affected body part may be swollen
Young children who cannot talk may be unable to report their painful symptoms to you. You should look out for the following signs and symptoms:
Irritability
Eating much less than usual
Reluctance to use the affected body part
Chronic osteomyelitis
Once chronic osteomyelitis is established, the person affected may have periods of almost no symptoms. However, symptoms can flare up at any time. For example, you may experience:
Bone pain
Feeling persistently tired
Pus draining from the sinus tract (a passageway that develops near the infected bone)
Local swelling
Skin changes
Excessive sweating
Chills
When to seek medical advice
You should always visit Dr. B C Shah if you or your child develops a high temperature (fever) and persistent bone pain.
Causes of osteomyelitis
Routes of infection
Your bones are usually resistant to infection. Bone can become infected when:
A pre-existing infection in the blood spreads to a bone
There is an injury, such as a bone fracture, or a complication from a surgical procedure
There is a pre-existing health condition, such as diabetes, which means the bone does not get a steady blood supply, so infection-fighting white blood cells cannot reach the site of injury
Blood infections that spread to the bone are more common in children than adults. This may be because children’s bones are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to this type of blood-borne infection than adult bones, which are fully grown.
In addition, a child's immune system (the body’s natural defence against infection and illness) is still developing, so it is less effective than an adult’s at fighting off infection.
When a bone becomes infected
When an infection develops inside a bone, the immune system will attempt to stop it by sending infection-fighting white blood cells known as neutrophils to the source of the infection.
The neutrophils will try to kill the bacterial or fungal cells that are causing the infection, but sometimes they are unable to do so. If the infection is not treated, a collection of dead neutrophils will build up inside the bone, forming a pocket of pus known as an abscess.
In cases of chronic osteomyelitis, abscesses can block the blood supply to the bone, which will eventually cause the bone to die. Dead bone with no blood supply must be removed if infection is to be cleared.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors that can make people more vulnerable to developing osteomyelitis. They include:
Weakened immune system
Poor circulation
Diabetes and foot injury
Injury and trauma
Orthopaedic surgery
Intravenous drug use
These risk factors are described below.
Weakened immune system
If your immune system is weakened, it is more likely that an infection that develops in one part of your body will spread to a bone. Your immune system may become weakened for any of the following reasons:
You have a health condition, such as HIV or AIDS
You are taking certain treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or a long-term dose of steroid tablets
You have malnutrition, which is when your diet does not contain all the nutrients needed for good health
Poor circulation
People with health conditions that affect the blood flow are at greater risk of developing osteomyelitis. This is because their bones may not be getting a steady supply of infection-fighting white blood cells.
Conditions that are known to cause poor circulation include:
Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes
Sickle cell anaemia, which is an inherited blood disorder where the red blood cells do not function properly
Atherosclerosis, which is narrowing of the arteries, often caused by eating a high-fat diet and/or smoking
Peripheral arterial disease, which is where the main arteries in the legs get clogged up by a build-up of fat
Diabetes and foot injury
People with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to osteomyelitis because they are at risk of developing foot injuries.
Increased levels of glucose in the blood can cause nerve damage. This means that people with poorly controlled diabetes may begin to lose sensation in their feet so small cuts or injuries to the feet go unnoticed. Due to poor circulation, a serious infection can quickly develop in the feet before spreading to the bone.
Injury and trauma
If you break a bone or have a serious puncture injury that exposes deep tissue to germs, there is a chance you will develop osteomyelitis. This risk is increased if you also have a weakened immune system and/or poor circulation. Any broken bone with a loss of skin cover needs emergency surgery to clean the wound, get rid of dead tissue and stabilise the fracture.
Orthopaedic surgery
If you have orthopaedic surgery (surgery that involves the bones or joints) or you have had metalwork implanted, there is a small chance you may develop osteomyelitis. The risk is less than 1%.
Intravenous drug misuse
People who regularly inject themselves with illegal drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine (crystal meth) have an increased risk of developing osteomyelitis. This is because many people who misuse drugs do not use properly sterilised needles, which significantly increases the risk of introducing bacteria into their bloodstream.
Diagnosing osteomyelitis
Physical examination
To confirm a diagnosis of suspected osteomyelitis, Dr. B C Shah will first carry out a physical examination of your affected body part to check for signs of redness, swelling and tenderness.
They will want to know about your recent medical history, such as whether you have recently had an injury, surgery or a previous infection.
Blood test
Dr. B C Shah may refer you for a blood test. This cannot confirm osteomyelitis, but it can indicate whether you have a high number of white blood cells in your blood, which may suggest that you have an infection. Also, if the osteomyelitis was caused by bacteria spreading in your blood, a blood test may be useful for detecting the bacteria.
Imaging tests
If osteomyelitis is suspected, it is likely that you will be referred for further imaging testing. There are several imaging tests that may be able to detect bone damage caused by osteomyelitis. They include:
X-rays, in which low levels of radiation are used to create an image of the affected bone
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, which is where a strong magnetic field and radio waves are used to build up a picture of the inside of the affected bone
Computerised tomography (CT) scan, which is where a series of X-rays of your affected bone are taken and a computer is used to assemble them into a more detailed three-dimensional image
Ultrasound scan, which is where high-frequency sound waves are used to create an image of the affected bone to highlight any abnormalities
Biopsy
If earlier testing suggests that you have osteomyelitis, it is usually necessary to remove a small sample of bone for further testing. This is known as a biopsy.
A biopsy is usually necessary to confirm a diagnosis of osteomyelitis and it can help to establish the exact type of bacteria or fungus that is causing your infection. This can be very useful when deciding on the most effective treatment.
A biopsy is usually combined with surgery in chronic cases.
Treating osteomyelitis
Treating acute osteomyelitis
Acute osteomyelitis can usually be successfully treated using antibiotics
These medicines are usually given as a six-week course. For part of the treatment course you will need to take the medicine intravenously (directly into a vein).
Depending on your general state of health, you may need to stay in hospital during this time. Otherwise, you may be able to receive the injections as an outpatient (where you go home the same day). You will usually be able to switch to tablets for the rest of the treatment course once you are well.
