One to three of 10 people are being diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is rapidly emerging as a major public health concern closely linked with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra said on Friday. Chandra, who released the revised Operational Guidelines and Training Module of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), here said India has taken the lead in recognising it as a major non-communicable disease (NCD). "NAFLD is rapidly emerging as a major public health concern, closely linked with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Out of 10, one to three people can have NAFLD which highlights the impact of the disease," Chandra stated. He highlighted that the release of revised operational guidelines and training modules reflects the importance being given by the Union Health Ministry to curb the disease. Chandra said these documents will provide a framework for health workers at all levels, from community health workers to medical officers. He also emphasised the importance of continuum of care for people who have been diagnosed with NCDs and underlined the need for lifestyle modification for reducing the prevalence of NAFLD. Speaking on the occasion, Punya Salila Srivastava, Officer on Special Duty, Union Health Ministry said these guidelines need to reach the grassroots level workers so that the disease is detected early and the burden of NAFLD is reduced. She said the release of training module is a significant addition to India's efforts to build capacities amongst healthcare professionals to tackle the rising burden of NCDs in India. Dr S K Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), said the release of the two documents is a momentous step whose results will be reflected in the next few years. He noted that many NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer are linked to liver health, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy liver. NCDs are accounting for more than 66 per cent of death in the country. They are strongly associated and causally linked with major behaviour risk factors such as tobacco use (smoking and smokeless), alcohol use, poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity and air pollution, the ministry said in a statement. NAFLD is emerging as an important cause of liver disease in India. It could be assuming a silent epidemic with community prevalence ranging from 9 per cent to 32 per cent, depending on age, gender, area of residence and socioeconomic status, the statement stated. "In other words, we are saying that out of 10 persons, 1 to 3 persons will be having fatty liver or related disease," it said. India contributes high numbers for NCDs globally and one of the core causes of metabolic diseases is in liver. Realising the growing burden and urgent need to address it, India became the first country to integrate the NAFLD in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs in 2021, the statement said. Considering the recent evidence-based interventions in the field of NAFLD, there was a dire need to revise the guidelines with updated information for prevention, control and management to equip the medical care providers and help in prevention and control of NAFLD. The guidelines focus on health promotion and early detection which are important for ensuring that patients with NAFLD receive timely and appropriate care.It also advocates for a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the efforts of healthcare providers from various discipline to offer a holistic care to individual affected by NAFLD, the statement said. The effective management of NAFLD requires not only a sound understanding of the disease condition but also a capacity to implement evidence-based interventions at all level of healthcare. The training module for NAFLD is developed to complement operational guidelines and help in building capacity of healthcare professionals with knowledge and skills necessary to identify, manage, prevent NAFLD particularly at primary level. The module covers a wide range of topic including epidemiology, risk factors, screening, diagnostic protocol and standardised treatment guidelines. It also reinforces the importance of early detection, patient education, lifestyle modification and integrated care strategies to improve health outcomes, the statement stated. Also Read: Why contraception is still essential after 40 until menopause is confirmed This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
27 September,2024 06:42 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIIn a medical accomplishment, Mumbai doctors performed a high-risk intervention and saved the life of a 41-year-old man with LMCA Cardiogenic Shock Syndrome, also called widowmaker heart attack, with 100 per cent stenosis of left main coronary artery, which is a serious condition with high mortality rates. The patient, Sanjeev Tripathi, who is a Mira Road resident, experienced severe chest pain three months ago in May 2024. He arrived at the Emergency Department of Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road with profuse sweating, pain radiating to the left arm and persistent vomiting for 30 minutes. A team headed by Dr Anand Ram, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at the hospital, looked after the patient, who needed life-saving treatment. Dr. Ram reveals, “This patient’s condition had worsened and his ECG revealed extensive Anterior wall myocardial infarction which has the highest mortality. The patient was diagnosed with LMCA Cardiogenic Shock Syndrome. Angiography was performed immediately, during which it was revealed that he had a previous Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) with stenting to the Left Anterior Descending Artery (LAD), but he had stopped taking his medication four months ago.” He adds, “Despite the severity of the lesion, Angioplasty was completed. The patient was shifted to the ICU and developed cardiogenic shock due to the large area of myocardial involvement. He was discharged after three days in stable condition.” According to the information shared with the writer, he has been able to return to his ongoing job and daily life routine while having regular follow-ups for the last three months. However, Dr. Ram recommends, “Patients shouldn't discontinue blood thinners or any medication without the doctor’s permission as doing so can cause blockages or heart attack, and even death. Continuing with the medication is essential for preventing any further emergencies." Priyanka Tripathi, the patient’s wife, states, “We fall short of words to express our feelings. All we want to do is thank Dr. Anand Ram and his team for successful treatment and recovery.” What is LMCA Cardiogenic Shock Syndrome? Dr. Ram explains, “The LMCA Cardiogenic Shock Syndrome described by Quigley et al. is an extremely serious condition in which Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is accompanied by Cardiogenic Shock and severe LMCA stenosis. The mortality rate is 100 per cent with conservative treatment and 89 per cent with PCI and surgery.” He adds, “LMCA is also called a widowmaker heart attack, which occurs when a patient experiences a major blockage at the beginning of the left main artery (LM). This artery is a major pipeline for blood, carrying about 80 per cent of the heart's blood supply. If blood flow is 100 per cent blocked at this critical location, it can be fatal without emergency care.” Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Also Read: Mumbai teen becomes first in the world to successfully undergo hand transplant
