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 CONTENT

1. Message from Chairman ----------------------------------------- 4

2. Editorial By Dr.S. Prakash – MD--------------------------------- 5

3. COVID-19 and Diabetes – What is the connection?----------- 6

4. Mucor in COVID - Prevention & Management ---------------- 8

5. COVID-19 - In Children----------------------------------------- 10

6. Nutrition for Post COVID Patients---------------------------- 12

7. COVID-19 and Heart-------------------------------------------- 13

8. COVID-19 and Mental Health---------------------------------- 14

10. Post COVID Rehabilitation------------------------------------- 16

10. Physiotherapy--------------------------------------------------- 17

11. Role of Telemedicine------------------------------------------ 19

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 MESSAGE from
Chairman

Dear Valued Customer,

It gives me immense happiness to communicate with all of you through our

Star Health Magazine which caters specially to the needs of our policy holders.

As we come to the end of the second wave of COVID-19 , we need to be aware of the
complications post COVID and ways and means to tackle the challenges faced.

Hence, to provide the right information, we have come out with interesting articles
from learned experts in this field talking about how to deal with the sequelae post
COVID in this edition, which is aptly titled as: Tackling the Challenges - Post COVID.

Our customers form our topmost priority and we stand with all of you during these
testing times of the Pandemic.
Always at your service,
With kind regards,

V. JAGANNATHAN
Chairman & CEO

www.starhealth.in 4
 EDITORIAL
Tackling the Challenges
Post COVID
Beloved Policy holder,
During the current testing times of COVID -19 Pandemic, there is an infodemic-information
overflow through various sources hence one must have the right information in hand at the
right time. This will help in facing the pandemic with adequate preparedness.
To this effect, for our most valued customers we have come out with interesting articles from
learned experts in this edition titled: Tackling the Challenges-Post COVID.
Post - COVID recovery requires a multidisciplinary approach involving breathing exercises,
nutritional support, physiotherapy and rehabilitation which are the areas of prime focus in the
current issue.
In addition, please note that vaccination can be taken 90 days after COVID infection in those
who have not been vaccinated earlier.
I would like to highlight that during this pandemic our Telemedicine service Talk to STAR has
been a boon to our customers. Hence this issue also focuses on the role of Telemedicine.
I’m confident that the information provided will dispel all the myths and equip our customers
with all the latest updates in the road to recovery Post COVID-19.

Dr. S. PRAKASH, MS., FRCS (Glasg) FAIS

Managing Director
STAR HEALTH AND ALLIED INSURANCE CO. LTD
At your service, always.

www.starhealth.in 5
 Dr. V. MOHAN
M.D., FRCP (London, Edinburgh, Glasgow & Ireland),
Ph.D., D.Sc. D.Sc (Hon. Causa), FNASc, FASc, FNA,
FACE, FACP, FTWAS, MACP, FRSE
COVID-19 and DIABETES
WHAT IS THE CONNECTION?
Awarded Padma Shri by Govt. of India
Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre & Madras
Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India.

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic was first
reported from Wuhan in China, it is quite
clear that it is people with comorbidities
such as uncontrolled diabetes who fare badly.
Now we know that there is a bidirectional
link between COVID–19 and diabetes. Thus,
uncontrolled diabetes can aggravate the
COVID–19 and increase the risk of
hospitalizations, complications and the
mortality. Conversely, a link between COVID–19
and new onset diabetes has also been reported.
1. Through stress, anxiety and depression.
It is very well known that any severe form of
stress can lead to hyperglycemia and even
to overt diabetes. This form of diabetes is
called as ‘stress induced diabetes’. This
is due to the excess counter regulatory
hormones like epinephrine, norepinephrine,
cortisol which antagonize the action of
insulin and thereby produce diabetes.

How does COVID-19 lead to Diabetes?