In cases of osteomyelitis, there is usually a choice of antibiotics available to treat the infection and often two antibiotics are used in combination. This is known as dual therapy.
Occasionally, the bacteria causing the infection are resistant to standard antibiotics and less-frequently-used antibiotics are needed.
All antibiotics have side effects, which you should discuss with Dr. B C Shah in charge of your care.
A much less common cause of osteomyelitis is a fungal infection.
In cases of fungal osteomyelitis, an antifungal medication called voriconazole is usually the treatment of choice.
Treating chronic osteomyelitis
People with chronic osteomyelitis will usually require a combination of antibiotics medication and surgery to remove any damaged bone. Dr. B C Shah may need to make an incision (cut) near the site of the infection to drain away any pus.
If there is extensive bone damage, it will be necessary to surgically remove any diseased bone and tissue. This procedure is known as debridement. Debridement can often leave an empty space in the bone, which is sometimes packed with antibiotic-loaded cement. If Dr. B C Shah does this, a second operation will be required to remove the cement within a few weeks of the first. Not all centres use cement and no difference is found in the clearance of infection.
In some cases, it may also be necessary to transfer muscle and skin from another part of the body to repair the tissue surrounding the affected bone.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Some researchers have argued that a type of non-surgical treatment called hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be useful in treating cases of both acute and chronic osteomyelitis that do not respond to conventional treatment.
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you are placed in a specially designed chamber that is similar to a decompression chamber used by divers.
The chamber is filled with oxygen, which is administered at a much higher pressure (hyperbaric) than the normal level of oxygen in the atmosphere. The high levels of oxygen are thought to speed up the healing process and slow the spread of infection.
There is currently only limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treating osteomyelitis. From the evidence available, it would appear that it is most effective in treating osteomyelitis associated with a diabetic foot ulcer.
Complications of osteomyelitis
Recurring osteomyelitis
The underlying factors that often cause osteomyelitis, such as poor circulation or a weakened immune system, can be difficult to treat, particularly if you have severe diabetes or HIV. Therefore, if you have had a previous episode of osteomyelitis, there is a chance that it could return.
The risk factors for recurring osteomyelitis vary depending on your circumstances. It may be possible to reduce your risk by making lifestyle changes, such as lowering the amount of saturated fat in your diet and by taking precautions against infection.
Amputation
Amputation is sometimes necessary when someone has a condition, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, that affects the normal blood supply to parts of their body. With a reduced blood supply, the affected body part will receive fewer infection-fighting blood cells. This means that the infection may spread beyond the bone and into the surrounding soft tissue. The tissue will then begin to die, which is known as gangrene.
Once gangrene develops, it is sometimes necessary to amputate the affected limb to prevent the spread of infection and prevent further damage to healthy tissue.
Preventing osteomyelitis
If you have a weakened immune system, take extra precautions to avoid infection and boost your immune system:
Do not smoke, because it will weaken your immune system.
Keep your vaccinations up to date. Dr. B C Shah will be able to advise you about this.
Eat a healthy diet to help boost your immune system.
Take regular exercise to help boost your immune system.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and hot water, particularly after going to the toilet, before and after preparing food and after being in crowded places.
If you have poor circulation, avoid activities that could make it worse, such as smoking. Some lifestyle changes will also help to improve your circulation, such as taking regular exercise.
Stop smoking (if you smoke)
Smoking cigarettes can clog up your arteries and increase your blood pressure, both of which are bad for your circulation.
If you smoke, it is strongly recommended that you quit as soon as possible. Dr. B C Shah will be able to recommend and prescribe medication that can help you give up.
Eat a healthy diet
High fat foods can cause a build-up of fatty plaques (deposits) in your arteries, and being overweight can lead to high blood pressure.
To improve your circulation, a low-fat high-fibre diet is recommended, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) and wholegrains.
It is also recommended that you eat a Mediterranean-style diet. This means you should eat more bread, fruit, vegetables and fish and less meat. Replace butter and cheese with products that are vegetable and plant-oil based, such as olive oil.
Oily fish is recommended as it contains a type of fatty acid called omega-3, which can help lower your cholesterol levels. This can help to improve your circulation. Two to four portions of oily fish a week are recommended. Good sources of omega-3 include:
Herrings
Sardines
Mackerel
Salmon
Trout
Tuna
If you are unable or unwilling to eat oily fish, Dr. B C Shah may recommend that you take an omega-3 food supplement. However, you should never take a food supplement without first consulting him. This is because some supplements, such as beta-carotene, can be harmful.
Weight management
If you are overweight or obese, try to lose weight and then maintain a healthy weight by using a combination of a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise. Once you have achieved a healthy weight it will help keep your blood pressure at a normal level, which will help improve your circulation.
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, don't exceed the recommended daily limits. These are:
Three to four units a day for men
Two to three units a day for women
A unit of alcohol is roughly half a pint of normal-strength beer, a small glass of wine or a single measure (25ml) of spirits. Regularly exceeding the recommended alcohol limits will raise both your blood pressure and cholesterol level, which will make your circulation worse.
Contact Dr. B C Shah if you are finding it difficult to moderate your drinking. Counselling services and medication can help you to reduce your alcohol intake.
Regular exercise
Regular exercise will lower your blood pressure and make your heart and blood circulatory system more efficient.
For most people, 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a day, at least five times a week, is recommended. However, if your overall health is poor, it may be necessary for you to exercise using a programme that is tailored specifically to your current needs and fitness level. Dr. B C Shah will be able to advise you about the most suitable level of exercise for you.
Activities that you could incorporate into your exercise programme include:
Brisk walking
Hill climbing
Running
Cycling
Swimming
If you find it difficult to achieve 30 minutes of exercise a day, start at a level that you feel comfortable with. For example, you could do 5 to 10 minutes of light exercise a day before gradually increasing the duration and intensity of your activity as your fitness starts to improve.


