Aastha Hospice, Aastha Geriatric Hospital & Hospice, B-52 J Park Mahanagar LKO, Lucknow (2026)

03/10/2026

Swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, or legs is common and is medically known as edema. It occurs when excess fluid collects in the body tissues. While occasional swelling may be temporary, persistent or unexplained swelling should not be ignored.
Swelling can occur after standing or sitting for long periods, travelling for several hours, eating too much salt, or during hot weather. However, it can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Kidney problems may cause the body to retain excess salt and water, resulting in swelling of the feet, ankles, or face. Heart problems, particularly heart failure, can also lead to fluid accumulation in the legs. Liver disease, thyroid disorders, poor circulation, certain medications, infections, and injuries are other possible causes.
If swelling occurs suddenly, affects only one leg, or is associated with pain, redness, warmth, breathlessness, chest pain, or reduced urine output, medical evaluation is important.
Do not take medicines to reduce swelling without identifying the cause. Proper treatment depends on the underlying condition.
Swelling is a symptom, not a disease. Finding the cause is the key to proper treatment.

02/10/2026

It was a privilege to welcome Sri Sri Shankara Bharathi Swamiji of Yadathore Yoganandeshwar Saraswathi Math, K.R. Nagar, Mysuru District, Karnataka, during his visit to Lucknow.

In the presence of the revered Swamiji, the South Asian Journal of Geriatric Medicine, Surgery, Palliative Care & Hospice was presented as a humble representation of our continued endeavour to bring knowledge, compassion and service together in the care of humanity.

Medicine heals the body, while spirituality often gives strength to the mind and peace to the soul. True healing finds meaning when knowledge is guided by compassion and service.

The interaction was a beautiful reminder that healthcare is not merely about treating disease, it is also about dignity, hope, empathy and the human connection.

A meeting where divine wisdom met the purpose of healthcare: to serve, to heal and to care 🙏

01/10/2026

Sri Sri Shankara Bharathi Swamiji of Yadathore Yoganandeshwar Saraswathi Matt, K.R. Nagar, Mysuru District, Karnataka, will be visiting Lucknow tomorrow.
You are cordially invited to attend the sacred Pooja at Sachidanand Nishkam Sewa Trust, Lucknow.
📅 Date: 2nd October 2026 (Friday)
🕕 Time: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM
🙏 Your presence and blessings will make this auspicious occasion truly special.
📞 For assistance, please contact: 7239083426

01/10/2026

मैं समाज से यही कहना चाहूंगा कि बुजुर्ग हमारे परिवार की जिम्मेदारी भर नहीं हैं, वे हमारे अनुभव, हमारी संस्कृति और हमारी विरासत हैं। उन्होंने अपने जीवन का एक बड़ा हिस्सा हमारे भविष्य को बनाने में लगाया है। आज जब उन्हें हमारी जरूरत है, तो हमें उनके साथ खड़ा होना चाहिए।
उन्हें सिर्फ पैसे या दवाइयों की जरूरत नहीं होती। उन्हें यह महसूस होना चाहिए कि वे आज भी परिवार का महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा हैं। उनसे बात कीजिए, उनकी बात सुनिए, उन्हें परिवार के फैसलों में शामिल कीजिए और उनके साथ थोड़ा समय बिताइए।
हम अक्सर कहते हैं कि बुजुर्गों ने हमें जिंदगी दी है। अब हमारी जिम्मेदारी है कि उनकी जिंदगी के इस पड़ाव को सम्मान, सुरक्षा, स्वास्थ्य और अपनापन दें।
उम्र बढ़ना जीवन का अंत नहीं है। यह जीवन का एक ऐसा पड़ाव है जहां इंसान को शायद सबसे ज्यादा सम्मान और साथ की जरूरत होती है। हमारे बुजुर्ग सच में हमारी विरासत हैं और इस विरासत को संभालना हम सबकी जिम्मेदारी है।

29/09/2026

DR. ABHISHEK SHUKLA, GERIATRICIAN, EXPLAINED

When admitting an elderly patient, writing the “Issues” clearly is one of the most important parts of clinical documentation. Instead of writing a long, confusing history, divide one sheet into sections and list the major problems—why the patient was brought to you, what has already been treated, what investigations have been done, and what remains to be evaluated.

