health - Best Private Hospital in Dubai Al Mankhool | IMH Dubai

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

The incidence of Cancer both benign and malignant is on the rise worldwide. Cancer treatment especially for malignancy can damage or disfigure the body parts function and or appearance. Reconstructive Plastic Surgery helps to repair the damage and restore near normal appearance.

Plastic Surgery Dubai
Anti aging treatment and plastic surgery concept. Beautiful faces of young woman with arrows isolated on white

Unlike Cosmetic Surgery, most insurance companies cover Reconstructive Plastic surgery.

Reconstructive surgery is usually needed after a tumour is removed and there is a defect which needs to be covered. E.g. after Mastectomy ( surgical removal of breast) for cancer- the patient may choose to have the breast volume restored . Or after a jaw tumour when the onco-surgeon has removed one side of the jaw bone and cheek completely and there is a huge open defect.

Plastic Surgery In Dubai
Portrait collage of young, healthy and beautiful woman

Reconstructive Surgery can be performed immediately after removal of the tumour (Immediate reconstruction) or can be performed after completion of other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy (Delayed Reconstruction).

Reconstructive surgery can make use of several body parts solely or in combination to facilitate good reconstruction. Options of reconstruction may include use of only skin (skin graft) or flap surgery ( combination of skin, fat , muscle or bone).

With the advancement in Microsurgery and techniques, single stage reconstruction with good cosmesis is possible.  It works by taking tissue and blood vessels from one part of the patient’s body and placing it over the damaged part and joining the vessels under the operating microscope.

All options of reconstruction are to be discussed with the reconstructive plastic surgeon before surgery.

Reconstructive Surgery is no longer a social taboo, but a way forward to a better quality of life and better future.

How to help my toddler (between 3-4 years of age)?

What does (s) he understand?help my toddler

  • His or her complexity of understanding keeps extending. He / She now understands simple WHO? WHAT? And WHERE? Questions and hears you when you call from another room.
  • This is the crucial age where hearing difficulties may become evident. If you are in a doubt of his/her hearing, it’s wise to consult an audiologist.

how to help my toddlerWhat does (s) he speak?

  • (S)he talks about many things to you, what happened in preschools, what type of play they did, how is teacher to him/her, what are his/her friends, what funny, and new (s)he experiences, and also his imaginations.
  • His/her sentences are becoming longer and longer as (s) he combines four, five or more words. His /her speech is usually clear and fluent and easily understood by the strangers most of the time.
  • They become very loud and unstoppable.

How can I help my child?

  • Mix categories e.g. mix animals with picture of baby, cookies, ice cream. And make the child to sort them out and show what doesn’t belong to the category. Tell him/her that he is correct baby doesn’t belong to cat, dog, category because baby is not an animal.
  • Draw, glue a car without wheels, favorite cartoon with a mistake, glue a dog in driving seat and talk about how silly the pictures and encourage him/her to talk about what is missing, and what is correct.
  • Act out typical scenarios with the child like going to doctor with the pet, teacher and student, acting like the mother at home, cooking food, making baby dress up, superman. Allow her/him to guide you in acting. Be the student and let your child teach a lesson. Ask the child questions; make him repeat if you have not understood completely.
  • Expand the child’s vocabulary by acting, storytelling, singing, filling the blanks. Talk about new games, new ideas you and your child can do and have fun.How can I help my child?
  • Find out a simple and interesting story book read line by line, ask simple WH questions (what, Where, Who, Why).Talk about favorite part in the story, in the cartoon. This is the best time to talk about favorite things with the child talk about his/her favorite game, food, rhymes and tell him/her also your choices.
  • Bring your family album to the bed. Talk about the photo and ask the child can you remember this photo. Help him to explain what happened.
  • Do silly mistakes in game, apologize for your mistakes, and ask his/her help to play correctly.

Leave interesting books and materials lying around for your child to explore.

How to help my toddler (between 1-2 years of age)?

What does the toddler understand?

  • Her his receptive vocabulary is increasing day by day
  • The child points to pictures in a book when you name them, and also (s)he points to a few body parts when asked(nose, eyes, tummy, head).
  • She or He follows simple commands like push the chair, don’t touch, it’s hot, wash hands and understand simple questions (where is daddy, what is your frock, who is bunny).
  • Their interest shift from singing songs or say rhymes to simple story telling.
  • Your toddler now likes to listen to simple stories over songs.
  • This is the stage where you become exhausted with repeating the same story, game, rhymes many many times. But (s)he wants to listen the same again & again.

What does the toddler speak?

  • His/her expressive vocabulary keep increasing.,(s)he accumulating more and more words as each month passes.

  • (S)he can even combine 2 words and questions like mama ball, what is that, give me chocos, more chips, all gone, doggie ,daddy poo(car).

How to help my toddler?

Talk to the child while doing household things, going out or performing any activity. For an example Baby is going to bathe, run the tap. Water is coming ( put toys in the tub)Duckie is swimming, push push dickiee. Second example. I see a doggie, Doggie is running. It’s a big dog, Doggie says bow wow .Keep your language grammatically correct and easy to imitate. Talk about present activities what the child What does the toddler understand?sees around him/her. Use rhymes such as jonny jonny yes papa. Encourage the child to say hahahahaa/aaaaaa with you. Associate the object with sound e,g introduce the clock to the child, t-t-t-t-t clock, ding- dong- ding-dong .pi pi pi pi daddy car. Make him listen to the sounds of objects and create a sound associated with the object. mow mow mow mow cow. Use the sound like p-p-p-p-, m-m-m-m-, b-b-b-b-b, brooo-brooo, grrrr- ggrr while bathing, playing with toys, pampering him/her. These sounds will help him to learn better in preschool and kindergarten. Expand on words what the child says, for an example, if (s)he says car or sound likes car. Expand on words saying oh! yes it is a CAR, Biiig CAR, Big red CAR! Show the child big colorful picture book with large pictures. Name them, read aloud and talk about the picture. Wait your child to explore the picture, Ask him/her what is this and you answer. Make him/her point to picture Repeat the same several days. You would be surprised one day hearing(s)he names the picture.

