Treating vertigo

      Vertigo which is mostly attributed to the dizziness associated with heights is actually caused by problems in the vestibular system found in the inner ear--which helps your body maintain its balance. Some forms of brain damage may also create a sense of vertigo. Common types of vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (created by calcium build-ups in the ear) and labyrinthitis (created by bacterial infections in the ear) or a blow to the head that may damage the vestibular system. When the blood flow to the brain is slightly less can also lead to vertigo.   It leaves you with spell of dizziness even when you are standing still and sometimes can lead to a blackout. If you feel these symptoms it is best to go to the doctor where they will check your ears and also do small tests where they will make you take short steps and also make you stand still with your hands next to your side and with closed eyes. If you are unable to stand still and swerve indicates slightly benign vertigo. Indication: The strongest indication of vertigo is a sudden feeling of disorientation and physical confusion. A sense of lightheadedness often occurs, and your balance and coordination maybe severely affected as well. You could also feel nauseous, followed by vomiting. Eyesight may become blurry and some vertigo patients complain of aches in the neck muscles. These symptoms can arise without warning and last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Vertigo is often triggered by a specific movement of the head, creating the imbalance in the ear. The precise sort of movement varies by patient, but once it has been identified, you can reduce the frequency of vertigo simply by avoiding it. Some types of vertigo will disappear over time, allowing you to outlast it both by avoiding the triggers and receiving proper treatment from your doctor. Treatment: Depending upon the causes of vertigo, your doctor can treat the problem with drugs, with physiotherapy exercises designed to reduce the impact of vertigo, or in some cases with surgery to correct the imbalance in your ear. In cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the doctor may do a canalith re-positioning procedure, designed to re-establish the balance in your vestibular system. But this is only when it gets aggravated. Precautions:     #. When a vertigo attack occurs, stop moving and sit down and drink water and settle yourself first. #.  Try to avoid climbing steep stairs or a ladder and avoid heights. #.  Avoid driving when you have vertigo. If the attack happens when you are driving stop to the side and relax till you feel better. #. When there is an impending attack, you can use a technique where visual fixation helps you  prevent it by focusing on a specific distant point and holding it in your gaze until the symptoms pass.     #. Also check with the physiotherapists for specific exercises related to vertigo  

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Cosmetic techniques for scar treatment

      Scars are the body’s natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin which are caused due to burns, infections, long term skin problems like psoriasis etc or due to a physical injury or any other trauma on the skin.The scars which are minor can be treated with medication like creams antibiotics or through home remedies like putting cold water, milk or potato skin or alovera gel.But these home remedies are effective only up to a point in the case of small scars. For a permanent solution and when the scars cause more damage and are visible , it’s best to go to a dermatologist, who can help suggest the best cosmetic procedure for you.   Types of scars: Depending on the cause, scars are broadly divided into two categories: Acne scars and post-traumatic scars (caused by trauma such as accident, injury, burn etc.) and depending on the shape and depth, scars are classified into 3 different types: 1.Box type scars - they have a base and height; 2.ice-pick scars – they are pointy, and 3.rolling scars – they don’t have a clear demarcated border. Cosmetic procedures for scar Management: There are various methods  and procedurs for treating scare which have been tested and approved through the regulatory mechanisms and have proven to be effective and popular with time Microdermabrasion Microdermabrasion is a small procedure which involves a gentle sandblasting. Usually , aluminium-oxide crystals are used to gently sandblast the skin. It helps remove the top layer of the skin and dead skin cells, leaving behind a more even and smooth textured skin. Since this procedure doesn't have a resting period, one can carry on with their lives as usual, immediately after its done. However, sunscreen is a must before stepping out into the sun. Note:This method won’t heal your scars in one setting, and will require repeated sessions depending on the depth of the scar. Subcision Subcision,  is also called as subcutaneous incision-less surgery which is a  minor surgical procedure and is an effective method to treat deep scars and even wrinkles, using a needle.In this procedure, an anaesthetic cream is applied on the scarred area at least 45 minutes prior to the treatment. After which, a 5 cc needle is inserted at an angle of 45 degree. This technique involves breaking the fibrotic strands around or at the base of the scars. The scar’s depression is lifted by the releasing action of the procedure, as well as from connective tissue that forms during the course of normal wound healing. In this case, the complete healing will take around 20 to 25 days. During this time, one experiences swelling in the area of treatment. However, the external swelling and redness subsides in two days. Note: The post-treatment care is necessary for proper healing. Stay away from the sun, do not use hot water on your treated skin and try to stay away from hot temperature, as sweating too must be avoided, for at least two days after the treatment. For best results, you will need about 3 to 4 sessions,” Dermaroller This treatment is recommended for those with who have  many scars.  Like in the case of subcision, anaesthetic cream is applied on the area, followed by moving the dermaroller (a roller with fine needles) on the affected area. Here, the skin is pierced very lightly (often compared to acupuncture) without causing any damage to the skin. This, triggers nerve-stimulus, promoting regeneration of skin around the area where the puncture occurred.In cases of severe scarring, using both subcision and the dermaroller  will give effective results. Laser treatment Laser is a popular method of scar treatment where fractional or CO2 lasers are used to reduce appearance of scars. Note:Multiple sessions will be needed for effective removal of scars and this could be quite expensive too. Fillers  It is a one-time temporary procedure and  it’s effect diminishes with time, but provide an instant result. So the  patient may have to repeat this after a year.

