Chandigarh, April 25 (IANS) With Oxygen supplies in the state depleting fast, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Sunday sent another SOS letter to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan, for the second time in two days, for urgent increase in allocation of quota.He also directed Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan to pursue with the government of India for urgent supplies, given the serious situation, with patient load increasing due to influx from Delhi and other states, and pushing up demand for medical oxygen.He further asked the Chief Secretary to rush urgent supplies to Amritsar, where precious lives were lost on Saturday due to shortage of oxygen in a private hospital.Given the criticality of the situation, the Chief Minister has sought four-hourly reports from Principal Secretary Industries on the state's hospital-wise demand-supply situation of Oxygen.Sunday's letter to the Union Health Minister followed the Centre's failure to increase the allocation to Punjab as per the new allocation of LMO issued on Saturday, despite his plea for enhancement to at least 250 metric tonnes (MT) of LMO per day.The Chief Minister had on Saturday written to the Union Health Minister requesting for an increase Punjab's liquid oxygen quota to 250 MT daily due to continuous surge of Covid cases, seeking his urgent personal intervention in this regard.Writing in continuation of his earlier letter, the Singh, on Sunday, said "the situation has become very grim over last few days as our supply of LMO has not been able to meet the increased demand."He further wrote that despite his request for allocation of at least 250 MT of LMO per day to Punjab from outside the state, the new allocation of LMO issued on April 24 by the fovernment of India did not increase the allocation to Punjab, though allocation to other states increased substantially.Karnataka (167 per cent), Telangana (20 per cent) and Rajasthan (29 per cent).Pointing out that six persons died in Amritsar on Saturday, likely due to non-supply of oxygen, he observed that Punjab does not have any major LMO production capacity and is largely dependent on the supply from outside the state, thus necessitating the Minister's urgent intervention.Currently, the daily allocation of medical oxygen for Punjab from the Centra pool is 105 MT, excluding the production of the local ASUs which generate around 60 MT of liquid oxygen within Punjab and meet requirements of various re-fillers, bottling plants and distributors.The daily consumption and requirement as per the present case load for Covid-19 patients for Punjab, on the other hand, is around 200 MT as April 25, and around 50 MT for non-Covid patients (emergency and other essential requirements that cannot be stopped).This makes the total daily requirement and consumption for Punjab healthcare services of 250 MT of liquid medical oxygen.This is expected to rise to around 250-300 MT in the next two weeks as per the projections of case load.The state's capacity for storage of medical oxygen for all healthcare facilities, including both government and private facilities, in Punjab is around 370 MT.--IANSvg/sdr/
New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) With over 550 Covid patients admitted to Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, including 142 on oxygen support, the healthcare facility is once again facing severe shortage of oxygen with its stocks likely to run out within an hour.According to the hospital administration, a truck loaded with oxygen entered the hospital premises at around 8:45 pm, but it went back within 5 minutes without supplying the oxygen.D.S. Rana, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that the hospital administration was assured of oxygen supply after it ran from pillar to post for more than 4-5 hours."We are now again left with a crisis. The government authorities must resolve this issue. We are in dire need of oxygen of up to around 9000 cubic metres immediately. Our consumption has increased to up to 11,000 cubic metres," he said."Seeking the truck enter the hospital gate, we thought finally there was some relief. But the driver said it's not for Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. We are in dire need of oxygen," Rana said.--IANSpd/arm
Chennai, April 23 (IANS) The health authorities are worried over the huge surge in the number of Covid cases in Chennai with the city accounting for a majority of the infections in the state, recording 33 out of the 59 deaths reported in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.By Thursday evening, almost 80 per cent beds in the five government-run tertiary care hospitals were filled up.A senior pulmonologist with a prominent private hospital in Chennai told IANS on condition of anonymity, "Things are getting out of hand, beds are getting filled up fast even though we are shifting patients who need utmost care to the tertiary care hospitals. On Thursday, there were instances of 100 per cent occupancy of beds in some private hospitals, while some others reported 70-80 per cent occupancy."Director of Medical Education, Narayana Babu, said that 20 per cent of the patients who are occupying hospital beds don't require them beds as their condition is not that serious. "We are advising these patients to get admitted to the Covid care centres or even go for home isolation," Narayana Babu told IANS.Accordingly, the health department is taking measures to move patients in the tertiary care hospitals whose conditions are not that serious to the Covid care centres, besides reccommending home isolation.Oxygen supply is, however, almost normal in the state, according to health authorities.--IANSaal/arm
New York- If you have lower levels of stress, there are chances that you will consume lesser fast food, finds a new study.
