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Antimicrobial Awareness Week

Antimicrobial Awareness

Nov 23rd, 2020

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Antimicrobial Awareness

Monday, November 23rd, 2020

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) aims to increase the awareness of global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to encourage best practices among public and health workers to help reduce the spread of drug-resistant infections. Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals, and plants.

What is Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. This makes infections harder to treat and increase the risk of severe illness and death. This makes medicines ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others. WHO has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. It is estimated to cause over 700,000 deaths per year, worldwide.

Dangers of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
In addition to death and disability, prolonged illness results in longer hospital stay, leading to increases medical expenses. A growing list of infections – such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, blood poisoning, gonorrhoea, and foodborne diseases – are becoming harder, and sometimes impossible, to treat as antibiotics become less effective. Medical procedures, such as surgery, including caesarean sections or hip replacements, chemotherapy, and organ transplantation, will become riskier due to AMR.

What causes Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
The main drivers of antimicrobial resistance include the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials; lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals; poor infection and disease prevention and control in health-care facilities and farms;  poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics; lack of awareness and knowledge; and lack of enforcement of legislation. The world urgently needs to change the way it prescribes and uses antibiotics. Even if new medicines are developed, without behaviour change, antibiotic resistance will continue to remain a major threat.

How to reduce the spread of Antibiotic Resistance?
Antibiotic-resistant germs can quickly spread across settings, including communities, the food supply, healthcare facilities, the environment (e.g., soil, water), and around the world. Here are some precautions to take to use antibiotics responsibly:

  • Only use antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor
  • Never demand antibiotics if your doctor does not prescribe them
  • Always follow your doctor’s advice when using antibiotics
  • Never share or use leftover antibiotics
  • Prevent infections by regularly washing hands, preparing food hygienically, avoiding close contact with sick people, practising safe sex, and keeping vaccinations up to date.

Myths and facts about Antibiotic Resistance
Myth – It’s the body that becomes resistant to antibiotics
Fact – That is not true, it’s not you but the bacteria within your body that become resistant to antibiotics. Bacteria can even pass this resistance on to each other.

Myth – Antibiotics treat all types of infection
Fact – Antibiotics are only suitable for treating bacterial infections. Other infections, such as those caused by viruses or fungi, will not respond to treatment with antibiotics.

Myth – You must stop taking antibiotics once you feel better
Fact – No. You must complete the entire course of the prescribed antibiotics even if you are feeling better. If treatment stops too soon, the drug may not kill all the bacteria. You may become sick again, and the remaining bacteria may become resistant to the antibiotic that you’ve taken.

Myth – Using antibiotics incorrectly will not cause any major harm
Fact – Overuse and misuse of antibiotics can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can affect the entire world.

Myth – It is okay to share antibiotics
Fact – Never take antibiotics that are leftover from past treatments or given by family or friends. Only take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Leftover antibiotics may have expired or may not be correct for your illness.

World Diabetes Day

Friday, November 13th, 2020

Diabetes is a chronic disease, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to an increased concentration of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia). As per a report by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the prevalence of diabetes in India has been recorded at 11.8%. India is home to an estimated 72.96 million diabetic adults. Also called the diabetes capital of the world, this sugar disease is posing an enormous health challenge for our country. Medical experts suggest that awareness, timely detection, and right management can help patients lead a normal life.

Types of Diabetes

There are mainly three types of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Certain uncontrollable factors like genetics and some viruses may contribute to type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can develop in adults too.
  • Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s ineffective use of insulin. It often results from excess body weight and physical inactivity. This is the most common form of diabetes and is largely preventable. 9 in 10 cases of type 2 diabetes could be avoided by following simple lifestyle changes. Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes can lead to chronically high blood glucose levels, causing several symptoms and potentially leading to serious complications.
  • Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia that is first recognized during pregnancy. It can lead to serious health risks for both the mother and child and needs close monitoring by a health expert.

Symptoms of Diabetes
The most common symptoms used to identify diabetes include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Excessive hunger
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth

If you see any of the above symptoms, get your blood sugar levels checked or consult a doctor for further assessment.

Diabetes complications
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels may lead to serious long-term problems affecting the eyes, kidneys, heart, brain, feet, and nerves. These include:

  • Eyes – It is recommended that people with diabetes see an eye doctor every year for an eye exam. Eye problems that can occur with diabetes include cataract, glaucoma, retinopathy. Left untreated it may also lead to vision loss.
  • Kidneys – It is important to get your urine tested for protein at least once a year. Protein in the urine is a sign of kidney disease. Prompt treatment may slow the changes with kidney disease.
  • Heart and brain – All people with diabetes have an increased chance of heart disease and strokes. Heart disease is the major cause of death in people with diabetes. It is important to control other risks such as high blood pressure and high fats (cholesterol), as well as blood sugar.
  • Feet – High blood sugar levels can cause skin infections in the foot and leads to slow healing of sores. You can experience severe pain, itching, or experience numbness too. Left untreated, diabetic foot infections may lead to amputation of the toes, foot, or leg.
  • Neuropathy – Diabetic neuropathy is a complication of diabetes that results in damage to the nervous system. It is a progressive disease, and symptoms get worse over time.

Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

Healthy eating and physical activity could help prevent 90% of Type 2 Diabetes cases. Here is what you can do to reduce your risk of getting type 2 diabetes:

  • Cut sugar and refined carbohydrates
  • Watch your portion size
  • Include fibre in your diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Drink enough water
  • Quit smoking
  • Sleep well
  • Manage stress levels
  • Be regular with health checkups

Diabetes care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Worried about your fluctuating blood sugar levels? Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are the most important risk factors responsible for diabetes. It is possible to reduce the burden of type 2 diabetes by lifestyle changes that favour a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Specialists from our Department of Nutrition Therapy can help you with a personalised diet plan. However, certain medical conditions make weight loss difficult and require further intervention.

The Centre for Diabetes and Obesity is equipped with advanced technology and a talented team of experts to help fight obesity and manage diabetes better. For more information, please visit:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_diabetesbariatricsurgery.html

Stay Healthy and Safe this Diwali

Thursday, November 12th, 2020

One of the most celebrated Indian festivals, Diwali is just around the corner. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. 2020 has been a challenging year for many people in different ways. It has taught people to be grateful for their health, family, friends, and to never take anything for granted. Everyone is looking forward to the festive and joyous Diwali season to light up a smile and celebrate with family and friends, aren’t you?

Let us welcome Diwali this year with festive cheer and love while ensuring the health and safety of your loved ones. Celebrate responsibly while following the required health precautions. Protect the vulnerable members of your family – the elderly, pregnant women, children below 10 years, and people with co-morbidities.

Here are a few health tips to keep in mind to celebrate a healthy and safe Diwali this year:

  • Avoid large gatherings
    While you might get tempted to organize or attend Diwali dinners with family and friends, it is best to keep the guest list small. It is recommended to celebrate Diwali at home with your family. However, if you are meeting others do not forget to maintain physical distancing, continue the use of face masks and wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Plan virtual celebrations
    Cannot meet your extended family due to health restrictions and travel limitations? Organise a zoom call with your family and friends. Plan a  virtual dinner by deciding a mutual time in advance and dressing up to feel festive. This Diwali, celebrate differently and connect with your loved ones safely.
  • Lamp/ Diya safety
    Make sure you keep the lamps away from curtains, electrical wires, and other inflammable objects. Always keep babies and pets away from diyas. Refrain from using hand sanitizers which are alcohol-based before lighting candles, and diyas. This is because hand sanitizers are inflammable and may cause fire accidents.
  • Boost your immunity
    Have a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients help to strengthen the overall immunity of your body and fight off infections. Stay away from processed foods as they lower your immunity.
  • Stay hydrated 
    Keep your body hydrated by sipping water throughout the day. This helps prevent indigestion and acidity and detoxifies your body. Stay away from aerated drinks, packaged juices, and alcohol as it is dehydrating. Adequate intake of water hydrates your skin and keeps it radiant and glowing for the festive season.
  • Limit your sugar intake
    It is difficult to avoid sweets during this season but you must choose naturally sweetened mithais made from healthy sugar substitutes like dates, jaggery, raisins, honey, etc. This will prevent weight gain, avoid spike in blood sugar levels, and other lifestyle diseases. Relish your Diwali sweets guilt-free.
  • Stay active
    Start your day with some simple exercises like yoga, running, cycling, take the stairs when possible to keep yourself energized and to help maintain your weight. Regular exercise helps boost your immune system.
  • Say “No” to crackers
    The toxic smoke from crackers increases the incidence of respiratory symptoms like cough, wheezing, or burning sensation in the eyes. The increased air pollution poses a high risk for people suffering from asthma, COPD, or other respiratory ailments. Noisy crackers disturb the elderly and infants and may also cause hearing loss or high blood pressure.

