Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic inflammatory progressive disease

Meaning: The word “Arthos” is a Greek word that translates to “joints,” and the suffix “Itis” stands for “inflammation.” Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by inflammation and pain in the Joints.  In Autoimmune disease, your immune system fails to recognize foreign particles inside the body and mistakenly attacks the healthy cells resulting in morbidity.

Symptoms: RA can be characterised by Joint pain, Inflammation of joints, Stiffness of joints (Usually in winter’s morning lasting for 2-3 hours), Fever, Fatigue, Weakness, and Weight loss.

Diagnosis: Diagnosis of RA is confirmed by blood tests (CRP- C Reactive Protein, ERS-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and Imaging tests (X-rays, MRI).

Risk factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis:  Risk factors for RA are broadly classified into 2 categories

Modifiable: Imbalanced Diet, Lack of physical activities, Obesity, and consumption of tobacco and alcohol.

Non-modifiable: Age (>65), Comorbidity, Family history of hypertension.

Additionally, according to the Global RA network, more than 350 million people are suffering from arthritis globally. 

The occurence rate of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is two to three times more in women than in men.

Why rheumatoid arthritis common in females: RA is an autoimmune disease. It is evidently proved that autoimmune diseases are genetically controlled and genes in sex chromosomes favor the prevalence of autoimmune disease in females.

Estrogen, a female sex hormone is the determining factor of RA. When estrogens regulate autoimmune responses, it favors the survival of forbidden autoreactive clones which triggers the prevalence of autoimmunity in females.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and pregnancy:

Numerous normal changes occur in the immune system during pregnancy and some of these changes substantially improve RA.

However, this is not applicable to all females some of them complain their RA is active and flaring up during pregnancy

Hence, it is necessary to modify the treatment of RA during pregnancy to manage flares and mitigate the risk of RA treatment to developing fetus.

Is Rheumatoid arthritis a disability: It might limit your ability to perform daily activities due to flare-ups. But, being diagnosed with RA does not entitle a person to disability.

Conclusion: Numerous aspects of daily life, such as work, leisure, and social interactions, are impacted by RA.

RA can be managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle, being physically active, joining self-management programs, and quitting smoking are imperative. 

However, a cure for RA is yet to be discovered. It can only be managed through altering lifestyles, and apart from these doctors might prescribe you NSAIDs, Steroids, Conventional DMARDs, Biologic Agents and Targeted Synthetic DMARDs based on the severity of the symptoms.

Additionally, you can reach out to our TEAM OF EXPERTS for any medical assistance.

Miracle or Fad? The Case For and Against Keto

Miracle or Fad? The Case For and Against Keto

Every millennial is talking about the infamous ketogenic diet. You probably have a few friends or family doing it right now. But what does it actually mean to be on keto? Simply put, the keto diet is a high fat, moderate-protein, and low-carb diet similar to the Atkins diet, which can provide miraculous results regarding weight loss. It works on the principle of removing carbs and replacing it with fat to induce a process called ketosis, by which fatty acids or ketones are burnt. However, it also requires cutting out very important food groups for a certain period of time. Some foods to avoid on keto include grains, beans, added sugars, low-fat dairy products, and starchy vegetables. The discourse on this topic has been long and extensive, people seem to love it or hate it in equal measure of intensity. So we at FITTO want to discuss this diet from a medical perspective, and help fitness enthusiasts at home make an informed decision.

Why You Should Try Keto:

  1. Weight Loss: There has been some anecdotal evidence to suggest that keto helps with weight loss. Cutting out food groups can significantly reduce caloric intake. Practitioners also report feeling less hungry on the diet, as they are consuming fats which take much longer to digest than carbs.
  2. Beneficial for Certain People: Athletes and bodybuilders seem to benefit the most from this diet, as it works to reduce fat within a short time frame. However, studies show that keto can help reduce seizures in epileptic paediatric patients. There is also ongoing research regarding keto’s benefits for people with progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s.
  3. High-Fat Calorie Loss: The fact that one can reduce weight by eating fatty foods is what attracts so many people to the ketogenic diet. Normally, we are told to stick to low-calorie foods while trying to lose weight, but keto encourages the consumption of enjoyable high fat foods like cheese, red meat, nuts, fatty fish, and butter.

