Why Perform Breast Self Examinations?

Knowing what is normal for your breasts is a vital aspect of self-care. Regular BSEs help you identify changes in size, shape, or texture that may warrant further investigation by a healthcare provider. Key reasons to perform Breast Self Examination (BSE) include:

1. Early Detection: Detecting abnormalities such as lumps or thickened areas early can improve treatment outcomes.
2. Awareness: Familiarity with your breast health helps you recognize changes that occur naturally due to hormonal fluctuations or aging.
3. Empowerment: Taking an active role in monitoring your health increases confidence and encourages timely medical consultations when needed.

Steps to Perform a Breast Self-Examination

BSE involves both visual inspection and physical palpation. Here are the six steps of breast self-examination:

Step 1: Look for Changes in the Mirror

Stand in front of a mirror with your arms resting naturally at your sides. Observe any irregularities in the appearance or proportion of your breasts and nipples. Look for changes such as:

• Visible lumps or distortions
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Redness or swelling
• Asymmetry of nipple position

Raise your arms overhead and continue observing for any distortions or changes in breast appearance.

Step 2: Check for Skin and Nipple Changes

Examine your nipples for:

• Retraction or inversion
• Unusual discharge
• Itchy, scaly sores or rashes

These signs may indicate underlying conditions that require medical evaluation.

Step 3: Lie Down for Palpation

Lying flat allows your breast tissue to spread evenly, making it easier to feel for abnormalities. Follow these steps:

• Place a pillow under your right shoulder and use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to examine your right breast.
• Use light, medium, and firm pressure in a circular motion to check the entire breast, including above and below the collarbone and the armpit.
• Use your right hand to repeat the process on your left breast.

Step 4: Use Firm Pressure to Check for Lumps

Using flat fingers, press firmly against the chest wall and move in an up-and-down pattern. Pay close attention to each quarter of the breast and the area around the nipple. If you detect any lump or thickened area, note its size, texture, and mobility.

Step 5: Examine Underarm Areas

The lymph nodes in your underarms can provide early warning signs of issues. With your right hand, examine your left underarm, starting as high as possible and moving downward. Repeat the process for your right underarm using your left hand. Look for:

• Swelling or tenderness
• Lumps or changes in lymph nodes

Step 6: Repeat Regularly

Make Breast self examination (BSE) a monthly routine. The best time to perform BSE is a few days after your menstrual period, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. For women who are postmenopausal, choose a consistent date each month.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice promptly if you notice:

• A lump, hard knot, or thickening
• Swelling, redness, or warmth
• Persistent breast pain in one area
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Variations in the size or shape of your breast

Lifestyle Choices to Promote Breast Health

In addition to regular Breast Self Examination (BSE), adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of breast cancer:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Incorporate exercise into your daily routine
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake

Conclusion

To conclude, breast self-examination is a valuable tool for understanding your breast health. By performing Breast Self Examination (BSE) regularly and staying vigilant for changes, you can take proactive steps to detect potential problems early. Combined with regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle, BSE empowers women to safeguard their health and well-being. If you ever notice abnormalities, consult your healthcare provider or visit Kumaran Medical Center promptly for evaluation and peace of mind.

Dr. Madhulika Vijayakumar.,MDRT, DNB RT, ECMO, FRCR,

Oncology

World No Tobacco Day is an annual event observed on May 31st to raise awareness about the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective strategies to help individuals quit smoking. Smoking remains a global public health challenge, causing millions of deaths each year and placing an enormous burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

The theme of World No Tobacco Day 2024 is “Protecting children from tobacco industry interference” to protect future generations and ensure that tobacco use continues to decline. This year, attention is directed towards the alarming trend of the tobacco industry’s targeted marketing towards youth.

Tobacco is the biggest enemy of public health today and one of the primary causes of cancer and heart ailments. Tobacco consumption is not just about smoking but also about the smokeless forms available as gutkha and pan masala. It is important to understand that tobacco consumption in any form and any quantity is extremely harmful to our health and our planet. Tobacco consumption can lead to life-threatening consequences for smokers as well as those exposed to second-hand smoke.

It can negatively affect lungs, heart, throat, and neck, causing various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Moreover, smoking can also adversely impact one’s reproductive function. In women, both active and passive smoking can have detrimental effects on reproductive organs and their function. This can result in various conditions related to ovaries, affecting their fertility, as well as the progress and outcome of pregnancies.

This World No Tobacco Day let’s take an oath to understand the impact of smoking on one’s health and quality of life.

