A diet low in carbohydrates could be beneficial for children and young adults with Type 1 diabetes, claimed a study. People suffering from Type 1 diabetes -- an autoimmune disease that results in the loss of beta cell mass -- have insulin deficiency and hence need lifelong insulin therapy. Researchers from Charles University and Motol University Hospital in the Czech Republic showed that a short-term low-carbohydrate diet led to an improvement in glycemic parameters. To achieve optimal metabolic control, T1D requires frequent insulin administration and daily control of carbohydrate intake and physical activity. While the targets are often missed, especially in children and adolescents, dietary interventions can be a promising way to achieve the goal, said the team. A low carbohydrate diet (LCD) is defined by American Diabetes Association (ADA) for adults as more than 130 grams of carbohydrates per day or less than 26 per cent of daily recommended energy intake from carbohydrates. The study comes amidst clinical guidelines from the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) recommending against low carb diet for children and adolescents with or at risk for developing diabetes. Despite ISPAD’s recommendation of 45-50 per cent of daily energy intake from carbohydrates for children and young people with type 1 diabetes, there is growing evidence that carbohydrate reduction is a popular strategy, the team said. For the study, they investigated whether a short period of tightly controlled low-carbohydrate diet leads to a higher time in range without increasing the associated risks in children and young people with diabetes. They included 35 children and young people with type 1 diabetes in a randomised controlled cross-over study. The interventions were five and five weeks of ready-made food box deliveries of isocaloric diets in random order: either a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) or recommended carbohydrate diet (RCD). Children are known to be at risk of hypoglycemia -- a condition when blood sugar levels drop too low -- with a low-carb diet. However, the study results published in the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice showed that short-term LCD led to an improvement of glycemic parameters without increasing time in hypoglycemia. It did not “disturb the lipid profile or negatively affect the quality of life of children and young people with diabetes”, said the researchers. 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.
16 September,2024 12:08 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSWhile the importance of exercise in stroke rehabilitation cannot be overstated, experts on Saturday affirmed that short bursts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could be more effective than continuous moderate physical exercise. When a stroke occurs, blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to damage that can impact physical and cognitive functions. Exercise plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process by promoting neuroplasticity, where the brain reorganises itself to recover lost functions. HIIT involves repeated one-minute bursts of intense exercise followed by short recovery periods. Use of a stationary bike, treadmill, bodyweight, kettlebell, dumbbells, or jumping rope are some examples of HIIT workouts. “HIIT represents a paradigm shift in rehabilitation, particularly for stroke recovery,” Dr Vikram Huded, HOD and director and Clinical Lead, Interventional Neurology, Narayana Health City. “Unlike traditional continuous moderate exercise, HIIT enhances cardiovascular health more efficiently by pushing the body to adapt to short, intense bursts of activity,” added Dr Raghvendra Ramdasi, consultant neurosurgeon, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai. Several studies have shown that exercising after a stroke offers several health benefits, including reduced risk of stroke recurrence and boosted overall recovery. A recent research, published in the journal Stroke, showed that one-minute bursts of high-intensity interval training over 19 minutes were more effective than traditional moderate exercise for improving the body’s aerobic fitness after a stroke. Evidence suggests that HIIT can accelerate cardiovascular recovery and improve overall physical endurance more effectively than conventional methods. Ramdasi said the method not only boosts heart and lung capacity but also improves circulation, which is vital for brain recovery. However, HIIT may not be suitable for everyone, said the experts. “Patients with severe cardiovascular conditions or those who are not yet physically stable post-stroke should avoid this form of exercise until they have regained a certain level of baseline fitness,” Huded said. Ramdasi said patients who have regained some mobility and are medically stable benefit most from HIIT. The experts also urged stroke patients to perform “any exercise regimen, particularly HIIT, according to an individual's abilities and under supervision of an expert to avoid potential risks” They also advised to begin with lower intensity and gradually increase as tolerance improves. 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.
16 September,2024 11:59 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSLove to binge on savoury snacks, ready meals, and sugar or artificially-sweetened beverages? Beware, every 10 per cent intake of these ultra-processed foods (UPF) may raise your risk of type 2 diabetes by 17 per cent, according to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health-Europe on Monday. Importantly, the study showed that the risk can be lowered by consuming less-processed foods instead, said researchers from the University College London (UCL), University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London. To investigate the relationship between the degree of food processing and diabetes risk the team included 311,892 individuals from eight European countries in the study. They were followed over 10.9 years on average, during which time 14,236 people developed diabetes. In the top 25 per cent of UPF consumers, where UPF made up 23.5 per cent of their total diet, sweetened beverages alone accounted for nearly 40 per cent of their UPF intake and 9 per cent of their diet overall. On the other hand, substituting 10 per cent of UPF in the diet with 10 per cent of minimally processed food such as eggs, milk, and fruit or processed culinary ingredients such as salt, butter, and oil reduced diabetes risk by 14 per cent. Further, replacing 10 per cent of UPF in the diet with 10 per cent of processed foods (PF) like tinned fish, beer and cheese reduced diabetes risk by 18 per cent. PF also includes salted nuts, artisanal breads, and preserved fruits and vegetables. The findings add to the growing body of research that links consumption of UPF with a higher risk of certain chronic diseases including obesity, cardiometabolic diseases, and some cancers, said the team. Also Read: Eating junk food regularly can make you nutrient deficient, say 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
16 September,2024 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
The rapid spread of a new strain of mpox, formerly called monkeypox, triggered the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a ‘public health emergency of international concern’ in August. The viral disease, which has mainly affected Africa, has also been reported in other countries. India reported its first mpox case last week, although it was declared an isolated case with no link to the new strain of the virus. Mpox is a zoonotic disease that can spread from animals like monkeys to humans. Similarly, other zoonotic diseases have also affected public health in recent times. Nipah, Zika and Chandipura viruses, which wreaked havoc in India and other parts of the world in the past few months, can all spread from animals to humans. Cases of avian influenza (bird flu) have also been reported in humans. Given the severe health concern zoonotic diseases pose, mid-day.com speaks to Dr. Rituja Ugalmugle, Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, and Dr. Disha Padalkar, Consultant Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Pune, who decode why infections are spreading from animals to humans, the possible implications of this trend and steps that can be taken to prevent this public health concern. What are zoonotic diseases? Ugalmugle: Zoonotic diseases are infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that spread between animals and humans. They can result from direct contact, through contaminated food or water or via vectors like mosquitoes. Common examples include rabies, avian influenza (bird flu) and Covid-19. Padalkar: As per WHO, zoonotic disease is any infection that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans. How do viruses transmit from animals to humans? Ugalmugle: Viruses transmit from animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated animal products or exposure to vectors like ticks or mosquitoes. Sometimes, viruses mutate to infect humans, as seen with SARS, MERS and Covid-19, enabling human-to-human transmission. Padalkar: Viruses can transmit from animal to humans by direct, indirect contact or through insect vectors. Direct contact can occur through an infected animal’s bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, urine etc. An example is rabies infection. Indirect contact can occur by touching contaminated soil or feed and then touching your face, mouth or eyes. Viruses are also transmitted to humans through insect bites after the insect has fed on an infected animal. Why have there been rising instances of zoonotic diseases in recent times, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic? Ugalmugle: The rise in zoonotic diseases post-COVID-19 may be due to increased human-animal interactions, habitat destruction and intensive farming practices. Globalisation and climate change also contribute, creating environments where pathogens can jump between species more easily and spread more rapidly. Padalkar: Emerging infectious diseases are diseases that have newly appeared in a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence. As per various studies, 60-70 per cent of them are zoonotic diseases. These are slowly increasing in number in the last half-century. After COVID-19, these are being reported and getting attention. A new outbreak of zoonotic diseases continues to occur as the human-animal interface grows. Destruction of animal habitats and human population sprawl increases contact between human and wild animals. Studies have shown a rise in the incidence of these diseases, particularly in tropical, bio-diverse areas. Also Read: Mpox: Mumbai doctors highlight why the viral disease is deadly Does climate change play a role in the spread of zoonotic diseases? Ugalmugle: Yes, climate change influences the spread of zoonotic diseases by altering animal migration patterns, increasing vector populations (e.g., mosquitoes) and disrupting ecosystems. Warmer temperatures can extend the range of disease-carrying insects and force wildlife into closer contact with humans, increasing transmission risks. Padalkar: The availability of suitable vectors is a precondition for the emergence of new zoonotic diseases. Climate change has catastrophic effects on human, animal and environmental ecosystems. It can also result in human socio-demographics and migration. The complex interaction between climate change and ecosystem disturbance along with exposure to vector insects or wild animals results in the emergence of zoonotic diseases. What are the possible implications of this trend? Ugalmugle: The rise in zoonotic diseases threatens global public health, leading to new pandemics, overwhelming healthcare systems and economic strain. In the long term, frequent outbreaks may weaken immune systems, increase antibiotic resistance and create a need for rapid medical advancements to combat emerging diseases. Padalkar: Emerging zoonotic infectious diseases affect human health in different ways. These long-term outcomes include the pandemic (Covid-19), recurring outbreaks (Ebola virus disease), neurological effects (Nipah virus can cause neurological effects in survivors) and sometimes it might result in antibiotic resistance. On a large scale, they can cause economic losses and public health burdens. Do zoonotic diseases affect children differently? Padalkar: Children have immature immune systems. Hence, sometimes zoonotic diseases can affect them differently. They have a higher risk of contracting disease. The severity of the diseases may also vary in children. For example, the Covid-19 infection was not that severe in children as compared to the adult population. In contrast, the recent outbreak of Chandipura virus infection in 2024 in the western and central parts of India affected children under 15 years with death in 33 per cent of infected children. Also Read: Chandipura virus: Know all about the infection that has claimed children's lives in Gujarat How can one contain or prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases? Ugalmugle: Preventing zoonotic disease spread involves reducing human-wildlife contact, ensuring proper sanitation in livestock practices and controlling vector populations. Public education, vaccinations, safe food handling and maintaining healthy ecosystems are essential measures. Monitoring wildlife health and early detection systems can help mitigate outbreaks. Padalkar: Zoonosis involves the interaction of humans, animals and the environment. Hence multi-sectoral measures are necessary to ensure effective control. The following precautions are required to prevent this. • Surveillance is crucial to prevent and control zoonotic diseases. Identification of “hot-spot areas” and monitoring is necessary. All potential sources such as exotic animals and birds need to be subjected to surveillance. • There’s a need for mass campaigning to increase public awareness about such diseases. • Ensure safe food production of animal origin. • Some zoonoses spread through vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and lice. Hence, successful vector control strategies are necessary. • Ensure safe infectious disease testing laboratories to avoid the accidental spread of zoonotic diseases. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice.
16 September,2024 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainThree new studies on Sunday showed how post-treatment lifestyle choices shape long-term outcomes after diagnosis of breast cancer. The studies, led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers in the US, have encouraging implications for patients with breast cancer. Two studies focused on breastfeeding after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. These found it was safe and feasible for young patients carrying specific genetic variations to breastfeed without raising their risk of a cancer recurrence or a cancer in the other breast, and that it was safe and feasible to breastfeed for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer who conceived after a temporary interruption of endocrine therapy. The third study showed that a telephone-based coaching programme can significantly increase physical activity in overweight patients, potentially improving their outcomes. The studies were presented at the ‘European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024’ in Barcelona, Spain. The first study was a collaboration among investigators at 78 hospitals and cancer treatment centres worldwide. It involved 474 patients with inherited mutations in the cancer-susceptibility genes BRCA1 or BRCA2 who became pregnant after being diagnosed with stage I-III invasive breast cancer at age 40 or younger. The second study provides breastfeeding outcomes from the POSITIVE trial which demonstrated early safety of the temporary interruption of endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy. A key secondary endpoint was breastfeeding outcomes. The study involved 518 patients at age 42 or younger with HR+, stage I-III breast cancer. Of these patients, 317 went on to have a live birth and 196 chose to breastfeed. Breast conserving surgery was a key factor favoring breastfeeding. "These studies provide the first evidence on the safety of breastfeeding after breast cancer in both young patients carrying BRCA variations that predispose to breast cancer, as well as patients who conceived after pausing endocrine therapy" said Ann Partridge, the founder and director of the Programme for Young Adults with Breast Cancer at Dana-Farber. The findings emphasise the possibility of supporting maternal and infant needs without compromising maternal safety. The third study drew on data from the Breast Cancer Weight Loss (BWEL) trial, which is exploring whether participating in a weight loss programme after a breast cancer diagnosis can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in women with a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese range. "Our results show that a telephone-based weight-loss intervention can motivate this group of patients to be more physically active," said the study's first author, Jennifer Ligibel. Also Read: Hina Khan suffering from mucositis: Know all about this side effect of cancer treatment This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 September,2024 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSA team of doctors at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Bhopal performed a complex and life-saving surgery on an eight-year-old child suffering from rib cancer. Initially, the doctors applied chemotherapy to kill growing cells, however, the child’s condition was worsening and the cancer in the ribs continued to spread. Notably, chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than other cells in the body. Seeing the child’s condition worsening, the medical team decided to proceed with the complex surgery. The surgery was performed, however, the next challenge for the medical team was to fill the gap in the ribs. For that, the medical team developed a new chest wall using a novel chest wall reconstruction technique. “This unique procedure, which is being applied to pediatric chest wall reconstruction for the first, has been recognised and published in the prestigious journal of the country. Association of Pediatric Surgeons Dr. Ajai Singh, executive director of AIIMS Bhopal said that the child, who had been on a ventilator before surgery due to the severity of the condition, was successfully taken off ventilator support just 12 hours post-surgery. The child was discharged from the hospital six days later. The complex surgery was conducted successfully, which led to the child returning happily to his home as several multidisciplinary teams of different departments of AIIMS Bhopal worked hours to make it happen. The Pediatric Surgery Department performed the tumour excision, and the Plastic Surgery Department carried out the chest wall reconstruction using the child's own tissue. Similarly, the Anesthesia Department played a critical role in ensuring the child’s safety throughout the operation. Dr. Ajai Singh praised the efforts of the team, emphasising that this achievement showcases AIIMS Bhopal’s commitment to innovative surgical solutions and highlights the hospital's expertise in handling complex pediatric cases. “This surgery is a testament to our doctors’ dedication to pushing the boundaries of medical innovation. We are proud of this breakthrough and the impact it will have on pediatric surgery worldwide,” Dr. 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.
15 September,2024 12:46 PM IST | Bhopal | IANSLove to lather your children with lotion to keep their skin hydrated? Beware, a new study has linked personal care products like lotions and conditioners with increased levels of chemicals known to cause hormonal disruptions in their bodies. The study, published in the peer-reviewed Environmental Health Perspectives Journal, showed that lotions, hair-care products like shampoos and conditioners, and sunscreens contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals called phthalates, posing severe health risks in children. A team of researchers led by George Mason University, in the US, examined urine samples of children aged between 4 and 8 years from 2017 to 2019, and found increased levels of mono-benzyl phthalate, Monoethyl phthalate, monobutyl phthalate. These chemicals cause hormonal changes in men and women, increasing waist circumference and insulin resistance. It can also affect reproductive health in both men and women and also leads to an increase in skin and respiratory issues like eczema and rhinitis. “These results may inform policymakers, clinicians, and parents to help limit children’s exposure to developmental toxicants,” the researchers said. Dr. Jyothi Raghuram, Senior Consultant - General Pediatrics & Pediatric Rheumatology, Aster Women & Children, Bengaluru told IANS that “this is alarming because phthalates are commonly used to improve the product’s texture and durability, but their exposure has been linked to hormonal disruptions in children”. She noted that parabens and strong fragrances -- usually found in skin and hair care products -- are an uncommon cause of rashes, and can lead to breathing difficulty in susceptible children. “At an age when the hormonal systems of the body are still developing, phthalates can negatively impact the growth rate, metabolic strength, and even reproductive health of the child,” Raghuram said while cautioning parents to be mindful of the ingredients when choosing products for children. “Avoiding products that mention the presence of phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, and choosing ones that specifically state to be ‘phthalate-free,’ ‘paraben-free,’ or ‘fragrance-free’ can bring about a great difference.” She suggested mineral-based sunscreens and lotions made from natural oils like coconut or shea butter as safer alternatives that provide the same benefits without the associated risks. Also Read: Too much screen time can affect children's language skills, finds study This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 September,2024 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
The streets of Mumbai and many other cities are currently brimming with the excitement of Ganeshotsav 2024. There’s activity and vibrancy throughout the country. People are dressing up, preparing delicious treats, visiting friends and family and participating in community activities, and there’s a general atmosphere of joy and excitement. Festivals like Paryushan Parv, Onam and Eid also fall during this time. However, the curtains will soon be drawn on this festive season. As Ganpati Bappa bids the final farewell on September 17 and other festivals also draw to a close, the vibrant festive atmosphere will make way for normalcy. This shift can lead to some people experiencing an emotional phenomenon called the post-festival blues. Moreover, after the busyness of the festive season, which is characterised by indulging in sweets and other treats, a body detox may become essential to get your system back on track. Mid-day.com speaks to health experts who share tips to keep your mental and physical health on track after the festive season. Navigating post-festival blues Post-festival blues refers to a feeling of sadness or a sense of dullness upon returning to normalcy after the extravagance of a festival. Dr Kedar Tilwe, Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital Mulund and Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, says, “It is fairly common to experience low mood or slight anxiety, especially if you have had a great festive season.” Shruti Shah, a Mumbai-based psychologist and founder of Holistic Mind Therapy, further explains, “As the festive season wraps up, many people experience a drop in mood and energy, commonly referred to as ‘post-festival blues’. In Indian culture, where festivals like Ganeshotsav, Diwali, Navratri and Eid hold immense significance and are times of great joy and connection, the emotional shift post-festivities can be particularly noticeable.” She adds, “Post-festival blues can manifest as feelings of low mood, lack of energy, irritability, and a sense of emptiness once the excitement fades. From a psychological perspective, any intense experience, such as a festival, often brings with it a build-up of emotions and expectations. Once it's over, the abrupt drop in activity and stimulation can leave people feeling adrift.” Also Read: Grief, loneliness, fear of missing out: Experts share tips to navigate mental health challenges during the festive season But why does this occur? Shah states the following factors that can contribute to post-festival blues: Emotional highs and lows: The lead-up to festivals involves excitement, anticipation and participation in joyous activities like family gatherings, rituals and celebrations. Once this is over, the contrast between the high-energy festive atmosphere and the return to normal routine can feel stark. Unmet expectations: Festivals often come with emotional and social expectations—whether it’s reconnecting with family, enjoying certain traditions or simply having a "perfect" celebration. When these expectations aren’t met, it can result in disappointment and a feeling of loss. Financial and physical strain: In India, festivals often involve significant expenditures, from gifts to travel and elaborate celebrations. This can create financial stress afterward. Similarly, the physical toll of late nights, heavy food and travel may leave people exhausted and more prone to emotional fluctuations. Social withdrawal: Indian festivals are typically community-driven, full of interactions with friends, neighbours and extended family. Post-festivities, this sudden drop in social engagements can lead to feelings of loneliness. Tips to ensure mental well-being during the festive season While post-festival blues are real and a common occurrence, there are ways in which one can manage their emotions better during this time. Dr. Tilwe suggests the following: Talking about this with your immediate family would be helpful. If possible, reconnect with your cousins and friends whom you met after such a long time over the next week or a couple of weeks. Follow through on the plans that you made together. Gratitude journaling is a great way to handle the post-festival blues. If you want to add a twist to it, you could decide the activities that you plan to do in the coming festive season, which starts next month. Shah has the following tips: Embrace the transition mindfully: Acknowledge that it’s normal to feel a little down once the festivities are over. Be gentle with yourself and try to adopt a mindful approach to transitioning back into your routine. Grounding exercises, such as deep breathing or spending a few quiet moments in reflection, can help. Focus on small pleasures: Once the festival is over, shift your attention to smaller joys that can offer fulfillment, such as enjoying your morning coffee, reading a good book or even trying a new recipe. Keeping the joy alive in everyday activities helps prevent that sense of emptiness. Stay connected: While the festive season is over, continue to maintain social connections. Reach out to friends or relatives you enjoyed spending time with during the celebrations, even if just for a casual conversation. This sense of continuity can help bridge the emotional gap. Recovery plan: Festivities can be physically and emotionally draining. Schedule some rest days to allow your body and mind to recover. This helps avoid burnout and restores your energy levels gradually. Set new goals: Post-festivities can be a great time to set fresh intentions or goals. Whether it’s a health goal, a work project or even learning a new skill, giving yourself something to look forward to can ease the transition and create a positive focus for the coming weeks. Seek professional help if needed: If the post-festive blues persist or start affecting your daily functioning, consider speaking to a therapist or counsellor. Post-festive blues are a natural emotional response, but with awareness and some simple steps, one can navigate through this smoothly and maintain well-being. Tips for post-festival body detox Mental health might be affected after the festive season, and so might physical health. Due to constant activity, travelling, and eating sweets and fried foods, your body may get exhausted and need a detox. Khushboo Jain Tibrewala, nutritionist, diabetes educator and founder of The Health Pantry, explains, “The festive season is synonymous with sugar, fried and retried foods, refined oils, refined flours and random food colour, etc., that come in our diet by way of the foods we eat. For a lot of homes, there might also be more alcohol consumption.” “All of this puts a lot of pressure on your liver, which is the housekeeping unit of your body. These foods also impact digestion. Just one day of bad food can impact your gut microbiome. Add to that the fact that we tend to eat and sleep at odd hours during festivals. All of these make a week-long detox essential post-festive season,” she adds. Jain Tibrewala shares the following nutrition and lifestyle tips for body detox after the festive season: The best way to support the detoxification system of your body is fasting. Eat your last meal by sunset and then break the fast by 11-12 the next day. Have a glass of ginger, mint, coriander, celery, black pepper and ACV juice on an empty stomach. Add at least 1 fistful of fresh herbs of different types in each meal. Have a cup of Cumin Coriander Fennel Tea post-lunch. Boil 1/2 tsp each of the cumin, coriander and fennel seeds in 300 ml water for 4-5 minutes. Strain and drink. Stay off wheat completely. Sleep for 1 hour extra. Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Replace sugar with honey, churma for sattu, and other sweet hacks
14 September,2024 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainIncluding fungal pathogens is crucial in the fight against deadly antimicrobial resistance, which is rapidly becoming a public health threat worldwide, according to a study published in The Lancet journal on Friday. The study, led by scientists at the universities of Manchester in the UK, Amsterdam, and the Westerdijk Institute in the Netherlands, showed that most fungal pathogens identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) are either already resistant or rapidly acquiring resistance to antifungal drugs. These fungal pathogens account for around 3.8 million deaths a year. The study, which comes ahead of the UN meeting on AMR later this month, calls for including resistance developed in many fungal pathogens to curb AMR. The scientists argued that focussing on bacteria alone will not help fully combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They called for immediate action, without which resistance to fungal disease will escalate. Aspergillus, Candida, Nakaseomyces glabratus, and Trichophyton indotineae are the major fungicide resistant infections. These can have devastating health impacts on the elderly and people with weak immune systems. Dr. Norman van Rhijn from The University of Manchester said that invasive fungal diseases have been responsible for many drug resistance problems over the past decades. However, the threat of fungal pathogens and antifungal resistance has largely been “underrecognised” and “left out of the debate” by scientists, governments, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies. van Rhijn explained that “the close similarities between fungal and human cells make it hard to find treatments that selectively inhibit fungi with minimal toxicity to patients”. The scientists suggested a global consensus on limiting the use of certain classes of antifungal molecules. They also stressed the need for collaborating on solutions and regulations that ensure food security and universal health for animals, plants, and humans. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 September,2024 04:11 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSGanesh Chaturthi is a time of celebration for many but with festivities come a lot of song, dance and music too. With a vibrant atmosphere filled with loud music throughout the city to honour Bappa and seek his blessings, experts say it is important to be aware of the effect of loud sounds. The joy of celebrations can quickly become distressing, as the high volume of sounds during the festivities poses a risk of ear damage for 20 per cent of individuals. Many may experience noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), discomfort, pain, or ringing in their ears. To safeguard your hearing and enjoy the celebrations without issues, it's advisable to limit exposure to loud sounds by using noise-canceling headphones or ear muffs and distancing yourself from the source of loud sound. Ganeshotsav is celebrated across Maharashtra with great fervour. During the festival, a large number of people join the processions, dance their hearts out, and welcome their beloved Bappa. However, the loud music played during the festival can be a matter of concern for people. Dr Sushrut Deshmukh, ENT, Apollo Spectra, Pune, explains, “With loud music blaring from speakers and processions echoing through the streets, many people aren't aware of the ill effects of loud sound on their hearing health. Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can lead to ear damage in around 20 per cent of individuals. Children, elderly people, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly prone to hearing problems. Loud noise can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which can be temporary or permanent." He adds, "Moreover, loud noise can damage the hair cells and hearing nerve in your inner ear and there can be pain, swelling, discomfort, and ringing of the ear. The common symptoms seen due to noise-induced hearing loss are difficulty in perceiving high-frequency sounds, and speech that may appear distorted or challenging to comprehend. Among the 10 people who visited, 7 aged between 13-65, reported experiencing ear pain, temporary hearing loss, and tinnitus 9ringing of the ears). A hearing test should be done on an immediate basis if one is unable to hear and avoid permanent hearing loss." Dr Deshmukh added, “To prevent ear damage, walk away from loud noise or take a break, close the doors and windows at home to avoid loud noise especially to ensure the well-being of cardiac, cancer, stroke patients, use earmuffs or noise-canceling earphones. Those with temporary or permanent hearing loss may need hearing aids.” Dr Bhavik Shah, ENT Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai, further adds, ‘‘Children, senior citizens and pregnant women can suffer a lot due to DJ noise during festive season. Due to this loud noise, elderly patients suffer because they cannot bear the shock of loud sound. Noise pollution can cause problems like arterial hypertension which means stress on the heart can lead to myocardial infarction (which means heart attack) or stroke. Continuous exposure to loud noises can lead to permanent hearing loss. Loud noise damages the inner ear cells. It can affect not only the body but also the mind. It also affects sleep by increasing irritability. Noise causes stress in pregnant women. This can affect both the mother and her baby.’’ Dr Shah Added, ‘‘The best solution to this noise is to use ear plugs or ear muffs. Do not stay too long in the sound field of the speaker. Our ears can tolerate 80 decibels. The ears of a common man can tolerate a sound of 75 to 80 decibels. In a crowded place, we can tolerate a sound of up to 110 decibels. The management of Ganeshotsav mandals should take care that there should be no noise and air pollution during the arrival and immersion procession of Ganeshotsav. People who have undergone heart surgery or have blood pressure problems should not stay in high noise areas. Expectant mothers should stay away from the sound of DJs. Never add coconut oil if your baby's ears are hurting due to high noise levels. For this it is advisable to take medical advice. Also for ear itching don't scratch your ears by ‘using ear buds'. Due to ear bud use, there is a possibility of damage to the ear and tympanic membrane.’’
13 September,2024 03:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentImmediate treatment is crucial to warding off sepsis -- a life-threatening emergency caused by a dysregulated host immune response to an infection, said experts on World Sepsis Day on Friday. World Sepsis Day takes place annually on September 13 and is aimed at raising awareness of the devastating condition that claims millions of lives globally each year. In 2020 alone, there were 48.9 million sepsis cases globally, leading to 11 million deaths -- representing 20 per cent of all global deaths. The burden is particularly heavy in low- and middle-income countries, where 85 per cent of sepsis-related deaths occur. In India, there were an alarming 11.3 million cases and 2.9 million deaths in 2020, underscoring the urgent need for improved prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment strategies. Sepsis can lead to severe outcomes, including organ failure, septic shock, and high mortality rates. Survivors may face long-term effects like chronic muscle weakness, pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. “Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency where the body’s response to an infection spirals out of control, leading to self-damage of organs and impaired function,” Dr. Chinnadurai R, Lead Consultant - Critical Care, Aster RV Hospital, told IANS. The critical condition often results from bacterial infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, abdominal infections, or bloodstream infections. Viruses such as influenza and Covid-19 can also trigger sepsis, while fungal and parasitic infections are less common causes. “Immediate treatment is crucial and involves early detection, administering broad-spectrum antibiotics within the first hour, providing supportive care (for example, intravenous fluids, oxygen), and controlling the infection source by draining abscesses or removing infected tissue,” Chinnadurai said. Dr. Aakashneel Bhattacharya, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Paras Health Gurugram said: “Preventing sepsis starts with taking precautions such as practicing good hygiene, keeping wounds clean and covered, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, and seeking timely medical care for infections before they escalate”. The experts also called for raising awareness about sepsis through public education, early treatment, training healthcare professionals to manage sepsis effectively, and adhering to evidence-based guidelines are key strategies. With timely recognition and treatment, the rates of hospitalisation and death from sepsis can be significantly reduced. Also Read: Hina Khan suffering from mucositis: Experts decode symptoms, causes, treatment This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 September,2024 01:51 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
