Category health

Vegas Mall, Delhi’s ultimate shopping and entertainment hub, organized a Blood Donation Drive in collaboration with the Rotary Blood Bank. The aim of the event was to raise awareness about the critical need for blood donations and encourage individuals to become heroes by donating blood. More than 80 people participated in the noble cause and donated blood at the event.

The Blood Donation Drive was held at Vegas Mall in Sector-14, Dwarka, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive range of shops and entertainment options. The Rotary Blood Bank, with its dedicated team and blood donation bus, also registered its presence, ensuring a smooth and convenient donation process for participants.

Sharing his views on the event, Mr. Ravindar Choudhary, VP, Vegas Mall, said, “We are thrilled to host the Blood Donation Drive at Vegas Mall and contribute to the noble cause of saving lives through blood donations. We are also grateful to Rotary Blood Bank and its team, who helped us organise the camp with utmost safety. By donating blood, we aim to make it convenient for our patrons and the local community to participate and become heroes. We believe we can significantly impact and positively change lives together.”

Vegas Mall encouraged all eligible individuals to come forward and participate in the Blood Donation Drive. Every donation has the potential to save multiple lives and make a lasting difference in the community. The event’s motto, “Be a Hero, Donate Blood,” reflected the spirit of selflessness and compassion at the core of blood donation.

Sharda Hospital is proud to announce its collaboration with Prima Vista- Richard Wolf Academy Germany, a renowned medical technology company. This collaboration aims to advance techniques and technologies for the care of patients around the globe. This leading Center of Excellence is the very first of its kind in India. The center was inaugurated by the Vice Chairman, of Sharda Hospital – Shri Y.K Gupta & Honorable Pro-Chancellor, Sharda University and the Medical Superintendent of Sharda Hospital – Dr. A.K. Gadpayle.

At the heart of this partnership is the establishment of the Center of Excellence, the country’s first leading center dedicated to the service and training of Acute Bronchoscopy care skills in a dedicated ICU environment at Sharda Hospital. This center reflects our mission to “train the trainers and save the saviors” by focusing on enhancing skills and knowledge in critical care.

“We are really proud of this collaborative effort and we truly believe in the vision of Acute Bronchoscopy skills as a potential game-changer in ICU care. Together, we are on a mission to serve human mankind through our dedication to this cause,” said Dr. Manish Bharti, Senior Consultant & Interventional Intensivist, Department of Critical Care Medicine at Sharda Hospital & The Expert, Key Intensivist on site and ISCCM President citation awardee.

“Bronchoscopy in ICU patients is need of the hours. It has potential to change the outcome in sick patients. The new training centre at Sharda University is unique and 1st of its kind to train the intensivist for ICU bronchoscopy” said Dr. Rajesh Chandra Mishra, immediate past president of Indian society of critical care medicine & The Expert, responsible for the Continuing Medical Education (CME) in India and neighboring countries and the Former President of Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM)/ Chancellor ICCM.

“The Bronchoscopy Research Centre at Sharda Hospital stands as a testament to international collaboration, bringing together German precision with the time-honored wisdom of India’s intensive medicine veterans. Its mission, firmly grounded in education and knowledge enrichment, ensures the specialists of tomorrow are equipped with the necessary skills to enhance the efficiency of intensive care. Truly, a pioneer in its field.” said Dr. med. Thushira Weerawarna – The Expert, Initiator and Responsible for knowledge transfer who is also the Director of the Siloah St. Trudpert Hospital and Lung Center, Pforzheim Germany.

One of the primary values of the research center is the unity and collaboration of medical professionals’ experiences from Germany and India to improve patient outcomes. This collaboration aims to develop new treatments and technologies in Acute Bronchoscopy skills in ICU. With a team of highly qualified experts and a commitment to advancing the field of Critical Care Medicine, the center is poised to make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of critically ill patients in India.

The collaboration between Sharda Hospital and Prima Vista – Richard Wolf Academy Germany signifies a significant step towards enhancing patient care and revolutionizing the field of respiratory medicine. Through this partnership, we aim to drive innovation, knowledge-sharing, and skill development to benefit patients in both India and Germany.

Mumbai/ 15th June 2023 – Researchers at Humanitarian Technology (HuT) Labs of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, ranked the 7th Best University in India in the 2023 National Institution Ranking Framework, have developed Indias first device that enables people with speech impairment to communicate with the world by using simple eye signs.

