The Kannada film industry mourns the loss of actor Santhosh Balaraj, 34, who passed away due to complications of severe jaundice. According to the reports, the young and versatile actor, renowned for playing intense roles, departed for his heavenly abode on Tuesday morning at Apollo Hospital in Kumaraswamy Layout, Bengaluru.
As per hospital sources, Balaraj had first been admitted for jaundice last month and was receiving medical treatment. Although his health was improving, a sudden drop in health led to readmission. Health reports affirmed that the actor's condition deteriorated over the weekend, finally going into a coma. Despite urgent care, his liver and kidneys collapsed, resulting in his untimely demise at around 9:30 AM.
Santhosh Balaraj was respected for his passion for film and his acting in action and drama movies. His death has not only shaken the Kannada film fraternity but also generated anxiety about the health of the liver and the risks associated with untreated or late-stage jaundice, amongst his fans and people in general.
Understanding Jaundice and Its Risks
For the unversed, jaundice is not a disease but rather a sign of liver dysfunction. It comes about in the event of a buildup of bilirubin in the blood, which is a yellow pigment that is produced during the breakdown of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). Its common causes are hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, gallstones, and other liver conditions.
According to health professionals, if left untreated or when the liver is already weak, jaundice can grow rapidly, causing severe complications such as failure of the liver, damage to the kidneys, and even death, as was tragically seen in Santhosh Balaraj's case.
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Tips To Protect Your Liver Health
Santhosh's death at a young age is a wake-up call on the need for liver care. Here are some easy tips to avoid getting jaundice and maintain overall liver health:
1. Get Vaccinated
Keep yourself safe from hepatitis A and B through vaccinations, particularly if you belong to high-risk groups.
2. Safe Hygiene
Hepatitis is often caused by contaminated water and food. Wash your hands clean every time, and make sure food is well-cooked.
3. Cut Down on Alcohol
Too much alcohol can seriously impair the liver in the long run. Therefore, try to drink quickly or make sure you drink responsibly, and get help if drinking becomes tough to control.
4. Avoid Self-Medication
Excessive use of some medicines, such as painkillers and antibiotics, can put a burden on the liver. Hence, it is recommended that one should always take the prescribed amounts and ask your doctor before taking any medicine.
5. Healthy Diet
Adopt a well-balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Steer clear of excess fats and processed foods, which tax the liver.
6. Regular Check-ups
Recurring blood checks and Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are the best ways to identify liver stress early on. This helps in enabling proper intervention on time.
7. Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking lots of water maintains healthy liver activity and assists in removing toxins from the body.
Santhosh Balaraj's memory will continue through his movies and the influence he had on his audience. His early death highlights the crucial significance of liver health and timely treatment for jaundice. While we recall his work in cinema, we suggest you always stay vigilant about preventable health issues and take action accordingly to stay healthy.
[Disclaimer: Note that this article is just for informational purposes and is not medical advice. If you or a person you know is experiencing jaundice, yellow skin or eyes, dark-coloured urine, weakness, or stomach pain, seek a medical professional right away.]