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Over 9 pc of world's land area under high risk of zoonotic outbreak: Study

Over nine per cent of the world's land area is at "high" or "very high" risk of a zoonotic outbreak -- triggered when an infection spreads from an animal to a human or vice versa, such as the Covid pandemic, according to a study. Findings published in the journal Science Advances also estimate 3 per cent of the global population to be living in extremely risky areas, and about a fifth in medium-risk areas. Researchers, including those from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) Scientific Development Programmes Unit in Italy, analysed location-specific information from the 'Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network' dataset and the World Health Organization's (WHO) list of diseases prioritised according to their potential for causing an epidemic or a pandemic. Covid, Ebola, coronavirus-related MERS and SARS, and Nipah are among the most prioritised infections in the WHO's list. The team's analysis suggests that conditions driven by climate change -- higher temperatures and rainfall, and water shortage -- elevate the risk of zoonosis, or 'spillover events'. The study "presents a global risk map and an epidemic risk index that combines countries' specific risk with their capacities for preparing and responding to zoonotic threats (excluding SARS-CoV-2)." "Our results indicate that 9.3 per cent of the global land surface is at high (6.3 per cent) or very high (three per cent) risk," the authors wrote. They also estimated about 7 per cent of Asia's and 5 per cent of Africa's land area to be at high and very high risk of outbreak, following Latin America (27 per cent) and Oceania (18.6 per cent). Overall, the authors found that climate-related changes to the environment substantially drove a region's vulnerability to the risk of a spillover event. They wrote, "This underscores the need for continued monitoring and the integration of climate adaptation and mitigation efforts into public health planning." "Translating these risk estimates into an epidemic risk index allows for the identification of high-risk areas and supports policymakers in improving response capacities, allocating resources effectively, and fostering international collaboration to address global health threats," the team said. A study by the Indian Council of Medical Research found that over 8 per cent of outbreaks reported between 2018 and 2023 under the country's infectious disease surveillance system were zoonotic. Of a total of 6,948 outbreaks analysed, 583 (8.3 per cent) were spread to humans from animals. Outbreaks were also found to consistently peak during June, July, and August. The findings were published in The Lancet Regional Southeast Asia journal in May this year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

27 July,2025 12:37 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
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Vaccines prevented over 2.5 million Covid-19 deaths worldwide: Study

Vaccines prevented more than 2.5 million deaths from SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind Covid-19 infections, worldwide, according to a study. The study, led by researchers from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Italy, showed that one Covid death was avoided for every 5,400 doses of vaccine administered. Some 82 per cent of the lives saved by vaccines involved people vaccinated before encountering the virus, 57 per cent during the Omicron period, and 90 per cent involved people aged 60 years and older. In all, vaccines have saved 14.8 million years of life (one year of life saved for 900 doses of vaccine administered), revealed the findings, published in the journal Jama Health Forum. "Before ours, several studies tried to estimate lives saved by vaccines with different models and in different periods or parts of the world, but this one is the most comprehensive because it is based on worldwide data, it also covers the omicron period, it also calculates the number of years of life that was saved, and it is based on fewer assumptions about the pandemic trend," said the researcher Dr. Angelo Maria Pezzullo, and Dr. Antonio Cristiano from the varsity. For the study, the experts studied worldwide population data, applying a series of statistical methods to figure out who among the people who became ill with Covid did so either before or after getting vaccinated, before or after the Omicron period, and how many of them died (and at what age). "We compared this data with the estimated data modeled in the absence of Covid vaccination and were then able to calculate the numbers of people who were saved by Covid vaccines and the years of life gained as a result of them," Dr. Pezzullo explained. It also turned out that most of the saved years of life (76 per cent) involved people over 60 years of age, but residents in long-term care facilities contributed only 2 per cent of the total number. Children and adolescents (0.01 per cent of lives saved and 0.1 per cent of life years saved) and young adults aged 20–29 (0.07 per cent of lives saved and 0.3 per cent of life years saved) contributed very little to the total benefit, 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

27 July,2025 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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Onion, potato prices in India rose by 80 pc in 2024 due to climate change: Study

