Saturday 29 September 2018

AMRI Hospitals set to organize heart health awareness campaigns in Kolkata, Bhubaneswar

Heart health has always been a major concern in both rural and urban India. AMRI Hospital Dhakuria, in a bid to spread awareness about heart health, organized an open air meeting at Rabindra Sarobar Lake. The move, which is aimed at educating morning walkers and making them aware of increasing heart risks, is being organized on the occasion of World Heart Day, was held on September 29, 2018. A team of cardiologists met people and answered their queries.
Statistics show that nearly 2.1 million people lost their lives due to heart diseases in India in 2015. The ailment has now surpassed obesity in being the driver of deaths.According to TOI, deaths due to heart diseases in India have risen by 34 per cent in the last 26 years.
Changing lifestyle and increasing work load has rendered people with no time to focus on their health. Habits such as smoking, unhealthy eating and consumption of alcohol are commonplace amongst all age groups. This leads to bad cholesterol levels, diabetes and blood pressure problems,which eventually takes a toll on heart health.
Not only this, additional factors such as air pollution, noise pollution, etc., also contribute to the degrading heart health of people. Numerous factories and manufacturing units set up in the name of modernization and urbanization add to the pollution levels every day.
Coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, heart attack, heart failure and various other problems related to the heart have been a major cause of deaths in the recent past. Along with all the aforementioned factors, it is also the lack of awareness that has created a situation so devastating.
The open air meeting organized by AMRI Hospital Dhakuria, will help in spreading the knowledge. The other two branches of the hospital, located in Mukundapur and Salt Lake, will also be a part of the event. In order to encourage people to take part, they will also be handed out AMRI branded merchandise such as T-shirts and caps.
A number of awareness programs will also be organized for corporate houses, banks and PSUs in Kolkata. AMRI hospitals also gifted special edition coffee mugs to those who got discharged on World Heart Day. A social media campaign with #BeatTheRisk has also been started in order to raise heart health awareness on social media.
Extending their efforts further, AMRI Hospital-Bhubaneswar is also organizing a Walkathon on September 29, 2018. Expecting a gathering of around 500 participants, it is also aimed at raising awareness on heart health. AMRI Hospital-Mukundapur organsied an interactive session between cardiologists and people, which was aired live on facebook. AMRI Hospital-Salt Lake organsied an interaction between poele who have and are suffereing from varieties of cardiac diseases so that they can form an offline network and help each out other.
With efforts like these not only will people understand and care better for their heart, but it will also be an example to other healthcare service providers for educating the masses on heart care.

AMRI Hospital Bhubaneswar organized Walkthon on World Heart Day #BeatTheRisk

On the occasion of World Heart Day, AMRI Hospitals, Best Heart Hospital in Kolkata organized a Walkathon in order to create awareness about Heart diseases to create heart healthy environment in the city (Berhampur, Odisha).

More than 1000 citizens of Berhampur participated in this Walkathon to create a buzz around growing prevalence of Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVD). It tried to establish how walking and physical activity, in addition to healthy diet & lifestyle, can prevent one from falling prey to heart ailments.
The walk was led by the Dr. Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, MLA, Berhampur Constituency as Chief Guest, Shri Vijay Amruta Kulange,( IAS) Collector & District Magistrate, Ganjam and all the senior Doctors of the Hospital. 

The enthusiastic participants were from all sections of the society including members of Daily Walkers Association, traders association, college students, nurses & renowned doctors.


The walk began from Kamapalli Chawk, Berhampur via Subarao Square to culminate at Diamond Jubille Town Hall, Berhampur.

Thursday 27 September 2018

Raise Heart Care Awareness Campaign on Twitter #BeatTheRisk

Heart health is cumulative and builds or deteriorates over years. Fortunately, an at-risk person can fix their heart health by following some simple habits like exercising, quitting smoking, and following a healthy diet.


At AMRI Hospitals, we provide compassionate care and comprehensive consultation to heart patients - keeping their health in check and managing risk with affordable tests. On this World Heart Day, Let's pledge for a healthier heart with AMRI and raise Heart care awareness campaign on Twitter with Hashtag #BeatTheRisk

Also AMRI Hospital, Bhubaneswar in Odisha invites you to a walkathon and a FREE health screening camp on 29th September. Be a part of an aware today for a healthier tomorrow.

