Brain Tumor: A Silent Time Bomb in Your Head Early diagnosis &Treatment Can Stop It

World Brain Tumour Day- 8th June 2025

Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from Apex group of Hospitals adds, “The good news is, most meningiomas, once completely removed, do not come back. The key is not to delay. If you’re experiencing persistent neurological symptoms, don’t brush them off — get evaluated. At Apex Group of Hospitals , our focus is not just on removing the tumour, but also on preserving function and quality of life. Using cutting-edge tools and surgical precision, we ensure safe outcomes and faster recovery for our patients.With advances in neurosurgery and imaging, most patients recover fully and lead normal lives post-treatment. However, early detection remains the most powerful tool in managing these common yet potentially serious brain tumours.” 

Epilepsy- The psychological implications on patients

By-Dr. Sowmya. M, Senior Consultant – Neurology, Aster RV Hospital

 In a developing comity like India. Where there still existing misconceptions about epilepsy due to which patients and their family member are discriminated against. Often patients do not have access to adequate treatment due to have which they may uncontrolled seizures due to which they may not be able to Lead a normal life like school, participate in physical activities like sports, drama and dance etc. They may face isolation form others students; peers may be looked down upon may also be bullied. When seizures are uncontrolled families may even hostile to make travel plans involving them. Parents or Guardians often attempt to hide their condition from the society fearing unacceptance especially in families where they fear it may harm their marriage prospects and even withdraw medications around the marriage time fearing unacceptance. Hence Please often end up feeling guilty that there is same thing wrong with them. These kinds of false beliefs the deprive epilepsy patients in being able to be on props, medications and achieve seize control and being able to lead normal life.

 Does it affect their memory thinking ability and learning ability?
Yes, every time that a person has seizures there is some damage or loss of nervous and with every recurrent uncontrolled seizure the loss & damage to neurons has a cumulative effect giving rise to impairment of cognitive abilities. Many Persons with uncontrolled severe seizure may also having severe falls leading to head injuries which of recurrent may add to cognitive impairment.

 How does it affect their social life and occupation?
Patients with epilepsy with uncontrolled seizures may have restrictions in their daily life like in case of children as playing with other children may fear that it’s a transmissible disease which is that it’s a transmissible disease which is a misconception. Also, Parents may fear a risk of injury and restrict play activities in children often end up being isolated and deprived of pursing their interests like sports, arts, performance. Patients with epilepsy may have limited occupational opportunities in every field. Ranging from Occupations requiring manual labor to blue color jobs patients with epilepsy are discriminated against of seizures are uncontrolled it impairs their efficiency due to disruption of their work can instil fear in employees and other coworkers. These episodes, another factor in limiting occupational opportunities may be the cognitive impairment in patients with uncontrolled seizures. Persons with epilepsy may be given less performance in various jobs considering them to be incapable or prove to frequent absence from work. Patients usually attempt to hide their condition from their employees

 What are the common precautions to be taken by the affected person and their caregivers?
Firstly, to ensure that the patient has access to appropriate medical facility where a proper diagnosis and evaluation. The condition followed by appropriate treatment can be provided. The goal is to have a good seizures control and assure that the patient is able to continue medications and other treatment modalities. This is an arduous task considering the huge Indian population but with concentrated efforts from the government, private health sector and public awareness could be made possible Support to the persons suffering from epilepsy and their families must be provided to ensure that they have access to all facilities including education, equal job, opportunities and preventing discrimination and taboos on patients with epilepsy to ensure they lead as normal a life as everybody else which they rightly deserve.

