Apollo DKV Health Insurance Company India

Know About Apollo DKV

The Apollo Hospitals Group, a trusted name in healthcare in India has joined hands with Europe’s leading health insurer, Deutsche Krankenversicherung (DKV) AG to launch Apollo DKV Health Insurance Company Limited. At Apollo DKV, we aim to provide innovative health insurance solutions at an affordable cost to the citizens of India.

THE APOLLO HOSPITALS GROUP

Driven by the vision of its Chairman, Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, the Apollo Hospitals Group has emerged as the largest integrated healthcare group in Asia in the past 25 years. Helping people stay healthy and happy, today, the Group consists over 8000 beds across 42 hospitals, 700⁺ pharmacies and 60 clinics. It holds the distinction of being the first group of Indian hospitals to be accredited by Joint Commission International, USA. The in-depth understanding of healthcare, prevention & wellness, strong consumer understanding and lead generation skills of the Apollo Hospitals Group are expected to benefit the health insurance joint venture.

DKV AG

DKV, a member of the ERGO Insurance Group, is a part of the Munich Re Group. With over 70 years of experience and a global presence in health insurance, DKV is the European market leader and one of the world’s top five private health insurers.

With its ‘Think Healthcare!’ ^® strategy, DKV provides insurance coverage, healthcare services and medical care. DKV is represented across Europe (Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Sweden) as well as in Asia, i.e. China, South Korea and India.

VISION

“To provide affordable and innovative health insurance solutions to every citizen of India and become their first-choice partner in positive health.”

MISSION

• Constantly introduce innovative health insurance and wellness solutions that meet customer needs
• Build an organisation on the principles of transparency, trust and integrity
• Create opportunities for our employees to learn and grow in an enjoyable work culture
• Constantly deliver on our commitments to all the stakeholders

APOLLO DKV

Empathy, expertise and innovation are the three pillars of Apollo DKV. It is our constant endeavour to promote good health by enabling access to better quality healthcare through affordable solutions, supported by preventive health management practices.

WE BELIEVE IN

Positive Health through Prevention

The association between the Apollo Hospitals Group & DKV AG is a strategic alliance to meet common goals in healthcare and health insurance. Apollo DKV brings together Apollo’s ideology of 'Prevention and Wellness' and DKV’s dedicated mission of ‘Providing affordable and innovative health insurance solutions.’

At Apollo DKV, we customise and carefully design products for a happier living. Our philosophy of is to constantly blend strong components of wellness and prevention in our product offerings.

Our services, offering prevention and wellness will not merely treat illnesses, but will add value by making a concerted effort towards better health and well-being. Our holistic philosophy of ‘Lets Stay Healthy’ is present in our entire product offering, making it unique.

Dealing with Menopause

The meaning of menopause
Menopause is the time at mid-life (roughly at the age of 45 years) when a woman has her last period. It happens when the ovaries stop releasing eggs. Most often it is a gradual change. Sometimes it happens all at once. Perimenopause is the gradual period of change leading into menopause. It affects women's hormones, body, and feelings. It can be a rocky, stop-start process that takes years.

Signs of menopause
As most women approach menopause, their menstrual periods become irregular, they happen closer together and/or further apart.
Other common signs include:

• achy joints
• night sweats
• difficulty in concentrating
• changes in sexual desire
• headaches
• extreme sweating
• hot flashes
• frequent urination
• insomnia
• vaginal dryness
• mood changes

Anxiety
Women may have one, some, or none of these signs. But the ones she does have can be very unpredictable and disturbing. A woman’s experiences during menopause may also be influenced by other life changes such as:

• Anxiety about loss of independence, disability, or loneliness.
• Increasing numbers of perimenopausal women also have young children to care for.

Whatever the cause or circumstance, the conditions women experience before and after menopause are very real and sometimes very serious. Many become physically or emotionally disabled for various periods of time by the menopause condition.

Some self-care tips
All these effects can only make you frustrated and stressful. However, self-care can help you cope with them easily. Here are a few self-care tips to reduce or prevent the development of bad effects in women during menopause:

Cut down on hot flashes and night sweats
You will often experience night sweats because of hot flashes, which develop with a rapid expansion of blood vessels because of decrease in estrogen levels. Body temperature rises and causes mild waves from the chest to the face where facial redness and sweating develops. To reduce the hot flashes and night sweats, eat adequate amounts of calcium-rich foods and other nutrients essential for absorption of calcium into the body. Also, eat phytoestrogen-rich food (soy milk, tofu, miso), and fresh fruits and vegetables such as yams, papayas and carrots. Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin E supplements are also effective. Cut down intake of tea, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, sugar as well as spicy foods.