The device, called Netravaad, consists of a camera, display, speaker, controller and a rechargeable battery that lasts for six hours on a single charge. The camera detects the eye sign of the user, which is converted into alphabet, word or a sentence by a customized AI algorithm called Sharani. The detected word and sentences are displayed on the screen. In addition, the voice through speakers helps the external world understand the patients feelings, and the patient also gets a feel of speaking to others. Netravaad will advance in its development and become available in regional languages such as Malayalam and Hindi. Additionally, the user interface will be highly interactive, ensuring a comfortable experience for users.

Said Prof. Rajesh Kannan Megalingam, Director, Humanitarian Technology (HuT) Labs, Associate Professor, ECE Dept. Head, Amrita Center for Advanced Robotics, “For communication, we created a new language using eye signs, called Netravaani. It allows users to utilize all 26 English alphabets to create any word and sentence. It also supports the numbers 0 to 9, with which the users can create any number. Thought the device is currently set in English, Netravaad is also undergoing regional language trials in Malayalam and Hindi. More languages are planned to be added in the future.We intend to make a highly interactive user interface to increase the comfort level of patient as its future phase.”

Netravaad is portable and lightweight device that can be adjusted to any position for the patient’s comfort. It can be used while sitting in a chair, lying on the bed or even while traveling. The Netravaad Unit houses a display monitor, camera, speaker, a smash box and a rechargeable 24V battery. The complete unit is housed in a box and positioned on a swivel platform that can be adjusted to face in any direction as needed. The camera detects the users eye movements and converts them into words or sentences, which are displayed on the screen and verbalized through the speaker.

Prof. Kannan further added, “Netravaad supports two different modes, English 1 and English 2. In the first mode, patients can select the ten most used words for day-to-day activities, allowing for quick communication with caretakers or family members for any immediate need. The English 2 mode has word, sentence, and number sub-modes. In the word or sentence sub-mode, users can form any word or sentence, respectively, with eye signs. An advanced prediction algorithm also allows them to select pre-defined words or sentences. In the number sub-mode, the users can communicate numbers. The patient can choose any of the mode or sub-mode using the eye sign. The device is user-friendly. Patients are giving training on the device according to their health condition, after which they can easily communicate using Netravaad.”

The patients are trained before they can use Netravaad. The duration of the training varies depending on the patients’ health condition. In addition to training, all the instructions for using Netravaad are displayed on the screen and voice instructions are given using the speaker. After completion of the training, the patient can easily follow the instructions given by the device and communicate with the external world through the voice of Netravaad.

Eye sign language is a process to estimate and track the line of sight of a person, or simply, where a person is looking. It has mainly five categories of eye signs including left, right, top, close and center.

Dr. Subodh Kumar Singh, G.S.Memorial Plastic Surgery Hospital And Trauma Center with one of children who undergone cleft surgery in Varanasi

June 12, 2023: According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, 1 in 700 new-borns in India is born with cleft lip and cleft palate; nearly 35,000 children are born with this condition annually.

The starting medical cost of a cleft surgery is approx. INR 25,000, which poses a challenge for low-income families. DeliverHealth, in partnership with United Way Bengaluru, supported 27 cleft surgeries in Varanasi for children belonging to low-income families.
78% of the beneficiaries are infants below the age of 2 years, thereby reducing disability-affected life years and helping the children integrate into society at the earliest possible age.

Under the CSR intervention, the overall development of 50 girls was supported, including their nutrition, education support through stationery, books, uniforms, etc., and counselling as well as the maintenance of the shelter home and capacity building of the staff from Sanrakshan. The shelter home takes care of victims of child abuse, child marriage, child labour, and other social issues.

“There is a need to bridge the gap in India’s widening gap in affordable healthcare. We are glad to have been partnering with DeliverHealth for the past few years and leveraging their CSR support to reach out to socially and economically backward communities and empower them by making health facilities available and accessible, ” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru.

Towards promoting higher education for underprivileged students, DeliverHealth also provided scholarships to Engineering & Diploma students from economically backward communities. Last year, 63 students were covered, and this year 47 students (including 32 new students) from Bengaluru & Mysuru were supported. Volunteers from DeliverHealth proactively got engaged in the scholarship program by participating in the beneficiary selection, conducting interviews and finalizing the candidates for awarding the scholarship.