The Problems With Keto:

  1. Lack of Calories and Nutrients: Since keto requires cutting out some very important food groups, it is only natural that your body will experience a loss in important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Not consuming any carbs can result in constipation, a problem faced by many keto practitioners due to lack of fibre. The diet’s deficiencies also cause a condition called “keto flu”, which results in fogginess and tiredness.
  2. Bad Fats and Renal Risk: Most cardiologists recommend only upto 6% of saturated fat in the diet. Consuming high fat foods regularly can impact heart health over time, putting you at serious risk for cardiovascular disease. Additional ketones in the diet also increase the load on your kidneys. Dehydration seems to be a pretty common side effect as well, since keto removes the water-friendly nutrient glycogen from the bloodstream.
  3. Difficult to Stick to: The stricter the diet, the harder it is to sustain long-term. Keto requires eliminating carbs in favour of meat and fat, which is quite the task for a typical Indian diet. This greatly limits food options, as most Indians are vegetarian. It is also termed as a “yo-yo diet”, since it only encourages weight loss when you’re practising. As soon as you stop, so does the process of ketosis, following which your risk for regaining all the lost weight goes up.

While keto can give great short term results, it is not encouraged for sustained, long-term practice. But don’t worry, there are several other achievable methods of losing weight. Many nutritionists and doctors suggest that if keto doesn’t work, one can try the Mediterranean diet, Blue Zone diet, or Intermittent fasting with a varied, balanced diet to shed that extra fat. Not to mention, exercise and stress management are crucial for staying slim and healthy. So be sure to consult a dietitian before making any changes to your lifestyle, and keep all of this in mind next time you’re tempted to try a new internet diet.

References:
https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/nutrition/pros-and-cons-of-ketogenic-diet

Hepatitis

Hepatitis

What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis literally translates to “Inflammation of the Liver”. Though a healthy liver has multiple functions, its most important function is to aid in digestion. Thus quite naturally, an ailing or

inflamed liver causes disruption in the digestive system. But not all digestive problems are linked to liver damage.
How did I get Hepatitis?
Hepatitis mostly occurs due to infections of the liver by different viruses. The disease duration and severity depends on the type of virus which has affected the liver. In India, the most common viruses to cause Hepatitis are:

  1. Hepatitis A Virus: The most common cause of jaundice, this virus enters the body through contaminated food or water. With proper care and medications, Hepatitis A patients can get cured within a few weeks, however a delay in diagnosis can have disastrous consequences and might even be fatal.
  2. Hepatitis B Virus: This virus enters the body through body fluids from an infected person; be it a blood donor or a mother during childbirth. Hepatitis B patients are chronic and the disease takes years to progress, but can lead to serious liver damage and even death.
  3. Hepatitis C Virus: Similar to Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C patients also get infected from body fluids of infected patients. The most common route of infection is the sharing of needles, particularly in illicit drug use. Though chronic in nature, Hepatitis C causes severe damage to the liver which can ultimately lead to Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma).

Apart from these viruses, physical trauma and overdose of some medicines can also cause Hepatitis.
When do I consult my doctor?

  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever
  • Yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes

These are some of the tell-tale symptoms of Hepatitis. Consult your physician whenever you face any of these.
What are my treatment options?
The treatment of Hepatitis varies greatly with the cause, duration and extent of liver involvement. While some mild cases can be treated with oral medicines at home, serious cases often require hospitalization and ICU support. In some patients, the extent of liver damage is so severe that they might also require liver transplantation.
Like every disease, Hepatitis too is better prevented than cured. Eat and drink packaged food and beverages only, and avoid roadside food. For any blood donation camp, make sure needles are being disposed of immediately after use. Whenever you have any symptoms or even doubts regarding your liver, consult a physician at once.

