Authored by Dr. Pushpa Naga C H, Department of Radiation Oncology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore Women’s health entails a variety of gender-specific issues that contribute to the occurrence, management and outcomes of health conditions. Cancer is raising as one of the major women’s health concerns. Each year, millions of women are diagnosed with cancer around the world. Hence it is important to reduce stigma and raise awareness about myths and misinformation regarding cancer. Though the term “cancer” is known for its fatality, nearly 40% of cancer deaths are preventable and at least two-thirds of common cancers are curable with timely diagnosis. Comprehensive awareness programs, preventive measures, regular screening programs, early detection and appropriate treatment can save many woman’s lives every year. Every cancer is different and so is every person. One size doesn’t fit all, and every challenge demands a different solution. Cancer of the breast, cervix, uterus, ovary, oral cavity, lung, colorectal and skin are the common cancers occurring among women in India. The risk of developing cancer varies as per hereditary/genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. General factors associated with a higher risk of developing cancer include a personal or family history of cancer, increasing age, obesity, alcohol, tobacco usage, diet (fried foods, red meat), reproductive history (early menarche, late menopause, no children), poor hygiene, sexual activity at a young age or with multiple partners, decreased immunity, exposure to radiation/chemicals and few specific infections caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis viruses, helicobacter pylori and others. However, no such risk factor may be apparent in more than one-third of cancer cases. Cancer prevention using prophylactic vaccination against sexually transmitted HPV, Cervarix™/ Gardasil™ is recommended to prevent HPV-associated cancers like cervical, vaginal and vulval cancer in women. The current HPV prophylactic vaccines have indications for all women up to the age of 45 years but are routinely recommended to adolescents at age 9-15 years. It is extremely effective when administered before the first sexual intercourse. Healthy lifestyle changes, regular physical activity (exercise/yoga/brisk walks), avoiding tobacco/smoking/alcohol, consumption of a healthy diet- increased intake of fruits, vegetables & whole grains, decreased intake of fried, spicy food & meat, calorie restriction, maintaining personal hygiene, avoidance of unnecessary exposure to radiation, monthly self-examination (breast/oral cavity) to detect any abnormalities will also contribute in reducing the cancer risk. Genetic testing for specific gene changes (mutation) such as BRCA 1 & 2, TP53, PTEN, ATM and others, helps to estimate hereditary cancer risk. Effective screening programs available for early detection of these common cancers can reduce the risk of death by nearly 80%. Women above the age of 40 years, with or without a family history of cancer should undergo annual mammography, annual cervical pap-smear test, screening of ovaries and uterus, annual colposcopy/sigmoidoscopy and/or faecal occult blood test, clinical oral examination to detect any changes. Screening with tumour-specific markers like CA-125 (in ovarian cancer), CEA (in colon cancer), AFP (in liver tumours) and a few others help in early identification. Early diagnosis with symptoms/warning signs of cancer includes any swelling, lump or unusual breast changes, abnormal vaginal discharge or spotting/bleeding, chronic non-healing ulcer, skin changes, chronic coughing, hoarseness, change in voice, difficulty in swallowing, abdominal/pelvic pain, persistent bloating, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite and altered bowel habits could improve survival and cancer outcomes. The treatment options for each cancer differ and as well as the prognosis. Most often, cancer treatment involves a multimodality approach of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or immunotherapy. Cancer is curable if detected early and it is treatable in all stages, even in a very advanced stage when it is widespread to various body parts, it is still controllable. Effective treatments are now available that can make cancer patients live longer and better. As we talk about gender equality, breaking bias and women’s empowerment, let us make Women’s Health a Priority.

Dr. TM Roh, President & Head of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, said the premium smartphone market in India is likely to grow despite the economic slowdown. Rising adoption of 5G smartphones and global consumer trend to buy smartphones that are more reliable will lead to growth in the Indian market, he added. “Demand for premium smartphones, with a price tag of over $400 in India, is rising quickly as the 5G network expands. The 5G smartphone market here is expected to grow by over 60% in 2023, with the premium smartphone market projected to grow by more than 30%,” Dr Roh added. Samsung recently said it had notched over 140,000 pre-bookings for its premium Galaxy S23 series in just 24 hours in India, twice the number of pre-bookings it received for Galaxy S22 series last year. “It is being very well received by Indian customers, especially the Galaxy S23 Ultra in green,” he said. Dr. Roh, the youngest President ever appointed at Samsung, said the Indian smartphone market will keep growing and Samsung will be there for the ride. According to analysts, India will have nearly 1 billion smartphone users by 2026, driven by rapid adoption of smartphones in young consumers. India has over 600 million Gen MZ consumers, the largest in the world. Dr Roh said Samsung will continue to invest in its R&D center in India and advance the smart factory technology at its manufacturing center in India. “2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Korea and India’s diplomatic relationship. I am looking forward to the next 50 years and please continue to show your love and support for Galaxy products, which are created with effort, dedication and innovation,” Dr Roh said.

Celebrating the Culinary Legacy of Madras For those who love the aromas of the cuisine of Madras, it’s time to walk down the memory lane and relive those days and flavours that is synonymous with this vibrant city, known for its distinctive ingredients and earthy flavours. The Verandah, the all-day diner at Taj Connemara, well-known for its medley of Anglo-Indian, Italian, Indian and South Indian cuisine, pays an ode to Madras with an elaborate buffet that celebrates the spirit of the city in all its culinary glory – from Tirunelveli and Madurai to Dindigul and the shores of the Marina beach. The Executive Chef, Rajsekhar Sastry and his team curated a unique compilation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies after going on a culinary journey to local diners and markets, acquiring cooking techniques and learning about traditional ingredients and flavours. Chef Rajsekhar Sastry who started his culinary journey with the Taj group in Chennai two decades ago is back with the group as the Executive Chef at Taj Connemara. The ‘Madras Affair’ menu at The Verandah is dotted with traditional delicacies like Masala paniyaram, Attu kal Paya, Karikudi mamisa briyani, Kathirikai karuvattu kozhambu, Eeral melaagu perattal, Parupu urundai kozhambu, Uppu urundai, Kozhi melaagu, Attu mulai melagu perattal, Karuvepillai pondu kozhambu, Pattinapakkam nandu masala and Usalam patti Kari sukka. Experience a symphony of flavours from the Presidency of Madras at The Verandah.

Dr Soumita Biswas, Chief Nutritionist, Aster RV Hospital Gudi Padwa/Ugadi is the festival that marks New Year’s Day for several states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra. This year, the festival will be celebrated on 22nd April. It is prepared on this day and offered to God seeking blessings for the year ahead. Pachadi is prepared by adding jaggery, salt, cut pieces of raw mangoes, neem flowers in Karnataka. In Andhra they add Tamarind juice to soak all these ingredients. This preparation recipe differs from place to place. Significance of the Pachadi The dish is a mixture of different tastes like sweet, salt, pungent and bitter. Sweet taste comes from Jaggery which symbolizes happiness, salt symbolizes fear. Pungent taste from the raw mangoes symbolizes surprises in life and bitterness from the neem flowers represents the sadness of life. In addition, some places add tamarind also to add sour taste which represents unpleasantness. Basically, it shows a mixture of everything in life. Each ingredient has many nutritional benefits. Jaggery Jaggery is an excellent source of iron for a plant product. A single serving may contain nearly ten percent of your required iron intake for the day. Iron is critical for supporting healthy blood cells. Getting enough iron in the diet prevents anemia, tiredness and improves muscular function. It also has different minerals and vitamins like choline, betaine, Vitamin B12, B6, folate, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and manganese. Compared to other sweeteners, jaggery is a good source of antioxidants. The molasses left in jaggery contains phenolic acids that help reduce oxidative stress on the body. Antioxidants in general are linked to a lower risk of certain forms of cancer, reduced signs of aging, and lower risk of dementia and macular degeneration. As a result, switching from white or brown sugar to jaggery may help reduce the risk of developing these conditions. Raw Mangoes Raw mango is rich in various vitamins and minerals. The richness of essential B vitamin niacin and fiber in raw mango promotes the health of the heart. It helps in lowering cholesterol levels, improves blood circulation and prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The goodness of vitamin C essential nutrients triggers the immune system, improves vision, makes your skin and hair healthy and lowers the risk of prostate cancer. Having it also shields the body from various infections like common cold, cough etc. Also, raw mango contains less calories and sugar which helps to trigger metabolism & keep satiated and burn extra fats, as in weight loss. It also helps in digestion, detoxification and acts as antioxidants. Neem Flower In Ayurveda, neem is a well-known herb that is the key player in different traditional remedies. Neem flowers are also used in the treatment of belching, nausea, anorexia, and intestinal worms. Neem flowers are an amazing natural antiseptic that can help in cleansing your system in one of the healthiest ways possible. These flowers are white-yellowish in color and are completely safe for consumption. It is available in dried and powdered form in the offseason, but it is best to consume it fresh. It is also safe for diabetics with a low glycemic index. Tamarind Tamarind is rich in fiber and has no fat content. Studies suggest that eating tamarind daily might actually help in weight reduction since it contains flavonoids and polyphenols. The polyphenolic compounds found in tamarind can prevent Peptic Ulcers. The seeds extracts have anti-inflammatory effects which stabilize blood sugars and reverse the damage of pancreatic tissue which affects people suffering from diabetes. The enzyme present in tamarind alpha amylase is also proven to reduce blood sugar level. Salt Salt has many benefits in the body, including increasing body water conservation and making you less thirsty. It also helps to manage metabolism in a positive way.  Salt intake should be 5-6gm/day for a healthy individual rather than taking it in more quantity which is present in the package & processed foods. To conclude we can say ‘A happy and healthy Ugadi/Padwa to all.’

~ Incredible Deals: Get up to 50% off on select 5G smartphones during Croma’s 5G weekend sale~ ~ Win Big: Stand a chance to win a brand-new Tata Nexon or an EV bike when you purchase a 5G smartphone from Croma ~ ~ Samsung Galaxy A14 5G: Purchase this feature-packed smartphone at an unbeatable starting price of just Rs. 16,499 ~ ~ Free Smartwatch: Buy select 5G smartphones and get a free smartwatch worth Rs. 4,999 ~ ~ Card Offers: Use Federal Bank, HSBC, or ICICI Bank credit or debit cards to get an additional 10% discount of up to Rs. 2,500 Croma, India’s first and trusted Omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group, has launched a new campaign dedicated to cutting-edge 5G smartphones. The sale offers a host of affordable 5G smartphones starting at just Rs. 13,999, bringing the latest technology to its consumers. The 5G weekends at Croma will run in all stores and on its website, croma.com, only on the weekend till 23rd April. Croma aims to provide customers with exclusive offers and discounts that make purchasing a new smartphone a better experience. As part of the campaign, Croma provides up to 50% discount on select 5G smartphones, a chance to win unique assured vouchers, and exchange and upgrade benefits up to Rs 20,000 on select smartphones.* Croma understands that affordability is critical to making the latest technology accessible to everyone. Therefore, they always curate some of the best deals in the market, such as purchasing select 5G smartphones and getting a free smartwatch worth Rs. 4,999*. Upon purchasing from a select range of 5G smartphones, customers can get a Ring light which is used for video creation for free*. This offer has appealed to many creators and content makers. Also, customers can opt for a smartwatch worth Rs 4,999 for free* with some 5G smartphones during the campaign period. Customers can also buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G smartphone at an unbelievable starting price of just Rs. 16,499. This fantastic smartphone boasts power-packed features, such as a massive 6.6-inch PLS LCD display, 4GB RAM, and a 50MP + 2MP + 2MP triple rear camera setup that captures stunning images. As part of the 5G weekend at Croma, customers who purchase a 5G smartphone will stand a great chance to win a brand-new Tata Nexon or a sleek EV bike*. This exciting offer is only valid until Gudi Padwa, 22nd March, so customers must hurry to avail themselves of this incredible opportunity. Croma offers a 10% discount of up to Rs. 2,500 for customers who use Federal Bank, HSBC, or ICICI Bank credit or debit cards to sweeten the deal further.* With the latest 5G technology changing the face of mobile connectivity, Croma has taken the initiative to bring this technology within reach of everyone. The sale offers customers exclusive deals and discounts that make purchasing a new smartphone easy and affordable. *T&C Apply About Croma-Infiniti Retail Ltd. Launched in 2006, Croma is India’s first and trusted Omni-channel electronics retailer from the Tata Group. Croma is India’s first one-of-its-kind large format specialist retail store that caters to all multi-brand digital gadgets and home electronic needs. Bringing alive the promise of a ‘Brighter Every Day’ for its customers, Croma offers its customers a world-class ambiance and omnichannel customer experience to shop both in-store and online at www.croma.com. With over 16,000 products across 550+ brands through 300+ stores across 100+ major cities of India, Croma is a brand of Infiniti Retail Ltd., which is a part of the Tata Group.

The desludging operators in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli district have joined hands to form a Desludging Operators Federation to help address the growing need for scheduled cleaning of septic tanks in the region. The Federation, currently joined by 43 Desludging Operators, owning around 72 desludging tankers that will help in expediting septic tank cleaning operations for more than 2,74,538 households in the district. Desludging is the process of removing the layers of scum and sludge from the septic tank, which in turn promotes the usage of technology in sanitation and helps ensure safety of sanitation workers. A better system of FSSM is essential to ensure citywide inclusive sanitation. Public health and a clean environment depend highly on the safe management and treatment of faecal sludge. While Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants are necessary to ensure the safe disposal and treatment of faecal sludge, the maximum utilization of their capabilities can only be achieved through regular desludging. Citizens are now better aware of the need for desludging. Growing awareness alongside a rise in population has resulted in Tiruchirappalli witnessing a substantial surge in septic tank cleaning vehicles. – from around 6 trucks to 70 trucks in 8 years. To streamline addressal of rising desludging queries from the populace, a collaborative approach was required to provide an effective solution to manage the entire sanitation value chain in the district. This is where the Federation stepped in to help with better delegation of desludging requests to the operators along with standardization of rates. In the 14th edition of the Dasra Philanthropy Week, leading experts in sanitation and community-based leaders came together to discuss the role played by communities in ensuring safe and inclusive sanitation. Community-led solutions in sanitation help drive holistic impact. Community-based models and practices are a learning model with a potential to be adopted in newer geographies. Karuppaiya, a desludging operator from Trichy who initiated the formation of the Federation, recounted, “Our larger goal is streamlining the sanitation work in our region. We are happy to ensure parity among operators and use a collaborative approach for long-term results in the sector. Everyone came together to ensure that we came up with implementable solutions that led to better accountability and better sanitation services. More than a profession, we are pursuing this as a service to our people and the sanitation sector. There have been instances we did not charge money for the service we have delivered, like a query from a disabled person or an ultra-poor family living in slum area. Our vision is to nurture models which contribute to the entire sanitation value chain.” Indian Institute for Human settlements, a member of the National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (NFFSSM Alliance) has supported desludging operators in Tiruchirappalli to strengthen their operations and business models. Kavita Wankhade, Head – Practice (Governance & Services) at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), said,“Our focus is on the capacity building of sanitation workers across the value chain and to ensure Occupational Health and Safety of the workers. Delegating work systematically helps streamline the queries for faster delivery of services. We have been working closely with the sanitation workers and desludging operators to provide them training. Steps like the formation of the desludging operator's federation will certainly help in systematizing the sector to help both workers and citizens.” Suggested quote: “Our focus is on improving overall well-being and occupational safety of sanitation workers across the value chain. In Tamil Nadu there is vibrant private de-sludging market. We have worked with the government to ensure light touch regulation to streamline the service. We are working with desludging operators for its implementation by training them on first aid, safety and standard operating procedures. Steps like formation of desludging operator’s federation can help them to move towards the rights and working conditions they deserve.” About NFSSM Alliance The National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (NFSSM) Alliance, a national working group, comprises 30+ organisations and individuals across India. Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the NFSSM Alliance was convened in January 2016, with a mandate to build consensus and drive forward the discourse on faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM) in India. The Alliance works in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, which are the central ministries responsible for sanitation in India.

Dwarka-based HCMCT Manipal Hospital, in association with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Delhi state, and the Down Syndrome Parent Society (DSPS),and DFSI organized a special health camp today, March 19, for children with Down syndrome. More than 70+ parents enrolled their children with Down syndrome in the multispecialty health camp. During this health camp, more than 30 subspecialties in Manipal hospital and Delhi NCR, participated and screened the children. Free echocardiography was also done. The chief guest of the program was Mr. Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India, who attended the program with his wife and had photograph sessions with jubilant children which he shared on the UN website. guest of honor was Mr. Rajesh Agarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment; and Dr. Surekha Ramachandran, Chairperson and Founder of the Down Syndrome Federation of India, Dr. Anurag Agarwal, President of IAP West Delhi; and Ms. Rashmi Joshi, President, DSPS, also interacted with the parents of the children with Down syndrome during this health camp. Meanwhile, children with Down Syndrome showed their versatility by performing Ganesh Vandana and reciting poems. The children played around and enjoyed food, specially prepared for them. Dr. Yugal Kishore Mishra, Chief of Clinical Services, Head of Cardiac Sciences and Chief Cardiovascular Surgeon welcomed the guests. HOD of Pediatrics and PICU, Dr. Vikram Gagneja tendered the vote of thanks. The following points were emphasized by the Chief guest, guest of honor, and other specialists: Down syndrome is caused by an excess (three) number of chromosome 21. It is a condition and not a disease but it can be associated with multiple problems. Children with Down syndrome have peculiar features, and slow growth; they must not be compared with a chronologically matched peer group and must be monitored on a separate growth chart. They are trainable, employable, and joyous chaps and need sensitive handling. During the health camp Dr. Smita Mishra, HOD and Consultant Cardiology Pediatrics at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Delhi said “With an incidence of 1 in every 1000 live births. In 40-60% of children, congenital heart disease may be associated and must be recognized and treated on time so that developmental interventions can be done and maximum IQ can be attained.” About Manipal Hospitals As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India serving over 4.5 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out of hospital care. With the completion of acquisition of 100% shareholding in Columbia Asia Hospitals Private Limited and Vikram Hospital (Bengaluru) Private Limited, the integrated network today has a pan-India footprint of 28 hospitals across 15 cities with 7,800+ beds, and a talented pool of 4,000 doctors and an employee strength of over 11,000. Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is NABH, AAHRPP accredited and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals has also been recognised the most respected and patient recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.