SHALBY HOSPITALS : HEALTHCARE WITH COMPASSION

SHALBY HOSPITAL'S MEDICAL CAMP IN NAIROBI

2010-08-13T11:47:00.000+05:30

2010-07-16T14:12:00.000+05:30

HOW SMOKING KILLS?

Do you have any idea which smoking-related disease is the number one cause of death among smokers? If you're thinking it's lung cancer or COPD/emphysema, you're wrong. While both of these smoking-related diseases do claim a lot of lives, it is heart disease that that holds the top slot in the list of diseases that kill smokers.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States today, and the leading cause of death among smokers. And, on a global level, researchers report that there were 1,690,000 premature deaths from cardiovascular disease among smokers in the year 2000. In contrast, there were approximately 850,000 lung cancer deaths during the same year, and 118,000 COPD deaths from smoking in 2001, worldwide.

Smoking is hard on the heart, but the fact is, tobacco use plays a role in a multitude of diseases that ultimately lead to disability and/or death. Cigarette smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds; 200 of which are known to be poisonous, and upwards of 60 have been identified as carcinogens. Viewed in that light, it's no wonder that the effects of smoking are so widespread and destructive.

Let's take a look at how cigarette smoke affects our bodies, from head to toe. You may be surprised at some of the ways smoking has a negative impact on our health.

Hair:

Smell and staining

Brain and Mental Effects:

Stroke
Addiction/nicotine withdrawal
Altered brain chemistry
Anxiety about harm caused by smoking

Eyes:

Eyes that sting, water and blink more
Macular degeneration
Cataracts

Nose:

Less sense of smell

Thyroid:

Graves Disease
Thyroid Disease

Skin:

Wrinkles
Premature aging

Teeth:

Discoloration and stains
Plaque
Loose teeth
Gum disease (gingivitis)

Mouth and Throat:

Cancers of the lips, mouth, throat and larynx
Cancer of the esophagus
Sore throat
Reduced sense of taste
Breath smells of smoke

Hands:

Poor circulation(cold fingers)
Peripheral vascular disease
Tar stained fingers

Respiration and Lungs:

Lung Cancer
COPD (includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema)
Cough and sputum
Shortness of breath
Colds and flu
Pneumonia
Asthma
Complicates Tuberculosis

Heart:

Harms, blocks and weakens arteries of the heart
Heart attack

Liver:

Cancer

Abdomen:

Stomach and duodenal ulcers
Cancer of stomach, pancreas and colon
Aortic aneurysm

Kidneys and bladder:

Kidney cancer
Bladder cancer

Bones:

Osteoporosis
Spine and hip fractures

Spine:

Degenerative Disc Disease

Male reproduction:

Sperm: deformity, loss of motility, reduced number
Infertility
Impotence

Female reproduction:

Period pains
Earlier menopause
Cancer of cervix
Infertility and delay in conception

Blood:

Leukemia

Legs and Feet:

Gangrene
Peripheral vascular disease
Beurger Disease

Immune System:

Weakened immune system

The effects of smoking hold additional risks for women. Those who smoke throughout their pregnancies increase the risk of:

Spontaneous abortion/miscarriage
Ectopic pregnancy
Abruptio placentae
Placenta previa
Premature rupture of the membranes
Premature birth

Risks to the fetus include:

Smaller infant(for gestational age)
Stillborn infant
Birth defects, e.g. congenital limb reduction
Increased nicotine receptors in baby's brain
Increased likelihood of child smoking as a teenager
Possible predisposition to adult anxiety disorders

SEE FOR YOURSELF HOW A HEALTHY & SMOKER’S LUNGS LOOK

As long as this list of diseases known to be associated with smoking is, it is incomplete. We don't yet fully understand all of the dangers that cigarette smoke presents, but research continues, bringing us new discoveries seemingly by the day.

One thing is certain: Cigarettes snuff out life at an alarming rate. Statistics tell us that upwards of half of long-term smokers will die a smoking-related death. And globally, that presently translates to nearly 5 million deaths a year. Put another way, someone loses their life to smoking every 8 seconds somewhere in the world.

If you currently smoke, use this information to help you see your smoking habit for what it is - a deadly addiction that you can live without. The tools here at About.com Smoking Cessation are designed to help you learn what nicotine addiction involves and what it takes to quit smoking.

Cholestrol & Triglycerides

2010-07-15T13:45:00.000+05:30

What Is Cholesterol? What Are Triglycerides?

Cholesterol and triglycerides are two forms of lipid, or fat. Both cholesterol and triglycerides are necessary for life itself. Cholesterol is necessary, among other things, for building cell membranes and for making several essential hormones. Triglycerides, which are chains of high-energy fatty acids, provide much of the energy needed for cells to function.

Where Do Cholesterol and Triglycerides Come From?

There are two sources for these lipids: diet and "endogenous" sources (that is, those manufactured within the body).

Dietary cholesterol and triglycerides mainly come from eating meats and dairy products. These dietary lipids are absorbed through the gut,and then are delivered through the bloodstream to the liver, where they are processed.

One of the main jobs of the liver is to make sure all the tissues of the body receive the cholesterol and triglycerides they need to function. Whenever possible (that is, for about 8 hours after a meal), the liver takes up dietary cholesterol and triglycerides from bloodstream. During times when dietary lipids are not available, the liver produces cholesterol and triglycerides itself.

The liver then packages the cholesterol and triglycerides, along with special proteins, into tiny spheres called lipoproteins. The lipoproteins are released into the circulation, and are delivered to the cells of the body. The cells remove the needed cholesterol and triglycerides from the lipoproteins, as they are needed.

What Are LDL and HDL?

LDL stands for "low density lipoprotein," and HDL for "high density lipoprotein." In the bloodstream, "bad" cholesterol is carried in LDL, and "good" cholesterol is carried in HDL. Most cholesterol in the blood is packaged as LDL. Only a relatively small proportion is from HDL cholesterol. Thus, the total cholesterol level in the blood usually reflects mainly the amount of LDL cholesterol that is present.

Why Are High LDL Cholesterol Levels Bad?

Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol have been strongly associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It appears that when LDL cholesterol levels are too high, the LDL lipoprotein tends to stick the lining of the blood vessels, which helps to stimulate atherosclerosis. So, an elevated LDL cholesterol level is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. This is why LDL cholesterol has been called "bad" cholesterol.

