Category Archives: Health

WellSpan Health Reports 66% Reduction in Workplace Violence Following Systemwide Safety Initiative with Canopy

PALO ALTO, CA. May 21 – Canopy, a connected safety platform for hospitals and health systems focused on protecting nurses and staff, announced a new case study today with Pennsylvania health system WellSpan Health, showing measurable shifts after rolling out a systemwide workplace violence prevention strategy supported by Canopy’s technology.

According to the joint case study, WellSpan Health saw a 66% reduction in workplace violence-related DART (Days Away, Restricted or Transferred) injuries within a year of implementation. The initiative centralized public safety operations and emergency response protocols into a unified system, supported by wearable and RTLS technology that allows staff to quickly signal for help during escalating situations.

“One of WellSpan’s organizational goals is zero harm, not just in workplace violence but across all injuries,” said Bill White, Vice President of Public Safety at WellSpan Health. “We have an obligation to provide a safe environment for anyone who enters our facilities,” White noted that before Canopy, alerts were often delayed, and staff didn’t have a dependable way to quickly signal for help. “That’s changed with Canopy,” he said. “Our team members now have immediate access to support at the push of a button, which helps us respond faster and makes them feel more supported in real time.”

WellSpan identified several operational gaps across its growing network of hospitals and care sites before launching the initiative. Emergency alerts varied by location, and staff often had to locate a phone or secondary device before requesting security support, which slowed response during critical moments. After implementing Canopy, WellSpan rolled out instant notifications, integrated the DASA (Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression) framework, and enhanced data validation tools to improve response times and increase staff visibility during incidents.

Workplace violence in hospitals continues to be one of healthcare’s fastest-growing operational and workforce challenges. The WellSpan and Canopy report was released during National Nurses Month, highlighting this ongoing, yet underrecognized issue throughout U.S. health systems. WellSpan leaders noted that the initiative was designed to reduce physical incidents while also shifting the organization toward a more proactive safety model across departments and campuses.

“Healthcare organizations everywhere are looking for better ways to support and protect frontline staff,” said Shan Sinha, CEO of Canopy Works. “The kind of impact Canopy and WellSpan have achieved together is exactly what Canopy strives for: creating environments where staff can get help quickly, feel supported in high-stress situations, and focus on delivering care safely. We’re proud to partner with WellSpan in building a stronger culture of safety for healthcare workers every day.”

Healthcare workforce safety has become an increasingly important area of focus nationally as organizations seek new approaches to meet evolving expectations around workforce well-being and retention in clinical environments. Industry analysts and healthcare leaders have pointed to workplace safety as a key component of long-term workforce sustainability.

Canopy is creating a standardized process for emergency response and safety across its expanding network. With WellSpan as a strong example of success, Canopy continues to support healthcare organizations in building safer environments for nurses, staff, patients, and visitors.

The Silent Cost of Postponing Oral Hygiene – Oral Health Analysis by Leading Health Expert Dr. Sonia Datta

Kolkata | May 21: While many individuals wait for an acute toothache to signal a problem, dental experts are highlighting a growing concern regarding the “silent” progression of oral health issues. Most dental complications, from cavities to gum disease, begin without immediate pain or visible symptoms, leading to a dangerous cycle of postponement. This delay often allows minor issues to transform into significant long-term damage before a patient even realizes a problem exists.

The hidden progression of neglect begins when hygiene is overlooked, allowing plaque to harden into tartar within a matter of days. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed by standard brushing, creating a foundation for chronic inflammation, enamel erosion, and eventual tooth loss.  Dentists point out that the biggest mistake is equating the absence of pain with the absence of a disease. By the time discomfort finally manifests, the condition has often advanced to a stage that requires complex, invasive, and costly intervention rather than simple preventive maintenance.

In response to these risks, there is a renewed focus on preventive care that integrates time-tested natural solutions with modern science. Ayurvedic ingredients such as clove and neem have long been recognized for their potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help control harmful bacteria and soothe gum tissue. Dabur Red Paste incorporates these traditional botanicals into a clinically tested daily formulation that carries the IDA Seal of Acceptance, providing a scientifically backed tool to combat plaque and prevent the onset of serious dental conditions.

