Hospital Blog – Page 14

June 8, 2017

CHOCOLATES ARE GOOD FOR HEALTH

Yes, you read that right. Chocolates are good for health and this is how. A recent study has found that Chocolate can help prevent heartbeat irregularities, thus reducing the risk of stroke and other heart diseases. As per the researchers, chocolate has worked well against atrial fibrillation, a condition which results in heart beat irregularities. In this condition, a variation in pace of the heart’s lower two chambers and atria or heart’s two upper chambers occurs. This irregularity in the heart beat increases the risk of heart failures, strokes as well as cognitive impairment.

The study found that adults consuming around 1 ounce of chocolate two to six times during the week had the strongest effect. Though the mechanism on how chocolate helps in preventing atrial fibrillation is yet to be known, it is said that flavonoids, types of compounds found in chocolate might play a significant role in the same as they already have anti-oxident and anti-inflammatory properties.
The data study of over 55000 adults, both male and female under the age group of 50-64 was analyzed to get the results. Here are the findings:

Women
Women eating 1 ounce of chocolate once a week lowered the risk of atrial fibrillation by 21 percent.

Men
Men eating 2 to six servings of 1 ounce of chocolate per week lowered the risk of atrial fibrillation by 23 percent.

Cocoa Rich Chocolates
It was found that chocolates with high content of cocoa if had in moderation are considered to be a heart healthy snack. They have significant health benefits as well as protective constituents. The study also revealed that chocolate consumers were healthier, well educated and had less chances of high blood pressure and diabetes when compared to non consumers of chocolate.

Having said that, the debate on the geographic constraint of the study is on, but yes, we can still consider eating cocoa rich chocolates in moderation for a healthy heart.

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May 8, 2017

Side Effects Of Sunscreen Lotions

Sunscreens are a common household commodity today in India. With temperatures in India soaring across its length and breadth during summers and generally across the year in most of the regions, sunscreen is generally used by many of us for protection against the scorching sun.

But, like every coin has two sides to it, even sunscreens come with their share of pros and cons. So, let us run down the brighter side of the product and the flip side as well.

SUNSCREEN USES
They help protect the skin from sun, control aging and prevent sunburns. They also decrease the risk of cancers and reactions caused due to certain medications. The protective layer formed with sunscreens absorbs or reflects the radiations and does not allow them to penetrate deep inside the skin.

Though, for optimum effect sunscreens need to be applied properly. In general, 30 grams of cream is enough for covering the entire body. The cream needs to be applied 30 minutes before exposure to sun and needs to be reapplied every 2 hours. Sunscreens can used for people of 1 year and above and is not recommended for infants.

SUNSCREEN SIDE EFFECTS
Vitamin D Deficiency – A recent study has found that use of sunscreens on a regular basis leads to deficiency of vitamin D. The people who use highly protective sunscreens are more liable to develop deficiency of vitamin D. Already, people spend most of their time indoors than outdoors and now the sunscreen when outdoors, so its about zeros the Vitamin D availability to the body almost.

Additionally, Sunscreens can also cause side effects such as redness of skin, skin irritation and also increase the risk of breast cancer with one of its chemicals does effect the blood estrogen levels. It can also cause red spots or red itchy rashes on skin besides eye irritation.

Having said that, it does not mean that we stop using sunscreen. But, moderate exposures to sun is a good idea while using sun screens to protect skin from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun that may cause skin cancer.

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April 24, 2017

Heartburn or Acid Reflux – Don’t Ignore This Sign

Eating habits of Indians include oily and sweet food intake and now add to it the junk food habits of the urban class.. all these roads end up to one common destination – heart burn. Heart burn is often ignored by people because it is a common condition that most of us happen to suffer from.

HEART BURN OR ACID REFLUX
Heart burn is also known as acid reflux and is also a symptom for gastro esophadeal reflux. Our body consists of a specialized muscle called esophageal sphincter (LES) placed at the lowerside of the esophagus or food pipe. When we eat food, it opens up to allow food to pass through and instantly closes down to avoid reflux or backward movement of food, acids or enzymes present in the stomach into the food pipe. In order to avoid inflammation, the stomach is provided with a lining of special protective cells. But, esophagus has no such lining for protection hence is vulnerable to damage if there is a reflux of acids and digestive juices into it. Heart burn, also a general symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when the digestive juices and acids reflux back into the esophagus.

