Dr Vivek Baliga - Finding The Best Healthcare Diagnostic Centers

Healthcare diagnostic centers play a vital role in the health industry by helping the doctors get various diagnostic reports of their patients. Not all the hospitals and healthcare facilities in the country will be able to house all the equipment they need because all the equipment come with a huge price tag. This is where healthcare diagnostic centers come as a great help. Moreover if every hospital and healthcare facility is going to house all the equipment they needed, then they would be underutilized not justifying the investment. It makes therefore more sense to have healthcare diagnostic centers whereby all the hospitals in and around a given area could make use of their services.

If you are a healthcare patient who has been asked to take any tests it is important to select the right diagnostic centers. There are many diagnostic centers across the country but not all of them are made equal. Before making use of any of these services you should invest enough time to identify the most trustworthy centers. Finding the most dependable healthcare diagnostic centers like Baliga Diagnostics, the one that belongs to Dr Vivek Baliga is important.

What are the important factors to be taken into account when you are selecting the best healthcare diagnostic centers? First to start with the diagnostic center that you are selecting should have all the latest equipment all in one place so that you do not have to visit multiple centers for various tests. It is important that the center also houses all the latest equipment available in the industry. Healthcare diagnostic industry is one of the fastest growing industries and various new equipment come into the industry regularly. The diagnostic center should make all the latest equipment accessible to people.

The healthcare diagnostic center should have qualified professionals to run the tests so that the test reports are accurate. They should have commitment towards the health and wellbeing of the patients who approach them for various test reports. If one takes the time to read Dr Vivek Baliga reviews and how the Baliga Diagnostic is run it is easy to notice the difference and in the commitment level of this diagnostic center in delivering the best services.

The commitment level of the healthcare diagnostic centers would nothing but a reflection of the commitment level of the leadership team of the respective center. Along these lines if Baliga Diagnostics is standing out among the rest then it is a mere reflection of Dr Vivek Baliga’s commitment level.

When you are selecting your healthcare diagnostic center try to pay attention to all these factors so that you enjoy the best healthcare services because you deserve the best. As far as the diagnostic reports are concerned one cannot take chances with the accuracy of the reports. It is therefore important that you find the most trustworthy centers. Once you manage to find a credible diagnostic center you will be able to use their services for your entire family’s healthcare needs. 

Dr. Vivek Baliga - The man to Taught Many to Dream Big

It’s the story of a man who taught the nation to dream big. 

A wonderful medical expert, Dr Vivek Baliga did his education from Sri Aurobindo Memorial School, Bangalore. He was an expert basketball player too who participated in his school’s basketball team. Later, he passed out from National College Jayanagar, Bangalore.

Sports and studies went hand in hand

He was a student from a science background, but his interest was also on playing various kinds of sports which led to his recognition as a badminton champion during 1994 in college. After successfully completing his studies in two years, Dr. Baliga enrolled himself in Manipal Academy of Higher Education during the year 1995. He pursued his career in studying medicine, and thus, studied Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). He graduated around the year 2000.

His inclination towards sports and basketball led him to play basketball at the academy too. Dr Vivek Baliga won a championship during the years 1999 and 2000 as well. He is a keen basketball player until today and believes that sports get to teach a person a lot about his life and achievements.

Expansion of education and passion for writing

Dr. Baliga started working for a doctorate as he focused on cardiovascular research. His expansion of education, thus, began from there. Presently, he is an associate of the Royal College of Physicians and also of Indian Academy of Echocardiography where he is the secretary of Karnataka division.

His passion for writing began when Dr. Vivek Baliga published many articles in many medical journals. During the year 2009, he had co-written a write-up in the famous medical journal called Prescriber. Prescriber is a magazine that is engaged in medical prescription and medical management as well. Here, Baliga mentioned about the acute coronary syndrome. The most downloaded article of Baliga was his write-up on Diabetes and heart failure which was published in Sage magazine about two years ago.

Passion for writing continues…

His passion for writing is also seen when he had co-written a write-up for the famous American Heart Association. There, he mentioned details about the effect of the levels of insulin receptor and also other factors which contribute to the sensitivity of insulin on the endothelial cells. Endothelial cells are a thin patch of cells that are found on the inner portion of certain vessels.

Dr Vivek Baliga reviews state that he has been in the team of some famous doctors in Mangalore who provided education to children and teachers as well about prevention of malaria. His love for sports urged him to take part in 10 kilometer Bupa Great Manchester Run where he also accepted donations for Chair Foundation and Desk.

