Infrared Thermometers – Why they are crucial in times of COVID-19

Amid the rising cases of Coronavirus in the country, we all are adopting various measures to keep ourselves safe and sound like maintaining social distancing, quarantined at our homes, keeping ourselves and the surrounding clean, etc. Amongst all this, there are various essential products and equipment required to protect ourselves from the virus. These may include ventilators, masks, sanitizers, PPE kits, etc. One such essential medical equipment helping us battle this pandemic is Infrared thermometer. In recent times, Infrared thermometers have proven to be one of the most in demand medical devices.

What is Infrared Thermometer?

We all are aware that the most powerful medium or say the reason for the spread of the COVID-19 virus is direct human-to-human contact.

Infrared thermometers are non-contact thermometers that help you measure the temperature from the forehead without coming in contact with the skin. As cases of COVID-19 are constantly on the rise, infrared thermometers are fast becoming the most commonly used medical device. It is helpful in fast and accurate measurement of the body temperature.

Rise of Infrared Thermometer During COVID-19

There are many symptoms of COVID-19 like shortness of breath, dry cough, etc. Another important symptom is fever (high body temperature). In an effort to contain any possible risk of infection, infrared thermometers are a good way to detect the body temperature. It measures the temperature through the forehead from a distance in seconds. While using the Infrared thermometer you don’t need to have physical contact with the person you are testing. This helps in avoiding the risk of getting infected.

Due to its quick measurement and high level of accuracy, the demand of the Infrared thermometer is increasing every passing day. The number of coronavirus cases is increasing rapidly and with fever being a key symptom, it’s important to have a temperature check of the people at every possible place where there’s a huge gathering.

Increasing cases of infected people in India is also a major factor driving the demand in the market. Business Wire reported that an “increasing prevalence of contagious and chronic diseases is expected to be one of the major factors driving the growth of the market.

Infrared thermometers prove to be an efficient device for accurate and frequent body temperature measurement. Factors such as these are likely to drive the demand for infrared thermometers.”

What Areas Is It Being Used?

While battling this pandemic, we clearly know that we ourselves are the carriers of this disease while being totally unaware of it. By the time we will come to know, it may be too late as the virus would have done its work.

We can’t eliminate the risk of the spread of the virus but we still can reduce the risk. For this the country is taking every possible step, one such step is temperature screening as fever is one of the major symptoms.

Some of the places where the infrared thermometer is being commonly used are:

HOSPITAL: Hospital acquired infections are on the rise as infected patients are being brought in for treatment. There are several people visiting the hospitals and it is not possible to test each patient for COVID.

So the healthcare professionals are using Infrared thermometer to get first hand info of the suspected COVID-19 symptom.

Airports: Airport is a place where people are coming from various national and international boundaries. There are chances of people carrying the infection. If they have some possible symptoms, it can be detected through an IR thermometer.

Homes: Trying to be confined to our home, we still have to go out to buy the essentials for daily needs. Even after being fully protected, there are chances you may get infected or bring viruses to your homes. In case of any feelings of a symptom, use an infrared thermometer to monitor the body temperature.

Some other places it can or is being used are offices, malls, and other places where people are visiting frequently.

Mercury Thermometer vs Digital Thermometer vs Infrared Thermometer

Mercury Thermometer: Mercury thermometers have mercury inside the glass to measure the body temperature. It was once the most widely used thermometer, but now mercury thermometers are no longer recommended because they can break and have toxic mercury to escape.

Digital Thermometer: Regular digital thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature. These were very very popular pre-COVID. The thermometer is used in the mouth or armpit to measure the temperature. But this requires direct contact which can lead to further spread of the virus. Due to this, they are not as frequently used.

Infrared Thermometer: These were in the market for a while, but there was less awareness around this product. Its demand suddenly boomed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The advantage of using an infrared thermometer over a general thermometer is its ‘no-contact’ process. It ensures that no infection is passed on through contact, as physical contact is the main reason for Coronavirus spread.

