The beloved festival of Holi is around the corner, and if you find yourself dreading the havoc it can wreak on your skin, you are not alone. While many indulge in play with organic colours, it is difficult to eliminate the possibility of coming across synthetic colours. The harsh chemicals present in a variety of synthetic colours may lead to skin irritation, and reactions, especially for those who have sensitive skin. With appropriate precautions and post-Holi care, it is possible to avoid harmful reactions and ensure the wellbeing of your skin health. This Holi, dermatologists outline common allergies, simple preventive measures, home remedies, and step-by-step strategies for treating irritations by offering tailored advice for different skin types to minimise sin damage. 3-step colour cleanse If you are worried about the post-Holi cleanse, fret not. Dr. Prachi B. Bodkhe, dermatologist at Envi Aesthetics shares three hacks to avoid damaging your skin and hair. 1. Double cleansing First, use biphasic micellar water to break down pigments. Follow with a foam-based cleanser for deep cleaning. 2. Protect hair and scalp Apply non-sticky hair oil to the scalp before Holi. Use a serum on hair shafts to prevent dryness. 3. Avoid scrubbing Scrubbing increases skin damage and irritation. Remember to be gentle while cleansing. Common allergies “The most common skin allergies that can occur during Holi are rashes which can be caused by the toxins in the colours this can cause the skin to be inflamed, red, swollen and painful, it can also trigger or aggravate skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and hives,” says Dr Varsha Reddy, dermatologist at Zennara Clinics. Bodkhe, adds, “Common Holi-related skin conditions include redness, dryness, itching, burning, scaling, rashes, and infections. People with acne, eczema, and nail and hand infections are at higher risk.” Five dermatologist-approved tips to avoid rashes this Holi Reddy shares five actionable yet simple preventive measures to avoid rashes: 1. Apply coconut oil: Massage coconut oil all over your face and body just before you go out to play. It acts as a barrier between your skin and the colours, protecting your skin from harmful toxins. 2. Don’t skip sunscreen: Apply a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher, as you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun. This helps prevent sun damage and tanning. 3. Use lightweight moisturizers: If you have oily skin, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent clogged pores. 4. Avoid synthetic colours: The toxins in synthetic colours can damage your skin. Always choose natural, organic colours to minimize the risk of allergies and irritation. 5. Keep wet wipes handy: If you experience any irritation or burning on your skin, wash the area immediately with cold water or gently wipe it with wet wipes. How to treat a rash If you end up with a rash even after taking all these precautions, here’s what you can do according to Reddy: 1. Wash the affected area: Rinse the area immediately with cold water and avoid scrubbing the skin, as it can worsen the irritation. 2. Use a gentle cleanser: Wash off the colours with a mild, soap-free cleanser. Avoid using any active ingredients or cosmetics on irritated skin. 3. Soothe and repair: Apply skin-calming and repairing creams that will help reduce inflammation, redness and discomfort. Home remedies for mild skin irritation Mild skin irritation can be effectively addressed with simple home remedies. Bodkhe recommends several soothing options, “Aloe vera gel, renowned for its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, provides immediate relief from irritation. For dry skin, coconut or olive oil serves as an excellent moisturiser, restoring skin hydration and strengthening the protective barrier. Alternatively, a mixture of rose water and glycerin offers a hydrating and calming effect.” To avoid excessive oiliness, Bodkhe suggests limiting the application time of the rose water and glycerin mixture to 5-10 minutes, which is sufficient to reduce redness and irritation. These readily available natural remedies offer gentle and effective solutions for alleviating minor skin discomfort. Are certain skin types more susceptible? Allergies and reactions to colours vary depending on your skin type. Reddy outlines five skin types which may be more susceptible this Holi, and suggests specific preventive measures: 1. Sensitive skinUse a lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen before playing Holi. Opt for organic and dry colours. 