Category health

Hyderabad, August 6, 2024: Indian Association of Paediatric Anesthesiologists (IAPA)’S Mid-term CME 2024 with the theme “The Paediatric Anaesthesia Connect’ will be held in the city for two days on August 10th and 11th at Hotel The Plaza, Begumpet.

About 200 plus specialists are expected to attend the program to be organised by IAPA in association with ISA(Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists) State Branch.

Disclosing this in a press note issued in the city today IAPA’s Telangana President and the Organising Chairperson, Dr Raja Narsing Rao said it will feature insightful sessions, interactive panel discussions and engaging workshops.

Pediatric anaesthesia is a new speciality emerging very powerful across the globe. Children from 40% of the population in our country. There is an ever-increasing demand for pediatric surgical and anaesthetic services. We need to develop pediatric anesthesiology in India said Dr. Raja Narsing Rao, Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist and President of IAPA.

Dr Raja Narsing Rao, also a Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist at LVPEI and EMRI Green Health says speciality training in pediatric anaesthesia is still in its infancy in India. The majority of children are administered anaesthesia by general anesthesiologists.

The theme of the meet will be ‘Paediatric Anaesthesia Connect’. It is a must to attend meetings for all anesthesiologists including those giving occasional paediatric anaesthesia services too, to improve the safety of the little ones undergoing various surgeries.

It will be a unique opportunity for all anaesthesiologists to connect with experts, expand their skill sets, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the field of paediatric anaesthesia.

Dr K. Sailaja, IAPA Telangana State Secretary and Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist at Care Hospital stated “We invite all anaesthesiologists to mark their calendars and make sure to register early to secure their spot at the IAPA Midterm Meet”

Pediatric Anesthesiologist is the most specialised area. If a child undergoes surgery or a procedure Pediatric Anesthesiologist has the experience and qualifications to assist in the treatment and to help ensure that your child undergoes that treatment safely.

The Indian Association of Paediatric Anaesthesiologists is a dedicated professional body in the field of Paediatric Anaesthesia, to improve safety standards and provide a platform for sharing views and information. This association was formed in March 2006. It has over 880 life members.

The association strives to have basic infrastructure and guidelines in place for all places where children are anaesthetised, thus ensuring safety. It also strives to improve the knowledge and skills of those practising this sub-speciality by conducting periodic conferences and local CMEs.

New Delhi, 6th August 2024: Manasthali, a leading mental health and wellness platform, has renewed the life of a 45-year-old man who triumphed over depression with the help of their comprehensive treatment programmes. Subhash (name changed) had a history of depression that resurfaced after the end of his second marriage. Struggling with feelings of hopelessness and emotional turmoil, Subhash sought help at Manasthali, hoping to find a path to recovery and a better future.

Subhash had been battling depression for the last seven years and his depression was characterized as being “controlled by a pattern of interpersonal avoidance”. His self-esteem had taken a significant hit, affecting his personal and professional life. He had withdrawn himself from social activities and relationships, leading to a sense of loneliness and isolation. The highly skilled team of Manasthali had developed a personalized treatment plan for Subhash, focusing on a holistic approach to mental and physical health.

“Depression due to failure in relationships has become quite common these days and it needs immediate attention. Subhash had a history of depression and this depression resurfaced after the end of his second marriage. Struggling with feelings of hopelessness and emotional turmoil, We kickstarted the whole treatment process by encouraging Subhash to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, all of which contributed to his overall mental health. We also incorporated mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques in his treatment plan to manage stress and improve his emotional well-being,” said Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Director & Founder, Manasthali Wellness.

Under the guidance of Dr Kapoor, Subhash was prescribed appropriate medications to manage his depressive symptoms effectively. He participated in group therapy sessions and that provided a platform for him to connect with others facing similar challenges, reducing his sense of isolation. Subhash’s journey to recovery happened gradually and was marked by significant milestones.

“Within a few months, Subhash experienced a notable improvement in his mood and outlook on life. Through therapy and support, he regained his self-confidence and began to rebuild his personal and professional life. He re-engaged with social activities and reconnected with friends and family, rebuilding his support network. With continued support from us, Subhash has maintained his progress and remains committed to his mental health journey. He now looks forward to the future with renewed hope and a positive perspective, embracing the possibilities that lie ahead,” Dr Kapoor added.