Types of Infrared Thermometer

For easier and faster use, an infrared thermometer is the best. But it also comes in different types depending on use and function. The main two types of non-contact thermometers are tympanic thermometers and non-contact infrared thermometers.

Tympanic(Ear-mode) Thermometer: An ear-mode infrared thermometer that facilitates temperature acquisition from the ear drum. It measures the thermal radiation from the tympanic membrane and within the ear canal and gives results in seconds.

Features:

Enables the quick detection of body temperature from eardrum
Acquires temperature readings within 0.5 second

Use: Infrared tympanic membrane thermometers have an advantage. The tympanic membrane and the hypothalamus share an arterial blood supply originating from the carotid artery; therefore, the tympanic membrane is considered to directly reflect core temperature.

Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer: It measures the temperature from the forehead and displays it on a back screen.

Features:

Can be measured from 15 cm distance
Measures the temperature within 0.5 seconds
Capable of storing up to 20 sets of measurement data

Use: The advantage of a non-contact infrared thermometer over a tympanic thermometer is that it can be used more conveniently to measure the forehead temperature from a good distance.

How To Use an IR Thermometer

Using an infrared thermometer is quite easy, all you need to do is follow these 3 simple steps

1- Turn on the device

2- Point out the thermometer towards the target body.

3- Read the temperature reflected on the back screen of the thermometer within seconds.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead.

A report published by the National Center for Biotechnological Information states that the normal temperature range on the forehead is approximately between 31.0 degrees C to 35.6 degrees C. Forehead temperature in excess of 35.6 degrees C is suggestive of fever.

To buy Bpl Accudigit F2 Non Contact Infrared Thermometer, click here: https://amzn.to/2AVBH2r The delivery may depending upon the permissions of the shipping area.

May 23, 2020 0

Ventilators: Life Savers in Times of COVID-19

A Ventilator is the most widely used short-term life support technique. It has been proven to be the defining intervention of intensive care medicine. The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to huge demand for ventilators, as infected patients especially those who suffer acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are in a dire need of this life support system to aid their respiratory functions.

Importance of ventilator in times of COVID-19

Mild forms of COVID-19 cause symptoms of breathing problems, which can be supported by non-invasive methods. But in severe cases, the disease damages the lungs leading to pneumonia, where the patients suffer from high fever and breathing difficulties. In such cases, mechanical ventilators are often used. They assist the patient’s breathing by pumping oxygen into the lungs and expelling carbon dioxide.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, there has been an acute shortage of many medical essentials such as hand sanitizers, face masks, etc. The need and importance of the ventilators have also suddenly amplified. If the proper timely assistance is not provided, patients have a higher risk of mortality.

Shortage of ventilators- what India is doing

India has been confined to complete lockdown to control the further spread of the disease. In the face of this pandemic, the sudden increased requirement of essentials like face masks, hand sanitizers, and ventilators has caused a worldwide shortage. To help increase production, many Indian companies have come together to help.

Amongst the many sectors contributing to the cause, Indian Railways has stepped up tremendously, from turning coaches into quarantine zones and helping to deliver essential products across the country.

The World Bank also reported on how Women Self Helps Groups (SHG) have stepped up to contribute to this crisis. They are playing a critical role in helping to meet the shortfall of protective equipment like masks, sanitizers, and other PPE. Over the past couple of weeks, these women have produced more than 1 million cotton masks, helping equip police personnel and health workers, while being able to earn a living.

According to the CDDEP, “the researchers estimated that India has approximately 1.9 million hospital beds, 95 thousand ICU beds, and 48 thousand ventilators. Most of the beds and ventilators in India are concentrated in seven states – Uttar Pradesh (14.8%), Karnataka (13.8%), Maharashtra (12.2%), Tamil Nadu (8.1%), West Bengal (5.9%), Telangana (5.2%) and Kerala (5.2%)”.

In times of need, India has always succeeded in making desi-innovations which actually proves to be successful. Indian start-ups are coming up with unconventional systems to meet the needs.