Back to Our Roots: The Case For and Against Paleo

Back to Our Roots: The Case For and Against Paleo

Centuries ago, our hunter-gatherer ancestors battled the elements every day for survival. Food was a scarcity found straight from nature, and their next meal was never guaranteed. But over the past 100 years, modern science and technology have allowed us to mass produce and preserve food on an unimaginably large scale. Humans no longer have to fight for survival. However, many studies argue that our bodies were never built to withstand the onslaught of fast food, processed food, or a sedentary lifestyle. Perhaps we were meant to go back to our roots and consume only what nature has to offer…

Introducing paleo, a diet trend that rose to prominence after research said that human beings of the paleolithic era were much healthier diet-wise than their weak, frozen-food reheating younger cousins of the modern world. The paleo diet entails consuming whole foods like organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, nuts, healthy fats, and free-range, grass-fed meats while also maintaining an active lifestyle to reduce the risk of diseases like obesity, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. This means that processed foods, sugar, most dairy products, grains, soft drinks, legumes, vegetable oil, margarine, and artificial sweeteners are all entirely off the table.

While such a diet can offer up some unique health benefits, it also involves removing significant food groups from your system, so we at FITTO think it's worth discussing both the pros and cons of this massively popular diet:

Why You Should Try Paleo:
1. Maintain Balanced Weight: There are very limited food options allowed by the paleo diet. However, this restriction can help overcome the need to eat unnecessarily. Paleo’s focus on fruits, vegetables, and nuts can boost feelings of satiation. Plus, the elimination of processed junk foods is sure to reduce one’s body weight. Paired with exercise, the paleo diet can certainly improve BMI.
2. Better Heart Health: Studies show that paleo can decrease other forms of cholesterol, thereby increasing HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) or “good cholesterol” levels in the body. This is linked to lower heart disease.
3. Lowers Blood Glucose Levels: Paleo insists on the consumption of foods that are naturally low in sugar, particularly carbohydrate-heavy foods. Researchers found that regardless of exercise, paleo managed to reduce the blood sugar levels of all participants after 12 weeks.
4. Eating Clean: The lack of processed foods in paleo means you will not be consuming any preservatives, artificial sweeteners/flavouring, or chemicals. This is a great detox for those of us who have become accustomed to highly processed foods. Not to mention, there are several anti-inflammatory benefits that come from consuming mostly fruits and vegetables.
5. Encourages Environmental Sustainability: The paleo diet can significantly increase one’s awareness not just towards the food one eats, but also where that food comes from. Consuming free-range grass fed meats, as well as food grown on sustainable farms greatly reduces your carbon footprint.

The Problem with Paleo:
1. Not a Sustainable Diet: Due to its restrictive nature, many nutritionists and former paleo practitioners have argued that the diet is very difficult to continue for long periods of time. Hence, one may not be able to enjoy its positive effects for that long either.
2. Cuts out Grains and Dairy: Carbohydrates are essential for energy creation in the body, and dairy products are a crucial source of calcium and vitamin D. Without either of these important nutrients, the paleo diet can put you at risk for low energy levels. Most athletes require approximately 3-6g of carbs a day; this is very hard to accomplish with fruits and vegetables alone.
3. Meat-Heavy Diet: Paleo can disrupt a person’s carb-to-meat ratio. From a long-term perspective, eating mostly meats can cause serious complications down the line. It also implies that the diet is difficult for vegetarians to sustain, since paleo does not allow the consumption of beans.
4. Ingredients Can Be Expensive and Elusive: Organic fruits and vegetables are obviously much pricier than regular produce, but sustainable meats are also incredibly hard to find in India.
5. Modern Humans are Just Different: It is impossible to empirically state that paleolithic humans were healthier than us. Our bodies are genetically different to theirs, and we have since evolved to adapt to our changing environment. Hence, it cannot be definitively stated that the paleolithic blueprint for diet cannot be applied to all humans today. We may simply be different.

