Category Archives: Health

Dr. Reddy’s Launches ‘DailyBloom IBS’: India’s First Digital Integrated Care Plan for Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Hyderabad India; April 22, 2024 – Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY; hereafter referred to as “Dr. Reddy’s”), a global pharmaceutical company, today announced the roll-out of its condition management programme DailyBloomTM IBS, India’s first integrated care plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The programme is based on extensive research and is enabled by a mobile application developed in-house. DailyBloom™ IBS focuses on a comprehensive care planthat includes diet management, psychological and physical wellness support for patients with IBS. Dr. Reddy’s has launched the programme on‘World IBS Day’,a day that aims to increase awareness of the IBS condition, discuss misconceptions, challenges and even stigma attached to it.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habits .Studies show that IBS leads to significant morbidity, work absenteeism, loss of productivity, economic burden to the society, and impacts the quality of life of patients .Around 7% of the Indian population suffers from IBS. Psychological and somatoform comorbidities are often seen in IBS patients. Being a chronic condition, IBS can be managed more effectively by using an integrated care approach involving education, lifestyle changes, personalised nutrition and wellness, along with standard of care medical management .

Dr. Reddy’s DailyBloom™ IBS is a 14-week care planthat comes with a personalised approach to ensure that each patient’s experience is tailored to their specific needs. The journey of a patient on the care plan begins with the DailyBloom Gut Health Index, an initial assessment that captures the frequency of symptoms and impact on their quality of life. Following this assessment, patients engage in a goal-setting session, allowing for further personalisation of their care pathway. This crucial step ensures that each plan aligns with the individual’s health goals and lifestyle preferences, making the management of IBS more effective and aligned with the patient’s life. In the 14-week journey, patients receive 16+ consultations from a team of certified nutritionists, psychologists and care managers complemented by unlimited chat support from the care team. The program also provides users with access to over 500 gut-friendly recipes based on Indian cuisine to help them manage their condition successfully.

DailyBloom™ IBS care plan aims to bridge the gap in the effective management of IBS by providing patients in India with seamless access to integrated care conveniently at their fingertips. DailyBloom™ IBS was built in consultation with a team of multi-disciplinary experts, patients and gastroenterologists and based on rigorous research over a period of 12 months. The exhaustive research process included 9,600+ minutes of doctor and patient immersions, 3,000+ observations, and understanding of 300+ pain points linked to IBS. Preliminary user experience has generated highly positive response to DailyBloom™ IBS.

M.V. Ramana, Chief Executive Officer, Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets), Dr. Reddy’s, said: “Apart from growing our core business, our strategy for India is based on the three innovative and synergistic pillars of access to novel molecules, consumer health, and digital therapeutics. Our aim is to meet unmet needs of patients and enhance standard of care where possible. In the digital therapeutics segment, as with the drug-free migraine management device Nerivio®, DailyBloom™ IBS also offers a differentiated value proposition to patients. ‘DailyBloom™ IBS’ has been developed in-house, based on rigorous research and extensive consultation with experts including gastroenterologists. IBS is a chronic condition and its symptoms are often misdiagnosed or neglected . Our initiative is India’s first integrated care plan for IBS. We have drawn on our three-decade old market leadership in the gastrointestinal (GI) segment consisting of trusted and established oral drug brands such as Omez®, Razo™, Econorm®, andRedotil™. We are therefore happy to offer an integrated care approach to this GI condition that aims to enhance standard of care in keeping with our purpose of ‘Good Health Can’t Wait.”

