Bones form an integral support system for the body, providing structure, protecting essential organs and facilitating movement. With an increase in age generally comes a decrease in bone density. Hence, it becomes important to prioritise and protect your bone health, especially after the age of 30. There are two basic pillars for ensuring bone health – nutrition and exercise. Nutrition for maintaining bone health after 30 It is important to focus on nutrition when it comes to maintaining bone health. One has to have a balanced diet, which contains ample proteins. Calcium is an important nutrient that strengthens bones. “Calcium is generally found in dairy products and non-vegetarian food. However, vegetarians and vegans can opt for calcium supplement if required, as per doctor’s advice,” says Dr Sachin Bhonsle, Senior Consultant - Orthopedics & Joint Replacement Surgeries, Fortis Hospital, Mulund. Another nutrient that is essential to maintain bone health is Vitamin D. “Calcium needs a transport system for absorption. Vitamin D plays this role. It is not readily available in foods, except some amount in eggs and other non-vegetarian food. One can get daily dose of Vitamin D from sunlight,” explains Dr Bhonsle. Exercise for maintaining bone health after 30 The second important pillar for strong bones is daily exercise. One can opt for weight-bearing exercises for the lower body like running, jogging, racquet sports, gymming, cycling, etc. Dr Bhonsle mentions that weight training exercises are helpful for the upper body. Other lifestyle habits for maintaining bone health after 30 Apart from nutrition and exercise, certain lifestyle habits can also help strengthen bone health, while others can lead to its deterioration. For example, habits like consumption of tobacco and alcohol are responsible for harming bone health. While genetic factors play a role in bone health, diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits are controllable factors that can help maintain bone density and prevent bone-related issues as one ages. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
15 March,2025 02:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe quality of diet and waist-to-hip ratio in midlife are associated with brain connectivity and cognitive performance in later life, according to a study. Researchers from Oxford University and University College London in the UK found that people in midlife engaging in healthy eating had an increased hippocampal functional connectivity to the occipital lobe and cerebellum; as well as a better white matter. These improved working memory, executive function, and overall cognitive performance in middle-aged adults. On the other hand, those with higher waist-to-hip ratio in midlife had a widespread decrease in white matter integrity, leading to implications in memory and executive function. Reduced fractional anisotropy in these regions was linked to poorer cognitive performance. “Healthier diets and lower waist-to-hip ratio during midlife correlate with improved brain health in older age,” said the researchers in the study, published in JAMA Network Open. Global shifts in dietary habits have contributed to rising rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, all of which are linked to an increased risk of dementia. Research into the relationship between diet, metabolic health, and brain function has primarily focused on individual nutrients, with fewer studies assessing overall diet quality and body fat distribution over extended periods. Previous studies have suggested that midlife is a critical window for cognitive health interventions, yet long-term study evidence on diet and brain connectivity remains limited. The study analysed longitudinal changes in diet quality and waist-to-hip ratio to assess their association with hippocampal connectivity and cognitive function in ageing. The team included 512 participants in the diet quality analysis and 664 in the waist-to-hip ratio analysis. The findings suggest that interventions to improve diet and manage central obesity might be most effective between ages 48 and 70 years. 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 March,2025 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSWestern diet, often high in salt, sugar and fat, has the potential to raise the risk of cancer in the lungs, finds a study. Previous research has shown the link between poor diet and cancers of organs like the liver and pancreas; thus the long-term impact of diet has been well studied. "Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease," said Ramon Sun, Associate Professor and director of the University of Florida’s Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research. "Diseases like pancreatic cancer or liver cancer, yes. However, when it comes to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed," Sun added. For the study, published in the journal Nature Metabolism, the team focussed on glycogen accumulation -- a storage molecule, made up of glucose, or a simple sugar. It has been found to accumulate at high levels across a variety of cancers and other diseases. Through lab models and computer-guided models of glycogen stores in the lung, the researchers showed that in lung cancer, glycogen acts as an oncogenic metabolite, akin to a "giant lollipop for cancer's sweet tooth." The more glycogen in the cancer cells, the bigger and worse the tumour growth. When scientists fed mice a high-fat, high-fructose Western diet that supported more glycogen in the blood, lung tumours grew. When glycogen levels decreased, tumour growth did, too. In short, the typical Western diet increases glycogen levels and glycogen feeds lung cancer tumours by providing their building blocks for growth, said the researchers. Glycogen is an "exceptionally good predictor" of tumour growth and death in lung cancer patients, Sun said. Sun called for greater emphasis on public awareness and policy-driven strategies to promote healthier dietary choices much like the anti-smoking campaign. "Prioritising a nutrient-rich diet, maintaining an active lifestyle and minimising alcohol intake are foundational strategies for long-term health," the team said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 March,2025 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSIKEA has launched its largest global sleep study surveying over 55,000 people across 57 markets and has some very interesting points from India as well. The global report highlights several intriguing quirks on how Indians sleep.While 71 per cent of Indians feel they sleep enough, stress remains a key obstacle, with nearly half (48 per cent) of Indians identifying it as the primary barrier to good sleep. General stress affects 30 per cent, while work stress impacts 18 per cent, with women experiencing higher levels of stress (38 per cent) compared to men (23 per cent). Sleeping arrangements also play a role, as 48 per cent of Indians rarely or never sleep alone. Among usual companions, 71 per cent share their beds with partners, while 28 per cent sleep with their children, highlighting how shared spaces influence sleep dynamics To support better sleep, routines and environments matter significantly. Popular bedtime rituals include listening to music, podcasts, or audio content (32 per cent), reading (24 per cent), and investing in special mattresses or pillows (23 per cent). Creating the right environment is also vital, as 16 per cent rely on blackout curtains or blinds, while 68 per cent believe that a well-organised bedroom significantly enhances sleep quality. Interestingly, India emerges as a nation of nap enthusiasts, with 70 per cent of people enjoying daytime naps lasting an average of 30 minutes. Women lead this trend, with 78 per cent indulging in naps compared to 63 per cent of men. Sleep preferences further reveal that 65 per cent of Indians are Sleep Lovers, valuing rest over social activities and considering it one of life’s greatest joys. However, 48% are Sleep Skeptics, feeling that sleep can sometimes be a waste of time, while 52% are Sleep Worriers, deeply concerned about getting at least seven hours of sleep daily. Gender differences also influence sleep patterns. Men typically go to bed earlier (10 PM) than women (11 PM), although both genders wake around 6 am. While a good diet is a shared sleep enabler (12 per cent), men prioritise exercise slightly more (13 per cent) compared to women (11 per cent). Quirks around sleep also shape how Indians rest, with 14 per cent identifying as bed hoggers, 30 per cent as bed companions, and 8 per cent as bed minimalists, reflecting diverse personalities and habits that define life at home.
14 March,2025 11:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentYouGov and Amazon Alexa have released insights from a survey to understand sleep routine habits of Indian households across 10 cities*.Every year, World Sleep Day is observed on March 14 every year and people's sleeping habits have changed a lot over the years. The survey indicates that 53 per cent of respondents experience sleep-related issues when not following a consistent bedtime routine. The study further infers that adults actively follow bedtime routines—with 54 per cent of respondents having seen a noticeable improvement in sleep when following a regular sleep routine. 52 per cent of surveyed respondents follow a consistent bedtime and pre-sleep habits86 per cent of the surveyed start their bedtime routine 8 pm onwards every day, within this 53 per cent choose to start their routine after 10:30pm. Top activities that are a part of bedtime routines amongst all respondents include watching video content (63 per cent), connecting with family and friends (59 per cent), listening to podcasts, music, or audiobooks (58 per cent), and scrolling through social media apps (57 per cent). Households with only couples rank highest in following these activities as part of their bedtime routine, amongst all other household types*. One in two respondents use voice assistants to set-up their sleep routines—with more people between 35-45 years using voice assistants compared to those aged between 25-34 years. "Sleep routines are gaining popularity, and what's noteworthy is that smart technologies, especially voice assistants like Alexa, are increasingly becoming a valuable aid in helping people follow their bedtime routines. Personalised voice AI experiences are emerging as practical alternatives to handheld screen devices before bedtime. Whether it's playing meditation sessions or relaxing sounds, listening to audiobooks or music, setting reminders and alarms, or controlling smart devices to adjust the room’s sleep environment, people are finding innovative ways to use Alexa as part of their bedtime routines. Alexa users can easily set up their bedtime routine through the Alexa app, customizing it to their specific needs and preferences," says Teena Sidana, Country Manager, Alexa India. Households with couples and kids use voice assistants to set up sleep routines more than household types Households with couples and kids rank higher in taking help of voice assistants to follow routines, followed by other household types*. Across all respondents, 45 per cent take help of voice assistants in smart devices for listening to music, podcasts, meditation playlists, ambient sounds, movies, and audiobooks. About 23 per cent use voice assistants to set up reminders and alarms, and 22% use it for controlling smart home appliances such as smart lights in the bedroom or baby room, automated curtains, smart ACs, etc. Listening to meditation playlists and journaling before bedtime see increased interest among adultsWhile unwinding with the help of guided meditation and journaling currently ranks lower