US President-elect Donald Trump on November 26 announced that he was thrilled to nominate Kolkata-born Indian-American scientist Jay Bhattacharya as the head of National Institutes of Health. It is the country's leading health research institution. The NIH, an agglomeration of 27 separate research organisations dealing with different diseases and health issues, has an annual budget of $48 billion An elated Bhattacharya said on X (formerly known as Twitter), "We will reform American scientific institutions so that they are worthy of trust again and will deploy the fruits of excellent science to make America healthy again!" Bhattacharya is yet another Indian-origin expert in the US government, apart from Kamala Harris, who was in the race for the position for the US president, before she lost. As the buzz around him grows, here are five things you need to know about him: Origins Jayanta Bhattacharya, popularly known as Jay Bhattacharya was born in Kolkata in India in 1968. While now being an American citizen, he is also known to be a practicing Christian. Education and expertise Bhattacharya is a multi-disciplinary academic who graduated from Stanford University in 1990. He also holds professorships in medicine, economics, and health professorship, holding a medical degree and a PhD in economics. Rise to prominence Bhattacharya raised questions about Covid policies. He shot to national prominence during the Covid pandemic by questioning the prevalent orthodoxy of the government health establishment of imposing extended broad lockdowns to fight the disease and went head-to-head with Anthony Fauci, who was acclaimed as the architect of the official policy. Trump also said he is a co-author of The Great Barrington declaration, an alternative to lockdowns, proposed in October 2020. SuccessionBhattacharya will succeed Monica Bertagnolli, who is an American surgical oncologist and the 17th director of the National Institutes of Health. Future work Trump said that Bhattacharya would work with Health Secretary nominee Robert F Kennedy, Jr, to restore NIH "to a gold standard of medical research as they examine the underlying causes of, solutions to, America's biggest health challenges, including a crisis of chronic illness and disease". While Kennedy opposes vaccinations, Bhattacharya does not. Kennedy advocates unorthodox treatments and theories, which have come under criticism, but his and Trump’s focus on chronic diseases has been praised by some critics. (With inputs from IANS)
28 November,2024 10:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe air quality in the national capital fell back to 'very poor' on Thursday from being in 'severe' category a day before, as AQI was recorded at 304 as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Several residents complained of irritation in the eyes and difficulties in breathing amid the rising pollution levels. According to the CPCB data, the AQI measured at DTU as of 7 am was 261, Pusa at 281, ITO at 284, Lodhi Road at 250, and IGI Airport (T3) at 301, which are in the 'poor' category. However, several places in Delhi recorded the air quality as 'severe' with AQI in Dwarka Sec 8 at 332, Jahangirpuri at 354, Sonia Vihar at 315, Wazirpur at 330, Ashok Vihar at 318, and Bawana at 341 as of 8 am today. Chittaranjan Tripathi, a Delhi resident, attributed the main reason for the rising pollution levels to the increased number of vehicles running even after government restrictions. "The main reason for this is the vehicles. Everyone opts for a car or bike even for two kilometres because nobody wants go by foot. Elderly people and children are the most affected. They are facing difficulties in breathing and irritation in the eyes. Everyone now is wearing masks when they go out," he said. Speaking to ANI, Chandra Bhardwaj, out on a morning walk, said, "Pollution has increased drastically here. Earlier, so many people used to come for morning walks; children also used to come. But now you see there is no one. Because of pollution, it is difficult to breathe. My eyes are burning too. This is not the first time; the pollution issue has been there for some years now, but the government is not doing anything." "The problems are faced by everyone, poor or rich; everyone is troubled. To eliminate this completely, the government has to take concrete steps; any temporary ban or restriction are not sustainable. Even though there is a ban on vehicles, vehicles are still running," she added. Speaking to ANI, Vijay Kumar, another resident in the area, said, "Air is poisoned in a way that now children are not able to go to school. There is a feeling pf burning sensation in the eyes. There is a big problem. Understand that it is a matter of big problems." Ayush Bharadwaj, a student who hails from Chhattisgarh said, "I have come here to study from a very far. There is a lot of difference between the temperature there and here. It is difficult to survive. The place I come from is very green. Here because of the pollution, it is difficult to breathe" Kanishka, a student in Delhi hailing from Rajasthan, said, " My eyes are hurting because of the pollution; even my throat is itching and it is difficult to breathe." Layer of smog enveloped most areas of the national capital on Thursday morning with air quality in the 'very poor' category. Visuals from Delhi's Barapulla, Akshardham and Patparganj showed thick layer of smog covering the whole area. Drone visuals captured frothy layer of toxic foam in River Yamuna in the Kalindi Kunj area, as the pollution level in the river continues to remain high. The toxic foam has continued to persist on the surface of the Yamuna River for the past several days. Amidst the rising pollution levels in Delhi, the government has instructed the administration to use truck-mount water sprinklers to mitigate the effects of air pollution. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 is moderate, 201-300 is poor, 301-400 is very poor and 401-500 is severe. Earlier, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi government and Police to immediately set up checkpoints on all 113 entry points to Delhi to check the entry of trucks in the national capital. It appointed 13 members of the Bar as court commissioners to visit the entry points to Delhi and verify whether entry of trucks is being stopped. The apex court also expressed dissatisfaction with the compliance of GRAP IV measures saying despite orders passed by the apex court and CAQM, there is a failure on the part of the Delhi government and Police to comply with clauses under GRAP stage IV. As per the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-IV restrictions imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the entry of trucks is prohibited in Delhi and public construction projects have been halted until further notice. Stage-IV of the GRAP was activated in the national capital keeping in view the rising level of pollution. 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.
28 November,2024 05:00 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIUS President-Elect Donald Trump has named the Kolkata-born Jay Bhattacharya, who raised questions about Covid policies, to head the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the medical research powerhouse. Trump announced Tuesday night that he was "thrilled to nominate" him for the job of directing the "nation's medical research and to make important discoveries that will improve health and save lives". Accepting the offer, Bhattacharya said on X: "We will reform American scientific institutions so that they are worthy of trust again and will deploy the fruits of excellent science to make America healthy again!" The NIH, an agglomeration of 27 separate research organisations dealing with different diseases and health issues, has an annual budget of $48 billion. Directorship of NIH is not a cabinet-level post, but would require Senate approval and have an enormous global impact because of the range of its research that has cascading effects around the world.Also Read: Who is Jay Bhattacharya? 5 things to know about Donald Trump's Kolkata-origin choice for head of NIH Trump said that Bhattacharya would work with Health Secretary nominee Robert F Kennedy, Jr, to restore NIH "to a gold standard of medical research as they examine the underlying causes of, solutions to, America's biggest health challenges, including a crisis of chronic illness and disease". Bhattacharya is a multi-disciplinary academic at Stanford University holding professorships in medicine, economics, and health professorship, holding a medical degree and a PhD in economics. He shot to national prominence during the Covid pandemic by questioning the prevalent orthodoxy of the government health establishment of imposing extended broad lockdowns to fight the disease and went head-to-head with Anthony Fauci, who was acclaimed as the architect of the official policy. Bhattacharya has asserted that he was the victim of government censorship because Twitter placed him on its "Trends Blacklist" under official influence limiting his reach on the social media platform. now renamed X. Trump noted in his post on Truth Social that Bhattacharya "is a co-author of The Great Barrington declaration, an alternative to lockdowns, proposed in October 2020". Bhattacharya was one of the authors of the declaration, a statement co-signed by doctors, scientists, and researchers, that called for loosening the restrictions to release healthy young people from lockdowns through a policy of "focused protection" aimed at older people and those at greater risk. The declaration said that this would allow them "normally to build up immunity to the virus through natural infection, while better protecting those who are at highest risk". This played into the divide between the political establishments of the Democrats, who were for strict lockdowns, and Republicans. Some Republican-run states like Florida, which adopted aspects of the declaration, did not have significantly lower statistics than Democrat-run states like California that followed strict lockdowns while keeping school closures lower. As the social and educational fallout of the lockdowns has emerged, some former government officials who advocated those policies like former NIH Director Francis Collins have conceded that their narrow focus on lockdowns may have been unfortunate. While Kennedy opposes vaccinations, Bhattacharya does not. Kennedy advocates unorthodox treatments and theories, which have come under criticism, but his and Trump’s focus on chronic diseases has been praised by some critics. 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.
