More often than not, patients and even nurses and doctors are skipping steps that help paint an accurate portrait of someone's blood pressure -- how someone sits and positions their arm, whether they just had a cup of joe or chitchat with their practitioner during the measurement, and other factors can produce readings that are higher or lower than normal blood pressure. "To really make a dent at improving people's cardiovascular health, we need to screen and treat people for hypertension, but we need to do it correctly," Tammy Brady, a pediatric nephrologist at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore who studies blood-pressure measurement and cardiovascular health in children and adults, told The Wall Street Journal. "Getting the right reading is important for preventing heart attacks, strokes and other potentially fatal conditions," noted the newspaper, Xinhua news agency reported. What does it take to get the reading right? The patient should sit with both feet on the ground, legs uncrossed, back straight and your arm supported on a table or other surface, according to guidelines from the American Heart Association and other organisations. "A cuff should be positioned over your bare arm at the level of your heart. You shouldn't talk or scroll on your phone while it is being measured, and your bladder should be empty. And you should take your blood pressure at least a couple of times in a sitting," added the report. Meanwhile, last month, a research published by experts from an international academic collaboration led by the University of Sydney and University College London, had suggested that doing five minutes of physical activity, such as walking uphill or stair climbing every day may help to lower blood pressure. According to the study by the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep (ProPASS) Consortium, replacing sedentary behavior with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day can result in a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure. "High blood pressure is one of the biggest health issues globally, but unlike some major causes of cardiovascular mortality there may be relatively accessible ways to tackle the problem in addition to medication," Emmanuel Stamatakis, joint senior author and Director of the ProPASS Consortium from the University of Sydney, said. "The finding that doing as little as five extra minutes of exercise per day could be associated with measurably lower blood pressure readings emphasises how powerful short bouts of higher intensity movement could be for blood pressure management." The research team analysed data from 14,761 volunteers to see how replacing one type of movement with another is associated with blood pressure. The team estimated that replacing sedentary behavior with at least 20 minutes of exercise daily could reduce cardiovascular disease incidence by 28 per cent. The World Health Organisation estimated that 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, consistent elevated blood pressure, and that 46 per cent of adults with hypertension are unaware they have the condition. Also Read: Standing at work can actually be detrimental to blood pressure: Study This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 December,2024 03:51 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPunjabi singer-actor Singga recently opened up about a deeply personal battle – a struggle with severe depression. The mental health challenges led him down a difficult path, causing him to gain significant weight, and lose touch with his physical and emotional well-being. While navigating these emotional struggles, Singga realised the need to reclaim his life. "I wasn’t myself. I didn’t feel like doing anything. I was ignoring my health and work, and every day felt like a struggle,” he expresses. “But then, one fine day, something changed. Something hit me, and I realised I needed to give myself a second life. I had to rebuild myself—not just for me but for my family, who must have been worried seeing me in that state,” he added. Sharing how physical fitness and diet played an important role in his journey of transformation, Singga says, "I began my mornings early, with rigorous gym sessions that helped me channel my energy positively. I pushed my limits by running under the blazing sun in June and July, often between 1–2 PM. Sweating was my therapy." Determined to build abs and tone his body, the singer also focused on a healthy diet. "I controlled my sugar and salt intake and adopted a diet rich in green vegetables and fruits. Drinking warm water and maintaining hydration were key elements of my regime. I started learning about exercises and techniques on YouTube. It’s amazing how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it,” he comments. For him, the gym became more than his physical space -- it was his sanctuary. "Every drop of sweat felt like I was leaving my pain behind. I stopped worrying about what people thought and kept my focus on my goals, as I feel, you unlock a new level of freedom,” he concludes. Also Read: Mental health a major concern among the youth; experts explain why
17 December,2024 03:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRenowned musician Zakir Hussain, who weaved magic on tabla, passed away on Monday morning, after being admitted in a San Francisco hospital due to deteriorating health condition. As per the family statement, ‘idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis’ is stated as the cause of death. Pulmonary fibrosis, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is a chronic, progressive lung disease that can severely affect the respiratory functions of the body. Mid-day.com speaks to Dr Kamlesh Pandey, Consultant Chest Physician, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road and Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, Consultant – Pulmonary Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Whitefield, who explain the symptoms and causes of the disease, also stressing on why early diagnosis is essential to slow down its progression. What is pulmonary fibrosis? Pandey: Pulmonary fibrosis is a term used when there is a progression of fibrosis in the lungs. It is a diffuse lung disease. Lung is an elastic organ. During pulmonary fibrosis, the lung function declines over a period of time i.e., elasticity of the lungs goes down. Over time, the oxygen levels