The paleo diet is one of the most popular controversial fad diets which has risen to prominence in recent years. It seems to have significant benefits in terms of weight loss, healthy eating, and sustainability, but can also be restrictive, exclusionary, and hard to stick to. Hence, the polarization of the paleo debate; people swear by it and curse it in equal measure. Regardless, whatever you choose to follow, be sure to consult a licensed nutritionist before making any serious diet changes. Everyone’s bodies are different, so stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine that works for you.

References:
1. https://nunm.edu/2019/04/paleo-diet/
2. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/paleo-diet-meal-plan-and-menu

Flu 101: Myth vs. Fact

Flu 101: Myth vs. Fact

Flu season brings about its fair share of skepticism and queries, especially with COVID-19 cases on the rise yet again. But it is vital to draw a distinction between myth and fact, as misinformation in medicine can be devastating. Random WhatsApp forwards and nosy relatives may give you a hundred different handy tips about the flu that may work for the time-being but cause harm in the long run, which is why you should always verify advice and rely only on medically reviewed articles. Read on to find out some common misconceptions regarding the flu or influenza, and the truth behind the lie…

Myth #1: “The flu is just like a cold.”
Fact: Influenza is much worse than the common cold; in 2019 alone it caused approximately 24,000 deaths. Though basic symptoms like runny nose, headache, sore throat, fever, sneezing, and cough are experienced with both the flu and the common cold, hospitalizations occur as a result of breathlessness, high fever, etc, all induced by influenza. Getting vaccinated against the flu can reduce the chance of symptom severity.

Myth 2: “Starve the fever/cold.”
Fact: Poor nutrition can significantly slow down recovery time. It is vital that you eat hearty meals while fighting a cold or flu. Even if your appetite decreases, it is still important to eat full meals and stay hydrated. Try plain soups, dal and rice, or other simple yet filling meals.

Myth 3: “Having wet hair, going out in cold weather, swimming, eating ice cream, or forgetting to wear a jacket can cause the flu.”
Fact: We’ve all heard this one a million times; our family members urging us to bundle up, or avoid wet hair, or ban ice cream in fear of catching the flu. But just because the flu coincides with colder seasons does not mean that the two are correlated. These factors do not cause the flu, only catching the influenza virus can cause the flu. Weather, wet hair, and cold foods will, however, exacerbate pre-existing symptoms.

Myth 4: “You don’t need to get the COVID-19. Herd immunity will work.”
Fact: Much like the flu, the COVID-19 virus mutates every year, so vaccinating against it will help you stay protected against newer strains that are most likely to cause an outbreak or spike in cases. Herd immunity can only be achieved if a large proportion of the population has been infected, or are already vaccinated. So look out for your fellow citizens and get vaccinated as soon as you can.

Myth 5: “Antibiotics can cure the flu.”
Fact: Influenza is caused by a strain of virus. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infection. Hence, curing influenza will require antiviral medication, and definitely not antibiotics.

Myth 6: “If you’re healthy, you do not need the vaccine.”
Fact: Healthy, able-bodied individuals are still capable of getting the flu, however they may be less susceptible than those who are immunocompromised. Regardless, most trusted medical bodies recommend that all those above 18 years of age, including pregnant women, must get the vaccine.
There is no reason to be intimidated by the flu. Don’t allow medical misconceptions to keep you away from the help you need. Instead, stay informed and stay healthy this flu season.

References:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/10-flu-myths
2. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm

3 Supplements to Boost Your Immunity

3 Supplements to Boost Your Immunity

Today, the modern world has been experiencing one of the longest pandemics thanks to the coronavirus, a deadly pathogen causing highly infectious symptoms, often preying on the immuno-compromised and elderly. 

