Centre for Health: The Specialty Practice

24/07/2025

🌸 Let’s Talk PCOS: A Silent Struggle Millions of Women Face

Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age — yet it often goes undiagnosed, misunderstood, or brushed off as “just irregular periods.”

But PCOS is much more than that. It can affect your:
⚠️ Menstrual cycle
⚠️ Fertility
⚠️ Skin & hair
⚠️ Weight
⚠️ Mood
⚠️ Long-term health (like risk of diabetes & heart disease)

If you’re dealing with symptoms like unpredictable periods, stubborn acne, unwanted facial hair, hair thinning, or unexplained weight gain — it might be time to check with a doctor.

🧪 Diagnosis is usually based on a combination of:
– Symptoms
– Hormone blood tests
– Ultrasound findings

There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment, but the good news is: PCOS is manageable.
Whether you’re looking to balance your hormones, clear your skin, regulate periods, or get pregnant — there are options.

💚 Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep)
💊 Medication (birth control, Metformin, anti-androgens)
👩‍⚕️ Medical guidance & mental health support

✨ Early diagnosis and consistent care can make a huge difference. Don’t ignore the signs. You’re not alone — and you’re not overreacting.

💬 Have questions about PCOS or want to share your journey? Drop a comment or DM us.
🔁 Share this with someone who might need to see it.

21/07/2025

💉 Vaccines Your Child Shouldn’t Miss – A Parent’s Essential Guide

Vaccines are one of the greatest tools we have to protect children from life-threatening diseases. They work by preparing the immune system to recognize and fight harmful infections before they cause serious harm. From birth to adolescence, each vaccine plays a specific role in shielding your child during their most vulnerable years.

Here’s why staying on schedule matters:
🧠 In the first year, vaccines like BCG, Polio (OPV/IPV), DTP, and Hepatitis B build your child’s early immune foundation.
🛡️ At 9 months to 2 years, MMR, PCV, Varicella, and Hepatitis A vaccines protect against infections that can lead to complications like brain inflammation or pneumonia.
🩺 Booster doses after 2 years strengthen long-term immunity and protect your child as they grow and explore more of the outside world.
👧 At school-going age, additional doses of DTP and MMR, and the HPV vaccine (recommended from age 9) provide critical protection against adolescent and adult-stage diseases, including certain cancers.

⚠️ Delaying or missing vaccinations can increase the risk of disease outbreaks and reduce your child’s resistance to preventable infections.

As a parent, you don’t have to navigate this alone.
📌 Always consult your paediatrician, maintain an updated vaccination card, and ask about region-specific or travel-related vaccines (like flu, typhoid, or JE).

✅ Vaccines are safe.
✅ Side effects are rare and usually mild.
✅ Protection lasts a lifetime.

Every vaccine is a step toward a healthier future – not just for your child, but for the whole community. 🌍
Let’s raise strong, immune-ready kids together. 💪

🔁 Save this post for your next doctor’s visit.
💬 Have questions about a specific vaccine? Drop them below – we’re here to help.

19/07/2025

🧬 The Truth About Immunity Boosters: What the Science Really Says

In recent years, “immunity boosters” have flooded the market — from vitamin gummies and green powders to ayurvedic kadhas and superfood shots. But is there any real science behind them?

Here’s the truth ⬇️
Your immune system is a complex, intelligent network — it’s not a switch you can flip with a pill or a drink. While some nutrients do support immune function, there’s no proven way to “boost” immunity instantly.

✅ What actually helps:
– A balanced diet rich in vitamin C, D, zinc, and antioxidants
– Enough sleep (7–8 hours daily)
– Regular physical activity
– Managing chronic stress
– Staying hydrated
– Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol

🚫 What doesn’t help:
– Overdosing on supplements
– Believing all natural products are harmless
– Replacing medical advice or vaccinations with "herbal cures"

Your immune system thrives on consistency, not trends.

📌 Bottom line? Immunity isn’t built in a bottle. It’s built in your daily routine.

💬 What’s your go-to for staying well during the season changes? Let us know below!
🔁 Share this post with someone who swears by “immunity hacks” – help them get the facts.

16/07/2025

🫀 Worried About Your Cholesterol? Here’s What You Can Do — Naturally.
High cholesterol doesn't show symptoms — but it silently increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. The good news? You can take control of your numbers without rushing straight to medication (unless advised by a doctor).

Swipe through this post to learn how simple, science-backed lifestyle changes can help you bring down bad cholesterol (LDL), raise good cholesterol (HDL), and improve your overall heart health.