28 November,2024 04:20 PM IST | New York | IANSVarious factors like stress, unhealthy diets, obesity, and diabetes but also air pollution can negatively impact the fertility of both men and women. These factors can take a toll on one’s reproductive health and result in challenges with conception. It is crucial to consult a fertility specialist to enhance the chances of conceiving successfully. Air pollution is becoming an increasing concern. It not only affects your respiratory, eye, or skin health but also hurts your fertility. There is a significant link between air pollution and infertility problems in males and females. “Pollutants present in the air like particulate matter (PM), toxic chemicals, and heavy metals can take a heavy toll on the reproductive health of males and females. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can highly interfere with the woman’s hormones causing hormonal imbalance and irregular menses. Hormonal balance is crucial for regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation in women and imbalance can cause disruption. The chances of conceiving naturally decrease when the woman’s ovulation is delayed hurting their fertility. It does not just affect a woman’s menstrual cycles but also lowers the quality of the eggs. It can further lead to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which can have a severe impact on the woman’s fertility,” said Dr Neha Tripathi, fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Indirapuram. Dr Tripathi added, “Air pollution is a serious threat that affects not only fertility in women but also in men. Some researchers highlight that long-term exposure to harmful pollutants such as vehicle emissions and industrial chemicals can have negative effects on men’s reproductive health. These environmental toxins can further lead to complications like reduced sperm count and impaired sperm motility making it challenging for the sperm to fertilize the egg for a successful pregnancy. It can also severely damage the DNA in the sperm. Recognising and addressing these hidden dangers of air pollution becomes crucial to protecting your fertility.” It becomes necessary to follow proactive measures to significantly protect fertility in both men and women. “It is advised to limit their exposure to high levels of pollution. Avoid traveling during peak traffic hours as the levels of air pollution will be higher during this hour. Always check the air quality index (AQI) before making any plans or going outdoors. In case, you are going outdoors then make sure that you carry a mask for maximum protection. One can try investing in a good air purifier as indoor air quality is as important as outdoor air quality. Lifestyle modifications like eating a healthy balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking or alcohol, and exercising regularly can help safeguard your fertility. Going for regular health screenings or fertility checkups can be helpful especially if you are actively trying to conceive. Ensure that you stay in touch with your fertility doctor to effectively monitor your reproductive health,” concluded Dr Tripathi.
28 November,2024 12:29 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSMen with cardiovascular disease risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking may have brain health decline, leading to dementia, 10 years earlier than women, finds a study on Wednesday. The findings of a long-term study, published online in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, showed that men with cardiovascular disease risk factors can have dementia onset a decade earlier -- from their mid-50s to mid-70s -- than similarly affected women who are most susceptible from their mid-60s to mid-70s. Researchers from Imperial College London, UK found that the most vulnerable regions of the brain are those involved in processing auditory information, aspects of visual perception, emotional processing, and memory. They noted that the damaging effects are just as evident in those who didn’t carry the high-risk APOE4 gene -- a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease -- as those who did. “The detrimental impact of cardiovascular risk was widespread throughout cortical regions, highlighting how cardiovascular risk can impair a range of cognitive functions,” said the researchers. The study included 34,425 participants from the UK Biobank all of whom had had both abdominal and brain scans. Their average age was 63, but ranged from 45 to 82. The results showed that both men and women with increased levels of abdominal fat and visceral adipose tissue had lower brain grey matter volume. High cardiovascular risk and obesity led to a gradual loss of brain volume over several decades, said the researchers. The team thus stressed the need to target “modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity,” to treat or prevent neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s. The study also emphasises “the importance of aggressively targeting cardiovascular risk factors before the age of 55 years to prevent neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease”. These may also prevent other cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction [heart attack] and stroke”. While the study is observational and no firm conclusions can be drawn, targeting cardiovascular risk and obesity early may be crucial. Also Read: Covid-19 driven factors led to surge in early onset of diabetes, finds study 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
