Category: Featured Article

Breast cancer is a common but dangerous disease among women. Early detection and treatment can greatly reduce the risks. It is essential to have accurate knowledge about breast cancer, conduct regular self-examinations, and follow a doctor’s advice for proper testing.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

There are several common signs of breast cancer and identifying them early can lead to faster treatment. These symptoms include:

– A hard or smooth lump appearing in or around the breast or armpit.
– Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
– Formation of dimples or indentations on the skin of the breast.
– Redness or swelling of the breast skin.
– Abnormal discharge from the nipple or changes in the shape of the nipple.
– Swollen glands in the armpit or around the neck.

Breast Self-Examination: How to Do It

To detect breast cancer early, it is recommended to perform a self-examination once a month. The best time to do this is a few days after your menstrual cycle ends. If your cycle is irregular, choose a specific day each month for the examination.

1. Stand in front of a mirror: Stand with your hands on your hips and observe the size, shape, and skin color of your breasts. Then, raise your arms above your head and examine your breasts in the same way.
2. Feel with your hands: Use the flat part of your palm to examine the breasts. Make small circular motions, starting from the top of the breast to the bottom, and from the armpit to the middle. Examine both breasts in the same manner.
3. Examine while lying down: Use a pillow to lift your right shoulder and place your right hand behind your head. Use your left hand to examine your right breast. Repeat the process for the left breast.

Consulting a Doctor

If you notice any abnormalities, it is essential to consult a doctor. Even if breast cancer is present, early detection can lead to complete recovery through treatment. Regular mammograms and doctor consultations are crucial.

Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer

– Eat healthy foods regularly and stay physically active.
– Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
– Maintain a healthy weight.
– Regularly consult with a doctor and undergo checkups.

Your health is in your hands. By becoming aware and leading a healthy lifestyle, you can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. So, conduct regular self-examinations and seek medical advice if needed. Your awareness is the key to your health!

Author:
Dr. Ferdous Shahriar Sayed 
Senior Consultant and Coordinator 
Medical Oncology 
Evercare Hospital Dhaka.

Obesity is a growing global health concern and a disease process, leading to various chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and more. For individuals who have struggled to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone, bariatric surgery offers a viable, effective solution. This life-changing procedure not only helps in reducing weight but also in alleviating or even curing obesity-related health issues.

Bariatric surgery encompasses several types of procedures designed to limit food intake and alter the digestive process, leading to significant weight loss. The most common types include Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, Adjustable Gastric Banding, and Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS). Each procedure has its unique approach, but the ultimate goal remains the same: to help patients lose excess weight and improve their overall health.

Sleeve Gastrectomy is most popular procedure where a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a tube-shaped stomach or “sleeve.” This significantly reduces the amount of food you can consume and decreases hunger hormones.

Gastric Bypass Surgery involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and significant length of small bowel. This not only limits the amount of food you can eat but also reduces the absorption of nutrients, leading to substantial weight loss.

Adjustable Gastric Banding involves placing a band around the upper portion of the stomach to create a small pouch. The size of the opening between the pouch and the rest of the stomach can be adjusted, helping control the amount of food intake.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS) combines aspects of sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, offering one of the most effective weight loss solutions, particularly for those with severe obesity.

In Bangladesh, Evercare Hospital Dhaka is offering comprehensive bariatric surgery services. The hospital provides a multidisciplinary approach to bariatric surgery, combining the expertise of surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. This collaborative effort ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs, from the initial consultation to post-surgery lifelong support. The hospital’s patient-centered approach ensures that each individual receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re battling obesity or seeking to resolve related health issues, bariatric surgery at Evercare can be a life-changing solution.

Author:

Dr. Mohammad Farid Hossain

Senior Consultant

General & Laparoscopy Surgery

Evercare Hospital Dhaka

Heart disease has long been associated with men, but the truth is that it affects women just as profoundly. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women worldwide.

However, women often experience different symptoms and risk factors compared to men. This blog post aims to shed light on the unique aspects of heart disease in women, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prevention.

Understanding the Gender Difference

Heart disease manifests differently in women than in men, making it crucial to recognize the unique symptoms.

While men often present with the classic symptoms like chest pain or discomfort, women are more likely to experience subtler signs such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, jaw pain, and back pain. These differences can lead to under diagnosis and delayed treatment for women.

Risk Factors for Women

Several risk factors increase a woman’s likelihood of developing heart disease. These include:

Hormones: Estrogen offers some protective effects on the cardiovascular system, but this advantage diminishes after menopause, increasing the risk for women.

Age: The risk of heart disease increases with age, and women over 55 are more susceptible.

Family History: A family history of heart disease can significantly elevate a woman’s risk.

