A simple blood or urine test may now help better predict how chronic kidney disease is likely to progress, according to a study on Friday, which identified key biological signals of the disease. The team from The University of Manchester showed that higher levels of Kidney Injury Molecule-1(KIM-1) -- a special marker of kidney damage in the blood and urine -- are associated with higher risks of mortality and kidney failure. Last month, the team measured 21 markers in blood and urine that reflect key processes driving kidney disease, inflammation, and heart disease. Unlike the generic tests used in routine kidney clinics, these markers shine a light on the biological changes, underpinning CKD, that truly drive the disease. By revealing the hidden drivers, the discovery opens the door to new treatments designed to target the disease at its roots. “The progression of chronic kidney disease is highly variable between people, so it’s difficult to predict which patients will progress to kidney failure or worse,” said lead author Dr Thomas McDonnell, from the varsity. “But our work raises the prospect of the development of simple blood or urine tests that could better predict the degree of risk -- invaluable information for doctors and patients. “We think that these models, which are more closely aligned with the underlying biological changes happening in chronic kidney disease, could allow a more tailored approach to the individual needs of patients,” McDonnell said. In the study, published in the American Journal of Nephrology, the researchers analysed the blood and urine of adults with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease from 16 nephrology centres across the UK. They analysed blood and urine KIM-1 in 2581 patients for the KIM-1 study. Separately, they looked at 21 markers of kidney damage (identified by the researchers in a study last month), fibrosis, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease in a second set of 2,884 patients. Using statistical analysis, the team could assess how or if biological signals associated with kidney failure and mortality, and developed risk prediction models. “This discovery may help doctors identify high-risk patients, so they enact more aggressive interventions, earlier specialist referral, and earlier treatment therapies,” McDonnell said, adding that “by identifying low-risk patients, they would be able to prevent over-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
15 August,2025 11:04 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said obesity is emerging as a major challenge for the country, and everyone must contribute to this fight against the challenge. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day, he warned that according to experts, one in every three people will suffer from obesity in the coming years and reiterated his previous suggestion to buy 10 per cent less oil for cooking. "When I speak of fitness, when I speak of sports, I also wish to place before you a matter of concern. Obesity is becoming a very grave crisis for our nation, and every family in our country should take it seriously. We must protect ourselves from obesity. "Therefore, while many steps will have to be taken, I had made one small suggestion that every family should resolve that when cooking oil comes into the house, it should be 10 per cent less than usual and its usage should also be 10 per cent less," the prime minister said. Modi further said the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has freed people from the habit of silently enduring illness and helped them get good healthcare. "When we help senior citizens with more than Rs 5,00,000 for their health needs, it shows our concern for their well-being". He emphasized India's growing prowess in domestic pharmaceutical innovation and the urgent need to develop new medicines, vaccines, and life-saving treatments entirely in India. Researchers and entrepreneurs were urged to secure patents for new drugs and medical technologies, ensuring that India not only meets its own healthcare needs but also becomes a global hub of medical self-reliance and innovation. 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 August,2025 09:38 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe recent spotlight on samosas and jalebis due to the health advisory by the Union Health Ministry in July had led to quite a stir among Indian street food lovers. While the health messaging about hidden fats and excess sugar in various food items is not for vendors, it certainly serves as a warning for people who consume them frequently, especially so that they can check on how healthy these foods are, and how we are consuming them. Among the many street foods popular in the city, the vada pav is Mumbai’s favourite street food, and undoubtedly nobody will give it up even for the sake of health. However, dietitians say there is more to the fried snack than meets the eye and express the need for caution. While there are minimal benefits, and the vada pav is tempting, they say it is important to monitor the consumption for health benefits because the most important factor is the nutrition content of vada pavs. Nutrition content of vada pavs So, what is the nutrition contents of a vada pav? Gulnaaz Shaikh, chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals in Thane explains, "A single vada pav is around 250 to 300 calories, depending on the size of the pav and how much oil is used to deep fry the vada. Most of the macronutrients tends to be carbohydrates and fats. There is little protein and almost no fibre unless you add any vegetables. A vada pav is also high in sodium, particularly if you have chutneys or fried green chillies with it." Fauziya Ansari, who is the dietitian at Apollo Spectra Hospital in the city, further breaks it down. She explains, “A vada pav is high in refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and sodium, with very little