2. Dry skin (Xerosis)Apply a ceramide-based moisturiser before and after Holi. For the body, apply a thin layer of warm coconut oil. Avoid putting colours on extremely dry skin. 3. Acne-prone skinColours can clog pores, trigger breakouts, and cause inflammation. Use non-comedogenic products and double cleansing after Holi. 4. Eczema or Dermatitis-prone skinStick to organic colours and frequent moisturization. Wear full-sleeved clothing to minimize exposure. 5. Nail fold inflammation (Paronychia)People with extremely dry skin around the nails and injured cuticles are prone to nail fold swelling post-Holi. Use petroleum jelly or a thick moisturizer to protect the skin before playing Holi. SOS for severe skin reactionsWhile severe skin reactions can be uncommon, it is helpful to know how to care for them ahead of Holi. Here are five things to keep in mind according to Bodkhe: 1. Avoid harsh scrubbing Scrubbing can cause abrasions, increase irritation, and worsen inflammation. 2. Remove colours gently Dust off dry colour before washing. After dusting off, use biphasic micellar water to dissolve pigments. Follow with a foam-based cleanser to remove residues. Finally, apply a gel-based or lightweight moisturizer to restore hydration. 3. Soothe with ice cubes Wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply to irritated skin to reduce burning and inflammation. 4. Anti-Allergic Treatments For redness, swelling, or hives, anti-itch lotions or A mild hydrocortisone cream can help with inflammation. It is recommended to always consult an expert before starting treatment. 5. Seek medical help for severe cases If you experience blisters, peeling skin, infection (pus, fever), swelling over the face and lips, or difficulty breathing, consult a dermatologist immediately. Can colours have a long-term impact? Over time, untreated rashes can cause long-term damage to the skin. “Our skin can react to allergens, leading to hives, scaly patches, and eczema. This can result in prolonged skin sensitivity and may even lead to scarring. It’s important to avoid using harsh ingredients like parabens, retinoids, AHA, BHA, gritty scrubs, and benzoyl peroxide on irritated skin. Scratching an itchy rash can break the skin’s barrier, allowing germs to enter and increasing the risk of developing a bacterial infection,” cautions Reddy.
11 March,2025 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalDrinking alcohol has always been associated with being cool. Most often than not, non-drinkers are either forced to drink in their social circles or are made fun of for not drinking alcohol. This comes at a time when people know the many benefits of not drinking alcohol. It has been recommend by doctors and nutritionists on every occasion they can, and rightfully so. In a recent post on X, celebrity nutritionist dropped just one line but that serves as a reminder about the act of drinking. She said, "Not drinking is a choice, don't explain it". The tweet has now got over 19,200 views, 688 likes, 95 reshares, nine comments, 23 bookmarks and nine comments -- all an indication of how people feel about the act of drinking, if not for following Diwekar's advice.One user by the name of '@Indian_policy' even commented saying, "I have linked it to weight reduction target. My target is 65 kg. I don't allow myself any alcohol above 68." Interestingly, the tweet comes on the back of another doctor stating 'How much alcohol is safe'. Dr Saurabh Sethi, who is a gastroenterologist, has over 1 million followers on Instagram, and put out the reel on March 10 about it. In the reel, he talks about the effects of alcohol on the body.As far as Diwekar is concerned, she is known for her constantly sharing her thoughts on social media, and even sharing expert help tips, which are often helpful for people. Most recently, she even shared three cooling foods that people can eat to beat the heat. At a time when Mumbai is experience a heatwave, and India is getting hotter, these tips are very helpful on-the-go.