Over the years, we have focused on providing the best services to our patients, both in terms of cardiac diagnosis and professional treatment.Whether it's in broad daylight or in the dead of the night, AMRI aims to provide prompt cardiac care in the patients' hour of need.
Check out our heart care packages and discounts on AMRI Hospital, the best heart care hospital in Kolkata, Eastern India.
All the offers are valid from 20th September to 20th October 2018. Visit your nearby AMRI Hospitals today.
For apoointments call +917682832004
Branches in Kolkata: Mukundapur, Dhakuria, Saltlake and Southern Avenue
Brnach in Odisha: Bhubaneswar

Suffering From High Blood Pressure? Control It With Basic Lifestyle Changes #BeatTheRisk


Blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the walls of arteries, as the heart pumps it around the body. It is a vital part of how the heart and circulation works.
The blood pressure of a normal person naturally goes up and down, adjusting to the need of the heart, explain doctors at AMRI Hospital, best hospital in Kolkata Kolkata. It depends on the activity one is performing. High blood pressure is when the blood pressure of a person is persistently higher than normal. A blood pressure reading under 120/80mmHg is considered ideal.
On the other hand, readings over 120/80mmHg and up to 139/89mmHg is in normal to high normal range. The medical name for high blood pressure over a long period of time is hypertension.
Blood pressure that remains high over a long time is one of the main risk factors for heart diseases. With age, the chances of having high blood pressure increase. However, the same can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes.
It’s It is very important to get the your blood pressure checked regularly. If the blood pressure is persistently high, it needs to be controlled, suggest medical practitioners at AMRI Hospital. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke. It may affect the kidneys as well.
Around 1.5 million people die every year in South East Asia due to high blood pressure. The number of people with high blood pressure across the world has nearly doubled in the last 40 years. India is home to about 200 million adults with high blood pressure. The number of people in the world with high BP has reached a whopping 1.13 billion in the recent times.
According to a study, high blood pressure can be controlled with some lifestyle tips that are not very difficult to follow. The first of which is maintaining a healthy weight. Blood pressure usually targets an overweight person. So, if a person is overweight, he must lose some weight to control the blood pressure.
On the other hand, diet also plays a very important role in controlling the blood pressure. Eating low-fat dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables can do wonders to your health. Limiting the sodium to 2400 milligrams per day can also lower the pressure, which is not much difficult to incorporatefollow.
Apart from this, exercise and other physical activities are important to keep the blood pressure in control. It is also important to avoid alcohol, as it is responsible for increasing the blood pressure. The dDoctors at AMRI Hospital in Kolkata, best heart hospital in Kolkata recommend following these lifestyle tips on a regular basis to avoid high blood pressure from shooting up. A person will never get the desired results, if he/she is not able to change the lifestyle as per the needs of the body.