protein, fibre or vitamins. It’s calorie-dense but low in essential nutrients, making it a poor choice for regular consumption. One batata vada (50 grams) gives around 150-200 calories; the calorie count may vary based on the size and ingredients used. However, a vada pav will contain about 300 calories.” While the calories are between 250 to 350 depending on the ingredients, Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian at Fortis Hospital Mulund, adds that the carbohydrates are between 45–50 gm, while the protein are 3-4 gm, depending on how much besan is used, and fat is 12 - 15 gm, which mostly gets added from frying oil, and the fibre is barely 1-2 gm, and the sodium is 400 – 600 mg, which is usually due to the chutney and salt in batter and bread. Samosa or Vada Pav: Which is healthier?If one had to choose among two of Mumbai’s favourite street foods – samosa and vada, it would be very difficult but Sheikh helps you out. She shares, “Vada and samosa are both deep fried snacks, but they are different. Samosa is rich in fat and calories; the outer layer of a samosa is made from maida which absorbs oil easily, and the filling is made with potato and peas. A vada, which is usually made of besan (gram flour) and potato is without the maida layer, and besan adds some protein, and usually has slightly less fat. One serving of a vada (without pav) generally has less fat and fewer calories than a samosa. A plain vada is always better than a loaded samosa. Still, the actual health effect varies depending on amount and how it's cooked.” On the other hand, Shaikh has other thoughts, as she sees a different side. “Both are fried snacks but if we had to pick a lesser evil, I'd say a samosa would be slightly better as it typically has more vegetables like peas and carrots in its filling,” she says, continuing, “But again, it depends on how it’s made. Homemade versions of both, using healthier methods, can be far better than what’s sold on the street." When health comes into picture, Ansari is very strict with her advice. “Both vada and samosa are unhealthy as they are deep-fried and high in oil, refined flour, and calories. It is not advisable to eat both vada and a samosa as people can suffer from issues such as weight gain, high cholesterol, acidity, and blood sugar spikes. They also offer very little nutritional value and can strain digestion. So, stay away from vada and samosa,” she concludes.
15 August,2025 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoA study of population-specific responses to fermented food shows that the health effect of the bioactive peptides they contain, differ across populations and can personalise nutrition for India's diverse population, the government said on Thursday. A recent study conducted by Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) emphasises the health benefits of traditional fermented foods. They showed that the bioactive peptides (BAPs) or short protein fragments consisting of 2 to 20 amino acids that they contain can regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, immunity and inflammation. The study, published in Food Chemistry and led by Professor Ashis K. Mukherjee, corresponding author and Director IASST – along with Dr Maloyjo Joyraj Bhattacharjee, Dr Asis Bala, and Dr. Mojibr Khan -- showed that foods such as yogurt, idli, miso, natto, kimchi and fermented fish contain high levels of these peptides. These short peptides, formed during fermentation, interact with biomolecules through electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions to exert antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antioxidant and immune-modulatory effects. This can influence cardiac function, immune response and metabolic health. However, their bioavailability and effectiveness vary across populations due to genetic polymorphisms, gut microbiota composition, dietary habits and health conditions. Gene variants in ACE or IL-6 may affect individual responses to these peptides. This data emphasises the necessity for precision nutrition and targeted health interventions customized to the diverse Indian population, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology. The research can address challenges such as variability in fermentation methods, peptide stability and interactions with the microbiota. The study advocates incorporating traditional fermented foods into public health initiatives. It emphasizes the need for omics-based (biological research that utilize high-throughput technologies to analyse large sets of molecules) research and innovation in rural food systems to establish India as a global leader in personalised nutrition. 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
14 August,2025 06:38 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSOver six in every one thousand deliveries in India in 2020 could have been a stillbirth, with higher rates among urban mothers compared to rural, according to an analysis of data from national surveys and the civil registration system. Researchers, including those from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, and the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, also identified that stillbirth hotspots are located primarily in northern and central India. Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan in north India recorded the highest rates of stillbirth, the findings published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal show. The team analysed data gathered from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and the 2020 report of the civil registration system, which is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and records vital events, including births, deaths and stillbirths across India. "The nationwide stillbirth rate (SBR) in 2020 was 6.548 per 1,000 total births (female: 6.54; male: 6.63). Stillbirth rates were higher among urban mothers compared to rural mothers," the authors wrote. A higher rate of stillbirth was also found in districts where pregnant women were anaemic (deficient in iron) and underweight -- factors known to increase risk of adverse birth outcomes, including stillbirth. Hygienic menstrual practices and caesarean (C-section) deliveries -- in which a baby is delivered through a surgical procedure -- were associated with a lower rate of stillbirth, especially in Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The results were in line with data from NFHS-5, according to which the prevalence of C-section deliveries was about 45 per cent in south India in 2019-2020, the authors said. Evidence from states including Assam, Meghalaya, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh showed that receiving at least four pre-delivery check-ups and adhering to iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of stillbirth, the team said. Overall, higher rates of stillbirths were found in regions where pregnant women were anaemic, more deliveries were occurring in public health facilities and a larger fraction of women were having a lower wealth status, they said. However, there were no disparities in sex-specific rates of stillbirth across the country's districts, even though a higher rate of stillbirths seen among male foetuses may point to a higher biological vulnerability, the researchers 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
14 August,2025 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIFrequent reliance on artificial intelligence may lead to the risk of losing skills, as indicated by a study that discovered a 20 per cent decrease in the ability of experienced health professionals to detect benign tumour growths in colonoscopies when not using AI. Researchers from Poland, Norway, Sweden, and other European nations examined more than 1,400 colonoscopies — approximately 800 were conducted without AI assistance, while 650 utilised AI during the procedure. A colonoscopy is used to inspect the large intestine, encompassing the colon and rectum, for disease. The study compared colonoscopies performed three months prior to and following the integration of AI. Three months after becoming reliant on AI for support, the detection rate of adenomas — a non-cancerous tumour — during standard colonoscopy decreased significantly from 28.4 per cent before to 22.4 per cent after exposure to AI, the authors stated in their study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal. While studies have shown that using AI can help doctors and clinicians in improving cancer detection, the study is the first to "suggest a negative impact of regular AI use on healthcare professionals' ability to complete a patient-relevant task in medicine of any kind," author Marcin Romanczyk, Academy of Silesia in Poland, said. "Our results are concerning, given that the adoption of AI in medicine is rapidly spreading. We urgently need more research into the impact of AI on health professionals' skills across different medical fields," Romanczyk said. Author Yuichi Mori from the University of Oslo, Norway, said the results posed "an interesting question" related to previous trials, which found that an AI-assisted colonoscopy allowed for a higher tumour detection, compared to one that did not use AI's help. "It could be the case that non-AI-assisted colonoscopy assessed in these trials is different from standard non-AI-assisted colonoscopy as the endoscopists in the trials may have been negatively affected by continuous AI exposure," Mori said. The authors emphasised the necessity for additional research to comprehend the dynamics involved when healthcare professionals and AI systems are not effectively synchronised. In a commentary article related to the research, Dr Omer Ahmad from University College London, who was not involved in the study, said the findings "temper the current enthusiasm for (a) rapid adoption of AI-based technologies." The results provide the "first real-world clinical evidence for the phenomenon of deskilling, potentially affecting patient-related outcomes" and "highlight the importance of carefully considering possible unintended clinical consequences," Dr Ahmad said. "Although AI continues to offer great promise to enhance clinical outcomes, we must also safeguard against the quiet erosion of fundamental skills required for high-quality endoscopy," the author 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
14 August,2025 01:29 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIHuman-street dog interactions in India are predominantly uneventful with 82 per cent of observed encounters involving approachable or neutral behaviour, according to a research on street dogs and public health by the University of Edinburgh. Data from the research show that only 2 per cent of human-street dog interactions involved aggression such as barking, chasing, or biting. The findings assume significance as the Supreme Court on Monday ordered the removal of stray dogs from all Delhi-NCR localities and their placement in shelter homes in view of rising dog bites and rabies cases. The study led by professor Krithika Srinivasan warned that culling or mass removal could undo hard-won public health gains. Reported human rabies cases in India have fallen by nearly 75 per cent over the past two decades, from 274 in 2005 to 34 in 2022, largely due to mass dog vaccination and improved post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). However, gaps in timely PEP access and adherence to vaccine schedules remain an issue. Srinivasan also warned that culling or mass removal often backfires, triggering an influx of unfamiliar dogs into vacated areas and creating ecological gaps that may be filled by other potentially dangerous animals. In a 2022-23 survey across 15 states, dog bite incidence was recorded at 4.7 per 1,000 population, lower than the 18.7 per 1,000 seen in Cheshire, the UK. Public opinion surveys in Chennai, Jaipur and Malappuram (Kerala) found 86 per cent support for dog vaccination and 66 per cent for neutering, while more than 70 per cent opposed culling. The opposition rose to 77 per cent among respondents who had been chased or bitten by stray dogs. The research recommended a science-led, community-based approach -- universal and free PEP, sustained vaccination drives, food waste control, community education, and responsible caregiving -- warning that elimination policies may appear to be a quick fix but fail to deliver sustainable safety outcomes. 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
