Changing weather conditions are driving influenza A strain H3N2 cases in Delhi-NCR, said health experts on Wednesday. City doctors have reported a sharp increase in viral illness in Delhi-NCR. H3N2 is a seasonal flu that circulates in humans and mutates over time. Children, older adults, and pregnant women are most vulnerable to the disease. It also causes more severe symptoms in high-risk populations such as those with weakened immune systems and patients with asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. “Cases of influenza due to H3N2 are rising. Major symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, myalgia (muscle pain), Animesh Ray, Additional Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, AIIMS, told IANS. The expert noted that the condition is usually mild but can turn severe in people with other conditions. “Though most cases are mild, yet those with comorbidities like kidney problems, diabetes, heart diseases, lung diseases may have complications in the form of pneumonia, lung failure, etc,” Ray said. According to a survey of over 11,000 households by social community platform LocalCircles, 69 per cent reported at least one member displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and respiratory distress. “The cases are rising because of changing weather conditions and lack of vaccination,” Dr. Atul Gogia, senior consultant medicine at the leading city-based hospital, told IANS. “The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu in the form of cough, cold, running nose, and can involve the lungs, leading to pneumonia,” he added. In children, the symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Many patients have also reported fever lasting over 5-7 days, with cough persisting even after other signs subside. The experts advised proper hand washing, the use of masks, and vaccination to prevent H3N2. They also suggested getting annual vaccinations, avoiding close contact with sick people, and isolating those who are ill.
18 September,2025 03:06 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSIn a remarkable case of strength and recovery, a 12-year-old girl suffering from Type-1 diabetes has defied the odds to be on her path to recovery in Mumbai.The treatment of the girl, Dharithree, was managed by Dr Pradeep Mahajan, a regenerative medicine researcher in Navi Mumbai, and his team. With the girl suffering from Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Dr Mahajan, who is also the founder of StemRx Hospital & Research Center, has helped improve her condition with timely treatment. Once dependent on 31 units of insulin every day, her body has shown an extraordinary improvement, now requiring only two units daily after prompt intervention. This rare outcome has not only brought joy to her family but also stands as a ray of hope for other children struggling with the lifelong burden of diabetes. Dharithree’s battle began when her parents noticed unusual symptoms like frequent urination, constant thirst, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Concerned, they rushed her for medical evaluation, where she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. For her young age, the need for such high doses of insulin was physically and emotionally challenging, as it meant multiple daily injections, strict dietary monitoring, and continuous health checks. At the hospital, doctors carefully designed a treatment plan combining insulin therapy, nutrition counseling, lifestyle modifications, and close monitoring. Over time, the child's body responded far better than expected. With consistent care, her insulin requirement drastically reduced from 31 units to just two units daily. Such sharp reductions are rarely seen in children with Type 1 diabetes. Dr Mahajan explained, “Cases like Dharithree’s highlight the importance of early diagnosis, proactive management, and holistic care in chronic conditions such as Type 1 diabetes. While diabetes is usually considered a lifelong dependency on insulin, her case reminds us that the human body can respond in extraordinary ways when treatment is timely, personalised, and supported by family care. This journey is not just medical; it is emotional, social, and deeply inspiring. Today, Dharithree continues to attend school, play, and live like other children her age, but with new awareness about her health. Her family has been advised to maintain regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, and stress management to keep her condition under control." “When the doctors told us she needed 31 injections a day, we were devastated. But now, seeing her on just 2 units of insulin is nothing short of a miracle. We couldn’t believe it at first, but every day she’s improving. Her courage has given us all hope, and we’re so grateful to Dr Mahajan and his team, who guided us through this,” concluded her brother Sreejami.