Avoid discomforts
Owing to a reduction in the production of hormones by the ovaries, women often experience a feeling of burning, vaginal itching and discomfort with sexual intercourse. Try to use over-the counter vaginal lubricants or water-based moisturizers.

Stick to an exercise schedule
As exercise helps discharge endorphins to relieve stress and promote comfort, plan and stick to an exercise routine with a combination of strength training as well as aerobic exercises — walking, jogging and dancing. Regular exercising and physical activities help relieve hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and prevents the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke and obesity.

Avoid smoking and alcohol
Smoking and alcohol consumption leads to the development of several health problems. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, heart attack, certain cancers, and other health-related problems. Smoking also increases the onset of earlier menopause, so try to stay away from smoking and alcohol consumption.

As a final precaution, try to have regular doctor check-ups and tests.

Coping up as a couple
When a woman is going through menopause, and she is married or has a partner, they may find themselves with some very different challenges to hurdle, by comparison with any other point in time in their lives. Decrease in sex drive and problems that were left unexpressed in the past are often brought to light, and fights can occur during menopause.

Coping up with the changes to a woman’s body and emotions can be equally as difficult for the male in the relationship to empathize in all cases. Communication and understanding are the main keys in successfully dealing with menopause in relationships. A woman will likely need more attention during menopause, and perhaps more expressions of love and understanding.

Diabetes and Gum infections

What is gum infection?
Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults and is frequently linked to diabetes.

The lethal connection
Is there a connection between diabetes and gum infection? Studies show that people with insufficient blood sugar control seem to develop gum infection more frequently and more severely then people who have better control over their blood sugar levels. Or in other words, basically, if your control over your blood sugar is poor, you are at a higher risk for gum disease. In fact, you may even be more at risk for losing your teeth from the disease. However, if you have diabetes but have strong control over your blood sugar, you may be in significantly better shape than someone who does not have strong control over this area. Another diabetic complication is thicker blood vessels. This is another complication which can make you more at risk for getting periodontal disease. Basically, thicker blood vessels make it more difficult for nutrients to flow in and harmful waste products to flow out. The direct result of this is the reduced ability of the gum tissue surrounding your teeth to fight off infection.

We all know that bacteria love sugar - especially glucose. Therefore, high glucose levels in saliva promote growth of bacteria that cause gum disease. People with diabetes who smoke are far more likely to develop gum disease than people who smoke and do not have diabetes. Poor oral hygiene is a major factor in gum disease for everyone, but it is even more so for a person with diabetes.

Signs and symptoms of gum infection

• Red and swollen gums
• Gums that tend to bleed easily
• Gums separating from the teeth
• Loose teeth
• Frequent bad breath
• Change in the way your teeth fit together
• Change in the way partials or dentures fit

Prevention of gum infection

• Maintain good control over your blood sugar levels.
• Do not smoke.
• Good oral hygiene and regular dental check ups are essential in preventing gum disease.
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.
• Be sure to tell your dentist and hygienist that you have diabetes so that he can detect any signs of early gum disease.

The outcome of neglect
There are two major stages of periodontal disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. People with diabetes tend to develop gum disease more frequently than others. However, if it is diagnosed in the early stage (gingivitis), it can be treated and reversed. If treatment is not received, a more serious and advanced stage (periodontitis) may follow which includes bone loss and is irreversible.

Diabetes and other oral problems
Diabetes can also cause other oral problems, including:
Thrush
Thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth, occurs more often in persons with diabetes because of high sugar levels in the saliva, as fungus thrives on glucose.

Dry mouth
Often a symptom of undetected diabetes, dry mouth means the mouth does not have enough saliva to keep itself wet. Saliva is necessary to help digest food, and prevent infection and tooth decay by controlling bacteria and fungi. Dry mouth can make tasting, chewing, and swallowing food difficult, and can impede speech. In addition, dry mouth can cause mouth infections and tooth decay.
Although each individual may experience symptoms differently, symptoms of dry mouth may include:

• sticky, dry mouth
• dry lips
• sense of burning in the mouth
• tough tongue
• mouth sores or infection

Always consult your physician for a diagnosis. Treatment for dry mouth depends on the cause of the condition. Dry mouth can be caused by medication, disease, cancer treatment, and nerve damage. Some tips to prevent dry mouth symptoms include:

• Take frequent sips of water or sugarless fluids.
• Avoid caffeine.
• Drink fluids during meals.
• Avoid spicy or salty foods.
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
• Use a humidifier at night.
• Chew sugarless gum or sugarless candy.

