Clefts are more than a cosmetic issue: Five myths
Cleft, a gap in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth (palate), is a treatable facial birth condition. But misconceptions and stigma often delay treatment. Dr Vithal Lahane, senior plastic surgeon and managing director of the Smile Train Cleft Programme at Lahane Hospital in Latur, Maharashtra, debunks some myths.Clefts are extremely rareContrary to popular belief, cleft is one of the most common birth differences worldwide, affecting one in every 700 babies. Due to a large population, India has one of the highest cleft births globally. Clefts occur in all populations, regardless of nationality, socioeconomic status or region. However, access to treatment varies and families from lower-resource settings may struggle to access the care their children need. Organisations such as Smile Train enable cleft surgeries and comprehensive care to bridge this gap free of cost.advertisementClefts are only cosmetic issues
Many people believe clefts are only an appearance-related concern. In reality, clefts affect essential functions, such as feeding, breathing, hearing and speaking. Babies born with clefts struggle to breastfeed or drink from a bottle, leading to malnutrition and growth delays, if not properly managed. Untreated clefts can also cause speech difficulties, frequent ear infections and dental problems. Early medical intervention is crucial for a child's long-term health and development.Cleft surgery is complicated and leaves large scarsThe truth is that a cleft lip surgery can take as little as 45 minutes, and a cleft palate repair is usually completed within an hour. With advances in surgical techniques, scarring is minimal and often fades over time. Most children who undergo early cleft treatment lead healthy and fulfilling lives, with little to no visible signs of surgery.advertisementChildren with clefts cannot lead normal livesThe reality is that cleft-affected children have normal intelligence and can achieve just as much as their peers. While some may require speech therapy or dental care, these challenges are manageable with proper medical support. Many individuals born with clefts have gone on to become successful professionals, athletes and even celebrities.Clefts are caused by eclipse or bad karmaOne of the most persistent myths is that clefts result from bad karma, an eclipse, or a mother's actions during pregnancy. The reality is that cleft is a medical condition, not a punishment or supernatural occurrence. Although the exact cause is not clear, most experts agree that the condition occurs due to several factors, both genetic and environmental. This includes maternal health conditions, use of alcohol and drugs (including tobacco), infections or Vitamin B (also known as folic acid) deficiency in pregnant mothers.Subscribe to India Today MagazineMust Watch
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The Wire
2 days ago
- The Wire
Doctor Humiliated by Goa Health Minister Rejects His ‘Studio' Apology, Demands a Public One
New Delhi: Dr Rajesh Kuttikar, the casualty medical officer (CMO) of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), who was last week humiliated by state's health minister Vishwajit Rane in a public and televised manner, has refused to accept his apology. Earlier this morning, June 9, Rane tendered an apology in an X post, saying, 'During the broadcast with Prudent Media last night, I openly extended my heartfelt apology to Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar for the harsh words spoken by me during my visit to GMC.' However, news channel In Goa 24X7 has reported that Dr Kuttikar has rejected the minister's apology as a 'studio apology', which was insufficient. Instead of apologising on the social media platform, Dr Kuttikar, reportedly demanded that Rane visit the same site at the hospital where he humiliated the doctor and apologise to him in front of the people. 'We require a public apology in the casualty [department] itself within 24 hours,' he said, while speaking to the press . He added that if the minister failed to do so, doctors would proceed on strike. Rane wrote a long post on X as part of his apology. 'In the heat of the moment, my emotions overtook my expression, and I deeply regret the manner in which I addressed the situation,' he said. 'It was never my intention to undermine or disrespect the dignity of any medical professional,' he added. During the broadcast with Prudent Media last night, I openly extended my heartfelt apology to Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar for the harsh words spoken by me during my visit to GMC. In the heat of the moment, my emotions overtook my expression, and I deeply regret the manner in which I… — Vishwajit Rane (@visrane) June 9, 2025 This was after he refused to apologise in a previous post on X. On June 7, Rane had made a surprise visit to the hospital. He went there for inspection after a patient who needed Vitamin B-12 shot apparently went to the casualty department and was allegedly refused. The casualty ward is usually restricted for emergency services and regular services are offered by other departments. Rane was accompanied by cameras when he stormed inside the casualty ward and enquired where the CMO, Kuttikar, was. He lashed out at Kuttikar saying he should 'learn to control your tongue'. 'Put your hands out [of the pocket] when you are standing in front of me and remove your mask while I'm speaking to you,' the minister told the doctor. He mocked him saying that a doctor must learn to behave himself. As the doctor tried to offer an explanation, Rane shut him off. He ordered the medical superintendent to suspend Kuttikar immediately. The whole fiasco quickly took shape into a full-blown battle between the doctors and the government, with Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant stepping in on June 8 to say that Kuttikar would not be suspended. I have reviewed the issue at Goa Medical College and held discussions with the Health Minister. I want to assure the people of Goa that Dr. Rudresh Kuttikar will not be suspended. The State Government and our dedicated medical team remain fully committed to ensuring the highest… — Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) June 8, 2025 However, the matter did not rest there. On June 8, the Goa Association of Resident Doctors (GARD) issued an ultimatum to the government saying if the health minister failed to apologise in the next 48 hours, they would proceed on a strike. They also demanded that the 'VIP culture' must end, especially in the emergency department where 'treatment must be dictated by principles of triage [prioritising patients according to the medical needs] and clinical urgency and not by social or political status/affiliation of the patient'. Kuttikar became the target of Rane's barrage of harsh remarks because he refused to administer Vitamin B-12 shot in the emergency services department. BREAKING: Resident doctors of Goa have given a 48 hour ultimatum to the Health Minister, otherwise GARD will go on indefinite strike! Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane tried to give a political masterclass at Goa Medical College (GMC) yesterday following the 2 Rs toolkit for… — Dr. Datta M.D. (AIIMS Delhi) (@DrDatta_AIIMS) June 8, 2025 Although GARD hasn't shared its decision about the impending strike, with Kuttikar reportedly rejecting the minister's apology, it is likely that the doctors would go on with their strike and shut down the routine services. Meanwhile, emergency care would continue – as is the case with any mass protest of doctors. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Indian Express
