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Alzheimer’s Disease is a degenerative disease of the brain that’s characterised by loss of memory, difficulties in thinking, communication, intellectual activities and behavioural changes. This a progressive condition wherein the brain cells and cell connections die, destroying one’s memory and other crucial mental functions. Usually seen in people above 65 years of age, estimates say that there are about 2 Lakh people in Kerala who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

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Last year more than 8000 persons committed suicide in our small state of Kerala and at least 20 times as many attempted suicide. They had decided that death was an alternative to problems in their lives . Each one of them was a part of our community.

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Some time ago, a 20-year old engineering student walked into my clinic, along with her mother. Just as I told them to take their seats, she burst into to tears saying “Doctor, I’ve been diagnosed with poly cystic ovarian disease…will you please help me?”

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Cervical Cancer, caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), is the most commonly seen cancer in Indian women. This virus, which spreads through skin to skin contact , mostly during sexual activity . There are over 100 different types of HPV that have been identified.Apart from cervical cancer some of them can cause genital warts,vulvar, vaginal cancer and precancerous lesions namely CIN 1,2,3.It is estimated that majority of women get infected with HPV at some point in their life; but the infection usually clears off on its own, without causing any health complications.

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Your spine, or backbone, is what provides support to your body, by helping you stand, sit, bend, move and twist. Extending from the base of the skull to the extreme lower back and shaped like an ‘S’, the spinal column/ vertebrae, which protects the spinal cord against injuries, has 33 individual bones, interlocked to each other.

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Vitiligo is a disease in which the pigment cells of the skin (melanocytes) are destroyed in certain areas of the body. This leads to loss of skin color and formation of de-pigmented/ white on the skin. Vitiligo can be focal (localised to one area) or may affect several different areas on the body at the same.

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A person who has lost over 85% of the function of his/her kidneys is diagnosed to have end stage kidney failure. At this stage of kidney disease, the person cannot lead a comfortable life with medications alone ; he/she would have to undergo the treatment modality known as dialysis or undergo kidney transplantation surgery , if he/she is medically fit for the procedure.

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The main function of the kidneys is removal of waste products and excess water from the body and excrete them through urine. Hence, when the kidneys fail, waste products of metabolism and excess water accumulate in the body. Excess levels of the nitrogenous waste products in the blood leads to dysfunction of many other organs in human body.

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A brain stroke happens when the blood circulation to a part of the brain is affected. There are several reasons for this, but a common one is a block in the carotid artery, which is one of the main pathways for blood circulation to the brain. These blocks – called ‘plaques’ are usually the result of atherosclerosis, and are like what happens in the blood vessels in the heart, which results in a heart attack.

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Laparoscopy is undoubtedly one of the most efficient surgical techniques for management of gastro intestinal problems. A procedure that involves just 3 or 4 holes for a wide range of conditions management of hernias (inguinal, umbilical and incisional) to complex cases like removal of gall bladder (cholecystectomy) and surgery for colon cancer (colectomy), the advantages of laparoscopy include:

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What can be called as one of the most significant advancements in the field of cranial neurosurgery in the last decade, endoscopic skull base surgery has made brain tumour resection a scarless procedure.

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Back pain is a very, very uncommon problem in children as their spines are relatively flexible compared to that of adults.
So if your child complains of back pain or any related symptoms – especially if it aggravates after any physical or sports activity, make sure you seek immediate medical help.

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Diabetes causes neuropathy (weakness, numbness and pain due to nerve damage) and decreased circulation of blood in the legs. This can lead to minor cuts and blisters going unnoticed, which in turn leads to severe ulceration, raised plantar pressures and deformities of the toes and feet. Called ‘Diabetic Foot’, this is a potentially life-threating problem as infection-causing bacteria can enter these wounds easily, especially in immunocompromised (low or impaired immunity system) patients.

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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or chronic renal failure is a condition wherein there is a progressive loss of kidney function over a period of time, ranging from months to years. This condition, unlike acute kidney injury (temporary kidney failure that is reversible partially or completely) is permanent and irreversible.

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Enlargement of the prostate or BPH (Benign Prostate Hyperplasia) or Benign Enlargement of the Prostate (BEP) is a common, non-cancerous condition seen in men over 40 years of age. The enlarged prostate presses against the urinary tract, causing obstruction in the flow of urine and lower urinary tract symptoms. BPH can be managed medically or surgically. ​

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Infertility is defined as inability of a couple to conceive (have a baby) even after one year of unprotected sex. The field of infertility management is advancing rapidly, which means accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and improved outcomes.