Why Is Some Cholesterol Called "Good" Cholesterol?

Much evidence now suggests that higher HDL cholesterol levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease, and that low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Thus, HDL cholesterol appears to be "good."

Why is HDL cholesterol protective? It appears that the HDL lipoprotein "scours" the walls of blood vessels and cleans out excess cholesterol. The cholesterol present in HDL is (to a large extent) actually excess cholesterol that has just been removed from cells and blood vessel walls, and is being transported back to the liver for processing.

How Important Are Triglycerides?

While the association between triglycerides and the risk of heart disease has not been as clear as it is for cholesterol, in recent years, several studies have established that people with elevated levels of triglycerides are indeed at increased risk. Also, elevated triglyceride levels are very often strongly associated with other important risk factors, including low levels of HDH cholesterol, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and a tendency toward excessive blood clotting.

Most of these risk factors associated with high triglyceride levels are part of condition called metabolic syndrome, a condition caused by excess weight and lack of exercise in people who are prone to develop insulin resistance. So, treating high triglyceride levels is most often not done in isolation, but requires treating the constellation of risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

What Can Cause High Cholesterol?

Elevated cholesterol levels can be caused by several factors, including heredity, poor diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, age, and gender (premenopausal women have lower cholesterol levels than men). Several medical conditions, including diabetes, hypothyroidism (low thyroid,) liver disease, AND chronic renal (kidney) failure, can also increase cholesterol levels. Drugs, such as steroids and progesterone, can do the same.
TO KNOW MORE, PLEASE WRITE TO US ON info@shalby.org

Sunscreens - All that you wanted to know

2010-04-13T16:30:00.001+05:30

Sunscreen - All what you wanted to know

Sunscreen is a substance that helps protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunscreens reflect, absorb, and scatter both ultraviolet A and B radiation to provide protection against ultraviolet A and B radiation. Sunscreen is available in lotion, creams, makeup, gels, and sprays. Using lotions, creams, or gels that contain sunscreens can help protect the skin from premature aging and damage that may lead to skin cancer.

Decoding Sunscreen Labels

SPF

Sun Protection Factor and the number next to it refer to the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn. The higher the number, the more sunburn protection the sunscreen can provide. You should use a minimum of SPF 15 and reapply often

UV or UVR

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun that can cause sunburn, wrinkling, premature aging, and skin cancer and may also interfere with the body's immune system. Look for "broad spectrum" sunscreens that protect from the two types of UV rays.

UVA Ultraviolet A is longer wavelength UV radiation that can penetrate and damage the deeper layers of skin even if the skin feels cool and shows no signs of burning.

UVB Ultraviolet B is the shorter wavelength UV radiation associated with sunburn and other skin damage.

Water Resistant

These sunscreens stay on the skin longer even if they get wet from pool water, ocean water or sweat. But water resistant doesn't mean waterproof. Sunscreens with this label still need to be reapplied. Check the label for reapplication times.

To know more of if you have any queries on "How to Keep your skin healthy & young" email us on info@shalby.org or visit us on www.shalby.org

HAPPY & HEALTHY EASTER

2010-04-04T13:21:00.003+05:30

What KILLS your sleep?

2010-03-27T13:58:00.000+05:30

FOODS - WHICH KILL YOUR SLEEP

CHOCOLATE

Many people are increasingly sensitive to caffeine as they get older, and even the little chocolate chunks in chocolate chip ice cream could zap you just enough to prevent ZZZZs. Chocolate also contains tyrosine, a stimulating amino acid.

ENERGY DRINK

Commercial energy drinks are high in caffeine as well as the amino acid taurine, which boosts alertness and adrenaline. Recent studies have shown that even if you drink energy drinks early in the day, the combined high dosage of taurine and caffeine can make it hard to sleep, or to sleep well, later on.

TOMATO SAUCE, SPICY PASTA, PIZZA & NOODLES

Digestive disturbances are a common source of sleep disturbances & problems, but many people fail to make the connection. Acidic and spicy foods can cause reflux, heartburn, and other symptoms that interrupt sleep cycles.

LIQUOR / HIGH DOSE OF WINE

A drink or two may make you feel more relaxed after dinner, but it comes back to haunt you–literally–a few hours later, by preventing you from achieving deep sleep. And because alcohol both dehydrates you and makes you have to pee, it wakes you up, too. Wine is high in the stimulant tyrosine as well.

Quality Care, now NABH accredited

2010-03-05T15:30:00.001+05:30

SHALBY HOSPITALS IS NOW

NABH
(NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BOARD OF HOSPITALS)

ACCREDITED

Click here to read more

Curing of Uterine Fibroids by Embolisation

2010-02-19T18:15:00.000+05:30

Curing of Uterine Fibroids by Embolisation

Curing Fibroids and associated heavy menstrual periods in uterus through angiography is a widely accepted treatment of fibroid tumors of Uterus in Europe and USA because of its safety and because it avoids surgery of removal of the fibroid or the uterus through an operation called Hysterectomy.

The main benefit of this treatment is that fibroids treated by this method do not ever recur again. The woman goes home after six hours of hospital stay in 95% cases. The lady undergoing this treatment can conceive a child. 33% pregnancy rate has been reported after such treatment.

This is the best treatment for any woman who has multiple abortions because of fibroids. New York Times reported that Ms Condolezza Rice, secretary foreign affairs with President Bush’s administration was successfully treated for her fibroids using this angiographic treatment.

