Healthcare/Biotech

Practicing 6-element philosophy of Holistic recovery, Integrative medicine, Individualized and Family-centered Approach, Respectful Environment and Continuity in Care, Alpha Healing Center located in Baroda, Gujarat witnesses high success rate of the de-addiction programs www.alphahealingcenter.in ${image_1} Alcohol & drug abuse is one of the serious issues we face today. With its rise, more and more lives succumb to their addiction every year, taking over the control of their mind and body. Addiction impacts the life of not only the addict but his family too and make their lives stressful. With right and timely treatment and therapies, their lives can be transformed. Conventional addiction control and treatment drugs and therapies work in the long run; however, they have their limitations. Hence, there’s a pressing need for a different approach. And that’s where, holistic healing becomes important. Holistic healing focusses on the individual and works on his mind, body and spirit to aid recovery from addiction and enhance his lifestyle through proven evidence-based therapies and wellness programs. It promotes identifying and exploiting stress release mechanisms, creating and pursuing creative channels. With its highly effective comprehensive remedies for drug and alcohol addiction, Alpha Healing Center is making a positive impact and transforming many lives. Alpha Healing Center is one of the leading and inimitable holistic healing and wellness destinations in India to provide incomparable holistic healing therapies to drug & alcohol addicts. Situated in the environs of the abounding city, Vadodara, Gujarat, it is one-of-a-kind, unrivaled de-addiction and rehabilitation center in India that offers an array of multi-disciplinary evidence-based treatment programs for various addictions and ailments. Amongst many, its Alcohol Addiction, Drug Addiction, depression, trauma and PTSD treatment programs are known to have high success rate. The center also runs a highly successful and result-oriented 14-day Smoking and Tobacco de-addiction residential program that combines holistic treatment with counseling, balanced nutrition and recreational engagements for speedy recovery of the patients. Nestled in the womb of lush nature, AHC boasts of world-class in-patient care facilities, providing a perfect and conducive milieu to drive inward focus and effectivity of enhanced therapies. An ISO approved rehabilitation facility, it specializes in de-addiction and rehabilitation programs and operates on the holistic model of purification that involves mind, body and soul. The center is well equipped with ultramodern recreational facilities like organic farming, indoor and outdoor sports, spa & massage, yoga room fitness center, swimming pool and an in-house theatre and has exclusive female zones with 24x7 female security facilities. AHC believes in providing person-centerd healings and care and not just curing the ailment and embraces an all-inclusive approach and offers advanced evidence-based therapies to aid holistic recovery for substance abusers and addicts. The experts at the center work relentlessly to offer customized treatment and wellness programs to meet the unique requirements of the patients. These include Partial Care Program, Intensive Residential Program and Traditional Residential Program. The residential programs are 8 – 12 weeks long and tailored based on the individual needs. AHC also facilitates patients’ participation in an inpatient medical stabilization program for opioids addicts. The operations at AHC are process driven. The center maintains EMR (Electronic Medical Records) of its patients to ensure confidentiality and transparency. Led by the visionary leadership, AHC is backed by zealous, highly qualified and experienced team that includes Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Hypnotherapists, Dieticians, Art and Music Therapists, Yoga teachers and counselors who come with the sound experience of running an international center in New Jersey. Trained under the international experts, AHC team works together to comprehend, integrate and customize the treatment approach for optimal results in recovery and enhanced health and lifestyle of the patients. The novel evidence-based therapies supported by neuroscience research contributes to the high success rate of the de-addiction programs offered by the center. The center incorporates a 6-element philosophy of Holistic recovery, Integrative medicine, Individualized and Family-centered Approach, Respectful Environment and Continuity in Care. Every aspect is carefully considered during the pre-evaluation and tailoring the residential program and it differs from case to case. The treatment methodology clubs behavioral therapies and wellness programs to offer balanced care and accomplish a long-term positive result for the patient. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, Family Therapy, counseling, balanced diet, exercises, spiritual activities, etc. AHC functions beyond just recovery of the patients. It takes pride in fostering a healthy living through its wellness programs that are designed to inculcate a life-long responsibility and commitment towards holistic health in patients. The center also aims at promoting sobriety resilience and inclusion in the community. To pursue this, the therapists work with the patients to develop post treatment plan in accordance to their needs and provide resources, supervision and support in their home community. AHC is easy to access for those who are looking to treat their addiction and have made their courageous decision. The center has a full-fledged 24x7 customer care available on the toll-free number 1800-102-0489. You can also reach out to the coordinators and counselors at the center on 9136783804 / 85111 33142 / +91 7490023387. Alpha Healing Center India (Deaddiction-Rehab Center) Village, Narukot, Pavagadh Jambughoda Road Near Donbosco School Tal.Jambughoda Dist, Vadodara, Gujarat 389390 Email at info@alphahealingcenter.in

${image_1} Conceptualised by Optimal Media Solutions, a division of the Times Group, ‘Times Health Excellence 2019’, is a platform to celebrate and honour outstanding achievements in Indian medicine. Optimal Media Solutions has over the years emerged as an integrated media solutions partner; going beyond conventional advertising, to provide customized and innovative options to clients. The 2nd edition of this milestone event culminated in a glittering ceremony at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, Yeshwantpur on 17th October 2019. The august gathering included the presence of distinguished guests and illustrious awardees from the field of medicine. Conceived as an innovative approach to document, disseminate and project new approaches that involve medical and health professionals, the event was envisioned to provide a boost to the way success stories are preserved and shared. As a part of this initiative, the pioneering contributions of some eminent medical practitioners were presented and applauded. Several thought provoking and enlightening presentations were made by renowned doctors, who are eminent practicing professionals. The proceedings began with a brilliant presentation by Dr. Meenakshi Bhat, Professor & Mazumdar-Shaw Research Chair in Clinical Genetics, Centre for Human Genetics Bangalore. Her presentation titled ‘Rare Genetic Disorders: Every Life Matters’ was an eye-opener on medical conditions that are largely ignored, but can be identified through medical advancements. Dr. N K Venkataramana, Founder Chairman & Chief Neurosurgeon BRAINS, followed with an engaging presentation on ‘Frontiers in Neurosciences’. He spoke about the various developments in the field with regard to cutting edge services in prevention, awareness, advocacy, acute and chronic care, regeneration, rehabilitation, research and training. Dr. Ann Agnes Mathew, Paediatric Neuromuscular Specialist, Sagar Hospitals Bangalore, then made a presentation on ‘Inherited Muscle and Nerve diseases: Can India lead the world?’ that outlined the challenges faced in the industry. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, Director of Surgical Oncology, MACS Clinic & Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore, made a presentation on the topic ‘Revolutionising Cancer Care: Which Way Are We Heading?’ He spoke at length about several surgical innovations in oncology, which have changed the way the disease is tackled. Dr. Mahendra S K, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon and Chairman, Matru Multispecialty Hospital, made a presentation on ‘Orthopaedic surgeries, reviving quality of life...empathy above techniques.’ His inspiring speech highlighted several case studies, where those who suffering chronic conditions that had been given up on, were treated successfully with appropriate interventions. Celebrity guest, Ms. Swara Bhasker, a popular Bollywood actress was also in attendance at the event. She added a touch of glamour with her gracious presence. Those who were applauded at Times Health Excellence 2019, were trailblazers who have pushed all possible boundaries, and nurtured a passion for innovation, continuously seeking out ways to make things better for the holistic development of our nation. Their skill, talent, discipline has paved the way for many game changing initiatives and helped fuel their growth and strengthen India’s position in healthcare. ${image_2} Our Sponsors: Premium Township Partner – Karle Town Centre, Festive Gifting Partner – LAL, Refreshed By – Heineken 0.0

${image_1} A recent survey by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) reveals a Vitamin D deficiency ranging from 40% to 99% across all age-groups and high-risk groups alike. Vitamin D deficiency has become a very common condition in people irrespective of biological and geographical differences. A recent survey by NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) reveals a Vitamin D deficiency ranging from 40% to 99% across all age-groups and high-risk groups alike. Vitamin D deficiency has become a very common condition in people irrespective of biological and geographical differences. What is Vitamin D3? Vitamin D3 is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to a sufficient amount of sunlight. Just 6 days of casual sunlight exposure can get you enough Vitamin D3 for up to 49 days! Doctors state that exposing new-born babies to morning sunlight between 7 am to 9 am helps in the production of Vitamin D3 in them. One must expose the skin to sunlight for a minimum of 20 minutes for the production of Vitamin D3 in the body. Alternate sources of Vitamin D can be found in certain foods like