Epilepsy- The psychological implications on patients

By-Dr. Sowmya. M, Senior Consultant – Neurology, Aster RV Hospital

 In a developing comity like India. Where there still existing misconceptions about epilepsy due to which patients and their family member are discriminated against. Often patients do not have access to adequate treatment due to have which they may uncontrolled seizures due to which they may not be able to Lead a normal life like school, participate in physical activities like sports, drama and dance etc. They may face isolation form others students; peers may be looked down upon may also be bullied. When seizures are uncontrolled families may even hostile to make travel plans involving them. Parents or Guardians often attempt to hide their condition from the society fearing unacceptance especially in families where they fear it may harm their marriage prospects and even withdraw medications around the marriage time fearing unacceptance. Hence Please often end up feeling guilty that there is same thing wrong with them. These kinds of false beliefs the deprive epilepsy patients in being able to be on props, medications and achieve seize control and being able to lead normal life.

 Does it affect their memory thinking ability and learning ability?
Yes, every time that a person has seizures there is some damage or loss of nervous and with every recurrent uncontrolled seizure the loss & damage to neurons has a cumulative effect giving rise to impairment of cognitive abilities. Many Persons with uncontrolled severe seizure may also having severe falls leading to head injuries which of recurrent may add to cognitive impairment.

 How does it affect their social life and occupation?
Patients with epilepsy with uncontrolled seizures may have restrictions in their daily life like in case of children as playing with other children may fear that it’s a transmissible disease which is that it’s a transmissible disease which is a misconception. Also, Parents may fear a risk of injury and restrict play activities in children often end up being isolated and deprived of pursing their interests like sports, arts, performance. Patients with epilepsy may have limited occupational opportunities in every field. Ranging from Occupations requiring manual labor to blue color jobs patients with epilepsy are discriminated against of seizures are uncontrolled it impairs their efficiency due to disruption of their work can instil fear in employees and other coworkers. These episodes, another factor in limiting occupational opportunities may be the cognitive impairment in patients with uncontrolled seizures. Persons with epilepsy may be given less performance in various jobs considering them to be incapable or prove to frequent absence from work. Patients usually attempt to hide their condition from their employees

 What are the common precautions to be taken by the affected person and their caregivers?
Firstly, to ensure that the patient has access to appropriate medical facility where a proper diagnosis and evaluation. The condition followed by appropriate treatment can be provided. The goal is to have a good seizures control and assure that the patient is able to continue medications and other treatment modalities. This is an arduous task considering the huge Indian population but with concentrated efforts from the government, private health sector and public awareness could be made possible Support to the persons suffering from epilepsy and their families must be provided to ensure that they have access to all facilities including education, equal job, opportunities and preventing discrimination and taboos on patients with epilepsy to ensure they lead as normal a life as everybody else which they rightly deserve.

Tea and Tobacco: Narayana Health Challenges India’s Deadly Duo with New Guerrilla Marketing Campaign

National, India, 6th June 2025: Narayana Health has launched a powerful new guerrilla marketing campaign to drive awareness around World No Tobacco Day. Titled ‘Chai + Sutta | Break the Partnership’, the initiative uses a simple, culturally familiar ritual—tea and cigarette breaks—to spark conversation and inspire positive behavioural change.

 A Campaign Rooted in Human Connection and Insight
In a country where tea and tobacco are often consumed together, Narayana Health has chosen to meet the problem at its source: street corner tea stalls. The campaign introduced specially designed paper teacups printed with the bold message ‘Chai + Sutta | Break the Partnership’ in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Kannada languages chosen to reflect how people across different regions commonly talk about tea breaks, making the message more relatable and impactful. These cups were distributed to local vendors in all key ‘tea-break’ hubs like office areas, railway stations, popular bus stops, colleges across cities in India such as Delhi, Gurugram, Kolkata, Howrah, Barasat, Bangalore, Mysore, Shimoga, and Raipur to disrupt the ritual with a moment of reflection.

 “At Narayana Health, our mission goes beyond hospitals—it’s about changing behaviours before they become emergencies,” said Dr. Ashish Bajaj, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Narayana Health. “Whether it’s a heart attack triggered by years of smoking or a stroke caused by poor lifestyle habits, we want people to realise that the right decision—made now—can prevent the crisis altogether.”

