Do you often wake up in the morning feeling tired? Worry not, because celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has a few tips for you. Many people consider mornings to be the most active time of the day. Feeling energetic after waking up can not only boost mood but also set the tone for what is to follow. Taking to Instagram, Diwekar shared a reel, revealing tips to wake up with more energy. “The only way to get more energy in the morning is to sleep better. And the only way to sleep better is to have a proper dinner. And the only way to have a proper dinner is to have it three hours prior to bedtime,” she said in the video. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rujuta Diwekar (@rujuta.diwekar) Further elaborating on how food choices and habits can impact sleep and energy levels in the morning, she said, “The way to ensure that you are not overeating that meal three hours prior to bedtime is to plan what you are going to eat between 4-6 PM in the evening a week ahead of time.” “Wrong food consumption usually occurs between 4-6 PM. This happens because one doesn’t decide in advance what they have to eat. So, sit every Sunday and plan what you are going to eat during this time in the week,” she added. In an earlier video, Diwekar had advised people to have a fresh homemade meal between 4-6 PM every day. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rujuta Diwekar (@rujuta.diwekar) She gave the following three reasons why this is essential: It helps to unwind and de-stress. It reduces late-night cravings. It allows you to have a smallish dinner so that you sleep well. About Rujuta Diwekar Rujuta Diwekar is a Mumbai-based nutritionist, fitness and wellness expert, and author. She has worked with celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Anupam Kher and Richa Chadda. She has authored several books on eating right and busting food myths.
23 November,2024 01:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGynaecological cancer, which originates in a woman’s reproductive system, requires early detection for accurate and timely treatment. Understanding symptoms is key to navigate the condition. It affects one of the following organs – ovaries, uterus, cervix, vulva or vagina. In a conversation with mid-day.com, Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, shares five types of gynaecological cancer that every woman should be aware of. Five types of gynaecological cancer Ovarian cancer Also known as a “silent killer”, ovarian cancer begins in the ovaries in women. Dr Siddhartha informs, “It usually goes undetected until it spreads to other parts like the pelvis and abdomen.” Symptoms include: Bloating Pain in the pelvic area Inability to eat or swallow Frequent urge to pee Uterine cancer Also called endometrial cancer, uterine cancer starts in the lining of the uterus. Dr Siddhartha suggests to look out for the following symptoms: Abnormal bleeding in the vagina particularly after menopause Vaginal discharge Difficulty having bowel movements Loss of appetite Sudden weight loss Changes in your menstrual cycles. “People with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), obesity, certain age groups, and family history are at higher risk of being detected with this particular cancer,” she further informs. Cervical cancer This cancer starts in the cervix. Dr Siddhartha explains, “Cervical cancer is often linked with HPV (human papillomavirus) infection in women. Detecting cervical cancer at an early stage can be difficult as most of the women do not experience visible symptoms. This is why it becomes crucial to go for routine pap smear tests for early diagnosis and timely intervention.” As cervical cancer progresses, one may start to notice the following symptoms: Vaginal bleeding Extreme pelvic pain Unusual discharge “Being vaccinated against HPV infection can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer,” the doctor adds. Vulvar cancer This cancer tends to affect the external genitalia in women, known as the vulva. Some common symptoms include: Persistent itching Pain Significant changes in the skin around that area Lumps and sores. “Dealing with these symptoms can be overwhelming and frustrating. Many tend to ignore these symptoms as minor inconveniences or infections that may get better with time. This can delay the diagnosis,” cautions Dr Siddhartha. Also read: ‘I was always exhausted’: Things about menopause that no one prepares you for Vaginal cancer A rare type of cancer in women, vaginal cancer develops in the vaginal walls. “Recognising its symptoms becomes essential to minimise the damage caused,” says Dr Siddhartha, sharing the following symptoms: Lump in the vagina Spotting or bleeding after intercourse Vaginal bleeding Unusual discharge Difficulty in urinating Visible swelling in the legs. Various risk factors can increase one’s likelihood of developing this particular type of gynecological cancer. “The risk factors may include people of a certain age, those who were previously diagnosed with cervical cancer, significant exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), weakened immune systems and smoking,” she concludes. Regularly visiting your gynaecologist can help detect these cancers on time, facilitating proper treatment. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