also go down, causing difficulty in breathing. Chaurasia: Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lungs due to some injury. It is an umbrella term that covers multiple diseases that by different mechanisms cause lung injury and initiate a cellular and inflammatory reaction – the end result of which is permanent scarring of the lung known as fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis causes stiffening of the lungs by replacing normal airway cells with scar tissues. This hampers the gas exchange as well as decreases the compliance of the lungs. In simple terms, the lungs become thick, stiff and shrunken, and patients will have to put in more effort to breathe normally. What are the causes of this respiratory condition? Are there any risk factors? Pandey: There could be multiple causes, falling into categories like autoimmune connective tissue diseases, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, certain infections like COVID-19, etc. Smoking is a major risk factor. Chaurasia: There are over 200 causes of pulmonary fibrosis, with the most common ones being environmental, drug-induced, toxin-related, autoimmune diseases, occupational and idiopathic. Irrespective of the cause of pulmonary fibrosis, the majority of these conditions are progressive in nature and the speed of progression is variable and unpredictable. What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? Pandey: A lot of times, no particular cause is found for the disease. This is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and is more prevalent from what I have observed in my practice. Chaurasia: In a great number of cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis couldn’t be ascertained and these are called idiopathic. What are some symptoms one should look out for in order to ensure early diagnosis? Pandey: Some common symptoms include persistent cough, breathlessness that is progressive over a period of time, frequent infections during seasonal changes that exacerbate the condition, etc. Chaurasia: Clinical features are non-specific with the majority of patients presenting with chronic dry cough in the early stage and slowly progressive breathlessness at a more advanced stage. The diagnosis may be difficult at the early stage because symptoms are often non-specific and chest x-ray may not identify the disease at the early stage. Thus, in the early stage, it is often misdiagnosed as allergic bronchitis or asthma. Is there a treatment for the condition? Pandey: Pulmonary fibrosis is irreversible. There’s no cure. The treatment offered is only to delay the progression of the disease. Chaurasia: The main goal of the treatment is preventing or slowing the progression of the disease. Pulmonary fibrosis is an end outcome of a variety of insults to the lung and is irreversible, hence early diagnosis is paramount. Once the disease is significantly progressed, it can cause respiratory failure and subsequently right heart failure. The only treatment available at this stage is a lung transplant or heart-lung transplant depending on the severity. However, if diagnosed earlier, the progression of the disease could be slowed down or checked by certain anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic medications. So, a chronic cough and breathlessness not responding to regular treatment should be evaluated at an early stage by a pulmonologist. Can pulmonary fibrosis be prevented? Pandey: There is no particular way to prevent it. But if the cause is identified, the exposure to those elements can be avoided. Smoking should be avoided. If someone in the family has suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, people should be more careful and go for active screenings. What are some things that pulmonary fibrosis patients should keep in mind? Pandey: Patients should be vaccinated against common infections like flu and pneumonia. Certain exercises and rehabilitation practices, as advised by doctors, can aid in preserving lung function and improving quality of life. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance. Also Read: Lung cancer rising among non-smokers in India; doctors raise concern
17 December,2024 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainIn a medical achievement, a 64-year-old woman with advanced Parkinson's disease received relief from the condition after nine years through Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery in Mumbai. This procedure, performed at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, marks a novel approach for treatment of this progressive disease. Patient Sangeeta Bharwada (name changed), a resident of Bhayander was living with Parkinson’s for a long time, which posed several challenges. She experienced tremors, slowness in activities and stiffness. Gradually, she developed an imbalance and freezing gait while walking. Over time, the symptoms became difficult to manage with medication alone. Dr. Mansi Shah, Consultant Neurologist and Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, said, “Parkinson's is a progressive disease and the main symptoms of this patient were slowness in all the activities, rigidity and gait difficulties. Initially, she was well-controlled with medication. However, as the disease progressed, her symptoms worsened. Despite being on medication, she had disabling off-states, which means the state in which Parkinsonian symptoms reappeared. During on-states, the medication shows effect. So, more than 70 per cent of the time, she spent off-state, and on-state with Dyskinesis (excessive movements) and other motor fluctuations.” “Also, she could not tolerate higher dosages of medication. She underwent pre-surgical evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery, which is an advanced therapeutic option for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders and was found to be a suitable candidate for DBS,” she further informed. DBS is a surgical procedure that uses electrical stimulation to treat movement disorders and other neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, by implanting electrodes in specific brain areas. The patient underwent the surgery on October 28. After five days in recovery, she was discharged from the hospital. The family members of the patient expressed their gratitude to the doctors. “After enduring a challenging journey for more than nine years, we are relieved that the skilled team, headed by Dr. Mansi Shah, has been able to help my wife. She can now gradually regain the ability to manage her daily activities independently,” concluded Ajay, the patient’s husband. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance. Also Read: Mumbai doctors give Jalgaon woman with rare heart defect second chance at life