THE PROCESS

BAD BREATH - Don't live with it, treat it

2010-01-25T15:44:00.000+05:30

No one wants BAD BREATH (HALITOSIS), but everyone gets it—or at least worries about it—at one time or another. Here are some things you can do to keep bad breath to a minimum:

Eliminate the bacteria and food particles that can cause bad breath. Floss, then brush your teeth, gums and tongue after each meal. Make this easier by keeping floss, toothpaste and a toothbrush in your desk, your purse and your car.
If you can't brush and floss, rinse your mouth with water after eating to dislodge food and moisten your mouth.
Have your teeth cleaned and examined by a dental professional twice a year.
If you are certain you have bad breath, seek out a Houston dentist who offers specialized treatment in that area.
Learn the proper way to brush and practice what you learn.
Drink lots of liquids, preferably water, to keep your mouth moist.
If your mouth feels dry, chew sugarless gum to stimulate production of saliva.
You can also chew on raw parsley—it's a natural breath freshener.
Baking soda is an effective odor eliminator; if you can handle the taste, try brushing with a mixture of baking soda and water. Or try a toothpaste that contains baking soda.
Try rinsing your mouth for one minute with a 50-50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water to kill odor-causing bacteria.
Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol; read the label! Instead, try a mouthwash that contains chlorine dioxide. This compound doesn't just mask odor, it actually eliminates it at the source by attacking the odor-causing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs).
Snack on raw vegetables such as carrots, celery and red peppers. This stimulates production of saliva, and some American dentists believe it can help to remove plaque from your teeth.
To avoid stress-related dry mouth, practice "conscious relaxation" in stressful situations: breathe deeply, visualize peaceful settings, recognize parts of your body that feel tense and consciously relax them. If you can't get past the stress, chew sugarless gum or mints to keep the salivary glands going.
If you wear dentures or a retainer, clean them frequently, and periodically soak them in an antiseptic solution.

Bad breath that's resistant to these remedies, or that continues for an extended period of time, should be evaluated by our Shalby dentists.

You don't have to live with bad breath. Recognize it, treat it, then kiss it goodbye!

Know BOTOX better

2010-01-22T16:09:00.000+05:30

It happens to every woman at some point. You look in the mirror and there, staring back at you, is your mother.

Let’s face it: We all age, and the passage of time is bound to show itself on your skin in the form of lines, wrinkles and discoloration. The good news is, today’s scientific advances give us options our mothers never had for reducing the signs of aging on our skin. The only question is, which option is right for you? One of the most popular ways to shadow your aging signs is BOTOX.

Let's know these facts, which I am sure most beauty conscious women aren't aware of :)

Botox is a neurotoxin [neuro means nerve; toxin means poison] that temporarily paralyzes muscles in your face.
Botox is derived from the same botulin toxin that is found in spoiled foods. Doctors use a sterile and purified form of this toxin when administering Botox injections.
Botox injections cost up to $500 or more. The effects are not permanent. Over time, the body gradually absorbs the substance and the procedure must be repeated every 3-6 months.
The FDA has approved Botox for use only on a limited area between the eyebrows and for its non cosmetic benifits. Botox is administered only for wrinkles and does not reduce other age-related symptoms such as age spots and facial discoloration.
Improper injection has been linked to droopy eyelids. Other reported side effects include nausea fatigue, malaise, flu and rashes.
Botox is not recommended for pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, people with neuromuscular disorders or cardiovascular disease.
There have been no conclusive studies about the long-term side effects of Botox.

Areas of BOTOX application are:

To know more on Botox therapy, write to us on info@shalby.org

Ever thought, How Toothpaste Works?

2010-01-22T15:25:00.002+05:30

It is a well established belief that brushing daily strengthens our teeth and makes them healthier and we use it daily never even wondering how it actually works, isn’t that surprising?

One must know not only the mechanism of action of a toothpaste but also the role of individual ingredients which will help in choosing an effective toothpaste. The mechanism of toothpaste action is as follows:

• Abrasive Action: The abrasive agent in the toothpaste physically removes the solid particles in the oral cavity by abrasive action. It also helps in removing food stains and polishing tooth surface. It is an established fact that Tooth Powders have almost twice the abrasive action of toothpaste.

• Antiseptic Action: The toothpaste contains antimicrobial agents such as Xylitol which inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth which is especially helpful in gingivitis.

• Action of fluoride: Fluoride is an important aspect of a toothpaste. It replaces the hydroxypatite of tooth with fluoropatite which is not only much stronger but also resistant to caries.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE USING A TOOTHPASTE

Never swallow toothpaste as this can cause fluoride toxicity. Kids should be especially instructed against this.
Don’t use toothpaste for pimples or zits excessively. Although it does seem to help, there are no studies that rule out possible side effects or dangers. People with sensitive skin are prone to burns and irritation on using them.
You should brush for 2-3 minutes. Brushing vigorously for long duration does more harm than good.

If you have any queries / questions regarding Oral Health please write to info@shalby.org or visit www.shalby.org

SNEEZING - Is it all that simple?

2010-01-11T17:21:00.002+05:30

SNEEZE FACTS

1. Sneezing’s official name is sternutation.
The word sternutation is not a major medical procedure, but it’s really just another way of saying sneezing. However you say it, the method remains the same. When something tickles the nose lining, the nerves located there send a signal to the brain, which initiates a chain of messages to other parts of the body–chest, abdomen, face, eyelids, the mucus glands in the nose, even the sphincter–that work together to expel the irritant. When we fall asleep, those nerves are at rest, which is why we don’t sneeze while we snooze.

2. We can’t sneeze and keep our eyes open–and no one knows why.
Scientists are still unclear as to why our eyes reflexively close during a sneezing episode. Some believe that it’s an evolutionary adaptation meant to protect our eyes from whatever particles come flying out of our noses and mouths when we sneeze. Others claim it’s just one of many muscle contractions that take place during the progression. And the old wives’ tale about eyelids closing to keep the eyes from popping out is impossible. While a hearty sneeze can put a good amount of pressure behind one’s eyes, it’s not enough to do that kind of damage.

3. Sneezes travel fast and furiously.
One person’s sneeze can travel up to one hundred miles per hour. The particles and spit emitted when we sneeze can travel up to five feet away, making it all the more important to cover our mouths and noses to protect innocent bystanders. Even if no one’s standing right next to us, the bacteria sent into the air by our expulsion can spread up to 150 feet away. You could be walking down the street through someone’s sneeze bacteria and not even know it, so just think about that the next time you fail to reach for a handkerchief.

4. Superstition’s nothing to sneeze at.
There’s a lot of superstition involving sneezes, right down to which way we turn our heads. Among some people, such as the ancient Romans and Greeks, a sneeze to the right was a sign of luck and a sneeze to the left predicted a portentous future. Most cultures have an assumed response after someone sneezes: “Bless you” in English, “Salud” or “To your health” in Spanish, and so forth. In almost every language, the response translates to a wish for the sneezer’s good health. It’s thought that saying, “Bless you” came from Bubonic Plague times when one sneeze could’ve signaled a person’s assured demise, but that is just one of a few theories out there. Others claim that sneezing is the soul’s attempt to leave the body because it’s written in the Bible that Adam came to life by God breathing into his nose. As Milhouse from The Simpsons explains, “When you sneeze, that’s your soul trying to escape. Saying “God bless you” crams it back in.”

