Tag: Wellness

Health Scope

Gallbladder Stone Disease: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Explained by Dr. Vardhan S Bhobe

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Written by Dr. Vardhan S Bhobe, MS General Surgery, FIAGES, FAIS, General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Gallbladder stone disease, or cholelithiasis, refers to the formation of gallstones—solid stones formed mainly from cholesterol or bilirubin—within the gallbladder. It is a common condition affecting up to 10–15% of the adult population, with higher prevalence in women, multiparity, individuals over 40, obese individuals, and those with a sedentary lifestyle or certain ethnic backgrounds (e.g., Native Americans).

Gallstones are broadly classified into cholesterol stones (most common in Western countries) and pigment stones (more common in Asia and in patients with hemolytic disorders or chronic infections). Cholesterol stones form due to bile supersaturation with cholesterol, gallbladder hypomotility, and mucus hypersecretion, which facilitates stone nucleation and growth.

Most gallstones are asymptomatic, discovered incidentally on imaging. However, symptomatic cholelithiasis can lead to biliary colic, characterized by sudden, intense, right upper quadrant or epigastric pain that may radiate to the right shoulder or back. This pain typically follows 2 hours after a fatty meal and may last from 30 minutes to several hours.

Complications of gallstone disease include:

  • Acute cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)
  • Choledocholithiasis (stones in the common bile duct)
  • Cholangitis (bile duct infection)
  • Gallstone pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder empyema or perforation

Diagnosis is usually made via ultrasonography, which is highly sensitive and specific for detecting gallstones. Additional imaging like MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) or ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) may be necessary for suspected ductal stones or complications.

Management depends on symptoms and complications:

  • Asymptomatic gallstones typically do not require treatment.
  • Symptomatic gallstones or complicated cases warrant laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the gold standard treatment. Laparoscopic Surgery is painless, cosmetic due to minimal cuts, bloodless, without stitches, often daycare with a quick recovery and fast return to work.
  • Non-surgical options, like oral bile acid dissolution therapy (ursodeoxycholic acid) or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, are mostly ineffective.
  • In high-risk surgical patients, percutaneous drainage or endoscopic interventions may be considered, to tide over an emergency.

Prevention includes weight control, dietary modifications (low-fat, high-fiber diets), and physical activity. Rapid weight loss should be avoided, as it increases the risk of stone formation. Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Sports

Anjuna Launches First Pickleball Court,

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Anjuna, Goa — August 1, 2025: The vibrant village of Anjuna has a new reason to celebrate. With the grand inauguration of its first-ever Pickleball court, the community has taken a significant step towards promoting health, unity, and recreation. The facility, inaugurated by the Oscar D’Souza family, marks a landmark addition to local infrastructure dedicated to wellness and sport.

Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is gaining momentum worldwide—and Anjuna is now on the map. The sport’s inclusive nature makes it appealing to both youth and elders, offering a high-energy but low-impact workout in a fun, social setting.

Since the inauguration, participation has surged. Youngsters are embracing the sport with energy, while seniors appreciate its gentle pace and health benefits. What’s more, the court is already becoming a place for neighbors to bond, relax, and thrive.

The Oscar D’Souza family shared their pride in supporting this initiative. “We hope this court inspires a lifestyle of wellness and active living,” they said. Their vision, along with community leaders, is that such spaces will continue to bring people together.

Local leaders praised the initiative for its focus on mental well-being and social cohesion, citing Pickleball as not just a game, but a new cultural connector for Anjuna.

As villagers rally around this game of paddles and quick footwork, one thing is certain: Anjuna’s love for Pickleball is just beginning.

Personal Grooming

Senthera Launches in India with Its Debut ‘Make Love’ Body Care Collection Inspired by Fragrance and Memory

Tanisha Cardozo

From fragrance memories in Ukraine to a wellness-inspired life in India, Margarita Kuritsyna’s journey has now blossomed into a new Indian body care brand: Senthera. Officially launched in July 2025, Senthera made its elegant debut with the Make Love collection—an evocative, sensorial line of clean, vegan skincare essentials that marry fragrance, nourishment, and memory.

Where It All Began

The inspiration behind Senthera traces back to Margarita’s early childhood in Ukraine. Her first love affair with scent came through a tropical perfume called Pacific Paradise, which filled her home with notes of fruit and fantasy. “I didn’t realize it then, but scent had already started shaping my sense of identity and comfort,” she recalls.

Years later, having moved to Gurugram, India, Margarita began her search for body care that was as effective as it was aromatic. A pivotal moment came when her mother gifted her a body cream and shower gel. The scent was delightful, but the formula lacked efficacy. That moment sparked a deeper passion for wellness and functionality—eventually leading to the birth of Senthera in 2023.
The Make Love Collection

Wrapped in soft blush pink packaging, the Make Love collection includes three key products:

  • Shower Gel with 10 Oils – Ideal for a fast yet luxurious cleanse.
  • Exfoliating Body Scrub – Designed to gently remove dead skin while retaining the body’s natural oils.
  • Collagen Body Cream – The standout product, enriched with peptides and formulated to hydrate, firm, and delicately scent the skin for hours.