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital wishes you and your family a happy and safe Diwali. We are committed to keeping you and your family safe. Our Accident and Emergency team is available 24/7 for any medical emergencies and provides the fastest response time. Call us on 022 42699999 for emergency services. Please find the below link for our Centre for Accident & Emergency:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_accidentemergency.html

World Suicide Prevention Day

Thursday, September 10th, 2020

Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide.

It is not a mental illness in itself, but a serious potential consequence of treatable mental disorders that includes major depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia nervosa.

The World Suicide Prevention Day is observed every year to raise awareness regarding the precautions that can be taken to prevent these tragedies. “Working Together To Prevent Suicide”, the theme of  World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 educates everyone that each one of us has an important role to play to help prevent suicides across the world and save more lives.

Suicide warning signs
If you know someone showing any suicidal signs, reach out to them. Suicidal warning signs should be taken very seriously. Early detection of warning signs can lead to professional help and mental health treatment and can even save a life. Here are the most common potential warning signs for suicide:

  • Feeling a deep sense of hopelessness about the future
  • Changes in personality and/or appearance
  • Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
  • Having extreme mood swings
  • Changing the normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
  • Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly.
  • Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed

Who is at risk?
Suicide rates are highest in teens, young adults, and the elderly. There are certain situations, conditions, and other factors that put some people at a greater risk of becoming suicidal. Here are a few of them:

  • Having a untreated mental illness, particularly depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder
  • Having a substance use disorder
  • Sudden stressful or traumatic situations, like the loss of a loved one
  • Loss of job or financial crisis
  • Being seriously ill, living with a chronic or terminal illness
  • Relationship problems
  • Having experienced childhood trauma and abuse

Timely counselling can prevent suicides
In many cases, suicide can be prevented. Research suggests that the best way to prevent suicide is to know the risk factors, be alert to the signs of depression and other mental disorders, notice any signs of suicidal behaviour and take action before the person can attempt suicide.

If someone you know is exhibiting warning signs for suicide, don’t be afraid to ask if he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide. In some cases, the person just needs to know that someone cares and is looking for the chance to talk about his or her feelings. You can then encourage the person to seek professional help.

Suicide statistics
As per World Health Organisation (WHO) 8 lakh people across the globe end their life by committing suicide every year. One of three among them is an Indian. As per reports, India reported about 381 suicides daily for the year of 2019, marking an increase of nearly 3.4% suicide deaths as compared to 2018. In the year 2019, 139,123 suicides were reported, as compared to 2018, which saw 134,516 suicides and 2017 which recorded 1,29,887 fatalities.

Suicide does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status may feel suicidal at any point in their lives. Even someone who seems to be happy or to “have it all” can be vulnerable to suicide. If you or a loved one needs help, feel free to consult our highly trained counsellors for professional help at our Department of Psychiatry.

World Breastfeeding Week

Wednesday, August 5th, 2020

1st to 7th August 2020 is celebrated as World Breastfeeding Week. The theme for 2020 is “Support breastfeeding for a healthier planet”. Breastfeeding provides every child with the best possible start in life. It delivers health, nutritional, and emotional benefits to both children and mothers. And it forms part of a sustainable food system. But while breastfeeding is a natural process, it is not always easy. Mothers need support – both to get started and to sustain breastfeeding.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months for your newborn and continued breastfeeding for two years as a supplement along with other foods. Breast milk has the perfect combination of proteins, fats, vitamins, and carbohydrates. There is nothing better for the health of your baby.