27 September,2024 05:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a historic set of events, a 15-year-old girl from Goregaon in Mumbai, who lost her right hand due to electrocution in 2022, has received a new hand. This teenager has become the youngest recipient in Asia and the first globally to undergo a shoulder-level limb transplant successfully. The hand transplant represents the 12th successful hand transplant conducted at Gleneagles Hospital, a leading transplant facility in Mumbai and Western India. Notably, this is the first time in India that a hand transplant was performed using the organ of a 9-year-old brain-dead donor from Surat, providing this teenager with an incredible gift. The 12-hour surgery was skillfully carried out by Dr. Nilesh G. Satbhai, head of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery at Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai, and his team. After having her right arm amputated just below the shoulder level, the recipient is now on track to recover and regain normal movements and function of her new arm. The young girl is thrilled about her new opportunity and eagerly anticipates returning to school. Two years ago, 13-year-old Anamta Ahmad travelled to her hometown of Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh for a vacation. While playing with her cousins, she accidentally touched an 11KV wire on the terrace, resulting in a severe electric shock that caused significant burns. Her right hand developed gangrene and had to be amputated thrice. Her left arm was also severely injured with major wounds and poor function. Since that tragic incident, Anamta and her family did not lose hope. Eventually, Anamta found the strength within herself to confront the difficult truth and come to terms with the necessity of restarting her life and relearning various skills. Demonstrating remarkable fortitude, she dedicated herself to personal growth. She refused to take assistance from her family members chose to be self-reliant and tackled all her daily responsibilities independently. Rather than succumbing to despair, she maintained an optimistic outlook, returned to school without pausing her education, learned to write with her left hand, and scored 92% (the highest in five subjects) in her Class 10 examinations. She excelled in Hindi at her school with an impressive score of 98 in May 2024. Anamta's path after electrocution has been characterized by firm determination and resilience instead of giving up on her dreams. The family kept searching for options and solutions for this difficult situation they were facing. They soon realised that Hand Transplantation was the only suitable solution for this complex problem. They visited multiple hospitals across India, and also a few centers in Singapore and Thailand. They were refused for Hand transplantation at all these centers as the amputation was at a very high level. Finally, they came to Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, and consulted Dr. Satbhai. Anamta underwent a detailed preoperative workup and was listed for Hand Transplantation. After waiting for more than an year, they got an alert about the availability of a suitable hand donor. Anamta and her family’s joy knew no bounds. The family rejoiced as Anamta’s life was going to change for the better. Dr Nilesh G. Satbhai, head Of Department- Plastic, Hand, Reconstructive Microsurgery and Transplantation, Gleneagles Hospitals, Parel, Mumbai said, “We were informed by the local state authorities, that a 9-year-old girl from Surat, who was suffering from a brain tumor, had been declared brain dead. The family was counseled by a local NGO about hand donation. The parents generously consented to the donation, and arrangements were promptly organized to transfer the organ to Gleneagles Hospitals.” Dr Satbhai added, “Hand Transplantation is a complex procedure which requires detailed assessment of the recipient. The primary injury often results in severe scarring of the skin, blood vessels and nerves. We need to assess this beforehand and plan accordingly. In transplantation at higher levels, bony fixation is a challenge as well. In Anamta’s case, as the injury was almost at shoulder level, we had to repair the blood vessels and nerves at a very high level under the clavicle (collar bone). This can be technically very challenging. The most important factor is to restore the circulation of the donor hands within 6 hours, so that it survives and functions well, without causing any risk to the recipient. The surgery took almost 12 hours and required great teamwork of surgeons, anesthesiologists, immunologists, and intensive care physicians. The patient is recovering well and is still in the ICU for observation. She will be on life-long immunosuppression. Her physiotherapy and rehabilitation will start soon. It usually takes 9-12 months for functional recovery after such proximal transplants.” “The loss of my daughter's right hand was a heart-wrenching experience not just for her, but for our entire family. Her optimism kept us going through this difficult time. After waiting for two long years, we felt it was a miracle when our prayers were answered. We jumped with excitement on hearing the news that our daughter would get a new hand. She too couldn’t hold herself back from crying and heaved a huge sigh of relief. We are immensely grateful to the donor's family for their generosity and to Dr. Satbhai and his team for performing a successful surgery without any complications. She will now be able to live her life and fulfill all her dreams,” concluded her father Aqeel Ahmad, a filmmaker by profession.
