Subscribe to continue reading
Subscribe to get access to the rest of this post and other subscriber-only content.
Get Your Own Press Room and Promote your Business Today
Blog
How to leave the World a little better
How to leave the world a little better.
When I started blogging in 2014 ,I read amylynnandrews blog.She wrote a very useful newsletter called useletter.
She talked about creating original content online;not just rehash of existing content.
But I had a problem.
The health topics I wrote about often had extensive write ups on educational websites.
On looking deeper I found they were often(if not always)written by content experts or influencers not interested in the topic with expertise in writing, not necessarily a professional or expert in the medical field.
On big sites these articles were reviewed by Doctors or other Healthcare professionals .
I knew what I wanted to contribute to make my website and blog create it’s own little space in the very cluttered online World.
That started the journey of Healthwealthbridge 10 years ago.
Spreading awareness and education digitally wad my goal and I think I am on the right path to make the world a little better.
Trying to go carbon negative Since 2020 we have planted more than 500 trees and that’s something which made me really happy.Trees are the most selfless living things ever.Mother Nature has gifted us with tree friends wherever we go .My daughter knows books and plants are her mom’s favourite gifts and is my favorite partner in in nature walks.That I think is a good thing to get started on.
Making active lifestyle fun is my dream.In 2013 we shifted to a small town in West Bengal.A rented apartment with no common area,play area ,gym ,pool or a garden, I felt stuck indoors.While buying a home in Kolkata we found a lovely community housing offering not only great location,infrastructure but all of the above.But we couldn’t shift to Kolkata right away.Before 2020 my hubby simply didn’t have time to visit the village home 20 km away.I was always asking about it,but it was rented out and going there on weekends seemed impossible.
COVID pandemic lock down and my husband realized the prison like feel of the modern apartment house.
He jumped into action mode and in October of 2020 we started renovations in the village home and buying a small plot for our kitchen garden and a community garden area with friends for play time with kids ,friends and family.Its not easy and it’s not a project which is ever done.But we are doing the best we can.We made the best of a truly horrifying situation and decided to make a change for good.
Continuing to actively work for restoring gardens,forests, community gardens,nature walks and spreading the message of good health with nature is my way of leaving the world a bit better for the future.
Sharing is good Karma!
Early Warning Signs of Eye Diseases You Shouldn’t Ignore
By Dr. Pravin Patil, Vitreo Retina Specialist and Partner at Shri Venkatesh Eye Institute
Your eyes are one of your most vital organs, and detecting potential issues early can make the difference between maintaining healthy vision and facing irreversible damage. Many eye diseases are silent in their early stages, but paying attention to subtle changes can help you seek timely medical intervention. Here are key warning signs you should never ignore:
1. Blurred Vision
Sudden or progressive blurring of vision could indicate conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy or a sign of a retinal detachment, which requires immediate medical attention.
2. Eye Pain or Discomfort
Persistent pain in or around the eye is not normal and may signal infections like uveitis, glaucoma, or corneal abrasions. If accompanied by redness or sensitivity to light, it warrants urgent evaluation.
3. Floaters and Flashes of Light
While occasional floaters are common, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light could indicate a retinal tear or detachment. Seek prompt ophthalmologic care to prevent vision loss.
4. Loss of Peripheral Vision
A narrowing of your field of vision may be an early symptom of glaucoma. This disease often progresses unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.
5. Red or Bloodshot Eyes
Chronic redness may result from conditions like conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, or even more severe issues such as scleritis. If redness persists despite rest, it’s time to consult.
6. Difficulty Adjusting to Light
If your eyes struggle to adapt to bright or dim light, it might indicate cataracts or retinal problems. Reduced contrast sensitivity is another sign to watch for.
7. Double Vision
Experiencing double vision (diplopia) could point to problems such as corneal irregularities, nerve issues, cataract or even systemic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
8. Sudden Vision Loss
This is a medical emergency. Sudden, painless vision loss may suggest retinal artery occlusion or stroke-related eye involvement, while painful loss of vision might be linked to optic neuritis or acute glaucoma.