Minimally Invasive Therapy (Lasers) in Treatment of Anorectal Disorders

Anorectal disorders are a group of medical disorders that occur at the junction of the anal canal and rectum. These disorders are very common in the UAE population due to the local climatic changes and lifestyle choices. Almost 50% of  all people experience this problem at least once in their lives by the age of 50. 75% of these disorders will worsen and progress if not treated at the right time.

The 4 most common problems encountered by people are hemorrhoids,anal fistula,anal fissure and pilonidal sinus.Almost 50% or more of patients seen by a Surgeon in his daily practice constitute these problems.Most of these disorders occur due to wrong diet ( lack of fibre and fluids), wrong lifestyle( less physical activity),constipation,laxative misuse, weak connective tissues and other causes. Of these, hemorrhoids are the most common and constitute around 60 to 65% of cases.

People who suffer from these problems present with bleeding while passing stools,painful stools,discharge,itching,swelling and at times fever.

Minimally Invasive Therapy (Lasers)It is important for these people to see a Surgeon at the earliest to enable an accurate diagnosis and initiate early treatment to prevent further complications. Over the counter medications  and creams are of limited use as almost all of these conditions present with more or less the same complaints, however the treatment is completely different for each one of them.

A proper history,physical examination by a Surgeon and relevant lab and other radiological tests may be required for a proper diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

Till now, only traditional methods of surgery were available to treat these conditions causing a lot of pain, bleeding,large wounds and prolonged healing times for the patient. This prevented a lot of patients from seeking medical advice and undergoing treatment at the right stage.

However, with new developments in the field of surgery and  rapid advances in technology, new minimally invasive modalities are now available for treating these conditions. Of these, Lasers offer the most effective, safe and reliable method for treatment.Lasers have a tremendous benefit over an open operation in that they are painless, almost bloodless, have a short operative time of 15 to 20 minutes, cause no anal narrowing or loss of stool control,have no muscle or skin damage, no need for insertion of stitches or other foreign bodies and subsequently have much faster healing time. Patients can return to their normal work and activities in 4 to 5 days time.

Treatment Of Anorectal DisordersThese however, need to be performed by experienced Surgeons who have undergone extensive training in this specialty and have the know how and technical expertise.

Patients who suffer from these disorders should take full advantage of this new option available  to them with the host of benefits it offers. So, my advice to those with these problems is “ Act now ,don’t suffer in silence!”

Not paying attention to your nasal symptoms may turn your sinusitis chronic

Headache disorders Info Graphics in circle.Vector illustrationsApproximately 20% of the UAE population suffers from Chronic Sinusitis. Symptoms range from stuffy nose, nasal blockage, headache, facial pain, postnasal discharge, cough and bad breath. These are all symptoms of chronic sinusitis. The weather in UAE plays a significant role in the development of these symptoms. Fine sand in the air, humidity, allergies, sudden temperature changes too trigger it. Deviation of the nasal septum and nasal polyps too can lead to chronic sinusitis.

KNOW YOUR SYMPTOMS

When you have chronic sinusitis, the mucous membrane of the nose, sinuses and throat get inflamed, possibly from a pre-existing upper respiratory tract infection or allergies. Swelling obstructs the sinus opening and prevents normal mucous drainage, causes mucous and pressure to buildup.

Symptoms include – thick greenish post nasal discharge, nasal stuffiness, and pain around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead. There could be an associated reduced sense of smell and or taste.This condition if not treated on time can lead to Bronchitis, asthma or other respiratory diseases,

Many people with sinusitis either silently suffer or opt for self medication, making the problem worse leading to a chronic ailment. A common cold is usually caused by a viral infection and it gets better in approximately a week’s time. If it lasts for more than that, you need to see a Doctor.

HOW TO GET WELL

sinus-1Visual inspection, nasal endoscopy and CT scan, paranasal sinuses can help screen for chronic sinusitis. A CT scan can accurately diagnose chronic sinusitis. Once diagnosed, it is treated with nasal decongestants, steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, antibiotics etc.
Sinus surgery may be required when conservative treatment fails. Endoscopic sinus surgery is done under local or general anesthesia. The main aim of the surgery is to enlarge the natural opening of the sinuses and to restore the normal sino-nasal ventilation and drainage.

HOME REMEDIES THAT CAN HELP

  • Steam inhalation
  • Saline spray
  • Pain in the nose and sinuses can be relieved by warm compress.

TIPS TO AVOID SINUSITIS

  • Keep yourself hydrated – Drinking water prevents mucus from thickening and blocking the sinuses.
  • Avoid smoking – Smokers are more prone to suffer from sinusitis.
  • Consult a Doctor if a cold persists for more than 10 days.
  • Complete prescribed course of antibiotics. When indicatedHeadache disorders Info Graphics in circle.Vector illustrations

Pain Management Clinic

Pain is defined by International Association for study of Pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience with actual or potential tissue damage.

Conquering pain has been a major limitation for the more evolved human race. Pain imposes a burden on those who suffer from it and impairs quality of life. Most often, it is the common symptom that brings the patient to see a Physician. Pain most commonly presents as a warning sign for any pathological process in the body nevertheless may also cause agony without a specific purpose. The most common forms of pain encountered in daily medical practice are musculoskeletal pain 30-40 %, neck and back pain 30%, headaches less than 10%, and cancer pain 1-2 %.

            Pain Clinic at International Modern HospitalPain may be classified into different types based on the origin, duration, periodicity and nature of pain. Accordingly, Pain management can broadly be classified as acute and chronic pain management. While acute pain deals with perioperative pain, pain in labour, trauma, burns etc., and the latter includes a diverse group of patients in the outpatient setting. The management of acute pain is primarily therapeutic. Chronic pain management requires various pharmacological and non pharmacological approaches to tackle the multidimensional components of pain. At International Modern Hospital we take a holistic approach so as to not only treat the underlying cause but also provide psychological support and rehabilitation to ailing patient.

Pain Clinic at International Modern HospitalPain management largely comprises of pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities, commonly being medication, counselling, relaxation techniques, electrical stimulation and local anaesthetics. Few Prescribed medications include anti-depressants and systemic local anaesthetics.