18 September,2025 02:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFrom the currently used sputum testing, soon tuberculosis screening can be done via a simple tongue swab, according to a study. The potential breakthrough using an enhanced CRISPR-based technology could allow easier, community-based screenings for the world's deadliest infectious disease, said researchers from Tulane University in the US. Lead author Zhen Huang, an assistant professor at Tulane's School of Medicine, said developing a viable tuberculosis tongue swab test could transform testing in low-resource communities. "Tongue swabs are painless, easy to collect, and don't require trained medical staff," Huang said. "That opens the door to large-scale screenings." Current TB tests rely on sputum; mucus collected from the lungs and lower respiratory system. Collecting sputum is not only difficult but is also unfeasible in about 25 per cent of symptomatic cases and nearly 90 per cent of asymptomatic cases -- a gap which contributes to an estimated 4 million tuberculosis cases going undiagnosed annually. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, worked to address that gap by refining a previously developed CRISPR-based assay to better detect TB in samples with very low levels of bacteria, such as stool, spinal fluid, and tongue swabs. The new CRISPR method, called the ActCRISPR-TB, increased amplification and detection of genetic signals from TB bacteria DNA and offered a rapid, streamlined approach that can return a diagnosis in under an hour. Clinical testing showed markedly enhanced detection of TB in tongue swabs over traditional testing (74 per cent compared to 56 per cent). The test also showed high sensitivity in detecting TB in respiratory (93 per cent), pediatric stool (83 per cent), and adult spinal fluid samples (93 per cent). With children, HIV patients, and those with extrapulmonary TB unable to produce sputum, the research marks a significant step forward toward offering effective diagnoses via a variety of samples.
18 September,2025 12:41 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSDoctors at a Mumbai hospital have successfully treated a 49-year-old woman, who developed severe, life-threatening complications following bariatric surgery. In a critical condition, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre's team stepped in to perform a high-risk corrective surgery to give her a new lease of life. In February 2025, the patient underwent bariatric surgery in Ahmedabad. Three months later, she developed severe complications and was admitted to two different hospitals in Navi Mumbai for emergency care, where she underwent emergency laparotomy (abdominal surgery to open and examine the abdomen) for a perforated gastro-jejunostomy ulcer (a hole at the stomach–small intestine connection). Her recovery was further complicated by acute kidney injury (sudden kidney failure) and a cardiac arrest (heart stopped beating). Despite aggressive treatment, her condition worsened with gastric leaks (stomach contents leaking out), wound dehiscence (surgical wound reopening), and respiratory distress (difficulty in breathing). In desperation, her family contacted bariatric surgeon Dr Sanjay Borude for help. Recognising the gravity of her condition, Dr. Borude advised an urgent transfer to Jaslok. By the time she arrived in May 2025, the patient required BIPAP (non-invasive breathing support), high-flow nasal cannula (oxygen delivery system), and intensive monitoring. A multidisciplinary team led by Dr Pinak Pandya, chief intensivist, stabilised her with targeted antibiotics, thyroid management, nutrition support, and wound care. Once her condition improved, surgery was performed under the leadership of Dr Borude, supported by Dr Rahul Borude and Dr Jaydeep Palep, with anaesthesia care by Dr Prerna Gomes, additional director Anaesthesiology. Intra-operatively, the team found a plastered abdomen with adhesions (organs stuck together), pus pockets (infection collection), and a gastric perforation (hole in stomach). Under Dr Borude’s direction, the perforation was meticulously repaired, reinforced with omentum (natural fat covering of the abdomen), and drains were placed for recovery. Post-operatively, she required advanced care including imaging (CT scans, X-rays), endoscopic procedures (camera-based internal checks), fistula clipping (closing abnormal passages), and pleural effusion drainage (removing fluid around lungs). Persistent infections, including Candida auris (drug-resistant fungal infection), were treated with guidance from Dr Pankaj Dhawan, consultant gastroenterology, and Dr Mala Kaneria, consultant infectious diseases. Blood transfusions, albumin therapy (protein supplementation), and cardiology input for arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) were provided until she stabilised and resumed oral intake. The patient was admitted for 64 days, battling between life and death, before finally recovering. Dr Borude said, “When I first examined the patient, her abdomen was in a very critical state, with severe infection, adhesions, and pus collections around the operated area. Each step of the surgery was high-risk and required precise judgment to clean the infection and repair the gastric perforation safely. We reinforced the weak area and closed it carefully in layers to avoid further leaks. Seeing her gradually stabilise and regain strength has been very rewarding. I’m especially thankful to Dr. Rahul Borude and Dr. Jaydeep Palep for their invaluable support throughout the procedure.” Dr Pinank Pandya, chief intensivist, added, "This case was extremely complex from the outset, as the patient was already in critical condition with multiple organ complications. Our primary focus was to stabilise her respiratory and hemodynamic status while coordinating with various specialties to manage infections, nutrition, and wound care. The success of this case lies in seamless teamwork, rapid decision-making, and continuous monitoring, which ultimately enabled us to bring the patient back from a life-threatening