This can be through 4 mechanisms :
1. Due to stress, anxiety and depression
2. Due to changes in lifestyle, consequent to
the lockdown
2. Changes in lifestyle, consequent to the
3. Use of steroids to treat COVID
lockdown
4. Direct viral injury to the pancreatic beta
During lockdown, people stay at home and
cells
their usual physical activity is drastically
reduced. Some of them also tend to overeat,

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 as they are bored sitting at home or due
to the anxiety or depression. It has been
reported that there is a marked increase
in the obesity levels, both in adults and in
children. This can lead to diabetes.
3. Steroids
It is known that steroids used for COVID
treatment cause an acute increase in blood
sugar levels. It can induce new onset of
diabetes and also worsen pre-existing diabetes.
4. Direct viral injury to the pancreatic beta
cells
The third and the most intriguing connection
between COVID-19 and diabetes is direct injury
to the pancreatic betacells but more studies
are needed on this.
What should one do if one already has
diabetes to try to prevent getting COVID-19
infection?
The most important thing is to follow all
the usual precautions like social (physical)
distancing, wearing a mask, avoiding crowded
places and following proper respiratory
etiquette. In addition to these, however those
with established diabetes should ensure that
their sugars are kept under good control.
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Increased testing of blood sugar (self-monitoring
of blood glucose – SMBG) or using Continuous
Glucose Monitoring (CGM) would help to ensure
that all the parameters of glycemic control
are kept within limits. The fasting blood sugar
should be <110 mg/dl, the postprandial blood
sugar <160mg/dl, the HbA1c less than 7% and
the ‘Time in Range’ measured by continuous
glucose monitoring should be over 70%. This
will ensure that even if one gets the COVID
infection, it may not take a serious turn.
Mucormycosis: the new link between
diabetes and COVID-19
The new fear after the treatment of COVID-19
is contracting a severe disease known as
mucormycosis, a serious, but rare, fungal
infection. Mucormycosis usually affects people
who have poor immunity and those with
uncontrolled diabetes have the highest risk
of developing it. If diabetes is well controlled
Mucormycosis can be prevented.
What lifestyle changes should those with
diabetes make?
To those with diabetes, my advice would
be to have a healthy diet which has a lot of
vegetables and less cereals (rice or chapati)
and include more protein in the form of bengal
gram, etc. They must also follow a regular
exercise programme. It is very important for
them to take their medicines regularly and
if the sugars are not under control, to switch
over to insulin if needed, at least for a short
period. All these measures will help to effect
good control of diabetes which can reduce the
risk of serious COVID-19 infection.
Finally, vaccination will ensure that the risk
of developing severe COVID-19, requiring
hospitalisation can be drastically reduced.
 Prof. Dr. R. Muthu Kumar,
MS, DLO.
Director & Professor of ENT,
Upgraded Institute of Otorhinolaryngology,
Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital,
Madras Medical College, Chennai – 3
What is a fungus?
Fungus is an organism which exist in forms such
as yeasts and molds, mushrooms etc.
Black fungus - Mucormycosis, also known
as black fungus is an opportunistic, serious
fungal infection, usually affecting people with
reduced immunity (ability to fight infections).
It is called “black fungus” because fungus
causes black discoloration of the affected
tissues.
Mucor in COVID
- Prevention &
Management
transplant, patients on cancer treatment and
to a lesser extent in patients with HIV/AIDS .
Why is there a sudden increase?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, unusually high
number of mucormycosis infection has been
reported and this is thought to be related
to prolonged & high dose Steroid therapy for
COVID-19.
How does it spread?
The fungal spores are present in the environment
and are common in soils, decomposing organic
matter (such as rotting fruit and vegetables)
and animal manure, but usually do not affect
people. It is not transmitted between people.
It can spread by inhalation during breathing,
contaminated food, or contamination of open
wounds.

Is black fungus common infection?