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Mar11
BHAVASAGAR: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR
BHAVASAGAR: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

What is bhavasagar and what is the cycle of birth, death and rebirth? Why do the devotees pray God or Guru; to sail them across the bhavasagar and free them from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth?

Right in the beginning; it must be appreciated that; as a rule; most of us we are unable to understand and appreciate the concepts such as bhavasagar and cycle of birth death and rebirth; in absence of self realization. These concepts spring from; a prolonged and intense practice of NAMASMARAN i.e. JAP, JAAP, JIKRA, SUMIRAN, SIMARAN; i.e. remembering and reorienting to our true self; and can be understood and appreciated also; in the same process.

What is the nature of bhavasagar?

Usually; as a result of prolonged and intense practice of NAMASMARAN i.e. JAP, JAAP, JIKRA, SUMIRAN, SIMARAN; i.e. remembering and reorienting to our true self; we begin to realize that “we” are different from the ocean of infinite molecules, seventy five trillion cells comprising our body; and our instincts, emotions, thinking, perceptions, memories, aspirations; and overall individual consciousness, which is bhavasagar! But while we are getting this experience; we also begin to be uncomfortable and suffocated by the dragging and drowning effect of this ocean, which we once seemed to have enjoyed! We begin to dread sinking in this ocean! This dread is unlike the dread of losing money, reputation, position, power etc. It is an innate feeling, deep inside our heart.

Hence; the devotees pray the Guru or God; to safely sail them; across the bhavasagar. Since this is an ultimate state of immortality; it embodies freedom from cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

In what way are such prayers related to our day to day problems? If not; what is the relevance of spiritualism in our life?