9. Changes in Eye Appearance
A drooping eyelid, bulging eyes, or noticeable changes in the shape or size of your pupil could indicate serious underlying conditions like thyroid eye disease or neurological disorders.
10. Frequent Headaches
Recurring headaches with accompanying visual disturbances may be linked to eye strain, refractive errors, or even serious conditions such as ocular migraines or intracranial pressure issues.
Why Early Detection Matters?
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent vision impairment. Regular comprehensive eye exams, even in the absence of symptoms, are essential—especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye disease.
Take home message-
If you notice any of these warning signs, consult an ophthalmologist immediately. Delaying treatment could compromise your vision and overall quality of life.
–
(This is a contribution post for education and awareness.Kindly consult your doctor for medical advice )
Sharing is good Karma!
Is Universal Free Healthcare a Mirage ?
When its Healthcare,we need quantity,quality ,care ,time,equality all carefully gift wrapped and available round the clock.
But everything is governed by the purse string .High quality care,at minimal cost for everyone on demand, is utopic and is what many Government try to give.
Since health is personal,food choices,genetics,environment is personal,addiction choices are personal -uniform healthcare which is universal is looking illogical and opposite of practical.But that’s the unicorn all countries are chasing.
But saying that its important for the economically backwards to have free healthcare,to prevent the debt burden.
What happens if you try to give this benefit to everyone ?What happens when this population continues to chew tobacco,smoke and drink country liquor?Lets see what happened all around the world before we do anything else?
NHS that is the National Health Service in UK came into effect in 1948.It is a long running healthcare model.It serves a country with a population of a fraction of India.It has a population way less than India.But they are struggling with their coffers because healthcare workers must be paid .If the system doesn’t earn money ,how do people get paid?How do medicines,infrastructure get funds.NHS is partly being privatized .That’s the 2025 News.Karl Steimer has unveiled this plan to help serve more than 6 million people waiting for at least that many procedures!
Budget for the NHS for 2024/25 was £176.9 billion.They plan to reduce elective surgery waiting time for 65% people to 18 weeks .Waiting time for nonurgent consultant led treatment is upto 18weeks.
Its also people’s choice or autonomy.They have the choice to wait,choose subsidized healthcare and get subsidized care in the long run or pay money upfront to visit a doctor quicker.
Economics of Healthcare cannot be ignored.Tobacco,alcohol,unhealthy lifestyle,ultra processed HFSS food,poor sleep,poor environment are factors which can be changed by the individual .
In India we actually have State ,Central Government hospitals where free treatment for almost everything is possible.We have a Government free health insurance scheme called Sasthya Sathi in West Bengal , Ayushman Bharat rest of India which is taking it’s toll on the state and centre’sexchequer but is definitely helpful for many. We also have private insurances and doctors at private clinics and hospitals available with direct payment.The outpatient care is affordable to most extent .Surgical cost depend on the city,type of care,facilities and surgeon.
With absolutely free Government Healthcare I have often failed to understand the long term logic of insurance companies, being the middle- -man in Government health schemes.With my limited understanding its probably to give care through public-private partnership for situations not covered at Government hospitals.But that is a burden which must be assessed in the background of easily available cheap tobacco,indigenous local liquor,employment in tobacco factories causing havoc to those most at risk.
Tamara’s blog post on the Ultimate blog challenge made me realize how the different Healthcare design across the world shape the health and choices of people there .A lot to learn.
Here’s the blog post I am talking about
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2024/07/ubc-july-2024-health-care.html
In Switzerland people are expected to be responsible for their own health and Healthcare insurance.That’s the reason may be people are more likely to have less health issues there.Give Tamara’s post a read and let me know about the healthcare model in your country.
I think access to qualitycare should be available for all ,with tiered payment system according to income ,insurance and a good health score that helps those who build good habits and avoid addictions.Tobacco and alcohol cause a huge healthcare burden and the decision to curb access to them may go a long way in saving our youth.But I am just a small cog in a giant wheel .Things do become clearer as we grow older and some problems maybe are meant to persist .
These are all questions that need a conplac planning,maybe a scoring system like video games where good behavior and good health should be rewarded?