Maintaining long-term oral health requires a shift from reactive treatment to proactive habits. Consistent brushing twice daily with a validated toothpaste like Dabur Red Paste, combined with daily flossing and reduced sugar intake, forms a critical defense against acid exposure and bacterial buildup. When these daily habits are supported by regular professional check-ups, oral diseases can be identified and managed in their earliest stages. Choosing a proactive regimen is the most effective way to protect one’s smile and avoid the inevitable physical and financial costs of dental neglect –Oral Health Analysis by Leading Health Expert Dr. Sonia Datta.

SimonMed Launches Shield Program to Support Preventive Whole-Body MRI Access for Military, Veterans, and First Responders

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – May 18, 2026 – SimonMed, one of the largest outpatient imaging providers in the United States, today announced the launch of the SimonMed Shield Program, a permanent nationwide initiative designed to help military personnel, veterans, and first responders access proactive whole-body MRI screening at a reduced cost. Through the program, eligible individuals will receive 20% off any SimonMed Longevity whole-body MRI.

The SimonMed Shield Program is designed to help those who serve take a more proactive approach to their health through advanced, radiation-free imaging that can be designed to help identify potential health issues earlier and establish a meaningful clinical baseline.

Military personnel and first responders often work in physically and emotionally demanding environments where prioritizing personal health can take a back seat to service.

“Many veterans and first responders spend years focused on protecting others while putting their own health second,” said Dr. Sean Raj, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at SimonMed. “The Shield Program is one way we can support them in taking a more proactive approach to their own health through advanced imaging designed to help identify potential concerns earlier.”

Beginning on Armed Forces Day, eligible patients can access the ongoing program benefit at SimonMed locations nationwide. No referral is required, HSA and FSA funds may be used and each whole-body MRI includes a 1:1 virtual clinical consultation to review findings and next steps. If additional evaluation is recommended, patients may also have access to follow-up imaging services across SimonMed’s nationwide network, including advanced MRI, CT, cardiac, women’s imaging, and bone health services—supporting a more seamless care journey. The Shield Program is available to veterans, active-duty military, reserve, and National Guard members, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. 

SimonMed’s Longevity whole-body MRI evaluates 13+ organs and systems in a single, radiation-free exam, including the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvic organs. The scan may help identify potential abnormalities associated with conditions such as certain cancers, fatty liver disease, aneurysms, and musculoskeletal or spinal degeneration—often before symptoms appear.

The Shield Program reflects SimonMed’s broader commitment to expanding access to preventive imaging and supporting the long-term health of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others. Eligible individuals can learn more or schedule an appointment at SimonMed.com/Shield. 

Understanding Hypertension’s Silent Impact on Heart Health

Jalandhar,  May 18 : Most people associate a heart attack with a sudden, dramatic event. What receives far less attention is the years of quiet damage that precede it. Often functioning without any symptoms, hypertension works silently, putting additional pressure on the arteries. Over the years, that sustained pressure quietly restructures the heart in ways that can prove fatal. In India, this is not a distant risk. According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), roughly 24% of adult men and 21% of adult women live with hypertension. The numbers tell a story of a condition hiding in plain sight.

On the occasion of World Hypertension Day, Dr VP Sharma, Director and Senior Consultant Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Jalandhar shared expert insight on hypertension, risks of developing cardiac-health issues, symptoms, and treatment.

What Hypertension Does to the Heart

Blood pressure is simply the force blood exerts against artery walls as the heart pumps. Normal blood pressure sits below 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is defined as readings that consistently reach or exceed 130/80 mm Hg. In response, the heart pumps harder to push blood through the arteries. This heightens the risk of developing various cardiac-related issues, including:

•Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The most direct cardiac consequence of this is left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), in which the walls of the heart’s main pumping chamber become thickened. LVH is an important independent risk factor for diastolic heart failure and sudden cardiac death in hypertensive patients. • Arterial Stiffness: Prolonged high blood pressure also contributes to arterial stiffness, which is the loss of elasticity of the large blood vessels. This diminishes their capacity to absorb the pressure wave generated by each heartbeat.

•Atrial Fibrillation: An irregular heart rhythm that can put you at risk for stroke and other complications.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Hypertension often shows no symptoms, earning it the title “silent killer”. However, very high blood pressure, often exceeding 180/120 mm Hg, can show possible symptoms like:

●Shortness of breath (Dyspnoea)

●Dizziness

●Blurred or tunnel vision

●Nose bleeds (Epistaxis)

●Confusion

How to Manage Hypertension

●Reduce common salt intake in your diet, as sodium can heighten blood pressure

●Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli and carrots to your meals

●Fruits like strawberries, raspberries and blueberries contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the inner lining of the blood vessels

●Adding daily options like bananas, oranges, and avocados to your diet can provide potassium to help offset sodium’s effect

●Avoid consuming tobacco products as they are direct contributors to high blood pressure

●Limit alcohol consumption as it can raise blood pressure and worsen cardiovascular risks

●Maintain regular physical activity and try to lose weight

Regularly monitoring your blood pressure and making these lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly reduce the risks of developing cardiac issues.

Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar Strengthens Airway Management Training Through MANIPAL AIRCON 2026

Bhubaneswar, May 14, 2026: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar successfully hosted the 3rd Edition of MANIPAL AIRCON 2026 at Bhubaneswar, bringing together leading anaesthesiologists, critical care specialists, and airway management experts for a comprehensive academic conference focused on perioperative excellence and advanced airway care.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 100 delegates including 25 distinguished faculties from various institutions , making it a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement. The event was graced by Chief Guest Dr Jitamitra Mishra, President, Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists Bhubaneswar City Branch, in the presence of Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra, Cluster Director (South East), Manipal Hospitals.

The conference was organised under the leadership of Chairperson Dr Swarnamayee Sathpathy, with Dr Sujata Priyadarshini serving as the Organising Secretary and Dr Bhagya Ranjan Jena leading the Scientific Committee. Their collective efforts played a pivotal role in curating a high-quality academic programme that blended evidence-based learning with practical clinical training.

The scientific programme featured six insightful lectures covering both Basic Airway Management and Difficult Airway Management, with discussions centred on practical approaches, patient safety, emergency preparedness, and recent advancements in airway care. The conference also emphasised experiential learning through eight highly interactive hands-on workshops designed to strengthen clinical expertise in managing routine and complex airway scenarios. Key workshop sessions included Advanced Airway Simulation, Fibreoptic Intubation Techniques, Video laryngoscopy, Emergency Cricothyrotomy, Difficult Airway Algorithms, Ultrasound-Guided Airway Assessment, Airway Management in Critical Care, and Paediatric Airway Management. The workshops enabled delegates to gain practical exposure under the guidance of experienced faculty members and industry experts.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitamitra Mishra, President, Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists Bhubaneswar City Branch, said, “Continuous academic engagement and practical training are essential to strengthening airway management practices and enhancing perioperative patient safety. MANIPAL AIRCON 2026 has provided an excellent platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, sharpen clinical skills, and stay updated with evolving techniques and innovations in airway care.” Adding to this,

Dr Saktimaya Mohapatra, Cluster Director (South East), Manipal Hospitals said, “Airway management remains one of the most critical components of perioperative and emergency care. Conferences like MANIPAL AIRCON 2026 play an essential role in bridging academic learning with real-world clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes and strengthening preparedness among healthcare professionals.” MANIPAL AIRCON 2026 further reinforced Manipal Hospital’s commitment to continuous medical education, multidisciplinary collaboration, and clinical excellence in anaesthesia and critical care. The conference also highlighted the institution’s focus on fostering advanced skill development and bringing contemporary global practices in airway management closer to healthcare professionals across the region.

Apex Hospital in Borivali Brings Advanced Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery to Mumbai’s Suburban Area

Mumbai, May 14:  A major breakthrough in orthopaedic innovation has been achieved at Apex Hospital, Borivali with the successful performance of a fourth-generation minimally invasive Hallux Valgus correction surgery, introducing a highly advanced treatment option for patients suffering from painful bunion deformities. The cutting-edge procedure offers reduced pain, faster recovery, minimal scarring, and quicker return to mobility compared to conventional open surgeries.

The surgery was successfully performed at Apex Hospital, Borivali by Dr. Pratik Vishavadia, an Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, using the advanced META technique  Minimally-invasive Extra-articular Transverse metatarsal with Akin’s osteotomy  using a specialised high-precision burr system. Unlike traditional bunion correction procedures that require large incisions and extensive soft tissue dissection, this next-generation technique is performed through multiple tiny stab incisions, significantly reducing tissue trauma and post-operative discomfort.

Speaking about the advancement, Dr. Pratik Vishavadia from Apex Hospital, Borivali said,

 “Minimally invasive foot and ankle surgery is transforming the future of orthopaedic care. Advanced procedures such as META osteotomy enable us to correct complex bunion deformities while preserving surrounding soft tissues. Patients experience significantly less pain, minimal blood loss, faster rehabilitation, and earlier return to normal activities. This approach reflects the global shift toward patient-friendly orthopaedic solutions that prioritise both clinical excellence and quality of recovery.”