These prayers embody the ultimate goal and destiny of an individual and the world; although most of us are oblivious to it.
Hence; unwise to assume immediate and direct relevance of these prayers and the concepts and try to impose them from childhood; in as much it is foolish to discard them; as irrelevant.
It is wiser to introduce practices (such as NAMASMARAN i.e. JAP, JAAP, JIKRA, SUMIRAN, SIMARAN; i.e. remembering and reorienting to our true self, which gradually enable an individual; to understand the concepts; and later yearn to cross the bhavasagar and be free from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth); along with the other activities appropriate to one’s constitution, age, sex, occupation, region, religion etc!
In fact; this is being done in many parts of the world.


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Mar11
Varicocele
A varicocele is a widening of the veins along the cord that holds up a man's testicles (spermatic cord).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
A varicocele forms when valves inside the veins along the spermatic cord prevent blood from flowing properly. This causes the blood to back up, leading to swelling and widening of the veins. (This is essentially the same process that leads to varicose veins, which are common in the legs.)
Varicoceles usually develop slowly. They are more common in men ages 15 – 25 and are most often seen on the left side of the scrotum.
The sudden appearance of a varicocele in an older man may be caused by a kidney tumor, which can block blood flow to a vein. This is more common on the left side than the right.
Symptoms
Enlarged, twisted veins in the scrotum
Painless testicle lump, scrotal swelling, or bulge in the scrotum
There may not be symptoms.
Signs and tests
Dr. B C Shah will examine the groin area, including the scrotum and testicles. He may feel a twisted growth along the spermatic cord. (It feels like a bag of worms.)
However, the growth may not be able to be seen or felt, especially when you are lying down.
The testicle on the side of the varicocele may be smaller than the one on the other side.
Treatment
A jock strap (scrotal support) or snug underwear may help relieve the pain or discomfort. If pain continues or other symptoms occur, you may need further treatment.
Surgery to correct a varicocele is called varicocelectomy. You will leave the hospital on the same day as your surgery. During this procedure, you will receive some type of numbing medication (anesthesia). The urologist will make a cut, usually in the lower abdomen, and tie off the abnormal veins. Blood will now flow around the area into normal veins. Keep an ice pack on the area for the first 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling.
An alternative to surgery is varicocele embolization. This method is also done without an overnight hospital stay. It uses a much smaller cut than surgery, so you will heal faster. A small hollow tube called a catheter (tube) is placed into a vein in your groin or neck area.
Using x-rays as a guide, Dr. B C Shah moves the tube into the varicocele. A tiny coil passes through the tube into the varicocele. The coil blocks blood flow to the bad vein, and sends it to normal veins.
After the procedure, you will be told to place ice on the area and wear a scrotal support for a little while.
Expectations (prognosis)
A varicocele is usually harmless and often does not need to be treated.
If you have surgery, your sperm count will likely increase but it will not improve your chances of getting a woman pregnant. In most cases, testicular wasting (atrophy) does not improve unless surgery is done early in adolescence.
Complications
Infertility is a complication of varicocele.
Complications from treatment may include:
Atrophic testis
Blood clot formation
Infection
Injury to the scrotum or nearby blood vessel


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Mar10
QUOTIENT OF SATISFACTION (QOS): DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR
QUOTIENT OF SATISFACTION (QOS): DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

Quotient of satisfaction (QOS) is a ratio of; the extent of satisfaction to the amount of efforts put in.

It is true that both; the amount of our satisfaction and the amount of efforts put in by us; can be (though not exactly or precisely) ‘measured’ by physiological symptoms and signs (such as those due to autonomic nervous system stimulation) or by time, energy and money spent by us; respectively.

This is because the evaluation of the satisfaction and the efforts; is more a matter of subjective perception; than laboratory investigation or assessment.

Nevertheless; both our satisfaction and our efforts; are a concrete reality and not ambiguous or illusory phenomena. Hence; they can certainly be ‘quantified’ by us!

Thus besides the symptoms and signs of satisfaction; the subjective perception of intensity and duration of satisfaction; and the people involved in it can be considered; and besides the time, energy and money; the perception subjective labor, difficulty or actual pain; can be considered; to assess the amount of satisfaction and the amount of efforts respectively.

This understanding although in different semantics; is a universal legacy passed on from generation to generation; with very high QOS!

Thus generations after generations; world over; have observed and experienced that NAMASMARAN, JAP, JAAP, SIMARAN, SUMIRAN i.e. remembering one’s self (for atheists) and God (for the theists) is an activity that is like a precious stone that multiplies the QOS; in every moment and in every activity of life. Whether this holds true for us or not; can be and has to be verified; and not merely believed or disbelieved!