His passion for writing still continues as he is the expert author on an online platform Medlife.com. As per Dr Vivek Baliga reviews, he provides with excellent information and consultation on medical management. His writings have been loved by many, and he has been a famous doctor as well as a down to earth person in his life.

Dr.Vivek Baliga – The Man who gave Medical Science New Direction!

“A real man always smiles through his troubles, gathers immense strength from his adversities and only grows brave with time” – if this saying was to find a true man, none could be a better example than Dr Vivek Baliga!

As a consultant at Baliga Diagnostics in the Internal Medicine and Cardiology department, his specialty rests in diabetes and a plethora of cardiovascular issues. Moreover, as a full-time medical practitioner and Co-Director of Baliga Diagnostics, his profile is truly worth noting!
How about getting to some of the other details? Scroll down and check for yourself –

Vivek Baliga – A focussed career person

The very name of Dr Vivek Baliga initiates in any person a sense of immense respect courtesy his contributions to the medical field and achieveme  nt of the same. He gained his MBBS degree from Manipal University and then proceeded ahead to complete his postgraduation from the United Kingdom, with specialized research and registrar training in Internal Medicine and Cardiology. Post this, he secured his MRCP degree and worked in many parts of England on rotation.

Along with his doctoral degree, he also secured his MBA degree from the University of Phoenix, USA and a postgraduate diploma from Middlesex University in lipid management.

That’s not all! He has also attended the Advanced Certificate Course by Cleveland Clinic in diabetes, and he was awarded a Diploma Certificate by the University of Vienna in Echocardiography.

Over the past decade, he has earned laurels in his field that pervades every aspect of the society. The best feature associated with Dr Vivek Baliga Reviews is that his medical words are extremely comprehensible and helps to explain people the basic concepts in a jiffy!

Apart from these, his video presentations have held people’s attention and helped them get effective cures at an affordable rate. Therefore, one can be rest assured that he is a man who not only secures his place but motivates young talents as well!!

HeartSense – His contribution to the field of medicine 

After completion of his medical and business education, when he moved back to India, the first point that Dr Baliga noted was lack of medical information. With a majority of patients suffering from heart-related issues in India, yet people were not following a basic healthy lifestyle.

It is to aid this that he started his online venture, HeartSense, which till date has published over 300 articles on various complications of the heart and ways to deal with diabetic patients. Dr Vivek Baliga Reviews have garnered positive results on these articles from various corners of the world.

Apart from the same, he also authors the official magazine of Baliga Diagnostics – Sowkhya Magazine, and it has been received worldwide with utmost fanfare.

Thus, with all the factors mentioned above in tow, one can surely and sincerely state that Dr Vivek Baliga is one of the most caring and genuine medical practitioners that India can boast of in today's’ times. Here stands a man who has earned his degrees and is truly utilizing the same most efficiently for the welfare of his people. 

Dr Vivek Baliga Spreads the Essentiality of Health Awareness Globally!

Dr Vivek Baliga has earned the reputation of an acclaimed medical practitioner and educator over the past decade. He believes in educating the mass about health issues. Over the years, he has been using his blog and other media to relay information about health conditions to the world.

Dr Baliga’s publications are held in high esteem both by the general public and contemporary medical practitioners across the world. As a visionary in the field of medicine, his articles and reviews have been published by the most prestigious academic publishers in India, including Sage Publications.
Sage happened to publish his review article ‘Diabetes and Heart failure - A Review’ which consequently won the award of the most downloaded review article during the year 2008-09.

Dr Baliga’s reviews and blogs

Dr Vivek Baliga Reviews focus on health concerns that pervade the society at large. In his blog, he discusses these health conditions in detailed yet simplified terms for every reader to understand and comprehend. Through his articles, he attempts to educate people about the precautions for various health issues.

It includes -

* Hypertension
* Diabetes
* Heart conditions
* Other ailments

Simultaneously, he also discusses fast and effective cures. His blog, HeartSense, has more than 8000 followers who find his written advice and video presentations useful and informative.

Conversely, it is essential to mention that Dr Vivek Baliga is a man of immense learning and erudition. Having completed his MBBS from Manipal University, he pursued his post-graduation in the UK. He later completed his Doctorate from there. While in the UK, he additionally earned a post-graduate diploma degree in Lipid Management.

A jack of all trades, he also holds an MBA degree from the University of Phoenix, USA. His learning, exposure, and his works of research convinced him about the importance of educating his patients. He firmly believes if the mass begins to understand their health conditions better, it will become much easier to reduce the instances of serious and widespread medical problems.

