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Man undergoes 7-hour-long surgery for heart disease, gallstones and colon cancer

In a significant medical feat, doctors here said on Monday of a simultaneous triple surgery on a 44-year-old man for heart disease, gallstones, and colon cancer -- all in 7 hours.  The patient Kopparam, who had been living with diabetes and heart disease for the last three years, underwent three simultaneous complex procedures -- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), gallbladder stone removal, and colon cancer surgery in one session under general anaesthesia. He was brought to Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, with persistent abdominal pain. An ultrasound examination revealed the presence of gallstones.  Subsequent tests showed cancerous growth in the colon, which posed a significant challenge in Kopparam's treatment plan, particularly due to his pre-existing heart condition, which was being managed with blood thinners. Performing the CABG first was crucial to ensure the patient's heart was stable before proceeding with the colon cancer surgery, the doctors said. If the cardiac surgery had been done first, there would have been a three-month wait for the colon cancer surgery, but the delay wasn't an option because of the progressive growth in the tumour. The doctors used a specialised surgical technique known as OPCAB (Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass) with four grafts (blood vessels that are transplanted into a patient's body to repair or replace damaged ones) to perform the heart surgery. "This method, unlike traditional approaches, eliminates the need for a heart-lung machine. We carefully monitored the heart and gave medications to keep the blood pressure and sugar levels normal during the surgery," said Vivek Jawali, Chairman of Cardiac Sciences at Fortis. "We took four blood vessels from the patient's body to create new pathways around the blocked arteries in the heart. This helped improve blood flow to the heart muscle," he added. The whole surgery took about 260 minutes (a little over four hours), and the patient was stable, the doctor said. The team also deployed a laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy to remove a portion of the colon affected by cancer, along with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the removal of gallbladder stones. "This intricate procedure demanded precise coordination, and it minimised surgical risks and facilitated a smoother and faster recovery for the patient," Ganesh Shenoy, Director -- GI, Minimal Access and Bariatric Surgery at Fortis, added. The patient was discharged from the hospital 15 days after the surgery and has since resumed his normal daily activities without any complications, the doctors 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.

27 May,2024 06:42 PM IST | Bengaluru | IANS
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India urgently needs stem cell donors to fight blood disorders: Experts

India is urgently in need of stem cell donors to fight blood cancer that kills over 70,000 lives every year, said experts on Monday ahead of World Blood Cancer Day. World Blood Cancer Day is observed every year on May 28 to raise awareness about deadly cancer and other blood disorders, such as thalassemia and aplastic anaemia, which affect more than a lakh people in the country, Although conventional methods like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are available, a blood stem cell transplant is the only hope for survival for many blood cancer patients. The health experts noted that every 5 minutes, someone in India gets diagnosed with blood cancer. Yet, the country faces a severe shortage of blood stem cell donors. "Besides being the thalassemia capital of the world, India also has a high prevalence of blood cancers. Stem cell transplants are often the only curative option for these conditions, but finding a compatible stem cell match is difficult, especially in a country as genetically diverse as India," Dr Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director & Chief BMT, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, told IANS. "In India, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer or a severe blood disorder every five minutes. Despite the global registry having over 41 million donors, India has only about 0.6 million registered. Thousands of patients are in dire need of matching stem cell donors to undergo life-saving transplants. We need to expand our donor database significantly to provide these patients with a fighting chance," added Patrick Paul, CEO of DKMS BMST Foundation India -- a non-profit. The experts also lamented the lack of awareness and misconceptions about the process of stem cell donation that leads to hesitancy to register as a donor. "Increased awareness and participation in donor registries are crucial to meeting this life-saving need. In simple terms, stem cell therapy uses stem cells to repair damaged tissues or organs or even to replace them entirely. It is used to treat some types of blood cancers, such as leukaemia and lymphoma," Dr Rahul said. The experts stated that matching for stem cell transplants is based on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) characteristics, not just blood type. To become a potential stem cell donor, the criteria is to be a healthy adult aged between 18 and 55. 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 May,2024 06:01 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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Women smoking cigarettes are at high risk of premature menopause; here’s why

