SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2015 (PAGE-4)

BOLLYWOOD BUZZ NATURE 'Making Byomkesh was my childhood dream' Winter care for furry friends Dr Kritima Kapoor Every time Dibakar Banerjee As dog owners, we all wish our furry friends would live as long as we do and accompany us throughout our lives. But it decided to make a film, expectations is an unfortunate truth that dog life spans are much shorter than human ones. However, that does not mean our four- soar. The filmmaker, who last made legged pals don't have special moments to live for. Moreover, Shanghai a couple of years ago, they do need your additional care and attention especially in this chilling winter season. Remember, if the weather's too is right now busy giving finishing cold for you, it's probably too cold for your pet too. Just like human beings, cold tolerance of pets varies from pet to pet touches to his upcoming film based on their body fur coat, body fat stores, activity level, besides their health status. It is important that you should be Detective Byomkesh Bakshy. aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather and tune your efforts to care of your pet accordingly. You will probably need Expectations are growing once to shorten your dog's walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-aassociated health risks. Long-hhaired again as the film will see the or thick-ccoated dogs tend to be more cold-ttolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-hhaired pets feel the cold iconic Bengali sleuth for the first faster because they have less protection, and short-llegged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bod- time on big screen in Hindi. ies are more likely to come into contact with snow-ccovered ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or Dibakar spoke to Gaurav Gupta hormonal imbalances may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to health risk It has been quite some time that you have complet- ed to make this film though I have watched them earlier, ed the shooting of Detective Byomkesh Bakshy but problems. With a view to help preventing cold weather dan- particularly Satyajit Ray's Chiriakhana starring Uttam gers from affecting your pet, following things need to be sin- you never disclosed the story. Is that a conscious Kumar and the television series starring Rajit Kapoor, cerely taken care of: decision? which was directed by Basu Chatterjee. It was a conscious * Dogs and cats should be kept indoors during cold weath- Of course it is conscious. (Laughs). I made it a point decision because I didn't want to get influenced by oth- er. It's a common belief that dogs and cats are resistant than not to disclose it. I didn't do it when I announced the film ers. I even asked Sushant (Singh Rajput) not to watch the people to cold weather because of their fur, but it is not true. nor will I do it now. The reason is simple. If I disclose which films before he started shooting. We forget that we put on layers upon layers to keep us warm, story I will be doing, the audience will lose interest. Author Why did you choose Sushant Singh Rajput to play while our pets still only wear merely their one fur coat. Longer- * Be gentle with the elderly and arthritic pets during winter Saridindu Bandopadhyay's Byomkesh Bakshi is one of the Byomkesh? haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and oth- as they may have more difficulty in walking during tempera- most iconic characters and widely read series of detec- Because he was the best who I could think of. I have er dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold ture extremes. Their joints become more stiff and painful dur- tive stories. So, it's natural that many will lose interest if I always felt that Sushant is one of the few actors in today's weather; but still no pet should be left outside for long periods ing chilling spells. Watch also for signs of discomfort and pain give away the name of the story. times, who are talented, focused and hardworking. He of time in freezing weather. in your pets. If they shiver, seem anxious, slow down or stop Do you really think that Byomkesh Bakshi has been has done a marvellous job and the audience should come * Don't keep any pet outside for long periods of time, but moving, provide warm place and cozy thick bedding or warm widely read outside West Bengal? and watch him. Initially he was a bit nervous. Wearing a if you are unable to keep your dog inside during cold weath- blankets to make them comfortable. I do think so. There are so many readers of detective dhoti was difficult for him but within a few day he got into er, provide a warm, solid shelter with door against the direc- * Learn to recognize signs of hypothermia or frostbite. If stories in our country and Byomkesh Bakshi is one of the the skin of the character. He even used to wear dhotis at tion of prevailing wind. The floor of the shelter should be off your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or few India detective series that is very popular among peo- home before he started shooting. of the ground to minimize heat loss into the ground and the stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places ple of all age group. You have also shown the old-world Kolkata, then bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to pro- to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are Why did you decide to make a film on Byomkesh Calcutta in the film. vide a warm, dry environment. Space heaters and heat lamps showing signs of hypothermia. Bakshi? That was one of the biggest challenges. We did a lot