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  • Bollywood Maha Arogya Shivir (Health Camp) 2025 from Doctors365 & R K HIV Aids Foundation in Mumbai a big success

    Bollywood Maha Arogya Shivir (Health Camp) 2025 from Doctors365 & R K HIV Aids Foundation in Mumbai a big success

    Doctors365 Bollywood Maha Arogya Shivir 2025 in Mumbai city

    Mumbai, January 19, 2025

    Doctors365, RK HIC AIDS,

    As I stepped onto the sprawling Chitrakoot Grounds in Andheri West this morning, the air was abuzz with activity. The fourth edition of the much-anticipated ‘Doctors365 Bollywood Maha Arogya Shivir’ was in full swing. Organized by Doctor 365, under the leadership of Chairman Dr. Dharmendra Kumar and actor-producer-director Dheeraj Kumar, this event has grown into a significant healthcare initiative for Mumbai’s Bollywood community.

    The sun shone brightly over the sprawling grounds, where more than one lakh individuals—ranging from cine stars and technicians to spot boys, dancers, and daily wage earners—had gathered. The sheer scale of the event was a sight to behold. As I made my way through the camp by Doctors365, I was overwhelmed by the meticulously organized setups catering to a plethora of medical needs.

    Doctors365 Comprehensive Health Services

    The first station I visited was the registration desk, where patient walk-ins were efficiently recorded. Each individual received a proper Rx paper mentioning their ailments, ensuring seamless follow-up care. What stood out was the free distribution of most medicines, covering both allopathy and Ayurveda, to Bollywood members. This thoughtful initiative by Doctors365 ensured that everyone could leave with the necessary medication to manage their conditions.

    Next, I made my way to the cardiac care unit. A team of skilled cardiologists from Doctors365 conducted free heart check-ups, including ECGs and stress tests. It was heartwarming to see Bollywood’s unsung heroes—the backstage workers—receiving medical attention they might otherwise not afford. Adjacent to this, the orthopedic station was abuzz with activity, offering consultations and treatments for joint and bone issues. Many workers, who endure physically demanding jobs, queued up for advice and relief from chronic ailments.

    I then found myself at the dental care unit. Rows of dental chairs were occupied, as dentists performed free check-ups, extractions, and cleanings. The smiles of gratitude from the participants were infectious. Moving on, the eye care section provided free eye check-ups and distributed glasses to those in need. I witnessed several individuals, including elderly technicians, trying on their new spectacles with childlike joy.

    Focus on Accessibility and Inclusivity by Doctors 365

    The camp’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in its special provisions for differently-abled individuals. Free wheelchairs were distributed to those in need, and prosthetic limbs were provided to individuals with disabilities. It was an emotional moment to see hordes of paralysed, disabled and very elderly patients get free wheel chairs for their daily mobility.

    The physiotherapy section was another popular spot, offering relief to those suffering from chronic pain and injuries. Experienced physiotherapists patiently worked with participants, teaching exercises and offering treatments. Adjacent to this was the chiropracty section, where practitioners skillfully addressed spinal and musculoskeletal issues.

    Traditional and Alternative Medicine

    One of the unique aspects of the camp was its integration of traditional and alternative medicine. The Ayurveda and Naturopathy sections were particularly popular, with attendees exploring natural remedies and lifestyle advice. Doctors from the AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) sector distributed free health cards, enabling attendees to access long-term benefits under government schemes.

    Homeopathy practitioners also had a dedicated section, where they provided consultations and remedies for chronic illnesses. The focus on holistic wellness was further emphasized by the presence of dieticians, who offered personalized advice on nutrition and healthy living.

    Specialized Services for Women and Cancer Care

    A dedicated women’s health section addressed issues ranging from reproductive health to hormonal imbalances by Doctors365. The presence of female doctors and specialists ensured a comfortable environment for women to discuss their health concerns openly.

    The cancer care unit, operated by a team of oncologists of Doctors365, offered free screenings and consultations. Early detection and awareness campaigns were a significant focus, with volunteers educating attendees on the importance of regular check-ups. It was inspiring to see individuals take proactive steps toward their health.

    Government Schemes and Initiatives

    One of the highlights of the camp was its collaboration with government initiatives. Free health cards under various AYUSH and Shram Health Card schemes were distributed to attendees. These cards provide access to a range of health benefits, ensuring that the impact of the camp extends beyond a single day.

