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Best prebiotic foods you must include in your diet

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 17, 2022
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Prebiotics help the healthy bacteria to grow and aid in better gut health. Here are best prebiotics that you must consume every day.

There is a vast community of over 100 trillion microbes in our gut that regulates many important functions in our body from digestion, metabolism, nutrition to immunity. If there are more unhealthy microbes as compared to healthy ones in our intestine, it may lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and other disorders. It is important to restore this imbalance by ensuring your body has gut-friendly bacteria. Prebiotics are special plant fibres that promote growth of such bacteria and this aids in making the digestive better. Prebiotics are basically a source of nutrition for your gut’s healthy bacteria. They cannot be digested by the body and go to your lower digestive tract, where they help the healthy bacteria to grow and help your gut to become healthy. Apples, berries, barley, banana, garlic, green vegetables, legumes, onions and tomatoes are all examples of prebiotics.

“Prebiotics are a form of dietary fibre that feed the “friendly” bacteria in your gut. These healthy fibres include inulin, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, beta glucans, pectins, and resistant starches,” nutritionist Lovneet Batra wrote in her recent Instagram post.

Here are the best prebiotic foods suggested by Batra that you can add to your diet:

GARLIC

Garlic acts as a prebiotic by promoting the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria in the gut. It also helps prevent disease-promoting bacteria from growing

ONION

Onions are a versatile vegetable that is rich in inulin and FOS. FOS strengthens gut flora, helps with fat breakdown, and boosts your immune system by increasing nitric oxide production in cells

FLAXSEEDS

The fibre content of flaxseeds is from mucilage gum, cellulose and lignin. It promotes healthy gut bacteria and reduces the amount of dietary fat that you digest and absorb.

BANANA

Bananas are another low-fructose fruit that are fibre-rich and contain inulin, a substance that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

BARLEY

Barley is a popular cereal that is high in Beta-glucan, a prebiotic fibre that promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in your digestive tract. The beta-glucan in barley has also been shown to lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

MHIL to provide up to Rs 300 crore funds to Max Hospitals and Allied Services

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 16, 2022
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Synopsis

Further, the company said its board has also approved the issuance of sponsor’s undertaking to the lending bank or financial institutions to Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital (BNH) to affirm that it would continue to hold 100 per cent in stake in Max Hospitals and Allied Services Ltd (MHASL) and meet the shortfall arising due to cost and time overruns for the project.

Max Healthcare Institute Ltd on Thursday said its board has approved providing funding of up to Rs 300 crore to its wholly-owned arm Max Hospitals and Allied Services Ltd to partly finance the cost of Phase-I expansion of bed capacity at Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai. The company’s board, at its meeting held on Thursday, approved the funding by way of loan or deposit or investment in its securities up to Rs 300 crore, Max Healthcare Institute Ltd (MHIL) said in a regulatory filing.

Further, the company said its board has also approved the issuance of sponsor’s undertaking to the lending bank or financial institutions to Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital (BNH) to affirm that it would continue to hold 100 per cent in stake in Max Hospitals and Allied Services Ltd (MHASL) and meet the shortfall arising due to cost and time overruns for the project.

Under the Phase-I expansion plan, 329 beds will be added at BNH, taking the total bed capacity to 660 beds. It is expected to be completed in 2025, the filing added.

On the raltionale behind the step , MHIL said BNH has been experience high occcupancy and increase in patient footfalls.

“Give the growing demand for quality healthcare due to increased penetration of insurance, preponderance of lifestyle disease, aging population and rise in affordability, it is necessary to invest in expansion of the bed capacity at BNH, in order to cater to expected increase in demand for healthcare services. “the filing said.

Meanwhile, the company said the allotment of land parcel of 6.11 acres at Sector 53 Gurugram has been cancelled by Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) on the grounds that a part of the land measuring 2.58 acre has not been transferred to it by the builder in compliance with license conditions.

The facts came to light on December 14, 2022 during disposal of the writ petition filed by the company at Punjab and Haryana High Court against HSVP for issuing directions to execute and register the conveyance deed, MHIL said, adding, it is taking appropriate legal advice on the matter.

10 tips to keep your lungs healthy

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 15, 2022
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There are some significant steps you may take to lower your chances of developing a lung disease. Here are some suggestions by expert for maintaining lung health.

