Consumption of coffee and tea can lower the risks of developing head and neck cancer, including cancers of the mouth and throat, claimed a study on Monday. Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide, and rates are rising in low- and middle-income countries. The findings, based on an analysis of data from 14 studies, showed that compared with non-coffee-drinkers, individuals who drank more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee daily had 17 per cent lower odds of having head and neck cancer overall. It also led to a 30 per cent lower risk of having cancer of the oral cavity, and 22 per cent lower odds of having throat cancer. Drinking 3-4 cups of caffeinated coffee was linked with a 41 per cent lower risk of having hypopharyngeal cancer -- a type of cancer at the bottom of the throat), revealed the study published in the peer-reviewed CANCER journal. “While there has been prior research on coffee and tea consumption and reduced risk of cancer, this study highlighted their varying effects with different sub-sites of head and neck cancer, including the observation that even decaffeinated coffee had some positive impact,” said senior author Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, from Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah School of Medicine. “Coffee and tea habits are fairly complex, and these findings support the need for more data and further studies around the impact that coffee and tea can have on reducing cancer risk.” The team examined data from 14 studies by different scientists and pooled information on 9,548 patients with head and neck cancer. They were then compared with 15,783 controls without cancer. Study participants completed questionnaires about their prior consumption of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea in cups per day/week/month/year. Notably, the researchers found that drinking decaffeinated coffee was associated with 25 per cent lower odds of oral cavity cancer. Drinking tea was linked with 29 per cent lower odds of hypopharyngeal cancer. Also, drinking one cup or less of tea daily was linked with a 9 per cent lower risk of head and neck cancer overall and a 27 per cent lower risk of hypopharyngeal cancer, but drinking more than one cup was associated with 38 per cent higher odds of laryngeal cancer. Also Read: Lung cancer rising among non-smokers in India; doctors raise concern 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
23 December,2024 09:06 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAs the winter season begins, there is an alarming rise in cases of cold, flu, and constipation. Unfortunately, cold weather, absence of exercise, dehydration due to the lack of hydration, and changes in diet are the driving factors behind surging cold, flu, and constipation cases in children aged 8-12. Doctors say parents should take utmost care of their children during winter. Children should eat a well-balanced diet inclusive of all the vital nutrients, avoid processed foods, adhere to good personal hygiene, get a flu vaccination, and stay active by exercising indoors when the weather outside is cold. Timely attention is crucial for managing these illnesses and improving the quality of life of children. The colder winter months not only invite joint or respiratory illness but even cold, flu, and constipation which can be distressing for children. Everyone, including children, may experience health problems during winter which will demand immediate treatment. Dr. Sanju Sidaraddi, consultant - pediatrician and neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai said, “Cases of cold, flu, and constipation are commonly seen in children when the weather outside is cold. Likewise, there is a rise in constipation cases because kids tend to drink less water, eat fewer fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber, and engage in less physical exercise during winter. We are witnessing around 30 cases per week in children aged 8-12. There is a rush of children in Hospitals with complaints of body aches, fatigue due to cold and flu, hard stools, bloating, or inability to pass stools in children." Dr. Sanju Sidaraddi added, ”Children should dress warmly by wearing sweaters, jackets, gloves, and ear muffs, maintain personal hygiene by following cough etiquette, eat a nutritious diet, stay hydrated with water and warm liquids, and engage in regular indoor exercise. Parents should ensure that children don't miss the flu vaccine. Following good hand hygiene, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing can further help in preventing these viral infections. Constipation can be managed or prevented with a healthy lifestyle, choosing meals high in fiber, excluding junk, processed, canned food. Children should avoid straining while passing stools and take laxatives as advised by the doctor. Parents should be extra cautious when it comes to the child's health by staying in touch with the doctor in case they notice any unusual symptoms."
