While health-related technology and IT solutions continue to deliver medical solutions, it is expected to see more efficiency and dependency on these in the healthcare sector in the coming years. 3D printing stepped in as the potential ‘New Age’ solutions saviour for customised medical care. Cloud computing and other upcoming wireless technologies continue to improve accessibility. What continues is tool technology that will rely on greater deployment of telemedicine, tele-radiology, hospital information systems (HIS)/hospital management information systems (HMIS), online or electronic medical records (EMR), etc. Corporate Citizen does a dipstick check on what’s been trending lately—Tech and Non-tech
3D printing is now more than a buzzword. What took the Indian market by storm some four years ago is also being revaluated in the medical sector. However, operational concerns and other practical norms did slow down the pickup of 3D printing applications. While it is almost like playing ‘God’, but with a medical cause for patient wellness—it is definitely not an ignorant layman’s perception of ‘Frankenstein monster’ creation’. 3D imaging and printing actually can be a saviour for chronic patients. Creating 3D anatomical models enables surgeons to pre-plan their operations even before the actual procedure. This, in fact, might minimise grave ‘OT hazards’. Even 3D customised printed implants ensure better fit and more comfort to patients. 3D bio-printing has been utilised to create living tissues for pharmaceutical testing which might perhaps completely do away with any form of animal testing if at all being done! Imagine a world with 3D printed medications— which might just become a reality! .
It is particularly seen as an answer to developing medical equipment and prosthetics at cost-effective rates. This is especially so when the medical fraternity have had to rely on importing equipment and prosthetic materials from the west. The healthcare sector worldwide has always come under either political or economic pressure to perform and this is where 3D printing can be a boon. 3D printing is now becoming an integral part of planning for surgeries.
Not just expensive, there is a time-lag in procuring equipment as these are customised as per individual patient needs.
Now, with 3D technology, doctors in India have devised alternatives that can solve the needs of patients individually and at cheaper prices. It is said to be one-tenth of the original cost of the imported variants; especially for raw materials used for 3D printing. On Indian shores, 3D printing has also reduced the time needed to manufacture these medical aids and prosthetics. No wonder key players are jostling for a slice of this market. The 3D printing healthcare market includes companies—the likes of 3D Systems Corporations, Cyfuse Medical K.K, Envision- TEC, Renishaw plc., Stratasys Ltd., Materialise NV, Organovo Holdings, Inc., Bio3D Technologies and many more.
Sensory Wellness in preventive care seems to be riding a new trend alongside yoga and meditation. With life getting even more fast-paced, people are seeking deeper and looking towards sounds, visualisation and scents to heal themselves. Whether it would lead to long-term healing of mind, body or soul needs more authentication and study platforms.
Acroyoga, in the right combination of yoga and acrobatics gets onto the wellness list and is more commonly known as partner yoga in lay terms. Noida mountaineer Arjun Vajpai beat stress when he did acroyoga at a height of over 18,000 feet (about 5,500 m) above sea level—as he conquered Mt. Kanchenjunga in May 2017. The practice is expected to help not only the practitioner attune with their mind and body but also help them connect with their partners by spending quality time with them too! If trends were to be followed ‘YogaMoon’ could be the next travel tour package for newlyweds!
Ketogenic diets, along with leafy diets took an upswing in 2017 not just on social media platforms but across health platforms too. The high-fat, low-sugar diet which is said to fight epilepsy is now being studied for treatments in other wellness areas too.
Cryotherapy as an alternative health therapy saw good grounds in 2017. But, what is Cryotherapy? Loose definitions explain that it is the “process of exposing the body to ultra-low temperatures (-200°F to -250°F) in a controlled environment for a limited amount of time.” In actuality, an individual enters a nitrogen-cooled chamber or cryogenic sauna for a minute or two. This lowers the skin surface temperature significantly. This therapy is said to stimulate receptors, activate the central nervous system’s response and helps in releasing endorphins. That can offer pain relief when triggered in response to pain. The exposure to the right ‘low’ temperatures helps increase blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and also encourages cellular regeneration. How about making way for Cryo Studios for a healthy rejuvenation?
Activated charcoal in food and lemonade has seen a new trend and seems to have been tolerated and accepted too! Activated charcoal is being included in everything from soft-serve ice cream to hot dogs. But activated charcoal has been used to help treat drug overdose and even poisoning. So, what is it? Charcoal, which is made from coal, wood, or other substances becomes ‘activated charcoal’ when high temperatures combine with a gas or an activating agent to expand its surface area. When we consume activated charcoal, drugs and toxins bind to it and thus help body to get rid of unwanted substances. But, beware if you use activated charcoal as a supplement; it is forbidden if you are on medications as it may also reduce absorption of certain nutrients. If black is the ‘new black’ in food adjunct, then is drinking charcoal or brushing with toothpaste laden with activated charcoal really healthy or part of health hoax? Only time and additional research will tell.
Ketogenic diets, along with leafy diets took an upswing in 2017 not just on social media platforms but across health platforms too. The high-fat, low-sugar diet which is said to fight epilepsy is now being studied for treatments in other wellness areas too
Frozen yogurt as people think is healthy but, it has actually moved out of being a trend to being on the borderlines of unhealthy treats! And, the use of flavoured toppings makes it all the more worse off! Despite being tagged as ‘probiotics’, it has far less of the beneficial bacteria than regular ‘not’ frozen yogurt or naturally-set yogurt. Instead, vegan homemade ice cream might bring in a green flavour amongst health fanatics. ‘Plant-based’ desserts might be a new offering. Anybody game for “fancy shaved ice” and frozen juice, pressed juices and lavender lemonade?
By Sangeeta Ghosh Dastidar