should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire. Hypothermia is a condition of a body temperature below Because it was my childhood dream. (Laughs). It might of research because we wanted to show Kolkata as it was * Dress up your pet in a dry coat or sweater that covers normal. It occurs most likely when the animal spends too much seem a bit funny but that's true. As a child whenever I in the 1940's. We collected a lot of photographic materi- your pet from the base of the tail to the shoulders. It will help time in cold temperatures or when animals in poor health or to retain body heat, prevent skin from getting dry and provide dream of becoming a filmmaker, I always felt that I should al, how the Bengalis looked at that time, how they dressed, with poor circulation are exposed to cold. In mild cases the additional warmth. Be sure your pet's winter wear does not make a film on Byomkesh Bakshi. You can say it was my normal body response is to shiver and many will show signs how they combed their hair and looked into every other pose a choking or strangulation risk. love for this character that made me make a film on of depression, lethargy and weakness. As the condition pro- aspect. Kolkata is the most important character in the film. * Bathe your pets as little as possible during winter chills. Byomkesh Bakshi. It's like a dream come true. In fact, Was that the reason you decided to launch the first gresses, a pet's muscles will stiffen, heart and breathing rates As washing too often can remove essential oils and increase slow and there will be poor to no response to stimuli (i.e., call- that's the reason I decided to buy the right of all the poster of the film in Kolkata? the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pet must be Byomkesh stories. This is the first of the films and I want Definitely, there are more reasons behind it. As I said ing out their name, touch, or offering treats). If you notice these bathed, make it on a sunny day and use a moisturizing sham- signs you must get your pet warm and ask your veterinarian. to see how the audience react to it and then we will decide we have a very good research team. Not only did we poo, rinse and towel dry properly. Frostbite happens when the animal's body gets too cold how to go about it with the rest. decide to launch the poster in Kolkata but also we set a * Always use a towel after long walks to clean off irritated and blood is shunted away from the extremities such as ear How different will be Byomkesk Bakshi from what date of December 20 because this was the very day when paws and pet's fur coat to remove ice, salt and chemicals and flaps, toes, and tail to the center core of the body. It is often the audience have seen so far? Japan made aerial attacks on Kolkata. We decided to do check for cracked or chapped paw pads or redness between indicated by pale, bluish skin color. The tricky thing about frost- First of all it's going to be completely different because launch it at Great Eastern Hotel [now The Lalit Great East- the toes. Make them wear booties, as they help minimize con- bite is that it is not immediately noticeable. If you suspect frost- the audience haven't seen Byomkesh in Hindi on the big ern], one of India's oldest hotels because a bomb fell tact with sand and salt and prevent it from getting lodged in bite, bring the pet into a warm environment and consult your screen. Though a lot of films have been made in Bengali right on the road where the hotel stands. That was in the between bare toes, causing irritation. You can also apply petro- vet. We can advise you how to warm up your pet gradually and and it has also been done on television the Hindi-speak- year 1943 and this has extreme relevance to the film leum jelly and gently massage into paw pads before going out- resume circulation to these outer body parts or assess the ing audience haven't seen much of Byomkesh on cellu- because this was the time when Byomkesh too was on a side. It will also help to protect from salt, chemical agents and damage to start treatments for pain and infection if necessary. loid. The treatment of the film will be completely different. case somewhere close and trying to hunt down a killer. to heal chapped paws. * Another important thing you need to take care is that if It's being made on a huge canvas and I have decided to You could have easily gone for a big name from * Groom your dog regularly. Your dog needs a well- you park your vehicle outside in the winter, check underneath, present Byomkesh in a different way. The film will see a Bollywood to play the female lead. Instead, you chose groomed coat to keep him/her properly insulated. Brushing bang on the hood, or hit the horn before starting it, in case a your pet regularly not only gets rid of dead hair, but also stim- young Byomkesh who is just out of college and is an aspir- Swastika Mukherjee. neighborhood cat or some stray dogs are seeking warmth ulates blood circulation, improving the skin's overall condition. ing detective. It's his first case and the audience will see I could have but I felt Swastika's image went well with from the car's engine. So that you don't injure any animal * Feed your dog additional calories and keep your pet at how he handles it. unknowingly. the character. At the same time she is Bengali and knows a healthy weight throughout the winter because pets burn So, it's the first of the stories in the series? Winter is a great time of year. But it could be a dangerous the culture and more than anything I find her extremely extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime and it may (Laughs). I won't say anything. It will kill the suspense. talented. sometimes cause dehydration. Feeding your pet a little bit time for your pet as well, if they are ignored. So don't let it be. Have you watched the Byomkesh films that have So, you will be making more Byomkesh films… more during the cold weather and making sure he/she has If you take the above precautions and care, you and your pet been made so far? Yes of course but everything depends on how this film plenty of water to drink will help to keep her well-hydrated, can have a fabulous winter and many more loveable moments I decided not to watch any of the films the day I decid- does. Right now my focus is only on this film. (TWF) and her skin less dry. with your furry companions. HEALTHLINES Peanuts.... Breaking bad news of cancer Dr Kirti Bushan Obtaining the Patient's invitation "Bad news" has been defined as any information which While a majority of patients express a desire for full infor- mation about their diagnosis, prognosis, and details of their Healthy Munch adversely and seriously affects an individual's view of his or illness, some patients do not. When a clinician hears a patient her future. Breaking bad news to cancer patients is inher- express explicitly a desire for information, it may lessen the ently aversive , described as "hitting the patient over the anxiety associated with divulging the bad news for Winters head" or "dropping a bomb". It is really challenging to break Giving Knowledge and Information to the patient bad news about spread of disease, recurrence, failure of Sharing medical facts with the patients may be improved treatment to affect disease progression, the presence of irre- by a few simple guidelines. First, start at the level of com- versible side effects, revealing positive results of genetic prehension and vocabulary of the patient. Second, try to use tests, and raising the issue of hospice care and resuscita- nontechnical words. Third, avoid excessive bluntness as it tion when no further treatment options exist. It can be par- is likely to leave the patient isolated and later angry, with a ticularly stressful when the clinician is inexperienced, the tendency to blame the messenger of the bad news. Fourth, patient is young, or there are limited prospects for success- give information in small chunks and check periodically as ful treatment. How bad news is discussed can affect the to the patient's understanding. Fifth, when the prognosis is patient's comprehension of information , satisfaction with poor, avoid using phrases such as "There is nothing more we can do for you." This attitude is inconsistent with the fact medical care , level of hopefulness , and subsequent psy- members, and the dilemma of how to give hope when the that patients often have other important therapeutic goals chological adjustment. situation is bleak. such as good pain control and symptom relief. Breaking bad news : why is it important ? The process of disclosing bad news can be viewed as an One must use language that the patient will understand Historically it was given scant attention in medical prac- attempt to achieve four essential goals. The first is gather- and give plenty of opportunity to interrupt if they want some- tice . This is, however, changing and acquiring consultation ing information from the patient. This allows the physician to thing elucidated. It is a common complaint from patients that skills for breaking bad news especially cancer are now a determine the patient's knowledge and expectations and medical staff spoke to them in language that they did not core part of management . Surveys conducted from 1950 to readiness to hear the bad news. The second goal is to pro- understand. Consider how much detail the patient may want 1970s, when treatment prospects for cancer were bleak, vide intelligible information in accordance with the patient's to know . Observe the patient and see how they are coping. revealed that most physicians considered it inhumane and needs and desires. The third goal is to support the patient Talking directly is perceived by patients to represent honesty damaging to the patient to disclose the bad news about the by employing skills to reduce the emotional impact and iso- and trustworthiness. Be honest about what you don't know. diagnosis. Ironically, at present when treatment advances lation experienced by the recipient of bad news. The final As a doctor you may not be able to give exact figures for have changed the course of cancer so that it is much easi- goal is to develop a strategy in the form of a treatment plan survival rates but the patient may return to you after a spe- er now to offer patients hope at the time of diagnosis. Patients with the input and cooperation of the patient. Meeting these cialist appointment asking about them. Make sure that they wants to know the truth and the chances of cure for their goals is accomplished by a six-step SPIKES protocol and understand the nature of risk and probability and what these cancer and the side effects of therapy. There are clear eth- figures mean. ical and legal obligations to provide patients with as much has been shown to improve the confidence of clinicians while Addressing the Patient's Emotions with Empathic information as they desire about their illness and its treat- breaking bad news to cancer patients responses ment . Physicians may not withhold medical information even The sex steps of spikes Setting up the interview Dr Juhi Gulati Amla Responding to the patient's emotions is one of the most if they suspect it will have a negative effect on the patient. The casual physical setting causes