Food prices in India saw a sharp rise in 2024 due to an unusually severe heatwave, with onion and potato prices jumping by more than 80 per cent in the second quarter of the year, according to a new study. The study, led by Maximilian Kotz of the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre and involving researchers from the European Central Bank, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and the UK's Food Foundation, investigated 16 extreme weather-driven food price shocks across 18 countries between 2022 and 2024. It found that many of these events exceeded all historical precedents before 2020 and were strongly influenced by global warming. "In India, the price of onions and potatoes jumped by over 80 per cent in the second quarter of 2024 after a heatwave in May, a 'largely unique event' that was made at least 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer by climate change," the researchers said. The year 2024 was the hottest on record and the first with a global average temperature 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. In India, extreme heat in May severely affected crop yields and supply chains, contributing to high inflation in essential vegetables. The study warned that such food price shocks could worsen health outcomes, including malnutrition and chronic diseases and increase economic inequality. "Rising food prices have direct implications for food security, particularly for low-income households... When the price of food shoots up, low-income families often have to resort to less nutritious, cheaper foods. Diets like this have been linked to a range of health conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease," Kotz said. The researchers said food price inflation due to climate extremes may also "raise headline inflation", making it harder for central banks to maintain price stability, especially in developing countries where food has a larger share in household budgets. The study said that in Ghana and Ivory Coast, global cocoa prices increased by around 280 per cent by April 2024 after a February heatwave. The heat was made 4 degrees Celsius hotter by climate change. In Brazil and Vietnam, heatwaves and drought led to a 55 per cent rise in Arabica coffee prices and a 100 per cent rise in Robusta prices. In the European Union, olive oil prices rose 50 per cent year-on-year by January 2024 after a drought in Spain and Italy. In the United States, vegetable prices increased by 80 per cent in November 2022 due to a drought in California and Arizona. The researchers called for urgent measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and warned that without climate action, such food shocks will become more frequent. "Until we get to net-zero emissions, extreme weather will only get worse and it is already damaging crops and pushing up the price of food all over the world," Kotz said. The study also recommended that governments and central banks use seasonal climate predictions to anticipate food price shocks and prepare targeted support. It cited an HSBC analysis showing that "temperatures are now a better metric for forecasting food prices across India compared to reservoir levels". The study was released ahead of the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake on July 27, co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy, both of which also experienced food price shocks due to climate change. The researchers said food affordability must become a policy priority to prevent wider health and political impacts. 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 July,2025 12:26 PM IST | Mumbai | PTI
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Study links common diabetes drug with cardiovascular risk

A commonly used type 2 diabetes medication in the US -- Glipizide -- may be linked to a higher rate of heart-related conditions, claimed a study.  Researchers from Mass General Brigham examined nationwide data from nearly 50,000 patients treated with different sulfonylureas. They found that glipizide was linked to a higher incidence of heart failure, related hospitalisation, and death compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The findings are published in JAMA Network Open. “Patients with type 2 diabetes are at heightened risk of adverse cardiovascular incidents such as stroke and cardiac arrest,” said corresponding author Alexander Turchin, Division of Endocrinology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH). “While sulfonylureas are popular and affordable diabetes medications, there is a lack of long-term clinical data on how they affect cardiac health in comparison to more neutral alternatives like dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors,” he added. Type 2 diabetes is a common chronic disease whose prevalence continues to grow worldwide. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including coronary ischemia, stroke, and heart failure. Mitigation of cardiovascular risk is therefore an important aspect of the treatment of diabetes. The study included 48,165 patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate cardiovascular risk who received care at 10 different study sites across the country. The researchers studied the five-year risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients treated with different sulfonylureas (glimepiride, glipizide, or glyburide) or DPP4i in addition to metformin, a primary diabetes medication. They found that glipizide was associated with a 13 per cent increase in cardiovascular risk when compared to DPP4i, while glimepiride and glyburide led to relatively smaller and less clear effects, respectively. “Our study underscores the importance of evaluating each drug in a particular pharmacological class on its own merits,” said Turchin. The team also called for further research to uncover the underlying mechanisms.