27 September,2024 01:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPeople heading to parks and other public places to feed pigeons has become a common sight in cities. However, the unintended consequences of this well-meaning activity on lung health are often overlooked. A recent case study by doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, highlighted the impact of prolonged exposure to pigeon feathers, droppings, etc., on human health. Studies reveal a startling link between urban wildlife, specifically pigeons, and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Bird Breeder’s Lung or Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is one of the most common forms of ILDs that can affect humans feeding pigeons regularly. In a conversation with mid-day.com, Dr. Lokesh Gutta, Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada, explains the impact of feeding pigeons on lung health. “Pigeons can carry various germs that are harmful for respiratory health,” he reveals. Some of these are: Histoplasma capsulatum: A fungus causing histoplasmosis, which can progress to ILD. Cryptococcus neoformans: A fungus linked to cryptococcosis, potentially leading to ILD. Psittacosis: A bacterial infection causing pneumonia, which can exacerbate existing lung conditions. He further explains, “When we feed pigeons, we disturb their droppings, releasing spores and bacteria into the air. Inhalation of these pathogens can trigger or worsen ILDs. ILDs encompass a group of disorders characterised by inflammation and scarring in lung tissue.” Also Read: Thane crime: Man thrashed for feeding pigeons; 4 booked Symptoms of ILDs Shortness of breath Dry cough Fatigue Chest tightness Are ILDs only caused by contact with pigeons? “There are many factors that can lead to ILDs,” says Dr. Gutta. “These include environmental exposures (for example, pigeon droppings), genetic predisposition, autoimmune disorders and occupational hazards,” he informs. Impact of urban wildlife on lung health Beyond pigeons, close contact with other animals, insects or rodents can also cause respiratory issues. Dr. Gutta gives the following examples. Rodents: They carry allergens and pathogens, exacerbating respiratory issues. Cockroaches: They produce allergens and can trigger asthma attacks. Mold: It thrives in urban environments, contributing to respiratory problems. Minimising impact Follow these tips to minimise the impact of urban wildlife on lung health. Avoid feeding pigeons and other urban wildlife regularly. Wear masks when cleaning or disturbing areas with potential pathogen presence. Maintain good ventilation and air quality in homes and public spaces. Support urban planning initiatives prioritising green spaces and wildlife management. The link between feeding pigeons and interstitial lung diseases highlights the complex interplay between urban wildlife, environment and human health. Recognising these risks and adopting preventive measures can safeguard our lung health while promoting a more harmonious relationship with urban wildlife. Also Read: Study finds 200 chemicals linked to breast cancer in food packaging materials Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice.
26 September,2024 06:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentContraception is often considered a priority during the early reproductive years, but many women overlook its importance after the age of 40. Fertility decreases with age, but pregnancy is still possible, and unplanned pregnancies can carry significant health risks for both mother and child. On World Contraception Day, Dr. Asha Dalal, Director, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, highlights why women should continue using contraception until they are certain they have reached menopause. Women can get pregnant even in their 40s While the increase in age is linked to decrease in fertility among women, the chances of pregnancy do not vanish entirely. “As women age, their fertility naturally declines due to the depletion of viable eggs and changes in hormonal balance. By the time a woman reaches her 40s, the chances of conceiving decrease significantly. However, the likelihood of pregnancy, though reduced, does not entirely vanish. Some women continue to ovulate until menopause, making pregnancy a possibility even in their late 40s,” clarifies Dr. Dalal. “The period leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, is marked by irregular menstrual cycles and fluctuations in hormone levels, but ovulation may still occur sporadically. Since ovulation can be unpredictable, women may unknowingly be at risk of pregnancy, even if their periods have become irregular or less frequent,” she adds. Health risks of pregnancy after 40 While there have been several instances of women successfully navigating pregnancy after the age of 40, there are many health risks associated with it. Dr. Dalal states the following risks: Women over 40 are more likely to experience complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and hypertension. There is also a higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, such as Down Syndrome. The rates of miscarriage and still birth are higher in older women, as are the chances of requiring a cesarean section due to complications during delivery. Additionally, she states, “Unplanned pregnancies at this age can be emotionally, physically and financially taxing, especially when health concerns are at the forefront.” When to stop contraception? Given the health risks associated with unplanned pregnancies, contraception methods should be used until menopause is confirmed. However, determining this can prove to be challenging. “Menopause is confirmed when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. However, during perimenopause, menstrual cycles can be erratic, and women may go several months without a period, only to menstruate again. This unpredictability makes it difficult to determine when ovulation has truly ceased,” explains Dr. Dalal. “One year without a period or in some cases, hormone tests may be used to assess whether a woman has entered menopause. These tests are not always definitive due to hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause,” she adds. Also Read: ‘I couldn’t even talk to my friends about it’: Why women in their 40s are now talking about Perimenopause Contraceptive options for women over 40 There are various contraceptive options that can be considered, keeping the age factor in mind. “If you are not having sex often, you may not want a daily hormonal pill or long-term contraceptive,” says Dr. Dalal. She reveals the following options: Non-hormonal methods like condoms, copper IUDs and sterilisation are viable choices for those concerned about hormone use. Hormonal methods, such as birth control pills, hormone-releasing IUDs or implants can also be considered, though they may not be suitable for women with certain health conditions, like a history of blood clots or breast cancer. Additionally, she mentions, “For some women, hormone-based contraception offers the additional benefit of managing perimenopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, heavy periods and mood swings. However, the choice of contraception should always be personalised based on a woman’s overall health, lifestyle and reproductive goals.” Consulting a healthcare provider can help women choose the safest and most appropriate contraceptive method. Additionally, contraception should be a shared responsibility among men and women. Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified expert for personalised guidance.
26 September,2024 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA team of researchers has identified nearly 200 potential breast carcinogens in food packaging materials, including plastics, paper, and cardboard highlighting widespread exposure despite existing regulation. The findings, published in 'Frontiers in Toxicology' on Tuesday, underscore an urgent need for stronger preventative measures to reduce these chemicals in everyday products. "This study is important because it shows that there is a huge opportunity for prevention of human exposure to breast cancer-causing chemicals," said Jane Muncke, Managing Director of the Food Packaging Forum and co-author of the study. "The potential for cancer prevention by reducing hazardous chemicals in your daily life is underexplored and deserves much more attention," she added. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide. It is the number one cancer in women. In 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 died globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). For the study, the team compared a recently published list of potential breast carcinogens. They found 189 potential breast carcinogens have been detected in food contact materials (FCMs), including 143 in plastics and 89 in paper or board. Further, the team limited their study to the most recently available studies in 2020-2022. They also found evidence of exposure to 76 suspected mammary carcinogens from FCMs purchased all over the world, 61 of which (80 per cent) are from plastics. This indicates continued exposure of the global population to these chemicals under realistic use conditions. Importantly, the food contact materials were purchased within the last few years from markets in highly regulated regions, including the EU and the US. Despite existing regulations in these countries, intended to limit carcinogenic substances in FCMs, the study highlights gaps in current regulatory frameworks. "Our findings imply that chronic exposure of the entire population to suspected mammary carcinogens from FCMs is the norm and highlights an important, but currently underappreciated, opportunity for prevention," the researchers said. Also Read: Packaged juices harmful, no matter ‘healthy’ branding, warn 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
24 September,2024 11:46 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSScientists have linked symptoms of depression during pregnancy to a specific brain activity, and hope to develop test for “baby blues” risk. Around 80 per cent of women suffer from “baby blues” after the birth of their child. Normally, this is a brief period of feeling down which disappears in a few days. But around one woman in seven develops postpartum depression, a more serious depression which can affect how mothers bond with their baby and can have long-term consequences. These women seem unable to regulate the negative emotions which can follow giving birth. A group of European researchers have found that in healthy pregnant women, activity in a specific area deep in the brain is linked to regulation of negative emotions and the tendency towards symptoms of depression. The researchers hope that testing for this activity, along with how emotions are regulated, will indicate which women are at risk for postpartum depression. “This is among the first trials to compare brain activity in pregnant and non-pregnant women. The ability to regulate emotions is essential for mental health, and this interplay was our starting point,” said Franziska Weinmar, University of Tubingen, Germany. For the study, the researchers took 15 healthy pregnant women with very high oestrogen levels (due to the pregnancy). Each woman was put in an MRI scanner and shown upsetting/disturbing pictures. The team found that in the MRI scans, pregnant women who showed more activity in the amygdala while regulating their emotions were less successful in controlling emotions. In addition, pregnant women with this greater activity in the amygdala reported more symptoms of depression. “If larger studies confirm higher activity in the amygdala in women at risk of postpartum depression, we could assess and specifically target these women during this vulnerable phase,” said Weinmar. Dr Susana Carmona from Gregorio Maranon Hospital, Madrid, said we still have a long way to go in characterising what happens in the brain during pregnancy, identifying biomarkers that can indicate the risk of developing perinatal mental disorders, and designing strategies to prevent mother and infant suffering during the delicate and critical peripartum period”. Also Read: World Alzheimer's Day: Can hustle culture lead to Alzheimer's? Experts answer This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 September,2024 12:36 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIncreased stress, anxiety, fear of failure, and high expectations, particularly at the workplace -- commonly called hustle culture -- coupled with no exercise and poor diet can act as a perfect mix to lead to Alzheimer’s disease, said experts on Saturday. World Alzheimer's Day is observed every year on September 21 to increase public understanding of the neurological disorder. The theme this year is "Time to act on dementia, Time to act on Alzheimer's". “Continuous stress, anxiety, fear of failing the targets and expectations has compelled people to detrimentally increase the number of working hours, cutting down on sleep and take up a lifestyle with minimal physical activity and unhealthy eating habits. All these factors contribute to increased deposition of abnormal proteins and degradation of the brain,” Dr Ishu Goyal, Deputy Consultant Neurologist, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital told IANS. While these abnormal proteins are scavenged from the brain during sleep, facilitated by antioxidants obtained through a balanced diet, the hustle culture seldom allows for proper sleep and nutrition, the expert said. “People who are predisposed to develop dementia due to genetic mutations may face cognitive issues early in their life if they conform to this hustle culture, giving less emphasis on their physical and mental health," Goyal said. The doctor also advised regular breaks between work, relaxation therapies, proper diet, and sleep along with frequent rejuvenating therapies to help maintain proper biochemical balance in the brain to avoid precipitation of Alzheimer’s disease. Affecting millions of lives worldwide, Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that begins with cognitive problems like short memory loss and gradually leads to severe cognitive decline and loss of independence. In India alone, an estimated 5 million people are currently living with dementia, with Alzheimer's accounting for 60-70 per cent of these cases. Globally, over 55 million people suffer from this condition, a number expected to triple by 2050 if current trends continue. Alzheimer’s mainly affects seniors and the risk increases considerably after age 65. Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director and Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital said: “Alzheimer's is not just about memory loss” “Alzheimer’s is a comprehensive deterioration of brain function, affecting thinking, reasoning, behaviour, and emotions. It is a progressive disease and irreversible too,” Gupta told IANS. The experts called for proactive measures to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Dr Hema Krishna P, Consultant - Neurology and Movement Disorders, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore advised regular exercise, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, and participating in cognitive activities that stimulate the brain. Managing your cardiovascular health by controlling blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes can significantly help prevent the onset of this neurodegenerative condition, she told IANS. Also Read: Toxic work culture: Humiliation at workplace is driving employees to quit This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 September,2024 04:13 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSDealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? A novel study has shown that playing video games can help lower symptoms of the condition, which can lead to terrifying nightmares and severe anxiety. The study, published in BMC Medicine, provides “scientifically controlled evidence that a single guided digital treatment session can reduce the number of intrusive memories”. It can also be used safely by patients, said the researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden. Unpleasant and intrusive memories of a traumatic event in the form of mental images or flashbacks are the hallmark symptoms of PTSD. Avoidance, excessive tension, and problems such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating are others. The team monitored the intrusive memories of trauma in 164 participants for a week. While half the group were asked to play Tetris -- a video game --, the other half or the control group, were asked to listen to the radio. At the heart of Tetris lies the concept known as mental rotation. When a participant looks at an object from one angle, the individual can imagine what it would look like if it were rotated to a different position and could be seen from a different angle. Emily Holmes, professor at Uppsala University said just one guided treatment session showed positive effects, which shows “it is possible to reduce the frequency of unpleasant and intrusive memories of trauma”. Holmes noted that if trauma can be reduced by “an everyday tool that includes video gaming, it could be an accessible way to help many people". At the beginning of the study, the participants had an average of 15 flashbacks a week. Just a week after, the video game group had an average of just one, while the control group had five per week. Further, the effect lasted even after six months and the gaming group also experienced a significant reduction in all PTSD symptoms. Holmes said it was “surprising that the treatment method was so effective and that the improvement in symptoms lasted for six months”. Also Read: Fatigue, insomnia early signs of burnout at workplace: 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
21 September,2024 01:30 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIn people with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease, bariatric or weight loss surgery can significantly protect kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney failure, finds a study. The study, published in the journal Annals of Surgery, showed that bariatric surgery was associated with a 60 per cent lower risk of progression of kidney disease and a 44 per cent lower risk of developing kidney failure or death in comparison to the nonsurgical group. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can lead to renal failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes and obesity. About 40 per cent of people with diabetes develop CKD in their lifetime. Lead author Ali Aminian, director of Cleveland Clinic’s Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, said that bariatric surgery can change the trajectory of the disease in obese and diabetes patients with established chronic kidney disease. The team included 425 adult patients (between the ages of 18 and 75) with diabetes, obesity, and stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease. Of these, 183 underwent weight loss surgery while 242 were treated with GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. While the most common GLP-1 medications were liraglutide and exenatide, about 20 per cent of patients in the nonsurgical group also received newer GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro) at some point. Researchers found that bariatric surgery could protect kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney failure or death in patients better than GLP-1 drugs. People in the surgery group had more weight loss and better control of their diabetes. They even showed better control of diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Aminian said bariatric surgery remains underutilised “despite its kidney-protective benefits”, stressing the need for more research to establish this. Also Read: World Alzheimer's Day 2024: Managing BP, diabetes, obesity can reduce risk of dementia by 60 pc, 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
21 September,2024 11:49 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSIf you think you can compensate for your night’s sleep during the daytime you may be wrong, said Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist on Wednesday. Dr Sudhir, a neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, in a post on X.com, said that daytime sleep is not aligned with the body’s clock and also increases the risk of dementia and other psychiatric disorders. “Daytime sleep is lighter, since it is not aligned with the circadian clock, and hence fails to fulfill the homeostatic function of sleep,” the doctor said. “This fact is supported by numerous studies of night shift workers, who as a group are predisposed to stress, obesity, cognitive deficits, and an elevated risk of neurodegenerative diseases,” he added. Also Read: Fixing sleep cycle crucial to dodge diabetes, obesity, heart diseases: Doctors This is because the glymphatic system, which is known to clear the brain of protein waste products, is most active during sleep. Hence when sleep loss occurs, the glymphatic system faces failure, raising the risk of dementia, explained the doctor. “Glymphatic failure as the common pathway of dementia. Suppression or failure of the glymphatic system results in accumulation of abnormal proteins in various parts of the brain, leading to many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD),” Dr Sudhir said. Besides poor sleep quality, age, sedentary lifestyle, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, sleep apnoea, circadian misalignment, substance abuse, and depression are factors that suppress or result in failure of the glymphatic system. Also Read: Sleeping naked is good for health? Expert lists down surprising benefits “Good sleepers live longer, weigh less, have a reduced incidence of psychiatric disorders, and remain cognitively intact longer,” the neurologist said. “Habitually sleeping well at night could result in better cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia and psychiatric disorders,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
21 September,2024 11:39 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