BREAST ENLARGEMENT USING IMPLANTS

2009-11-30T17:09:00.001+05:30

WHAT IS BREAST ENLARGEMENT (AUGMENTATION)?

Augmentation of the breast is a safe and simple surgical procedure consisting of insertion of a silicone bag (prosthesis) under the breast (submammary) or under the breast and chest muscle (subpectoral) and then filling the bag with saline (salt water). This prosthesis expands the breast area to give a fuller breast (increased cup size), give a better contour, and give more cleavage.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION?

1. Infection

Although infection is rare (1-3%) it can be a very distressing problem. Signs of infection are fever, redness, swelling, and discomfort.

2. Bleeding

If bleeding occurs into the implant pocket after surgery, the implant must be surgically removed, the bleeding controlled, the wound washed out, and the implant replaced. Signs of bleeding include marked swelling, increasing pain, and bruising. This too is rare about 1-5% of the patients may experience this.

3. Capsule contracture

Hardening of the breast with distortion and sometime painful. This may require surgical incision of the fibrous scar capsule around the implant (capsulotomy) or partial or total removal of the scar capsule (capsulectomy). The implant can be immediately placed back in the new packet.

Other means of treating the contracture is replacement of a smooth implant with a textured one or placing the implant in a new pocket either under the breast or under the muscle.

4. Asymmetry

Sometimes the implant will slip out of the position in which it was initially placed and appear too high, too low, or to one side. Most of the time this requires surgical repair.

5. Clarity during Mammography

The implant will block some areas of the breast from being visualized on mammography. This is usually less if the implant is placed under the muscle.

Because breast implants might affect the clarity of the mammogram, patients who have multiple close family members with breast cancer probably should not have breast implants.

6. Autoimmune Disease

With all the confusion in the newspaper, magazines and on the T.V. or radio, there has been a fear that silicone implants may cause autoimmune disease. At this time there is no scientific evidence that silicone causes autoimmune disease.

7. Cancer

There is no evidence that silicone implants cause cancer.

8. Deflation

An implant may leak from weakness in the patch or valve area, a hole from incomplete inflation, or other factors. The more modern saline implants have been estimated to leak in 1-5% of cases.

FINAL RESULTS

Most patients are extremely happy with their decision to undergo breast augmentation. There is a certain amount of increased self esteem and self confidence as an outcome of the surgery.

The patient who desires augmentation should not be influenced by family or friends as to whether or not the surgery should be performed and what size is most desirable. This is a very personal matter to most patients and satisfaction is best when the patient makes the decisions.

SAVE YOUR NATURAL TEETH - Root Canal Therapy

2009-11-23T14:02:00.000+05:30

SINGLE SITTING PAINLESS ROOT CANAL THERAPY

Most people who have heard from their friends, colleagues or other contacts who have visited a dentist to get a Root Canal Therapy (RCT) done pray to god that they never have to visit a dentist. No brownie points for guessing why? The primary reason is of course the pain caused during the procedure and then comes the trauma of visiting the dentist again and again. Taking multiple appointments and re-working your whole schedule.

Well, even if you brush your teeth twice daily in the way prescribed by your dentist there is no surety of your dental well being. Don't worry! There are ways which will help you in easing the pain and ensuring the trauma of the dental treatment is reduce. Shalby Dental and Cosmetology Centre is offering Root Canal Therapy (RCT) services using advanced technology which ensures Painless Root Cana Treatment and that too in just a single sitting.

By incorporating high-end medical and sterilization technology coupled with modern equipments the chance of recurrence of infection and pain are minimized. Following equipments are used to ensure quick pain-free RCT.

ROOT ZX

Measures the exact length of the root canal
Helps dentist avoid under or over penetration into the roots of the tooth
Reduces Post-Operative pain significantly

X-SMART

Takes care of Bio-Mechanical Debriment (cleaning and shaping) of the root canal by a motorized NITI files
This equipment ensures the right amount of power and force is delivered for the procedure

If you have any questions or you wanna know more about the dental procedures offered at Shalby Hospitals please write to dental@shalby.org

SAVE MONEY, STAY HEALTHY through regular health checks

2009-11-21T13:26:00.000+05:30

SAVE MONEY, STAY HEALTHY

Mounting health care costs are a concern for everyone. There are several ways to curtail / manage the same. Most people in your peer, even doctors would recommend one or most of the following:

Healthy & Systematic Eating Habits
Stress Free Living / Effective Stress Management
Regular Exercising / Walking / Weight Training etc.
Regular Health Checks

First 3 options if followed and adhered to are indeed great if adhered to, we all know aren't that easy to follow always. The 4th one if followed religiously on an annual basis will ensure a close check on onset of any disease that may be fatal specially when the age is not on your side.

To read more about the types of health checks and the one which suits your requirement the best visit http://www.shalby.org/healthcheck.html

TUMMY TUCK - Gift yourself firmer abs

2009-11-17T11:15:00.003+05:30

TUMMY TUCK / ABDOMINOPLASTY

Many times women after child birth and cesarean section operation have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin to such an extent that from where they can not return to normal. The skin and muscles of tummy become lax.
Ageing or excess weight loss can create the similar situation.
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure which tightens the abdominal muscles and removes sagging, excess skin and accumulated fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen and a more defined, flatter, and youthful-looking abdominal region is achieved. As an added benefit of this procedure, the waistline will even become smaller and stretch marks are removed.
Liposuction is often combined with tummy tuck. Fat is removed from back, waist and upper abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck
The alternative tummy tuck technique designed to treat problem areas existing below the belly button is referred to as a "mini tummy tuck." This less invasive form of Abdominoplasty is frequently performed on an outpatient basis and typically requires a local form of anesthesia.

How is it performed?

Most commonly, a long incision is made across the hipbone directly above the pubic area, with a second incision following to free the navel from surrounding tissue. The skin will be separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs, lifting a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. Then the muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. Skin is re-draped and excess skin is excised. New youthful navel is created.

Anesthesia

General or epidural anesthesia for full Abdominoplasty.