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Mar10
Sperm Freezing & Banking FAQ
Sperm freezing is the best fertility preserving option for men. Sperm banking is of great help for couples with infertility issues. Fortunately, male factor infertility no longer means a couple must forgo the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. Thanks to modern reproductive technology and sperm banks, many of these couples have the option of becoming parents by using artificial insemination. The evolution of sperm Bank has enabled women to have greater control over their reproductive lives. By providing sperm from donors who are checked and screened, thousands of women every year are able to bear their own children in circumstances where this might otherwise not be possible.

In India,Rotunda Sperm Bank is one of India's largest human sperm banks and is at par with any comparable International bank. It provides the most up-to-date genetic and infectious disease-tested donor semen for infertile couples, along with freezing and storage services for patients who desire to have their own semen specimens preserved for future use.

Sperm freezing/banking facility is also available for Male factor infertility/husband having problem of producing the sample on demand. In such cases Samples from husband are freezed prior to IUI or IVF & pooled later on to get required no. of motile sperms for IUI or IVF.

What is a sperm bank?

A sperm bank, semen bank or cryobank is a facility that collects and stores human sperm mainly from sperm donors, primarily for the purpose of achieving pregnancies through third party reproduction, notably by artificial insemination. Sperm donated in this way is known as donor sperm.

To whom is the sperm bank useful?

In certain cases the sperms of the husband is stored and frozen, which is later used for the infertility treatment of the wife. Following are the usual circumstances where it may be necessary:

Situational Erectile Dysfunction in Males
Long Distance Relationship
Variable Sperm Count in Males
Cancer in Males

Why Sperm Freezing?
When you are going for Cancer Therapies : Cancer therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can cause permanent sterility and infertility. Having your sperm frozen can preserve future fertility.

Who uses the sperm bank?
Sperm bank is used by Lesbian couples, single women and where a woman's partner is infertile or where he carries genetic disease. Sperm from a sperm donor may also be used in surrogacy arrangements and for creating embryos for embryo donation. Sperm banks may supply other sperm banks or a fertility clinic with donor sperm to be used for achieving pregnancies. Sperm banks may also supply sperm for research or educational purposes. Men may also use a sperm bank to store their own sperm for future use particularly where they anticipate traveling to a war zone or having to undergo chemotherapy which might damage the tests. Others who may want to consider sperm banking are men in the military who are being deployed overseas, men in other dangerous occupations, those who are getting a vasectomy and want to bank some sperm, or those who have a medical condition other than cancer in which treatment could destroy fertility.

How are the sperm stored in Sperm Bank?
Sperm are frozen and stored through a process called cryopreservation. Semen samples are prepared first with a solution that minimizes damage during the freezing and thawing processes. The samples are then placed in vials, sealed and slowly frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. Frozen samples are stored in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 degrees Celsius (-320 degrees Fahrenheit). Frozen semen seems to have no expiration date as long as the storage environment is well maintained and stable. Specimens may be stored until an individual decides to withdraw sperm for assisted reproductive treatments or the donor decides to end his storage contract. Sperm can be frozen indefinitely.

What are the advantages of using sperm banks ?
Choosing a donor through a sperm bank will mean that the donor will have no involvement with the child’s upbringing until the child reaches 18 years and may wish to contact the donor. Most of the time the donor is anonymous. It is also assured that the donor will have no legal right over the child and that all health screening tests are completed. Within sperm banks donors are tested for diseases and infections such as HIV, HTLV-1 and HTLV-2, syphilis, Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and cystic fibrosis. The use of sperm bank and donor sperm can be extremely advantageous where a male partner bears an inherited disease he is quite likely to pass on to his child, or if he doesn’t produce enough sperm to achieve pregnancy or defective sperm that are unlikely to achieve fertilisation. Lesbian couples and single mums did not have a chance to get pregnant without direct male involvement, whereas now they can easily get pregnant with the help of sperm banks. All those who are going through some medical treatment or some surgery can store their sperm for use in the future,

What are the disadvantages of sperm banks ?
The main disadvantage of using a sperm bank to choose a sperm donor is that a person is not able to get sufficient information about the donor, for example facial characteristics, personality, sense of humor and mental capacity. There is no contact between the donor and the couple or single mom so even if they wish to keep contact for the beneficial effect on the child’s identity, they cannot do it. For the donor the disadvantage on donating directly to a sperm bank is that he is unable to choose the woman or couple whom he wants to help nor he is able to keep in touch if he chooses to do so. the cost involved in storing the sperm and the amount paid to donor increases the cost of the treatment.