cheese, egg yolks, mushrooms, fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, salmon and foods fortified with vitamin D like some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, and cereals. ${image_2} There are a plethora of Vitamin D3 dietary supplements in the form of tablets, capsules, granules and oral solutions available in the market. However, tablets and capsules are not easy to administer to children, the elderly, the bedridden and patients with special needs. The problem with granules is that they require preparation of dose before administration by mixing in water or milk. Both granules and liquid suffer from the limitation of incomplete dose administration. FineVit D3 is a Vitamin D3 supplement developed by Zim Laboratories using the latest OTF (Oral Thin Films) technology. Oral Thin Films is a new and patented drug delivery system that is revolutionizing the way medicines are administered to patients globally. ${image_3} FineVit D3 Advantages: FineVit D3 is available as Orally Disintegrating Strips which are easy to carry and store. FineVit D3 does not require water to consume as it instantly dissolves when placed on your tongue. This makes it easier to administer to non-cooperative patients like babies and senior citizens. FineVit D3 is taste-masked and offers better palatability and taste. Available in several SKUs targeting patients of different age groups and different deficiency conditions ${image_4} Vitamin D3 Uses: Vitamin D3 enhances the absorption of minerals in the body. Vitamin D3 plays a major role in the absorption of Calcium and Phosphorous which is crucial in having strong bones and teeth. It also helps in boosting the muscle function of the body. Vitamin D3 reduces the risk of getting the Flu, especially in children. It aids in maintaining the proper functioning of the immune system in the body. This increases the internal defense mechanism of the human system thus reducing the chances of falling ill very often. A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine states that people suffering from depression are likely to have Vitamin D deficiency. Intake of Vitamin D3 can help in regulating the mood in such patients. Vitamin D3 also helps in weight loss for patients suffering from obesity as deficiency of Vitamin D is also an important factor for obesity. It thereby reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. FineVit D3 can be purchased directly from marketplaces like Amazon and Flipkart. Get your regular dose of Vitamin D3 and take the first step towards good health. Very soon, we also will be available at a pharmacy store near you. ${image_5} ZIM LABS – Pioneer In OTF Technology ZIM Laboratories is a pharmaceutical company focused on providing innovative drug delivery solutions that improve convenience and adherence to drug treatment. Over the decades, ZIM laboratories have made significant technological innovations in the domain of pharmaceuticals. By bringing technological innovation to drug delivery, Zim laboratories have made a new wave in the field of healthcare. OTF is the latest addition to ZIM’s stable. Zim Laboratories is one of the few companies globally and one of the very few companies in India to have mastered OTF technology. ZIM Oral Thin Film (OTF) Technology is patented as Thinoral® with about 19 applied product and process patents for oral films globally. Their OTF Technology has been awarded as the “Best Innovation Development of a Solid Dosage Form” in 2016 by the Indian Pharmaceutical Association.

Crowdfunding, although at a very nascent stage in India, is already making it easy for the patients who are struggling between unforeseen medical emergencies and unaffordable healthcare costs. The 4-year-old medical crowdfunding platform ImpactGuru.com reaches out to such patients in need, having touched over 25000 lives so far. ${image_1} Does the figure on the hospital bills weigh you down? Is the medical bill amount piling over and above your capacity and your estimation? Bringing down the hospital bills is not possible due to rising healthcare costs. However, what’s possible is funding these bills, the smarter way, the easier way, the crowdfunding way! According to sources, 2.4 million Indians die of treatable conditions annually. Are these patients even able to access and afford healthcare in time? Crowdfunding could be the best way out and can help in funding their medical emergencies like accident & trauma, cancer, organ transplants, ICU, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and other critical illnesses. In an attempt to make healthcare affordable and accessible to all, to bring down the mortality rate in medical emergencies, in the interest of popularising crowdfunding as a viable healthcare financing option in India, Piyush Jain and Khushboo Jain, the entrepreneur-couple co-founded ImpactGuru.com, the online medical fundraising platform in 2014. Today, the company stands tall, having impacted over 25000 patient-lives, with a donor-base of over 4,00,000 from 150+ countries. ImpactGuru partners with hospitals and clinics across the country to be able to reach out to the genuine causes and patients in need on time. ${image_2} Patients & families who have benefited from crowdfunding on ImpactGuru.com “I am still amazed that Rs. 11 lakh was arranged in just 3 days on ImpactGuru.com for my brother, who was admitted at Continental Hospital, Hyderabad. When insurance and medical loans didn’t seem to help, ImpactGuru and its donors helped me raise funds for my brother Praveen’s surgery expenses and a prosthetic hand after a traumatic road accident. ImpactGuru gave a second chance to my brother, to live life again,” shares patient’s brother Varaprasad Pudi. 15-year-old Deekshit, son of patient Sukanya, admitted to Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru says, “Rs. 16 lakh in just an hour! ImpactGuru.com and its 1083 donors made even the impossible, possible for me and my mom. My mom knew about her rectal prolapse but chose to keep it a secret. Had I done the same thing, I couldn’t have gotten back my mom; walking, talking and playing with me like before. I chose to tell ImpactGuru and through them, everyone all over the world about the financial problem of funding my mom’s medical expenses. And I don’t regret my decision.” Surajit Roy Bardhan, father of patient Spandan Roy Bardhan who was admitted to CMC Vellore & Rela Institute of Medical Sciences for a liver transplant shares, “Initially, I did feel, why will any stranger donate for my son? I was wrong. ImpactGuru introduced me to a world of generous donors; 324 of them helped me with Rs. 30 lakh for his treatment. The whole team of ImpactGuru dealt with my case as though Spandan was theirs.” No payback liability in crowdfunding A little bit from everyone can be a lot for someone. The concept of crowdfunding is based on this maxim. Instead of burdening four members of the patient-family with Rs. 12 lakh bill, with each one having to contribute Rs. 3 lakh, crowdfunding makes it pretty simple by asking let's say 400 generous strangers worldwide for their support, by way of smaller contributions from each like Rs. 3000 on an average, to cite an example. What do the ImpactGuru donors have to say? “The best part about donating on ImpactGuru.com is, I know that my donations are going for the vetted causes and genuine patients in need. The very assurance that causes are chosen after enough checks, makes me hit the donate button, without having to think twice,” says Aadesh J., a proud ImpactGuru donor. “I have made it mandatory for my family members as well, to share the link once I have donated. And it gives me immense satisfaction to witness the magnitude of positive change that small, small contributions from all over the world can bring about in our community,” shares Ripple K., another donor on the platform. The medical fraternity on crowdfunding “Crowdfunding has become necessary for funding critical surgeries. As a doctor, I want to save as many lives and avoid casualties merely because of lack of funds. Hence, I recommend people to come forward and take help from platforms like ImpactGuru in funding their hospital bills. The internet has brought all of us closer today. So why not make use of it in saving lives by sharing, donating and supporting each other? Most doctors aren’t even aware that crowdfunding is a low-cost healthcare financing option available to their patients, especially for patients from the lower-economic background. Middle-class families too are financially drained by the time they sustain long-term conditions like cancer, cardiac care, premature childcare, organ transplants, etc. Once the doctors are aware, they can help their patients,” states Dr. Neville Solomon, Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon at the Apollo Children’s Hospitals, Chennai. Founders of ImpactGuru.com on ‘Crowdfunding in India’ Piyush Jain, Co-founder, and CEO of ImpactGuru Crowdfunding is a win-win scenario for all. For a patient suffering from some severe illness or struck with a medical emergency, funding a bill of Rs. 16 lakh in merely an hour seems impossible. With the help of our generous donors, we could pull it off for Sukanya, a single mother who was suffering from rectal prolapse. For donors, it’s the ‘Feel Good’ factor that makes them share, donate and support our causes. For us as a company, it’s the impact that our fundraisers create in the society, it’s the lives that we touch and it’s the patients and their families that get a new life from the funds raised on our platform. Khushboo Jain, Co-founder, and COO of ImpactGuru The thought that crowdfunding is a poor family’s financing option for medical expenses is a myth. Considering a family’s cost of living, bearing in mind their income levels, expenses and savings, it is not at all feasible for even the middle-class families, or individuals from a well-to-do background or in Indian parlance, people from ‘settled’ households to handle unplanned, unforeseen medical emergencies, especially when the bills shoot up to anything between Rs. 5 lakh and Rs. 60 lakh. Gopi Shenoy, one of our campaigners, while raising funds for her husband Amit’s cancer treatment shared that Amit couldn’t avail NGO support because he didn’t fall under the NGO’s criteria, therefore was put on a waiting list. That’s when she chose ImpactGuru.com and raised Rs. 45 lakh in just 7 days. How to crowdfund your hospital bills? Indian households resort to mortgaging their jewelry, pledging their property, to pay off their hospital bills. However medical crowdfunding is a low-cost, easy and viable healthcare financing option available without having to do any of the above. All that needs to be done is: ● Reach out to ImpactGuru.com ● Start a fundraising page on the platform ● Upload photos, videos, and medical documents ● Share this fundraiser with family, friends and generous strangers worldwide via WhatsApp and Facebook ● Raise money and get funds transferred directly to the hospital Want to know more about crowdfunding with ImpactGuru? Click here