Subhash’s story from an anxious to confident personality is a testament to the effectiveness of Manasthali’s comprehensive treatment programs. By addressing the unique needs of each individual, Manasthali continues to help clients overcome their mental health challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

By Mr. Vijender Reddy Muthyala, Co-founder & CEO, DrinkPrime

The monsoon brings much-needed relief from the sweltering heat, making it the perfect season to enjoy a hot cup of chai and curl up with your favorite book or TV show. However, it’s also the time when illnesses like cholera, dysentery, dengue, and typhoid increase.

But why do these diseases see a surge during the rainy season?

The answer is simple: water contamination. Rainwater often carries pollutants and microorganisms from the environment into water sources, significantly raising the risk of water pollution. So, what can you do to keep you and your family disease-free this monsoon?

Well, this is where a water purifier comes in! Purified drinking water has become the need of the hour as illnesses spike during the monsoon, and many apartments experience water contamination.

But if you think you can easily opt for water cans and bottles, think again! These options are often unsafe because we do not know the source of the water, and they are exposed to many pollutants such as the sun, dust, and rain as they are transported from one place to another. Not to mention the amount of microplastics in these plastic water cans and bottles that is equally dangerous to your health.

For families with older adults and young children, the importance of having access to 100% safe drinking water cannot be overstated. Both of these groups are particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases due to their weaker immune systems, making them less able to fight off deadly infections.

This is why ensuring they have access to clean drinking water always is crucial for maintaining their health.

Here is how purified drinking water can help prevent waterborne diseases:

Prevents infections: One of the most significant benefits of drinking water that is purified is that it is free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These microorganisms are the primary causes of waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid. Purified water eliminates these pathogens, significantly reducing the risk of infections.

Improves immunity: Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and boosting the immune system. This is particularly important for children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to diseases. By providing them with purified water, we can help strengthen their immune systems, making them less susceptible to infections.

Enhances digestion: Contaminated water can cause a range of gastrointestinal issues, from mild stomach upsets to severe cases of gastroenteritis. Drinking purified water helps maintain proper digestion and prevents stomach-related problems. This is especially crucial during the monsoon season when the risk of contamination is higher.

Promotes safe hydration: Drinking 100% safe water encourages proper hydration, which is essential for overall health. Contaminated water can often have an unpleasant taste or smell, discouraging adequate water intake. When the water is purified, it is not only safe but also tastes better, promoting regular and sufficient hydration.

So, while monsoons are a delightful season to enjoy, it’s important to be mindful of the food and water we consume. Investing in a water purifier at home is a great way to ensure clean, safe, and healthy drinking water every day.

Plus, make sure to eat home-cooked meals, avoid outside food and drinks as much as possible, and carry your own water bottles to enjoy the rain safely!

India, 1st August 2024: Emoneeds, a leading digital mental health platform, has announced a strategic partnership with the New Venture Fund for Global Policy and Advocacy (NVF for GPA), Washington and NAADAM, a Hyderabad-based NGO, to provide free mental health treatment to over 2,500 patients in tier 2, 3 cities and rural areas of India over the next year. This initiative aims to bridge the significant gap in mental health services in underserved regions of India.

The New Venture Fund for Global Policy and Advocacy (NVF for GPA), Washington advances global health and development by providing targeted and timely awards for innovative, high-impact policy, advocacy, and communications projects that promote more and better resources, effective policies, and greater visibility for issues critical to global health and development.

NVF has engaged NAADAM, an NGO based in Hyderabad, India, to implement Project Manas.

NAADAM has partnered with Emoneeds (RNR Emotional Well-Being Technologies LLP Ltd) as their technical partner to provide clinical services. Emoneeds has also subsidized their services as part of their social commitment under the project.

As part of this project, Emoneeds will provide a comprehensive range of offline and online mental health support including OPD services, clinical assessments, and extensive mental health psychiatric and psychological support free of cost to patients from tier 2, 3 and rural areas.

Emoneeds provides comprehensive mental health support through its tech-based platform which includes Tele-Psychiatrist consultations, Tele-Psychotherapy Sessions, Tele-Monitoring Calls, Family Sessions, Group Family Psycho-Education Webinars, Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT), and Social Skills Training (SST) online. Emoneeds provides mental health support to the spectrum of mental health services across mild, moderate, and severe cases. From depression to chronic cases of Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorders, OCD, and drug de-addiction, Emoneeds has successfully delivered services through its portal to these patients in the comfort of their homes.