CAUSES
Irregular and improper dietary habits usually pave the way to heartburn. Again, there are certain foods that instigate the secretion of acids in stomach again leading to the same. Some of these foods include intake of fruits containing acidic juices like pineapple, orange and veggies like tomatoes. Drugs like ibuprofen ans aspirin ,chocolates and caffeine, aerated drinks, alchohol and smoking and obesity, pregnancy and hiatal hernia, to name a few.

EFFECTS
Ignoring a prolonged condition of heartburn could lead to ulcer formation, scarring and stricture and other related GERD complications. Heartburn could also lead to change in the type of cells lining the esophagus further causing Barett’s esophagus – a condition known to increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

DIAGNOSIS
Recurring heartburn needs a diagnosis, definitely. It includes physical examination and medical history.
X- Ray Test – A X-ray test that needs the patient to consume to contrasting drugs while watching the complete process through a x-ray. This is done to check whether the esophagus muscles are in good shape, working properly as well as for inflammations or issues withing the food pipe.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy involves the use of a flexible scope fitted with a fibre optic camera for checking out the lining of esophagus and stomach.
Biopsy – This is only done if the gastroenterologists suspects possibilities of cancer.
Manometry – This is not a commonly used test in India and is carried out only if the traditional diagnosis does not give any outcome. Herein, pressure monitors are used measurement of acids inside the esophagus.

TREATMENT
The primary treatment for heart burn involves change in lifestyle. This includes eating smaller potions of meals at frequent intervals, avoiding addictions like alcohol, smoking and more. Using a high pillow for head support while sleeping, avoiding or reducing fruits and veggies with excessive acids, weight loss if obese or overweight and using antacids but in limited proportions.

For patients suffering from Barrett’s esophagus, severe reflux issues leading to wheezing and pneumonia and intensive medical therapy failure, surgery is opted. With the advancement of technology laparoscopy is also used for non invasive treatment of more serious esophagus conditions like carcinoma.

So next time, take heart burn issues seriously and if it is recurring and prolonged then do consult a doctor because little do we know that heart burn might just be a sign of life threatening kidney disease like kidney cancer or even failure. Furthermore, do consult a doctor if you need to take heartburn drugs for a prolonged time period because regular intake could lead to serious renal issues as well.

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April 3, 2017

Childhood Obesity Management In India

Going by the recent figures, it can be factually stated that Childhood Obesity is catching up like wild fire across borders. It has already reached epidemic levels in some developed countries and there is no denying that developing countries are also experiencing the brunt it.

Continents like America and Europe are leading the list with horrifying figures of over 20% affected populace. Well, the Asians and Africans are not far behind either, with startling figures that state of over 10% children caught in the claws of the monster called childhood obesity.

Apparently, limited evidence is available in India on childhood obesity and research on the same is in progress. Even-though, there are a few factors that seem to primarily influence the rise in the condition. The factors include environmental factors, genetics, metabolic programming, diet habits and sedentary lifestyle, to name a few.
Well, sedentary lifestyle alongside dietary habits particularly instant and junk foods consumption amongst children, particularly in urban settings has increased the risk of obesity associated diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic resistance and more as well.

Childhood Obesity
There are many causes that lead to obesity in children. Here is a run down the major two.

High Calorie Diet
Children in the urban setups are addicted to instant and junk foods which is a major cause of obesity in cities. While it actually begins at birth, when people tend to over feed their babies to make them healthy and end up making them obese. Even the school cafeteria’s do not have any meal plans depending upon individual state of health. Children eat as much as they want, many a times much more than required. Many parents also tend to forcefully feed children even if they are done due to their traditional beliefs of health and nutrition. This is one of the major factor leading childhood obesity.