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Stay healthy even on a Holiday

      So you are on a holiday and you want to have fun and don’t want to miss out on the fun foods you crave for, but that shouldn’t change even when you're on a holiday. Eating healthy and being conscious about your health even when you are outdoors will help you stay in shape even while you have fun.   Here are a few tips to stay healthy when you are out on  a holiday- Avoid visiting a restaurant on an empty stomach. In such cases people end up eating much more. If you're starving, eat a piece of fruit or have a glass of juice or water in the hotel itself. Later, while having lunch, fill your plate with lightly dressed salads, fish, seafood and lean meats. Don't eat unhealthy snacks or junk food like pizzas and burgers while travelling. Otherwise, you will end up gaining extra kilos. Pack healthy items like fruits, juices and low-fat yoghurts. Don't overeat. Order a nice salad as a starter and then either share the main course with your partner or go for selected delicacies that you like. Also, eat slowly and chew the food properly. Look for healthier alternatives like local fresh fruits or salads when you are abroad, then try out some local fruits which you don't get here. Avoid local breads served with meals.Bread made with white flour cans cause indigestion so try to stick to the Brown breads. Avoid too many drinks after the dinner as it may result in weight gain. If you happen to be at the beach, don't end up indulging in lots of ice creams and sugary cold drinks to avoid scorching heat. Keep a bottle of water and some fruits in your bag so you don't get tempted when your friends or family asks if you want any ice cream. Take out time and exercise for at least an hour daily even when you are out on a holiday. Nowadays hotels and resorts do have gymnasiums. Also, you don't need to get up early morning to exercise.

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Traveler’s Disease - Diarrhea

  .....SIRI   Diarrhea is a condition wherein there is the appearance of loose, watery stools or the need to visit the rest room frequently. Diarrhea usually subsides all by itself within few days even without any treatment. If the diarrhea doesn’t subside within four weeks then it is a big reason to worry – it points out the occurrence Chronic Diarrhea.   Diarrhea is related to bacterial or viral infection or a result of food poisoning. This is commonly known as traveler’s diarrhea, caused due to exposure to parasites or microbes during vacations! The most common causes of diarrhea are: food intolerance, food allergies, viral infections, and bacterial infection and bowel disorders. Diarrhea not always presents with watery stools. There are many more manifestations of diarrhea such as: nausea, abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, dehydration, fever, blood satins in stools and frequent urge to evacuate the bowel! The serious side effect of diarrhea is the dehydration, which makes us devoid of the electrolytes and essential fluids accompanied with fatigue, headache, increased thirst and dried mouth. Of all dehydration can prove to very fatal and even lead to death. Treating diarrhea is quite easy, which is mainly restoring the lost fluids. This implies increased intake of water or electrolyte replacing beverages, if it is a bacterial infection is the culprit for your diarrhea then consult a doctor for anti-biotic drugs! For people who love traveling and often fall sick during the vacation need to have a pre-vacation doctor consultation!