Emoneeds will leverage a robust network of over 40 Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Counsellors, each specializing in chronic mental illnesses to implement Project Manas. Besides free OPD services to 2500 patients across the country, the project aims to provide free treatment to 1,000 serious mental health patients for periods ranging from 3 to 9 months. Under the project, the patients will receive services tailored to their specific mental illness and its severity. Each patient will be assigned a dedicated team consisting of a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, and Counsellor, who will provide treatment according to standard clinical protocols.

Notably, innovative approaches and technologies will be employed to enhance the effectiveness of the services. Tele-Monitoring calls will help mental health professionals keep track of patients’ well-being and identify early warning signs, preventing relapse and improving medical compliance. Family Sessions and Group Family Psycho-Education Webinars will assist caregivers and family members in supporting the patient’s treatment. Emoneeds will also utilize Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Behavioural Therapy (BT), Supportive Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as needed. A Clinical Decision Support System will aid psychiatrists and psychologists in diagnosis and treatment, while standard diagnostic tests will be used to track patient progress. AI tools will be employed to support clinical decision-making and treatment protocols.

Commenting on Project Manas, Rajat Goel, Co-Founder of Emoneeds, stated, “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our mission to democratize mental health care across India. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and partnering with NVF and NAADAM, we’re not just providing treatment; we’re revolutionizing how mental health services are delivered in underserved areas.

Dr. Neerja Agarwal, Co-Founder and CEO highlighted that, “Our ‘At Home’ service delivery model, aided by technology, allows us to reach patients in Tier 2 and rural areas. There is a treatment gap of as high as 80 % when it comes to mental health services, and this Project will be a torchbearer in highlighting how such services can be made available to patients across the country particularly in rural areas and make efficient use of limited mental health professionals in the country.

We’re not only treating individuals but also educating families and communities, helping to destigmatize mental health issues. The project is expected to have far-reaching impacts, including reducing the stigma associated with mental health services in India, bridging the treatment gap, supporting families and caregivers, demonstrating the efficacy of an ‘At Home’ mental health service delivery model, and providing evidence on how technology usage in mental health can increase clinician efficiency and widen access to services.

The digital-first approach utilizes evidence-based, data-driven processes to monitor patient progress. Standard mental health diagnostic tools will be used to track improvements and treatment plans will be implemented to ensure functional recovery for patients.”

The implementation of this digitally enabled mental health initiative will ensure a data-driven evidence-based approach to mental health, bringing accountability and transparency to outcome monitoring. It aims to establish protocols for technology-enabled mental health service delivery, and potentially inform national and global policy.

Houston/US: Dr. Joseph Sunny Kunnassery, Director of the Prayatna Center for Child Development in Kochi and Secretary of the All India Occupational Therapy Association (AIOTA) has been honored with multiple awards in Missouri City, USA, for his innovative treatment methods for children with autism.

The awards were presented at a ceremony inaugurated by Missouri City Mayor and Malayali Robin Ilakkatt. Missouri City Collector Angel Jones presided over the event. Mayor Robin Ilakkatt praised Dr. Joseph’s valuable contributions to the field of child mental health, saying that it’s a matter of pride for the people of Kerala.

Robin Ilakkatt is a mayor in the US for the effective initiatives he came up with, that Malayalis can be proud of.

New Delhi, July 30, 2024: A study conducted by Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai has shown that adding Nimotuzumab to the standard treatment regimen significantly improves the 10-year overall survival rate for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The results of the Phase III study on 536 patients confirmed that Nimotuzumab not only improves progression-free survival but also maintains a good quality of life for long-term survivors, making it a potential therapeutic choice for this disease in India.

Patients with head and neck cancer who received Nimotuzumab in combination with concurrent radiotherapy and cisplatin had a 10-year overall survival rate of 33.5%, compared to 22.5% who received only radiotherapy and cisplatin. The median overall survival improved from 2.78 years in the standard treatment arm to 3.69 years in the Nimotuzumab arm. Furthermore, the study found no significant increase in late-term adverse events, highlighting the safety and tolerability of Nimotuzumab.

Head and neck cancers account for one-third of the cancer burden in India with more than 65% of patients presenting with loco-regional advanced disease that is often unresectable and necessitates medical management. In the locally advanced setting, no other targeted therapy can be combined with concurrent chemoradiation with the intent to cure, making this a significant advancement in the management of head and neck cancer.

Dr. Kumar Prabhash, Professor and Head, Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, said, “The findings of this study are promising for patients with head and neck cancer. By adding Nimotuzumab to the existing therapy regimen, we have noticed a significant rise in long-term survival rates while maintaining patient quality of life.”

Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Chairperson, Medical Oncology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, said, “Nimotuzumab, when combined with chemotherapy and radiation, demonstrated promising results in improving overall survival rates for head and neck cancer patients. Its safety and efficacy make it a viable therapy option for treatment. It also preserves overall quality of life while efficiently managing tumor burden. The study’s findings highlight the potential of Nimotuzumab to become a standard part of treatment regimens for locally advanced head and neck cancer.”

Dr. Neera Gupta, General Manager, Medical Affairs & Clinical Development, Eris Lifesciences, said, “We are proud to have supported this pivotal study that brings new hope for patients with head and neck cancer. These patients frequently experience a compromised quality of life due to the impact on vital functions, including speaking and swallowing. The findings show that adding Nimotuzumab to concurrent chemoradiation improves progression-free survival and overall survival while also preserving quality of life.”

The Nimotuzumab study supported earlier by Biocon and now Eris Lifesciences was an open-label, investigator-initiated, phase III randomized trial conducted from 2012 to 2018, involving 536 adult patients. It evaluated the benefits of adding nimotuzumab to standard treatment (chemotherapy and radiation) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA HNSCC). Patients were randomized to receive either radical radiotherapy with weekly cisplatin (CRT) or the same regimen plus weekly nimotuzumab (NCRT). The long term follow up data evaluated 10-year overall survival, with a median follow-up of 8.86 years. The study found that patients who received the weekly nimotuzumab (NCRT) lived longer overall, with a 10-year survival rate of 33.5% compared to 22.5% for those who received standard (CRT) treatment alone, indicating a significant improvement with nimotuzumab addition. Importantly, adding nimotuzumab did not increase the risk of long-term side effects.

This benefit was particularly noticeable in patients whose tumors were not caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The study concluded that nimotuzumab enhances long-term overall survival without increasing late-term adverse events, particularly benefiting HPV-negative patients.

This study, with its demonstrated efficacy and safety, offers a significant advancement in the fight against head and neck cancer in India. Eris Lifesciences is committed to providing effective treatment solutions to ensure better health and well-being for patients with head and neck cancer.

By Dr. R V Raghunandan, Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, HCG MNR Cancer Hospital, Ongole

Exhaustion that lingers even after a good night’s sleep, coupled with frequent infections that seem never-ending – these could be signs of something more serious than just a busy lifestyle or a run-down immune system. Leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, can often masquerade as these everyday ailment, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the connection between fatigue, infections, and leukemia can empower individuals to seek timely medical attention.

Unveiling the Causes of Fatigue in Leukemia

Extreme fatigue is a common foe for people battling leukemia. Let’s explore the culprits behind this relentless tiredness:

•  Constant pain disrupts sleep, steals your appetite, and limits physical activity. This domino effect can lead to exhaustion and depression, further worsening fatigue.
•  Leukemia and its treatments can zap your energy, making exercise a challenge. This lack of activity can actually contribute further to fatigue, especially if you were previously active.
•  A healthy diet fuels your body and keeps you alert. However, leukemia and its treatments can throw a wrench in your eating habits. Loss of appetite, nausea, and mouth sores can make maintaining good nutrition difficult, leading to fatigue.
• Anemia, a common complication of leukemia, occurs when you have a low red blood cell count. These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body, and a lack of them can leave you feeling weak and fatigued.
•  The type of leukemia you have can influence your fatigue level. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may involve early-stage hormonal changes that contribute to fatigue, along with the emotional stress of a cancer diagnosis and treatments.
•  Difficulties like insomnia, fragmented sleep, or poor sleep quality can leave you drained. Pain, medications, stress, and anxiety are all potential culprits behind restless nights. Additionally, night sweats, a symptom of leukemia or its treatments, can disrupt your sleep cycle.
•  Some medications used to manage leukemia symptoms, like antidepressants and pain relievers, can cause fatigue as a side effect. Even after treatment finishes, fatigue caused by chemotherapy can linger for six months to a year.

Symptoms to look out for:

Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of leukemia. Cancer cells crowd out healthy blood cell production, leading to a shortage of red blood cells, the oxygen carriers in the body. This oxygen deficiency leaves people feeling constantly tired and drained, even after seemingly adequate rest. Unlike fatigue caused by everyday stressors, this exhaustion is persistent and doesn’t improve with relaxation or a change in routine.