“DeliverHealth has a long-standing commitment to sustainability rooted in it’s core values and operations. When we integrate sustainable development into our business strategy, we add value for all our stakeholders, including the communities in which we operate. We are glad to have partnered with United Way Bengaluru for the last three years, and we are confident that together we will continue to carry out CSR initiatives and design CSR programs that will create long-term impact for underserved communities.”, said Gautam Kumar, VP & Director, DeliverHealth India

About DeliverHealth

DeliverHealth simplifies Electronic Health Record (EHR) and revenue cycle complexities, so providers can spend more time caring for patients and less time on documentation and technology. With plenty of health information management, and hundreds of EHR ‘Go Live’ deployment experiences, DeliverHealth offers solutions across multiple specialities in hospitals, health systems, and physician groups. For more information, DeliverHealth | We simplify telling your patient’s story.

About United Way Bengaluru (UWBe)

United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), part of United Way Worldwide, the world’s largest network of over 1,800 local non-profit organizations, has been working for the city of Bengaluru and other states for the last 15 years. The organization “envisions a world where all the individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives.” Towards the vision, UWBe works in a few key areas: Environment, Education, Healthcare, and Rural Development.

Aligned with its mission, “To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good”, the organization brings together unified efforts from corporates, civic bodies and citizen associations to ensure visible change.

Bangalore, India –9th June 2023 – TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectors and sensors, is supporting the operations at Bangalore Medical Services Trust (BMST) by donating medical equipment to boost its blood bank infrastructure.

Vishwanath S, Managing Director & GM – TE India asserts the importance of choosing BMST as their CSR Partner. He said “During Covid we partnered with organisations and distributed essential equipment like oxygen concentrators, ventilators, and surgical masks. We realized, there is a need and a potential to work with healthcare industry to help the community. BMST’s legacy of excellence, comprehensive healthcare initiatives, and blood donation drives made it a compelling choice for us to support accessible and affordable healthcare for the community.”

The donated medical equipment includes two blood bank refrigerators, a consumables refrigerator, and two HLA lab centrifuges.

The blood bank refrigerator is specifically designed to store and preserve blood products at optimal temperatures. Its advanced features, such as precise temperature control and ample storage capacity, ensure the safe storage of life-saving blood components, including red blood cells, platelets, and plasma. This equipment will significantly contribute to maintaining the integrity and availability of blood products, enabling the Blood Bank to serve patients in need. The consumables refrigerator will play a vital role in storing temperature-sensitive consumables and reagents essential for various laboratory tests and procedures.

The HLA lab centrifuges will enhance the laboratory’s capacity to perform essential tests related to tissue matching for organ transplantation, aiding in the improvement of patient outcomes.

Dr. Latha Jagannathan, Medical Director & Managing Trustee, Bangalore Medical Services Trust “I am privileged towards TE Connectivity for not only supporting our cause but also taking a keen interest in understanding the work we do. Their CSR volunteers has been a regular visitor in our center. The CSR funding from TE Connectivity for refrigerators and lab centrifuges will improve our ability to provide blood banking and transplant testing services and it directly impacts more than 45,000 patients year–on–year. Thank you, TE for your support and we hope to have a continued relationship in the future and help us create a positive impact in the community.”

Bengaluru, 9th June 2023 – Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore, Department of Pulmonology, have successfully performed a unique lung transplant on a 57-year-old patient from Bangalore. This ground-breaking procedure required extensive skill, precision, teamwork, and tremendous effort from the medical professionals involved.

Meenakshi (name changed), 57, from Bengaluru, was initially presented to Apollo Hospitals, Jayanagar about two years ago with increasing breathlessness. She was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD), a condition characterised by the fibrosis or stiffening of the lungs. Her condition progressed to continuous breathlessness necessitating constant oxygen support at home, inability to do daily activities on her own and was completely cut off from the normal flow of life.

Recognizing the severity of her condition, the medical team at Apollo Hospitals broached the subject of a lung transplant, offering her a potential solution for a better quality of life and longer survival. Although initially hesitant, the patient and her family eventually made the decision to pursue the transplant, following effective counselling sessions by the dedicated team at Apollo Hospitals.

