Both doses of the vaccine need to be taken as recommended by the doctor and both doses should be of the same vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable. About a year ago, we were all shut indoors wondering if we would ever see the end of the pandemic. COVID Cases continue to rise and that makes it absolutely important for everyone to understand the significance of getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is...

  Acne does not make you ugly. They are normal like freckles or stretch marks - they just come and go. Acne is a skin condition in which pores become clogged with dirt, oil, or bacteria, causing inflammation. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris is still evolving. It is known that multiple factors impact acne, including genetic, hormonal, inflammatory, and environmental influences. Because of its implications in many of these factors, diet has...

  Advanced therapy has made it possible to place the radiation only to the parts that need to be treated and this reduces exposure of healthy tissue to radiation. Radiation Therapy is one of the crucial aspects of treating cancer for cure, control and managing pain related to the advanced cancer. However, it is not the only method. There are several factors that the oncologist will consider before prescribing Radiation Therapy to a patient such...

  Ear wax is like 'dirt' or 'gunk', which should not be there in ear normally.   WHAT IS EARWAX?   Cerumen is made up of secretions of the sebaceous and the ceruminous glands located in the outer portion of the ear canal. This will get mixed with dust, dirt and dead skin to form the sticky earwax.   WHAT’S THE USE OF EAR WAX?   Contrary to the popular belief, the ear wax is...

  ORAL, HEAD AND NECK CANCER AWARENESS WEEK (OHANCAW) CAN BE STARTED BY ANYONE, IN ANY TOWN OR CLINIC, AND CAN HELP EDUCATE PEOPLE ON THE EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF THESE CANCERS.   WHAT ARE HEAD AND NECK CANCERS (HNCS)?   Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are broad category of malignant tumours which develop from the anatomical structures of the upper aerodigestive tract (nose and paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, upper oesophagus), ear,...

  Proteins help in muscle growth, hence it must find a place in the post-workout meal. Having sufficient protein after a workout gives the body the amino acids required to repair and rebuild muscle proteins. When we talk about exercising, we tend to focus on how much weights we carry and how long and how fast we run on the treadmill. But what happens once you have clocked the workout minutes and are gasping for...

  People with eating disorders can either eat a lot or not at all or have abnormal eating patterns that could lead to depletion of nutrition in their body that ultimately leads to serious health conditions. Treatment involves therapy and establishing a healthy diet to restore the individual's weight to normal levels. We have been conditioned to poke fun at someone who is too skinny and someone who is overweight. We mock those who eat...

  Yoga increases blood flow to reproductive organs, improves endocrine function and hormonal balance and is also known to reduce discomfort associated with IVF treatment. For couples yearning to conceive, but unable to do so, it is NOT the end of the road. There are several Fertility Treatments and Assisted Reproductive Procedures, to help get pregnant. Using In Vitro Fertilization has become widely acceptable and common amongst infertile couples and the stigma is fast wearing...

  Those who smoke tobacco on a daily basis are putting themselves at risk of cancer. Cancer is definitely not good news. But there is good news in the vicinity. For some of the most common types of Cancer, there are early screening tests that can help detect the disease in an early stage. When detected earlier, there is more scope for treatment, which increases chances of survival. Now that is definitely good news. You...

  AGEING IS A FACT OF LIFE, LOOKING YOUR AGE IS NOT - GLOWING SKIN IS ALWAYS IN. CHEMICAL PEELS: EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THEM   HIGHLIGHTS:   WHAT IS CHEMICAL PEEL? WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHEMICAL PEEL? IS CHEMICAL PEEL SAFE? WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A CHEMICAL PEEL? WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER A CHEMICAL PEEL? WHEN TO CONSIDER CHEMICAL PEELS? WHO SHOULD NOT GET A...

  Unhealthy saturated and trans fats are what contribute to heart disease and the Mediterranean Diet is free of them. There are several diets out there that make a ton of promises from weight loss to delaying the aging process. However, most restrictive diets leave out vital nutrients or promote excessive intake of a certain food-type, that could lead to health complications   WHILE CHOOSING A CERTAIN DIET PLAN:   Make sure the food you...

  Rubbing the ears vigorously with a towel can damage the ear canal which increases risk of infection. Don't let the name deceive you. One could develop Swimmer's Ear without even stepping into the swimming pool! Wetness is the culprit here and that happens even during a regular bath.   WHAT IS SWIMMER'S EAR?   When water stays in the ear after a long swim or shower, it gives room to the growth of bacteria...

  Don't wait for a toothache to schedule a visit to the dentist. A general visit to the dentist once in 3 months will help diagnose dental issues before they get painful and out of control! When talking about healthy practices and healthy living, the one thing overlooked most often is Oral Hygiene. However, a clean mouth is the first step to happy, infection-free life. And maintaining good oral health and hygiene is easily achievable,...

  If you have not hit the gym in months, making a plan to workout 2 hours a day, 7 days a week, is most likely not going to last for more than the first week! Start slow, with a regimen that you can sustain for a long time. The year end is always a season of mixed feelings. The holidays are stressful as they are joyous. We all look forward to the break and...

  ADHD medication can reduce and even eliminate many of the problems of the condition, without having an addictive influence on the child/ adult when taken as prescribed by the doctor In recent times Attention-Deficit Hyperactive Disorder or ADHD for short, has become a tag for any child that has a little extra energy than the rest. Schools are quick to suspect ADHD in children who cannot sit still in the classroom and end up...

  The first few days or even weeks are more about getting the baby used to the idea of chewing and swallowing and exploring tastes, rather than nutrition. Every little milestone that your baby crosses makes you swell with pride. These little achievements are significant in understanding the physiological development of the baby. However, you cannot force them to happen. Every child takes his or her own time to move from one milestone to the...

  Osteoporosis is found to be most common in women who have reached menopause. This is due to the connection between bone tissue rebuilding and estrogen As one grows old, it is natural to grow weaker. However, that weakness should not leave you confined indoors. It is essential to stay alert to the changes in your body. Eating right and working out regularly keeps you fit. Consulting with your family doctor periodically is also essential...

  Whether you choose to feed your baby breastmilk or formula is a personal choice. Most doctors recommend that the baby has breastmilk for at least 6 months after birth. Bringing a baby into this world is a cause for much celebration. In the joy of cradling the new born, you must not forget a few important precautions and care-techniques that will ensure the health and safety of the baby. Our every step should help...

  Drinking 1.5 to 3 litres of water a day will keep the urine dilute and prevent stones from forming. Kidney Stones is not a life-threatening condition, but it definitely cannot be ignored. From mild discomfort to significant pain, Kidney Stones will make sure you take notice. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition   WHAT ARE KIDNEY STONES? Hardened mineral deposits in the kidney are what we commonly call Kidney Stones. The kidneys...

  Diet is the most important part of aiding digestion. If you notice that your body is processing food differently as you grow older, it is time to listen to its changing needs. One often hears people say, “Age is just a number!” That may be so, and is a very positive way to take on aging. Growing old is a natural process. How you grow old is to a large extent up to you....

  Every news channel has their own opinion about COVID 19 related deaths, vaccines and just about everything. Reading too much about COVID 19 can stress you out. Steer clear of such news pieces and stay positive. The COVID 19 pandemic has turned our lives upside down. A simple activity such as going to the gym or grocery shopping now entails a certain amount of mental and physical preparation. Wearing a mask, while on the...

  Walking increases the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream. These cells are responsible for fighting off infections. When a health care professional recommends regular exercise to stay fit and healthy, He/she doesn't mean a 2-hour high intensity cardio workout followed by an hour lifting weights at the gym. He/she merely means, get off the couch and get moving! In spite of knowing that a good workout has innumerable benefits, for most of...

  Eating a healthy diet, helps control blood sugar, which is critical. Left unchecked, high blood sugar levels can lead to unfortunate complications. Say Diabetes and the first thing that comes to our mind is 'tasteless food'. We have been conditioned to believe that people with Diabetes should once and for all forget eating tasty food. However, this is a grave misconception. Yes, diabetes calls for a very strict, restrictive diet that needs to be...

  Breast Cancer screening does not necessarily have to be done only if there are noticeable symptoms. Women over 40 years of age must consult with their healthcare provider regarding the same. Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. Increased awareness of the condition has helped reduce the number of deaths related to breast cancer. Nevertheless, it is important to keep spreading the word and ensuring easy access to...

  Fertility may have challenged us, but we are stronger for it. If a couple has tried to conceive for a year, with no success, it is probably because one of them is infertile. This could be a result of external conditions such as trauma to the reproductive organs or prolonged exposure to certain harsh chemicals. It could also be a medical condition. In these modern times there is no need to blindly pin the...

  IVF and IUI are oft heard of terms when it comes to Assisted Reproductive Technology, but they are not the only options. Lifestyle changes and environmental causes have led to an increased number of couples finding it hard to conceive. Accepting and understanding infertility is not easy. However, once you do, you will also realise that there is still hope. The advancements in Reproductive Medicine have made it possible to overcome infertility and have...

  Lowered Risk, Quicker Recovery: LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY Not always, but surgery is the only option to treat certain conditions. In some cases, surgery is required to make a right diagnosis. In today's scenario, improved technology in the medical field has made LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY an option for certain specific cases. This means a smaller incision and a shorter postoperative recovery time.   WHAT IS LAPAROSCOPY?   This is a surgical procedure carried out with the help...

  The goal of radiation therapy is to stop the spread of cancer by killing the cancer cells and shrinking the tumour An abnormal growth of cells that gets out of control, leads to a cancer. More and more such abnormal cells stick together to form a mass of tissue that is called a tumour. Whether this tumour is fatal (malignant) or benign, is what a biopsy will confirm. In the case of malignant tumours,...

  It is always best to get an eye test done for children, once every two years. In fact it is advisable to do the first eye test when they are just six months old Eye care for kids and for grown-ups varies drastically. Vision being a subjective issue, it's not easy to spot mild disturbances in the child, who is not likely to even sense anything wrong until the problem is glaring. This means...

  Women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly, which complicates conception – making it next to impossible to do so without medical intervention ‘Irregular periods’ is a term casually looked at. Perhaps, we need to zoom in a little. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (also known as Polycystic Ovarian Disease/ PCOD) at young age could also be of concern in later life.   What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?   PCOS is a hormonal imbalance in women...

  Heart Stenting is not a cure for heart disease. The doctor is sure to suggest certain life-style changes such as maintaining healthy Cholesterol Levels, quit smoking and regular exercise to prevent further complications. No matter how one flexes his biceps or shows-off wash-board abs, the most important muscle in the human body is the HEART. Keep the heart healthy and stay fit for life!   A healthy mix of exercise and nutrition rich food...

  If diagnosed with COPD the most important life-style change that the individual must make is to quit smoking. Non-smokers should be wary of second-hand smoke inhalation and stay away from places with high air pollution. COPING WITH COPD   Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder or COPD, is a respiratory illness that causes shortness of breath. The health of one or both lungs is compromised due to one or both of these conditions - CHRONIC BRONCHITIS...

  Psoriasis is not infectious and it does not affect normal functioning. It is important to create awareness on Psoriasis, do away with the social stigma attached to it and be more inclusive in our approach When you find an itchy, scaly spot on your skin that over-the-counter antihistamine creams will not cure, it's a sign you need to see the dermatologist. It can be one of many conditions and your doctor will be the...

  Most often the terms GERD, Acid Reflux and Heartburn are used interchangeably but the truth is that they are three separate conditions Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that can affect people of any age. As a part of the digestive process, the stomach releases digestive acids to break down the food we eat. GERD occurs when these stomach acids flow back (acid reflux) into the esophagus or food pipe. The stomach...

  Living with obesity is as much a psychological problem as it is a health risk Body-shaming is cruel and could lead to depression. Nevertheless putting on too much weight is not good for a person's overall health. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is the first step towards a long healthy life. Obesity and overweight need to be tackled for health reasons rather than for 'aesthetic appeal'.   WHAT...

  When you keep your blood sugar levels in control, you are not only taking control of your diabetes but you are also ensuring a healthy heart Diabetes is not uncommon and a good endocrinologist can help you live with the condition through medication and proper diet. Nevertheless, once diagnosed with diabetes, one must be careful to keep a check on your blood sugar levels, in order to prevent complications that can bring down your...

  Some studies state that the corona virus attacks people with lowered immunity. Most of the vitamins and minerals that we need to aid the immune system are found in the fruits and vegetables at the local supermarket! The COVID 19 outbreak has certainly given us all time for introspection -to look at the quality of our lives and how little we really bother about taking care of ourselves. While  'self-preservation' is an innate instinct...