Dr. Vikram .R. Lotwala

The largest study of its kind finds that older Americans who eat large amounts of red meat and processed meats face a greater risk of death from heart disease and cancer. Calling the increased risk modest, lead author Rashmi Sinha of the National Cancer Institute said the findings support the advice of several health groups to limit red and processed meat intake to decrease cancer risk. People whose diets contained more white meat like chicken and fish had lower risks of death. The researchers surveyed more than 545,000 people, ages 50 to 71 years old, on their eating habits, then followed them for 10 years. There were more than 70,000 deaths during that time.

24th Of March each year is celebrated as World TB Day. Its a irony that in India in the metros we are fighting menace of Obesity, Hypertension, and Diabetes so called lifestyle disease and at the other end we are fighting with deadly Tuberculosis (India carries the highest burden of TB, accounting for one-fifth of the global incidence)too. Why do I call it deadly, when the successful treatment options are available. Well the newer Koch's or Tb infection are much serious and add to it co existing infection of HIV. This combination of infection is a threat world wide. There is a growing belief among experts that multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR), and its deadlier cousin, the extensively-drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR), may soon become bigger threats than HIV-AIDS. In Mumbai, till 2008, about 30,606 patients were enrolled for the Direct Observation Treatment (DOTS) Plus project under the RNTCP (Revised National TB Control programme). Of these, approximately three per cent were...

This is one more reason to cut the flab.The number of patients requiring operations for painful kidney stones has risen by one third in five years, driven in part by the growing obesity crisis, experts have warned. Daron Smith, urology consultant at University College London Hospital, said: "One of the major causes of kidney stones can be diet and lifestyle and the growing obesity problem is related [to them]. “Eating too much protein and high levels of salt is not good for the build up of chemicals in the urine which can cause stones. This can be exacerbated by a condition called metabolic syndrome, which is also one of the links between obesity and Type-2 diabetes.” Almost one in four British adults is now classed as obese, and doctors predict that the figure will rise in coming decades.

A Recent US study indicates that test-tube babies are at a 30% greater risk of suffering from conditions such as cleft palates and defects with heart valves and the digestive system than children conceived naturally. The exact reason for these defects are not known, but the possible cause may be the older age of mother and other cause is the fertility drugs induced egg production which might not be a healthy. This study should deter many couples from IVF and will promote natural conception.

About a third of common adult cancers may be preventable in the U.S. -- and that doesn't even count cancers that could be prevented by not smoking. That's according to a new report from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) and its sister organization, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). In the new report, the WCRF and AICR estimate that in the U.S., eating a nutritious diet, being physically active, and keeping body fat under control may prevent: * 38% of breast cancers * 45% of colorectal cancers * 36% of lung cancers * 39% of pancreatic cancers * 47% of stomach cancers * 69% of esophageal cancers * 63% of cancers of the mouth, pharynx, or larynx * 70% of endometrial cancers * 24% of kidney cancers * 21% of gallbladder cancers * 15% of liver cancers * 11% of prostate cancers Diet, physical activity, and limited body fat could prevent 34% of those 12 cancers overall in the U.S., and 24% of all cancers, according to the report. Those estimates are all about the b...

Your lifespan could be shrinking in proportion to your growing waistline. In the largest-ever investigation of how obesity affects mortality, British scientists have found that seriously obese people die 10 years before they should. Even worse, even moderate obesity has been found to shorten lives by three years. Oxford University researchers reported their finding in Wednesday’s issue of medical journal The Lancet after analyzing the body mass index (BMI) of a million people who had been weighed and measured in 57 separate studies in Europe and North America. People in the study were followed for up to 20 years, during which time 100,000 died. Those with a BMI of 30-35 lost three years while severely obese people with the BMI of 40-50 had reduced life expectancy by about 10 years. Epidemiologist Dr Gary Whitlock, who led the analysis, said, “Excess weight shortens human lifespan. If you are becoming overweight or obese, avoiding further weight gain could well add years to ...

A person with some or all of the following listed health risk factors may never develop type 2 diabetes. However, the latest medical findings show that the chances of getting type 2 diabetes increase the more health risk factors you have. * A family history of diabetes . If a parent or sibling in your family has diabetes, your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases. * Age over 45. The chance of getting type 2 diabetes increases with age. * Race or ethnic background . The risk of type 2 diabetes is greater in Hispanics, blacks, Native Americans, and Asians. * Metabolic syndrome (also called insulin resistance syndrome) * Being overweight . If you are overweight, defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25, you're at higher risk of type 2 diabetes. * Hypertension. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. * Abnormal cholesterol levels. HDL ("good") cholesterol levels under 35 mg/dL (milligrams per decil...

There was a study done in which, data was collected from 3,320 people for finding out the heart disease risk factors. The results of these was a little surprise, wherein it showed that the risk was higher for cardiac disorders in individuals have bigger neck, irrespective of sex. It was also concluded that the bigger a person's neck size, the greater that person's risk of high levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol and blood fat, insulin resistance, and high blood sugar. This was true even after reducing the abdominal fat.