Nutrients in Breast Milk
The following is a brief overview of the components of breast milk and the nutrients they provide for your baby:

  • Proteins
    Human milk contains two types of proteins: whey and casein.  Approximately 60% is whey, while 40% is casein. This balance of the proteins allows for quick and easy digestion. 
  • Fats
    Human milk also contains fats that are essential for the health of your baby.  It is necessary for the brain, retina, and nervous system development.
  • Vitamins
    Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin D, and pantothenic acid can be found in breast milk at levels that depend on the mother’s diet.
  • Carbohydrates
    Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in human milk.  It accounts for approximately 40% of the total calories provided by breast milk. Lactose helps to decrease a large number of unhealthy bacteria in the stomach.

Breastfeeding – Benefits for your baby

Know why breast is best for your baby:

Breastfeeding protects your baby
Breast milk is full of live ingredients, including stem cells, white blood cells, and beneficial bacteria, antibodies, enzymes, and hormones, which all help fight infection and prevent disease. Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, colds, and flu as well as ear and chest infections.

Premature babies
Feeding your baby your milk offers the best protection against potentially fatal conditions including sepsis, chronic lung disease and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). 

Colostrum: the superfood for your baby
Colostrum the initial thick breast milk is rich in minerals like magnesium; which supports your baby’s heart and bones; and copper and zinc, which help develop their immune system.  

Helps your Baby sleep
Research shows that breastfed and formula-fed babies are just as likely to wake for milk during the night. However, breastfed babies get back to sleep sooner due to oxytocin hormone present in breast milk.

Brain development
Research suggests that children who’d been exclusively breastfed show a much higher cognitive development than children who have not been breastfed.

Benefits for the mother

Helps contract your uterus
When you breastfeed, it causes your body to release oxytocin, a calming chemical sometimes referred to as the “love hormone,” and it helps your uterus to contract back to its regular size.

It can help reduce the risk for PPD
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10 to 15 percent of new moms and brings feelings of sadness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and trouble bonding with their babies. Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of Postpartum depression.

It could reduce your cancer risk
When you’re breastfeeding, your hormones are altered and your periods are delayed. This reduces your exposure to oestrogen hormone and lowers your risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Breastfeeding can protect your heart
Women who breastfed for at least four months had 20 to 30 percent lower risks for hypertension and heart disease.

Breastfeeding Myths and Facts

There are many myths and facts associated with breastfeeding especially passed on from elders. Let us bust these myths and facts:

Myth: Many mothers can’t produce enough milk
Fact: Almost all mothers produce the right amount of milk for their babies. Breast milk production is determined by how well the baby latches and the frequency of breastfeeding.

Myth: You shouldn’t breastfeed if you’re sick
Fact: In most illnesses, the mother can continue breastfeeding. Your milk will produce antibodies to pass on to your child to build his or her defenses. 

Myth: You should eat bland food while breastfeeding
Fact: Breastfeeding has no food restrictions. Mothers must follow a healthy well-balanced diet and stay hydrated.

Myth: It’s hard to wean a baby if you breastfeed for more than a year
Fact: There’s no evidence that it is more difficult to stop breastfeeding after one year, but there is evidence that breastfeeding up to two years is beneficial for both mothers and children.

Breastfeeding in India

Only 54.9 % of children under the age of six months have been exclusively breastfed, according to the latest National Health and Family Survey (NHFS-4). For the healthy growth of a child, the child must be breastfed and consume no other solid or liquid food until the infant completes six months. The latest survey also shows that 56% of the rural children below six months were exclusively breastfed, while it was only 52.1% amongst urban children.

Are you a new mom? Are you struggling with your breastfeeding journey with little help in these difficult times? Breastfeeding needs support, care and timely guidance by an expert. Seek help from lactation consultants virtually at our Centre for Mother and Child from the safety of your home. Please find below the link to book your online appointment: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/manage/shop/online-consultation-new-patient.html

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