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Dementia: problem, risks, effects, and management

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I had met my classmate around 4 months back and informed her also about my mom's death. But in a recent email, she wrote to me that I had met her a couple of years back. She also enquired about my mom. Seeing her email, the first thought that came to my mind was: is she suffering from early dementia. I hope not. Maybe, she just forgot about the time that I had met her a few months back. Maybe because it was a hurried and surprise visit.  Nonetheless, dementia is on the rise. It affects people after 60 years of age. The increased life expectancy means that one will see more of such cases in the near future.  India has around 10 million dementia cases out of the world total of 57 million. This is a huge percentage. It affects not only an individual but the whole family. There is this individual who is physically okay but mentally absent. The person needs custodial care and it could turn out to be expensive. It is also emotionally disturbing to see your loved one in that state of...

Fish sperm facial treatment: what, how, why, efficacy, and side-effects

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 Have you heard of fish sperm facial treatment? It is a new form of face and skin rejuvenation that is taking the world by storm.  What is fish sperm facial treatment? This is a treatment similar to fillers or botox. The aim is same but the mechanism of action and materials used differ.  The fillers and botox injections are anti-aging therapies aimed to hide wrinkles and make the person look young. Fish sperm facial treatment has a similar aim to make a person look youthful.  But in this new therapy, pure fish DNA is used for the purpose. Fish DNA is very closely resembling human DNA. When applied topically or injected into the skin, it stimulates production of collagen and elastin. These two proteins give tautness and elasticity to skin and make it look younger and glowing. These skin proteins reduce with age and cause the skin wrinkles and aged look.  The therapy is also called polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) therapy.  How is fish sperm facial treatment gi...

Why I decided to not attend Nepal Respiratory society conference 2025?

I am a super-specialist doctor. Hence, when I learned about the pulmonology conference in Nepal in September 2025, I thought of attending it since I was there for some other work.  But I ultimately decided against attending the Nepal Respiratory society conference. You will agree that 'the first impression is the last impression'. And my first impression about the conference and organizers, unfortunately, was bad.  Reasons: 1. Incomplete information on internet  No proper directions on internet. There was incomplete and wrong information.  2. No office When anyone makes a medical society or association, it needs to have a proper physical address, phone number, and email id. But this, Nepal respiratory society, lacked all of this.  3. Piecemeal information  Initially, the registration details had no details about registration for international delegates. Later, this was added. But again, there was improper info on it. At one place, the fees was 12k npr and a...

Unhealthy Indian society and it's implications

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 Health of Society is equally important as that of an individual. But outdated cultures and negative mindsets of people can affect the society's health and cause it to deteriorate. Take for instance, the love and worship of a male child in Indian society worldwide. This has not changed over the years despite laws being laid for gender equality under British colonial rule as well as self-rule.  Love and worship of male children In the regressive Indian culture, male child is valued while female children and women are just taken as a symbol of sex and reproduction. Despite women of today pursuing higher education and taking up important roles in the society and workforce, nothing substantial has changed for them at the home front.  Read here: How human milk banks in India are exploiting women in the name of nobility? Besides, such independent women in India are a minimum and cannot put forth their points assertively. And at home, they still continue to follow culture laid g...

Sperm donors vs human milk donors - another injustice against women

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 Indian culture is ant-women though it is a taboo to talk about this fact. Laws also do not support truly. There is something else written and something else said and done.  Women are usually put on more manual jobs and paid less. They are rarely given leadership jobs though they could have been better leaders of the hurdles in their lives were abolished.  Now coming to sperm donation vs human milk donation. If you see both, and think on those, you will realise that human milk donation is much more valuable and useful. Yet, human milk donors are either not paid or are paid less. But sperm donors are always paid and paid more. Why this difference???? Read: How to eat idlis? Law fails to help these mothers who I would say are exploited in the name of humanity. When sperm donation and surrogacy are compensated, why not human milk donation be compensated at par??? A food for thought!!!

Ways of eating idlis

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 During my trip down South, I had the opportunity to watch common people enjoy traditional southern foods. Idlis are one such popular food items that can be consumed anytime of the day. They can be had during breakfast, lunch, or dinner or anytime in between.  Idlis are traditionally South Indian delicacies. They are rice and lentil cakes that are steamed. They are usually salty but in Mauritius, you will find sweet varities as well in small shops and restaurants there.  Idlis are healthy food items and are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. They have minerals and vitamins and have the goodness of fermented foods too. They are served with sambhar (curry made of dal) and chutney (coconut, tomato or the like). Some also savour them with yoghurt, ghee (clarified butter) or spice mix (podi).  Idli pizza A modern twist to idli dish has been as idli masala (idlis usually small-sized covered with spices), idli fry (idlis usually small-sized that are...

If you don't like beet root, you MUST READ THIS!

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Beet root is a nutritious root vegetable with a lot of phytonutrients and consequent health benefits.  Beet root is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It has nitrates that improves blood flow and circulation and lessens blood pressure.  100 g of beet root has 43 calories. Protein is 1.6 g, carbohydrates 9.6 g and fats 0.2 g. The fiber content is 2.8 g in 100 g. Sugar is just 6.8 g.  It has plenty of micronutrients. It is rich in iron, vitamin C and B6. Additionally, it has folate, potassium, manganese, magnesium and copper. 87% of beet root is water.  Moreover, it has inorganic nitrates, betanin, and vulgaxanthin.  Beet root lowers blood pressure and risk of heart diseases. It improves stamina and exercise performance. It increases iron content and hemoglobin formation.  Thus, beet root is a healthy food option. You can have it raw or cooked or as a smoothie or juice.  But there are many who do not like the taste of beet root. Please read on to kno...