Latest Blogs

HbA1c test stands for glycated or glycosylated hemoglobin test. This test helps measure average blood sugar levels for the past 3 months. This test is essential for every person who has diabetes. Other names of this test are glycohemoglobin test, A1c test, or simply A1c.Hemoglobin is the protein in the red blood cells that help in transportation of oxygen across the body. Sugar (or glucose) present in the blood combines with one type of hemoglobin (hemoglobin A), this combination molecule is called glycated hemoglobin. A red blood cell lives up to 120 days, or 4 months. Hence, measuring this combination molecule gives a fair estimate of your blood sugar levels in the last 2-3 months.         Keep your diabetes in check with an HbA1c test. Importance of HbA1c Test Do you regularly measure your fasting and after meal blood sugar to keep a check on your diabetes? Think that is enough? Not actually! Though the fasting and post meal tracking of blood glucose is important, these tests can only check your blood sugar at a certain point of time. Their results might vary depending on what you had eaten over the last night or in the previous meal. However, the HbA1c test looks at the 3-month data and cannot be biased. For persons having diabetes, HbA1c numbers give a fair idea of how controlled their diabetes is. As per scientific evidence, having a smaller HbA1c number means lesser risk of developing complications due to diabetes. all diabRaised HbA1c value has also been regarded as an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke in people with or without diabetes.  Why is the HbA1c test done and significance of it?    The HbA1c test is used for diagnosis as well as monitoring purposes. Your doctor suggests an HbA1c test to see whether your diabetes is controlled or not. Pre-diabetics, people having borderline diabetes, are also advised to get tested to check how stable their blood sugar levels are. All diabetic patient should know the significance of hba1c test. Frequency of getting tested In general, people having diabetes and pre-diabetes should get their HbA1c tested every 3 months. If you are healthy but have a family history of diabetes or think your lifestyle makes you prone to develop diabetes, you should get an HbA1c test done every 6 months. You can consult a doctor on how frequently you should take a test for your health condition. HbA1c Results The results of the A1c test are presented as a percentage. The test result shows the amount of hemoglobin that glucose has bound to in your blood. For diagnostic purposes, the test results may be as follows: Normal/ Healthy: Below 5.7% Pre-diabetes: 5.7–6.4% Diabetes: 6.5% or more There are certain factors and some medical conditions that can change the HbA1c result slightly and even lead to a higher reading. Some conditions that can cause a false A1c number include: Liver disease Kidney disease Recent blood loss or transfusion Low iron levels Certain blood-related conditions Your doctor is the best guide to analyse the results. HbA1c Target levels A healthy person who does not have diabetes should target for an HbA1c score below 5.7 percent. If a person has an HbA1c score of 6.5 percent or higher, it’s likely that he /she has diabetes. During treatment for diabetes, different people will have different targets, based on factors such as their age and medicines they are taking. In general, diabetics might be asked to keep their HbA1c result below 7 percent. Older adults having diabetes and diabetics who might also be at risk of low sugar levels (hypoglycemia), can be recommended an HbA1c number of around 8%.    Test preparation for HbA1c Unlike fasting or post meal blood sugar tests, no special preparation is needed for an HbA1c test. You do not need to fast. You can give a test sample at any time of the day. Also, do not miss your medicines on the day of getting tested.  COVID-19 and HbA1c The entire pandemic situation has made managing diabetes well more important than ever for people having diabetes. HbA1c gives you a sneak peek into how well your blood glucose has been doing over the past 2-3 months. Look for trusted labs and safe services when you have to take an HbA1c test. Have to get tested and not sure where to get it done? Book an HbA1c test online and get tested within the comfort of your home.