17 December,2024 02:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEngaging in mentally stimulating activities during down time, such as reading, can be beneficial for brain health, according to an Australian research. In a new study, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) found that some sedentary, or sitting, activities are better for cognitive function than others. The researchers assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 adults aged 60 and above, and found that socially or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing musical instruments, crafting or talking to others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities. Watching television or playing video games was found to be detrimental. The researchers said the findings could help reduce the risks of cognitive impairment, including from dementia. "We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadn't directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behavior for another," Xinhua news agency quoted Maddison Mellow, a co-author of the study from UniSA, as saying in the report. She recommended breaking up time spent watching TV or gaming with five-minute bursts of physical activity or more cognitively-engaged seated activity. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million people globally have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed annually. In Australia, about 411,100 people (or one in every 1000 people) are living with dementia. Nearly two-thirds are women. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million people have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases each year. And, while the 'move more, sit less' message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, the research - conducted by a team of UniSA researchers including Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Associate Prof Ashleigh Smith; with researchers from the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle - shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function. 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
17 December,2024 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSLung cancer, long known to affect smokers, is seeing a significant rise in people who do not smoke, said doctors on Monday, raising concern over the shift. According to health experts, increased exposure to air pollution as the major reason. A recent research, published in the Lancet's eClinical Medicine Journal showed that a majority of lung cancer patients in India are non-smokers. The study noted that lung cancer cases are also manifesting in India about 10 years earlier as compared to Western countries. "India's lung cancer demographic presents a unique and concerning picture, with a rising incidence among younger individuals and an increasing number of cases occurring in non-smokers. Traditionally, lung cancer has been strongly associated with smoking, but we are witnessing a shift, especially in urban populations,” Dr. Prasad Adusumilli, Thoracic Surgeon and Cellular Therapist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), US, told IANS. Adusumilli added that non-smokers, particularly women, are increasingly diagnosed with lung cancer around 10 years earlier than their Western counterparts, often with no history of smoking. “This may be linked to various risk factors, including exposure to environmental pollutants, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors,” he explained. Lung cancer is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with increasing cases among non-smokers, especially women and Asian populations. India reports about 75,000 new cases every year. Worryingly, a considerable number of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages in the country. “Non-smoker lung cancer (LCINS) mainly presents as adenocarcinoma, affecting peripheral lung tissues. Key risk factors include air pollution, radon exposure, indoor cooking fumes, and second-hand smoke,” Dr. Jagadishwar Goud Gajagowni, an oncologist at a Hyderabad-based hospital. “Environmental pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas and radon in homes significantly contribute to risk. Poor indoor air quality from cooking with solid fuels in poorly ventilated spaces also poses a danger, especially in developing regions. Passive smoking further elevates risks, particularly in areas with high smoking rates among men, the doctor noted. In terms of treatment, there have been significant advancements in lung cancer therapies. Minimally invasive surgical approaches and radiation therapies are offering patients a less invasive, more targeted approach, resulting in reduced recovery times and fewer side effects. Further, “the development of targeted therapies has revolutionised the treatment landscape, offering more personalised and effective options for patients based on the molecular profile of their tumours," Adusumilli said. Also Read: Non-smokers also getting diagnosed with lung cancer in India, here's why 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
17 December,2024 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAs winter begins, experts are witnessing a concerning trend which is a significant increase in kidney stone cases among adults aged 25-55 This seasonal spike in kidney stone formation has raised alarms within the medical fraternity and underscores the need for increased awareness and preventive measures such as prompt hydration and timely intervention. A kidney function test regularly is recommended for patients to know about the functioning of their kidneys. The winter season not only sees an increase in joint issues, respiratory illnesses, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin conditions but can also contribute to the formation of kidney stones. This can be attributed to reduced water intake in winter months coupled with a physiological increase in calcium levels during the winter months. Dr. Abhinandan Sadalge, consultant urologist, Lilavati Hospital in Bandra said, “During winter, many people tend to include certain foods that are high in oxalates or salt can lead to the development of kidney stones. Untreated kidney stones induce kidney damage. 