MGS Hospital: Common monsoon diseases and tips to keep them at bay

Monsoon brings dollops of relief, and some unwanted guests too. Doctors from MGS Hospital urge people to take special precautions to ward off a host of diseases that invade our bodies during the rainy season.  Here is a list of the some of the most common health issues that you could fall prey to during monsoon:

Dengue, Malaria &Chikungunya

Rainy season serves as the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, thus leading to ailments like dengue, malaria and chikungunya. While malaria is caused by a female anopheles mosquito, dengue and chikungunya fever are transmitted through an infected aedesalbopictus mosquito. The symptoms include high fever, shivers, weakness, muscle pain, and rash. Preventive measures include cleaning water containers regularly, wearing clothes that keep the hands and legs covered, and applying an insect repellant.

Influenza

It is a viral infection of the respiratory system. It is highly contagious and can quickly spread by coming in contact with an infected person (coughs, sneezes or handshakes), or a contaminated surface. The symptoms of this viral fever include headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough and joint pain. It can last for as long as 7 days. Doctors recommend washing hands frequently and avoiding crowded places to keep the infection at bay.

Typhoid

The disease results from consumption of contaminated water or food. Salmonella typhimurium bacteria is the main culprit. Headache, high fever, stomach pain, vomiting, loose stools, and weakness are the most common symptoms of typhoid. Therefore, it is advised to drink boiled or filtered water during rainy season. Also, avoiding street food can save you from the contamination caused by flies and other insects.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea refers to an infection of the bowel. It is caused by virus, bacteria and parasites. Apart from loose and watery stools, the disease leads to abdominal pain and cramps, bloating, vomiting, fever, excessive thirst, and weight loss. Washing hands before eating, drinking boiled water and maintaining proper hygiene are some of the preventive measures.

Leptospirosis

Also called Weil’s syndrome, leptospirosis is a bacterial infection. It is caused by coming in contact with the urine and feces of infected animals like rodents. Logged waterand soil are the common carriers. Fever, body ache, redness in the eyes, shiver, and inflammation mark the onset of the disease. To prevent it, always wear properly-fitted shoes to protect your feet from infected flood water. Also, control the spread of rodents using rat traps.

For more such preventive health tips, visit http://mgshospital.com/ or call (01145111444).

Can Diabetes cause Erectile Dysfunction? Get answers from certified urologists at MGS Hospital

Do you have diabetes? Chances are high that if you are a male with uncontrolled blood sugar levels, you might experience impotence or sexual dysfunction at some point in your life. “More than 35% men with diabetes complain of some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED),” states a senior urologist from MGS Hospital. Several studies point towards the fact that the problems related to having or retaining an erection become severe in diabetic men aged 50 and above.

Sexual health experts from MGS Hospital explain the relation between diabetes and ED.

A panel of sexual health from MGSHospital explains that diabetes is a metabolic disease that leads to impairments in nerve, blood vessels, and muscles. The disorder impacts the desire to have sex or be sexually stimulated in men. Also, diabetes cuts down the production of adequate amounts of male hormones. Moreover, nerve and artery damage in the genitals caused by diabetes disrupt the blood flow required for a firm erection.

Urologists at MGS Hospital also throw light on the fact that some diabetic men may struggle with retrograde ejaculation. It is a condition in which the semen goes backward into the bladder upon ejaculation instead of being discharged out during climax. This could also lead to impotency in men afflicted by diabetes.

Diabetes can also have psychological effects on men.

Abnormal or fluctuating blood glucose levels have a great impact on a person’s mood, energy level, and interest in sex. Hence, diabetes can be a big hindrance to a male’s sexual performance and pleasure. To add to that, failure to achieve or maintain an erection frequently or on a regular basis may also attack a man’s self-esteem or sense of self-worth.Some diabetes complications may also lead to fatigue or the feeling of constantly being drained, which could further make diabetic men unattractive to their sexual partners.

Men with diabetes may start considering themselves as damaged goods because of dampened sex drive. Eventually, it can lead to social withdrawal. A bunch of other health problems like heart ailments, high blood pressure, allergies, or weight loss may also break a diabetic man’s confidence. Unchecked dependence on smoking, alcohol or drugs to deal with stress, anxiety, and depression can even exacerbate sexual dysfunction in diabetic men.

So if diabetes is making you overly self-consciousness and the fear of failure hovers over your mind, it is advisable to get in touch with a sexual health expert at the earliest. Accurate diagnosis, right medical treatment and professional counselling by sex therapists can work wonders on impaired circulation and nerve function, thus improving the libido.