When the researchers assessed the potential role of stress as a mediator, the indirect effect of the intervention -- reducing participants' perceived stress -- was associated with less consumption of high-fat foods, including fast food.
"We used the women's testimonies in the videos and showed their interactions with their families to raise awareness about stressors. After watching the videos, a lot of intervention participants said, 'This is the first time I've realized I am so stressed out' - because they've lived a stressful life," said lead author Mei-Wei Chang from The Ohio State University.
"Many of these women are aware of feeling impatient, and having head and neck pain and trouble sleeping - but they don't know those are signs of stress," Chang added.
An analysis of the study data showed that the women's lowered perceived stress after participating in the intervention was the key factor influencing their eventual decrease in consumption of high-fat and fast foods.
"It's not that these women didn't want to eat healthier. If you don't know how to manage stress, then when you are so stressed out, why would you care about what you eat?" Chang said.
For the study, published in the journal Nutrients, the team involved 338 overweight or obese mothers aged between 18 and 39.
The 16-week programme was aimed at preventing weight gain by promoting stress management, healthy eating and physical activity.
During the trial, the 212 participants randomised into the intervention group watched a total of 10 videos in which women like them gave unscripted testimonials about healthy eating and food preparation, managing their stress and being physically active. (IANS)
What is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is a disorder in which there is abnormal wear on the cartilage and/bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) and it is a common cause of chronic neck pain. It is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine affecting the middle and old age group of both sexes leads to pain and stiffness in the neck, radiating pain to the arm, paraesthesia, numbness, headache, giddiness, etc.
In Ayurveda, Cervical spondylosis is caused by a Vata dosha aggravation and it’s mainly a Vata problem. Its clinical presentation is similar to Vishwachi in which degenerative condition of the cervical spine is common. It’s a disease that mainly affects the neck and upper extremities having signs and symptoms similar to that of cervical spondylosis. Vishwachi is a vataja nanatmaja vikara. The involvement of Vata in the clinical manifestation of vishwachi is of prime importance.
Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms & Signs
Often develop slowly over time, but they get worse suddenly
Pain may be mild/it can be deep and so severe that affected movements
After standing/sitting at night, the pain gets worsen
Pain over the shoulder blade/it may spread to the upper arm, forearm, fingers
Pain gets worse at night/sneezing/coughing/laughing/bending the neck backward/walking more than a few yards
Muscles weakness
Neck stiffness that gets worsen
Abnormal sensation/numbness in the shoulders/arms/legs
Headache (especially back of the head)
Balance loss
If pressure occurs on the spinal cord then, loss of control occurs over the bladder/bowels
Moving the head may make the pain worse and after sleeping neck stiffness is more common
Sometimes, these all changes result in a compression of the blood vessels, it can affect the blood supply to the brain and results in dizziness and blackouts
Dysphagia can occur rarely
Cervical Spondylosis Causes
It is caused by chronic wear on the cervical spine, includes the discs/cushions between the neck vertebrae and the joints b/w the bones of the cervical spine, there may be abnormal growths/spurs on the bones of the spine (vertebrae)
The major risk factor is aging. At the age of 60, most persons show signs of cervical spondylosis
Other factors include
Being overweight/not exercising
Having a job that requires heavy lifting/lot of bending/twisting
Past neck injury
Past spine surgery
Ruptured/slipped disc
Severe arthritis/small fractures/osteoporosis
When to See Your Doctor for Cervical Spondylosis Disease?
When pain and stiffness around the neck occur for long days and found unable to move properly your neck and facing difficulty and pain while bending, along with signs and symptoms that affect your daily routine, then you should consult the doctor.
Risk Factors of Cervical Spondylosis
Age- it’s a normal part of aging, occurs more commonly in old age persons
Occupation- Overhead work put extra stress on your neck
Neck injuries/Trauma
Genetic factors inherent
Repeated occupational trauma: carrying axial loads/professional dancing/gymnastics
Some conditions that contribute to segmental instability and excessive segmental motion like congenitally fused spine/cerebral palsy/down syndrome
Some myelopathy causes
Smoking also a risk factor
Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical Spondylosis Prevention
Regular exercise for the speedy recovery
A heated pad/cold pack can provide pain relief when the neck muscles become sore
A soft neck brace can temporarily relieve pain if a person wears them for short periods
Maintain neck muscle strength, especially neck extensor strength for prevention in general
Avoid holding the head in 1 position (for long duration)
Avoid prolonged head extension
Be careful while performing physical activities
Hot shower in the morning can help
Headrest & seatbelt also may reduce the risk of developing this condition
Yoga Therapy: balasana, natarajasana, bitilasana, marjaryasana, viparitakaranai asana, utthita trikonasana, shavasana can help to reduce the effect of cervical spondylosis
Diagnosis of Cervical Spondylosis
X-Ray/MRI
EMG & nerve conduction velocity test may be done to examine nerve root function
The doctor will check the range of motion in your neck for proper identification and location of pain
Reflexes and muscle strength will be tested to find out if there’s pressure on your spinal nerves/spinal cord
Gait examinations
CT-scan
Myelography
Nerve conduction study
What to avoid in Cervical Spondylosis?
Potato/cucumber/cold drinks/ice-cream/rajma/dry meat, etc. Avoided
Bending/sudden stretching/weight lifting to be avoided for making it more severe
Long journey on two-wheeler/sitting in abnormal posture/sitting for a long time to be avoided
Avoid holding the head in 1 position ( for longer duration)
Avoid prolonged head extension
Be careful while performing physical activities
Consumption of high-fat dairy products can lead to inflammation
Avoid processed food completely
Alcohol/smoking
Avoid meat and dairy products which contain saturated foods & arachidonic acids
Avoid more caffeine consumption
Avoid red meat
Avoid foods that lead to more production of acidity
Avoid spicy/hot/salty/oily foods
What to eat in Cervical Spondylosis?
Black gram/horse gram/wheat/rice
Gingili oil/mustard oil/milk/butter/soar fruits
Dry grapes/garlic
Drumstick fruits & leaves
Consume a diet that is rich in anti-inflammatory food substances
Fish/nuts/oilseeds/omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin- E rich foods
Apple/garlic/ginger/turmeric
Turmeric milk
Diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids
Replace rice with wheat
Bitter gaud/drumstick bitter vegetables
Questions & Answers
Q1. Why Cervical Spondylosis occur in old-age people?
Ans. Older age is a risk factor as in addition to age, people often get more likely to experience neck pain. It is the general term for age-related wear & tear affecting the spinal discs in the neck region. Also, it is caused due to disks dehydration and shrinking. In most people age > 50, discs between the vertebrae become less spongy & provide less of a cushion. Bones & ligaments get thicker and encroached the space of the spinal canal.
Q2. If myelopathy occurs with cervical spondylosis, then what will be the symptoms like?
Ans. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis with myelopathy include tingling/numbness/weakness in the arms, hands, legs, feet/lack of coordination & difficulty walking/abnormal reflexes/muscle spasms/loss of control over bladder/bowel incontinence.
Q3. How is Cervical Spondylosis diagnosed properly?
Ans. By taking a medical history with signs and symptoms appearing, it will be followed by a physical exam of the body by focussing on the neck/back/shoulders. The strength of hands and arms/reflexes test/loss of sensation checkups/walk/equilibrium can be tested. Other tests also can be done include x-ray/computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging( MRI), EMV tests, etc.
Q4. According to Ayurveda, which disease is similar to that of cervical spondylosis?
Ans. In Ayurveda, Cervical spondylosis is caused by a Vata dosha aggravation and it’s mainly a Vata problem. Its clinical presentation is similar to Vishwachi in which degenerative condition of the cervical spine is common. It’s a disease that mainly affects the neck and upper extremities having signs and symptoms similar to cervical spondylosis. Vishwachi is a vataja nanatmaja vikara. The involvement of Vata in the clinical manifestation of vishwachi is of prime importance.
Q5. What exactly is the meaning of the term ‘Spondylosis’?
Ans. Spondylosis is basically a painful condition and situation of the spine which results from the degeneration of the intervertebral discs. Often, it is considered a general term for age-related wear & tear of the spinal discs. It affects the vertebral discs and facet joints that gradually develop with age. This condition can narrow the spinal canal that further results in the compression of the spinal cord & nerve roots. Chronic compression can lead to damage to the spinal cord/can cause radicular arm pain further.
