In a heart-warming display of solidarity and awareness, 500 optometric students and ophthalmologists from across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh joined forces to create 2024 origami butterflies, symbolizing growth & transformation for individuals with autism. The unique initiative, organized by Sankara Eye Hospital and Sankara College of Optometry, aimed to shed light on the connection between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its visual impact.

“The Milestone Early Intervention Clinic, is equipped with specialised equipment and trained optometrists to cater to the needs of children with autism spectrum. 24% of children we saw at the clinic were able to demonstrate marked improvement with curated binocular vision therapy. To increase acceptance of children with autism spectrum and advocate for a comprehensive eye examination which can enhance their ability to flourish, we came up with this idea of showcasing a butterfly through origami” said Dr. Kaushik Murali, President Medical Administration, Quality And Education, Sankara Eye Foundation India.

Launching the initiative, Poornima Sankar, Founder Suryaforlife and Bharatanatyam Artist, who has been a supporter of the milestone clinic , “ Healthcare workers continue to contribute to society. Today’s activity would help us be empathetic. Each butterfly we made is different and may not be perfect , but when it comes together it reflects how every small act adds up to a large impact. I am grateful to the opportunity I have being associated with Sankara Eye Hospital to give back to society”

“With each one of us making a butterfly, we can appreciate that it takes a collaborative effort of optometrists, ophthalmologists and occupational therapists to work with a child presenting with autism spectrum to achieve their full potential in education, work and in their hobbies. This creative that”, shared Hiral Divyansh , Occupational Therapist & Founder Rise & Shine.

Early diagnosis and intervention strategies are crucial in ensuring proper visual health for individuals with autism. ASD not only influences individual behaviour but also has a substantial impact on the visual system. Through this distinct initiative, participants sought to raise awareness & committed to propagate the importance of understanding and addressing visual challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum.

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Give your Sunday Brunch a lively upgrade as The ‘Butter Pop-Up’ is back to indulge you in a shopping spree from homegrown brands such as Bobi Beauty,HGIH Streetwear, The House of Sakhi, and Ad Astra by Divya to name a few, along with live music that will serenade you and brilliant brews on tap from Great State Aleworks.

#CommunitySundays only at Butter – Bar & Kitchen, where you can enjoy delicious boards, unlimited pours, the finest homegrown brands to shop from, and foot-tapping music!

For reservations,

Contact: +91 7770004728

Date & Time: 16th July, 12 pm onwards.
Address: Survey No. 18/2A, Vasudha V-18, Unit R-1, Ground Floor, Balewadi High St, Pune, Maharashtra 411045.

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Hyatt Pune’s Baan Tao is a classic for a Thai and Chinese fine dining experience. From delectable Sushi to Dim Sum and Khao Suey, Baan Tao embarks on a culinary odyssey across the diverse flavors of Asia.

In a remarkable collaboration, Baan Tao joined forces with ‘World on a Plate’ and ‘Mercedes-Benz Silver Star Pune’, on the 8th and 9th of July to host an exclusive gastronomic event that transformed the space into a haven for food enthusiasts, combining innovative gastronomy with a vibrant atmosphere.

Chinese Mauritian Chef, Brendan Pang, delighted guests with his expertise and unconventional dishes. The pop-up brought together culinary enthusiasts, influencers, and media personalities. During an engaging masterclass, participants gained insight into the artistry behind the scenes of these tantalizing dishes.

The enchanting ambiance at Baan Tao was unforgettable as well. Set against the backdrop of a breathtaking 21-foot waterfall, bathed in the warm glow of captivating red ambient lighting, the restaurant provided an immersive dining experience that truly left a lasting impression.

Baan Tao has more in store for its patrons, with upcoming chef collaborations and new menus in the pipeline. Prepare to be amazed as Baan Tao continues to push boundaries and deliver extraordinary dining experiences that will leave you craving for more.