Sedentary Lifestyle
Before the advent of television, video games, tablets and play stations, children used to indulge into outdoor activities, sports and games a lot. But, now children are more of confined to indoors busy playing games on computers, play-stations or watching cartoons on television. Also, commuting before was either walking or cycling, now its more about buses, cars and skateboards. The lifestyle has become sedentary and thus resulted into obesity rise.

Prevention is the Key
To put a brake on the rise of obesity cases across the globe, a unanimous solution or key is prevention of it. It primarily includes avoiding weight gain, working on reduction of weight and weight regain as well. Many initiatives are undertaken by government and private organizations of different countries in order to create awareness on childhood obesity related health hazards and also its prevention. This includes increased intake of vegetables and fruits, participation in outdoor sports activities and other physical activities like dance and more. Consumption of healthy snacks and saying no to junk foods or limiting the intake to bare minimum are some steps suggested to the populace in order to prevent obesity in the younger generation across the world.

There are many other factors that lead to childhood obesity as mentioned before and in order to put brakes on the ever increasing number of cases, prevention is the best way out. So in general, parents need to promote healthy eating habits in children and include adequate number of physical activities in their daily routine so as to promote a healthy and fit way of life right from the grassroots level, thus curbing childhood obesity to an extent.

Contact to Child Specialist in Bangalore – Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital

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March 30, 2017

All You Need To Know About Blood Donation In India

It’s been a daunting task for a long time for the blood banks to meet the ever rising demands of blood in India. Figuratively, the need for blood in India arises every 2 seconds and is a mammoth 5 crore units in all. This makes for a requirement of around 40K blood donations every single day. Obviously, forget meeting the requirements, even coming to terms with these figures isn’t easy.

So, apparently, India is in need of donors all the time, 24×7. However, cliche or preachy it may sound, but donating blood is a moral responsibility, each one of us should take up if not regularly atleast occasionally during blood donation camps in your area or blood donation day or week may be!

Here are a few facts about blood donation to clear off any doubts or queries on the same –

BLOOD & TYPES
You can’t make blood, but what you can do is donate. It forms 7% your body weight.

O -ve donors blood cells can be used by patients of all blood groups, but has a low shelf life, hence is in high demand.

AB positive plasma can also be used by patients of all blood types, and has good shelf life.

Due to the short shelf life of blood components, a constant supply has to be provided, thus increasing the use of auto-transfusion methods.

Platelets need to be used up within 5 days, RBC’s in around 40 days, while plasma can be stored for almost a year, under refrigeration.

Due to a drastic shoot up of cancer cases and patients opting for chemotherapy, the need for blood has also gone up. Even accident cases are in dire need of high quantities of blood.

BLOOD DONATION
Blood donation is not only good for others but good for you too because it reduces the risk of heart diseases in men other than glucose and pressure reduction. It also helps patients with iron overload prevent toxic accumulation.

The blood banks, hospitals or social service organizations organize blood donation camps and are involved in associated procedures. From the whole blood donated, red blood cells, plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate components can be transfused, thus a blood bottle is worth many lives.

Potential blood donors have to undergo physical examination before donating blood. The basic requirements include minimum weight of 50 kg and age of 18 years.

Blood donation is extremely safe and either sterile needles or disposable needles are used for the purpose.

You can donate only 1 unit of red blood cells at a time at an interval of 56 or 112 days and as for platelets only 24 times a year that too only once in 7 days.

If you start donating blood at 18, once every three months by the age of 60 years, you would have saved over 500 lives – being a super hero is sure an extraordinary feat, but you can achieve it buy donating blood regularly, thus saving their lives.

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March 23, 2017

Pediatric Serum Sickness – Causes, Symptoms, treatment

Apparently, serum sickness is nothing but a delayed response to certain anti-serums or medications that is more common with children, a type of hypersensitivity reaction to certain medications, you may say. Well, Pediatric serum sickness is a rare possibility these days primarily due to the limited use of antitoxins, but it is still seen amongst children taking the antibiotic of penicillin and others like fluoxetine, cephalosporings, to name a few.