in activities that respondents engaged in before bedtime (27 per cent), the survey reveals that more than 50 per cent of the respondents have expressed interest in including wellness activities in the future as part of their bedtime routine. These include activities like meditation, journaling, light exercises like walks, and following a skincare routine. Couples with and without kids have shown higher interest (32 per cent) in adding meditation and journaling as part of their routine. Interestingly, about 21 per cent currently prefer eating and snacking before bedtime. This habit is seeing increased interest amongst respondents, with 34 per cent wanting to have a relaxing beverage or snack before bedtime. Other activities respondents would like to include in their routine are avoiding phones by playing brain games, solving puzzles and reading, and unwinding with music, podcasts, and daily news updates. 11 per cent of the respondents indicated that they would prefer ‘doing nothing’ over following a sleep routine. *Methodology: Commissioned by Amazon Alexa and conducted by YouGov India, this survey was carried out online in February 2025 with over 1000 respondents across 10 cities. These cities included Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. Parameters of the study included age groups, smartphone and smart devices usage, voice assistant usage on the smartphone, and respondent household type, being households with couples, households with couples and kids, households with parents, households with grandparents, and single individuals.
14 March,2025 10:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMore teenagers report good mental health, but those who are struggling rate their depressive symptoms much higher than prior cohorts did at the same age, according to a study from the University of Gothenburg. The study examined changes in how young teenagers in Sweden rated their depressive symptoms over two decades. Researchers compared two groups of 13-16-year-olds: one from 2004 and one from 2019-2020. Both groups rated their depressive symptoms using the internationally established Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), a self-report assessment. The results show that the overall proportion of adolescents reporting depressive symptoms increased from 21 percent in 2004 to 29 percent in 2019-2020--an increase that is not considered dramatic in this context. However, a key shift is evident: more adolescents than before report feeling extremely well. In the 2019-2020 group, 33 percent had very low CDI scores, indicating strong mental well-being, compared to just 15 percent in 2004. At the same time, those who are struggling report feeling significantly worse than before. Adolescents with depressive symptoms in 2019-2020 rated themselves higher on self-deprecating and negative thoughts compared to their counterparts in 2004. "Those who report high levels of depressive symptoms today rate themselves significantly higher than those in previous cohorts. We also see notable increases in certain areas, particularly self-deprecation--something that primarily affects young women," says Carl Wikberg, district nurse and adjunct senior lecturer in community medicine and public health at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. The CDI assessment measures various aspects of mental well-being, including negative mood, self-esteem, ineffectiveness, and interpersonal problems. In the 2019-2020 group, three statements stood out among those reporting depressive symptoms: Nothing is fun at all, I am bad all the time, and I can never be as good as other kids. The fact that some young people report strong self-loathing is concerning and can make us feel despair. However, there is also hope: we are seeing a larger proportion of adolescents at the very lowest end of the scale, meaning their mental well-being has improved. So, the trend is not entirely negative," said Wikberg. While the study does not provide definitive answers as to why these changes are occurring, the researchers highlight the role of evolving public discourse on mental health. A more open attitude toward mental health issues and treatment may influence how young people describe their wellbeing in self-report assessments. At the same time, the study underscores the importance of school health services and primary care in identifying adolescents with high CDI scores. Screening tools like CDI create opportunities to detect and support those in need. The study included 617 adolescents (aged 13-16) from 2019-2020 as part of a larger research project on depression. The comparison group consisted of 80 adolescents of the same age from 2004 who participated in a CDI validation study in a Swedish context. 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 March,2025 09:48 AM IST | Gothenburg (Sweden) | ANIHeavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding during menopause transition may explain why middle-aged women are two-to-four times more likely to experience fatigue, suggests a new study, calling for more attention on tiredness among females. Besides the commonly known menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep problems, pain, and depression heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding may increase fatigue. Most women transitioning through menopause experience changes in the amount and duration of menstrual flow, with many reporting episodes of prolonged (PMB) or heavy (HMB) menstrual bleeding that meet the criteria for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The team led by researchers from the University of Michigan revealed that one in three women transitioning through menopause had episodes of AUB. Despite the high occurrence of AUB, only a few prior studies have focused on the problem, and no known studies have attempted to link AUB during the menopause transition with