Category Archives: Health

Dr. Deepak Raina of Max Hospital Highlights When Joint Replacement Becomes the Right Move Toward Pain-Free Living

By-Dr. Deepak Raina,Senior Director & Unit Head – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Max Hospital, Dwarka

Joint pain can be more than just discomfort— it can take away your ability to move freely, enjoy daily activities, or maintain your independence. When medications, physiotherapy, and lifestyle changes no longer provide relief, joint replacement surgery may be the next step toward a more active and pain-free life.

But how do you know when it’s time to consider this option?

Understanding Joint Replacement
Joint replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged joint— commonly the knee, hip, elbow, ankle or shoulder— is replaced with an artificial implant. These implants are designed to function like your natural joint, restoring movement and reducing pain.

With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, joint replacement has become safer and more effective, offering quicker recovery and long-term relief.

When Is Joint Replacement Recommended?
Joint replacement is not the first step in the treatment process. It is usually recommended when conservative treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, or weight management no longer provide relief and the quality of life is significantly affected.

Some common indications for joint replacement include:

● Severe Joint Pain: Persistent, intense pain that limits the ability to perform everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of a chair— is one of the main signs. This pain may be present during movement or even while resting.

● Joint Stiffness or Swelling: Loss of flexibility, swelling, and stiffness in the joint can reduce mobility. If stiffness is affecting your sleep or preventing you from performing routine activities, surgery might be needed to restore function.

● Advanced Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis can cause long-term joint damage. In severe cases where cartilage has worn away, and bones rub against each other, joint replacement is often the most effective treatment.

● Deformity in the Joint: Changes in joint shape, such as bowing of the legs or shortening of one limb, can indicate joint degeneration. These deformities may lead to further complications if not corrected.

● Limited Response to Other Treatments: When physical therapy, painkillers, no longer provide lasting relief, surgical intervention may be necessary to improve function and reduce chronic pain.

● Joint Damage Due to Injury: Certain injuries, like fractures or torn ligaments, may lead to lasting damage to the joint. If the joint becomes unstable or non-functional, replacement may be required.

A Life-Changing Decision
Choosing to undergo joint replacement is a personal decision that should be made in consultation with an orthopaedic specialist. Doctors evaluate your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and imaging results like X-rays or MRIs before recommending surgery.

Thanks to modern surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures recovery times have improved significantly. Most patients experience reduced pain, better mobility, and improved quality of life after surgery.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Joint pain doesn’t have to define your life. If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort that affects your daily activities, consult an orthopaedic specialist to explore whether joint replacement is the right option for you.

Early diagnosis and timely intervention can help you return to the life you love— free from pain, stiffness, and limitations.

Rare Brain Bypass Surgery Gives Pune Software Engineer a New Lease on Life

Pune, 12th June 2025: Neurosurgeons at Manipal Hospitals, Baner, were able to successfully perform a superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass (commonly known as brain bypass surgery) on a 32-year-old software engineer from Pune with rare condition. The patient had repeated ischemic episodes and had lost vision in one eye after a stroke. After surgery, the patient has recovered well, able to regain vision in his affected eye, which was an unexpected outcome. His recurrent strokes are expected to improve over a period of time.

For six months, the patient had several episodes of left-sided weakness, each lasting a few minutes, under the influence of minor stressors like low blood pressure or dehydration. The right middle cerebral artery (MCA) appeared to be completely blocked, leading doctors to suspect Moya Moya disease, a rare progressive intracranial arteriopathy that is more prevalent in Asian populations and more common in young people and teens. Since there was no visible distal blood flow and the blocked channel was not stentable, no conventional therapeutic options were taken into consideration.

While speaking about this case, Dr. Amit Dhakoji, HOD & Consultant – Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital, Baner said, “We decided to do a STA-MCA bypass because the case was so complex. This technique involved rerouting and anastomosing the superficial temporal artery, a healthy artery on the head, to a viable segment of the middle cerebral artery that was distant to the occlusion. This rerouting made it possible to restore the blood flow to the damaged brain region. The patient recovered exceptionally well after the operation. The frequent, brief ischemia episodes immediately ended, and the doctors were even surprised to see that the formerly blind eye’s vision had partially returned.”

Mr. Anand Mote, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune said, “We at Manipal Hospitals continuously deliver exceptional medical treatment, even in uncommon and complex circumstances. This instance shows the value of interdisciplinary teamwork, cutting-edge technology, and extensive clinical knowledge. Being a facility that can offer cutting-edge neurosurgical solutions with accuracy and empathy makes us proud.”

The Silent Heart Attack, Often Missed But Deadly

By-Dr. Deepankar Vatsa, Consultant – Cardiology, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida

Heart attacks have long been associated with dramatic chest pain and older age. But in recent years, a silent and deeply concerning trend has emerged as young adults in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s are increasingly falling victim to heart attacks, and in many cases, without any warning signs at all. These are called silent heart attacks, and they can be just as dangerous, if not more than the typical ones.

What Is a Silent Heart Attack?

A silent heart attack, or silent myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is blocked, but the person feels little to no symptoms. Unlike the stereotypical image of someone clutching their chest in pain, silent heart attacks may be presented as mild discomfort, fatigue, indigestion, or breathlessness. Often, these symptoms are brushed off as minor acidity, overexertion, or stress leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.

Why the Young Are Increasingly at Risk

In India, nearly 25% of heart attacks are now seen in individuals under the age of 40, a startling figure. This shift is not just due to genetic predisposition but heavily influenced by lifestyle choices. Long hours at desks, poor diet, smoking, binge drinking, lack of sleep, and mounting mental stress are all playing a part.

Many young professionals, especially in urban centers, skip routine health check-ups and assume heart disease is decades away. Unfortunately, this assumption can be fatal. Silent heart attacks may quietly damage the heart muscle, and by the time they are discovered incidentally during a routine ECG or medical emergency the damage is already done.

The Subtle Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Though the signs may not be dramatic, the body does give hints. Persistent fatigue, shortness of breath after mild activity, dizziness, cold sweats, mild chest pressure, or pain in the jaw, back, or left arm even if brief can be warning signs. These are often misinterpreted as acidity, anxiety, or muscle strain, particularly in younger people. This underestimation delays life-saving treatment.

Prevention Is Still the Best Medicine

The good news is that heart disease, including silent heart attacks, is largely preventable with early lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and eating a heart-friendly diet can significantly reduce the risk.

It’s equally important to get regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other cardiac risk factors especially if there is a family history of heart disease. In some cases, a stress test or an echocardiogram may be recommended by your doctor to assess how well the heart is functioning under exertion.

When Every Second Counts

If a heart attack, silent or otherwise is suspected, time is critical. Advances in cardiology such as angioplasty, stenting, and modern imaging techniques like Intravascular Ultrasound and Optical Coherence Tomography have greatly improved outcomes. However, these tools are only effective when the problem is recognized in time.

Rapid transportation to a hospital with a cardiac care unit and initiation of early treatment can be the difference between life and death. That’s why awareness, even in asymptomatic individuals, is so crucial.

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.