Are you a mother with a Negative blood group?

The human body is a miracle. No scientist has been able to describe all of it, even though we have been advancing day by day with new aspects of science. There are millions and trillions of wonderful things, happening inside the body and they keep on changing as we grow older-depending on what milestones in life we pass and what requirements in life we are supposed to fulfill.  

Why hand fractures are treated by plastic surgeons

Dr. Shashanka Rathnayake, Consultant Plastic and  Reconstruction Surgeon attached to the Teaching Hospital, Kandy answers questions regarding hand fractures and how a plastic surgeon would handle such injuries.   Excerpts:

Pain, the dreaded symptom

Pain is the most dreaded out of all symptoms. Everybody suffers from pain during many instances in his or her life. Also described as a protective mechanism, which points out some sort of harm happening to your body parts, pain is vital for survival. The problem arises when pain becomes constant and severe. In this article I will describe some solutions that are there to alleviate pain, especially arising from joints, muscles and bones. 

How to handle Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder which refers to the changes in the functioning of the digestive system. It is also can be described as a gastrointestinal disorder characterised by the presence of the cluster of symptoms and signs in adults or children that include cramping, abdominal pain, increased gas, altered bowel habits, food intolerance and bloating. Health Capsule spoke to Senior Medical Officer Dr. A.C. Janaka Gunawardan

You are the creator of stroke

It’s very rare that an individual who has not contracted diseases, can be found among people who live in the present world. It is common not only to all living beings including animals that live in this world, but also to trees and plants that are subjected to be afflicted by various kinds of diseases. In this context, contraction of diseases is a law of nature, which man cannot avoid.  

Responding to the first signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Ever heard of a medical condition which is caused by a blood clot which lodges inside one of those blood vessels (vein), located deep inside your body and causes one-sided swelling, cramping pain and discomfort on the foot, ankle or calves? Sounds a bit creepy, but yes, there is a condition as such-called Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Symptoms of mental illness

If anyone whom you know have any signs or symptoms shown below, see your primary care provider or mental health specialist.

CKDu The silent grim reaper

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is defined as the gradual impairment of kidney functions over a period of time due to a certain disease or condition. The predominant causes of CKD globally are diabetes (high blood sugar) and hypertension (high blood pressure) especially in developed countries. 

A rise of incidence in Sri Lanka?

Theoretically, a girl reaching her menarche (attainment) gives a green light for her to keep one step ahead in the journey of life with the capability to give birth to offspring. Sri Lankan girls usually attain menarche around the age of 12. Does this really mean that they are fully grown up and meet the ultimate physical and psychological requirements to reach this important milestone of life-motherhood?  

Coping with Bipolar Disorder

Have you ever come across someone; perhaps a child or an adult who has expressed extreme moods swings that may vary from being either emotionally high or low? Have you ever come across the term, ‘Bipolar Disorder’ or has it ever crossed your mind?

Know your status to end HIV/ AIDS by 2025

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome commonly known as AIDS are two conditions that people fear. From having no cure in the past, both HIV and AIDs could be controlled today, thanks to extensive research done on both conditions. 

Taking a close look at Warfarin Therapy and PT/INR

A concerned daughter brings her father to a hospital as her father noticed blood in his stools. He also had large bleeding patches on the back of the chest and thighs.  She recalls that her father is on Warfarin. Knowing that, the attending clinician quickly requests urgent PT/INR (together with some other tests) and admits him to the emergency care unit. His INR is 14. He is immediately managed as over-warfarinization. “What is the ca

Understanding Varicose Veins

In this week’s Health capsule we take a close look at quite a common hazard among people which is Varicose Veins. Following are some of the most common questions which are asked regarding  this topic.   

Using Contraceptives after pregnancy

Contraceptives have become a vital topic when it comes to areas like women’s health and sexual health. They also play a crucial role in planning a family according to a couple’s needs. Contraceptives play an important role immediately following the delivery of a baby. Many misconceptions regarding contraception following pregnancy prevail in society, preventing clients from making the right choice when it comes to choosing a method of

A close look at Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the amount of Hemoglobin in red blood cells is less than the normal level. There are several reasons for anaemia to occur and Iron deficiency is the commonest. So today we are going to shed light on this important topic of Iron deficiency Anaemia. It is known to be a common problem with a significant incidence in the Sri Lankan community, but often goes un-diagnosed due to the lack o

PLASTIC SURGERY The ultimate cure for birth injuries

Health Capsule did an interview with Dr. Shashanka Rathnayake, Consultant Plastic and Reconstruction Surgeon, Teaching Hospital, Kandy on the subject of plastic surgery. This method is used to provide ultimate cure for babies who present with birth injuries.   

