Thursday, 11 August 2016
Wednesday, 10 August 2016
Pain in the Neck: Common Problem noticed in office going people
Today, in India, the culture of working in Multi National Companies and Information Technology is growing so fast.
And so are the problems of Pain in Shoulders and Neck, Back stiffness, Tingling and Numbness are increasing.
These problems are no longer associated with old age.
Thousands of office-goers who spend most of their work time stuck to computers without a break are seeking a solution for these aches.
A lot of executives, including young ones, suffer from pains caused by bad posturing and repetitive action of hands, which are mainly caused by working, for hours, on computers.
The other problems are cervical or neck strain/sprain based on the posture of the patient.
Often,bad posture is the main culprit for a host of problems. Most people don't keep a good posture while working on a computer.
Looking at the computer screen from an angle causes neck problems called cervical sprain and cervical myo-fascitis. Over a period of time, this can lead to spondylitis.
Slouching (stand, move, or sit in a lazy, drooping way) can lead to back, neck and spine problems.
What should be done about it?
How does one know if his / her posture is good or not, and if needs a change ?
Just pay attention to the signals that your body sends, Pain is the first thing which will alert a person.

What should be done?
Consult your Family Physician when you feel lethargic, get tired easily, concentration comes down and work is affected.
Dr Mohit Bansal
And so are the problems of Pain in Shoulders and Neck, Back stiffness, Tingling and Numbness are increasing.
These problems are no longer associated with old age.
Thousands of office-goers who spend most of their work time stuck to computers without a break are seeking a solution for these aches.
A lot of executives, including young ones, suffer from pains caused by bad posturing and repetitive action of hands, which are mainly caused by working, for hours, on computers.
The other problems are cervical or neck strain/sprain based on the posture of the patient.Often,bad posture is the main culprit for a host of problems. Most people don't keep a good posture while working on a computer.
Looking at the computer screen from an angle causes neck problems called cervical sprain and cervical myo-fascitis. Over a period of time, this can lead to spondylitis.
Slouching (stand, move, or sit in a lazy, drooping way) can lead to back, neck and spine problems.
What should be done about it?
How does one know if his / her posture is good or not, and if needs a change ?
Just pay attention to the signals that your body sends, Pain is the first thing which will alert a person.

What should be done?- Exercise regularly and stay fit.
- Passive stretches should be done.
- Deep breathing exercises should be done.
- Keep changing the posture every 2-3 hours or 4-5 minutes walk around.
- Back should be upright with good back support.
- Do not sit at an angle to the computer screen.
- Eyes should be slightly above the level of screen.
- Chair with arm rest is better.
- Cervical collar and Back rest to be used.
| lumbar belt |
Pain Management :
- Rest
- Analgesics (pain killers)
- Physiotherapy
- Surgery in selected cases
Consult your Family Physician when you feel lethargic, get tired easily, concentration comes down and work is affected.
Dr Mohit Bansal
Monday, 8 August 2016
SINUSITIS or SINUS INFECTION : A Common problem
SINUSITIS or SINUS INFECTION
What is a SINUS?
A cavity within a bone or other tissue, especially one in the bones of the face or skull connecting with the nasal cavities.
Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. Normally, sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) can grow and cause an infection.
Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include the common cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the lining of the nose due to allergy to various things), nasal polyps (small growths in that lining), or a deviated septum (a shift in the nasal cavity).
Sinus Attack
Types of Sinusitis
Acute : Cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that start suddenly and don’t go away after 10 to 14 days. It usually lasts 4 weeks or less.
Sub-acute : Sinus inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks.
Chronic : Inflammation symptoms that last 8 weeks or longer.
Recurrent : Several attacks within a year.
It’s more likely to get Sinusitis if you have:
Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis
Mainly :
May be associated with:
It may be acute sinusitis if you have two or more symptoms or thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge.
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Symptoms for 8 weeks or more:
May be associated with :
Diagnosis
Always consult your Family physician if you are having any of the above mentioned problems.
A thorough examination and some tests would help in establishing a Diagnosis.
Tests like X- Ray of sinuses or Nasal Endoscopy (A nasal endoscope is a tube-like instrument equipped with tiny lights and cameras, used to see inside your nose and sinus drainage areas.) or CT scan may be required.
Treatment
Acute sinusitis:
Chronic sinusitis :
Special cases like
Allergies : In case of allergies, antihistamine medicines may be required.
Fungal Infections : Anti-fungal medicines may be required.
Immune Deficiencies : Immunoglobulin (antibodies) may be required.