Mini tummy tuck can be done under local anesthesia.

Hospital stay

Two to three days.

Mini tummy tuck patient can go home same day.

Recovery

Return to work within two weeks.

You can begin light exercise 2-3 months following surgery.

Risks and side effects

For a tummy tuck, the possible risks include infection, poor healing, skin loss, seroma collection etc. Smoking increases the risk of complications, may delay healing.

Scars

Scars do result from tummy tuck surgery. While the resulting scars may appear to worsen during the first few weeks following a tummy tuck, they should eventually become less discernible. Scar is hidden in the undergarment.

Results

Permanent

If you have any queries or questions write to us at info@shalby.org for free expert opinion

RISK FACTORS FOR DIABETICS

2009-11-16T09:45:00.005+05:30

RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE2 DIABETICS

1. Obesity

The number one risk factor for type 2 diabetes is obesity. The National Center for Health Statistics states that 30% of adults are obese. That's 60 million people. Greater weight means a higher risk of insulin resistance, because fat interferes with the body's ability to use insulin. According to the same study, the number of overweight kids has tripled since 1980. The number of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has also risen.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

The Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health (USA, 1996) states that "a sedentary lifestyle is damaging to health and bears responsibility for the growing obesity problems." Inactivity and being overweight go hand in hand towards a diagnosis of type 2. Muscle cells have more insulin receptors than fat cells, so a person can decrease insulin resistance by exercising. Being more active also lowers blood sugar levels by helping insulin to be more effective. It's a win-win.

3. Family History and Genetics

It appears that people who have family members who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are at a greater risk for developing it themselves. African Americans, Hispanic-Americans and Native Americans all have a higher than normal rate of type 2 diabetes. Having a genetic disposition towards type 2 is not a guarantee of a diagnosis however. Lifestyle plays an important part in determining who gets diabetes.

4. Increased Age

It's a sad but true fact. The older we get, the greater our risk of type 2 diabetes. Even if an elderly person is thin, they still may be predisposed to getting diabetes. Scientists theorize that the pancreas ages right along with us, and doesn't pump insulin as efficiently as it did when we were younger. Also, as our cells age, they become more resistant to insulin as well.

5. High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

These two bad boys are the hallmark risk factors for many diseases and conditions, including type 2 diabetes. Not only do they damage your heart vessels but they are two key components in metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms including obesity, a high fat diet, and lack of exercise. Having metabolic syndrome increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

6. History of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes affects about 4% of all pregnant women. It begins when hormones from the placenta make the mother insulin resistant. Many women who have gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes years later. Their babies are also at some risk for developing diabetes later in life.

A BETTER LOOKING YOU THROUGH COSMETIC SURGERY

2009-11-07T13:55:00.019+05:30

L I P O S U C T I O N

Safe-effective- permanent removal of fat

Who wouldn't want a Well-shaped figure! Your body may be de-shaped due to various factors like aging, pregnancy, genetic / hereditary etc. People try hard to shed their extra fat. Some common ways to shed fat are diet restrictions, gym exercises, yoga or body wraps etc. But what most of us are unaware of is the fact that some body fats are resistant, and will never budge what ever one may do. Such type of fats need to be extracted out of the body and that is where Liposuction can help you look shapely.

Liposuction is the most frequently carried out cosmetic procedure in the world. Liposuction by tumescent technique is safe and precise ensuring quick recovery and zero side-effects.

For women, trouble spots tend to be the hips, the thighs, the sides of the knees, the tummy, back rolls and the arms. For men, it's the belly button region, chest and the "love handles" around the hips. Both sexes may also have excesses in the buttocks, neck, cheeks, and chin.

How it Liposuction carried out?

The procedure of liposuction is surprisingly simple. Liposuction is a surgical technique that improves the body's contour by removing excess fat de

posits located between the skin and muscle. Very small incision in inconspicuous site is made on skin. Special fluid (Tumescent fluid) is injected into the fatty area to be dealt with. Few minutes are given for the fluid to act. It loosens and liquefies the fat and makes it bloodless too. Once the fat is liquefied it is sucked out by cannula with the help of syringe or machine from the same incision. Once the fat is sucked out, pressure garment is given to compress treated area, so skin drapes nicely. Large amount of fat can be removed without big cut or scar on body.

REGIONS THAT BENEFIT

FOR MORE INFORMATION WRITE TO INFO@SHALBY.ORG

World Alzheimer's Day September 21st

2009-09-11T08:57:00.003+05:30

The World Alzheimer's Day falls on September 21st of each year and is dedicated to raising awareness about this disease as the most common form of dementia that impairs mental functioning. As of now there is no cure for the disease but considerable progress in medical research has offerd relief by reducing symptoms. Stem cell research is a promising area in medical resea4rch that raises hope for the cure of this diease in coming future.

What is Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to impairments in the business of daily living due to memory loss and cognitive changes. It is a degenerative disease which progresses from mild and irregular memory loss to acute neurological disorder. Changes in the neural settings and its degenaration results in the patient being unable to learn, remember or even relate to others.

Who Suffers from Alzheimer's

It is widely acknowledged that more than 25 million people around the globe suffer from Alzheimer's and mostly affects older people over the age of 65. The genetic factor also comes into play as having a parent, brother, or sister with Alzheimer's increases the risk factor of developing the disease. There are also instances of early onset of familial Alzheimer disease but is is rare and only accounts for a small percentage of Alzheimer disease cases.

Symptoms of Alzheimer

Substantial memory loss such with delays in prompt recall, short term, or long term memory

Substantial thinking inadequacy in expressing or comprehending language, figuring out familiar objects, poor coordination, and muscle function

Confusion with time or place

Difficulty in reading judging distance or determining color and contrast
confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious

Treatment of Alzheimer's

Although there is currently no cure for stopping the progression of Alzheimer's there are encouraging advances that include both medications and non-drug approaches to improve symptom management. From the medication point of view cholinesterase inhibitors increase the levels of acetylcholine which postpones the postpones the worsening of symptoms and is most commonly prescribed for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease . Similarly Mematine is used to regulate glutamate in brain which plays a key role in processing information and is found to effectively delay symptoms in patients. Pleases visit the link for animation on Alzheimer's disease. http://www.healthscout.com/animation/1/7/main.html

Health Check Plans at Shalby

2009-08-26T08:51:00.002+05:30

(For Appointment/Queries Please Call/SMS 9714813800)

With regard to maintaining good health, preventive check ups are the first and one of the most important steps. No wonder the wisdom of the proverb "prevention is better than cure" is so widely acknowledged.

The health check up plans at Shalby are comprehensive, detailed and help in prognosis of any symptom/ change/deviation from standard bodily parameters. Thus any disease can be nipped while still in the bud by just making suitable lifestyle changes instead of undergoing drastic medication and other medical processes later on. However, if treatment is required it can begin without delay at Shalby's super specialty departments with world class medical equipments and technology. The check ups also give you a record of your bodily functions indicated through several parameters that can also be referred to in the future.

There are four different check up plans 'Premium', 'Comprehensive', 'standard' and 'Basic' which the patient can choose from. The Check up plan includes Primary test, Diabetic Profile, Kidney function test, Liver Function Test,Cardiac Check, Infection screening, Thyroid screening, Cancer detection, Radiological investigation, Mammography, Lung infection test. Along with this there is provision of one or more of the various consultation such as those of physician , surgeon, dental, Gynaec, ENT, Eye, orthopedic, dermatology, diet/wellness in the plan categories.

Tests included in Medical Checkup

Primary Test	CBC, CBC with ESR, Urine Routine and Micro, Stool routine and micro, Blood group
Diabetic Profile	Fasting Blood Sugar, PP Blood Sugar, RBS, HBA IC, Urine Micro albu
Kidney Function Test	Blood Urea/BUN, Uric Acid, S. Creatinine, S calcium
Liver Function Test	S.bilirubin, SGPT, Gamma GT, Alkaline Phosphatese,Total protein, SGOT.
Cardiac Check	Lipid Profile, ECG, TMT, 2D Echo with Colour Doppler Study, Extended Profile
Infection Screening	HIV, HbsAg
Thyroid Screening	TSH, Free T3T4
Cancer Detection	PSA (for Males), PAP Smear (For Females)
Radiological investigation	X ray Chest PA view, USG whole Abdomen, CT CT scan Brain, BMD
Mammography Bilateral
Lung Efficiency Pulmonary Function Test

For more information or to make an appointment, call the hospital at 079 - 40203000

Also, visit the link http://www.shalby.org/healthcheck.html at Shalby website for details and pricing of various check up plans.

Vantocil Kills Swine Flu Virus

2009-08-12T11:29:00.003+05:30

US Research Shows common hospital Disinfectant Vantocil Kills Swine Flu virus within 10 minutes

Vantocil, an antimicrobial product long used as a hospital disinfectant, is also highly effective in controlling the H1N1 virus that causes swine flu, according to research conducted in the US. Research done by ATS Labs, Eagan, Minnesota, showed Vantocil FHC was effective within 10 minutes in controlling the H1N1 virus.

Vantocil FHC is a non-staining, disinfectant detergent concentrate for cleaning all hard surfaces in hospitals. It can also be used in domestic settings and food processing. Vantocil FHC is based on the active ingredient poly hexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride, PHM, .which provides both broad spectrum bactericidal and virucidal activity in a diverse range of hygiene products.

Breast Feeding Week falls between 1st and 7th August

2009-07-29T09:07:00.002+05:30

Celebrating Breast Feeding Week
The breast feeding week will be celebrated from 1st t to 7th August, 2009 in more than 120 countries. World organizations like World Health Organization WHO, UNICEF etc in alliance with various government and non government organizations across the globe will apply concerted effort to create and sustain an environment that encourages breast feeding for children up to 2 years of age.
The week every year commemorates the declaration made by WHO and UNICEF policy-makers in August 1990 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

Breast Feeding : Offers Protection to Babies
Medically it has been proven that mother's milk is complete nutrition for the baby for first 6 months and the child needs to be exclusively breastfed during this period of time without any outside supplements like milk from source other than mother, formula, food, drink or even water. The baby should be breastfed immediately after birth preferably within 1/2 to 1 hour of birth so that colostrum- the first yellowish liquid in mother's- should necessarily go into the baby's system.

The First Milk Colostrum and its Significance
Colostrum is yellowish or creamy in color and is high in protein, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals, and immunoglobulins. Colostrum feeding is necessary for health of the baby as it contains immunoglobulins which are actually antibodies that provide immunity providing protection against a wide variety of bacterial and viral illnesses. High concentrations of leukocytes, protective white cells, present in colostrum have the ability to destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Also, the baby's suckling reflex is most active in the first few hours which can make the whole process easier for the mother as well as baby.

Transitional & Mature milk
Transitional milk occurs after colostrum and lasts for approximately two weeks. The transitional milk includes high levels of fat, lactose, water-soluble vitamins with more calories than the colostrum. Mature milk is the final milk that is produced 90% of which is water. It helps the child remain well hydrated. The other 10% constitutes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats which supply energy for the body's s growth.

Validated Facts on Advantage of of Breast Feeding
Several studies validate the fact that mother's milk induces an infant's immune system to mature more quickly than in a child fed artificially as is observed in breast-fed babies in whom there is higher production of antibodies in response to immunization. Also, certain hormones in milk such as cortisol and Epidermal Growth Factor, Nerve growth Factor, etc act to close up the leaky mucosal lining of the newborn, making it relatively impenetrable to to unwanted pathogens and other potentially harmful agents.

The Disadvantages of Formula
As compared to mother's milk the formula and other artificial milk exposes the infant to infections. Also, the infant is put at increased risk of some chronic diseases. When cow's milk breaks down, the curd that forms is hard for human babies to digest. Breast milk, on the other hand, forms more whey than curd, and the curd is softer and more easily digested. The breastfed babies often have fewer digestive troubles than bottle-fed babies because fats in formula aren't as well absorbed, and is the reason why bottle-fed babies have more unpleasant smelling bowel movements. Along with this, abstaining from breast feeding puts a woman at increased risk of anemia, breast and ovarian cancer.

Breast Feeding Tips

The new mother should start breast feeding as soon as possible after birth. Avoid artificial nipples with out setting a limit on the length or frequency of breastfeeding. Feed the baby as and when she feels hungry. Intake of fluids or a glass of water at the start of every feeding session will ensure enough fluids in the mother's body. Use of pillows to support the baby while feeding will ease posture pains and avoidance of tight fitting inner wear on the chest will allow easy healing of sore nipples. The mother should consult a doctor or lactation consultant if the pain during breast feeding persists beyond the first few feeds.