It is usually rare, affecting fewer than 2 people
per million people each year.
Usually occurs in diabetic patients with
uncontrolled and persistently high blood sugar.
It is also seen in patients with chronic kidney
problems, patients on long term steroids
or immunosuppressant drugs like in organ

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Common organs involved:
Most commonly it involves nose, sinuses, eye
& brain. It gets deposited in the nose and from
there it can spread to eyes and brain.
It can infect the lungs, stomach and intestines,
and skin.
It causes blockage of blood vessels, tissue
death and spreads on the dead tissue, in our
body.
Common symptoms: Depend on the location in
the body.
When sinuses are involved :
• Headache, facial swelling and pain, fever,
loss of smell, with nasal obstruction and
blood stained or blackish nasal discharge
• Toothache, loosening of teeth, loss of
sensation over the cheek, black discoloration
of palate
• Common eye symptoms are – Redness & eye
pain, blurred vision, swollen and bulging of
eyes.
When lungs are involved: Chest pain, cough
with hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
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How it is Diagnosed? : There is no blood test
that can confirm the diagnosis
Clinical examination by nasal endoscopy, eye
examination, imaging like MRI
Biopsy of affected tissue with a fungal studies
and culture.
Treatment
Surgical removal of fungus and dead tissue
and treatment with antifungal drugs like
amphotericin B.
Preventive measures
Wearing a face mask in dusty areas, washing
hands, avoiding direct contact with stagnant
water and protection of skin, feet and hands
where there is exposure to soil or manure
during activities like gardening or certain
outdoor work.
Public needs to be aware of the early symptoms
and signs of mucormycosis specially after
COVID treatment so that the affected people
can get early treatment.
• Adequate diabetic (sugar) control
• Avoid prolonged usage of high dose of
steroids.
Why Preventive measures are important?:
The treatment may be required for a prolonged
period involving frequent surgeries to remove
the fungus and costly antifungal drugs resulting
in financial burden.
The fungus can cause damage to important
organs - loss of sight, damage to the brain and
lungs and may also result in the death of the
patients.

The pandemic has affected 120 million people
worldwide. About 12% of those affected are
children and adolescents. After a downward
trend, cases are on the increase once again.
In view of this upward trend in fresh cases,
here are answers to some frequently asked
questions about COVID-19 in Children.
Can children get COVID-19?
Yes, Children of any age group can get infected.
However compared to adults, they are less
likely to get seriously ill.
Can children spread the virus to other
people?
Once infected they can spread the virus. This
can be dangerous for elderly people in the
house.
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COVID -19
- In Children
Dr. Arvind Kumar
Director and HOD, Paediatrics,
Fortis Hospital,
Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 in
Children?
Some Children may not have any symptoms.
However, others may display fever, cough,
sore throat, headache, diarrhea and vomiting.
Older Children may complain of loss of taste
and smell. Babies may have trouble feeding.
Do children have serious symptoms?
Serious symptoms are seen in Children with
genetic health problems or in those with
neurological disorders, congenital disorders,
heart disease, obesity, diabetes, kidney and
lung disease.
How are children with COVID-19 treated?
The majority of Children can be cared for at
home and treatment is mainly symptomatic.
Children with the following symptoms need
hospitalisation:
• Trouble breathing
• Pain in the chest
• Blue lips or nails
• Confusion
• Poor feeding in infants
How can I prevent my child from getting Can COVID-19 lead to other problems?
COVID-19?
Yes. Very rarely, children may develop
• Practice social distancing, Children above post-COVID-19 complications, also called
two years of age should wear a mask in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome.
Public.
• Hands should be washed with soap and
water often.
• Hands should not touch the face.
Can a mother with COVID-19 feed her
newborn?

Yes, She can. The mother should wear a mask

while feeding and wash her hands with soap
and water before touching the baby.

How about the COVID-19 vaccine for my

child? SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
None of the present vaccines are recommended • Prolonged fever
for children. However, trials for efficacy and • Pain in the abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea
safety are going on.
• Rash on the body
What about other routine vaccines? • Red eyes
Routine vaccines should not be deferred. • Breathing trouble
Vaccinations should be done as per schedule – • Confusion and irritability
in consultation with your doctor.
Early recognition and treatment can prevent
Can I send my Child to School? long-term complications and mortality.
The decision to send your child to School is
complicated because children do not maintain
social distancing or wear masks. Till such that
the COVID-19 pandemic is under control, it is
better to avoid school.

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Nutrition for Post
COVID Patients

Dr. Asiya
Joint VP and
Ms Raji
Health Coach (Wellness Team)

Nutrition for Post Covid patient:
Although most people fully recover from
COVID-19, there are some who continue
to suffer symptoms for months. There are,
however, some things that these COVID ‘long-
haulers’ can do to help improve their health.
Having recovered from corona virus infection,
some people continue to experience symptoms
in what has become known as ‘long COVID’.
According to some estimates, there are
millions of people worldwide affected by what
can be debilitating symptoms such as fatigue,
headache, brain fog, muscle aches, persistent
shortness of breath and, in some cases,
diarrhea or loss of smell and taste.
Your body has been fighting an invader for
the last 15-20 days. It fought back with all
of its might and ammunition, so though the
virus is gone, the damage must be repaired.
While dealing with the after effects of
strong medication, decreased energy, and
loss of muscular mass: appetite must be re-
established.
The best way to recover from Post-COVID
malnutrition and weakness is to eat a well-
balanced diet. Here are some recommendations
for what to eat & other GENERAL TIPS.
What to eat after Covid
• It is Important to eat and drink lots of
fluids when you are recovering from a Viral
infection
• Eating more protein-rich foods like lentils,
legumes, milk and Milk products, soy, nuts,
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seeds, meat, chicken fish and eggs will get
you enough vitamins and minerals to help in
recovery process
• Include whole-grain cereals like millet,
brown rice, peanut, nuts and starchy
vegetables like potato, sweet potato. This
helps to increase calorie intake and energies
• Citrus fruits are packed with Vitamin C
which helps in the production of antibodies
and fights infection. Green Vegetables help
to strengthen the immune system
• In addition to those already stated Indian
spices have significant immune-boosting
qualities because they are packed with
photochemical and bioactive compounds,
adding these to our diet and drinking herbal
drinks like green tea, herbal tea, turmeric
milk may help to boost your immunity
• Zinc is another Nutrient that supports
immune health. Good Sources of Zinc
include rajma, channa almonds, pumpkin
seeds, chicken and cow milk
• Infections cause dehydration. It is important
to rehydrate when you are recovering. Drink
8-10 Glasses of water every day and keep
Juices, Soups and other healthy drinks like
(tender coconut water, buttermilk) a part
of your daily diet
Note: Nutritional recommendations will depend
on individual physical activity and disease
related symptoms, including comorbidities
such as Diabetes Mellitus and Kidney disease.

The Pandemic of Novel corona-virus disease
2019 (COVID-19) caused by corona-virus 2
(SARS-CoV-2) has been rapidly spreading
worldwide, exhausting the health care system.
Though it commonly manifests with respiratory
symptoms, multiple organ involvement has been
reported. Cardiac Patients are at an increased
risk of infection and sequelae. So those with
underlying Cardiac disease, Hypertension,
Cardiac transplant patients should take extra
caution to avoid getting infected.
In this article we focus on the effects of this
virus and Post-vaccination effects on people
with normal heart.
COVID-19 infection causes our body to produce
an overactive immune response which can
lead to increased inflammation throughout the
body. Inflammation can affect the heart muscle
leading to a condition known as Myocarditis.
This can impair the heart’s ability to pump
blood and send electric signals. It can be mild
such as fluctuations in heart rate (tachycardia-
increased heart rate or Bradycardia-
reduced heart rate) which is seen during the
symptomatic phase and also post recovery in
some. Myocarditis with heart rate variations
has been seen in some of the patients who had
COVID-19. Severe forms of Myocarditis can lead
to heart failure (hearts ability to pump blood
throughout the body declines).
Also COVID-19 infection results in thrombotic
state (increased risk of forming blood clots),
and these clots have been noted inside the
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COVID-19
and
Heart
Dr. Refai Showkath Ali
MRCP(UK), FRCP(London) CCT in cardio (UK)
Senior Interventional Cardiologist
Apollo Hospital, Chennai.
heart chambers and blood vessels of the
heart and lungs. (Coronary artery thrombus
leading to heart attack and also Pulmonary
thromboembolism).
So what would be the signs suggesting severe
involvement or when to seek medical care?
If you have shortness of breath, chest
discomfort, extreme fatigue or swelling of
the legs or abdominal bloating, you should
see a doctor. Like any other viral infection,
these changes can be transient and improve
eventually with treatment.
Very few cases of clots in the blood vessels
of heart have been reported which may need
emergency treatment.
So is there any way to prevent these events
from occurring with more population getting
vaccinated eventually?
There are no specific guidelines addressing this
problem as of now. It is recommended to have
adequate hydration and being slightly physically
active (than just lying in the bed) both Post-
infection and also Post-vaccination. Use of
blood thinners (antiplatelet or anticoagulants)
for a week post-vaccination and atleast for 3
weeks in those recovering from COVID-19 will
also help to prevent this clot formation. [Please
seek your doctors Guidance regarding this]
There is no need for doing multiple blood
tests before going for COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for
everyone now in India above the age of 18.
 COVID-19
and
Mental Health

Dr. Bhargav M.D

Consultant Psychiatrist
Telemedicine

Research says around 20% of COVID-19 patients What might be the reason behind this?
have developed mental health issues. But the • During the pandemic and long lockdown
fact is everyone of us who witnessed and have period we all experienced, disturbed
been through this pandemic are psychologically routines, restrictive measures like
impacted and it ranges from a mild degree quarantine which made us socially deprived,
symptoms like mood-swings to severe forms of experienced stress mild to severe degrees
Anxiety (Corona phobia) and depression. of for long time almost 6-8 months
What are the common symptoms of
psychological issues?
● Fear and intense worry about your own
health and the health of your loved ones and
associated sadness, anger or frustration.
● Changes in sleep or eating patterns
● Difficulty in concentrating
● Worsening of chronic health problems
● Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other
drugs
● Stress from the experience of intense self-
Now as a result of such long duration of
monitoring or being monitored by others
disturbed life process we should agree the
● After hearing the news about vaccines fact that naturally we become vulnerable to
most of us think we are at the end of psychological issues especially in the post
pandemic but understand that it’s not yet pandemic period and need to take necessary
over. Because the negative impact on the measures to maintain our emotional wellbeing.
psychological as well as physical health this
COVID pandemic has caused will have long- How to survive this psychological health
term consequences on individuals, families crisis during the pandemic and post
and community as a whole especially pandemic?
research predicts that there will be a A. Still the pandemic is on and if you are
tsunami of psychiatric illness in the after worried and anxious about COVID,
COVID pandemic

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 following these 4 guidelines will help • Adopt a positive mindset and hopeful
promoting mental health and resilience. outlook: positive emotions trigger emotional
• Firstly take steps to reduce your exposure well-being, feeling good, reduce stress and
to the negative news or false information on a better mood, every cloud has a silver
social media. You become more distressed lining.
if you witness repeated images of a disaster • Be active physically focus on physical
in the media, so take break and rely on health: it helps to maintain an excellent
trusted sources of information like CDC, mind body connection and bring about a
WHO etc., will insulate you from rumours positive effect on your brain.
and will help to get a clear picture and see
how things are changing.
• Second is, recognise the negative/anxiety
provoking thoughts and figure out what
are the few things that you can do most
effectively to reduce this unnecessary
thoughts and to avoid getting trapped in
anxiety.

• De-condition your fear: instead of trying

• Staying connected and sharing the feelings
with the supportive family member or friend
helps you to release stress (Essentially
social distancing does not have to mean
social isolation, especially with modern
technologies available you can still be
connected).
• Seek professional help if you feel
overwhelmed or concerned that COVID-19
is affecting your ability to care for your
family, or to carry out your responsibilities
at the work place as you did before the
outbreak.
B. The major challenge we are going to face
is to survive the new normal, How to
survive with confidence?
Socrates had once stated the secret of
change is to focus all of your energy not
on finding the old but on building the new
perhaps there is nothing more apt than this
statement in todays world.
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to cover up or ignore the fear, eliminate it
by addressing the fear by recognizing your
feelings or thoughts and question if those
thoughts are necessary or just irrational.
(this helps your mind to organize and filter
unnecessary thoughts)
• Develop healthy coping styles like meditation
/yoga/simple breathing exercises / thought
journaling etc to destress your mind.
• Finally make sure you follow the healthy
routines like frequent hand wash and other
measures as usual.
• Seek professional help from psychologist
or psychiatrist in case you face difficulty
to restart your new normal with a healthy
mind.
Hope this information will enable you
to get on top of all of this and play a
responsible role in the society.
 Rehabilitation for COVID -19 Patients
Dr.G. Balamurali
MBBS, MRCS, MD(UK), FRCS
Consultant Spine and Neurosurgeon
Kauvery Hospital
Why rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation has a positive effect on health
outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19.
It achieves this through optimizing health and
functioning outcomes.The aim of rehabilitation
is to improve recovery, reduce disability and
several consequences of various compilations
related post hospitalization or post ICU stay
such as:
1. Physical impairments
2. Cognitive impairments
3. Swallow impairments
4. Psychosocial support
Who needs Rehabilitation?
It is evident that older people and people
with pre-existing comorbidities (Diabetes,
Hypertension, Cardiac problems) are at higher
risk for more severe illness. Rehabilitation
can be beneficial in these populations to
maintain their prior levels of functionality and
independence.
What are the benefits of Rehabilitation?
1. Improve recovery
2. Reduce disability
3. Early discharge
4. Reduce risk of admission
What therapies will be provided?
COVID-19 disease affects many systems in the
body and after a period of hospitalisation either
on the ward or Intensive care unit patient will
need the following therapies:
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1. Respiratory training
2. Strength training
3. Gait training
4. Balance training
5. ADL training (Activity of Daily Living –
Dressing, self-hygiene, eating etc)
6. Cognitive training
7. Functional training
8. Speech and swallowing therapy
9. Psychological counselling - stress
management
10.Diet counselling
Who will provide therapy?
Rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary approach
by a team of therapist who are:
1. Rehabilitation physician
2. Physiotherapist
3. Occupational Therapist
4. Speech and Language Therapist
5. Psychologist
6. Dietician
7. Nurses
How long will a patient need therapy?
Therapy should be started from the time of
admission until discharge. Following discharge
patients must follow the instructions given by
the therapist and specialist and continue them.
Some patients will need follow up and therapy
for up to 6 -12 weeks after discharge or longer
in rare cases.
 Physiotherapy

Asst. Prof. G. Sakthivelan

BPT., MIAP
Senior Consultant
Physiotherapist

Certain People who have had COVID-19 you take long, slow, deep breaths, like
experience some difficulty in carrying out their natural sighing or yawning.
day to day activities. Aim of physiotherapy is to • Patient can use the incentive spirometer for
improve their mobility and functioning. 15 minutes throughout the day, this can be
Benefits of Rehabilitation in COVID-19 broken down into three different sessions.
Patients: Rehabilitation can reduce Intensive How to use the incentive spirometer.
Care Unit - admission related complications,
Sit upright in a chair or at the edge of your bed.
such as Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS),
Hold the incentive spirometer in an upright
Intensive care unit acquired weakness (ICUAW).
position. Breathe out normally.
Specific Physiotherapy Interventions: Standing
Balance and walking Exercises. Place the mouth piece in your mouth and seal
your lips tightly around it.
Regular Exercise: (Depending on Patients
Capacity as guided by the treating doctor) Breathe in slowly and as deeply as possible.
Cardio exercise: Marching in place, Single leg
standing, Jogging in place, Dancing to music,
Arm circles, Jumping with arm swing, squat
and jumps, Stair climbing.