Frozen Shoulder

What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, or Adhesive Capsulitis, is a condition that causes restriction of motion in the shoulder joint. The cause of a frozen shoulder is not well understood, but it often occurs for no known reason. Frozen shoulder causes the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint to contract and form scar tissue.

Typical symptoms of a frozen shoulder

• Shoulder pain
• Limited movement of the shoulder
• Difficulty with activities such as brushing hair, putting on shirts/bras
• Pain when trying to sleep on the affected shoulder

The stages of a frozen shoulder

Painful freezing stage
This is the most painful stage of a frozen shoulder. Motion is restricted, but the shoulder is not as stiff as the frozen stage. This painful stage typically lasts 6-12 weeks.

Frozen stage
During the frozen stage, the pain usually eases up, but the stiffness worsens. The frozen stage can last 4-6 months.

Thawing stage
The thawing stage is gradual, and motion steadily improves over a lengthy period of time. The thawing stage can last more than a year.

What causes frozen shoulder?
Most often, frozen shoulder occurs with no associated injury or discernible cause. There are patients who develop a frozen shoulder after a traumatic injury to the shoulder, but this is not the usual cause. Some risk factors for developing a frozen shoulder include:

Age and gender
Frozen shoulder most commonly affects patients between the ages of 40 to 60 years old, and it is twice as common in women as in men.

Endocrine disorders
Patients with diabetes are at particular risk for developing a frozen shoulder. Other endocrine abnormalities, such as thyroid problems, can also lead to this condition.

Shoulder trauma or surgery
Patients who sustain a shoulder injury, or undergo surgery on the shoulder can develop a frozen shoulder joint. When injury or surgery is followed by prolonged joint immobilization, the risk of developing a frozen shoulder is highest.

Other systemic conditions
Several systemic conditions such as heart disease and Parkinson's disease have also been associated with an increased risk for developing a frozen shoulder.

Treatment
Frozen shoulder treatment primarily consists of pain relief and physical therapy. Most patients find relief with these simple steps, although the entire treatment process can take several months or longer. Stretching exercises for frozen shoulder serves two functions: first, to increase the motion in the joint, and, second, to minimize the loss of muscle on the affected arm.

Exercise
Here are some exercise and stretching tips:

• Try a very warm shower, or even better a very warm bath just prior to beginning your exercise. The moist heat will increase local blood flow and stretchiness of the tissues in and around the shoulder joint.
• Start with good posture before beginning each exercise. If you look in the mirror and your natural relaxed posture reveals rounded shoulders and upper back and your chin is protruding forward, this will lessen the amount of motion you will be able to obtain. Retract your chin slightly, sit up tall or stand tall, and roll your shoulders backwards before beginning any range of motion exercise. By doing this you place your affected shoulder in a more natural position and will make the frozen shoulder exercise more effective.

• Increase your frequency and intensity of each exercise session. You should be stretching and strengthening several times a day, but each session should be briefer with focused intensity rather than 2-3 long drawn out sessions. You will see quicker results by not allowing the shoulder to stiffen up between sessions that are too far apart.

Anti-inflammatory medications
Anti-inflammatory medications have not been shown to significantly alter the course of a frozen shoulder, but these medications can be helpful in offering relief from the painful symptoms.

Cortisone injections
Cortisone injections are also commonly used to decrease the inflammation in the frozen shoulder joint. It is unclear the extent of the benefit of a cortisone injection, but it can help to decrease pain, and in turn allow for more stretching and physical therapy. What is known, about the cortisone is only effective when used in conjunction with physical therapy for the management of a frozen shoulder.

Managing Asthma during monsoons

Out of breath during thunderstorms?
The mechanisms behind thunderstorm asthma are not well established as it is caused by a combination of many factors. However, thunderstorms are known to have a marked effect on pollens, fungal spores, as well as dust and smoke particles. Although representing a small proportion of airborne particles present in the atmosphere, pollen grains can be causative agents of allergic respiratory responses in individuals who are allergic to pollens. Some grass allergen (for example, ryegrass allergen) is located on the surface of starch granules within pollen grains. A single pollen grain contains up to 700 starch granules of 0.6 to 2.5 um (small enough to reach the lower airways in the lung). When it rains or is humid, pollen grains can absorb moisture and burst, releasing hundreds of small allergenic particles that can penetrate deep into the small airways of the lung. It is also thought that an increased release of fungal spores may occur after a thunderstorm or heavy rainfall, thereby precipitating asthma.