For more details on Diabetes and sexual problems, you could visit http://mgshospital.com/

Low sexual libido? Sex health experts at MGS Hospital say diabetes could be the reason

Diabetes can hamper your sex life. When glucose builds up within the bloodstream, it can affect the functioning of several organs in your body, including sexual organs.

Relation between diabetes and sexual problems

The human body has tiny blood vessels and nerves that are responsible for sending signals to the brain. These nerve signals also raise blood flow to the genital organs and help the smooth muscle tissues relax. Severe diabetes creates havoc on the autonomic nerves. As a result, there is reduced blood flow to the sexual organs, and the body gets poor response to sexual stimuli.

Sexual problems in diabetic men

Men suffering from diabetes are very prone to the sexual problem called Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The condition leads to the inability to maintain a penile erection till ejaculation. Besides ED, diabetic men are likely to experience Retrograde Ejaculation, a sexual health complication. Poor functioning of internal sphincter muscles causes semen to be released into the bladder rather than out of the penis.

Sexual problems in diabetic women

Diabetes in women may suffer nerve damage and inadequate blood flow to the genital tissues, besides hormonal changes. Vaginal dryness or lack of vaginal lubrication is a common problem faced by diabetic women. Dryness in the vagina can lead to other complications, such as, vaginal infections and inflammation, which can result in painful sexual intercourse. Women suffering from diabetes may also experience reduced sensation in the genital area, inability to become aroused, and failure to reach orgasm. Urinary tract infections and incontinence can be the added woes.

Sexual problems in diabetics can be overcome: Sex health experts at MGS Hospital

Sex health experts at MGS Hospital say there are several tips to improve your sex life even if you are a diabetic person. Follow these tips to lead a healthy sex life:

 Ø  Sex in the mornings can be a great thing, as your energy is at its peak.

 Ø  Women suffering dry vaginal issues due to diabetes can go for water-based vaginal lubricants.

 Ø  Sexual libido can be enhanced with Hormonal replacement therapy that includes pills, patches, creams and injectable medications.

 Ø  Including exercise in daily routine can improve your energy level.

If you are diabetic, and having sexual health related issues, you could visit www.mgshospital.com to book an appointment. Alternatively, you could get in touch with the experienced urologists and sexual heath consultants of MGS Hospital for medical help and counselling on issues associated with diabetes and sex.

Slouching on your office chair can lead to injuries! Physiotherapist Dheerja Babbar from MGS Hospital gives easy tips on posture correction

Do you start your day at work by sitting straight on the chair but end up slouching on it for hours? Well, all of us do that invariably! But are you aware how lethal this habit can turn out to be?

The Head of Physiotherapy Department at MGS Hospital, Dr DheerjaBabbarpoints out, “Poor posture at work is one of the biggest causes of pinched nerves, chronic neck pain, backache, and numbness in the arms, hands and legs.”

It is important to note that wrong workplace posture has many other implications than just the physical ones. According to Dr DheerjaBabbar,bad posture may often lead to workplace stress, reduced productivity, low morale, and poor overall health.

What many people ─ especially those who have an office job ─ fail to realise is that a simple act of correcting your posture can help you fight crookedness, headaches, neck pain and lumber pain.

So here’s a list of simple tricks by Dr Dheerja Babbar that can prove extremely beneficial in improving your posture gradually:

 ü  The best way to keep a check on your off-kilter posture is to ensure that your ears are absolutely in line with your shoulders.

 ü  Do not cross your legs while sitting. Your feet should always fall flat on the ground. And if that makes you uncomfortable, use a small stand to prop your feet.

 ü  Use a lumber support pillow. This would keep your spine straight.

 ü  Avoid sitting in one place all day long. Get up from your chair after an hour or so and take mini-walks. It will improve blood circulation and concentration.

 ü  Minimise your chances of getting rounded shoulders by pulling them back and down multiple times for short intervals while sitting. Your chest should be up and out.

 ü  Do simple desk yoga for a couple of minutes every day. Stretch your arms and legs to reduce fatigue and strengthen your muscles.

It is advisable to see an experienced physiotherapist to learn the ways of tackling common posture mistakes. You could also visit www.mgshospital.com and book an appointment with Dr Dheerja Babbar for consultation regarding posture correction at work.

So sit up and stop slouching!

Pregnancy and Antenatal Care: Experts from MGS Hospital suggest ways to optimise maternal and fetal health

Pregnancy is the most beautiful phase in a woman’s life. And everything, right from the mother’s health, behaviour and disposition, affects the baby’s development. Hence, taking good care and visiting a specialist for regular antenatal (before birth) check-ups is absolutely necessary for a mother-to-be.

Dr Dheerja Babbar, Head of Physiotherapy Department at MGS Hospital, states, “Antenatal check-ups are important in order to stay and feel fit during pregnancy. These screenings also help in making sure that the baby is absolutely safe and healthy in the womb.”

Why are antenatal check-ups important?

 ü  Antenatal screenings keep a woman updated on the progress of her pregnancy so that she can make informed decisions for the baby.

 ü  Regular antenatal check-ups play a significant role in early detection and control of most medical problems that a woman might face during pregnancy, such as stress on the kidneys, urinary tract infection, high blood pressure, diabetes, or weight gain.

 ü  Antenatal care provides evidence-based information and advice to a pregnant woman on everyday lifestyle habits, safe eating, food hygiene, smoking cessation, avoidance of alcohol or drugs, use of medications, etc.

 ü  Antenatal sessions educate a woman on the right kind of diet to be followed during pregnancy, and also prepare her for labour pain, birth, and breast-feeding.

 ü  Such classes give a pregnant woman the opportunity to discuss any mental health issues she is struggling with, such as perinatal anxiety, or depression.

Importance of antenatal exercise

Dr Dheerja Babbar throws light on the benefits of having a daily prenatal exercise regimen. She mentions, “Regular involvement in prenatal exercise is recommended during all three trimesters.”

According to Dr DheerjaBabbar, activities like walking, swimming, and yoga help in:

 ü  Strengthening back and pelvic muscles

 ü  Realising endorphins, the body's natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals

 ü  Boosting circulation

 ü  Reducing stress

 ü  Relieving pregnancy discomforts

 ü  Improving posture

 ü  Managing weight

 ü  Regaining muscle tone after the antenatal period

Advised antenatal appointment schedule

Dr Dheerja Babbar from MGS Hospital states that a woman must go for her first antenatal visit ideally by week 10 of her pregnancy.Further appointments should be scheduled at 16 weeks, 20 weeks, 25 weeks, 28 weeks, 31 weeks, 34 weeks, 36 weeks, 38 weeks, 40 weeks and 41 weeks.

Undoubtedly, attending antenatal classes is a great way for many women and their partners to learn about parenting a new life.

If you are also going through a similar phase, feel free to get in touch with Dr Dheerja Babbar at MGS Hospital to know how antenatal care can work wonders for you and your baby. Simply visit (link)for details related to special antenatal sessions. 

MGS Hospital wishes you a very Happy and Colourful Holi

Do’s

•          Use organic powder colours made from flower extracts.
•          Apply oil on your skin and hair thoroughly to prevent damage.
•          Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
•          Save water.
•          Use lukewarm water to remove colours off your skin and scalp.

Don’ts

•          Don’t use artificial colours that contain toxins like mica, lead and glass. It can cause SKIN CANCER!
•          Don’t play roughly or aggressively.
•          Don’t not sprinkle colours/coloured water on plants.
•         Don’t put colours on your pets or street animals.
•          Don’t run or jump on wet floors to avoid injury.

Healthy vision is a true blessing. Follow these easy tips by specialists at MGS Hospital to protect your eyes

It is often said that the eye is the lamp of the body. Healthy eyes, therefore, would ensure that your body is full of light and energy. Eye specialists at MGS Hospital list some of the best tips for you to take care good care of your eyes - thelittle windows to the world!

Effective eye care tips:

 ü  Go for regular eye check-ups.

 ü  Sprinkle cold water on eyes at regular intervals throughout the day.

 ü  Blink your eyes often.

 ü  Relax eye muscles by closing them for at least 20 seconds while working on a digital device.

 ü  Take short naps.

 ü  Drink lots of water.

 ü  Place cucumber and potato slices on and around the eye area to reduce dark circles.

 ü  Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun’s harmful UV rays.

 ü  Use protective eyewear while swimming, playing sports, or doing any physical activity that can pose a threat to your eyes.

 ü  Quit smoking to dodge sight-threatening diseases.

Food for healthy eyes:

 ü  Orange

 ü  Strawberry

 ü  Peach

 ü  Papaya

 ü  Egg

 ü  Fish

 ü  Tomato

 ü  Red bell pepper

 ü  Carrot

 ü  Spinach

 ü  Broccoli

 ü  Apricots

Eye care Do’s and Don’ts for computer users:

 ü  Wear anti-glare glasses to reduce eye strain.

 ü  The monitor should be place at least 50 cm away from your eyes.

 ü  The monitor’s centre should fall 6-8 inches below your eye level.

 ü  Ensure the screen is clean and dust-free.

 ü  Do not sit under bright overhead lights while working on a computer.

Instructions for contact lens wearers:

 ü  Wash your hands thoroughly before touching contact lenses.

 ü  Use a proper lens case for storage.

 ü  Change case after every three months.

 ü  Do not reuse old lens solution.

 ü  Remove lenses before having a hot bath or going for a swim.