23 December,2024 06:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThere is a significant rise in respiratory illnesses among children aged 6-13, with viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). flu, pneumonia, and allergy-related problems affecting both skin and respiration. There has been a notable uptick in asthma exacerbations among children. Most children are coming to the OPD with symptoms such as runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, body pain, fatigue, cough with phlegm, and sore throat. The prevention strategies include maintaining good personal hygiene, eating a nutritious diet, wearing masks, social distancing, hand sanitizing, and regular check-ups with the doctor. Parents should stay vigilant when it comes to their child’s well-being by following the proper vaccination schedule. The alarming spike in air pollution and smog blanketing Delhi is not just a visible haze, but a silent threat to the children’s health. As particulate matter (pm) toxic gases from vehicle emissions and industrial activities accumulate in the air, there’s a disturbing rise in respiratory illnesses and skin problems among children. Dr Sanjay Wazir, medical director (NCR)- Neonatology and Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon says, “The air pollution and smog engulfing Delhi is wreaking havoc on the child’s health, by raising the risk of respiratory and skin ailments. Viral infections like RSV, influenza, and pneumonia are rampant, manifesting as runny noses, persistent coughs, and fevers in children aged 6-13. Allergy-related issues are skyrocketing, affecting both the skin and respiratory systems. Most concerning is the spikes in asthma exacerbations, leaving children gasping for breath. Children are complaining of decreased appetite, incessant sneezing, body aches, cough with phlegm, fatigue, and sore throats. Skin problems include dry skin, rashes, and allergies that will also require timely intervention. While the recent school closures have slightly decreased the number of cases, we're still treating 2-3 patients daily for these conditions." Dr Sanjay added, “It is essential for parents to follow the treatment plan recommended by the doctor, avoid self-medication, ensure their children practice good hygiene, maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins, and get adequate sleep. Likewise, regular hand washing, wearing masks in crowded places, and keeping children home when they show symptoms are crucial preventive measures. Moreover, children should avoid crowded places, and being around sick people. Parents should stick to the vaccination schedule by giving the child pneumococcal and influenza vaccines and opt for air purifiers at home to help children breathe freely. Those children with pre-existing asthma should keep the medication and inhaler handy. In case of skin problems, it is essential to use doctor-approved products. Children should stay indoors when the air quality outside is poor.”
23 December,2024 02:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHealthcare workers can enable early detection of autism by identifying red flags specific to autism during routine immunisation, said a paediatric neurologist at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Taking to social media platform X, Dr. Sheffali Gulati, Professor and faculty-in-charge at the Child Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Delhi, explained what autism is and how it can be identified early. “Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by social deficits and qualitative impairment in communication, along with some fixed interests and behaviour,” Gulati said. She noted that the condition comes with “some fixed patterns of interest, and there may be sensory issues within them”. She explained how to identify autism in a baby within 2 years. “If a 6-month-old baby is not responding to his/her name or has not started babbling till one year; if he/she is not speaking words at 16 months; is not speaking two words at 24 months; or has forgotten some vocabulary, then autism may be suspected in him/her,” Gulati said. “It is important for us to look at all the development milestones, along with the red flags specific to autism, whenever children come for immunisation,” Gulati said, emphasising the importance of early intervention in disorder. She further noted that behavioural therapy comprised the major part of early intervention along with some medications “which can help their development to become better in future”. She also called on people to accept the diversity brought about by the children with autism and to begin acceptance right home. “We have to keep in mind that these children with autism are different from the rest. Everyone has different diversity which has to be accepted. And when we talk about inclusion in society, it should begin from home, then in school and society”. The children with autism “have the same right to a dignified life as anyone else”, said Gulati, while urging people “to move forward with a humanistic approach”. A recent study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal, showed that autism is a significant health burden in India. The study, based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021, showed that India had 708·1 case of ASD per 100, 000 persons in 2021. Of these, 483·7 were females, while 921·4 were males. About 140 per 100,000 persons suffered poor health and disability due to ASD in India in 2021. Globally, an estimated 61.8 million people, or one in every 127 persons were autistic in 2021. Also Read: Mentally stimulating activities during down time linked to better brain health: 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
23 December,2024 11:12 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSSpiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's event 'World Meditates with Gurudev' has broken various records and bagged a place in the Guinness World Records, the Asia Book of Records and the World Records Union. This monumental event, organised by the Art of Living Foundation, brought together millions from across the globe, setting a new benchmark for collective meditation. The official release from the 'Art of Living' stated, "The first World Meditation Day marked an unparalleled celebration of unity and inner peace. With participants tuning in from over 180 countries, the event showcased the transformative power of meditation as a global movement." Starting with the inaugural event at the United Nations and culminating in a live session led by Gurudev from atop the World Trade Center (New York), the day witnessed a wave of meditation sweeping across continents. Also Read: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to deliver keynote address at UN on first World Meditation Day The list of records broken included the 'Guinness World Record' for most viewers