Lifestyle Changes
If Sinusitis Is not Treated:
What is a SINUS?
A cavity within a bone or other tissue, especially one in the bones of the face or skull connecting with the nasal cavities.Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses. Normally, sinuses are filled with air. But when they become blocked and filled with fluid, germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) can grow and cause an infection.
Conditions that can cause sinus blockage include the common cold, allergic rhinitis (swelling of the lining of the nose due to allergy to various things), nasal polyps (small growths in that lining), or a deviated septum (a shift in the nasal cavity).
Sinus Attack- Pain in the forehead or between the eyes.
- Upper teeth ache
- Face feeling full, nose stuffy and congested
Types of Sinusitis
Acute : Cold-like symptoms such as a runny, stuffy nose and facial pain that start suddenly and don’t go away after 10 to 14 days. It usually lasts 4 weeks or less.
Sub-acute : Sinus inflammation lasting 4 to 8 weeks.
Chronic : Inflammation symptoms that last 8 weeks or longer.
Recurrent : Several attacks within a year.
It’s more likely to get Sinusitis if you have:
- Swelling inside the nose like from a common cold
- Blocked drainage ducts
- Structural differences that narrow those ducts
- Nasal polyps
- Conditions that make an infection more likely, such as immune system deficiencies or medications that suppress the immune system.
- For children, things contribute to sinusitis include allergies, illnesses from other kids at day care or school, pacifiers, bottle drinking while lying on the back, and smoke in the environment.
Symptoms of Acute Sinusitis
Mainly :
May be associated with:
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Dental pain
It may be acute sinusitis if you have two or more symptoms or thick, green, or yellow nasal discharge.
Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis
Symptoms for 8 weeks or more:
- A feeling of congestion or fullness in your face
- A nasal obstruction or blockage
- Pus in the nasal cavity
- Fever
- Nasal discharge or discolored postnasal drainage
May be associated with :
- Headaches
- Bad breath
- Fatigue
- Dental pain
Diagnosis
![]() |
| Nasal Endoscopy |
A thorough examination and some tests would help in establishing a Diagnosis.
Tests like X- Ray of sinuses or Nasal Endoscopy (A nasal endoscope is a tube-like instrument equipped with tiny lights and cameras, used to see inside your nose and sinus drainage areas.) or CT scan may be required.
Treatment
Acute sinusitis:
- If you have a simple sinus infection, may be recommend to use decongestants and steam inhalations.
- Over the counter medications should be discouraged and always consult your Family Physician.
- Antibiotics to be started only after consultation with Doctor, and to be continued for 10 to 14 days.
- The symptoms usually disappear with treatment.
Chronic sinusitis :
- Warm moist air may help. Vaporization or Steam inhalation from a pan of warm (but not too hot) water. Warm compresses can ease pain in the nose and sinuses.
- Saline nose drops are also safe to use at home.
- Over-the-counter decongestant nasal drops or sprays should be discouraged and always consult your Family Physician.
- In some cases, antibiotics or steroids may be needed.
Special cases like
Allergies : In case of allergies, antihistamine medicines may be required.
Fungal Infections : Anti-fungal medicines may be required.
Immune Deficiencies : Immunoglobulin (antibodies) may be required.
Lifestyle Changes
- Drink more fluids and keep yourself hydrated.
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid allergens if known.
- Avoid dust and pollution.
If Sinusitis Is not Treated:
- Pain and discomfort leading to interference with daily activities.
- Untreated sinusitis can lead to meningitis or a brain abscess and an infection of the bone.
![]() |
| Relief After Treatment |
Always consult your Family Physician for any of the problems.
Dr Mohit Bansal
Sunday, 7 August 2016
Friday, 5 August 2016
Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
It is major health concern for women today.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a problem in which a woman's hormones are out of balance.
It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant.
PCOS also may cause unwanted changes in the way you look.
If it is not treated, over time it can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes and heart diseases.
Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. That is why it is called polycystic ovary syndrome.
The cysts are not harmful but lead to hormone imbalances.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent long-term problems.
Hormones are chemical messengers that trigger many different processes, including growth and energy production. Often, the job of one hormone is to signal the release of another hormone.
For reasons that are not well understood, in PCOS the hormones get out of balance. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another.
For example:The sex hormones get out of balance. Normally, the ovaries make a tiny amount of male sex hormones (androgens). In PCOS, they start making slightly more androgens. This may cause you to stop ovulating, get acne, and grow extra facial and body hair.
The body may have a problem using insulin called insulin resistance. When the body doesn't use insulin well, blood sugar levels go up. Over time, this increases chance of getting Diabetes.
The cause of PCOS is not fully understood, but genetics may be a factor.
PCOS seems to run in families, so chances of having it is higher if other women in family have it or have irregular periods or diabetes.
PCOS can be passed down from either your mother's or father's side.
Symptoms tend to be mild at first.The most common symptoms are:
- Acne.
- Weight gain and trouble losing weight.
- Extra hair on the face and body.
Often women get thicker and darker facial hair and more hair on the chest, belly, and back. Thinning hair on the scalp.
Irregular periods. Often women with PCOS have longer cycles. Some women have no periods. Others have very heavy bleeding.
Fertility problems. Many women who have PCOS have trouble getting pregnant (infertility).
Depression is another problem seen with PCOS.
Depression is another problem seen with PCOS.
To diagnose PCOS, the doctor will:
- Ask questions about past health, symptoms, and menstrual cycles.
- Do a physical examination to look for signs of PCOS, such as extra body hair and high blood pressure .
- The doctor will also check your height and weight to see if you have a healthy body mass index (BMI).
- Do a number of lab tests to check your blood sugar, insulin, and other hormone levels. Hormone tests can help rule out thyroid or other gland problems that could cause similar symptoms.
- You may also have a pelvic ultrasound to look for cysts on your ovaries. Your doctor may be able to tell you that you have PCOS without an ultrasound, but this test will help him or her rule out other problems.
Regular exercise, healthy foods, and weight control are the key treatments for PCOS. Treatment can reduce unpleasant symptoms and help prevent long-term health problems.
- Try to fit in moderate activity and/or vigorous activity often. Walking is a great exercise that most people can do.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. This includes lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, and whole grains. It limits foods that are high in saturated fat, such as meats, cheeses, and fried foods.
- Most women who have PCOS can benefit from losing weight.
- If you smoke, consider quitting. Women who smoke have higher androgen levels that may contribute to PCOS symptoms.
- Doctor also may prescribe birth control pills to reduce symptoms.
- Metformin to help you have regular menstrual cycles, or fertility medicines if you are having trouble getting pregnant.
- You may also need regular tests to check for diabetes, high blood pressure, and other possible problems.
It may take a while for treatments to help with symptoms such as facial hair or acne.
If you are feeling sad or depressed, it may help to talk to a counselor or to other women who have PCOS.
It is important to see your Family Doctor for follow-up to make sure that treatment is working and to adjust it if needed.
Dr Mohit Bansal
Thursday, 4 August 2016
Breast Feeding: A Key To Sustainable Development
http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/
The World Breastfeeding Week 2016 theme is on raising awareness of the links between breastfeeding and the Sustainable Development Goals. By recognizing that breastfeeding is a key to sustainable development, we will value our well-being from the start of life, respect each other and care for the world we share.
"Breastfeeding is not only the cornerstone of a child’s healthy development; it is also the foundation of a country’s development."
http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/pdf/wbw2016-los-unicef.pdf
THEME
This year's WBW theme is Breastfeeding: a key to Sustainable Development. 2016 commemorates the start of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A broad approach using the sustainability theme is thus relevant and inclusive.
By linking breastfeeding to the SDGs, the breastfeeding movement (and beyond) will be able to connect with a variety of development issues over the next 15 years (by 2030) for maximum impact.
WBW materials cover the main links between breastfeeding and the SDGs along 5 broad themes
1) nutrition/food security
2) health, well-being and survival
3) environment and climate change
4) work productivity, empowerment, social protection, and
5) sustainable partnerships and rule of law.
LOGO
The logo depicts a 'triad' of two adults and an infant, which reinforces the importance of support. The proportions and forms between the two adults have been equalised to symbolise equity and the collaborative act of nurturing. The new WBW design shows an affinity with the SDG campaign, but places the infant and carers at the centre.
The logo was designed by Ammar Khalifa and commissioned by WABA which owns the copyright.
OBJECTIVES
Sustainable development is essentially about ecology, economy and equity.
ELEMENTS OF SUPPORT
Links between each of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Breastfeeding.
GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING : Breastfeeding significantly improves the health, development and survival of infants and children. It also contributes to improved health and well being of mothers, both in the short and long term.
QUALITY EDUCATION : Breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding are fundamentals for readiness to learn. Breastfeeding and good quality complementary foods significantly contribute to mental and cognitive development and thus promote learning.
GENDER EQUALITY : Breastfeeding is the great equaliser, giving every child a fair and best start in life. Breastfeeding is uniquely a right of women and they should be supported by society to breastfeed optimally. The breastfeeding experience can be satisfying and empowering for the mother as she is in control of how she feeds her baby.
CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION : Breastfeeding on demand provides all the water a baby needs, even in hot weather. On the other hand, formula feeding requires access to clean water, hygiene and sanitation.
AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY : Breastfeeding entails less energy when compared to formula production industries. It also reduces the need for water, firewood and fossil fuels in the home.
DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH : Breastfeeding women who are supported by their employers are more productive and loyal. Maternity protection and other workplace policies can enable women to combine breastfeeding and their other work or employment. Decent jobs should cater to the needs of breastfeeding women, especially those in precarious situations.
INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE : With industrialisation and urbanisation the time and space challenges become more prominent. Breastfeeding mothers who work outside the home need to manage these challenges and be supported by employers, their own families and communities. Crèches near the workplace, lactation rooms and breastfeeding breaks can make a big difference.
REDUCED INEQUALITIES : Breastfeeding practices differ across the globe. Breastfeeding needs to be protected, promoted and supported among all, but in particular among poor and vulnerable groups. This will help to reduce inequalities.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES : In the bustle of big cities, breastfeeding mothers and their babies need to feel safe and welcome in all public spaces. When disaster and humanitarian crises strike, women and children are affected disproportionately. Pregnant and lactating women need particular support during such times.
RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION : Breastfeeding provides a healthy, viable, non-polluting, non-resource intensive, sustainable and natural source of nutrition and sustenance.
CLIMATE ACTION : Breastfeeding safeguards infant health and nutrition in times of adversity and weather-related disasters due to global warming.
LIFE BELOW WATER : Breastfeeding entails less waste compared to formula feeding. Industrial formula production and distribution lead to waste that pollutes the seas and affects marine life.
LIFE ON LAND : Breastfeeding is ecological compared to formula feeding. Formula production implies dairy farming that oft en puts pressure on natural resources and contributes to carbon emissions and climate change.
PEACE AND JUSTICE STRONG INSTITUTIONS : Breastfeeding is enshrined in many human rights frameworks and conventions. National legislation and policies to protect and support breastfeeding mothers and babies are needed to ensure that their rights are upheld.
PARTNERSHIP FOR THE GOALS : The Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (GSIYCF) fosters multi-sectorial collaboration, and can build upon various partnerships for support of development through breastfeeding programs and initiatives.
ZERO HUNGER : Exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond provide high quality nutrients and adequate energy and can help prevent hunger, under
nutrition and obesity. Breastfeeding also means food security for infants.
NO POVERTY : Breastfeeding is a natural and low-cost way of feeding babies and children. It is affordable for everyone and does not burden household budgets compared to artificial feeding.
Breastfeeding contributes to poverty reduction.
BENEFITS OF BREAST FEEDING
Babies who breastfeed at a lower risk of
- Gastroenteritis
- Respiratory infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome
- Obesity
- Type 1 & 2 diabetes
- Allergies (e.g. asthma, lactose intolerance)
Benefits to mothers
- The longer mothers breastfeed, the greater their protection against breast and ovarian cancer, and hip fractures in later life.
- Recent evidence has demonstrated an association between prolonged breastfeeding and postmenopausal risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease.
- The World Cancer Research Fund includes breastfeeding as one of 10 recommendations to reduce the risk.
- These illnesses all represent the greatest threats to women’s health across all ages.
* Supported by Sida
WABA would also like to acknowledge the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as the participation of our Core Partners - Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), La Leche League International (LLLI), and Wellstart International - in the successful coordination of World Breastfeeding Week.WABA does not accept sponsorship of any kind from companies producing breastmilk substitutes, related equipment and complementary foods. WABA encourages all participants of World Breastfeeding Week to respect and follow this ethical stance.
WABA would also like to acknowledge the support of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation (WHO), as well as the participation of our Core Partners - Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN), International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), La Leche League International (LLLI), and Wellstart International - in the successful coordination of World Breastfeeding Week.WABA does not accept sponsorship of any kind from companies producing breastmilk substitutes, related equipment and complementary foods. WABA encourages all participants of World Breastfeeding Week to respect and follow this ethical stance.
This article is for Awareness for Breast Feeding and health care.
No Advertising or Promotion of any kind has been done.
Dr Mohit Bansal
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