Insights on Healthcare in India

Should I be doing weight training?

Most men/ women pose this query, when they are going to a gym. They feel that unless one needs to develop a well shaped body or show off their biceps, they need not do weight training. Only cardio exercises eg walking, cycling or swimming are enough.
All those who are regularly visiting a gym for losing weight/ fitness MUST do weight training.

Stress Management

Stress is an ALL pervading emotion and is causing havoc all around - rightly predicted by Alvin Toffler in his book 'FUTURE SHOCK'. I have started an exclusive blog on STRESS MANAGEMENT. Pl visit for insights into managing this emotion.

Emergency services in India!

Editorial in TOI, 19th Sept 08 -

Emergency services in India need an overhaul!

The edit talks of lack of preparedness while tackling acts of terrorism, with regards to serial blasts in Delhi!
The same also applies to LACK OF EMERGENCY SERVICES IN HEALTHCARE & NATURAL DISASTERS viz floods, earthquakes etc.

India badly needs Emergency Services - both at personal and community level.

Common ailments that kill

TOI dated 10th Sept 08 carried an article titled "5 AILMENTS THAT ARE KILLING MUMBAI"!

5 leading doctors have been interviewed and they have offered tips to prevent these. Why Mumbai alone? These ailments are killing millions across the globe.

Read on...

Cough & Cold medicine for children

• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in a public health advisory issued recently, warned parents that "Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat children less  than 2 years"

Where is Indian FDA's warning?

Is it really NOT to be given?

Which cooking oil?

In our society riddled with myths and all and sundry giving health related advise, COOKING OILS are one hot topic of discussion. Most people NOT knowing which one to use, still keep advising. 

Today I will make you understand which oil is the appropriate one to use and why?

All the best to choose your right oil!

Proving Medical Negligence

There was a piece on “Proving Medical Negligence” in MoneyLife, edited by the renowned Sucheta Dalal,  of 12^th April 07. 

Taking a doctor/ hospital to court should always be an objective decision and not riddled with emotions or misguided by some with vested interests.

I would like to add a few points here:

Poor results? How to handle?

School holidays are here; fun! frolic! movies! picnics! & what not?

All the fun goes out the window with your child getting poor results - far below expectations.

How to handle such a situation?

Several mothers come to us and ask "he is so depressed; what to do?" "He has not eaten for two days" "he is so quiet. I am worried he will do something"

Handling any setback especially poor performance requires a judicious mixture of rational look at the problem, explanation, optimism, criticism and above all motivation.

GERD - trick may cure

A recent study concluded that HEARTBURN is shadowing modern day India!

Anatcids & Ranitidine tablets are second only to tranquilizers not only in self medication but in prescription drugs as well. Commonly used term HYPERACIDITY is GERD in most cases and lately we are finding it in kids as well.

Jaundice - What to eat?

Another area riddled with myths is JAUNDICE. The poor patient is put on a bland diet for 4-6 weeks just because he/ she vomitted for a few days at the onset of disease. Till the eyes are yellow, nothing fried or spicy is given. This ONLY delays recovery. Surprised? Well that is the truth! In my practice I advise the following regime and believe me my patients are both happy and recover faster than when I would punish them with boiled food for 4-6 weeks

Public private partnership in health

The 2007 Budget allocated large funds for infrastructure — roads, railways, power, oil and gas, urban renewal, rural development, agricultural investments, education and health. It is hoped that these expenditures will stimulate income, consumption and GDP growth. So will public-private investments in power, oil and gas, telecom and airports.

Why is no one talking of Public Private partnership in HEALTH - one segment where only a small percentage population has virtually no access to quality care.