of a guided meditation live stream on YouTube. Asia Book of Records for maximum participation from all the states of India in 'Guided Meditation' in a day and maximum nationalities participated in Guided Meditation in a day. World Records Union for creating the record for the most views for an online guided meditation in 24 hours on YouTube and the record for the most live viewers of a guided meditation session on YouTube. It also marked the record for the most nationalities participating in an online meditation session. The meditation session was streamed live, with millions joining virtually and even physically in large groups to meditate for global peace and harmony. Before leading everyone into meditation, he said: "Meditation is the journey from movement to stillness. To meditate you need to first go from too much thinking to feeling what is. And then go beyond the feeling towards the inner space. If you want to be sane, sensitive and sensible, you need to meditate. Meditation is not inactivity. It makes you more dynamic and peaceful. Even to be a revolutionary, you need to meditate." The Art of Living's initiative has been praised by global leaders, celebrities, sportspersons, professionals and people from all walks of life and age groups. The event also garnered significant participation from farmers, educational institutions including those for visually challenged children, corporates, members of the military, health caregivers, researchers and scientists, homemakers, people of indigenous origins and even prisons, demonstrating meditation's universal appeal and impact. The world united in a shared moment of peace and harmony, stated the release. 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
22 December,2024 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSBrains of people with high glucose levels and inflammation can age faster, increasing their risk of developing dementia, according to a study. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden used an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to analyse brain images from 739 cognitively healthy people aged 70-years to explore the brain’s biological age. They found various risk and health factors that determine the speed at which the brain ages. The study, presented in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, showed that diabetes, stroke, cerebral small vessel disease, and inflammation were linked to brains with an older appearance, On the other hand, healthy lifestyles involving regular exercise were linked to brains with a younger appearance, the study added. The team conducted MRI scans of the participant’s brains and then estimated the age of the resulting brain images using their AI-based algorithm. Further, blood samples were taken for measuring lipids, glucose, and inflammation; and their cognitive abilities were also tested. The AI tool estimated the brain age for both sexes to be on average 71 years. The researchers then looked at the ”brain age gap” by subtracting the participants' estimated biological brain age from their chronological age. “A take-home from the study is that factors that adversely affect the blood vessels can also be related to older-looking brains,” said lead author Anna Marseglia, a researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet. This “shows how important it is to keep your blood vessels healthy, to protect your brain, by making sure, for instance, that your blood glucose level is kept stable,” Marseglia added. The team next aims to launch a study to understand how women and men may differ in how they build resilience. 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.
21 December,2024 04:54 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA 52-year-old gentleman, who had been suffering from severe stiffness and difficulty walking for months, has shown a remarkable improvement following treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. After experiencing progressive tightness in his back and legs, the patient found it increasingly difficult to walk more than 200-300 meters without the onset of intense muscle stiffness, which led to him losing his balance and needing to catch hold of nearby walls for support. Initially, the patient’s condition raised concerns for possible spinal canal stenosis and vascular claudication, but after thorough testing, including MRI and Doppler scans, no such conditions were found. With the clear absence of clues in the investigations pertaining to common neurological and vascular issues, a clinical diagnosis of Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) was made. Stiff Person Syndrome is a rare neurological condition characterised by severe stiffness and muscle spasms, particularly in the back, legs, and arms. This condition often goes underdiagnosed, as its symptoms can resemble those of psychological conditions or other neurological diseases. However, in this case, a detailed assessment led to the initiation of IVIG therapy. The results were immediate. Within just one day of receiving the first dose of IVIG, the patient showed significant improvement—reporting a 60% reduction in stiffness. After five days of treatment, the patient was able to walk for 15 minutes without experiencing the tightness and discomfort that had previously hindered his mobility. Dr. Sheetal Goyal, consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said, “This case exemplifies the importance of clinical acumen in diagnosing rare conditions like Stiff Person Syndrome, which can easily be overlooked. Despite standard tests like MRI and Doppler coming back normal, we took a holistic approach to the patient's symptoms and were able to treat him effectively. The patient’s quick recovery with IVIG therapy highlights the potential for successful outcomes even in rare neurological disorders.” Despite the absence of the typical autoimmune antibodies associated with Stiff Person Syndrome, the patient responded remarkably well to the IVIG treatment. The patient’s quick recovery allowed him to resume his daily activities and return to work earlier than expected. He also expressed his gratitude in a letter, thanking the medical team for their swift diagnosis and treatment. “The case highlights the importance of clinical acumen in diagnosing rare conditions, even when standard tests come back normal,” said Dr. Goyal. "Stiff Person Syndrome is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, and this patient’s rapid improvement is a testament to the effectiveness of IVIG in managing such rare conditions." This case underscores the value of early intervention and the role of personalised treatment in addressing rare neurological disorders. As Stiff Person Syndrome remains a largely unrecognized condition, the healthcare community is encouraged to be vigilant and proactive when diagnosing patients with unexplained muscle stiffness.