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One of the most common cancers in men, prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate gland (the gland that secretes the fluid that nourishes and protects the sperm) start growing uncontrollably. Here are ten things you need to know about the prostate.​

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Let me tell you a real incident happened in a village in Kerala. Few years back some classmates gathered together for one of their friend’s marriage. Incidentally that was a very late marriage and these friends were meeting after several years. But that late meeting triggered off nostalgic feelings among then and that led to a WhatsApp and Facebook group formation and finally a get together of all 10th student batch mates studied in that village school.

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Do your snore? Do you wake up gasping for breath from your sleep? Does your breathing pause while you are sleeping? Do you feel drained/ excessively tired and fall asleep during daytime?

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Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are now well established as a standard means of effective treatment of coronary artery disease. Every year, millions of patients around the world benefit from these procedures that treat blockages in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the muscles of the heart.

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Good mental health is the most important requirement for living life to the fullest and having an optimal life experience. Good mental health is not merely absence of mental illness.

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Cholesterol is an essential element in the human body that helps in performing many vital functions. The human body has the capacity to produce the necessary amount of cholesterol. However, some cholesterol also gets into the body through the food we eat.

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While hereditary conditions contribute to the developing of high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy habits also leads to fluctuating blood pressure in many young people. Extreme levels of high or low pressure can lead to dangerous results like stroke, paralysis and even death.Thus it is necessary that all precautions are taken to keep blood pressure normal. Changes in lifestyle with daily exercise and incorporation of healthy eating habits can go a long way in keeping blood pressure levels normal.

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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, affect as many as five million people worldwide. The main difference between the two diseases is the parts of the digestive tract they affect. In Crohn’s disease, inflammation can affect any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract from the mouth to anus while ulcerative colitis affects the colon and the rectum.

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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. ​

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Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide for both men and women. It affects many people at midlife, as well as in old age. More than 17.3 million people lose their life each year to heart disease, a number that is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

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​Imagine you are driving on a highway. An accident on the road brings the traffic to a halt. The traffic police redirect vehicles and create an alternate route around the congestion. Finally, you are able to get back on the road and the route is clear. A heart bypass surgery procedure is pretty similar.

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Do you have swelling, pain and stiffness in a joint when you first wake up in the morning or when you get up from a chair? Moreover, are you finding it difficult to perform basic activities such as walking, even sitting and lying down or do simple tasks such as folding bed sheets and grasping a computer mouse? Then you are probably suffering from osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, a condition caused by the degeneration of cartilage in joints, which can become very painful.​

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Tetanus, an infection also known as lockjaw, is characterised by severe muscle spasms.The spasms, which start showing 3-20 days after the onset of infection, can lasts for minutes minutes occur very frequently for 3-4 weeks and are sometimes strong enough to cause bone fractures. Caused by a bacteria named Clostridium Tetani, the other symptoms of a tetanus infection, which usually spreads through broken skin, include fever, headache, trouble swallowing, high blood pressure, and a fast heart rate. It is estimated that about 10% of those infected by Tetanus die.

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Cancer, which is a mad multiplication of cells, is among the most fatal diseases known to mankind. There are more than 100 types of cancers; and of these, one of the most deadliest is stomach cancer or gastric cancer. A malignant tumour in the lining of the stomach, which later spreads on to the intestines and other organs, it is estimated that stomach cancer that kills over 50,000 people in India each year, and the numbers - unfortunately- are rising, especially in Kerala.

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“I am depressed’ is something that you hear from a lot of people; and in all possibilities would have said it yourself. Though used for denoting an emotional low or while going through tough times, “depression” is something serious, something that can change the mental fabric of a person’s mind if not treated properly at the right time. Characterised by consistent dull mood and inability to perform daily tasks, depression can even lead suicidal tendencies in extreme cases.

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Oral hygiene is probably the most ignored health habit, as most of us hardly follow the brushing-flossing-rinsing regime dedicatedly. Primarily due to lack of awareness and partly due to sheer laziness, maintaing oral hygiene is mostly reduced to one step - brushing. One should remember that good oral hygiene is the key to good health. Bad oral hygiene not only leads to bad breath and cavities in the teeth, but also other health problems including cardiovascular diseases.

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Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes itchy red blisters all over the body, along with fever. Once a person contracts chickenpox, it is unlikely that it might occur again.