The population of the world, as a whole, is living longer. It is thus essential to implement proactive steps to create changes at both individual and environmental levels, which can promote aging in a better way. The concept of aging well is a fundamental requirement to improve health and well-being in order to enhance length and quality of life. Aging well highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and keeping wellness on priority while growing older. Here are 7 scientific tips that can help you age gracefully: Keeping physically active It has been observed that poor health in old age is mainly caused due to the effects of multiple lifestyle choices, such as physical inactivity, poor diet, and smoking. Regular exercising lowers the risk of several diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, etc. Several studies also suggest that aerobic exercises may improve the symptoms of Alzheimer disease. Moreover, certain evidence have demonstrated the beneficial effect of physical activity on aging at cellular levels, causing an increase in energy, flexibility and overall sense of well-being. Various types of physical activity that can be done are: Simple exercises such as walking, jogging, yoga, weight lifting or a dance class possess multiple benefits as they can control weight, uplift mood, and makes you sleep betterA 30 minute-walk every day, it can also be broken into shorter strolls It has been recommended that an adult should do 2½ - 5 hours per week of moderate-intensity exercise, 1 ¼ - 2 ½ hours per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercises, or a combination of these two. If you haven’t been exercising, discuss with your doctor about how you can get started gradually. Eating a balanced diet Diet is shown to play an active part in how well you age. Nutritious diet helps in keeping an individual mentally sharp and gives energy to enjoy day-to-day activities. Eating a balanced diet not only helps you age well, but also prevent oneself against various diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes, etc. Numerous studies have shown that chronic illnesses, particularly auto-immune diseases such as fibromyalgia and arthritis, can be associated with our diet, hence, a diet rich in anti-inflammatory components such as fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended. In addition, avoiding processed food with a higher glycemic index can raise your BMI, increase your waistline, and raise your blood sugar. Enough vitamin D level is essential as it helps contribute to bone health as you age. Salt should be kept to minimum to prevent high blood pressure. The recommended diet for aging well should include the following: Fruits and vegetablesWhole-grain cereals, breads, rice, or pastaLean protein, such as fish and beansLow-fat or fat-free dairy, such as milk, yogurt or cheese that contain vitamin D Focusing on mental health Mental health is very crucial as happiness with less stress levels can help a person age gracefully and liver longer and healthier. Various tips for improving your mental health includes: One should practice the habit of staying optimistic. Keeping a positive outlook can cure stress associated with life problems.One should stay connected as loneliness is harmful for your mental health. A lonelier individual has higher levels of stress hormones that cause inflammation, linked to disorders like arthritis. Meaningful relationships and a strong social network enhance both mental and physical well-being and longevity.Learn to embrace different aspects of life with a positive attitude.Find new hobbies as exploring new and meaningful things can provide a sense of purpose and keep your anxiety levels to minimum. Keep yourself busy to lessen stress about things you can’t control. Getting enough sleep The sleeping habit of an adult in this era has been greatly affected by changed lifestyle and work pressure. This sleep-deprived state in turn, leads to fatigue and premature aging of body cells. It has been observed that insomnia is more common in older adults. Thus, sticking to a sleeping schedule is important as it can keep a body in sync for appropriate sleep. For an uninterrupted sleep: Keep the room a little cooler and darkAvoid caffeine or alcohol in the eveningAvoid electronics before bedtime which emit blue light. Usually sleeping hours are majorly dependent on your age, an 8-hours sleep is recommended for an adult for better mental and physical health. It has been reported that our skin cells build and repair themselves during sleep, and that’s why we feel renewed and rejuvenated. Beneficial effects of appropriate sleep include: Reducing stress and anxietyLowering the risk of heart disease and strokeReducing the risk of obesityImproving focus and concentration. Restricting smoking and alcohol consumption Smoking and alcohol, both have shown many negative effects on the process of aging. Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and other products with nicotine can cause ailments like heart disease, cancer, lung and gum disease, etc. Similarly, limit your alcohol consumption to avoid risk of health diseases including liver ailments. Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but there are resources that can help you quit. Seek the help of a healthcare professional. It has been reported that your body begins to heal within 20 minutes of your last cigarette. Scheduling health tests on timeAs you age, your body organs also age. The aging body organs are more prone to get diseased and less likely to repair themselves. By getting your health tests done regularly, you are keeping an eye on the aging body. This helps to identify any health condition at an early stage, and take action. Ensure to get a full body check up done twice a year. Maintain hydrationHydration is vital to our bodies as drinking water regularly helps in releasing out toxins and aids in digestion. Additionally, it aids in sleeping better, and improves focus and weight loss. Adequate water intake can also help you avoid dry, flaky skin and fine lines, which in turn, can help your skin look younger.

Did you just get started with your daily workout routine, but finding exercising completely impossible during this chilly time of the year? Feel like pulling up the blanket and not move even an inch unless that move is within your cozy bed? Ha ha! This is certainly not new for most of us. However, what makes achievers achieve their fitness goals is a little motivation and few simple hacks to stay active in winter. It’s important to exercise in winter Exercising in winter might appear difficult. But, there are enough reasons why you should not give up on your workout during chilly winter. First and foremost, exercise improves your blood circulation and helps keep the body maintain a comfortable temperature inside. There is no heat and humidity, so you can exercise even longer and gain most out of the winter workout! Even a simple walk in the sunlight helps you get a daily dose of vitamin D. Also, amid COVID-19, staying active is quintessential for keeping your immunity intact to fight infection-causing germs. Here are 6 simple tips for staying active in winter and beat inactivity: Check the mirror and play a mind game with yourselfAs per few global surveys, people tend to gain 2.25 to 3.15 kg on an average during the winter months. Remind yourself that it is easy to hide that belly fat under sweaters and loose fitting sweatshirts, but summers will be back in some 2-3 months and that will no more be easy! Your mind will keep reminding you about this and make you move more. Remember, it’s not about the few kilos you put on, it’s about the extra load you aimed to take off!  Bring exercise indoorsYou may not feel comfortable to exercise outside during the winter months. Opt for workouts you can do indoors, and also stay active and warm. You can walk up and down the stairs for 10-15 times in one go and repeat this twice to thrice a day. Join a community dance class or work out to a video at home. If you love to dance, just move around on that groovy music track you love. The most important part of an exercise routine is to find pleasure in it and enjoy it too. If you’re having fun, you are more likely to stick with exercise. Remove layers as you heat upIt is common to put on too many layers during winter. The mistake that most people make is to not peel them off in time. Exercising helps your body get considerably warm. Remember that it is time to discard the layers to feel comfortable as soon as you feel your body temp is at about baseline. If you get cold later after finishing up, you can put it back on.The intensity of exercise will affect how many layers you need. If you chose to run, you might need fewer layers than if you are a walker. The faster you move, the more body heat you produce. Keep in mind that you should always choose a workout that your body can feel comfortably with. A mild pain is common when you are just getting started. However, if you continue to feel lethargic and uncomfortable, consult your doctor. Scheduling a full body health check-up is a great way to know what might be causing the fatigue.   Don’t let a lack of time get you downYou might have a very busy schedule, but remind yourself that exercise does not have to take long. Weave movement in your daily chores. There are many simple ways to increase your physical activity. When your favorite song comes on the radio, dance for a minute or two. While you’re brushing your teeth, walk a bit and tighten the muscles in your bottom and thighs during spitting out. Get up and stretch on your sides every 2-3 hours. Seek out a workout partner or group When you exercise with a partner or group, you are more likely to be regular with exercising due to social pressure. You will have to show up because they’re there, waiting for you, even if it is so chilly outside. Exercise partners motivate you and also build a competitive mindset that lets you never skip a workout session. Get yourself a fur friendWhen it comes to getting fit in the most enjoyable way, your best workout buddy might just be your furry friend! You might not be in the habit of morning walk, but it’s so hard to deny those cute eyes, it won't let you wimp out if it is drizzling! They will wait by your walking sneakers, and tail wagging. Their habit can be enough to change your lazy winter nature. These great winter workout tips don't require you to brave the cold or the pandemic. Just make your mind that exercising in winter isn’t that tough! 

The sunshine vitamin, vitamin D, requires exposure to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from the sun for its synthesis. During the sunny summer days, making enough vitamin D can be very efficient. However, as soon as the winter arrives, less sunlight is available and the risk of vitamin D deficiency increases. As per many researchers, your body needs vitamin D not only to maintain bone health but also to keep healthy and to fight infections. The irony is that in winter, when you need vitamin D the most, you end up getting deficient for this essential vitamin. You can fix a problem only when you know it exists. Especially during the winter months, experts recommend a blood test that assesses the amount of vitamin D in the body. It is particularly important for you to get tested for vitamin D if you are over age 70, have darker skin, have malabsorption problems or take medicines that interfere with vitamin D absorption (for example, glucocorticoids). If you have liver and kidney disease, you can be often deficient in vitamin D. These organs are required to make the active form of the vitamin, whether it comes from the sun or from food. For a good gut health during winter Enough has been known and written about vitamin D deficiency leading to bone diseases like rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. However, research has shown that vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining a healthy digestive tract. One of the ways vitamin D functions is by keeping the gut microbes healthy. If you have sufficient vitamin D levels, you are more likely to have those healthy gut bacteria just right in number and diversity. This helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. On the other side, low vitamin D levels can be associated with inflammatory bowel disease in some people. Strong immunity needs vitamin D There has been a lot of buzz around the role of vitamin D in boosting immunity. This holds great significance in the times of COVID-19 pandemic. Some scientists have claimed that the immune system has vitamin D receptors that determine which cells can use vitamin D. Having enough of this sunshine vitamin might help improve your ability to fight infections and reduce inflammation. Less time spent outside In the winter, you are more likely to catch infections. Also, you are more likely to lie comfortably in your cozy blanket and spend less time outside. This leads to more and more of us getting vitamin deficiency in the winter.   Vitamin D and Calcium, the best friends Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium from your diet. Along with vitamin D, calcium plays a significant role in keeping your bone and muscles health intact.   Eat healthy to get enough vitamin D Apart from exposure to the sun, you can get enough vitamin D for your body through certain food items as well, including tuna, sardines, mushrooms and fortified dairy and orange juice. Adding vitamin D supplements can be a good way to reach the recommended vitamin D intake. Lack of sun exposure during the winter months would be less of a problem if diet provided adequate vitamin D. But there aren't many vitamin D–rich foods , and you need to eat a lot of them to cover up the recommended vitamin D intake of 10 μg/day (400 IU/day) for adults. The COVID-19 angle Some of the recent researchers have claimed that people who are deficient in vitamin D are more likely to get severe COVID-19 illness. Vitamin D deficient people might have a higher chance of getting hospitalized too. Whether vitamin D has any role in preventing coronavirus infection or not, it isn't clear yet and needs more data and robust evidence. Think you have symptoms suggestive of COVID-19? Book a COVID-19 test and get tested at home.  Overdoing is prohibited, too While you aim to get enough vitamin D, keep in mind that too much vitamin D can be harmful. Want to know exactly how much vitamin D healthy adults should have? Or confused about when to get tested for vitamin D? Check out this article to stay in the know. Remember that the same UVB rays that help in vitamin D synthesis, can damage your skin as well. Under the right circumstances, 10 to 15 minutes of sun on the arms and legs a few times a week can generate nearly all the vitamin D we need. However, various factors affect this synthesis: the season, the time of day, where you live, cloud cover, and even pollution levels. In addition, your skin's production of vitamin D is influenced by age, skin color, and sunscreen use. Book a vitamin D test to be sure if your levels are enough to support a healthy you. This winter, get tested on time and don’t let your body suffer from lack of vitamin D by taking early steps.   Also read "Why and when you should get tested for Vitamin D?"

A lot has been talked about the importance of regular health check-ups. However, preventive health checks and health screening is often ignored. From the need of taking leave at the workplace to not feeling any need of a health assessment, even you might have skipped your regular health screening at some point of time!     Why do you need a health check? Prevent health issues in the first place: Certain most common and serious chronic conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure might not cause any symptoms in the early stages. If you get your routine check-up done, not only will you come to know about your risk of getting diabetes or heart disease but also the current value of blood sugar and cholesterol. This helps you take preventive action to decrease your risk and stay clear of illnesses. Reverse your health conditions: If you are at the borderline, it might be possible to reverse your illness with expert advice and right care. For example, people having borderline diabetes or prediabetes can reverse their blood sugar values by getting tested on time and taking the required measures. You can have control over your health. Eliminates further progression or worsening of disease: Many of the chronic conditions are progressive in nature. If you don’t do anything about them well in time, it might lead to worsening of the symptoms or cause its progression. Getting a regular body check-up helps your doctors diagnose a disease before it poses high risk and take action Reduces the risk of complications in future: If you have been diagnosed with a health condition at an early stage, your treatment plan is devised on time. This helps lessen the complexity and risk involved. When it comes to disease diagnosis, the sooner the better. A regular check-up can also give clues in recovering your body from any health concerns. Book a complete blood count test and get a sneak peek into your blood picture. Saves your money: A regular health check-up can save your money in the long run. Moreover, preventive health check-ups can catch an early disease and reduce the risk of undergoing surgeries and developing complications which might need advanced medical interventions. Adds healthy and quality life years: A regular check-up of your body lets you see inside of your body and be assured of how healthy you are. You can be free from worries and anxieties. A stress free and healthy routine increases your lifespan as well. Who needs to get a regular check-up done? Everyone! Yes, from children to young healthy adults, from women to old-age adults, everyone needs to get their health screened regularly. That being said, people having chronic conditions require their health numbers to be tracked constantly. Follow your doctor recommendations about the frequency of getting health tests done. At large, regular check-ups with specific tests can vary depending on your age, gender, family history, and overall health status. Let us elaborate this a bit through some examples. Do you know people in the working-age group (30-60 years) are at a high risk of lifestyle diseases? Also, men are more likely to get diabetes. Postmenopausal women are at a higher risk of getting heart disease when compared to men of same age. In addition to these, unhealthy lifestyle changes, lack of physical activity and sleep can cause many health problems ranging from minor to severe health concerns. Getting a full-body check-up that includes tests for diabetes, cholesterol, heart disease can save your extra money in the long run. The COVID-19 Angle The current situation of dealing with a pandemic like COVID-19 has made it more important than ever to better care of your physical and mental health. Healthy people who don’t have any pre-existing health conditions and have strong immunity, can fight back the infection-causing virus. Ensure to get your elderly tested regularly too. Think you have symptoms of COVID-19? Don’t delay your test any more. Book home sample collection now.   Do you avoid health tests? It could be Iatrophobia! Some people may have troubling symptoms but they put off doctor visits or medical tests that could help them. Such an irrational fear of doctors or health tests is called Iatrophobia. People simply refuse to get health tests done because of the horror they have to go through if something comes up. However, ignorance is never a bliss, when it comes to health. Do you fear visiting clinics or labs to get tested? With Metropolis being your pathology specialist, regular health checks will never be an issue. Or, worried of stepping out of home to get tested? We have got you covered. Backed by the advanced laboratory technologies, highly qualified technicians and home collection service, we’re standing by your side and committed to delivering trusted health reports, each and every time. Never hesitate to get a routine medical check-up. Get a preventive health check-up done, understand your health status, take informed decisions well in time, and secure your peace of mind. Explore our lab services and avail great offers on health tests, now from the comfort of your home.

With the onset of winter, it’s not surprising to see yourself losing a lot of hair in the shower than you normally do. Just as your skin health is cyclical based on the changing seasons, as is the hair loss you’re likely to suffer during winter. Excessive hair loss in winter is largely due to the dry air outside that sucks out all the moisture from your scalp, and makes it dry. A dry scalp leads to dry hair, which in turn results in hair damage, breakage, and hair loss. A dry scalp also leads to dandruff, which makes your head feel itchy and unhealthy. This, along with arid air, can cause a significant amount of hair fall in the winter. Even those with the healthiest of hair have their set of challenges this time of the year. If you’re wondering what you can do to make sure your hair doesn’t fall out or break in the colder months of the year, read on to discover what you can do to stop hair loss in winter! Follow these 5 tips for effectively reducing hair fall in the winter: 1. Oil massages There’s nothing like a good scalp massage for your hair in the winter. This helps increase blood circulation to your scalp, which helps strengthen the hair follicles from within. Warm up 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil or almond oil and massage it slowly on the scalp to help it penetrate deep down the hair roots. For deep conditioning, you can apply the oil on the length of your hair too. Besides being extremely soothing, oil massages are a great way to provide your hair and scalp with the right vitamins needed to fight the winter winds. Regularly massaging your hair with oil is essential to maintain its strength and shine, improve blood circulation and ensure good nourishment for your hair cuticles. Keep an eye on your vitamin B levels as vitamin B12 promotes healthy hair growth. To get rid of dandruff, take some oil and mix some amount of camphor and apply to your scalp. Camphor works as an antiseptic and helps in reducing the dryness of your scalp and preventing itchiness. 2. Look for the actual cause of hair fall From stress to nutritional deficiencies, simple daily habits of yours can add to your winter-related hair fall. Consult a hair specialist (trichologist) to help you keep your strands lustrous and healthy. Your doctor can recommend you certain health tests to understand your health numbers and blood parameters. A complete blood picture can help your doctor rule out systemic diseases that might be causing your hair and scalp’s condition. Book blood test now. 3. Eat healthy and stay hydrated Unhealthy diets coupled with lack of essential vitamins, minerals and other hair nutrients in your diet can result in hair loss. Vitamin A stirs up healthy production of sebum in the scalp, vitamin E stimulates blood circulation in the scalp to help hair follicles remain productive and vitamin B helps in maintaining the hair’s health. Poor diet coupled with nutritional deficiencies inhibits your body’s ability to create new hair follicles. Ensure you consume sufficient green meals and proteins as required in cold weather. Eating lean meats, curd, fish, soy or other proteins promotes hair growth and keeps a check on hair loss. Think you are not taking enough care of your health? Book a health check up now. Besides, water is the magic potion that we all need to stay hydrated from within in this dry winter weather. Drink plenty of water and keep your hair well hydrated. This will prevent split ends and brittle hair, nurturing shiny, radiant hair. 4. Use the right kind of hair products as per your hair type You use a plethora of hair products including hair oils, shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. Choosing the right hair product that suits your hair needs is a critical part of preventing hair loss. For example, if you have dry hair, opt for products that offer deep conditioning. Moisturising with a conditioner is a key hair care routine step which is skipped way too often. It is in fact the most crucial step in winters. Conditioning works wonders on your hair’s outermost layer, the cuticle for it to look healthy and shiny. By conditioning after every wash, you ensure that the cuticle serves its purpose as the protective shield that it’s meant to be. While buying, look for a conditioner with cetyl alcohol as it is considered as a good moisturizing agent. In addition to this, a deep conditioning hair mask is a great way to keep your hair hydrated, and prevent it from drying out and becoming dull and lifeless. Natural home-made hair packs for winter hair care give you shiny hair and can be applied once or twice a week. To start with hair care at home, take a mashed banana and egg and mix well to form a paste. Add a few drops of lemon along with a Vitamin E capsule and blend well using a blender. Apply this paste from roots to tips of your hair and wait for 30 minutes before washing it off with a mild shampoo. You can even use a natural aloe vera gel and add a few drops of lemon juice along with one tablespoon of olive or coconut oil. Apply this mixture well from root to the hair tips. Wait for 30 minutes. Use a mild shampoo and cold (preferably) or lukewarm water to rinse your hair. 5. Avoid taking hot shower Avoid taking prolonged hot showers or head wash in hot water. Too much heat can damage your hair. Instead, opt for lukewarm water while taking a head bath. Also, try limiting the use of curling irons or blow dryers. The less you’ll deal with these heat styling tools, the better off your hair will be. If you style your hair too often, use a hair protection spray before experimenting. All set to control hair fall in winter? Make these tips a regular routine for your winter hair care and make great hair with great care! This winter, bid adieu to all your hair woes and leave all those bad hair days behind.