It is commonly believed that poor immunity is reserved for cancer patients, autoimmune disease patients, AIDS patients, asthmatics, and those suffering from lifestyle diseases like diabetes or hypertension. However, while the above examples do definitely appear on the coronavirus hit list, having a poor immunity isn’t necessarily reserved for those already sick. If you have recurring colds, slow-healing cuts and wounds, high stress levels, frequent infections, persistent tiredness, and commonly-occurring stomach problems, you are experiencing tell-tale symptoms of low immunity. There are also several studies to show that a diet rich in fast-food and processed foods results in obesity and a high BMI, increasing the risk of infection. The evidence is overwhelming; we need to take better care of our immunity. Here are the supplements to help you do just that:

  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D is fat-soluble and essential for immune function. This nutrient enhances the activity of pathogen-fighting white blood cells, reduces inflammation, and protects against upper respiratory tract infections. Unfortunately, most people across the globe are deficient in this vitamin, as it is very difficult to find in our day-to-day diet. Hence, it is all the more important to take a Vitamin D supplement. 

Suggested Use: Take one supplement per day, or as recommended by your registered doctor. 

  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is one of the most popularly consumed supplements. It helps in cell regeneration by getting rid of old, dead cells, and creating new ones, which is essential for boosted immunity. There are several scientific studies to show that vitamin C also reduces the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections, and thus helps manage early symptoms of the coronavirus. 

Suggested Use: Take 1-2 per day with a meal, or as recommended by your registered doctor. 

  • Zinc: Zinc is a mineral essential to the proper functioning of the immune system. It helps with the body’s response to inflammation, thus decreasing the risk of respiratory infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia. It also helps reduce the duration of these infections.  

Suggested Use: The maximum dosage of zinc is 40mg per day. It is most commonly taken in tablet form. As always, check with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements. 

While taking supplements is certainly not the end-all cure for improving your COVID immunity, it definitely helps prevent infections by enhancing the functioning of a low immune system. Besides various herbs, minerals, and vitamins, there are easy lifestyle changes that can be made to improve your immune function. These include the following: 

  • Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. 
  • Exercise regularly, and stick to your exercise routine. 
  • Reduce alcohol consumption 
  • Take steps to try and quit smoking.
  • Make sure to get 7-8 hours of continuous sleep every night.  
  • Manage stress levels through yoga, meditation, or massage therapy.  
  • Keep up to date with your vaccinations. 

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms of low immunity, or simply want to get tested, consult FITTO and jump start your immune system today.

The Use of HD Stethoscopes in Clinical Practice

The Use of HD Stethoscopes in Clinical Practice

FITTO Clinic is proud to announce the use of HD Stethoscope in clinical practice. These new generation stethoscopes are exactly what the doctor needed to get an even better, quicker and cheaper solution to your health problems.

How? This marvelous creation uses technology way beyond the scope of any healthcare centre! Not only does the doctor have an enhanced hearing ability with adjustable volumes, the stethoscope also offers your doctor different modes to listen to your heart and lung sounds separately.

Not only that, an app connected to the device shows a live time Phonocardiogram. What’s that? Visual graphs of your heart and lung sounds so that even the slightest anomalies are never missed! Along with that, it shows an ECG tracing too. Your doctor can screen for any heart rhythm abnormalities just from this stethoscope!

And the best part is yet to come…these features can be recorded and transmitted to another doctor so that you can get a 2nd opinion within minutes!

“This stethoscope has completely changed my practice. Now I can be sure I am not missing any heart sounds even in the noisiest of outpatient departments! And the real-time ECG is spectacular during a consultation.”
~ Dr. Abhijit Ray, Consultant, Internal Medicine

“Palpitations are a very common symptom and it has multiple possibilities. HD Steth lets me rule out cardiac causes in a flash!”
~ Dr. Sayonee Das, Trainee, Internal Medicine

FITTO Clinic is equipped with HD Stethoscopes in both Kolkata and Bangalore and used by specialists of multiple specialties including Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Diabetology, Gynaecology-Obstetrics and General Practice. Inter-departmental referral also has greatly improved after the use of these devices. FITTO-trained Healthcare Associates will soon be able to use these stethoscopes correctly to aid treatment protocols during online consultations.

Why You Should Try an Online Doctor’s Consultation?

Why You Should Try an Online Doctor’s Consultation?

In a world where different facets of our lives are being digitized rapidly and the last decade has seen the rise of commerce taking place largely online, it was only about time where we saw a fundamental component of society such as healthcare also move towards this paradigm shift. Healthcare is the foundational institution of society and the quality, accessibility and affordability of healthcare is paramount towards achieving a thriving and developing society. The development of modern medicine and new technological innovations in healthcare has seen the quality of life and treatment grow exponentially and people are able to find better solutions for their problems.

Since the development of innovative medical practices and the healthcare industry as a whole is growing rampantly, it is only logical that the development of the concept of accessing healthcare services be on par. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of healthcare in many ways, one of which is online doctor’s consultations. Services where patients can consult a doctor online has not only proved important during the pandemic, but also displayed the significance this approach can have in a society even after the pandemic.

A person’s health condition is quite an agonising part of life. Health and wellness are a vital part of how someone can carry out their day to day activities and lead a lifestyle that allows them to fulfill their goals and also live a life that does not pose forward and physical or mental restrictions.It is why it is important that healthcare services are developed in a manner that that allows society to access it easily and effectively without any obstacles along the way. Innovation in healthcare primarily consists of technological and scientific developments and new treatments, and although that is extremely important, it should not be limited to that. The affordability, availability and accessibility of those services should be focused upon so that it can create a society where anybody from anywhere can depend upon the healthcare system for when they need it.

Health care services providing online doctor consultations are bridging the gap between doctors and quality healthcare and patients by presenting a new and efficient approach to accessing healthcare services.

Consulting a doctor online tackles issues of accessibility and affordability without compromising on the quality of service. It allows patients a new medium through which they are never far away from sound advice coming from a professional and are never restricted in regards to their location, health condition or capability to afford service. It provides an upfront and straightforward approach to healthcare and reduces the hassles of a traditional approach to a doctor’s consultation. It also creates a new approach for doctors in how they are able to deal with patients by allowing for the creation of uniformity, efficiency and availability in dealing with people who need help.

Online doctor’s consultation services have a much more significant relevance in a country like India. India is a country with a diverse social and financial society that is spread out over a large country with a broad range of accessibility to healthcare depending on location. It is also a country with wide access to internet service. This means that although a quality healthcare service or an opinion from a trusted doctor may not be available everywhere an to anyone in the form of medical establishments, it can be achieved through online platforms that bring such services to the people without the challenge of proximity.

The role online healthcare and wellness services are playing and can play is immense and that is why it is significant to outline exactly why such a system can work for the benefit of the people, doctors and everything that comes in between.

The benefits of an online doctor’s consultations are based on a wide variety of factors. The main factor, however, is undeniably the ability to access consultation from the comfort of your own home. Not having the need to physically visit a health clinic, doctor or hospital removes a number of barriers between a patient and a consultation from a doctor. In cases where a person is unwell or unfit to physically visit a doctor or is in a remote location without access to suitable transportation, the person now has the opportunity to obtain professional medical care online and is not bound to any logistical difficulties.
The added benefit of having access to an online doctor’s consultation is also the fact that it proves to be most suitable in situations where someone is suddenly feeling ill and needs an opinion, they are to only get on their computer to find advice personally from a professional. A patient does not have to plan a visit or hope that a doctor is available at a medical establishment. An online consultation allows for more certainty and promptness when it is needed without any inconveniences, Someone does not have to ever doubt or self diagnose as healthcare is now available at your home experts.

The benefits of online doctor’s consultations are not just limited to the interaction between a patient and a doctor. The tools enabling this interaction can also enable the storage and documentation of such interactions such as prescriptions, important information and advice and instructions given by doctors during the consultation. This not only recrates the experience of a physical visit, but in many ways enhances the process. Patients are now able to keep a digital record of their consultation and are able to reference their sessions at any time with the utmost clarity. This also helps in saving time as doctors do not have to reiterate any key points constantly providing a lack of confusion.