14 August,2025 01:01 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIAn analysis of blood samples from patients of chronic fatigue syndrome has revealed substances, or 'biomarkers', indicating the condition -- a finding which is seen as a "concrete step" towards developing a diagnostic blood test. Researchers from Cornell University, US, said that in the absence of lab tests for diagnosing the condition, doctors have to rely on patients reporting symptoms such as exhaustion, dizziness, disturbed sleep and 'brain fog'. The team explained that when a cell dies, it leaves behind marks or "fingerprints" -- genetic material released into blood plasma, tissue injury and signs of other biological processes. "By reading the molecular fingerprints that cells leave behind in blood, we've taken a concrete step toward a test for (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) ME/CFS," said Iwijn De Vlaminck, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Cornell University and co-senior author of the study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "This study shows that a tube of blood can provide clues about the disease's biology," De Vlaminck said. From blood samples collected from patients of chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy people, the researchers sequenced RNA particles in blood plasma released due to cell damage and death. About 700 significant differences between the RNA material of the two study groups were found, revealing signs of a dysregulation in the immune system and exhaustion of T-cells (which help fight infections), among others, in patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome. The results were also used in developing an artificial intelligence model, which "achieved an accuracy of 77 per cent" in detecting signs specific to chronic fatigue syndrome. The accuracy rate may not be high enough for a diagnostic test yet, but it is a substantial leap forward in the field, the researchers said. Chronic fatigue syndrome "affects a lot of different parts of the body. The nervous system, immune system, cardiovascular system. Analysing plasma gives you access to what's going on in those different parts," said co-senior author Maureen Hanson, professor in the department of molecular biology and genetics, Cornell University. 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
13 August,2025 01:02 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIWomen with Down syndrome have more advanced signs of Alzheimer's disease than men do, according to research. However, the average age of Down syndrome diagnosis is the same for both men and women, said the University of California, Irvine. The study suggests that women with Down syndrome may carry a higher burden of beta amyloid and phosphorylated tau -- two hallmark Alzheimer's proteins -- than men. It was particularly high in the occipital lobe in women with sporadic Alzheimer's disease -- the more common, late-onset form of Alzheimer's that occurs without a clear genetic cause. This insight points to the need for more sex-specific approaches in both Alzheimer's research and treatment planning, especially in the design of clinical trials. "Understanding selective vulnerabilities within the brain and how these differ in women versus men will help us to better navigate treatment outcomes. We're learning the importance of modifiable risk factors, which include accounting for sex-specific risk," said lead author Elizabeth Andrews, doctoral candidate at the varsity. Alzheimer's disease is the primary cause of death for individuals with Down syndrome, who are genetically predisposed to develop the condition earlier in life. While previous studies observed that women with Down syndrome may live longer with dementia than men with Down syndrome, few have looked closely at whether the underlying brain pathology differs by sex. In this study, the researchers examined postmortem brain samples and measured levels of beta amyloid and tau. The findings, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, can shape how we understand and approach treatments for Alzheimer's in this population and beyond. "If women with Down syndrome are further along in disease progression at the time of diagnosis, it could change how we time interventions and interpret outcomes in clinical trials," said Elizabeth Head, Professor of pathology at UC Irvine. "This research could help tailor therapies more effectively, not just for people with Down syndrome, but for the broader Alzheimer's population as well," Head 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