21 December,2024 01:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEnvision being thousands of feet above ground seated inside a crowded aircraft when suddenly an in-flight medical emergency occurs. A passenger seated in the aircraft was having trouble breathing and her skin turned pale and strained. Other passengers looked on in concern but did not know how to intervene, Dr. Smita Moitra, consultant and in-charge, Emergency Department, Manipal Hospitals, Broadway in Kolkata took charge of the situation. The incident occurred on a Kolkata-to-Delhi flight on December 6, when a 45-year-old woman from Bikaner started experiencing severe hypertensive heart failure due to a long history of high blood pressure. With the aircraft being mid-air, every second was critical. What followed was a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how human instinct and compassion can come together to make a difference in the face of crisis. The passenger, traveling alone from Kolkata to Delhi, started feeling unwell 15 minutes into the flight. Initially what was just mild discomfort, soon turned into severe shortness of breath, chest pain, and a choking sensation. Her condition appeared to be deteriorating rapidly—she began to sweat profusely, her restlessness intensified, and she could not speak anymore. Her blood pressure rose to life-threatening levels of 240/120 mmHg in moments, where even breathing seemed impossible to her. Amid the chaos, as the cabin crew ran to help the panicking passengers, it was the real-life hero, Dr. Smita, who took charge of the situation. After calmly assessing the patient, she diagnosed her with hypertensive heart failure, a critical condition that could have led to cardiac arrest or respiratory collapse if not treated promptly. With minimal emergency supplies on board, she acted quickly. She injected the patient with Lasix to reduce fluid overload, sublingual nitroglycerin to relieve her chest pain, and Ecosprin to manage cardiac stress. The patient was provided oxygen to help with her breathing. As the patient stabilized, the crew informed the pilot, and the flight was diverted to Ranchi, where an emergency medical team awaited the patient. Without her timely diagnosis and intervention, the consequences could have been catastrophic. Dr. Smita stated, “It was an incredibly tense situation where every second felt critical. Staying calm and making quick, effective decisions is vital in such cases. The risk of things going wrong, like cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, was very real. Still, I’m grateful that I could use my training and experience to act quickly and stabilize her before the flight could land safely. Knowing that my efforts saved her life is the most rewarding part of being a doctor.” Thanks to the doctors efforts, the passenger was stable by the time the flight landed. She was transported in a wheelchair to a local hospital for further treatment. Later updates confirmed that the patient had recovered and had gone back to her normal life.
21 December,2024 11:25 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA study has estimated that one in every 127 people globally, or 6.18 crore individuals, had autism in 2021, with the neurodevelopmental condition featuring among the top 10 causes of non-fatal health burden in youth aged under 20 years. The disorder is associated with repetitive behaviour and affected social skills. Signs, which can begin to show as early as 12 months of age, include poor non-verbal communication, such as avoiding eye contact and not responding to their name. Published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal, the results showed that globally, autism cases among men were over twice of those in women -- 1,065 cases for every one lakh men and 508 for every one lakh women. The estimates come from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study, the largest and most comprehensive ones to assess health loss around the world over time, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, US, which coordinates it. "An estimated 61.8 million individuals (one in every 127 people) were on the autism spectrum globally in 2021," the authors wrote. Regions such as high-income Asia Pacific, including Japan, revealed the highest prevalence (1,560 per one lakh population), while Tropical Latin America and Bangladesh reported the lowest, researchers said. The findings underscored the importance of early detection and support to autistic young people and their caregivers globally, the authors said. They also called for efforts to improve accuracy of the study's findings, including a better understanding of how autism prevalence differs with geography. "The work presented here can guide future research efforts, and importantly, decisions concerning allocation of health services that better address the needs of all autistic individuals," the authors wrote. 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.