23 November,2024 12:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentLung cancer is significantly on the rise among non-smokers in India, and air pollution is a major contributing factor, said experts amid the continued poor air quality in the national capital. After eight days of severe air pollution, Delhi on Thursday saw slightly improved air quality. At 7 am, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 379, placing the city in the “very poor” category. “While traditional risk factors for lung cancer include smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, air pollution, asbestos, and family history are the major reasons for lung cancer in non-smokers. Long-term exposure to particulate matter can trigger mutations in lung cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth,” said Dr. Ashish Gupta, Chief of Medical Oncology, at Unique Hospital Cancer Centre, said. A recent study published in the Lancet's eClinical Medicine Journal showed that most lung cancer patients in India are non-smokers. It is due to increased exposure to air pollution. It also showed that lung cancer cases are also manifesting in India about 10 years earlier as compared to Western countries. “The rising levels of air pollution in India have become a significant contributor to the increasing cases of lung cancer. Prolonged exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 and toxic gases damages lung tissue and raises cancer risk,” Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, told IANS. Importantly, Gupta said that lung cancer in non-smokers is often different from lung cancer in smokers. It usually remains asymptomatic, meaning there are no initial symptoms, leading to late detection. “The most common type of lung cancer in non-smokers is adenocarcinoma, which usually starts in the outer areas of the lungs,” the doctor said. Despite the slight improvement seen in Delhi, several air monitoring stations across the national capital still recorded AQI levels above 400, which is categorised as “severe”, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The agency said that Jahangirpuri and Wazirpur saw the highest readings at 437, Bawana at 419, and Ashok Vihar and Mundka registered 416. The rising air pollution has also spiked several respiratory disorders like asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the capital. “The number of patients reporting breathing problems has risen by approximately 20 per cent compared to last month, with most cases involving individuals with preexisting respiratory conditions exacerbated by pollution-induced inflammation,” Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Chair of FICCI-Health and Services, told IANS. He noted that while X-rays often appear normal, complications can arise if bacterial or viral infections coexist. Children, with their underdeveloped immune systems, are especially vulnerable to persistent conditions like asthma and allergies. To avoid further deterioration of health, the experts urged the need to adopt preventive measures, such as wearing N95 masks, limiting outdoor activity as much as possible, and using home air purifiers to improve indoor air quality. They also advised people to closely monitor their health, look for symptoms like breathlessness, persistent cough, or chest pain, and seek immediate medical assistance, if necessary. Adopting a well-balanced diet that is rich in antioxidants and maintaining proper hydration is also important to boost the immune system and shield oneself from the long-term health impacts of air pollution. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
22 November,2024 11:00 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSEven as the national capital continues to battle poor air quality, experts on Wednesday said that the toxic pollutants are raising dry eyes, irritations, and allergies in the eyes of children and adults. On Wednesday morning, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “severe” category with the average Air Quality Index (AQI) at 427 at 10 am, making it the most polluted city in India, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data. “Pollution poses a serious threat to our eyes, particularly to the conjunctiva and the cornea, which is the first point of contact with harmful particles in the air. The fine particulate matter, allergens, and toxins in polluted environments can irritate the ocular surface and make it highly susceptible to infections,” Dr. Rohit Saxena, professor of ophthalmology, R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS New Delhi, told IANS. “This is especially of concern in children and adults already experiencing dry eyes or allergic reactions, as these conditions worsen with exposure to poor air quality,” he added. On Wednesday morning, about 12 out of 38 air quality monitoring stations in Delhi reported an AQI of 450 or above. Environment Minister Gopal Rai has directed the Delhi government to grant half of the staff to work from home. A recent study by researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus showed that people living in areas with increased exposure to PM10 can be twice more at risk of suffering eye infections. The study showed that clinical visits by patients suffering ocular surface eye conditions -- that affect the eye surface, including the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids -- more than doubled when ambient particulate matter from air pollution was in the atmosphere. Air pollution can significantly affect eye health causing discomfort and irritation. The polluted air carries suspended particles, dust, and pollutants which can irritate the eyes. Saxena noted that frequent eye rubbing of the irritated eyes can weaken the cornea over time and lead to conditions like keratoconus -- an eye condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, which can lead to vision loss. Common symptoms include itching, watering, burning, redness, and a general feeling of soreness. “In severe cases, air pollution may lead to pain or blurred vision, requiring immediate medical attention,” Dr. Smriti Goel, Consultant - Eye Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, told IANS. The doctor suggested avoiding over-the-counter medications other than lubricating eye drops unless prescribed by a doctor. "Use lubricating drops to maintain moisture, and apply cold compresses to relieve irritation. Wear protective glasses or sunglasses to shield your eyes from dust and pollutants. For allergy-prone individuals, anti-allergic eye drops and timely treatment are essential. These measures can help safeguard your eyes from pollution-related issues,” Goel said. Pollution isn’t just a respiratory issue -- it has harmful effects on the entire body including on the ocular health, the experts said recommending people to limit outdoor exposure during peak periods of pollution. Also Read: Air pollution raising risk of asthma, lung cancer among children: Experts 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 November,2024 03:40 PM IST | Delhi | IANSDoctors at a Mumbai hospital gave a new lease of life to a Vasaikar recently after conducting a high-risk surgery. A team led by Dr Anup Taksande, consultant interventional cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road, carried out the pioneering Cardiac Intervention (CHIP) PCI to address complex heart blockages, saving the life of a 69-year-old lady to ensure she gains a new lease of life. Tracilla Alphonso, a resident of Vasai with comorbidities like hypertension experienced pain and discomfort in the chest and around her neck in mid-September. The Mumbaikar got her ECG done from a local hospital, and her ECG revealed Ischemic changes and urgent angiography was performed. An angiography revealed critical calcific left main narrowing and near total occlusion of the Right Coronary Artery. After which, she was advised to undergo an urgent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) given the angiography picture. It was later discussed that the option of extremely complex high-risk angioplasty to the Left Main and Right Coronary Artery (RCA) with imaging guidance and Rotablation for cutting the calcium when the patient came for a consultation to Dr Anup. He said, “On arrival in an emergency at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road, the patient had severe discomfort for 2-3 days before coming to the hospital. This was a truly complex case, with the left main coronary artery being more than 90 per cent blocked and the right coronary artery being over 99 per cent occluded. The cardiovascular disease burden in our country is increasing because of factors such as sedentary lifestyle choices, stress, and genetic predispositions. The patient was initially recommended for an urgent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery due to the critical nature of her condition. However, the patient and her family were reluctant to undergo open-heart surgery due to her advanced age and frail health. We decided to proceed with a high-risk, unprotected left main pioneering cardiac intervention (PCI), a procedure that is typically considered extremely complex. We utilized advanced imaging techniques and specialized tools, including Rotablation and high-pressure balloons, to meticulously navigate the severely calcified and narrowed coronary arteries.” Dr Anup added, “Performing a successful PCI in such a scenario requires exceptional skill, advanced technology, and a well-equipped medical setup, all of which were available at our Hospital. The procedure was carried out step-by-step, with the team first addressing the right coronary artery blockage and then moving on to the left main artery. Imaging catheters and precise stent placement allowed us to achieve results comparable to those of bypass surgery, all while ensuring the patient's hemodynamic stability throughout the procedure." He continues, "We started with the right coronary artery which we stented after lot of pre-dilatation with balloons and making adequate lumen, we did two stents again, added at very high pressures which showed a satisfactory result. After the right coronary artery was fixed properly, we started working on the left main coronary artery. The left main was extremely severely narrowed and calcific, and since 60 to 70 per cent of the circulation depended on the Left main, any small mistake would mean that the patient would crash on the table. After doing the wiring Rotablation (Diamond Drill) was used to cut and polish the calcium on the Left Main and LAD. Subsequently using high pressure (OPN-NC) Balloon, we were able to achieve a satisfactory flow. The iOS imaging catheter helped us understand the length of the stents, the size of the stents, and the number of stents that we would use. In this case, we used two, overlapping stents in the LAD and the Left main, which were of different sizes and diameters, and they were optimized at high pressures to different diameters, which confirmed the vessel wall sizing. The patient tolerated the procedure well. The entire procedure lasted for approx. 90 mins– 110 minutes." The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged in two days. After two months of follow-ups, she is fine and independent with normal heart pumping. This case highlights the importance of having a comprehensive, tertiary-level cardiac care facility that can offer cutting-edge treatments for even the most complex and high-risk cases. “The successful outcome of this procedure underscores the advancements in Interventional Cardiology and the dedication of the medical team to provide exceptional, life-saving care to their patients. Wockhardt Hospital in Mira Road is a leading tertiary care hospital known for its excellence in cardiac care. Our hospital is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of highly skilled and experienced cardiologists, who are committed to providing innovative and comprehensive treatment options to their patients,” highlighted Dr Anup. “After struggling with chest pain and discomfort that suggested a heart attack, I was hesitant about having a CABG. Dr. Anup Taksande and his team carried out the essential minimally invasive angioplasty that greatly enhanced my quality of life. I felt elated as I returned to my daily activities without any difficulties. I am grateful to Dr. Taksande and his team for providing me with another chance at life,” concluded Tracilla.
19 November,2024 02:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA dedicated team at AIIMS Bhubaneswar has saved the life of a 24-year-old Army jawan through an advanced Extracorporeal Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (eCPR) procedure. The eCPR procedure revived the young soldier even after his heart had stopped beating for nearly 1.5 hours. The Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr Ashutosh Biswas, praised the team's exceptional efforts, stating, "AIIMS Bhubaneswar has always been at the forefront of integrating medical science with technology to deliver pioneering healthcare. This is a testament to our dedication to saving lives and advancing medical practices." The patient, in critical condition due to heart failure, was referred to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on October 1. Shortly after his arrival, he suffered a cardiac arrest. Despite 40 minutes of conventional CPR, no cardiac activity was detected, presenting a critical decision: to declare death or attempt the cutting-edge eCPR procedure. Led by Dr Srikant Behera, Intensivist and Adult ECMO specialist, the team initiated Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) 80 minutes after the cardiac arrest. Following 40 minutes of eCPR, the patient's heart finally resumed beating, albeit irregularly. Over the next 30 hours, his heart function improved significantly, and he was successfully weaned off ECMO after 96 hours. The multidisciplinary team also managed several other life-threatening complications, demonstrating remarkable expertise, coordination, and dedication. The survivor's mother expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, "I cannot thank AIIMS Bhubaneswar enough for giving my son a second chance at life. Their skill, compassion, and determination have worked a miracle for our family." Speaking about the procedure, Dr Srikant Behera emphasised, "eCPR, while technically challenging, represents a promising advancement in the treatment of cardiac arrests traditionally deemed fatal. This success marks a milestone in Odisha's medical history." The extraordinary effort involved a multidisciplinary team, including Dr Krishna Mohan Gulla, Dr Sandip Kumar Panda, Dr Siddharth Sathia, Dr Sangeeta Sahoo, Dr Manas R. Panigrahi, and healthcare providers from various specialties such as MICU and nursing officers. The Medical Superintendent, Dr Dillip Kumar Parida, congratulated the team on this innovative accomplishment. 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.
19 November,2024 11:48 AM IST | Bhubaneshwar | ANIOral contraceptives do not increase the blood pressure response in women during large muscle exercise (like cycling or running), according to a study on Monday led by researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. Oral contraceptives or birth control pills are taken by women to prevent pregnancy and reduce acne, menstrual cramps, and the risk of ovarian cysts. Although certain oral contraceptives are known to raise resting blood pressure, the exercise blood pressure response during intense exercises is not currently well understood. In addition, research has been ambiguous on whether hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle influence blood pressure. The researchers, including from the University of Minnesota, US, found that both oral contraceptive use and general fluctuations in endogenous ovarian hormone (like estrogens) in young women (20-25 years of age), did not influence blood pressure. The results were similar with lower body exercise and activation of skeletal muscle sensory neurons -- known to contribute to exaggerated blood pressure responses in people with cardiovascular diseases. “The findings of this study have wide application and are important as it sheds light on the influence of oral contraceptives on blood pressure response to exercise in women,” said Dr. Ninitha A.J., Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras. Exercise can acutely increase blood pressure due to increased sympathetic nerve activity (fight or flight) from skeletal muscle sensory neurons known as ‘Exercise Pressor Reflex’ (EPR). The EPR results in an increase in blood flow from the heart to the skeletal muscle to meet the needs of the muscle. The EPR is known to be greater in males compared with premenopausal females and is also known to be exaggerated in people with cardiovascular disease. Estrogens are cardioprotective, they reduce sympathetic activity and increase blood flow to the skeletal muscle via nitric oxide bioavailability. Thus, the researchers expected that during the ovulation phase of their menstrual cycle, when oestradiol peaks, women would have the lowest EPR compared with females during the early follicular phase (where oestradiol is the lowest) and with oral contraceptive use, which also results in low serum oestradiol levels. However, the researchers demonstrated that regardless of the phase of the menstrual cycle or oral contraceptive use, the EPR was similar in the women. This suggests that oral contraceptives do not increase the blood pressure response in women more so than in those who do not use oral contraceptives, revealed the findings, published in the reputed peer-reviewed journal American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. “The next step of this work is to determine if the EPR is a contributing factor to the cardiovascular risk in menopausal females,” said Dr. Manda Keller Ross, Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota. 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.
18 November,2024 12:41 PM IST | Chennai | IANSAmid record year for dengue infections globally, a new study has found that climate change is responsible for 19 per cent of rising dengue burden. Climate change has the potential to spark an additional 40-60 per cent spike by 2050 — and by as much as 150-200 per cent in some areas — according to a new study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) in the US. India has also seen a surge in dengue cases this year. The latest findings from researchers at Stanford and Harvard Universities offer the most definitive evidence to date that climate change is a big factor driving a global surge in the mosquito-borne disease. Countries in the Americas alone have recorded almost 12 million cases in 2024 compared to 4.6 million in 2023, and locally acquired infections have been reported in California and Florida. The study also carries warnings of even sharper increases to come. “We looked at data on dengue incidence and climate variation across 21 countries in Asia and the Americas and found that there is a clear and direct relationship between rising temperatures and rising infections,” said Erin Mordecai, an infectious disease ecologist at Stanford’s Woods Institute for the Environment. It’s evidence that climate change already has become a significant threat to human health and, for dengue in particular, our data suggests the impact could get much worse, Mordecai added. While some dengue infections produce only mild symptoms, others cause excruciating joint pain (earning dengue the nickname “breakbone fever”), and severe cases can lead to bleeding complications and shock. There are no drugs to treat the disease and while there are two licensed dengue vaccines available, some dengue experts have pointed to challenges with both that could limit widespread adoption. The study finds that amid dengue’s growing threat, moderating global warming by reducing emissions would also moderate climate impacts on dengue infections. The analysis shows that with sharp cuts in emissions, areas now on track to experience a 60 per cent increase would instead see about a 40 per cent rise in dengue infections between now and 2050. However, with global climate models predicting that temperatures will continue to increase even with large reductions in emissions, the researchers found that 17 of the 21 countries studied still would see climate-driven increases in dengue even under the most optimistic scenarios for carbon cuts. Mordecai said that dengue-endemic areas that are just now entering that 20 to 29 degree celsius sweet-spot for virus transmission — parts of Peru, Mexico, Bolivia and Brazil — could face the biggest future risks, with infections over the next few decades rising 150 per cent to 200 per cent. Also Read: Air pollution spikes inflammation in patients with heart disease: 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
18 November,2024 12:37 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPatients with heart disease, specifically those with heart failure, are especially vulnerable to the impacts of air pollution and poor air quality and can take steps to protect themselves, a new study has said. Results from the Intermountain Health study, presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Scientific Sessions international conference in Chicago, found that two inflammatory markers — CCL27 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 27) and IL-18 (interleukin 18) — were elevated in heart failure patients who were exposed to poor air quality, but did not change in those without heart disease. While previous research has shown that people with some chronic health conditions, like heart failure, coronary disease, asthma, and COPD, struggle during spikes in air pollution, the new study demonstrates that cardiac inflammation levels specifically rise in people with heart disease during periods of poor air quality. “These biomarkers rose in response to air pollution in people who already had heart disease, but not in patients who were heart disease free, showing that heart failure patients are not as able to adapt to changes in the environment,” said Benjamin Horne, principal investigator of the study and professor of research at Intermountain Health. Researchers specifically looked at blood tests for 115 different proteins that are signs of increased inflammation in the body. These spikes were caused by either wildfire smoke in the summer, or during a winter inversion, where air pollution is trapped when warm air holds pollution closer to the ground. Researchers found that two inflammatory markers — CCL27 and IL-18 — were elevated in heart failure patients, but did not change in those without heart disease, indicating that such air pollution events put more strain on the bodies of patients who already have heart problems. These findings “give us some information about mechanisms in people with heart failure who are having inflammation and suggest they’re not as capable in responding to acute inflammation as people who are healthy,” said Dr Horne. Heart failure patients need to take extra precautions during times when air pollution is high. 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.
18 November,2024 12:27 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSLong-term exposure to air pollution may cause severe harm to the lung health of children and significantly raise the risk of lung cancer and respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis, warned experts on Friday, even as Delhi-NCR's air quality remained severely poor for the third consecutive day. On Friday morning, the National Capital's Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a severe level of 409, while the readings in neighbouring cities in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh were also above the 300 mark. To safeguard children, all primary schools in Delhi have been moved online, Chief Minister Atishi announced in a post on X. She said the online classes for primary school children will continue "until further directions". Children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution, which can increase their long-term risk of developing lung cancer. “While lung cancer is rare in childhood, polluted air containing toxic particles like carbon compounds and heavy metals can damage the cells lining their respiratory tracts. This exposure often leads to chronic conditions like asthma and bronchitis, which are alarmingly common in urban areas,” Dr. Nithin SG, Consultant, Medical Oncology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told IANS. “Over time, repeated damage and inflammation from pollutants may set the stage for serious lung diseases, including cancer, as they age. Reducing pollution is crucial to safeguarding children’s health and minimising their future cancer risk,” he added. Air pollution no longer remains an environmental concern. It has now become a public health emergency impacting the whole country, majorly the north. The situation, which annually peaks from October to December, requires urgent attention. “The impact on future generations is significant, as a child exposed to high levels of pollution may inhale the equivalent of 10 cigarettes from their very first day of life,” Dr. Arvind Kumar, Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest Onco Surgery and Lung Transplantation, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram told IANS. A recent study conducted by Lung Care Foundation, which performed spirometry tests in 3 Delhi schools covering over 3000 children, found that one-third of the children under the age group of 11-17 years were asthmatic, with air pollution identified as a significant risk factor. The doctor added that “there is a startling rise in respiratory issues around this time every year, but it’s crucial to note that pollution affects not only the lungs but all organs in the body”. The experts called for using preventive measures such as wearing face masks and limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours. "Public awareness is equally important, especially in rural areas where knowledge about lung health protection remains limited and there is a myth that rural areas are less polluted; we are now seeing an equal number of lung cancer cases come from villages and cities,” Kumar said. The experts also called for a focused national effort to control air pollution for the country's health. Also Read: Air pollution can cause digestive issues: Doctors 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 November,2024 02:15 PM IST | Delhi | IANSIf not managed on time, diabetes can prove to be silent killer for many. As World Diabetes Day was observed on November 14, a study found that the Covid-19 pandemic has not only reshaped daily routines but also accelerated trends in diabetes and metabolic health causing alarming changes in disease onset age, weight gain and associated complications such as liver and kidney issues. Dr. Rajiv Kovil's clinics in Mumbai conducted a comparative analysis of patient profiles pre-pandemic (March 24, 2016 - March 23, 2020) and post-pandemic (March 24, 2020 - March 23, 2024) revealing alarming changes in disease patterns. Dr. Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and Co-founder of Rang De Neela Initiative, said, “One of the most significant shifts has been in the age of type 2 diabetes onset. The average age dropped from 47 years pre-pandemic to 42 years post-pandemic, with a growing number of diagnoses now occurring in individuals in their late 20s and 30s. Weight gain among newly diagnosed has also surged, with average weights rising from 75 kg to 84 kg for men and from 61 kg to 69 kg for women. In particular, women have shown a concerning increase in body fat composition, with an average of 42 per cent compared to 36 per cent in men, largely driven by visceral fat—a key risk factor for metabolic complications.” “Post-pandemic, the majority of newly diagnosed diabetes cases exhibit complex metabolic disorders. Over 95 per cent of new patients have dyslipidemia, and hypertension at diagnosis has climbed to 30 per cent from the previous 19 per cent,” he revealed. “Indicators of chronic kidney disease, such as elevated uric acid and proteinuria, now affect 18 per cent of new patients, up from 12 per cent pre-pandemic,” he further highlighted. Lifestyle parameters highlight behavioural shifts that exacerbate these health issues. “Dietary recall among newly diagnosed patients shows a jump in the frequency of outside meals, from twice weekly pre-pandemic to six times weekly post-pandemic. Self-reported sleep duration has also dropped, from an average of 7.5 hours per night to 6.8 hours, suggesting an increase in stress and disrupted sleep patterns that can worsen diabetes risk factors. These findings emphasise the urgent need for public health interventions targeting lifestyle management and early metabolic screening to address the rising tide of diabetes and its complications in younger populations,” concluded Dr. Kovil. Further explaining how Covid-19 could have caused these changes, Dr. Aarti Ullal, Physician and Diabetologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, said, “Covid-19 infection may directly lead to new-onset diabetes in some patients, possibly due to the virus' effect on pancreatic cells. The pandemic also led to lifestyle changes for many people, including reduced physical activity due to lockdowns and gym closures, and increased consumption of sugary, oily and fried food leading to insulin resistance and weight gain raising the chances of diabetes. Increased stress levels, can affect blood sugar regulation. Many people postponed routine health check-ups during the pandemic, leading to delayed diabetes diagnoses. Some patients experiencing long Covid symptoms have shown signs of metabolic changes that could increase diabetes risk.” “It is the need of the hour for those with diabetes to eat a nutritious diet, exercise daily, check blood sugar levels take medication as recommended by the doctor, and maintain an optimum weight,” she added. Also Read: Consuming junk food while watching TV is increasing diabetes risk in children
15 November,2024 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