For example, in an 83-year-old patient, the first issue may be anemia. If hemoglobin was 5.3 g/dL, increased to 8.7 g/dL after three units of PRBCs, document these facts and then consider investigating the underlying cause with iron profile, vitamin B12 and folate.

The next issue may be thrombocytosis, with persistently elevated platelet counts. Similarly, raised TLC should prompt assessment for infection, sepsis, or reactive leukocytosis.

Other issues may include obstructive uropathy, requiring urine examination and culture; cholelithiasis; abdominal distension with Ryle’s tube drainage; suspected subacute intestinal obstruction; and query right-sided pyelonephritis, requiring appropriate imaging and clinical evaluation.

Existing conditions such as hypothyroidism and ongoing medications should also be documented.

The key is to write the issues in a structured manner, connecting each problem with the relevant findings, investigations, previous treatment, and proposed plan.

This approach allows the entire clinical story to be summarized on one sheet of paper, making it easier for the treating team to understand the patient quickly and develop an appropriate assessment and management plan.

28/09/2026

Today, we are with Mrs. Vilma Upreti Ji, one of our esteemed lifetime members, who has completed 87 years of age and has been associated with Aastha for nearly 12 years. Despite living far away, she visits us independently, manages her medical care, banking, government-related work, and daily responsibilities with remarkable confidence.

She is a beautiful example of active, independent and graceful ageing. She travels, meets people, nurtures plants, participates in community activities, and continues to support and guide her family members.

Every year, she also makes a generous donation to Aastha, helping us continue our services for senior citizens. For her, Aastha is not merely an organization—it is an extended family.

Her enthusiasm, positivity and determination remind us that ageing does not mean giving up on life. At 87, she continues to live each day with purpose, dignity and independence.

We salute her spirit and celebrate her inspiring journey. Namaskar!

27/09/2026

Dr. Abhishek Shukla, Geriatrician, Explained

A person may look extremely fit and exercise regularly, but sudden loss of consciousness during strenuous exercise is never something to ignore. If someone suddenly collapses while running on a treadmill or exercising intensely, our first concern should be a potentially serious cardiac cause.

We should immediately ask: Did he have chest pain, palpitations, severe breathlessness, dizziness, or any unusual sensation before collapsing?

One important possibility is a dangerous cardiac arrhythmia. During intense exercise, the heart rate rises significantly. In susceptible individuals, abnormal electrical rhythms can develop, causing the heart to pump ineffectively and reducing blood flow to the brain. This may result in sudden unconsciousness. Serious rhythm disturbances include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation; other tachyarrhythmias may also cause syncope.

Another possibility is acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction, particularly in someone with underlying coronary disease or other risk factors. Severe exertion increases the heart's demand for oxygen, and a compromised coronary artery may not be able to supply sufficient blood.

Other important causes include hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, inherited electrical disorders, structural heart disease, pulmonary embolism, dehydration, low blood pressure, and electrolyte abnormalities. Certain supplements or performance-enhancing substances may also increase cardiovascular risk.

What should we do? Do not allow the person to walk. Lay them safely on a firm surface and call emergency medical services immediately.

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, suspect cardiac arrest. Start CPR immediately and use an AED if available.

Remember: exercise-related syncope, especially sudden collapse without warning, requires urgent medical evaluation—even in a young, apparently healthy athlete.

26/09/2026

DR. ABHISHEK SHUKLA, GERIATRICIAN, EXPLAINED

Why is it so important to check your blood pressure regularly, and what happens when the lower blood pressure—the diastolic pressure—increases?

Our body has five vital organs: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain. These organs are essential for life, and they depend on an adequate blood supply. Blood pressure is one of the simplest parameters we can measure to understand whether blood is circulating effectively.

The heart continuously pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every organ. If blood pressure becomes too low because of dehydration, severe diarrhea, blood loss, heat stroke, or another cause, adequate blood flow to vital organs may decrease. This can cause dizziness, weakness, fainting, reduced urine output, and, in severe cases, organ damage.

On the other hand, persistently high blood pressure can silently damage blood vessels over many years. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. Very high blood pressure can sometimes contribute to a blood vessel rupturing in the brain, resulting in a brain hemorrhage. Depending on the area affected, a person may develop weakness, paralysis, difficulty walking, disability, or may require prolonged care.

That is why having a digital BP machine at home can be extremely useful. Regular, correctly performed measurements can help detect abnormal blood pressure early. However, a single reading does not establish a diagnosis; repeated measurements taken properly are more informative.

