The Support Group Meeting at the Bombay Hospital was held on February 25, 2006. Ms. Priya Koppikar, dietician at the Bombay Hospital, spoke on the Importance of a Proper Diet for Cancer Patients. It was very well attended. Ms. Koppikar spoke on how a patient can maximise dietary benefits with normal home-cooked meals. Simple, but extremely useful tips were given, especially with respect to cancer. She emphasized the fact that an Indian meal contains all the important nutrients necessary for the human body and a few alterations and changes can benefit a cancer patient greatly. This talk is one of the most popular talks and hence she is invited every year.

On March 25, Ms. Avni Bhatia spoke on Osteoporosis. This condition is preventable and yet so common. After explaining the causes and effects in detail, she highlighted the role of the patient in treatment. Besides the medical treatment being administered, a patient must also exercise regularly and alter his/her diet accordingly, which definitely helps in the long run. The speaker demonstrated certain exercises and gave tips on diet and some recipes. A very useful talk, indeed!

The meeting held on April 29, dealt with the important topic of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco. Dr. Pratibha Singhal, chest physician at the Bombay Hospital, was the speaker. She first highlighted the detrimental effects of tobacco on the body. It was alarming to see the massive damage it does to the whole body. Besides creating cancer in various organs, it also causes a plethora of other diseases. She then spoke about the treatment given to people who want to give up tobacco. She emphasized the fact that help/counseling is definitely available for a patient who genuinely wishes to give up using tobacco and help himself as well as the people around him, as it affects them, too.

The next meeting will be held on May 27. Dr. Kakkad, psychiatrist, will speak on The Mind-Body Connection.

Kindly Note: our Cancer Support Group Meetings are conducted on the last Saturday of every month at the Bombay Hospital.

For details, contact our cancer helpline: 98202-00300