A proficient man in his field of work 

Being an active member of the society, Dr Vivek Baliga plays multiple professional roles. Not only does he strive to educate people as a medical practitioner, but he has also served in the position of a professor for multiple years, teaching and motivating the future doctors of the country. Presently, he is the Secretary of Indian Academy of Echocardiocardiography, Karnataka. Under his leadership, his team bagged the award for the best chapter in Echo India, October 2018.

During his time in the UK, Dr Baliga was an associate tutor at the Royal College UK for Pinderfield Hospitals. He was also a junior representative in their Advanced Life Support advisory panel.

Serving for a better a world…

Today, the Indian public follows Dr Vivek Baliga reviews to step out of their state of ignorance and to learn about health and hygiene. Dr Baliga's video representations on  Diastolic heart failure and Software workers Health Problems, along with his blogs on Nipah Virus, Dual Antiplatelet, Hypertension, and other health conditions, present well-researched facts and contents that every person must be aware of.

To serve the community better, he presently works from his organization Baliga Diagnostic Ltd. And, he continues to cure people of major health problems while informing them about easy ways of preventing further complications. 

What Is The New Stir On Monkeypox? Answers by Dr. Vivek Baliga

Monkeypox has been on the news for quite a while now and it is not a very easy thing to move on from. We, the people of the world, have been exposed to many kinds of virus inflicted diseases such as Zika Virus, Ebola, Nipah and now we have the Monkeypox trending. Dr.Vivek Baliga says that over the period of time, we have grown to face as many infections and illnesses as possible and we have somehow managed to control them to a great extent but, eradicating it in totality is just impossible. What is Monkeypox and why is it getting known these days?

The History of Monkeypox

Monkeypox is something in medical history that has been quite recently discovered. It was first found in the monkeys on the African continent. Over a period of time, it was later discovered that the monkeypox virus had the capability to sustain life in rodents as well. Dr. Vivek Baliga says that it was not until the 1970s that people actually knew that this virus could affect humans as well. Monkeypox was diagnosed on a little boy in the Congo region for the first time in humans. Everything was going fine until the 2000s where people felt that it was restricted only to the African continent. In 2003, there were reports of it in the US as well. Although it is caused by a poxvirus, this case is totally different from the pox diseases we know. It was only in the year 2017, was there more and more conscious awareness splurge after the outbreak experienced in Nigeria.

What causes Monkeypox?

The monkeypox virus is mostly transmitted to people from various wild animals such as rodents and primates, but has limited secondary spread through human-to-human transmission says Dr.Vivek Baliga reviews. Infection of index cases results from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or cutaneous or mucosal lesions of infected animals. In Africa, human infections have been documented through the handling of infected monkeys, Gambian giant rats, and squirrels, with rodents being the most likely reservoir of the virus. Eating inadequately cooked meat of infected animals is a possible risk factor.

Is there any cure for the disease?

Although the cases of Monkeypox can be severe, it is not fatal. Yet, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Monkeypox. The symptoms of Monkeypox include:

* Fever
* Intense Headaches
* Swollen Lymph Nodes
* Muscle Pain
* Back Pain
* Skin Eruptions
* Small, fluid-filled blisters on face and feet.

Monkeypox can only be diagnosed definitively in the laboratory where the virus can be identified by a number of different tests that need to be conducted in specialized laboratories. Vaccination against smallpox has been proven to be most effective in preventing Monkeypox in the past but the vaccine is no longer available to the general public after it was discontinued following global smallpox eradication.

To prevent the condition, one needs to handle infected animals carefully. Wear protective gears and do not go out without shoes. Also, in order to prevent human-human contact, try to be away from the person affected until precautionary measures have been taken. Regular hand washing should be carried out after caring for or visiting sick people. Isolation of patients either at home or in health facilities is recommended.

These are some of the important details one needs to know about Monkeypox. Stay aware and stay healthy!

According to Dr Vivek Baliga Health Benefits of Owning a Dog

Dogs are extremely social and are the most favorite pet option. Dr. Vivek Baliga feels that dogs can also have a healing impact on our health. Dogs are very loyal and reliable and there are many health benefits that can come along with owning a dog. They always keep up with their masters and share unconditional love to those around it. Yes, and it also has healing qualities. Here are some of the health benefits you can expect out of having a pet dog at home.

· Live Longer and Happier
Dogs create an energetic environment wherever they go. They have the capacity to make you smile anytime. They have high spirits due to dopamine and serotonin in their body and hence it is almost impossible for us to say sad and depressed around a dog. Furthermore, dogs can help in the controlling of blood pressure and other heart disorders with their constantly active and enthusiastic behavior. So, the owners are bound to live longer and happier.

· Boost Immunity
Dr. Vivek Baliga reviews that dogs can boost the immunity of the people with whom it lives. Dogs are kind of dirty and bring into the hose with them a series of bacteria and other microorganisms that are capable of creating menace in the human body. But, due to the constant existence of those microorganisms, people get immune to a set of them. So, people won’t get sick often due to these organisms wreaking havoc in their bodies.

· Responsibility
Dogs, knowingly or unknowingly, teaches humans responsibility. We are constantly on the run to take care of it. We bathe it, feed it, clean it and are obliged to spend more time with it. We are also required to take care of its health by taking it to the vet, getting it shots and get it its grooming equipments. It is like handling a baby. So, it does teach us a lot of responsibilities.

· Peace of Mind and Rehabilitation
Dogs give us a sense of security. Dogs guard and we feel we are safe under its watchful eyes. What we also found out is that the dogs have an amazing capacity to detect small medical problems from Low BP to serious conditions such as cancer. So, yes. Dogs are really there around for our security. Also, when we are ill or are getting cured, dogs are reliable companions. Their constant morale-boosting attitude and care can get anyone standing on their feet. They help people overcome medical illness like depression and physical problems like injury and temporary disabilities.

These are some of the reasons why owning a dog can be helpful and productive. They are essential members of your family but, they are also a blessing in disguise. Their ultimate love and care can cure the worst of diseases. Yes, they really can help people get better in many ways.

For more details please visit our website:- http://drvivekbaliga.net/

Alkaline Foods to Prevent Cancer, Obesity & Heart Disease by Dr Vivek Baliga

With time, we all get older and as we get older, we need to take care of our health more often. As children, we used to keep our bodies active by playing most of the time. But as we grow old, a lot of responsibilities take a toll on our activeness which leads to a lot of diseases such as obesity and other chronic heart diseases. This will be very problematic in the long run and as older adults, chances are that we will have severe diseases that began with bad diet and no activity. You can prevent this, yes that is possible. You must eat food items that are rich in alkaline. Alkaline is known to prevent diseases like cancer, obesity and heart diseases. Dr Vivek Baliga lists different foods that are alkaline in nature and that will help you in maintaining your health well:

1. Spinach

Spinach is something that our mothers have asked us to eat ever since we were kids and most of us disliked it. But did you know that spinach can abolish free radicals? Yes! Not only that, spinach can also improve your memory and keep your heart strong. This is because spinach is rich in antioxidants that can stimulate your brain functions. It is extremely healthy and has a lot of benefits in the long run.

2. Lemons

Rich in Vitamins E, A, C, B6, lemons have a lot of important minerals like zinc, calcium, potassium etc. The lemon juice is known to minimize the risk of a stroke. It is also a cure for kidney stones and helps you fight cancer. This is why most people prefer drinking lemon juice or lemonade during the summers. It not only helps you in freshening up, but it also helps you in a lot of ways by boosting your health.

3. Quinoa

Quinoa is the one food dish that is known to control cholesterol and blood sugar level. Experts have suggested that quinoa is right is proteins and when it is compared to other grains, it has a lot more fiber. Today, a lot of nutritionists and dieticians will suggest you to switch to quinoa to maintain your health and to avoid problems in the long run. This is mainly because, quinoa is rich in manganese, magnesium, riboflavin, lysine and iron.

4. Buckwheat

Ordinary wheat may not be fattening but it still does not help you improve your health. Buckwheat on the other hand, can help you in fighting diseases like diabetes and other chronic diseases related to heart. It also happens to be the single most essential food to eat to get the right amount of nutrients such as vitamins, iron and proteins.
 
5. Bananas

Bananas are not only most people’s comfort food, but they should also be something that you incorporate in your regular meals. They help you lose weight. Of course, the weight loss will not be a dramatic transformation but it is sure to happen steadily. Additionally, they are rich in nutrients like potassium, manganese, B vitamins and fiber.

Dr Vivek Baliga reviews that consumption of alkaline foods can be highly beneficial for your health. So, you must incorporate these foods into your daily diets.

Noise Pollution And Your Heart

The Nobel Prize Winner Robert Koch predicted in 1910 that ‘One day man will have to fight noise as fiercely as cholera and pest’.

I frequently read and reply to articles on Quora, and find that a number of people worry about the noise levels around them. 

Well, they should!!

Noise pollution is a rampant problem in India. With millions of vehicles on the roads and the constant honking for no reason whatsoever, the excessive amount of noise has become a nuisance. There is a common misconception that noise pollution only affects the ears. Recent evidence suggests that noise pollution can affect your heart. Up until now, this was an unknown fact.

