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It’s Not Just Weight: Why South Asians Need to Think Differently About Brown Fat
We are facing an obesity epidemic, but we can manage it with the right knowledge. If we focus on reducing visceral white fat and "waking up" our brown fat through traditional diet and smart movement, we can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Dr Neelesh Kamath
Apr 293 min read


The Science of Flow: Boosting Adolescent Mental Health in the "Distraction Economy"
As we navigate the academic and social pressures of Mumbai, finding your flow is not just a luxury—it’s a pathway to better mental health.
Mathew Peedikayil
Apr 273 min read


The Best SIP in Mumbai: Investing in Preventive Cardio Health
A Wake-Up Call for My Patients: The Changing Face of Health in Mumbai Namaste. I am writing to you today because recent national data has confirmed what I see every day in my clinic here in Mumbai: the way we are getting sick is changing, and it is becoming increasingly expensive to ignore. While we are doing a better job of fighting off infections like malaria and diarrhea, our modern lifestyle is catching up with us. We are moving less, eating more processed food, and carry
Mathew Peedikayil
Apr 222 min read


Is Your Health Insurance Actually Working for You? What Every Patient Should Know About Customised Health Plans
A guide for patients of Ashok One Hospital, Mumbai At Ashok One Hospital, we see it often — a patient needs a procedure, and the first question isn't "what's the best treatment?" It's "will my insurance cover this?" Health insurance in India is changing fast, and if you haven't reviewed your policy recently, there's a good chance it's either costing you more than it should, or leaving gaps you don't know about. Here's what you need to understand. The Old Way vs. The New Way U
Media Team Ashok Times
Apr 213 min read


Beat the Mumbai Heat: Top 7 Gut-Friendly Foods for a Cool Summer Stomach
Mumbai’s summer is relentless-sweltering heat, high humidity, and a bustling lifestyle can all take a toll on your digestive health. As a practicing gastroenterologist in Mumbai, I see a spike in gut-related complaints during these months: bloating, acidity, indigestion, and infections. The good news? With the right dietary choices, you can keep your gut cool, comfortable, and resilient all summer long. Here are the top 7 gut-friendly foods that not only help you beat the hea
gd shalomlifecare
Apr 33 min read


The Phubbing Epidemic: Are You Infected?
As a consultant physician, I often see patients coming in with complaints of chronic fatigue, anxiety, and a vague sense of "disconnect." While we run blood tests and check vitals, the real culprit often reveals itself in the waiting room: a family of four, all sitting together, yet entirely alone—heads bowed, faces illuminated by the blue light of their screens. We have a name for this now. It’s called **Phubbing** (phone + snubbing). It is the act of ignoring the person rig
Mathew Peedikayil
Mar 213 min read


Screen Shock: Indian Kids' Hidden Screen Trap
Protecting Our Young Patients from Screen Time Overload At Ashok One Hospital and Raahat, we see daily how screens captivate children, but new research shows Indian kids often exceed safe limits, risking their health and growth.ashokone+1 Alarming Screen Habits A study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found children and adolescents (average age 13) in psychiatric care averaging 3.1 hours daily on screens, with 68% surpassing WHO/AAP guidelines: zero for under 2s (except ca
Mathew Peedikayil
Mar 132 min read


Stay cool in this heat wave
It’s only March, and Mumbai is already feeling the burn. With temperatures at the Santacruz observatory recently hitting 38.9°C —nearly 6°C above normal—the BMC is rightfully issuing heat advisories. As a physician practicing here, I’ve seen a recent surge in patients coming in with "vague" symptoms: persistent headaches, heavy fatigue, and a general sense of being "washed out." While these aren't full-blown heatstroke, they are clear warning signs that your body is strugglin
Mathew Peedikayil
Mar 74 min read


The 10-Minute Secret to a Healthier You: Why Perfection is the Enemy of Exercise
Ditch the "All-or-Nothing" Workout: How Small Steps Lead to Big Health Gains We have all been there: you plan a solid one-hour workout after the office, but a late meeting eats into your schedule. Instead of going for a quick walk, you cancel your exercise plan altogether. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. According to researchers, this hidden mental barrier—the "all-or-nothing" approach to exercise —is exactly why so many of us struggle to stay active. Many people
Mathew Peedikayil
Mar 52 min read


Active at 86: A Caretaker's Secret
Engaging the Mind and Body: A Daily Routine for Elderly Relatives Caring for an aging relative can be deeply rewarding, and keeping their minds and bodies active is essential for their overall well-being. You don't need formal medical or cognitive training to make a massive difference. By setting up a simple, structured daily routine, you can help your elderly loved ones stay sharp, communicative, and physically active, even if you work a full-time job. Inspired by the routin
Mathew Peedikayil
Mar 32 min read


Launching the Mumbai Forum for Clean Air
This Valentine’s Day, as we celebrate matters of the heart, I want to share something that deeply concerns the long-term health of your heart and lungs. In Mumbai, we are facing an escalating public health crisis that often goes unseen: air pollution . While our city is known for its vibrant energy, it also consistently ranks among the top 10 cities globally for PM2.5 exposure . Scientific evidence shows that air pollution is no longer just an environmental issue; it is a lea
Mathew Peedikayil
Feb 132 min read


Celebrating 5 Years of Excellence at Ashok Hospital: A Look at Our Services and Specialists
Ashok Hospital marks a significant milestone on January 26, 2026, as it celebrates five years of dedicated healthcare service.
Media Team Ashok Times
Jan 243 min read


Dial Helpline: Empowering Elders with Ashok One and Raahat Care
India's Elderline (14567) offers a vital toll-free helpline for senior citizens, launched in 2021 and accessible nationwide from 8 AM to 8 PM daily. This initiative connects elders with essential support, making it easier for families to ensure their well-being. scw.dosje+3 Initiative Overview Elderline was dedicated by the then Vice President on October 1, 2021, for the International Day for Older Persons. The helpline operates across all states and union territories, part
Mathew Peedikayil
Jan 232 min read


Ditch Belly Fat, Rejuvenate Brain: Weights Work Wonders
Lifting weights keeps your brain younger, builds stronger muscles, and fights age-related decline. Recent research shows resistance training links more muscle mass to a biologically younger brain, offering hope for sharper memory and thinking as you age. This simple habit supports whole-person care by enhancing both body and mind. Key Takeaways More muscle, younger brain : People with higher muscle volume from strength training show brains that appear years younger on MRI sca
Mathew Peedikayil
Jan 172 min read


AI in Cancer Detection: New Rules, Safer Care, Human Touch
Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to play an important role in cancer care, and recent rules in India now ensure that such tools are used safely, ethically, and only as an aid—not a replacement—for qualified doctors. This is good news for patients, because it brings powerful technology under strict medical supervision. morulaa+1 What has changed? The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has announced that AI-based software which detects or diagnoses c
Mathew Peedikayil
Jan 144 min read


Are generic drugs as good as branded?
A citizen-funded quality study of commonly prescribed medicines has found no difference in quality between expensive branded drugs and the far cheaper generics, including govt-supplied medicines, even as prices of some top brands can be as much as 14 times higher for the same drug, said the news report in the Times of India recently. The findings come from the Citizens Generic vs Branded Drugs Quality Project by Kerala-based non-profit Mission for Ethics and Science in Health
Media Team Ashok Times
Jan 72 min read


Body image distress now big mental health issue, finds AIIMS-ICMR study
Body image anxiety among young Indians is not just a “weight problem”; it is a whole-person issue affecting mind, body, relationships and hopes for the future. A Whole Person Care approach at Ashok One Hospital and Raahat views every young person not as a body size, but as a unique human being carrying stories, pressures and strengths. ashokone+4 What the AIIMS–ICMR Study Shows An AIIMS–ICMR study on 1,071 young adults (18–30 years) found that nearly half of underweight (ab
Media Team Ashok Times
Jan 62 min read


Did you know the cost of one tooth?
Even if we spend crores on artificial devices, they can never match the perfection of the organs God has crafted.
Mathew Peedikayil
Jan 33 min read


Three Doctor-Approved Habits That Could Transform Your Health in 2026
Your 2026 health could change with just a few small habits—and this email gives you three simple, doctor-approved steps you can start today. Inside, you will also find a heartfelt thank you, real hope for the year ahead, and a gentle reminder that you are not facing your health journey alone. ashokone+5 Dear Patients, Families, Doctors, and Staff, As 2025 comes to a close, heartfelt thanks for allowing Ashok One Hospital to walk alongside you in sickness and in health this
Media Team Ashok Times
Dec 30, 20253 min read


Understanding ICU Patient Care: A Comprehensive Guide
The ICU environment can be overwhelming for families. However, their support plays a crucial role in the patient’s recovery journey.
Mathew Peedikayil
Dec 24, 20253 min read
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