27 November,2024 12:43 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWomen suffering from depression are more likely to experience menstrual pain (also known as dysmenorrhea), finds a study on Wednesday. Previous research has shown women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression and often experience more severe physical symptoms. While the links between mental health and reproductive health have been found, the associations have remained underexplored. To decode this, researchers from China and the UK led a study where they analysed genetic variation and identified specific genes that may be responsible for the effect of depression on menstrual pain. "Our findings provide preliminary evidence that depression may be a cause, rather than a consequence, of dysmenorrhea," said lead author Shuhe Liu, a doctoral student at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool-University (XJTLU), China. They, however, “did not find evidence that period pain increased the risk of depression”. In the study, published in the journal Briefings in Bioinformatics, the team analysed approximately 600,000 cases from European populations and 8,000 from East Asian populations and saw a strong link in both datasets. They also examined the role of sleeplessness -- a common problem among those suffering from depression -- as a significant mediator between depression and dysmenorrhea. The results showed that increased sleep disturbances could exacerbate menstrual pain, thus stressing the need to address sleep issues to manage both conditions. Further, the study also highlighted the need for a holistic approach when treating mental health and reproductive issues. Liu noted that “mental disorders are often not considered when treating conditions such as period pain”. "Our findings emphasise the importance of mental health screening for people who suffer from severe menstrual pain”. While the researchers called for more studies to establish the link, they said the findings can pave the way for “more personalised treatment options, and improved healthcare, and reduce the stigma surrounding the conditions”. Also Read: Can air pollution affect weight gain and hormonal health? Here's what experts say 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
27 November,2024 10:42 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe winter season is upon us! While this time of the year witnesses many celebrations and is generally characterised by the holiday cheer, it can also exacerbate certain health conditions like joint pain. Experiencing pain and discomfort in the bones and joints is common during winters, especially for those suffering from arthritis. “The cold weather during the winter is to be blamed for this extreme pain in your joints. It can cause stiffness in the joints making it difficult to move around freely. People can experience pain and discomfort in various areas such as knees, elbows or wrists,” informs Dr Girish Bhalerao, Super Specialty Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road. “The sudden drop in the temperature can reduce the blood flow to your joints, making them more sensitive to pain,” he adds. Warning signs to look out for One can experience a range of symptoms. These include stiffness in the joints, swelling, unbearable pain in the joints and reduced range of motion. Tips to prevent joint pain during the winter Joint pain can affect day-to-day functioning of an individual. Hence, it becomes important to take proactive steps to prevent join pain and take care of your health. Dr Bhalerao suggests the following: Stay warm: The coldness in the environment during winter can make your joints stiff, making it a painful experience. Individuals are advised to wear warm clothes that can help keep joints warm and cozy. You can even use heating pads or take warm baths to soothe your joints. But make sure the water isn’t too hot as it can be harmful to your skin. Exercise regularly: Maintaining an exercise routine during the winter season can be helpful. You can indulge in a range of physical activities and exercises like stretching, running, jogging, cycling, dancing, yoga, meditation, cardio and hitting the gym. This can help keep your joints flexible while improving blood circulation. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put extreme pressure on your joints, especially in areas like knees, hips and lower back. This can be painful and overwhelming. Maintaining a healthy weight can not only be beneficial in keeping you fit but also strengthen your joints. A combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise can help keep your weight in check. Eat anti-Inflammatory foods: The key to preventing joint pain during winter is to eat well-balanced meals. Your daily meals should include foods like spinach, broccoli and sweet potatoes, along with spices like turmeric, ginger and garlic. You can make a variety of dishes with these ingredients such as soups, broths and stews that can not only help strengthen your joints but also keep you warm during this season. Also Read: Over 30 years and suffering from backache, knee pain? Mumbai doctors tell you why