Wednesday 26 September 2018

Types of Heart Disease #BeatTheRisk


Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. More than 62 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. At Covenant HealthCare, we want to see individuals live a long and healthy life. That’s why we’re working hard to tackle the issue of heart disease here in mid-Michigan.
There are many different types of heart disease. Some are congenital (people are born with heart problems), but a majority of heart diseases develop over the course of time and affect people later in life. You’ll find some of the most common heart diseases listed below.
Coronary Artery Disease
Blockage in the coronary arteries is called coronary artery disease—a condition in which the heart muscles don’t get enough blood and oxygen. The most serious effect of coronary artery disease is sudden death without warning. This usually happens in individuals who have had heart attacks or other heart damage.
Silent Ischemia
A form of coronary artery disease in which the blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced but produces very little pain or symptoms. When discomfort is experienced, it is usually during physical exertion.
Angina
Angina is discomfort or pain that occurs when your heart is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients. Angina may be caused by a narrowing of the arteries or muscle spasms in the coronary arteries. These spasms may be induced by cigarette smoke, cold temperatures, strong emotions, and other sources. It is important to note that angina isn’t a heart attack and doesn’t usually cause permanent heart damage, even though it causes pain.
The causes of angina are generally atherosclerosis or coronary artery spasm. Angina is not the same for everyone. While it usually occurs when the heart is working harder than normal, such as after a meal or during physical or emotional stress, it can also occur when resting.
Traditionally, angina occurs primarily in the chest and radiates down the left arm. However, it can be any discomfort that radiates in the chest, across the shoulders, in the upper back, arms (both left and right), neck, throat, or jaw.
Symptoms of Angina
  • Aching
  • Burning
  • Cramping
  • Discomfort
  • Fullness
  • Heaviness
  • Indigestion
  • Numbness or Tinging
  • Pain
  • Pressure
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Sweating or Dizziness
  • Squeezing
  • Tightness
If you experience any of the symptoms above:
  • Stop your activity, sit or lie down, and relax.
  • Take a nitroglycerin (NT6) tablet or use NTG spray as prescribed by your physician.
  • Be sure to notify your physician if these symptoms increase in frequency or severity but are not so severe that you feel the need to go to an emergency room.
If angina lasts longer than 15 minutes or worsens, call 911 or get to a hospital emergency room immediately. Never drive yourself.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Part of the heart muscle can be damaged or die as a result blood flow is blocked. If the blockage is brief, and the heart eventually receives enough blood, oxygen, and nutrients, the damage is often reversible. This is why it is especially important for the heart attack victim to get medical help fast.
Warning signs of a heart attack include:
  • Heavy feeling, pressure, or intense pain or squeezing in the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Pain that radiates to the shoulders, neck or arms.
  • Profuse Sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Severe weakness
If you experience any symptoms for more than 15 minutes and believe they are heart related, call 911 or have someone get you to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
Heart Failure
Heart failure happens when the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to meet your body’s needs. While many people believe the misconception that heart failure means an individual is about to die or that their heart has stopped, this is not true. Heart failure simply indicates that the heart is not squeezing as well as it should. It usually does not occur suddenly but gradually worsens over the time.
Heart failure can be caused by:
  • Cardiomyopathies (diseases that damage the heart muscles)
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Diseases of the Heart Valves
  • Heart Defects present at Birth
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Lung Disease such as Emphysema
  • Past Heart Attacks
If you have the following symptoms of heart failure, please see a doctor immediately:
  • Fluid which builds up in the lungs, known as pulmonary congestion
  • Swelling in the feet, ankles or legs, known as edema
  • Other symptoms may include wheezing, sleep apnea, cough, and fatigue
Arrhythmia
Sometimes the heart’s electrical system does not function normally. It may race, become slow, irregular, skip beats or sometimes the heart’s electrical signal does not move in the proper sequence. This causes the heart to beat faster or slower than normal, or erratically. These abnormal rhythms are called arrhythmias. They can cause a variety of symptoms: dizziness, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain or rapid palpitations that may feel like flutters or pounding of the heart. If left untreated, arrhythmias can be life threatening.
There are four major types of arrhythmias:
  • Bradycardia: Occurs when the heart’s electrical signal is delayed too long or blocked, resulting in a slower than normal heartbeat. If it happens only once in a while, bradycardia is not a problem. However, if it continues over a long period of time, the body will not receive an adequate blood supply, which can be very serious. Heart disease and some drugs can cause bradycardia, and a physician should evaluate it to determine if treatment is required. Treatment can include a pacemaker to make sure the heart beats at a normal rate and/or discontinuing a mediation.
  • Irregular or extra heartbeats: Even people with excellent health have irregular or extra heartbeats every once in a while. In some cases, irregular or extra beats can lead to rapid heartbeats.
  • Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Occurs when the heart’s electrical signal begins in the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) and the heart beats too rapidly. When the ventricles pump too fast, they cannot deliver enough blood to the body. In some cases, VT can create a very rapid, erratic heartbeat (ventricular fibrillation), or cardiac arrest. If VT lasts for only a second or two, it may not be noticed and probably will not cause any serious problems. However, if it lasts longer, it can be very serious and should be evaluated by a physician.