26 July,2025 10:58 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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BITS Hyd develops wearable that uses sweat to measure blood glucose reading

With an aim to offer a non-invasive, painless, low-cost alternative to conventional testing methods of glucose levels in the body, a BITS Pilani Hyderabad campus student and his mentor developed a smartwatch-based wearable diagnostic platform that would use sweat to measure the sugar readings. The research for platform which was developed by the co-founders Abhishek Kumar, a PhD scholar and Prof. Sanket Goel-Principal Investigator, is being translated toward commercialisation through Cleome Innovation, a spin-off from the MEMS ( Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics Lab) of the BITS Pilani, Hyderabad campus. The startup is working to bring the wearable device to the healthcare market for proactive diabetes management, Abhishek Kumar said. "In my family, even around, I have seen diabetes patients. My father, my grandfather, my grandmother, many people are diabetes patients. So I used to test them using that finger prick method ( to draw blood for glucometer). And I literally sometimes used to feel their pain," Kumar told PTI when asked why he chose to innovate the non-invasive method. One of the most significant features of the platform is its cost-effectiveness and the team deliberately engineered the platform to be scalable, low-cost, and reliable. Each component has been selected to minimise cost while maintaining performance, said Abhishek Kumar. The wearable can detect, not only glucose levels, but also uric acid and lactate which are also important metabolic parameters, the research scholar said. According to him, as per the sample which they tested it has achieved a good accuracy of around 97 to 98 percent currently. Kumar said after clinical validation of the product , it would be submitted for regulatory approvals before going into commercialization. "The first trials may start in six months from now. So altogether it may take one year to get into commercial production," he added. This work is a significant improvisation from a turnkey, fully automated, self-testing diagnostic platform capable of detecting key diabetes-related biomarkers, but from urine and sweat samples, offering a painless, low-cost alternative to conventional testing methods. The study has been recently published in the Lab on a Chip journal by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), prof Goel said. Looking forward, the research team is working on translating the system into wearable formats, such as patch-based or flexible skin sensors, to enable continuous and real-time monitoring of multiple analytes, a step toward personalized, on-the-go health tracking, the professor further said. "Diabetes isn't just about glucose; complications can arise silently and early. By monitoring additional markers like lactate and uric acid, we gain a more complete picture of a patient's metabolic condition. Our system does this non-invasively, affordably, and in real time without requiring blood samples. Costing around Rs 2,500, the device continuously delivers results and is designed not just to replace finger-prick tests, but to enable broader metabolic monitoring using simple biofluids like sweat," said Prof. Goel. The team is anticipating working with the industry for technology transfer or enhancing, he added.

26 July,2025 10:09 AM IST | Hyderabad | PTI
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Hepatitis B drugs vastly underused, must be used early to save lives: Lancet

Hepatitis B drugs are being vastly underused, and boosting early treatment against the deadly hepatitis B virus (HBV) could save many lives over time, argued scientists in a new paper published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology.  HBV kills over 3,000 people every day, or over 2 people every minute. Of the people who do not clear the infection and go on to develop a chronic HBV infection, between 20 and 40 per cent will die if they do not receive treatment. The experts noted that even though the currently available drugs do not cure people, they are safe, effective, and relatively inexpensive. "These medications are good drugs that are being badly underused," said John Tavis, Professor of molecular microbiology and immunology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. "Less than 3 per cent of all people infected with HBV are receiving treatment, and the evidence suggests that many more people could benefit from treatment. If we get people on medication earlier, the net disease and death rate is going to be much less," Tavis said. In the research, the scientists noted that early treatment not only slows down the disease progression but also limits the cumulative liver damage throughout a 20 to 30-year-long chronic infection that causes liver cancer and liver failure. The researchers also noted that hepatitis B carries an emotional, mental, and social burden that adds to the disease's impact on quality of life. "The most common way the infection is passed along is from a mother with HBV to her infant," Tavis said. "Most mothers don't know they have the infection. And, the stress of learning that you passed along a deadly illness to your baby is unimaginable," he added. Although the virus does not spread by casual contact, many people also suffer in their communities. "We know these drugs could reduce the incidence of liver cancer by two-thirds, or possibly even three-quarters. That's a big impact, saving millions of lives over time,” Tavis 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.

26 July,2025 09:53 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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Mumbai: Mother with uterine fibroid gives birth to child in complex delivery