Causes and Symptoms
Pediatric Serum Sickness is like any other allergy you get which occurs when the body misinterprets the protein of the serum as something harmful to t he body and activates the immune system to battle it out and commonly occurs in children. Symptoms vary from individual to individual though initial ones include redness and itching around the injected area. These could be followed by joint pain, malaise, swollen lymph nodes, flushing, wheezing, diarrhea and more.

Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis is based on the symptoms primarily and if the doctor suspects it to be a drug reaction, medical tests are not required. In case of doubt lab tests are considered and in rare cases biopsy. The diagnosis is positive if the lab tests show increase in WBC, proteinuria on UA, ESR and CRP while positive results for biopsy include perivascular neutrophils and eosinophils invasion as well as lymphocytic vasculities with decrotic debris.

A medical treatment is needed when such a conditions occurs even though it is said to subside within a week or 10 days, in rare cases it could cause serious nervous system disorders anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic reaction.

In order to subside the symptoms or reduce them, medications like analgesics, medications to relieve you from the itching caused and corticosteroids like prednisone only in serious cases are prescribed by the consulting doctor.

Home remedies – Do’s and Don’ts
The traditional acupuncture therapy could be tried as it is known to be an effective means of decreasing the body’s sensitivity towards the allergic reactions.

Generally, intake of food rich in vitamin B, iron, anti-oxidants and avoiding meats, cold water fish, refined foods, coffee, to name a few, is a good idea. Drinking around 8 glasses of water and exercising for 30 minutes daily also helps a lot. But, you need to talk to your health consultant before trying out nutrient and supplement intakes.
A massage is a strict no no as a treatment for serum sickness because it not only aggravates the inflammations, but might lower the blood pressure as well.

Well, Pediatric serum sickness is generally considered to be a self limited disease that usually gets cured automatically on stopping the respective drug intake. Having said that, consulting your doctor is still highly recommended for avoiding complications, pain relief and speedy recovery of your child.

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March 16, 2017

Essay on Managing Diabetes – Pumps v/s Injections

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in India. Apparently, it is growing at alarming rate in India compared to the world and the day is not far when it could be included in the list of epidemics, as it has be predicted that India might as well cross the 100 million mark by 2030. No wonder, India is already listed amongst the top 3 countries worldwide, with highest diabetics.

With a mammoth diabetes count of over 60 million as on day, the preliminary plan is to help diabetes patients deal with it, effectively enough. We all are aware that there are two types of diabetes namely type 1 and type 2.

DIABETES TYPES – OVERVIEW
The most common type is the Type 2 diabetes wherein the body is not able to use insulin or make it while in type 1, the body is not able to make insulin. The insulin hormone works to provide glucose to the body cells. Without insulin the glucose remains in the blood, thus harming the kidneys, eyes, nerves and heart. At times it may cost you your limb as well. So, in order to avoid health issues arising due to diabetes, it is important maintain your blood sugar levels through a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, minimize sugar intake and exercise regularly. That is for the non diabetics, pre-diabetics and the ones who have already had gestational diabetes.
But, people who are already living with diabetes, particularly the ones who are dependent on insulin intake have two options available for them. One, is taking insulin injections on a daily basis and the other alternative is using insulin pumps. Let us go through the pros and cons offered by both this insulin intake procedures

INSULIN INJECTIONS
As painful as they can get insulin injections are more common with diabetes patients in India for a reason that they come really cheap and also require less training compared to Insulin pumps. Though, there are some negative side effects of the injections as well. Primarily, the idea of taking injections on a daily basis is stress injecting already, inspite of the fact that you get used to it in no time. Secondly, due to the regular use or daily use of needles for injections, some of the body areas lose their ability to absorb it. Conditions called Hypoglcemia also might occur due to the use of different insulin types.

INSULIN PUMPS
Insulin pumps are not quite common in India even though their accuracy is much better than injections. A certain study has also shown an improvement in A1C amongst pump users. It also tends to reduce the sudden blood glucose level changes, low or high, by keeping the blood glucose levels under control and balanced. These pumps make way for a more flexible lifestyle whether its about eating habits or daily workouts. The best part of it all is that you’ve dont have to take those painful injections every single day but only once in three days. Rest of the days you could use the insulin pumps. On the flip side, insulin pumps increase the risk of developing diabetic Ketoacidosis, though it can be prevented through regular blood sugar checks. Training is required before you start its use and it might require you to stay for a day at the hospital. Above all, the two main negatives that pumps come with are that they are tugged to the body all the time, which could turnout to be a source of worry for the patient and that they are quite expensive compared to injections.