Such innovations help the country and provide much needed boost to face the situation and a hope that we can cope up with the crisis.

What is a Ventilator

A ventilator is a medical device used to provide breathing support for ill and critical patients. It is designed to move breathable air into and out of the lungs, to provide breathing for a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently. Since COVID-19 virus directly attacks the lungs of the patients, they need an external support system to help them breathe.

The function of a ventilator

When it comes to life-saving moments, every second is critical. Ventilators pump air into the lungs and also support the exhalation of carbon dioxide from the lungs; this process is known as ‘ventilation’. Mechanical ventilators are used in situations where the patients require continuous ventilation, i.e. COVID-19 affected patients.

According to NHLBI, some other cases where mechanical ventilators are primarily used are:

During surgery, when a patient is under Anaesthesia, to provide continuous breathing support
Brain injury or Stroke
Pneumonia and other advanced lung infection due to COPD or ILD

Types of ventilators

There are mainly two broad categories of Ventilators. It further has some subtypes under mechanical ventilators.

1- Bag Valve Mask (BVM)

2- Mechanical Ventilator

Bag valve mask

Due to the current pandemic, ventilators and other respiratory devices are more crucial than ever. Ambu-bags or bag valve masks (BVM), are manual respiratory devices, used to provide pressure ventilation to people who are not breathing or having breathing difficulty. These are typically used in situations where access to a ventilator is difficult, i.e. emergency settings or out of hospital situations. They are also used to provide temporary support to the patients in hospitals where a mechanical ventilator is available. However, it has some shortcomings, including inconsistent delivery, leakage, and gas pressure on the stomach. Overall, these have been proven useful for out of hospital or emergency cases.

Mechanical Ventilator

According to the NCBI, a mechanical ventilator supplies oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the patient through a breathing tube. Doctors can make the necessary adjustments based on the patient’s needs. The machines mimic the natural breathing process by providing a steady supply of gas at a controllable rate. It’s meant to provide breathing support to patients who are unable to breathe themselves.

Two categories fall under mechanical ventilators: invasive and non-invasive ventilation. Invasive ventilation is where the tube is passed through the mouth, such as an endotracheal tube or the skin with a tracheostomy tube.

Invasive Ventilators

Invasive Ventilators can be further divided into Intensive Care Ventilators, which are mainly for adults, and Neonatal Ventilators for infants.

Intensive-care ventilators — These ventilators have a full variety of features needed to make a unit appropriate for a broad range of intensive care applications.

Requirement: As per NCBI– “patients ventilated by these devices can range in age from neonates to adults and can vary in condition from very critical, unstable patients to relatively stable postoperative patients. While intensive care ventilators are typically used in critical care areas of the hospital, they may be used in other care areas as well”.

Uses: Used for both adults and pediatrics

Neonatal ventilators– It is designed to deliver more precise volumes and pressures required for the infants.

Requirement: Neonatal intensive care ventilators provide ventilatory assistance to premature and critically ill infants suffering from respiratory failure. The infants who have low-compliance lungs, small tidal volumes, high airway resistance, and high respiratory rates need special support through neonatal ventilators.

Uses: Used for premature infants and children weighing up to 30 kgs

Non-Invasive Ventilators

In the case of non-invasive ventilation (NIV), devices with a nasal or face mask are used. The benefit of an NIV is its reduced need for endotracheal intubation and complications related to it. Non-invasive ventilators like CPAP or BiPAP are used at home by people with chronic respiratory difficulties like COPD. Its functionality is simple and easy to handle for people who don’t have medical training.

Ventilator vs Respirator vs Intubation

Ventilators and respirators are generally common terms that are often used interchangeably. Both are used to provide breathing support in required conditions. But in light of the growing pandemic, we’ve detailed the key differences below:

Ventilator: A machine that provides breathing support to critically ill patients, like the ones suffering from coronavirus. A ventilator can’t cure COVID-19 but supports the body as its immune system fights the virus.