27 November,2024 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA video shared by Ministry of Railways, showcasing a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a 70-year-old conscious passenger who had suffered a heart attack has attracted criticism on social media, with medical experts pointing out that performing this procedure on a conscious person can be dangerous. CPR is a life-saving emergency procedure and given its critical nature, it becomes essential to administer it accurately at the correct time. In a conversation with mid-day.com, Dr Pradeep Kumar D, Senior Consultant – Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, discusses the essentials of performing CPR. When should CPR be given? When should it be stopped? Dr Pradeep: CPR should be administered to a patient who is unresponsive, not breathing spontaneously and has no pulse. These are signs of a cardiac arrest, and immediate CPR can help maintain circulation and oxygenation until emergency medical services arrive. CPR should be stopped when the patient begins to breathe on their own, regains a pulse or when trained emergency responders arrive. If the person regains consciousness or begins breathing, continue monitoring until help arrives. What is the correct process of administering CPR? Dr Pradeep: CPR should be performed with chest compressions on the lower half of the chest, with a depth of compression 5-6 cm and a compression rate of 100-120 per minute. After 30 compressions, 2 rescue breaths should be given. The breaths should be delivered only if the person is not breathing on their own and if mouth-to-mouth is appropriate. This process should continue until the person shows signs of life, such as breathing or moving, or until emergency medical personnel take over. What are some definitive 'Don’ts' of performing CPR? Dr Pradeep: It is essential to keep the following don’ts in mind while performing CPR: 1. Don’t perform CPR on someone who is alert, conscious and talking. If the person is responsive and breathing, CPR is not necessary and could cause harm. 2. Don’t give chest compressions if the person has a pulse. Performing chest compressions on someone who has a pulse can cause damage to the heart or other organs. Always check for a pulse before starting compressions. 3. Don’t interrupt compressions for more than 10 seconds. Every interruption, such as checking for pulse or giving breaths, should be as brief as possible. Prolonged pauses in chest compressions can reduce the effectiveness of CPR and decrease survival chances. 4. Don’t forget to position your hands properly for compressions. Place your hands on the lower half of the breastbone, ensuring the heel of your hand is centered and your fingers are not pressing on the ribs, which can lead to fractures. 5. Don’t attempt to administer CPR if the scene is unsafe. Ensure the environment is secure before providing CPR. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or training. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
26 November,2024 08:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt is impossible to imagine our lives without milk. The dairy product has been an important part of our diet since the time most of us are children. In fact, most children are even advised to drink it every day because of its many benefits. But is it important to drink milk as adults? Health experts say it is, more than you know. Every year, National Milk Day is observed on November 26 in India. It marks the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, who is regarded as the 'Father of Milk Revolution' in the country because of his role in revolutionising India's dairy industry. As milk continues to be an important part of our lives, mid-day.com spoke to Jinal Patel, dietitian, Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai, Pratiksha Kadam, consultant, Dietitian, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Navi Mumbai as well as Swarn Singh, director – R&D at Kellanova South Asia to understand why it is important for adults to consume it. They not only stress on the benefits but also remind how it can be consumed in different ways to make it palatable. What are the components of milk that make drinking it very important?Patel: Caesin is the protein found in milk and is a vital component for body building and calcium though in less amounts but good for bone health. Singh: Milk is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, offering a balanced mix of calcium for strong bones, high-quality protein for muscle repair and growth, vitamin D for calcium absorption, and B vitamins helps release energy. Despite its benefits, many adults find it unappealing to consume milk on its own. However, pairing it with crunchy ready to eat cereals creates a wholesome and delicious meal that delivers energy, dietary fiber, and additional nutrients from whole grains—making it an ideal way to enjoy milk’s health benefits. While children are encouraged to drink milk, should adults continue to drink milk in their later years?Patel: To improve quality of protein for vegetarians, milk and cereal go well and improve the bioavailability of protein and make them first class protein. Kadam: Yes, milk remains an essential part of the diet for adults and older individuals. As we age, the body’s ability to absorb calcium decreases, making milk a valuable source to maintain bone density and prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Combined with cereals, milk