    A Star-Studded Affair

    While the focus of the event was on health and wellness, the presence of Bollywood celebrities added a touch of glamour. Actor Poonam Dhillon, musician Dilip Sen, and singer Madhushree were among the many stars who graced the event. Their involvement underscored the importance of this initiative for the film fraternity. Spiritual leader Sadhguru Dayal’s presence added a sense of calm and inspiration to the proceedings.

    Dr. Dharmendra Kumar MD of Doctors365 and Dheeraj Kumar were the heart and soul of the event. Their speeches highlighted the mission and vision of Doctor 365. “What began as a solo mission is now a transformative movement,” said Dheeraj Kumar. “This health camp is a landmark initiative for the film industry, and we all wholeheartedly support it.”

    Dr. Dharmendra Kumar shared impressive statistics, including over 1.9 crore free TB screenings and 5.56 crore patients served to date. He also announced ambitious plans to make Gujarat TB-free in the coming year. “This is not just a camp; it is a movement towards a healthier society,” he emphasized.

    A Personal Reflection

    As I concluded my visit, I couldn’t help but feel a great amount of admiration for the organizers and huge number of doctors & volunteers. The Doctors365 Bollywood Maha Arogya Shivir 2025 was more than just a health camp; it was a testament to the power of collective effort and compassion. For the Bollywood community, which often works behind the glitz and glamour, this initiative was a lifeline to look after their health & well being, all under one roof.

    The smiles, the gratitude, and the hope I witnessed today will stay with me for a long time. The Doctors365 health camp’s success is a reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, they can create meaningful change. I look forward to seeing how this initiative grows in the years to come, continuing to spread wellness.

  • Revolutionizing Healthcare: Dr. Akshay Batra’s Insights on AI Integration in Homeopathy

    Revolutionizing Healthcare: Dr. Akshay Batra’s Insights on AI Integration in Homeopathy

    In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the amalgamation of unique healing methods with cutting-edge technology has paved the way for groundbreaking advancements. One such visionary at the forefront of this revolution is Dr. Akshay Batra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr. Batra’s Healthcare, and notably, the First Indian President of the Trichological Society of London (UK). With a steadfast commitment to patient well-being and a deep-rooted passion for holistic healing, Dr. Batra has embarked on a journey that explores the synergies between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and homeopathy led healthcare.

    batras healthcare, dr batras clinics, dr batras homeopathy

    In this exclusive interview, we have the privilege of delving into Dr. Akshay Batra’s extensive knowledge and experience in the healthcare sector. Our focus: “the integration of AI into the realm of homeopathy, a field renowned for its natural approach to healing”. As we navigate this fascinating intersection of unique healing wisdom and modern innovation, Dr. Akshay shares his profound insights into the advantages, challenges, and future potential of AI in homeopathic healthcare. His perspectives promise to shed light on how AI is transforming the practice of homeopathy, ultimately enhancing personalized patient care and ushering in a new era of wellness.

    1. How is AI being integrated into healthcare treatments, specifically in the field of homeopathy?

    There are numerous applications and processes in the health care sector where AI has proven quite effective globally. While AI was not widely employed in healthcare until recently, particularly in the field of homoeopathy. AI is now used for data mining, designing health treatment programs, and predicting the early detection of various disorders.

    Drones and robotics have the potential to completely transform healthcare by increasing the speed and efficiency of medical services. This World Economic Forum, which uses drones to deliver vaccines and medications to remote areas of India, addresses crucial limitations in healthcare delivery systems. Robots can be utilized to deliver remote healthcare services such as virtual consultations with doctors or remote monitoring of patients’ vital signs.

    Robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology (in precision and tailored medicines and treatments), AI/ML (in image identification and diagnosis), augmented reality (in improved visualization and training), telemedicine, and wearables are all being used in homeopathy as well. This will give rise to a new significant themes in homeopathy that will define Indian healthcare in 2047.

    • What are the key advantages of utilizing AI in homeopathic healthcare practices?

    Technology progresses in response to scientific demand for the benefit of the end user. Homoeopathic technology adoption takes several forms.

    Integrating AI into homoeopathic healthcare practices can provide various possible benefits.

    • AI can analyse massive volumes of specific patient information, such as medical records, symptoms, and treatment outcomes.
    • AI can help homoeopathic doctors create personalized remedies depending on the traits, symptoms, and medical history of every individual.
    • AI-powered systems can automate administrative activities such as appointment scheduling and patient record-keeping, allowing practitioners to focus on patient care rather than paperwork.
    • AI can help improve literature searches and analysis, allowing practitioners to stay up-to-date on the newest research findings and evidence-based practices in homoeopathy.
    • Can you provide examples of how AI has improved patient outcomes in homeopathy?