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Peptic ulcers are open sores on the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. Gastric ulcer is a type of peptic ulcer that particularly occurs on the inside of the stomach.

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Lung cancer is the uncontrolled multiplication of cells that start off in one or both lungs; usually in the cells that line the air passages. The abnormal cells, which do not develop into healthy lung tissue, divide rapidly and form malignant tumours.

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People often attribute neck pain is muscle sprain. But it need not be so, you need to know why exactly there is a neck pain and seek medical help for treatment/ pain management if it occurs frequently.

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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) imaging have become essential diagnostic tools physicians use to detect cancer and to assess the degree of malignancy. Most patients undergo different types of scanning procedures to produce detailed images of potential cancer growth. Depending on the cancer, physicians may use MRI, mammography, CT, PET/CT or other technologies.

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Cervical spondylosis is an age related condition that impacts the neck joints. It occurs as a result of damage in the cartilage and bones of the cervical spine. This condition is also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis.

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Panic attacks or showing symptoms of panic disorder is a condition which causes uncontrolled fear, apprehension and anxiety. The physical symptoms include sweating, heart palpitations and nausea. According to medical experts, one in hundred people are affected by this condition which usually develops after the age of 20. Panic attacks can go undetected for a long time.

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Malnutrition is a condition in which the body is undernourished or consumes more nutrition than needed. Undernourishment is when the body does not get adequate vitamins, minerals and other nutrients adequately. When this happens, the body becomes weak and starts losing weight, leading to stunted growth and loss of energy.

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Treating cancer is far more advanced today than it was just a few years ago with a wide spectrum of treatment options available. Most often a patient’s treatment plan will call for radiation therapy as it is one of the most common treatments for cancer.

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Cancer, which means crab in Greek, was discovered as early as 1600 B.C, in Edwin Smith Papyrus and describes what appears to be breast cancer. A disease that’s dreaded for its fatal nature, cancer is a mad multiplication of cells and can affect any part of the body. It’s estimated that over 20,000 people die of Cancer every day, which is way more than the number of people who die of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria - combined.

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Breast cancer, cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts, is the most common type of cancer in Indian women. Though both men and women can suffer from this type of cancer, it is far more common in women. In India, breast cancer accounts for 25% to 31% of all cancers in women.

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Bell’s palsy is a condition that hinders the mobility of the facial muscles. Any damage to the seventh cranial nerve that controls these muscles can cause paralysis of the face. It can affect people between the ages of 16 and 60.

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Imagine a scenario where a robot and a human collaborate side by side to perform a complex surgery together. Robot assisted surgery began to be used initially for radical prostatectomy. Today this revolutionary approach involving highly advanced robotics is being used in an ever-increasing number of surgical cases by departments such as Gynecology, Bariatric Surgery, Oncology, Urology, and Surgical Gastroenterology.

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Tuberculosis (TB), one of the most common infections in the world, is seen in both adults and children. A communicable disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, the symptoms will only show only when the infection becomes active, which may take several weeks. The phase when an infected person does not show any symptoms is called inactive tuberculosis or latent tuberculosis infection.

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Pregnancy is a very crucial time in a woman’s life. During this phase, extra attention needs to be given to health and fitness. What you eat and how you exercise can determine a lot about your child’s life.

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Burns, one of the most common injuries, is something that needs to be tended with utmost care as it can cause extensive skin damage, permanent scarring and infection, in addition to severe pain, discomfort and associated complications. The degree and the cause of burns determine the chances of recovery, and it is very important to seek immediate medical attention if the injury/ extent of skin burnt is beyond what can be handled at home.

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A deadly disease spread by mosquitoes, dengue fever is usually seen in tropical/ subtropical areas. Also known as “breakbone” or “dandy fever”, dengue is usually accompanied by intense joint and muscle pain. The typical treatment for dengue fever is directed towards relief from symptoms.

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A fatal viral infection caused due to the bite / scratch of a rabid animal or an infected person, Rabies affects the central nervous system of the body, including the brain and spinal cord, leading to encephalopathy and eventually death. The incubation period of this infection is between 10 to 50 days from the time of exposure to the virus.

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Dyslexia, or developmental reading disorder, is characterised by difficulty in learning to read despite normal or above-average intelligence. This includes difficulty with phonological awareness, processing speed, auditory short-term memory, language skills, verbal comprehension, and/or rapid naming. There is no single sign that can predict if a person has a learning disability. .

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In today’s world, everyone wants to look good. People are ready to spend a fortune to enhance their looks and do everything possible to defy ageing. Though this obsession sounds like a normal thing these days, one should know that there is a mental disorder named Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), which makes a person think he/ she is ugly and prompts them to take drastic steps to look good. Though a person with BDD does not show symptoms of any mental illness, the signs are very evident - they start seeing themselves as ‘ugly’, avoid social gatherings and resort to cosmetic surgeries to look attractive.

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The lower back of the body is an intricate structure of interconnected and overlapping elements that include tendons & muscles, sensitive nerves & nerve roots, small & complex joints and spinal discs. Trauma or irritation in any of these elements, can cause lower back pain. This pain is quite common but the symptoms and severity can vary.

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A common respiratory disease, bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. As this membrane becomes thicker, the tiny airways in the lungs become narrow, resulting in cough, phlegm and breathlessness. Bronchitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute Bronchitis usually improves within a few days, whereas Chronic Bronchitis, which is a serious condition that’s included as one of the conditions in Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD), can last for several days or even reoccur.

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Allergies can really disrupt the entire routine of our lives. We have to think twice before going out and if we do, we need to watch what we eat. The best way to deal with allergies is to know what triggers them.

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Stuffy nose, water eyes, headache and continuous sneezing. Can it be sinusitis?

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Deciding whether to undergo a knee replacement surgery or not is a very difficult decision to make. It is not easy because patients need to understand the risks as well as benefits associated with this procedure. Here is all you need to know about a knee replacement surgery.

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Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS is a fatal disease that occurs when the body gets infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). A devastating condition that affects the human immune system, the virus interferes with the immune system, making the person extremely sensitive to infections like tuberculosis and also opportunistic infections and tumors. The symptoms of the infection are referred to as AIDS.

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Just a simple mosquito bite can infect a person with malaria. Malaria is caused is when a female Anopheles mosquito carrying the malarial parasite bites a person and injects it into the blood stream.

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You clean your home everyday. But beyond the visible cleanliness, there can be many hidden dangers like allergy inducing chemicals, bacteria-build up and disease causing pests that can be extremely harmful to health.

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Dandruff is a condition in which the scalp becomes dry and flakes of skin appear, along with severe itching. A common problem that’s seen in people of all ages, dandruff has no definitive cure, and can be managed with topical shampoos, a good diet and home remedies.

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As soon as the skin starts to get dry, we know that Winter is coming. Along with dry skin, cold sores and heartburn are signs of the cold winter season. Get rid of all these anti holiday sentiments and enjoy the season to the fullest.

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Love to eat sweets? Make sure your undying love does not turn bitter.

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A common yet highly dangerous disease that can lead to several other disorders, Diabetes is a condition wherein the body is unable to produce insulin or utilise it properly. At times, even children are diagnosed with this disorder. Called juvenile diabetes, this is a condition that needs to be handled with utmost care and managed medically to ensure a normal, healthy life for the child.

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Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder that alters the way a person thinks, acts and perceives the world. Schizophrenic people tend to see or hear things that do not exist, speak strangely and reel under constant fear that they are being watched.

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A common respiratory problem that usually starts during childhood, Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that narrows the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. The inner walls of the airway of an asthmatic person are always swollen or inflamed, which makes it extremely sensitive and allergic reactions. During an asthma attack, the airways narrow due to inflammation and produce excess mucus, making breathing an arduous task. A long-term condition that has no real cure, asthma can only be managed with consistent medical help and staying away from triggers.

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Prevention is always better than cure, especially in children. At a time when deadly diseases and the possibly of getting infected by them are increasing by the day, vaccination is singularly the most effective way to safeguard children against such health threats.

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Children are a curious lot. They love to examine everything they see and impulsively put things into their mouth, especially if they are teething. This habit, seen mostly in children aged 6 months to 5 years, is an extremely dangerous one as they might accidently swallow the object/a piece of the object, which can choke them or damage their gastrointestinal tract. Hence it is very important for parents to keep a close watch on children during playtime to prevent such accidents.

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Ear infection is caused by bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear - the section of the ear behind the eardrum. A very painful condition, it sometimes goes unnoticed in children, as they are unable to communicate the severity of the pain they are going through and where exactly the pain is. All they do or rather can do is cry. Hence it is crucial for parents to keep a checklist of symptoms for such conditions, so that they can consult a Paediatrician and seek medical help to stop the problem from aggravating.

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It’s Diwali! And it’s that time of the year when everyone wants to just celebrate and have fun. Diwali is also the time when all diet plans go berserk, thanks to all the high-fat traditional delicacies, countless varieties of sweets and deep-fried savouries. However, if you take a bit of care, all the feasting will not add unwanted calories and leave you guilt ridden. And yes, be careful about those firecrackers as well!

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A day dedicated to the cause of creating global awareness on diagnosis and prevention of Osteoporosis – a dangerous bone disorderthat can leave one crippled for life if ignored -World Osteoporosis Day is observed on the 20^th of October, every year.

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10 am: You are whizzing through your work assignments / household tasks
12 pm: You are working like a super-active robot.
1.30pm: You take a lunch break
2 pm: All you want to do is sleep.
Sounds familiar?
Here’s how you can ward off the afternoon sleep monster

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Skipping breakfast is becoming a part of life for many. A very unhealthy thing to do, one should remember that breakfast is breaking the fast after a many hours of sleep. Not having breakfast is denying the body the energy it needs for the rest of the day. If the time is the constraint to have a good breakfast, here are some healthy breakfast options you can make in a matter of minutes.

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It is estimated that more than 180 million people in India suffer from arthritis. An extremely painful disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system, arthritis, which was earlier a considered a disease that only affects the elderly, is now becoming a serious health threat with thousands of people as young as 20 being diagnosed with it.

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ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common behavioral disorder that typically starts during childhood. According to experts, ADHD is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder and people of all ages can suffer from it. A person with ADHD is usually way more impulsive and restless than others, and will find it extremely difficult to focus on something without getting distracted. The hyper activism being involuntary, the person will also have great difficulty in controlling his or her actions and speech according to a particular situation.

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Do you know that harsh rays of the sun can make your hair dry, frizzy and dull? Yes, Sun’s rays are as harmful for your hair as it is for the skin. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause damage to the molecular structure of your hair strands, making it extremely dry and brittle. Eventually, the hair is ripped off its natural moisture and begins to weaken from within. So next time you step out, make sure your hair is well protected against the sun. You can also try the following tips to keep your hair looking beautiful always.

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Migraine is one of the worst forms of headache. Often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, migraine attacks can sometimes go on for days. A chronic condition that affects women more than men, the exact cause of migraine is still unknown.

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Kerala has the highest prevalence of coronary artery diseases in India today, thanks to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, high-stress work environments, lack of proper exercise, unhealthy, irregular eating habits and smoking.

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“Man surprised me most about humanity. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.” - The Dalai Lama

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Lack of sleep, erratic eating habits, stress, strain, no exercise, use of emergency contraceptive pills – the aftereffects of modern life on women is nothing less than dangerous. It can have a spiraling effect on the body, and cause severe health complications – both physical and mental. One should remember that coffee is not the means to keep away sleep or make-up – an easy way to hide dark circles. If you have to live healthy, you will have to take care of yourself.

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Kidney stones are small, hard deposits of crystallised minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. There are several factors that contribute development of kidney stones, the most common being the presence of crystal-forming substances in the urine like oxalate, calcium and uric acid, in high quantities. Kidney stones also occurs in people with family history of this problem.

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Hepatitis is a virus that affects the liver. The virus is of two types - Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Hepatitis A is contracted when consuming contaminated food and water, while Hepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids.

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Love chocolates but scared you will gain weight? We’ve got some sweet news for you! Chocolates are actually good for your health – it can increase good cholesterol, keep you energised, is packed with anti-oxidants and can even lower blood pressure! Amazed? Yes, it does – provided you don’t overindulge. Here are 4 truths about chocolate, unwrapped.

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Do you know that touch is the most powerful to enrich emotional bonds? Skin to skin contact is something babies respond instantly and positively to; and even a soft touch can have a soothing effect on their minds.

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Being a diabetic can be tough, as it can be the prime reason to several other health complications. So if you are a diabteic, make sure you be careful of the following:

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There is often an endless list of do’s and don’ts that a couple gets to hear from doctors, family and friends when it comes to fertility issues. And hassled by delay in conceiving, they tend to believe most of it blindly, even if some of them are baseless myths.

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A simple gesture, a deed of greatness - donating your eyes is passing on the blessing called sight to someone who has only seen darkness. It does not require you to pay, take any effort or go through any pain. All you need to do is register to pledge your eyes for donation.

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You can see. And we mean it when we say you are very fortunate, because not everyone is as blessed. Among us are many who don’t even know how the world around them looks like. All they know and experience is only darkness - for they were born blind.

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