Dr Aravindhan

Welcome to the August 2015 Newsletter.

July saw the valuable addition of UK-trained spine surgeon, Dr G Balamurali with more than 15 years of international experience to the Kauvery team, as well as the launch of a Spine Centre with special packages for chronic neck and back pain.

We organized blood donation camps and medical camps as far as Nellore. It was highly gratifying to see two of our doctors, Dr N Sekar, Professor of Vascular Surgery and Dr Kannan, Professor of Gastroenterology get the ‘Best Doctor’ award from the Indian Medical Association for their exemplary service to society and contribution to medical science.

We also inaugurated a new Labour Delivery suite to provide a better and more comfortable ambience and experience for the mother and the new born. August promises to be just as action-packed, with many interesting events on the anvil.

As always, we look forward to a continued and enthusiastic support from you all.

Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, MBBS, MS Ortho, D Ortho (London), FRCS (Ireland), FRCS Ortho (UK/Ireland)
Executive Director & Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon

MYTHS ABOUT LOW BACK AND NECK PAIN

Back and Neck pain are the second commonest cause of hospital visits worldwide. It is also the third most common cause of surgical procedure and fifth most common cause of hospital stay. More than 80 % of adults in developing countries have at least one episode of disabling back pain. Usually by the age of 40, at least 50% of people have experienced an episode of back pain that required alteration in activity. About 95% of all back pains are treated conservatively with medicines and life style modification; however remaining 5% of back pain requires surgical treatment. Diagnosing the cause of back pain can sometimes be difficult as the source of pain is often multifactorial. The serious problems (5%) can present with severe back pain radiating to arms or legs, not able to stand or walk or use parts of the body, altered sensation and unable to pass urine and toilet. In elderly people cancer is a common cause of back and neck pain. There are several myths revolving around the management of low back pain. The commonest question is whether I should take bed rest or stay active. Majority of people tend to think its best to take rest and do nothing, but the contrary is true. Here is a small comparison between the two approaches scientifically.

Rest

  • You get stiff
  • Your muscles get weak
  • Your bones get weaker
  • You lose physical fitness
  • You get depressed
  • The pain feels worse
  • It gets harder and harder to get going

Stay Active

  • Develops your muscles
  • Keeps you supple
  • Gives you stronger bones
  • Makes you fit
  • Makes you feel good
  • Releases natural chemicals that reduce the pain
  • Recovery is faster

At Kauvery, we strongly recommend you to stay active within your pain limits along with some mild painkillers and physiotherapy. We have a highly skilled team to advice you on both surgical and non-surgical options to manage back and neck pain. Spine surgery is always considered to be dangerous; in fact it is very safe in good hands. We perform the entire spectrum of spine surgery from new born to elderly on the spine. With technological advancements we perform Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery for superior results, early recovery and return to work.

Article by Dr Balamurali, Consultant Spine and Neurosurgeon

What is Asthma?

Asthma is technically defined as a daytime variation in breathing symptoms. Asthma is grossly under reported and the current incidence of Asthma is estimated to be about 2.5% of the population in India. Asthma can present at any age and tolerance of symptoms often leads to a delayed diagnosis.

Asthma can be caused by many factors. In some cases it is hereditary, while at other times it is an allergy or climate induced. It can also be hormonal in women. Assessing the root cause helps to target the treatment. Upper respiratory symptoms are often associated in patients and needs to be addressed independently.

Investigating Asthma is simple. Blood tests often indicate an Eosinophilia (blood cell important in allergy response). Skin and blood tests for specific allergens can help find the cause. Breathing tests indicate the state of the Lungs and help assess progress. Home monitoring with a simple device helps the patient predict deterioration.

Timely and clear diagnosis allows optimal management will prevent permanent breathing disability.

Dr Supriya Sundaram, FRCP(London), FRCP(Edin), Consultant Respiratory Physician

Watch her video talk on YouTube.

Ask The Doctor

Doctor I have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. What kind of complications should I be aware of?

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, when the placenta produces certain hormones that cause the blood sugar levels to rise in the pregnant mother. Generally, the pancreas can produce sufficient insulin to convert the sugar but there can be cases where insufficient insulin is produced and hence the rise in blood sugar levels, causing gestational diabetes.