Is free quality healthcare sustainable?What do you think is a good middle path?
Sharing is good Karma!
25 Lessons from 25 Years as a Medical Student!
There’s a reason we say Doctors practice medicine. Since we are always trying to learn more,do it better ,the learning continues.And that’s the reason behind today’s post title .I never got out of student mode!
But even if that sounds a little scary ,that doctors are always learning,isn’t it better than know-it-alls who never want to learn more or move with the times?But that debate is for another time.
On the 25th of January this year our Y2K Calcutta Medical College Batch(cmcmillennialbatch.com),decided to celebrate a big bang silver jubilee reunion.It was special because, since 2006 when we finished our internship,we had managed a grand total of one reunion.
After the wonderful weekend meetup with family, we were recharged like it was 2000 again!
Leaving you with my meandering, after meeting my friends ,when we decided to turn back time!
25 Lessons from 25 Years as a Medical Student
You never stop learning.
Those were the life changing years of my life.
Yours teachers,patients,friends and classmates all will teach you:some times about what to do and often about what must be avoided at all costs.
“Do no harm” must be a part of all professional courses.
It’s never going to get easier;you will just get better at doing the difficult things.
Ditch the God complex ,better yet don’t let it ever enter your soul.Its the worst possible handicap for a professional.
Don’t forget your peer group-you can’t be best buddies with all,but those that are your friends remember to stay in touch.Its good for you and good for them.(They may not agree to say so upfront ,but your purpose in life is simple-nag them and remind them of their college life for which they must stay suitably grateful).
Don’t expect to become a zillionaire.But you will make a respectable earning. (Depending on skill,hardwork and Goddess Laxmi’s blesssings) hopefully.
Have a plan about your life and stick to it.For girls:The biological clock is real and if you plan to procreate;don’t delay too much.Its a horror running after kids with greying hair .I am not being gender discriminatory-just sensible.
Continue to enjoy life,sleep,eat healthy and exercise daily.You are your best advertisement.
Listen to your patients:it’s best to get to know people in order to help them .Listening is a super skill.
Don’t skip the history taking and your forensic medicine classes.
Ignore those who tell you to bunk classes.
Don’t miss anatomy dissection,practical classes, ward rounds and tutorials. They are the places were the nuggets of wisdom are shared.
Don’t stop being in touch with your friends.
Good friends are like STARS.
You don’t always see them but you know they’re ALWAYS there !
Don’t stop doing the right thing,there may be no prizes for this,but you will sleep better .
Plan your career as carefully as you studied for those vivas.It may not be a ten on ten in the end,but you should be the one making the choice.
Go green.Spend time in nature,garden, to get rid of the chronic stress associated with medical practice.
Save .
Start saving early.
Diversify your income.
Diversify your savings.
Take the medicolegal course and entrepreneurship course as soon as possible.
If you plan to marry :marry on time and have kids at the right time. As a woman professional, the biological clock and the professional growth cycle coincide and you need to plan smart to avoid the pitfalls.
If you plan to marry:supportive partner is crucial .For Women doctors it’s the make or break for careers!
Sharing is good Karma!
India Dental Report 2024 by Scan O
This awareness article is shared by scanO – presenting the 2024 India Dental report, which highlights alarming insights into India’s oral health based on the AI-dental screening company’s platform research.
Findings reveal that the average Indian suffers from six dental diseases, with dental stains (64%), tooth decay (48%), and attrition (46%) being the most common issues. These findings highlight significant gaps in preventive care and serve as a calling for immediate action to address the country’s growing oral health crisis.
Indians grapple with six dental diseases on average: India’s 2024 scanO dental recap
64% of Indians Struggle with Stains, 48% Face Tooth Decay, and 46% Experience Attrition
India, January 22, 2025 – scanO, India’s leading AI-powered dentistry ecosystem, today released its India Dental Report for 2024. Based on platform data collected over the past year, the report highlights key oral health trends, revealing that the average Indian faces six dental diseases. The report identifies dental stains (64%), tooth decay (48%), and tooth attrition (46%) as the most prevalent oral health issues across the country. States like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Karnataka have the highest recorded cases, painting a concerning picture of the nation’s oral health.
