Dr Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Senior Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, Aster RV Hospital Stretch marks (striae) are indented streaks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks or other places on the body. They’re common in pregnant women, especially during the last trimester. They also occur during adolescent growth spurt and by dieting or by putting on weight in adults and children. Stretch marks aren’t painful or harmful, but some people don’t like the way they make their skin look. Do stretch marks go away? Stretch marks fade with time; however, treatment may make them less noticeable more quickly. A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear. How do I get rid of my stretch marks? Most stretch marks will fade on their own over time. They may become less noticeable after fading. Medical treatments for stretch marks are Scar lightening creams and Lotions Laser therapy. Lasers deliver focused light to the skin. … Microdermabrasion. … Micro needling. … Radiofrequency therapy. … Chemical peel. Are stretch marks unhealthy? If you have stretch marks, you probably wish they’d go away. These grooves or lines in your skin aren’t harmful to your health, but they aren’t great to look at, either. And even though they’ll never really go away, they might fade over time or with help from certain products and procedures. What are the main causes of stretch marks? The cause of stretch marks is stretching of the skin. Their severity is affected by several factors, including your genetics and the degree of stress on the skin. Your level of the hormone cortisol also might play a role. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Effect on mental health While stretch marks are commonly associated with pregnancy, the permanency of the skin lesions causes pregnant women and pregnant individuals’ substantial embarrassment that can negatively impact pregnancy and their quality of life. Sometimes it tends to affect self-esteem and clothing choice. Stretch marks and the concerns for developing them may be contributing factors for depression or anxiety in the perinatal period, which affect up to one in seven women during pregnancy and postpartum. If uncontrolled or untreated, perinatal depression can lead to adverse pregnancy or neonatal outcomes. Bringing attention to the emotional and psychological impacts of stretch marks on patients can hopefully help in the identification and treatment of mental health disorders during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Provides 120+ certificate courses to upskill students Staying in line with constantly evolving, new trends and approaches in education, Chennai based Agurchand Manmull Jain College has announced four (1 UG and 3 PG) new courses for the new academic year 2023-24. The new courses added to this year include, B.Sc Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence and M.Sc Applied Psychology with specialization in Counselling, M.A Public Administration and M.Com Accounting and Finance. Along with the new graduation courses, the college will also be offering certificate courses which will help students to upskill themselves. Courses like Import and Export Management, E-Banking, Crypto currency, Open Source, Disaster management, Drug less therapy for students and teachers, Income Tax Return filing for individuals, An introduction to Gender, Sex and Sexuality, Stress Management, Traditional Art: Tanjore painting, Event Management, Internet of Things (IoT) For home automation and many more are offered by the college. “Through these new courses, students will acquire knowledge that are more relevant to the current scenarios. The B.Sc Computer Science with AI programme will equip the students with both computing and scientific skills to solve real-world problems. M.Sc Applied Psychology with specialization in counselling aims at theoretical understanding of the concepts, knowledge application and skill building,” said Ms. Ramya, Dean, Agurchand Manmull Jain College. Around 120+ certificate courses are identified as value-added and skill-based courses, where the students can pick and choose the area they would like to enhance themselves. A 30 hour course will be at an affordable cost of Rs 500 and 45 hour course will be offered at Rs 750. “These certificate courses will help the students to be in power with the industry requirements and excel in their career. We have also signed MoUs with ICAI and TCS for competency courses. TCS will offer a Banking and Insurance course at free of cost, while ICAI will offer CMA foundation and intermediate course, which will come at a cost of Rs 6,000 and Rs 23,100, respectively. These courses will be available from June 2023”, Ms. Ramya said. About Agurchand Manmull Jain College: Agurchand Manmull Jain College was established in 1952 by Padma shri Mohanmullji Chordia through the Sri. S. S. Jain Educational Society. The College which started as a college for men was upgraded into a Co-educational institution in 2003. Today it is a frontline top ranking offering 30 undergraduate and 8 postgraduate programmes, with a student strength of 9000+. The institution possesses a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity. With its high-quality instruction, AM Jain has been motivating and shaping students into morally strong, intellectual citizens.