Here’s a quick summary of what works:
✅ Eat smarter: Add more soluble fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Reduce trans fats and processed foods.
🏃‍♂️ Get moving: Just 30 minutes of moderate activity a day can raise your HDL levels.
⚖️ Lose excess weight: Even small weight loss has a big impact on cholesterol.
🚭 Quit smoking: Your HDL improves almost immediately.
🍷 Limit alcohol: Excess drinking can lead to higher cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
🧾 Get tested: Regular lipid profile tests help you track your progress and catch silent changes early.

Remember: Cholesterol isn't the enemy — imbalance is.
With consistency, care, and small daily changes, you can support your heart naturally. 💚

📌 Save this post.
🔁 Share it with someone who needs a heart-health reminder.
💬 Have questions or want personalized tips? Drop a comment or DM us.

16/07/2025

मामूली बीमारियों के लिए भी हम स्पेशलिस्ट के पास क्यों जाते हैं?

जनरल फिजिशियन के पास पहले जाएं तो ओवर-प्रिस्क्रिप्शन को कम किया जा सकता है

Dr Chandrakant Lahariya writes in Dainik Bhaskar

all editions 16 July 2025

जयपुर के 42 साल के आईटी प्रोफेशनल शैलेश को कुछ हफ्तों से कभी-कभार गर्दन और कंधे का दर्द था। फिर एक दिन वही दर्द बाएं हाथ में भी महसूस हुआ। युवा लोगों में दिल के दौरे के बारे में मीडिया रिपोर्टों से चिंतित उनकी पत्नी उन्हें एक कार्डियोलॉजिस्ट के पास ले पहुंची, जिन्होंने ईसीजी और फिर इको कराया, जिसमें कुछ नहीं निकला। हृदयरोग विषेशज्ञ ने उन्हें रक्त की जांच की सलाह के साथ कुछ दवाएं लिखी और आर्थोपेडिक डॉक्टर के साथ एक रेफरल की सलाह दी।

हड्डियों के डॉक्टर ने कंधे और सर्वाइकल स्पाइन का एमआरआई करवाया, जो नार्मल निकला। उन्हें फिजियोथेरेपी कराने, कुछ मल्टीविटामिन लेने और किसी न्यूरोलॉजिस्ट से परामर्श का सुझाव दिया गया। शैलेश का पहले से ही बहुत पैसा खर्च हो गया था, इसलिए अब उन्होंने एक जनरल फिजिशियन के पास जाने का निर्णय लिया। उन्हें दर्द से राहत देने वाली दवाएं लेने और कुर्सी पर बैठकर काम करने के तरीकों में बदलाव की सलाह दी गई। कुछ दिनों में दर्द बंद हो गया और शैलेश अब पूरी तरह ठीक थे।

यह वृतांत भारतीय स्वास्थ्य सेवा प्रणाली की वर्तमान स्थिति का एक प्रतिबिम्ब है, जहां आम बीमारियों के लिए भी मरीज अक्सर विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टरों के पास पहुँचते हैं। उच्च रक्तचाप है तो कार्डियोलॉजिस्ट या शुगर के लिए एंडोक्रिनोलोजिस्ट के पास जाना आम बात सी हो गई है। सुपर-स्पेशलिस्ट डॉक्टरों की ट्रेनिंग कुछ ऐसी होती है कि वो दुर्लभ बीमारी तो ढूंढ लेते है, लेकिन उनसे मामूली बीमारी छूट सकती है। फिर विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टर मरीज को अपने अनुभव और नजरिए के आधार पर इलाज़ करते हैं, जो कई बार उसी विषय के दूसरे डॉक्टरों से पूरी तरह अलग हो सकता है। इस स्थिति को कभी-कभी चिकित्सा देखभाल में राशोमान प्रभाव भी कहा जाता है। ‘राशोमान’ अकीरा कुरोसावा द्वारा निर्देशित फिल्म का शीर्षक है, जिसमें एक दृश्य को अलग-अलग किरदार दूसरे से बिलकुल अलग तरीके से वर्णित करते हैं।

स्वास्थ्य क्षेत्र में राशोमान प्रभाव क्यों मिलता है? रिसर्च बताती है कि समाज का हर व्यक्ति- जिनमें डॉक्टर भी शामिल हैं- में कुछ 'संज्ञानात्मक पूर्वाग्रह' या 'कॉग्निटिव बायस' होते हैं। ये पूर्वाग्रह निर्णय लेने में तर्कसंगतता से परे, व्यवस्थित व्याहारिक पैटर्न हैं। मेडिकल जर्नल बीएमसी मेडिकल इंफॉर्मेशन में 2016 और फिर 2023 में जर्नल इंटरनल मेडिसिन में प्रकाशित शोधों में निष्कर्ष निकला कि तीन प्रकार के संज्ञानात्मक पूर्वाग्रह- उपलब्धता, पुष्टि और एंकरिंग - खास तौर से विशेषज्ञ डॉक्टरों द्वारा निर्णय लेने को प्रभावित करते हैं।