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Breast Cancer – The Pink Ribbon Disease!

      It is said that the number of people dying from heart disease and breast cancer is the same. Though breast cancer is both prone in men and women but women are at more risk. More often women after forties are affected; it is usually a post-menopausal disorder. But owing to our lifestyles breast cancer is making an ugly entry in the early forties and has become a pre-menopausal phenomenon!   Self Diagnosis Usually the cancers are asymptomatic i.e., they need not always present with signs and symptoms. The usually seen symptoms are: a painless lump in the breast, changes in breast size and shape and unusual nipple discharges. Inflammatory breast cancer though not common, but is fast-growing and doest present any kind of lumps but it seen as orange peel-like skin. Previously, self breast examinations were widely advised.  But now studies reveal that these exams are not accurate enough as all lump do not indicate cancer. The latest thought is that one should be aware of the change of their breasts and report to if found any! Who are at risk?? Being a woman, can be held as the major culprit for being affected by breast cancer, men too get this cancer but very rarely. Menopausal age group is yet another top reason. Some have the breast cancer in their genes, these mutated genes cause cancer in these women. Even our lifestyle gives its helping hand, being overweight, exercising too little, and drinking alcoholic beverages very often all raise the risks! All praises to our scientists and doctors who have successfully found many ways out of this disastrous disease, when identified at early stage! Take Care!!

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Potato – Good or bad!?

  .....SIRI   Potatoes are the most cherished food by most of the people. As every coin has two sides, similarly the potato also has both good and bad effects pertaining to our health!   Potatoes are great sources of roughage and fibre thus aiding in digestion. The fibre content is more in raw ones! These are rich in Vitamin-C and B-Complex and minerals which are essential for radiant skin. Its pulp works as a drug to cure pimples, burns or any spots! Potatoes are antidotes for Rheumatism and Inflammation, calcium and magnesium try eradicating rheumatism while the water content shoos away the inflammatory signs. The antioxidant content helps in preventing colon cancer incidences. As brain solely survives on glucose and is well supplied by potatoes and thus maintain the healthy activity of the brain. Potatoes are touted as the best foods for people suffering from diarrhea, as it has less amount of roughage and is easily digestible! And moreover, it is a boon for the people who need to put on weight, it adds on weight very swiftly and easily. On the other hand, these potatoes have adverse effect on the blood sugar levels, they pump it up instantly, and Diabetic people need to avoid it. As the blood sugar levels are offset by potatoes you might feel hunger between the meals and tend to overeat and gain all the unnecessary calories. Foods rich in carbs except rice lead to gas formation, gas pain and bloating; and potato is no exception to this! Making wise decisions always counts while filling your plate! One needs to keep in mind that no food is very beneficial or harmful for us all are good on their parts! In such case, Quantity plays an important role! Desiccating your diet of a certain food never advisable but limiting its intake is always advisable!! Take Care!!  

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Nails – Showcasing our Illness!