Menopause is a condition experienced by women from the age 40 to 55 where their menstrual cycles stop for at least 12 months. In certain cases, if a menstrual cycle stops before the age of 45 then it can be classified as premature menopause.  Almost 5 to 10 per cent of women in the world are prone to experience premature menopause. This can be caused due to various reasons such as genetics, certain lifestyle factors, and especially due to the correlation between cigarette smoking.  According to the studies, women who smoke cigarettes are at higher risk of developing premature menopause than others and the lifespan of these women decreases over time with premature menopause. Dr Kiran Coelho, head of the obstetric and gynaecologist department, Lilavati Hospital shares key insights.  Besides estrogen deficiency can cause long-term effects such as osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), chances of developing cardiovascular diseases like stroke and heart attack, experiencing stubborn joint pain, and risk of getting affected with cognitive disorders like dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease increases with premature menopause. The fertility rate decreases tremendously in women with premature menopause making it essential to plan pregnancy to avoid any further complications. In case of low fertility, it gets difficult to conceive. Which leaves no option other than choosing assisted reproductive technology like IVF and IUI. The symptoms experienced during menopause: Low estrogen formation in the ovariesHot flashesIrritationSudden weight gain mostly around the abdominal areaThinning of the hair and hair lossThe skin becomes sensitive and dryConstant mood swingsVaginal dryness which can discomfort and itchingBreast tenderness Sweating excessively during the nightIrregular periodsThe fertility rate decreases even before the preterm menopause. How does cigarette smoking cause premature menopause? It is crucial to understand that the toxins released during smoking are toxic and can be adversely harmful to the ovaries. These toxins eventually decrease the number of eggs available and interfere with the hormones that help regulate the reproductive system. As a result, women who smoke often experience menopause earlier than those who do not. The risk of developing premature menopause increases depending on certain factors like how early a woman starts smoking, how many cigarettes she smokes per day, and for how long she has been smoking. The more and longer a woman chooses to smoke, the higher the risk. However, the good news is if the woman quits smoking early, she can reduce and even reverse the harmful effects on ovaries, which results in experiencing menopause at a typical age like 45 rather than prematurely. Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance.

27 May,2024 04:07 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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Scientists identify a brain network linked to stuttering

An international team of scientists from Finland, Canada, the US and New Zealand has discovered a specific brain network hub that plays a key role in stuttering, an advance that can lead to new treatment options. The research, published in the Brain journal, examines two different types of stuttering -- developmental and acquired. While both types are traditionally known to be separate, the study showed that besides "similarities at the behavioural level, there are also similarities at the neural level". "Stuttering affects approximately 1 per cent of adults and can result in significant communication problems and social anxiety, yet the cause of stuttering is still unknown," said lead author Catherine Theys, Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. The professor said that while stuttering is a developmental disorder, it can also be caused by focal brain damage after a stroke or other neurological conditions. For the study, the team used two datasets and lesion network mapping to test whether lesions causing acquired stuttering map to a common brain network. They also used a third dataset to test whether this lesion-based network was relevant to developmental stuttering. Analysing each dataset, the team located a common stuttering network -- a specific part of the left putamen, which is responsible for lip and face movements and timing and sequencing of speech. They also identified two additional areas of interest for speech imaging and stuttering research -- the claustrum and amygdalostriatal transition area. "These are tiny areas of the brain - only a few mm wide - which is why they may typically not have been identified in previous studies. This shows a plausible network for stuttering," they said, adding that the findings have relevance for treatment. Also Read: 'Invisible disabilities remain overlooked in the domain of public policy,’ shares Autism activist Mugdha Kalra 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 May,2024 02:25 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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Surge in urinary infections, kidney stones due to sweltering heat: Doctors

Urinary stones are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts that tend to form when urine gets concentrated. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is key to prevent the condition. "Urinary stone problems are likely to increase in summer. This problem occurs when the amount of water in the body decreases due to heat. Every day, 2-3 patients come for treatment with complaints of abdominal pain," Dr Pawan Rahangdale, Urologist, Apollo Spectra Pune, told IANS. "One should drink water at regular intervals during hot weather, and urine colour should be like clear water. Yellow urine indicates dehydration," the doctor added. The doctor advised that fluid losses due to constant sweating must be compensated by adequate hydration, or else the kidney will make concentrated urine, and there will be formation of stones. ALSO READ: Mid-day explains: DINK lifestyle: Experts dissect the health, emotional and socio-economic impact of a childless marriage "If left untreated, then people with urinary stones can encounter renal infection or kidney damage," he said. According to doctors, severe pain in the back or abdomen, nausea, and blood in the urine, urgency of passing urine are some of the common symptoms that people encounter due to urinary stones. Dr Ravinder Hodarkar, Urologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital, told IANS that the stone may increase up to a few centimetres in size. "Some stones dissolve on their own without any treatment, while the bigger ones may require surgical procedure. Summer is synonymous with urinary stones," he added.ALSO READ: Mumbai heat: TV actors and expert share tips to keep home interiors cool naturally in summer The experts recommended following a diet low in oxalate-rich foods such as spinach, sweet potatoes, beet, and almonds to reduce the chances of stone formation, as well as lifestyle modifications. 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 May,2024 02:07 PM IST | Pune | IANS
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1.9 mn people dying every year from heart disease due to outdoor air pollution