Hallux Valgus, commonly referred to as a bunion deformity, is a progressive condition affecting the great toe joint. It often leads to chronic pain, difficulty in wearing footwear, cosmetic deformity, imbalance while walking, and restricted mobility. Orthopaedic experts note that untreated bunions can gradually worsen over time, impacting overall gait mechanics and quality of life.

Globally, studies indicate that bunion deformities affect nearly one in four adults between the ages of 18 and 65, with prevalence rising sharply among women and elderly individuals. The increasing preference for minimally invasive orthopaedic procedures reflects growing patient awareness around shorter hospital stays, enhanced cosmetic outcomes, and accelerated recovery timelines.

The successful adoption of this fourth-generation minimally invasive technique further strengthens the position of Apex Hospital, Borivali as a centre for advanced orthopaedic and Foot & Ankle care in the region. Experts believe such innovations will play a crucial role in improving long-term functional outcomes, patient comfort, and rehabilitation standards in modern orthopaedics.

Apex Group of Hospitals Celebrates International Nurses Day Across All Its Hospitals

Mumbai, May 13: Apex Group of Hospitals celebrated International Nurses Day with gratitude and pride across all its Mumbai hospitals, recognising the tireless dedication, compassion, and commitment of its nursing staff who continue to play a vital role in patient care and recovery. Celebrations across all Apex hospitals included special appreciation ceremonies, cultural activities, motivational sessions, and awards honouring exceptional nurses for their service and contribution to healthcare excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, the management of Apex Group of Hospitals said, “Nursing is the backbone of every hospital. Nurses are not only caregivers but also emotional support systems for patients and families during their most difficult moments. Their strength, empathy, and commitment form the foundation of quality healthcare.”

The event highlighted the critical role nurses play in ensuring patient safety, comfort, and recovery. From emergency care and operating theatres to intensive care units and general wards, nurses remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery every single day. Doctors, management teams, and hospital staff joined together to express their appreciation for the nursing fraternity. Several nurses who demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and patient care were felicitated during the celebrations. Nurses play a vital role in India’s healthcare system by providing compassionate care, emotional support, and round-the-clock medical attention to patients. They are the backbone of hospitals, ensuring patient safety, recovery, and comfort at every stage of treatment. From emergency care to rural healthcare services, nurses work tirelessly with dedication and humanity. Their contribution strengthens the nation’s healthcare system and improves countless lives every day.

Apex Group of Hospitals consistently focuses on creating a supportive and growth-oriented environment for its nursing professionals through continuous training, skill development programs, and modern healthcare practices. International Nurses Day, celebrated globally on May 12, marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The occasion serves as an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution of nurses to society and healthcare systems worldwide. Through this celebration, Apex Group of Hospitals reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and empowering nurses who continue to serve humanity with compassion, courage, and care. 

NRP Day Celebrated Across Delhi to Boost Newborn Survival

In a landmark nationwide effort to improve newborn survival and strengthen neonatal emergency care, the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) India celebrated NRP Day, with large-scale hands-on skill training programs conducted simultaneously across the country. As part of this historic initiative, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital Model Town, New Delhi actively participated by organizing a Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) training session for healthcare professionals.

 The initiative marks one of the largest synchronized healthcare training efforts in India and is being led under the leadership of Dr. Lallan Kumar Bharti, with the vision of ensuring that every newborn receives timely and effective resuscitation support at birth.

Newborn mortality continues to remain a significant public health challenge in India. A large proportion of neonatal deaths occur because babies are unable to establish breathing immediately after birth. Medical experts emphasize that the first few minutes after delivery are extremely critical, and timely intervention by trained healthcare providers can prevent many avoidable newborn deaths. Simple, evidence-based resuscitation skills can make the difference between life and death for a newborn.

Recognizing this urgent need, NNF India conceptualized and executed this massive capacity-building initiative across the nation. A total of 998 training courses were conducted nationwide, with participation from nearly 20,000 healthcare providers. These trainings extended beyond metropolitan cities to rural and geographically challenging regions, ensuring wider access to essential newborn care skills.

In Delhi, multiple centres participated in this initiative, significantly contributing toward strengthening neonatal care services in the state. At Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, the training program was coordinated by Dr. Nidhi Gupta, where 21 healthcare professionals received hands-on neonatal resuscitation training.