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New Delhi, 26th May 2021: Aviva Life Insurance, India’s most trusted private insurance company owing to its value of Care More, Kill Complexity, Never Rest and Create Legacy, has taken initiatives to support and protect its employees during these tough times. The company has introduced multiple employees- well-being programs to support its workforce. Aviva has created Aviva War Room- a group of 50 volunteers who track leads for medical supplies in real-time, verify them, answer distress calls and provide 24X7 real-time assistance to the ones in need. With this initiative, Aviva empowers a workforce of 1500+ employees in India & their dependents across locations in 60 cities. Additionally, the company is aiming to introduce a “Happiness Campaign” to support employees’ well-being- physical and mental. The program will help employees overcome anxiety, stress, anger, depression, and cultivate happiness using simple techniques, micro-steps, videos, articles, etc.

Aviva has added collaborated with Practo to offer complimentary online consultation to all employees, and their family members, with some of the best doctors across India. Employees can book online appointments, get digital prescriptions, book checkups, order medicines, etc. through the app. Practo will also provide complimentary psychological counseling sessions to cope with emotional turbulence in these challenging times. Additionally, the company has tied up with Dr. Lal Path Labs & Apollo Pharmacy for home collection/delivery with discounts.

The People Function wing is driving the initiative of People Connect which supports in getting the pulse of the entire organization. Through this initiative, the company is taking Weekly Health Report of employees about them and their families health and well-being. Aviva has expanded their communication channels to other platforms and not restricted to emails, while also advising Flexi work schedules so that the employees can give enough time to their families.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ashish Mittal, Head of People Operations, Aviva India said, “Our major focus is on our people’s safety – Physical & Psychological, and our aim is to build an emotionally and physically secure Workforce. In these testing times, where many are struggling hard to manage work, personal lives, physical & emotional wellbeing, Aviva India is helping its people to stay strong with resilience and emotional support. With the strong belief in our values, we are leaving no stone unturned to help our people. We have instituted various measures for physical safety as well as emotional and mental wellbeing  and we are extending all the support & help by answering distress calls via War Room initiative, a group that operates 24×7 and accepts employee requests pan India.”

He further added, “Last year, during lockdown 1.0, our WFH (Work Feeling Happy) campaign was very effective towards helping our people combat stress, anxiety and keeping their morale high by engaging with them regularly. This year, we intend to take this even further with our new ‘Happiness Campaign’ that engages and motivates our employees via activities, micro-steps, videos, stories, etc. The Happiness campaign will be an in-house curated campaign, run via functional Whatsapp groups that will focus on the themes such as: Living happier, Tackling Stress & Beating Anxiety, Sleeping better, Managing Anger & PERK – Purpose, Engagement, Resilience & Kindness. This will be later supported by a third-party app that will run employee-specific journeys in the above-mentioned wellbeing areas. Our focus with this campaign is to ensure that our people do not feel depressed, lonely, anxious in these stressful times.”

About Aviva Life Insurance:

Aviva Life Insurance Company India Limited is a joint venture between Dabur Invest Corp and Aviva International Holdings Limited, a UK-based insurance group, whose association with India goes back to 1834. By choosing Aviva Life Insurance, you benefit from the management experience of one of the world’s oldest insurance groups, with a history dating back to 1696. Today, Aviva Group has 33 million customers in 16 countries (as of 1st January 2019)

Website:www.avivaindia.com

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Cancer is a deadly disease and lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Approximately 11-12% of all cancer cases worldwide are lung cancers. In India, about 70,000 new lung cases are diagnosed every year which comprises approx. 6-7% of all cancer cases. Tobacco consumption is a significant risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking has been predominant in rural parts of India and with an increase in stress, social participation, it has become a trend amongst Indian youth.

It is well known that smoking is the most important factor in increasing the lifetime risk of lung cancer. With increasing awareness about the ill-effects of smoking & its association with cancer, in the western world smoking habit is gradually coming down with some decline in lung cancer incidences. However, at the same time, there is a rise in lung cancer among non-smokers. Awareness in society regarding the ill effects of secondhand or passive smoking is lacking. Sensitization of masses for passive smoking as a major risk factor for lung cancer is the need of the hour.