The impact of air pollution on heart disease will lead to millions of preventable deaths every year unless governments introduce legislation to tackle the issue, a new global report warns.  Research by the World Heart Federation shows that the number of deaths from cardiovascular conditions caused by air pollution has been on the rise over the past decade and is set to increase further.  A wide range of health problems, including obesity and diabetes, are being exacerbated by the global policy failure to meet air pollution targets, it says, describing it as “the greatest single environmental health risk”.   The study found that air quality levels have barely improved despite a range of measures recommended by the WHO and other agencies, leading to as many as 1.9 million dying every year from heart disease and just under a million from strokes due to outdoor air pollution alone.  Air pollution comes from many sources, including transport, industry and wildfires, but the report also details how indoor air pollution poses a serious health risk.  Launched at this year’s World Heart Summit, the report reveals the extent of the health crisis caused by outdoor and indoor pollution:  1. The number of deaths from heart disease attributable to air pollution has increased in some regions by as much as 27 per cent over the past decade. 2. Air pollution is nearly ten times the recommended level in countries in Southeast Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean.  3. There are health inequalities between different countries from air pollution in terms of the level of exposure and effect. 4. Tiny invisible particles in air pollution are affecting heart rhythm, blood clotting, the build-up of plaques in arteries, and blood pressure, as well as adversely affecting respiratory diseases and other conditions across the body. 5. Energy efficiency measures in modern homes as part of net-zero can make buildings more air-tight and could increase the build-up of air pollutants in homes, schools, and workplaces.   Data from the report shows that more than half of the nearly 7 million deaths due to air pollution are from cardiovascular conditions (CVDs), a number that’s been on the rise over the past decade.  Experts say the number is likely to be significantly higher as this data is from only a single air pollutant and considers only heart disease and stroke, where as many other cardiovascular diseases are known to be worsened by air pollution. Already, cardiovascular disease is the world’s top killer, claiming more than 20 million lives each year.    The Western Pacific region saw the highest number of deaths from heart disease and stroke due to outdoor air pollution with nearly 1 million deaths in 2019, and the Southeast Asian Region was a close second, with 762,000 deaths. In the Western Pacific region, 45 per cent of the countries have experienced rising air pollution and suffer the highest mortality from stroke and heart disease induced or exacerbated by it.  In Southeast Asia, Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, air pollution concentrations are nearly ten times higher than recommended. Countries facing the some of greatest challenges with air pollution include those in the Eastern Mediterranean, with Kuwait, Egypt, and Afghanistan having the highest levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter in the air). In Africa, the highest levels of PM2.5 were in Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon.  The report 'Clearing the Air to Address Pollution’s Cardiovascular Health Crisis' shows the sources of pollution and their effects on the heart and circulation. Beyond the smoke and smog that we can see, tiny invisible particles can get deep into the lungs, heart, and other organs.   Even short-term exposure to air pollution can have many effects throughout the cardiovascular system, and long-term exposure worsens chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and diabetes. Adverse effects are even seen on mental health, dementia and in pregnancy.   “Air pollution is ubiquitous, sparing no one. Both outdoor and indoor pollution are driving deaths from cardiovascular disease which still claims the most lives every year. The impacts of air pollution from several sources add up, often widening gaps in healthcare for those also vulnerable to pollution, and worsening outcomes regardless of demographic,” said Dr Mark Miller of the University of Edinburgh, and the WHF’s Chair of the Air Pollution and Climate Change Expert Group.  Particles that damage air quality vary in composition and size, with PM2.5 being the air pollutant most closely linked to detrimental health effects. The World Health Organisation recommends countries to not exceed 5 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre – expressed as 5 µg/m³. Most are way beyond that threshold, and only 64 per cent have any form of established legislation that include outdoor air quality standards. While the elderly, children, and those with a lung or heart condition are among those most susceptible to air pollution, short- and long-term exposure affects everyone to varying degrees.   Overall, lower-income countries have higher levels of stroke and ischemic heart disease mortality from both outdoor and household air pollution than higher income countries.   The report shows links between type of disease risk and particular sources of pollution including all major cardiovascular conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, stroke and many more. The increasing threat of other pollutants is concerning since global air pollution-related healthcare costs are already projected to surge from USD 21 billion in 2015 to USD 176 billion in 2060, with annual lost working days potentially increasing to 3.7 billion by 2060.ii  Emphasising today’s visible impacts of air pollution, the new report urges action and targeted investment by governments, health and environment decision-makers, and urban planners. It highlights some countries’ efforts to reduce or mitigate air pollution with strong potential for yielding health and economic benefits, crucial steps given that the urban population is expected to reach nearly 6 billion in the next two decades. “We must combat air pollution’s stranglehold that is causing so many unnecessary deaths and ill health. We need to accelerate the implementation of air quality guidelines and minimise the use of fossil fuels. Improving transport standards, the provision of clean domestic fuels, smart infrastructure, urban design and agricultural policies can all help air quality. The current air pollution crisis in many parts of the world reflects known pollutants and could worsen with the emergence of others, all of which underscores the importance of preventive action now,” said Dr Miller. 