ICRI, the leading institute in India offering new age programs, announced its new alliance with Aakash Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi for Bsc in Radiology and Bsc in Medical Lab Technology (MLT). ICRI is the only institute providing practical exposure in leading hospitals upon course commencement and will be trained by leading doctors and practitioners in the industry. ICRI is the first institute in India to provide practical exposure to students in a hospital. Under this alliance students will be trained by expert medical professional of the respective fields.  ICRI students of Bsc Radiology and MLT will get a chance to be recruited by Aakash Hospital after the completion of the program. This alliance aims to equip students with professional knowledge to inculcate industry readiness. BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), also known as clinical laboratory Technology, is a 3-year undergraduate program that can be pursued after Class 12th. It is an allied health profession that is concerned with the diagnosis and prevention of disease through the use of clinical laboratory investigations and findings. Medical technologists are an integral part of the medical profession. These professionals get involved in practical and technical work to aid in correct diagnosis and the effective functioning of Biochemical Laboratories. BSc in Radiography and Imaging Technology is a demanding course in the allied healthcare industry. It is a 3-year undergraduate program that is split up into six semesters. The curriculum has been designed to meet the growing needs of professionals in clinical radiography, radiation safety, image processing technology, imaging modalities, etc. The requirement for educated and professional radiology technologists in hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices continuously increases. The radiography field will continue to show higher-than-average job growth in the future. The healthcare industry in India is growing at a compound annual growth rate of 22%. This sector has created 2.7 million additional jobs in India. To unlock the healthcare segment’s growing potential, ICRI trains its students in employable skills that boost their healthcare careers. ICRI is the first institute to run these allied health courses in collaboration with hospitals. ICRI offer new-age programs with modern learning methodology. They also provide mentorship and guidance of expert medical professionals and invite industry experts to accelerate their professional careers. This is the first ever learning module for allied health segment that exposes students to the practical learning from the first day of their enrolment. Aakash Hospital, NABH accredited & an ISO 9001: 2000 Certified organization, is one of the few institutions providing personalized and unbiased health care services to people from all walks of life. Located in  Delhi, Aakash is one of the city’s modern and leading hospitals, offering the broadest range of medical facilities under one roof. The hospital provides 24-hour services and uses the latest technology available in advanced diagnostic equipment. Aakash Hospital is registered with “The Directorate of Health Services” Government of Delhi, India. Dr Aashish Chaudhry – Managing Director of Aakash Hospital, said , “Aakash Healthcare is  delighted to partner with ICRI, who are focused on futuristic programs through their unique University – Industry partnership model with a history of imparting High-quality training in new-age careers. We look forward to providing extensive practical training to students of B.Sc-Radiology and MLT leading to  developing highly trained professionals in these domains.” Commenting on the alliance, Kanishk Dugal- COO of ICRI, said, ” We are pleased with our collaboration with a top multi- speciality hospital like Aakash Hospital. Practical exposure and on job training with up-to-date technology will enhance the learning experience of our students. It will shape and prepare them for their jobs during the learning period. We are dedicated to nurturing our students with the environment and training that helps in enriching the students with the knowledge and right skills.”

Dr. Divyesh Patel, Hematologist, HCG Cancer Centre – Vadodara Cancer can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, and race. The disease can also affect any part of the body when cells in the body divide rapidly, causing tumours to form and spread throughout the body. Cancer is often categorised based on the type of cells that are initially impacted, even though there are many different varieties of cancer, each with its own characteristics. Lymphoma is one such cancer. Also known as immune system cancer, Lymphoma develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow rapidly. These lymphocytes are part of your immune system, which helps fight infection of any kind. Lymphocytes travel around your body in the lymphatic system carrying a fluid called lymph. The lymph fluid passes through glands (lymph nodes), which are spread throughout your body. Though Lymphoma is prevalent worldwide, educating yourself about its causes and how it can be treated at the earliest is always beneficial. There are two types of lymphoma one can keep in mind basis the symptoms, they are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Symptoms: The symptoms of lymphoma can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. Common symptoms of lymphoma include the following: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, fatigue and weakness, fever and chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, Itching, shortness of breath, chest pain. Causes: The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These include: Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or who have had an organ transplant, are more likely to develop lymphoma. Age: Lymphoma is highly common in people over the age of 60. Family History: People with a family history of lymphoma are at a slightly higher risk of developing the disease. Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, can increase the risk of lymphoma. Infection: Certain infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus and the Helicobacter pyloribacteria, have been linked to an increased risk of lymphoma. The treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the disease and the person’s overall health. Treatment options include: Chemotherapy: This is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used to treat both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy to treat lymphoma. Immunotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to help the immune system fight cancer. It is often used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Stem cell transplant: This treatment involves replacing damaged stem cells with healthy ones. It is often used to treat lymphoma that has come back after previous treatment. To sum it up, lymphoma is a form of cancer that needs immediate medical attention, especially when experiencing crucial symptoms. A quick diagnosis can help detect the treatment for the illness. Treatment options include chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the prognosis.

Dr B K Vishwanath Bhat ,Pediatrician and MD of Radhakrishna Multispecialty Hospital, Bengaluru Immunization is one of the most important ways to protect children from serious and life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by helping the body build immunity to specific infections or diseases. When children receive vaccinations, their immune system produces a response that helps them fight off the specific disease if they are ever exposed to it. Here are some key reasons why immunization is important for children: Prevention of serious illnesses: Vaccines are designed to protect children from serious and life-threatening illnesses such as diphtheria,pertussis,measles, mumps,rubella,polio, tetanus, hepatitis B, HIB,pneumococcus,rotaviruses,chickenpox and influenza. Protection of the community: Vaccinations not only protect the individual child, but also contribute to the overall protection of the community by reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Safe and effective: Vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety and effectiveness before they are approved for use. Serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare. Cost-effective: Vaccinations are a cost-effective way to prevent disease and reduce healthcare costs associated with treating infectious diseases. Long-term protection: Immunization provides long-term protection against infectious diseases, which can have serious and lasting health consequences. Required for school and daycare: In many countries, children are required to be vaccinated before they can attend school or daycare, in order to protect the health of all students and staff. Overall, immunization is a critical component of children’s health and well-being. By getting their recommended vaccines on schedule, children can stay healthy and protected from serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

To encourage sustainability initiatives and promote the importance of environmental conservation, Ekya Schools has collaborated with the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) in their one-of-a-kind Bee Hotels initiative. Interested students from all 5 branches of Ekya have opted for the Bee Hotel and will be participating in the activity. These bee hotels will be looked after by the students during the summer vacation. This unique initiative was launched to study solitary bees in Bangalore. Unlike honey bees, solitary bees do not build hives or display any aggressive behaviour. This initiative aims to integrate these essential pollinators in our cities with the support of citizens. Ekya School Byrathi hosted an interactive talk about conserving biodiversity in cities. Students had the opportunity to meet and interact with researchers from the ATREE. They shared their insights from their research in urban landscapes. During the event, Dr Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder of Ekya Schools and Provost, CMR University, said, "At Ekya Schools, we envision integrating and instilling various sustainable development techniques, methods and lifestyle practices in our children. We have introduced the Bee Hotels as we firmly believe in the importance of transcending the limits of the classroom and raising our students awareness of the world they inhabit.  Moreover, the Bee Hotel initiative engages the entire family by facilitating collective learning about sustainability and conservation. We believe that our students must understand the impact of their actions on the environment,  said Ms Smriti Agarwal, Head of School, Ekya School Byrathi. “By implementing this initiative, we are not only creating a secure environment for bees but also educating our students about the significance of sustainability and conservation. Students will be recording their observations on the Bee Hotel App. These observations will help further the research program at Atree and their efforts to integrate these important pollinators into urban life. Students at Ekya are thrilled to own the Bee Hotel structures that have been given to them.

Eligeo Exim Solution has made its way to the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) with its digitally printable fabric. The company conceptualized the idea during the pandemic in 2020 and got registered with the IEC code and all formalities required for export by mid-2021. The idea of manufacturing garments wasn’t getting the desired outcome, so the company decided to get designers’ prints on the fabric and send them back. Two designers, Johanna Ortiz from Colombia and Jaline Resort of New York, responded to the idea. Jaline’s trust issues were resolved by insisting on a credit card payment. After resolving several hassles, the company exported the first order in August of 2022. The company’s niche was speed, and they delivered the goods on short notice. The company decided to concentrate on the US market and particularly New York due to the ease of sending samples and consignments. By December 2022, the company had three more designers on board, and Ms. Jacqueline Lopez of Jaline supported the company by giving good feedback to those who called her for reference check. The company received a response from Ms. Paige Gillagan of Collina Strada on December 15, 2022, asking for swatches. The fabric was to be delivered in New York before the end of January, and the company took up the challenge despite the doubts. The company sourced another vendor as a backup, which worked out, and they delivered the fabric by the end of January. The company was motivated to deliver at any cost, even if it meant losing money. The company’s digitally printable fabric was showcased at the NYFW, which is a significant achievement for a company that is just starting.

“At Embassy Group, Environment Conservation and Sustainability are intrinsic to our company’s culture. We aim to drive positive change by providing infrastructure-based solutions to enhance basic amenities around our communities. With Earth Day around the corner, we are focused on achieving harmony between our business practices and nature, aligning with this year’s theme of “Invest In Our Planet.” We strongly believe that collaboration is the key to revitalizing our environment and transitioning to a green economy for all. Embassy is a proud partner of TAICT’s EcoGram Solid Waste Management project. Initiated in 2016, EcoGram jointly aims to create an ecologically sound replicable model Gram Panchayat to propagate sustainable waste, water and soil management. To complement the solid waste management infrastructural solutions provided in the Bettahalasuru Panchayat, a strong emphasis is also placed on community engagement and awareness initiatives curated through women and children in the communities. We signed an MoU with the Yelahanka and Bettahalasuru Panchayats to manage an Dry & Wet Waste Collection Centre in a dedicated 2-acre land, benefitting 10 villages. Further, we have also provided solar panels for 16 Government Schools, contributing to the green infrastructure of Bangalore. For this year’s 52nd anniversary, our agenda is join hands with other corporates, the Government and NGOs to create a culture of collaboration and corporate sustainability to deepen our collective efforts towards saving our planet. As champions of sustainable practices, we are poised at continuing our endeavours to reduce environmental degradation and embrace greener communities.”