Pain Clinic at International Modern HospitalAt International Modern Hospital we undertake Interventional modalities which include diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks, facet blocks, epidural steroids, intra articular injections, trigger point injections for myofacial syndromesetc. Therapeutic adjuvants include Psychiatric counselling, physiotherapy and electrical stimulation. Unrelieved and inadequate relief of pain is continuing to be a global health problem and serious efforts have to be taken to provide pain treatment as it is definitely a basic human right.

Easy Mouth Exercises To Help Stop Your Snoring

250px-tonsils_diagramSnoring is the vibration of respiratory structures and the resulting sound due to obstructed air movement during breathing while sleeping. In some cases, the sound may be soft, but in most cases, it can be loud and unpleasant. Snoring during sleep may be a sign, or first alarm, of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The following excercises could help you either stop or control snoring to some extend.

1. Push the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth and slide it backward 20 times.

move1_0

2. Suck your tongue upward against the roof of your mouth 20 times.

move2_0

3. Push the back of your tongue down while keeping the tip touching the inside of your front teeth 20 times

move3_0

4. Lift your soft palate and uvula 20 times

move4_0

5. Using your index finger, press your cheek muscle away from your teeth 10 times on each side

move5_0

6. When you’re eating, bite down, and then lift your tongue to the roof of your mouth as you swallow, without tightening your cheek muscles.

move6_0

Just like with any exercises, if you don’t keep up with them, you don’t get the benefits

How to control Screen Addiction in your kid

screen-time-and-games-heighten-aggression-and-decrease-social-skillsChildren are not immune to forces that have driven many adults toward healthy lifestyles and spa and wellness therapies. They too are living in an electronic-gadget-obsessed world, crouching over devices, as they’re fed information and images at incredible speed. Children spend more time than ever hunched over glowing screens.

  1. Talk with your child about his/her excessive computer usage.Find out if there are any specific reasons that he/she spends so much time on the computer – sometimes the computer functions as an escape from reality. If your child is facing problems that are causing a desire to “escape”, try to address those.
  2. Move the computer to an open area if it’s not already in one –it makes it easier to monitor their usage.
  3. Set a password for the computer so that only you can log on to it.Your child will have to ask to be logged on to the computer in order to use it. However, this is not recommended for older children in the house, who will need this for study etc.
  4. Set a time limit on the amount of time your child can spend on the computer each day.
  5. Replace the time that your child would normally spend on the computer with other activities – play board games with them, take them to the library, get them together with friends to play sports, etc.
  6. Be aware of what your child is doing on the computer.Check the Internet browser’s history to see what websites he/she’s visiting.

Weaning foods for children

babyIntroducing your baby to solid foods – sometimes called weaning or complementary feeding – should start when your baby is around six months old.It’s a really important step in their development, and it can be great fun to explore new flavours and textures together.

Three signs your baby is ready for thir first food

There are three clear signs that, together, show your baby is ready for solid foods alongside breast milk or formula. It’s very rare for these signs to appear together before your baby is six months old.

  1. They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady.
  2. They can co-ordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so they can look at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, all by themselves.
  3. They can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will push their food back out with their tongue, so they get more round their face than they do in their mouths.

Some signs that can be mistaken for a baby being ready for solid foods:

  • chewing fists
  • waking in the night when they have previously slept through
  • wanting extra milk feeds

These are normal behaviours and not necessarily a sign of hunger or being ready to start solid food. Starting solid foods won’t make them any more likely to sleep through the night. Extra feeds are usually enough until they’re ready for other food.

When can I introduce weaning foods to my baby?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breast feeding alone up to the age of 6 months. After 6 months babies need complementary feeding to provide adequate supply of nutrients.

Step 1: Your baby is now 6 months old (completed 6 months)

  • Purées of vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin , potato, sweet potato
  • Purées of fruits, such as ripe cooked apple, pear , or mashed banana
  • Gluten-free baby cereals, such as rice cereal mixed with baby’s usual milk

Milk is still a major part of the baby’s diet. If you are breastfeeding, you can continue breastfeeding till baby is two years old.

Purées may be easiest for your baby at first. However, babies can quickly learn to chew soft, lumpy food even if they have no teeth. Ensure the food is well mashed and gradually make the food a thicker consistency.

Try to limit the number of sweet or cereal purées to one a day, and always include a vegetable purée. 

Don’t add salt or sugar, honey or other sweeteners to your baby’s food. 

Step 2: Baby is taking puréed food well

If baby is taking puréed food well, time to increase the variety in their food.

  • Purées of lean meat or poultry
  • Purées of lentils or split peas 
  • Purées of mixed vegetables with potatoes or rice
  • Purées which include green vegetables, such as peas, cabbage , spinach or broccoli
  • Full cream milk, yoghurt, cream cheese, paneeror custard.

Do not give cow’s (or goat or sheep’ milk) as baby’s main milk till they are atleast one year old. 

Make changes in child’s diet when they are well. This is to avoid attributing the symptoms of illness to change in diet.

Some foods are more likely to cause allergies than others. These should be introduced one at a time. These foods are:

  • Milk products such as cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais, paneer etc (Use full fat variety)
  • Fish and shell fish
  • Soya beans
  • Citrus fruit (including orange juice)
  • Wheat, rye and barley based foods such as bread, flour, pasta, some breakfast cereals and rusks.
  • Nuts, especially if your family has a history of allergies.

Step 3: Baby food from seven to nine months

Now is the time to introduce more variety in baby’s food.

Remember that most baby food can be easily made at home. 

  • Mashed or minced food, not purées. Be sure to include some lumps.
  • A wider range of starchy foods such as khichdi suji upmasuji kheersabudaana kheerdalia, bread. Baby breadsticks, breakfast cereals, oats, in addition to cornmeal, potatoes, rice and millet are also good options. Give two to three servings a day of starchy foods.
  • Cooled, filtered and boiled waterfrom a sipper with a soft spout, when she is thirsty. This is in addition to her daily breastmilk or 500-600 mls of formula.
  • Keeping juice to meal times helps with iron absorption and reduces the risk of damage to emerging teeth.
  • Citrus fruits, such as oranges (santara), kinnow (keenu) and sweetlime (mosambi).
  • Fish, lean red meat, poultry and lentils. Aim for one serving of protein-rich food a day.
  • Nut butters as long as there is no family history of allergic diseases. Use unsalted smooth versions, or make your own.
  • Dairy products, such as paneer, yoghurt and cheese. You should wait until one year to introduce cow’s milk as a drink. However, it can be used in small amounts for cooking foods.
  • Follow-on formula, if you wish.
  • Finger foods such as cooked green beans (frans been) or carrots (gajar), cubes of cheese, slices of banana (kela) or soft pear (nashpati).

If you are buying canned food, do ensure they do not contain excess salt or sugar. Adult canned food is not recommended for babies as it contains excess salt or sugar.

Step 4: Meals from 10 months

Meals should be more adult-like now. They should be chopped or minced. You may like to follow a two to three meal a day pattern along with one or two snacks. Continue to offer breastmilk or 500-600mls of formula milk. 

At this stage your baby should be having:

  • three or four servings of starchy foods, such as khichdi, rice, daldalia, or potatoes, a day
  • one serving of meat, fish, well-cooked eggs, or two of pulses (lentils, peas, beans) or nut butters
  • one to two servings of cheese, paneeror yoghurt as well as breastmilk or formula milk.

What foods should I not give my baby if she is under a year?

  • Salt: Adding salt to baby food is neither needed nor recommended in the  first year of life
  • Honey. Even if she has a cough, your baby shouldn’t have honey until she’s one.
  • Sugar. Try sweetening desserts with mashed banana or a purée of stewed dried fruit. Or you could use expressed breast milk or formula milk.
  • Artificial sweeteners. Diet drinks or squashes containing artificial sweeteners are not suitable for your baby. They are not nutritious and can encourage a<style=”color: #000000;”>sweet tooth.
  • Whole nuts.These are a choking hazard.
  • Tea or coffee. The tannin in tea may prevent her from absorbing the iron in her food properly. Any caffeinated drink is unsuitable for your baby.
  • Low-fat foods. Single or double toned milk, yoghurts and reduced-fat cheeses aren’t right for your baby. Always offer your baby the full-fat versions. She needs the calories.
  • Foods which may carry a risk of food poisoning; such as soft mould-ripened cheeses (brie, camembert), liver pâté, and soft-boiled or raw eggs.
  • Cow’s (or goat’s or sheep’s) milkas a main drink under one year. 

Preventing Dry, Irritated Winter Skin

Hydrate: 

Low humidity paired with artificial heating is the perfect recipe for parched skin. Protecting your skin should start with adequate water intake, so keep your bottle with you and stay hydrated during the day, even if you aren’t sweating. In addition, you can use a hydrating mist or toner on skin before applying a moisturizer. If you’re feeling extra dry, this step can go a long way to soothing irritation and helping your moisturizer do its work.

freshed face beauty

Moisturize:

Your skin’s protective layer can be damaged during winter, which prevents it from maintaining a normal amount of oil and protecting itself from water loss. Pair hydration with a good-quality natural moisturizer for both your face and body. For face, look for a serum, which offers the most concentrated source of protective oils. Don’t worry, serums won’t make your skin oily!. When paired with a hydrator like the Hydrating Accelerator, you’ve got a wrinkle-fighting, skin-plumping, winter-protective duo to keep your skin glowing throughout the season. For body, look for a balm or body oil that is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants. With a high concentration of camellia seed oil, this organic body serum absorbs deeply and helps restore skin’s moisture balance.

Be Gentle:

Are you combating acne and oily skin with harsh soaps? Are you using scented shower gel to wash your face? If so, now’s the time to nix cleansing products with alcohol, fragrance, preservatives, and dyes. For many, these kinds of products can exacerbate underlying skin problems, especially in winter. Instead, try a soap-free cleanser, a gentle soap-based cleanser, or an oil cleanser. By protecting your skin from harsh detergents, it will maintain its balance and be better able to protect itself from water-sucking conditions. Making the switch early on means less irritation and less reparative work on your end.

Treat: 

You can’t moisturize dead skin. If you’re looking flaky or lackluster, on a weekly basis use a gentle buffing exfoliant or antioxidant mask to gently reveal soft, glowing skin. Make sure to follow up with a hydrator and moisturizer! Also, be sure to keep a treatment balm for hands and lips with you at all times. Travel-size products are ideal for stashing in a purse, briefcase, or desk, and can be a simple skin-saving solution.

caucasian smiling woman applies moisturizer onto face

Nourish:

Oh, winter, how you toy with us. With sweaters and blankets keeping us cozy, cookies and cocoa add to our winter warmth, but they also contribute to dull skin, breakouts, and more generally, a sluggish demeanor punctuated by thoughts of regret. No one wants that, so indulge responsibly and try noshing on natural and whole-food snacks that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated and nourished will help your skin from the inside out.

Winter Lipcare

Having healthy lips in winter, maybe a dream come true for many. The skin on your lips is very thin and has no oil glands to prevent it from chapping. So it is completely your potential to keep them healthy. Even the most expensive lipstick will not cure the dryness of your lips. Protecting your lips from dryness is not just important for appearance, but also for health. You may end up with bacterial infections, cold sores and other problems if they are chappy. They will also effect your smile and damage your self esteem..

Lip-balm-dries-lips-winter

Causes For Chapped Lips:
There are different reasons for chapped lips, but here are a few that are extremely common:
1. Weather change – heat or cold
2. Aging plays a very important role in causing dry lips
3. Biting your lips will result in bleeding and cracked lips
4. Licking your lips is the worst habit!
5. Touching lips with fingers will transfer the bacteria on your hands to your lips and cause infections ( also aggravate chapped lips)
6. Dehydration
7. Usage of excessive chemicals (Lipsticks)
8. Any form of alcohol can provoke skin irritation
9. Any product with chemical preservatives
10. Leaving the lipstick on, while going to sleep
11. Using lip balms with alcohol, retinol and menthol
Women who like to chew on their lips wearing lipstick, will consume about 4 to 9 pounds of lipstick in their life time! All these may seem common but they affect your health, severely. They make the skin on the lips dry, rough and sensitive.

