A Weight Loss Potion?

Over the centuries, apple cider vinegar has been used for individuals who want to lose weight. The question is: Is it really an effective weight loss treatment? Some studies have shown evidence that vinegar consumption helps curb appetite and burns fat. It also helped lowered cholesterol and blood pressure in a group of rats.

Ms. Nada Jawahery, Registered Dietician at Royal Bahrain Hospital, explains what it is. “Apple cider vinegar is a byproduct of fermented apples. Bacteria and yeast are used to metabolize the sugars in the apples. The sugar turns to alcohol in the preliminary stage of the process and then the alcohol is fermented longer to become vinegar.”

“There is scientific evidence of the benefits.” continues Ms. Jawahery, “One study examined the effect of taking white vinegar before a meal on blood sugar levels and satiety of a group of 12 people. Those who consumed the vinegar felt fuller and more satisfied after the meal than those who did not consume the vinegar. Also, results showed that those who took vinegar with the meal had better blood sugar levels and insulin profiles relative to the individuals who did not take vinegar before their meal.”

Ms. Jawahery states that there are no current guidelines to how much apple cider vinegar to consume. Some individuals take one tablespoon in the morning, either plain or mixed in a cup of water or juice. Other individuals may take it as a supplement, in tablet form. Supplements are taken prior to or following meals. “Additionally, there are no side effects if you consume it in small doses for weight loss purposes. If you are planning on taking it in larger amounts, do consult a doctor, as it can affect your insulin levels if you’re a diabetic or lead to low potassium. Additionally, if you’re on any medication, review if it is safe.”

Conclusively, Ms. Jawahery states the following “Although research looks promising on apple cider vinegar’s ability to curb appetite and burn fat, results are currently insufficient. Most studies were done on animals or cells in a lab. More research needs to be conducted to verify its true potential benefits.”

Nada Jawahery is the Registered Dietician at Royal Bahrain Hospital and is a member of, and licensed by, the American Dietetics Association. For more information call 17246832 or email: Nada.Jawahery@royalbhrn.com

Weight Loss Solution!

A chronic health problem on the rise is obesity, which is a result from an excess of fat exceeding the body’s physical needs. According to Dr. Stephen Angamuthu, Consultant General Surgeon at Royal Bahrain Hospital, explains the problems of obesity. “Obesity almost always leads to a number of other chronic health conditions, which we call co-morbidities. Some examples are cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type II diabetes, Pulmonary dysfunction, Osteoarthritis, Gallbladder disease, Cancer (breast and colon), and many others.”

However, it is difficult to shed all of the excess fat through just diet and exercise. With proper commitment this can be achieved, but nonetheless many find the most rigorous of diets and exercise routines difficult to follow or not success. “Bariatric surgery is the perfect option for those who want the full and permanent solution if a conservative line fails. Millions of people worldwide have undergone bariatric surgery successfully. As a matter of fact, in most cases, the risks that arise from remaining obese are greater than that of undergoing surgery.”

Dr. Stephen goes on to explain about the surgery itself and how it is done at Royal Bahrain Hospital. “We have adopted the modern, minimally-invasive techniques to be used whenever the case allows it. These techniques have made bariatric surgery even safer, and include less bleeding and shorter post-operation recovery times.”

In order to combat the rising rate of obesity in Bahrain, Dr. Stephen recommends all people to assess their weight and choose their options. “If you choose bariatric surgery, you will finally see all the beneficial effects it will have on your health, which have been confirmed by numerous studies. For example, you will prevent obesity-related diseases, have an extended life span, increased energy and self-esteem, and of course weight loss. The average weight loss expected over three years is 62% of the excess weight.

“If you want to know if you’re a good candidate for bariatric surgery, schedule an appointment with a trusted surgeon who has performed this operation. He or she will be able to assess your case fully and work with you to begin your journey to becoming healthier.” Says Dr. Stephen.

Dr. Stephen Angamuthu is a Consultant General Surgeon at Royal Bahrain Hospital. To book your appointment, call 17246800 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com for more information.

Blood Donation Campaign

On April 24th, 2012, from 9am to 1pm, Royal Bahrain Hospital will open its doors for blood donors to come and give blood.