Our lungs are sometimes taken for granted and for the most part, we don’t need to worry about them because they keep us healthy and alive but because of this, giving attention to your lung health is crucial. Our body has a built-in defensive mechanism that keeps dust and bacteria out of the lungs however, there are some significant steps you may take to lower your chance of developing lung disease.

You might experience health issues even if you lead a healthy lifestyle hence, watch out for the signs of unhealthy lungs. They could indicate you have asthma (a lung problem that makes it hard to breathe) or you can be suffering from a lung infection or another problem so consult your doctor if you see them.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pawankumar Biraris, Consultant Chest Physician and Interventional Pulmonologist at Medicover Hospital in Navi Mumbai, shared some suggestions for maintaining lung health –

1. No smoking: Cigarette, bidi or any kind of tobacco smoke exposure leads to cancer and many other lung diseases . Avoidance of such smoke exposure is key aspect of prevention.

2. Avoid indoor pollution: Smoke from mosquito coils , scented candles, chulha smoke also damages lungs. Allergy to dust or strong smells, mould exposure manifesting as sneezing , runny nose or breathing issues is a frequent problem. To prevent it use a damp mop or cloth that can trap and lock dust while cleaning. Ensure appropriate ventilation with use of windows and doors . Avoid exposure to bird droppings especially pigeons.

3. Avoid outdoor air pollution: There is a lot which can be done to reduce air pollution . At personal level avoid burning wood, trash etc. Use bicycles, carpools, railways to reduce carbon emission. Plant trees to save earth and save yourself.

4. Exercise: Avoid exercising in polluted environment. Aim for at least 20 minutes of consistent, moderately exercise like a brisk walk which is great for lungs as well as heart. For patients with lung disease learn exercises from experts like diaphragmatic beathing , purse lip breathing and participate in pulmonary rehabilitation.

5. Yoga, Pranayama: Simple breathing techniques and pranayama has been shown to protect the lung health from centuries. Practicing these simple techniques is the healthy lung lifestyle.

6. Prevent infection: Regular use of appropriate face masks has shown benefit in Covid-19 as well as tuberculosis. This is a simple and one of the most cost-effective way to prevent lung infection.

7. Vaccination: For individuals at high risk of infection, vaccination for influenza virus , pneumococcal bacteria are utmost important for prevention of pneumonia. Consult your doctor and get more information about these vaccines.

8. Compliance with treatment: Patients with lung diseases should not stop their regular medications without consulting a doctor.

9. Lung heath check: Regular lung heath check is recommended , especially for people with family history of lung diseases, occupational exposure , current or reformed smokers and people staying in polluted areas.

10. Educate: Educational drives for children and adolescents about the harmful effects of traditional tobacco smoking and newer tobacco products like E-cigarettes, hukkah parlours should be conducted. ‘Educate a child , educates a family and build a healthy nation.’

Zika Virus: Prevention tips from experts

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 14, 2022
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Zika Virus: From using condoms for sexual intercourse to avoiding travel to areas with ongoing Zika transmission, here are a few prevention measures that should be taken.

Zika Virus: A five-year-old girl from Karnataka has tested positive for Zika virus, marking the first case of the virus in the state. Zika virus, a mosquito-borne virus, usually transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, causes the illness known as Zika (ZEE ka). Dr. Sanjay Gupta, senior consultant, internal medicine, Paras Hospital spoke of the ways that the virus can spread to HT Lifestyle – “By having unprotected sex with an infected individual or by being bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito, a person might contract the disease. Babies’ birth abnormalities have been demonstrated to be associated with infections during pregnancy. It can be challenging to pinpoint precise regions where the Zika Virus is spreading, and those locations may vary over time.”

Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram further added the prevention tips that we should take in order to avoid contracting the virus:

Vector or mosquito-based precautions – Avoid stagnant water collection, cleaning pots and coolers. Using EPA approved mosquito repellent (DEET) is preferred. Larvicidal measures such as permethrin is desirable. Prefer full clothing and light wear clothes while going out and for kids.

Sexual prevention: Use of condoms for safe sex and sexual abstinence for 2 -3 months for both women and men if suspected or while travelling to area of ongoing Zika transmission. It is recommended if there is an accidental exposure, to consider emergency contraception measures at an earliest.

For traveling: Avoiding travel to areas with ongoing Zika transmission via travel health and vaccine clinic and expertise is recommended. Even in case of traveling, active screening of infection and using full blown preventive measures should be taken.

Dr Sanjay Gupta further added prevention tips for pregnant women – “Avoid going to any places where the Zika virus is present. If you must visit these locations, see your doctor first and firmly adhere to the recommended mosquito-bite prevention measures. -When using condoms with male partners who have visited these regions, always use them correctly.” For babies, he recommended, that bug repellent should not be used on them. Instead, child carrier or car seat should be enclosed in a mosquito net.

Nutritional recommendations for type 1 diabetes in children

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 13, 2022
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Parents need to learn to manage the food intake of the child with type 1 diabetes while keeping their condition in mind without making the kid feel restricted with food choices and train her/him for the same. Here are nutritional recommendations by experts for managing type 1 diabetes in children.

Type one Diabetes Mellitus is an autoimmune condition characterized by insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia in people with underlying genetic susceptibility. The diagnosis is established based on the tests, fasting blood glucose (FBS), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or random plasma glucose (along with characteristic signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia), using standards recommended by American Diabetes Association.

As per the ICMR (Indian Council Of Medical Research), there are certain guidelines laid down for the management of nutrition in Type I DM as nutrition and lifestyle management play a vital role. The diagnosis of yype 1 diabetes in a child can be harsh to take as the child becomes dependent on the external supply of insulin through injections or insulin pipes as the body no longer produces insulin, an essential hormone.

The parents need to learn to manage the food intake of the child while keeping the condition in mind without making the child feel restricted with food choices and train the child for the same. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Moumita Routh, Dietician at Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital in Bangalore’s Koramangala, advised, “One of the important choices that need to be made is with regard to the diet of the child. The nutrients are essential for healthy growth. Carbohydrates are essential to the supply of energy. The monitored consumption of complex carbs like vegetables and whole grain is the best replacement for simple carb like those found in white bread that spikes up the sugar level.”

She cautioned, “Children should also be kept away from food that contains saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol along with high amounts of salt to keep children safe from heart risks and high blood pressure, both of which are the risk factors of Type 1 diabetes in children. Avoid sugary drinks and treats, however on special occasions balance the consumption throughout the day.”

Bringing her expertise to the same, Sharanya Shastry, Sports and Clinical Nutritionist, suggested a few recommendations for managing type 1 diabetes in children –

1- Complex carbohydrates to be included:

Generally, carbs are thrown out of the diet but in the case of pediatrics and adolescents, it is going to hamper their growth. Hence including complex carbs like millet (locally grown – Foxtail millet, jowar, adlay seed extract, whole wheat bread with hummus as a spreading) is beneficial but yes, you don’t have to rule out carbs totally from the diet.

2- Including good quality protein

In children especially, protein of good quality and bioavailability is extremely important for growth and repair. They are made of amino acids and act as building blocks for the body and they also prevent sugar spikes. Including boiled eggs with breakfast (especially boiled egg whites daily), including lean cuts of meat (chicken breast – specifically in the form of a stew or a soup or boiled, fish – steamed or in the form of a fish cutlet) can show better results biochemically and psychologically. Meat fried, canned, or stored for a longer duration is generally avoided since they contain trans fat.

Other vegetarian sources are –

Horse gram soup
Oat–chia smoothie using low-fat milk with pea protein powder isolate (unflavored)
Soya (fermented, called MISO) or
Hand pound rice with vegetable dal – for any one meal or Multigrain bread stuffed with bell peppers, cucumbers, and hummus as a spreading
Oats- green gram chila are some of the delicious options

3- Including good fats

For growing children, controlling their food choices are extremely challenging. Hence including omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in the form of sesame, walnuts, flaxseeds, and sunflower seeds in the forms of laddus, smoothies/shakes. Home-made ghee when consumed within the limit (1tsp/day) prevents spikes and keeps the person full. Therefore than consuming artificial butter/readymade cheese it is advisable to give your kids a tsp of homemade ghee to make the meal more nutritious and tastier. Anything fermented (homemade batter for idli/dosa), miso, and kombucha are better alternatives.

4- Fiber

It is important to include an adequate amount of fiber in the diet but when it comes to kids, this might give rise to constipation or bloating, or acidity if there’s not much physical activity. Hence including the right mix of insoluble and soluble fiber is essential. Example – whole wheat ajwain-peas parents with home-set curd and boiled channa/chole or kidney beans – corn-bell pepper-zucchini salad or a vegetable roll or an oat pancake with some tangy vegetable sauce are exciting options in a way through which you can push in fiber in the meal.

5 – Sweeteners

Sweeteners are much more sweeter than sugar and when not consumed in adequate quantity, they can cause hyperglycemia and it can get very addictive.

Therefore, reading the food labels and their nutritional value is very essential whenever you are buying any such ready-to-eat products. It is also quintessential to note that diets that motivate you to starve or deprive yourself of calories or put you on any salads or soups are not sustainable.

Ayurveda tips: 5 herbs for people with diabetes to prevent heart attack

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 12, 2022
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Heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest cases are on rise across the country and people with diabetes are twice at risk. Ayurveda expert talks about five herbs for diabetics that they consume to prevent risk of heart attack.

Heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest cases are on rise across the country and even younger people leading apparently healthy lifestyles are found to have hidden cardiac issues that sometimes do not have any symptoms. Covid has played its own role in weakening our hearts while the cocktail of sedentary lifestyle and stress could prove to be deadly for cardiac health. People with diabetes are twice at risk of heart attack or stroke compared to people who are not suffering from the metabolic disorder.

As the diabetes progresses, the heart health deteriorates and one becomes susceptible to sudden cardiac events. High blood sugar over the time can damage blood vessels and the nerves of the heart. Diabetics have other complications too that often accompany the disease like high blood pressure which can further affect heart function. So, if you have diabetes and your blood sugar levels remain uncontrolled most of the times, your heart is likely to be affected and it is important for you to make appropriate lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, staying active and lowering stress levels can help people with diabetes in not only maintaining healthy blood sugar levels but also optimum heart health.

Herbs for diabetics that can prevent heart attack

“People with diabetes (especially senior citizens) are more prone to heart diseases (high cholesterol, hypertension which eventually leads to heart attacks) due to reduced metabolism and liver function over a period of time due to being on diabetes medications,” writes Ayurveda expert Dr Dixa Bhavsar in her recent Instagram post.

Dr Bhavsar also suggests 5 herbs that can help manage sugar levels effectively and even prevent heart diseases:

1. Punarnava

It is the best diuretic which helps reduce sugar levels, blood pressure and even cholesterol. It is also good for liver, kidneys and eyes and is useful in preventing diabetic retinopathy, and nephropathy. It also improves metabolism.

How to take

You can have 2-5 gm of punarnava on an empty stomach daily.

2. Shunthi

Freshly crushed dry ginger powder is best cardio-protective and wonderful for metabolism. It also reduces overall inflammation and is good for heart.

How to take

You can have half tsp of it before meals once a day with warm water.

3. Marich (black pepper)

This easily available herb can aid in improving insulin sensitivity, digestion and even reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides helping you prevent heart attacks especially in senior citizens.

How to take

You can take 1 black pepper daily in the morning.

4. Ela (Cardamom)

It is best for heart health and helps improve sugar levels by reducing cravings for sweet foods. Also relieves excess thirst – which is often experienced in diabetes patients.

How to take

It can be taken in tea, or powder of 1 elaichi can be taken 1 hour post meal with warm water.

5. Arjun-Chaal

It is the best herb for prevention of heart diseases as well as improving its function. Good for every kind of heart issue from blood pressure, cholesterol to tachycardia.

How to take

Every person with diabetes or heart disease in genes should consume it as a tea at bedtime.

“I request you all to incorporate these herbs in the routine for patients with diabetes, obesity (and high sugar levels), insulin resistance, heart diseases in genes. These herbs are best for senior citizens’ heart health,” says Dr Bhavsar.

How oxytocin drives connections of newly integrated adult-born neurons: Research

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 10, 2022
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To better understand brain plasticity, a team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’ Hospital used mouse models to investigate how brain cells build connections with new neurons born in adult brains.

The brain’s capacity to change itself by reorganising preexisting neural networks and establishing new ones to gain new functional qualities enables learning new skills, mastering a musical instrument, and adapting to the environment’s constant change. Additionally, this aids in the stability, strength, and health of neuronal circuits.

To better understand brain plasticity, a team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’ Hospital used mouse models to investigate how brain cells build connections with new neurons born in adult brains. Their findings, published in the journal Genes & Development, not only expand our understanding of brain plasticity but also open new possibilities for treating certain neurodevelopmental disorders and repairing injured circuits in the future.

“In this study, we wanted to identify new molecules that help new neurons build connections in the brain,” said corresponding author Dr. Benjamin R. Arenkiel, professor of molecular and human genetics and neuroscience at Baylor and the Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s. “We worked with the olfactory bulb, the part of the brain that is involved in the sense of smell. In mice, the olfactory bulb is a highly plastic sensory area and has a remarkable capacity to maintain plasticity into adulthood via continuous integration of adult-born neurons. We discovered that oxytocin, a peptide, or short protein, produced in the brain, drives events that contribute to neural circuit plasticity.”

The researchers discovered that the levels of oxytocin increase in the olfactory bulb, peaking at the time the new neurons incorporate themselves into neural networks. Using viral labeling, confocal microscopy and cell-type specific RNA sequencing, the team discovered that oxytocin triggers a signaling pathway – a series of molecular events inside cells – that promotes the maturation of synapses, that is, the connections of newly integrated adult-born neurons. When the researchers eliminated the oxytocin receptor, the cells had underdeveloped synapses and impaired function.

“Importantly, we found that synapse maturation occurs by regulating the morphological development of cells and the expression of a number of structural proteins,” said Arenkiel, a MacNair Scholar at Baylor.

“The most exciting aspect of this study is that our findings suggest that oxytocin drives development and synaptic integration of new neurons within the adult brain, directly contributing to adaptability and circuit plasticity,” said first author Brandon T. Pekarek, a graduate student – research assistant in the Arenkiel lab.

The findings, which are relevant to all mammals, including humans, open new possibilities to improve neurological conditions. “Oxytocin is normally present in our brain, so if we understand how to turn it on or off or mobilize it, we can help keep our circuit connections healthy by promoting the growth of underdeveloped connections or strengthening new ones,” Arenkiel said. “Our findings also suggest that oxytocin could promote the growth of new neurons to repair damaged tissue. Further studies are needed to explore these possibilities.”

Ayurveda expert on herbs to help keep flu, RSV and Omicron at bay

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 9, 2022
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A strong immune system protects one from disease-causing agents and lowers chances of experiencing severe symptoms in case of any infections, says Dr Archana Sukumaran.

Winter is the season of piping hot tea and coffee, staying curled up in your blankets and also of cold, cough and fever that threaten to ruin the joy associated with the cold months. A good immunity can help you be at the top of your health and cut risk of getting infected with seasonal flu, RSV and new strains of Covid and Omicron. The symptoms of all these viral and respiratory infections are similar and most of the people are reporting fever, cough, cold, runny nose, sore throat, headaches and sneezing. In fact, flu, RSV and Covid are together raising hospitalisation cases especially in children in US and other parts of the world.

Ayurveda recommends different herbs, foods and other tips depending on the Ritucharya to cope with seasonal changes. According to the ancient medicinal practice, winter season is divided into two spans based on the intensity of the cold. The first half is called Hemanta, with comparatively milder chill, while the other half, with a more chill, is known as Sisira.

“As we all know, winters are more or less lethargic. This feeling tends to escalate the dosha in the body with this same lethargy, the Kapha. Winters are generally believed to be the Kapha season. When it is stabilised, it brings strength to the body, while on its countermand, it causes all the winter blues in the form of cold, flu, muscle stiffness, etc,” says Dr Archana Sukumaran of Kerala Ayurveda.

“Some authors also believe that Vata dosha is also on the verge of rising due to increased coldness and dryness in the atmosphere. According to Ayurveda, the winters are also the season that gives the most strength to the body,” adds Dr Archana.

Herbs and remedies to boost your immunity

Dr Archana says the endurance of the body changes as the conditions change and a strong immune system protects one from disease-causing agents and lowers chances of experiencing severe symptoms in case of any infections.

“Each season requires a distinct regimen and food to deal with the outside environment and temperature,” says the Ayurveda experts.

She also suggests a few herbs that can be effectively incorporated into your diet to boost your immunity.

● Shundi (Zingiber officinale): The constant companion of all delicious Indian meals, dry ginger is the best herb that can impart immunity. It has abundant potential to normalize the digestive fire and reduce the accumulation of Ama, the product of improper digestion, the key factor for forming flu-like symptoms. This Gastrointestinal stimulant has an expressive immunomodulatory property that helps to impart tissue-level protection.

How to include in your diet

Dry ginger can be most effectively incorporated into your diet as an infusion to teas, mild sugar, dry ginger candy, or even a pinch to enhance the taste of your salads. Tuss nil syrup is enriched with Shundi, which can help keep a dry cough away.

● Amla (Emblica Officinalis): The sour goodness of Indian gooseberry is well acclaimed throughout the world. This tiny fruit is filled with innumerable health benefits.

How to include in your diet

Simply munching on this sour punch, pickling it, or even having a glass of gooseberry juice can tremendously help you gain Vitamin C. You can also try Amla effervescent tablets or Chyavanprash to improve your strength, immunity, and longevity. Although there are plenty of companies manufacturing chyavanprash, for best results, go for the original formula that uses a wild variety of amlas rich in tannin instead of the large hybrid ones.

● Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): The aromatic goodness of Indian basil is not only a compulsory component of religious rituals but a vital factor available in our homes that can enhance immunity responses to its optimum. Although it mildly increases pitta content, it normalises the function of both Vata and Kapha entities. It has antimicrobial action that helps to protect the body, particularly the respiratory system, against pathogenic interventions.

How to take

Inhaling the steam of tulsi-infused water is an ideal method to relieve respiratory congestion.

● Haridra (Curcuma longa): The compulsory ingredient of every Indian home, turmeric is a must-have herb to boost immunity. It has Usha Virya (Hot potency) with Krimighna (Antimicrobial) action. It is a natural detoxifying agent that helps to improve immunity. It relieves depression, anxiety, and other cognitive malfunctions and improves mental health.

How to add it to your diet

Consuming the revolutionary Golden milk is the best yet most simple you can adopt daily to impart the wellness of Haridra in your lives. You can also try turmeric effervescent tablets to improve your immunity.

● Black pepper/Long pepper: Pepper is one of the best herbs to balance Kapha because of its hot potency.

How to add it to your diet

You can include pepper in your diet or in delicious recipes such as soups or Rasam to keep cold at bay. Agasthyarasayanam, an original formula with long pepper as one of the ingredients, helps keep cold and cough at bay while acting as a lung detox.

Other Ayurveda recipes for Flu season

Doing nasya with Anu thailam, a unique blend of 30 balancing ingredients such as leptadenia or jivanti, liquorice or yashtimadhu, fragrant swamp mallow or hrivera & Indian bael or Bilva, and other herbs processed in goat’s milk and sesame oil helps in clearing the accumulated doshas from the nasal passage and helps you breathe better.

– Similarly, another popular Ayurvedic remedy- Karpooradi Thailam- a warming chest rub oil, soothes down and clears congestion in winter. Suitable even for kids, simply rub the oil over your chest and steam inhalation to enjoy uninterrupted breathing.

“Along with these, the proper dietary habits and the right regimen according to seasonal change is necessary to tune the body with the music of nature,” says Dr Archana.

Budget 2023: NATHEALTH seeks rationalisation of GST for healthcare sector

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 8, 2022
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Synopsis

In its submission to the finance ministry on Wednesday , the industry body said that the healthcare sector has not been able to derive the benefits of the GST transition in comparison to other sectors. In fact, the embedded taxes in the sector have increased in the post-GST regime compared to pre-GST period, it noted.

Healthcare industry body NATHEALTH has sought rationalisation of GST and enhanced insurance coverage especially in smaller cities and towns from the upcoming Budget.

n its submission to the finance ministry on Wednesday , the industry body said that the healthcare sector has not been able to derive the benefits of the GST transition in comparison to other sectors.

In fact, the embedded taxes in the sector have increased in the post-GST regime compared to pre-GST period, it noted.

The industry body has recommended imposition of 5 per cent merit rate on the output healthcare services for all healthcare establishments (both private and government) with the option to claim full input tax credits.
Levying 5 per cent GST rate on output services for all private hospitals and an optional dual rate structure for government healthcare establishments could be an alternative, it added.

Presently GST is exempt on the healthcare services. NATHEALTH recommends imposition of 5 merit rate on these services as this would allow healthcare service providers to claim input tax credit, thereby lowering their embedded taxes burden.

NATHEALTH also sought clearance of working capital arrears both for providers and procurement organisations.

“It is imperative to build infrastructural capabilities so that people have greater access to quality and critical healthcare services. Viability gap funding by the government is essential to set up hospitals in tier-1 and tier-2 cities, encouraging increased investment in the healthcare infrastructure,” NATHEALTH President Shravan Subramanyam said.

Uniform adoption of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is another imperative which calls for clearly defined delivery models for innovative modules developed by private players, he added.

“If all payment backlogs both for providers and suppliers under insurance and public procurement are cleared, it would significantly improve the availability of healthcare infrastructure,” Subramanyam said.
It also sought an increase in budgetary allocation for the health sector.

Omicron: 7 important tips to prevent Covid infection in winter season

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 5, 2022
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It is important for people to protect themselves from seasonal flu and the possible new immune strains of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. Here are some tips to follow.

Covid-19 pandemic is far from over and one needs to be especially cautious in winters as it’s the season of viral infections including influenza and Covid. Amid pandemic turning less aggressive and people dropping guards, scientists and infectious disease specialists warn that Covid appropriate measures should continue. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “Gaps in testing … and vaccination are continuing to create the perfect conditions for a new variant of concern to emerge that could cause significant mortality.” Omicron, the highly contagious variant of Covid, has more than 500 sublineages that is evolving fast. It is important to get tested when one has flu-like symptoms and wear masks in crowded areas. Regular hand-washing should not be ignored and it is important to keep good ventilation in offices, restaurants and other public areas.

“Covid 19 is a virus and we have been getting viral during the winters. It is important for people to protect themselves from seasonal flu and the possible new immune strains of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2. It’s essential to safeguard yourself from the cold weather and stay healthy throughout the season. Though it seems difficult, there are several ways to keep the commonly suffering ailments away from your family,” says Dr Rajesh Chawla, Senior Consultant Pulmonology and Critical Care, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi.

Sticking to the basic rules to prevent Covid spread, people should continue to follow measures to keep the deadly infection at bay. Children, elderly and those will chronic illnesses especially should be cautious.

Here are 7 tips to prevent Covid infection this winter season by Dr Chawla:

• Know the symptoms: The flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, but they are both infectious respiratory diseases, spread by droplets and aerosols when infected people cough, sneeze, speak, sing, breathe, etc. They have similar symptoms, including cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache and fatigue. People may have varying levels of illness with both the flu and COVID-19. Because symptoms are similar, it is important to take a test, so that treatment can begin quickly, if needed.

• Cover coughs and sneeze: Following a good respiratory hygiene is extremely important. It is important to cover the mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when one coughs or sneezes.

• Get vaccinated: It is essential to get vaccine. Elderly and those with underlying conditions like high blood pressure, lung and heart disease, diabetes, obesity or cancer must get them vaccinated. The more fully vaccinated people there are, the better protected they are as well.

• Wear a mask: Masks help stop people from spreading the virus or being infected when droplets containing the virus are inhaled or come directly into contact with the eyes, nose or mouth

• Keep physical distancing: It is important for all viral infections which can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. Understanding, the situation, it is advisable to Keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from other people

• Keep hands clean: People may pick up a virus by touching surfaces that have been contaminated, then touching your eyes, nose or mouth with those hands. Cleaning hands frequently eliminates germs that may be on the hands, including viruses.

• Meet outside or increase ventilation: All these viral infections including COVID-19 is more easily transmitted in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces and where people spend long periods of time together. Settings with increased risk of outbreaks include restaurants, offices and places of worship. Hence, it is advisable to go outside, whenever possible

“There is an increased risk of both the flu and COVID-19 circulating over the next few months. For a safer winter, it is important to understand the symptoms and who is at risk, get vaccinated, take steps to protect, and stay safe,” concludes Dr Chawla.