A Child-star to a Superstar
The first female superstar of the Indian Cinema, Sridevi (bornShree Amma Yanger Ayyapan), passed away last night. As soon as the news came, it was mandatory to check if it was some kind of rumor. But, to our utter grief, it was true. And true to such extent that we are still taken aback to witness the ‘Hawaa-Hawai’ star, go too soon at the age of 54. She broke our hearts for the first time when she played an autistic child-woman in Kamal Haasan-starrer ‘Sadma’ (the Sadma lullaby is still one of the most cherished memories from my childhood) and yet again she has left us in tears. The only difference is that this time she has left us heartbroken forever. It’s just so unfair that the versatile actress had a cardiac arrest and left us. We all watched her with awe, in ‘Himmatwala’ doing ‘Naino me Sapna’, in Yash Chopra directed ‘Lamhe’, in ‘Roop Ki Rani, Choro Ka Raja’, in ‘Nagina’ and ‘Nigahein’ as the snake-lady, and in the iconic roles she played in five Indian languages. ‘Judaai’, ‘Khuda Gawaah’, ‘ChaalBaaz’, ‘Mr. India’ and ‘Chandni’ are some movies that would not have had the fame they have if Sridevi was not a part of them.A special mention for her last but not the least, ‘Mom’ where she showed that she was still the same Sridevi that we then fell in love with when she proved herself yet again. It’s been heard that she has played a guest appearance in Shahrukh Khan’s ‘Zero’ which is up for release in December this year.Sridevi in her entire career displayed that simple yet the heart-warming, beautiful smile that could melt a man of any age.Here’s to a stunning superstar, a mother, an icon, an inspiration, and an artist - may you find peace wherever you now are. And you’ll be missed. Always.
Neuroendocrine Tumors: Irrfan Khan
One of the finest actors in the Indian Cinema, known for his versatile and natural acting. He has also worked in British films and Hollywood films. His love for the art of cinema knew no boundaries of culture or countries for that matter. 2017 Filmfare award for best actor for the role, The Padma Shri award- India's fourth highest civilian honor for his contribution to the field of arts. Irrfan Khan, known for changing and redefining the 'hero' perception in our country. His love for finding rare and incredible movies, unfortunately, is diagnosed with a rare disease- Neuroendocrine tumors. The Madaari fame actor updated his fans about his health via Twitter by posting a note that read: "Learning that I have been diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Tumour as of now has been admittedly been difficult, but the love and strength of those around me and that I found within me has brought me to a place of hope. The journey of this is taking me out of the country, and I request everyone to continue sending their wishes." This makes us wonder how and what is this disease. So, here is everything you need to know:What is Endocrine?The body’s endocrine system is made up of cells that produce hormones. Hormones are chemical substances that are carried through the bloodstream that have a specific effect on the activity of other organs or cells in the body.About endocrine and neuroendocrine tumorsA tumor begins when healthy cells change and grow out of control, forming a mass. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body if it is not found early and treated. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread. A benign tumor usually can be removed without it causing much harm.An endocrine tumor is a mass that begins in the parts of the body that produce and release hormones. Because an endocrine tumor develops from cells that produce hormones, the tumor can also produce hormones. This can cause serious illness.A neuroendocrine tumor begins in the hormone-producing cells of the body’s neuroendocrine system, which is made up of cells that are a combination of hormone-producing endocrine cells and nerve cells. Neuroendocrine cells are found throughout the body in organs such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and intestines.Types of neuroendocrine tumorsThere are many types of neuroendocrine tumors. Mainly of 3 specific types: pheochromocytoma, Merkel cell cancer, and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor.This type of tumor increases the production of the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which increase blood pressure and heart rate. Even though a pheochromocytoma is usually benign, it may still be life-threatening because the tumor may release large amounts of adrenaline into the bloodstream after injury. Merkel cell cancer is a highly aggressive, or fast-growing, rare cancer. It starts in hormone-producing cells just beneath the skin and in the hair follicles. It is usually found in the head and neck region. Merkel cell cancer may also be called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin or trabecular cancer.Neuroendocrine carcinoma. Around 60% of neuroendocrine tumors cannot be described as anything other than “neuroendocrine carcinoma.” Neuroendocrine carcinoma can start in a number of places in the body, including the lungs, brain, and gastrointestinal tract.Overall, it is estimated that more than 12,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor each year.The 5-year survival rate of people with a neuroendocrine tumor varies and depends on several factors, including the type of neuroendocrine tumor and where the tumor is located. what factors may increase the chance of developing this disease. Neuroendocrine Tumor: Risk FactorsA risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a tumor. Although risk factors often influence the development of a neuroendocrine tumor, most do not directly cause it. Some people with several risk factors never develop a tumor, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.The following factors can raise a person's risk of developing a neuroendocrine tumor:Age. Pheochromocytoma is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60. Merkel cell cancer is most common in people older than 70.Gender. Men are more likely to develop pheochromocytoma than women. For every 2 women who develop pheochromocytoma, 3 men will develop the disease. Men are also more likely to develop Merkel cell cancer than women.Race/ethnicity. White people are most likely to develop Merkel cell cancer; however, some black people and people of Polynesian descent develop the disease.Family history. Ten percent (10%) of pheochromocytomas are linked to hereditary, or genetic, causes. Immune system suppression. People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and people whose immune systems are suppressed because of an organ transplant have a higher risk of developing a neuroendocrine tumor.Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV). Research indicates that there is a link between this virus and Merkel cell cancer. Arsenic exposure. Exposure to the poison arsenic may increase the risk of Merkel cell cancer.Sun exposure. Because Merkel cell cancer often occurs on the sun-exposed areas of the head and neck, many doctors think that sun exposure may be a risk factor for this type of cancer. The next section in this guide is Symptoms and Signs. It explains what body changes or medical problems this disease can cause.Sometimes, people with a neuroendocrine tumor do not have any of these changes. Or, the cause of a symptom may be another medical condition that is not cancer.Symptoms of pheochromocytomaHigh blood pressureAnxiety attacksFeverHeadachesSweatingNauseaVomitingClammy skinRapid pulseHeart palpitationsSymptoms of Merkel cell cancerPainless, firm, shiny lumps on the skin that can be red, pink, or blueSymptoms of neuroendocrine carcinomaHyperglycemia, which is a high level of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a sugar that is converted into energy by the body. Hyperglycemia causes frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger.Hypoglycemia, which is a low level of glucose in the blood. It causes fatigue, nervousness and shakiness, dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, seizures, and fainting.DiarrheaPersistent pain in a specific areaLoss of appetite or weight lossA cough or hoarseness that does not go awayThickening or lump in any part of the bodyChanges in bowel or bladder habitsUnexplained weight gain or lossJaundice, which is the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyesUnusual bleeding or dischargePersistent fever or night sweatsHeadachesAnxietyGastric ulcer diseaseSkin rashSome people also experience nutritional deficiencies before a diagnosis, such as niacin and protein deficiency. Others develop this symptom later.If a neuroendocrine tumor is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of your medical care and treatment.Doctors use many tests to find or diagnose, a tumor. They also do tests to learn if the tumor is cancerous and if so, if it has spread to another part of the body from where it started. For most types of tumors, a biopsy is the only sure way for the doctor to know whether an area of the body has cancer. In a biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory. This list given below describes options for diagnosing this type of tumor.The type of tumor suspectedYour signs and symptomsYour age and medical conditionThe results of earlier medical testsIn addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose a neuroendocrine tumor:Blood/urine tests.- Urine tests check for increased levels of adrenaline in the body. Large amounts of adrenaline can be a sign of pheochromocytoma.X-ray.Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biopsy- A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Molecular testing of the tumor. Positron emission tomography (PET) or PET-CT scanLiving a Healthy lifestyle has become of utmost importance. Early detection of such diseases could save you from later complications and from harmful chemos and painful treatments. Till then, we can only pray and bestow our blessings on Irfaan Khan. We hope he returns in the pink of health and gets back to action very soon.#smblogcontest
TELL ME WHAT YOU SEE?
Mirror, Mirror on the wall. Who’s the fairest of them all?Fairy tale to Fiction logue, all have been a proof of experiential thoughts to which a human mind can exercise imagination and bring it to reality.Out of many such virtually realistic ideas, how humans perceive themselves to be is a whole stream of consciousness. Especially when it comes to the subject of personalities, history is evident of humans going to unparalleled stretches to satisfy a set paradigm of looks, intelligence and emotions. One of the most staunch realities of people trying to fit in the ‘convention’ that they set for themselves, exist in the track record of how people perceive the image of their Bodies. The most fascinating fact is that unlike in situations where the question is “how is my dress today?”, in body image issues, the questions change to, “how am I today?”. And there in minutes to change words and thoughts, they start doubting not the material but their existence and what they represent to the outer world. This in turn portrays how they think of themselves as this constant representation of the Self leads to a situation of mirror surroundings and influence how they feel about themselves.Body image consciousness is a phenomenon which occurs mostly when there becomes a certain concern extra concern for the individual outside than the individual inside. Over due course of time people have encountered numerous methods of tackling these issues. Sometimes they stem from the standards set by the society, sometimes they rise up out of self expectation. Few industries, majorly Fashion and the cinema industry, have seen individuals going to lengths to deal with body image issues and how they want to be perceived in this industry. Because of the rise of show biz, it became important for people to feel good, show good and take care of their bodies. The industry itself has putten up standards and stereotypes on beauty, talent and style. Through which the stars gaining up to fame and being in the eyes of a larger audience was integral to their performance. Many of these stars had influences in the public so much so, that they wanted to adopt their lifestyle and profess their style of living and thinking.Some well known artists and celebrities in the Indian cinema industries have adopted various ideologies and they have different perceptions on this issue and here are few examples.SRIDEVIEVERGREEN BEAUTYThe late actress was said to always be in her glorified young years even after surpassing her young adult age and contributing decades of marvellous works to the film industry. Sri Devi hammered claims saying that ladies more than 40 should take care of themselves and do what makes them attractive. In spite of the fact that her fans view her as an evergreen delight since her flicks like Naagin and Mr. India , the on-screen character has had an extremely nose job and botox besides the face-lifting and body-tucking surgery done. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN THE CULTURE PULLS ME INThe performing artist, who brought the unattainable size zero fever in drift, has always been blessed with good looks and features. Even after following dietary restrictions and having strict workout regimes, Kapoor blames her Punjabi culture for being a foodie and her natural instinct towards north Indian delicacies.In an interview for a leading magazine she says, "I don’t know how the size-zero thing started—but I was only 27 and I wanted to do it for a role. It looked amazing, but that was then. I’ve been in the business for a long time since, and I’m more mature—now, it’s about being fit. I’m definitely comfortable in my skin right now” SHILPA SHETTYFIT IN FIFTYShe unquestionably is synonymous to wellness in our nation. After being Recognised as one of the top selling fitness freak actors, Shilpa with her faultless skin, slim midriff, idealize bends and thick hair make her a universal top choice. She claims that her idea of self fitness and hygiene is driven by the motivation of looking at her best at her 50.There have been many such perspectives from the other sides of the gender and industry spectrum, but these were few of the most influential ones. They set the trend for any new style by making it their own and producing a sense of aesthetic with it. Be it as a response to the media or social changes, One’s wellness should be the top priority, both physical and mental.In the end the question should be,Mirror on the wall, who’s the most themselves of them all?