Privacy and security are components that are important to any online service and with something as serious and important as an online healthcare service, these components are even more paramount. Hence, it becomes imperative that an online doctor’s consultation is safe and secure which allows patients to be at ease when they are going through their consultations. Technology enables patients to have their information completely private and unlike other healthcare options online, patients do not have to worry about situations of a digital vulnerability as doctors are certified and vetted before they are enrolled as online consultants and adhere to the same standards of healthcare and confidentiality as any physical consultation.

Another component about online doctor’s consultations are also the fact that they are quite cost effective than the alternative traditional healthcare services. Since a patient does not have to take into account cost of travel and logistics, which also happens to be the case for a doctor, it reduces any expense made on that part. Doctors also save a lot of time and hence the cost of their time substantially decreases. This is particularly significant for patients who need regular doctor visitations for ongoing treatments and checkups. It discards any hesitation on the patient’s part in regards to long treatments. This is also quite significant for people who do not have health insurance and countries where health insurances are less common.

Online doctor’s consultations also get rid of the worry of getting possible infections from places such as hospitals and health clinics where there are a number of patients who could have possible contagious infections. The covid-19 pandemic is a great example of a scenario where this is applicable. Patients who tested positive for Covid-19 and had to remain in quarantine had access to medical professionals and sound advice on their predicaments and how to deal with symptoms and other issues quite effectively without leaving the house and being a possible spreader of the virus or even catching it from others. In situations where people have a weak immunity or a communicable disease now have a great option to get a doctor;s opinion without leaving the house.

Patients often feel comfortable in getting a second opinion or multiple opinions on a particular issue they may be dealing with. An online doctor’s consultation allows someone to avoid the time spent on visiting a number of doctors from different locations by simply having access to a second opinion from a trusted professional at home. For example, if someone visits a doctor physically, they can get a second opinion online. In this sense, an online doctor’s consultation can act as a compliment or an addition to visiting a doctor physically at a traditional medical institution or clinic.

Online healthcare services also open the large array of possibilities to get consultations from specialists and some of the top medical experts from around the world. People who have conditions and problems that require the opinion of a specialist or would like to consult someone who has a great expertise in the field of medicine they are dealing with, they now have the possibility to get a consultation from such experts without having to travel to a different city or location. Specialists can now be available from anywhere and aid these patients in overcoming their difficulties. This can allow for a better diagnosis, treatment and eventually better care for patients who are vulnerable and have serious medical conditions.

The benefits outlined so far all put together look to reflect on a service that is catered to help people regardless of their circumstances of health and location. In working, it proves to be an efficient and hassle free approach for both doctors and patients and pushes the boundaries of the perception of modern healthcare.

FITTO Patient management is pushing this agenda of providing a service that caters to a patients every need and an all round health and wellness goto for people all over the country. FITTO focuses on how to make things as easy as possible and provide user experience that is seamless.The wait between scheduling an appointment with a doctor at clinics, getting lab tests and medicines at a store is valuable time lost. FITTO takes that waiting time away by providing verified doctors selected by FITTO and chosen by people for a virtual consultation, removing the hassle.

FITTO takes the responsibility of managing doctor’s consultations, tests and other diagnostics, hospitalization and post hospitalization needs all through its platforms. With FITTO, you can get medicines and lab tests done at your doorstep making it practical and efficient in fulfilling your healthcare requirements. FITTO has 18 different departments from cardiology to orthopedics and general practitioners. FITTO makes sure that every problem is attended to with the best care.