It is never too late to quit.

Let’s make everyday a no tobacco day!

For any information and help regarding tobacco consumption our team of healthcare professionals is always here to help.

DR. MADHULIKA VIJAYAKUMAR.,MDRT, DNB RT, ECMO, FRCR,MD,MD

Oncology

Dr. Nithilavalli MBBS.,DTCD

Pulmonology

Its causes are infection, injury, allergic reaction, nose picking, or an object being pushed into the nostril.
Spontaneous ( little area bleeding )
Trauma

Tumour
Vessel defect etc..

Few more causes
Local trauma
Anatomical irregularities
Topical nasal spray

Symptoms
High Bp

Vascular malfunction cardiovascular diseases

Bleeding disorder

It’s to be taken care and it’s a sign of emergency if

1. Mode of Onset
2. Duration and frequency of bleeding
3. Amount of blood loss
4. Whether bleeding is an Anterior & posterior
5. Any known Bleeding tendency in the patient or Family history
6. Side of Nose from where bleeding is occurring
7. History of known Medical ailments like BP, Leukemia, Mitral valve disease, Cirrhosis, Nephrite
8. History or drug intake

Measures to stop the bleeding

1. Sit upright and lean head slightly forward
2. Breathe through your mouth
3. Use your thumb and index finger to pinch the soft part of your Nose
4. Apply an ice pack to the bridge of your Nose

Consult your doctor immediately if you cannot stop the bleeding and it lasts more than 15 Minutes.

DR. J. PRAVEEN KUMAR., MBBS, MS(ENT), FAGE, FACI (ALLERGIST)

FELLOWSHIP IN RHINOPLASTY

Risk factors

1. Gender it occurs for Females more than male
2. Age
3. Family History
4. Goitrusenic Foods
5. Smoking
6. Iodine Deficiency
7. Environmental Exposure
8. Radiation Exposure

Symptoms for Hypo Thyroidism clinical features

1. Fatigue
2. weight gain
3. Cold Intolerance
4. Constipation
5. Hair loss
6. Depression, Etc..

Symptoms for Hyper Thyroidism

1. Fatigue
2. Weight loss
3. Heat Intolerance
4. Diarrhoea
5. Tremor
6. Nervousness and Irritability Etc.

Natural Remedies to treat Thyroid Dysfunction

1. Avoid processed Foods

2. Quit caffeine

3. Add iodine foods to your diet

4. Eat a balanced and healthy Diet

5.Manage stress

6. Exercise Regularly

7. Drink Vitamin beverages

8. Take proper rest and sleep

9. Intake Herbs and spices wisely

10. Reduce Exposure to Environmental toxins

Goals to Manage Hyper and Hypothyroidism

1. Regain Normal Thyroid Hormone level
2. Eradicate symptoms
3. Inhibiting or reversing Negative effects of the disease
4. Decreasing the size of the goiter if needed

DR. J. PRAVEEN KUMAR., MBBS, MS(ENT), FAGE, FACI (ALLERGIST)

FELLOWSHIP IN RHINOPLASTY

Prostate cancer that’s detected early, has the best chance for successful treatment.

When should I seek medical help?

You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Difficulty peeing.
• Peeing frequently (incontinence).
• Pain when you pee or have intercourse.
• Blood in your pee or semen.
• Loss of hunger
• Loss of weight
• Bone pain
• Pain in the lower back, upper thigh or hips
• Emotional stress

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
The most common risk factors include:
Age. Your risk increases as you get older. You’re more likely to get diagnosed if you’re over 50. About 60% of prostate cancers occur in people older than 65.
Family history of prostate cancer. You’re two to three times more likely to get prostate cancer if a close family member has it.
Genetics. You’re at greater risk if you have Lynch syndrome or if you inherited mutated (changed) genes associated with increased breast cancer risk (BRCA1 and BRCA2).
Some studies have identified other prostate cancer risk factors, but the evidence is mixed. Other potential risk factors include:
Smoking.
Prostatitis.
Having a BMI > 30 (having obesity).
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You’re also at greater risk of prostate cancer at the age 45.

How can I prevent prostate cancer?

Preventing prostate cancer isn’t possible. Still, taking these steps may reduce your risk:

• Get regular prostate screenings. Ask your healthcare provider how often you should get screened based on your risk factors. Talk to your doctor about the increased risk of prostate cancer.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight means for you.
• Exercise regularly. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, or a little more than 20 minutes daily.
• Eat a nutritious diet. There’s no one diet to prevent cancer, but good eating habits can improve your overall health. Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid red meats and processed foods.
• Quit smoking. Avoid tobacco products. If you smoke, work with your provider on a smoking cessation program to kick the habit.

Is prostate cancer curable?

Yes, if it’s caught early. In some cases, cancer grows so slowly that you may not need treatment right away. Treatment can often eliminate prostate cancers that haven’t spread beyond the prostate gland.

What are the treatment options?

• If the cancer is confirmed to the prostate gland, surgical removal of the prostate gland provides the best possible cure.
• If the cancer has spread beyond the prostate into the nearby areas, Radiotherapy can still cure it.
• If the cancer has spread to distant sites like Bone, Lungs, Lymph nodes, you will require hormonal control in the form of Injectable therapy or surgical removal of testes. Though it doesn’t properly cure, it will control the diseases to provide you a healthy lifestyle.

DR. VIGNESH M, MBBS., MS., MCH

UROLOGY

!!!  Remember, practice makes perfect. Before discharge, make sure you — and your partner — are comfortable with these newborn care basics:

Handling a newborn, including supporting your baby’s neck

Changing your baby’s diaper

Bathing your baby

Dressing your baby

Swaddling your baby

Feeding and burping your baby

Cleaning the umbilical cord

Caring for a healing circumcision

Using a bulb syringe to clear your baby’s nasal passages

Taking a newborn’s temperature

Tips for soothing your baby

A Mother’s helper

How Do I Get Help After My Baby Comes Home?

An important part of caring for a newborn is to also take care of yourself. Consider getting help during this time, which can feel hectic and a bit overwhelming.

Ask For NICU Support Care And Their Guidance

Relatives and friends might want to help. Even if you disagree on some things, their own experiences might be helpful.

To keep your baby healthy, anyone handling your little one should be up to date on their vaccines and help only if they feel well. But if you don’t feel up to having guests or have other concerns, don’t feel guilty about limiting visitors.

COUNSELLING ON NUTRITION

• Advise the woman to eat a greater amount and variety of healthy foods, such as meat, fish, oils, nuts, seeds, cereals, beans, vegetables, cheese and milk to help her feel strong and well (give examples of how much to eat).
• Reassure the mother that she can eat any normal foods – these will not harm the breastfeeding baby.
• Discuss any taboos that exist about foods which are nutritionally healthy.
• Talk to her partner or other family members to encourage them to ensure that the woman eats enough and avoids hard physical work.

SHE SHOULD NOT WAIT if she has any of the following danger signs:

• vaginal bleeding has increased
• fits
• fast or difficult breathing
• fever and too weak to get out of bed
• severe headaches with blurred vision
• calf pain, redness or swelling; shortness of breath or chest pain.

Rush to health centers if she has any of the following signs:

• swollen, red or tender breasts or nipples
• problems urinating, or leaking
• increased pain or infection in the perineum
• infection in the area of the wound (redness, swelling, pain, or pus in wound site)
• smelly vaginal discharge
• severe depression or suicidal behaviour (ideas, plan or attempt)

ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO DO THINGS FOR THEMSELVES THAT THEY ENJOY SUCH AS

• meeting a friend
• getting out of the home or walking, or things which help them to let their feelings out
• singing, drawing or writing
• spiritual relief through prayer
• meditation

Support the woman in whatever way you can. This may include a home visit and/or extra postpartum appointments. Encourage her partner and family to support her practically and emotionally.

Newborn baby care

How Do I Handle My Baby?

If you haven’t spent a lot of time around newborns, they may seem very fragile. Here are a few basics to remember:

• Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. Newborns don’t have a strong immune system yet, so they’re at risk for infections. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby has clean hands.
• Support your baby’s head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby. And support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down.
• Never shake your baby, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and sometimes death. If you need to wake your baby, don’t do it by shaking. Instead, tickle your baby’s feet or blow gently on a cheek.
• Always fasten your baby securely when using a carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit any activity that could be too rough or bouncy.
• Avoid rough play with newborns, such as jiggling them on the knee or throwing them in the air.

skin-to-skin contact with your baby:

• Avoid using scented perfumes or lotions and stay away from cigarette smoke beforehand.
• Find a comfortable seat in a dimly-lit room. Wear a shirt that opens in the front. Lay your baby in just a diaper on your bare chest.
• Sit quietly, talk softly, hum, sing, or read aloud. Your baby may sleep during this time.

Umbilical cord care: Clean around the cord stump with plain water and blot dry until the stump dries up and falls off, usually in 10 days to 3 weeks. Don’t let the belly button area soak in water until the stump falls off and the area heals. Before the cord stump falls off, it will change color from yellow to brown or black — this is normal. Call your doctor if the area looks red, has a bad odor, or has discharge.

Feeding your newborn

your baby may show you they’re hungry by crying, putting fingers in their mouth, or making sucking noises. A newborn baby needs to be fed every 2–3 hours.

Breastfed babies are probably getting enough to eat if they:

• seem satisfied
• have about 6 wet diapers and several poops a day
• sleep well
• gain weight regularly

Baby’s Sleep

You may be surprised to learn that newborns sleep about 16 hours or more. They typically sleep for periods of 2–4 hours. Many babies sleep through the night (between 6–8 hours) at 3 months of age, but if yours doesn’t, it’s not a cause for concern. Like adults, babies develop their own sleep patterns and cycles.

Change the position of your baby’s head from night to night (first right, then left, and so on). This helps prevent a flat spot from developing on one side of the head.

Diaper My Baby

Whether you use cloth or disposable diapers, your little one will dirty them about 10 times a day, which is about 70 times a week. When diapering your baby:

• Have all the supplies you need within reach.
• Wipe your baby front to back gently using water, cotton balls, and a washcloth or wipes.
• Apply diaper cream if needed to treat diaper rash.
• Wash your hands before and after changing the diaper.

Conclusion

Before long, you’ll have a routine and be parenting like a pro. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your doctor. They can recommend resources that can help.

DR. A. VALLIYAPPAN MBBS., DNB

PAEDIATRICS

DR. M. KAUSALYA DNB(PAEDIATRIC)

PAEDIATRICS

• Choose air-conditioned or well-screened accommodations since dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active from dawn to dusk, and they can bite at night.
• Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes when entering mosquito-infested areas.
• Apply mosquito repellent to your skin, with at least a 10% DEET concentration. Permethrin can be used on clothing, camping gear, and bed netting. There are also clothing items pre-treated with permethrin.
• Use screens on windows and doors, ensuring there are no holes to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
To prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs near water sources:
• Weekly, empty, scrub, turn over, cover, or dispose of items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.
• Regularly inspect both indoor and outdoor areas for containers that may collect water.

For babies and children:
• Apply insect repellent to your hands and then gently apply it to the child’s face.
• Dress children in clothing that covers their arms and legs.
• Use mosquito netting to cover strollers and baby carriers.
Always adhere to the label instructions when using insect repellent. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old. Avoid applying repellent to sensitive areas, including hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.

Regarding symptoms:
• Dengue symptoms often mimic other illnesses and typically appear 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite.
• Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, eye pain, swollen glands, and rash.
• While most people recover within a week, severe dengue can occur, leading to complications like internal bleeding and organ failure.
In some cases, symptoms worsen and can become life-threatening. This is called severe dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Warning signs of severe dengue:
A life-threatening condition, can develop suddenly and include severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, blood in urine, stools, or vomit, skin bleeding resembling bruising, rapid breathing, fatigue, and irritability.

When to see your doctor:
If you experience these warning signs after being in a dengue-prone area, seek immediate medical attention. For mild symptoms, especially after recent travel to a dengue-endemic region, contact your doctor.

In conclusion, raising awareness through health education is a crucial tool in the fight against dengue. Informing the public about dengue in detail is vital for the effective implementation of dengue control programs. This awareness can be achieved through audiovisual media and mass awareness campaigns.

DR. SASI KUPPUSAMY MD., DNB

FAMILY MEDICINE

Five great benefits of breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies.
Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases.
Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby.
Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere.
Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

3 Must-Have Foods for Lactating Mothers

Calcium-Rich Foods, Protein-Rich Foods, Iron-Rich Foods

Things to strictly follow while Breastfeeding

Eat little and often. Balance your day with three main meals, and two to three little snacks each day.
Keep a gap of at least one to two hours between your supper and bedtime.
Eat at least one serving of dry fruits per day, such as two figs, two walnuts, two raisins, etc.
Include seasonal fruits and vegetables to meet your vitamin A, E, C, and B complex needs. Note that fruits should only be eaten in the afternoon or evening.
Consume a variety of cereals, including oats, ragi, jowar, whole wheat, and broken wheat.
Consume foods from all the food categories (pulses, fruits and vegetables, cereals, dairy, sugar, and nuts).
Have at least 3litres of fluid every day. You could balance this between plain water, herbal teas, milk, soups, juice, lime water, and buttermilk.
Limit items like butter, cheese, ghee, and cream that are excessively high in saturated fat, as well as ready-to-eat meals with preservatives, deep-fried foods, alcoholic beverages, savouries, soft drinks, packaged juices, sweets, and white sugar.
Limit your use of coffee and tea. They prevent the absorption of iron in the body.
Stay away from any medications or herbal supplements without consulting your doctor or dietician.

Positioning the mother and baby for good attachment
To be well attached at the breast, a baby and his or her mother need to be appropriately positioned. There are several different positions for them both, but some key points need to be followed in any position.

Position of the mother
The mother can be sitting or lying down (see PIC DOWN ), or standing, if she wishes. However, she needs to be relaxed and comfortable, and without strain, particularly of her back. If she is sitting, her back needs to be supported, and she should be able to hold the baby at her breast without leaning forward.

Position of the baby

The baby can breastfeed in several different positions in relation to the mother: across her chest and abdomen, under her arm (See PICS BELOW), or alongside her body.

Whatever the position of the mother, and the baby’s general position in relation to her, there are four key points about the position of the baby’s body that are important to observe.

The baby’s body should be straight, not bent or twisted. The baby’s head can be slightly extended at the neck, which helps his or her chin to be close in to the breast.

He or she should be facing the breast. The nipples usually point slightly downwards, so the baby should not be flat against the mother’s chest or abdomen, but turned slightly on his or her back able to see the mother’s face.

The baby’s body should be close to the mother which enables the baby to be close to the breast, and to take a large mouthful.

His or her whole body should be supported. The baby may be supported on the bed or a pillow, or the mother’s lap or arm. She should not support only the baby’s head and neck. She should nograsp the baby’s bottom, as this can pull him or her too far out to the side, and make it difficult for the baby to get his or her chin and tongue under the areola.

These points about positioning are especially important for young infants during the first two months of life.

How a baby attaches and suckles at the breast

To stimulate the nipple and remove milk from the breast, and to ensure an adequate supply and a good flow of milk, a baby needs to be well attached so that he or she can suckle effectively Difficulties often occur because a baby does not take the breast into his or her mouth properly, and so cannot suckle effectively.

Good attachment – inside the infant’s mouth.

THE PIC shows how a baby takes the breast into his or her mouth to suckle effectively. This baby is well attached to the breast.

The points to notice are:

much of the areola and the tissues underneath it, including the larger ducts, are in the baby’s mouth;

the breast is stretched out to form a long ‘teat’, but the nipple only forms about one third of the ‘teat’;

the baby’s tongue is forward over the lower gums, beneath the milk ducts (the baby’s tongue is in fact cupped around the sides of the ‘teat’, but a drawing cannot show this);

the baby is suckling from the breast, not from the nipple.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Your baby is getting enough milk if they:
Act satisfied after each feeding
Gain weight consistently after the first 3 to 7 days after birth. (Your baby may lose a little weight during the first week after being born.)
Have about 6 to 8 wet diapers a day
Have about 2 to 5 or more stools a day at first. This number may decrease to about 2 stools or less a day
Sometimes babies fall asleep while nursing. You can squeeze your breast to make more milk flow. This may awaken your baby. If you are not sure they got enough milk, offer your other breast to see if your baby latches on again.

When to see your doctor
A red, sore, or painful spot on your breast
Painful engorgement (overfull breasts)
A fever or if you feel achy (these may be signs of an infection)
You also visit your doctor if your baby is losing weight for no apparent reason.

Conclusion
At times, breastfeeding can be challenging. With support, some of the issues with breastfeeding are temporary and can be resolved. There are people and resources that can help. Talk with your healthcare provider.

Stay healthy, stay active, and consciously try to be happy. What you eat and how you feel is almost exactly how healthy your child will be. However, if the diet and conscious changes in lifestyle don’t help, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor can help you see through the missing links and positively alleviate the physical, mental, or emotional signs of distress.

Hydration is Key:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from inside and out. Use a hydrating facial mist to refresh your skin throughout the day.

Cleansing Wisley:

Opt for a gentle, creamy cleanser that won’t disrupt your skin barrier. Avoid over-cleansing, as it can exacerbate dryness.

Exfoliation with Caution:

Exfoliate no more than once a week to avoid stripping away essential oils. Choose a mild exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

Layering Moisturisers:

Start with a hydrating serum to look for moisture. Follow with a rich, oil-based moisturiser to create a productive barrier.

Sunscreen all year round:

UV rays are present even on cloudy days, so apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.

Lip and Eyecare:

Use a nourishing lip balm and eye cream to prevent chapping and fine lines.

Protect your Hands and Feet:

Wear gloves and moisturise your hands to prevent dryness and cracking. Apply rich foot creams before bedtime and wear socks to keep your feet soft.

Hydrating Masks:

Incorporate hydrating masks into your routine to provide an extra moisturiser boost.

Humidify your space:

Place humidifiers in your living and sleeping areas to maintain indoor humidity.

Avoid Hot Showers:

Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils, so opt for lukewarm showers.

Nutrition for Radiant Skin:

Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin C, and Antioxidants for skin health.

Hydrating from Foods:

Incorporate water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges into your diet.

Stay Active:

Regular exercise improves your blood circulation, benefiting your skin’s health.

Winter doesn’t have to spell doom for your skin’s moisturiser. By making a few adjustments to your skincare routine and incorporating these simple tips, you can ensure that your skin stays nourished, moisturized, and radiant even in the coldest months. Remember, consistency is key, so maintain your winter skincare routine to enjoy healthy and glowing skin all season long.

The above-mentioned points should be kept in mind, and you should take care of your skin. For any kind of skin issue, you can consult a skin specialist in Coimbatore for professional guidance. Seeking advice from a qualified dermatologist in Coimbatore ensures safe and effective treatment. Avoid trying home remedies without consulting a doctor, as improper care can worsen the condition. Visit the best dermatology hospital or a trusted dermatology hospital in Coimbatore for expert care and tailored solutions for your child’s skin health.

DR. VAISHNAVI MBBS., D.DVL

DERMATOLOGY & COSMETOLOGY

1) Diabetes
Too much glucose, also called sugar, in your blood damages your kidneys’ filters. Over time, your kidneys can become so damaged that they no longer do a good job filtering wastes and extra fluid from your blood.

2) High blood pressure
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys so they don’t work as well. If the blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged, your kidneys may not work as well to remove wastes and extra fluid from your body. Extra fluid in the blood vessels may then raise blood pressure even more, creating a dangerous cycle.

3) Limit alcohol intake
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure and add extra calories, which can lead to weight gain. If you drink alcohol, limit yourself and also focus more on prioritizing your well-being

4) Monitor weight and eat a balanced diet
People who are overweight or have obesity are at risk for a number of health conditions that can damage the kidneys. These include diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.

A balanced diet that’s low in sodium, processed meats, and other kidney-damaging foods may help reduce the risk of kidney damage. Focus on eating fresh ingredients that are naturally low in sodium, such as cauliflower, blueberries, fish, whole grains, and more.

5) Drink plenty of fluids
Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys. Water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. It also lowers your risk of chronic kidney disease.

Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 litres in a day. Exactly how much water you need depends largely on your health and lifestyle. Factors like climate, exercise, gender, overall health, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding are important to consider when planning your daily water intake.

People who have previously had kidney stones should drink a bit more water to help prevent stone deposits in the future.

6) Don’t smoke
Smoking damages your body’s blood vessels. This leads to slower blood flow throughout your body and to your kidneys.
Smoking also puts your kidneys at an increased risk for cancer. If you smoke and stop smoking, your risk will drop. However, it’ll take many years to return to the risk level of a person who’s never smoked.

7) Be aware of the number of Over-the-counter pills you take
If you regularly take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, you may be causing kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis.

8) Keep active and fit
Regular exercise is good for more than just your waistline. It can lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. It can also reduce your blood pressure and boost your heart health, which are both important for preventing kidney damage.

Walking, running, cycling, and even dancing is great for your health. Find an activity that keeps you busy and have fun.

What tests do doctors use to diagnose and monitor kidney disease?
• A blood test – that checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood, called GFR. GFR stands for glomerular filtration rate.
• A urine test – to check for albumin. Albumin is a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.

Have your kidney function tested if you’re at high risk

It’s a good idea to have regular kidney function tests. The following people may benefit from regular screening:

• people who are over 60 years old
• people who were born at a low birth weight
• people who have cardiovascular disease or have family members with it
• people who have or have a family history of high blood pressure
• people who have obesity
• people who believe they may have kidney damage

A regular kidney function test is a great way to know your kidney’s health and to check for possible changes. Getting ahead of any damage can help slow or prevent future damage.

Dr. Anandan SPS MD.,IDCCM.,DNB.,

NEPHROLOGY