13 August,2025 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSFor Mumbaikars, the vada pav is an emotion and the quintessential roadside snack that simply cannot be replaced with any other street food. Available for a bare minimum of Rs 12 onwards, the street food encompasses the complete essence of the city’s love for batata vadas and pav. In fact, even as TasteAtlas featured Mumbai on its list of '100 Best Food Cities in the World' in July, the city's Vada Pav also made it to the list of '50 Best Sandwiches in the World' showcasing its global reach. It comes from the simplicity of the ingredients and process that often make it easy for many people to start their own stalls, that may make it one of the most popular street foods in the city. While it is a favourite among the common man, there are many including those focused on their health and fitness who avoid it or eat it on their cheat days. Even as others consume it, Mumbai health experts express need for restrain and caution while still making the most of it. Health benefits of vada pavsAfter samosas along with the jalebi recently came into the spotlight because of an advisory, mid-day spoke to Mumbai dietitians not only about samosas but also about the health benefits of vada pavs. Gulnaaz Shaikh, who is the chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, explains, “Although vada or vada pav is hardly a 'healthy' food, it does provide some energy, because at the very least, it contains some carbohydrates from the pav and a bit of protein in the form of the gram flour and potato. However, the cooking process would add a lot of unhealthy fat, particularly if the vendor is reusing oil for frying. So, the overall nutritional value is quite limited." On the other hand, Fauziya Ansari, who is the dietitian at Apollo Spectra Hospital, says even though Mumbaikars love vada or vada pav because it is tasty, appealing, and tantalises one’s taste buds, it doesn’t have any health benefits. While it may seem disappointing for lovers of the street food, she further explains, “The vada is deeply fried and difficult to digest. It can cause acidity or even bloating. Vada pav’s pav is often made from refined flour (maida), which offers little nutrition and can spike blood sugar. So, those who eat vada pav frequently can experience inflammation in the body, weight gain, and cholesterol problems. It is better to limit eating vada or a vada pav.” Keeping emotion aside, Shaikh and Ansari keep health and benefits of the food at the centre. However, Amreen Sheikh, the chief dietitian at Fortis Hospital Mulund, believes there is middle ground in the understanding of whether a vada pav can be healthy or not. She explains, “An authentic vada pav cannot be considered as a “health food”. It does provide some energy and some micronutrients, but deep-fried vada is rich in saturated fat and calories. Pav is made from refined flour which has very little fibre. In short, vada pav is a source of some carbs and vitamins but with high oil content, and little fibre; it's not something healthy but can be an occasional indulgence.” Getting innovative with the vada pavSo, how does one continue to enjoy the vada pav frequently without giving it up? The answer lies in making it at home, if you have the time, and if you love experimenting. Sheikh suggests, “Instead of frying, you can air-fry or bake the vada that will reduce the amount of oil and saturated fat. Replace maida-based pav with whole wheat or multigrain buns that are high in fibre and provide necessary nutrients. You can also add vegetables like peas, spinach or beetroot to the potato filling; this would not only bring new flavours but also more vitamins and minerals. Finally, you could use less salt to reduce sodium intake.” While this may seem difficult for loyalists, making these tweaks can be a good start in a healthier direction. Ansari says you can also replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for more fibre and a lower glycemic load. “Using less masala or spice makes it suitable for people with acidity or diabetes. Try to consult the dietitian or a nutritionist and look for healthy options to enjoy it guilt-free,” she adds. On the other hand, Shaikh says if you are open to the idea of changing its form, then you can even wrap it in a multigrain roti. “Add some veggies like lettuce, cucumber, or tomato to boost fibre. If you're looking for a snack alternative, boiled corn with spices or a small portion of poha with veggies is a better choice." Finding hope in street foodAnsari says it will not be possible for the street vendor to cater to the needs of each and every individual as they prepare these things in bulk. It is also why she say eating vada or a vada pav once in six months is still okay, then you can avoid chutneys, make sure the vada is not reheated or re-fried. Try to avoid pav, eat a small-sized vada, or share with someone if you want to cut down calories and just satisfy your taste buds. Try to choose a vendor who has various options for vada stuffing, such as sweet potato instead of potato. While some of you may think this is all possible in an alternate universe, and you cannot let go of anything when expressing your love for vada pavs, the dietitians say you can follow a checklist to help you out. Here some factors to keep in mind while eating vada pavs: Check your oil: This is important! Ask if they use fresh oil for frying each day; reusing oil can lead to formation of harmful trans fats Check if the pav is covered: While it is important to check the oil, it is also equally essential to check if the pav is covered at all times Observe hygiene practices: Seek out food vendors who use gloves or tongs when handling food and keep cooked ingredients separate from raw ones. If there are no gloves, the vendors should have clean hands and serving utensils Opt for busy hours: Ensure to purchase during peak hours of the day when food is probably just made, rather than food that’s sitting out and gathering bacteria Check surroundings: Avoid vendors/carts that are near open drains or where flies cluster; food should be covered properly and not exposed Chutneys: Ensure chutneys are kept in clean, closed containers and stored well (ideally covered, refrigerated, and kept away from dust/ flies) Eat a small-sized vada or share with someone: If you want to cut down calories and just satisfy your taste buds Vendor with unique stuffing: Try to choose a vendor who has various options for vada stuffing, such as sweet potato instead of potato. “It's okay to enjoy these snacks once in a while, but a little awareness can go a long way in avoiding tummy issues or long-term health concerns,” Shaikh concludes.