Fortis Healthcare Launches 80-bedded Multi-Speciality Tertiary Care Hospital at Nagarbhavi, Bangalore

Bengaluru, 22nd April 2024: Keeping its commitment to the core ethos of patient-centricity, Fortis Healthcare today launched a state-of-the-art, multi-speciality hospital at Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru. Located in West Bengaluru, the new upgraded facility was inaugurated by Shri Upendra Rao, renowned actor and filmmaker; Shri Munirathna, MLA of Rajarajeshwari Nagar; Dr. Rajani M, Joint Director of Health & Family Welfare Services; and Dr Ravindranath M, District Health & Family Welfare Officer in the presence of Mr. Anil Vinayak, Group COO, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Dr Vivek Jawali, Chairman- Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru other Clinicians and Senior Dignitaries at Fortis Healthcare including Dr Thejaswini Parthasarathy, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi.

With a commitment to providing state-of-the-art tertiary care and a comprehensive approach to managing complex medical cases, the newly launched healthcare facility in the region aims to establish itself as the premier hospital in the area. Reinforced by an expanded infrastructure and a comprehensive range of services, including 24/7 emergency and trauma care; ICU & Critical Care; Fortis Heart & Vascular Centre; Fortis Cancer Institute; Woman & Childcare; and the Institute of Gastrointestinal Sciences; the hospital is dedicated to meeting the diverse healthcare needs of the community.

With a legacy of 35 years and a team of over 100 expert clinicians, each of these key specialities will now benefit from the expertise of senior clinicians such as Dr Vivek Jawali, Chairman of Cardiac Sciences at Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, Dr Mohan Keshavmurthy, Senior Director of Uro-oncology at Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, and Dr Sandeep Nayak, Senior Director of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, thereby maintaining the hospital’s commitment to serving the residents of Nagarbhavi and its neighbourhood. The facility currently offers 80 beds, with plans to expand to 100 beds to accommodate a growing patient base.

Commending Fortis Healthcare for the launch of the tertiary care facility, at Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru, Shri Upendra, renowned actor and filmmaker, said, “It’s truly an honour to be part of this momentous occasion. The launch of this multi-speciality hospital is a significant step toward ensuring top-quality healthcare accessibility. I applaud Fortis Hospitals for their dedication to expanding treatment facilities and delivering exemplary care.”

Shri Munirathna, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Rajarajeshwari Nagar, said, “I am delighted to see Fortis Healthcare bringing world-class healthcare services right to our doorstep. Today, more than ever, we are deeply conscious of our health and the importance of making informed choices for our long-term well-being. The new tertiary care hospital at Nagarbhavi, equipped with advanced technology and offering a multi-specialty approach, ensures that high-quality medical care is readily accessible to our community.”

Mr. Anil Vinayak, Group COO, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, said, “Fortis has always been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge medical services. With the launch of this hospital, we continue our legacy of delivering high-end care to our patients, setting new a benchmark in healthcare excellence. This launch marks a significant milestone in our continued expansion efforts, underscoring our dedication to innovation and our commitment to delivering the finest care to our patients.”

Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals Bengaluru, said, “We take immense pride in the launch of our multi-speciality hospital at Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru. Now a large section of people seeking healthcare services will benefit from this addition. It signifies our commitment to providing our patients with informed choices and the best cutting-edge healthcare facilities that the world has to offer. At Fortis, we are dedicated to ensuring that our patients receive quality care and attention at every step of their journey.”

Breakthrough Treatment Options Offer Hope for Hemophilia Patients

Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director & Head – Pediatric Hematology, Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Hospital Gurugram

Hemophilia meaning love (philia) of blood (hemo) has been referred to as the disease of the kings,” as is often described in the descent of Queen Victoria of England. Haemophilia affects 1 in 10000 live births. The disease is of two kinds-Hemophilia A and B. Hemophilia A is more prevalent (80% to 85% of the total haemophilia population) than haemophilia B.

Hemophilia is usually an inherited condition and is caused by the congenital deficiency of clotting factors in the blood. As a result, your blood doesn’t clot properly causing prolonged and excessive bleeding after minor trauma or sometimes even spontaneously. Haemophilia A and B are caused by a deficiency of factors 8 and 9 respectively.