Protecting Your Lips:
For a long lasting moisture on the lips, you need to treat them from outside as well as from the inside. It is extremely important to consume plenty of water everyday. This will keep your lips moisturized from within, as it nourishes and protects the skin. If your diet has low levels of vitamin B, you are more prone to chapped lips. Including red meat, fortified cereals, skim milk, Swiss cheese, eggs and silken tofu to your diet will bring about a great change in your lips. The most important points to protect your lips are:
1. Quit smoking! It will completely spoil your lips and it may become too late to regain the color and texture of your lips.
2. Always keep your lips moisturized by applying a natural lip balm.
3. Apply lip balm before going to bed.
4. Licking your lips is a bad habit. Yes, it may look like it is keeping your skin moisturized for a moment, but it worsens the situation! The wind will dry your lips in a minute and you have to keep licking them. This process is unending and will become a major condition, by spreading away from the lips. So it is better to keep them moisturized with a lip balm.
5. For the winter season, you need to choose lip balms with extra moisturizing agents. The lip balms you choose should have a long lasting effect. They will keep your lips moisturized for a longer period of time. It is an added advantage if the lip balm contains SPF in it. The lip balms which contain the following are the best for your lips.

 Shea Butter: Shea butter acts as a natural sun block and it has allantoin, which is a healing agent. This is the best ingredient to have in a lip balm. It gives a soothing effect to the lips.
 Aloe Vera: As we all know, Aloe Vera consists of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents which protect the skin from any kind of infections. Aloe Vera is also very soothing and moisturizing, when applied on the lips.
 Glycerin: Glycerin is a natural skin softer and it holds agents that bind moisture and skin together.
 Jojoba Oil: It is one of the best nourishing oils for the skin. It softens and lubricates the skin, when it is applied.
 Vitamin E: It is a powerful antioxidant and moisturizing agent. It protects the lips from the sun.
 Coconut oil: Coconut oil relieves dry and itchy skin. It also softens and moisturizes the lips.
 Beeswax: It is a non allergic skin softener, that moisturizes and nourishes the skin. It consists of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents that guard and protect the skin.
 Vitamin A and D: These are pro-active vitamin complexes that are skin friendly. They contain fatty acids that are easily absorbed into the skin. They help to soothe and heal the skin effectively.

6. If you are in a habit of using lipstick everyday, choose the ones with moisturizing ingredients. It is better to avoid lipstick, especially in winter. Instead, you can use a moisturizing lip balm, with a tint of lip color.
Home Remedies To Treat Chapped Lips:
The golden secrets of gaining fresh, soft and luscious lips are by using home remedies. They are cheap, surely available and accessible at any time. If you use these secret tips, your lips will look moisturized and healthy, even without using lipsticks or lip balms. So try these simple remedies to cure your lips and enjoy an ever lasting moisture.
Honey:
Using honey to moisturize your lips is the best. You need to apply this in the night, before going to bed. It is the best way to clean your lips. It will also cure dark lips, caused due to sun exposure.
Ghee:
Ghee has the same effect on the lips as honey. You need to apply a few drops of ghee on your lips, before going to sleep. It will give you smooth and soft lips, within no time.
Green Tea Bags:
The oldest home remedy followed by many is green tea bags. Press one used green tea bag, against your lips for at least 4 minutes. You need to do this everyday to increase the moisture of your lips. This is the best natural remedy used to cure chapped lips.
Lemon Juice:
This remedy will help to prevent aging of the skin. It nourishes the sensitive skin on your lips, leaving them smoother and softer than before. Take a small bowl and mix one teaspoon of cream (milk) with 3 drops of lemon juice. Place the bowl in the fridge for an hour. Remove the mixture and apply it on and around the lips, before going to sleep. If you repeat this procedure for three days, you will notice best results. You can also continue it everyday to prevent the lips from aging.
Rose Water and Glycerin:
Rose water and glycerin is a great combination. It provides glowing and amazing skin, with regular use. You need to take a tablespoon of glycerin and rose water. The measurement may vary according to the need of each person. You need to take equal quantities of both the ingredients. Mix it together and apply this mixture to your lips, as well as your whole face, before going to sleep. You will see mind blowing results in 5 days time!
Glycerin and Honey:
Honey and glycerin will help to prevent wrinkles and dry skin. You need to take a teaspoon of honey and add very few drops of glycerin to it. Apply this mixture on the lips and leave it on for 15 minutes. Wash it off with normal water. Apply a few drops of glycerin again and leave it over night. This tip is extremely useful and prevents the lips from wrinkling.
Jojoba Oil:
This remedy gives a natural instant relief from severely chapped lips. All you need to do is take a few drops of jojoba oil and apply it on the affected area. You need to leave it on for about 15 minutes. Jojoba oil helps in a speedy recovery of your lips. It will get the moisture back into your lips, by nurturing the skin cells in the lips. It helps in building new skin cells which will repair the skin immediately.
Cucumber:
Cucumber is a vegetable with all the goodness in the world. You need to take a peeled cucumber and crush it. Extract the juice and apply this onto your lips. Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off with normal water. You will see a major difference if you use this remedy regularly.
Sugar Scrub:
You can exfoliate your lips by using a good scrub. Even a small brush will do to remove the dead cells on your lips. But the best scrub for lips is sugar. It is easily accessible from your kitchen. You can take 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and add 2 drops of olive oil to it. Scrub your lips gently with this mixture. After 3 to 5 minutes of scrubbing, you can wash it off with normal water. Apply a good lip balm after wiping your lips with a cloth. This remedy will make you lips shiny and softer than before.