This study was conducted in Ghent University Hospital and Department of Surgery, Spaarne Ziekenhuis, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands and is published in achieves of surgery Vol. 144 No. 3, March 2009. The purpose of the study was to compare the results of Partial Vs Total fundoplication. Study concluded that Partial fundoplication is safer and gives same results as Nissen's Fundoplication. It also leads to fewer re-operations as compared to Nissen.

This study was conducted in Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, England and is published in Archieves of Surgery. The results of these study is a eyeopener to all doctors who promote Stapled Heamorrhoidectomy. The study concludes that Stapled Heamorrhoidectomy though a safe procedure but lead to a significantly higher incidence of recurrences and additional operations compared with Conventional technique.

Today is World Kidney Day (WKD). The purpose of celebrating such kind of evet is, to create awareness in people regarding the end stage or chronic renal disease and its causes, sign and symtoms and how to deal with it. Half of the patients suffering CRF are not even aware of it. Half the patients who are knowing about it are not taking medications. Half of the patients who are taking medications are not following the life style changes advised. Nearly half of the patients of CRF are suffering due to diabtes and hypertension The focus of the WKD 2009 campaign is to: • Raise awareness about our “amazing kidneys” and stress the importance of early and comprehensive screening for people at risk of kidney disease. • Highlight that high blood pressure is a key risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Better blood pressure control slows the progression of CKD, and makes it less likely that a patient will require dialysis or suffer from heart or other cardiovascular diseases. • Educate al...

Hi friends. I think these group is really doing a great job. Lets join them and create awareness regarding criminals in politics. I know, that you know its a common phenomenon. But what are we doing apart from complaining about it. Lets at least join them and support their cause Read on their website http://www.nocriminals.org

Easy Ways to Lose Weight: 50+ Ideas Simple Slimming Spring is right around the corner and retailers have already begun stocking their floors with warm-weather goods -- including swimsuits. Besides looking great on the beach, commonsense tells us that one of the best things you can do for your overall health is to drop a few pounds. Or maybe more than a few pounds. Being overweight significantly increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure; cancer ... the list seems almost endless. Plus, if you do get sick or need surgery, being overweight can make any treatments riskier. You know the drill when it comes to losing weight -- take in fewer calories, burn more calories. But you also know that most diets and quick weight-loss plans have about as much substance as a politician's campaign pledges. You're better off finding several simple things you can do on a daily basis -- along with following the cardinal rules of eating more vegetables and less fat a...

Exercise needn’t be an all-or-nothing venture. Just 10 minutes on a treadmill or stationary bicycle make a significant difference Ideally, you should ensure that you are out of breath for an hour a day, every day. However, exercise needn’t be an all-or-nothing venture. Just 10 minutes on a treadmill or stationary bicycle make a significant difference. You may not lose weight or lower your blood pressure, but you will end up aerobically fitter—and your waistline could get smaller (belly fat is linked to insulin resistance, contributing to heart disease and diabetes). You could also try: • Working around the house or in the garden • Swimming • Playing in the park with children • Brisk walking More power to your stride Walking can burn calories faster than a jog. Even better is power walking: • Aim for 4.5mph. • Long strides are tiring. Take quick, heel-ball-toe steps. • Bend elbows and swing arms to help you walk faster. • Can’t sustain the pace? Add speed bursts to your walk. Elastic...

Most people are feeling the budget crunch, more so as grocery bills can’t be trimmed beyond a point. But saving shouldn’t shortchange you nutritionally. Though prices vary across cities and outlets, all these are better value than a burger, a kathi roll or chips and cola: 1. Potatoes: Just don’t fry them! About 200g (Rs4-6) makes a good-sized portion. 2. Tomatoes: Rs10 buys a kilo. 3. Oats: High in heart-healthy soluble fibre, and a quick, tasty breakfast at Rs7 or so. 4. Eggs: Once equated with cholesterol, they’re now back on the good food list, at Rs3 each. 5. Lentils: Beans and dals are great protein options. A serving of rajma (about 30g) is just Rs2-3. Ditto for soy protein. Sprouts, even from a shop, cost about Rs20 for a 200g bag. 6. Spinach: Rs10 buys a big bunch of saag or other leafy greens, packed with nutrients. 7. Bananas: They are high in fibre and potassium. Cost: Rs3-4 each. 8. Dairy: At Rs5-6 for a glass of toned milk, you have no reason to risk osteoporosis. Making d...

We all know the cause for the series deaths in Gujarat's Modasa town. These were due to deadly mutation linked Hepatitis B Infection. All the dead had an Intravenous injection or a drip administered by a doctor in last 6 months or so. So naturally these doctors and Intravenous administration of drugs are now being blamed for the deaths of these people. Well, its looks to be very much true. The doctors are very much the culprits and should be punished for such heinous crime on unsuspecting patients. Apparently some of the dead are children. I believe to some extent the patient and the Indian psyche is also responsible for this. All the patients have the belief that with injection the results are far better compared to tablets. This is a totally false notion. In Big cities like Mumbai almost 20-30% of patients in OPD receive some kind of intravenous medication. One more dimension to this is the revenue a doctor gets with this injection and drips. He earns more with them compa...