    .....SIRI   Nails are given the least importance among our body parts. Though these are a dead tissue they have an important role to play. Besides, protecting underlying tissues, aiding in scratching itches they also act as windows to our well-being. These showcase the warning signs of malnutrition, infection and serious diseases!   Some physical distortions in the appearance of the nails are the manifestations of certain diseases! Here goes the list! The nail separates from nail bed or along the sides; this condition is called as Onycholysis is one of the most common indications of thyroid disorders. Spoon-shaped and concave nails relate to hypothyroidism. Valvular disorders lead to the appearance of reddish-brown lines under the nails. While congenital heart abnormalities are seen as clubbing of the nails. Clubbing is the softening and flattening of the nail. If you are a voracious nail-bitter, then you are a victim of anxiety and stress. Other nervous habits like nail-biting and thumb suckling are prime evidences for compulsive disorders or anxiety. Persistent yellowing of nails indicates, a serious metabolic disorder – Diabetes. When affected by diabetes both skin and nails turn yellow! Bluish discolorations of nails mean that you are ailing with pulmonary problems like, Low Haemoglobin, Asthma, Bronchitis and Pneumonia. White spots over the nails are a common manifestation seen in all! The culprit behind, is either calcium and zinc deficiencies or kidney and liver disorders! Well, it is that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body! And true! Is the saying, healthy person definitely has healthy nails!! Take care!!  

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Diabetic Retinopathy

        The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. A healthy retina is necessary for good vision. Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the body's ability to use and store sugar, which can cause many health problem. Too much sugar in the blood can cause damage throughout the body, including the eyes. Over time, diabetes affects the circulatory system of the retina. Diabetes may face complication in vision.   Diabetic retinopathy is the result of damage to the tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. They leak blood and other fluids that cause swelling of retinal tissue and clouding of vision. The condition usually affects both eyes. The longer a person has diabetes, the more likely they will develop diabetic retinopathy. If it is not treated at time, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness. WHAT ARE THE INVESTIGATIONS TO EVALUATE THE DAMAGE OF DRP? Once Diabetic Retinopathy is recognized, some investigations like Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) or OCT tests may be required to assess the extent of diabetic damage, document them and plan future treatment. These investigations are advanced imaging techniques to demonstrate and evaluate the damage caused by DRP. These tests are performed over a matter of few minutes and do not require any admission or hospitalization. Based on the report of the above mentioned tests, we can plan the treatment i.e. some lasers to seal the leaking vessels or some intraocular injections can also be employed. Both of these are again OPD procedures and would not require hospitalizations. There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy. However, laser treatment (photocoagulation) and/or certain injections into the eye can be very effective at preventing vision loss if it is done before severe retina damage. Surgical removal of the vitreous gel (vitrectomy) may also help in improving vision if the retina has not been severely damaged. However, in advance cases of hemorrhage or severe retinal damage, some surgical intervention or admission may be required but that too with varying post-operative success. Hence, DRP is best diagnosed and treated at the earliest. HOW TO AVOID DIABETIC RETINOPATHY? One can avoid damage to the retina by keeping blood sugar and blood pressure levels near normal. This can slow the progress of retinopathy and prevent vision loss. It is strongly recommended to have an eye examination by an eye specialist every year. Screening for diabetic retinopathy and other eye problems will not prevent diabetic eye disease but it helps you avoid vision loss by early detection and treatment. Consult an eye doctor immediately if a change in your vision occurs. Changes in your vision may be the symptoms of serious damage to the retina. In most cases, the sooner the problem is detected, the more effective the treatment will be.  Sponsored By: Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals    