 Commenting on the cultural insight that shaped the campaign, Mr. Abhishek Misra, Country Head – Brand & Marketing, Narayana Health, said, “In India, chai is more than a drink—it’s a ritual of warmth, connection, and pause. But over time, it picked up a harmful companion: the cigarette. The ‘chai-sutta’ habit has turned countless tea breaks into quiet health risks.”

 “At Narayana Health, we’re working to break this bond—preserving the joy of chai while helping people let go of the cigarette. We’re using something as routine as a daily chai break to insert a message that’s urgent and life-saving. It’s a nudge—a gentle but pointed one—to choose health over habit.”, Mr Misra added.

 Confronting a Deadly Addiction with Familiar Symbols
Tobacco use remains one of India’s most persistent public health threats, with 7.1% of adults aged 15 and above smoking daily, including 12.8% of men and 1.1% of women as per industry studies. This translates to approximately 79 million daily smokers nationwide. Tobacco use contributes to over 1.35 million deaths annually in India, accounting for nearly 9% of all deaths. Of particular concern are tobacco-related cardiovascular risks, which are especially deadly and impact a significant portion of both urban and rural populations.

 By linking the anti-tobacco message to a culturally resonant moment—the “chai-sutta” break—Narayana Health is addressing this issue in a way that’s intimate, local, and personal.

 The campaign video, launched digitally, features real customers having chai in these cups and reacting to the message. It ends with a clear call to action: “It’s time we took a healthy break. Quit tobacco now.”

 Reflecting on the creative approach behind the campaign, Mr. Rajesh Minocha, Co-founder and CCO, And And Brand Partners, said, “It is a great feeling when a small initiative finds its way into the hands of the people you want to inspire a change in. And it is special to do this on behalf of a brand that holds proactive health above all the services it has to offer.”

One Number, One Step Closer to Better Health

This campaign is part of a broader public health commitment by Narayana Health to make healthcare more accessible, responsive, and preventative. By tying together everyday awareness and support under one number for all medical needs—1800 309 0309—the healthcare group is reinforcing its position as a proactive health partner in people’s lives.

MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar Performs High-Risk Cardiac Surgery, Preventing Need for Heart Transplant

Chennai, 5th June 2025: MGM Healthcare Malar, Adyar, has successfully performed a high-risk cardiac surgery on a 58-year-old male patient diagnosed with Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm (SOVA) — a rare, life-threatening cardiac anomaly involving a swelling (aneurysm) of one of the aortic sinuses.

The aneurysm, located in the right coronary sinus, was obstructing blood flow from the heart and compressing the septum, resulting in worsening heart failure and severely impaired cardiac function.

The patient was admitted with complaints of shortness of breath, chest discomfort and fainting. Further examination revealed the presence of SOVA involving aneurysm in the right coronary sinus, one of the outpouchings at the root of the aorta. It is an uncommon cardiac abnormality with an incidence of just 0.09%. The patient also had other health problems of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and narrowing of the left renal artery.

The complex procedure involved placing the patient on a heart-lung machine, allowing the surgical team to perform a meticulous repair of the aneurysm. Once repaired, the heart was gradually rewarmed and normal circulation restored. Chest tubes, pacing wires, and steel sutures were employed to support post-operative healing and monitoring.

The patient had previously been advised to undergo heart transplantation at multiple centres due to severely depressed heart function and heart failure.

In his comments, Dr. Madan Mohan, Senior Interventional Cardiologist who led the procedure, said “The aneurysm was diagnosed and treated before it could rupture, thereby preventing a potentially catastrophic event”.

Dr. Sanjay Theodore, Clinical Lead, Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, said, “This is an excellent example of how advanced cardiac care can reverse serious conditions and eliminate the need for major procedures like heart transplants. Our multidisciplinary team — comprising Cardiac Anaesthetist Dr. Kamalakannan, cardiac specialist nurses, perfusionists, technical staff — and the patient’s resilience were key factors in the successful outcome.”

This case highlights MGM Healthcare Malar’s competence in managing complex cardiac abnormalities with precision and care. The hospital remains committed to providing cutting-edge cardiac care with a patient-first approach.