The diagnosis combines an index of suspicion due to a family history of bleeding, clinical manifestation, as well as laboratory testing. Your doctor does a simple test of PTT, mixing study and factor assays and confirms the diagnosis. Hemophilia is diagnosed if the factor activity is less than 40% of normal factor activity. The disease is categorised into mild, moderate and severe forms by quantification of factors activity done in a good laboratory and interpreted by an expert.

Both haemophilia A and B are inherited via an X-linked recessive pattern which means all the males carrying the affected gene will have the disease and 100% of females born from affected fathers will be carriers. Affected men have affected sons and carrier daughters. Carrier females have a 50% chance of affected sons and a 50% chance of carrier daughters. Up to a third of haemophilia cases happen sporadically which means that there is no evidence of the in family history

The haemophiliac kid can present at varying stages based on their severity as joint swelling (knee, elbow, ankles commonly), oral bleeding, skin bleeds, prolonged bleeding following tooth extraction or tonsillectomy or post-surgery and major bleeds such as brain bleeds, and abdominal bleeds. Repeated bleeding affects the day-to-day quality of life and causes arthropathy or destroys the joints permanently and should be dealt with as a matter of importance.

While performing pain management, one should avoid aspirin and take painkillers with doctors’ guidance as chances of bleeding may increase. All vaccinations to be given intramuscularly should be given by experts or avoided. The haematologist’s advice is PRICE therapy in case of a bleeding episode known acronym for Protect the joint, Rest, ice application, compression, and elevation. Immobilization of painful joints, early initiation of physical therapy and exercise program, maintaining strength, and preventing further injury by gait training patients go hand-in-hand. The treatment is fulfilling the deficiency that nature has bestowed i.e. urgent factor replacement. These are intravenous drugs given as a replacement basis as and when required or prophylactic to avoid joint bleeds. There are also newer subcutaneous once-a-month injections available, Emicizumab that has changed the life of haemophiliac kids.

Overall, haemophilia is an inherited condition. The median life expectancy with care and prophylaxis is reaching normal values. Adequate counselling, genetics opinion, and haematologist consultation are needed. In case of family history, be alert for testing during pregnancy. If your child is haemophilia consult an expert haematologist, always carry factor backups for emergencies with adequate storage, have appropriate peri-procedural consultation, screening for “inhibitors”, and adequate and planned follow-ups. Gene therapy for haemophilia has progressed remarkably and could soon become a reality.

Mirror Biologics, Inc. Appoints Elizabeth Czerepak as Chief Financial Officer

Wesley Chapel, FL, April 19, 2024 — Mirror Biologics, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company announces the appointment of Elizabeth Adkins Czerepak as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President of Corporate Development effective April 15, 2024.

Ms. Czerepak has served as CFO of several biotechnology companies over the last 13 years. She has also led teams that successfully launched public offerings over this time. In addition, she has 10 years of venture capital investment experience as a former Managing Director at Bear Stearns and JPMorgan, and was Founding General Partner of Bear Stearns Health Innoventures L.P. Ms. Czerepak began her career in senior management positions at big pharma, managing finance, strategic planning, business development and commercial launch teams. Notably, she led the global search to partner D2E7 (Humira®), which culminated in BASF Pharma’s sale to Abbott for $6.9 billion and also played a key role in Roche’s acquisition of Syntex for $5.4 billion.

Dr. Michael Har-Noy, Founder and acting CEO stated, “We warmly welcome Elizabeth to the Mirror Biologics team. Her extensive experience in financial and strategic operations in biotech and big pharma brings valuable expertise to our C-Suite, as we work to develop and execute strategies for advancing our clinical and manufacturing programs to late stage clinical development. Her previous experience with big pharma and venture capital and with executing complex financial transactions bring us valuable insights for negotiating and structuring future investment and partnering transactions. Elizabeth has developed a reputation and track record for creating value for investors in biotech companies and we are honored she has agreed to join us at this critical stage of our development.”

