Ludhiana, December 5
With severe cold gripping the region, doctors have cautioned people against the problems related to ear, nose and throat as these organs were the most vulnerable to infections during winters.

According to Dr Naresh Malhotra, a leading ENT specialist and former Head of the ENT Department, Christian Medical College and Hospital, people, particularly, the children must wear warm clothes these days.

Dr Malhotra said since winters had started a little early, additional precautions were needed. A number of cases of hearing difficulties were coming up these days due to intense cold. Best way out, he said, was to keep ears, chest and nose covered.

The doctor said the two-wheeler drivers in particular must cover their heads with helmets to prevent the chill striking their noses and ears as it could lead to various problems that can have long-term and harmful effect.

He said in case there was any problem, instead of self medication, the patients must consult the doctors and get a thorough check-up, lest it might lead to some severe and prolonged problem. 

Ludhiana, December 5
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate due to excessive growth of glandular and stromal elements of the gland.

The problem with prostatic growth that characterises BPH in men is the result of its location around the urethra. Nearly 50 per cent of men above the age of 50 are at risk to develop urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate gland. Therefore, early assessment and investigation can prevent complication to kidneys and the urinary tract.

These observations were made by Dr Parminder Singh Sethi, a visiting consultant in urology from California, while addressing the faculty of the CMCH here today.

He maintained that symptoms could be managed by the judicious use of medications and patients could also be treated by endoscopic removal of the prostate gland.

"Various modalities are available in the West like laser prostatectomy, microwave and heat therapy. However, trans-urethral resection of the prostate continues to be the standard in the management of an enlarged prostate," he said.

He made a strong case for once-a-year prostate check-up for every man over the age of 40. This should include a visit to the urologist, a digital rectal examination, a blood test and a trans-rectal ultrasound of the prostate, if necessary.

Prostate cancer, he added, could be diagnosed early and effectively cured if treated promptly. "Prostate cancer is common in the ageing male population after the age of 60 years and the incidence rises with age. Various preventive strategies against prostate cancer have also been published and recommended by urologists," he said.

Dr Kim Mammen, Professor and Head of Urology, CMCH, focussed on the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment available in the Department of Urology at the CMCH. He said the institution had 1.5 Tesla MRI equipment that could perform imaging of the prostate using the endorectal coil probe and trans-rectal ultrasound probe to diagnose early prostate cancer lesions. 

Patiala, December 5
The ongoing Patiala District Sub-Junior Football Championship (u-16) ran into controversy when the organisers found themselves grappling with the age-old problem of overaged competitors playing in age categories not meant for them.

The result of the match played between Ropar and Kapurthala, which for the record was won by the former 6-5 on tie breakers, was kept in abeyance. The organisers, Patiala District Football Association (PDFA), have decided to declare the result only after the verification of age proof documents to be submitted by both teams.