Brightsun Travel Promotes Benefits of Organ Donation and Blood Donation to Save Lives

Dr. Sumit Sharma, Urologist Emphasized on deaths due to non-availability of organs

Gurugram, June 5, 2025 — Reinforcing its commitment to social responsibility and employee engagement, Brightsun Travel hosted an organ donation awareness workshop at its Gurgaon office. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Sumit Sharma, a prominent Urologist and Director of Urology and Kidney Transplantation at Shalby Sanar International Hospital, one of the leading super-specialty hospitals in Gurgaon. The event aimed to encourage voluntary contributions to public health and dispel common myths around organ donation in India.

The highlight of the day was an impactful presentation titled: Organ Donation: Concepts, Scope, Myths & Beliefs, where Dr. Sharma illuminated the pressing need for organ donors in India and addressed widespread misconceptions that hinder donor registration.

“Over 5 lakh people die in India annually due to non-availability of organs. Yet, awareness remains staggeringly low,” stated Dr. Sharma. He emphasized that one donor can save up to eight lives and urged attendees to pledge their organs, and busted myths related to religion, age, and medical suitability.

Held on May 28 at the Brightsun Travel Gurgaon office, the event saw participation from over 110 attendees, including employees, volunteers, and members of the local community. The company collaborated with Rotary Club for blood donation camp which marks the third consecutive year collaboration for blood donation drive, continuing its commitment to life-saving initiatives.

The session concluded with a live Q&A, followed by an organ donor pledge corner where several attendees took the first step toward becoming donors.

“Community initiatives like these reflect the human side of Brightsun Travel,” said Mr. Sandeep Arora, Director of Brightsun Travel, India. “We are proud to stand with medical professionals and local organizations to spark change where it matters most — in the hearts and minds of our people.”

This health-centered CSR initiative is part of Brightsun Travel’s broader commitment to building a more conscious, compassionate society. By driving awareness about critical healthcare issues like blood and organ donation, the company continues to extend its impact beyond travel — empowering communities, saving lives, and reinforcing its role as a socially responsible brand in both India and abroad.

Pee Safe Launches Latest Campaign ‘Zero Period’ for Menstrual Hygiene Day

Along with the DVC, a Month-Long On-Ground Campaign, Pee Safe Joins Hands with Athletes Divya Kumari and Dr. Ankita Pathak to Educate Young Girls in Schools and Communities.

To mark Menstrual Hygiene Day, Pee Safe, India’s leading personal and intimate hygiene brand, unveiled its new campaign, ‘#Zero Period,’ with the launch of a deeply moving digital video commercial (DVC). The film tells the story of an 8-year-old footballer who experiences her first period on the field, highlighting the confusion, fear, and eventual strength that define so many young girls’ journeys through menstruation. The DVC offers an emotional and honest portrayal of what periods feel like at that age. First periods may feel intimidating: Zero Period is Pee Safe’s attempt to make first periods easier.

At the heart of this campaign is Pee Safe’s Disposable Period Panty, an innovative product tailored for first-time menstruators. Made with ultra-absorbent, breathable material and designed to feel like regular underwear, the panty offers leak-proof protection. It helps young girls manage their periods confidently and comfortably, whether they’re at school, on the field, or simply doing their day-to-day activities.

According to Mr. Vikas Bagaria (Founder), “Zero Period is about making space for honest conversations around menstruation—especially the first one. For many young girls, that experience can be confusing and isolating. Our intent with this campaign is to challenge the idea that periods are a disruption or something to be hidden. We want girls to feel equipped, reassured, and uninterrupted in whatever they choose to do.”

According to Mr. Rithish Kumar (Co-Founder), “We notice young girls stepping away from activities they love because of the fear or stigma attached to menstruation. With Zero Period, we want to change that by fostering understanding and support, particularly in environments like schools and sports. Our goal is simple: to help make periods easier, not just physically, but emotionally and socially too.”