11 March,2025 02:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Goa government on Tuesday launched a 20-year longitudinal cohort study, which will help diagnose chronic and non-communicable diseases in advance. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the study at Mantralaya in the presence of officials from the University of Oxford and Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. Talking to reporters, Sawant said the study is a historic decision that will benefit Goans in a big way. He said blood samples of more than 1 lakh people would be collected as part of the study, and the diagnosis report would help understand the onset of various diseases, including chronic and non-communicable ailments. "Chronic illnesses will be diagnosed in advance. It will also help doctors advise patients on how to prevent them," he said. Sawant said the study will be conducted over 20 years and will help the next generation. A senior government official said that the study is a ground-breaking health initiative aimed at tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the state. "This longitudinal cohort study will assess the risk and epidemiology of NCDs, providing valuable insights into the risk factors and disease patterns in Goa," he said. The official said the study is a collaborative effort between the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) Goa, the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, and the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford. He said the study is expected to inform policy and interventions to address the growing health concern of NCDs in Goa. "With this initiative, Goa is taking a proactive step towards improving the health and well-being of its citizens," he added. 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.
11 March,2025 01:19 PM IST | Panjim | PTIIn a ground-breaking discovery, researchers at RGCB- National Institute under the Ministry of Science & Technology (Department of Biotechnology) have found the relation between mRNA processing to oxidative stress response, a condition that plays a major role in the pathogenesis of many ailments like cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, alongside ageing. Oxidative stress, particularly, in the heart, is critical in different conditions, including hypertension, heart failure, hypoxia, ischemia-reperfusion injury, atherosclerosis, and hypertrophy (excessive development of an organ or part). The team of researchers at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), led by Dr Rakesh S. Laishram (Scientist), Dr Feba Shaji and Dr Jamshaid Ali, noted that during oxidative stress when the production of reactive oxidative species molecules exceeds cell’s ability to neutralise, production of antioxidant protein is ramped up by increasing the fidelity of RNA processing. This research is published in the prestigious Redox Biology journal. Dr Laishram said controlling oxidative stress is important for keeping cells healthy and preventing human diseases. “One key way cells regulate oxidative stress is by controlling gene expression through manipulations in the DNA, RNA or protein in the cell. This underscores the therapeutic relevance of targeting cleavage precision on an RNA in mitigating oxidative stress response and associated pathologies,” said Dr Laishram. Hailing the research paper, RGCB Director Dr Chandrabhas Narayana said it is a significant study that will help determine the vital response of antioxidants in the pathogenesis and development of a disease. The RGCB research paper has finally elucidated that the heterogeneity is driven by the fidelity cleavage complex to cleave at the primary cleavage site under oxidative stress. This work represents the first example of the biological significance of cleavage imprecision or heterogeneity that regulates gene expression. This study shows a new cleavage imprecision-mediated anti-oxidant response that is distinct from the other pathways of oxidative stress induction. This finding will have ramifications in the understanding of disease pathogenesis, such as cardiovascular, cancer, inflammation, pathogenesis, neurodegeneration, ageing, or diabetes, where the antioxidant response is critical.
11 March,2025 10:12 AM IST | Thiruvananthapuram | IANSIndia is witnessing a transition from the winter season to spring, with some places like Mumbai experiencing extremely high temperatures. With a change in seasons comes the necessity to take extra care of your health, including skin health. Fluctuations in temperature, humidity and environmental factors can stress your skin, leading to dryness, irritation and even breakouts. Adapting your skincare routine to seasonal transitions is important to keep your skin healthy and balanced throughout the year. Speaking to mid-day.com, Dr Kiran Sethi, dermatologist, author, and founder of Isya Aesthetics, shares four tips that can protect your skin from seasonal change, and help maintain its radiance. Choose a gentle cleanser and moisturise daily Select a sulfate-free cleanser enriched with glycerin and aloevera to remove dirt without stripping moisture. Use lukewarm water to prevent irritation and support your skin’s natural barrier. To moisturise, use a cream or a lotion that includes hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide. These ingredients lock in hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and help even out your skin tone. Apply immediately after cleansing to maximise absorption. Exfoliate and boost with vitamin C serum Exfoliate once or twice a week with a mild chemical exfoliant like glycolic or lactic acid. This helps remove dead cells and smooth skin texture without causing irritation. Use a