Researchers from the Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany took at a look at all the studies that had evaluated the role of noise in the development of heart disease. What they found was quite alarming.

It appears that noise can affect the heart at a cellular level. The high levels of noise can induce changes in the levels of certain stress hormones and nerve functions. This stress leads to the damage of blood vessels. Not just that, the excessive noise can induce what is called ‘oxidative stress’. This leads to the formation of harmful free radicals that can damage the heart muscle and other vital tissues. Noise can also lead to disturbed sleep.

Living in a noisy neighborhood where traffic is constantly moving can lead to poor sleep which in turn can increase blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. Experts suggest that constant exposure to sound over 60 decibels can cause heart damage. To give you some perspective, the sound with which we speak at home or in an office is around 60 dB. The sound of a jackhammer is around 100 dB.

With this knowledge, it is important that the government takes steps to lower noise pollution. Honking should be banned if possible. Noise cancelling headphones may be useful if you are exposed to loud noises all the time. However, these can be quite expensive.

It might just be better to take steps to lower exposure to loud sounds. Take care!

Dr Vivek Baliga Guide - Here Is A Guide On Plantar Fasciitis

For those of you with painful feet, here is a guide for you on plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis - A Simple Patient Guide by Dr Vivek Baliga, Bangalore from Dr Vivek Baliga

Moringa Leaves - Natures Best Leaves For Health

Have you heard of moringa leaves?

Well, if you haven’t, then it is time you did. These are regarded as the best leaves in the world to eat as they are just so rich in nutrients.

Also called Moringa olifera, the moringa leaves are the leaves of the drumstick plant. This plant is probably the only one in the world that has every part of which can be eaten.

The moringa leaves are a superfood, and just a small amount a day can provide you nutrients that baskets of veggies and fruits do.

For example, 100 grams of moringa leaves contain 9 times the protein of yogurt, 10 times the vitamin A of carrots, 15 times the potassium of bananas, 17 times the calcium of milk, 12 times the vitamin C of oranges and 25 times the iron of spinach. There are only a few other natural health supplements that match this.

Moringa leaves are also rich in the antioxidant compounds vitamin C, beta carotene and chlorogenic acid.

Furthermore, it has properties of lowering blood sugar levels, and is an excellent food to eat regularly if you have diabetes. It also has cholesterol lowering properties and is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

These properties make it a good choice if you want to keep your heart healthy. Try and have a small portion of these leaves with your regular meal every day. You can add them to soups and salads as well!!

Health Benefits Of Passion Fruit

The passion fruit has recently become popular in India, though has remained a part of sweet desserts and a healthy snack for many years in the Western world.

Sometimes called Granadilla or Krishna Phal, this tangy, seedy fruit is a delight when eaten. But it is not just it’s sweet taste that makes this fruit wonderful and delectable; it is also the number of health benefits it has.

Passion fruit is high in vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant vitamin that helps fight the common cold and boosts immunity. In fact, one serving of passion fruit provides 30 grams of vitamin C.

It is loaded with fibre and has a low glycemic index, making it a great fruit to indulge in if you have diabetes.

The high fibre content comes in the form of ‘pectin’, which has the property of filling up the stomach, thus preventing you from snacking.

Passion fruit also contains vitamin B6 (riboflavin) and vitamin B3 (niacin) which keeps the thyroid gland healthy. Not only this; it can also prevent bad fats from depositing on the inner surface of blood vessels, thus reducing atherosclerosis and heart disease.

The high quantity of calcium and magnesium in passion fruits can help keep the bones and teeth strong and can prevent osteoporosis.

Passion fruits can be eaten raw, scooped out into a bowl of low fat yogurt or eaten as a part of a fruit salad. They are delicious, and I am certain you will love it’s sweet and tangy taste! 

Handling An Enlarged Prostate - Tips by Dr Vivek Baliga

The prostate gland begins to enlarge after the age of 25 years. In some men, it can remain at a manageable size, while in some it could cause trouble.

In fact, only around 50% of people with enlarged prostates develop symptoms such as difficulty passing urine, starting trouble during urination, poor urinary stream and urge to pass urine frequently.

When symptoms are not particularly bothersome, watchful waiting may be the best way to proceed. This involves regular monitoring to make sure complications aren't developing, but no treatment. For more troubling symptoms, most doctors begin by recommending a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.

Often this will be enough to relieve the worst symptoms and prevent the need for surgery. For those of you that suffer from this, here are some tips to help you cope with it.

1. Some men who are nervous and tense urinate more frequently. Reduce stress by exercising regularly and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation.

