(AKUH) – Page 6 – Newswire Pakistan

March 18, 2022March 19, 2022

How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Karachi, March 18, 2022 (PPI-OT): Importance of oral health

Oral health plays an important role in ensuring you lead a healthy life. Without proper care, declining oral health can result in a wide range of health problems such as dental caries (tooth decay), tooth loss, and oral cancer, among other diseases. The International Agency for Research on Cancer states that cancers of the lip and oral cavity are among the top 15 most common cancers worldwide, with nearly 180,000 deaths each year.

Negligent oral health care causes various dental health issues and may also lead to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. According to Dr Robia Ghafoor, Consultant Dentistry at the Aga Khan University Hospital, “Good oral hygiene can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease and may help you keep your teeth healthy as you age.”

“Poor oral and dental health can lead to various dental and gum-related problems, which can lead to loose teeth, cavities, infections, and other problems. Not taking proper care of your teeth can cause pain, and may also result in loss of teeth. However, it can be prevented by following hygienic oral health practices,” says Dr Robia.

Risk factors for oral health

Risk factors of oral health include tobacco and alcohol use, and unhealthy diets which is high in sugar. Research proves there is relationship between oral and general health. It is reported, for example, that diabetes is linked with the development and progression of dental disease. Moreover, there is a causal link between high consumption of sugars, diabetes, obesity, and dental caries (tooth decay).

Oral health problems

Bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease are common problems that may arise due to negligent oral health; however, they can be avoided by brushing, flossing, and getting regular dental exams. Tooth decay is the most common health problem in children with nursing bottle caries being very common.

When it comes to Pakistan, dental caries, gum disease, bad breath, sensitivity, and grinding are more prevalent in the adult population. The elderly population are largely presented with root caries and dry mouth condition due to the use of medications for various medical conditions.

Taking care of your oral health

Good oral hygiene practices include brushing your teeth twice a day, with a soft bristle toothbrush following the proper technique. The usage of fluoride toothpaste plays a vital role in preventing caries and gum disease. Apart from brushing, flossing plays an integral role in reducing hidden caries between the teeth, and the use of a dentist-approved mouthwash is recommended to help remove residual food particles which remain in your mouth following brushing and flossing.

Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months is considered best practice, along with scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning, if recommended by the dentist. It is recommended that one should have a healthy diet and avoid consuming carbonated or energy or drinks, betel nut chewing, smoking, and alcohol, to maintain good oral health in the long-run.

Possible treatment modalities

People usually visit their dentist for all sorts of reasons, but tooth cleaning, tooth whitening, filling, root canal, crown and bridge, denture, braces, and dental implants are the most commonly availed dental procedures at the dental clinic. To prevent lengthy and painful treatment procedures, you should visit your dentist at least every 6 months or as recommended by your dental professional.

For more information, contact:

Marketing and Communications,

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)

Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan

Tel: +92-21-111-911-911

Email: akuh.information@aku.edu

Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

February 14, 2022February 15, 2022

Childhood Cancers

Karachi, February 14, 2022 (PPI-OT):A cancer diagnosis can be traumatic and unsettling at any age, even more so if it happens in childhood. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 400,000 children and adolescents develop cancer each year. While cancer signs and symptoms are like other childhood diseases, early diagnosis is imperative and can play a crucial role in curbing the disease and ensuring your child remains protected against the disease. A multidisciplinary approach is vital in managing the disease and a holistic patient experience.

The Aga Khan University Hospital has all services under one roof. For childhood cancers, our multidisciplinary team, which includes neurosurgeons, pathologists, oncologists, therapists for speech and physiotherapy, and radiation specialists, work together to help care for all types of childhood cancers.

Types of cancer

Children can develop cancers; some are more prevalent than others. Common childhood cancers include Leukemias, Lymphomas, and brain tumours.

Leukemias, which develop in the bone and blood, comprise up to 28% of childhood cancers. It can cause several symptoms like bone and joint pain, pale skin, bleeding, bruising, and weight loss, among other symptoms.

