Fortis Medical Centre - Kolkata

It is a common notion that fats are the major culprits that lead to all the weight problems and that cutting them off entirely from the diet can be a helpful solution. There’s no need to freak out with this information because there is more explanation to it. The truth is we actually cannot live without fats. This is because fats play an important role in a healthy diet. Fatty acids from fats are essential for a healthy skin. Fats also deliver fat-soluble vitamins and are great sources of energy. This is where the part about good fats and bad fats is important, and it is essential to know which fats should be avoided and which are the ones that should be included as a part of your diet. It is also important to know the amount of fat consumption and ways to avoid trans-fats (bad fats) that cause artery clogging. Let’s make a clear classification of the good and the bad fats.

Good Fats

The unsaturated fats are basically the good guys and these include polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids. Both, when eaten in moderation, can help in lowering the risk of heart diseases as the cholesterol levels are reduced.

Polyunsaturated fats can be found mostly in vegetable oils and when substituted for saturated fats, these help in lowering the triglycerides and cholesterol levels in the blood. One such type of polyunsaturated fat with potential heart benefits is omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 is present in fish like trout, salmon, catfish etc. They are also found in walnuts and flaxseeds.

Monounsaturated fats also help in reducing heart diseases and a lot of these are consumed by Mediterranean people. These are found in olives, almonds, cashews, avocados, hazelnuts, peanut oil, canola, sesame seeds etc.

Bad Fats

There are essentially two kinds of bad fats, saturated fats and trans fatty acids. Both can cause artery clogs and heart risks because they increase cholesterol content in the blood.

Saturated fats can be found in animal products like high-fat dairy, eggs, meat, poultry skin, vegetable fats like coconut and palm oils etc. There are a number of evidences, which suggest that saturated fats increase the risk of colon and prostate cancer. It is better to consume these in limited quantities to keep your cholesterol levels under check.

Trans fatty acids or trans fats may be naturally occurring fats, which are found in dairy and meat or the artificial ones, which are found in liquid oils that have been hardened into partially hydrogenated fats. The actual worry here are the artificial trans fats. These are used extensively in all sorts of junk food.

This is just the basic understanding about the fats, the ones which are unhealthy and the ones that are healthy for the body.

If you are suffering from arthritis, it is important for you to know about how it affects your knee and other joints. Arthritis is a chronic disease which damages your joints and connective tissues. Your knee is commonly affected by arthritis and there are three primary types of arthritis that occur in the knees. They include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis. 

Types of Arthritis 
The different types of arthritis affecting the knees occur due to different reasons. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition, which wears away the joint cartilage over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition, which may occur at any age. Post-traumatic arthritis occurs after an injury is inflicted to the knee and may occur several years after a ligament injury or knee fracture. Major symptoms Arthritis pain may occur all of a sudden but develops slowly. 

In the early stages, the pain is observed in the morning after you have been inactive over the night. Pain is likely when you want to move around. Pain may be experienced even when immobile. Periodic inflammation is a common symptom of arthritis of the knee. You may have formation of bone spurs or excess fluids in your knee. The swelling gets pronounced after being active for a long period. The skin on your knee may look red and feel warm while you touch it. This may lead to chronic inflammation, and irreversible damage to the joint. 

Treatment 
There are several ways of treating knee arthritis. The mode of treatment depends on the severity and cause of knee arthritis. Appropriate physiotherapy may help in some patients NSAIDS or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed for dealing with arthritis pain temporarily. Other medicines used for knee arthritis treatment are as follows: 

1. Analgesics, which help in pain reduction act as good alternatives to NSAIDS. 
2. Corticosteroids are used for reducing inflammation. 
3. Certain DMARDs or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are used. 
4. Certain injections that are used for helping with knee arthritis. 

They include: 
Hyaluronic acid supplements, which ease the pain and inflammation by lubricating your knee joints. Corticosteroid injections also soothe inflammation and pain. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) You may also require a surgery for dealing with knee arthritis when other modes of treatment fail. 