Smoking: Smoking is a strong risk factor for heart disease, and women who smoke are at a higher risk.

High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels contribute to heart disease risk.

Diabetes: Women with diabetes have a higher risk of heart disease compared to men with diabetes.

Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular exercise can contribute to heart disease risk factors.

Early Detection: The Key to Prevention

Know the Symptoms: Being aware of both classic and atypical symptoms of heart disease is crucial. Women should not dismiss any unusual symptoms and seek medical attention if they experience discomfort or distress.

Regular Health Check-ups: Routine check-ups allow healthcare professionals to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other risk factors. Early detection can lead to timely interventions.

Understanding Family History: Knowing the family’s medical history helps women understand their risk profile and take proactive measures.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Management: Managing blood pressure and cholesterol through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both can significantly reduce heart disease risk.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices: A balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and avoiding smoking are all integral to heart health.

Prevention Strategies

Heart-Healthy Diet: Emphasize whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars.

Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.

Stress Management: Engage in relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to manage stress effectively.

Avoid Smoking: Quitting smoking is one of the most significant steps to reduce heart disease risk.

Medication and Treatment: Follow prescribed medication regimens and treatment plans diligently if you have underlying conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Women and heart disease are not mutually exclusive. Understanding the gender-specific symptoms and risk factors is essential for early detection and prevention.

By being proactive about heart health through regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and risk factor management, women can significantly lower their risk of heart disease and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

It’s time to prioritize heart health and empower women to take charge of their well-being.

 

Author:

Dr. AQM Reza

Senior Consultant & Coordinator

Clinical & Interventional Cardiology

Evercare Hospital Dhaka

Pediatricians’ Role in Protecting Children’s Health in Extreme Weather

Bangladesh, a country prone to extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones, and heatwaves and faces significant challenges when it comes to protecting the health and well-being of its vulnerable population, particularly children. As frontline healthcare providers, pediatricians play a crucial role in developing strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather on children’s health.

This opinion piece explores some key strategies that pediatricians in Bangladesh can adopt to safeguard the health of children in the face of these climatic challenges.

Pediatricians can act as advocates for public awareness campaigns on the impacts of extreme weather on children’s health. By collaborating with local authorities, community leaders, and media outlets, they can disseminate crucial information about the specific risks children face during floods, cyclones, and heatwaves.

They can educate parents, caregivers, and school staff about the necessary precautions, early warning signs, and emergency preparedness measures which is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

Enhancing Pediatric Healthcare in Vulnerable Regions

Pediatricians should work closely with policymakers and healthcare administrators to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable regions. This includes ensuring the availability of well-equipped pediatric wards in hospitals, establishing telemedicine facilities to provide remote consultations during emergencies, and enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers to address weather-related health issues. Collaborating with international organizations and NGOs, can help and secure necessary resources and expertise.

Heatwaves and Children’s Health

Heatwaves pose a significant threat to children’s health, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Pediatricians can contribute to the development of heatwave action plans at national and local levels. These plans should include guidelines for early identification of heat-related illnesses, strategies for reducing exposure to extreme heat, provision of adequate hydration, and instructions on recognizing and responding to heat emergencies.

They can be get involved in school and community-based interventions, such as adjusting school hours and providing cool shelters.

Moreover, pediatricians can also advocate the construction and retrofitting of climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood-resistant hospitals, schools, and community centers. By collaborating with urban planners and architects, pediatricians can ensure that these structures are designed to withstand extreme weather events and equipped with the necessary facilities to address children’s health needs during emergencies.

Additionally, they can support and help initiatives to improve water and sanitation systems to prevent waterborne diseases, particularly after flooding.

Pediatricians as Leaders in the Fight Against Climate Change

Additionally, pediatricians should actively engage in research efforts to better understand the long-term impacts of extreme weather on children’s health. This includes monitoring and documenting the prevalence of weather-related illnesses, studying the effectiveness of interventions, and identifying emerging health risks associated with climate change. By generating evidence-based data, pediatricians can contribute to the development of targeted interventions and policies that prioritize children’s health.

Afterall, protecting the health of children in Bangladesh’s extreme weather conditions requires proactive measures and collaboration among pediatricians, policymakers, communities, and international partners.

By raising public awareness, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, developing action plans, promoting climate-resilient infrastructure, and conducting research, pediatricians can play a pivotal role in minimizing the adverse impacts of extreme weather events on children. Their dedication and expertise are vital in building a more resilient healthcare system that safeguards the well-being of Bangladesh’s youngest and most vulnerable population.

 

Author:

Dr. Sabina Sultana

Senior Consultant – Paediatrics & Neonatology

Coordinator- Paediatrics

Evercare Hospital Dhaka