Awareness - Diagnoses - Treatment: Basilar Artery Occlusion: Treated & Cured @ Apollo Hospitals OMR

On Monday a 31yr old was brought into #ApolloHospitalsOMR ER complaining about loosing stability and balance and distorted vision. The ER specialist suspected stroke and suggested an MRI. Patient was reluctant because he was well aware of the symptoms of stroke (FAST) and what he was experiencing didn't fall into that bracket. However on being coaxed he underwent an MRI and was diagnosed with a Basilar Artery Occlusion.

What does that mean? Basically a clot formation in the most vital part of your brain which supplies blood to control your heart and breathing. As pointed in the image. Notice how there is no blood flow towards the right in the image. In most cases such a condition has greater than 85% of fatality rate. The young man had just a few hrs ticking before his heart and breathing would've been compromised.

#ApolloHospitalsOMR has a highly skilled Core Stroke Team which was able to conclude that stroke condition in time and Dr. Joy Varghese the leading Intervention Neurologist at #ApolloHospitalsOMR was immediately notified to begin treatment.

The patient was a non smoker. The reason for clot formation in this patient was high level of homo-cysteine in blood. Homo-cysteine is a factor in blood than increases the clotting tendency of blood. Patient was treated with bridging therapy within 6 hours of the onset of stroke by giving clot busting drug followed by aspiration of clot from the artery in the Cathlab. Notice the arrow mark..the blood flow has been re-initiated towards the right side in the image.

Thanks to #Dr.. Joy Varghese and the Core Stroke team (#DrShanumgaSundaram, #DrSathya, #DrDevachandran, #DrPrathima) and the ICU,CCU and ER Staff @ #ApolloHospitalsOMR the patient went walking back home this morning. Patient went home walking on fifth day after stroke with no weakness or disability. He is back to normal life in 5 days.

Remember: Please do not deal with any kind of physical discomfort. It is your body's siren blowing loud telling you that something inside is not ticking the way it should. Most of us are covered with a comprehensive health insurance, there is really no harm in getting a diagnostic test done to reassure that you are actually as healthy as you think you are. Even without an insurance, what is the price you are willing to pay to ensure all your vital organs and limbs continue to optimally function???

Awareness will take you in time to the hospital. Diagnoses in time will save your body from unnecessary damage...Treatment can be delivered only when the first two steps are taken by you!

Apollo Speciality Hospitals,OMR investigates the fad behind Unhealthy Lifestyle: 26th October World Obesity Day

Apollo Speciality Hospitals,OMR investigates the fad behind Unhealthy Lifestyle

Why is it that following an unhealthy lifestyle does not require any encouragement? Why is it that we constantly require sensitization and reminders to adopt healthier options in life? To discuss intriguing answers, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR, marking the World Obesity Day, on 26^th October 2015, opened a discussion panel with Chief Guest Dr.Jayanth Murali,IPS, Additional Director General of Police, and a fitness enthusiast. 

Today’s generation which has a lot less time for kitchen chores, cafeteria lunches and take away dinners have become a way of life. An interesting analysis at the discussion panel, pointed out that, the dilemma of choosing healthy lifestyle vs binging is now made easy by more economical price tags plastered across the unhealthy options. A salad bowl is priced higher than a burger in most outlets. Dr. Jayanth also discussed the concern with increased consumption of GMOs in the food sector globally, contributing to morbid obesity.

With cashless healthcare services offered by corporate medical insurances that cover doctor’s consultation fees to high-end surgeries, consumers don’t seem to feel the pinch of medical expenses or a need to choose healthy lifestyle. It really becomes a concern for the country and corporates that run it, who carry the burden of significantly higher medical bills, absenteeism and lack of productivity.

A study conducted by Apollo Speciality Hosptials, OMR analyzed that 30% of corporate 

population is obese. Studies showed that 10% of the total cost of loss of productivity because of sick leave was related to obesity and related diseases. The impact of Obesity on iIllness, absence and productivity is 2.5 times more days per year compared to normal counterparts as a result corporate bleed over 3 Crores annually due to obesity as a metabolic disease.    

Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR’s Corporate Leadership Club invites the senior members of companies to join the panel and discuss strategies with our panel of specialist in the Obesity Clinic to reverse the current challenge.