Doctors in Mumbai have successfully performed an elective caesarean section (LSCS) of a 37-year-old woman with a 13-cm uterine fibroid, give birth to her child.  The patient, who had conceived naturally for the first time after eight years of marriage, was ecstatic to start her journey towards motherhood. However, during her initial scan, a huge intramural fibroid on the uterus was identified, with apprehension regarding the progress of the pregnancy and eventual delivery method. In spite of the diagnosis, all scans including nuchal translucency (NT) scan, double marker, and anomaly scan were normal. At 12 weeks, she had a low pulsatility index (PI) of bilateral uterine arteries, for which low-dose aspirin (75 mg) was started to improve placental blood supply and foetal growth. During the course of pregnancy, the mother had intermittent bursts of severe backache due to the enlarging fibroid. The doctors at Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital treated these conservatively with 650 mg of Paracetamol twice daily. Aspirin was discontinued at 32 weeks according to obstetric practice. By 36 weeks, a growth scan had confirmed the fibroid's severe obstruction of the birth canal, and vaginal delivery was considered impossible. With the malpresentation and the central position of the fibroid on the anterior wall, an elective LSCS was planned, with full appreciation of the likely surgical challenges. Dr Kekin Gala, consultant obstetrics and gynecology, at the hospital said, "This was a very difficult case because of the location of the fibroid. It was in the very area where classical and lower segment incisions are usually made, making it a dilemma. We had to plan a modified incision pathway to deliver the baby safely." During intraoperative management, the surgeons identified a minor spot below the fibroid and cautiously made the cut in that space. After a successful delivery, the team made a deliberate choice to delay myomectomy to another time, to avoid causing intraoperative morbidity. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged within 72 hours. The family and patient expressed their appreciation. "We waited eight years to experience this beautiful moment, so we were initially apprehensive when we heard of the fibroid and the possible complications. But the Narayana Health SRCC team tackled the issue with so much calm and confidence that we were reassured. Their professionalism gave us the biggest blessing —a healthy baby," the new mother said. Dr Zubin Pereira, facility director at the hospital added, “Pregnancy fibroids are known to complicate gestation and delivery and create malpresentation, pain, obstructed labour, as well as heightened surgical risks. A well-coordinated effort and preoperative planning by our hospital medical team, were crucial in the prevention of a bad outcome.”

25 July,2025 05:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Monsoon skin SOS: Why your skin's acting out, and how to bring back the balance