The most common surgeries are as follows: 

1. Joint Preservation Surgeries: Arthroscopy, where a keyhole incision is made in the knee for treating the damaged parts.  
2. Ligament repairs & reconstruction
3. Cartilage repair 
4. Meniscus repair & transplantation 
5. Osteotomy, where the knee bones are modified for optimising the function of and damaged knees. This avoids replacement of any part of the knee with an artificial prosthesis like a joint replacement. 
6. Joint Replacement Surgeries: Uni knee replacement/Total joint replacement where your knee is replaced with a prosthetic made of metal, plastic or ceramic.

It is recommended for you to consult a doctor, if you experience any symptom of knee arthritis. Early treatment will prevent the condition from worsening.

It is no hidden fact that miscarriages hurt you deeply. The trauma that comes with it is unbearable, but you will have to get through it. Don’t blame yourself for the situation, you may not know it but miscarriages are quite common. Doctors have said that one out of four pregnancies ends up in a miscarriage. If you have experienced more than two consecutive miscarriages then you are suffering from a recurrent miscarriage. If you are going through recurrent miscarriages then there are some medical conditions to blame.

Is miscarriage the end?

A recurrent miscarriage may sometimes complicate things a little, but don’t think that it is the end. As the medical research has progressed, there are several ways for you to get pregnant or have a child. There is in vitro fertilization or IVF which is one of the best ways to cope with a miscarriage. Even if you are having some problem with your fallopian tube IVF can solve your problems and fertilization will be done in the lab and the embryo will be implanted.

How to cope with the emotional stress?

Miscarriages are hard in itself, and you need to deal with the post-miscarriage situation with the utmost maturity to keep your psychological and physical state under complete care. Emotionally good health will go a long way and let you think clearly about your options. If the stress and sadness of the miscarriage have brought you down, then seek the counseling of psychiatrist. Don’t feel ashamed to share your feeling and never suppress them. Talk about them and if needed join a support group that will help you to get through the tough situation.

Remember one thing that if you are emotionally aggrieved and suppress your feelings then that will take a toll on your relationship with your partner. With IVF becoming so developed, there is no need to lament about miscarriage.

How can I improve my fertility?

You may be suffering from recurrent miscarriages, but you should not lose your hope. Keep on trying and you may succeed. You never know. Visit the specialists and let them know your medical history. With special care, IVF can solve all your problems.

But only IVF would never work. Opt for a healthy lifestyle by doing exercises, eating healthy foods, quit smoking, and reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake. You should take a multivitamin rich in folic acid every day. You should also restrict your exposure to environmental chemicals and toxins. It is advisable that you leave behind any kind of heavy lifting, strenuous physical exercises, and any dangerous contact sports. Try not to take stress by taking up yoga or tai chi. And most importantly, try to maintain a healthy sexual relationship with your partner and contact your doctor to know when can you get pregnant again.
 

Seeing someone who used to do all their activities on their own turn to someone who needs help even with small things like going to the bathroom can be very difficult.

The lungs are vital organs in that they are essential to supply oxygen to the entire body. If the various organs do not receive adequate oxygen, their function can be impaired. Therefore, lung function needs to be maintained. Lung function can be impaired by chronic conditions like COPD and bronchiectasis. In both these, the overall ability of the lungs to take in adequate oxygen is reduced. Therefore, the lungs need to be rehabilitated so that they can improve their ability to function better. These exercises are aimed at the following:

1. Improve ability to breathe effectively
2. Reduce episodes of breathlessness
3. Reduce the number of hospitalizations required to clear sputum and infections
4. Improve ability to perform small, routine chores on their own
5. Improve exercise tolerance over a period of time
6. Improve overall quality of life
7. Reduce morbidity and mortality rates

It has been proven beyond doubt that in addition to medications, physiotherapy plays a vital role in improving lung function over a period of time. Depending on the actual condition of the patient, a physiotherapy program is drawn up. Initially, the therapist will guide the patient and/or the caretaker with the various exercises. Over a period of time, the caretaker and the patient can do these on their own. The intent of these common exercises is to improve breathing efficiency, clear mucus, and improve overall lung function.