64% of Indians Affected by Dental Stains
The report shows that 64% of Indians are grappling with dental stains caused by common dietary habits and lifestyle choices. Tea, coffee, and turmeric-based dishes, staples in the Indian diet, contribute to persistent staining. Smoking and chewing betel nuts further compound the issue.
Urban populations increasingly seek cosmetic dental solutions to address stains, but many in rural and semi-urban areas delay care due to limited access, fear, or lack of awareness.
Tooth Decay Impacts Nearly Half of India’s Population
Tooth decay, affecting 48% of Indians, is identified as the most widespread dental condition. It begins with plaque accumulation in pits and fissures, leading to cavities that often go unnoticed until severe stages. Poor oral hygiene and frequent sugar consumption are primary contributors, particularly among children and young adults. Left untreated, decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss, highlighting the importance of early detection and regular dental visits.
46% of Indians Experience Tooth Attrition
Attrition affects 46% of individuals, caused by enamel erosion due to dietary habits, stress-induced grinding, and misaligned teeth. Stress-related clenching, particularly in urban areas, is a growing contributor to this condition. Attrition often progresses silently, leading to sensitivity and shortened teeth. Severe cases can result in chronic pain and long-term damage if not addressed early.
“India’s oral health crisis is a stark reminder of how neglecting prevention can snowball into widespread public health challenges,” said Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali, CEO and Co-founder, scanO. “Stains, tooth decay and attrition may seem like surface-level concerns, but they expose systemic gaps that stretch far beyond oral health, affecting productivity and overall quality of life. The road ahead demands a fundamental shift in how we approach healthcare—by breaking barriers of accessibility, resistance, and awareness. At scanO, we are unlocking a culture of prevention by leveraging AI diagnostics to bring care directly to people’s fingertips, whether through a mobile app or kiosks at their local dental clinics or in underserved regions. Prevention is the foundation step on which India’s smiles will thrive.”
Here are some tips from Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali to make oral care a daily habit:
(Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali, CEO and Co-founder of scanO, on how proper routines and AI-driven solutions like scanO can drive a culture of prevention in India.)
Brush Twice Daily: Clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste every morning and night to keep cavities at bay.
Don’t Skip Flossing: Remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach areas to prevent gum disease.
Cut Down on Sugar: Minimize sugary snacks and drinks to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Say No to Tobacco: Smoking and chewing tobacco can stain your teeth, damage gums, and lead to serious oral health issues.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Schedule regular check-ups to catch problems early and avoid costly treatments later.
Act Quickly: Don’t ignore signs like sensitivity, discoloration, or bleeding gums—early intervention can save teeth and smiles.
Methodology:
This research is based on data collected through scanO’s AI-powered platform, analyzing responses from 1,76,763 individuals across India between January 2024 and December 2024. The study focused on assessing key trends in oral health, including the prevalence of dental stains, attrition, and related lifestyle factors. Participants were selected from diverse urban and semi-urban regions, ensuring a representative sample of India’s population. scanO’s platform leverages advanced AI diagnostics to provide accurate insights into oral health patterns. All data was anonymized and aggregated to maintain participant confidentiality. scanO adheres to the highest standards of data integrity and employs methodologies aligned with globally recognized research principles, ensuring reliable and actionable findings.
About scanO
scanO is a Pune-based health-tech company redefining preventive oral care through AI-powered innovation. The scanO AI ecosystem comprises three dental care solutions — scanO mobile app; scanO air kiosk; and scanO engage app. Collectively, the scanO AI ecosystem effortlessly streamlines dentistry workflows so dentists can focus on delivering holistic, high quality patient-centric outcomes more effortlessly. Since 2018, scanO has performed over 19 lakh scans across India, the UAE, South Africa, and Zambia. As at. Made in India for the world, scanO’s AI-powered technology combines precision and accessibility, empowering clinicians to elevate patient care globally. Committed to transforming oral health, scanO is setting a new standard in prevention, helping communities achieve healthier futures, one scan at a time.
This press release was shared by
Sejal Chavan