${image_1} What is Meningitis? Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (known as meninges). A bacterial or viral infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling1. However, this may be caused by other infections, drugs, and injury leading to meningitis. Meningococcal Meningitis – A Devastating Infection Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) is a rare but potentially devastating bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis. It is commonly seen as an infection of the brain (meningitis) and/or infection of the blood (septicemia or blood poisoning)2. Despite advances in medical care, the disease may kill in a matter of hours or cause severe long-term sequelae with devastating effects on the individuals and their families2 with a significant lifelong economic impact on society3. It is highly unpredictable and can affect anyone, at any age, anywhere in the world, however, some people are at higher risk than others2. In some cases, the disease can claim a life within 24 hours after the first symptom appears.4 Over the last 10 years in India, more than 50,000 cases have been identified for Meningococcal Meningitis, with more than 3,000 deaths5. As per the reports, 1 in 10 people who develop the disease may die from it and up to 10-20% of survivors suffer from serious complications such as amputation, scars, deafness or brain damage6,7 ${image_2} Anyone can be at the risk of being infected While meningococcal meningitis mainly affects children below the age of five, adolescents and young adults, it can affect anyone, anywhere in the world. Most meningococcal meningitis occurs in otherwise healthy individuals without identifiable risk factors. Notably, a relatively large number of cases are also observed among older adults8 Increased risk factors include: Living in community settings (e.g. military and college students in dormitories) or participating in mass gathering events such as the Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca9 Certain medical conditions, including HIV infection/asplenia/ a compromised immune system/deficiencies of either immunoglobulins or complement9 Traveling to endemic areas such as the meningitis belt in sub-Saharan Africa9 Provide comprehensive protection against all types of vaccine-preventable meningitis Meningitis is a serious disease, caused by bacteria, viral and/or other reasons. Unfortunately, vaccination is not available against all of them10. Vaccination is available against 3 major causes of bacterial meningitis. The causative agents being: Streptococcus pneumoniae, that causes Pneumococcal meningitis Haemophilus influenza type b, that causes of Haemophilus Meningitis Neisseria meningitides, that causes of Meningococcal Meningitis Discuss with your pediatrician on these 3 common causes of bacterial meningitis and ways to protect your child against them. ${image_3} Together Against Meningitis The threat of Meningococcal Meningitis is large, but awareness is low. Join the movement by spreading awareness of this potentially devastating disease. Share this article on your social media so we can all stand “Together Against Meningitis” Know more about Meningococcal Meningitis This article is issued in public interest by Sanofi Pasteur. SPIN.MENAC.19.04.0104b References: 1 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Accessed on May 2019 https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html 2 Meningitis Research Foundation. What are meningitis and septicaemia? Accessed March 2019. https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis/what-is-meningitis. 3 Wright C, Wordsworth R, Glennie L. Counting the cost of meningococcal disease. Pediatric Drugs. Volume 15, Issue 1, January 2013. Pages 49-58. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40272-012-0006-0 4 Thompson MJ et al. Clinical recognition of meningococcal disease in children and adolescents. Lancet. 2006 Feb 4367(9508):397403 5 Data from national health profile report 2007 – 2018, confirmed cases: http://cbhidghs.nic.in/index.asp 6 Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Meningococcal disease – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Complications. Accessed February 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/diagnosis-treatment.html 7 Meningitis now. After-effects of septicaemia. Accessed February 2019. https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/after-meningitis/after-effects-of-septicaemia/ 8 Martinón-Torres, F. Deciphering the Burden of Meningococcal Disease: Conventional and Under-recognized Elements. Journal of Adolescent Health 59. Volume 59, Issue 1, March 2016. Pages 12-20. 9 CDC. Meningococcal disease – Medical conditions risk factors. Accessed February 2019. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/risk-medical.html 10 Meningitis Research Foundation. What causes meningitis and septicaemia? Accessed on May 2019 https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis/what-is-meningitis/causes