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Cataract surgery

  Phacotechmix is combination of five world’s finest technologies for ultimate vision outcome in cataract surgery   Maxivision has no doubt become synonymous with world-class and first–of–its–kind pioneering surgeries and eye treatments in Hyderabad and in the country. Cataract is one problem which is wide spread in the country and often seen among senior citizens. But at the same time it is also occurring increasingly in children and adults too. A conventional cataract surgery done anywhere may not cost more than 10,000 rupees for a single eye but in Maxivision, it can cost between Rs 10,000 to Rs. 1.5 lakh. There may be several doubts as to why the clinic charges a hefty sum for a surgery as simple as cataract. This needs to be elucidated in terms of how Cataract surgery technology at Maxivision differs from other centers, surgically and conceptually! Phacoemulsification, also called the key-hole cataract surgery, at Maxivision combines the best of five different and latest technologies in the world. They are VICTUS Femtosecond laser Refractive Cataract Surgery (FRCS), MICS (1.8 mm key-hole cataract surgery), WAVETEC Intra-operative Aberrometry, Premium IOL and Post –operative Zyoptix and this is now called Phacotechmix. The end result is an ultimate outcome, ‘zero’ power for distance and also near in Cataract Surgery. Eye is like a camera with a lens in front and a film in the back to receive pictures. The Human lens is egg shaped. While Egg shells are hard, Human lens shell is thin and transparent called capsule. Egg has yellow and white while Human lens has nucleus and cortex. Now just imagine making a hole in the egg shell and removing the yellow and white inside. Effective cataract surgery involves, making a hole and removing nucleus and cortex and retaining the capsular bag around the nucleus, which is key for vision and eye health. While this is done manually during conventional Cataract surgery, Phacotechmix at Maxivision involves an automated robotic surgery that makes a 1.8 to 2.8 mm hole to enter the eye to reach eye lens and then makes a precise 5.5 mm hole in lens and then makes cuts in the nucleus and cortex which is called fragmentation. This process now called as VICTUS Laser Cataract Surgery, it is a safe procedure which disregards the need of manual intervention completely. It is an entirely new and exclusive technology. Maxivision’ founder Kasu Prasad Reddy was instrumental in the research for the development of this technology and successfully implemented in Hyderabad which is approved by US FDA. It is a computer assisted laser surgery. A routine Phaco surgery for cataract involves manual intervention for performing all the three steps such as incision, capsuloctomy and fragmentation as mentioned above but today the VICTUS Femtosecond laser Refractive Surgery (FRSC) is a revolution of sorts in the field of eye surgery and is considered as a milestone in the history of cataract surgery.  It delivers precision, accuracy and the most important element of any surgery and the key, i.e. safety. While conventional cataract surgery may result in the need for another surgery down the line after a decade or so, this surgery is permanent, and has no side effects. You need not revisit your doctor and also the best for pediatric eye surgery to correct Cataract among children. Highest Safety, precision, accuracy, world-class and effective Cataract surgery for long-term eye health and vision…now very near and accessible to you at Maxivision!  Sponsored By: Maxivision Super Speciality Eye Hospitals  

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Diabetes and its complications

As we know that diabetes is a metabolic disorder. Most of the diseases occur with added hardships and Diabetes is no less in this respect! Once you are diagnosed and confirmed being diabetic. After being assured of Diabetes it your part to know more about your disease and its side-effects!! Diabetes is the root cause for many health complications from skin problems to stroke!! In diabetic people feet are the most vulnerable areas as the nerves loose their sensing ability called neuropathy. Many people have very little or no sensation over their feet; pining or tingling sensations is an indicative of high risks; many are irresponsive to pain which an advanced stage. It is good to see a podiatrist for periodic foot check ups! Vision related problems are also very common in diabetic patients. Of these serious complications are cataracts and retinopathies. American researches have concluded that diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause for blindness in the age group ranging from adolescent to senior citizens! So get your vision screened every six months! The higher glucose content in blood stream reduces the blood circulation, thereby posing a serious threat to your heart. It is a proven fact that people suffering fro diabetes are more prone to death due to heart disease!! Due to the poor circulation the kidneys are also affected, moreover diabetes is the root-cause for 40 percent of kidney diseases. As kidney is a major cleansing organ, it is functioning is to be monitored carefully and rectified accordingly!! These are the common complication caused by diabetes. Though diabetes is dreaded disease it is treatable! By avoiding these complications the diabetic person is assured of a quality enriched longer life!! Take Care!!     - Siri   More article from the Author: The Early Signs of Being Diabetic   How tea can help you stay fit   Five Healthy skin foods   Diabetes – A Disastrous Disease          

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The Early Signs of Being Diabetic

According to, International Diabetes Federation most of the world population is suffering from Diabetes either Type 1 or Type 2. Of late it has been observed that many of them go undiagnosed which very dangerous, when left untreated it poses a serious threat to our very own care-free existence!! Well, it is easy to track down diabetes in its earliest trails. Here some checks, which we all must screen ourselves for!! Undying Hunger-As a diabetic person is unable to digest glucose, he is hungry all the time! Inextinguishable Thirst-The persistent glucose in the blood-stream dehydrates the being so, he is thirsty all the time! Excess Urination-As the person is dehydrated and gulps down gallons of water, he needs to visit restrooms very often! Sudden weight Loss-As the glucose is not being utilized for the body needs, the fats reserves are used up for body maintenance leading to sudden and involuntarily( without any exercise or diet control) weight loss! Tingling palms and feet-High blood glucose levels damage nerves and cause a tingling or numb sensation over palms and feet! Inability to heal infections and wounds-The body’s immune system weakens down, even the healing ability of  the body diminishes due to the lack of glucose If you happen to tick any of these right! It is advised that you rush to a physician as soon as possible!! Prevention is better than Cure! Even if we haven’t prevented it we can uproot the problem at its youngest stage! Take Care!!

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Diabetes – A Disastrous Disease

‘You are diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus!’ This is one of the commonest sentences said by many of the physicians; blame it on our lifestyle or on our genes! The fact is we all are susceptible to this alarming metabolic disorder!   Diabetes is broadly defined as the rise in blood sugar levels, either because the improper functioning of pancreas or improper response to the insulin produced. The vital symptoms include: polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excess urge to drink water) and polyphagia (craving for food). There are three main types of Diabetes Mellitus (DM): 1. Type 1 DM, it also known as insulin dependant diabetes wherein the pancreas fails to produce insulin or insufficient insulin is produced, so insulin is artificially pumped in to body. It is determined genetically or by some antigens. It most likely runs in families! 2. Type 2 DM: It is situation where insulin is produce by pancreas is adequate amount but the body cells are unable to utilize it, due to their resistance to insulin. Thus, it is called insulin-independent Diabetes Mellitus. It is mainly due to haphazard lifestyles which contribute to obesity, stress etc.., moreover genes also play a key role. 3. Gestational DM: Mainly seen in pregnant ladies. It is combination of both type 1 and type 2. Fortunately it is totally curable and subsides after delivery. If untreated it may proceed to Type 2 DM! Diabetes Mellitus has been regarded as one of the dreaded disease of the century, as it has much other side–effects besides restricting you on diet and workouts!! As it runs in families if not for you at least care for your kids and try hard to keep it away from your families! Take Care!! Stay Healthy!!

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Benefits of Being a Vegetarian

Well, meat is one such food which is easy to cook, store and yet very delicious. Completely voiding meat from your diet might outrage you, as it might be one of the very few foods you crave for! But certainly meat sabotages your body, so it’s best to keep away meat from your diet. Becoming a vegetarian can be very beneficial in the following ways: It lowers the risks of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as vegetarian diet lacks animal fats and has negligible amount of cholesterol instead it has fiber and anti-oxidants which are vital in preventing, treating and reversing these diseases. Vegetarian diet assists in weight loss and its management. Processed foods and meat have high levels of saturated fats which make you obese and become the root-cause of many life-threatening diseases. Over-consumption of saturated or animal fats can cut down your life span by clogging your arteries. So to keep it safe, better stick to veggies!! Vegetarian diet make you feel more energetic, as it is light on your tummy than a diet that includes meat and as a result you feel less sluggish and more active! Moreover it aids in weight loss, the excess weight also saps off your energy, so this factor too is taken care by the vegan diet! Turning into a vegetarian can significantly reduce the risks of Type 2 Diabetes, this is a proven fact by the Physicians Committee of Responsible Medicine and have concluded that a low-fat and plant-based diet controls the blood sugar levels in the safe range! Well many people do turn vegetarian owing to their moral values and ethics. While some people do so to spare the animals and dislike the idea of animals being slaughtered for their pleasure!! Go Green!! And continue to be Active!!

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