1. Active breathing techniques (ABT) – We all know that breathing is involuntary; however, making an effort to consciously breathe can improve the efficiency. More oxygen is taken in and sent to the various organs, thereby rejuvenating the entire body.
2. Postural drainage: With any chronic lung condition, sputum or mucus tends to accumulate in various parts of the lungs. If not drained, it can attract more bacteria and cause infection. The patient is made to lie in various positions so that different parts of the lungs are drained, aided by gravity. This is highly effective in clearing secretions.
3. Pursed lip breathing: Inhaling through the nose and letting the air out through the mouth like how a candle is blown helps improve lung function.
4. Forced coughing: A person is taught to induce coughing so that secretions are cleared out, thereby reducing chances of infection. Inhale as usual to the full capacity and exhale in coughing spurts.

It has been proven beyond doubt that with no side effects (unlike medications), physiotherapy improves the overall quality of life in people with COPD.

Dry scalp is a distressing condition which is characterized by persistent irritation on the scalp. There is a constant sensation of itching, which can also be accompanied by chronic dandruff and hair loss. Causes of dry scalp are numerous of which use of harsh chemical products on hair is the most commonly implicated cause. Dehydration of the body or excessive washing of hair, skin infections affecting the scalp can also cause a dry scalp.

Ayurvedic remedies are beneficial in treating a dry scalp condition. Most commonly used effective remedies according to the Ayurvedic science are as follows:

1. Coconut oil – This oil has various applications in treating a variety of skin diseases. It moisturizes the scalp and helps to hydrate it. Also, its antibacterial properties help to reduce the risk of skin infections. Coconut oil can be applied directly on hair 30 to 40 minutes prior to shampooing and then washed with a mild shampoo. It nourishes the scalp and also makes the hair shiny.

2. Tea tree oil – This oil has various benefits, since it acts as an antibiotic and antifungal. It helps to relieve the symptoms of dry scalp by removing the excess oil off. Since it is an essential oil, tea tree oil should be used with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Massaging it on the scalp and leaving it for 10-15 minutes is recommended.

3. Aloe vera – This plant has various medicinal benefits and it is used for treating numerous skin and hair infections. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, which helps to soothe irritated skin or itching. It is also an excellent moisturizer that hydrates the scalp. Pure extract of Aloevera can be applied directly on the scalp and left for some time, after which it can be rinsed.

4. Olive oil – Olive has a moisturizing effect on the scalp. It nourishes the dehydrated scalp and helps to cure the dryness. It can be applied few minutes before a bath and cleansed with a mild shampoo.

5. Yogurt – It has an exfoliating effect on the scalp. It soothes the irritated and dried skin on the scalp and hydrates it. It is applied 30 minutes before washing hair.

6. Egg – The white portion of an egg is rich in proteins and this protein content is beneficial for improving the overall health of the scalp. Egg white should be applied on the scalp 10 minutes before washing. It should be cleaned thoroughly since it can leave odor on the scalp if not washed off adequately.

Treatment of the dry scalp with the use of these home remedies is effective and risk free. To prevent an allergic reaction, a patch test should be done on the skin before using any product on the scalp. Dry scalp should be treated at the earliest, since constant dryness can cause scratching and even lead to hair loss. If the dryness of scalp is accompanied with a fungal infection, then anti-fungal should be taken as prescribed by the physician.

During the menstrual days, it is necessary to use some kind of padding or easily absorbent material to remain clean and hygienic throughout the day. This material is available in form of tampons or sanitary napkins.

What is the difference between tampons and sanitary napkin

1. The tampon is a mass of retentive material shaped in a cylinder, which needs to be inserted into the vagina. Most tampons have a cord or string to aid manual removal. Tampons are used especially when you have to wear tight fitting clothes.
2. The sanitary napkins are disposable flat pads that are worn externally to collect menstrual blood and prevent staining. These are mostly made of rayon or cotton. They are available in a variety of sizes, with added benefits of extra absorption and fragrance in some cases. They are easier to carry.