vitamin C serum (10–20 per cent concentration) for skin brightening. It also defends against free radicals. Formulas that include ferulic acid and vitamin E can also improve effectiveness and overall skin clarity. Apply sunscreen everyday Even on cloudy days, protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and at least SPF 30. Cream-based sunscreens offer extra nourishment when skin feels dry. Reapply every two hours when outdoors. Strengthen your barrier Your skin’s barrier is its first line of defense against harsh weather and pollutants. To boost your barrier, look for products that contain ceramides, peptides, cholesterol and essential fatty acids like linoleic acid. They will protect the skin from environmental stressors. While these are general steps one can incorporate in their routine, one should consult a dermatologist for personalised advice based on skin type and other factors. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
10 March,2025 09:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAbout 40 per cent of adults experiencing chronic, persistent pain could also have anxiety or depression, a study has found. It observed that women, youngsters and those suffering from nociplastic pain such as fibromyalgia are most likely to experience such pain. Nociplastic pain arises from changes in how ones central nervous system processes pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition marked by widespread body ache and tenderness, along with fatigue, and mood and sleep disorders. During the study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, the researchers reviewed 376 surveys, involving nearly 3.5 lakh people from across 50 countries. The participants were aged about 50 years on average, and about 70 per cent were women. The most commonly reported chronic pain conditions in the study included fibromyalgia, low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation of joints). Pain is said to be chronic if it persists beyond a maximum of three months. "In this systematic review and meta-analysis of depression and anxiety among individuals with chronic pain, approximately 40 per cent of adults had clinically significant depression and anxiety," the authors wrote. Therefore, a mental health screening of patients with chronic pain is critical, they said. While acute pain can be caused by an injury or surgery, its transition to chronic pain has psychological undertones, according to the biopsychosocial model of pain. Developed in the 1970s, the model suggests that one's experience of pain in response to an external trigger is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors. Women are considered especially vulnerable to chronic pain, owing to varied factors, including hormonal cycles and heightened emotional responses. Further, "women, younger people, and people with nociplastic pain (arising from changes in how one perceives pain) were most likely to have depression and anxiety," the authors wrote. According to a 2023 round-up article on pain research in The Lancet journal, the biopsychosocial risk factors of poor sleep, despondency, tiredness, stress and a Body Mass Index of over 30 were the most important reasons for localised pain progressing into chronic pain. While treatments commonly involve anti-inflammatory drugs and prescription medicines, such as antidepressants and opioids, experts strongly recommend psychotherapy sessions as well. "Treatments for the most common types of chronic pain (Examples: fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain) have limited impact on pain intensity, meaning many people will live with their pain long-term," said Dr Bronwyn Thompson, senior lecturer, department of orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand. He was not involved in the study. Dr Debbie Bean, a health psychologist and senior lecturer, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, said living with chronic pain can affect many aspects of one's life, including work and social relationships. "People with chronic pain can also experience stigma, where others don't take their pain seriously, or they may even feel disbelieved or judged for their pain. So, it is not just the pain itself but the effects it has on a person's life that mean that chronic pain can lead to both anxiety and depression," said Dr Bean, who was not involved in the review. Further, given that depression and anxiety can influence how body's nervous system responds to painful experiences, the two problems -- chronic pain and poor mental health -- can become a vicious cycle, Dr Bean 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
10 March,2025 03:10 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSFirefighters with increased exposure to certain chemical compounds are more likely to develop gliomas -- the most common type of malignant brain tumour -- than individuals with other occupations, according to a study on Monday. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal CANCER, suggests a greater likelihood of haloalkane-associated mutations in firefighters with gliomas than in other patients with this type of brain cancer. The gene mutations make up a mutational pattern or “signature” that other investigators previously associated with exposure to haloalkanes -- used in flame retardants, fire extinguishants, refrigerants, and other products. “As firefighters have exposure to such chemical agents, we examined mutational signatures in glioma brain tumours diagnosed in persons who worked as firefighters versus those who did not,” said Elizabeth B. Claus, Professor at the Yale University School of Public Health. The study followed 35 participants, of which 17 had an occupational history of firefighting. Compared with the other 18 participants, firefighters were more likely to have the haloalkane-associated mutational signature, especially if they had been firefighters for many years, the study showed. Among non-firefighters, the mutational signature was more likely in those with occupations that also possibly exposed them to haloalkanes, such as car painting and machine maintenance. “Our study provides preliminary data but will need confirmation in a larger data set and across a wider range of occupations,” said Dr. Claus. “Identifying exposure to such mutational agents is important to inform public health intervention strategies and pinpoint occupational hazards that may be avoidable,” the researcher added. Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumour and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The malignant brain tumour develops in the glial cells that surround neurons, affecting motor and neurological abilities and functions. It also impacts cognitive functions and may also affect the personality of the patient. People of all ages, including children, adolescents, and young adults are at risk of gliomas. Notably, it represents about 20 per cent of all brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumours and is considered rare cancer because it affects less than 6 out of 100,000 persons every year. 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
10 March,2025 01:56 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSSleep debt and night shifts increase the risk of several common infections, according to a study on Monday. According to researchers from Norway, sleep debt, defined as the gap between sleep need and actual sleep duration, increased infection risk in a dose-dependent manner. The study, published in the journal Chronobiology International, examined the effects of sleep patterns and shift work on the immune system among 1,335 nurses from Norway. The findings showed that shift work -- particularly night shifts -- was associated with a higher risk of several infections, including the common cold. The risk of pneumonia/bronchitis was 129 per cent higher for nurses with moderate sleep debt and 288 per cent for severe sleep debt. Both sinusitis and gastrointestinal infections also showed higher risks with increasing levels of sleep debt. "These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to reduce infection risks among healthcare workers," said Siri Waage, from the Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen. "Sleep debt and irregular shift patterns, including night work, not only compromise nurses' immune health but could also impact their ability to provide high-quality patient care," Waage added. In the study, the participants -- mostly female nurses (90.4 per cent), with an average age of 41.9 years -- reported their sleep duration, sleep needs, shift work patterns, and how often they had experienced specific infections over the past three months. Nurses with moderate sleep debt (one to 120 minutes less sleep than needed) had a 33 per cent higher risk of the common cold, while those with severe sleep debt (more than two hours) had more than double compared to those with no sleep debt. The analysis also revealed that night work was linked with an increased risk of the common cold, but was not associated with any of the other infections examined. The study emphasises the importance of adequate sleep and shift management in reducing susceptibility to infection. 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
10 March,2025 11:09 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSExposure to fluoride during the foetal stage or early childhood may impair cognition in children, a new study has warned. Published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, the study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden now supports a few previous studies indicating that exposure to fluoride during the foetal stage or early childhood is not good for kids. Elevated concentrations of fluoride can occur in well water, and in some countries, it is added to drinking water to counteract caries in the population. Fluoride occurs naturally as fluoride ions in drinking water, but the concentrations are generally low in public water supplies. In some countries, such as the US, Canada, Chile, Australia and Ireland, fluoride is commonly added to the municipal water supply at around 0.7 mg per litre to prevent caries. “Given the concern about health risks, the addition of fluoride to drinking water is controversial and has been widely debated in the USA and Canada,” said Maria Kippler, associate professor at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet. “Our results support the hypothesis that even relatively low concentrations of fluoride can impact children’s early development,” she mentioned. The researchers followed 500 mothers and their children in rural Bangladesh, where fluoride occurs naturally in the drinking water, to investigate the association between early exposure to fluoride and children’s cognitive abilities. The concentrations are similar to those found in many other countries worldwide. The exposure to fluoride in the mothers and children was determined by measuring the concentrations in urine samples, which reflects ongoing exposure to all sources, such as drinking water, food and dental care products. “I’d like to stress that dental care products such as toothpaste are not normally a significant source of exposure since they are not intended for ingestion,” said Dr Kippler. Fluoride in toothpaste is important for prevention of caries, but it’s important to encourage small children not to swallow the toothpaste during brushing. The median concentration of fluoride in urine of the pregnant Bangladeshi women was 0.63 mg/L. Children that had more than 0.72 mg/L fluoride in their urine by the age of ten also had lower cognitive abilities than children with less fluoride in their urine, with most pronounced associations for verbal reasoning skills and the ability to interpret and process sensory input. It is important to assess the overall results of several similar longitudinal studies, according to the researchers. 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