Leukemia also weakens the body’s immune system. Healthy white blood cells are crucial for fighting infections. In leukemia, abnormal white blood cells may be produced, but they are dysfunctional and unable to effectively combat germs. This leaves the body vulnerable to a wider range of infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal. These infections can manifest in various ways, such as recurrent fever, chills, mouth sores, or persistent skin infections. The specific type of leukemia can influence the pattern of fatigue and infections. Acute leukemias, which progress rapidly, often cause severe fatigue and frequent infections early
on. Chronic leukemias, on the other hand, may present with more subtle symptoms that develop gradually over time. However, regardless of the type, persistent fatigue and recurrent infections should raise a red flag and prompt a visit to the doctor.

Difference between normal fatigue and the fatigue caused by leukemia

Normal fatigue is a familiar feeling of tiredness that improves with rest or catching up on sleep. It often stems from everyday activities like physical exertion, stress, or a late night. Leukemia fatigue, however, is a different beast. Medically termed cancer-related fatigue (CRF), it’s an overwhelming, persistent exhaustion that disrupts your daily life. Even after sleep, simple tasks feel draining, and concentration suffers. This unrelenting fatigue is caused by leukemia itself or its treatment, impacting your body’s ability to produce energy- carrying red blood cells. Unlike normal tiredness, leukemia fatigue can be accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, weakness, and difficulty fighting infections. If you experience such persistent fatigue alongside other unexplained symptoms, consulting a doctor is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How to get it diagnosed?

Early diagnosis of leukemia is crucial for successful treatment:

•  A simple blood test can provide initial clues. A complete blood count (CBC) measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormalities in these counts, such as a significant decrease in healthy white blood cells or an abnormal increase in immature white blood cells, can warrant further investigation.
•  A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, where a small sample of bone marrow is extracted and examined under a microscope, can definitively diagnose leukemia by identifying the presence and type of abnormal blood cells.

What are the treatment options?

Fortunately, significant advancements have been made in leukemia treatment. Chemotherapy remains a mainstay, effectively eliminating cancerous cells. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies are also showing promise, offering more personalized and
potentially less toxic treatment options. Bone marrow transplants can be curative in some cases, particularly for younger patients. Early diagnosis allows for a wider range of treatment options and significantly improves the chances of a successful outcome.

Normal fatigue is a familiar feeling of tiredness that improves with rest or catching up on sleep. It often stems from everyday activities like physical exertion, stress, or a late night. Leukemia fatigue, however, is a different beast. Medically termed cancer-related fatigue (CRF), it’s an overwhelming, persistent exhaustion that disrupts your daily life. Even after sleep, simple tasks feel draining, and concentration suffers. This unrelenting fatigue is caused by leukemia itself or its treatment, impacting your body’s ability to produce energy- carrying red blood cells. Unlike normal tiredness, leukemia fatigue can be accompanied by symptoms like shortness of breath, weakness, and difficulty fighting infections. If you experience such persistent fatigue alongside other unexplained symptoms, consulting a doctor is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Noida, 30th July 2024: Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Noida successfully operated and removed a watermelon sized non-cancerous tumor weighing 2.2 kgs from the uterus of a 49-year-old woman via Robot-aided surgery. The team of doctors led by Dr Anjana Singh, Director & HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Noida conducted the complex surgery, which lasted for 3 hours. The patient was discharged in stable condition two days later.

Upon admission at Fortis Noida the patient complained of severe pain during her menstruation cycle, along with irregular and heavy bleeding for almost 2 years. An ultrasound revealed a large fibroid (tumour) measuring 17-18 cms in size along with other fibroids of 7-8 cm. Such fibroids typically form when the body secretes excessive estrogen, which causes the growth of fibroid tissues. The large mass of tumour had occupied the entire abdominal area, thus making it extremely difficult to operate. Additionally, the patient had undergone two prior C-sections, and her scars were vertical. In such cases, there is always a risk of injury to the vital organs during dissection of the adhesions. Hence, Robot-assisted surgery was adopted to better identify the anatomical structures and minimize the risk of unintended damage to the internal organs.

49-year-old patient with Dr Anjana Singh, Director & HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Noida

Giving details of the case, Dr Anjana Singh, Director & HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “The patient had travelled from Aligarh, as there she was advised to undergo traditional open surgery by multiple gynaecologists, which the patient did not want to opt for. That’s when she came to Fortis. In this case, the tumour had grown to the sizeof a watermelon. We had to be extremely careful while operating to save the vital organs, and that’s where robot-assisted surgery provided enhanced precision. The surgery involved very little intraoperative bleeding with no requirement for blood transfusion, owing to high precision. The most challenging part of this surgery was to retrieve such heavy tumour from 8 mms miniature incisions on abdomen used for the robotic arms and camera. We decided to break down the tumour in a bag inside the abdomen followed by removal of small pieces of fibroid from the very small incision. Had the surgery not been performed on time, the fibroid would have grown immensely in size and would have put pressure on surrounding organs such as bowel and bladder, causing intestinal obstruction and urine retention. Bleeding and pain during menstruation cycle would also have increased and excessive bleeding could have made the patient severely anaemic. Such cases are rare as tumours weighing 2.2 kgs are found in only 10-20% cases and in 1% of such cases, a massively growing fibroid can become malignant.”