Are there any alternatives to sperm banks ?
The options for lesbian couples, single women and infertile couples are increasing, with internet connection websites now allowing people to actually meet donors, co-parents and recipients with the view of having a child through artificial insemination.

Rotunda Sperm Bank is one of India's largest human sperm banks and is at par with any comparable International sperm bank. It provides the most up-to-date genetic and infectious disease-tested donor semen for infertile couples, along with freezing and storage services for patients who desire to have their own semen specimens preserved for future use. Now patients can even send us their embryos/sperms using our CryoshipTM service.

Now everyone can have baby, Everyone can Start Creating Families and be a proud parent today by contacting them and Please fill in your details on their websites at http://www.iwannagetpregnant.com/humanspermbanking.shtml

The following Standared Sperm Freezing & Semen Banking services are available-
1. Semen banking with programs for both long-term and short-term storage
2. Standard and pre-processed cryopreservation
3. Semen analysis - Cryosurvival - Concentration for oligozoospermia
4. Sperm processing procedures including retrograde ejaculates for IUI
5. Standard and pre-processed anonymous donor semen
6. Artificial insemination

Contact and connect for more details and information:
Rotunda-The Center for Human Reproduction
http://www.iwannagetpregnant.com or http://www.rotundaivf.com or http://wewantababy.com or simply email at iwannagetpregnant9@gmail.com or just call on +91 22 2655 2000


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Mar10
Depression
Introduction
Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days.
We all go through spells of feeling down, but when you're depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days.
Some people still think that depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They're wrong. Depression is a real illness with real symptoms, and it's not a sign of weakness or something you can "snap out of" by "pulling yourself together".
The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people can make a full recovery.
How to tell if you have depression
Depression affects people in different ways and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.
They range from lasting feelings of sadness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. Many people with depression also have symptoms of anxiety.
There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and complaining of various aches and pains.
The severity of the symptoms can vary. At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while at its most severe depression can make you feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth living.
Most people experience feelings of stress, sadness or anxiety during difficult times. A low mood may improve after a short time, rather than being a sign of depression.
When to see Dr. B C Shah
It's important to seek help from Dr. B C Shah if you think you may be depressed.
Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it's best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.
Sometimes there is a trigger for depression. Life-changing events, such as bereavement, losing your job or even having a baby, can bring it on.
People with a family history of depression are also more likely to experience it themselves.
But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason.
Depression is quite common and affects about one in 10 of us at some point. It affects men and women, young and old.
Depression can also strike children.
Treatment
Treatment for depression involves either medication or talking treatments, or usually a combination of the two. The kind of treatment that Dr. B C Shah recommends will be based on the type of depression you have.
Living with depression
Many people with depression benefit by making lifestyle changes such as getting more exercise, cutting down on alcohol and eating more healthily.
Self-help measures such as reading a self-help book or joining a support group are also worthwhile.
Symptoms of clinical depression
The symptoms of depression can be complex and vary widely between people. But as a general rule, if you are depressed, you feel sad, hopeless and lose interest in things you used to enjoy.
The symptoms persist for weeks or months and are bad enough to interfere with your work, social life and family life.
There are many other symptoms of depression and you're unlikely to have every one listed below.
If you experience some of these symptoms for most of the day, every day for more than two weeks, you should seek help from Dr. B C Shah.
Psychological symptoms include:
Continuous low mood or sadness
Feeling hopeless and helpless
Having low self-esteem
Feeling tearful
Feeling guilt-ridden
Feeling irritable and intolerant of others
Having no motivation or interest in things
Finding it difficult to make decisions
Not getting any enjoyment out of life
Feeling anxious or worried
Having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
Physical symptoms include:
Moving or speaking more slowly than usual
Change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
Constipation
Unexplained aches and pains
Lack of energy or lack of interest in sex (loss of libido)
Changes to your menstrual cycle
Disturbed sleep (for example, finding it hard to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning)
Social symptoms include:
Not doing well at work
Taking part in fewer social activities and avoiding contact with friends
Neglecting your hobbies and interests
Having difficulties in your home and family life
Depression can come on gradually, so it can be difficult to notice something is wrong. Many people continue to try to cope with their symptoms without realising they are ill. It can take a friend or family member to suggest something is wrong.
Doctors describe depression by how serious it is:
Mild depression has some impact on your daily life
Moderate depression has a significant impact on your daily life
Severe depression makes it almost impossible to get through daily life – a few people with severe depression may have psychotic symptoms
Grief and depression
It can be hard to distinguish between grief and depression. They share many of the same characteristics, but there are important differences between them.
Grief is an entirely natural response to a loss, while depression is an illness.
People who are grieving find their feelings of loss and sadness come and go, but they're still able to enjoy things and look forward to the future.
In contrast, people who are depressed have a constant feeling of sadness. They don't enjoy anything and find it hard to be positive about the future.
Other types of depression
There are different types of depression, and some conditions where depression may be one of the symptoms. These include:
Postnatal depression. Some women develop depression after having a baby. Postnatal depression is treated in similar ways to other forms of depression, with talking therapies and antidepressant medicines.
Bipolar disorder is also known as "manic depression". It's where there are spells of depression and excessively high mood (mania). The depression symptoms are similar to clinical depression, but the bouts of mania can include harmful behaviour such as gambling, going on spending sprees and having unsafe sex.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Also known as "winter depression", SAD is a type of depression that has a seasonal pattern usually related to winter.
Causes
There is no single cause of depression. You can develop it for different reasons and it has many different triggers.
For some, an upsetting or stressful life event – such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries – can be the cause.
Often, different causes combine to trigger depression. For example, you may feel low after an illness and then experience a traumatic event, such as bereavement, which brings on depression.
People often talk about a "downward spiral" of events that leads to depression. For example, if your relationship with your partner breaks down, you're likely to feel low, so you stop seeing friends and family and you may start drinking more. All of this can make you feel even worse and trigger depression.
Some studies have also suggested you're more likely to get depression as you get older, and that it's more common if you live in difficult social and economic circumstances.
Stressful events
Most people take time to come to terms with stressful events, such as bereavement or a relationship breakdown. When these stressful events happen, you have a higher risk of becoming depressed if you stop seeing your friends and family and you try to deal with your problems on your own.
Illness
You may have a higher risk of depression if you have a longstanding or life-threatening illness, such as coronary heart disease or cancer.
Head injuries are also an often under-recognised cause of depression. A severe head injury can trigger mood swings and emotional problems.
Some people may have an (underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) due to problems with their immune system. In rarer cases a minor head injury can damage the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain that produces thyroid-stimulating hormones.
This can cause a number of symptoms, such as extreme tiredness and a loss of interest in sex (loss of libido), which can in turn lead to depression.
Personality
You may be more vulnerable to depression if you have certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly self-critical. This may be due to the genes you've inherited from your parents, or because of your personality or early life experiences.
Family history
If someone else in your family has suffered from depression in the past, such as a parent or sister or brother, then it's more likely you will too.
Giving birth
Some women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as added responsibility of a new life, can lead to postnatal depression.
Loneliness
Becoming cut off from your family and friends can increase your risk of depression.
Alcohol and drugs
Some people try to cope when life is getting them down by drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs. This can result in a spiral of depression.
Cannabis helps you relax, but there is evidence that it can bring on depression, especially in teenagers.
And don't be tempted to drown your sorrows with a drink. Alcohol is categorised as a "strong depressant" and actually makes depression worse.
Diagnosing clinical depression
If you experience symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day for more than two weeks, you should seek help from Dr. B C Shah.
It is especially important to speak to Dr. B C Shah if you experience:
symptoms of depression that are not improving
your mood affects your work, other interests, and relationships with your family and friends
thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Sometimes, when people are depressed they find it hard to imagine that treatment can actually help. But the sooner you seek treatment, the sooner your depression will lift.
There are no physical tests for depression, though Dr. B C Shah may examine you and do some urine or blood tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as an underactive thyroid.
The main way in which Dr. B C Shah will tell if you have depression is by asking you lots of questions about your general health and how the way you are feeling is affecting you mentally and physically.
Try to be as open as you can be with the doctor. Describing your symptoms and how they are affecting you will really help Dr. B C Shah understand if you have depression and how severe it is.
Any discussion you have with Dr. B C Shah will be confidential. He will only ever break this rule if there's a significant risk of harm to either yourself or others, and if informing a family member or carer would reduce that risk.
Treating clinical depression
Treatment for depression usually involves a combination of medicines, talking therapies and self help.
Treatment options
The kind of treatment that your doctor recommends will be based on the type of depression you have. Below is a short description of the types of treatment your doctor may recommend.
Mild depression
Wait and see - If you're diagnosed with mild depression, your depression may improve by itself. In this case, you'll simply be seen again by Dr. B C Shah after two weeks to monitor your progress. This is known as watchful waiting.
Exercise - Exercise has been proven to help depression, and is one of the main treatments if you have mild depression. Dr. B C Shah may refer you to a qualified fitness trainer for an exercise scheme or you can find out more about starting exercisehere.
Self help groups - Talking through your feelings can be helpful. It can be either to a friend or relative, or you can ask Dr. B C Shah to suggest a local self-help group. He may also recommend self-help books and online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Mild to moderate depression
Talking therapy - If you have mild depression that isn't improving, or you have moderate depression, Dr. B C Shah may recommend a talking treatment (a type of psychotherapy). There are different types of talking therapy for depression including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling. Dr. B C Shah can refer you for talking treatment or, in some parts of the country, you might be able to refer yourself.
Moderate to severe depression
Antidepressants - Antidepressants are tablets that treat the symptoms of depression. There are almost 30 different kinds of antidepressant. They have to be prescribed by a doctor, usually for depression that is moderate or severe.
Combination therapy - Dr. B C Shah may recommend that you take a course of antidepressants plus talking therapy, particularly if your depression is quite severe. A combination of an antidepressant and CBT usually works better than having just one of these treatments.
Mental health teams - If you have severe depression, you may be referred to a mental health team made up of psychologists, psychiatrists, specialist nurses and occupational therapists. These teams often provide intensive specialist talking treatments as well as prescribed medication.
Living with clinical depression
There are some key steps you can take to lift your mood and help your recovery from depression.
Take your medication
It is important to take your medication as prescribed, even if you start to feel better.
If you stop your medication too soon, you could have a relapse of your depression. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication you're taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
It may help to read the information leaflet that comes with your medication to find out about possible interactions with other drugs or supplements. Check with your doctor first if you plan to take any over-the-counter remedies such as painkillers, or any nutritional supplements. These can sometimes interfere with antidepressants.
Exercise and diet
Exercise and a healthy diet can make a tremendous difference to how quickly you recover from depression. And they will both improve your general health, too.
Research suggests that exercise can be as effective as antidepressants at reducing depression symptoms.
Being physically active lifts your mood, reduces stress and anxiety, boosts the release of endorphins (your body's feel-good chemicals) and improves your self-esteem.
It also helps your mood to have a healthy diet. In fact, eating healthily seems to be just as important for maintaining your mental health as it is for preventing physical health problems.


