Category Archives: Health

The Importance of Pregnancy Pillows and Quality Sleep During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey that brings significant physical and emotional changes to a woman’s body. As the baby grows, maintaining a comfortable sleeping position becomes increasingly challenging. Many expectant mothers experience sleep disturbances caused by back pain, hip discomfort, frequent urination, heartburn, and the growing weight of the baby bump. This is where pregnancy pillows play a vital role in promoting better sleep and overall well-being.

Why Sleep Matters During Pregnancy

Quality sleep is essential throughout pregnancy. During sleep, the body undergoes important restorative processes that support both maternal health and fetal development. Adequate rest helps regulate hormones, strengthen the immune system, improve mood, and reduce stress levels.

Research has shown that poor sleep during pregnancy may be linked to increased risks of gestational hypertension, prolonged labor, and postpartum fatigue. Sleep deprivation can also affect mental health, leading to increased anxiety and emotional stress.

Common Sleep Challenges During Pregnancy

As pregnancy progresses, women often face several sleep-related challenges, including:

• Lower back and pelvic pain

• Hip and joint discomfort

• Frequent bathroom visits

• Heartburn and indigestion

• Leg cramps

• Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position

• Anxiety and stress about childbirth

These issues become more pronounced during the second and third trimesters, making supportive sleep solutions increasingly important.

What Is a Pregnancy Pillow?

A pregnancy pillow is specially designed to support the changing contours of a pregnant woman’s body. Unlike standard pillows, pregnancy pillows provide targeted support to the belly, back, hips, knees, and neck, helping maintain proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.

These pillows come in various shapes, including U-shaped, C-shaped, J-shaped, and wedge pillows, each offering different levels of support depending on individual needs.

Benefits of Using a Pregnancy Pillow

1. Improved Sleep Quality

Pregnancy pillows help women find a comfortable sleeping position more easily, reducing tossing and turning throughout the night. Better support often leads to deeper and more restful sleep.

2. Reduced Back and Hip Pain

By supporting the abdomen and aligning the spine, pregnancy pillows help alleviate strain on the lower back, hips, and pelvis. This can significantly reduce discomfort, especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

3. Enhanced Blood Circulation

Healthcare professionals often recommend sleeping on the left side during pregnancy. Pregnancy pillows make it easier to maintain this position, promoting optimal blood flow to the uterus, placenta, and baby.

4. Better Support for the Growing Belly

As the baby grows, the abdomen places additional strain on muscles and ligaments. Pregnancy pillows gently support the bump, reducing tension and improving comfort.

5. Reduced Pressure on Joints

Positioning the pillow between the knees and along the body helps distribute weight evenly, reducing pressure on the hips, knees, and joints.

6. Comfort Beyond Pregnancy

Many pregnancy pillows continue to be useful after childbirth. They can provide support during breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and even general relaxation.

Why Side Sleeping Is Recommended

Medical experts generally recommend sleeping on the left side during pregnancy, particularly after the first trimester. This position helps improve blood circulation and reduces pressure on major blood vessels.

Benefits of left-side sleeping include:

• Improved blood flow to the baby

• Better kidney function

• Reduced swelling in the feet and ankles

• Improved oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus

Pregnancy pillows make maintaining this position easier and more comfortable throughout the night.

Types of Pregnancy Pillows

U-Shaped Pillow

Provides full-body support for the head, neck, back, belly, and legs. Ideal for women who frequently change positions during sleep.

C-Shaped Pillow

Offers support to the head, back, belly, and knees while taking up less bed space than U-shaped designs.

J-Shaped Pillow

Supports the head and body while offering targeted belly support. Suitable for side sleepers seeking a more compact option.

Wedge Pillow

A smaller pillow designed to support specific areas such as the belly or lower back. It is portable and travel-friendly.

Tips for Better Pregnancy Sleep

In addition to using a pregnancy pillow, expectant mothers can improve sleep quality by:

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule

• Sleeping on the left side whenever possible

• Avoiding caffeine late in the day

• Keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet

• Engaging in light physical activity with medical approval

• Following a relaxing bedtime routine

• Limiting screen time before bed

Conclusion

A good night’s sleep is one of the most valuable gifts an expectant mother can give herself and her growing baby. Pregnancy pillows are more than just comfort accessories—they are practical tools that help reduce pain, improve sleep quality, support healthy circulation, and promote overall maternal well-being.