Each formula is infused with Margarita’s signature scent blend of rose, lychee, and vanilla—a fragrance that’s delicate, romantic, and enduring.

More Than a Product—It’s a Ritual

Senthera’s launch wasn’t just about introducing skincare—it was a complete wellness immersion. Set against the backdrop of Goa’s monsoon charm at Brij Parasio, the brand hosted a unique wellness retreat featuring massages, tarot readings, journaling, and clean gourmet meals.

Margarita emphasized the need for intentionality in body care: “We use actives on our face every day but ignore our body. Our formulas include peptides and collagen because your body deserves as much attention as your face.”

Importantly, the collection is free of silicones, parabens, and harsh chemicals, embracing a gentle, nourishing philosophy.

What’s Next for Senthera?

The Make Love range is now available via the official website sentheraworld.com, starting at ₹1,499. Expansion plans include nationwide retail partnerships and global shipping in the near future.

As Margarita reflects: “I wanted people to fall in love—with themselves, with memories, with the ritual of bathing.” With Senthera, she’s created more than just body care—it’s a sensory experience, a mood, a memory.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Goa Tourism to participate in TTF Ahmedabad 2025 showcasing Its year-round offerings

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Panaji, July 18 2025 : The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa, is pleased to announce its participation in the upcoming Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Ahmedabad, to be held from 31st July to 2nd August 2025 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar. As one of India’s most prominent travel trade exhibitions, TTF Ahmedabad provides a valuable platform for tourism boards, travel operators, and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and promote domestic and international travel.

Goa Tourism’s participation at this prestigious event is part of its sustained strategy to position the state as a diverse, responsible, and year-round tourism destination. With Gujarat being one of the key domestic source markets, TTF Ahmedabad offers an important opportunity to strengthen engagement with travel trade partners, reach out to quality tourists, and build greater visibility for Goa’s evolving tourism identity.

At the Goa Pavilion, visitors will experience the state’s multi-dimensional tourism profile that extends beyond the conventional image of sun and sand. The Department will showcase a wide array of offerings such as spiritual tourism, wellness and Ayurveda-based experiences, adventure activities, and monsoon tourism. Additionally, homestay and community-based tourism initiatives, now gaining momentum under the state’s inclusive tourism policy, will also be highlighted.

The pavilion will also provide insights into Goa’s rich cultural calendar, featuring festivals such as Sao Joao, Chikhal Kalo, Spirit of Goa, Shigmo, and Carnaval, all of which attract experiential travellers and those seeking authentic local traditions.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa, stated: “Our participation at TTF Ahmedabad aligns with Goa’s vision to promote tourism that is immersive, inclusive, and sustainable. We are committed to engaging meaningfully with the travel trade community and highlighting the wide spectrum of experiences that Goa offers across all seasons. Gujarat remains a valuable market, and we look forward to welcoming more travellers who seek depth, culture, and renewal in their journeys.”

The Department of Tourism invites all travel trade professionals, media representatives, and visitors to visit the Goa Pavilion at TTF Ahmedabad to explore new collaborations and discover why Goa continues to stand out as one of India’s most compelling and evolving destinations.

Human Interest

Pune Woman Wins ₹9.1 Lakh for Sleeping 9 Hours a Day for 60 Days

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In an inspiring and unusual win, Pooja, a resident of Pune, bagged ₹9.1 lakh after winning a unique sleep-based challenge organized by a mattress company to promote awareness about the importance of healthy sleep.

The challenge was simple in theory but required serious discipline: sleep for an average of 9 hours per day for 60 continuous days—without significant interruptions or disturbances. Out of over one lakh participants from across India, only 15 made it to the final stage, and Pooja outperformed them all with the highest score.

The contest aimed to emphasize how sleep is not a luxury but a key pillar of health. Quality sleep contributes to better immunity, improved memory, sharper concentration, and mental well-being. Pooja’s consistency, focus, and perfectly maintained sleep schedule over the two-month period made her stand out from the rest.

Speaking after her win, Pooja said, “This experience taught me how much good sleep affects everything—from mood to energy. It wasn’t easy, but it changed my lifestyle for the better.”

The contest organisers noted that participants were monitored through wearable devices to ensure accuracy. Daily check-ins, sleep tracking apps, and periodic health updates were part of the strict criteria to qualify.

The competition gained traction on social media as a “dream job,” and Pooja’s story is now making waves for being a reminder that rest and routine are as important as hustle and hard work.

So next time someone says you’re sleeping too much—tell them it could be a ₹9.1 lakh idea!