Benefits of using a tampon

1. Tampons are easy to use provided you are very well informed and well practiced about its usage and methods of insertion
2. Tampons can absorb menstrual blood, depending on your flow, for up to six hours.
3. Tampons are more hygienic as the entire material does not get soaked. This helps in preventing the menstrual blood from coming in contact with underwear, skin and staining other clothing.

Disadvantages of using a tampoon

1. Tampons, if not changed within 4-6 hours, may cause leakage and staining.
2. The insertion of a tampon is extremely inconvenient and uncomfortable if not used by practiced hands.
3. Incorrect insertion can be painful and lead to injuries and infection
4. Leaving a tampon on for too long can cause a Toxic Shock Syndrome. It is a fatal disease caused by toxins and bacterial infection.
5. Tampons may increase menstrual cramps in some cases.

Benefits of using sanitaary napkins

1. Sanitary napkins are easy to use. They come in flat, rectangular shapes of absorbent material that are stuck on the underwear and absorb menstrual blood externally.
2. Can be worn overnight.
3. Easier to use and convenient to carry around.
4. Helps to monitor the flow of blood
5. Lessens the risk of infections, and there are fewer health risks

Disadvantages of sanitary napkins

1. Cannot prevent menstrual odours
2. The absorption rate is lower than tampons
3. They show through clothing and tight fitted clothes cannot be worn

It is difficult to say which one is a better or healthier option. Both kinds have their own advantages and disadvantages and are a matter of individual preference. No matter what you use, it is important for you to keep in mind that it is necessary to change it after a few hours, and regular washing helps keeping the menstrual odour in check. It also keeps the pubic region clean and free from the risks of bacterial infections. It is necessary to remain active and maintain a healthy diet to have a regular smooth flow without blood clots. In case of uncontrolled bleeding, you must seek medical attention without delay.

Hair loss, as the name itself implies, refers to the loss of hair from scalp / head; another term used to describe this is alopecia. It is a broad term that also includes thinning of hair. While genetics plays a vital role in this condition that afflicts both men and women, there are several other factors that are involved in bringing on this problem in people. In order to understand the reasons for hair fall better, it is essential that you learn about the various growth stages of hair.

The hair growth cycle consists of three phases:

1. The first phase is the anagen phase, which is an active phase in which the hair grows. This phase lasts for around 2-7 yrs.
2. The second phase is the catagen phase. The catagen phase immediately follows the anagen phase and lasts for around 10- 14 days during which the hair stops getting blood supply and becomes dead.
3. The third and the last phase is telogen phase, which is a resting phase. In this phase, the dead hair falls out and the hair follicles remain in rest or inactive stage for about 2-3 months.

After completion of last stage, the entire cycle is repeated. Each single hair undergoes these three phases of growth independent of the other hair on the scalp. Normally, at a given point of time about 90% of hair is in the anagen phase and only 10% is in the telogen phase. When this ratio is altered, it leads to increased rate of hair loss. Hair loss can occur at any age, and can be prevalent in both males and females. Hair loss in itself is not a disease, but a sign that often indicates various other diseases. Hair loss occurs as a result of various diseases or factors and in different patterns.

The various causes / factors leading to hair loss include:
Skin diseases affecting the scalp like fungal infection of scalp known as tinea capitis, seborrhoea (dandruff), eczema of scalp, or lichen planus.

1. Genetic factors
2. Hormonal changes including those that occur after childbirth and during menopause
3. Nutritional deficiencies due to a diet that lacks iron (leading to anemia), and also lack of protein intake
4. Recovery from acute fever like typhoid and erysipelas leads to diffuse hair loss
5. Drug use like the ones that are used in treating high blood pressure, joint pains, cancer, or depression. Anagen effluvium refers to the condition of hair loss due to chemotherapy in a cancer patient
6. Physical trauma / injury to head
7. Emotional trauma like constant stress or grief due to loss of a family member / close friend
8. General diseases like diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, Hypothyroidism, or AIDS
9. Auto-immune related hair loss in which the hair cells are mistaken for a foreign body and are destroyed by the immune cells of the body
10. Hairstyles like tight braids or ponytails where the hair is tightly pulled backwards leading to traction alopecia; indiscriminate use of hair colors and hair straighteners
11. Trichotillomania, which is a mental disorder in which the affected person voluntarily pulls out his / her scalp hair

Homeopathy for hair growth
Although hair loss is not a life threatening condition, but it can be a source of constant stress and worry in the people affected by it. A person suffering from hair loss possesses lower self esteem and self confidence level, and also feels embarrassed when in company of other people. Homeopathy can very efficiently deal with cases of hair loss, and produce excellent results. In Homeopathy, a huge number of wonderful medicines are present that are used to tackle hair loss cases. 

Every kind of hair loss (ranging from hair loss due to anemia / nutritional deficiencies, due to skin disorders, due to mental / physical trauma, due to childbirth or menopause, after acute diseases, to alopecia areata, alopecia totalis or androgenetic alopecia) can be treated with the help of well selected homeopathic medicines. To treat hair loss through homeopathy, detail case history of the patient needs to be studied. The cause and site of hair loss are to be noted down along with the constitutional symptoms of the patient which are given prime importance in any kind of case of hair loss. The constitutional symptoms include the eating habits, level of thirst, thermals, mental symptom etc. and these are to be given top position in forming the totality of symptoms while case taking. After the case has been properly evaluated, the case homeopathic medicine is administered to the patient. Following is the list of homeopathic medicines for hair loss treatment that can be used.

Piles are a common ailment, albeit distressing, which can be treated with proper operative measures. Piles refer to hemorrhoids which have become swollen or inflamed. Comprised of vital tissues, blood vessels, elastic and muscle fibers, Hemorrhoids are masses and clumps of tissue cushioning and lining the anal canal. The inflammation occurs when there is a rise in the pressure in the small arteries that make up hemorrhoid causing them to enlarge and swell with blood.

Besides the fact that piles, also called as pathological hemorrhoids, can be extremely painful, not operating can give rise to severe health issues. There are different types of piles surgery procedures conducted according to individual needs as prescribed by individual doctors.

Surgery For Piles - What To Expect? 
Piles are a common ailment, albeit distressing, which can be treated with proper operative measures. Piles refer to hemorrhoids which have become swollen or inflamed. 

Comprised of vital tissues, blood vessels, elastic and muscle fibers, hemorrhoids are masses and clumps of tissue cushioning and lining the anal canal. The inflammation occurs when there is a rise in the pressure in the small veins that make up hemorrhoid causing them to enlarge and swell with blood. Besides the fact that piles, also called as pathological hemorrhoids, can be extremely painful, not operating can give rise to severe health issues other than severe anemia and weakness. There are different types of piles surgery procedures conducted according to individual needs as prescribed by individual doctors. 

Sclerotherapy 
This procedure involves injecting a chemical into hemorrhoids. The chemical causes the hemorrhoids to contract and stop bleeding. Most individuals encounter little or no pain with the shot. In the case of small internal hemorrhoids, Sclerotherapy is shown to have the best benefit rates. 

Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy 
Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy, also commonly known as MIPH, is a form of surgery which requires 12 hours of hospitalization. This process necessitates general, regional, or local anesthesia. This kind of surgery is used to handle hemorrhoids that have already prolapsed. A surgical staple fixes the prolapsed hemorrhoid inside your rectum and cuts off the blood supply so that the tissue can contract. Recovery from hemorrhoidopexy is less painful and takes lesser time than the recuperation period of a hemorrhoidectomy. 

Haemorrhoidectomy 
Excision used to be prescribed for hemorrhoid sufferers. This therapy involves the surgical removal of the hemorrhoids with a cautery, laser or knife. Although these methods are slightly different, the outcomes are identical. Excision results in discomfort and pain in the perianal area that lasts from two weeks to two months. The pain during bowel elimination also lasts for approximately the same time. 