    AI analyses a patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and genetic information to offer the best homoeopathic cure.

    Example

    • Data mining is an essential use of AI in the field of homoeopathy. It is a computational technique that involves approaches from artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistics, and database systems to uncover patterns in large data sets.
    • In order to identify the best homoeopathic therapy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms have been built to analyze data pertaining to individuals, such as symptoms, past medical history, and environmental factors. It also speeds up evaluation while decreasing the probability of a patient’s error, ensuring that patients receive the most suitable remedy for their particular requirements. Furthermore, AI can assist in identifying previously unknown correlations between various symptoms and illnesses, perhaps leading to new insights and treatment possibilities in the field of homoeopathy.
    • What role does AI play in assisting homeopathic practitioners with accurate diagnoses and treatment recommendations?

    The role of AI play in assisting homeopathic practitioners with accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

    • Based on the symptoms of a person and their health records, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms aid homeopathic doctors in generating an inventory of plausible diagnoses.
    • AI assist with the development of personalized regimens for treatment that take into account a patient’s unique characteristics, symptoms, and reactions to past therapies.
    • Using patient information and past trends, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms might anticipate feasible medical results.
    • AI-powered decision-support technologies might offer guidance and therapeutic possibilities to homoeopathic clinicians based on a combination of patient data and recognized homoeopathic principles.
    • Are there any challenges or ethical considerations associated with the use of AI in homeopathy, and how are they addressed?

    The challenges that the healthcare system still faces are:

    • Data security – The most difficult challenge is data security.  So there is hacking and data misuse for commercial purposes.
    • Lack of skill – Healthcare professionals frequently lack the ability to operate with technology.  Senior physicians are hesitant about moving from pen to keyboard.  Doctors and healthcare staff are being trained to overcome their lack of ability.
    • Data management: Inaccurate data and data mining
    • Lack of standardization – Many healthcare providers and systems still employ customized electronic health record (EHR) systems, which are extremely difficult to convert and distribute.  The healthcare sector should transition to ICD-11 as soon as possible.
    • Lack of infrastructure: Breakdowns in connections are frequently an issue in a nation like India, where blackouts of electricity remain regular

    To address these challenges and ethical considerations:

    • AI algorithms and decision-making processes should be transparent and explainable to patients as well as doctors, allowing them to comprehend how decisions are generated.
    • Patients must be given reliable and impartial data on the scientific foundations of homoeopathic therapy so that they may make informed choices.
    • Artificial intelligence (AI) systems utilized in healthcare, particularly homoeopathy, should be subjected to thorough clinical testing to assure their accuracy, safety, and efficacy.
    • How does the combination of AI and homeopathy contribute to personalized patient care?

    At Dr. Batra’s® we recently introduced AI Skin Pro which is the world’s 5th generation, artificial intelligence based machine imported from South Korea for the first time in India.

    This AI machine contains four non-harmful, safe lasers that will catch the problem beneath the skin. When an issue beneath the skin that cannot be seen with the human eye is about to arise, AI can identify it considerably earlier than a problem that can be seen with the naked eye. AI points out the areas of the face and marks out where the problem is concentrated.

    Artificial intelligence-powered gadgets might constantly monitor a patient’s health signs and symptoms, delivering real-time input to both the patient and their homoeopathic practitioner.

    The combination of AI and homeopathy proven to be a strong instrument in the pursuit of better health and well-being.

    • What are your predictions for the future of AI in healthcare treatments, particularly in the context of homeopathy?

    This cutting-edge technology is changing the way homoeopathic doctors estimate treatment results, improving prediction accuracy, and offering individuals personalized treatment regimens.

    Homoeopathic case taking necessitates a significant amount of data as there are various permutations and combinations of homeopathy which can be reduced by utilizing AI. This will provide the homeopath with additional time to work with patients.  A lot of time is spent in clinical practice answering routine patient queries that AI may respond to.

    In 1982, Dr. Batra’s® set up the world’s first fully computerized homeopathy clinic.  Till today all over 200 clinics in 5 countries are 24×7 live networked. Dr. Batra’s® has been the pioneers brings for the first time in India the World’s first AI-powered device, AI Skin Pro for diagnosis in the treatment of skin diseases. Imported from South Korea, the machine is the world’s 5th generation AI-powered skin analyzer.  

    Dr. Batra’s® integrated the benefits of homoeopathy with best-in-class AI technology. With the help of AI treatments can be more effective and faster solutions can be achieved in the coming future.