Around 15–20% of men and over 50 % of women with lung cancer are non-smokers. The primary causes of cancer in non-smokers are passive/second-hand smoking, environmental exposures to asbestos, chromium, arsenic & pollutants. Multiple studies have suggested that 15–35 % of lung cancer in non-smokers is due to second-hand smoke exposure. The indirect exposure to tobacco smoke predisposes the other family members to an increased risk of cancers including lung cancer. The risk increases with age.  Children get asthma & other breathing disorder in childhood, but with long time exposure to passive smoking, the risk of acquiring lung cancer at a later age also increases among them.

Lung cancer in non-smokers also has some genetic predispositions. There are specific germline mutations that have been identified in families with high rates of lung cancer in non-smokers. In general, there is approx.  25% increased risk of any cancer among first-degree relatives. Some receptor mutations (EGFR) are found associated with this cancer. The identification of this mutation has led to the development of targeted treatment for individuals with this mutation.

The signs & symptoms of lung cancer in smokers as well as non-smokers are similar. Symptoms of lung cancer are often nonspecific and include symptoms like cough, dyspnea, weight loss, and loss of appetite. More specific symptoms do include chest pain and blood in cough/sputum which can be seen in other diseases as well.

Non-smokers with lung cancer respond to standard treatment similar to smokers, they do not have a better prognosis.  Mortality rates are not different from the smoker group, as it largely varies with the stage of cancer. There are many genetic mutations associated with non-smoker adenocarcinoma lung which can be targeted with novel treatment approaches called targeted therapies or immunotherapies. Studies involving these medications have suggested improved response rates and survival in non-smokers over smokers.

There are no screening recommendations for lung cancer in non-smokers, but it is advised to consult your doctor/oncologist if there is a family history of lung cancer or any of the symptoms are persisting.  Early diagnosis is shown to improve outcomes & better chances of cure. The treatment includes surgery or radiotherapy in early stages, radiotherapy, and or chemotherapy in advanced stages. Now there are precise radiotherapy techniques which are capable of focused targeting of cancer lesion with minimal side effects. Likewise, newer systemic therapies like targeted & immunotherapies offer better outcomes & with fewer side effects. It is critical to take more precautions for respiratory health in order to save lives and hence people should quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.

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With the increase in pollution levels throughout the country and the rise in the number of smokers, lung cancer has become more prevalent in the younger age groups. It is no longer limited to smokers to develop this type of cancer and a lot of non-smokers and passive smokers are also falling prey to it.  Air pollution is considered to be a major attributor to lung cancer in India, especially among people below the age group of 40.

Rapid urbanization with rising in-vehicle use increased construction activities, plastic burning, stubble burning in a few parts of the country has increased the PM level in the air thereby leading to multiple lung-related issues. Using coal, wood fire for cooking in a few pockets of the rural areas has also exposed people to heavy smoke inside the house. Tobacco usage, lack of awareness about lung problems are leading to increased lung cancer cases in the country.

The number of non-smokers with lung cancer is rising every year. A sedentary lifestyle along with obesity, alcohol consumption is also adding to the risk factor. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the reasons for lung cancer and take the necessary precautions to avoid this.

Lung cancer is the fourth largest killer in India and the major reason for this is the lack of awareness and ignorance of people. Early diagnosis plays a big role in determining how cancer progresses in your body. Early detection not only reduces its effect but also help you treat and recover fully. Late detection or late diagnosis at an advanced stage can reduce the chances of cancer getting better.

Listed below are the few early symptoms of lung cancer which get ignored by many.