Management of the hemorrhoids with proper medication, diet and workout is by far the safest way to go. Only in the case of lifestyle changes failing to solve the condition, surgical interference should be considered.

Irregular ovulation or anovulation (a condition where a woman does not ovulate at all) can be quite agonizing, triggering a host of health problems, including difficulty in conceiving. The irregular ovulation could be an amalgamation of many factors including obesity, thyroid disorders, PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, uncontrolled intake of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, to name a few. With the advancement of medical science, the problem is no longer a big deal. In this article, we will discuss the role of ovulation induction and follicular monitoring in dealing with irregular ovulation cycles and the related complications.

What is Ovulation Induction?

Ovulation induction comes as a blessing for women who don't ovulate regularly (there is a deviation from the usual pattern of ovulation that takes place before every menstrual cycle). The procedure aims at regularizing the ovulation process. The medications (often hormones are used in the treatment) play a pivotal role in stimulating the follicular development of the ovaries so that healthy eggs are produced, developed, matured and finally released during ovulation. The procedure also benefits women get their menstrual cycles sans the ovulation (Anovulatory Menstrual Cycles). The problem mainly surfaces due to a drop in the progesterone level (a hormone responsible for the uterine lining thickening).

Steps involved

1. The ovulation induction is an important process that requires a thorough examination and evaluation of the patient to understand their ovulation process, hormonal balance (or imbalance) and all the factors that could be a possible trigger resulting in the ovulation problem.
2. In the next step, the physician carries out the stimulation of the ovulation process. For this purpose, selected hormones are given to the affected individual either orally or in the form of injections.
3. The hormones work towards restoring the balance along with follicular development. This stimulation contributes significantly towards maturing an egg and ensuring its release for ovulation to take place.
4. Through a series of regular pelvic ultrasounds, doctors are able to carefully monitor the development of the follicles along with how well the lining of the uterus thickens, following the ovulation induction.
5. For those planning to conceive, ovulation induction, with proper monitoring, goes a long way to ensure at least one healthy egg will be available for the fertilization to take place.

Some women can also opt for Intrauterine Insemination, a pathbreaking procedure whereby, the sperm (collected and stored earlier) is injected into the vagina to facilitate the fertilization process.

Downside of the Ovulation Induction
The ovulation induction requires precision and accuracy and should be performed by experienced professionals who know their skill well.

1. Even a small mistake in the ovulation induction can trigger many complications including Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. The condition can swell up the ovaries with abdominal pain, vomiting, breathing problems (shortness of breath), sudden and rapid weight gain. The ovaries also appear tender with some pain.
2. Ovulation induction increases the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, nausea, to name a few.

Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that occurs in the primary nerve between the brain and the ear. The tumor progresses very slowly and can influence your balance and hearing. In certain cases, if the tumor becomes very large, then it may also impair vital functions of the body.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acoustic neuroma tend to develop when the tumor starts to press on the nerve and its adjoining branches. The symptoms of this disorder are

1. You may experience hearing loss on one side which might worsen gradually.

2. You may have problems in balancing yourself.

3. A continuous ringing sound in the ears.

4. Persistent dizziness.

5. If the tumor is large and presses on the nearby nerves, then you may experience numbness of the facial muscles.

6. In some cases, it may impair the vital functions of the body.

This disorder is caused by a malfunctioning gene. There is no documented reason as to why the gene malfunctions.

The treatment options for this disorder are

1. Constant Monitoring: These tumors tend to grow very slowly but might spurt in some cases. In order to prevent damage to your body, they need to be monitored on a regular basis. Imaging tests are recommended on a periodic basis to determine the growth of the tumor.

2. Radiosurgery: Stereotactic radiosurgery is done to treat acoustic neuroma that is small in size. In this surgery, radiation is directed at the tumor without creating any incision. It is done to limit the growth of the tumor and preserve your hearing.

3. Surgery: The tumor can be removed by using surgical procedures. It involves administering general anesthesia, followed by removing the tumor through an incision on the skull or the inner ear. Surgery is used to remove the tumor and preserve your hearing abilities.