10 March,2025 10:47 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSIndia’s elderly population is expected to reach 346 million by 2050, a new report said on Saturday. In 2024, the senior population stood at 157 million, according to the report by the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI) in collaboration with KPMG. The increase to 346 million will constitute over 20.6 per cent of the country’s total population. The report highlights the rapid demographic shift in India’s senior population and the urgent need for a structured, community-driven approach to senior living. “This shift underscores the need for a more structured and inclusive approach to senior living—moving beyond traditional care homes to vibrant, community-driven environments,” said the report, launched during the 6th edition of the New India Summit in Nashik, Maharashtra. The report noted that the global senior living market -- sized at about $190 billion in 2020 -- is also projected to reach about $375 billion by 2030. The Asia Pacific and Middle East regions are poised to be among the fastest-growing markets, with compound annual growth rates (CAGR) of 11.2 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively. Notably, the total organised senior living inventory in India stands at just 21,000+ units, with southern India leading the way with 62 per cent of existing projects. About 2,100 total organised senior living inventory in India is predominantly concentrated in the southern region of India, with key cities such as Coimbatore, Bengaluru, and Chennai accounting for approximately 40 per cent of the total inventory. The report also noted challenges such as accessibility and affordability, awareness-related constraints, the lack of a comprehensive healthcare system, and a shortage of trained professionals. “Yet, our nation is tackling these issues with policy reforms such as Ayushman Bharat coverage for individuals aged 70 and above, investments in healthcare infrastructure, capacity building for healthcare professionals, and initiatives to enhance social inclusion and financial security for seniors,” the report said. “These changes are progressive and rapidly advancing, heralding a new era of improved care and support for our senior citizens,” it added. The report underscores the growing demand for vibrant, independent senior living communities beyond traditional care homes, paving the way for new investment and development opportunities. 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.
09 March,2025 09:31 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSSevere bleeding -- haemorrhage -- high blood pressure disorders like preeclampsia is responsible for over one lakh pregnancy-related deaths worldwide, according to a new study, released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday. In 2020, there were an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths in total – equivalent to one death every two minutes. The study, published in the journal The Lancet Global Health, showed that haemorrhage -- mostly occurring during or following childbirth -- is responsible for nearly a third (27 per cent or 80,000) of maternal mortality, with preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders contributing to an additional 16 per cent or 50,000 deaths. Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterised by high blood pressure that can lead to haemorrhage, strokes, organ failures, and seizures if left untreated or treated too late. “Understanding why pregnant women and mothers are dying is critical for tackling the world’s lingering maternal mortality crisis and ensuring women have the best possible chances of surviving childbirth,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO. “This is also a massive equity issue globally - women everywhere need high quality, evidence-based health care before, during, and after delivery, as well as efforts to prevent and treat other underlying conditions that jeopardise their health,” Allotey said. Further, the study also reported other health conditions such as infectious and chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, anaemias, and diabetes, underpinning nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of pregnancy and childbirth-related mortality. These conditions, which often go undetected or untreated until major complications occur, exacerbate risk and complicate pregnancies for millions of women around the world, said the researchers. Sepsis and infections; pulmonary embolism; complications from spontaneous and induced abortions -- including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, and issues relating to unsafe abortions -- were the other direct causes of maternal deaths. Notably, around a third of women -- primarily in lower-income countries - - still do not receive essential postnatal checks in the first days after birth. The findings highlight the need to strengthen key aspects of maternity care, including antenatal services that detect risks early in pregnancy and prevent severe complications. 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
08 March,2025 04:20 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