Identifying limits in antibiotics usage

It is quite normal to gulp down an Amoxicillin tablet when one has a runny nose or a sore throat. But antibiotics - medicines that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria- cannot treat viral infections.

Helping the preemies blossom

Children are the most precious commodity of humankind. This makes health issues of children a major focus of interest in this era. One of the biggest health crises that affect newborns is Prematurity,

Be active to defeat diabetes

World Diabetes day falls on November 14 and this year “Diabetes and family” has been chosen as the theme. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the major non communicable disease in Sri Lanka and worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) currently 415 million adults have Diabetes and it is estimated that it will increase up to 642 million by 2040. To enlighten our readers on this topic we decided to speak to Dr Heshani K

How the illness affects the family

Diabetes has become a household name in recent times and is now a global pandemic. Ironically, the more familiar it has become, that the attitude towards it remains passive.

Halting rise of T2DM means ensuring health of the girl-child

Incidence and prevalence is progressively rising in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A few decades ago it was clearly defined that type 1 diabetes is mainly seen in the under 20’s age group and T2DM in the over 40’s.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus When mother and baby are exposed to danger

Out of the many non-communicable diseases, diabetes takes such a prominent place that we all know of at least one person with diabetes. While diabetes comes as Type 1 and 2, there may be instances when it could get severe, especially with age. 

Deciphering Dyslexia

Most of our readers are familiar with the term ‘dyslexia’. But do we know details of dyslexia , what it is, how it affects life and what intervention is possible? In this weeks’s Health Capsule, we decided to consult Dr. Udena Attygalle, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Teaching Hospital in Karapitiya, to obtain more information on the topic.    

Why hip fractures should be fixed early

Each lower limb is connected to the body via the hip joint which is very stable and socket type joint. It allows a vast range of movements. Each joint transfers half of the body weight when one stands upright. Talking about this part of the body, hip fractures are quite common in our present society. We spoke to Dr. Chandana Herath, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Base Hospital, Nuwara Eliya to shed light on the topic. Excerpts:  

When stroke strikes

A healthy blood supply is necessary for organs of the human body to function well. But what happens if the blood supply to the brain is interrupted? That is when a stroke occurs, cutting off much needed oxygen and nutrients provided by blood, enabling proper brain function. A stroke is a serious medical emergency, which injures the brain and can leave victims with long-term disabilities.   

Let’s be bone conscious

The skeletal system constitutes an entire framework consisting of bones, joints, cartilages, and ligaments, which serves to provide a well-defined shape for the human body. Apart from structural support, the skeletal system provides protection for visceral organs including the spinal cord, acts as the point of attachment for muscles, facilitates movement, participates in blood cell production, calcium storage and endocrine regulation.  

November is Lung Cancer awareness month Spread the message before cancer spreads!

CANCER, yes, the word sounds heavy just as its real gravity can make a huge impact on an individual.     

What you should know about Psoriasis

Skin Conditions occur due to various reasons and psoriasis is one of them. According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), more than 125 million people around the world are living with a psoriatic disease thereby making it a global concern. World Psoriasis Day falls on October 29 and this year’s theme focuses on treating Psoriasis seriously as it may affect patients in many ways. Hence we spoke to Consultant Derm

Investigating cancer

A cancer in a patient can be suspected from what he or she complains of (Symptoms) and what the doctor finds while examining the patient (Signs). To confirm this suspicion, he will order some investigations (Tests). Today we will be discussing about some of the commonly used investigations during these situations.     

Knowing your blood report

Have you ever thought how blood, which is a fluid, stays within the body without leaking out in case there is a wound? This is because of a complex mechanism called clotting occurring within the body. Just as there is a risk of bleeding out if the clotting mechanism is inadequate, clotting of blood more than what’s normal in a person is also disastrous. This condition gives rise to the ability to cause severe consequences like strokes and h