Author: Sunitha S

Vitiligo is a skin condition that can affect any person, irrespective of their ethnicity. It is estimated that 70 million people all over the world are affected by this condition. Studies have shown that in Asia, vitiligo has a pooled population prevalence rate of 0.1% and is most commonly found among South Asians. What is vitiligo?  Vitiligo is a skin condition in which white patches appear on the body. These white patches can be on the face, hands, legs or any part of the body. It is a long-term condition that can affect both men and women of any age…

Sickle Cell Disease is a genetically inherited disorder that involves crescent-shaped red blood cells. Read on to find out more about this blood condition.

Blood donation is the voluntary act of giving blood, mainly for transfusion. Blood transfusion replaces blood that is lost due to trauma or major surgeries, and may be used in the treatment of certain blood disorders. These blood disorders include: Anaemia Thrombocytopenia Leukaemia Thalassaemia World Blood Donor Day happens on 14 June every year. Read on more to find out the importance of donating blood and why we are all encouraged to go for blood donation. Why is blood donation important? Globally, blood supply demands are high, and supplies are scarce. For instance, in the U.S., every 2 seconds, someone…

In our previous article, we look at the basics of celiac disease, including how to manage it.  Lifestyle changes are crucial for those diagnosed with celiac disease. Following a gluten-free diet is one of the most important changes in order to manage this condition. In fact, consuming gluten-free alternatives is the only cure for celiac disease, though various supplements can also help.  What is gluten, and what are some alternatives of our Asian diet that are gluten-free? Read on more to find out what are some gluten-free alternatives that you or your family can prepare if you are suffering from…

You may not have heard of the term ‘celiac disease’. However, the term ‘gluten intolerance’ is one that most are familiar with. Consumption of gluten triggers celiac disease, which is an autoimmune response. It is also called gluten sensitivity enteropathy or celiac sprue.  In Asia, celiac disease is an emerging condition, with 0.1% to 1.3% of the population diagnosed with it. However, its exact prevalence in Asia is unknown and varies based on geography and gender.  In this first part of the 2-parts series, you will get to know more about the symptoms, complications, and management of this disease. What…

India, the second-largest populous country in the world, did not let time slip by catching onto the vaccination roll-out along with the rest of the world. With the emergency approval of home-grown COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, and Astrazeneca-Oxford’s Covishield, nearly 15 million citizens in India have been vaccinated from January to early March 2021. Covishield Vaccine Covishield is manufactured locally by the Serum Institute of India. Derived from a weakened version of the cold virus that was modified to look like coronavirus. When injected, this virus does not cause any infection. Instead, it triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to…

Growing a baby inside you is a long process. It takes a whole nine months for the baby to develop and reach the size of a newborn. Labour and delivery however, occur within a short span of hours or days.  Majority of expectant mothers will worry most about labour and delivery.  Will I be able to bear the pain? Will complications develop during delivery?  Being well-informed will help to assuage worries, and give you a clearer picture of what to expect and the necessary steps to follow.   What Is Labour And What Are the Signs? Labour is the whole process…

Yoga has become a way of life for many. The various health benefits it offers, along with the relaxation you get afterwards have prompted many to make yoga a part of their daily routine. Here are 10 yoga poses that everyone can try.  Why Should You Incorporate Yoga In Your Daily Life? Yoga offers a multitude of mental and physical benefits: Makes the body more flexible Your body tends to become stiff because of a sedentary lifestyle. You may find that your muscles become sore even when you just do a simple workout. Yoga helps to reduce the stiffness of…

Menstruation plays a crucial role in determining the reproductive health of a woman. A healthy woman gets her period every 27-28 days. This is calculated from the first day of the last period to the starting day of the next period. For some women, their period might come a few days earlier or later. If this pattern is followed consistently every month, there is no need to worry. However, if there is an undue delay in your period every month, it could be a sign of irregular menstrual periods.  What is Irregular Menstrual Periods? An irregular menstrual period occurs when the…

Along with various types of bacteria, fungi exist all over your body. When there is an overgrowth of fungi in your nails, a fungal nail infection occurs. This can manifest as discolouration of your fingernails or toenails. Your nails will become thicker and might start to crumble at the edges. Left untreated, the fungal infection could spread to other nails or even your skin. A warm or moist environment is the ideal breeding ground for fungi. You are thus more likely to get fungal infection in your toenails than your fingernails, as your toes are usually cramped into warm, moist…