Treat Obesity with Bariatric Surgery

2009-07-15T10:41:00.004+05:30

Obesity is not a Minor Health Issue, Shortens Lifespan
A recent study conducted by researchers from Oxford University's Clinical Trial Service Unit, concludes that obesity shortens a person's lifespan by 10 years and is comparable to effect of a life time spent smoking.

What is Obesity?
In the simplest of terms, obesity is defined as presence of body fat, far in excess of requirements of the body. Obesity is not just a cosmetic issue of bad appearance. It increases risk of diseases and health problems, the most common and well known among which are diabetes and high blood pressure.

Determining Obesity through Body Mass Index
Doctors use the ratio of height and weight — called the body mass index (BMI) — to determine obesity. Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese. Extreme or severe or morbid obesity is aid to occur when the BMI is 40 or more. A BMI between 18.5 to 24.9 falls within the normal body weight range, 25.0 to 29.9 is the range for overweights and between 30 to 40 is the range for obese.

Symptoms Associated with Obesity
Obesity in itself is a visible symptom of bad health. However, obesity too brings along with it a subset of symptom . Obesity has several symptoms like snoring, sleeping too much or difficulty in sleeping, pain in neck or joints, excessive sweating, feeling hot with inability to exert, lethargy and fatigue depression etc.

Reasons for Obesity
Lack of physical activity, high calorie unhealthy diets, genetic predisposition, family history etc. are some the common factors that lead to obesity. Certain medical conditions like Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary, under activity etc. also lead to weight gain and thus obesity in the long run.

Bariatric Surgery Solution for Obesity
Following a healthy diet with lots of greens and fruits along with frequent water intake and regular exercise, serve to keep one healthy. However, in case of extreme obesity medical help is required. Bariatric surgery is a gastrointestinal operation that cause therapeutic weight loss. Shalby has a team of experts in bariatric surgery who combine their skills and experience to help patient's obesity problem. Bariatric Surgery is an effective alternative to treat severe obesity.

Swine Flu

2009-06-22T10:32:00.003+05:30

Swine Flu Scare in Ahmedabad :
The pandemic spread of swine flu cases have been in the media lime light across the globe. Though, so far Gujarat had remained untouched with no reported cases of swine flu. However, the recent swine flu scare in Ahmedabad, caused major panic as airports authorities, already on alert, swung into action for quarantining suspected patients and health departments geared up for eventualities. A 30-year-old woman, was admitted to VS hospital where she has been kept in the isolation ward.
Let us take a close look at what exactly is swine flu and other elated information.

What is Swine Flu(H1N1) :
The new virus referred as H1N1 in medical parlance and commonly as Swine flu, is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009 and soon after patients reported sick with the new virus in Mexico and Canada. The virus spreads from person to person just as is the case with regular cases of influenza. The origin of the disease, though, is till under investigation.

Why the Name Swine Flu :
This disease is commonly called “swine flu” because laboratory tests showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. However, it is now emerged that it has genes from flu viruses that infect pigs in Europe and Asia , avian genes and human genes as well. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, there has been sporadic cases where H1N1 originated from pigs and then at some point was transmitted to humans.

The origin of then Virus :
Pigs can be infected by avian, human and swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can rearrange their genes through mutation and new ones emerge that are a mixture of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses. Therefore, pigs act as a “mixing pot” of different viruses and human influenza viruses, which may lead to the emergence of potential new human influenza viruses.

Can You Catch it from Pigs :
No. This Swine flu strain is one that is communicable through human-to-human contact. It is a mutated form of a swine virus.

Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu :
The symptoms of Swine flu similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include high temperatures, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, chills and tiredness. Also, diarrhea and vomiting are other reported symptoms in people infected with swine flu. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing and people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it.

Medicines :
The drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus is commonly used under a doctor's prescription. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness.

Vaccination :
At present there are no vaccines that can contain the novel swine flu virus. It is not known whether current human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection. Influenza viruses change very quickly.

Precautions :
1. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose it off properly in the trash
2. informed through articles like this/news/alerts on TV, Internet, Newspaper
3. Wash your hands with Alcohol-based hand cleaners after a coughing sneezing bout.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
5. Confine yourself to your home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours and avoid contact with people as far -as possible
6. Public health departments of countries across the globe have been issuing alerts and and advices on the pandemic such as on air travel, school closure etc. Pay attention to them and act accordingly.

Conclusion :
According to World Health Organization, WHO, the overall intensity of the influenza pandemics moderate and is based on scientific evidence available to WHO, as well as reports from its Member States on the pandemic's impact on their health systems, and their social and economic functioning. Thus WHO concludes that most people recover from infection without the need for hospitalization or medical care and overall, national levels of severe illness from influenza A(H1N1) appear similar to levels seen during local seasonal influenza periods. Also, large outbreaks of disease have not yet been reported in many countries, and the full clinical spectrum of disease is not yet known.

Blood Donation Day

2009-06-03T08:47:00.002+05:30

The Importance of World Blood Donation Day
The world Blood donation day falls on June 14th The World Health Assembly honors Karl Landsteiner, the Nobel laureate who discovered the ABO blood group system, by declaring and celebrating his birthday as World Blood donation day. The importance of this day can never be underestimated because there are millions of people whose life has been saved due to the noble act of faceless blood donors. However, there is still a huge need to donate blood as many do not have access to safe blood in the times of their need.

How Blood Saves Life
Red Blood Cells are a prerequisite for surgery or after an accident to replace the blood volume and maintain the oxygen flow in the body. Similarly victims of burns, hemophilia and other patients of blood disorders require blood transfusion. Also, cancer stricken patients require blood donation to replace platelets lost in the process of chemotherapy which is a routine treatment for most types of cancer.

Donor Eligibility
The standard protocol for donor eligibility define the donor as being healthy adult at least 17 yrs old and at least weighing 110 pounds. Also, he or she should not have donated blood in the last eight weeks.The donation process itself ensures other aspects of the donor's health as each donor undergoes certain examination during which temperature, pulse, blood pressure and blood count (hemoglobin or hematocrit) are measured.