The monsoon in India brings a refreshing respite from the heat, but it often brings a host of skin troubles too. The increased humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and dampness can throw your skin's balance completely off-kilter, leading to breakouts, fungal infections, and irritation.  To understand why your skin's acting out and how to restore its calm, mid-day spoke to Dr Mikki Singh, dermatologist and cosmetologist, founder and medical director at Bodycraft Clinics, and Dr Prachi B. Bodkhe, dermatologist at Envi Aesthetics.The humidity huddle: Why monsoon triggers breakoutsEven if you don't typically battle acne, the monsoon's high humidity can unleash a wave of breakouts. Mikki Singh explains the science behind this phenomenon, "Increased humidity during the monsoon season causes your skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands to become overactive.”  She outlines two major issues: Occlusion of pores: Sweat and humidity mix with sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells, clogging pores.Altered skin microbiome: The moist environment encourages overgrowth of cutibacterium acnes (formerly P. acnes), leading to inflammation and breakouts.“Even dry or normal skin types may start overproducing oil as a compensatory mechanism, especially when indoor air alternates between dampness and air-conditioning. Individuals who normally don’t struggle with acne can suddenly experience breakouts during this season,” Singh explains.  Monsoon skincare pitfalls: Steer clear for healthy skinWhile proper care needs to be paid during the monsoon, one must also not overdo it. Prachi B. Bodkhe lists key pitfalls to steer clear of:1. Over washing the face: Stick to washing twice a day with a mild cleanser.2. Skipping moisturiser: Use a lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer. Alternatively, you can use hyaluronic acid-based serums and cover it with hydrating sunscreens.3. Heavy makeup: Use breathable, non-comedogenic makeup, or skip it when possible. Alternatively, you can use tinted sunscreens.4. Linen care: Not changing towels and pillowcases often.5. Ignoring footwear-related hygiene: Use open footwear whenever possible. Dry your feet thoroughly and use antifungal powders wherever needed.Your monsoon skincare arsenal: A daily routine for oily and acne-prone skinTo combat oiliness and prevent breakouts, a targeted skincare routine is crucial.  Singh recommends the following daily regimen:MorningCleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser with salicylic acid (1 to 2 per cent) or tea tree oil to unclog pores and reduce oil.Serum: Lightweight, non-comedogenic serum with niacinamide (5 per cent) or azelaic acid (10 per cent).Moisturiser: Gel-based, non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturiser with hyaluronic acid.Sunscreen: Matte-finish, gel-based broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+).EveningDouble cleanse: Use micellar water or a gentle oil cleanser followed by a foaming salicylic acid face wash.Treatment: Spot treat with benzoyl peroxide (2.5 per cent) or a retinoid (like adapalene 0.1 per cent) at night. It is recommended to consult a doctor before starting a retinoid.Moisturise: Non-comedogenic moisturiser with ingredients like ceramides or centella asiatica.Ingredients to avoidHeavy creams, petroleum-based products, and alcohol-based toners. Avoid layering too many actives (e.g., AHA + retinoid) without guidance—it can increase sensitivity.The fungal factor: Preventing and recognising monsoon infectionsFungal infections like ringworm and athlete's foot flourish in the humid monsoon climate. Singh outlines key preventative measures and early warning signs:Preventative measures1. Keep skin dry, especially in folds (groin, underarms, toes).2. Change wet clothes and socks immediately after exposure to rain.3. Use antifungal powders (clotrimazole or ketoconazole-based) in high-sweat areas.4. Avoid synthetic or tight clothing—opt for breathable cotton.5. Footwear hygiene: Use open-toed sandals when possible and disinfect shoes regularly.Early signs to watch1. Ringworm: Red, circular, itchy rashes with raised edges—typically on groin, thighs, or chest.2. Athlete’s foot: Scaling, peeling, or itching between the toes, often with a foul odour."Always consult a dermat especially if the itch worsens, spreads, or doesn't improve in 5–7 days of over the-counter treatment," Singh advises. Beyond hygiene: Lesser-known triggers for monsoon rashesIt's not just about cleanliness. Several environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to monsoon-related skin rashes. Singh sheds light on these often-overlooked culprits:Environmental triggers:1. Wearing damp clothes and shoes for prolonged hours may lead to frictional dermatitis.2. Allergens in rainwater (pollutants, bacteria) may trigger eczema or contact dermatitis.3. Increased indoor mould from moisture may cause flares in atopic or sensitive skin.Lifestyle habits:1. Over-cleansing due to the sticky feeling strips skin barrier, causing irritation.2. Skipping moisturisers paradoxically worsens oil production and sensitivity.3. Using hot water baths frequently exacerbates dryness and inflammation.Home treatments (for mild irritation):1. Calamine lotion for soothing irritation.2. Cold compresses and fragrance-free moisturizers.Professional intervention is required if:1. Rash spreads rapidly or becomes painful.2. There is oozing, crusting, or fever.3. No improvement within 3 to 5 days of home care.As always, consult a dermatologist before the condition gets worse.Tackling excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis) in monsoonFor those experiencing excessive sweating, the monsoon can be particularly challenging. Bodkhe offers strategies to manage hyperhidrosis and prevent associated skin issues saying, "During the monsoon, many people experience excessive sweating, especially in areas like the underarms, back, and groin. This, along with tight clothing, can lead to clogged pores, sweat rashes, and infections (folliculitis).”  Bodkhe recommends:1. Antiperspirants over deodorants: Switching to antiperspirants from deodorants helps by reducing sweat output. Apply them at night for best results.2. Antibacterial cleansers: Shower daily with antibacterial cleansers. Benzoyl peroxide-based soaps and cleansers work best to keep odour in check.3. Professional treatments: Botulinum toxin works wonders for axillary and palmoplantar hyperhidrosis (sweating over palms and soles). Iontophoresis is one more easily available and less invasive approach.The sunscreen imperative: Don't skip it on cloudy daysA common misconception is that sunscreen isn't needed on cloudy or rainy days. Bodkhe clarifies why broad-spectrum sunscreen remains non-negotiable during monsoon, "UV rays are present year-round, and up to 80 per cent of UV rays can penetrate clouds, so sunscreen is a must.”  1. Look for sunscreens labelled SPF 30 or higher with 'broad-spectrum' protection.2. Opt for gel-based, mineral, or hybrid sunscreens that are oil-free, lightweight, and won’t clog pores.3. Remember to reapply every 2 to 3 hours if outdoors.Nurturing sensitive skin during monsoon's fluctuationsSensitive skin can be particularly prone to irritation and flare-ups due to the fluctuating monsoon weather.  Bodkhe advises on protecting and caring for delicate skin:1. Avoid experimenting with new products during this season.2. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturisers.3. Use ceramide-based creams to strengthen the skin barrier and protect against environmental irritants.4. Dry properly after getting wet, as rainwater can be slightly acidic and full of pollutants.5. Use light, hydrating serums, then seal in with a non-greasy moisturizer.6. Keep indoor areas ventilated and use organic air purifiers if needed.