The call about a suitable donor was received on the day before Ugadi festival and the patient was quickly admitted to the hospital for pre-transplant assessment. A labor of thirty six hours of coordination- during the holiday- finally led to her successful bilateral lung transplant.

Dr. Ravindra Mehta, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology and Interventional Pulmonology at Apollo Hospitals, who led the pulmonology team for the lung transplant, said: “Unusually, on a state holiday, the day arrived when a suitable donor became available. The patient underwent thorough pre-procedure tests, while the donor lungs were meticulously assessed to ensure compatibility. On the day of the surgery, the dedicated team of pulmonologists, surgeons, anesthesiologists, and critical care physicians came together and the surgeons performed the complex procedure, which lasted for 13 hours from patient arrival in the operating theatre to ICU admission. Fortunately, the donor was an in-house patient at Apollo Hospitals, hence there was less ischaemia time for the donor organs, and no requirement of a transport green corridor.”

The impact of this lung transplant on the patient’s life has been remarkable. Previously dependent on continuous high flow oxygen support and restricted to her home, she is now completely off oxygen and has regained her freedom. With the support of the entire medical team, including physiotherapists, counsellors and dieticians, she has progressed from lying in bed to walking without support. Her recovery has been holistic and inspiring, allowing her to enjoy activities with her grandchildren.

The success of this procedure highlights the importance of a well-coordinated and multidisciplinary approach to lung transplantation. The pulmonology team, led by Dr. Ravindra Mehta and assisted by Dr Sameer Bansal, Dr Hariprasad, Dr Srikant (Apollo Hospitals) and transplant physician Dr. Srinivas Rajagopala from Kauvery Hospital Chennai along with the cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgical (CTVS) team led by Dr. Kumud Dhital and Dr. Anand Subramanyam. The dedicated efforts of Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Dr. Srinivas Dhulipala, who led the anaesthetic and intensive care teams, were also instrumental in the patient’s successful recovery.

(Dr Dhital, Dr Kumar, and Mr Das (Clinical Perfusion) are seconded from Marengo Asia Hospital, Faridabad, Haryana; and Dr Rajagopala and Dr Sujith V (organ retrieval surgeon) from Kauvery Hospital, Chennai, under collaborative MoU with Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore)

Lung transplantation also necessitates a well-equipped infrastructure and a committed team of medical professionals. Apollo Hospitals Bangalore provided state-of-the-art facilities, including specialised recovery rooms with stringent sterile precautions and negative pressure isolation.

Dr. Kumud Dhital, Lung Transplant Surgeon, Marengo Asia Hospitals says, “In the realm of solid organ transplantation, lung transplants are the most complex. Not only from the technical surgical aspects, but more importantly from the simple facts that the lung is more susceptible to infection being open to the atmosphere, but also unlike other organs, is also more prone to stronger immunological responses and therefore at greater risk of rejection. The success of lung transplantation following surgery and thereafter into long-term survivorship of both graft and recipient relies entirely on multidisciplinary expertise comprising close collaboration between the surgeon, anesthetist, intensivist, transplant pulmonologist, infectious disease specialist, pathologist, immunologist, psychologist, and physiotherapy & rehabilitation. Our responsibility to the recipient through stringent surveillance is therefore life-long.

This collaborative program with Karnataka between Apollo Hospitals and Marengo Asia Hospitals exemplifies and ensures this very necessary multi-disciplinary expertise. However, despite increased community awareness of the importance of our lungs following the COVID pandemic, and professional knowledge about the massive burden of lung disease in India, it is unfortunate that deceased donation rates remain very low in India, and patients continue to be referred too late into their disease.”

Dr. Manish Mattoo – Chief Executive Officer – Karnataka Region, Apollo Hospitals said: This procedure is a testament to the advancement of medical science and the incredible skills of the medical professionals involved. Lung transplantation is a highly complex surgery that demands meticulous attention to detail and specialised expertise. By successfully completing this procedure, Apollo Hospitals Bangalore demonstrated their commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation and providing life-changing solutions to patients suffering from similar conditions. It has been a privilege for Apollo Hospitals to witness this breakthrough lung transplant procedure, saving life and giving new hope to the 57 yr old. We wish to continue doing the same and giving a fresh lease of life to many more.”

When the medical cosmos against all odds brings heaven and earth together in an impossible situation, in a life-threatening crisis, to make a difference like never before!