The Need for Regular Blood Donation
The donated blood is preserved and refrigerated in bags however its shelf life is not for long. That is why blood has to be collected on an ongoing basis and the supply has to be maintained. The Food and Drug Administration allows refrigerated blood to be stored up to 42 days for transfusion.

Blood Donation Theme for 2009
The global theme for 2009 aims at achieving cent percent voluntary donation of blood and blood components while laying stress on improving the safety and sufficiency of blood supply. As more and more nations achieve the goal of 100 per cent voluntary and non-remunerated blood donation, there is increasing understanding about the essential role of voluntary and regular donors. Not only are they the safest blood donors, they are also agents of of uninterrupted national blood supplies that can meet the needs of patients requiring blood and blood components.

Conclusion
This June make a pledge to be a regular donor. The process is simple and safe. Always remember that your act of blood donation can help save your friend, loved ones, relatives and at deeper levels is a also a self serving gesture in which all eligible should participate.

Medical Tourism In India

2009-04-28T13:02:00.004+05:30

Shalby Centre of Excellence: Catalyzing the Prospects of Medical Tourism in Gujarat
The buzz around the concept of patients travelling across borders to get quality health care, also popularly called Medical tourism or health tourism, has touched high notes. Not that it is a new concept because thousands of years ago in ancient Greece, patients came from all over the Mediterranean and wealthy Europeans travelled to spas from Germany to the Nile in 18th Century. A CII-McKinsey study on healthcare says medical tourism predicts Rs 5,000- Rs 10,000 crore market for tertiary hospitals by 2012. However, one needs to look at various factors that push the potential of India as a Medical Tourism hub. One of the best indicators, of growth in the sector is the number of institutes/ organizations that provide health care of international standards and steadily build up as brand of quality health service in the minds and hearts of its clientele.

Shalby on the Medical Tourism Map
Shalby hospitals founded in 1994 by Dr Vikram Shah – the doyen of Knee Replacement surgery in Indian and abroad, began with Total Knee Replacement Surgery and its reputation as the premier centre for TKR is established and keeps growing all over India and among international clientele. Mostly medical travel is about keeping the costs down, saving time while waiting for turns, ease and affordable International travel and a the high reputation of Indian doctors in the west particularly US and Europe. Shalby fulfills all these with the quality of care equal to or even better than hospitals in the United States or Europe. Also being placed in Gujarat gives it gets a distinct and advantageous edge.

Medical Tourism: Advantage Gujarat
Gujarat has various advantages and the large population base of Non Resident Gujaratis living in the UK and USA is one of the major ones. A total of 20 million-plus Indians are spread across the world out of which 6 million are Gujaratis which comes to 30 per cent of the total NRI population. The NRGs not only come to India for personal and medical visits but become an important link in spreading the word by way of mouth, building awareness about medical facilities available and also catalyzing and influencing patient choices. Also, Indian doctors, particularly Gujaratis enjoy a high reputation as doctors in the developed countries and keep participating in world medical conferences to update themselves of the latest developments in the medical field.

Among the other advantages are the highly qualified specialists in the field of Cardiology, Joint Replacements, Urology, Embryology, Orthodontics, Oncology and Orthopedics. The facilities and equipment available at the hospitals are comparable with the best hospitals in the country and even the world. The other major advantage the big industries in the field of Pharma and Bio-technology which are located in Gujarat. Its close association with health industry is an important factor that catalyzes the medical tourism factor. The prospect of Gujarat turning into medical tourism hotspot is immense, the indication of which can well be seen in Anand which has already turned into a global destination for couples seeking fertility treatment.

Not to forget the proactive approach of the state government that announced a medical tourism policy in 2006, aimed at better health care facilities and exposure for the medical fraternity. Under this policy a ‘Medicity' is also being set up sate of the art health facilities.

Stem cell Therapy the future of Health care

2009-04-04T12:12:00.005+05:30

Stem Cells : Future of Medicine
With advancement in Medical technology, Stem Cells are touted to emerge as tomorrow’s pills─ yes live cells will rejuvenate the diseased organs and tissue systems and in not so distant a future, will even regrow them entirely. The future inched in closer when President Barack Obama overturned an important medical research policy of Bush regime by ending restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research which is considered crucial for the development of new medical treatments. It is a miracle waiting in the wings to arise sooner than later. The glimpse of the miracle can be had in the case of Kamini Patel who recovered from a terminal heart condition after having stem cell therapy in Shalby under the able guidance of Dr Shalin Thakore.

Shalby Stem Cell Therapy :
Seeing her now, it would be difficult to believe that 33 year old Kamini Patel, a housewife and mother, was on the verge of dying a few years ago. Six days after her baby was born Kamini developed severe breathlessness. She suffered from Dilated Cardiomyopathy – a condition in which her Ejection Fraction (EF), a parameter to measure the performance of the heart was only 4% (A normal healthy individual’s EF is about 60%). The breathlessness was so severe that all she could do was sit. She could neither walk, move or even sleep because her breathlessness worsened with any activity.

The Stem Cell Therapy involved harvesting stem cells by processing the blood which took approximately four days. The Stem Cells were delivered to her sick heart muscles through a process similar to coronary angiography by passing a catheter from an artery of her thigh into the heart. Within 10 days her EF increased to 15% and she was able to walk and within seven days Kamini was able to sleep without discomfort. The stem cells had saved her from sure death.

Stem Cell as Panacea:
Diabetes, cancer, heart ailments, Alzheimer's--all are deadly and often incurable diseases but stem cells will soon relegate them to history. These aren't the only conditions that stem cells have the potential to cure but also other diseases of kidney, Parkinson, spinal paralysis and severe burns etc. Substituting deceased brain cells with healthy new ones could cure Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke-related damage. Similarly replenishing dead pancreatic cells with new insulin-producing islet cells could banish diabetes or injecting fresh liver cells could totally rejuvenate a sick liver. The list of potential cures is almost unending.

Although it may sound like Sci-fi, predictions of how stem cells cure a myriad of diseases are based upon solid evidence. The unique case of Kamini in Shalby is a case in point. Stem cells from a variety of sources have shown amazing potential in animals and in the lab Stem cells probably are realization of the mythical stories about panacea or the ‘elixir of life’ that we all have encountered in fables and mythological tales. Only now they are turning out to be so real.