Lymphomas develop in immune system cells and often start in lymph nodes or other lymph tissues, like tonsils or thymus. Children who have lymphoma may develop symptoms such as weight loss, fever, sweats, fatigue, and lumps under the skin in the neck, armpit, or groin.

Main Causes

While the causes of childhood cancers are largely unknown, approximately 5% of childhood cancers are hereditary genetic mutations and uncontrollable cell growth. Identifying environmental causes of childhood cancer has been difficult partly because it is difficult to determine what children might have been exposed to early in their development.

Treatment

While the survival rate in childhood cancers is relatively high, approximately 80% of the patients in western countries receive curative treatment. In Pakistan, no such data is available. However, the trend shows that only 20%-30% are cured, owing mainly to treatment delays and misdiagnosis.

Most childhood cancers are treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of treatments. The combined use of these therapies has enabled substantial improvements in the long-term survival rates of children over the past few decades.

While palliative care relieves symptoms caused by cancer and ultimately improves the quality of life for the child and the family. A cure is not possible for all children suffering from cancer, but relief is possible for everyone. Children also need special attention for their continued physical and cognitive growth and nutritional status, which requires regular checkups and supervision from a dedicated, multidisciplinary medical team.

To book an appointment call: 021 111 911 911.

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

February 4, 2022

Defeating Cancer Together

Karachi, February 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):Every year, World Cancer Day is commemorated globally on 4 February. It is celebrated to raise awareness about the disease and remind us that cancer can spread uncontrollably throughout your body if not monitored and treated in time.

It remains one of the leading causes of death globally, yet survival rates are improving due to constant advancements in screening and treatments. Through substantial efforts and support, cancer cannot only be curable but may also preventable.

At the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), our oncology patients receive multidisciplinary medical care from doctors and nurses in the emergency room, intensive care unit (ICU), special care units, coronary care units, haemodialysis, and diagnostic units, as needed.

In addition, several specialised clinics for oncology patients are offered, such as the anti-coagulation clinic, palliative care clinic, and nutrition clinic – together they ensure our cancer patients receive holistic care.

According to Dr Zehra Fadoo, Professor and Service Line Chief Oncology at AKUH, “Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancer develops when the body’s normal control mechanism stops operating.” Old cells do not die and instead grow out of control, forming new, abnormal cells, she adds, and these extra cells may form a mass – known as tumour – or destroy other normal cells of the body.

Types of cancer

Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer. It affects organs such as the lungs, breasts, pancreas, and skin. It is formed by epithelial cells, which cover the inside and outside surfaces of the body.

Sarcoma affects soft or connective tissues, such as muscle, fat, bone, cartilage, or blood vessels.

Osteosarcoma is the most common form of bone cancer. Most cases of this form of cancer occur in people in the ages of 10 and 30 year; though it can form in other age groups too.

Melanoma cancer is a form of cancer which can develop in the cells that pigment our skin. Melanoma starts in cells that become melanocytes, which are specialised cells that make melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour). Most melanomas develop on the skin, but melanomas can also form in other pigmented tissues, such as the eye.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in lymphocytes (T cells or B cells) and affects the white blood cells. In this form of cancer, a normal lymphocytes build up in lymph nodes and vessels, as well as in other organs of the body.

There are two main types of lymphoma:

Hodgkin lymphoma – which usually forms in the B cells.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can grow quickly or slowly and develop in B cells or T cells.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and does not form solid tumours. Instead, large numbers of abnormal white blood cells accumulate in the blood and bone marrow, crowding out the normal blood cells. The low level of normal blood cells make it difficult for the body to get oxygen to the tissues, control bleeding, or fight infections.

Source: National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services

Symptoms

According to Dr Zehra Fadoo, symptoms largely depend on the type of cancer. Common cancers include breast cancer, which presents as a lump, abnormal growth/pain, or discharge; Colon cancer which usually presents with bleeding from the rectum, abdominal pain, weight loss and change in bowel habits; and Lung cancer which presents with persistent ulcers in the mouth and oral cavity, cough, and blood in sputum and weight loss.

In children, the most common form of cancer is Leukemia (blood cancer), which presents with prolonged fever, bleeding, and weight loss. Brain tumours in children are also common, surfacing in the form of constant headaches.

Causes

An unhealthy lifestyle that includes consuming high-fat and sugary foods and lack of exercise increases the risk of various types of cancer. Exposure to multiple toxins such as asbestos, pesticides, and radon can cause cancer, while ultraviolet radiation from the sun and prolonged exposure to radiation treatment can also be a high-risk factor for skin cancer.

Is cancer treatable?

While being diagnosed with cancer is undoubtedly difficult, in most cases, cancer is treatable or manageable, allowing with a good quality of life with the right intervention. In children, the survival is as high as 80% if treated early and appropriately. There are three primary therapy modalities, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and may be used in combination as per the treatment requirement.

Our role in the fight against cancer?

Fighting and ultimately beating cancer largely depends on being aware of the early signs symptoms and encouraging your family and friends to seek timely medical help. Providing a supportive environment for those fighting cancer and undergoing this life-changing experience is essential and ensures their return and acceptance back into society, a role we must all play.

December 28, 2021December 29, 2021

Peaks and Troughs of 2021: A Year in Review

Karachi, December 28, 2021 (PPI-OT):2021 has been a challenging year, with the world still recovering from the pandemic and the resulting economic downfall. Yet we remained persistent in delivering exemplary care to our patients with the combined efforts of our clinical staff and employees. Here’s a look back at the highlights from the year 2021 and what we were able to achieve together.

Conjoined Twins

Muhammad Ayan and Muhammad Aman, born as conjoined twins to Mr and Mrs Israr Ahmed, now live as two healthy children after a successful separation surgery at AKUH.

Ayan and Aman were Omphalopagus type of conjoined twins. The two bodies are joined at the abdomen, and several internal organs are shared, including the liver and sometimes the intestines. The twin brothers shared a small portion of the liver.

While surgery is the only method to separate the conjoined twins, surgery is not possible in all cases. The complexity and survival rates after the surgery depend on the joining sites and the type and number of internal organs.

To perform this complicated surgery, a multi-disciplinary team of highly skilled healthcare experts came together to meticulously plan and organise their efforts. These teams included Doctors, Nurses, and Technicians, Anesthesiologists, and Radiologists. Gastrointestinal Surgery and Neurosurgery were on stand-by. The nature of this surgery is such that it demands double the number of resources and concurrent functioning of all teams to manage and save both lives. Our experts delivered exemplary care to our patients.

Gene Therapy treatment

We provided Pakistan’s first gene therapy treatment for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA is a group of hereditary diseases that destroys motor neurons – nerve cells in the brain stem and spinal cord that control essential skeletal muscle activity such as speaking, walking, breathing, and swallowing, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. Even though there is a lack of data to assess the prevalence of SMA in Pakistan, cousin marriages are the most common reason attributed for its occurrence. Global data suggests that 1 in 10,000 live births are affected by SMA with a carrier frequency of approximately 1 in 50.

Shavez, a two-year-old boy from Chiniot, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at six months. In this condition, patients experience muscle weakness, decreased muscle tone, limited mobility, breathing problems, delayed motor skills and scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and other serious health problems. Many children suffering from this condition do not survive beyond their second birthday.

This new drug only requires one dose to cure the disorder, but the cost of this drug is millions of dollars, making it out of reach for most people. Novartis developed a globally managed access programme to provide free-of-cost therapy to 100 patients a year to address this. Shavez was one such lucky patient, selected by Novartis to receive the drug and became the first candidate in Pakistan.

Dr Salman Kirmani, Consultant Medical Geneticist and Paediatric Endocrinologist, and his team, saw Shavez in June 2020, when he was one-and-a-half years old, and applied for him to be part of Novartis’s Managed Access Program. Soon, Shavez received a nomination for the drug. Dr Kirmani’s team spent the next six months training the staff, working with authorities to receive the medication, and running the necessary tests to assess if Shavez was fit to receive the drug.

Shavez received the drug one day before his second birthday, has shown tremendous improvement over a year. Since then, he has received regular consultations and has demonstrated significant improvements. The doctors at AKUH are hopeful that they will continue to see further progress in the years to come.

COVID-19 vaccination drive

We were the first private hospital in Pakistan to voluntarily offer our services to the Government COVID-19 Vaccination Drive. We developed a new vaccination site at our Main Campus to cater to the public. Different teams comprising design, construction, Pharmacy, Patient Access, Security and MarCom came together and designed, built, and began operating the vaccination site within a week.

Up until now, we have administered approximately 75,583 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to the public and healthcare professionals.

Zakat and Patient Welfare

Last year, we provided our trusted quality care to approximately 14 million patients through inpatient, outpatient, and outreach services. In line with our commitment to provide care to those who cannot afford it, we disbursed PKR 3.7 billion in Zakat and patient welfare.

Joint Commission International (JCI) Reaccreditation

In October, AKUH and the AKU Outreach Health Network, Pakistan, were reaccredited by The Joint Commission International (JCI) for another three years. AKUH was the first hospital in Pakistan to receive this honour in 2006 and has successfully maintained this accreditation. In 2015, AKUH became the first and only academic medical centre in Pakistan accredited by JCI. Continuing the journey of excellence in healthcare services and delivering on the globally recognised best practices, AKUH leadership is dedicated to setting higher standards in the country.

The survey repeats every three years and analyses the compliance to standards for patient safety, assessment and care of patients, safe surgical care and infection control practices, clinical research, and medical education against global benchmarks. The successful completion of the survey provides a gold seal of approval for excellence in service delivery to the patients.

Luke Grenfell Shaw’s Stop at AKUH

Fighting cancer may be one of life’s most significant challenges, and many would feel life has little to offer when you are struggling with such a debilitating disease. Luke Grenfell-Shaw disagrees. As a person living with cancer himself, Luke has set out on a journey across the world to prove that cancer is not necessarily a limitation and that it is possible to live a fulfilling life, even with this disease.

On December 2, Luke visited AKUH. Along with his team, he met with cancer patients receiving treatment at the hospital’s oncology ward and shared his inspirational journey and experiences with them. During his visit, Luke met with Dr Shahid Shafi, CEO AKUH, Pakistan, Dr Asad Mian, Chair Emergency Medicine, and Dr Zehra Fadoo, Chair and Service Line Chief, Oncology at AKUH.

Luke described his experience, and he set out on this journey because it gave him various backgrounds and gave him an outlet to share his story with others going through the same journey. He also lauded the hospitality he has received during his stay in Pakistan. Cancer patients receiving care at AKUH also joined Luke to discuss their experiences while battling the disease.

Luke visited Pakistan while on a 30,000 km tandem bike ride from Bristol in the UK to Beijing in China to show that everyone can create a rich and fulfilling life, even with cancer. Luke is sharing the journey with other Canlivers and aims to raise £300,000 for various cancer-related charities.

Despite challenges, our clinical teams and staff rose to the occasion and gave their best to provide the right care to the patient at the right time. We are confident that 2022 will be no different, and we will continue to provide our trusted quality care to you and your loved ones 24/7/365.

December 17, 2021

The Winter Itch

Karachi, December 17, 2021 (PPI-OT):Winter and dry skin seem to go hand in hand. Though dry skin is itself not serious, in its more serious form, it can make you feel itchy with red and scaly skin, cause small cracks, and even bleeds, in the skin.

What Causes Dry Skin?

Dry skin is especially common in the winter months. Some causes are:

Cold and windy weather. When the air outside is cold and dry, the water in your skin evaporates more quickly. This makes skin look and feels dry and chapped.