Elizabeth Czerepak stated: “I am excited to join Mirror Biologics, with its combination of true innovation, top talent and late stage clinical assets supported by a broadly patented technology platform. The lead AlloStim® product candidate has the potential to transform the standard of care in very difficult to treat metastatic solid tumor cancers and to bring a novel approach to treating infectious diseases and for possibly reversing the devastating effects that aging has on our immune systems. I believe that the Mirror Biologics’ team has the vision, expertise and passion needed to build a successful biopharmaceutical company that can elevate the standard of care and improve patients’ lives. I am happy for the opportunity to support the team in bringing these next generation of immunotherapy solutions to the market in a manner that is both accessible and affordable.”

Sonio Announces Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physician as Scientific Advisory Board Member

PARIS, FRANCE (19th April 2024 ) – Sonio, the MedTech company specializing in women’s and children’s health, today announces the appointment of a new Scientific Advisory Board Member, Dr Yinka Oyelese, following their FDA Clearance in the US in 2023.

Currently serving as the Director of Obstetric Imaging at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, Dr. Oyelese has over 37 years of experience in the medical field and specializes in high-risk pregnancies. Following training in Nigeria, he moved to London, where in the 1990s, he worked at St. George’s Hospital, London, under such ultrasound luminaries as Professors Stuart Campbell, Yves Ville, Tom Bourne, and Christoph Lees. He completed an OBGYN residency at Georgetown University Hospital and fellowship training in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School/Rutgers University. He regularly contributes to prominent journals and obstetrical textbooks and has authored editorials for The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. A trusted expert in the field, he lectures worldwide and is a peer reviewer for over 30 medical journals.

Dr. Oyelese joins current Sonio Scientific Advisory Board Members Pr. Rabih Chaoui, Pr. Richard Kwong Wai Choy and Pr. Mark D. Kilby are each medical leaders in their respective focuses.

Dr. Yinka Oyelese says “AI represents a transformative leap forward in ultrasound technology, with immense potential to enhance the quality, efficiency, and convenience of prenatal ultrasound. It dramatically expands the capabilities of obstetric ultrasound, with promising applications poised to benefit patients, sonographers, and physicians alike. I am thrilled to embark on this pioneering journey in partnership with Sonio, as we navigate the exciting possibilities this innovation holds.”

Celia Amabile, Head of Clinical at Sonio, says, “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Dr. Oyelese and welcome his expertise in US clinical practices to the Sonio Scientific Advisory Board. We are eager to share insights on the future challenges of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis with maternal healthcare providers across America. Together, we hope to share how AI can be leveraged for healthcare professionals of all experience levels.

Together, Sonio and Dr. Oyelese plan to make maternal healthcare more accessible to all women across the US. With over 20 years of experience as a leader in obstetric and gynecological ultrasound, Dr. Oyelese will lend his extensive expertise to the Sonio team. Their goal is to introduce revolutionary technology into the maternal healthcare sector, aiming to transform and enhance the quality of care provided to mothers across the nation.

HealthONE Expands Mental Health Access in Metro Denver

Denver, CO, April 17, 2024 –HealthONE is pleased to announce the opening of an additional access point for mental health needs with the HealthONE Mental Health Therapy Center. HealthONE is committed to providing expert care and comprehensive support for patients of all ages and this new mental health center will aim to meet the ongoing needs of the community.

The HealthONE Mental Health Therapy Center provides individual and group counseling services in an outpatient, non-hospital-based setting. Their licensed therapists provide effective and holistic services, including:

Personalized, individual and family therapy for adults and adolescents;
Group-based therapy program for adults and adolescents;
Flexible scheduling, including virtual options to accommodate work or school demands;
Referrals to HealthONE Behavioral Health and Wellness Center in Aurora for patients; who can benefit from inpatient or intensive outpatient mental health programs.

“It is critically important that we continue expanding access to much needed mental health services throughout greater Denver,” stated Megan Marchetti, LPC, Director of Physician Relations.” Mental healthcare is healthcare, and care close to home has proved to be a model that encourages people to seek support.”

HealthONE Mental Health Therapy Center team members create customized treatment plans for lasting mental wellness. Our programs welcome individuals seeking support with:

Depression
Anxiety
Mood disorders
Grief and loss
Trauma
Life stressors or transitions
Relationship difficulties

HealthONE Mental Health Therapy Center is located at 6169 S Balsam Way in Littleton, near Swedish Medical Center’s Southwest Emergency Room. The clinic offers free consultations, accepts most commercial insurance plans, and is currently welcoming new patients for individual and group counseling programs.

New Release from HGBM & Marjorie Joseph

Springfield, OH, April 16, 2024 — Now Available for Pre-Order. Of Weight Loss & Witches by Marjorie Joseph.

Evaniese Spencer is indeed beautiful. She also has a lot going for her. However, there are so many issues bogging her down. Not only is she overweight, but she’s unappreciated, overworked and underpaid at her job. Furthermore, she’s belittled in her personal relationships. Displeased with the trajectory of her life, she resolves to make a change.

Over the years, Marjorie Joseph has partnered with her Heavenly Father, and has penned a number of unique stories and experiences. Her journey as an author has led her far away from the course she would have chosen for herself. Writing is no longer a hobby or pastime. It is a God-given ministry with the potential to impact lives for the better one reader at a time. She sees writing as a tool given to her by God for the purpose of reaching the lost for Christ, and to offer hope to those who know Him as their Lord.

Higher Ground Books & Media is an independent publisher based in Springfield, OH. We publish stories that are inspirational, educational, and motivational. Our work is Christian-based, and we strive to share stories of positive transformation that showcase God’s power in our lives. You can find more information about this title and others offered by HGBM at www.highergroundbooksandmedia.com.

Unique Wellness Haven Grand Opening in Pickerington

Pickerington, OH, April 16, 2024 — Body Ache Escape Wellness Center, a leader in providing healing services in Pickerington, Ohio, is excited to announce its grand opening at its new location at 180 Postage Dr. Suite 100, Pickerington, Ohio 43147. The celebration is set to take place on May 11, 2024, from 2-4 pm and will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Lee Gray, a food truck, entertainment, tours of the new facility, and exclusive swag bags for the first 100 clients. The event will also host a raffle benefiting the United Way and Bottoms Up Diaper Drive, offering guests the chance to win amazing prizes and experience free mini treatments.

Founded in 2010 by Kyron Moses and Michele Cook, Body Ache Escape Wellness Center began its journey in a modest 500 sq ft space and has since expanded its operations three times. This new 3500 sq ft haven represents not only an expansion of space but a deepened commitment to the health and vitality of their clients, offering services such as massage, esthetics, infrared sauna, zero gravity massage chairs, and soon, acupuncture.

“Our new space is not just gorgeous; it’s a reflection of our dedication to helping our clients feel better for life, not just for an hour,” said Kyron Moses, co-founder of Body Ache Escape Wellness Center. “We are extremely happy to be able to express our commitment to our team and the community by opening our beautiful new space.”

The grand opening signifies a new chapter for Body Ache Escape Wellness Center, with plans to further expand their healthcare offerings and provide a wide variety of alternative care options. This expansion is a testament to the center’s growth and its continued dedication to offering high-quality wellness services.

Life-Changing Surgery Allows 30-Yr-Od Bahrain Athlete To Be Back on Track

Chennai, 16th April 2024: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), South East Asia’s first and largest proton therapy center, successfully treated a rare skull base tumor in a 30-year-old athlete from Bahrain. Led by Dr. Joy Varghese, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgeon & Neuro-Interventional Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, and Dr.Venkat Karthikeyan, Senior Consultant – ENT Skull Base Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, the team carried out the complex surgery which spanned over 26 hours, highlighting the center’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class healthcare solutions.

The young woman, an executive at a prominent company and an athlete, was presented with alarming symptoms including two episodes of blackout within a month, loss of sensation around the right ear, and weakness in her right shoulder, particularly noticeable during her athletic pursuits as a triathlete.

Upon thorough radiological imaging, medical experts identified a tumor of moderate size located perilously close to the brainstem, in the right jugular fossa along the skull base. The tumor posed significant challenges due to its location, compressing major blood vessels and impinging on crucial nerves responsible for various functions including swallowing, speaking, and shoulder movement.

Adding to the complexity of the case, angiography revealed an absent venous system on the left side, necessitating meticulous planning to ensure the preservation of the patient’s only jugular vein on which the tumor is piggybacked, crucial for her survival.

Dr. Joy Varghese, Senior Consultant – Neurosurgeon & Neuro-Interventional Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, elaborated on the challenges faced during the intricate procedure. “Our primary objective was to remove the tumor while preserving the vital jugular vein intact. This required meticulous dissection and careful management of the surrounding nerves and blood vessels.”

Further, he said that a continuous nerve monitoring and extreme pre-surgical planning were instrumental in achieving the desired outcome for the patient.

The multidisciplinary team employed advanced techniques including sophisticated radiological imaging, per-operative electrophysiological monitoring [ to know the integrity of nerves while operating] and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to map out the vascular anatomy and execute precise microsurgical excision, ensuring optimal outcomes for the patient.

Dr. Venkat Karthikeyan, Senior Consultant – ENT Skull Base Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai said, “Post-surgery, the patient experienced remarkable improvement in her condition, with restored speech and swallowing functions, and no recurrence of shoulder weakness. While mild facial weakness was anticipated, she is currently on a path of steady improvement.”

Abida Hussain (name changed on request) said, “The doctors at APCC explained the process step-by-step and a clear picture was provided as far as the procedure was concerned. Along with these details, we were also told about the possible risk factors and the potential complications we may encounter but, I was not afraid as I had the confidence and trusted their expertise.”

Histopathological examination revealed a schwannoma, a rare type of tumor originating from the nerve sheath at the skull base. The patient will continue to receive close follow-up care and rehabilitation to support her ongoing recovery journey.

The successful treatment of this challenging case underscores the dedication and expertise of the medical professionals at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, reaffirming the region’s position as a hub for advanced healthcare solutions.

Emorphis Technologies Leads Healthcare Innovation at Arab health

Broadlands, VA, April 15, 2024 — Emorphis Technologies, a global leader in software solutions, continues to spearhead healthcare innovation following its prominent presence at various events across the globe.

At Arab Health 2024, held in Dubai, Nilesh Maheshwari, Founder and CEO, of Emorphis Technologies, interacted with various industry leaders to discuss emerging trends in healthcare technology. The company continued its momentum by participating in the renowned HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, and the ViVE event held in Los Angeles, California. Emorphis Technologies played a pivotal role in shaping the dialogue around technological innovation in healthcare technology at prestigious events.

These gatherings, held in various locations, provided Emorphis Technologies with invaluable opportunities to showcase its cutting-edge solutions and collaborate with industry peers on the future of healthcare.

“At Emorphis Technologies, we are dedicated to driving innovation in healthcare technology,” said Nilesh Maheshwari, Founder and CEO, of Emorphis Technologies. “Our participation at Arab Health, HIMSS, and ViVE events underscores our commitment to pioneering solutions that empower healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.”

Emorphis Technologies leveraged these events to showcase its expertise in healthcare software development, emphasizing its focus on building tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by healthcare organizations and product companies. From EHR and HIE integration, to telemedicine platforms and digital health solutions, Emorphis Technologies offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to enhance clinical workflows, improve patient care, and optimize operational efficiency.