Aastha Hospice

Aastha Hospice Aastha is a Hospice and Palliative Care Center for those whose illness may no longer be curable. It may be provided at home, hospital or hospice.

It enables them to achieve the best quality of life especially during the final stages of their illness.

28/04/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla, in discussion with Dr. Nirupama Jaiswal, explored the possible psychological understanding behind severe behavioral disturbances. Dr. Jaiswal explained that such patterns may, in some cases, be associated with Conduct Disorder, a psychiatric condition typically seen in children and adolescents but with implications that can extend into adulthood if not addressed early.

Conduct disorder as a condition marked by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major societal norms are violated. This may include behaviors such as aggression toward people, deceitfulness, theft, destruction of property, or serious rule violations. The condition is often influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including upbringing, exposure to violence, lack of supervision, or underlying emotional and impulse-control difficulties.

Early identification and intervention are important. Behavioral therapies, structured guidance, and supportive environments can help in modifying such patterns over time. The discussion highlighted that understanding the psychological basis of such behaviors is essential, not to justify them, but to ensure that appropriate intervention, prevention, and rehabilitation strategies can be applied where possible.


Heartiest congratulations to the Class 10th and 12th students of Shri Chandra Public Inter College for securing excellen...
27/04/2026

Heartiest congratulations to the Class 10th and 12th students of Shri Chandra Public Inter College for securing excellent results and stepping into a new phase of life. Your hard work, discipline, and determination have truly paid off.

A special appreciation to the dedicated teachers, Principal, and the entire administrative staff whose constant guidance and efforts have shaped these young achievers.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to Director Ma’am, Mrs. Manju Shukla, for her visionary leadership and support.

Wishing all students continued success and a bright future ahead.

27/04/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla discussed a practical scenario, an elderly person who suddenly faints while walking, and how to assess whether it could be Heat Stroke. He explained that in such situations, quick assessment is crucial. One should check the pulse, heart rate (tachycardia), blood pressure, and level of consciousness, along with looking for signs of overheating such as hot skin, confusion, or dizziness. These findings can help differentiate heat stroke from other causes of collapse.

He further emphasized the importance of immediate first aid. The person should be shifted to a cool or shaded area, laid down, and tight clothing should be loosened. Active cooling methods such as sponging with cool water, fanning, or applying ice packs to areas like the neck, armpits, and groin can help bring down body temperature. If the person is conscious, oral fluids may be given, and urgent medical help should be sought without delay.

Dr. Shukla also highlighted common mistakes to avoid in such emergencies. One should not delay action or assume it is simple fatigue, and should avoid giving anything orally if the patient is unconscious due to the risk of aspiration. Ignoring warning signs or postponing medical care can worsen outcomes. Prompt recognition, correct first aid, and avoiding these errors can be life-saving in heat-related emergencies, especially in the elderly.

26/04/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla, in conversation with Dr. Sandeep Kumar,Founder Director, AIIMS Bhopal; over 50 years of experience), discussed Constipation in a detailed, physiological manner. He explained that normal digestion is a coordinated process beginning in the stomach, followed by the duodenum, where chyme is further processed and propelled forward into the intestines.

He elaborated on the role of peristalsis, the rhythmic, wave-like contractions of the intestinal smooth muscles that ensure the forward movement of intestinal contents. Any slowing or dysfunction in this mechanism can lead to delayed transit of stool, increased water absorption in the colon, and ultimately hard stools and constipation. Contributing factors include low-fiber diet, inadequate hydration, reduced physical activity, certain medications, and age-related decline in gut motility, particularly in elderly patients.

Dr. Kumar further explained the act of defecation as a complex, coordinated event involving re**al distension, activation of neural reflexes, and synchronized relaxation of the a**l sphincter with abdominal muscle contraction. Disruption at any level, neurological, muscular, or behavioral (such as ignoring the urge to pass stool), can result in chronic constipation. The discussion emphasized that effective management requires understanding the underlying physiology, rather than relying solely on symptomatic treatment.

25/04/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla discussed Heat Stroke and how it differs from a normal fever. He explained that heat stroke typically occurs when the body temperature rises above 40°C (104°F) due to excessive environmental heat and the body’s inability to cool itself. Unlike fever, where the body’s temperature set-point is raised due to infection, heat stroke results from failure of the thermoregulatory mechanism, the system responsible for maintaining normal body temperature.

Under normal conditions, the body regulates temperature through sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. However, in extreme heat or dehydration, this thermoregulatory system gets overwhelmed or impaired, leading to a rapid rise in core body temperature. This can affect multiple organs, including the brain, and may present with symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, hot or dry skin, and altered consciousness.

Dr. Shukla emphasized that the first 30 minutes are critical in managing heat stroke. Immediate steps such as cooling the body, shifting the person to a shaded or cooler environment, hydration, and urgent medical attention are essential to prevent serious complications. Early recognition and prompt intervention can be life-saving, especially during peak summer conditions.

The 7-day “Giving Saturday” relief drive for the slum fire affected families comes to a heartfelt conclusion. What began...
24/04/2026

The 7-day “Giving Saturday” relief drive for the slum fire affected families comes to a heartfelt conclusion. What began as an urgent response turned into a collective effort of compassion, reaching out with essentials, care, and moments of comfort to those who needed it the most. From distributing clothes and daily necessities to bringing smiles to children through toys and support, every small step made a meaningful difference.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our donors who placed their trust in us and stood by this cause. Your support made it possible to reach so many lives. A special thank you to our dedicated staff and volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured that help reached every corner-Ragini, Deepa, Harsh*ta, Anupama, Neha, Shreya, Deepali, Shalini, Priya, Ish*ta, Shivani, Roopam, Shakti, Driver Bhaiya, and every team member who worked selflessly throughout these 7 days.

This initiative is a reminder that in times of crisis, humanity, teamwork, and compassion can rebuild hope. While the camp concludes, our commitment continues, to stand beside those in need, today and always.

24/04/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla discussed heart blockage, commonly presenting as Angina, and its clinical features. Patients may present with chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, sweating, and pain radiating to the left arm, all of which are important warning signs of reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.

He further explained that the underlying cause of such blockage is often Atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits accumulate inside the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood flow. Over time, this narrowing can worsen and increase the risk of serious cardiac events if not identified and managed early.

Dr. Shukla emphasized the importance of timely diagnosis and evaluation. Investigations such as Electrocardiogram, blood tests including diabetes markers, and advanced imaging like Coronary Angiography help in confirming the diagnosis and assessing severity. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

23/04/2026

DAY - 6
आज इस सेवा अभियान का छठा और दूसरा अंतिम दिन था। आज आस्था की टीम ने न केवल कपड़ों और आवश्यक सामग्रियों का वितरण किया, बल्कि प्रभावित पुरुषों और महिलाओं—यहाँ तक कि अशिक्षित व्यक्तियों—को भी रोजगार के अवसर प्रदान करने की पहल की। इस प्रयास का उद्देश्य उन्हें आत्मनिर्भर बनाना है, ताकि वे इस भयावह घटना के बाद अपने जीवन को सम्मानपूर्वक फिर से खड़ा कर सकें। यह पहल केवल राहत प्रदान करने तक सीमित नहीं है, बल्कि एक स्थायी पुनर्वास और सशक्तिकरण की दिशा में भी महत्वपूर्ण कदम है। लखनऊ में हाल ही में हुई झुग्गी बस्ती में आग की दुखद घटना के बाद, आस्था (Aastha) ने अपने Giving Saturday अभियान को आगे बढ़ाते हुए इसे 7-दिवसीय सेवा अभियान के रूप में संचालित किया है, ताकि प्रभावित परिवारों तक समय पर सहायता पहुँचाई जा सके। इस पहल के अंतर्गत आस्था की टीम निरंतर ज़रूरतमंद लोगों को कपड़े, बर्तन, कंबल और अन्य आवश्यक वस्तुएँ वितरित कर रही है, जिससे वे परिवार, जिन्होंने इस हादसे में अपना सब कुछ खो दिया है, अपने जीवन को दोबारा संवारने की दिशा में कदम बढ़ा सकें। हम सभी से विनम्र अनुरोध है कि अपने घरों में उपलब्ध ऐसी उपयोगी वस्तुएँ, जिनका अब आप उपयोग नहीं करते, उन्हें दान करें—क्योंकि आपके लिए साधारण सी वस्तु किसी और के लिए नई शुरुआत की उम्मीद बन सकती है। सहयोग या अधिक जानकारी के लिए हमारे टोल-फ्री हेल्पलाइन नंबर 1800-180-1415 पर संपर्क करें। आइए, मिलकर मानवता और संवेदना का हाथ हर ज़रूरतमंद तक पहुँचाएँ।

23/04/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla along with Dr. Nirupama Jaiswal discussed the treatment approaches for Social Anxiety Disorder. They explained that treatment often includes pharmacological therapy, where certain medications help regulate anxiety symptoms. Commonly prescribed medicines include Sertraline and Escitalopram, which belong to the SSRI group and are used to manage long-term anxiety. In some situations, Propranolol may be used to control physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat or trembling.

Dr. Jaiswal also mentioned that for short-term relief of intense anxiety, doctors may prescribe medications from the benzodiazepine group, such as Clonazepam, particularly when patients experience severe psychological distress. However, these medicines are generally used carefully and under medical supervision due to their potential for dependence if misused.

In addition to medications, the discussion emphasized the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This therapy helps individuals identify and gradually challenge the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. They also advised adopting gradual exposure techniques, such as starting with small social interactions and slowly progressing to larger groups. Over time, individuals often notice that while anxiety may peak initially, it tends to gradually reduce as confidence builds with repeated exposure.

22/04/2026

DAY - 5
लखनऊ में हाल ही में हुई झुग्गी बस्ती की आग की दुखद घटना के बाद, आस्था (Aastha) ने अपने Giving Saturday अभियान को आगे बढ़ाते हुए इसे 7-दिवसीय सेवा अभियान के रूप में शुरू किया है, ताकि प्रभावित परिवारों तक मदद पहुँचाई जा सके।
इस पहल के माध्यम से आस्था की टीम ज़रूरतमंद लोगों को कपड़े, बर्तन, कंबल और अन्य आवश्यक वस्तुएँ उपलब्ध करा रही है, ताकि जिन परिवारों ने इस हादसे में अपना सब कुछ खो दिया है, वे फिर से अपने जीवन को संभाल सकें।
हम सभी से निवेदन करते हैं कि अपने घरों में रखी हुई वे उपयोगी वस्तुएँ, जिनका अब आप उपयोग नहीं करते, उन्हें ज़रूरतमंदों के लिए दान करें। आपके लिए साधारण सी वस्तु किसी और के लिए जीवन को फिर से शुरू करने की उम्मीद बन सकती है।
सहयोग या जानकारी के लिए हमारे टोल-फ्री हेल्पलाइन नंबर: 1800-180-1415 पर संपर्क करें।
आइए मिलकर यह सुनिश्चित करें कि मानवता और संवेदना हर ज़रूरतमंद तक पहुँचे।

22/04/2026

Today, Dr. Abhishek Shukla discussed a case of Tuberculous Meningitis, a serious form of tuberculosis that affects the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The patient presented with persistent fever for about a month along with headache and vomiting, which are important warning signs that require careful evaluation, especially in regions where tuberculosis is common.

Dr. Shukla explained that the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis is primarily confirmed through examination of Cerebrospinal Fluid Test, obtained through lumbar puncture. The CSF sample is then tested using methods such as PCR for Tuberculosis, ADA Test, and culture and sensitivity testing to identify the presence of the tuberculosis organism and determine appropriate treatment.

He further emphasized that once diagnosed, the treatment involves a long course of anti-tuberculosis therapy, usually lasting 10–12 months, to completely eradicate the infection and prevent complications. As a preventive measure, vaccination with the BCG Vaccine plays an important role, particularly in protecting children against severe forms of tuberculosis such as tuberculous meningitis.

21/04/2026

Volunteers @ Work.
In the aftermath of the recent slum fire in Lucknow, Aastha has extended its Giving Saturday initiative into a 7-day humanitarian drive, reaching out to families who have lost their homes and essentials.

Through this effort, Aastha is distributing clothing, daily necessities, and essential supplies to help affected families rebuild their lives with dignity. Every small act of kindness can bring hope to someone who has lost everything.

We urge everyone to come forward and donate items you no longer use, clothes, blankets, utensils, or other household essentials. What may be unused for you can become a lifeline for someone in need.

To donate or support the initiative, please call our toll-free helpline: 1800-180-1415

Together, let us extend compassion and ensure that no one feels forgotten in their time of crisis.

Address

Aastha Geriatric Hospital & Hospice, B-52 J Park Mahanagar LKO
Lucknow
226006

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