Here are 25 facts about blood donation:

1. Someone needs blood every two seconds.
2. One pint of blood can save up to three lives.
3. Healthy adults who are at least 17 years old, and at least 110 pounds may donate about a pint of blood – the most common form of donation – every 56 days, or every two months.
4. Four main red blood cell types: A, B, AB and O. Each can be positive or negative for the Rh factor. AB is the universal recipient; O negative is the universal donor of red blood cells.
5. Forty-two days: how long most donated red blood cells can be stored.
6. Five days: how long most donated platelets can be stored.
7. One year: how long frozen plasma can be stored.
8. Much of today's medical care depends on a steady supply of blood from healthy donors.
9. 26.3 pints: the average whole blood and red blood cell transfusion.
10. Children being treated for cancer, premature infants and children having heart surgery need blood and platelets from donors of all types, especially type O.
11. Anemic patients need blood transfusions to increase their red blood cell levels.
12. Cancer, transplant and trauma patients, and patients undergoing open-heart surgery may require platelet transfusions to survive.
13. Many patients with severe sickle cell disease receive blood transfusions every month.
14. A patient could be forced to pass up a lifesaving organ, if compatible blood is not available to support the transplant.
15. Thirteen tests (11 for infectious diseases) are performed on each unit of donated blood.
16. 17 percent of non-donors cite "never thought about it" as the main reason for not giving, while 15 percent say they're too busy.
17. Shortages of all blood types happen during the summer and winter holidays.
18. Blood centers often run short of types O and B red blood cells.
19. If all blood donors gave three times a year, blood shortages would be a rare event (The current average is about two.).
20. 46.5 gallons: amount of blood you could donate if you begin at age 17 and donate every 56 days until you reach 79 years old.
21. Four easy steps to donate blood: medical history, quick physical, donation and snacks.
22. The actual blood donation usually takes about 10 minutes. The entire process – from the time you sign in to the time you leave – takes about an hour.
23. After donating blood, you replace the fluid in hours and the red blood cells within four weeks. It takes eight weeks to restore the iron lost after donating.
24. You cannot get AIDS or any other infectious disease by donating blood.
25. Giving blood will not decrease your strength.

Protect Your Eyes

It is common knowledge that the eyelids are the eye protective organs. However, medical professionals stress the importance of not taking these organs for granted. Dr. Bachar Khoury, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital sheds some light on this topic. “Eyelids are not simple as they look. They have a wonderful mechanism for eye protection. The action of blinking your eye is the fastest movement in the body. This is the first mechanical defense against any foreign body may enter the eye.”

“Additionally, this has more functions other than protecting the eye. With every blink the eyelid spreads the tear film on the cornea so it stays wet and prevents dryness. Eyelids have a good drainage system, so tears flow from the eye to the nose and don’t flood on the cheeks. This mechanism in not simple at all, it has a pumping mechanism to pump the tears to the nose. That pumping happens with blinking so the muscles stretch and plays a suction role.”

“Furthermore, eyelids also have mucous glands and lipid (fat) glands. This fat stays on the top of the tear film preventing it from evaporation and keeps the eyes wet.”

However, Dr. Bachar discusses the medical risks that are related to this organ.

“Sometimes these lacrimal canals become blocked causing infections. In order to unblock them, they need to be opened surgically. In addition to that, eyelids are also susceptible to tumors, swelling, and other illnesses. The sad thing is, many people decide to self-medicate by applying ice or over-the-counter medicine, not knowing that they could be making the condition worse.”

Dr. Bachar urges patients that feel an unusual sensation in their eyelid or general eye area to review their Ophthalmologist, at least with a phone call before they decide to medicate. “The eye area is very sensitive and most people disregard how careful they have to be in treating it.”

Dr. Bachar Khoury is the Consultant Ophthalmologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital. To book your appointment, call 1724 6800 or visit our website www.royalbahrainhospital.com

Breast Cancer Detection

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in middle aged women. As there is lot of attention focused on breast cancer worldwide, there is a fear developing in women when they notice a lump or any change in the breast. Could it be a cancer? But 80-85% of all breast lumps/swelling are benign. Again it is better a surgeon concludes the nature of the lump by clinical examination and tests instead of assuming or neglecting it as benign. The present day diagnostic tools offer a high degree of accuracy in excluding cancer.

Female breast is a dynamic structure with monthly cyclical changes along with changes of development and involution throughout the women’s reproductive life brought about by various hormones. These changes and influences make the breast prone for many disorders including cancer.

There are certain risk factors identified as cause of breast cancer, they are - older age, first child at late age, absence of breast feeding, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, obesity, high alcohol consumption and exposure to radiation.

Women with breast disorder present with 3 main symptoms, breast lump, breast pain and nipple discharge.

When screening for breast disorders it is very important to go through 3 evaluating tools which will enhance the diagnostic accuracy. First a detailed history of the problem and a thorough examination by the clinician. Second is imaging (Mammogram, Ultrasound and MRI). Third is biopsy of the problem area.

It is also important that a woman examines her breast frequently to note any changes and report to the doctor for further evaluation.

Common benign breast conditions which frequently seen are Fibroadenoma, Fibrocystic disease, Mastalgia, Breast cysts, Cyclical nodularity, Galactocele, Sclerosing adenosis, Fat necrosis, Duct ectasis, Duct papillomas and Mastitis.