Dr.Premkumar Balachandran, who heads the Obesity and Metabolic Rehabilitation Clinic at Apollo Hospitals, OMR discussed about the emerging trend of metabolic illness in the population and its associated ill effects. He also discussed the option of surgical intervention for morbidly obese people. He emphasized that such patients should consider the life threatening consequences that could occur due to obesity.

Mr.Saravanan a patient of Dr.Premkumar, who had previously opted for a surgical intervention and

lost 40 kgs as an outcome of the procedure, spoke about his experience before and after bariatric surgery. He expressed his post-surgical ease with basic activities of life such as walking, breathing and sleeping which were previously a challenge. 

Much touted diets may be many, and endless studies discussing for and against various options. Instead of only thinking about what food to avoid, focus on what nutritious food you can add to your diet.The staff, patients and their attenders of Apollo Speciality Hospitals took an oath to incorporate small changes in their regular diet, such as opting for rock salt instead of white salt, brown sugar instead of refined white sugar, choosing one meal a day that is very healthy and taking 8 mins off their work schedule to sprint around the campus. Together let’s rephrase '26th October World Obesity Day' to '26th October World Healthy Lifestyle Day'.

The bottom line: Diet or no diet, insurance or no insurance, in the end, choosing a healthier lifestyle or not, comes down to just 3 powerful words: ‘Life is Priceless.’

Navratri at Apollo Hospitals,OMR: Community driven hospital

Apollo Hospitals, OMR has groomed itself to be the first truly community focused hospital in India, which is driven by the community. It has become a common scenario to have groups of community residents who plan to share a part of their festivities and celebratory moments with our patients. Music groups perform at the Apollo Hospitals, OMR facility, as a part of music therapy, which is believed to accelerate the healing processes of the patients.

Below are a few snap shots of bhajan groups performing at Apollo Hospitals, OMR during Navratri, in front of the Golu, as they pray for the speedy recovery of our patients.

Today Apollo hospitals, OMR receives inputs from community leaders who are key members in various facilities: school principals, key faculty members in educational institutions, apartment association secretaries, local politicians, police, bank managers and residents, on healthcare challenges faced by them. Together, Apollo Hospitals, OMR, with the community, makes decisions and designs healthcare initiatives to address the gaps, to ensure world class healthcare, has been catered to our community, at affordable prices.

Apollo Hospitals, OMR is not only a community based hospital, we are a community driven hospital. 

Apollo Medical Center at Karapakkam launches Yoga for pregnant women

Apollo Women and Children Medical Center at Karapakkam, OMR with the support of experts from Krishnamachari Yoga Mandiram (KYM) is launching a systematic yoga module exclusively for Pregnant Woman at various stages of pregnancy. The sessions will be held on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday’s at the hospital facility going further.

Why is Yoga Important for Pregnant Women?

Pregnancy marks an important phase in the life of a woman, as it heralds numerous transitions, not just physically and physiologically, but also cognitively and emotionally.

Yoga, as a holistic and systematic intervention can offer considerable support in the ante-natal and post-natal phases in a woman's life.

Legendary yoga master, T.Krishnamacharya states in his book, Yoga Rahasya, “for a safe and smooth delivery, it is imperative that women practice yoga.”

The primary focus of such practices is to strengthen those parts of the body which will later bear the strain of childbirth, strengthen the spine and also prepare the pelvic floor muscles for labor and delivery while ensuring that the muscles do not become stiff and compress the womb. Select breathing techniques are powerful tools for stress management and improve metabolism and circulation

The practices also address the emotional needs of the mother-to-be and can contribute towards building confidence and easing fears regarding labor.

However, it is important that practices of yoga in pregnancy are learnt and applied under the guidance of a competent yoga therapist/trainer, as most practices need to be developed on a case-to-case basis and vary across the three trimesters of pregnancy. 

Apollo Hospitals, OMR pays Tribute to our Yogic Heritage

Apollo Hospitals, OMR celebrating World Yoga Day

Apollo Hospitals, OMR practicing Yoga

On the very first International Yoga Day, 21st June, thousands of yoga practitioners and first timers across the world stood on their yoga mats to pay tribute to an Indian tradition that has swept over the world. Yoga can help heal and balance our emotional pain, our physical health and our mental well-being. A happy and balanced human being is a positive asset to his family, his workspace and the nation at large.

21^st of June is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world, hence this day has been chosen to be the International Yoga day.

Apollo Hospitals, OMR re-emphasizing the importance of yoga

At Apollo Hospitals, OMR this day was celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm, as the staff, their families and patient attendees joint in unison and a oneness in thought, ‘For Wellness’. Apollo Hospitals, OMR paid tribute to our yogic heritage, with the guidance of Yoga teacher R. Swathi. Dr. Iris, the family medicine and preventive health care specialist from Apollo Hospitals, OMR shared insights into how Yoga can help transform your life, because at Apollo Hospitals, OMR, we believe Every Life Is Priceless.

Save your Heart...Life Is Priceless

To mark the World Heart Day, 29 September 2015, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR put a spotlight on creating awareness in key areas of concern with regard to cardiac challenges especially in the younger population. More than 65% of acute cardiac attack victims treated at Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR, are youngsters between the age group of 25 – 35 yrs, and many of these victims quite often delay seeking medical attention.

While, leading a life filled with healthy choices, is of paramount importance, it is also equally important to be aware of the critical moments, when the wellness balance tips over, and emergency medical care is to be administered, within the threshold of the golden hour.  

Not every cardiac attack begins with symptoms characterised by chest pain or numbness in the left arm, hence understanding when you are experience a cardiac episode and not brushing it away as just another discomfort your body is experiencing is vital.

On Tuesday, 29^th September 2015 100 staff members of Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR, a hospital known for the best Emergency and Cardiology services,  took a ‘Save Your Heart’ pledge and touched 30,0000 commuters on OMR, ECR and NH4 with the following information and reminding them once again that ‘Life is Priceless.’

• §  Chest pain or discomfort in the center or left side of your chest
• §  A feeling of heavy weight placed on your chest like chest pressure, tightness, squeezing or crushing sensation
• §  Chest pain that feels like a Heart burn or indigestion
• §  Chest pain that disappears and comes back or lasts for longer than 5 mins
• §  Spreading pain from the chest are to the shoulder, arms, jaws, neck and back
• §  Sweating profusely
• §  Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing with or without chest pain or discomfort
• §  Palpitation, irregular heart beat and pulse rhythm
• §  Sudden extreme tiredness or fatigue
• §  Light-headedness or dizziness
• §  Cough or wheeze due to heart failure with sputum in clear or white color
• §  Nausea and/or vomiting
• §  Stomach pain or discomfort in the upper stomach

Join Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR and take the ‘Save Your Heart’ Pledge:

“I pledge to lead a healthier life by making physical activity and healthy eating part of my daily life.

In support of the Life Is Priceless Initiative by Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR, I pledge to 

§  Walk a minimum of 1000 steps Daily and take the stairs instead of the lift

§  Choose healthy food and eat at home more often

§  Avoid coffee, alcohol and cigarettes 

§  Drink at least 2 lts of water

§  Undergo a comprehensive health check-up once a year

§  Create a work life balance and allow sometime everyday to wind down 

§  Listen to calming music and include yoga in my daily routine to de-stress  

Constantly remind myself that 'My Life is Priceless”

Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR: Celebrating the Correct Driving Posture Month

In India an estimated 8 out 10 people suffer from lower back pain. As a prefatory to diagnosing the root cause of pain, it is important to examine all the daily activities of our lives that can be a contributing factor. Driving has been identified as one of the culprits that creates significant stress to the neck and the upper and lower back. It is not just the amount of driving you do that can worsen your back pain but also an incorrect driving posture can break your back comfort.

Staff members of Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR trained the commuters on OMR at the Tidal Park signal on the correct driving posture to be followed while in a car or while riding a bike.

Experts have suggested 5 simple tips to be followed while driving a car:

1.       The seat back should be as parallel as possible to the steering wheel. While seated in a car ensure that there is no gap between your lower back and the seat. Sit straight. Your buttocks and back should be square and completely squeezed into the seat. This helps to avoid backaches, possible back injuries and maintains awareness during long drives. This will also ensure the lower back is well supported and least stress is placed on the lower back.

2.       Press the brake pedal fully with your right foot and fully depress the clutch or dead pedal. Adjust the seat distance so that with pedals fully depressed, your knees remain slightly bent and the angle at the knee measures approximately 120° ensuring that the knee is either not too close to the dash board in case of an emergency. This helps better circulation to the legs, less severe injuries in case of accident

3.   Adjust your posture such that when the arms are placed on the steering wheel the wrist rest on the wheel and the bends at the elbow measures approximately 120°. This will reduce the stress on the upper arm and shoulder.