As pregnancy advances and physical changes become more noticeable, investing in a quality pregnancy pillow can make a significant difference in comfort and rest. Better sleep contributes to a healthier pregnancy, improved energy levels, and a more positive experience for both mother and baby.

42-year-old Man from London Travels 8,000 Kilometres to Bengaluru for Affordable, Advanced Dental Care

Bangalore, June 18: Happiest Pearls Dental Clinic has successfully treated 42-year-old John Miller from London, who travelled to Bengaluru seeking affordable, high-quality care for a complex dental condition involving cysts around his upper front teeth that had weakened the surrounding bone and affected his oral health. Under the care of Dr. Samuel Shadrack Surender, Deputy Director, Happiest Pearls he underwent a six-week treatment journey involving cyst removal, bone grafting, root canal treatment and dental restoration, helping him regain normal oral function and return home with renewed confidence.

For John, the decision to travel thousands of kilometres from the UK to India was driven by the need for specialised treatment that combined clinical expertise, advanced technology and affordability. After exploring various options, he chose Happiest Pearls for its reputation in handling complex dental and reconstructive cases.

When he arrived at the clinic, doctors diagnosed cysts around his upper front teeth that had weakened the surrounding jawbone. The treatment was carefully planned in stages and involved removal of the cysts, bone grafting using bovine bone material to strengthen the affected area, root canal treatment to eliminate infection, and restoration of the teeth with custom-made zirconia crowns. The treatment helped restore both function and aesthetics while preserving the natural teeth.

Over the course of approximately one-and-a-half months, the treatment progressed successfully with a focus on comfort, long-term stability and restoring his quality of life. Today, he is able to eat, speak and carry out everyday activities comfortably, something that had become increasingly challenging before treatment.

Dr. Samuel Shadrack Surender,Deputy Director, Happiest Pearls said 

“This was a complex case that required careful planning and a multidisciplinary approach. Our objective was not only to treat the cyst but also to rebuild the jaw and restore normal function. Seeing a patient return to their daily life with confidence is always the most rewarding outcome.” 

Sharing his experience, John Miller said,

“Travelling from London to Bengaluru for treatment was a big decision, but it proved to be the right one. The care and support I received at Happiest Pearls were exceptional throughout my treatment journey. Today, I can eat, speak and smile comfortably again, and I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Samuel for his expertise and care. I also thank Dr. Sarah Isaac for the cleaning and whitening procedures, and the nursing team for their constant support and compassion throughout the treatment.”

At Happiest Pearls Dental Clinic, the team remains committed to making advanced, patient-friendly dental care accessible across age groups, with a strong focus on comfort, dignity and quality of life. Through personalised treatment approaches and minimally invasive techniques, the clinic aims to help patients of all ages smile, eat and live with greater confidence.Top of Form

Jan Aushadhi Kendras Cross 19,200 Mark Nationwide, Expanding Affordable Healthcare Access

New Delhi, June 18: The number of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) has increased to over 19,200 across the country, rising sharply from just 84 in 2014, the Government of India said on Wednesday.

The expansion reflects a significant scale-up of the affordable healthcare initiative aimed at improving access to quality generic medicines for citizens at lower costs.

Officials said the Jan Aushadhi scheme is designed to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure by providing medicines at prices significantly lower than branded alternatives while maintaining quality standards approved by regulatory authorities.

The scheme has expanded its reach across urban and rural areas, including remote and underserved regions, ensuring wider availability of essential medicines through dedicated retail outlets.

Health officials noted that the growth in Kendras has contributed to increasing awareness and acceptance of generic medicines among patients, helping to improve affordability in healthcare delivery.

The government reiterated its commitment to further strengthening the network of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to ensure that essential medicines remain accessible and affordable to all sections of society.

Doctors at Manipal Hospital Kharadi Save 1.5-Month-Old Infant After Emergency Removal of Open Hairpin

Pune, June 16: Doctors at Manipal Hospital Kharadi successfully removed an open hairpin from the digestive tract of a 1.5–month–old baby boy through an emergency endoscopic procedure, preventing a potentially serious complication.

The infant was brought to the hospital nearly two hours after accidentally ingesting a hairpin while at home. An immediate X-ray of the abdomen revealed that the hairpin had reached the distal stomach or proximal small intestine. The case was considered a medical emergency as the hairpin was open, increasing the risk of perforation of the stomach or small intestine.

The hairpin was successfully retrieved using specialized tooth forceps without causing any injury to the digestive tract.