During the winters, sitting in front of fire or heaters may sound like one of life’s pleasures, but not only can it make your skin dry, but also your mucous membranes, leading to dry, chapped lips, nosebleeds, and dry throat.

A long hot bath or shower may feel like the only way to warm up yourself in the winters. But hot water can strip your skin of its protective oils causing your skin to look scaly, flaky or very dry.

Your soaps or liquid hand washes with strong chemicals might make your skin dryer in the winters than they would in the summer.

Dehydration is another cause. Even as you feel less thirsty in the winter, your skin continues to lose moisture all the time.

Reduced consumption of lipids (fats). Fats form a protective layer to keep your skin soft, plump, and flexible. If you don’t have enough fats in your diet, your body won’t have enough building blocks to maintain this protective layer.

Frequent lip licking and using a matte or long-wearing lipsticks can also leave your lips dry, chapped, and cracked.

How to avoid dry skin?

Protect your skin from the cold and wind by wearing protective clothing, gloves, and scarves.

Apply moisturizing lotions every time you wash your hands or take a shower. Pay special attention to your hands, feet, elbows, and knees.

Avoid setting your heater too high; try the lowest setting that you find comfortable.

Use a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated.

Take a shower in warm, not hot water, and limit your showers to 10 minutes.

Avoid caffeinated drinks.

Increase your water intake even if not thirsty.

Eat food containing good fats and Omega 3. Good fats are found in nuts, seeds, olive oil, eggs, fatty fish and even dark chocolate.

If you wear lip colour, switch to a gloss or creamy lipstick.

Cut back on exfoliating scrubs, face masks, and steam treatments.

When does dry skin need a visit to the doctor?

Dry skin can usually be managed at home. However, see a dermatologist if the following persist for more than a few days and do not seem to respond to your normal dry skin-care routine:

Redness, in lighter skin tones

Rough patches

Flaking

Cracks

Itching

Stinging

December 14, 2021December 15, 2021

Learn how to protect yourself from bacteria and viruses this winter

Karachi, December 14, 2021 (PPI-OT): Our body needs nutritious foods to protect us from bacteria and viruses. Know the magic of natural fruits, spices, and vegetables to boost up your immunity.

Ginger contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in strengthening immunity.

Almonds are rich in vitamin E as well as manganese. It lowers oxidative damage and improves immunity during ageing.

Green Tea contains a high level of antioxidants, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which boosts the immune system. It is also a healthier tea as it contain fewer calories and less caffeine than coffee.

Kiwis are a perfect source of vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate, which work hand in hand to build healthy immune cells, develop strong immune responses, and fight off infections.

Citrus Fruits such as lemons, oranges, sweet oranges (Mosambi) have a high content of antioxidants and vitamin C, which form the starter pack for boosting immunity. They also have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

Turmeric during infections, turmeric stimulates the formation of antibodies that fight off diseases. It also has curcumin, which reduces inflammation and soreness, especially after workouts.

Grapes are rich in a wide range of healthy compounds, including resveratrol, which helps build immunity. They also have antioxidants and polyphenols that play a role in equipping cells to fight against infections.

Spinach is a perfect source of vitamins A, C, and E, beta carotene, as well other antioxidants that help in replenishing cells and building immunity.

Garlic is a tasty flavour-enhancer that contains allicin, a sulphur-rich compound that braces your cells to fight off viral infections such as the flu and COVID-19.

Pumpkin is an immune system booster food containing high amounts of beta carotene antioxidants, which turns into vitamin A in your body. It also has vitamin C, an essential nutrient in enhancing your immunity.

Pomegranate and Apple are a good source of vitamin C, pomegranates are also known for their antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

Sweet Potatoes contains high levels of vitamin A in the blood which can help enhance immune responses. Sweet potatoes have beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A and boosts immunity.

Low-Fat Yogurt is a perfect food for the immune system as it contains active cultures of probiotics that stimulate the immune response to fight infections.