Pregnant mothers diagnosed with diabetes can deliver healthy babies, when gestational diabetes is well managed. On the contrary, when gestational diabetes is not managed, then this could lead to high blood sugar levels and cause a number of problems for both mother and baby.

Possible Complications:

  • The odds of delivering by C section will be high.
  • The baby’s pancreas produces more insulin when the excess blood sugar in the pregnant mother’s bloodstream permeates through the placenta. This causes the baby to grow large weighing around 4 kilograms. A large baby could mean that the baby could get jammed in the birth canal, with possibilities of birth injuries, ultimately requiring a C section.
  • It can cause pre-term birth, delivery before due date. An early delivery could cause breathing difficulties otherwise known as respiratory distress syndrome in the new born. Until the baby’s lungs mature and grow stronger, the baby will need help to breathe. Even in cases where the baby is born on or after the due date, the baby can have respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Uncontrolled gestational diabetes can cause the baby’s pancreas to produce more insulin, thereby on birth, the baby will suffer from low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can cause seizures and the baby will need intravenous glucose solution.
  • Babies born of mothers with unmanaged gestational diabetes, can become obese later on in life and develop diabetes mellitus.
  • Untreated gestational diabetes can result in the death of the baby either before or shortly after birth.
Doctor I love wearing high heels. Will this have any consequences on my health?

It is understandable that stilettos have a special appeal to most young and stylishly inclined women, who are hypnotically wooed with no knowledge, whatsoever, of the impact that high heels that they wear, can have on their body. Here are some facts:

Feet

The feet have been designed and engineered to bear the load of your body mass (weight) and are like shock absorbers that take the pounding of your skeletal frame, when you walk. In short, your feet help to distribute the weight and helps to balance your body. By donning on high heels, your weight and balance now rest on the balls of your feet and the delicate, tiny toe bones. The higher the heels, greater is the impact. Example: On a 4 inch high heel, the pressure on the toes is 30 percent or more.

Strutting on high heels all the time causes your gait to be abrupt and your weight shifts from heel-to-toe. This could lead to damage of the nerves and bones in your feet, ingrown toenails and blisters.

Calves and Ankles

The blood circulation in the lower limbs become restricted and if you continuously wear high heels, it could lead to vascular problems. Further your Achilles tendon stiffen, causing the calves to bunch up. With time, your ankles and calf tendons will become chronically short and stiff.

Impact on the Knees

Frequent use of high heels puts more stress on the inner sides of the knees, consequently making you a prime candidate for osteoarthritis.

Hips

To maintain your balance on high heels, your body thrusts your hips forward, arches your back and pushes your chest out and this causes the outer hip muscles and tendons to harden.

Back

Your spine sashays unnaturally which places an undue stress on the lumbar erector spinal muscles.

To conclude: Avoid using high heels every day. Give your feet and body a break every other day. Alternatively keep those high heels for special occasions and save yourself from regrets later on in life.

NEVER YOURS FOREVER (HERNIATED DISCS)

Sounds romantically sad and lyrical, though I am sure nobody would ever want to be saddled with a herniated disc (slipped disc) and the good news is that herniated discs are not forever, your burden of pain to bear.

It is true that as you grow older, being a male and having a history of herniated discs or a back surgery puts you in the high bracket of being a good candidate for herniated disc issues. All is not lost because you can recover completely from such an affliction.

Count your Way to Recovery

• Stage 1 begins with you consulting your medically qualified and certified physician. In order to know what to do, a physician needs to diagnose your exact problem, so that the appropriate treatment can be given to ensure positive outcomes

• Stage 2 your physician or doctor will prescribe painkillers to reduce the inflammation or may even prescribe stronger drugs or a muscle relaxer. Sometimes your Orthopedic or physician may inject a cortisone injection directly into the region around the spinal nerves to help reduce the inflammation

• Stage 3 is when your physiotherapist steps in to help you with an exercise regime that will provide you with a remedy and put you on the road to recovery from your herniated disc. Your physiotherapist may recommend any one or more of these therapies:

  • Thermotherapy
  • Massage
  • Back belt, Brace or Corset (which will help support your back)
  • Walking for about 20 – 30 minutes either on the treadmill or outdoors, keeping your abdominals flexed. This is to keep the blood circulating and ensuring supply of oxygen to the disc region
  • As the blood circulation is in motion, you will be required to do some stretching and therapy for about 15-20 minutes
  • Post Cardio, stretching and exercises, an ice pack may be applied or the use of a hand held device such as an electro-shocker therapy instrument may be used

• Stage 4 requires you to avoid exerting or loading any strain on your back by adapting your physical activities

• Stage 5 includes change in dietary habits, if overweight and also concentrating on losing weight with changes in lifestyle

• Stage 6 Avoid prolonged bed rest as this could cause loss of muscle tone

• Stage 7 a surgical option may be presented such as microdiskectomy where a portion or the entire herniated disc will be removed

• Stage 8 requires you to be patient through the entire process to recovery

No matter what treatment options are chosen, many a times it is possible to recover fully from a herniated disc without the need for surgery. This can be achieved with your understanding, cooperation and knowledge that a full recovery will take time. Even if surgery is required, minimally invasive options are available where precise surgical interventions can be performed with image guidance.

EVENTS OF THE PAST MONTH

Nascai- Senior Citizen Forum

A health talk was conducted in association with Nascai on July 19th at the 7th floor Kauvery Hospital. The topic of the event was "Life of Elders in the current Environment". Around 60 senior citizens attended the event. The highlight of the event was the problems in the current environment for senior citizen was discussed and lots of solutions we given to them.


World Population Day Awareness Rally

Kauvery Hospital along with Corporation of Chennai conducted a rally to mark World Population Day on July 16th from Natesan Park, T.Nagar to Sir.P.T.Thiyagaraya Arangam in association with State Family Welfare Department, Chennai Corporation. 20 students of Corporation Community College and a team of Paramedical staff from Kauvery Hospital participated in the rally.

Distinguished Guest, the Chennai Mayor, Mr.Saithai Duraisamy spoke on population awareness and women education.


Doctors’ Day Celebration

Doctors’ Day Celebration was held on July 11th at Hotel Raj Palace Sundar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai.

91 doctors from IMA Kauvery and IMA Chennai South participated in this celebration. IMA Chennai South presented the Doctors’ Day award to Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj (Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon) and IMA Kauvery presented the awards to Dr. N.Sekar (Chief Vascular Surgeon) and Dr.R.Kannan (Chief Gastro Surgeon).

Dr.R.V.S.Surendran (President, IMA Tamil Nadu State Branch) and Dr.C.N.Raja (Secretary,IMA Tamil Nadu State Branch) were the distinguished chief guests for the occasion.


Nellore Camp

A multispeciality camp was held at Nellore on July 12th by Kauvery Hospital along with Chennai Hospitals Information Centre [CHIC]. Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Dr. Sundar Kumar, Dr. Sivaram Kannan, Dr. Sabeeha, Dr. Saravannan and Dr. Nirmal participated in this camp, which benefited 550 patients.

Sri. Kotam Reddy Sreedhar Reddy Garu [MLA, Nellore Rural] and Sri. Anil Kumar Yadav Garu [Nellore City MLA], and Sri. Mukkala Dwarakanadh Garu [Deputy Mayor, Nellore] were the chief guests on the occasion.


New Labour Room Inauguration

A new Labour Room on the 3rd floor was inaugurated By Dr.J.S.Lakshmi MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ex. Head of Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, St. Isabels Hospital, Chennai and Dr.Usha Krishnan MD, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Head Of Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, St.Isabels Hospital, Chennai.


Medical Camp for MTC Thiruvanmiyur

A general medical camp was conducted at MTC – Thiruvanmiyur on 10th July 2015.

132 employees of MTC benefited through the camp.


Medical Camp at Perambur Police Quarters

A general medical camp was conducted at Police Quarters, Perambur on 11th July 2015. This camp was conducted to benefit the Police employees and their family members.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Cardiology & Paediatric Cardiology Camp at Sindhi Hospital
A Cardiology & Paediatric Cardiology camp is to be held at Sindhi Hospital, New Avadi Road, Chennai on 02/08/2015.
Time: 09.00 am – 2.00 pm
Doctors: Dr.Avjith Basu & Dr.Prashanth Basu

Cardiology & Paediatric Cardiology Camp at Thiruthuraipoondi
A Cardiology & Paediatric Cardiology camp is to be held at Thiruthuraipoondi on 09/08/2015.
Time: 09.00 am – 2.00 pm

Cardiology Camp at Tondiarpet
A cardiology camp is to be held at KVT Clinic, Tondiarpet on 09/08/2015.
Time: 09.00 am – 1.00 pm
Doctor: Dr.Sundarkumar

Launch of Stroke Service with ICU Ward
A new ICU ward for Stroke Service will be launched on 22/08/2015 at Kauvery Hospital.
Time: TBA

CME on Acute Stroke Interventions
Kauvery Hospital will be conducting a Continuing Medical Education Meeting (CME) on Acute Stroke Interventions at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Chennai on 22/08/2015. Time: 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Dr.Aravindan, Dr.Prithikachary, Dr.Raghavendran, Dr.Bhuvaneswari, Dr.Satheesh, Dr.Sridhar and Dr.Iyappan will participate in the meeting.

CME at IMA Vellore-Katpadi
Kauvery Hospital will be conducting a Continuing Medical Education Meeting (CME) at IMA Hall, Katpadi on 30/08/2015. Time: 1.00 pm – 4.00 pm.
Dr.K.P.Sureshkumar & Dr.Premsekar will participate in the meeting.

Medical Camp at Sanskruthi, T.Nagar
A general medical camp will be conducted at Sanskruthi, T.Nagar on 02/08/2015.
Time: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm

Celebrating Age 2015
A health talk about "Celebrating Age 2015" will be conducted on 07/08/2015 at T.N.Rajarathinam Kalai Arangam, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai. Time: 10.30 am – 11.15 pm
Doctor: Dr.Lakshmipathy Ramesh

General Medical Camp at Tondiarpet
A cardiology camp is to be held at BioPlus Clinic, Tondiarpet on 15/08/2015.
Time: 09.00 am – 2.00 pm

General Medical Camp at Adyar
A general medical camp is to be held at Tambras, Adyar on 16/08/2015.
Time: 08.00 am

New Ultra Clean Air Operation Theater
A 5th new ultra clean air operation theater to be opened in Mid-August @ Kauvery Hospital.
Time: TBA

Patient Experience

"I am Dr.Aravindan Selvaraj's patient. I was admitted for Arthroscopy on 21/7/2015. All the staff members treated me like a family member and I am so happy for that. This type of approach and care has given me confidence that my problem and stress would subside 50-60% after treatment. Thanks to all the staff and duty doctors. And I have no words to tell about Dr.Aravindan Selvaraj. He is very kind and very soft in character. Thanks a lot doctor."
- T.S

"Very good service. Keep it up."
- R.B

"Attention given by the Nursing team is very good."
- L.M

"All services of hospital are very good."
- R.V

"All the Doctors and Hospital staff were wonderful. Everyone was extremely supportive Dr.Manikandhan, Dr.Sridhar and the entire ICU team. Dr.Sundar, Dr.S.Kannan, Dr.Yamini were extremely approachable and understanding. We are extremely grateful to them."
- Dr.M.V

"Overall atmosphere good. Doctors are very friendly and responsive, should be made accessible to more people by reducing cost."
- J.R

"No words to express satisfaction exemplary hospital."
- S.N

"Most of the time we really felt comfortable with the hospital and the staffs. Thank you for caring and humble services."
- N.S

"It was a very comfortable stay and excellent care was provided."
- J.A

"Doctors, staff and nurses are kind enough to the patient and attenders. As a suggestion hospital authorities may have a Apartment/ Rooms on rent with kitchen facilities those who are coming from outside for operation and long observation."
- A.D

"Doctors, Nurses and other staffs took good care."
- S.R

"As always we are quite satisfied with the service of Kauvery. We would like to record our deep appreciation of the great work done by all the nursing staff of floor V, especially the team led by sister Pauline – very caring and competent. God bless Kauvery."
- S.A

"Good keep it up!!!"
- K.K

"Good care taken by Dr.Sekar, Dr.Sairam and nurses."
- I.R

"Insurance staff are very courteous and fast in their response better than Apollo and Malar. You need to maintain this when the volume increases. All nursing staff are courteous and good. Special mention to Subha and Priya."
- V.R

"Care taken by Nursing staff is excellent. Keep it up."
- J.N

"We are happy with our overall experience. While staff at the billing counter are very friendly and efficient, the process itself is taking too long. The insurance department is very efficient."
- N.C

"Dr.Avijit Basu was excellent God bless. All the nurses were excellent and attentive. Overall excellent team keep up the good work and facilities. God bless Thanks Regards."
- A.K

"Very homely environment. Very friendly staff and very clean hospital."
- A.M

"Excellent care by the staff, Good way of working and keeping the patient happy."
- V.S

"Compliments to the nursing staff on courteous care given."
- N.K

"I am so happy with the treatment and friendship God bless."
- A.M

"Nursing team is very friendly and very helpful. Keep up the good work."
- P.V

"Efficient Service Provided."
- S.A

"Very good attention to the patients."
- M.M

"Very very good staff. Attentive and caring Nurses. "
- Dr.C

"Very good. Would recommend to all. :)"
- G.N

Recipe Corner

Tomato Based Brinjal Stew

Vegetables are always a very good source of vitamins, carbohydrates and most importantly fiber. In this issue, we are featuring a recipe with vegetables that are normally used in the kitchens of Tamil Nadu. Call the nutritious Brinjal by any name, Eggplant, aubergine, no matter which, it is one of the most easily available vegetable globally and in fact if you go to South Africa, you will find that the Eggplant is prepared in several different ways and is consumed every day.

Nutritional value of brinjal: The skin of a Brinjal is full of potassium, magnesium, fiber and antioxidants. Brinjals is ranked among the top 10 vegetables with reference to its “oxygen radical absorption capacity”, which is because of the phenolic content in the fruit.

Serves 4
Preparation time: 1hr 30 minutes
Ingredients:

  • Brinjals – Large variety – 2 (those normally used in Baingan Bartha recipes) peeled and diced
  • Sea salt – 1 ½ tbsp
  • Oil – 5 tbsp or ¼ cup (Olive, Refined, Sesame)
  • Spilt Peas (pattani paruppu) – ½ cup
  • Onion – 1 medium size, thinly sliced
  • Tomatoes – 4 medium size
  • Garlic – 4 cloves minced finely
  • Lime Juice – from 1 lime
  • Dry raisins or pomegranate molasses – ½ cup (optional)
  • Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
  • Black pepper – ½ tsp
  • Cinnamon powder – ½ tsp
  • Water – 4 cups

Preparation:

  • Soak the diced brinjal in a vessel, with some water for 20 minutes (to get rid of any bitterness), add 1 tablespoon sea salt to the water.
  • Remove the diced brinjal pieces after 20 minutes from the salted water and blot dry.
  • Place a karai or wok over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil (of your choice).
  • Stir in the brinjals and sauté, stirring frequently, until the brinjal is tender, brown and cooked.
  • Remove the karai from the stove and set aside.
  • Place the tomatoes in a pot of hot water for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes peel the skin off and chop and mash the tomatoes to a puree.
  • Next, in a large saucepan, add the remaining oil and sauté the finely sliced onions, until translucent or light pink in colour. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, add the turmeric, salt, powdered cinnamon and black pepper and stir and mix thoroughly.
  • Add the split peas and sauté for 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the tomato puree and water to cover the ingredients, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce flame to low heat and cook for an hour.
  • Add the cooked brinjals to the mixture, add additional seasoning or water if required.
  • Add the raisins or pomegranate molasses (diabetics are requested to avoid this ingredient).
  • Add the lime juice and cook until the stew is medium thick.

Serve hot with rice, chappaties, pappadams and cucumber raita.
Caloric Value: 240
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 1.5g
Proteins: 2 .2g
Fiber: 7.2g
Sugar: 20.6g

Kauvery Hospital

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No.199, Luz Church Road, Mylapore,

Chennai 600 004

Phone: 044 - 4000 6000

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Email: info@kauveryhospital.com