Unique aspects of the lung transplant:

1.  A last-minute save for a patient on 15L of oxygen, with imminent demise staring in the face
2.  An organ that comes on a holiday- a story of 36 hours of relentless effort, culminating in a successful transplant
3.  The fruit of our labor comes from the power of integration- ABAPS (Apollo Bangalore Advanced Pulmonology Services)- which includes all the Pulmonology departments of Apollo hospitals Bangalore- Jayanagar, Bannerghatta, and Seshadripuram, all under one umbrella
4.  A unique collaborative effort between different hospitals to ensure convergence of clinical expertise and infrastructure to ensure the best patient outcome.

Given our fast-paced lifestyles, it’s difficult to eat healthy. The surge in preference for convenience foods and packaged eatables plus the stress and environmental pollution makes people more prone to health issues. This is where clean eating and fresh foods become important.

If we follow a healthy Indian diet along with exercise routines, we may become fitter versions of ourselves. While we cannot control the environmental contaminants to which we are exposed, adopting a healthier diet is certainly doable. As an increased number of people realize this, Dr. Irfan Shaikh, Head, Medical & Scientific Affairs at Abbott’s Nutrition business focuses on hearty and healthier foods that form a balanced diet and some steps you can take to age healthy.

1. Start Out Young: As teens grow, three essential systems in their bodies change: muscle mass along with long bones, hormonal maturity and blood, and immunity. To ensure these areas grow properly, you need the right nutrients.

• Bone development: Most people think of adequate proteins and calcium when they think of bone development, but vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin K, collagen and essential fatty acids are also necessary for bone health and turnover. Consumption of these nutrients can help reduce bone fracture risk for teens. Fish[i]/egg[ii]/chickpea[iii] curry, mixed vegetable sabzi, dal[iv] tadka and even some chutneys like flaxseed[v] chutney is rich in these nutrients.
• Blood: Iron, vitamin B-12 and folate are essential for the formation of healthy red blood cells. Without adequate iron, teens are unable to produce the red blood cells they need to carry oxygen throughout the body. Preparations made from spinach[vi], [vii] like palak paneer, palak rice palak dal, lentil[viii] soups, methi[ix] paratha, and beetroot[x] poriyal are some dishes that are rich in these nutrients.
• Hormonal maturity: Balanced diet, adequate proteins, high fibers, stress-free life, regular exercise, weight control and sound sleep are critical for a successful transition of the hormonal foundation during the early years.

2. Preventative Care in the 30s and 40s: People in their 30s and 40s should focus on preventive care, particularly when it comes to their hearts.

• Cholesterol: To lower cholesterol, eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, protein-rich meals (particularly fish and seafood), legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds, and so on.
• Stress: Career, income, and family responsibilities create several possibilities to experience stress. Regular exercise and coping abilities to handle stressful situations are crucial to protect your health and mind. Some of the best ways to cope with stress are exercising, yoga, journaling and meditation.
• Blood Pressure: Many people are unaware that they have high blood pressure because it has no symptoms, and the only way of finding out is to get examined. Reducing your sodium and chai or caffeine intake is vital to controlling high blood pressure, additionally, it is important to stay active and lose fat around the waistline.

3. The Importance of Prioritizing: As we age, what we eat can impact our health, so it’s important to put some thought into what we eat and drink. Some key ingredients for future healthy ageing are:

• Protein is essential at every age, whether you want to build muscle, retain strength or recuperate from surgery. One can find protein in meats, beans, dairy products, fish, nuts, seeds, and cottage cheese and can serve these in the form of various curry preparations.
• Fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains can help with lowering cholesterol and managing body weight simply by keeping you full. Chana[xi] masala, baingan[xii] bharta and oats[xiii] upma are some ways in which you can add fiber to your meal.
• Calcium, As we age, our bones lose some of their calcium and mass, heightening the risk of fractures and weaker bones. Consuming milk, dahi, and cheese is a good source of calcium uptake. Ragi[xiv] dosa, til[xv] chutney and paneer[xvi] masala are some Indian dishes which are high in protein due to their ingredients.
• Vitamin D is important for healthy bones and is the only one that can be synthesized when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It can be found in fatty fish, eggs, and vitamin D-fortified dairy products.
• Nutritional supplements: A regular, balanced diet is crucial to meet daily nutritional requirements and also build stronger muscles as you age. However, while we recognize that muscles matter and eat accordingly, some nutritional gaps may exist. To fill these gaps, one can include a balanced nutrition supplement like Ensure HMB which is a science-based nutritional supplement formulated with 32 vital nutrients and a special ingredient – HMB or β-hydroxy-β-methyl butyrate – that helps counteract muscle loss and restore strength and energy.

Every person passes many milestones throughout life and health should stay top-of-mind every step of the way. By embracing your cultural dishes which are prepared through locally and organically sourced foods, you can stay healthy as you age.

As part of its commitment to enable people to live healthier lives, Nestlé Health Science collaborated with the GI Core Committee at Indian Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition on World Digestive Health Day. Nestlé Health Science, a part of Nestlé India has roped in strategic partners, clinical research, and advanced education association to drive awareness on gut health management. The collaboration is aimed at providing education on possible solutions to gut issues and positively impact the confidence and lifestyle of those who suffer from it.

Through the collaboration, Nestlé Health Science reached out to more than 800 Healthcare Practitioners (HCPs) across 26 chapters of IAPEN. The Healthcare Practitioners were briefed on the role of Prebiotics & Immunonutrients in gut health along with probiotic supplementation, and Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum (PHGG) as a novel gut health solution. The educational session was led by Dr Biju Pottakkat, Associate Dean Research and Head, Surgical Gastroenterology, JIPMER and Dr Amit Goel, Professor & Head of Hepatology, SGPGIMS, Lucknow followed by Dr Jalil Benyacoub, Global Medical Affairs Lead, Nestlé Health Science, Chairman, ILSI Europe, PhD, University of Lausanne.

Dr Sreemathy Venkatraman, Clinical Dietitian & National Executive Committee member IAPEN India commented “Many patients are in need for a gut health solution that is not only effective but is also gentle on the body. Today’s engagement was to educate our colleagues how a combination of prebiotic and immunonutrients can help improve the gut health of any individual. We are happy to see reputed organizations in this space are trying to address a strong need gap.”

Mansi Khanna, Head, Nestlé Health Science commented, “We are proud to collaborate with a reputed body like IAPEN to drive awareness around a category that people are usually hesitant to talk about. At Nestlé Health Science India we strive to empower individuals with the power of nutrition to help them live healthier lives, including advanced innovative solutions. We recently launched Resource Fiber Choice, a unique gut health solution to address a key consumer need gap. It contains PHGG (Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum) which is a prebiotic dietary fiber that is proven to help relive constipation and improve gut health. It is also rich in immune nutrients, easy to consume and can be mixed in water or any beverage and food.”

Nestlé Health Science is a global leader in the space of nutritional science. It focuses on advancing the therapeutic role of nutrition to change the course of health management for consumers, patients, doctors, nurses, and its partners in healthcare. The key products include- RESOURCE High Protein, OPTIFAST and RESOURCE Diabetic, PEPTAMEN, RESOURCE Dialysis and Thicken Up Clear. Nestlé Health Science also has a dedicated team of clinical experts who engage with healthcare practitioners across India for awareness and education.

The much-anticipated summer vacations have begun and it is time for more outdoor play. The temperature during summer rises with each passing day and one common concern among parents is whether their children are getting enough fluids in their bodies to bear the heat. It is necessary to keep kids healthy and hydrated — but it’s not always easy! Dr. Ganesh Kadhe, Director, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Abbott’s Nutrition business shares 6 nutritious and hydrating foods that you can feed your kid this summer:

• Cut up Fruits: Watery fruits like watermelon, oranges, and apricot can boost your kid’s hydration. Apart from being rich in water, these fruits are also good sources of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium which have several health benefits[i], [ii], [iii], [iv], [v]. These fruits can be served in smaller pieces or even sliced into shapes like triangles, stars, and rounds.
• Popsicles: Kids love popsicles. If getting your child to drink liquids is becoming a challenge, you can make a popsicle out of fresh fruit juices or even their favourite fruit milkshakes in a small glass. These are also excellent choices for children who may be craving something cold. These popsicles can provide both fluid and key nutrients from fruits that can help them rehydrate.
• Fruit Lassi: If your child shies away from drinking the required amount of water, try serving a yoghurt and milk based lassi to them. This can be given to them in their favourite cup and throw in a silly straw in their favourite colour to get them excited about drinking the lassi. For example, you can make a papaya and pineapple lassi which make the drink more appealing to your child’s taste buds. Additionally, pineapple is not only high in water content[vi] but also a significant source of vitamin C making it an excellent summer fruit option. Papaya on the other hand, is high in vitamin A and C [vii].
• Vegetable Salad: A bowl of mixed vegetable salad is a great source of protein and fiber. Salad consisting of watery yellow and green vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, olives, and cherry tomatoes can be a perfect summer savoury.
• Tea Party: Offer your child warm kid-friendly teas, such as peppermint or chamomile. Having a teddy bear or doll tea party might encourage some children to drink up and hydrate. Natural compounds in peppermint may have beneficial effects on energy as well for your kid’s playtime[viii] whereas chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory qualities and is high in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and folate[ix].
• Spa water: Spa water is for kids, too! Add sliced strawberries, cucumbers, or lemons to your child’s glass of water to give it a flavour and colour boost. They have hydrating properties and will also appeal to children. Berries can also add a sweet flavour to water and can be added for that bright colour pop.

If your child is a fussy eater, it may be difficult to ensure they are getting the right nutrition through their food during the summers. Serving these fun and colourful food options will make it easier for you to incorporate nutritious foods in their diet. Consider trying a combination of these options to help your child maintain a consistent intake of fluids and nutritious food throughout the day this season.

Hyderabad, 29th May 2023: Dr Shashi Tharoor. Indian politician and Member of Parliament (MP) launched a new book titled “Silver Lining – Overcoming Adversity to Build NephroPlus, India’s Largest Dialysis Provider” written by NephroPlus co-founder and author Kamal Shah. The event was also graced by the presence of renowned singer Usha Uthup. The book details the journey of Kamal Shah and how his spirit of resilience and perseverance has led to tremendous achievements and triumph.

The book, published by one of India’s leading publishers Penguin Random House, reveals how the young Mr Shah overcame huge health setbacks and has today built one of India’s leading health institutions. A first-of-its-kind story in India, the book is a testimony of how the 21-year-old Kamal Shah was struck by kidney failure which threatened to end his life, but he fought back to not only survive but thrive despite the punishing setbacks he had time and again.

Kamal Shah Co-founder, NephroPlus, narrates his story as he witnessed people facing diverse challenges today. “I simply want to let them know that they’re not alone, and no matter how rough the road may seem, they can’t stop pushing. I encountered a lot of challenges after kidney disease struck, but they made me stronger. I took the pain and adversity and turned them into lessons. I’m glad I have been able to bring about solutions in the healthcare sector and I hope my book inspires people around the world,”

Silver Lining is written in a narrative voice as Mr Shah takes the reader through his journey of strength and stoic bravery, overcoming each challenge that life threw at him. The first part of the book captures this gruesome journey of Kamal Shah told in a cheerful voice. The language is both emotional and uplifting and is sure to encourage and inspire everyone going through similar health challenges or setbacks in life.

The second part of the book details Kamal’s entrepreneurial journey and how he has used his personal experience to transform NephroPlus into India’s largest chain of dialysis centres that is passionate about the treatment of patients and ensures they lead a good life. This informed the introduction of protocolised dialysis care at NephroPlus to ensure they live quality lives through events like the world’s first Dialysis Olympiad for patients.

The chief guest and endorser of the book, Dr Shashi Tharoor, an Indian politician and a Member of Parliament (MP), in his words said, “Kamal Shah, a dialysis patient himself, refused to let his disease defeat him, instead, he used it as a source of inspiration; how could he prevent others from suffering as he had? It was this focused mission that gave rise to NephroPlus, a story Shah tells deftly here. His journey is a truly inspiring one, and I’m glad he has decided to put it on record forever, even for generations yet unborn.”

Apart from Dr Shashi Tharoor, the book is also endorsed by playback singer Usha Uthup, R Gopalakrishnan – author, business commentator and former executive director at Tata Sons, and film producer Madhu Mantena. The book can be found in all leading bookstores and online e-commerce platforms, including Amazon.

NephroPlus, the company he co-founded along with Mr Vikram Vuppala, is a patient-centric dialysis company which has revolutionized kidney care and treatment in India and beyond. The brand is today India’s largest dialysis services company, with centres spread across the country and beyond.