POST COVID LUNG CARE

Breathing Exercises
• The muscles that help you breathe need to
be strengthened as you recover from your
lung infection. These muscles include the
diaphragm as well as the muscles in the
chest wall.
• Patient should receive an incentive Notice the ball or piston rising to ward the
spirometer when you were discharged from top of the column. Hold your breath as long as
the hospital. This device helps to strengthen possible (atleast for 5 seconds).
the breathing muscles and open up the air Take the mouth-piece out of your mouth and
spaces in your lungs. It is designed to help exhale slowly and allow the piston to fall to the
bottom of the column.
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Rest for a few seconds and repeat steps one
to five at least 10 times. Position the indicator
on the side of the spirometer to show your
best effort. Use the indicator as a goal to work
toward during each slow deep breath.
After each set of 10 deep breaths, cough to be
sure your lungs are clear.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Lie on your back with your head on a pillow
and a pillow under the knees, or your knees
may be bent.
Put one hand on your chest and one hand on
your belly.
Breathe in through both nostrils, close the right
nostril and breathe out completely through the
left nostril.
Breathe in through the left nostril and then
close with the ring finger. Release the thumb
on the right nostril and breathe out through
the right nostril. Inhale through the right
nostril, close with the thumb, release the ring
finger from the left side and exhale through
the left nostril. These four steps constitute one
round of Alternate Nostril Breathing. Keep your
breath even, slow and gentle.
Perform 5 to 9 rounds of this alternating breath
between the nostrils.

Breathe deeply through your nose, allowing

your chest and belly to expand, and out through
your mouth. Perform for 1 minute.
Then, rest for 30 seconds.
• Alternate nostril breathing- On an CONCLUSION: Exercise daily, follow safety
exhalation, close the right nostril with your
thumb and breathe out through the left measures & stay healthy.
nostril.
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 Dr. S Dheeraj Krishnaa
Head - Telemedicine
As the COVID-19 Epidemic Scaled Exponentially
across the world the need of the hour is for
expanded use of Telemedicine.
Telemedicine has demonstrated its advantages in
distance-based treatment during this pandemic.
Telemedicine is therefore the most feasible and
acceptable mode for delivering care to individuals
of diverse age group, social, economic and
geographical backgrounds.
The Department of Telemedicine in Star Health
Insurance was inaugurated on the 15th of February
2020 as an Exclusive free value added service for
our policy holders. Ever since its inception policy
holders and our employees have been provided free
medical consultation through our multi-linguistic
doctors of Star Telehealth. However, from the
onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 the
department of Telemedicine witnessed significant
increase in the volume of teleconsultations.
Policy Holders, employees and General public
with symptoms could consult through online
consultation services by calling the number
76 76 905 905
The team of doctors conduct preliminary
assessment of patients online and give suggestions
to continue to stay at home or get admitted.
www.starhealth.in 19
Role of Telemedicine
Based on the AIIMS/ICMR Guidelines asymptomatic
and mild cases are advised home quarantine.
These individuals were regularly followed up
(Temperature / Oxygen Saturation / Pulse/
Presence or absence of respiratory distress) on
a daily basis via teleconsultation every day for a
period of fourteen days. This will also ensure early
preventive interventions for these group of patients
and their relatives. Patients with Moderate-severe
illness are advised hospitalization. In this way
telemedicine acts as an effective 2nd opinion for
our customers.
Patients who are discharged from the hospitals
are followed up via teleconsultations and given
wellness advise.
During the Pandemic - Telemedicine consultation
saved time and cost, prevented unnecessary
admission by early diagnosis and Home isolation of
COVID-19 patients. As of date we have successfully
completed 50000 plus COVID consultations, and
Monitored 18000 plus home quarantines.
Hence in this pandemic do not Panic if you are
asymptomatic or if symptoms are mild, please
utilize our Covid helpline - 76 76 905 905 and be
reassured.