2. When you go to the bathroom, take the time to empty your bladder completely. This will reduce the need for subsequent trips to the toilet.

3. Talk with your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you're taking; some may contribute to the problem. Your doctor may be able to adjust dosages or change your schedule for taking these drugs, or he or she may prescribe different medications that cause fewer urinary problems.

4. Avoid drinking fluids in the evening, particularly caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Both can affect the muscle tone of the bladder, and both stimulate the kidneys to produce urine, leading to night time urination.

These simple tips should help you avoid surgery and carry on with your life as normal!

Undergoing Tests Before High Altitude Travel

If you are planning to travel to high altitude on foot or by car, you may want to undergo certain investigations to ensure whether you are fit enough or not. Y

ou may think that you are ‘too young’ to have any problems, but clinical studies have shown that people of any age can develop complications from high altitude travel.

Taking the right steps before you travel may just save your life.

Tests To Undergo 

There are no specific guidelines when it comes to what tests are needed, but there are some that your doctor may recommend.

A haemoglobin level is important, as a low level of haemoglobin can lead to breathlessness during physical exertion. An electrocardiogram will help determine if there is any problem with the heart. Patients with asthma may want to undergo a lung function test first and seek advice from their heart doctor about whether they should make their journey.

An echocardiogram can help determine if your heart is strong enough to withstand the high altitude, especially if you are planning a trek. If you do intend on walking a long distance, do consider undergoing a treadmill test.

This will help determine how strong your heart is and whether it would be able to withstand long walks.

In addition to that, a treadmill test will also help find out if there is any underlying heart disease. Cardiac risk assessment is quite important as the high altitude can place some stress on the heart.

In patients who have previously undergone stent insertion or bypass, a treadmill will help determine whether the heart can cope with additional stress.

The Best Exercises For Diabetes By Dr Vivek Baliga

A diagnosis of diabetes can be life changing. It requires a drastic change in both diet and lifestyle and makes an impact on the way you live your life.

However, there are certain simple strategies that you could adopt to make sure that your blood sugars remain under control. One such method is to have a structured exercise program.

Here are some of the best exercises that you can do if you wish to keep your blood sugar under control, boost your energy levels and improve your sleep pattern.

Walking

Walking is probably the best exercise that you can do to keep your diabetes under control. Not only does it help lower your blood sugars, it also helps strengthen your heart and reduce stress.

Currently, it is recommended that we walk at a brisk pace for at least 30 minutes every day. However, those with diabetes should walk up to 1 hour a day at a brisk pace. If it is not possible for you to do this at a stretch, divide your walking routine into 30 minutes each in the morning and in the evening.

Dancing

The trend for Zumba dancing has caught on recently. It is a fun way to get your daily dose of aerobic exercise and to burn sugars.

Dancing for around 30 minutes a day, three days a week can help lower your blood sugars, burn calories, lower your body weight and improve stress levels. Join as a class nearby and see how much fun can be!

Swimming

The best thing about swimming is that it does not place any stress on the joints of the body. Those people who have joint pains and are struggling to walk to lower the blood sugars should either take up swimming or simply walk in a swimming pool.

The resistance that the water provides can increase the heart rate and strengthen your heart as well. Studies have found that exercises like swimming can lower cholesterol levels and burn calories at a remarkable pace.

Cycling

You don't have to hit the road on the bicycle if you wish to keep your blood sugar is low. This could be dangerous in Indian traffic!

Instead, you could purchase a stationary bike or use the one in your local gymnasium. Riding a bike for about 30 minutes a day at a reasonable level of resistance can power up your heart and lower your blood sugar levels. It also is light on the knees and does not stress out your joints. Try and cycle at least five days a week to keep your diabetes under control.

Climbing stairs

A common aspect of maintaining good health that we often forget is climbing stairs. While it can be quite an effort and sometimes even very tiring, the calories that are burnt in climbing stairs are remarkable.

Not just that, it also strengthens your heart and your lungs. If you wish to lower your blood sugars and keep the diabetes under control, try and walk up and down stairs for just 3 minutes 1 – 2 hours after you have had a meal. Whenever possible, take the stairs and burn calories, not
electricity.

Lightweights 

When strength training i.e. lifting lightweights is combined with aerobic exercises, the benefits you reap are increased manifold. Make sure you combine your walking or other aerobic exercise routines with strengthening of your muscles and bones through light weight lifting. You could do this about 2 to 3 times a week. Simple exercises such as push-ups, squats and pull-ups are sufficient to keep the muscles and the bones strong.

Gardening

Gardening involves different movements such as walking, bending and kneeling, all of which can keep the blood flowing and the blood sugar burning. It can also help lower stress and is a great exercise you don't like traditional activities.