20 December,2024 01:38 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIIn a successful medical procedure, a 45-year-old Navi Mumbai man who had been experiencing avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head for the past year, underwent a total hip replacement surgery in Navi Mumbai. The patient, Mahesh Dhawalkar’s condition was a result of unmonitored steroid usage for managing Covid-19 infection. He had been suffering from walking pain for more than a year. Despite seeking help from multiple doctors and trying various medications including painkillers, he found no relief. A team led by Dr Deepak Gautam, Director of Orthopedic Medicine, Medicover Hospital, Navi Mumbai, conducted the surgery. The patient was seen walking pain-free in the post-operative room just hours after the surgery and was discharged within 24 hours. Talking about the condition, Dr Gautam said, “Avascular necrosis (AVN) or osteonecrosis means the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It causes tiny breaks in the bone and causes the bone to collapse. AVN can occur due to long-term use of steroids, excessive alcohol, hip injury and other medical conditions. In his condition, the cause was due to steroid use after getting infected with Covid-19.” “The surgery involved removing the damaged bone and hip cartilage and replacing it with prosthetic components,” he added. During conventional hip replacement surgery through a posterior approach, the joint is approached from the back of the hip and requires a longer healing and recovery period. “We have been performing THR by this relatively newer technique in India - Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) where patients have to stay in the hospital for a minimum period. In this approach, no muscle is disturbed, hence pain is less and the patient starts moving soon after the effect of anaesthesia is over. Other benefits include less blood loss, and reduced chances of hip dislocation; the joint structure is not affected as well,” informed Dr Gautam. Expressing gratitude, the patient stated, "My life was completely disrupted due to excruciating pain while walking. It made even the simplest daily tasks feel daunting. Fortunately, I was able to receive prompt treatment here. Dr Deepak Gautam and his team employed an innovative method to address my AVN, which has transformed my life. I can now move freely and engage in activities that once seemed impossible.” Also Read: Mumbai: How a groundbreaking surgery gave a woman with Parkinson’s new hope after 9 years Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
20 December,2024 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDiarrhea and related infections continue to be a leading cause of death among children under five years and the elderly, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, even though deaths from these conditions have dropped globally by 60 per cent between 1990 to 2021, a study says.Published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, the study found that in 2021, diarrheal diseases -- infections that cause diarrhea -- were responsible for 12 lakh deaths worldwide, a significant decrease from 29 lakh deaths in 1990.These estimates are the latest and most comprehensive from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, US.The findings suggest that health interventions, including oral rehydration therapy, improved sanitation, and global immunisation efforts against rotavirus (which causes diarrheal infections), are proving effective, researchers said.They also found that the largest decline in deaths occurred among children under five, although mortality rates remain highest in this age group.Individuals aged 70 years or older were the second most affected age group in terms of death rates, making diarrhea and related infections a leading cause of death across all age groups, the researchers noted.Regionally, children under five in sub-Saharan Africa had the highest mortality rates, with over 150 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to other global regions. In South Asia, the highest mortality rates were found among those aged 70 and older, with 476 deaths per 100,000 population.The authors stated that preventive measures targeting key risk factors and infection-causing microbes could further reduce the global burden of diarrheal diseases."The new granular-level analysis in our study can help decision-makers better target and prioritise evidence-based strategies to fight diarrheal diseases," said Dr. Hmwe Hmwe Kyu, a study author and associate professor at IHME."Despite the encouraging progress made in combating diarrheal mortality, a multipronged approach is needed to simultaneously implement life-saving solutions while also prioritising preventive interventions to alleviate the burden on health systems," Dr. Kyu added.The authors also suggested that as more vaccines are added to the World Health Organisation's Expanded Programme on Immunisation, combining them could reduce manufacturing costs and make scheduling easier. 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.
20 December,2024 01:21 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIADVERTISEMENT
