The start of a new year often comes with renewed promises of better health and fitness. But instead of falling prey to fleeting fads and extreme measures, why not turn to a sustainable and balanced approach? Say goodbye to trending, new diets on the internet. Guru to stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan, celebrity nutritionist, Rujuta Diwekar, in her audiobook, ‘Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight’ on Audible, offers practical tips rooted in common sense, tradition, and science. Here are some takeaways from the audiobook to help you stay on track for the year ahead. 1. Ditch tea or coffee first thing in the morningStarting your day with tea or coffee on an empty stomach is a no-no. She shares, “Any stimulant like tea or coffee, which has caffeine and cigarettes jolt the system out of slumber. It increases the blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate and makes the body feel stressed or ‘kicked’. Sadly we mistake this for feeling awake.” She says, “Eat meal 1 within 10 minutes of waking up. And obviously you can’t start with tea, coffee or a cigarette. If you can’t bring yourself to eat a big meal, start with a fruit. Absolutely any fruit is great. Keep it fresh, not frozen. Don’t add salt, sugar, chaat masala, etc to it. And of course, don’t squeeze it into a juice." According to Rujuta, you can kickstart your metabolism with something simple yet wholesome. She says, “Numerous studies have shown how a hearty, healthy breakfast can increase our metabolic rate. Some herbal infusions won’t give you the caffeine kick but it will prolong the time between waking up and eating, which is why I prefer you stick with this rule even if you are a herbal tea drinker.” This small change will improve digestion, balance blood sugar levels, and energize you for the day ahead. 2. Eat every two hours for steady energy and improved metabolismLong gaps between meals can wreak havoc on your metabolism and energy levels. Diwekar recommends eating small, balanced meals every two hours to keep your metabolism active and cravings at bay. To understand how many meals you should have within breaks, “calculate the number of hours that you spend away from home. Divide that by 2 and carry those many meals with you,” says Rujuta. Whether it’s coconut water with malai, fresh fruits, or roasted peanuts, there are plentiful options, however, you need to plan. Rujuta says, “When you eat 6 to 7 times in the day, it doesn’t take too much time. Just a couple of minutes. The kind of small meal I am asking you to eat is a handful of peanuts, a bowl of yoghurt, a slice or wedge of cheese. These are all foods you can keep in the office fridge, or in your desk.” 3. Match your meals to your activity levelsTo maintain energy levels and optimize health, it is best to tailor eating habits to activity patterns. Rujuta suggests eating more during high-demand periods, such as after physical or mental exertion, and scaling during passive activities. “It goes without saying that you should eat more in the morning. If we don’t eat food when the body needs it, all this does is create a huge calorie and nutrient deficit. Later, when the time is wrong, that is the metabolic processes are slowing down, your body and mind will demand a lot of food to make up for the deficit. Time is very important,” says Rujuta, in her audiobook. She asserts, “Cheese, pasta, paratha, peanuts, paneer, banana, mango, potato, rice, etc are misunderstood only because you have experienced them at the wrong time in your day. None of these foods are fattening. They are just dense in energy (calories) or fat. In fact, I will go to the extent of saying that no food is fattening. You have to just be smart enough to choose the right time to eat it. ” Pay attention to portion sizes and the timing of heavier meals. By respecting your body’s rhythms and syncing meals with activity levels, you can boost vitality and prevent overeating. 4. Wrap up dinner two hours before bedtimeEating late or heavy dinners can disrupt digestion and lead to weight gain. Rujuta advises having your final meal at least two hours before bedtime. She says, "Rethink ‘dinner’. Have a healthy and nutritious meal between 6 to 7 pm; and then go for a token dinner later, ideally no later than 9 pm." Some meal suggestion options that Rujuta shares for the early dinner or meal include Roti rolls, Grilled sandwiches, Sprouts with dahi, Muesli with milk or curd or other whole grains like ragi, barley, mixed grains. Sharing an important note for those not going in for a token dinner, she alerts, “If you are eating your early dinner and you aren’t eating anything afterwards (ie, not doing the token dinner), remember only 2 things and nothing more. Your meal should be a combination of low GI (glycemic index) carbs, fats and protein.” This way it prevents you from overeating at night and ensures your body gets adequate time to process food before you sleep. By applying these principles, you can redefine your relationship with food and fitness. As Rujuta aptly explains, weight loss should never be the goal; a healthier, happier you is what truly matters! So, as you step into this new year, embrace her timeless wisdom and watch the transformation unfold.