Respirator: According to GovTech, a respirator is used to provide protection to people working/ living in areas with germs or infections. Vox states that respirators can be as simple as face masks, which help filter out particulates so people are breathing clean air. These are especially crucial for healthcare workers working in hazardous or contaminated zones during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Intubation: The insertion of a tube into the trachea (windpipe) is called Intubation. Endotracheal intubation permits air to pass freely through the lungs and facilitates the use of a mechanical ventilator.

May 9, 2020 0

Stay Strong During Lockdown Extension

As the fight against Coronavirus continues, the Government of India has extended the lockdown until May 31st. It’s clear that the need for social distancing is still paramount. We all know that the extension might not be easy, it’s taken a toll on our mental and physical health, and might continue to do so. If you’re wondering how to stay strong during self-quarantine, try some of our helpful quarantine-tips.

Stay focused while Working From Home

It’s not always easy for office goers to work from home(WFH) for days! So find yourself a comfortable place and make it your small office space. It’s helpful to create and maintain a routine- from waking up at a certain time every day to getting dressed in something more formal than pajamas. Know your tasks for the day and give yourself the much-needed breaks.

Be at mental peace during Quarantine

Good mental health promotes good physical health. Lacking mental peace can often lead to bigger problems. Try to sleep on time and wake up early to do yoga or meditate. Make a habit to pen down your thoughts daily, or simply try out any of the free mental health apps, like Headspace or Calm.

Safe ways to go out for important work

Go out during off-peak hours as it will be less crowded. Keep yourself covered and carry hand sanitizer. Maintain a minimum 6 ft distance from people, and ensure that you’re limiting physical contact. Make sure you’re sneezing/ coughing into your elbow to prevent any contamination, and use hand sanitizer before touching anything. Remember #StayHomeStaySafe is the best way possible to protect yourself.

Stay physically active at home

Being confined to our home doesn’t mean laying lazily in bed. Get up and boost your quarantine-life. There are multiple free online workouts on YouTube that require little to no equipment, so you can work up a sweat anywhere! You could even make it a family event and get in some exercise together. Try finishing off pending housework, or even organize that closet you’ve been meaning to. Now’s the time!

Best utilize this time

Use this time to get back the things that make you happy. Read books, finish the movies on your watchlist. Try to work on your skills and develop good habits. This may be a good time to take up your forgotten hobbies, or learnings new skills. There are numerous online courses that offer free, or very affordable, lessons on various topics- from educational to fun! Most importantly, spend some time with your family and yourself. Also, beware of the basic knowledge of the coronavirus symptoms

If you need help during self-quarantine

If you need any help in case of a medical emergency during the lockdown, reach out to your nearest hospital. If you have any doubts of being infected, reach out at 1800-112-545. Remember, this problem is bigger than just you, so stay safe for the people around you.

April 14, 2020 0

BPL For Women: Employee Insights

Last 5 years, the women workforce in India rose from 21% to 30% now. It’s possible to have a job and enjoy it too.

It’s 2020, and many women are now eager to work in the professional sectors. There are many examples of women leading the way. And I know that many companies are now opening their doors to promote gender equality. Do you know that from the last 5 years, the women’s workforce in India rose from 21%-30%?

As a woman, I know that working for a company may still seem difficult. Trust me, it’s entirely possible to work in a company and have work-life balance too! When I started working with BPL Med Tech, I had many concerns, but my team felt me welcome from the early stages.

Sometimes, I was the only lady on the team, and I felt safe to work in the company to express my opinions. The team is supportive, and we used to celebrate many events together, and we had good team bonding. As a company with 50 plus years of experience in this field, I was delighted to work with this team.

Kudos to the management for their help in recruiting more women on the team! Senior leadership shared our concerns and genuinely helped us to overcome any challenges. When it came to updating my skills, like learning MS Excel, management approved my request.

When I shared my ideas, management was open to receive them and work on them. We were noticed when we provided excellent work and management made it a point to share our positive attitude with others.