25 July,2025 02:15 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai Agarwal
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International Self-Care Day: Why your mind deserves daily self-care

While the conversation around mental health has broadened over the years, self-care as a concept has been marketed in ways that lead you to think of it as spa treatments and luxurious indulgences. Understandably, it can be pleasurable to go on a holiday, but true self-care can be practiced daily, is critical for your mental health and far more accessible.  Every year, International Self-Care Day is observed on July 24 to highlight the role of self-care in life. While every person knows of the concept, people do need a reminder often, so mental health experts delve into how self-care is different from pampering yourself. They also highlight the benefits of digital detox and emotional check ins, and share practical strategies to help you include self-care in your everyday lives The essentials of self-care: Beyond pamperingDr Aparna Ramakrishnan, consultant, psychiatry, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai, defines self-care, "Intentionally and consciously taking action to maintain or improve your physical, mental and emotional health. It is taking care of yourself so that you have enough resources to lead a healthy, happy, functional life and develop resilience to face life’s challenges. The core focus of self-care, is on long-term benefits and wellbeing." Self-care encompasses various practices. "Adequate sleep, rest and relaxation, nutritious and healthy dietary practices, regular physical activity and exercise, adequate stress management, mindfulness practices, developing a better and healthy relationship with oneself, maintaining a work-life balance and taking well-earned breaks from time to time, setting boundaries for emotional wellbeing and seeking professional help and therapy if required,” says Ramakrishnan, while stressing, "Self-care is consistent, routine based, necessary." Self-care versus pampering: Understanding the differenceWhile often confused, self-care and pampering serve different purposes. "Pampering oneself can be a part of self-care, but self-care has much broader dimensions than pampering. Pampering involves indulging in practices which provide immediate pleasure and comfort. It’s not always essential, but makes one feel good. Examples include shopping for yourself, taking a luxurious bath, getting massages or spa treatments, luxurious vacations. The rewards are immediate, but short term and temporary," explains Ramakrishnan. She highlights, "Maintaining a balance between consistent self-care and occasional pampering is important for a healthy happy life." The crucial role of self-care in mental healthSelf-care plays a significant role in maintaining everyday mental health and building resilience. “It actively reduces stress and anxiety levels reducing the risk of developing mental health disorders like depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse or even burnout. Furthermore, self-care practices reduce stress hormone levels which improve resilience, make us responsive not reactive to stressors and life’s challenges hence buffer us against chronic stress and its side effects," shares Ramakrishnan. Self-care also improves physical health which enhances our mood and improves our coping skills. She adds, “Self-care is instrumental in emotional regulation, allowing us to pause, reflect on our emotions, process them and respond adequately to situations rather than just react to them." This, in turn, helps in enhancing calmness, prevents us from being overwhelmed by our emotions and prevents burnout. It also makes up more equipped to deal with and bounce back from setbacks. Beyond emotional benefits, self-care empowers individuals to set boundaries, prioritise our needs, say no and not overcommit to things. “This practice increases self-respect, gives us a sense of agency, enhances self-compassion that I too deserve care which leads to increased self-esteem which is essential for survival," she poses. Ultimately, Ramakrishnan emphasises, "Self-care is not selfishness. It’s like recharging your mind before it burns out and making it strong enough to face life’s challenges." Recognising when to seek professional helpHow can individuals identify when their self-care efforts are insufficient and when it might be time for professional help? Dr. Ajit Dandekar, head and consultant – mental health (psychiatry and psychology), Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai provides a helpful checklist of early warning signs. If you answer "Yes" to any of these questions, it may be time to seek professional support:1. Do little things irritate me?2. Do I have trouble sleeping or wake up tired?3. Do I feel drained out, worried a lot, or trapped?4. Do I snap frequently at those I love?5. Has my output/efficiency gone down or have I been making a lot of mistakes in my professional work lately?6. Do I suffer from physical symptoms more frequently?7. Have I withdrawn from activities or people?8. Do I have persistent sadness or hopelessness?9. Do I have difficulty in concentrating?10. Is there appreciable increase in the use of substances like coffee, cigarettes, alcohol etc.?11. Do I have a change in appetite (undereating or overeating or unplanned weight changes)?12. Have I lost interest in things which I would usually find enjoyable? "If the answer to any of the above questions is Yes then it is time for us to seek professional help without any further delay. A stich in time saves nine. Otherwise sitting on the problem and leaving the stress unattended can lead to various serious physical, psychophysiological, psychological, interpersonal or professional consequences,” urges Dandekar. Setting healthy digital boundaries In today’s world, an essential aspect of self-care is setting digital boundaries. This means intentionally and consciously limiting the time and energy you spend with technology, including phones, TVs, video games, and other online activities.As Ramakrishnan shares ten practical ways to implement these boundaries:1. Set no-screen times: Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes after waking up, during meals, and for an hour before bedtime.2. Utilise app timers: Use features like digital well-being tools to set limits on social media apps.3. Manage notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications to reduce distractions.4. Take detox breaks: Plan periods away from social media, such as a full day or a weekend.5. Curate your feed: Unfollow sites, accounts, or people that trigger negative emotions, and curate your social media content to only include what genuinely adds value to your life.6. Designate screen-free zones: Establish areas in your home, like the bedroom, or situations, such as meet-ups with friends, where screens are not allowed.7. Set boundaries with people: Inform contacts about your availability and learn to say "no" to constant accessibility.8. Maintain work-life balance: Log out of work devices after hours, respond to work-related activities only during work hours, and consider having separate devices for work and personal use if possible.9. Practice mindful scrolling: Be intentional about how you engage with online content.10. Use Do Not Disturb (DND) mode: Activate DND, especially during sleep hours or when spending time with family and friends. The power of emotional check-insEmotional check in is also an important aspect of self-care. “It’s taking a moment, a mindful, conscious pause from our busy routine to analyse how we feel in that very moment – emotionally, physically, mentally without judging ourselves for that. This activity helps us to recognise and process emotions without letting them overwhelm us, dealing with them in a healthy way instead of ignoring or suppressing them, responding to the feelings and not just reacting impulsively and hence making healthy choices in any situation. This helps in emotional regulation, stress reduction and building resilience and self-esteem,” explains Ramakrishnan.It can be done anytime during the day, but especially if you aren’t feeling too good or are stressed. A quick way to do this is to stop what you are doing, close your eyes, focus on your breath for 10 seconds. Ask ‘what am I feeling right now?’ Name the emotion specifically. Don’t judge the emotion or yourself for feeling it. Scan your body to recognise where the tension is. Again, do not judge. Just observe. Ask yourself what could have brought this feeling about- with curiosity. Tell yourself ‘It’s ok to feel like this, what can I do to feel better right now’. Take a small action like a deep breath, a call to your loved one, a quick note about what you are experiencing at present.Emotional check ins prevent emotions from building up and causing anxiety and outbursts. They give us emotional clarity and help in emotional regulation. They also help us develop self-compassion. Practical strategies for daily mental self-careSelf-care is not just about spa treatments, luxury vacations, or indulgence. It plays a significant role in maintaining everyday mental health and building resilience. It actively reduces stress and anxiety levels reducing the risk of developing mental health disorders, and improves physical health which enhances our mood and improves our coping skills. Dandekar lists ten practical, low-cost mental self-care strategies:1. Mind-body connection: Engage in practices like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. These harmonize mind and body, reduce stress, and foster self-acceptance. Short breathing exercises (2 to 3 minutes) can be done anytime.2. Journaling and gratitude: Write down thoughts and feelings for clarity, identify patterns, and celebrate small wins. Consider a gratitude diary, noting three things you're grateful for daily, or scheduling a dedicated "worry time."3. Engage your mind: Stimulate intellectual growth and reduce anxiety through reading, learning something new, or solving puzzles.4. Connect with nature: Spending time outdoors has a calming effect. Walks in a park, gardening, or even just 5 minutes of sunlight exposure can lift your mood and reduce mental fatigue.5. Express through creativity: Engage in art, music, dance, singing, or playing an instrument. These activities stimulate emotional expression and release pent-up emotions healthily. Instrumental music is recommended for focus, while singing and dancing are powerful, primitive forms of expression.6. Manage digital consumption: Practice limiting screen time (digital detox) to prevent mental overload and encourage healthier sleep. Set no screen times (e.g., before bed, during meals), use app timers, turn off non-essential notifications, and curate positive social media content.7. Prioritise physical well-being:- Regular physical exercise: Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health.- Eat healthy, regularly, and stay hydrated: Focus on a balanced diet and hydrate yourself to nourish your body and mind.- Make sleep a priority: Aim for at least 6 to 7 hours of sleep. Reduce blue light exposure from devices before bedtime.8. Set boundaries and goals: Decide what must get done now, what can wait, and what can be let go. Learn to say a polite but firm ‘no’ to new tasks when you're taking on too much.9. Cultivate positivity and gratitude: Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts with opposite positive thoughts, a practice known as Pratipaksha Bhavana in yoga. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for and appreciate your accomplishments.10. Foster connection and virtue: Reach out to friends or family for emotional support; social interaction is beneficial. Additionally, inculcate virtues like friendliness, compassion, finding joy in others' achievements, and being indifferent to unreasonable criticism, as highlighted in yogic principles (parikarmas). Remember, innocent humour is an effective stressbuster. In a fast-paced and demanding world, taking time to care for your mental health leads to a more meaningful and empowered life. Small, consistent actions can make a big difference. “Mental self-care is not a luxury-- it is a necessity. There is nothing wrong in being selfish when it comes to self-development. It’s only when you are physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually healthy that you can help others around you,” concludes Dandekar. 

