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Importance of Holistic Care in Cancer: Oncologist’s Perspective
Holistic care in cancer emphasizes treating the whole person, not just the disease, by considering physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. It recognizes that cancer affects every aspect of a person's life and aims to improve overall well-being alongside medical treatments. Holistic care focuses on managing symptoms, reducing treatment side effects, and enhancing quality of life. It incorporates complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, meditation, and nutritional counseling to support conventional treatments. Psychological support is integral to holistic care, addressing anxiety, depression, and coping strategies during diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Holistic care encourages open communication between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to ensure personalized and patient-centered treatment plans. It fosters a sense of empowerment and control for patients, helping them actively participate in decision-making and self-care.
About the Speaker
Dr. Rama Vaghmare
Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Yashodha Hospitals, Hyderabad
Dr. Vaghmare graduated in health care management from prestigious institute, Indian School of Business. With a wealth of experience spanning both clinical practice and consultancy roles at esteemed institutions like Renova Soumya Cancer Hospital and Amor Hospitals, Dr. Vaghmare bring a comprehensive understanding of cancer care and treatment strategies
Upcoming Case Discussions
Menopause Nutrition for Optimal Health
Menopause nutrition plays a critical role in supporting women’s health during this transition, helping to manage symptoms and promote overall well-being. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone density, as menopause increases the risk of osteoporosis. Incorporating phytoestrogen-rich foods like soy and flaxseeds may help regulate hormonal changes, while omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Maintaining a diet high in fiber and low in refined sugars supports metabolic health and aids in weight management. Hydration and mindful eating are also key to managing menopause symptoms and boosting energy levels.
Optimizing Enteral Nutrition in Preterm Units
The panel discussion on "Optimizing Enteral Nutrition in Preterm Units" highlights growth and development in premature infants. It involves carefully balancing the delivery of essential nutrients like proteins, fats, and vitamins to meet the specific needs of these vulnerable infants. Early and gradual introduction of enteral feeds can help prevent complications like necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Advanced feeding protocols, alongside close monitoring, ensure that preterm infants receive the optimal nutrition required for healthy development. This approach significantly improves long-term outcomes and reduces the risk of malnutrition.
Approach to high risk pregnancy
Pneumothorax can occur in a variety of settings, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with emphysema or after a biopsy for malignancy suspicion. In any event, it is a hazardous scenario that necessitates prompt attention and treatment. Pneumothorax is classified as either primary or secondary. Staging of pneumothorax is also critical. In our current editorial, we describe the causes and treatments of pneumothorax from a panel of pulmonary physicians, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons.
The Future of AI in Healthcare
The future of AI in healthcare promises transformative advancements, enabling faster and more accurate diagnoses through machine learning algorithms. AI will enhance personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual patients based on genetic and lifestyle data. Robotic surgery and AI-driven imaging will improve precision in medical procedures, reducing risks and recovery times. AI-powered virtual assistants will support doctors by streamlining administrative tasks, allowing more focus on patient care. Ultimately, AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving patient outcomes globally.
Management of Gestational Diabetes
The management of gestational diabetes (GD) is centered on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby. A key aspect of management is dietary modification, where pregnant women are advised to follow a balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake, focusing on small, frequent meals. Physical activity, such as moderate exercise like walking, plays a crucial role in enhancing insulin sensitivity and helping regulate glucose levels. Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential, allowing for timely adjustments to the treatment plan. In cases where lifestyle changes are insufficient to control blood sugar, insulin therapy or oral hypoglycemic medications may be introduced. Continuous prenatal care is vital, with healthcare providers closely monitoring both maternal and fetal health to prevent complications. Early delivery might be considered if GD is severe. Proper management of gestational diabetes reduces the risks of preeclampsia, preterm birth, and the development of type 2 diabetes later in life.