We had the freedom to create our own report style if the work demanded, management was open to receive new ways. We had to learn a lot of things on the job, and yes it takes some time, like any other company you need to have some patience.

I know that work-life balance is vital for everyone, and I am happy to state the BPL Med Tech team is supportive of the same. We were able to manage our office time and were able to have Saturday off, which was really lovely.

Overall, excellent learning and safe experience. I thank BPL Med Tech team from the bottom of my heart, and as a woman, you can definitely have a great experience here!

March 27, 2020 0

It’s Time to End Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an often-overlooked disease. Many might question the importance of learning more about this illness. However, a lack of awareness and preparedness can cause this disease to fast spiral out of control, affecting many immunocompromised communities.

So what is tuberculosis, or TB?

TB is a communicable disease brought about in people by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It mainly influences the lung and affects other organs of the body. In the case of latent tuberculosis, TB-infected patients don’t tend to show any symptoms.

TB IN INDIA

In 2018, the WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that over 2.69 million people in India were affected by tuberculosis, at the rate of 199 per 1,00,000 people. Currently, India contributes about a quarter of the world’s TB patients. According to TB Facts, India also has approximately 79,000 multi-drug resistant TB patients. India falls in the list of high-burden countries, a list of countries that have higher counts of infected patients and have been prioritized on a global level.

WHY IS AWARENESS IMPORTANT

Tuberculosis still poses a great global health burden on medical facilities around the world. With over a quarter of the world infected with this disease, it is crucial to increase awareness to stop the spread of the illness. However, current surveys quantify that the degree of awareness about TB prevention is only around 63%.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The main symptoms of TB include persistent cough, consistent weight loss, loss of appetite, and coughing up blood.

THE RISK FACTORS

The risk factors for getting prone to TB infections are high due to the infectious nature of the disease. The following people are at risk:

People in close contact with a TB-infected patient

People with a poor immune response system

People affected by habitual diseases like diabetes and kidney disorders

Cancer patients going through chemotherapy.

With the spread of this highly communicable disease on a rise, the WHO Europe, along with the UN, are working in close partnership to help countries speed up testing and response times. In December 2019, the Government of India created a national framework for a gender-responsive approach towards eradicating TB in India. As a key signatory of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, India has pledged to achieve its goal of a TB-free India by 2025. In the proposed 2020-2021 budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman advocated for expanding Jan Aushadhi Kendras to all districts of the country to provide medicines at affordable rates. If you have any more questions about tuberculosis awareness in India, you can visit the Central Tuberculosis Division’s website.

So this March 24^th, on World TB Day, let’s make a commitment to reducing the stigma around tuberculosis and working towards a happier and healthier future.

March 23, 2020 0

Heart-Healthy Valentine

It’s Valentine’s Day, and, American Heart Month! It’s the perfect time to take stock of your heart. Due to its place as the center of your cardiovascular system, maintaining good heart health can have a positive impact on your body’s daily functions, and making some healthy choices that will help reduce the risk of heart disease in your future

One of the easiest things you can do for your cardiovascular health is adopting a healthier diet. Doctors suggest making the following changes:

Eating healthy fats: Educate yourselves on the differences between healthy fats and trans fats. Trans fats can clog your arteries, lower good cholesterol levels (LDL), while raising the bad cholesterol levels (HDL). Trans fats are often referred to as partially hydrogenated fats, so try choosing 0 trans fats. Some examples of healthy fats are avocados, olive oil, and canola oil
Go lean: Pick meats without fat or skin, and choose to cook them by baking, broiling, or roasting. Lean cuts can also be pan-fried or stir-fried, so there are enough ways to maintain the flavor while cutting down the unhealthiness
Limit salt: A low-sodium or no-salt diet can be a particularly effective way of lowering the risk of heart disease. A simple way of doing so is to reduce the amount of processed or canned foods you eat on a daily basis

However, diet is just one way to minimize any potential risks. Doctors suggest lowering stress and increasing physical activity can be great ways of improving overall health, thus helping keep you disease-free for a long time. A start can be trying to move more, and not spending too much time sitting in one spot.

Another very important action can be to reduce your exposure to tobacco, even if it’s through secondhand smoke. People with high blood pressure or cholesterol should be especially careful, as they are at higher risk for developing heart disease, as chemical present in cigarette smoke can increase the plaque buildup in the arteries.

There are other steps you can adopt to ensure that your heart stays healthy for a long time. Focusing on your mental health, getting the right amount of sleep for your body, reducing your dairy intake, and even practicing good dental hygiene, can help you stay good at heart, both physically and emotionally. So this Valentine’s Day, commit to making your heart happier!

February 14, 2020 0

Coronavirus: What You Need to Know!

Background

On 31^st December 2019, reports of a new virus originating in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China spread across the world. The Chinese authorities identified this strain as coronavirus, part of a family of viruses usually cause upper respiratory diseases, from the common cold to rarer diseases like SARS and MERS. Due to the nature of this virus, most people may have experienced some low-level symptoms at some point in their lives, from runny noses, headaches, coughs, to fever and a general feeling of being unwell.

Current Status – Updated

As of January 2020, this latest outbreak of the virus has been named 2019-nCoV. This latest strain also confirms that human-to-human transmission is possible, with the current toll of infected people has hit close to 6,000 people, mostly in China. At the moment, the range of severity of this disease is causing concern- people suffering from poor health appear to be at greater risk of some of the more serious symptoms, while others have only experienced mild illness.

As we approach mid-April, the latest report in India has had 8988 active cases, according to the Government of India’s dedicated COVID-19 website. The virus has hit over 210 countries, with USA leading the count at 587,173 cases. Europe has also been badly hit, with Spain reporting 172, 541 cases and Italy and France following at 159,516 and 136, 779 cases. Germany and UK are right behind them, thus making up the top five most affected countries.

All across the world, governments are instituting strict self-isolation rules. America declared a national emergency mid-March, while the Indian government has extended the initial 21-day lockdown to a total of a 42-day lockdown. The WHO (World Health Organization) has also declared coronavirus a pandemic– a disease that impacts a huge population, while spread across a large geographic area. The Indian Government has created a special website that provides real-time and accurate updates on the spread of the virus.

Why is it Concerning?

According to the WHO’s latest reports, there have been over 1.7 million confirmed cases of the disease, with the death toll at over 110,000. The impact of this disease surpasses that of SARS epidemic, which hit the world in the early 2000s. Do not mistake the two diseases for being the same- while they may emerge from the same family of viruses, each illness is entirely different in its symptoms, effects, and impact.

Unlike other diseases, COVID-19s highly infectious nature, along with the lack of information on this virus, makes it very difficult to study and cure. Doctors and healthcare workers are still trying to fully understand how the virus spreads and affects the body.

How is it Spread?

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted mostly through person-to-person contact. According to the CDC, simply being near an infected person increases your chances of catching the disease. Close physical contact with a known COVID-19 patient is strongly discouraged at the moment. The saliva of an infected person contains the disease, which means any respiratory droplets, like those that occur due to sneezing, coughs, talking, can spread the disease further.

It’s not enough to steer clear of infected patients. You can also be a carrier without showing any signs of the infection. Carriers are able to spread the disease, even though they aren’t affected by the illness themselves. Due to this, social distancing and self-isolation are the need of the hour.

Symptoms

This virus causes pneumonia, with patients suffering from cough, fevers, and difficulties in breathing. The typical incubation period for this between two to ten days, and starts with a general feeling of being unwell. Depending on the severity of the infection, there can be organ failure, respiratory failure, or even death.

Even now, the only way to really know if someone has Coronavirus is to test them. A lot of symptoms mimic those of the common flu:

Dry cough,
Fever,
Body aches,
Shortness of breath

Some people also experience sore throats and a runny nose. These symptoms initially seem mild, but some people might be hit with more severely.

Who is at Risk?

Coronavirus can affect people of all ages. However, it appears to impact people with pre-existing conditions or elderly people more seriously. As of now, the World Health Organization has reported that 1 in 6 infected people get seriously sick. According to the CDC, at-risk groups include

People over 60 years of age
Longtime smokers, since the disease attacks the respiratory system
People with HIV
People with chronic lung disease
People with moderate to severe asthma
People with severe obesity
People who are immunocompromised
- Includes people going through cancer treatments, smokers, having immune deficiencies, or consuming any immune weakening medication
People with diabetes
People with liver disease
People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
People of all ages with underlying medical conditions

Debunking Myths

Currently, there is a lot of misinformation being spread around this virus. Social platforms like Pinterest, Quora, and text applications like Whatsapp, are cracking down on the spread of false facts. During this time, we encourage you to seek accurate and updated information from verified sources, like the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), or the Indian Government’s dedicated information-sharing resource around COVID-19.

Below, we have cleared up some misconceptions around COVID-19 (all information has been sourced from the WHO and MyGov)

Coronavirus is NOT transmitted through mosquito bites
Coronavirus CAN spread in hot and humid regions
There is NO evidence that dogs/ cats can spread the virus
Hair-dryers, steam/ water vapour, hot baths are NOT cures or prevention for the virus
Typical flu vaccines are not a guaranteed protection against COVID-19
Antibiotics are NOT effective against viruses
Eating garlic/ homeopathic remedies are NOT proven solutions against this virus
There is NO cure or vaccine at this time

Precautions/ Tips

Stay safe and maintain the quarantine with all your efforts.

If you need to step out, cover your face properly with a mask, which helps reduce the potential of catching the illness. Cloth masks, which are effective for this, can be purchased or even made at home.

If you need to cough in public, cough into your elbow, not your hands.

Ensure that you’re washing your hands regularly, for a minimum of 30 seconds.

Choose alcohol-based sanitizers over non-alcohol-based, as the alcohol is more effective against viruses.

The Government of India has also released a COVID-19 tracking app named Aarogya Setu, which helps citizens keep track of the virus’ spread in their areas.

Warning Signs & Resources

If you’re experiencing mild symptoms, you need to immediately self-isolate for 14 days. However, if you fall into an at-risk category, and your symptoms are severe, get in touch with the government helpline at 011 – 23978046/ 011- 23971075. You can also reach out at ncov2019@gov.in. There are private testing options as well. You can check this list to see the options in your cities.

February 1, 2020 0

Cervical Cancer- Everything You Want to Know

As soon as you hear the word ‘cancer’, there is a sense of panic that sets in. No one would wish for themselves or any of their friends/relatives to suffer from a disease like cervical cancer. However, you would do well to note that most cases of cervical cancer are preventable with the aid of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccination as well as appropriate screening. Now what is this HPV and how is it related to cervical cancer? All that is lacking amongst the audience is appropriate awareness about cervical cancer. During this Cervical Health Awareness Month (January is designated as one), let us know more about the risk associated with cervical cancer as well as its prevention.

What is Cervical Cancer and How is it Caused?

HPV is a highly common infection that is known to spread through sexual activities, and most people suffer from cervical cancer due to this virus infection. While many people have this infection without even knowing about it, not all of them (HPV infected population) suffer from cervical cancer.

Majority of the deaths (around 90%) caused by cervical cancer happen in low and middle- income nations. This mortality rate can be reduced with the help of prevention, early diagnosis, appropriate screening and, effective treatment programs.

How can Cervical Cancer be Prevented?

HPV vaccination at the right stage can prevent a person from suffering from cervical cancer.

Early Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

Effective screening tests for cervical cancer can detect abnormal growth of cells at an early stage before those cells turn into cancer. These regular screenings can be followed up with appropriate care to prevent cervical cancer. Some of the popular screening tests for cervical cancer include HPV testing, VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) and Cytology.

Having said that, screening options for cervical cancer may not be available in all the countries, and also it may not be possible for every person to keep doing these tests without understanding or detecting the symptoms of cervical cancer.