The trainings were conducted completely free of cost and included healthcare workers from both government and private healthcare sectors. This inclusive approach ensured broader outreach and uniform strengthening of newborn care practices across India.

NNF India played a pivotal role in providing end-to-end support for the planning, coordination, standardization, and execution of the training sessions across all centres, ensuring consistency and quality in the program delivery.

This synchronized nationwide initiative is expected to set a record for conducting the highest number of neonatal resuscitation skill trainings in a single day, marking a historic milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to improve newborn survival rates and strengthen neonatal healthcare services.

Palomar Medical Center Poway Earns an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group

Beyond Acute-Phase Support: How “Ibasho” Aids Disaster Mental Health Recovery

Authors propose that rebuilding community, routine, and social roles is essential for long-term recovery after disasters

As disasters increasingly disrupt lives through displacement, conflict, and climate-related emergencies, addressing long-term mental health recovery remains a major challenge. A correspondence from Juntendo University discusses that, while acute symptom assessment remains important, disaster psychiatry may benefit from a community-led approach to care. The authors discuss the importance of ibasho (community spaces of belonging and social purpose) and suggest that rebuilding routines, roles, and neighborhood connections may support long-term recovery and resilience. 

Natural disasters drastically affect human lives—destroying homes, separating families, leading to disruption of daily routines, which affects their stability. While emergency mental health responses are crucial in the beginning of the crisis, new correspondence discusses that psychological recovery may rely on a more meaningful approach to help restore a sense of place and belonging.

Ibasho: A Community-led Place for Belonging and Meaning

In this context, authors from Juntendo University, Japan, led by Associate Professor Hidetaka Tamune from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, along with Dr. Yutaka Igarashi from Nippon Medical School, Japan, and Dr. Yuzuru Kawashima from the Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Team, Japan, discussed the approach of ibasho (a community-building concept in Japan) for people affected by disasters. The details were made available online on April 3, 2026, and published in Volume 407, Issue 10537 of The Lancet journal on April 11, 2026.

Dr. Tamune says, “Disaster recovery is not only about reducing acute psychiatric symptoms. It is also about restoring the social environments that give people stability, dignity, and a sense of purpose. In Japanese, the places that make this possible are called ibasho.”

Ibasho means a place of belonging where people are engaged in social networks, routines, and meaningful roles. The authors suggested that restoring this sense of connection among people affected by disasters may be just as important as detecting early symptoms, as it plays a vital role in supporting community recovery. Supporting this, the correspondence places ibasho within the internationally recognized Sphere humanitarian framework, which focuses on survival with dignity, continuity with care, and coordinated support systems during crises. It also suggests that ibasho aligns closely with those principles by offering social infrastructure for displaced and affected communities.

Ibasho in Japan: Community-Led Recovery in Practice 

Compared to conventional interventions, ibasho refers to safe, community-led spaces where individuals can reconnect with others and resume daily routines. This may include neighborhood gathering spaces, shared community programs, and locally led recovery hubs. To support this perspective, the authors cited the evidence from disaster-affected regions in Japan. These include examples from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear accident. Notably, there was an increase in the dementia consultations and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) among older adults near the evacuation zones of the affected areas. In contrast, the communities where older residents were helped by leading ibasho-style programs reported stronger recovery and more stable routines with improved social and family relationships. This suggests that recovery improved when people were able to regain meaningful roles in community life. The older adults not only receive support but are also actively contributing to the recovery efforts and rebuilding community life.

“What appears to be most important is not simply access to services, but whether people can reclaim their place within the community and continue to feel valued, useful, and connected.　In Japan, a disaster-prone and super-aged society, we have both the experience and the responsibility to share what we have learned about caring for older adults with dementia, especially those who develop BPSD and delirium,” explains Dr. Tamune.

Redefining Recovery Through Connection, Culture, and Dignity

Although particularly relevant to natural disasters, the correspondence suggests that preparedness and recovery both depend not only on services but also on whether people can remain connected to local networks, routines, and meaningful social roles. The authors further note that trauma-informed support should remain culturally congruent; in some communities, restoring routines, roles, and communal life through ibasho may be the most acceptable first step.

Overall, the correspondence highlights the importance of ibasho in post-disaster mental health. It suggests that, although acute symptom detection matters, recovery also depends on whether people can continue to live safely, sustain relationships, and regain meaningful roles after displacement. In this sense, ibasho may function as a culturally congruent local social infrastructure through which dignity, continuity, and safety are restored in everyday life.