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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Stroke

Good News

Stroke No More: Robotic Glove Helps Patients Regain Piano Skills with Sensory Feedback

A team of researchers from South Korea has developed a robotic glove that can help stroke patients relearn how to play the piano. The device, called the Piano Touch, is designed to provide sensory feedback to users, allowing them to regain their motor skills and improve their overall dexterity. According to reports, stroke patients often experience a loss of sensation and motor control in their hands, which can make it difficult for them to perform simple tasks, such as playing the piano. The Piano Touch aims to address this issue by providing users with a tactile sensation that mimics the feeling of playing a piano. The device works by using sensors to detect the user's movements and providing feedback in real-time. This feedback is then translated into a series of vibrations that are felt by the user through the glove. The Piano Touch has already been tested on a group of stroke patients, with promising results. Participants in the study reported a significant improvement in their ability to play the piano, as well as a reduction in pain and discomfort in their hands. The researchers behind the Piano Touch hope that their device will help to improve the quality of life for stroke patients, as well as inspire further research into the use of robotics in healthcare. The device could also have applications beyond the field of music, such as in physical therapy and rehabilitation.

10 Jul 2023
Good News

Singing can help patients speak after stroke

Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) helps patients who have lost their speech after suffering a stroke to regain their speech. The right hemisphere of the brain is associated with musical ability while the left hemisphere is responsible for speech processing. Stroke patients whose left hemisphere is affected, but the right hemisphere is undamaged are able to get back their speech through song therapy. Mohan Shamim, 61, who resides in Mumbai  suffered a stroke 15 years ago that affected a part of his brain’s left hemisphere, leaving him unable to speak. But now, Shamim is learning to speak again through MIT. Senior neurologist Dr Shirish Hastak, group director, Neurology and Stroke Services, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central spoke to Shamim and his wife at length and realised that not only did Shamim retain the ability to sing; he did not even slur his words while singing.  Hastak said that the speech therapist taps Shamim’s left hand (which is controlled by the right brain), and this tapping engages the motor nerves needed to produce speech in the patient’s mouth and throat, bridging the gap between singing and speaking. He added that with continued practice, the right hemisphere becomes active and the patients  gradually begins to speak. Dr. Hastak said that this therapy hasn't become very popular as many patients aren’t comfortable singing to communicate, but now, science has become so advanced that it is able to record changes in the brain and is helping people with speech disabilities after stroke.

30 Mar 2017
Good News

Positive Reads

Stay Cool Under Pressure: Expert Tips on Dealing With Heat Stroke Emergencies

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention. It occurs when the body's temperature rises to a dangerous level, and the person is no longer able to regulate their body temperature. Heat stroke can be caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, dehydration, or physical exertion in hot weather. If you suspect that someone is suffering from heat stroke, it is important to take action quickly. Here are some steps you can take: 1. Call for emergency medical assistance. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Call your local emergency number right away. 2. Move the person to a cooler location. If possible, move the person to a cool, shaded area or an air-conditioned room. 3. Remove excess clothing. Remove any excess clothing and accessories, such as hats or scarves, to help cool the person down. 4. Cool the person down. Use cool water to spray or sponge the person down. You can also apply ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin to help cool the person's core body temperature. 5. Offer fluids. Encourage the person to drink cool water or sports drinks to help rehydrate their body. It is important to keep an eye on the person's condition while waiting for emergency medical assistance to arrive. If the person loses consciousness, stops breathing, or their condition worsens, start performing CPR immediately. Prevention is always better than cure, make sure to stay hydrated during hot weather and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Remember, heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention, so don't hesitate to call for help if you suspect that someone is suffering from it.

24 Apr 2023
Positive Reads

Know the Best Times to Drink Water and Reap Its Benefits

We all know that one should drink at least eight glasses of water in a day to stay properly hydrated. However, many people do not know that it is essential to drink water at correct times of the day as it helps prevent common problems such as stomach pain, bloating, fatigue, overeating, high blood pressure, constipation, and even heart attack and stroke. Research has shown that drinking water at proper time  helps to improve overall health and cognitive functioning. So let us see what are the best times to drink water during the day. Drink water when you wake up The first thing to ingest when you wake up is water. Two glasses of warm water on an empty stomach is extremely beneficial for your body both internally and externally. This daily ritual is certain to enhance the health, beauty, and longevity of people. This routine of drinking water on an empty stomach becomes very necessary as it gets rid of any toxins and stubborn free radicals accumulated in your body overnight, and helps to clean and purify your body’s internal organs. Try not to eat anything for 30 minutes after drinking so that the body can focus on cleaning, hydrating and energizing every cell in the body with oxygen. Drink water before a meal Drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before a meal aids digestion and also keeps your calorie intake in check. It prevents you from overeating as water lines your stomach to make you feel fuller. If you feel hungry in between meals, help yourself with a glass of water as most of the time, you might just be thirsty, but you mistake it for hunger. Drink water before a workout It is always good to drink enough water before a workout to protect against dehydration. The quantity of water will depend on your weight, health, and whether you exercised in hot or humid conditions – especially for long periods – among other factors. Drinking water after a workout is also essential to replenish the lost fluids of the body through sweating. Drink water before bath time It is said that drinking water before a shower helps to lower blood pressure. Water should be preferably warm so that blood vessels are dilated inducing a drop in blood pressure. Water is also known to dilute sodium levels in the body thus helping to reduce blood pressure. Drink water before bedtime A heart attack usually occurs in the early morning hours as the blood tends to become thick due to a lack of water. Dehydration increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, drink enough water before going to bed to keep heart attack and stroke at bay. Remember that fatigue is a sign of dehydration, therefore drink water if you feel tired and see the difference. So now that you know the benefits of drinking water at the right time of the day, make a routine for drinking water and stay healthy and happy.

5 Oct 2019
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