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Showing posts from March, 2026

Is Your Cholesterol Really 'Normal'? Why You Need to Know the New 2026 Guidelines

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For decades, managing cholesterol was often seen as a numbers game—keep your LDL below a certain mark, and you were "safe." However, the latest medical guidelines (AHA/ACC 2026) have introduced a significant overhaul. The focus has shifted from just reaching a specific number to assessing your lifelong cardiovascular risk. If you are living in India, these changes are even more critical. Research shows that South Asians are prone to heart disease nearly a decade earlier than other populations, often with "normal" looking cholesterol levels that actually hide significant risks. 1. The Shift to "Lower is Better" The new guidelines emphasize more aggressive control for individuals at higher risk. While the general "optimal" LDL (bad cholesterol) remains under 100 mg/dL, the targets for those with existing heart disease or multiple risk factors have dropped significantly: High-Risk Individuals: Aiming for LDL below 70 mg/dL . Very High-Risk / Establ...

World Tuberculosis Day 2026: "Yes! We Can End TB"

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  A Comprehensive Guide by Shree Polyclinic & Lab Every year on March 24th , the global community observes World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. This date marks the anniversary of Dr. Robert Koch’s 1882 announcement of the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis , the bacterium that causes the disease. At Shree Polyclinic & Lab , we are dedicated to the 2026 theme: “Yes! We Can End TB.” Through precision diagnostics and patient-centric care, we aim to turn this hope into a reality for our community. 1. Understanding Tuberculosis: The Basics Tuberculosis is a serious, infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs (Pulmonary TB), though it can also affect other parts of the body like the spine, brain, or kidneys (Extrapulmonary TB). It is an airborne disease , meaning it spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing tiny droplets into the air. Note: TB is not spread by shaking hands, sharing food, or touching surfaces. It requires close, prolonged conta...

Is Your Diet Damaging Your Nerves? 15 Foods Every Senior Should Avoid to Stop Foot Numbness.

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Hello, I am Dr. Chithra S from Shree Polyclinic & Lab . As a physician dedicated to preventive health and managing lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular health, I often see patients complaining of persistent numbness, "pins and needles," or a burning sensation in their feet—symptoms commonly known as Peripheral Neuropathy . While medical treatment is essential, your diet plays a massive role in whether these symptoms improve or worsen. Many everyday foods can trigger inflammation or spike blood sugar, which further damages your nerves. Here is a breakdown of 15 everyday foods and habits that seniors and those with nerve issues should be cautious about, as highlighted in recent health guidelines: 1. Refined Carbohydrates (White Bread & Rice) Foods like white bread, regular pasta, and white rice are "high-glycemic." They break down into sugar rapidly, causing spikes that are particularly damaging to the small nerve fibers in your feet. ...