13 August,2025 12:06 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoThere has been a surge in preterm births in India, prompting concern among doctors. Experts are witnessing an uptick in a greater number of babies born before the full term of pregnancy, which can lead to serious health issues. For the uninitiated, preterm birth refers to the delivery of a baby before completing 37 weeks of gestation. These babies often have underdeveloped organs, especially lungs, and may struggle with breathing, feeding, maintaining body temperature, or fighting infections. “The causes are high maternal stress or chronic health conditions, multiple pregnancies (twins/triplets), infections during pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, and poor nutrition or inadequate prenatal care. Complications of preterm birth can include long-term issues like vision and hearing problems, developmental delays, or even serious conditions like cerebral palsy in extreme cases,” says Dr Pooja Chaudhary, consultant - Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Laparoscopic surgery at Motherhood Hospitals in Greater Noida. Dr Chaudhary adds, “Nowadays more women are delaying pregnancy into their late 30’s, Modern lifestyle habits, rising maternal age, and increased cases of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, and diabetes are contributing significantly to preterm deliveries. Chronic stress also plays a major role in preterm deliveries. We observe some pregnant women ignore the warning signs and not take up antenatal checkups seriously. Mothers understand that regular check-ups, stress management, and proper nutrition throughout pregnancy are the need of the hour. It is imperative for pregnant women to exercise caution when it comes to their health. Follow the instructions given by the doctor only for a smooth pregnancy journey.” Dr. Akshay Mehta, senior consultant - Neonatology & Paediatrics at Motherhood Hospitals, Greater Noida. said, “We are seeing a 41 per cent rise in preterm babies over a span of six years requiring NICU care, because preterm births are at a higher risk of breathing issues, feeding intolerance, long term issues like vision loss , hearing impairment or even development delays and in certain extreme cases, condition like cerebral palsy can develop and managing these fragile newborns demands precision and constant monitoring. Many tend to suffer from respiratory, cardiac, kidney, and liver problems and need constant support. While medical advances have improved survival, the emotional stress and financial burden on families can be overwhelming. This is why preventing preterm births through regular antenatal care is just as important as ensuring expert neonatal support after delivery.” Both the experts -- gynecologist and peadiatrician come together to identify the high-risk pregnancy which can lead to a preterm birth in the future, this holistic approach helps in identifying and treating the mother and the child with utmost care. Experts track the preterm birth risk through regular ultrasounds, blood pressure monitoring, insulin tests and cervical health and cervical length scams. Pregnant women who show signs of early contraction, fluid leakage or unexplained pains should seek immediate care. Preterm birth is not just a neonatal issue, it starts with mothers’ health and how well the pregnancy is managed. Preventive health checks play a key role in managing it. Keeping a check on nutrition, stress, blood pressure, diabetes or conditions like PCOS is very important. The experts recommend couples who are planning pregnancy, especially those in or above 30s to seek preconception counselling and follow medical advice closely. Protecting a newborn’s future starts long before birth with timely care of the mother.
13 August,2025 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT