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Sep10
Diet for a healthy pregnancy
Diet for a healthy pregnancy
For a mum-to-be, it is even more important to have a well balanced diet, as what you eat has to meet the needs of the mother as well as the developing baby in the womb. In the first trimester most of the physical and mental growth of the baby takes place, one should be very careful in terms of health and diet. During these 1st three months, important organs and the nervous system are developed, hence it is essential to eat a balanced diet from the beginning. The baby takes up room in the abdomen leaving less space for the stomach and thus making it harder for one to eat also leading to morning sickness, yet one need to eat nutritious diet to ensure proper growth and development of the baby.

A nutritious diet includes adequate amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, selected from five basic groups – fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, proteins (meat, fish, pulses, and lentils), milk and other dairy products. Eat a variety of food as possible but in moderation, as too much of any food can cause excessive weight gain. Try and eat 3 big meals and 3 small meals throughout the day.

Some essential nutrients to be considered while planning the diet:

Folic acid: it is one of the key ingredients required for the development of the nervous system. Deficiency of folic acid in first few weeks would cause neural tube defect and other birth defects like cleft lip and congenital heart disease. At least 4 mg of folic acid should be consumed from the day of conception and during the first trimester. Natural sources of folic acid – dark green leafy vegetables, liver, yeast, beans, citrus fruits and now also available in fortified bread and cereals. As folic acid is easily destroyed while cooking, best is to either steam the vegetables or eat them raw. Folic acid supplements can be taken under your physician’s supervision.

Iron: iron aids the production of hemoglobin. As the blood volume increases during pregnancy, hemoglobin levels should also increase, for which the iron requirement also increases. An average woman needs about 15 mg of iron daily and during pregnancy the requirement doubles up to 30-50 mg per day. Include food rich in iron like – potatoes, raisins, dates, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, whole grain breads, meat and iron fortified cereals. Iron derived from food is not enough to combat the need hence iron supplements should be consumed under the guidance of your physician. Iron is best absorbed when taken along with vitamin C, hence the supplements should be consumed with an orange or sweet lime juice. Also certain medications, calcium rich food, caffeinated drinks and antacids inhibits absorption of iron so should be avoided with iron supplements.

Calcium: it is essential for the development of bones and teeth of the baby. It starts forming about the eight week of pregnancy. One needs about double (1200 mg) the quantity of calcium than normal. One needs to consume at least 3 servings of milk and milk products. Apart from dairy products foods high in calcium are – green leafy vegetables, salmon, tofu, broccoli, peas, okra, beans, brussel sprouts, sesame seeds, bok choy, almonds.

Proteins: Protein is most important nutrient required for the proper development of the baby. Eat variety of protein rich foods to ensure adequate protein intake. Incorporate vitamin B6 along for proper utilization of protein. Sources – nuts, peas, lentils, beans, dairy products, egg white, fish and meat. Animal sources are also high in fat, so choose lean cuts of meat and limit your intake.

Vitamin A: essential for the embryonic growth of the baby, for the development of heart, lungs, kidneys, eyes and bones, the circulatory, respiratory and the central nervous system. Vitamin A is also essential during the third trimester as after the birth of the baby, it helps mother with the postpartum repair. But Vitamin A intake should not exceed the recommended dosage (750mg /2500 IU). Over dose of vitamin A can cause birth defects and liver toxicity.

Vitamin C: it helps in development of a strong placenta, improves your immunity thus prevents infections, it also enhances iron absorption. As vitamin C is not restored in our body, a daily supply is essential. A considerable amount of vitamin is lost in prolonged storage and while cooking, hence it is best to eat fresh food and steam the vegetables or eat them raw. Sources – fresh fruits like – strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, grapefruit, passion fruit, orange, sweet lime etc, fresh vegetables – green leafy vegetables, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, tomatoes etc.

Fiber: constipation and piles are most common conditions during pregnancy; high fiber diet should be consumed to prevent it. Sources- fresh fruits and vegetable, brown rice, beans, nuts, cereals and pulses are very good sources of fiber.

Water: pregnant women should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. It plays important role during pregnancy – carries nutrients from mother’s food to the baby, it prevents constipation, piles, UTI and during last trimester drinking enough water prevents from dehydration and thus prevents contractions and premature labor. Juices can replace for fluids but they are high in calories and one can gain extra weight. Tea, coffee and aerated drinks cannot be included in total amount of fluids as they contain caffeine which reduces the amount of fluid in our body.

Certain foods are no no during pregnancy:-

Canned and processed food
Spicy food
Tea, coffee, aerated drinks. Caffeine is linked to low birth weight, it is also one of the cause for miscarriage.
Hot chocolate, sugary foods like cakes, candies, sodas, colas.
Reduce salt intake, especially when you have swelling and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Do not completely avoid salt as it is an important nutrient.
Shark, swordfish, marlin, they may have high levels of mercury.
Raw sea food such as oyster and sushi.
Raw or undercooked meat, poultry and eggs, they may contain bacteria which can harm your baby.
Certain cheese like brie and camembert and blue veined cheese like stilton, they all contain listeria, a bacteria that can harm your unborn child.
Liver and liver products as they are high in retinol a form of Vitamin A, too much of this vitamin is not good for the development of the baby.
Junk, fatty and sugary food.
Do not eat left over, frozen and deep frozen food.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy. It is known to cause physical defects and learning disabilities and emotional disturbances in children. If you have to drink, u can have no more than one or two units of alcohol and not more than twice a week. DON’T GET DRUNK.
Do not go on diet during pregnancy can harm you and the developing baby. Remember weight gain during pregnancy is a very positive sign for a healthy pregnancy.

Treat yourself occasionally

If you are pregnant does not mean that you have to give up all your favorite food. Once in a while you can enjoy the luxury of an ice cream or desserts, but it should not be the mainstay of your diet. But when you occasionally indulge, don’t feel guilty. ENJOY EVERY BITE!

Dr Varsha B Patel
www.homeotouch.com


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Sep10
Diet and health tips
1. Folic acid should be taken at least 6 months before planning a pregnancy.
2. Take high fiber diet, will keep cholesterol levels and blood pressure in check.
3. To have healthy glowing skin drink at least 8-10 glasses of water and eat lots of fruits and vegetable.
4. Adequate protein intake and diet rich in minerals and vitamins is necessary for healthy, shiny, bouncy hair.
5. Avoid canned and processed food, they contain lots of preservatives that are harmful.
6. Kicking meat from diet helps cut the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer.
7. Instead of eating 3 meals a day, eat 4-5 small meals to regularize blood sugar levels.
8. Substitute soya for other high protein drinks, it contains phytoestrogens that help prevent breast and ovarian cancers.
9. Bananas are good for hypertensives, they are high in potassium and low in sodium also are rich in fibre and thus restores normal bowel movement.
10. Avoid too much fibre as that can cause bloating and flatulence, consume lots of water along with a high fibre diet as it helps in forming a bulk.
11. People often over-eat to overcome feelings of boredom, depression, anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins or feel-good hormones, thus helps to distress.
12. Aqua aerobics, swimming improves muscle tone and strengthens injured joints and muscles.
13. Breathe consciously to improve mental health. If you are confused, anxious take a few deep breaths and confidence will be regained.
14. Never starve your self in order to lose weight. In starvation body stores more fat. Instead eat healthy and in moderation.
15. Practice meditation regularly, helps relieve stress, rejuvenates you and helps to improve your focus.
16. 2 hours of regular out door sports is essential to promote mental and physical growth in children.
17. Do not wash your hair more then twice a week. It weakens the roots of the hair.
18. Sleep early and wake up early keeps you energetic and elevates your mood.
19. Fasting once a week gives rest to gastrointestinal tract and thus improves the digestive system.
20. Avoid kneeling and climbing stairs if you are suffering from arthritis of knee joint.

Dr Varsha B Patel
www.homeotouch.com


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Sep10
OVERWEIGHT-WHAT ISTHIS?HOW TO GET RID OF THIS?
Over Weight is now a main issue of great concern in our day to day life,whether child or adult or a retired person or old every body now is concerned for this.It is a known fact that Overweight is related to bad physique,uglylooking,inferiority complex,a psychological complex leading neropsychiatric disease mixed with anxiety,depression, sleepnessness,bad performance in day to day activities,less concern for education,sports ,l azyness and no interst in personal and physical meeting leading to overeating and viceversa gaining more weight.Beside this aspect of Weight concerns in our middle aged and youngesters,it is of our concern in aged person as it is directly related to Diabetes,Hypertension(High BP)leading cause of more hear attack,Chest pain,Storke and paralysis, Kidney Failure,clogging and blockage of Arteries, changes in vision,sedantry habits,addictions, psychosomatic and sexual diseases beside arthritis,pain over heels and knee joinst and over accidents and skin diseases.

I know each and everyone of us (including me) at some point in our lives are fighting the “battle of the bulge”, hence it is a worth writing on this topic.
Another reason for this writing is the fact that notwithstanding the “magical guaranteed weight loss” as advertised as we regularly see in print or electronic media,internet or socalled practitioners of different types like yoga,acupressure,reki,physical educator,gyms and physical training centres, Exercise centres and instrument sellers and companies of different type of weight reducing machines and devices and beauty ayurvedic,homeo and ingenious and allopathic centres are claiming and attracting every set of people and now senior Doctors are running a camp of Obesity reducing surgeries through laproscopes (Mini Hole surgeries )with a surest gurantee of melting down few KGS in few days.But is it so easy! or so safe without any side effects ? Let me be a party pooper here by saying emphatically…there are no and I mean NO SHORT CUTS.EVERY TIME WE RESORT TO THESE DEVICES EITHER MOST OF THE ARE SHORT LASTING OR WE HAVE TO BEAR SOME SIDE EFEFECTS IF WE ARE NOT VERY MUCH DEDICATED FOR OUR EFFORTS TO REDUCE OVERWEIGHT SERIOUSLY,SO WE GAIN WHAT WE LOOSE IN EARLY DEDICATION.

So let us see why this is such a big problem and what are some of the factors that play a role in weight gain. I would call it weight gain rather than obesity because the term obesity does not include overweight people by definition.

This brings us the fundamental question, when would one be called normal / overweight/ obese or morbidly obese? This classification is based on BMI or Body Mass Index, which is basically a product of a person’s bodyweight divided by a person’s height. A BMI of 18-25 is normal, 25-28 over weight, 28-35 obese and above 35 morbidly obese.

You can calculate your BMI using this online link on any health portal website.


Why does one gain weight? This is a question the answer to which each and everyone wants to know, because if we know the answer to this, very easily we can avoid the causes thereby avoiding weight gain.

Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?? Sadly it isn’t that simple.

But to take a common analogy that I give to my patients’ weight gain is like a bank balance, there are only to ways to increase your bank balance (weight) either you earn more (increased intake) or spend less (decreased output).

But sadly I’m sure all of us agree it’s easier to gain weight (except for the lucky few who have genetics on their side), than increase your bank balance. Now once we have the grass root level basic fundamental cause of weight gain let us examine a few reasons as to why and how it actually happens.

INCREASED INTAKE / WRONG INTAKE / IMPROPER INTAKE

As you can see from the heading, it is not only increased intake but also the intake of wrong kinds of food and improper intake, which also contributes to weight gain.

1.Over eating: Though most of us tend not to agree to it, it is often the most common cause for weight gain. Every time you have that extra spoonful, it adds up in the long run. It is said that after a meal one should feel that he can have a little more…. that, is the time one should stop. But more often than not, we stop when we feel full and that is already too much.

2. Fast food: Fast food is fast to make and convenient to eat can be eaten on the move but more often than not is full of fats/cheese & salt.
Anyone who has read science in school knows that fat has more calories (9Kcals/gm) as compared to protein (4Kcals/gm) or carbohydrates (4Kcals/gm). So, the more fats you eat the more calories you are putting in. Carbohydrates are easy to absorb and after your basic energy requirements are met, are converted to fat for storage.

Chips – a favorite amongst most is another common cause. An old saying for them, which holds very true, is “ A minute on your lips & a lifetime on your hips”, hence avoid them.
Increased salt intake causes more water retention in the body and hence is also an important factor for weight gain.

3.Improper timing: The time of a meal also is an important factor. Food should be eaten at least 2 hours before one goes to bed to allow digestion to occur properly. So, siesta’s after a heavy lunch or eating just before going to bed are not such good ideas after all.
There is research also to suggest that, the later in the night one eats, the more chances are that all that food is being converted to fat. So, having “ a midnight snack or munchies” is again not such a great idea.

4.Alcohol: Alcohol has often been blamed for gaining weight but the gain in weight is more related to the increased snacking, which goes along with consumption of alcohol.

5.Fizzy Drinks: These are aerated drinks with empty calories, which are of no use and add up to the over all “Bank Balance of Calories”. Instead, substitute it with fresh fruits or fresh lime, which is much healthier but of course try and avoid excess salt or sugar in them.

DECREASED OUTPUT:

This is now turning out to be an important part of the whole weight gain process, especially so in youngsters and children.

1.Sedentary lifestyles: Now with the comfort levels increasing, activity has reduced. We use the lifts instead of stairs, vacuum cleaners instead of brooms, cars instead of walking, etc. The amount of calories burnt per day is decreasing with more mental activity than physical.
Some amount of physical activity is needed daily to keep the Basal metabolic rate higher so that you can burn more calories. Of course though ideal, considering family and work pressures, it is understandable that a regular gymming schedule is not always possible.
But, one can incorporate small things into the daily schedule to increase the output like taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking to the nearby store instead of driving, morning or evening walks, etc which do not take up too much of your time but help in spending those calories.

2. Children especially should have some regular physical activity in their daily schedule or we are going to be waking up to a generation of overweight youngsters. It is already happening in the west and is a major health hazard. We can see it happening around us in India too.

Real games instead of Video Games, fruits instead of chips or pizza & fruit juices instead of a fizzy drink should be the mantra for the kids.

MEDICAL CONDITIONS FOR WEIGHT GAIN:

There are a few medical conditions that can be a cause for weight gain. These are usually hormonal imbalances. The most common being:

1.Hypothyroidism: Here there is a decreased secretion of “Thyroid Hormone” which is responsible to maintain the Basal Metabolic Rate and hence there is a tendency towards weight gain. This is a treatable condition and after proper tests to find out the hormonal levels, replacement of the hormones causes a reduction in weight.

2. PCOD: Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease or PCOD is another condition associated with weight gain. Here again the hormonal imbalances cause weight gain and the weight gain in turn worsens the PCOD. Medical & surgical options are available for treatment of this condition. A curious thing seen here is that weight reduction helps with the gyneacological condition with normalization of hormones.

3. Adrenal Hormonal Imbalance: This also can cause weight gain because of water retention.

WEIGHT GAIN & DIETING

A lot has been written n said about dieting and weight loss. Every other person is an expert in some sort of a diet. But a recent study has brought the proper perspective, as I have been saying for quite some time now, its not what kind of a diet you follow but the total intake versus the total output.

So whether it’s a low carb diet, a low fat diet or an only protein diet, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is,the total amount of calories going in.

Crash Dieting is a not a way to loose weight at all. You might loose weight initially but you are loosing muscle bulk and replacing it with fat. And most of the food that one eats gets converted to fat directly because of the body’s survival mechanisms. Secondly, with crash dieting there is a tendency to alternate binging with crash dieting and this doesn’t help.

So, what one needs is a proper balanced diet according to the work he or she does, which has all the necessary nutrients.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

I’m sure all of us have heard or read quite a bit on the treatment options. I’m not going to discuss exercise, lifestyle modification and diet control which are essential to all treatments as an adjunct.
For the ease of understanding, I will divide the treatment options according to the BMI.

BMI of 25-28(30) – Overweight Category:

This is the category for which we have the most number of options.

1. Isometric Exercise/ Non Surgical Body Contouring – This is an option where in, with the help of targeted muscle stimulation & Infra red waves, isolated areas of the body are treated to achieve targeted contouring and inch loss. Here the patient comes in twice or thrice a week to the center, where the machine does the work for them and helps to achieve targeted contouring.

Very good for people in whom muscle laxity is a cause for bad body contour especially in the tummy area. Also very good immediately post pregnancy to help reduce the flab and tighten the muscles which have become loose post pregnancy and child birth

2. Ultrasonic Lipolysis: This involves breaking down the fat cells directly with the use of a non-invasive ultrasonic wave. The patient comes in once a month for the treatment, which lasts 45 mins to an hour. The released fat has to be reabsorbed and excreted by the body. It works well for small isolated areas like the saddlebags, lower tummy. This doesn’t work for large areas.

3. Injection Lipolysis or MESOTHERAPY: This involves giving multiple injections in the target areas to help dissolve fat in that area. The injection is usually of a derivative of Soya protein, which helps the cell membranes of the fat cells to break down and release the fat into the body. This is absorbed by the body and excreted.

It requires injections maybe once a month for 4 or 5 times. It works well if given properly and for small areas like the double chin or the saddlebags. Contrary to what people might claim it is not for large areas. Complications in the form or small injections abscess or collections of liquefied fat, which may require drainage, are occasionally seen.

4. LASER Lipolysis: This is a minimally invasive procedure which involves insertion of a small LASER probe in the affected area help break down the fat cells in the track of the probe thereby releasing fat into the body which is reabsorbed and excreted. This is also an office procedure and requires multiple sittings maybe a month apart.

Works well again for isolated areas like double chin, cheek fat, saddlebags, arms, etc. Large volume Lipolysis again is technically possible to a certain extent but not practical. The patient does need to use pressure garments, should have the patience to wait for the results for a few months and of course undergo multiple sittings.

5. Liposuction: This is a surgical procedure where a cannula is inserted under the skin by small 1-1.5 cm incisions in hidden areas to suck out the fat. This again is a procedure for body contouring. Though one does loose weight, he will loose more in inches

There are various techniques like the mechanical, ultrasonic, VASER, power assisted. All these are different methods of suction depending on the type of probe used to breakdown the fat cells.

As regards to the technique there is also the tumescent technique which is the preferred technique nowadays and basically involves infiltrating large volumes of saline along with some drugs to help minimize bleeding and trauma to other structures in the vicinity.

Liposuction can also be classified according to the volumes to be removed. Small, moderate or mega liposuctions. Small volume suction can be done under local anaesthesia. Moderate volumes can be done under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia depending on the patient’s comfort level. Mega liposuctions require anaesthesia, hospitalizations and in some rare instances blood transfusions.

Internationally, the accepted volumes of fat that can be safely sucked out at one sitting is @ 8% of body weight in men and @ 9-10% of body weight in women. This is because of the fact that men tend to have an equal amount of fat inside the abdomen, whereas in women most of the fat is extra abdominal and also the fat that men have more fibrous fatty deposits. Hence, women are good candidates for liposuction.

Problems after liposuction are because of the swelling. Here as the fat is physically being sucked out, the effects are noticed immediately, but in a few days swelling sets in and takes around a month before significant changes can be felt. This also depends on the areas targeted and the amount removed. Full healing takes around 3-4 months and during this period the patient needs to wear a pressure garment to help the skin shrink. Some amount of unevenness maybe present which gradually settles with time and massages.

Rarely in smokers, there maybe areas of skin necrosis. Sometimes especially with large volume liposuctions, there maybe some collection of fluid called seroma’s which might require drainage.

BMI of 30-35 – Obese Category:

This category is the so-called “Grey Zone” of weight loss treatments. As these patients are not yet candidates for a Bariatric procedure and the procedures for the overweight category cannot fully help in treating these patients. But increasingly we are seeing patients in this category.

In these patients it has to be a combination of procedures and sometimes multiple sittings are needed to get the desired changes.

More often than not we do large volume liposuction in such cases, maybe one or two sittings with a gap of 6 months in between combined with a proper diet and exercise schedule. The procedure of Liposuction has already been discussed.

BMI of 35 and more – Morbidly obese Category:

These patients have other metabolic problems along with the fact that they are overweight. These are candidates for Bariatric procedures that are procedures aimed at reducing the intake drastically (Gastric banding or Sleeve gastrectomy) or reducing absorption of food (Gastric & Duodenal bypass procedures).

These are major surgeries and have to be done in specialized centers and involve a multidisciplinary approach with the involvement of plastic surgeon, gastroenterologist, psychiatrist, dietician, physical therapists, anesthetists, etc. This itself is a topic by itself.

The aim of this blog was to try and bring things into perspective for a person looking at weight loss or to just get in shape. Ultimately, “ a Stitch in time does save Nine”! So the earlier we wake up to the fact that weight is becoming a problem to all of us, the better it is. If not to reduce, at least try and modify our lifestyle and being about some changes in how we do things, it might help prevent the problem from becoming worse, where a much more drastic and major procedure might be required.

As you must have seen in the course of the blog that, this is not a simple topic and I have not even scraped the surface of the problem. But, the aim is to try and simplify things so one can understand what are the little things we can do to bring about a bigger change.

Whatever said and done, all the procedures are only an adjunct to lifestyle modification to get the full benefits in the long run. Change in dietary habits, maintaining a negative intake output balance, increasing physical activity will all go a long way in helping one keep fit and stay healthy.Simple formula is enought your ouput or expenditure should be more than your input or intake,a strong mind with dedication brings change drasitically but one fact is common in India after heart attack or Kidney failure or Stroke many Obese becomes thin dur to strong dedication and confrmed rigid power of determination to reduce weighrt ,so be positive result must come.


So let us bring about the change… by being the change!!!!
DR.D.R.NAKIPURIA
SILIGURI


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Sep07
Advances in Colorectal Cancer Therapy
While colorectal cancer remains one of the most deadly cancers, researchers are making steady progress against this disease. For people living with advanced colorectal cancer and their loved ones, small improvements make a huge difference. We are seeing many patients with metastatic cancer responding well to treatment and living for a longer time. For decades, medications to colorectal cancer were limited to two drugs: 5-Flurouracil and Leucovorin. But in 2004, doctors began to use targeted therapies also. Avastin and Erbitux are mono-clonal antibodies, new generation cancer drugs that can specifically target cancer tumors. The problem with traditional chemotherapy is that it can't be focused--the drug affects both cancer cells and healthy cells alike. Targeted therapies affect the specific mechanisms that allow cancer cells to grow. As a result, they have fewer side effects. Avastin blocks the effect of a substance in the blood that helps tumors to grow new blood vessels. This substance is called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). By preventing the creation of new blood vessels, the tumor is starved; thus slowing down the tumor growth. Erbitux blocks the effects of a different growth factor called Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). But these drugs are only used for metastatic colorectal cancers in combination with 5-Flourouracil, Leucovorin and Camptosar. Another turning point in treating colorectal cancer is Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant therapy. Adjuvant therapy is where chemotherapy and radiation are used after surgery. Neoadjuvant therapy is an approach where the treatment is given before surgery to make the tumor smaller and easier to remove. This is more convenient and it gives better results. It is a trend that is gaining momentum around the world. With more drugs to use for colorectal cancers, doctors are now trying them in new combinations and sequences. While new drugs get most attention, surgery remains the standard treatment for people in the early stage of this cancer. People can have inflated ideas about keyhole surgeries, but it is found that for rectal cancer, laproscopic surgery has not shown to be as effective as open surgery. Although these treatment advances are a cause for enthusiasm, we need to keep it in perspective. There are two ways to look at it. You could say that it's great that over the last decade, we have doubled the life expectancy of a person with metastatic colon cancer. On the other hand, you could say that over the last ten years, all we managed to add was about twelve months. Both statements are true. Although the steps might be frustratingly small, we are still moving forward. They may not be flashy, but hopefully with time and research, all of these smaller steps may add up to something big.


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Sep04
NEW RURAL DOCTORS(BRHC)-HOW ARE THEY SAFE?
In UPA II Government ,some Minister are adamant to bring so much new conception in name of serving poor,rural,farmer and unemployed people of our country forgetting basic infrastructure, fasibilty, econmical viability ,its sustainibilty, acceptance,discimination against rich-poor,urban rural etc., and actual its performance in presence of open corruption,expoitation and tendency to earn money and poser forgetting basic Norm and value of Human life and society.Our present Central Health Minister Mr.Gulab Nami Azad first scapped MCI to grab such agency in Ministry clutch to regulate Medical Education,registration and giving license to run or open New Medical Colleges in INDIA ,an Industry of thousand of crores of Rupees.On May03,2010,Ministry bring "CLINICAL ESTABLISHMENT ACT" to regulate private Hospital and Clinics in name of better service to society and poor persons but Government own Hospital and agencies has been exlcuded from any improvement or screening or any desire or will for improvement as no body can check it whcih serve maximum number of people of our country and almost 90% of our poor people.Government agencies intervention and checking will increas more courruption by Babus and bureaucrats making Private hospitals more and more costly as Government cannot run without them as rich ,havenots,these babus,Politicians,Ministers hardly go to govt.hospitals for their treatment. secondly it is mostly run by Qualified Doctors who treat and cure these patients and if they are not relieved or are not treated well their reputation and complains with in present Laws is enough to deal this but Government wants supervision by Bureaucrats not expert in Medical science by bringing License system upbringing advance rich or MNC Centres to exist and closer of small units making Medical treatment more and more costly.
Similiarly "BACHELOR OF RURAL HEALTH CARE(BRHC) COURSE to produce Rural doctors has been prepared by MINISTER' S MCI on the basis of sending more and more Doctors in Rural areas as no Doctor wants to stay in rural areas,socially this theme may appear popuistic but infact it is faraway from true ,now a days under NRHM Scheme many Doctors are serving Rural areas because of good connectivity and communication facilities in rural areas,secondaly a discrimination between rural and urban people regarding dealing patients should not be done as it will not be accepted by rural people who will not like to get treated by these Rural socalled semieduca,if new medical colleges are open in rural areas where rural students should be admitted,or making compulsory of every physician toserve 02-3 years in rural areas as practised in MBBS course in Maharasthra befor getting final registration or before getting permannat service or promotion or adding more seats in medical colleges and giving it to strictly rural students could save our society from such ill educated doctors who need even a training of more than 4and 1/2 yrs to know better such advancing Medical science and where every body has got right to get best and equal oppurtunity atleast in field of Health and Education.When most of our youths are shifting to urban sides from villages because of lack of infrastructure and less development of Agriculture based Business and factories in rural areas and where farmers are doing day light suicide because of unability to run their livehood from agriculture and these Doctors willremain at rural areas appear only bubble declartaion.
On paper this syllabus is for the three-year course and this rural medical practitioners is ready in MCI premise. It promises to do away with what's "unnecessary" in the four-and-a-half-year MBBS course and prepare "hands-on" doctors at the primary level. The Medical Council of India (MCI), which has prepared the syllabus, has differentiated between BRHC and MBBS doctors by not allowing the former to use the prefix 'Dr' to their name. Instead, they will have BRHC suffixed to their name.
. This new category will be drawn from 10+2 students from rural areas/districts and 25 will be chosen district-wise after an exam. They will be trained at community colleges by practicing or retired doctors from nearby district hospitals. Their practice will be confined to that area and registration will be for one year only. The course will include 10 things: Community medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, ophthalmology, ENT, radio-diagnosis and dentistry. It will be divided into three phases. In the first, students will study the health problems of the community, basic principles of diagnosis and prevention of common rural aliments such as malaria, anemia, hookworm, kala-az ar, TB and diarrhoea. Phase II w ll involve taking patient history, basic clinical examination and management of diseases. They will be tied up with national health programmes. Phase III will deal with training to prevent basic health problems. The curriculum will do away with many unnecessary aspects in the MBBS course such as in pharmacy and anatomy.
Using "DR" is not trheatening to MBBS or any other practising Doctor as Educated Doctors know they got prestige and recognition respect from Society because of their knowledge not because of "DR"word as many teachers and many other practitioner use ths "DR" word before their name but such anme never disturb theri practice or reputation.
Secondly to produce Doctors without basic knowledge of Anatomy(Structure of Our Body Body parts and Organs ,Physiology(Function of our Body's different organs)Pathology(Basic cause of Disease)and Pharmacy(Knowing details of Medicines and their reaction) is like to fdrive an aircraft without knowledge of Airspacing,to drive car,bus,scooter without knowledge of driving and of road,it will kill all passengers and even persons on the road.
Therefore ,Government should think thrice to bring such populistic looking novice lucrative dreams in to action as instead of improving our society such programmes and course will destroy basic fabric of equality in our society and it will be a discovery of Atomic missiles which may give pride to humanity but may devast and finish whole Humanity if Blast takes place willingly or unwillingly.it is not a prestige issue for IMA or MBBS DOctors but it is a prestige for every citizen who has got a right to have good treatment and care whether he stays in rural or urban area.
dr.D.r.Nakipuria


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Sep03
Realistic Tips for Healthy Weight Loss .....
Being overweight is like three or more people riding a scooter or a two wheeler or three or four extra people are stuffed in a car. Both are going to break down either suddenly or gradually, that's sure. As both are carrying extra weight beyond their strength. Our knees are designed as per our height, to carry certain amount of weight. Weight is generally increased due to overeating & sitting idle or lack of activity. These days it's seen that people are working on computers for hours or watching television & having their food, is also one reason behind overeating. But lack of exercise, I feel is more responsible for being overweight. As exercise or physical activity is the process we burn the calories we acquired from food. But first of all you have to judge yourself & decide that you are going to fight for it. How to do it is not difficult.
There is one very simple method to understand whether one is obese or not. Just recollect out of memory the size of your waist line at the age of 18 or 20. If you don't, take help of your family members. If today, it's increased by around 15% than you can relax. Otherwise you should decide that you have to reduce that flab as soon as possible.
There is no need to press panic button. Here are some realistic tips to loose weight for all those interested in living happy & healthy life-long.
How to control excessive eating?
You have to carefully watch your dietary habits & eating pattern first. As crash dieting has corrosive effect & the lost weight bounces back more ruthlessly. So you have to carefully select the food items & might need to alter some of your habits related to it. We should always keep in mind that we must not loose essential nutrients while following dietary restrictions. So we will not discuss much about stop this or that thing type of restrictions.
- Be sure you are drinking lots of clean water throughout the day. This keeps the hunger suppressed & gives the feeling of fullness. Don't remain hungry as this will cause excessive eating at home. You can drink water if away from home or eating joint as it suppresses hunger for some time. At the time of meals drink a glass of water few minutes before joining the dining table. Sit comfortably & eat without hurry.
- As per Ayurvedic concepts, it suppresses "Jatharagni" (Digestive fire) & induces indigestion & constipation. It should ideally be consumed 20 - 20 minutes after meals for a good digestion. Not drinking water imparts a great effect on our digestive system as it helps essential nutrients to get digested. It is proven fact that drinking water during meals causes indigestion as it dilutes digestive juices & natural process of digesting the food properly. So, please stop drinking water, liquids & cold drinks with your meals or immediately after meals.
- Eat like a cow. Eating three big meals is not a good idea at least after forty. Eat five or six small meals is better option as it helps to keep regular flow of energy & keeps excessive hungry feeling away. Eating this way helps to maintain blood sugar levels within limits. Eat fresh vegetables & fruits with two main meals, with lunch & dinner to be precise. Dinner should be light as heavy will adversely affect your sleep.
- Have fruits between main meals so that you are filled with fibers. Having fruits 10 - 15 minutes before meals is always beneficial as it delays the absorption time & keeps you full for a longer time. Eating more fruits or vegetables is always beneficial as it reduces caloric intake.
- Control your craving for snacks, deserts & cold drinks just before, in between or after meals. You can have small sample quantities of these if it's irresistible, that too in initial stage. Otherwise better you forget these. These are the most serious threats to your weight reduction plans.
- It is a fact that we have 20% extra food always. The fact behind is that: it takes around 20 minutes for brain to register that food is on the way. In younger days we are not harmed as we are very active physically moreover need extra energy to grow. Gradually reduce 10% of your dietary intake & make it 20% within 2 - 3 months. If done slowly, you can do it definitely.
- Do try to be vegetarian, but slowly. Initially it will look difficult. Gradually start having vegetarian diet at least 3 - 4 times a week. You should limit animal protein consumption to control cholesterol levels to reduce possibility of landing into trap of cardiac disorders also. To keep protein intake high, start having legumes - peas, grams, lentils & other pulses. One more thing very simple is to avoid mixing animal proteins with starches like breads & potatoes. I'm sure you will gradually start relishing vegetarian delicacies.
How to add exercise to your lifestyle?
It is also one very important part of to achieving the goal of getting in shape. It's simpler than controlling the dietary habits. Here is how to do it gradually & without a pinch.
- Start walking while on a shopping spree. Leave your car at home if the market is within one kilometer or even if a mile. While in office you can walk & handover the document or message personally to your colleague, subordinate or boss.
- Use stairs instead of lift or escalator. Slowly you can add some exercise through this method.
- Brisk walking has numerous health benefits. One of them is reduction in weight apart from it being useful for joint health, cardiac health & immunity. Start walking at any point of time during the day as an when you are empty stomach since 3-4 hours. Go on tracking on weekends.
One final word:
Always keep in mind a law of nature "Human body has an incredible healing ability to repair, realign & recover naturally". It only needs a chance with serious attention, which we shall give. Wellbeing is always in our hands.


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Sep03
"keyhole"-Minimally invasive double valve repair
MI – DVR(Minimally Invasive Double valve Repair)

Rajendra Vasaiya, Mch, Vihar Shah-MD(anesthesiologist)
Sunil vyas,M.Sc,PGDPT (perfusion technologist)

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive double valve surgery is relatively lesser known in this part of the globe.. Here we are reporting a case of double valve surgery using minimally invasive approach.


METHODS: A 31yrs old female with post CMV(12yrs back), post MTP(22-days back) status with Hb%=7.3gm was admitted for DVR Gradient across aortic valve=55mm Hg with grade II -AR and MVA=0.8 cm. She had past H/O MTP twice due to her cardiac condition. . A 4 inch size skin incision is made. Sternum is cut with oscillating saw up to the 3rd ICS. Adhesion due to previous surgery were removed, adhesion from Aorta,,PA,&RA are also removed very carefully. Cannulation was carried .through femoral artery and two stage venous cannula in to RA Venous cannula was delivered out from the future drains tube site just below xyphoid. 1st cardioplegia was delivered antigrade in to the aortic root, rest were delivered directly in to the ostea . .Fusion between RCC & NCC up to the mid point was released, partial fusion between RCC & LCC also released. Annulus found to be dilated which was tackle later on after mitral valve correction. Mitral valve was approach through aortic aortic opening, LA was also incise. Complete MV was not seen even through this incision due to previous CMV. Through aortic opening and LA MV and its subvalver apparatus were inspected and decided to go for MV commisurotomy and release of chordal and papillary fusion.Valve is check for any leakage . Now aortic annular dilatation is dealt with reduction annuloplasty using 4-0 teflon pledgated prolien suture.t.
Immediate and late post operative period was smooth and uneventful. Ventilator was removed 3hrs after surgery.On day one blood loss was 120ML.Two units of blood was required post operatively.PCM was given as pain killer.Pnt was shifted to the ward on2nd POD ,and was discharged on 4th POD

REASULT: DVR can be carried out without much of the difficulty using minimally invasive approach. .In this particular patient post operative blood loss was significantly low. Requirement of post operative analgesia is also less. It gives patient a sense of INTACT CHEST.

CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive double valve surgery can be carried out without much difficulty with numerous advantages.


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Sep03
Proximal anastomosis in MIDCAB-An enigma, coronary web mastering-a solution
MIDCAB –proximal anastomosis(an enigma)- coronary web mastering a solution

Rajendra Vasaiya, MCh, Vihar Shah,MD, Sunil Vyas,M.sc.PGDPT

BACKGROUND: Distal anastomosis to the coronary arteries may not cause that much problem due to relatively easy accessibility. Method of Exposing aorta and if due to anatomical and hemodynamic limitation aorta can not be expose what other alternatives site are available is explained.


METHOD: once coronary artery is exposed and stabilized distal anastomosis is a relatively easy task. When question of proximal anastomosis arises, through minithoracotomy(from 4th ICS) , where is the aorta? Aorta is no where in the picture. Due to our traditional mind set we look forward to proximal ascending aorta for proximal anastomosis. Technique of exposing proximal ascending aorta is explained. What are the other alternative site and how to carry out proximal anastomosis with alternative site is also explained. A new concept called coronary web mastering along with arterial loop technique is also shown in detailed.

REASULT: with different technique explained above, we have complete and satisfactory proximal anastomosis. Because of not finding suitable site for proximal anastomosis we have never converted our MIDCAB procedure to conventional sternotomy procedure

CONCLUSION: In MIDCAB CABG proximal anastomosis are real challenging compare to distal anastomosis. Over the last 10 yrs we have gradually evolved various alternative site for proximal anastomosis . Though technically challenging these methods are effective for complete triple vessel revascularization through sternal sparing minimally invasive minithoracotomy approach.


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Sep03
Journey through midcab,Tyro to virtuoso
JOURNEY THROUGH MIDCAB (1997 to 2009)
TYRO TO VIRTUOSO (STUDY OF 159 MIDCAB)

BACKGROUND: - MIDCAB CABG in triple vessel disease is remained dream to many Cardiac surgeons. Difficulties and short comes exist. How to overcome and accomplish a complete and satisfactory revascularization is the most important goal of a Bypass surgery. Technical difficulties and its solution are described.

METHOD: - Since 1997, we started sternal sparing MIDCAB CABG. Till 2009 we have done 159 patients.70 patients were operated for SVD (58 CABG, 12 redo CADG), 32 cases for DVD (29 CABG, 3 redo CABG), 57 cases of TVD (55 CABG, 2 redo CABG). For initial two yrs. it was limited to SVD, mostly CTO of LAD. 1st case of redo CABG was carried out in 1999. Gradually field was expanded to DVD and since last 4 yrs. TVD cases are also incorporated. It also includes 10 cases of endarterectomy. One case with CMV and CABG. Patients’ age range between 32 – 92 yrs. LVEF = 25% (10 – 55%), 3 patients with EF of 10% were offered CABG with stem cells implantation. As much as 4 vessels were grafted. Patients overweight have no contra indication. Additional plural adhesion is also not a contra indication. Among TVD 20% had varying degree of left main disease (50 – 96%). 1 patient weighing 114 kg was also operated.

RESULT: - There was 1 mortality in a redo CABG group. The patient died on 6th POD due to VTVF. One case of TVD shows ST- elevation for 24 hrs, post operatively which subsided later on (peri operative MI). 1 patient required re-exploration due to bleeding from mammary bed. Average requirement of BT was 1.5 bottles per patient. Transfusion requirement usually depends upon pre operative HB level. Average hospital stay was 4 days (36 hrs to 6th POD). No major wound complication is seen. Average incision size is 3.5 inches (2.5- 4.2 in.). Conversion to mid sternotomy was required in 1 patient.

CONCLUSION: - Sternal sparing MIDCAB can be carried out in all but cardiogenic shock group of patients. We found it is particularly advantageous to old debilitating patient more so with farer sex group of patient. It can b learnt only by self indulgence. This method is not described anywhere in known literature. It is little time consuming and requires great deal of skill and patience on part of operator.


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Sep02
GREEN TEA-FROM DARJEELING HIMALAYA OR ASSAM VALLEY
Healthy Greens is the sogan which is heard everywhere because we know this green by absobing noxious carbondioxide excreted by all living animals of world and by giving oxygen to breathe, bringing rains,wood,forest,fetilising our soil, conserving soil,forest and human Eco atmoshphere preserve us and our Earth by keeping intact our Glaciers and ozone layers save us from ultra violet radiation of this Universe leaving no hazard of its decomposition like of man made plastic materials.
In this article,we shall like to discuss the importance of a beverage in the form of "TEA" which is most prevalent in our country as well as almost in every part of world where it is consumed by almost every family twice a day or being offered to every guest coming to home/business centre or any other interaction in our day to day personal or social gathering.
Green Tea which is directly plucked as fresh upcoming triplet Leaf from a Tea Bush or plant (First Flush,i.e.,First sesonable tea in month of April May every year from a Plant after a rest of 03-4 months shrugging off its old leaves completely form Hilly tops of darjeeling or Assam Valleys) are very rich source of Many Anti Oxidants which burns fat of our body reduce bad Cholesterol,Open or dilate our blood vessels ,prevent ,Prostate cancer(Prooved by study in Mice from Dr.Chan in USA)Lung cancer reduce recurrence of Breast,Stomach,Colorectal Cancer prevent Strok,Heart Attack and Diabetes Mellitus.This Green Tea leaves like Black tea leaves are not crushed or withered,steamed and fermented and powdered to form Blak tea or Oolong tea but here leaves are dried and preserved for making tea.
For drinking this tea we have to boil one or two or three cups of Water as per our requirement but small preparation is good and then put some Green leaves inside it (or 3/4 tsf or one tsf Green Tea )as per concentration needed and then allowed to get these leaves shocked into this water for few minutes and then we can add sugar or sugar free tablets and lemon inside it (Not MILK AS IT HAS BEEN PROOVED THAT MILK DILUTES THE BENEFICIARY AFFECT OF THIS GREEN TEA OXIDANTS) and allow it to cool for few minutes and then drink it slowly taking few minutes not very hot and not in just few seconds.the Top variety of Tea Garden,More HILLY terrain where water is less logged and stayed but comes and go under cold temperature with high humidity or tea organic where not fertiliser used to produce it are of best variety but their cost some time is very high thousand rupees per kg .Usually Black Tea should be taken twice a day or two cups a day ,it should be used as food supplement not as Drug .It has been prooved that Caffienated Black Tea is more important as it burns our fat and reduce bad cholesterol LDL markedly.
Tea beside containing "Tanins" which are not very useful contain "CATECHINS" OR EGCG(Epigallo catechins 3 gallate ) compond and Antioxidant which is responsible for dilating Blood Vessels,burning Fat (reducing Atherosclerosis,Reducing Cholesterol thus preventing Hear attack,Strok and Prevent cancers ) like other good Anti oxidant substance like red wine,Grapes,Berries,and Dark Chocolate. But out of all these Tea is more consumed in almost every household of our Human world so this should be more included as our foos supplement.

Green tea was first brewed in China, where it was known as a 'miracle medicine'. In her book, Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.

Today, research shows us how true that ancient claim was. Green tea, with its medicinal properties, is a boon for the health-conscious and a wonder, even to modern science. The benefits of green tea are many as told earlier above but again summarised below:-------------------------
Inhibits Cancer:----------------
The main ingredient in green tea, Epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) inhibits the growth of cancer. The latest good news about green tea comes from a study done at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. A team of researchers headed by Dr Yihai Cao found that green tea can block angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels that tumors need, in order to grow. In an interview, Dr Caoexplained that the polyphenols in green tea prevent angiogenesis, which also explains why green tea is effective in preventing cancer. According to Dr Hasan Mukhtar, professor and research director of Case Western University, Cleveland, studies have shownthat the risk of stomach cancer goes down as consumption of green tea goes up.
Prevents High Blood Pressure and Heart Disease:----

With the chaos of our daily lives, we can do without the added tension of high blood pressure, which can result in heart problems. Scientific studies show that daily consumption of green tea can prevent high blood pressure. 3 to 4 cups of green tea a day, can substantially reduce an individual's risk of heart disease and stroke.
Restricts Buildup of Cholesterol:---------------

We all know that fat and cholesterol are bad for our health. Bur that doesn't stop us from drooling over a sinfully creamy dessert, does it? Now green tea brings along some great news for food freaks. Experiments demonstrate that green tea restricts the excessive buildup of blood cholesteroJ. It reduces the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and increases the levels of positive cholesterol (HDL), thus reducing the chances of heart disease. For years, researchers were puzzled by what they called the 'French Paradox' … the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French had a very low incidence of heart disease. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and fatty diets. In a 1997 study, researchers from the Universiry of Kansas determined that EGCG, strongly present in green tea, is twice as powerful as resveratrol. Which explains why the rate of heart disease among the Japanese, who are regular drinkers of green tea, is quite low, even though approximately 75 % are smokers.
Lowers the Blood Sugar Level:---------------
Let green tea take care of health worries like blood sugar levels. The extract of green tea has the ability to actually lower blood sugar. It is believed that both the EGCG and polysaccharides in green tea are factors in lowering blood sugar.
Strengthens Immune System:------------------
Today, we live life right in the midst of the madding crowd ... with deadlines and schedules that leave no time for ourselves. With its share of ups and downs, our body needs to be strong enough to fight common diseases like the flu and other infections. Green tea helps to strengthen a weak immune system, guarding us from illnesses and infections that take a long time to heal.
Prevents Ageing:========
Oxygen is very important to us, but it can also be a very harmful agent in the form of active or free radical oxygen. One way to slow the ageing process is to prevent the accumulation of active oxygen in our body. This can be done by antioxidants, which are strongly present in green tea.
Oral Hygiene and Dental Care:------------------
Now you can flash that charming smile without worrying about bacteria and bad breath. Fluoride in green tea protects tooth enamel and EGCG reduces the development of bacteria growing in the plaque. Green tea can also kill other oral bacteria, which cause bad breath. It also stimulates the production of saliva and reduces the harmful acids that form in the mouth.
Boon for Dieters:-----------------
Get yourself in shape with a new slimming potion. Yes, green tea can actually help burn fat. In November 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva, in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a green tea extract burned more calories, since green tea helped to excrete more fat.
So Drink To Your Health:--------------------
People who drink green tea daily, have lower rates of heart disease and cancer and a higher life expectancy. Unlike other antioxidants, those found in green tea cause no toxic side effects. Sounds good enough to put the kettle to boil and give green tea a try?Many more good compounds are found in Green Tea but not seen in same quantity and concentration in Black or White Tea (which is powdered or steamed or fermented tea)are found but their direct contribution on organs and tissue Human health system is yet to be discovered .
Dr.D.R.Nakipuria
Ambika Multi speciality Hospital
29 Agrasen road
P.O.Siliguri-734005
Dist:Darjeeling(W.B.)
09434143550,


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