A Tumour, also known as a Neoplasm, is an abnormal mass of tissue that may be solid or fluid-filled. A Brain Tumour occurs when the unnecessary growth of cells is produced within any part of the Brain. With an increasing trend of 2% malignancies, the occurrence of Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumours in India ranges from 5 to 10 per 100,000 populations. A malignant Brain Tumour is most common among children. The exact cause of Brain Cancer is unknown although most allied causes of Brain Cancer are genetic factors, radiation, HIV infection, smoking and various environmental toxins.

Living with Tumour presents many new challenges, which may affect leading a normal life. They undergo stress and will be mentally disturbed. But, for better treatment, one should stay strong. Relax rest and restore, following the three “R’s” can help you navigate through challenges and strengthen your body, mind and spirit. Most importantly, focus on passion and do what you love. There is no cure for happiness. Silence combined with stillness is powerful for healing with offering new perceptions. Try to keep yourself proactive and engaged in your actions. Don’t feel low and be committed with confidence to activate and advance your healing focus. Brain Tumour is indeed a journey. Guide yourself to make wise choices and make self-care strategies into comfort.

Exercising, spending time in nature and focusing on what you enjoy will enhance your well-being. “Killing Tumour is not the only focus, also teaching strategies to control anxiety is imperative. Guide yourself to make wise choices and self-care strategies into comfort. Vital healthy foods improve personal strength and power.” Says Dr Praveen Ankathi (M.Ch) Consultant Neurosurgeon at Aware Gleneagles Hospital.

A Stroke is a Neurological emergency wherein the Brain is damaged due to the disruption of blood flow. Every minute of an untreated Stroke can cause the death of 1.9 million Neurons.

The occurrence of a Stroke is highly unpredictable and spontaneous. However, Strokes are a treatable and preventable condition if the right medical attention is provided as soon as possible. To treat or prevent Strokes completely, it is important to understand the various factors that can induce a Stroke. The risk factors of a Stroke are High Blood Pressure, smoking, Diabetes, high levels of sugar in the blood, Obesity and high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Heart problems such as Atrial Fibrillation and Vascular problems like Carotid Artery Disease and Peripheral Artery can also increase the risk of experiencing a Stroke. High stress levels and improper sleep habits can also contribute to increasing the risk of having a Stroke.

Following the regimented Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation program post-treatment of a Stroke can drop the chances of a recurrence by 80%. Physical activity helps regulate a person’s weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar and improves the status of their Cardiac System it is also important to incorporate other lifestyle changes such as cessation of smoking to control Blood Pressure and decrease other risk factors. BGS Gleneagles Hospital has a walking group for Stroke survivors to help Stroke patients minimize the risks of a recurrent Stroke and to help them improve their health. Stroke patients are recommended consultation with a Dietician so that they may get a customised nutrition plan that can help control their weight and regulate the health complications associated with it.

Some risk factors are not manageable for example ailments like Lupus, Diabetes, Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Arrhythmia, Nephrotic Syndrome, and some Autoimmune Diseases can increase the risk of Stroke occurrence. Ageing and tendencies due to family history are also unavoidable factors that increase the risk of having a Stroke. By following the Physiotherapy prescribed by the doctor and incorporating the required lifestyle changes, patients suffering from these ailments can minimize the risk of suffering from further consequences arising from having a Stroke.

Hepatitis which causes Liver Inflammation has now become a concern as it is the most dreaded disease than Malaria, Dengue or HIV. It is a viral infection that affects the Liver and is a leading cause of death across the globe. Despite the known fact that there is an availability of the vaccine, a surge of 63 per cent in Hepatitis deaths has shown.

The contagious and life-threatening Hepatitis is of five different types, namely A, B, C, D and E. Hepatitis B, C and D are transmitted through blood, semen or other body fluids and Hepatitis A and E are waterborne viruses. People infected with the Hepatitis virus are 10 times more than the number of HIV patients. Globally more than 400 million people infected with Hepatitis B or C do not even know and live with the symptoms for a longer period. Hepatitis A and E can be severe, incapacitating and fatal during the onset of monsoon. Hepatitis B and C on the other hand can cause severe illness and Chronic Liver Disease, which can lead to Cirrhosis of Liver or Cancer. Unlike Hepatitis B, C and D, Hepatitis A and E do not damage the Liver in the long term.

People infected with Hepatitis B and C do not even know if they are infected and Liver with infection for a longer period. About six lakh people are dying due to acute and chronic consequences of Hepatitis B, which is nearly 100 times more than HIV/AIDS. Acute infection may present a few symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever and Jaundice. Chronic Hepatitis may present with early and late symptoms of Liver Dysfunction and Failure.

Apart from being transmitted through body fluid or contaminated surgical instruments, Hepatitis B can be spread from a mother to a child. Adults infected with Acute Hepatitis B can be cured to 95-100%, but when infected in babies from the mother is not treatable. The incidence can be reduced to 65% with new antiviral treatments, which suppresses the progression of the disease. You are just three doses away from vaccination to prevent Hepatitis. Once infected or vaccinated early, you cannot get Hepatitis in your lifetime.

“Hepatitis rarely present symptoms until very late, consequently regular health checkup is advised for people above 40 years. Infants should be immunized from Hepatitis early. In addition, all pregnant ladies should be screened for Hepatitis B and C, if found positive, adequate measures should be taken to prevent transmission. Good rest and adequate nutrition and Liver support agents will lead to early recovery.” Says Dr Dharmesh Kapoor, Senior Consultant Hepatologist at Gleneagles Hospital.