Pandemic Roundup: Past, Present and Prospects
The COVID-19 pandemic is now more than two years old. It has changed the world in a previously unimaginable manner, and fast. We are all witnesses to that change and the new normal. Before...
Category: Public Education
Public education and information articles – written in simple language, for everyone.
Articles here are just for your information and are not a substitute for a professional medical opinion. Please do read the disclaimer.
To Test or Not to Test: COVID-19, India, and the Controversy about Testing (In)adequacy
Jim O’Neill, a British economist, made a controversial and callous remark about India’s potential to handle a pandemic, “Thank God this didn’t start in somewhere like India, because there’s absolutely no way that the...
Change ahead. Are we ready?
When the whole world witnessed the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009-10, India was significantly affected too. When we are in the midst of another pandemic, of COVID-19, is there something that we can learn...
Understanding Antibiotics (Part 3)
Antibiotic resistance is a critical concept in the treatment of infectious diseases. As we have already discussed in the first part of this series, antibiotics are unlike other medicines. Antibiotics do not have a...
Understanding Antibiotics (Part 2)
Antibiotics are an important and special class of medications, as we learned in the first part of this series on understanding antibiotics. Now we know what antibiotics are – they are a valuable weapon...
Understanding Antibiotics (Part 1)
Antibiotics are an important type of modern medicine. But they are not just like any other. Most medications modify the function of our body to control or cure a symptom or a disease. However,...
Death – The Ultimate Reality
Life asked Death, “Why do people love me, but hate you?” Death responded, “Because you are a beautiful lie and I am the unpleasant truth.” As I read the above lines a long time...
Doctor-Patient Relationship
“The doctor didn’t even look at me before writing out a prescription!” “That patient’s relatives threatened me about the consequences if she doesn’t recover.” “The doctor was very critical and judgmental about me.” “That...
Drinking too much water?
“I make it a point to drink a LOT of water daily.” “If my urine colour is not as clear as water, I am drinking too less water.” “I get up four times at...
Eat Right, Eat Light
People often try anything to help them lose weight. The reasons to lose weight are many – to be healthy, maintain fitness, or to look and feel better. Most companies that promote special diets...
Why is it hard to lose weight?
“I can’t lose weight! I am doing everything I can!” Inability to lose weight is a very common grievance. Weight loss is unquestionably difficult. An important reason for this difficulty is the misconception regarding...
Bitter taste in mouth during illnesses
You must have experienced that bad taste in your mouth during fever. Also called dysgeusia, this is a very common occurrence in various illnesses, and a frequent complaint as patients start recovering from their disease....
Why does our hair turn grey?
Some scientists poke needles at our bubbles of happiness. Yes, at least they did for me. I was touting my grey hair as a sign of wisdom for many years. But now, some researchers...
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a non-specific test for inflammation. It is easy to perform, widely available and inexpensive, making it a widely used screening test. It is also used as a monitoring tool for...