FITTO as a company does not only want to provide patients with a doctor’s consultation, but its goal is to be there hand in hand with patients to guide them through the complexities of understanding healthcare and helping achieve a solution that is right for them. FITTO’s large network in health and wellness makes sure you get trusted services and its technology driven platforms welcomes you to an open door to the best to cater your needs. FITTO also stands with you when things aren’t wrong, through a number of wellness solutions.FITTO connects you with the best solution for your wellness needs and assists you throughout the process, whether that is helping in managing your information, purchase of products or services. FITTO’s allows you access to professionals in mental health, dietary and nutrition and natural medicine and techniques for wellness amongst others so you can rely on FITTO to stay healthy and feel great all the time.

Online healthcare services and access to doctor’s constellations virtually is a new and important leaf in the development of healthcare service. FITTO is an organisation that hopes to make a difference to people’s lives and bring a sense of relief to all patients in helping overcome their struggles, whether small or big. It hopes not only to push forward its goal, but also contribute to a new chapter in India’s healthcare and wellness sector and build a healthier society so that people can achieve the quality of life they desire and deserve.

Health and Posture

Health and Posture

Working from home and not using an office setup like a desk and chair? This has become quite common since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though working from a comfortable couch or a bed may seem pretty relaxing, it sure has a lot of negative effects on your health. 

Breathing : If you are working for long hours on your laptop, rounding of the shoulders and forward tilt of the head causes your chest muscles to tighten. This ultimately leads to breathing difficulties. 

Blood Pressure : Research shows a neurological link between posture, blood pressure and pulse rate. Sitting for long hours, especially in a bad posture can raise your blood pressure. 

Digestion : Back to work straight after lunch! Your boss likes it; your stomach, not so much. The slouched posture can cause misdirected flow of stomach acids, causing indigestion and even heartburns. 

Headache : A bad posture puts pressure on your upper back, neck and head. If continued for a long time, headaches are almost inevitable.

Back Pain : Problems with spine and back pains are probably the most common form of profession-related health issues faced by those working for long hours in front of a computer or laptop. But in the post-pandemic era, almost everyone is doing the same. A bad posture puts pressure on your spine and the adjoining muscles. This can cause back pain and also problems with hip joints and discs.

So what should be your posture while working? The most important thing to remember is the position of your spine which has three natural curves – at your neck, mid back, and lower back. A correct posture maintains these curves without increasing them. Head  above shoulders and the top of your shoulder over hips is defined as the best way to sit with a laptop.

 

All about Dengue

All about Dengue

  • Spread by: Mosquito bites
  • Symptoms: Fever, chills, rigor and body aches
  • Diagnosis: Blood tests
  • Severity: 6% fatality rate

Dengue, a Viral infection spread by female Aedes mosquitoes, is endemic in India with more than 1,50,000 cases per year. The high frequency of rains, polluted streets and innumerable areas of water swamping creates the perfect environment for mosquito larvae to thrive. These larvae after 2-3 days evolve into fully grown mosquitoes. Once a female mosquito bites a human who is already affected with Dengue Fever, the mosquito sucks in not only some blood, but along with that the virus too. Then, while biting another human, transmits the virus. This is how Dengue is spread from one person to another.

Symptoms of Dengue infection start approximately 4-10 days after the virus enters the body; they include high grade fever, severe body aches (thus Dengue is often called ‘Break-bone Fever’), chills and rigor. Another feature commonly seen in Dengue patients is skin rash caused by reduced platelet levels. 

Dengue can be diagnosed by testing blood for NS1 Antigen, IgG and IgM. Once a patient is diagnosed as Dengue Positive, daily counts of Platelets must be done to ensure they do not drop too low.

The main problem with Dengue Fever is reduced platelet counts, causing internal bleeding which finally leads to Shock and even death. This phenomenon is termed Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS). The patient must keep track of platelet counts daily to avoid delay in the diagnosis of DSS in critical cases. 

Danger Signs: Bleeding  from gums, urine, stool or any other mode of bleeding.

What to do? 

  1. Keep your surroundings clean
  2. Use mosquito repellents and nets
  3. Don’t let any stagnant water remain for more than 12 hours
  4. Don’t self-diagnose: Contact a Physician if you have any of the symptoms