Sugam phone-in - dial a phone program in English

Compére : Welcome viewers to our ‘Sugam phone-in’ show! This week, we have with us Dr. Balan, Paediatrician,Dr. Ammaiappar, Geriatrician, Dr. Tholkappiar, Dermatologist,   Dr. Brian D’Souza, Neurologist and Dr. Bonnie Rajkumar, Orthopaedic surgeon. We
request our viewers to be brief in their queries and spell out their symptoms clearly. Remember our no. is 044-28279210. Here’s our first call.. (tr…ing…ng..)

Caller 1 : Question to Dr. Tholkappiar, please.

Dr.T : Yes, ….

Caller 1 : Doctor, I’m Harry, an 18 yr old college student. I have lost a lot of hair in recent months. I have an itchy scalp too. I have not changed my hair oil or shampoo, recently. I drive a two-wheeler and wear a helmet. Could that be the reason for my hair-fall?

Dr.T : Certainly not, Mr. Harry. It is a myth that wearing a helmet will cause loss of hair. Your problem could be dandruff. Check if there are white powdery flakes on your scalp. It is dandruff that is a major cause of hair-fall. It causes itchiness too. Use anti-dandruff
shampoo twice a week. Candid TV could prove effective. If you have an oily scalp, wash your hair regularly. Dust and dirt, combined with oil could cause dandruff. Also use your own comb, towel, etc.

Caller 1 : Thank you, doctor.

Compére : Our next caller …. (tr…ing…ng..)

Caller 2 : Question to Dr. Bonnie Rajkumar.

Dr. B R : Yes, please.

Caller 2 : I’m Nikita, a medical transcriptionist. For the past six months I’ve been having pain at the joint of my neck and spine. It arises when there is a jerk while travelling on my bike, or when I bend down to work. Sometimes I also have giddiness. I had an x-ray
taken and doctors said that I don’t have spondilitis. I apply hot water fomentation and gels when pain occurs. How do I get rid of it?

Dr. B R : Your complaint is common among computer professionals. You need to take a few precautions. Do not work for more than 45 minutes at a stretch. Always rest for 15 minutes every hour. Your keyboard should be close to your body, i.e. your elbow should be bent at an angle while working. Use a thin pillow at night. Neck exercises are useful. Try these exercises.(Demonstrates a couple of exercises.)

Compére : There’s our next caller ….. (tr…ing…ng..)

Caller 3 : Hello, is it ‘Sugam phone-in’ show?

Compére : Yes, it is.

Caller 3 : I’m Mrs. Guna. My question is to Dr. Balan. My daughter aged three, suffers from frequent cold, cough and wheezing with fever. On several occasions the child vomitsfood with mucus. We give her only boiled water. Doctors have diagnosed Upper
Respiratory Tract Infection and prescribed medicines, which only give temporary relief.

Dr. B : Many children have this problem, which is very recurrent when young. Don’t worry provided the child is active, gaining weight and sleeping peacefully. A child vomiting, especially after a bout of coughing, is not a cause for worry because it clears the airways blocked by mucus. Some preventive measures could be taken like, preventing her from playing in the mud, drinking iced drinks or going into an AC room after sweating profusely and avoiding smoking around the child. Continue the medicines and her immunity will gradually improve.

Compére : Viewers, please stay with us. We’ll be back with you after a short break for the commercials. Sugam phone-in