situation." Dr Milind Khadke, Chief Medical Officer of the hospital added, “This was one of the most challenging post-bariatric cases we have encountered in recent years. The patient arrived with life-threatening leaks, widely gaping surgical wound, and persistent infections, requiring immediate, coordinated intervention. Every decision, from stabilising critical complications to guiding her through post-operative recovery, demanded vigilance, precision, and seamless teamwork across multiple specialties. Successfully navigating this case demonstrates Jaslok Hospital’s expertise in managing rare, high-risk emergencies with structured, multidisciplinary care tailored to each patient’s needs.” The patient's husband expressed, “When we lost hope, we called Dr. Sanjay Borude and he guided us through the whole journey. I had lost hope of seeing her alive, but the doctors, nurses, and everyone at Jaslok worked like one robust team. They not only brought my wife back to life but also cared for her like one big family. I really thank Dr. Borude for saving my wife.”
17 September,2025 05:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEver wondered why some people with obesity remain relatively healthy while others develop serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease? Genetic differences may be the reason, according to a study. An international team of researchers led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark analysed genetic data from 452,768 people and discovered variants in 205 regions of the genome linked to higher body fat but better metabolic health. Using these discoveries, they developed a genetic risk score that adds up the impact of these variants. Individuals with higher scores were more likely to develop obesity -- but were less likely to suffer from complications such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease. This is due, in part, to the way fat cells behave in different people. Importantly, these protective genetic effects were already visible in children. Kids carrying the protective variants were more likely to develop obesity but did not show the expected warning signs of metabolic disease, revealed the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine. "Our study shows that obesity is not a single condition -- it is made up of different subtypes, each with its own risks," said Nathalie Chami, Instructor of Environmental Medicine and Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, at the Icahn School. "By uncovering these genetic differences, we can start to understand why obesity leads to different health outcomes in different individuals. This could eventually change how we predict, prevent, and treat obesity and its complications," Chami added. The research also identified eight distinct obesity subtypes, each linked to unique health risks. "These insights could eventually help doctors predict which patients are most vulnerable to complications and inform new treatments that mimic the protective genetic effects found in some people," said Dr. Chami. The research team cautions that the findings do not mean obesity is harmless. "Most people with obesity still face health challenges, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise remain critical for overall health," said Zhe Wang, Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The study was conducted in individuals from the UK Biobank, comprising people of European ancestry, and future work will extend to more diverse populations. It leveraged this data to perform a comprehensive multi-trait genome-wide screen. The team wanted to find new genes that affect body fat without being linked to cardiometabolic comorbidities by analyzing three adiposity and eight cardiometabolic traits, including lipid, glycemic, and blood pressure traits. "By revealing new biological pathways that separate obesity from related diseases, the findings may pave the way for more personalised care, better-targeted therapies, and earlier prevention strategies -- even from childhood," said Ruth Loos, Professor at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 September,2025 04:47 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA team of researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has developed a one-of-a-kind approach to fight the fungal pathogen called ‘Candida albicans’ (CAL). Candida albicans is the primary cause of systemic candidiasis -- a major global health threat with a high mortality rate up to 63.6 per cent in severe cases. The researchers, including those from Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, developed a multidisciplinary approach to identify some of the critical metabolic pathways that can be targeted to modulate the virulence of the pathogen. The team combined large-scale computational modelling and experimental validation to identify unknown critical metabolic vulnerabilities in CAL. “Unlike other studies, the one-of-a-kind integrated host-fungal metabolic model combined the CAL model iRV781 with the human metabolic model Recon3D,” said corresponding author and principal investigator Dr. Susan Thomas from ICMR-NIRRCH, Mumbai. This allowed the researchers to simulate how CAL metabolism responds during a host infection, identify and reveal hidden metabolic vulnerabilities not evident in laboratory cultures, and highlight the role of arginine metabolism in CAL pathogenicity, Thomas explained. “The groundbreaking novel research is vital for diversifying and improving antifungal drugs to bypass resistance. Further, it aims to improve patient survival, reduce mortality, and lower treatment costs,” added Prof. Karthik Raman, Faculty, IBSE, WSAI, IIT Madras. The findings, published in the reputed peer-reviewed journal Cell Communication and Signaling, also underline India’s growing strength in interdisciplinary research and its potential to contribute solutions. Candida albicans is a species of fungus (yeast) that normally lives in the human body as part of the normal microbiota. It is commonly found in the mouth, throat, gut, vagina, and on the skin without causing harm in healthy individuals. It causes ‘Systemic candidiasis’, a severe, invasive fungal infection caused by Candida species (most often Candida albicans) that spreads beyond the mouth, skin, or genital area into the bloodstream and internal organs. The annual incidence of invasive candidiasis in India is about 470,000 or 34/100,000 population. Globally, about 15,65,000 people have a Candida bloodstream infection or invasive candidiasis each year, with 995,000 deaths (63·6 per cent). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 September,2025 04:44 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSBoth resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) produced sufficient levels of myokines to help in the fight against cancer, according to a study. While RT uses external force like weights to build muscle and strength, HIIT uses short, intense bursts of exercise followed by brief recovery periods to improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) found that cancer survivors who followed either resistance training or HIIT had reduced the growth of these breast cancer cells in vitro by 22 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively. “This suggests both types of exercise may help slow cancer cell growth,” said Francesco Bettariga from the varsity. Although there was no major difference between the effects of RT and HIIT, "interestingly, with HIIT, the reduction in cancer cell growth was linked to an increase in lean muscle and a decrease in body fat after 12 weeks of training,” Bettariga added. The team stated that different types of exercise have different impacts on the body, with resistance training able to substantially improve muscle strength and mass, while HIIT can stimulate cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce fat mass. “It’s very important to find out if different types of exercise cause different effects on myokines and their potential cancer suppressive effects,” Bettariga said. Myokines are a protein produced by muscles during exercise, which have anti-cancer effects. The team followed breast cancer survivors through a 12-week training programme to investigate how resistance training and HIIT each affect the growth of breast cancer cells in lab tests using blood samples from breast cancer survivors. “The results showed that both groups of participants had higher levels of myokines at the end of the 12-week programme, than at the beginning, which means regardless of the exercise you do, you can gain benefit,” Bettariga said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 September,2025 04:40 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSCardiac problems are increasingly affecting people in their 30s, a trend that is particularly evident in Kolkata. Sedentary work patterns, irregular eating habits, high stress levels, and excessive consumption of fried and sugary foods are major contributing factors. Likewise, Kolkata’s cultural preference for calorie-rich, traditional foods amplifies the risk. Experts emphasise that preventive health screenings and lifestyle changes can drastically reduce the likelihood of heart disease. Regular cardiac check-ups are important for everyone, even those who feel healthy, as early detection can prevent serious complications later. Heart problems are no longer limited to older people, as even young adults are being detected with them. Dr Abhik Banerjee, zonal technical chief, East Zone, Apollo Diagnostics Kolkata, says, “Young adults aged 30 are increasingly presenting with high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which can raise the chances of heart problems. Stress, long working hours, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy eating habits are causing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. The complications due to high blood pressure and cholesterol levels can be heart attacks, strokes, or chronic heart disease. Annual cardiac screenings are essential for early detection and prevention. However, 40 per cent of young adults are neglecting timely screening and don’t go for regular check-ups. 4 out of 10 people who come every month fail to take tests such as lipid profile to check cholesterol levels, fasting blood sugar, and HbA1c for diabetes risk, thyroid function tests, and regular blood pressure monitoring, which will help to prevent cardiac problems in later life. They only rush to the doctor when they experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath. It will also be necessary to go for cardiac screening every 6-8 months if you have a family history of cardiac problems. Remember, these tests help identify hidden risks and guide timely interventions.” Dr Banerjee adds, “If one is confirmed to have high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, then it is necessary to maintain a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and avoid smoking or excessive alcohol. Taking preventive measures now can save lives and ensure a healthier future for young adults navigating busy, modern lifestyles.” Dr Gautam Bhansali, consultant physician, Bombay Hospital adds, “Healthy lifestyle changes are needed to arrest this trend. “Eat a well-balanced diet that is loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Doing so can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, abnormal blood sugar levels, triglycerides, and helps you to maintain an optimum weight. Avoid saturated fats and Trans fats, choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Eat more fibrous foods, low-fat dairy products, and control your portion size. Give up on processed foods jam-packed with salt and sugary desserts. Opt for aerobic exercise to enhance circulation, manage diabetes, lower blood pressure and heart rate. You can choose walking, jumping, skipping, running, swimming, or cycling. Yoga tends to lower stress and prevents heart problems. Avoid taking supplements without the doctor’s knowledge as they can damage the heart. Exercise for at least half-an-hour on a daily basis. Say NO to smoking, alcohol, and drugs, also de-stress by meditating.”
17 September,2025 04:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDespite being aware of the importance of regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a large number of youngsters are still ignoring early warning signs of cardiovascular problems. Timely attention to symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, or palpitations is key to preventing serious heart issues and saving lives. Exercise caution when it comes to the heart, even in those who appear fit and active. Timely cardiac screening is important to save the heart. Heart problems are no longer confined to older adults. Increasingly, youngsters are presenting with conditions such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and early signs of a heart attack. Contributing factors are sedentary lifestyles, high stress, poor dietary habits, excessive screen time, smoking, alcohol, and lack of sleep. Many young adults ignore warning signs like mild chest pain, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat, assuming it is due to stress or overexertion. This delay in seeking medical help can lead to serious complications, including heart attacks, heart failure, and long-term cardiovascular damage. Dr Bipeenchandra Bhamre, consultant cardiac surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, says, “50 per cent youngsters are not vigilant about their heart health. Unfortunately, 5 in 10 patients aged 27-45 are health-conscious in terms of fitness and diet, but overlook key warning signs of heart trouble. Chest discomfort, palpitations, breathlessness, or unusual fatigue are often dismissed as minor issues. Ignoring these symptoms can result in delayed diagnosis of serious heart conditions, which could have been managed effectively if detected early. Education, awareness, and regular medical check-ups are crucial. Youngsters should not take their heart health for granted, as early intervention can prevent life-threatening complications.” Dr Bhamre further adds, “Regular screenings, especially for cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and ECG, as part of proactive heart health care, are recommended for everyone. Preventive measures include maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep. Youngsters should also be attentive to subtle symptoms and consult the doctor promptly. Early detection not only reduces the risk of severe events but also improves long-term heart health. While adopting a healthy lifestyle is important, ignoring warning signs can be dangerous. Awareness, vigilance, and timely medical attention are essential to protect the heart and ensure a long, healthy life. Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, chief CVTS surgeon, Cardiovascular and Thoracic, MICS, Trauma and Transplant surgeon, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel Mumbai concludes, "40 per cent youngsters fail to pay attention to their heart health. 4 in 10 patients aged 27-45 fail to recognise the symptoms, such as chest pain or palpitation, as they believe heart problems can only strike older people. However, stress, poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise are making heart issues more common at a young age. It is time for everyone to concentrate on their heart health. Go for cardiac screening without fail as suggested by the doctor, take crucial steps such as staying active, eating healthy, and managing stress to save the heart. Remember that any problems detected during the screening will require immediate attention from the expert, who will further decide the line of treatment. So, pledge to take utmost care of your heart."
17 September,2025 03:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHormones act like the body’s messengers, controlling many vital processes in women, including menstruation, mood, and energy. However, many women fail to pay attention to various changes occurring in the body, such as fatigue, irregular periods, or mood swings, not realizing that they could indicate a hormonal imbalance. So, women, it is necessary to monitor these key hormones such as estrogen, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), thyroid hormones, and prolactin, and seek timely help based on the symptoms. If there are any hormone-related fertility concerns, then consult a fertility expert. Hormonal imbalance means that your body has too much or too little of certain hormones, which can affect how you feel and function daily. Hormonal imbalance is seen in a large number of women. Many are unaware of it and suffer in silence. “High estrogen levels lead to heavy periods, weight gain, and even mood changes. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels give an idea about a woman’s egg reserve, which is important for planning pregnancy. Low AMH levels can point to a diminished ovarian reserve, meaning fewer eggs are remaining in the ovaries. Thyroid hormones. take a toll on the metabolism, energy, and even periods, while abnormal prolactin can cause missed cycles and affect fertility. Women, don’t fret as these imbalances can be detected with simple blood tests and managed effectively with lifestyle changes, medicines, or treatments based on the underlying cause of the hormonal imbalance,” said Dr Pratima Thamke, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar. “Hormones work together like an orchestra. So, if one is out of tune, the whole rhythm of the body changes, and there can be concerning signs and symptoms. Women with thyroid issues may feel constantly tired or gain weight without explanation. Low AMH might make it harder to conceive, but early detection gives many options to conceive. Similarly, high prolactin can cause unwanted milk discharge and missed periods, and later pregnancy problems. The hormonal imbalance takes a toll on the overall well-being. Addressing these problems early not only improves fertility but also overall quality of life. Ovulation Induction and Intrauterine insemination (IUI) help stimulate egg release, and sperm is placed directly into the uterus to improve chances of pregnancy. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can be done where eggs are collected, fertilized in a lab, and the embryo is transferred into the uterus for implantation. During Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), a single sperm is injected directly into an egg in cases of severe fertility issues, often used with IVF,” said Dr. Rita Modi, Senior IVF Consultant, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Kharghar. Dr. Rita Modi, Senior IVF Consultant, Motherhood Fertility & IVF, Kharghar, further added, “Women should pay attention to changes in the menses, energy, and mood. Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, sleep well, and manage stress, which will help to balance hormones. Regular screening is important to detect hormonal imbalance and initiate appropriate management."
15 September,2025 08:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTobacco use is not only related to cancers and tuberculosis but plays a significant role in child stunting, a condition that affects nearly 150 million children worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Of the approximately 148 million stunted children in the world in 2022, 52 per cent lived in Asia and 43 per cent in Africa. Stunting is also associated with increased morbidity and mortality in children. In a recently published document, the WHO highlights the harmful role of tobacco use in child stunting. The publication is the 11th in a series of tobacco knowledge summaries and recaps the current evidence on the topic. It is intended for health professionals, policymakers, and public health advocates. In the document, WHO calls on governments to strengthen tobacco control policies and protect children’s health by reducing their exposure to tobacco smoke, especially while in the womb. “Stunting robs children of their right to grow, learn, and thrive,” said Dr Etienne Krug, director of the Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention at WHO. “Children with parents who smoke face a higher risk of stunting.” Stunting is impaired growth and development that children experience as a result of poor nutrition, repeated infection, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. Children are considered stunted if their height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards median. The report noted that children whose parents smoke face a higher risk of stunted growth, with risks increasing the more they are exposed. Maternal smoking during pregnancy is strongly linked to preterm birth, low birth weight, and restricted fetal growth -- all predictors of stunting by age two. Heavy smoking during pregnancy harms the baby, with stronger effects the more the mother smokes. The harm can persist well beyond infancy. Further, evidence also shows that quitting smoking during pregnancy improves child growth outcomes. “Tobacco smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals that harm foetal and child development. Exposure during pregnancy contributes to growth restriction, congenital anomalies, and later chronic diseases. Second-hand smoke exposure after birth worsens respiratory infections and development problems, further raising the risk of stunting,” the report said. The WHO urged countries to fully implement the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and its MPOWER measures -- proven strategies to cut down tobacco use and protect health. This includes protecting pregnant women and children from second-hand smoke; supporting tobacco cessation services, especially for expectant mothers; and enforcing smoke-free environments in all indoor public spaces. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 September,2025 06:54 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