Lifestyle measures such as reducing excess salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet can help control blood pressure. When medication is required, it should be prescribed and monitored by a doctor.

So, don't simply write down a BP reading—measure it properly. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help protect your heart, brain, and kidneys.

25/09/2026

DR. ABHISHEK SHUKLA, GERIATRICIAN EXPLAINED: HEALTH INSURANCE कैसे और कब लें?

Health insurance केवल एक policy खरीदना नहीं है; यह बीमारी के समय आपकी savings को सुरक्षित रखने का महत्वपूर्ण साधन है। गंभीर बीमारी में कुछ ही दिनों में लाखों रुपये खर्च हो सकते हैं, इसलिए policy लेते समय कुछ महत्वपूर्ण बातें समझना जरूरी है।

1. Coverage Amount: अपनी उम्र, परिवार के आकार, existing diseases और medical needs के अनुसार पर्याप्त sum insured चुनें।

2. Waiting Period: Pre-existing diseases जैसे diabetes, hypertension, cataract या gallbladder problems के लिए waiting period कितना है, यह जरूर देखें।

3. Medical History: अपनी बीमारी, दवाइयों, smoking, alcohol या to***co use जैसी relevant जानकारी सही-सही disclose करें। गलत जानकारी claim के समय समस्या पैदा कर सकती है।

4. Room-Rent Limit: ₹1,500–₹2,000 जैसी room-rent limits को ध्यान से समझें, क्योंकि इससे आपका out-of-pocket खर्च प्रभावित हो सकता है।

5. Co-payment: Policy में आपको claim का कितना हिस्सा स्वयं देना होगा, यह पहले जानें।

6. Treatment Limits: Specific treatments, sub-limits, top-up, recharge और family-floater rules को समझें।

7. Network Hospitals: आपके शहर में कौन-कौन से hospitals cashless network में हैं, यह जांचें।

8. Free-Look Period: Policy खरीदने के बाद उसे review करने और applicable conditions के अनुसार वापस करने के लिए उपलब्ध free-look period को समझें।

9. Grace Period: Premium देर से भरने पर policy, continuity benefits और waiting-period credits पर क्या प्रभाव पड़ेगा, यह जानें।

10. Continuous Coverage: लंबे समय तक policy जारी रखने से मिलने वाले renewal benefits, accumulated benefits और बढ़े हुए sum insured के नियम समझें।

Take-home message: Policy केवल premium देखकर नहीं, बल्कि coverage, exclusions, waiting period, co-payment, limits और renewal conditions समझकर चुनें।

24/09/2026

DR. ABHISHEK SHUKLA, GERIATRICIAN, EXPLAINED

Shilpi, a Nursing Officer, wants to know: How can we identify pneumonia on an X-ray or CT scan?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, commonly presenting with fever, cough, sputum production, breathlessness and sometimes low oxygen saturation. The history is important—duration of symptoms, smoking, COPD or asthma, age, mobility, aspiration risk and other medical conditions should be assessed.

On examination, auscultation may reveal reduced air entry or abnormal breath sounds over the affected area. Normally, air-filled lungs appear relatively dark on a chest X-ray. In pneumonia, inflammatory material fills the alveoli, producing areas of increased opacity or consolidation, which appear whiter. Air bronchograms may also be visible.

For example, if one side of the chest shows a new area of opacity compared with the other lung, pneumonia may be considered, particularly when the patient has an acute history of fever and respiratory symptoms. However, an opacity is not automatically pneumonia. Persistent or chronic abnormalities may require evaluation for tuberculosis, malignancy, fungal infection, collapse or other conditions.

CT scanning provides much greater anatomical detail and can demonstrate consolidation, ground-glass opacities, air bronchograms and the distribution of lung involvement more clearly.

Evaluation may include sputum testing, bacterial culture and sensitivity, and testing for tuberculosis or fungal infection when clinically indicated. Blood tests such as CBC, CRP and, in selected cases, procalcitonin can help assess the clinical picture.

Treatment depends on the severity and cause. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy, oxygen and respiratory support may be required. If the patient fails to improve, the diagnosis should be reassessed and alternative causes investigated.

Chest imaging supports the diagnosis, but pneumonia should always be diagnosed by combining clinical findings, examination and imaging—not by the X-ray or CT scan alone.

Aastha Hospice

03/10/2026

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