Can Vitamin B12 deficiency cause headaches? Here's why you shouldn't be popping painkillers
A 30-year-old woman walked into our OPD complaining of headache, pain in the neck and shoulder region, dizziness, heaviness in the head and mild nausea. She said she had tingling in her hands and feet, felt palpitations and wobbly, probably due to fatigue. Yet her blood pressure, sugar readings and other parameters were normal. She had no history of either sinus or migraine. That left us with only one reason and although pretty sure, I ordered a routine blood test. It showed her to be deficient in Vitamin B 12. Many least expect it but Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause severe headaches. Yet patients pop painkillers on their own. My patient did too but her symptoms came back after the relieving effects wore off. The woman was also low on iron. Her B12 deficiency possibly led to megaloblastic anaemia, where the body produces abnormally large red blood cells that don't function properly, reducing their ability to carry oxygen to the brain. This low oxygenated blood flow causes the heart to pump more blood, leading to palpitations. Her tingling feet were probably because Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve damage, which can manifest as various neurological symptoms, including headaches. Research has shown that B12 deficiency can lead to cell damage in blood vessels, increase free radicals that damage our DNA and push up levels of an amino acid called homocysteine (building block of protein) which damages the lining of blood vessels. That's why you may also see unusual symptoms like tongue inflammation. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anaemia, which leads to frequent headaches. B12 is needed for producing red blood cells and DNA, while iron is needed for haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Studies suggest that a lack of B12 can worsen iron deficiency and enough of it improves iron utilization. For a long time, vegetarians and vegans have been considered to be deficient in vitamin B12 because this micronutrient can hardly be gotten from plant sources, except algae and mushrooms. But just like my young patient, many non-vegetarians in the 30 to 40 age group are deficient in B12 because of absorption issues. The body may not be able to absorb enough B12 because of food intolerance, conditions like gastritis, autoimmune diseases and alcohol addiction. Certain medications like the common diabetes drug metformin, proton pump inhibitors which stop production of stomach acids, some antibiotics and oral contraceptives can limit absorption. Supplements are needed in these cases. The normal range is between 220 and 900 picograms per millilitre (pg/mL). However, we consider the 400-600 pg/mL as healthy. For migraine patients, supplements are given even when their level is 600 pg/mL to reduce the frequency of headaches. When diet and oral supplements are not enough, we give injections to patients to restore normal levels. (Dr Tickoo is Director, Internal Medicine, Max Healthcare)
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Time of India
What is the difference between vitamin B12 and other B vitamins: Which one to take?
Vitamin B is the foundation of a healthy body. It boosts your energy levels, improves brain function, and promotes cell metabolism. Any deficit can cause fatigue, poor appetite, sadness, and numbness/tingling in the hands and/or feet. B complex vitamin or vitamin B12: Which is better? According to Dr. Rakesh Pandit Senior Consultant & HOD Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, 'Vitamin B complex comprises all 8 vitamins, including vitamin B12, the others being vitamins B1 or thiamine, B2 or riboflavin, B3 or niacin or nicotinic acid, B5 or pantothenic acid, B6 or pyridoxine, pyridoxal or pyridoxamine, B7 or biotin, and B9 or folic acid. B complex, which contains all eight B vitamins, is a wonderful choice if you want a wide range of advantages, whereas B12 may be more appropriate if your aims are to correct a B12 deficit or to boost red blood cell production and nervous system function.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Function of Vitamin B12 and vitamin B B vitamins, commonly known as vitamin B complex, are a set of eight vital elements that help your body with metabolism, energy production, brain and nervous system health, and red blood cell development. B12 is a solitary vitamin that promotes red blood cell synthesis and neurological system function, making it particularly advantageous for those with B12 deficits. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found in animal products, including meat, fish, and dairy. While the body requires only trace amounts of vitamin B12, it is necessary for many biological processes. It is responsible for creating red blood cells and DNA, as well as maintaining nerve cell health, besides playing a role in the metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids. Dr. Sunil Rana, Associate Director and Head of unit III, Internal Medicine, Asian Hospital, says 'When it comes to choosing one over the other, it depends on your specific needs. If you are generally healthy and just looking to boost overall energy and metabolism, a vitamin B complex supplement may be the right choice.' However, if you have been diagnosed with a Vitamin B12 deficiency, or have specific symptoms like extreme fatigue, memory problems, or numbness and tingling, your doctor might recommend Vitamin B12 supplementation. Who should consume vitamin B12 supplements? Older adults and people who adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet with few or no animal products, respectively, are more susceptible to acquiring deficiencies as a result of dietary limitations or impaired absorption and may benefit from B12 supplements. Vitamin B complex and vitamin B12 supplements provide various health benefits, and the choice between the two is determined by your health goals. What is Vitamin B-12 deficiency and how Polybion Active helps you overcome it?