• Persisting cough: Be on alert when you develop a cough and it stays for long. Cough associated with cold or other respiratory infection will get cured in a week or two. A stubborn cough can be an indication of a serious health problem.
• Change in cough: Pay attention to the way you cough –  chronic cough, particularly if you smoke. If you’re coughing more often, your cough is deeper or sounds hoarse, or you’re coughing up blood an unusual amount of mucus it is advised to get tested.
• Change in breathing: Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of lung cancer. Changes in the pace of breathing can occur if lung cancer blocks or narrows an airway, or if fluid from a lung tumor builds up in the chest.
• Wheezing: When airways become inflamed or blocked, there will be a whistling sort of sound when you breathe.
• Pain in the chest: Chronic cough can lead to chest pain and also a person in the initial stages of lung cancer can develop pain near the chest, shoulder, and back.
• Unintended weight loss: A sudden weight loss is always concerning. Due to the energy taken away by the cancer cells one might feel unexplained weight loss during this time.
• Bone pain: An unrecognized or untreated lung cancer can spread to bones and may produce pain and the back and other body parts. This pain may worsen during the night when you rest on your back.

Following are a few tips which can help in avoiding lung cancer

1. Quit smoking –Smoking can lead to several lung-related problems. Therefore, it is advised to stop smoking.
2. Avoid passive smoke – If your family members or friends smoke, convince them to quit. Also, do not be around them while they smoke.
3. Avoid pollution: Wear a mask when you step out of the house to save you from air pollution
4. Beware of indoor pollution: Using any kind of chemicals inside the house, exposure to the pollutants inside the house needs to be avoided
5. Exercise regularly: Sedentary lifestyle can lead to several health problems. Regular exercise for 30 minutes everyday helps in maintain good lung health
6. Eat nutritious food: Choose a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Food with vitamins and nutrients is recommended. Avoid taking large doses of vitamins in supplement form.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms associated with lung disease, consult the doctor immediately. In most cases, the ignorance and delay in diagnosis is the cause for increased mortality.

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Pain in the legs or muscle cramps are usually ignored or shrugged off without a second thought. Ifthe pain persists for a longer time then one normally chooses the easily available solutions like massages, icepacks, balms or even pain killers. Although, the muscle cramp or leg pain is common among people who are involved in stressful physical activities or sports, it usually gets overlooked. Few may visit the doctor when the discomfort increases or the pain becomes unbearable.

Leg pain, muscle pull or swelling in the leg can be an indicator of more serious underlying vein problems – DVT or deep vein thrombosis. DVT can be life-threatening if it is not detected and treated in the initial stage.

What is DVT?

DVT refers to clots that form deep inside your veins – usually the veins in th leg.  These clots can cause pain and other symptoms; but if they break free, they can travel through your bloodstream to the arteries near the heart and lungs and can block critical blood flow. While DVT can occur in other parts of the body, it is most likely to happen in the lower legs, thighs and pelvis.

Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Not everyone with DVT shows up symptoms. But here are some of the signs one might notice:

• Persons with DVT show enlarged veins
• Sudden swelling of legs or arms
• Skin over the affected area might turn blue or red
• The skin on the affected area might feel warmer than the other areas
• When you get ready to stand and walk, you can feel pain or soreness
• Prolonged pain or muscle pull

In most of the cases people may not realize that they have DVT until they face a more serious condition like Pulmonary Embolism wherein blood clot breaks free, moves through the bloodstream and ending up in a blood vessel of the lungs. This can be fatal and some of the signs of pulmonary embolism are high heart rate, chest pain, shortness of breath and coughing up blood.

What causes DVT?

– Sitting for long hours

– Pregnancy

– Obesity

– Varicose veins

– Trauma or bone fracture

– Cancer

– Birth control pills

– Surgery in the hip, abdomen or leg

Difference between muscle cramp and DVT:

How is DVT treated?

Treatment involves the prevention of blood clots from getting bigger and breaking away and progressing towards the lungs.

The risk of DVT can be reduced by simple lifestyle modifications. When at office or while traveling, ensure that you do not sit for long hours. Take frequent breaks every two hours and stretch your lower leg muscles. Avoid tight fitting clothes. Be active and exercise regularly and don’t miss your routine health check-up.

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We all know how adversely the unhealthy lifestyle we are living presently is impacting our health, irrespective of our age. To add to that, the excessive levels of stress in not just adults but also among children is making the situation worse and affecting children with many health issues that were earlier limited to adults. Acidity is one health complaint that was always observed in adults, however, now there has been a rise in the number of children suffering from it too. Experts highlight how stress is among the most important factors behind hyperacidity as it can imbalance the automatic system of acid secretion and inhibition.