Speaking about the case, Dr Aditya Borawake, Consultant – Gastroenterologist, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune, said, “Considering the critical nature of the case, we decided to perform an emergency endoscopy. During the procedure, the foreign body could not be located up to the second part of the duodenum (D2), which is the usual extent of a routine gastroscopy. We carefully advanced further into the small intestine and eventually located the open hairpin deep in the fourth part of the duodenum (D4).”

Further he added, “Foreign body ingestion in infants can become a medical emergency, especially when the object is sharp or pointed. In this case, the hairpin was open, which significantly increased the risk of intestinal perforation. The procedure was particularly challenging because the foreign body had migrated deep into the duodenum, beyond the usual reach of routine endoscopy. Timely intervention helped us remove the object safely before any complications could occur.”

Following the procedure, the baby remained stable and was started on oral feeds after four hours. He tolerated the feeds well and was discharged the following day in good condition.

Dr Amit Mane, Director, Manipal Hospitals, Pune, said, “This case highlights the importance of seeking immediate medical attention when a child accidentally ingests a foreign object. The successful removal of an open hairpin from such a young infant reflects the expertise of our clinical team and our readiness to handle complex emergencies with advanced minimally invasive procedures. At Manipal Hospitals, we remain committed to delivering timely and specialized care to patients of all age groups.”

The baby recovered well without any complications and continues to do well on follow-up.

Antibody May Improve Treatment Response in Lung Cancer

DALLAS  June 12: An experimental antibody treatment that binds to a protein known as PCDH7 shrank tumors in preclinical models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), even those resistant to a targeted therapy, a study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers showed. The findings, published in Science Advances, could eventually lead to a new class of drugs to treat NSCLC and potentially other cancers.

“Overcoming resistance to molecularly targeted therapies is a critical unmet need for lung cancer patients. We are excited that these antibodies may open another therapeutic avenue for lung cancer, especially for patients whose cancers have become resistant to KRAS inhibitors,” said Kathryn O’Donnell, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and a member of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern. Dr. O’Donnell co-led the study with first author Nicole Novaresi, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the O’Donnell Lab, and collaborators at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

NSCLC accounts for about 85% of lung cancer cases in the U.S. and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The O’Donnell Lab focuses on identifying and characterizing proteins on the surface of NSCLC and other cancer cells due to their potential as therapeutic targets. In 2017, Dr. O’Donnell and her colleagues identified PCDH7 as a driver of NSCLC, especially in tumors with mutations in a gene called KRAS. Found in about 25% of NSCLC cases, these mutations cause uncontrolled cell proliferation that propels tumor growth.

In 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved a drug called adagrasib, which targets NSCLC with KRAS mutations. However, patients inevitably developed resistance to this treatment over time, leaving them with few therapeutic options.

Searching for a new way to attack NSCLC, Dr. O’Donnell’s group collaborated with Zhiqiang An, Ph.D., and Ningyan Zhang, Ph.D., at the University of Texas Health Science Center to develop antibodies that target PCDH7. The teams then worked closely to characterize and functionally evaluate them. Starting with hundreds of antibody candidates, the researchers narrowed their focus to an antibody called mAb7 that bound strongly to PCDH7, reduced intracellular signaling and proliferation in NSCLC cells, and eventually caused the cancer cells to die.

When the scientists treated mice growing KRAS-mutant NSCLC tumors with mAb7, the tumors shrank significantly. This effect was enhanced when mAb7 was delivered with a drug called trametinib, which targets MAPK/ERK enzymes in the cancer-promoting RAS pathway. This treatment also sensitized the KRAS-mutant NSCLC tumors to adagrasib, causing an effect that reduced tumor size significantly more than mAb7 or adagrasib alone. The team also found that PCDH7 was upregulated in tumors that eventually developed resistance to adagrasib and that mAb7 reduced the growth of those drug-resistant tumors.

To get a sense of whether this strategy might work in patients, the researchers tested mAb7 on mice engineered to have human immune systems. A closer look showed that the antibodies brought immune cells to the human tumor cells and effectively eliminated the cancer cells.

These novel antibodies will require significant testing before use in patients, Dr. Novaresi said. But eventually, they may be used alone or in combination with adagrasib or other emerging targeted cancer therapies. Enhancing them by attaching chemotherapy drugs or by engaging immune cells could help the antibodies fight NSCLC even more effectively. She added that mAb7 may also have potential for treating additional cancers that produce PCDH7 on their cell surfaces, including pancreatic cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancer.