provides a balanced meal that is not only nutrient-rich but also convenient, making it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle at any age. How can adults consume milk daily in different forms?Patel: Adults can consume milk twice a day and that is good enough. It can be added in morning and evening with cereals or turmeric. Singh: Milk can be seamlessly incorporated into daily diets in creative ways:Beverages: Use milk in Butter milk , lassi , coffee, tea, or smoothies, or milkshakesBreakfast: Combine milk with cereals, oats, granola or muesli for a nutrient-packed start to the dayMeal: Enjoy milk-based products like curd /yoghurt and paneer/cheese. Cooking: Use milk in preparing desserts like kheer , phirni, soups , curries, or baked dishes like puddings and pasta saucesBreakfast with fortified milk and ready to eat cereal can be an excellent way to start your power pack day. This not only provide good nutrition to support your physical growth it also support our mental wellbeing and immune system. Do the needs and consumption of milk change with age and gender? If yes, how does it happen?Patel: No, the needs do not change with age and gender. Singh: Yes, milk consumption needs vary with age and gender: Children and adolescents: Require milk with cereals for growth and bone development, and cereals add energy , fiber , vitamins and minerals to their diet.Adults: Use milk to maintain bone health and muscle mass, while cereals contribute with fiber to digestive health and energy.Pregnant and lactating women: Need higher calcium and vitamin D from milk, complemented by the iron and fiber from fortified cerealsOlder adults: Benefit from milk support muscle and bone health .Cereals rich in fibre , vitamin and minerals also support digestive health and provide energyThis dynamic partnership ensures nutrient requirements are met throughout different life stages. Who is the most vulnerable to milk-based deficiencies?Patel: While the age may different, the protein and calcium can be substituted with other forms of the same. Kadam: Populations most at risk include: Children who are picky eaters and might skip dairy Older adults who consume less milk due to lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions Women during pregnancy and post-menopause due to increased calcium and iron needs, which can be supported with milk. What are the common misconceptions about drinking milk?Patel: Some of the common misconceptions are as follows: Myth: Milk makes you fatFact: It depends on the type of milk you drink and how much amount of fat is present. In buffalo milk, fat percentage is more than cows, so we can remove the cream from cows milk to make it low-fat. Singh: Some misconceptions include:Myth: Milk is only for children.Fact: Adults and seniors also benefit greatly from milk’s nutrient profile, especially when paired with cereals for additional vitamins, minerals, and fibre Myth: Lactose intolerance means avoiding all milk products.Fact: Many lactose-intolerant individuals can enjoy lactose-free milk or fermented dairy like yoghurt Myth: Milk causes weight gainFact: When low fat milk/skim milk is consumed with portion-controlled cereals, milk supports a balanced diet without excessive calories Why are adults suffering from vitamin D deficiency? What are some of the symptoms of the deficiency?Patel: Adult have deficiency of Vitamin D due to less exposure to the sun. Kadam: Modern lifestyles, including limited sun exposure and dietary inadequacies, contribute to vitamin D deficiency in adults. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, and frequent illnesses. Fortified milk, enriched with vitamins and minerals, provides a dual source of nutrition to combat this deficiency effectively. With more people and 30-something adults suffering from a deficiency of Vitamin D, can milk help supplement it?Kadam: Yes, fortified milk is an excellent source of vitamin D and provides a convenient way to combat deficiencies. Delivering essential nutrients to support bone health and immune function while also providing sustained energy and fiber. With so many different types of milk, how does nut/vegan milk fare in comparison to cow, buffalo, or other animal-based milk?Kadam: Nut and plant-based milk are great alternatives for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. However, they differ in nutrient content:Cow/Buffalo Milk: Naturally rich in protein, calcium, and vitaminsNut/Vegan Milk: Often fortified to match the nutritional value of animal milk but may lack natural protein or certain nutrients. Combining fortified plant-based milk with whole-grain cereals can help bridge nutritional gaps. Choosing the right type depends on individual dietary needs, ensuring fortified options are selected when necessary. When should people consult a doctor or nutritionist to understand the importance of milk in their diet?Patel: People should consult a health expert in case of any indigestion due to milk or any specific amino acid deficiency. Kadam: Consultation is advised when: Experiencing symptoms of nutrient deficiencies like fatigue or weak bones Managing dietary restrictions due to lactose intolerance or allergies Planning diets for special needs, like pregnancy or aging Milk is a simple yet effective way to ensure balanced nutrition, but professional guidance ensures tailored plans that meet individual health goals optimally.