As part of the campaign, Pee Safe is spotlighting real-life advocates for menstrual health, such as Divya Kumari, a national-level kabaddi player turned referee, and Dr. Ankita Pathak, a former kho-kho player and current nutrition coach for the National Games 2025.

In collaboration with the SRF Foundation and Akhandjyoti Foundation, Pee Safe is also conducting on-ground menstrual hygiene awareness sessions for people from underprivileged backgrounds. Sessions are also being conducted across leading schools, including KR Mangalam, GD Goenka, Bal Bharati, and Delhi Public School, to educate young girls. These sessions aim to provide adolescent girls with accurate information, emotional reassurance, and access to essential hygiene products, enabling them to manage their periods with confidence and dignity.

The Future of Cardiac Wellness: The Burgeoning of Cardiac Facilities in India’s Tier 2 Cities

By- Dr Nilesh Katharia, Consultant Cardiologist, HCG Hospitals, Rajkot

Heart care was once considered the exclusive privilege of metropolitan dwellers. A person experiencing chest discomfort, or requiring sophisticated cardiac surgery in a small town would be rushed to the closest major metropolis. Such journeys entailed more than money; they cost time, energy, and, in unfortunate cases, lives.

However, there is a perceptible change.

India’s Tier II cities now present a new era of healthcare, particularly in Cardiology. Hospitals with state-of-the-art cardiac care infrastructure, trained workers, and advanced diagnostic instruments are briskly opening in areas that were previously considered “too small” for such establishments. For the people living in these cities, this is life-changing.

Why Heart Care Should Be Locally Accessible

Heart ailments often present with no warning signs. A blocked artery or an untreated rhythm issue can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation. In such emergencies, even an hour’s delay can be critical.

The availability of fully operational cardiac units at an accessible distance ensures that cardiac arrests are medically managed within the golden hour—the vital time frame that defines the period within which, medical intervention can prevent lasting damage, or, fatality. Apart from crisis situations, even chronic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol abnormalities, and early-stage valve problems require annual examinations and replacements, which can be difficult if the doctor is too far away.

When cardiologists and heart surgeons are readily accessible, better supervision, timely diagnosis, and prompt treatment can be assured. This becomes especially relevant in Tier II cities, where lifestyles are changing rapidly—with less physical activity, changing diets, and rising stress levels raising the risk of heart disease, particularly among younger people.

Modern cardiac centers in Tier II cities are in a position to provide ECGs, stress tests, angiography, stent insertion, and bypass surgery. From testing to therapy, all facilities are available. Some hospitals even have catheterization labs (cath labs), which allow doctors to quickly detect and remove blockages, using minimally invasive procedures.

Beyond treating heart attacks, these hospitals also focus on prevention. Heart health checkups, regular diabetes and hypertension testing, diet counselling, and post heart surgery rehabilitation programs are now available, without the need to travel to a distant location. This approach of comprehensive care encourages people to live a healthy lifestyle, instead of inviting the risk of cardiac episodes.

Trained Hands, Reliable Care

The frequent query is, “Are the doctors in my city experienced enough?” That gap is closing as more talented specialists trained in metros or even abroad, return to practice in their hometowns, or smaller cities, where there is both a demand for their services and a sense of fulfilment in serving their local communities.

Nurses and technicians are being trained to run advanced machinery and assist with complex surgery. Teleconsultation with top doctors in metropolitan areas enables people to access superior expertise, without leaving their homes.

This combination of physical availability and online professional consultation is enhancing patient morale in local facilities, and rightfully so.

Affordability is key.

Tier II hospitals are now able to provide high-quality treatment at a lower cost. Without the overheads of large-city infrastructure, and with the help of government health systems or insurance, many of these hospitals provide low-cost care, without sacrificing quality.

This affordability attracts more people to undergo routine testing, attend to their medication routines, and consult with doctors promptly, when necessary. In the long run, this preventative approach fosters awareness and the scope to manage and minimize cardiovascular disease.