4.   The top of the headrest should be just above your eyelids, and as close to the head as possible (2-3cm). There should be a gap between the neck rest and your head to fit 2 fingers. In case of a sudden jerk, the head and neck would always be supported by the neck rest. A distance of more than 7cms increases the risk of a whiplash.   

5.   Ensure that there is always a gap between the top of your head and the roof of the car of a minimum of 5 fingers.

6.   Always wear a seat belt! It doesn’t matter how far, just buckle up.

This is an informational article. For medical advice on lower back pain, please contact our specialists at Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR on 044 33221111. At Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR, we look forward to extending excellence in clinical care at affordable rates. 

“Life is Priceless, Drive Safe Chennai,” Apollo, OMR

Over 46% of RTA deaths have been reported as two wheeler riders and over 78% of those deaths have occurred due to trauma to the head. With such high numbers, helmet usage has not only been mandated by the government but also touted as the forefront of all road traffic safety campaigns.

I work for Apollo Hospitals in Chennai and one of the hospitals I handle falls on the OMR highway. Our hospital emergency room receives at least 10 - 15 RTA incidents in the every day.

In line with encouraging implementation of safety protocols on Chennai roads, at to promote the Emergency Facility that is available for commutters within 5 mins of incident occurance I ran a roadshow campaign. To ensure that those communicating the message at the roadshow were also equally passionate for the theme, I invited  40 staff members of the Apollo Hospitals, OMR to participate in the roadshow.

The staff members immediately struck an emotional chord with the commuters by handing out stickers reminding them, "Not to end up as just another statistic number on the RTA incidents on OMR, Drive Safe, Wear a Helmet, Follow Traffic Rules because Life is Priceless.”

The message was well received and quite effective. Many commuters immediately took corrective action. Once such incident has been showcased in the image. 

“Has your company won the battle with Employee Wellness?” – Apollo, OMR Health Club for Corporate Leadership

‘Employee Wellness’ as a concept has gained a lot of attention over the last decade. Wellness programs, health screening sessions and regular health check- ups have become mandated HR protocols in several organizations. With corporate productivity being severely scored in line with employee wellness, several companies have redesigned recruitment criteria based on the candidate’s health and habits.

Despite an enormous amount of health awareness data and cost effective initiatives being bombarded at employees, corporates seem to be on the losing side of the battle with increasing healthcare budgets year on year, while employees generously contribute to lead India, in the number of life threatening non communicable diseases (NCD) - diabetes, cancer and cardiac mal function.

In a recent epidemiological survey conducted by Apollo Hospitals, OMR over 60% of those contributing to winning the gold for India in NCDs are within the age bracket of 27 – 35 yrs.

At Apollo Hospitals OMR, we noticed that most health awareness programs and screening sessions leave short lived impact on attendees. The moment deadlines hit, the ‘health gyan’ and enthusiastically set ‘health goals’ become a long forgotten back stage prop.

With a vision to tip health back into work-life balance, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, OMR in tangent with various corporate houses has launched an Apollo Health Club for Corporate Leadership, to reinvent the way employee wellness is being practiced. Understanding the health pulse of the organization through Apollo hospitals in depth health audits would mark the foundation stone of this Initiative. The Corporate Care Initiative would design departmentalized wellness strategies to improve health initiative outcomes and enhance the often overlooked factor in appraisals – the HQ (Health Quotient). The Apollo, OMR Corporate Care Initiative shall encompass Preventive Health Care Strategies, ‘with a nip it in the bud’ approach to disease management, to help organizations, employees and their families, decrease healthcare costs, reduce sickness rates, increase productivity. Launched on the 23^rd of August 2015, Apollo Hospitals, OMR’s Corporate Care Initiative is marching with an ambitious goal to make corporate campuses in South Chennai cancer and epidemic free zones by 2020. 

To add to the glamour of ‘Employee Wellness’ protocols, Apollo Hospitals, OMR has announced the prestigious Apollo Corporate Health Award ceremony to award in an attempt to recognize and share best practices adopted by various corporate house in healthcare management. Senior Management from various organization in South Chennai are welcome to join the Apollo Health Club for Corporate Leadership and nominate their organization for this prestigious event.

Apollo, OMR’s corporate care initiative is to reverberate and echo our beloved Chairman, Dr. P.C Reddy’s statement, “Life is Priceless, Live Healthy India.”