26 November,2024 06:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoAccording to the World Health Organization, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.5 million deaths in 2021. One common symptom and effect of COPD is difficulty in breathing. Certain kinds of exercises are not advisable in this situation. However, with the right exercise routine, individuals can improve lung function, strengthen muscles and enhance overall quality of life. In a conversation with mid-day.com, Dr Sarat Behera, Sr Consultant, Critical Care and Pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, shares effective exercises that can help improve the condition. Breathing exercises within tolerance: Practice breath control to maximise oxygen absorption and minimise dyspnea. Breath control techniques such as abdominal breath and pursed-lip breath are capable enough to reduce the impact of dry breath and enhance lung capacity. Yoga and pranayama: Yoga, in particular pranayama (breathing workouts), can be beneficial for people with COPD. It can help lower blood pressure, expand the lungs and induce calmness. Muscle tightening exercises: A strategy to improve strength and endurance involves tightness/relaxation of the muscles in arms, legs, and torso. The exercises help blood flow and relieve fatigue causing better movement. Aerobic exercise (moderate intensity): Things like walking, cycling and dancing help the heart and lungs. Aerobic exercise performed regularly is good for the heart and people with COPD and increases general endurance. Resistance training: Resistance training is also valuable, as weights and bands help to strengthen muscles critical for breathing and posture, both vital components of function with COPD. Guidelines for people with COPD While certain exercises can help improve COPD, one should keep the following guidelines in mind, according to Dr Behera. Avoid intense or prolonged breathing effort: Do not do anything that troubles you breathing or any exercise that puts a lot of stress on lungs. Make sure to listen to your body and pull back if anything feels uncomfortable. Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can ease the burden on lungs and heart. Obesity aggravates the respiratory distress whereas good weight ensures better functioning of lungs. Also Read: Air pollution behind surging lung cancer in non-smokers in India: Experts Working out for 30 to 40 minutes four times a week is advisable. Additionally, Dr Behera recommends, “Avoid exposure to dust and pollutants that can trigger COPD symptoms by opting for outdoor spaces like parks or open areas. Regular exercise, when done safely, can really improve your quality of life and control over the COPD.” Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
25 November,2024 07:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter facing severe backlash from oncologists across the country for claiming diet can cure cancer, former cricketer and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday informed that his wife underwent surgeries, chemotherapy, hormonal and targeted therapy, along with a strict diet plan inspired by ancient Indian Ayurveda to fight cancer. Sidhu had in a recent press conference in Amritsar, Punjab, Sidhu described his wife, Navjot Kaur's treatment for her stage 4 breast cancer as "starving cancer by not eating dairy products and sugar". In the widely circulated video on social media, Sidhu said that his wife “consumed haldi (turmeric) and neem which helped cure her ‘incurable’ cancer. Following this, several oncologists, including from Tata Memorial Hospital and AIIMS, Delhi slammed Sidhu for spreading misinformation and stated that there is no scientific evidence to prove it. They also pointed out Kaur’s previous chemotherapy sessions. “My wife's cancer journey involved surgeries, chemotherapy, hormonal and targeted therapy, positivity and determination to fight cancer which was facilitated by a strict diet plan inspired by ancient Indian Ayurveda, the noble prize winning research of Yoshinori Ohsumi for 'discoveries of the mechanisms for autophagy' and observations of eminent doctors worldwide,” Sidhu shared in a post on X. Diet Plan pic.twitter.com/BGmJfSMoo3 — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) November 25, 2024 He also shared the detailed diet plan, which included alkaline water, a concoction comprising cardamom, holy basil, (tulsi), mint, ginger, and cinnamon, intermittent fasting, a concoction of turmeric, lemon water, and neem leaves, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It included juice of ash gourd, oranges, a concoction of either Soursop Leaves (Hanuman Phal) or Night jasmine (Harsingar), and a salad containing tomato, spinach, mushroom, carrot, onion, and more. The diet plan also had pulses and legumes and complete avoidance of "any form of refined carbs, refined sugar, refined oils, milk products, and any kind of packed food containing preservatives; and aerated drinks". All food cooked for Kaur was made in "cold-pressed coconut oil, mustard oil, or olive oil". She also consumed quinoa rotis, homemade almond milk, coconut milk, or coconut curd. In addition, Kaur followed regular exercise in the form of walking, and yoga. Doctors noted that “neem and turmeric may have potential health benefits, but there is no scientific evidence that they can cure cancer”. They urged for integrating diet as a complementary approach rather than a standalone solution. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance. Also Read: 'No single magic formula for cancer,' say oncologists slamming Navjot Singh Sidhu's recent claims on wife's treatment 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
25 November,2024 04:42 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