interviews about difficult challenges of breaking bad news. Patients' emotion- Barriers to breaking bad news sensitive topics to flounder. Unless there is a semblance of Winter is a healthy season and one thing for which we all al reactions may vary from silence to shock, isolation, dis- "Breaking bad news" consulttions don't happen often and privacy and the setting is conducive to undistracted and develop craving during this time is delicious, crunchy, and nut- belief, grief, crying, denial, or anger. In this situation the studies suggest that a number of factors affect a doctor's ty peanuts. Peanuts are one of the popular oil seeds known focused discussion, the goals of the interview may not be physician can offer support and solidarity to the patient by ability to impart bad news sensitively. These include defi- to humankind since ancient times. The nuts are enriched with met. Some helpful guidelines: Ideally, bad news should be making an empathic response. Patients regard their oncol- cient knowledge about subject, burnout and fatigue, person- many noteworthy health-benefiting nutrients that are essen- given in person and not over the telephone. For doctors this ogist as one of their most important sources of psychologi- al difficulties, behavioural beliefs and subjective attitudes. tial for optimum health. They are actually legumes but have may be just another day at work but to the patient and the cal support , and combining empathic, exploratory, and val- Psychological analysis have shown that shown that the almost all the qualities that true nuts like almonds have. family it is a pivotal day of their lives. The patient should be idating statements is one of the most powerful ways of pro- bearer of bad news often experiences strong emotions such allowed to be accompanied by family members or close viding that support .It reduces the patient's isolation, REASONS TO ENJOY PEANUTS as anxiety, a burden of responsibility for the news, and fear expresses solidarity, and validates the patient's feelings or of negative evaluation. This stress creates a reluctance to ones. Adoctor must arrange for some privacy, making patient * Rich in energy and contain many health benefiting nutri- thoughts as normal and to be expected. deliver bad news, and has been named the "MUM" effect. sit down and relax, connect with patient, comfort the patient, ents, minerals, antioxidants and vatamins that are essential S-Strategy and Summary The MUM effect is particularly strong when the recipient of provide enough time for patient satisfaction and avoiding for optimum health. Patients who have a clear plan for the future are less like- the bad news is already perceived as being distressed by interruptions in conversations. Mental rehearsal is a useful ly to feel anxious and uncertain. Before discussing a treat- * Rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acids that family members and physician. Poor communication, par- way for preparing for stressful tasks. A physician must have ment plan, it is important to ask patients if they are ready at help to lower LDL or “bad cholesterol’ and increase HDL or ticularly with cancer patients, has been shown to be associ- full knowledge of patients status and ready with a treatment that time for such a discussion. Presenting treatment options “good cholesterol’’. ated with worse clinical and psychosocial outcomes, includ- plan. to patients when they are available is not only a legal man- * Good source of dietary protein compose fine quality amino ing worse adherence to treatment, confusion over progno- Asssessing the Patient's perception date in some cases but it will establish the perception that acids that are essential for growth and devlopment. sis and dissatisfaction at not being involved in decision mak- Before disclosing bad news , the clinician must use open- the physician regards their wishes as important. Sharing * Excellent source of vitamin E (a -tocopherol; containing ing. ended questions to create a reasonably accurate picture of responsibility for decision-making with the patient may also about sperioog. Breaking bad news- spikes protocol how the patient perceives the medical situation. Based on reduce any sense of failure on the part of the physician when * Rich source of minerals like copper, manganese, potas- Breaking bad news is a complex communication task. In this information clinician can correct misinformation and tai- treatment is not successful. Checking the patient's misun- addition to the verbal component of actually giving the bad sium, calcium, iron, magnesim, zinc, and selenium. lor the bad news to what the patient understands. It can also derstanding of the discussion can prevent the documented news, it also requires other skills. These include responding * Packed with many important B-complex groups of vita- accomplish the important task of determining if the patient tendency of patients to overestimate the efficacy or misun- to patients' emotional reactions, involving the patient in deci- mins such as riboflavin, niacin, thaimin, pantothenic acid, vita- is engaging in any variation of illness denial: wishful think- derstand the purpose of treatment. sion-making, dealing with the stress created by patients min B-6, and folates. ing, omission of essential but unfavorable medical details of (The author is Consultant Surgical oncologist, Asian Institute of Oncology, expectations for cure, the involvement of multiple family * Contains anti-carcinogenic agents-p-coumaric acid. the illness, or unrealistic expectations of treatment . Raheja (fortis) hospital, Lilawati hospital Mumbai. [email protected])