If you live in India’s Tier II cities, cardiac therapy is no longer inaccessible. Be it high blood pressure, recovery after a heart treatment, or just chest pain, help is closer than you realize.

Cardiac wellness entails more than the availability of hospitals; it is about being equipped with awareness. Knowing the early warning symptoms of heart disease, getting regular check-ups, lowering lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking and not eating right, and having access to a trained physician, when necessary, are equally important.

The Road Ahead

The creation of cardiac clinics in smaller places is a public health revolution that makes quality heart care more accessible, timely, and effective, for millions of Indians who live outside of major cities.

If you or a loved one should experience symptoms such as chest pain, dyspnoea (laboured breathing), or general weariness that does not improve with rest, be warned. Consult a local cardiac expert, without delay. Early detection and timely treatment can mean a second lease on life.

Why Managing Thyroid Matters When You Have Diabetes

In India, about 1 in 10 adults have a thyroid disorder, and around 1 in 11 adults live with diabetes.But what many people don’t know is how often these two conditions are connected. In fact, approximately 1 in 4 people with Type 2 diabetes also have hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive. This overlap is not coincidental as both conditions affect how the body uses energy.

Understanding the linkage between thyroid & diabetes

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It regulates the body’s metabolism, which affects how the body uses and stores energy. Thyroid hormones and insulin are like the body’s energy managers. Thyroid hormones help control how fast your body uses energy, while insulin helps manage your blood sugar levels. Together, they play a big role in keeping your metabolism running smoothly. So, when the thyroid function is disrupted, it can affect blood sugar control, and vice versa.

Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India said, “People living with diabetes are usually aware of their blood sugar levels and know how to manage the fluctuations. But many symptoms of thyroid disorders might go unnoticed, even though they can impact blood sugar levels. Thyroid health and blood sugar levels are more linked than you might think. That’s why it’s important to get regular thyroid check-ups. With the right care, thyroid disorders can be managed effectively, allowing people to live healthy and active lives.”

Dr. Mahesh DM, Endocrinologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, “Thyroid conditions are often neglected, with a large percentage of the population living with undetected issues and, as a result, not seeking the necessary care. Many people with diabetes may have thyroid problems without noticeable symptoms, which can range from fatigue, memory lapses, sleeping difficulties and excessive weight gain to constipation, dry skin, cold intolerance, muscle cramps, and puffy eyelids. An underactive thyroid can also result in fluctuations in energy levels, weight, mood, and heart rate, as the gland plays an important role in regulating these functions and supporting the body’s healthy development. This is why regular check-ups for thyroid function are important, especially for people with type 2 diabetes.”

Research shows that diabetes combined with thyroid disorders can increase the risk of kidney issues, poor heart function, and issues with blood circulation., These can lead to complications like diabetic retinopathy (happens when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina), nerve damage, and heart disease.

Types of thyroid disorders that influence blood sugar control:

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

Hypothyroidism slows down how the body processes insulin. This means insulin stays in the bloodstream longer, which can cause unexpected dips in blood sugar. It slows down metabolism, leading to weight gain and increased insulin resistance. This can make it harder to keep blood sugar levels under control. Among people with diabetes, the most common type of thyroid disorder is subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland isn’t functioning normally, but there aren’t any visible symptoms. Type 2 diabetes can also increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism due to changes in how the immune system functions.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolism. This causes the body to absorb glucose from food more quickly. However, cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). This makes it challenging for people with diabetes to maintain stable glucose levels.

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect blood sugar levels, requiring regular monitoring and management.

Managing the Dual Diagnosis

Addressing thyroid dysfunction can help with diabetes control. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and timely medication as advised by your doctor, can help keep both thyroid and blood sugar levels in check. Regular screening for thyroid function and blood sugar testing, as advised by your doctor, can ensure that any changes are diagnosed early.

Taking care of yourself by staying active, eating well, and getting enough sleep can really help. If you have both thyroid disorders and diabetes, you might need to pay extra attention to your health, by doing so can make you feel better and give you more energy to enjoy your favorite activities.