Q6. What are the complications of Cervical Spondylosis?
Ans. Complications of cervical spondylosis include: cervical myelopathy/paraplegia/tetraplegia/recurrent chest infection/pressure sores/recurrent urinary tract infection/progressive neurologic deficits/documented compression of the cervical nerve root/or spinal cord/intractable pain.
Q7. What is the role of psychosocial support in the treatment of cervical spondylosis?
Ans. Some patients with significant disabilities often react with fear/anxiety/depression. Postoperative depression is significantly associated with pain intensity/pain interference/pain-related disability. After surgery, results of one study of depression/negative affect among spinal surgery patients suggest postoperative screening for depression and treating depression to improve functional outcomes after spine surgery.
Q8. What are the various exercises and therapies recommended for cervical spondylosis?
Ans. Various exercises recommended to ease the symptoms of cervical spondylosis are neck stretch/neck tilt/side-to-side neck tilt/neck turn with 5 repetitions. In Ayurveda, some yoga therapies are there like, balasana, natarajasana, bitilasana, marjaryasana, viparitakaranai asana, utthita trikonasana, shavasana can help to reduce the effect of cervical spondylosis.
Q9. What is the role of physical therapy in the treatment of cervical spondylosis?
Ans. Usually, immobilization of the cervical spine occurs with severe cervical spondylosis with evidence of myelopathy. It limits the motion of the neck. Soft cervical collars are recommended for daytime use only. Patient’s tolerance and compliance are considered when any braces used. Isometric cervical exercises may help to limit the loss of muscle tone. Molded cervical pillows can better align the spine during sleep & provide symptomatic relief for some patients. Neck & upper back exercises are recommended. Yoga therapies also play an important role to reduce the inflammation and pain in cervical spondylosis.
Q10. How cervical spondylosis is cured through the Ayurveda line of treatment?
Ans. During the acute phase (about a week), usually complete bed rest & use of a thin pillow & hard bed is recommended. After acute phase, some panchakarma procedures like sadyovirechana, greevabasti, abhyanga, patra pinda sveda, nasya should be done.
Podikkizhi, ilakikizhi, greeva pichu, tailadhara, panchatikta & ksheera basti, shalishastic pinda sweda is also recommend. Mainly, all the above procedures done after examine the bala and prakriti of the patients. Along with these procedures, shamana chikitsa with recommend classical formulations should be given to the patient.
References
1. Longmore, Wilkinson, Davidson, Foulkes, Mafi, Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine 8th Edition
2. Kayachikitsa Volume-3by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sharma (2017)
3. Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana- ch-28
4. J.Alastair Innes, Davidson’s Essential of Medicine 2nd edition
5. K Sembulingam, P Sembulingam, Essentials of Medical Physiology 6th Edition
New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Homegrown health and wellness platform Cure.fit on Tuesday said it has acquired fitness facilities aggregator Fitternity for an undisclosed sum.While Fitternity will continue to exist as a separate platform, this move will allow Cure.fit to scale Cult Pass -- the company's recently launched all-access pass to the best gyms and Cult centres in India. Cult Pass also marked Cure.fit's foray into gym and equipment-based workouts. This acquisition seeks to further build on that offering with the aim of establishing Cure.fit as a market leader across all fitness formats, the company said."Fitness in India is still in initial stages at sub 1 per cent penetration. Over the next 10-20 years, this will increase to 15-20 per cent like in the west. With increasing health awareness, demand is increasing, and we need to put up quality supply," Mukesh Bansal, Co-Founder, Cure.fit, said in a statement."With Fitternity on board, Cure.fit will improve existing offline gyms, bring them up to speed with better technology, and focus on empowering them to adjust to the post-Covid scenario amid changing consumer expectations."With a collective user base of three million users, Cure.fit and Fitternity will together occupy greater market dominance in terms of empowering more than 5000 fitness centres spread across top 20 cities in India.Bengaluru-headquartered Cure.fit said it is also planning to help offline gyms upgrade their technology, operating procedures and aid them in increasing their visibility for better utilisation, yielding a 50-100 per cent increase in footfalls and revenue. --IANSgb/rt
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