Well, the choice ultimately is yours, all depends on your comfort and convenience as both have their own pros and cons.

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March 14, 2017

A Little Brain Resides Inside Your Little Heart

It has been centuries since it is a known fact that the heart and brain inter communicate with each other and that the heart sends far more signals to the brain than otherwise. Well, may be this point was never really explored much earlier as neo-cardiology is a relatively newer field. But, now after substantial research in the field it has been established that our heart does have its own little brain and that is is apparently a sensory organ. It is also proved that it is an encoding and processing center that’s highly sophisticated enough to designate it as a heart brain.

The heart brain

A LITTLE BRAIN RESIDES INSIDE YOUR LITTLE HEART The heart brain or the hearts nervous system is made of ganglia which in turn consists of sensory neurites spread all over the heart and different types of circuit neurons. The findings about the little brain residing within the heart are startling. The nervous system of the heart is a self organized but convoluted system. The demonstration of its ability to reform new neural connections on a short term and long term span in order to reorganize itself is demonstrated clearly. The extrinsic cardiac ganglia in the thoracic cavity is indirectly linked to many organs, arteries and skin through the spinal cord and directly linked to organs like esophagus and lungs. The processing and integration of the information from sensory neurons in the heart and the extrinsic nervous system is carried out by the intrinsic nervous system.

Heart brain & Brain communication
The heart generates powerful rhythmic information patterns for continuous communication with the brain while the brain receives the information sent by the heart via the nodose ganglion and the vagus nerve to the medulla. After reaching the medulla, the signals further commute to the cortical and sub-cortical areas. Studies and research have found that heart communicates with the brain on a continuous basis via different modes be it biochemical, neurological, energetic or biophysical. It also has a vital role to play in synchronization of the body.

Thus, the heart is apparently at the heart of regulation of dynamics of processes due to its high influence on physiological, emotional as well as cognitive systems, all this because of its little own intrinsic brain.

Know More Best Neuro Hospital in India and Vagus Nerve Stimulation

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March 10, 2017

5 Important Health Screenings For Indian Women

A woman of the family is like the backbone of the family, that cornerstone of strength on whom every family member in one way or the other is dependent personally and emotionally. She is the one who ensures that all the needs of each member are met, be it food, finance or fitness. As a care giver, she becomes the umbrella for family, shielding them through the tough times and the sun that shines and provides warmth otherwise. While doing so, many a times she tends to turn a blind eye towards her own health issues.

Apparently, she needs to take more care of her health as the link that holds the family into one because if something happens to her, the family is in a mess. So, it is advisable that every women like she takes care of her family, takes care of her own self. Here is a run down certain important tests to be undertaken as preventive measures to avoid the risk of life threatening conditions that are common in Indian women.

BREAST CANCER – As per studies, breast cancer tops the list of most common cancers in women in India. India sadly also has the highest number of women losing their lives due to this dreaded disease, mostly due to late diagnosis. They also reveal that the reasons include ignorance in the first place and lack of awareness about screening as well. The age group that seems to be affected the most is 35-60 years. Hence is advisable to go for regular screenings atleast post 40 years of age. The screenings include self examination as well as medical examination thru mammogram which need to be taken after consultation only. Cancer related test becomes necessary if there is a genetic history of the disease.

CERVICAL CANCER – Cervical cancer is the second most dreaded condition that Indian women suffer from. For the younger lot, vaccines are available already. Though nonavalent vaccine that offers 90% protection against cervical cancer has not yet come to India, but bivalent and quadravalent vaccines offering around 70% protection are available in India and can be given to young girls of 9-13 age-group. For elders, preventive checkup called PAP test is advisable every 3 to 5 years so that you can catch hold of the cancer in its infancy stage itself. Read more

COLON CANCER – Not a common cancer to hear off, the fact apparently is that it is one of the most dreaded cancers in women in India after breast, cervical and lung cancer. But, the good news is that if detected at its early stage it is 90% curable. The age group that is affected by this condition is mainly 50-85 years. Hence, it is advisable to start taking colonoscopy after age 50, every 10 years. It there is a genetic family history, then it is better to go for it 10 years before the age at which the member was diagnosed with it and repeat it every 5 years. The test that confirms the presence of cancer is known as the gold-standard diagnostic test to check for polps and other growth.

UTERINE CANCER – This is also a common form of cancer in Indian women. This cancer mostly occurs after menopause and obese women with irregular menstrual cycles are more at the risk of this cancer besides the genetic risk. Preventive tests include pelvic examination, CT scans, MRI or Transvaginal ultrasound.

HEART DISEASE – Heart disease is one of the most common conditions women in India suffer from. A study has revealed that 3 in 5 women here at a high risk of developing heart disease at early young age of 35. The reasons primarily include high blood pressure, sedentary lifestyle, stressed work life, diet issues, diabetes and smoking. Both housewives and working woman in the age group of 35-45 are known to be at the risk of this disease. Therefore it is advisable to check heart health atleast on a yearly basis post the age of 30-35 years, besides following a healthy lifestyle by staying away from addictions, walking, exercising and sports, diabetes and obesity control. Many hospitals in India are nowadays providing cardiac packages age-wise. So, you may go for an age appropriate cardiac test that includes tests like Blood Pressure, cholestrol, sugar and more to check for associated risks.

Well as a women, don’t neglect health issues and go for a health checkups as mentioned depending upon your age and take your step towards healthy life.

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March 9, 2017

Cervical Cancer Spreading At Alarming Rates In India

Cervical cancer cases in India are increasing at an alarming rate, so much so this monster is known to take 200 lives of women in India, on a daily basis. Over 60,000 deaths have been accounted during the year 2015 itself. It is thus, one of the most common cancers in women in India alongside breast cancer.

FACTS ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER
Human Papolloma virus or HPV causes Cervical cancer. It usually effects women in the age group of 40-65, but 55-65 is the age group with highest associated risks. The virus is easily transmitted through skin to skin contact and not just sexually, which is a myth many of us believe in. In 90% of the cases, the immune system takes care of clearing the virus. The remaining 10% whose bodies are not able to create the antibodies needed to kill these invaders get affected by Cervical cancer. Also, no test is still available for knowing whether your body has the ability to create the antibodies required to defeat the cervical cancer virus or not. The rural areas bear the brunt more so due to failure in doing checkups and ignorance.

Well, it has been also found that women don’t really seem to be willing to take the vaccine available for cervical cancer. In India, its majorly because most of them don’t know about it or because of the cost factor. Well, the side effects also are a major concern for people with numerous myths surrounding the condition doing rounds, already. One such myth is infertility. Though, against the myth about the side effects of cervical cancer, lies the fact sheet of over 200 vaccinated cases that proves no serious long term side effects of the vaccine. Another fact being that over 65 countries have included this vaccine as a part of their health program already. The awareness levels are also less, even though there has been a lot of effort in the area for the past three decades.

TREATMENT & PREVENTION
As mentioned vaccines for cervical cancer are already available and as per experts one of this vaccines is 99% effective in prevention in young women. It’s the nonavalent, but it has yet to see the light of day in India. But, the bivalent and quadravalent vaccines are readily available and provide around 70% protection against the earlier mentioned nonavalent which offers 90%. The world health organization has recommended the vaccine for age groups of 9-13 years old girls due to its immunogenic ability at this age.

In a nutshell, cervical cancer is a deadly condition in women and India needs to have an action plan against it. Each one of us is responsible for our family and kids. So, go ahead and shield your girls against this deadly disease by vaccinating them early on. The HPV virus has the ability to stay in the body of a woman for a decade before it turns cancerous therefore it is advisable to do a pap smear test on a regular basis for detection of any symptoms, early on. For women not eligible for vaccination it is advisable to take up the Pap smear test after a certain age on a recommended basis.

RRMCH conducted Cervical Cancer awareness programs