It is found that hesitation to consult a doctor and ending up in late diagnosis of a cancer has led to high mortality. Breast cancers can be diagnosed very early and early treatment gives high cure rates.

Dr. Narendra Kumar M [MBBS, MS, FMAS] is a General Surgery Specialist at Royal Bahrain Hospital. For more information or to book your appointments call 17246800 or plan your visit at www.royalbahrainhospital.com.

Parenting Tips from a Pediatrician

The role of parents is one that is both fun and challenging. Right from infancy up until adulthood, the love, care, support and guidance that they provide is unparralled, as they would settle for nothing  than the best .While most of parenting is guided by the ‘sixth sense’, a few guidelines will help them deliver holistic care. Dr. Bhramara Madduri, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital, provides us with a few guidelines that can help parents nurture their young ones and feel good at the end of the day that they have done their bit.

Dr. Bhramara points out that holistic health is important, to let a child grow to his/her full potential. “Firstly, exclusively breast feed the baby for the first six months of life. Secondly, ensure that you schedule regular health visits for development assessment and vaccinations at birth, then once every 2 months until aged 1 year, then once every 6 months until 2 years old, then once every 5 years until aged 15. Visits during the preadolescent and adolescent years should discuss issues related to growth and puberty, psychological needs and such things. Additionally, we encourage pre-school screening for visual and hearing problems.”

In addition to that, Dr. Bhramara advises parents to teach their children to lead healthy lifestyles with healthy eating habits that include fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereals daily while discouraging fast food, packaged food, and sugary food. “Inculcate the habit of drinking ample amount of water.”

A healthy lifestyle also includes adequate physical activity. “Outdoor play, yoga, sports, swimming, dance, cycling and such activities from the very beginning ensure a healthy lifestyle in the future. Also hobbies like reading, music, drawing, painting or some form of creative art, to foster balanced right/left brain development.”

Dr. Bhramara also lists out a few things that parents should avoid. “Avoid letting them spend a lot of time on the TV or internet, limit it to 1 hour a day.” Another practice that is highly discouraged is self-medicating. “When in need seek expert advice. Also, be generous with praises, while reducing the ‘Don’t’s and Nos’ and involve them in decision making.”

Dr. Bhramara sums it up with a last phrase “An age old saying goes ‘Provide loving care for the first 5 years, discipline them for the next 10 years, and befriend them from when they are sixteen onwards’ .”

Dr. Bhramara Madduri, [MD, MRCP (UK)] is a Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital. For more information or to book your appointment, call 17246800 or (toll free) 8000 1090 or plan your visit at www.royalbahrainhospital.com.

The Gall!(Stones)

Worldwide gallstone disease is a very common problem. Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile juice which can form anywhere along the path of flow of bile, but more commonly in the gallbladder.

Gallstones will only show symptoms if one blocks the duct, obstructing the flow of bile. Then symptoms include sudden and rapidly intensifying pain in the right upper abdomen or upper mid abdomen. If a complication develops then the pain will persist and increase in intensity, possibly accompanied by vomiting, high fever with chills and yellowing of skin and eyes.

The cause of gallstone formation is not known. Cholesterol and Bilirubin, two constituents of bile juice, are well dissolved in bile but if they get precipitated or their concentration in bile increases due to any reason, then stone formation takes place.

Despite the unknown cause, certain associated risk factors have been identified. Females are more prone than males, as those who are aged above 40, are obese, or are eating high fat low fiber diet, have a family history of gallstones, are on cholesterol lowering medications and hormone therapy.

Complications include gallbladder inflammation (Cholecystitis), blockage of bile ducts, pancreatic duct blockage and a very rare possibility of gallbladder cancer.

Imaging tests used to diagnose gallstones and their complications are: Abdominal Ultrasound (USG), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreaticography (MRCP), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreaticography (ERCP) and Hepatobiliary IminoDiacetic Acid (HIDA) scan.  Blood tests help in detecting any infections, jaundice, pancreas inflammation and other related complications.

As for the treatment, those without symptoms don’t require treatment when a gallstone is found incidentally in a scan done for another purpose. For those with symptoms, surgical removal of gallbladder (A.K.A. Cholecystectomy) is the treatment of choice, done either by open method or by keyhole method (Laparoscopic cholecystectomy) which is more popular now.

Preventing gallstones requires reducing associated risk factors through regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, healthy dietary habits like low fat and high fiber diets.

Dr. Narendra Kumar M [MBBS, MS, FMAS] is a General Surgery Specialist at Royal Bahrain Hospital. For more information or to book your appointment call 17246800 or plan your visit at www.royalbahrainhospital.com.