Other UTSW researchers who contributed to this study are John Minna, M.D., Director of the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Professor of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, and co-leader of the Experimental Therapeutics Research Program at Simmons Cancer Center; Chul Ahn, Ph.D., Professor of Health Data Science and Biostatistics and a member of the Population Science and Cancer Control Research Program at Simmons Cancer Center; and Shayna Thomas-Jardin, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the O’Donnell Lab.

Dr. O’Donnell is co-leader of the Development and Cancer Research Program in the Simmons Cancer Center.

This study was funded by grants from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) (R01 CA207763 and P50CA70907), the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (RP250391, RP190610, RP200327, RP250572, RP260660, and RP210041), The Welch Foundation (I-1881), the V Foundation, the Department of Defense (LC190249), the American Lung Association (LCD 1421064), and the NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (P30CA142543).

Dr. O’Donnell is a scientific co-founder and adviser of ProtomAb Therapeutics Inc., a company created to continue this work. The University of Texas System has filed a provisional patent application on the PCDH7 antibodies for cancer care.

Center for Vein Restoration fellowship program graduates seven physicians, expanding the next generation of venous and lymphatic medicine specialists

GREENBELT, Md. — Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) announced the graduation of seven physicians from its accredited Venous & Lymphatic Medicine Fellowship Program for the 2025–2026 academic year, marking another milestone in the organization’s effort to expand access to specialized vein care across the United States.

The graduating fellows are:

• Dr. Rohit Martha
• Dr. Rami Ali
• Dr. Caroly Guillen Aguirre
• Dr. Madeleine Pfleger
• Dr. Mohamed Riazuddin
• Dr. Darius Rutazaana
• Dr. Sun Yoo

“The need for highly trained venous and lymphatic medicine specialists continues to grow, and our fellowship program plays an important role in developing the next generation of leaders in the field,” said Dr. Peter J. Pappas, the program director of CVR’s Venous and Lymphatic Medicine Fellowship. “We are proud of this year’s graduating class and the commitment they have shown to advancing patient care.”

CVR’s 12-month fellowship provides advanced clinical and procedural training in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous and lymphatic disorders. Accredited by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM), the program equips board-certified physicians from a variety of medical specialties with the expertise needed to address a growing patient population affected by vein disease.

Since welcoming its first fellow in 2017, CVR has steadily expanded the program in response to increasing demand for specialized vein treatment. What began as a single-fellow program has grown to nine fellowship positions, with an additional eight physicians scheduled to begin training in July 2026. 

Throughout the fellowship, physicians complete intensive rotations focused on venous ultrasound, ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation procedures, ambulatory phlebectomy and other advanced treatment techniques. Fellows gain extensive hands-on experience while working alongside experienced vein specialists in clinical settings across the country.

The newly graduated physicians join a growing network of fellowship alumni who are helping increase patient access to specialized venous and lymphatic care at CVR and nationwide.

Applications are currently being accepted for future fellowship classes.

For more information about the Center for Vein Restoration Fellowship Program, visit centerforvein.com.

Noida CME Highlights Growing Role of Evidence-Based Nutrition in Clinical Practice

Noida: Close to 150 healthcare professionals, including a large number of practising physicians, gathered in Noida for a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme focused on the role of evidence-based nutrition in modern clinical practice. The event explored how Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB) nutrition, Lifestyle Medicine, and scientifically validated dietary interventions can help prevent and manage chronic diseases.

The CME served as an important platform for clinicians to discuss emerging research and practical approaches to integrating nutrition-based strategies into patient care, particularly in addressing rising cases of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other lifestyle-related conditions.

The highlight of the event was the keynote address by Prof. Dr. Anoop Misra, one of India’s leading experts in diabetes, obesity, and metabolic health. Dr. Misra shared insights from his recently released book, Smart Calories and Common Sense: An Evidence-Based Guide to Indian Diets, which examines key topics including Indian dietary patterns, weight management, ketogenic diets, intermittent fasting, GLP-1 medications, and common misconceptions surrounding diabetes reversal.

During the programme, Dr. Bijli Nanda, Co-Chair of the PAN Delhi/NCR Chapter, presented guidelines for incorporating Whole Food Plant-Based nutrition into clinical practice. The session focused on practical recommendations for healthcare professionals seeking to use nutrition as a complementary tool in disease prevention and management.

