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Decoding the true meaning of Holistic Wellness

The world is gearing towards wellness, the alternative medicine to stay fit and healthy. In this DLC TALK Deepak Gupta, the founder of a new concept, Eden retirement living takes us through the concept of luxury retirement living, an offshoot of wellness retreat packed with a host of wellness programmes — Ayurveda, naturopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, spiritual healing, dietetic treatment, healthy culinary tips, and that undefinable quality of life that can make a wellness retreat feel like home.

Pulmonologists to the rescue: how we curbed a pandemic with specializations

When the pandemic had just begun the world was scared and confined to their houses. In these trying times the medical fraternity rose to the occasion to protect mankind. As it got clearer that Covid was primarily affecting lungs and the respiratory system the Pulmonologist fraternity got into immediate action and worked tirelessly to save as many lives as possible. Those long hours in PPE kits and in masks were physically and mentally tiring and overwhelming. Patients and families needed to be guided and emotionally supported to tide over this dreaded disease. The day will forever be etched in my memory when Mumbai’s first Covid affected patient was admitted at Wockhardt Hospital under my care. On one hand I was working around the clock while on the other hand I felt ostracised as everyone in and around my housing society would look at me with fear and stay away from me.

In hindsight it really troubled me that people were avoiding me because of my professional commitments required in these challenging times. Instead of being empathetic and appreciative they feared I would infect them. It was a paradox that the very people I was trying to protect felt threatened by me.

In midst of this my first Covid affected patient recovered and his recovery journey was widely covered by the media. He applauded us for our selfless service. Once news came out people’s perspectives started changing. Doctors were put on pedestals long after this initial phase of doubt.

It was a tough job to get into fighting mode everyday with the number of cases spiralling. The concern of my elderly parents and a young child at home and that I could infect my family kept me anxious throughout. I did not let this self-doubt win over my duty as a Doctor.

In the first wave we did not have many treatment options nor vaccine/medicine availability to steady a worsening situation. Being a Pulmonologist and an expert in managing such cases, we worked and brainstormed continuously to adjust treatment settings to get a positive outcome to help recover as many affected individuals as possible. Families of affected patients put our trust in us blindly, and that is a huge responsibility.

Like I said the first phase was ripe with lack of knowledge and scarcity of resources. In such a dire situation we had to make do with whatever was available. We came up with many innovations like double tube from the same ventilator for two patients to optimally use one single ventilator, makeshift portable ventilators during acute ventilator shortage and other ideas to continue treatment on as many patients as possible. We did not want to refuse treating any patient who came to us. Except the medical bit there are lot of other aspects that go overlooked but require a lot of effort and energy to get done. We pledged that no patient would suffer due to Covid admission protocol for admission and hence we went out of the way to make special protocols to facilitate admission and care. Several hundreds of people who were unable to find beds in hospitals reached out to us. We accommodated as many as we could. Parallely consulted thousands of sick patients who did not need hospitalization but required home quarantine and treatment consumed whatever was left of our day/night. This went on for more than a year.

We were better equipped by the time the second wave hit us as we had concrete research and new drug options. We read up all available published data and studies post our work timings to be able to offer better treatment.

Remdesivir, Favipiravir, Molnupiravir, plasma transfusion, steroids, blood thinners, antibody cocktail, HCQ, Azithromycin, doxycycline and host of other drugs claimed to be effective but needed to be monitored and prescribed cautiously.

Post the second wave came the most crucial part of the Covid journey. Once the vaccines arrived all Doctors took them without much safety data available or guaranteed protection so that people would be convinced about their safety and willingly accept them. We read about it and educated the masses about the same. We were equal partners in the Government’s initiative to educate and convince people about the benefit of being vaccinated.

As the fear of Covid still lurks and as cases again seem to be rising in some parts of the world our job here is not done yet. This pandemic has taught and toughened us to face any adversities that come in the near future. As a proud Pulmonologist I am grateful that I was able to uphold my medical oath and help my patients in the most humane way possible.

Into the Wild – Explore the world’s 5 most extravagant wildlife resorts

Sometimes we just need to tap out of the hustle and bustle of contemporary life and find solace.The wild provides a place where our day is not dictated by the ringing of our phones, but instead the rising and setting of the sun. Here we can seek bird song symphonies, night skies where no constellation goes unnoticed, and vast sunsets interrupted by only trees. These incredible wildlife resorts guarantee luxury, comfort and serenity against the backdrop of the dynamic, vast and ever-changing wilderness.

Wilderness Safaris Jao Camp – Okavango Delta, Botswana On a remote island within the 60,000 hectares of Jao reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta,is Jao Camp. Renovated in 2019, Jao Camp is made of natural and recycled materials of steel,wood and glass which make for a spacious and light sanctuary in the middle of the African bush.The main camp features a spa, library, museum and gallery. Being elevated into the tree canopy,the main camp also offers spectacular views of the vista and makes for great land and water based game viewing. Game viewing opportunities however, are in abundance at Jao. Expert guides take guests on both land and water safaris, the most unique to the Okavango being the Mokoro excursions where you can explore the delta in a glass bottomed dug out canoe.Accommodation is of course luxurious, with all villas and suites having their own private plunge pools, lounge and dining areas and ensuite bathrooms with both indoor an outdoor showers.

vAman-I-Khas – Rajasthan, India
Aman-I-Khas is located on the fringe of Ranthambore National Park – one of the best places in the
world to see the elusive Bengal tiger in it’s natural habitat. Embark on daily safaris led by expert
guides, in search of this mysterious creature. You can even organize a bespoke picnic to be
prepared for you when you need to refuel. In between safaris, find solace in the camp which is
surrounded by rugged beauty. Stay in one of ten Mughal-inspired tents, privacy, elegance and
comfort all in one, serviced by your own personal butler. During the day, these luxurious tents
swim in natural light – relax on your own private deck area or lounge by the camps pool. At night,
the tents become a cozy haven in which you can retreat to after an evening of story telling and
stargazing round the firepit. Aman-I-Khas’ relationship with nature is unparalleled with their everchanging menu being curated around what produce is available in their onsite organic kitchen
garden. Enjoy elevated traditional Indian cuisine, cooked by Chef’s who are equipped with recipes
passed down from generation to generation. Wellness is also a focal point of the Aman-I-Khas
experience with bespoke therapeutic activities available including; outdoor yoga sessions,
aromatic baths, Poornvandana massage and traditional Ayurveda to help you find balance and
healing.

Singita Kwitondo Lodge – Rwanda
Over a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population resides in Rwanda’s Volcanoes
National Park. Located right next door, Singita Kwitonda Lodge provides its guests with direct
access to encountering these magnificent animals in person through guided gorilla trekking
experiences. Singita Kwitondo Lodge invites guests to contemplate and savor these once-in-a lifetime experiences; each of the luxurious eight suites provides a sanctuary of warmth, stillness
and solitude to reflect and unwind. They all have their own private heated plunge pool, wellness
treatment area, indoor an outdoor fireplaces and panoramic timber framed windows which
showcase breathtaking views of the surrounding habitat. Conservation and sustainability are just
as important to SIngita Kwitonda Lodge as providing guests with a luxurious stay. There is a room
on-site dedicated to educating guests about the conservation of the gorillas. The lodge also
follows a farm-to-table approach with fresh produce being grown in the on-site garden for the
chefs to use.

Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge – The Amazon, Brazil
Experience luxury, adventure and comfort in the heart of the Brazilian rainforest at Anavilhanas
Jungle Lodge. They take a personalized approach, tailoring guests a bespoke programme based
on the length of your stay and your personal preferences. Immerse yourself in all that the Amazon
has to offer with; a canoe trip on Rio Negro to visit a local caboclo community, watch the sunrise
on one of the islands, go fishing for Piranhas, go on guided hikes in the Madadá caves and the
Dryland forest, experience the Amazon in its most traditional way on a tour into the Archipelago
on board of a regional boat, paddle through creeks and the flooded forest on a canoe, and go in
search of nocturnal creatures on a Anavilhanas Archipelago Nocturnal Sightseeing tour. Choose
between a Cottage, Bungalow or Panoramic room – all ensure the upmost of comfort and privacy,
finding a balance between feeling like you are immersed in the forest whilst still being connected
via amenities such as air conditioning and a TV.

Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge – Tanzania
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is described as being “where Maasai meets Versailles” – this elegant
baroque chateaux is romantic and opulent, yet is still deeply connected to its surroundings on the
edge of Ngorongoro’s ancient caldera. This almost mythic crater is nearly three million years old
and is home to one of the most beautiful wildlife havens in the world; Africa’s incredible creatures
can roam freely. Service at Ngorongoro Lodge is truly personal. Each suite is equipped with their
own dining area and private butler to warmly cater to your very need. The highlights of this lodge
however have to be the unique experiences it provides for its guests. Seek the big five on a safari
game drive, interact with the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes, step back in time at Olduvai Gorge, dine
in one of the most unique settings in Africa with a banquet on the Crater floor, and interact with
the Kopelion conservation team, you can even indulge in wine tasting at the on-site wine shop.

The once in a lifetime memories created in places like these change us. They change our
perspective on the world we live in, the way we interact and appreciate the nature in our own
cities, how we interact with one another, what we seek from our days etc… The wild is raw,
unfiltered, and pure. Go into the wild not to escape reality, but to be reconnected with it
 

73 Questions with Rupal Tyagi

With over 15 years of experience in healing people with aromatherapy, Rupal Tyagi, the Co-Founder and Creative Director of the brand Wikka has fashioned natural personal care products, and, perfumes, fragrances, and hotels amenities. In the DLC Member Stories, she answers a series of questions on aromatherapy and the growing trend to re-embrace ancient, time-tested practices in this modern age of designer perfumes and much more in the aroma world, not much spoken about.

Beyond Just Fragrances: How to Select Yours!

Sheetal Desai guides the listeners through the glamourous world of perfumes and fragrances. She helps the members learn about the extensive variety of scents, sources, and the nature of this elegant product.

What most people don’t understand about chemotherapy

When your oncologist says you need chemotherapy, your dreams may be filled with ambiguous thoughts which may not be actually realistic of what’s involved in chemotherapy sessions. Many of us picture ourselves with IV drip in a hospital bed with a lot many emotions. The realistic thinking is, that there are many ways to get chemotherapy starting from skin cream to the IV drip. Side effects are purely dependant on individuals defence systems which may not be similar for everyone.

Here are some mind-blowing facts about chemotherapy which might surprise you to preparing for a chemotherapy session

  1. No overnight stay in hospital- Chemotherapy can be given as a daycare procedure at the hospital, office, home etc., which depends upon factors like the type of cancer and type of chemotherapy to be planned, any previous chemotherapy sessions, and any health-related problems.
  2. Tablets or skin creams- Your oncologist can prescribe chemotherapy in the form of tablets which can be swallowed, dosage depends from daily to weekly once and in form of skin creams which can be rubbed on the skin.
  3. Kill hidden cancer cells in the blood- Your oncologist may prescribe chemotherapy not only to shrink the tumour before surgery but also to kill the hidden cancer cells which may be in the blood after the surgery is performed to remove the tumour.
  4. Can perform all daily activities – Chemotherapy isn’t debilitating as you expect. Always have a flexible schedule of chemotherapy sessions to adjust your office timings. Working remotely from home or hospital is always kept as a last option when you don’t feel good after the chemotherapy session.
  5. Varied side effects- Some patients don’t have any side effects and not every patient has similar ones. Side effects may vary ranging from fatigue to hair loss. You need to talk to your oncologist about the expected side effects though it’s hard to predict which symptoms you will have.
  6. Side effects lasting for months or years- There can be side effects which may last for years like infertility, kidney problems, nerve damage and chances of getting second cancer.
  7. Dietary and Lifestyle changes- Eat lots of protein and calorie-rich food whenever you are able to eat. Your appetite may be highest in the morning, so that can be a good time to get in a bigger meal. If solid foods aren’t appealing, try semi-solid, liquid meal replacements for extra calories like fresh fruit juice, soup, or milk. Eat smaller meals five or six times a day instead of three larger ones. This can help keep you from feeling too full.
  8. Chemotherapy can be used to treat other conditions – Other conditions like bone marrow disease can be treated by chemotherapy.
  9. Visit your Dentist before the chemotherapy – Chemotherapy not only kills cancer cells but also kills normal cells in your immune system which in turn raises the chances of infections during chemotherapy sessions. To stay away from infections, kindly check whether you have taken flu shots before chemotherapy. Visit your dentist to make sure your oral cavity is clean and oral hygiene is maintained. Wash your hands often and stay away from sick people and pets.
  10. General Medications can interfere with chemotherapy – Over the counter medications and vitamin, capsules can interfere with chemotherapy sessions. We generally think vitamins are safe to improve the health but high doses of Vitamin A, C and E can interfere with chemotherapy. Consult your oncologist to take any medications.