fatigue or an overall decreased quality of life, lamented the researchers. Heavy menstrual bleeding, in particular, is linked to iron deficiency anaemia, a well-recognised cause of fatigue, said the team in the paper, published online in the journal Menopause. For the study, the team assessed the daily menstrual calendar data from more than 2,300 midlife women to determine whether HMB or PMB recorded during the 6 months before a follow-up visit were associated with the reporting of four specific symptoms of fatigue (feeling worn out, feeling tired, not feeling full of pep, or not having energy). The team found that HMB and PMB during the menopause transition were associated with an increased risk of fatigue, even after adjusting for other causes. They suggest that greater clinical awareness is required of bleeding changes during this life stage, especially when fatigue is also reported. Because iron deficiency and related anaemia can be readily treated, an early assessment and remediation in women with these symptoms would be helpful. “This study highlights the need for greater clinical awareness of abnormal uterine bleeding, particularly given the increased frequency during the menopause transition and its association with low energy or fatigue symptoms,” said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society. Faubion urged the need for educating women about the possibility of prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding during the menopause transition. 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 March,2025 09:34 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSIt is critical is raise awareness on kidney health and prevention of kidney-related diseases, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on Thursday. The 'World Kidney Day' is observed annually on March 13 to raise awareness on kidney health, preventive measures and risk factors. While stressing the need for early detection, the minister informed how the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme (PMNDP) is providing life-saving treatment to millions of people in the country. "As we observe #WorldKidneyDay, it is a crucial time to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health and the need for early detection and prevention of kidney-related diseases," Nadda said in a post on social media platform X. "In a significant step towards improving healthcare access, our government, under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, launched the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program (PMNDP). Through this transformative initiative, thousands of dialysis centres are now providing life-saving treatment to millions across India," he added. "Let us join hands to spread awareness and ensure that kidney health remains a priority for all," the Minster said. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. It is a growing public health crisis in India, affecting a significant percentage of the population and causing over 100,000 new cases of kidney failure annually. Although it affects one in 10 adults, early detection remains low, often leading to severe complications like hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), which increases the risk of heart failure. This is majorly because of the minimal symptoms in early stages that are often go unnoticed. As per recent research published in the Nephrology journal there has been an alarming rise in CKD cases across India. Analysing data from 2011 to 2023, the study found that CKD prevalence among individuals aged 15 and above increased from 11.2 per cent (2011-2017) to 16.38 per cent (2018-2023). The findings also highlighted a significant rural-urban disparity, with CKD affecting 15.34 per cent of the rural population compared to 10.65 per cent in urban areas. Notably, kidney health is closely linked to conditions like diabetes and obesity -- one of the leading causes of CKD. As CKD often progresses silently, millions are at risk of severe complications, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare burdens. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health stressed the need to "prioritise kidney health." In an infographic posted on X, the ministry suggested following five simple steps to ensure your kidneys stay strong and healthy. They are exercising regularly, drinking plenty of fluids, controlling blood sugar, limiting salt intake, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. Early detection, proactive management, and access to effective treatments can be important in curbing the growing public health challenge. 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 March,2025 09:23 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSChickpeas and lentils, either whole or in flour form, offer more nutritional value to the human diet than products made from oats and wheat, a new study said on Wednesday. The study, published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, showed that chickpeas and lentils contain more zinc and iron -- key vitamins for better nutrition than oats and wheat. The team from the University of Adelaide looked at the bioavailability of micronutrients in products that are available to the public. "We found that all the pulse products, like chickpea and lentil flours, were excellent sources of micronutrients," said Thi Diem Nguyen, doctoral candidate in the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, at the varsity. "Particularly for zinc and iron nutrition, they outperformed cereal products like oat and wheat flours," Nguyen added. Zinc and iron deficiencies can have harmful health consequences, especially for children and pregnant people. Fortification of these nutrients in food can either be done by growers, through the use of fertilisers, or by adding them as ingredients, such as during the baking process for bread products. "Our results indicated that pulse products, such as chickpeas and lentils, are superior sources of protein and minerals, particularly of zinc and iron, with higher micronutrient bioavailability compared to the cereal products tested,” said Dr. Stephanie Watts-Fawkes, a group leader and Future Making Fellow at the Waite Research Institute. The bioavailability of zinc and iron, which is the ability of the human body to extract nutrients from food, is also affected by other elements present in cereal crops. "Nutrient absorption can be limited by co-existing antinutritional factors in cereal grain, like the presence of phytate," Nguyen said. "Individuals at risk of micronutrient deficiencies could include more pulses in their meals, which are rich in protein, zinc, and iron, and have high bioavailability," she said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 March,2025 10:45 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSIn a first, an Australian man has become the first in the world to live with a durable total artificial heart implant -- made of titanium -- for more than 100 days, and to be discharged from hospital. The implant of a BiVACOR total artificial heart -- the first in Australia and sixth in the world has been -- “an unmitigated clinical success,” according to a statement on Wednesday by St Vincent’s Hospital, Monash University, and BiVACOR -- the US-Australian company which developed the device. The patient in his 40s, who declined to be identified, was experiencing severe heart failure. He underwent a six-hour procedure for the implant of an artificial heart on November 22, 2024, at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. The man lived with the device for 105 days before receiving a donor heart transplant in early March. “At 105 days, it is the longest period in the world for a BiVACOR total artificial heart patient between obtaining their implant and then receiving their donor heart transplant,” the statement said. The first BiVACOR total artificial heart implant took place in July 2024 at the Texas Heart Institute in the US. Since then, four more implants have taken place in the US, with the longest time between implant and transplant being 27 days. BiVACOR’s artificial heart implant is the world's first implantable rotary blood pump. It uses magnetic levitation technology as a complete replacement for a human heart. It is designed as a bridge to keep patients alive until a donor heart transplant becomes available. The device comprise a Mini-Pump, that is implanted inside the hearts of patients who currently have no other option for treating their heart failure symptoms; and a new type of Left Ventricle Assist Device (LVAD) that is implanted next to a natural heart to help it pump. Even as more than 23 million people worldwide suffer from heart failure, and only 6,000 will receive a donor heart, this artificial heart has the potential to “transform heart failure treatment”, said Professor Chris Hayward, a cardiologist at St. Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. “Within the next decade we will see the artificial heart becoming the alternative for patients who are unable to wait for a donor heart or when a donor heart is simply not available,” Hayward said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 March,2025 10:22 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSFlexible health insurance plans have seen an upsurge of almost 300 per cent in the last five years in India, said a report on Tuesday. The report by Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB) showed that even as the workforce in the country is evolving, organisations are reinventing benefits to meet diverse employee needs. Beyond statutory provisions, companies are increasingly introducing innovative solutions like flexible health insurance plans. The inclusive coverage options focus on parents, siblings and wellness programme, and financial planning tools. These forward-thinking approaches not only enhance employee well-being but also help attract and retain top talent in a competitive landscape, the report said. "Employee benefits in India are no longer just about healthcare coverage; they are evolving into holistic well-being solutions. There is a significant shift towards flexible, inclusive, and future-ready benefits,” said Prawal Kalita, Managing Director, Mercer Marsh Benefits India Leader. “The adoption of flexible health insurance has surged by 300 per cent in the last five years. Employers are recognising the value of offering comprehensive support -- from parental insurance to mental health programmes -- to meet the diverse needs of their workforce,” Kalita added. The report highlighted the transformative changes in India's employee benefits landscape including employer sponsorship for parental insurance which increased from 35 per cent in 2019 to 53 per cent in 2024. The provision is a key benefit for employee retention and well-being. Organisations and insurers are also promoting cashless hospitalisation, leading to higher payout ratios and a reduction in the average hospital stay from 5.9 to 5.3 days. Further, understanding the workforce needs employers are increasingly expanding coverage to include fertility treatments, surrogacy, and adoption benefits. Employees are also demanding greater autonomy in choosing benefits, leading to increased adoption of customisable insurance and wellness programmes. Organisations are prioritising preventive healthcare measures, including early diagnosis, screenings, and wellness programmes, to reduce long-term medical expenses, the report said. “As businesses compete for talent, benefits strategies must go beyond statutory provisions and embrace innovation, ensuring they remain relevant, cost-effective, and impactful for employees across all life stages," Kalita said.
12 March,2025 09:24 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