Mohit Singh, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital Noida said, “This was a very critical and challenging case considering the size and weight of the tumour, along with two c-section surgeries in the past. Despite the challenges, the surgery was successfully conducted owing to the correct medical assessment and the patient was able to resume her daily routine in just one week of surgery. Clinical expertise and best-in-class care to manage such cases are the hallmarks of Fortis Hospital Noida, and we continuously endeavor to provide highest level of care to save lives and get improved outcomes.”

Mumbai- Headache, one of the most commonly encountered but often-ignored health problems, could be pointing towards a more serious condition such as a cyst in the brain. 47 years old female from Malad was facing health issue like headache and slurring of speech and she took local treatments more than 2 months like painkillers and pain relief cream but problems not solved so her husband visited to Dr. Samir Parekh Neurosurgeon from Apex Superspeciality Hospitals, Borivali. After medical investigation large epidermoid tumor was found in right side if brain which involving major blood vessels

Adding more information on this Dr. Samir Parekh Neurosurgeon from Apex Superspeciality Hospitals, Borivali says,” Headache is the most common symptom of brain cysts. Therefore, it is extremely important that if a chronic headache is accompanied by any other symptom, one should consult a specialist immediately. We diagnosis through physical examination and imaging like CT scans and MRI and we found an epidermoid cyst, (size 7.1 x 4.4 x 6.3) also known as an epidermoid tumor, is a benign, slow-growing abnormality in the brain that occurs when skin cells become trapped during development. These cysts are congenital, but patients usually don’t experience symptoms until they are 20 to 40 years old. They are often found in areas where the brain meets the brain stem, on the pituitary gland, along the inside of the skull, or growing through the skull bone. In such conditions and depending on the location of tumor symptoms can include vision difficulties, seizures, fever, headaches, neck stiffness, facial pain, numbness or weakness and hearing loss. Craniotomy and microscopic excision of tumor was done successfully in this case and It was removed completely. Further investigation referred to this tumour as non-cancerous.”

Hyderabad, 29th July 2024: GSK  announced the launch of its new multichannel campaign ‘Ab India Banega 7-Star.’ The campaign shows parents that the future of India is in their hands. It encourages them to secure their children’s future with 7 essential vaccinations against 14 diseases, which include chickenpox, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis, measles, mumps, rubella, pneumonia, influenza, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, HiB infection, and polio.

The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends 7 vaccinations for children aged 1 to 2 years: two doses of chickenpox and hepatitis A, second dose of meningitis# and MMR, booster doses of PCV and DTP Hib IPV and annual dose of flu. Although, immunization coverage in the first year is high in India, drop-out rates after 1st birthday increase. Hence, a significant number of children in the country remain partially vaccinated.

Dr. Shalini Menon, Medical Director, GSK, said, “After a child’s first birthday, it is critical to build robust immunity against serious vaccine-preventable diseases. The immunity granted by the vaccination can extend to the community thereby preventing the spread of disease and could help address threat of increasing antimicrobial resistance by reducing the need for antibiotics. The 7 essential vaccinations given at this age protect them from 14 dangerous diseases and help them grow into healthy adults. Through this campaign, we want to communicate to parents the critical need to give their children the recommended vaccinations between the ages of 1 and 2 years.”

The central creative focus of the campaign films is on the critical need for the 7 vaccinations. The two campaign films show professionals in different fields, such as a cricketer and a space-station mission director, pausing their important jobs to check if a child has received the 7 essential vaccinations. Current ‘stars’ of India giving a powerful message to parents of future ‘stars’ of India, is captured in the films. The films effectively convey the message that securing a child’s future is more important than any other job and that this future rests on the 7-star protection offered by the 7 vaccinations.

The campaign will run across multiple media platforms such as TV, digital, social media, radio, CTV (connected TV), and OTT. Parents should consult their paediatricians to know more about the vaccination schedule for their children and utilise verified sources of information such as MyVaccinationHub.in