6 out of 12 adults aged 25-55 have been detected with kidney stones in the last 1 month and complained of symptoms such as dehydration, abdominal and back pain, groin discomfort, and blood in the urine. Dark yellow urine indicates that you have low urine volume resulting from dehydration and importance of timely treatment. So, treatment options range from dietary changes and increased fluid intake to medical interventions like lithotripsy or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the stones.” “Kidney stones are solid formations made of minerals and acid salts. The stones tend to pass via the ureter, which is the tube that connects your kidney and bladder, and one can experience lower back pain and groin discomfort due to kidney stones. Many people tend to drink less water in winter due to the colder weather and there is increased consumption of hot drinks this causes dehydration (loss of too much fluid from the body) in the body leading to the formation of stones in the kidney and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Both of these conditions can cause kidney damage if left untreated,” Dr Sadalge added. Dr Ruju Gala, nephrologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai said, “A kidney stone can be described as a solid mass made up of tiny crystals and is commonly seen during winter. The causes of kidney stones are dehydration, reduced outdoor activities, and exercise due to a sedentary lifestyle during winter. Lack of exercise leads to weight gain and may prevent the body from regulating calcium and other minerals causing kidney stones. Moreover, people also eat foods high in salt and protein, such as soups, stews, and processed foods during winter causing higher calcium excretion in the urine and kidney stones. In a month, 5 out of 12 people aged 25-55 have come with kidney stones problem. It’s crucial not to dismiss these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention. One must stay hydrated, limit the salt intake, eat a well-balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, exercise daily, maintain optimum weight, and avoid excessive calcium that can cause kidney stones.” Dr Upasana Garg, regional technical chief, Apollo Diagnostics Mumbai, adds, “A kidney function test regularly is recommended for patients to know about the functioning of their kidneys. Though KFT cannot directly detect kidney stones but it may indicate their presence through abnormal results. Elevated Creatinine, changes in BUN, or blood in the urine can suggest obstruction or kidney stress caused by stones. Moreover for kidney stone testing, urine analysis (which is part of kidney function test in some cases) often looks for: Microscopic traces of blood in the urine, abnormalities in urine's acidity or pH level and irregular levels of certain minerals (like uric acid, oxalates etc) that are associated with kidney stones. Regular kidney function tests along with radiological tests like X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds are vital in detecting kidney stones early on and initiating prompt treatment. These tests together can reveal abnormalities, allowing for more effective management strategies. Early detection can prevent stones from growing larger or causing complications like kidney damage, UTIS, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). With proper awareness and preventive measures, the impact of this winter-related health concern can be prevented. Stay vigilant and monitor your kidney health.”
16 December,2024 07:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs the cold weather arrives, the risk of experiencing spine-related injuries and back problems increases. During the winter season, muscles can get tightened, which significantly reduces flexibility. This makes individuals more prone to strain and injuries throughout the season. “The cold temperature can affect your physical activity making you tempted to sleep in your blankets all day long. This can lead to a reduced range of motion, which is not good for your spine, as it may weaken the muscles that support the spine,” informs Dr Ayush Sharma, a Mumbai-based Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon. Ignoring spine-related issues as a minor inconvenience can lead to more serious complications in the future. “These injuries can not only affect your physical health but also day-to-day work. Spine issues when left untreated can cause chronic pain, limited mobility and long-term back problems,” he tells mid-day.com. Tips to prevent spine injuries during winter Dr Sharma shares the following tips to manage back pain and ensure that your spine is protected in the winter cold. 1. Maintain proper posture: Not maintaining proper posture can cause harm to your spine resulting in severe pain or injuries. Ensure that you always sit in a proper posture, and avoid slouching or hunching. Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Using ergonomic chairs can be helpful in supporting your spine. 2. Stay physically active: Winter is equivalent to a reduced range of motion due to colder temperatures outdoors. This can weaken the back muscles. Staying physically active by engaging in light exercises like stretching, cardio, walking or yoga can be helpful in maintaining the flexibility of your back. 3. Strengthen your core muscles: Weak core muscles often fail to support your spine properly. To prevent this, incorporate more core-strengthening exercises in your daily routine. This can help strengthen your core muscles, improve balance and reduce the risk of injuries. 4. Avoid prolonged sitting: Sitting in one place for a longer duration can build tension in your spine. Make sure that you take frequent breaks throughout the day for quick stretches and walk. Also Read: As winter sets it, here’s how you can prevent joint pain
16 December,2024 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3 fatty acids, combined with fish oil supplements, can significantly reduce the growth rate of prostate cancer cells in men with early-stage disease, claims a study. The research by the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences offers new evidence that changes in diet can play a crucial role in slowing down the growth of cancer cells in patients who are undergoing regular monitoring of cancer but have not yet begun medical intervention. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, “suggest that something as simple as adjusting your diet could potentially slow cancer growth," said Dr. William Aronson, Professor of Urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. The dietary changes may help “extend the time before more aggressive interventions are needed”, the researcher said. To determine whether diet or supplements can play a role in managing prostate cancer, the team conducted a prospective clinical trial. They included 100 men with low-risk or favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer who chose active surveillance. Participants were randomly assigned to either continue their normal diet or follow a low omega-6, high omega-3 diet, supplemented with fish oil, for one year. Participants in the intervention arm received dietary personalised counseling to create a favorable balance of their intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fats and make participants feel empowered to control how they change their behavior. They were also given fish oil capsules for extra omega-3s. The control group did not get any dietary counseling or take fish oil capsules. The results showed that the low omega-6, omega-3 rich diet and fish oil group had a 15 per cent decrease in the Ki-67 index, while the control group saw a 24 per cent increase. The ki-67 index indicates how fast cancer cells are multiplying -- a key predictor of cancer progression, metastasis, and survival. Aronson noted that the study shows that “dietary changes may help slow cancer growth, potentially delaying or even preventing the need for more aggressive treatments”. However, he cautioned that further research is necessary to confirm the long-term benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and lowering omega-6 in managing prostate cancer. 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 December,2024 08:20 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWhile oat, almond, and soy milk have emerged as popular alternatives to cow’s milk, a new study showed it may be lacking in proteins and essential amino acids. Over the last decade, these plant-based beverages have also seen remarkable growth in the global market due to their environmentally-friendly approach. But extensive processing is causing chemical reactions that cut down the protein quality and, in some cases, produce cancer-causing compounds, claimed researchers from the University of Copenhagen. Lead author Professor Marianne Nissen Lund, from the varsity’s Department of Food Science said that plant-based drinks cannot “replace cow’s milk” in terms of “proper nutrition”. In the study, the team examined 10 different plant-based drinks and compared them with cow’s milk to understand whether chemical reactions during processing affect their nutritional quality. Lund stated that “plant-based drinks undergo more intense heat treatments than the milk to extend their shelf life” -- known as ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment, This triggers a chemical reaction between protein and sugar -- called “Maillard reaction” -- and reduces the nutritional quality of the proteins. Further, she noted that while most plant-based milks contain significantly less protein than cow’s milk, the heat treatment also “leads to the loss of some essential amino acids”. Notably, the heat treatment may also produce cancer-causing compounds, said the expert in the paper, published in Food Research International journal. The researchers found acrylamide in four of the plant-based drinks made from almonds and oats. Acrylamide is a known carcinogen that is also found in bread, cookies, coffee beans, and fried potatoes, including French fries. While acrylamide was found at low levels, posing no danger, its consumption “in small amounts from various sources, could add up to a level that does pose a health risk,” Lund said. Also Read: Flu virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for five days: 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
15 December,2024 07:23 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSInfluenza or flu virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days, scientists have warned. The new Stanford University study comes at a time when outbreaks of bird flu in dairy cattle have raised concerns about the potential for a new pandemic. “This work highlights the potential risk of avian influenza transmission through consumption of raw milk and the importance of milk pasteurisation," said study senior author Alexandria Boehm from the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and the Stanford School of Engineering. Proponents of raw milk claim that it leaves more beneficial nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics than in pasteurised milk, and can boost immune and gastrointestinal health. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tied raw milk to over 200 outbreaks of illnesses, and warns that germs, such E. coli and Salmonella, in raw milk present “serious” health risks, especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters, explored the persistence of a strain of human influenza virus in raw cow’s milk at typical refrigeration temperatures. The flu virus, called H1N1 PR8, survived and remained infectious in the milk for up to five days. “The persistence of infectious influenza virus in raw milk for days raises concerns about potential transmission pathways,” said study co-lead author Mengyang Zhang, a postdoctoral scholar in civil and environmental engineering. “The virus could contaminate surfaces and other environmental materials within dairy facilities, posing risks to animals and humans.” Notably, the researchers found that flu virus RNA – molecules that carry genetic information but are not considered a health risk – remained detectable in the raw milk for at least 57 days. By comparison, pasteurisation completely destroyed infectious influenza in the milk and reduced the amount of viral RNA by almost 90 per cent, but didn’t eliminate the RNA entirely. The findings underscore the importance of improving monitoring systems, particularly as bird flu continues to spread among livestock, according to the study’s authors. 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 December,2024 11:27 AM IST | New York | IANSADVERTISEMENT