An engaging panel discussion moderated by Anjali Nakra, NCR Chair of PAN India, brought together experts to discuss patient outcomes, barriers to adoption, and strategies for integrating evidence-based nutrition into routine healthcare delivery. Participants exchanged experiences and explored opportunities to strengthen nutrition-focused interventions within clinical settings.

Organisers described the CME as a significant milestone for PAN Delhi/NCR, helping deepen clinician engagement, expand the network of healthcare professionals interested in nutrition science, and foster meaningful dialogue around the role of dietary interventions in healthcare.

The organisers expressed gratitude to the PAN Delhi/NCR leadership, programme management team, faculty members, panelists, participants, and supporters whose contributions made the event successful.

Special appreciation was extended to the organising team, including Dr. Manas Sharma, Dr. Sukrit Kumar, Arvind Tiwari, Anjali Nakra, Dr. Bijli Nanda, and Senior Programme Manager Shruti Sharma, for bringing together a diverse healthcare fraternity and delivering the programme within a short timeframe.

The event underscored the growing recognition of nutrition as a critical component of preventive and therapeutic healthcare, while reinforcing the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing India’s chronic disease burden.

What Makes the Herbalist and Herbal Practitioner Market a Growing Healthcare Segment

Understanding Congenital Heart Defect Outcomes: Insights from the Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Finding out your child has a congenital heart defect (CHD) can come with a lot of emotion, fear, and urgent questions about what the future may hold for your family. But it’s important to know that major advances in heart care have transformed the reality of what it’s like to live with many of these conditions.

Today, the vast majority of babies with a congenital heart defect will reach adulthood. 

“For complex CHDs, survival is no longer the main benchmark for success,” says Luke M. Wiggins, MD, cardiothoracic surgeon at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. “Pediatric cardiac specialty centers have the tools to improve quality of life, promote long-term health, and help kids thrive.”

As a major referral center for the Southern California region, CHLA’s nationally ranked Heart Institute team is well-versed in treating fetal, neonatal, and pediatric patients with even the most challenging heart anatomy.

For families just starting out on their care journey, the Heart Institute team shares what parents should know about congenital heart defect outcomes. 

1. No two hearts look the same. 

The heart is an incredibly complex organ—which is why the same diagnosis may look completely different from one child to another.

There are more than 35 distinct types of congenital heart defects, and the potential combination of differences is nearly infinite. This is why heart defects often require a personalized treatment approach.

This was true for a young patient named Samuel, whose exceptionally unique heart anatomy required an innovative treatment plan that provided life-saving interventions while allowing him to grow and heal at home before reconstructive surgery.

2. Early detection—and accurate diagnosis—is essential.

While standard fetal imaging, like a 20-week ultrasound, can help to illuminate major structural issues, it’s essential that doctors understand all details of a patient’s anatomy to make the most informed diagnosis. It’s common for families visiting the Heart Institute to be seeking a second opinion after an initial diagnosis at their local hospital. 

In the Fetal Cardiac Clinic, renowned specialists in fetal cardiology, congenital heart defects, and prenatal heart care use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including 3D/4D ultrasound and fetal echocardiography, to help provide exceptional diagnostic clarity. 

Often before patients are even born, a multidisciplinary care team of fetal cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and interventional cardiologists starts devising a personalized care plan. 

Neonatal or pediatric patients may receive imaging in the Catheterization Lab or the Cardiac Imaging Suite, which includes a first-in-the-nation low-field MRI machine that allows unprecedented diagnostic precision. 

3. When it comes to complex heart defects, volume matters. 

The Heart Institute team conducts an average of more than 14,000 patient visits and 700 cardiothoracic surgeries each year. 

Over 50% of neonatal heart surgeries at the hospital are high-risk cases, making CHLA one of the largest complex surgical programs in the country.

“Volume makes specialty centers more effective at understanding risks and complications and optimizing care amidst challenges,” says Dr. Wiggins.

“We have pediatric specialists in every area of cardiac care who are doing open heart surgeries, catheterization procedures, anesthesia, and critical care day in and day out,” he adds. “This is in contrast to specialists at smaller hospitals who may encounter a pediatric patient with complex care needs much more infrequently.”

Additionally, CHLA’s heart team observes a two-surgeon system in the operating room—a rare practice among similar programs. 

“This approach allows for a much more fluid management of the many layers of complex congenital operations, which typically results in the operation progressing more quickly,” Dr. Wiggins explains. “For the patient, that means substantially less time under general anesthesia with their heart stopped and on a bypass machine.”

