Microscopic Robots To Replace Doctors Sooner or Later?

Microscopic robots may seem a new phrase but we all are aware of nanotechnology, the word at least if not more. Now, nanometer is equal to one billionth of a meter and is smallest of the scales. It is apparently the size we consider for atoms and cells inside the body. We all know are body is made of millions of cells and atoms but when it comes to treatment, it happens on a greater scale. Cells or atoms are not even visible through the naked eye. So, nanotechnology works at the cellular level thus matching the levels at which our body cells or atoms work. Though, its not perfected as yet, we’ve certainly come out with a lot of solutions based on nanotechnology and are probably heading northward in the arena.

In layman’s language using nanotechnology, we can shrink the medical tools used for treating or intervention in the human body to the size of cells or atoms present inside. Using the right size tool will help intricate interventions with simplicity. Surgeries with complexities and involving heavy blood loss can be done away with using such a technology. There is a lot of scope to this technology, as per the researchers and experts in the field. Be it targeted drug treatment to treating critical illnesses like cancers, where nano scalpels are presently being used for damage repair of individual cells.

Furthermore, there is a possibility of improved biological sensors as well as disease diagnosis in the times to come. Just imagine subatomic robots just like a miniature army of soldiers getting into your body and fighting against the ailment to cure you off, that too without any major blood filled surgeries or incisions.

One of the examples on which researchers are presently working in some part of the world is ‘drug agnostic’. Consider a reservoir miniature in nature filled with a drug that needs to be delivered to a certain part of the body. All this needs to be done in a sustained linear way without using pumps, valves or any electrically powered tool. Its works through the nano channel delivery system (NDS). On the basis of the size of the drug molecules, the nano channel membranes are tailored and implanted below the skin. It then moves through the membranes into the patients body. As per the researchers, presently, the nano channel size is a barrier to its movement and lower the size to 2.5 nano meters would definitely help overcome the snag and also help control the drug delivery speed. Looking at the potential of this project a multi-million dollar grant has been already approved for the same.

Well, the use of microscopic robots for treatment is just at its infancy stage and a lot needs to be worked on yet, but positively it would take less than a decade to see it reach the operation theatres of hospitals and that’s definitely a good sign.

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August 18, 2017

The Rising Demand for Occupational Therapists in India

Over the years Occupational therapy has garnered a lot of eye balls and youth seem to be interested in this career that not just pays but gives immense work satisfaction as well. The work of an occupational therapist involves around helping physically and mentally challenged people to manage themselves independently. This includes performing daily chores, play, work and more.

For becoming an Occupational therapist you need to opt for Bachelors in Occupational Therapy degree course after 12th Science. It is a four year course and is offered by numerous medical colleges across India. Some of them offer direct admissions on the basis of percentage while for some you need to crack the entrance.

The syllabus includes a foundation course in research methodology besides an amalgamation of subjects from psychology, orthopaedics, psychiatry, pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, surgery combined with ergonomics and occupational therapy. After completion of the four years course you need to undergo a six months full time clinically oriented training internship program. After which you can start working as a professional or carry on with your PG diploma, masters and doctorate.

One major reason behind the rising demand also lies in the fact that in India only 20 institutions offering 9 graduate programs for occupational therapy. This number seems to be a meager one as compared to the leap frogging number of patients suffering from physical and mental disabilities. Hence, as far as the job opportunities are concerned, there is undoubtedly immense scope in both private and public sectors. You may either work with hospitals, schools, public healthcare institutions or carry out private practice in a clinic or alongside other specialists.

Well, occupational therapy is no child’s play but beyond a profession that offers a lucrative career, it is more about community service. Occupational therapists train families and care takers to deal with patients having disabilities in a positive way, thus helping them become independent, productive and lead a normal life.

Other post – Career in Physiotherapy in India

August 7, 2017

Heartburn Meds Could Lead to Death

Taking medications or tablets is a routine exercise we follow when we suffer from heart burn. The meds are usually available over the counter without prescription and hence we have almost taken it for granted that as they are available over the counter, they are generally safe. One such med that is popular oversees, not as much in India is the proton pump inhibitor or PPI and here is some bad news involving it.

A recent study has proved that people taking proton pump inhibitors have a greater risk of dying compared to the non consumers of the drug. The risk also includes dangerous bacterial infections and kidney disease under its possibility list of PPI consumption. The risk is associated with people taking PPI’s for a longer duration of time. Another heartburn medication that is prescribed by doctors in the USA includes H2b blocker. The comparison study between PPI and H2B blocker consumers revealed a startling result about the risk of dying within the next 5 years being 25% more in PPI consumers than H2 blockers. Also, with people who have been already taking the drug across 2 years, the risk increases upto 50% compared to the H2 blockers.

Though, it is not totally proved and the reasons behind the same are being studied further. Also, the study has covered only whites of the elderly age group and not the youngsters, so whether it affects the youngsters in the similar manner is yet not known.

Experts also stated that many a times doctors do prescribe the medication for a certain period of time only but patients take them up on a regular basis without consult or reassessment. Hence, it is advisable that people who have been prescribed theses medication for a certain duration do their reassessment at periodic intervals. It might just happen that the doctor after monitoring you, simply takes you off the PPI’s.

Well, the crux – it is advisable to avoid taking PPI medications for a longer duration of time and particularly not decide on continuing the medication or using it without prescription on your own. Doctor consult is a must before you continue taking medications like PPI.

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