Inference of a case study
According to a study, based on the asthma epidemic, which occurred in London on 24 and 25 June 1994 after a thunderstorm, it was noted that lightning strikes, rainfall, drop in air temperature, air pressure, and humidity seemed to be related to the onset of the asthma epidemic.

This is what scientists found about thunderstorm-associated asthma:

• A link exists between asthma epidemics and thunderstorm.
• Epidemics related to thunderstorm are dependent on seasons when there are high atmospheric concentrations of airborne allergenic pollens.
• The start of the thunderstorm has a close temporal association with the onset of epidemics.
• Subjects with pollen allergy, who stay indoors with closed windows during thunderstorm, are not usually affected.
• Subjects who are not under correct anti-asthma treatment are at a major risk whilst subjects with allergic rhinitis and those without previous asthma can experience severe broncho-constriction (constriction of the bronchial air passages).

Prevention is better than cure

Precautions to take in the event of a thunderstorm:

• Watch out and listen closely for weather reports.
• Be aware that thunderstorms could trigger your asthma.
• Increase your preventer inhaler, in consultation with your doctor or nurse, and seek medical attention if you experience an extreme attack.
• Keep a close eye on your condition either by taking regular peak flow readings or recording your symptoms.

Tips to cope with asthma

• Learn to use your medication correctly. Request your doctor to teach you to use the inhaler. This is important because sufficient medication must reach the airways in order to alleviate the symptoms.
• Keep your house clean. Some kinds of bacteria present in household dust are known to induce asthma. It is particularly dangerous if these bacteria are present in the bedroom. The bacteria will be found where dust mites are present. So take care to remove all breeding places for these mites, such as carpets and any non-essential soft furnishings. The bedroom floor should be cleaned regularly using a good anti-bacterial soap. Use dust-proof pillow and mattress covers. Regularly wash pillows and sheets in hot water.
• Smoking is a big no-no. Don’t allow others to smoke around you either. Smoking inside your room should be completely disallowed.
• High humidity levels encourage bacteria growth which can cause asthma attacks. Maintain humidity in the 30 to 50 percent range. Use exhaust fans in bathrooms. If specific areas (like the basement) have high humidity, make use of dehumidifiers.

• Regular exercise and swimming is generally an excellent form of exercise for asthmatics.
• Gases and particles from combustion can cause asthma problems. Check all stoves, heaters and furnaces at least once a year. When they are in use, furnace filters may need changing every month. There are high efficiency filters available that can significantly reduce the amount of particles getting into the air.
• Many asthmatics are allergic to pollen. If that’s you, try to avoid the outdoors as much as possible during pollen season. Use air conditioning indoors. Covering your nose and mouth with a scarf can help cut down on pollen intake as well as reduce chances of asthma attacks triggered by cold air.

Adopt a healthy sensible lifestyle and follow these simple tips to minimize the effects of asthma.

Myths and truths about dieting and weight loss

Dieting myths revealed
Does eating at night make you fat? Is caffeine bad for you? New diet myths can crop up at any time; fads come and go. Here are some diet myths revealed for you:

Myth: Caffeine is unhealthy.
Truth: There is some evidence that caffeine may have a positive effect on some diseases, including gout and Parkinson's disease, besides caffeine's famous wake-up call. Also, caffeine doesn't dehydrate people who consume it regularly.

Myth: The less fat you eat, the better.
Truth: People with heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome may benefit from adding a little healthy fat -- the monounsaturated kind -- and cutting back on carbohydrates. But they shouldn't increase their overall fat intake -- just swap saturated fat for monounsaturated fat.

Myth: Use sea salt in place of table salt.
Truth: Sea salt or other gourmet salts aren't healthier than table salt. Sea salt contains slightly less sodium per teaspoon than table salt only because sea salt is coarser, so fewer grains fit into the teaspoon.

Myth: Drinking more water daily will help you lose weight.
Truth: There's no evidence that water peels off pounds. Foods containing water -- such as soup -- can fill you up, but just drinking water alone doesn't have the same impact. Our thirst mechanism and our hunger mechanism are two different things.

Myth: Whole grains are always healthier than refined grains.
Truth: Whole grains are a healthy choice, but you needn't ditch refined grains. Refined grains generally are going to have more folate, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and iron. The whole grains usually have more fiber, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, potassium. You can have some of each.