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Mar10
CHARITY: DR SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR
CHARITY: DR SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

A great eye surgeon turned to charity; after his recovery from a serious kidney disease; thanks to his mother, who donated a kidney to him.

Another philanthropist tuned to charity after his recovery from a near fatal accident which left him unconscious for several weeks; thanks to the help of completely unknown people!

We find several people all over the world; turning to charity; in several fields of life; after such events. Actually; it is very difficult to find an individual without involvement in charity in one form or another.

Charity is acclaimed as a great virtue in all the religions! In fact if we recognize that pregnancy, delivery, beast feeding and rearing of new born; as an example of great charity, then even the animals would be credited for the charity!

Charity appears to be a physiological need!

But charity has another angle also!

For the beneficiaries; charity can nurture indolence, lethargy, irresponsibility, dependence and parasitic mentality and the overall evil within; instead of blossoming; the conscience.

For the philanthropist; it can nurture condescending attitude, arrogance, justification of exploitative activities and a system that suits/breeds the inequality and injustice.

Apart from this; there is another angle to charity. Thus there are several so called charity activities, which are actually meant to be umbrellas to hide antisocial activities; or serving other ulterior motives.

In addition; there is yet another angle! A vast majority of us have become cynical about charity; with doubt of “our charity” going down the drain or being misused!

In view of these three aspects; we tend to vacillate between two conflicting positions; viz. persistent proponents or ardent opponents of charity!

To overcome this conflict; we have to improve the quotient of satisfaction (QOS) or quotient of fulfillment (QOF) of by metamorphosing our ‘charity’!

How can we do it?

Apart from basic and unavoidable ‘charity’ activities such as; pregnancy, delivery etc; our activities of choice; have to be such that; they cannot
1. Nurture indolence, lethargy, irresponsibility, dependence, parasitic mentality, condescending attitude, arrogance, justification of exploitative activities and a system that suits/breeds the inequality and injustice;
2. Be misused as umbrellas to hide antisocial activities; and misused to serve other ulterior motives; and
3. Go down the drain!

The choicest activity that fulfills all these criteria is a process of self realization. But most of us; cannot live only with self realization! Hence the best way is; combining the process of self realization with every ‘charity activity’ that suits us! Thus; while treating a patient, teaching a student, feeding a needy, helping a helpless; we should practice NAMASMARAN; the simplest and easiest procedure for self realization!

What is true for ‘charity’; is actually true for every activity in life; so as to increase the QOS or QOF; in our overall life!

We need not believe in this; but verify!


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