08 January,2025 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile coffee offers several health benefits, the best time to drink the hot beverage is morning hours, claims a study on Wednesday. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, showed that people who drink coffee in the morning have a lower risk of dying from heart disease. They also have a lower overall mortality risk compared to people who drink coffee all day long. Researchers from Tulane University in the US showed morning coffee drinkers were 16 per cent less likely to die of any cause and 31 per cent less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. However, no reduction in risk was found for people who drink coffee all day, compared to non-coffee drinkers. “This is the first study testing coffee drinking timing patterns and health outcomes. Our findings indicate that it’s not just whether you drink coffee or how much you drink, but the time of day when you drink coffee, that’s important,” said Dr Lu Qi, Professor at Tulane. In the study, researchers analysed data on 40,725 adults between 1999 and 2018. As part of the study, participants were asked about all the food and drink they consumed on at least one day, including whether they drank coffee, how much, and when. It also included a sub-group of 1,463 people who were asked to complete a detailed food and drink diary for a full week. The team linked the information with records of deaths and causes of death for nine to 10 years. More than one in three people in the study were morning coffee drinkers (they primarily drank coffee before midday), and less than one in four drank coffee throughout the day (morning, afternoon, and evening). These were compared with 48 per cent non coffee drinkers. Morning coffee drinkers benefitted from the lower risks whether they were moderate drinkers (two to three cups) or heavy drinkers (more than three cups). Light morning drinkers (one cup or less) benefitted from a smaller decrease in risk, the researchers said. However, the study doesn’t give the mechanism behind how drinking coffee in the morning reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. “A possible explanation is that consuming coffee in the afternoon or evening may disrupt circadian rhythms and levels of hormones such as melatonin. This, in turn, leads to changes in cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation and blood pressure,” Qi said, calling for further studies to validate the findings. 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.
08 January,2025 03:49 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSBe it office leasing or residential demand, Mumbai witnessed historic high among all metros last year, driven by sustained demand for premium housing and transformative infrastructure developments, a report showed on Tuesday. The financial capital recorded a historic high in office transaction volumes in 2024, reaching 10.4 million square feet, marking a 40 per cent annual increase from 7.4 million square feet in 2023, according to the report by Knight Frank India. In the second half of 2024, Mumbai saw office space transactions totalling around 4.6 million square feet, reflecting a 9 per cent growth. India-facing business accounted for most transactions in Mumbai, contributing around 77 per cent to the overall share in 2024.In 2024, Mumbai saw the addition of 5.8 million square feet of new office supply, reflecting an 89 per cent year-on-year growth compared to 2023. According to Viral Desai from Knight Frank India, occupier sentiment remained strong, fuelled by a growing economic environment, rising physical occupancy, and significant infrastructure advancements. “The introduction of key metro lines, such as the BKC metro, has notably enhanced accessibility, making Mumbai’s office market increasingly attractive to occupiers. The city’s office leasing market is set to continue its upward momentum in 2025, driven by varied occupier demand, infrastructure-led development, and developer confidence in the city’s long-term prospects,” Desai mentioned. The city also remained the largest residential market in the country, recording sale of 96,187 primary residential units in 2024, marking a 13-year high with an 11 per cent growth. In H2 2024 alone, 48,928 units were sold, reflecting a 6 per cent YoY increase. In 2024, the average residential prices rose by 5 per cent YoY over 2023. The sustained demand of buyers supported this price growth and kept the momentum ongoing. Complemented by transformative infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Coastal Road, Metro Line 3, and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), the city continues to strengthen its position as the nation’s premier real estate market, said the report. Gulam Zia from Knight Frank India said that Mumbai’s residential market continues its steady growth, driven by sustained demand for premium housing and transformative infrastructure developments and key infrastructure projects like the Mumbai Coastal Road and Metro Lines have greatly improved connectivity, fuelling demand in suburban areas. 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.
07 January,2025 03:16 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThere is nothing to worry about the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), said the World Health Organisation's former chief scientist, Dr Soumya Swaminathan on Monday, even as two more cases have been detected in the country, taking the tally to 5. She noted that the virus is not new and causes only mild infections. "#HMPvirus is nothing to panic about. It’s a known virus that causes respiratory infections, mostly mild," Swaminathan said in a post on social media platform X. Warning people to not jump at the detection of every pathogen, she listed out precautionary measures like washing hands. "Rather than jump at detection of every pathogen, we should all take normal precautions when we have a cold: wear a mask, wash hands, avoid crowds, consult a doctor in case of severe symptoms," the noted scientist said. She noted that as per ICMR, HMPV accounts for about 3 per cent of respiratory pathogens detected in the laboratory network, testing influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases. Influenza A & B, SARSCoV2 and RSV are other circulating viruses, she said, adding "no deaths reported in India so far". The expert's assurance comes even as five children tested positive for the virus in Karnataka (2), Gujarat (1), and Tamil Nadu (2) on Monday. All the affected children are recovering well, while one has been discharged, the health authorities said. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, addressing the media, said that the government is "closely monitoring the situation in China as well as in the neighbouring countries". He assured that "there is no reason to worry". HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with the RSV. The symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. 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.
07 January,2025 10:15 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus and most of the Indian population are immune to it, said health experts on Monday, even as the number of reported cases climbed to three in the country. On Monday, health officials in the country reported three cases of HMPV -- babies aged three- and eight-month-old from Bengaluru (Karnataka) and a two-year-old child in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad. “Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus. It has been part of the circulating flu virus in India for long. Hence, the majority of the Indian population has developed immunity against it,” Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional Professor, Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS. He added that the “chances of a severe disease are very rare”. HMPV was first discovered in 2001 and is part of the Pneumoviridae family along with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The symptoms commonly associated with HMPV include cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. “Like for any other flu viruses, elderly people, children and people with comorbidities must take care. There is no need to create panic, and one should stop rumour-mongering in the public,” Salve said. Also Read: HMPV outbreak: Has India panicked more than China? The two cases from Karnataka were detected via routine surveillance by ICMR in a 3-month-old girl and an 8-month-old boy. Both had a history of bronchopneumonia -- a form of pneumonia, a lung infection, and were admitted to a private hospital. Bronchopneumonia affects both the alveoli in the lungs and the bronchi. The Health Ministry informed that while the baby girl “has been discharged”, the baby boy “is now recovering” In the third case, the child, from Rajasthan, was admitted to a private hospital in Chandkheda’s area of Ahmedabad, after showing symptoms of cold and cough. The child is stable now, reports quoted civic officials as saying. “HMPV is not a new virus. It commonly causes colds among children and also some adults. For self-limiting colds, we don’t do expensive tests to diagnose which specific virus it is due to. Therefore, the finding of this virus upon testing is not anything unusual or worrisome,” Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, told IANS. “All over the world, HMPV is a well-known cause of common cold,” he added. HMPV is already in circulation globally, including in India, and cases of respiratory illnesses associated with HMPV have been reported in various countries, particularly in China. “Common cold is more common in winter, therefore it is being reported from China at this time. People should not get the impression that a new virus from China has now reached Bangalore,” Jayadevan told IANS. Notably, the three cases of HMPV have no travel history. Thus, it currently remains unknown whether the cases are related to the outbreak seen in China. “They (infected children) have not traveled to China, Malaysia, or any other country. The outbreak in China is linked to a new variant of HMPV. We do not yet have full details, and the government is still gathering information,” said Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, while speaking to the media. “HMPV isn’t new. What we don’t know is whether the strain is novel and has a virulence that’s different from what we’ve experienced in the past. Unless one knows that it is a novel strain, cases have been detected all the time! Hopefully, whole genome sequencing and clinical information will clarify soon,” said Lancelot Pinto, an Indian pulmonologist and epidemiologist, in a post on social media platform X. Meanwhile, the government has issued precautionary measures such as covering mouth and nose with handkerchiefs or tissue paper while coughing, or sneezing; washing hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer; avoiding crowded places; staying away from public places while having fever, cough, or sneezing. 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
06 January,2025 04:28 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSA team of doctors in Kolkata have successfully treated a rare instance of bilateral Herpes Zoster in a 74-year-old woman, Nanda Ghosh. This is only the fourth documented case of bilateral Herpes Zoster in the country involving a patient who is not immunocompromised. She was brought to Manipal Hospitals, Broadway with complaints like fever, high-grade headache, nasal discharge, congestion, and coughing, Upon examination, vesiculopapular rashes (small bumps or fluid-filled blisters) among other symptoms suggested a severe and rare presentation of the Herpes virus. The woman was suffering from days of fever, unceasing headache, and pain so inexplicable it just won't subside. Despite a growing sense that something is seriously wrong, the underlying cause remained unknown. Such was the condition of this elderly patient till her son brought her to the hospital where finally her condition found a diagnosis and treatment. Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles can cause painful rashes and typically forms along a single nerve root (dermatome) on one side of the body, often affecting areas like the chest, abdomen, or face. However, in this case, it manifested bilaterally, which is extremely rare. The lesions formed on both sides of the face, including around the forehead, cheeks, and eyes, which is highly unusual in someone in relatively healthy condition. A multidisciplinary team led by Dr Partha Sarathi Bhattacharjee, consultant - internal medicine, at the hospital confirmed the diagnosis through an extensive investigation. The patient was treated with antiviral medication (Zovirax) to target the Herpes virus and antibiotics (Meropenem) to manage secondary bacterial infections. Dermatologists and ophthalmologists were consulted to ensure comprehensive care. Dr Bhattacharjee explained, “This case was a medical rarity, especially in a healthy elderly individual without immunosuppression. Such cases challenge conventional medical understanding and require advanced diagnostic expertise. If left untreated, Herpes Zoster can lead to severe complications such as blindness, hearing loss, and nerve damage. Getting the shingles vaccine can prevent herpes outbreaks. The shingles vaccine is administered in a 2-dose series, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first for optimal effectiveness. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential in managing the condition and preventing complications. While this vaccine is recommended for all ages, this is particularly beneficial for the elderly or those at higher risk.” Nanda’s son shared his emotional journey, stating, “Watching my mother suffer without knowing what was wrong was heart-wrenching. This is the fourth time we have relied on Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, and every time, they have exceeded our expectations. My mother's condition was critical and very unusual, but the doctors here handled it with extraordinary care and expertise. Thanks to their efforts, my mother is now back home with her family. We are deeply thankful.” In a week, the patient showed great improvement under the care of the hospital. Her fever abated, and rashes resolved without secondary infection; her general condition stabilised. The patient was discharged in ten days with overall good health and immense gratitude regarding the compassionate and highly professional treatment.
06 January,2025 03:07 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentMumbai doctors have successfully treated a rare and life-threatening pancreatic condition in a 13-year-old girl from Sangli in Maharashtra. The patient was detected with pseudoaneurysm in the gastroduodenal artery in the pseudocyst of the pancreas along with pancreatitis which was successfully managed by a minimally invasive procedure guided by angiography, performed by Dr Rahul Sheth, an interventional radiologist. This procedure not only alleviated her pain but also offered a lasting solution to her complex condition. The team of experts at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre was led by Dr Rajeev Redkar, paediatric surgeon along with Dr Aniruddha Phadke, gastroenterologist with paediatricians Dr Deepak Ugra and Dr Minhaj Sheikh, and Dr Sheth. The patient, Aditi Kamble, experienced symptoms such as acute abdominal pain one week ago. The young girl, who has a family history of pancreatic disease, was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis two years ago. Her family sought the advice of a gastroenterologist but her condition didn’t improve. She continued to have intermittent pain in her abdomen. Last week, she experienced severe abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting which interfered with her daily routine. She visited another hospital in Mumbai where her condition could not be managed. After that, the patient was admitted to Lilavati Hospital for this life-saving intervention. Dr Redkar said, “The patient was in distress due to unbearable abdominal pain on arrival in the hospital. Her abdomen CT scan revealed a pseudocyst (a fluid-filled mass in the pancreas) and a leaking pseudo-aneurysm of the gastro-duodenal artery within the pseudocyst, a rare and critical condition, especially in children. The patient suffered from this condition due to genetic factors as her father also struggled with pancreatic disease. After the pancreatitis resolved, she was detected with pseudocyst of the pancreas and pancreatitis (swelling and inflammation of the pancreas). The incidence of the leaking pseudoaneurysm in a pseudocyst of the pancreas is a very rare problem probably found in 1 in 10, 00,000 children with pancreatitis. The girl also had a dilated pancreatic duct and stones within her pancreas which further compromised the functioning of the pancreatic gland. The compromised pancreatic function caused stunted growth and acute on chronic abdominal pain.” He added, “In collaboration with interventional radiologists, advanced angiographic techniques were utilised to approach and coil the aneurysm, successfully stopping the active bleeding and obliterating the aneurysm. This uneventful procedure called angiographic embolisation of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysm lasted for one hour. The patient was discharged after one week in a stable condition. Her pain is resolved and follow-up sonography has shown no recurrence. Not treating her at the right time could have raised the risk of complications like bleeding inside the pseudo pancreatic cyst. This case highlights Lilavati Hospital’s commitment to delivering life-saving care for the patients.” “We are deeply thankful to Dr Rajeev Redkar and his team for their exceptional care and expertise. They not only saved my daughter’s life but also gave us hope by managing her condition. She is excited to return to school and spend time with her friends,” said the patient’s mother expressing his gratitude for the timely intervention. "Our team at Lilavati Hospital is committed to providing the highest level of care, and the successful treatment of this young patient is a testimony to unmatched care and dedication. With the help of the latest technology and expertise, together we tackle even the rarest and most complex conditions. This case highlights the power of teamwork, advanced medical care, and our relentless focus on improving patient outcomes. We're proud to have saved this child's life and offer a brighter future for her," concluded Dr Niraj Uttamani, chief operating officer at the Bandra hospital.
06 January,2025 02:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFive years after the Covid-19 pandemic, China is reportedly reeling under another respiratory virus – Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Several media reports and social media posts from the country suggest that there is an increase in respiratory infections in the country, including those caused due to HMPV, with some even claiming that hospitals are overwhelmed. However, Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization have not raised concern or declared any emergency. Data from the Chinese CDC, in late December, showed that “the positive rate of HMPV in cases aged 14 and below has recently fluctuated and increased”, China’s state broadcaster CCTV had reported. What is HMPV and how does it affect the body? According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HMPV, discovered in 2001, comes in the Pneumoviridae family along with the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, serological studies have shown that it has existed in humans for more than 60 years and is distributed all over the world. This virus can cause upper and lower respiratory issues. What are the symptoms of HMPV? HMPV presents flu-like symptoms like cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath. According to the US CDC, clinical symptoms of HMPV infection may progress to bronchitis or pneumonia and are similar to other viruses that cause upper and lower respiratory infections. The estimated incubation period is three to six days. Which age group is most affected? Although the virus can affect people of all age groups, it is most common in young children and the elderly. According to the American Lung Association, though a history of asthma, COPD or any other lung disease does not make someone more likely to contract the illness, once they have it, these lung diseases can make symptoms more severe. This is also true for people with weakened immune systems. How does HMPV spread? HMPV is mainly transmitted through droplets or aerosols produced by coughing and sneezing. The Chinese CDC states that close contact with infected people and exposure to virus-contaminated environments may also cause transmission. Is there a treatment for HMPV? There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Experts are also warning against using antivirals for HMPV. According to IANS, in a recent interview with the state-backed National Business Daily, a respiratory expert at a Shanghai hospital warned the public against blindly using antiviral drugs to fight human metapneumovirus, for which there is no vaccine but whose symptoms resemble those of a cold. What precautionary steps can one take to protect themselves from the virus? Wear a mask when going to crowded places. Also, frequent hand washing, ventilation and scientific disinfection can effectively reduce the chance of HMPV infection. While addressing the media, Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), India, recommended common precautionary steps against respiratory infections. "If somebody has a cough and cold, you should avoid coming in contact with a lot of people so that the infection does not spread. Use a distinct handkerchief or towel for coughing and sneezing and take normal medicines that are required for cold or fever whenever it is there,” he noted. Does India need to worry? While there is concern over the reported increase in HMPV infections in China, particularly due to the Covid-19 pandemic that shook the world five years back, Indian health officials have said that there is no cause of concern. "The spread of HMPV in China is like any other respiratory virus. There is no need for alarm about the present situation," Dr Goel told the media, as reported by IANS. He said there is any way an increased outbreak of respiratory virus infections in winter, for which hospitals are usually prepared with supplies and beds, further informing that there is "no significant increase in the December 2024 data on the respiratory outbreaks within the country". Also Read: HMPV in China: Closely monitoring influenza cases in India, no need to be alarmed, says govt Is it the new Covid-19 type virus outbreak? While HMPV presents similar symptoms as Covid-19, there is no official statement yet on the nature of the reported outbreak in China. The World Health Organization has not raised any alarm or released any advisory as of now. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
06 January,2025 12:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian digital healthcare platform MediBuddy has revealed its latest insights through their latest report on how more Indians are shifting towards digital healthcare solutions. One of the many is that 40 per cent of health bookings through them were made for family and friends. More importantly, the type of bookings included not heart or diabetes health but gastroenterology, paediatrics and dermatology among others The data reveals a striking portrait of family health dynamics in Indian households. Within this segment, 44 per cent of bookings were for parents, reflecting the younger generation's active role in their care. Spousal health accounted for 33 per cent, highlighting strong partner support, while children's health services comprised 11 per cent of these bookings. One of the most prominent insights from 2024 is the significant shift in when people seek healthcare. 37 per cent of online consultations in 2024 occurred after 6 pm, highlighting a growing demand for high quality healthcare 24x7. This shift highlights the need for flexible, accessible care that aligns with modern, busy lifestyles, moving beyond traditional office hours. Gastroenterology, paediatrics, and dermatology were the most frequently accessed specialities on the platform. With digestive health also a growing concern, many turned to gastroenterologists for support, highlighting the rising awareness around the importance of gut health. Paediatrics was a focal point for many families, with parents increasingly relying on paediatricians to help them navigate their children’s growth and health. Meanwhile, dermatology emerged as a top speciality, with a significant increase in consultations for skin-related issues such as acne and overall skincare. The health platform also looked at how its users are contributing to a more sustainable future. By switching to digital reports, the platform was able to save enough paper to preserve the equivalent of 1,195 trees, which can absorb approximately 30,000 kg of CO2 annually. The choice to move consultations online had an even greater environmental impact, preventing 2.75 million kg of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere from fuel burning. This shift not only highlights how digital healthcare is reshaping the patient experience but also how collective action can contribute to a healthier planet. In 2024, the platform's phlebotomists travelled a staggering 80 lakh kilometres to deliver sample collection services at home. To put this in perspective, that’s the distance it would take to travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari 2,192 times. Of particular note is that 25 per cent of the phlebotomists making these tireless journeys were women.
06 January,2025 12:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEvery year, people set many different kinds of resolutions at the start of the new year. While 2025 is no different, health is always a priority and one of the top resolutions that people always have. However, setting health goals can often be quite intimidating as one may be hard on themselves almost instantly. Dr Ajit Menon, consultant,, cardiac sciences at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital says to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, it's essential to focus on moderation in all aspects of life, from diet to exercise and sleep. Here are some key habits to incorporate into your routine for overall well-being: 1. Watch your diet and avoid binging: It’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet, avoiding overindulgence and fad diets. The key is moderation. Understand the nutritional needs of your body, which will depend on your lifestyle, activity level, and individual requirements. Plan your meals around these needs, ensuring you provide your body with the right fuel. 2. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity is a must for maintaining good health. Aim for at least 20 minutes of exercise each day, whether it’s a brisk walk or a workout routine. Remember, moderation is vital—overdoing it can lead to injury or burnout. If you're starting a new fitness routine as part of a New Year’s resolution, consider working with a trainer to ensure you’re exercising correctly and safely. 3. Sleep well and adequately: Sleep is one of the most crucial aspects of maintaining overall health. Aim for at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night to recharge and rejuvenate your body and mind. Consistent, restful sleep allows you to function at your best and supports both physical and mental health. 4. Avoid smoking and recreational substances: Smoking and recreational drug use should be strictly avoided. These substances are harmful to your health and can cause a range of serious illnesses. Protecting your body from these risks is vital for maintaining long-term health. 5. Learn to manage stress: Managing stress is an essential skill for well-being. Spending time with loved ones is a great way to unwind, and pursuing hobbies or discovering new ones can be incredibly beneficial. Remember, no one is indispensable, and taking time to relax is necessary for staying mentally healthy. 6. Moderation is key: Whether it's food, exercise, or stress management, moderation is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Too much of anything, even good things, can be harmful. Striving for balance is the key to feeling your best.
06 January,2025 11:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndia is well-prepared to handle respiratory illnesses and surveillance shows no unusual surge in the country, according to the government, as reports surface about rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China in the past few weeks. In a joint monitoring group (JMG) meeting under the chairmanship of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, experts had detailed discussions around the spread of respiratory illnesses in China. According to them, the situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season. The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is influenza virus, RSV and HMPV – the usual pathogens that are expected during the season. The government said it is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has also been requested to share timely updates regarding the situation in China. A robust surveillance system for Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) for Influenza is already in place in India through both ICMR and IDSP networks and the data from both indicates no unusual surge in ILI and SARI cases. Physicians from hospitals have also confirmed that there is no surge in respiratory illness cases in the last few weeks other than the expected seasonal variation. Data from the recently conducted preparedness drill indicated that the country is well prepared to deal with any increase in respiratory illnesses. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) network also tests for other respiratory viruses such as Adenovirus, RSV, HMPV etc. and these pathogens also do not show an unusual increase in the tested samples. As a precautionary measure, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be enhanced by ICMR, and ICMR will be monitoring trends of HMPV for the entire year, according to health ministry. Also Read: HMPV outbreak in China: A few FAQs answered; here's all you need to know 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
05 January,2025 10:01 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