देखा गया है कि विषेशज्ञ डॉक्टर अपनी क्लीनिकल क्षमताओं का अधिक आकलन करते हैं जो ओवर-प्रिस्क्रिप्शन का कारण बनती है। जबकि सच यह है कि उनके पास सिर्फ चुनिंदा बिमारियों के बारे में गहराई से ज्ञान होता है। इसके विपरीत, जनरल फिजिशियन या गैर-विशेषज्ञ चिकित्सक को अधिकतर आम बीमारियों के बारे में विस्तृत - जानकारी होती है, साथ ही इस बात की समझ भी कि किस लक्षण के लिए और कब मरीज़ को किस स्पेशलिस्ट डॉक्टर को रेफर करना है। ऐसे में, किसी भी बीमारी के प्रारंभिक चरण में अगर लोग जनरल फिजिशियन के पास जाएं तो इन संज्ञानात्मक पूर्वाग्रहों और उनके परिणामस्वरूप होने वाले ओवर प्रिस्क्रिप्शन से बचा जा सकता है। साथ ही, अच्छी मेडिकल हिस्ट्री, हर रोगी के साथ पर्याप्त समय बिताना और स्टैंडर्ड ट्रीटमेंट गाइडलाइन का पालन भी इलाज को एक सही दिशा देता है।

चिंता का विषय है कि भारत की चिकित्सा देखभाल प्रणाली तेजी से सुपर-स्पेशलिस्ट देखभाल की ओर बढ़ रही है। इसके विपरीत, यूके या थाईलैंड जैसे कई देशों में जनरल या प्राइमरी केयर फिजिशियन स्वास्थ्य सेवा का पहला संपर्क पॉइंट होते हैं। जनरल फिजिशियन के रेफरल के बिना किसी विशेषज्ञ से मिलने की अनुमति नहीं है। यह समय और स्वास्थ्य संसाधनों के बेहतर उपयोग में मदद करता है। यह स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं का अनुचित उपयोग भी रोकता है और इलाज का खर्चा कम रखता है। अगर आपको कोई बीमारी है तो सबसे पहले जनरल फिजिशियन से परामर्श लें। यह कम लागत पर व्यक्ति के लिए अच्छा स्वास्थ्य सुनिश्चित करेगा। यह व्यक्ति और परिवार के लिए अच्छा है और राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर स्वास्थ्य सेवा के खर्च को घटाएगा।

(ये लेखक के अपने विचार हैं)

14/07/2025

🍷 Alcohol Awareness Week: The Conversation We All Need to Have

Did you know that alcohol is linked to over 200 health conditions, including liver disease, heart problems, mental health disorders, and several types of cancer? Yet, in many places, drinking remains not only normalized—but often celebrated.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
🔹 3 million deaths every year are attributed to harmful alcohol use
🔹 That’s 5.3% of all global deaths
🔹 Alcohol is the leading risk factor for premature death among people aged 15–49
🔹 In India, alcohol consumption has increased by 38% between 2010 and 2020, with over 160 million drinkers as of recent national surveys

What many people don’t realize is that alcohol is a depressant, not a stress reliever. While it may create a temporary sense of calm, it actually disrupts sleep, worsens anxiety, and impairs decision-making. Long-term use can cause dependence, memory issues, and even brain shrinkage.

This year’s theme: “Understanding Alcohol Harm” encourages us to look beyond just addiction, and acknowledge how casual, frequent, or binge drinking quietly affects our:
🧠 Mental health
💤 Sleep quality
🏥 Liver and heart
🧍Relationships and productivity

But here's the good news:
📉 Reducing alcohol intake—even slightly—can dramatically improve your health.
People who cut back often report:
✅ Better sleep
✅ More energy
✅ Improved mood
✅ Clearer skin
✅ Less anxiety

You don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to rethink your drinking. Whether it’s cutting back, choosing alcohol-free days, or seeking support, every step matters.

🟡 This Alcohol Awareness Week, take a moment to reflect.
💬 Talk about it.
💛 Support someone who’s trying to change.
📲 Share this to help break the silence around alcohol harm.

13/07/2025

08/07/2025

🍭 Is Your Child Getting Too Much Sugar? Let’s Talk.

Most parents don’t realise just how much added sugar sneaks into their child’s daily diet — not just from sweets, but from everyday foods like breakfast cereals, flavored yogurts, juices, ketchup, and even bread.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), children aged 2 to 18 should consume no more than 25 grams (6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day. That’s about the amount in just one can of soda or two store-bought cookies.

Too much sugar isn’t just about weight gain. It can lead to:
❌ Mood swings and hyperactivity
❌ Trouble focusing in school
❌ Increased risk of cavities and gum issues
❌ Higher chances of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes
❌ Disrupted sleep and weakened immunity

The real issue? Added sugars hide in foods marketed as “healthy” or “natural.” Fruit juices, granola bars, and flavored milk might seem harmless but can contain as much sugar as candy.

But this isn’t about going sugar-free or shaming treats. 🍦
It’s about making informed choices and creating healthy habits early — like offering fresh fruit instead of juice, reading nutrition labels, and planning better snack swaps.

Start small. Even one change a day makes a big difference over time. 💪
Let’s raise healthier, happier kids — one meal at a time. 🥦🍓

👉 Save this post if you found it helpful.
🧡 Share it with a fellow parent or caregiver!

05/07/2025

🧾 WHO Just Launched a Bold New Global Health Plan — Here’s Why It Matters

To***co. Alcohol. Sugary drinks.

These three things — while legal and widely available — are driving a massive wave of chronic disease around the world. Diseases like diabetes, cancer, and heart failure now cause over 75% of all deaths globally. Most are preventable.

That’s why the World Health Organization has just launched the “3 by 35” Initiative, calling on countries to increase real prices of to***co, alcohol, and sugary beverages by 50% or more by 2035 using health taxes.

🔍 Why this matters:
– A single 50% tax hike could prevent 50 million premature deaths
– It could generate over $1 trillion in the next decade
– That revenue could be reinvested in healthcare, education, and social safety nets

This isn’t just theory. Countries like Colombia and South Africa are already doing it — and it’s working.

WHO is encouraging countries to stop giving tax breaks to harmful industries and start investing in long-term health equity. It’s also urging civil society and public health orgs like ours to raise awareness and demand smarter tax policies.

At the Centre for Health, we support this move. Because prevention is better than cure — and policy is a powerful form of care.

📌 Save this post
📢 Share it with your network
🤝 Follow us for more health updates that matter

***coControl

02/07/2025

🧠 The Heat is On—and It's Hurting Us.

Delhi NCR is experiencing one of its worst heatwaves in recent memory. With temperatures crossing 48°C in some parts of the capital, this isn’t just “summer”—it’s a public health crisis in real time.

You’ve likely felt it: the burning pavements, the suffocating air, the unrelenting glare of the sun even at 5 PM. But what many don’t realise is that this heat doesn’t just exhaust us—it endangers lives, especially those of the vulnerable.

🔍 According to the Lancet Countdown on Climate and Health, South Asia is among the most at-risk regions globally for heat-related deaths. And India is already feeling the impact. Hospitals in Delhi have reported a 20% rise in heat-related cases in the past two weeks. Construction workers, delivery agents, traffic cops, the elderly, and young children are being affected first—and worst.

Heat illness comes in stages. What begins as thirst or dizziness can quickly escalate to heat exhaustion, and in severe cases, heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Symptoms like confusion, high fever, dry skin, or fainting are red flags.

Yet, this crisis is largely preventable.

💡 Small steps like drinking water frequently (even when you’re not thirsty), staying indoors during peak heat hours, eating hydrating foods like cucumber or watermelon, and checking in on elderly neighbours or outdoor workers can make a massive difference.

But we also need systemic change.
Why doesn’t Delhi have a robust Heat Action Plan, when cities like Ahmedabad have reduced heat-related deaths by 30% since 2013? Why are labourers still working at 2 PM in full sun? And why are cooling shelters missing from most districts?

🛑 Climate change isn’t coming. It’s here. And heatwaves like this are not a fluke—they’re the new normal unless we act. Protecting ourselves and others from heat isn’t just summer advice—it’s a public health mandate.

This post is your guide to staying safe, helping others, and demanding better.

📲 Save this. Share it. Be the reason someone stays safe this week.

🌿 Stay cool. Stay aware. Stay human.
– Centre for Health

30/06/2025

🦋 World Scleroderma Day | June 29

Scleroderma — ever heard of it?

For millions worldwide, this rare autoimmune disease is a daily battle. It hardens the skin and can damage internal organs like the lungs, kidneys, and heart. It can limit movement, cause pain, and isolate those who live with it. And yet, most people don’t even know it exists.

In India, diagnosis is often delayed by years. It's mistaken for arthritis, eczema, or “just stress.” But the earlier it’s caught, the better the outcome.

This June 29, let’s make scleroderma visible:
💜 Share this post
🩺 Check in with your community
📣 Stand with those living with invisible illnesses

Because awareness isn’t just education — it’s empathy in action.

28/06/2025

Your wellbeing is more than just the absence of illness—it's about feeling balanced, fulfilled, and mentally strong.

World Wellbeing Week is a reminder to slow down and check in with yourself. Whether it’s moving your body, eating well, or simply taking a break, small daily habits can make a big difference.

Taking care of your mind and body isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

🌍 Let’s make wellbeing a priority, not an afterthought.

Which of these 7 steps will you try this week?
👇 Tell us in the comments!