4. Research is the backbone of progress for complex heart care outcomes.

Just a few decades ago, many congenital heart defects were universally fatal. Today, innovations like fetal surgery, minimally invasive catheter-based procedures, and new medical devices have made congenital heart surgeries safer and more effective.

These innovations were made possible through research—and many key treatment breakthroughs and technologies have origins here at CHLA.

35 years ago, Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Heart Institute Co-Director Vaughn A. Starnes, MD, developed a new surgical technique to treat a valve abnormality called Ebstein anomaly. The Starnes procedure revolutionized management for critically ill babies with this condition, and a version of the operation is still used worldwide.

Today, the Heart Institute has more than 100 research studies and active clinical trials. Voluntary clinical research helps doctors and scientists learn more about current and investigational treatments and technologies—often before they are widely available—with a focus on solutions specially-designed for the smallest patients.

In 2022, Heart Institute physician-researchers spearheaded the clinical trial that led to FDA approval for a first-of-its-kind Minima Stent, and in 2024, Dr. Wiggins and his team launched a trial for a novel, size-adjustable prosthetic pulmonary valve. Both solutions are designed to be expanded as the child grows, without the need for multiple invasive replacement surgeries.

Most recently, CHLA’s interventional cardiologists started using a miniaturized imaging device that enables them to conduct patent ductus arteriosis (PDA) closures, a repair for a common heart defect in preemies, from right within the baby’s isolette.

5. For complex conditions, comprehensive heart care should continue through childhood.

Some heart defects may resolve on their own or need just one surgery to restore functional heart anatomy, and children will go on to live life without complications. For children with more complex anatomy, comprehensive multidisciplinary care is required as they grow up. 

In children with single ventricle disease who have undergone the Fontan procedure—the final stage of a three-part surgical reconstruction—multiple organ systems are affected. Families may receive coordinated care from specialists in Cardiology, Hepatology, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Nutrition, Psychology, nursing, and Social Work.

Home monitoring is also an essential aspect of long-term care for many children—helping them stay safe outside the hospital while ensuring peace of mind for families and providing important data to their care teams.

6. You’re not alone. 

It can feel impossible to wrap your head around a tough diagnosis. But working with a trusted team of specialists means your family will have guidance and support every step of the way.

“Early conversations with families are often focused on complexity and survival,” Dr. Wiggins says. “Later, they go home and return to everyday life, and as their surgeon, I might not see the kids again until months or even years later.

Seeing their progress—growing, developing personalities, building relationships—it’s all incredibly rewarding. It’s a powerful reminder of why this work matters.”

Omnigel associates with Peddi, bringing its presence into a sport-led cinematic narrative

The partnership reflects a growing shift towards brand presence within culturally rooted narratives

India, June 06: Omnigel, Cipla Health’s leading pain relief brand, has announced its in-film association with Peddi, a highly anticipated Telugu sports film featuring Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor.

Set in 1980s rural Andhra Pradesh, Peddi brings to life a powerful story of sport, resilience and community. Reflecting these themes, Omnigel has been integrated into the film’s narrative through contextual and natural placements, aligning the brand closely with moments of performance, recovery and endurance.

Omnigel is integrated into the film across several moments, reflecting its presence within a sport-led setting. It is also seen during the film’s central sports sequence, aligning with the broader themes of performance and resilience.

This association builds on Cipla Health’s ongoing efforts to explore formats beyond traditional media, with a sharper focus on platforms that are more culturally rooted and locally relevant. In the case of Peddi, the choice of a regional, sport-led film allows the brand to be part of a narrative that reflects everyday resilience and performance, rather than communicate through conventional advertising formats.

Commenting on the strategic association, Mr. Shivam Puri, MD & CEO, Cipla Health Limited, said: “Pain and recovery are strongly connected to how people live their daily lives, whether through sports or routine activities. At Cipla Health, our key focus with Omnigel has been to build solutions that support sustained movement. Peddi, with its grounding in sport and resilience, reflects this reality in a very natural way, making it a relevant context for us to be part of. Through this association, we are also looking at newer ways of engaging with audiences, where the brand can be present within the environments and stories they relate to.”

With sport at the centre of the film, Omnigel’s presence aligns with the physical demands and recovery associated with it. It also reflects the brand’s relevance in everyday movement and activity.

Omnigel is the leading player in pain relief brand offering solutions for everyday muscle and joint pain. It is designed to provide quick relief and help individuals stay active in their daily lives.