Kidney Disease and Heart Health

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem, both for the number of patients and cost of treatment involved. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease accounting for 30 per cent of these patients. Other causes of kidney disease are chronic glomerulonephritis (19.3 per cent), hypertension (14 per cent), chronic interstitial disease and vesico-ureteral reflux (12.6 per cent), obstruction and stone (9.3 per cent), cystic disease and other hereditary diseases (8.4 per cent), undiagnosed (6.2 per cent). Incidence of CKD has doubled in the past 15 years and is rapidly rising. One reason is the rapidly increasing worldwide incidence of diabetes and hypertension. Approximately 30 per cent of patients with diabetes mellitus develop diabetic kidney disease.

tumblr_ns8e3gmdCA1rklae9o1_500

Cardio V ascular Diseases – BURDEN

Many people with CKD would be surprised to learn that the biggest health risk they face is heart disease.But, it’s true! CKD patients have extremely high risk of developing CARDIO VASCULAR DISEASE (CVD, angina, heart attack, heart failure, sudden cardiac death, stroke/paralysis and peripheral vascular diseases) compared with the general population, so much so that in the early stages of CKD patients are more likely to develop CVD and die of CVD than they are to progress to ESRD (stage of advanced kidney disease requiring dialysis or renal transplant). This risk is more apparent in younger patients e.g. a 35 year old man on dialysis has the same risk of a cardiovascular death as an 80 year old not on dialysis. In addition CKD patients have a worse outcome with higher mortality after acute myocardial infarction (MI) and have a higher risk of recurrent MI, heart failure and sudden cardiac death.

RISK FACTORS

Much of the problems come from the fact that people with kidney disease often have many risk factors for CVD. Most CKD patients have a combination of ‘traditional’ and ‘kidney-specific’ risk factors.

TRADITIONAL RISK FACTORS

Some risk factors have been linked with a higher risk of CVD in the general population. These ‘traditional ‘risk factors include:

• Smoking

• High blood pressure

• Obesity

• High cholesterol

• Poorly controlled diabetes

• Family history of heart disease

• Male gender

There is increased prevalence of many traditional factors for cardiovascular risk in CKD (age, male gender, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and physical inactivity).

KIDNEY-SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS

Additional CVD risk factors are the direct result of kidney disease itself. Kidney-specific risk factors include:

• Anaemia

• Inflammation

• Reduced glomerular filtration rate

• Urine protein including albumin

• Abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism

• Fluid overload

cardiac

REDUCING CARDIAC RISKS

A comprehensive approach, rather than isolating treatment to a specific indication is required to lower cardiovascular risk. CKD patients with diabetes should achieve a good control of blood sugar levels by testing blood sugar frequently, taking medicines regularly and on time, and following prescribed meal plan. Drug treatment for hyperlipidemia (increased cholesterol), secondary hyperparathyroidism (calcium and phosphorus metabolism) and anaemia is recommended to decreases the CVD mortality. Folic acid and vitamin B supplements in selected group of patients helps in correcting anaemia and also may decrease CVD risk. An important aspect of strategy to decrease CVD risk in renal disease patients is lifestyle modification. A healthy lifestyle should be maintained by all CKD patients, including dialysis

How to Prevent Eye Strain While Watching TV

If you spend your whole day using the computer and then go home and watch TV, your eyes will definitely start to feel the strain. Here are some simple tips to prevent eye strain while you watch TV.

reality-clipart-tv1 Watching-TV-010

Keep the lights on.
We all love snuggling up in bed and watching TV with the lights off, but this is really bad for the eyes. Keep the lights on when you watch TV, so that your eyes don’t get tired.
Take breaks.
Instead of keeping your eyes glued to the TV for hours on end, take frequent breaks to prevent eye strain. Blink often, and every time there is a commercial, get up and walk around for a few minutes. This will not only relax your eyes, but prevent back problems as well. While you are walking around, try to focus your eyes on objects that are far away.
Reduce the glare.
Try to position yourself so that there is no glare on the screen. One way to do this is to ensure that the screen is at a 90˚ angle from any source of light. You can also wear anti-glare glasses to protect your eyes from the glare.
Maintain the right distance.
You should be 8-10 feet away from your TV. It should be at the correct height, either at your eye level or just below it. You should never be looking up at it.
Relieve the strain.
If your eyes feel strained after watching TV, there are certain things you can do to make them feel better. Massage your eyes gently, apply a hot compress on them or do some simple eye exercises. Make it a point to get 8 hours of sleep every night to rest your eyes.
Upgrade your TV.
If you have been trying to convince your spouse that you’ll need a new TV, you finally have the perfect excuse! If you’re still using an older television, switch over to a flat screen one, since those give off less of a glare. Also, the bigger the better, since the larger the screen is the less your eyes have to strain to focus.

Could It Be COPD ?

Do you know what COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is? This chronic lung disease is a major cause of illness, yet many people have it and don’t know it. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. “Progressive” means that the disease gets worse over time.

If you answer these questions, it will help you find out if you could have COPD:

1. Do you cough several times most days?
         Yes                          No

2. Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?
         Yes                          No

3. Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?
         Yes                          No

4. Are you older than 40 years?
         Yes                          No

5. Are you a current smoker or an ex-smoker?
         Yes                          No

If you answered “YES” to three or more of these questions, ask your doctor if you might have COPD.

Finding COPD early gives the best chance to prevent further lung damage. However, treatments are available to help people at all stages of disease feel better and live a more active life.

It’s not too late to get help for COPD!

COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide, ranking behind ischemic heart disease and stroke. It kills nearly 3 million people a year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. And yet perhaps one-quarter to one-half of people with the disease don’t know they have it. It is COPD, which means Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a life-threatening disease that progressively robs people of breath. Yet there is good news. There is help for COPD. COPD can be diagnosed with a quick, painless lung function test called spirometry—it’s almost as simple as blowing out the candles on a birthday cake.And for people diagnosed with COPD, there are medications and treatments available to help them feel better and live longer.

Today is World COPD Day!

So, if you are a current or ex-smoker, are over age 40, and you have symptoms like a chronic cough, bringing up phlegm, and breathlessness, it’s time for a checkup. It’s not too late to get help for COPD!

Hysteroscopy

What is hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside the uterus in order to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. Hysteroscopy is done using a hysteroscope – a thin, lighted tube that is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and inside of the uterus.

hysteroscope

Why is hysteroscopy done?

One of the most common uses for hysteroscopy is to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Abnormal bleeding can mean that a woman’s menstrual periods are heavier or longer than usual or occur less often or more often than normal. Bleeding between menstrual periods also is abnormal. Hysteroscopy may be either diagnostic or operative.

What is diagnostic hysteroscopy?

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to diagnose problems of the uterus such as abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, repeated miscarriages, adhesions, fibroids, polyps, or to locate displaced intrauterine devices (IUDs). It may also be used to confirm the results of other tests such as hysterosalpingography (HSG). Other instruments or techniques, such as dilation and curettage (D&C) and laparoscopy, are sometimes used in conjunction with the hysteroscopy.

What is operative hysteroscopy?

Operative hysteroscopy is used to correct an abnormal condition that has been detected during a diagnostic hysteroscopy, avoiding the need for a second surgery. During operative hysteroscopy, small instruments used to correct the condition are inserted through the hysteroscope.

When is operative hysteroscopy used?

 Hysteroscopy may be performed to correct the following uterine conditions:

  • Polyps and fibroids – Hysteroscopy is used to remove these non-cancerous growths found in the uterus.
  • Adhesions – also known as Asherman’s Syndrome, uterine adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form in the uterus and may lead to changes in menstrual flow as well as infertility. Hysteroscopy can help locate and remove the adhesions.
  • Septums ­ – Hysteroscopy can help determine whether you have a uterine septum, a malformation of the uterus that is present from birth.
  • Infertility – tubal blockage at uterine end can be opened through hysteroscopy by cornual cannulation
  • Abnormal bleeding – Hysteroscopy can help identify the cause of heavy or lengthy menstrual flow, as well as bleeding between periods.
  • Postmenopausal bleeding – Hysteroscopy is also performed to determine the cause of unexplained bleeding or spotting in postmenopausal women
  • Removal of foreign body or a missing IUCD

What are the benefits of hysteroscopy?

Compared with other, more invasive procedures, hysteroscopy may provide the following advantages:

  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Less pain medication needed after surgery
  • Avoidance of hysterectomy
  • Possible avoidance of “open” abdominal surgery

How safe is hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a relatively safe procedure. However, as with any type of surgery, complications are possible. With hysteroscopy, complications occur in less than 1 percent of cases and can include:

  • Risks associated with anesthesia
  • Infection
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Injury to the cervix, uterus, adjacent organs
  • Intrauterine scarring

When should the procedure be performed?

It may be recommended to schedule the hysteroscopy for the first week after your menstrual period. This timing will provide the doctor with the best view of the inside of the uterus.

What type of anesthesia is used for hysteroscopy?

Anesthesia for hysteroscopy may be local, regional, or general:

How is hysteroscopy performed?

Prior to the procedure, one may be prescribed a medication to help you relax. You will then be prepared for anesthesia. The hysteroscope is inserted through vagina and cervix into the uterus. Saline is then inserted into the uterus, through the hysteroscope, to expand it and to clear away any blood or mucus. A light shone through the hysteroscope allows the doctor to see inside the uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes into the uterine cavity. Finally, if surgery needs to be performed, small instruments are inserted into the uterus through the hysteroscope.

The time it takes to perform hysteroscopy can range from less than 5 minutes to more than an hour. The length of the procedure depends on whether it is diagnostic or operative and whether an additional procedure, such as laparoscopy, is planned at the same time.

How will I be prepared for hysteroscopy?

If you are having general anesthesia in the hospital, you will be told not to eat or drink anything for a certain period of time (usually after midnight the night before) before the procedure. Routine lab tests may be ordered as well for women having a hysteroscopy in the hospital. You will be asked to empty your bladder and your vaginal area will be cleansed with an antiseptic

What can I expect after the procedure?

If regional or general anesthesia is used during your procedure, you may have to be observed for several hours before going home. After the procedure, you may have some cramping or slight vaginal bleeding for one to two days. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor:

  • Fever
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge

Will I have to stay in the hospital overnight?

Hysteroscopy is considered minor surgery and usually does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. However, in certain circumstances, such as if your doctor is concerned about your reaction to anesthesia an overnight stay may be required.

Who is a candidate for this procedure?

Although there are many benefits associated with hysteroscopy, it may not be appropriate for some patients. A doctor who specializes in this procedure will consult with your primary care physician to determine whether it is appropriate for you.

Limb Lengthening

How Does It Work?

The limb lengthening process works by gradually growing new bone and soft tissues (skin, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, etc). This new growth is called tissue regeneration.

Bone and soft tissue regenerate when they are distracted (pulled apart) at a very slow rate of approximately 1 mm per day. If the rate of distraction is faster than this, bone may fail to form between the two ends of the bone that are being pulled apart. Then, soft tissues, such as muscle, may experience contracture (get too tight) or nerves may become paralyzed. If the rate of distraction is too slow, premature consolidation may occur (the bone may consolidate too soon), preventing the lengthening device from further pulling it apart.

There are many different lengthening devices used. The most common are external fixators, which are devices that attach to the bone by means of thin wires or thicker pins that have a screw threading at their attachment to the bone. There are also lengthening devices that are fully implanted inside the bone. These devices do not require external pins. The different devices are described separately.

There are two phases of lengthening until the bone is fully healed: the distraction phase and the consolidation phase. The distraction phase is the lengthening phase. After the desired length is obtained, the newly regenerated bone is still very weak because of lack of calcium within it. The hardening and calcification of this new bone is called the consolidation phase.

METHODS OF LENGTHENING:-

A variety of orthopedic devices are used to distract the bone and soft tissues. The decision regarding which device to use is an individualized one dependent upon the desired correction.

There are two general types of devices: external fixators and internal fixators. The external devices attach to the bone from outside the body by means of wires and threaded pins. The internal devices are implanted inside the body and lie on the bone or inside the marrow cavity of the bone.

The best known and most versatile techniques are with monolateral (one-sided or straight bar) external fixators (e.g., Orthofix, EBI) and circular external fixators (e.g., Ilizarov, TSF). External fixators are applicable to almost all cases. To shorten the time in the external fixator, combinations of the external fixator method with an internal nail to perform the lengthening over nail (LON) technique. However, this method is not applicable to all cases.

A fully implantable self-lengthening nail (ISKD) is also used. It has an internal mechanism that performs the lengthening and thereby eliminates the need for an external fixator. This method is available for certain cases.

External Fixation Alone
When only an external fixator is used, the fixator needs to remain in place for both the distraction and consolidation phases. If the fixator were removed at the end of the distraction phase, the new bone would collapse and re shortens. Therefore the external fixator needs to remain in place until the regenerated bone appears solid enough on the radiographs (x-rays). At that point, the device can be removed. Often, a cast is applied to temporarily protect the bone from breakage for an additional short time.

The total time in the external fixator can be estimated to be approximately 1 month for each centimeter lengthened in children and 1.5 to 2 months or longer per centimeter in adults.

Lengthening over Nail
Lengthening over Nail or LON was developed in order to decrease the external fixator treatment time, eliminate the need for post-removal casting, and decrease the risk of breakage of the new bone.

With LON, a metal rod is inserted into the bone along with the external fixator. The rod fits in the marrow cavity of the center of the bone, and the external fixator is applied around the peripheral part of the bone so that the external fixator pins do not come in contact with the metal rod. The bone is lengthened as described above.

After lengthening is completed, the patient goes back to the operating room for the insertion of special screws that lock the rod to the bone. With screws at both ends of the rod on opposite sides of the lengthening zone, the external fixator is no longer needed, and is removed during the same operation.

Therefore, the total external fixation treatment time is much shorter, and is equal to the distraction phase. This usually reduces external fixator time to less than half.

Fully Implantable Lengthening Nails and Prostheses
The most recent development is that of a fully implantable devices that can lengthen the limb from within. There is no need for an external fixator. This has many advantages, including no risk of pin infection, no muscle tethering by the pins, less pain, and better comfort. Unfortunately, , this method is mostly limited to older children and adults. Therefore, many patients cannot be treated by this method.

Leg length discrepancy correction

limb1

Bow leg correction

limb2

Bedsore or Pressure Sore

What are bedsores?

A bedsore is an area of broken down skin and underlying tissue to form ulcers. Bedsores are also known as pressure sores, decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers and pressure wounds.

What causes bedsores?

Bedsores are caused from a lack of blood flow and from mechanical stress to the skin and tissues over a bony area that has been under pressure for a prolonged period. If blood supply is cut off to an area of skin for more than 2 or 3 hours the skin is deprived of oxygen and begins to die. In addition, when slowly sliding down a bed or chair, friction to the outer skin layer such as from wrinkled bedding and clothing contribute to skin injury and ulcers. Excessive exposure to moisture such as sweat, blood, urine or faeces also increases the likelihood of bedsores.

Who is at risk of bedsores?

People whom are immobile due to illness or injury are at greatest risk of getting bedsores. These people may be wheelchair-bound or bedridden and are unable to change position without assistance. Also at risk are people whom, due to nerve damage from injury or illness such as diabetes or stroke, are unable to sense pain or signals that normally make people move. Elderly people are also at greater risk because their skin is thinner and more fragile.

Different pressure points on the human body while lying down

  1. Occiput or back of the head
  2. Both elbows
  3. Sacrum or lower back
  4. Both the gluteal regions or buttocks
  5. Both heels

What are the signs and symptoms of bedsores?

Bedsores are classified into stages according to wound severity.

Stage Features
1 ·   Skin is unbroken but shows a pink or reddened area

·   May look like a mild sunburn

·   Skin may be tender, itchy or painful

 1
2 ·   Skin is red, swollen and painful

·   Blisters that may be broken or intact may be present

·   Upper layers of skin begin to die

·   Wound is prone to infection

 2
3 ·  Sore has broken through the skin and wound extends down to deeper layers of skin tissue

·  Crater-like ulcers are present

·  Wound is prone to infection

 3
4 ·   Sore extends past the skin and into fat, muscle and bone tissue

·   Blackened dead tissue called eschar may be seen in deep opened wounds

 4

What is the treatment for bedsores?

Bedsores can be difficult to treat once they go beyond stage 2. In the early stages when the skin is still intact bedsores usually heal by themselves once the pressure has been removed. Use of special ointments can prevent further bedsore infections. Once the skin is broken the main aim is to prevent infection and protect the sore so that it can heal. Special dressings  may be used to help the healing process. Occasionally dead tissue may be removed with a scalpel (debridement, either in the ward or the patient may be required to be taken up in the operation room).

Therapeutic devices include:

  • The newest and promising mode of therapy for pressure sore is Negative Pressure Wound Therapy NPWT) also known as Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC).
  • Hydrotherapy debridement, using saline solution in a syringe or water pressure jets.
  • Chemical debridement using special debriding agent

Deep bedsores are very difficult to treat and often require surgical treatment to remove dead and decaying tissue. Sometimes healthy skin may be transplanted to the damaged area. Infections need treatment with antibiotics. In severe or life-threatening situations amputation of limbs may be necessary.

Can bedsores be prevented?

Bedsore can be managed if proper care is given to the bedridden patient from the very beginning.

  • Correct malnutrition if present (fluid, energy, protein, vitamins and minerals)
  • Daily inspection of an immobile person’s skin to detect early redness
  • Frequent repositioning of the patient (recommendation is to turn them every 2 hours)
  • Keep the skin clean
  • Special foam, fibre and gels as padding materials used on chairs and beds to relieve the pressure on bony prominences
  • Powered alternating-pressure mattresses and overlays

Prevention of bedsores is the best approach as established bedsores can be painful and life threatening. They also lengthen hospital stays and increase medical costs dramatically.

International Modern Hospital

Include healthy fats in your diet

Include healthy fats in your diet

Eating fat doesn’t necessarily make you fat! Many immune supportive vitamins, like Vitamin E or beta-carotene and hormones, like Vitamin D require some fat in the diet for absorption. Fat is a rich source of energy, you should try and eat no more than your recommendation intake. It is also important to choose unsaturated fats as much as possible, such as those found in oily fish, nuts and seed, avocado, and spreads made from sunflower, rapeseed and olive oil.

 
×