25 July,2025 01:14 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai Agarwal
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Regular exposure to air pollution may raise risk of dementia: Study

Regular exposure to air pollution, including that coming from car exhaust emissions, can increased your risk of dementia, according to an analysis of studies published on Friday. Dementias such as Alzheimer's disease are estimated to affect more than 57.4 million people worldwide, a number that is expected to almost triple to 152.8 million cases by 2050. The study, published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health, showed that for every 10 micrograms per cubic metre of PM2.5, an individual's relative risk of dementia would increase by 17 per cent. For each 1 micrograms per cubic metre of soot as found in PM2.5, the relative risk for the cognitive condition increased by 13 per cent. Soot comes from sources such as vehicle exhaust emissions and burning wood. "These findings underscore the need for an interdisciplinary approach to dementia prevention. Preventing dementia is not just the responsibility of health care: this study strengthens the case that urban planning, transport policy, and environmental regulation all have a significant role to play," said joint first author Dr. Christiaan Bredell from the University of Cambridge. Air pollution causes inflammation in the brain and oxidative stress (a chemical process in the body that can cause damage to cells, proteins, and DNA), leading to the onset and progression of dementia. "Tackling air pollution can deliver long-term health, social, climate, and economic benefits. It can reduce the immense burden on patients, families, and caregivers, while easing pressure on overstretched health care systems," said Dr. Haneen Khreis from the MRC Epidemiology Unit. For the study, the team carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing scientific literature. They included 51 studies, including data from more than 29 million participants, mostly from high-income countries. Of these, 34 papers were included in the meta-analysis: 15 originated in North America, 10 in Europe, seven in Asia, and two in Australia. The researchers found a positive and statistically significant association between particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less (PM2.5), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and soot and dementia. Further analysis revealed that the effect of exposure to these pollutants was stronger for vascular dementia -- a type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain. 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 July,2025 12:16 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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Yoga may help reduce diabetes risk by 40 per cent, claims study

Even as India continues to be the diabetes capital of the world, a new study on Thursday shows yoga can prevent the risk by 40 per cent. The findings, presented by Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, himself a noted diabetologist, highlighted the potential of yoga in preventive healthcare. The study led by the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) suggests that the regular practice of yoga may reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by as much as 40 per cent in individuals predisposed to the condition. "This is one of the first such efforts that seeks to scientifically document the prevention of the occurrence of Type 2 diabetes with yoga. As per the authors of the report, there is as much as a 40 per cent reduction in developing of Type 2 diabetes among potential individuals who practice yoga regularly," Singh said. The research aimed to explore the role of yoga in the prevention -- rather than just the management -- of Type 2 diabetes. It also specified certain Yoga Aasans found useful for this. Singh pointed out that most earlier studies had focused on individuals already living with diabetes, examining how yoga could reduce their dependence on medication or insulin. In contrast, this study concentrates exclusively on individuals at risk of developing the disease, such as those with a family history of diabetes, and whether the onset can be prevented altogether. “The report has been submitted for further scrutiny. As per the authors, it is based on non-clinical observations,” the MoS said. The Minister further noted that similar research is also underway under the purview of the Department of Biotechnology, where studies are being conducted on how traditional wellness interventions like yoga can contribute to preventive and therapeutic health outcomes. “This study reflects how ancient practices like yoga, when rigorously examined through scientific methods, can offer real-world health solutions. It’s a step towards strengthening preventive healthcare and building a healthier India,” Singh 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

25 July,2025 11:51 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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