    Through machine learning at Dr Batra’s® we can use the benefit of the past 15 lac patients that we have treated to benefit future patients who present with similar problems.  

  • Heating could be the best way to disinfect N95 masks for reuse

    Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, N95 face masks have been in short supply. Health care workers, in particular, desperately need these masks to protect themselves from the respiratory droplets of infected patients. But because of the shortage, many have to wear the same mask repeatedly.

    Now, researchers reporting in ACS Nano have tested several methods for disinfecting N95 materials, finding that heating them preserves their filtration efficiency for 50 cycles of disinfection.

    N95 masks contain a layer of “meltblown” polypropylene fibers that form a porous, breathable network. To help capture smaller particles that could slip through the holes, the fibers are electrostatically charged.

    The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended several methods for disinfecting N95 masks, such as heating, ultraviolet (UV) radiation and bleach treatment, but so far they have not been tested extensively, especially for multiple rounds of disinfection.

    The researchers wanted to compare five of the methods that could reasonably be used within a hospital setting to see how mask materials hold up to repeated disinfections.

    In this study, instead of analyzing N95 masks — which should be reserved for health care workers — the researchers examined pieces of the meltblown fabric used to make these masks.

    They treated the material with a particular disinfectant and compared its ability to filter aerosol particles (resembling respiratory droplets, but lacking coronavirus) before and after disinfection.

    The team found that spraying the fabric with an ethanol or chlorine bleach solution drastically reduced the filtration efficiency after only one treatment, from about 96 per cent to 56 per cent (ethanol) or 73 per cent (bleach).

    A single steam treatment maintained filtration, but five steam treatments led to a sharp decline in efficiency. UV radiation allowed up to 20 cycles of disinfection; however, administering the exact dose of UV that kills the virus without damaging mask materials could be problematic, the researchers note.

    The best disinfection method appeared to be heating. For example, heating at 185 F for 20 minutes allowed the fabric to be treated 50 times without loss of filtration efficiency. But frequently donning and removing N95 masks could affect fit, which also impacts performance, the researchers point out.

    The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the US Congress.

  • Covid 19: Lockdown 4.0 to be different; need a self-reliant India, says PM Modi

    In an address to the nation today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the next lockdown will be different and the guidelines will be soon before May 18 regarding the measures to be taken during the fourth phase of the lockdown. 

    As per him, several experts and scientists have said that the virus is going to be part of our lives for a long time. But, it is also important to ensure that our life does-not revolve only around it. He exhorted people to work towards their targets while taking precautions like wearing masks and maintaining ‘do gaz doori’.

    Modi said the crisis that has emerged due to COVID-19 is unprecedented. He emphasised on the need to save ourselves from the novel coronavirus and also move ahead at the same time.

    The guidelines will be prepared keeping in mind the feedback received from the states, he said.

    The Prime Minister announced an economic stimulus package of Rs 20 lakh crore. “I am announcing a special financial package, which will play an important role in our atmanirbhar bharat abhiyan (self-reliant India campaign). If we add this package to RBI’s announcements, the government’s announcement, the total comes to nearly 20 lakh crore, which is nearly 10 per cent of India’s GDP.”

    Prime Minister observed that the package will also focus on land, labour, liquidity and laws. It will cater to various sections including cottage industry, MSMEs, labourers, middle class, industries, among others.

    He informed that the details of the contours of the package will be provided by the Finance Minister from tomorrow, in the coming few days.

    He stressed on the need for a structure to make India self-reliant. Modi elaborated five pillars for self-reliance.

    First pillar is Economy: As per him, India will have to bring an economy that doesn’t bring incremental change, but quantum jump.

    Second pillar is Infrastructure: He said we need an infrastructure which can become the identity of modern India.

    Third pillar is the System: He said there’s a need to not necessarily follow the norms of the previous century. It should be technology driven and should be able to fulfill India’s 21st century dreams.

    Fourth pillar is Vibrant Democracy: He called it as the source of energy for our dream to make India self-reliant.

    Fifth is Demand: As per him, the demand-supply chain is the real power and it should be used to its full potential.

    As per Modi, when India speaks of self-reliance, that does not mean self-centered. Instead self-reliance stands for world’s happiness, cooperation and peace.

    Prime Minister remarked that self-reliance will prepare the country for tough competition in the global supply chain, and it is important that the country wins this competition. “The same has been kept in mind while preparing the package. It will not only increase efficiency in various sectors but also ensure quality.”

    “Today we have the resources, the power and the best talent in the world. We will make the best products, improve our quality, and modernise the supply chain. We can and we will.”

    He said, “We have to be vocal with local. That  is, we should not only buy local products, but we should also be vocal in promoting them. I am confident that we can do this.”

  • NIPER-Guwahati designs innovative 3D products to fight COVID-19

    The Guwahati unit of National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER-G) have come out with two products of help in the fight against the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19.

    The first product is a 3D-printed hands-free object that could be used to help open or close doors, windows, drawers (both vertical and horizontal), and refrigerator handle, or press elevator buttons, and laptop/desktop keyboards, including turning the switch buttons on/off.

    In a press note, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said, “The researchers came up with the design for the fabrication of the 3D-printed object after detailed analyses of several resources for risk measurement and on how viruses spread through bare hands.”

    As per note, the face shield is also easy to design and it is possible to have rapid development of prototypes. “It is also low cost, easy to wear, has good chemical stability, non-fragile and is easy to clean with the existing sanitizers or any alcoholic disinfectant.”

    The second product is a 3D-printed antimicrobial face-shield to control the spread of novel coronavirus. It was designed after a thorough study to understand how viruses spread through oral, ophthalmic, olfactory and other body cavities.

    A meeting was held through video conferencing yesterday under the chairmanship of new delhi to review NIPERS performance in research & innovation activities especially with regard to the ways in which NIPERs have and can contribute in country’s fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

    “NIPER-G is committed to provide useful contributions cum solutions,” said Dr USN Murty, Director, NIPER-Guwahati.

    He said this on Thursday while attending a video conference with NIPER directors under chairmanship of Dr P D Vaghela, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals.

    Murty said NIPER–G has also made a skin friendly herbal sanitizer. He informed that industrial scale manufacturing of its new products are being done in collaboration with Hindustan Antibiotics Limited( HAL), a departmental PSU.

    NIPERs are Centres of Excellence institutes of under the Department of Pharmaceutical, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

    The seven institutes are functional at Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, Hajipur, Kolkata, Guwahati, Mohali, and Raebareli.

    Pic source: Pixabay

  • Covid-19: Restaurants revenue to fall by 50% this fiscal

    India’s organised dine-in restaurants are on course for a 40-50 per cent fall in revenue this fiscal because of the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, says credit research firm Crisil.

    The outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic has led to outlet closures, job cuts and trickle-down effect on the food supply chain.

    Organised restaurants account for nearly 35 per cent of India’s restaurant industry, estimated at Rs 4.2 lakh crore in fiscal 2019. Dine-ins are 75 per cent of the organised restaurants, with online delivery/takeaways making up for the rest.

    Dine-ins and public entertainment venues in Mumbai, National Capital Region (NCR) and Bengaluru have been shut since March 13-14, 2020, before the government announced the first lockdown on March 25. Online delivery is available in select cities such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Pune and Bhubaneshwar, and that, too, at low service levels.

    “The organised sector has seen a 90 per cent reduction in sales since the lockdown. Dine-in is not operational and online orders have declined 50-70 per cent. And when the lockdown is lifted, the rebound is expected to be only gradual. This holds especially for Mumbai and Delhi NCR, which make up nearly half of the organised restaurant industry in India, but are red zones accounting for over 30 per cent of the Covid-19 cases in India,” said Rahul Prithiani, Director, Crisil Research.

  • Covid 19: Govt to develop RT-Lamp based test. What is it?

    In order to mitigate COVID-19 from India, CSIR has strategised its R&D to develop, integrate, scale-up and deploy necessary technological interventions for combating Coronavirus pandemic in the country.

    Considering the multifarious problems created by coronavirus, which require interventions, the CSIR under the guidance of its Director General, Dr. Shekhar Mande has formed five verticals to coordinate various research activities into Digital and Molecular Surveillance, Drugs & Vaccines, Rapid and Economical Diagnostics, Hospital Assistive Devices & PPEs, and Supply Chain and Logistics.

    “Since testing is vital component in COIVD-19 mitigation, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu a constituent laboratory of CSIR has partnered with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to develop and scale-up a new Reverse Transcriptase-Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-Lamp) based COVID-19 diagnostic kit for which a formal MOU has also been signed between CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and RIL,” said a press note by Ministry of Science & Technology.

    What is RT-Lamp?

    COVID-19 RT-Lamp test is a nucleic acid based test carried out from nasal/throat swab sample from patients. The test recipe has been developed and successfully demonstrated using synthetic templates. It is rapid (45-60 min), cost effective and accurate test. It has been tested with a small number of patients samples and validating the kit on more number of patient samples is planned and will be done together with RIL.

    The note said, “The advantage of this test is that the RT-Lamp based COVID-19 kit components are easily available and these can be completely manufactured in India. While the, the current COVID-19 testing is done by real-time PCR their components are mostly imported. Further these tests are expensive; require highly trained manpower, costly instruments and a relatively high-end lab and cannot be deployed at remote locations in quarantine centers, airports and railway stations, etc.”

    “On the other hand, the RT-Lamp test can be done in a single tube with minimal expertise in a very basic lab setup like mobile units / kiosks for testing at Airports, Railway Stations, Bus Stands and other public places. The end detection of the test is a simple colored reaction, which is easily visible in UV light, and now is being modified such that it can be detected in regular light.”

    After testing the accuracy of the kit, on a much larger number of patients, CSIR-IIIM and RIL will jointly approach ICMR for approval. RIL plans to rapidly scale up the tests for the larger population and use it for easy, rapid and widespread diagnosis for COVID-19 detection for the larger interest of society.

    “With the formal launch of the RT-Lamp based diagnostic test, the COVID-19 testing will not only be more rapid, cheap, easy and accessible but also would go a long way quickly isolating the infected individuals and mitigating the spread of virus,” the ministry said.

  • Let’s Open our Minds through Yoga to Fight Covid 19

    By Dr. M. Balasubramanyam

    “Covid 19 pandemic; Everything is closed; Everything is under lockdown; Let’s open our Minds; Attain Mindfulness through Yoga”

    As June 21 is the International Day of Yoga, the whole world is geared up for celebrating the day – this time with the crucial Covid-19 crisis and focused theme “Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family”. “In the post Covid-19 era, the focus on preventive healthcare will get stronger and that is why I am confident that yoga will become even more popular,” this is what the statement recently made by none other than Prime Minister of India, the honorable Narendra Modi.

    Yoga Relieves All Forms of Stress and Depression

    Stress and depression are known to increase the risk of acute respiratory infections. No doubt, alarmingly increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases and deaths worldwide are linked to increased stress and anxiety among the general public, while loneliness and depressive feelings are likely to build up several folds due to repeatedly imposed lockdowns and mandatory social distancing measures. Among other health benefits of yoga, pranayama is also known to improve functioning of lung. Yoga appears to be a great tool to help improve respiratory health and immunity, both of which are involved in the prevention and optimal management of Covid-19. In fact, mind-body therapies like meditation and yoga are demonstrated to reduce inflammatory markers and beneficially influence markers of virus-specific immune response. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis suggests yoga may be a potential and viable transdiagnostic intervention for the management of depressive symptoms in people with a range of mental disorders. These authors now comment that yoga may be the answer to your mental health worries during Covid-19.

    Yoga is a Metabolic Regulator!

    Recent studies endorse yoga as a metabolic regulator as it brings about a balance in autonomous nervous system and regulates metabolic parameters (blood pressure, glucose, lipids) by stabilizing sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. It’s no doubt that non-communicable diseases (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancers, neurodegenerative disorders and other chronic respiratory diseases), which are otherwise called as ‘lifestyle disorders’ are the big health burden worldwide and especially in developing countries like India” – says Balasubramanyam.  More importantly, these are the co-morbidities most often linked to the severity as well as mortality among the COVID19 patients. Therefore, yoga including meditation could be a simple and useful home-based practice for the prevention and post-recovery management of Covid-19.

    Practice Yoga to Reassure Post-Covid 9 Renaissance

    Covid-19 presents an unparalleled set of challenges for the world and its most vulnerable people, requiring collective action on a global scale. Even if you are virus-free, Covid is certain to affect your health. While the mental health fallout is likely to exceed the direct harms of Covid-19, worsening health and well-being also makes us more susceptible to the novel coronavirus and its complications. But the good news endorsed by science is that Mind-body relaxation by yoga is effective to combat all forms of lifestyle stress. ‘Therefore, practicing yoga is one way or perhaps the only way to reassure post-Covid-19 renaissance’ – says Balasubramanyam. Scientists need to collaborate with professional yoga institutions such as S-VYASA (Bangaluru) so as to study how Yoga could reassure post Covid-19 renaissance, adds Balasubramanyam.

    About Author:

    Dr. M. Balasubramanyam is Disease-Biologist and Dean of Research at Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (ICMR- Centre for Advanced Research on Diabetes), Chennai.

    References:

    1. Maxwell L, Barrett B, Chase J, et al. Self-reported mental health predicts acute respiratory infection. WMJ 2015;114: 100.
    2. Abel AN, Lloyd LK, Williams JS. The effects of regular yoga practice on pulmonary function in healthy individuals: a literature review. J Altern Complement Med 2013;19:185–190.
    3. Morgan N, Irwin MR, Chung M, Wang C. The effects of mind-body therapies on the immune system: meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014;9:e100903.
    4. Brinsley J, Schuch F, Lederman O et al. Effects of Yoga on Depressive Symptoms in People With Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Br J Sport Med 2020; DOI:10.1136/bjsports-2019-101242

  • Covid 19: Mental Well-being is Important Now — More Than Ever

    By Raddur Samaddar

    Since the outbreak of Covid-19, we have come a long way. While the healthcare workers throughout the world are racing to provide the best available supportive care and treatment to patients, we are actually somewhere between hopeful; but tired of the pandemic being in this long-drawn scenario than many of us might have imagined.

    So to say, we are hoping this pandemic would end. The physical stress, being added by staying at our homes in the state of lockdown and getting updates about the cases of ever-rising spread each day, it takes a heavy toll on our minds; and to overcome this stress is the biggest challenge of our times. We have started cursing the year 2020, with the thought that the blame-game would satisfy our panicked minds.

    In the past we have seen pandemics, lingering in for 2-3 years (H1N1) to even more than hundred years. The credibility of healthcare system lies in the fact, how fast a treatment can be implemented and the curves of rise can be curbed. Not all pandemics are same. A viral causative agent will pose far greater risks of an exponential spread like we are seeing now.

    At this point of time, we thought of focusing on certain issues that would have marked effects on our minds. Added to the fear of coming in contact with the virus, restricted flow of life is having a serious impact — worthy to be addressed.

    A Closer Look

    The psychological effects of the pandemic are best understood in terms of psychiatric and psychological problems that were present before the pandemic and the patho-plastic effects of the pandemic on these problems; the responses to social isolation and lockdown; the psychological response to the diagnosis, public responses to those with symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 infection, as well as the aftermath of the infection.

    We have to understand that lockdown is strictly a way of stopping the spread of this rapid infecting RNA virus. The healthcare workers and researchers are racing against time and trying to make the most out of the limited knowledge. We have gathered and continue to gather throughout. This means, staying indoors except for buying necessities and ideally only one healthy family member making the trips when it is absolutely necessary.

    Social isolation is a major aspect that is hard to be dealt with, while the increasing use of smartphones and internet can be thanked at this hour of need to waive off that factor. Connectivity is the key. This current period of social isolation will also exacerbate the epidemic of loneliness identified by a 2019 University of Michigan study on healthy aging in which 34 per cent of adults, aged 50 to 80 years, reported feeling lonely.

    Studies have shown increased delusions, suicidal attempts and psychosis in recent times. But relating to that, we should make the most of what is available to us. Telemedicine is an important use of internet, where the one in need could seek some professional help without a physical doctor’s visit. The medicine and healthcare world fears the onset of a ‘loneliness epidemic’.

    Societal maturity will play a very important factor for this cause. Now to handle the crisi we have to take care of the society and stay safe at the same time. Small endeavours like, making sure every news you are spreading has a silver-lining of positivity within it; not harming any class of people on a personal level because he or she has caught Covid-19 infection; making your peace with the fact that the news that we are getting to hear will not always be comforting, yet not panicking and dealing with them in the right way. Helping anyone and everyone in need and most importantly, if you know someone is going through a crisis that you can address and bring in some form of remedy (Source: UNICEF).

    The Focus Speaks for Itself

    The healthcare workers are taking a heavy toll of stress on their minds too. To stand and work for hours tirelessly with the fact of acceptance that supportive care is all that’s available at the moment. That takes some serious attitude driven strength to carry on and keep at it. Indeed, Covid-19 has impacted the mental health of the entire community in one or another manner. This has created an unprecedented mental health challenge in the face of limited specialist resources. This also means that we need to think beyond conventional strategies. We need to manage with what is available, but constantly update ourselves, almost daily. Simultaneously, we need to engage with non-psychiatric medical professionals to facilitate the psychiatric management of patients with Covid-19 infection and co-morbid physical illnesses. Digital-enabled learning and support for mental health issues need to be considered for all non-psychiatric medical professionals and frontline personnel. Online learning is equally useful for regular updates for psychiatrists as well.