Myth: Eating at night makes you fat.
Truth: Calories count, whenever you eat them. There's no proof for this myth.

Weight loss myths revealed
There is usually some cheating and lying involved even though you follow your diet or fitness routine. Unfortunately, myths about how you can lose weight can sabotage even the healthiest relationship between you and your treadmill. Here is a list of lies so you can battle the bulge armed with the truth:

Myth: If you eat and exercise consistently, you will never gain weight.
Truth: The fact is your metabolism slows down as you age. As a result, you often have to either eat less or exercise more to avoid gaining weight. You need to be willing to make lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments as you age, change, and grow. The biggest change usually occurring around the age of 40. Your metabolism will continue to slow down more gradually over the years, so always keep your food and exercise plan flexible.

Myth: Carbs are all bad
Truth: It's a myth that all carbohydrates are bad. The body uses carbs as fuel during exercise to burn body fat, a great reason to keep the bread basket on the menu.

Myth: Certain foods make you burn calories
Truth: A calorie is a calorie, regardless of where it comes from. There are no foods that increase your metabolic rate, or help you burn calories. You may eat foods with a high water and fiber content because they stay in your system longer, a plus for taking off the pounds.

Myth: Snacking is always a bad idea
Truth: The idea that you shouldn't eat between meals is a myth. You don't need to starve to lose weight. Having snacks in between meals might actually help you eat less, and stave off the urge to overeat or binge later. In fact, dietitians often recommend that you have five smaller meals a day, instead of eating your calories all in one sitting.

Skin Problems and hair Care

In the new millennium world human life is full of stress and anxiety. In our struggle to succeed, we age rapidly and ignore our health and appearance. Add to this our polluted environment which is a result of our own misdeeds. Or in other words, a skin or bad hair problem can be triggered by unhealthy lifestyles, improper diet, medication, and contact with those who have contagious skin conditions. Let us look at some basic skin and hair problems in this issue.

A face that launched a thousand battleships
Helen of Troy had such a beautiful face, they say, that her admirers were ready to go to war launching a thousand battleships! First impression is the last impression, they say. Our face is the first thing people see when they meet us – and can break or make a great first impression. Social situations demand a problem-free skin, especially, your face. Given below are a list of common skin problems and ways to cure them:

Dry Skin
Do you look like an old hag when you are not aged? Going on a date with dry skin can make you appear years older than you actually are. If you haven't had any luck trying multiple moisturizes, you may want to try an all natural, moisturizing mask made with honey. Mix two tablespoons of honey with one tablespoon of milk, and apply to your face and neck. Leave this on for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Pat your face dry with a soft towel. Voila! You are sweet sixteen with a glowing skin on your face and somebody’s “my fair lady”.

Oily Skin
Oily skin is a skin problem that can cause blemishes. A banana face mask will keep the oil under control. Mash one ripe banana with one tablespoon of honey and add a few drops of lemon juice. Apply this tasty mixture to your face for 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water. You will really go bananas over this cure as it will make your makeup secure because you will have a less oily face.

Blotchy Skin
Feeling blue over your red skin? When makeup won’t do to cover up blotchy, red skin, then it is time for donning a soothing mask. Oatmeal makes for a great mask that can cure many skin problems. Cook two tablespoons of oatmeal with ½ cup of milk until soft. Add two tablespoons of olive oil and let cool. Apply to your face and neck for about half an hour, and then rinse with warm water. When applied two or three times a week the mask cures the skin problem.

The crowning glory
Hair is delicate, growing stuff which needs to be handled with care. A lot of care will make your hair healthy, shiny and also beautiful. Love your hair like you are going to lose it. Hair is an important aspect in a person's look. Hair has been called as “crowning glory.” That’s because hair is covering our head like a crown which can influence our appearance. Here are some hair care tips:

• Identify your hair type, such as, oily, dry, natural, curly, straight, kinky or whatever. By doing this you can correctly treat your hair with product that is useful to your type of hair.
• Your shampoo should match your hair type. Apply shampoo from root to tip --- gently work down the hair. Rinse thoroughly under running water, preferably a shower.
• Always condition after shampooing. Choose a conditioner that works with your shampoo. Be generous with your application.
• Gently dry your hair even if it takes a long duration, but don’t rub your hair.
• Use a bungee-band when you put your hair in a braid or ponytail. Don’t use any plain rubber band as this will cause hair breakage and hair loss.
• Go to sleep but not with your ponytail or in tight braid. This can damage your hair.