Hair Loss in Women - An Overview

Hair loss is a common problem in men. Hormones, ageing and many other factors play a role. Hair loss in women seems to be less common, but I do see many women in the clinic complaining of this problem.

The growth of hair occurs in 3 cycles – anagen, catagen and telogen. 90% of the hair on our heads is in the anagen phase, or growth phase. The rest are in the shrinking (catagen) or resting (telogen) phase. On an average, we all lose around 50 to 100 strands of hair every day.

We could lose up to 250 hair strands when washing our hair (not washing it does not change this – it will fall out eventually!).

So why do women lose hair? 

Hair loss can be a genetic problem in most cases. It usually affects the front of the head, making the forehead a lot more prominent. Close observation of the hair follicles using a magnifying glass shows both thin and thick follicles. This is a common cause of hair loss and is called androgenetic alopecia. It is a genetic condition that runs in the families.

So how can women realise that they are losing hair? 

What is normal and what is not? In men, hair loss tends to occur from the forehead, moving in a backward fashion. They can also lose hair around the crown, which is the spot on the back of the head.

In women, hair loss begins with thinning of hair around the top third of the scalp. The gap between
hair follicles increases gradually, and areas of the scalp begin to become visible. Normally, when hair loss occurs, the lost hair is replaced by a hair that is of the same size. When hair loss occurs in women, the new hair that grows is thinner and finer. In other words, the hair follicles begin to shrink and ultimately stop growing completely.

Conditions such as pregnancy, low hemoglobin levels, polycystic ovarian syndrome and thyroid disease can lead to hair loss. It is therefore essential to investigate these.

Treating hair loss is simple. Avoid hairstyles that involve pulling the hair back. The use of chemicals, blow dryers and flat irons can damage hair.

Toweling the hair aggressively when drying it can also cause hair loss. You may want to consider hair fall supplements for women.

The simple measures can reduce the loss of hair. Medical therapies are also available that can help these days.

For more information, visit my blog.

What Is Your Heart Disease Risk? Heart Doctor Vivek Baliga Discusses..

Heart disease affects millions of people across the globe. These days, one of the most common reasons why young people visit doctors is not just for the common cold or flu, but also to find out what their chances of developing heart disease are.

Years ago, a group of researchers started looking into whether an individual’s risk of developing heart disease could be estimated. 

Looking at normal parameters such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease in the family and a history of high cholesterol and smoking were all well and good, but there was no way to know what exactly a person’s risk was in years to come.

In 1946, scientists embarked on the Framingham Heart Study. 

This remains, to date, one of the largest heart studies performed all over the world. This study was so robust and remarkable, that to this day we use data published from this to determine an individual’s heart disease risk. 

Not only that, the study also provided valuable insights into how various risk factors affect the heart and how one can make changes to reduce their risk.

The risk scoring system takes into account various parameters including age and gender, and churns out a 10 year risk score. 

This risk score determines what a person’s chances are of having a heart attack in 10 years time. 

Those who have a low risk score have a 10% chance of heart disease in 10 years, those with an intermediate risk score have a 10 – 20 % risk while those with a high risk score have a >20% risk.

Since the Framingham risk score emerged, a number of different scoring systems are being used not only to predict chances of developing heart disease, but also outcomes of patients following a heart attack. 

The Q-risk score is being used more widely these days. Similarly, the GRACE score and CHADS2VASc scoring systems are also used for patients with heart disease.

It must be remembered that these scoring systems are arbitrary. They apply to majority of individuals but not to all. Ask your doctor about what your heart disease risk is today.

How Is Your Cognitive Reserve? Dr Vivek Baliga Writes...

Okay, so this topic may be a little complicated for you, but let me try and explain. Have you heard of cognitive reserve?

In the 1980’s, scientists and researchers were baffled to find that post mortem specimens of the human brain had changes suggestive of Alzheimer’s disease in subjects who had led completely normal lives and had not had any memory problems when alive. 

This is when the phenomenon of cognitive reserve emerged.

Cognitive reserve is a phenomenon where the brain fights the development of the any damage. It is the resistance against damage. 

Imagine you are driving a car. An ambulance starts to siren behind you, and you must move your car. You change gears and speed up to move to a location where the ambulance has sufficient room to pass through.

Similarly, at times of need, the brain has the ability to ‘change gears’ to function at a higher capacity. This can occur despite there being brain damage or age-related change. 

This capability is cognitive reserve.

Medically, it is the ‘hypothesized capacity of mature adult brain to sustain the effects of disease or injury without manifesting clinically'. 

'It accounts for individual differences in the cognitive processes and neural networks which allow one to cope better than others with the brain damage'.

Those with a better reserve tend to avoid developing problems such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and similar problems. They can manage unexpected life events such as financial stress, loss of a loved one and similar scenarios in a better manner. 

These circumstances require your brain to function differently, and this depends on how good your cognitive reserve is.

So how can you build your cognitive reserve? Well, there are many ways to improve your memory.

Learning a new skill, reading, continuing your work for as long as possible, exercising your body and your mind and eating a healthy diet are all linked to your brain’s reserve function. 

Enjoy your hobbies. They will keep your mind active and sharp for years to come!!

Canagliflozin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with Type-2 Diabetic Mellitus

Dr Vivek Baliga short review on parts of the Canvas Study. You can view Dr Vivek's profile online here.

1. CANVAS Program was a pre-specified combined analysis of 2 trials, CANVAS and CANVAS-R, involving a total 10,142 patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk. The combined analysis was done as per the USFDA requirements.

The CANVAS patients were randomized 1:1:1 to canagliflozin 300 mg or 100 mg or placebo, and the CANVAS-R patients to 100 mg (with option to increase to 300 mg after week 13) or placebo. Mean follow-up was 188weeks (median, 126.1 weeks).

Globally the trial was conducted in 30 countries at 667 sites.

2. CANVAS Program included patients with type 2 diabetes and HbA1c >7.0% to <10.5% eGFR >30 mL/min/1.73 m2, age >30 years and history of prior CV event or established CVD patients (65%) or age >50 years with >2 CV risk factors (35%).

The Primary Outcome was Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) which included the composite of CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke.

The secondary outcomes included total mortality and cardiovascular mortality whereas the exploratory outcomes included nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, hospitalization for HF, hospitalization for HF or CV death, total hospitalizations, albuminuria progression, albuminuria regression and renal composite including 40% reduction in eGFR, end-stage renal disease, or renal death

3. Canagliflozin achieved a 14% reduction in the risk of MACE and demonstrated the CV safety and superiority compared to placebo. Canagliflozin was safe in terms of CV death and non fatal MI.

Moreover, Canagliflozin was not associated with an increased risk of stroke. Canagliflozin also resulted in 33% reduction in Hospitalization for Heart Failure and 22% reduction in CV Death or Hospitalization for Heart Failure.

4. In terms of renal outcomes, Canagliflozin induced sustained lowering of albuminuria, prevented progression in albuminuria, induced regression in albuminuria and reduced renal function loss events.

No increase in the risk of Hypoglycemia, Acute Kidney Injury, hyperkalaemia, cancer, pancreatitis was seen with Canaglilozin vs placebo. Adverse events leading to discontinuation was similar to placebo.

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a troublesome condition. In this presentation, Dr Vivek Baliga discusses the symptoms and signs along with the basic treatment options.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Part 1 - Dr Vivek Baliga from Dr Vivek Baliga

Dr Vivek Baliga - Myths In Diabetes

Diabetes affects over 65 million people across India. Despite this, the understanding of diabetes is poor, with many people believing in myths rather than facts. Many fail to understand that a simple diet and good exercise plan can prevent diabetes from occurring or worsening.

It is this belief that makes managing diabetes a lot more difficult for both doctors and patients. 

So what are some of the common diabetes myths? Here are some...

1. Eating a lot of sugar causes diabetes

This is not true. Eating sugary foods does not cause diabetes, but it can worsen diabetes. Diabetes is usually caused due to genetic problems or a family history of diabetes. Being overweight can increase the risk. However, it is still important that you keep a check on your sugary food intake, as these can cause weight gain.

2. Diabetes is not a serious problem

You may not believe it, but a large proportion of the population suffering from diabetes tend to ignore it as they feel diabetes is not a serious problem. After all, they may not have any symptoms, so it must not be serious, right? 

Wrong! Diabetes can silently affect the kidneys, eyes, heart and nerves and can cause debilitating disease if left untreated or ignored.

3. Insulin is a bad thing

It is a common belief that if you need insulin for diabetes, then it is a bad thing; a sort of taboo, so to speak. The fact is insulin helps achieve excellent control of your blood sugar levels, and it is easy to self manage blood sugar levels through altering your dose of insulin. After all, all you

are taking is a hormone that is produced in lesser quantities in your body. 

4. Thin people do not get diabetes 

Another common myth. While most people with type 2 diabetes are overweight, there are many people who are thin and who have diabetes. This is related to the presence of ‘invisible fat’ that is inside the abdomen.