Aging is a normal physiological process. However, body organs also age with the advancing age, and their functioning keep declining. Old age is also a sensitive phase. Elderly people need care and comfort to lead a stress free and healthy life. Caring for the elderly at home is a responsibility that needs you to know about elderly care solutions and take informed decisions.    Elderly care amid COVID-19 The WHO has informed us about old age and COVID-19. The risk of getting severe COVID-19 and getting hospitalized increases with increasing age. For example, people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s. Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 50s. Elderly aging 85 or older are at the greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19.Worried about your elderly loved one being sick and think it could be COVID-19? Get COVID-19 test done from the comfort of your home and stay assured. Health conditions and medications Many of the elderly people have multiple health conditions. For managing elderly health, ensure that all their medicine prescriptions are filled as needed and refilled in advance. If your elderly loved one is on a number of medicines and find it difficult to identify and take them on scheduled time, simplify their medication taking process by keeping a pill box organizer with compartments labeled with the days of the week along with doses. Continuous check on health Around 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 77% have at least two. Chronic illnesses require regular and timely health check ups to ensure there is no worsening or disease progression. Make sure to get their health assessed regularly. Now get your loved ones tested from the comfort of your home. Explore here. A fall-proof home for elderly Assess your home and do some simple fixes to help them stay safe, and prevent falls and decrease risk of injuries. Most importantly, install handrails and grab bars at the toilet and shower. Place non-skid mats in the shower or any other potential slippery areas of the house. Plug in a few auto-sensor night lights in the home so they are able to see if they wake up at night. Ensure all the cables and wires are safely tucked away to prevent any accidental fall. Hire help Older people might need someone to help them with their routine activities such as showering or house cleaning. Some may need medical assistance as well. Do arrange for some help if required, for times you might not be available at home to provide care. Aging and liver disease Aging has been shown to increase risk of acute liver injury. Older adults also find it difficult to cope with various liver diseases including fatty liver, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis C, and liver transplantation. Symptoms of liver dysfunction can include yellowish skin and eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain and swelling, and swelling in the legs and ankles.Are you a caregiver for an elderly and think their liver health can be compromised? Book a liver function test now. Encourage physical activity in elderly Keeping physically active and exercise can go a long way to help your elderly stay fit and fine. Exercising helps increase stamina, improve organ functionality, and prevent worsening of lifestyle-related health issues. While planning their physical activity, do consider their bone and joint conditions. Many of the elderly people might find it difficult to move due to joint pain and stiffness. Talk to an expert doctor to find out which type of activity can fit best in their lifestyle. Healthy eating for seniors Older people might have sensitive guts and a delicate digestive system. Make sure to include enough green vegetables and fruits in their diet. In case they are facing problems of bloating, acidity, and gas, taking a low-carb diet can be of great help. Your elderly must include dairy products like milk, paneer, and curd to get enough calcium. If they find milk difficult to digest, you can opt for soy milk. Avoid high-salt food as they are rich in sodium and interfere with their heart health. Risk of heart disease is directly linked to levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. A lipid panel helps check the level of these lipids in the blood. Keep an eye on heart health with a lipid profile test.  Restrict the elderly people from venturing into public places Amid COVID-19 pandemic, consider their level of risk before deciding to let them go out and ensure they are taking steps to protect themselves. Avoid places where taking protective measures may be difficult, such as places where social distancing can’t be maintained. Remember, the more people they interact with, the more closely they interact with them, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. In case visiting a public setting is unavoidable, ensure safety by wearing an N95 mask, washing hands often or using hand sanitiser and maintaining a 6-feet distance from people. As a caregiver, you should take steps to prevent them from catching coronavirus infection in the first place. Remember, they are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness. The final word Apart from these, a very important part of elderly care is to spend enough time with them and keep connecting regularly. Never let your loved one feel alone or aloof. A regular talk from you can motivate them for self-care, stay happy, and boost their mental health.