In medical terms, gastric refers to anything related to the stomach. While acidity refers to any kind of condition that leads to excessive secretion of acid from gastric glands.

How does it happen?

The entrance of the stomach has a valve which is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Usually, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it but if the LES doesn’t close entirely or opens too often then the acid produced by the stomach can move up into the esophagus. This can cause burning chest discomfort. If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, then one may have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Pediatric GERD also occurs for the same reasons when the stomach acid backs up into the esophagus during or after a meal, causing pain and other symptoms. In infants, GERD is quite uncommon, while children and adolescents can experience this. Mostly in babies, acid reflux is a result of the poorly coordinated gastrointestinal tract. While in older children, the causes are often the same as those in adults. Additionally, an older child is more at risk if he or she experienced GERD as a baby. GERD also has a hereditary factor to it.

Some of the other factors that enhance acid secretion are:

• Stress
• Not enough sleep
• Inappropriate diet
• Long fats
• Binge eating
• Exclusive high-protein diet
• Excessive use of caffeine
• Soda soft drinks
• Smoking
• Fried or spicy foods
• Certain painkillers
• Some other specific medications like certain muscle relaxers or blood pressure medicines
• Obesity
• Overeating or lying down right after a meal
• Snacking near to your bedtime
• Consuming certain food more like citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, etc.

When it comes to the symptoms of acidity or gastric problems, they are pretty common and noticeable. Some of these signs that one can look out for in acid reflux include:

• Heartburn (a burning pain which could move from the stomach to the abdomen or chest and even up to throat)
• Regurgitation (a bitter-tasting acid backing into the throat or mouth)
• Bloating
• Burping
• Continued hiccups
• Nausea
• Blood vomiting
• Blood or black stools
• Dysphagia (the feeling of food being stuck in the throat)
• Weight loss for no particular reason
• Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat

When it comes to infants and children, the most common gastroesophageal reflux symptoms include:

o   Recurrent and repeated vomiting

o   Persistent or frequent cough or wheezing

o   Refusal to eat or difficulty in eating (the child may feel or display choking or gagging with feeding)

o   Heartburn

o   Gas

o   Abdominal pain

o   Frequent crying and being fussy especially while feeding/ eating or immediately after the meal

o   Regurgitation and re-swallowing

o   Complaining of a sour taste in their mouth, especially in the morning

o   Poor growth

o   Breathing problems

o   Recurrent pneumonia

While once in a while these issues could be normal pertaining to our lifestyles and can mostly be managed with certain precautions. However, if it is very frequent and not paid attention to then GERD can bring along some potential complications like respiratory problems, difficulty in gaining weight, inflammation of the esophagus, and other problems affecting the nerves, brain or muscles, especially in infants. Most babies can outgrow reflux by the time they are one-year-old.

A major way to effectively treat acid reflux disease is to make healthier lifestyle changes especially with the modification of foods and beverages we consume. Some of the lifestyle measures that can be adopted to prevent acid reflux are:

• Smaller portions of meals but multiple times throughout the day
• Quitting smoking
• Raise the head of your bed at least 4-6 inches
• Eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down
• Try taking your daytime naps in a chair
• Avoid wearing tight clothes or tight belts
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Check with your doctor if any medication could be triggering acid reflux symptoms

Apart from the ones mentioned above, some points to be remembered for the babies include:

• Elevating the head of the baby’s crib
• Holding the baby upright for 30 minutes after feeding
• Feeding smaller amounts of food frequently
• Trying solid food (with doctor’s approval)

For older children:

• Elevate the head of the bed
• Keep the child upright for at least two hours after eating
• Serve several small meals through the day, rather than three large meals.
• Make sure your child is not overeating.
• Limit foods and beverages that could worsen the child’s reflux such as high fat, fried or spicy foods, carbonation, and caffeine.
• Encourage regular exercise

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