    Hearing It From Experts

    I have had the chance to gather some words of wisdom from psychiatrist Dr. Bappaditya Chowdhury. He says, “In this trying time, we’re going through three parallel epidemics simultaneously. Along with Coronavirus, economics and psychogical epidemic creating a havoc on every section of society. We don’t know to what extent and how long this crisis is going to stay. Accordingly, people are trying their best to adjust to this ‘New Normal’. Here the painstaking courage shown by frontline healthcare worker, security persons and other public service personnel should be highlighted more . Their exemplary story of struggle and success should motivate and guide general population in this fightback. It’s time to show solidarity, shake off ignorance, follow health advisory meticulously. Share and care together, with keeping our hopes high, should be the principal in this ‘New Normal’ period.”

    A renowned psycho-counsellor Mr. Subrata Bhattacharyya shares insights, “Everyone has had a hard time coming to terms with the new normal of social isolation. To add to it, habitual life has been severely disrupted by the lockdown, leading to a sharp rise in anxiety, frustration and depression among people. India has witnessed a 20 per cent increase in the number of psychological disorders solely in the past few months of lockdown. It is of utmost importance now to focus on the very present and work to make it beautiful. We have to keep trying to think right, remain positive, and hope for the best.”

    Hearing It From Warriors

    “Being a Covid-19 patient is very stigmatizing, it involves separation from loved ones and living with fear and anxiety as there is always a fear of infecting other people, especially the family members who are not quarantined. In this situation, support of family is of utmost important. Always remember that it is a collective fight and by maintaining the rules and following proper guidelines and with support, self-isolation will not be too much difficult, keeping aside the society,” says Debanwita Roy Burman, 22, who has successfully recovered after being treated at CNCI, Rajarhat, Kolkata.

    “Support from your family and nearest is required. Social boycotting is unhealthy. Doctors and specially nurses are unparralel. I have seen losing two of my fellow Covid warriors. It was hurting and created fear in mind. Those recovered and released gave me a ray of hope for future to live together and work together,” says Ajit Sarkar, 50, who is a bank employee and a victim of workplace contact infection, treated at Desun Hospital, Kolkata.

    About Author:

    Raddur Samaddar is pursuing B.Tech in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. He has worked as a Covid-19 pandemic volunteer with Microbiologists Society of India and as a frontline professional at Peerless Hospital, Kolkata.

    (Pic source: Pixabay)

  • Is Covid-19 transmitted through breast milk?

    As the novel coronavirus continues to spread around the world, so do the concerns of breastfeeding mothers. Although there have been no documented cases to date of an infant contracting Covid-19 as a result of consuming infected breast milk, the critical question of whether there is potential for this form of transmission remains.

    In a recent study, researchers from University of California San Diego School of Medicine and University of California Los Angeles collaborated to find the answer.

    The study examined 64 samples of breast milk collected by the Mommy’s Milk Human Milk Research Biorepository from 18 women across the United States infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although one sample tested positive for viral RNA, subsequent tests found that the virus was unable to replicate, and thus unable to cause infection in the breastfed infant.

    “Detection of viral RNA does not equate to infection. It has to grow and multiply in order to be infectious and we did not find that in any of our samples,” said Christina Chambers, PhD, MPH, co-principal investigator of the study, professor of pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine, director of Mommy’s Milk Human Milk Research Biorepository and co-director of the UC San Diego Center for Better Beginnings. “Our findings suggest breast milk itself is not likely a source of infection for the infant.”

    The current recommendations to prevent transmission while breastfeeding are hand hygiene and sterilizing pumping equipment after each use.

    “In the absence of data, some women infected with SARS-CoV-2 have chosen to just not breastfeed at all,” said Grace Aldrovandi, MD, co-principal investigator of the study, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital and a professor of pediatrics in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UC Los Angeles. “We hope our results and future studies will give women the reassurance needed for them to breastfeed. Human milk provides invaluable benefits to mom and baby.”

    Early breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death syndrome and obesity in children, as well as improved immune health and performance on intelligence tests. In mothers, breastfeeding has been associated with lower risks for breast and ovarian cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

    The researchers also mimicked conditions of the Holder pasteurization process commonly used in human donor milk banks by adding SARS-CoV-2 to breast milk samples from two different donors who were not infected. The samples were heated to 62.5°C for 30 minutes and then cooled to 4°C. Following pasteurization, infectious virus was not detected in either sample.

    “This is a very positive finding for donor milk, which so many infants, especially those born premature, rely on,” said Chambers. “Our findings fill in some important gaps, but more studies are needed with larger sample sizes to confirm these findings.”

    Chambers said future work will not only look at whether breast milk is free of the virus, but also whether it contains active antiviral components. For example, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 that women may produce after exposure to the virus and then transfer to their infants through breast milk, protecting them from Covid-19.