Poor blood supply to the heart, diseases of the heart valves or chemical imbalances in the body can cause VT. It often occurs during or after a heart attack. No matter how long it lasts, a physician must evaluate it. Normal heartbeat can be restored with electrical shock treatment (the paddles). Long-term control of VT may require an implanted defibrillator and/or medication.
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Occurs when the heart’s electrical signal begins above the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) causing the heart to beat very rapidly or erratically. As a result, the heart is strained, and the body receives an inadequate blood supply. There are three types of SVT – Atrial flutter, Atrial fibrillation and Paroxysmal SVT. A number of underlying conditions can lead to SVT. Medication and/or electrical shock treatment (cardioversion) can restore normal heartbeat. To prevent recurrences, additional treatment and medication may be necessary.

Several diagnostic tests are available to identify arrhythmias including an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter Monitor, a stress test, a tilt table test, and/or sometimes an electrophysiology study (EP) if necessary. In addition, if an arrhythmia is not revealed with routine testing then an implantable loop recorder may be indicated.
Heart Defects
An obstruction is a heart defect that partly or completely blocks the flow of blood. Obstructions called stenosis can occur in the heart valves, arteries or veins.
  • Aortic stenosis
  • Bicuspid aortic valve
  • Mitral valve prolapse
  • Pulmonary stenosis
  • Subaortic stenosis
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Like the heart, all tissues of the body need oxygen and other nutrients to survive and work. Fatty plaques or atherosclerosis can also affect arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to other areas of the body. For example, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the legs and feet is blocked or decreased. This blockage in the vessels deprives the feet and legs of oxygen and nutrients, and produces symptoms usually in the thigh, calf muscle and feet.
Symptoms of PAD
  • Brown spots on the skin
  • Changes in color of the skin on the leg: foot goes from pink to blue
  • Coldness
  • Loss of hair on the lower leg
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Pain or cramping after walking short distances
  • Slow healing of wounds
  • Swelling
  • Ulcers
Visit the best cardiac care in Kolkata for more details.

AMRI Hospitals Bhubaneswar hosts AMRICON: Neuro Update 2018 September


Bhubaneswar: AMRI Hospitals, Bhubaneswar today organized AMRICON Neuro update 2018, a National level Conference on the recent advances in the Neuro Sciences. The conference witnessed the participation of renowned medical faculties and eminent doctors from across the country.
Dr. Minaketan Kar, renowned Physician of Odisha, Chief Guest of AMRICON Neuro Update 2018 said, “It is immense pleasure for me to be a part of this academic feast. I wish, all the sessions will fulfill the advanced academic zest of the participants”. Renowned Neurologist Prof. Dr. R. N. Sahoo said, “AMRI Hospitals organizes CME & Conferences on innovative and emerging topics to educate the practitioners and other specialties in the present context always. Here at AMRICON, the Speakers across the region highlighted the recent advances on Neurosciences and emerging topics related to this. By this, the practitioners and physicians updated their queries and doubts related to the subject.”
Welcoming to the delegates & Neurosciences professional, Mr. CLN Reddy, Unit-Head and VP, AMRI Hospitals Bhubaneswar felicitated the speakers of the Conference and illustrated immense pleasure by taking part of the emerging discussions in the field of Neuro Sciences from different renowned Expert Doctors of the Country. “I Strongly hope, this kind of academic programs would happen regularly which will help the clinical fraternity to extend better services to the Society at a large. “mentioned Mr. Reddy.
Mr. Rupak Barua, Group CEO, AMRI Hospitals said in a statement that, AMRI Hospitals is continuously striving these types of conferences which has become a very rewarding experience for upgrading and updating our knowledge horizon which subsequently benefits the patients at large. AMRICON Neuro Update has thrown new lights on the most advanced Neuro Sciences facilities that AMRI Hospitals offers. The Neuro Science team comprises highly experienced full time consultants of Neuro Medicine, Neuro Surgery backed by critical care & trauma team with high end life saving facilities like ECMO. This conference is aimed at enriching and widening the exposures of the practitioners and subsequently benefits the patients.
“There is a tremendous advances in Neuro Sciences in recent years and challenges also increased in similar proportion. This scientific program featured Nationally & Internationally recognized experts, who provided latest advances in different fields of Neurosciences. Many new advanced technologies and invented practices discussed in the whole five sessions. Most of Nurologists, Neurosurgeons and practicing physicians of Odisha participated the AMRICON Neuro Update 2018,” said Dr. L D Parhi, President, AMRICON.
“AMRICON Neuro Update 2018 is an academic feast designed to bring together the leading and eminent scholars & Neuro Scientists across Nation, which will furnish an imperative platform to discuss and unveil crucial Neurological advances in the field. Our Teams vision is to upgrade the concepts in neurological care for the participating delegates and translate innovations into leading – edge treatments and uses for the people of Odisha,” said, Dr. Amit Jaiswal, Consultant, AMRI Hospitals & Organizing Secretary, AMRICON.
AMRI Group of Hospitals has been organizing AMRICON over the years. AMRICON being a knowledge sharing platform has been organizing programmes that cater to the medical fraternity at large. Seminars and courses are also undertaken to provide knowledge and experience about the medical developments and how to best use them in treating patients and in research purposes. The past editions of the national conference have delved into subjects ranging from Endospine, Gynecology, Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, Critical Care, Gastroenterology, and Obstetrics to Medicine, Pediatrics and Surgery.
SOURCE: Orissadiary.com

Tuesday 25 September 2018

7 tips from a dietitian on how to prevent a stroke

Your eating habits play a huge part in determining your risk of suff
ering a stroke. Here is how you can lower your risk.

September is Heart and Stroke Awareness Month in South Africa. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, 10 people in South Africa suffer a stroke every hour of the day.
While your stroke risk is most likely geneticallydetermined, you can still reduce the odds by making changes to your lifestyle and diet. Our nutrition expert Nicola Walters tells us more.
1. Choose the right carbs
Not all carbohydrates are equal when it comes to stroke and cardiovascular disease prevention.
Foods high in fibre, wholegrains, fresh fruit and vegetables are all great examples of healthy, unrefined carbohydrates. Nutrient-poor and processed refined carbohydrates such as cooldrinks, sweets, chocolates, ice-cream, potato chips, refined grains and sugary, floury baked products should be avoided as much as possible, as consistently high blood glucose levels damage the arteries of the brain and heart.
whole grains
2. Watch your weight
A significant amount of evidence shows that excess body weight profoundly increases your risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. Fat stored around the stomach area is especially dangerous.
The good news, however, is that according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2016), weight loss of only 10% of current body weight achieved in a period of six months can significantly reduce your stroke risk. According the American Heart Association, you should aim for achieving a waistline of less than 102cm if you are a man and 88cm if you are a woman.
woman on scale
3. Give up those habits 
Smoking and excessive drinking both increase your risk of having a stroke. Smoking speeds up the formation of clots in the arteries, and stopping smoking is one of the most powerful lifestyle changes that will reduce your risk. Several studies have shown that if you have more than two drinks per day, your risk of stroke increases significantly.
smoking and drinking
4. Cut back on the salt 
Globally, approximately 1.65 million annual deaths due to cardiovascular disease are partly caused by sodium intake exceeding 2g per day. High sodium intakes increase water retention in the body, which increases the volume of blood, making blood pressure skyrocket. High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease risk.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, most South Africans consume twice as much salt as they need – accumulating to approximately six to 11g per day. It is advised that adults consume less than 2 400mg sodium, i.e. less than 5g (one teaspoon) of salt a day.
Reduce your salt intake by not adding salt to food, cutting down on salty snacks such as potato crisps, and reducing your intake of processed foods. In addition, avoid adding salt to cooking by using a variety of herbs and spices, such as lemon, garlic, ginger, rosemary, cumin, thyme and curry spices, to flavour your food.
woman pouring salt on pizza
5. Try the Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean dietary pattern is a first-class ticket to reducing your risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease risk. The traditional Mediterranean diet is characterised by a high intake of olive oil, fruit, nuts, vegetables, legumes and whole-grains; a moderate intake of fish and poultry; and enjoying wine in moderation with meals.
Importantly, a minimal intake of processed foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats – i.e. sweets, chocolates, bakery items, processed meats, red meat and dairy – is one of the main characteristic of a Mediterranean eating pattern.
healthy foods on Mediterranean diet
6. Get moving
Regular physical activity is critical for lowering your stroke risk. Exercise contributes to weight management and can assist in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this should add up to a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
Research shows that exercise alone is a powerful way to reduce stroke risk. Make sure exercise is fun and keep yourself accountable by setting up a session with a friend or trainer. Focus on including more movement in your daily activities such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator and enjoying a brisk walk whenever you can.
women doing exercise
7. Choose whole, fresh foods
A high intake of fresh fruit and vegetables is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease. These plant powerhouses in their unadulterated form are excellent sources of vital nutrients such as vitamins; minerals (like magnesium and potassium); fibre; and phytonutrients (the colour pigments in fruit and vegetables that act as antioxidants). These food options are naturally low in fat and don’t have undesirable additions like sugar and salt.
The South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines advise us to include plenty of fruit and vegetables in our diet. The WHO recommends 400g of fruit and vegetables per day (five servings of 80g each). The American Heart Association also emphasises the importance of a healthy, balanced diet.

SOURCE: Health24.com

Monday 24 September 2018

Kids and Food: 10 Tips For Parents


It’s no surprise that parents might need some help understanding what it means to eat healthy. From the MyPlate food guideto the latest food fad, it can be awfully confusing.
The good news is that you don’t need a degree in nutrition to raise healthy kids. Following some basic guidelines can help you encourage your kids to eat right and maintain a healthy weight.
Here are 10 key rules to live by:
  1. Parents control the supply lines. You decide which foods to buy and when to serve them. Though kids will pester their parents for less nutritious foods, adults should be in charge when deciding which foods are regularly stocked in the house. Kids won’t go hungry. They’ll eat what’s available in the cupboard and fridge at home. If their favorite snack isn’t all that nutritious, you can still buy it once in a while so they don’t feel deprived.
  2. From the foods you offer, kids get to choose what they will eat or whether to eat at all. Kids need to have some say in the matter. Schedule regular meal and snack times. From the selections you offer, let them choose what to eat and how much of it they want. This may seem like a little too much freedom. But if you follow step 1, your kids will be choosing only from the foods you buy and serve.
  3. Quit the “clean-plate club.” Let kids stop eating when they feel they’ve had enough. Lots of parents grew up under the clean-plate rule, but that approach doesn’t help kids listen to their own bodies when they feel full. When kids notice and respond to feelings of fullness, they’re less likely to overeat.
  4. Start them young. Food preferences are developed early in life, so offer variety. Likes and dislikes begin forming even when kids are babies. You may need to serve a new food a few different times for a child to accept it. Don’t force a child to eat, but offer a few bites. With older kids, ask them to try one bite.
  5. Rewrite the kids’ menu. Who says kids only want to eat hot dogs, pizza, burgers, and macaroni and cheese? When eating out, let your kids try new foods and they might surprise you with their willingness to experiment. You can start by letting them try a little of whatever you ordered or ordering an appetizer for them to try.
  6. Drink calories count. Soda and other sweetened drinks add extra calories and get in the way of good nutrition. Water and milk are the best drinks for kids. Juice is fine when it’s 100%, but kids don’t need much of it — 4 to 6 ounces a day is enough for preschoolers.
  7. Put sweets in their place. Occasional sweets are fine, but don’t turn dessert into the main reason for eating dinner. When dessert is the prize for eating dinner, kids naturally place more value on the cupcake than the broccoli. Try to stay neutral about foods.
  8. Food is not love. Find better ways to say “I love you.” When foods are used to reward kids and show affection, they may start using food to cope with stress or other emotions. Offer hugs, praise, and attention instead of food treats.
  9. Kids do as you do. Be a role model and eat healthy yourself. When trying to teach good eating habits, try to set the best example possible. Choose nutritious snacks, eat at the table, and don’t skip meals.
  10. Limit TV and computer time. When you do, you’ll avoid mindless snacking and encourage activity. Research has shown that kids who cut down on TV-watching also reduced their percentage of body fat. When TV and computer time are limited, they’ll find more active things to do. And limiting “screen time” means you’ll have more time to be active together.
SOURCE: KidsHealth.org

Sunday 23 September 2018

When Should I be Concerned About My Child's Growth

Watching your child grow is both fascinating and a matter of pride. The most extraordinary period of growth and development in a child’s life is from birth till 5 years of age. As children progress through various stages of life all children do not attain the milestones of development at the same time. Children develop skills in varying time frames depending on their unique differences. However, it is advisable to be watchful and monitor their overall growth i.e., physical and behavioural.
concerned-about-my-child-growth

Keep a check on your child’s development

Here are a few pointers that you must keep in mind while monitoring your child’s development.
  • By the age of 2-3 years, your child should be able to walk, run, climb and jump easily, able to open doors, play with other children and get dressed without help.
  • By the age of 5 years your child will be able to use objects to build a tower, match and name colours, answer simple questions & enjoy rhymes, stories & jokes.
  • Seek advice if your 3-year old tends to fall a lot or does not show interest in playing or if your 5-year old shows stammering or hesitates to play with other children.
dietary-guidelines-for-indians
Here’s how poor nutrition may affect your child’s growth and development.
The implications of poor nutrition can be short and long term. Here are a few implications:
  • Lack of nutrients can compromise your child’s immunity. They can easily fall prey to infections.
  • Deficiency of zinc can result in poor growth, hair loss, diarrhoea, weak immunity, and skin problems.
  • Vitamin A deficiency may impair vision, especially at night along with a drop in immunity
  • Not only macronutrients but micronutrients and their deficiencies can also cause growth retardation.

Importance of the right nutrients for a healthy child
The overall development and timely reaching of milestones is dependent on many environmental factors of which balanced nutrition is a key factor. As the nutrient requirements for pre-schoolers has increased at this stage you need to ensure adequate supply of nutrient dense foods to their small tummies to prevent any delay in reaching these developmental milestones. Below mentioned is the food group classification based on main core nutrients that they provide to the body.
Dietary Guidelines for Indian babies
ENERGY RICH FOODS
 
MAJOR NUTRIENTSFOODSOTHER NUTRIENTS PROVIDED
Carbohydrates and fatsWhole grain cereals, milletsProtein, fibre, minerals, calcium, iron & B-complex vitamins
 Vegetable oils, ghee, butterFat soluble vitamins, essential fatty acids
 Nuts and oilseedsProteins, vitamins, minerals
 Sugars

Nil
BODY BUILDING FOODS
 
MAJOR NUTRIENTSFOODSOTHER NUTRIENTS PROVIDED
ProteinsWhole grain cereals, milletsProtein, fibre, minerals, calcium, iron & B-complex vitamins
 Milk and Milk productsCalcium, vitamin A, riboflavin, vitamin B12

Meat, fish, poultryB-complex vitamins, iron, iodine, fat

PROTECTIVE FOODS
 
MAJOR NUTRIENTSFOODSOTHER NUTRIENTS PROVIDED
Vitamins and MineralsGreen leafy vegetablesAntioxidants, fibre and other carotenoids
 Other vegetables and fruitsFibre, sugar and antioxidants
 Eggs, milk, milk products & flesh foodsProtein and fat
 

Saturday 22 September 2018

Uro-Gynaecology clinic opens at AMRI Hospital, Saltlake


AMRI Hospital, Saltlake is all set to start a special Uro-Gynaecology clinic on September 22, 2018 for providing the most comprehensive healthcare services for women. It is committed towards ensuring the top-notch gynaecological treatment.
AMRI Hospitals is well-equipped with advanced technology and has a skilled team of highly experienced technicians and gynaecologists for dealing complex clinical situations with ease and expertise.

As a matter of fact, women from different age groups tend to suffer from various health disorders, especially issues related to the urinary track. Listed below are some of the most common ones, which need immediate medical attention:
  • Dribbling of Urine
  • Lack of control
  • Leakage of urine during coughing, sneezing and straining
  • The sensation of something coming down through the urinary passage
The Uro-Gynaecology clinic is said to be one of the most advanced centres for gynaecology in Eastern India, providing the full spectrum of women’s healthcare services. It is open on Tuesday and Saturday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Call +91 9830720624 to book your appointment.
Source Link: NewsHour.press

Friday 21 September 2018

World Heart Day 2017: 6 Healthiest Cooking Oils for Your Heart


World Heart Day is commemorated every year on 29th September to spread awareness about your heart health. Your diet and lifestyle play a major role in maintaining your heart health and deciding the risk of heart trouble you may face. The food choices you make have a direct impact on your hearth health and a good, balanced diet is not just about eliminating unhealthy foods but also eating foods rich in nutrients, fiber and healthy fats. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to fats. It is important to know that healthy fats form an important part of a balanced diet. But, what do we mean by healthy fats? Monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats and Omega-3 fatty acids are known as heart-friendly fats.
According to the National Institute of Nutrition in India, about 1/5th of your diet or 20% should be devoted to fats, all three kinds -polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids. When it comes to fat, the type and quantity of fat in your daily diet really matters. We asked Dr. Rupali Datta, Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis Hospital in New Delhi to suggest the best cooking oils for the heart.
1. Peanut or Groundnut Oil: Peanut oil has a high content of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats that help lower bad cholesterol levels. It also contains natural antioxidants that protect the cells from disease-causing free radicals. It is rich in Vitamin E, which is good for the heart.  It does not contain any trans-fat, is cholesterol free, and low in saturated fats.
peanut oil
Peanut oil has a high smoke point and a neutral taste which makes it perfect for frying. Photo Credit: Istock
2. Olive Oil: The main type of fat found in olive oil is the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFAs).MUFAs fall under the category of healthy dietary fats. These healthy fats are known to reduce the risk of heart disease by keeping your cholesterol levels in check. Extra virgin olive oil is great in salads as a dressing and can even be used for light sauteing while regular olive oil has a high smoke point and can be used for frying.
extra virgin olive oilExtra virgin olive oil is great in salads as a dressing
3. Rice Bran Oil: Rice bran oil is often touted as one of the best cooking oils for your heart. It has got an ideal balance of polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) and monounsaturated fats (MUFA).  The outer layer of the rice grain is called bran and the oil is extracted from this brown husk. It has a mild flavour and is neutral in taste. It’s light and has a mild nutty flavour. Use it in salads, cookies and cakes or for grilling and sauteing.
rice bran 625Rice bran oil is light and has a mild nutty flavour. Photo Credit: Istock
4. Sunflower Oil: This oil is extracted from sunflower seeds and has a subtle taste. It is known to contain more Vitamin E (an antioxidant good for the heart) than other oils. The National Institute of Nutrition recommends that you have it in combination with mustard oil. Sunflower oil contains more than 80% of monounsaturated fats which makes it heart-friendly. It has a very high smoke point which is why it is mostly used for frying.
sunflower oilSunflower oil contains more Vitamin E than other oils. Photo Credit: Istock
5. Safflower Oil: Safflower oil is known to contain a very high amount of Omega-6 fatty acids (also known as linoleic acid), which balances the cholesterol in the body, prevents the hardening of the arteries and thus, reduces the risk of heart disease.
safflower oil realSafflower oil balances the cholesterol in the body.
6. Soyabean Oil: Soyabean oil is a vegetable oil extracted from soyabeans. It contains a good variety of essential fatty acids and plant sterols that promote overall health. These help in reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the body. It is also known to reduce the risk of clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) and other heart conditions like heart attacks and stroke.
soyabean oilSoyabean oil helps in reducing the accumulation of cholesterol in the body.
The National Institute of Nutrition suggests that you must use a variety of cooking oilsand not stick to just one cooking medium to reap maximum health benefits. In fact, some cooking oils are healthier when used in combination with others like sunflower oil and mustard oil.
SOURCE: foodndtv.com