Common Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Some of these might include the following:

Pain in the back, leg or pelvic and maybe a swollen leg
Vaginal discomfort and odorous (smelly) discharge
Vaginal bleeding (after sexual intercourse) that occurs irregularly, between periods, and is not normal
Loss of appetite, fatigue, and weight loss

What is the Treatment for Cervical Cancer?

Once someone is detected with abnormal cells or precancerous modifications through screening tests, that person needs to undergo follow-up, diagnosis as well as treatment to avoid cervical cancer from setting in or growing to an advanced stage.

BPL ColpoView C1 is a device with an LED lighting system & powerful data management software for the cervical examination, which helps gynecologists in detecting and treating precancerous lesions.

Depending on the complexity or stage of cancer, various treatment methods can be applied. If you are at a cervical pre-cancer stage, LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) or Cryotherapy can prove to be useful.

Most Important things to Keep in Mind for Cervical Cancer Awareness

You can educate others around you to go for HPV shots (vaccine) at a pre-teenage after consulting doctors. Check if you can get hold of any insurance that covers the screening tests for cervical cancer. Keep in mind the symptoms, and note that HPV infection mainly arises out of sexual activity.

January 28, 2020 0

Top Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle in 2020

2020 has begun and many of us have tried to make new resolutions for the year – with fitness being a must in this new decade. Many of us tend to relate fitness with only workouts at the gym, but forget that overall health revolves around a lot of other factors related to eating, drinking, sleeping, physical activity, mental activity, and more. So, what are the things you need to do to maintain a healthy lifestyle in 2020? Let us discuss some of these healthy living tips below.

6 Best Ways for Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

1. Consistent Physical Activity

Going for swimming sessions or a game of football/cricket every Sunday morning may not be enough to keep your body active, especially when the rest of the week you are sitting for the whole day at work in front of your laptop / PC. Aim for consistency in any physical activity that you do. To avoid boredom, involve yourself in a variety of physical activities on a regular basis – which may be hitting the gym, or going for a swim, or going for a round on cycle, or even playing a game of cricket or football on the turf.

2. Eating at Regular Intervals

Before we dwell on what you should eat and what you shouldn’t, it is important to ensure that you eat something at regular intervals of time. Regardless of how busy you are, do not keep your stomach empty for a long duration.

3. Sleep Well

Ensure your body gets enough sleep on a daily basis. If for some reason you couldn’t sleep for at least 7 hours at night, make sure you have good sleep on the following night. A good night’s sleep will ensure you stay active the whole day and will even improve your efficiency and productivity at work and otherwise.

4. Own Your Mornings

Many of you will give the excuse of lack of time to do any physical activity or maybe to give attention to your own body. Aim to sleep early around 11 p.m. and wake up by 6 a.m. on most days of the week. Keep aside the time from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. for yourself and engage in a few minutes of walking, yoga, cycling, or even a quick yet effective HIIT workout at the gym. This habit shall ensure that your body and your mind stays active for a longer amount of time.

5. Healthy Eating Habits

Have a wholesome breakfast in the morning comprising of idlis or egg omelettes or similar hot food items, along with cereals/oats/muesli, dry fruits, and a glass of milk or fresh fruit juice. Make sure you consume at least two fruits and some salad every day. Drink 2-3 glasses of warm water immediately after waking up in the morning, and drink a minimum of 11 to 12 glasses of water throughout the day. Ensure that your dinner is the lightest meal of the day, and make sure you have it before 8:30 p.m. every day.

6. Prepare Yourself for Tougher Physical Challenges

To keep yourself motivated throughout the year to indulge in physical activities and a healthier diet, try involving your family/ friends in your fitness journey. Try group activities like marathons, hikes, or treks to bring an element of fun and competition into fitness, so you’re always feeling engaged and challenged!

By integrating these tips into your lifestyle, you’ll find yourself loving its positive effects on your overall well-being. So try it out and start 2020 on the right foot!

January 20, 2020 1

BPL Medical Technologies