26 May,2024 12:28 PM IST | Geneva | mid-day online correspondent
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Researchers detect novel biomarkers for kidney diseases using new technique

Researchers have detected novel biomarkers for kidney diseases associated with nephrotic syndrome using a new technique, a new study showed on Saturday.  According to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers identified 'anti-nephrin autoantibodies' as a reliable biomarker for tracking disease progression, opening new roads for personalised treatment approaches. Nephrotic syndrome, characterised by high protein levels in the urine, is linked to kidney diseases such as minimal change disease (MCD), primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and membranous nephropathy (MN). As per researchers, the primary cause behind this syndrome is damage to podocytes, the cells responsible for filtering the kidneys, which permits protein to leak into the urine. To diagnose such conditions, the researchers introduced a novel technique combining immunoprecipitation with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to reliably detect anti-nephrin autoantibodies. "The identification of anti-nephrin autoantibodies as a reliable biomarker, coupled with our hybrid immunoprecipitation technique, enhances our diagnostic capabilities and opens new avenues for closely monitoring disease progression in kidney disorders with nephrotic syndrome," said Dr Nicola M Tomas, co-lead author of the study. The findings showed that anti-nephrin autoantibodies were prevalent in 69 per cent of adults with MCD and 90 per cent of children with INS (idiopathic nephrotic syndrome) who had not been treated with immunosuppressive drugs. "Importantly, the levels of these autoantibodies correlated with disease activity, suggesting their potential as a biomarker for monitoring disease progression. The antibodies were also rarely seen in the other diseases under examination," the researchers noted. 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.

26 May,2024 11:19 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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1 in 8 women at risk of developing thyroid disorder in their lifetime: Experts

Highlighting the critical need for increased awareness about the importance of thyroid testing in infants, pregnant women, and those planning pregnancy, experts on World Thyroid Day on Saturday said women are particularly at risk, with one in eight at risk of developing thyroid disorder in their lifetime.  World Thyroid Day is observed every year on May 25 to increase awareness among the public about thyroid diseases and the need to keep the thyroid gland healthy to ensure a healthy life. According to Dr Rajesh Rajput, Director, Endocrinology & Diabetology, Medanta, Gurugram, the burden of thyroid disorders is significant in India. "Alarmingly, one in every ten individuals has thyroid dysfunction and the majority of these cases are diagnosed in late stages. Most thyroid conditions are chronic, requiring lifelong medication, and they are ten times more prevalent in women than men," Rajput told IANS. As per health experts, about 42 million people are believed to be suffering from thyroid disorders in India and the number of women affected by the disease is far greater compared to men. "Hypothyroidism" is more common in women. "The level of thyroid hormones in the blood needs to be normal so that all the systems of our body can function normally. If there is a change in the level of thyroid hormones, either the level becomes high or the level becomes low, both conditions have many effects on our body," said Dr. Chandan Kumar Mishra, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, Aakash Healthcare, Delhi. The condition in which the level of hormones decreases is called hypothyroidism. It is mostly found in women aged 20 to 50 years, although it can happen in any age group, according to experts. As per Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director and Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, thyroid disorders can significantly impact neurological health, leading to a range of complications that affect the nervous system. "Cognitive sequelae associated with hypothyroidism consist of memory loss, problems with focus/concentration, and changes in intellectual facility. Some patients may also feel a lack of mental clarity or what is called 'brain fog' where one feels dazed or gets easily confused," Gupta told IANS. "The effective treatment of these conditions often involves efforts of multiple specialists such as endocrinologists, neuropathologists, psychiatrists, and others," he added. According to experts, increasing awareness of the symptoms of thyroid is crucial. Doctors should educate people about the symptoms to ensure timely treatment. Increasing accessibility to thyroid testing and promoting regular check-ups can significantly reduce the incidence of undiagnosed cases "By prioritising these actions, we can improve health outcomes and reduce the long-term impact of thyroid disorders on individuals and communities," said Dr. Rajput. 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.

26 May,2024 10:50 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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Heat like 'literal hell' sends thousands to hospital in Pakistan

Thousands of heatstroke victims were being treated at hospitals across Pakistan on Friday as temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius amid a blazing heatwave, officials said.  The heat gripped the South Asian country for a fourth day and was likely to last for another week, government climate change chief Romina Alam said. The temperatures could touch 51 degrees on Saturday, the country’s chief metrologist Sardar Sarfraz said. In the southern province of Sindh, ambulances rushed people to hospitals and temporary heat relief camps in all major cities, local official Shah Zaman said. “We have treated thousands and more influx is coming in,” said doctor Tahir Farooq at a hospital in the city of Dadu, where the temperature hit 50. “It is like living a literal hell. You feel like walking on burning coals as you step out in the sun,” said Zeeshan Khan Shani, a rickshaw driver in Dadu. “It is unbearable. I’m worried about my daughters. They can faint anytime,” said Asif Shakoor, a mother in the eastern city of Lahore. The Pakistani government last week ordered the temporary closure of schools, postponed exams and declared emergencies at hospitals as the heatwave, the first of this summer, started. Authorities said the temperatures were hovering up to eight degrees Celsius higher than their normal level at this time of the summer and cited climate change as the reason. Hundreds of people are killed in Pakistan every year in climate-induced disasters while thousands lose their habitat and livelihood in a country that contributes little to global carbon emissions. Also Read: Weather update: Heat wave to strike Akola, Amravati, Chandrapur 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

25 May,2024 01:17 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
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Onset of hypertension among young Indian children 'alarming': AIIMS

While age is a known risk factor for high blood pressure, the early onset of hypertension among young children -- up to 20 per cent -- is "alarming", said health experts here at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Friday.   As May is marked as the hypertension awareness month, experts from the apex institute briefed the media about the rising cases of hypertension in the country, the reasons behind and how to mitigate it.  "About 15-20 per cent of children and adolescents aged between 10-19 have hypertension more than what is normal at their age," said Dr. Sumit Malhotra, Professor, Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS. "It is alarming," he added, noting that high BP is a major cause of brain stroke, myocardial infarction or heart attack, kidney disease, and retina problems, among others. He said that in most cases, people are not aware of their blood pressure status, and those who are aware do not go for treatment. He emphasised the need to accurately measure BP and then treat them early.   ALSO READ: Uncontrolled hypertension in the young can raise risk of heart failure, vision loss and cognitive decline: Doctors "Schools and educational institutes are very important platforms for a healthy young generation, to help understand the risk, and make early lifestyle modifications," the doctor said.  Dr. Kiran Goswami, Professor, Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS said that hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor, and accounts for most premature deaths in the country, especially in the younger population.   "If you can control your systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 10 millimetres of mercury, you can bring down about 20 per cent early risk of death by cardiovascular deaths. Stroke risks can be reduced by one-third," she said.  The experts said that besides genetic risks, early age tobacco intake, excess weight, physical inactivity, and sedentary lifestyle, are the major risk factors for high BP.  Stress is also a major risk factor, said Dr. Sumit. "Educational institutions must teach the younger population on how to deal with stress. Pressures begin from a young age. How to cope with stress is an important life skill that must be taught to our young kids, and this will pay a long-term dividend in combating many situations, including early onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)," he said. The experts called for practising a healthy lifestyle, eating more fruit and vegetables, and 30 minutes of aerobic exercises like brisk walking and cycling.  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.

25 May,2024 09:55 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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Excessive use of social media bad for children, says Elon Musk

"A lot of social media is bad for kids," he said in a post on X.com. Addressing the recent VivaTech fair in Paris virtually, Musk stressed the importance of regulating children's exposure to these platforms. He noted that children are particularly vulnerable to sophisticated AI algorithms that boost user engagement by maximising dopamine levels. Elon Musk "urged parents to limit the amount of social media that children can see." "There is extreme competition between social media AIs to maximise dopamine!" Last year, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO -- a father to nine kids -- noted that he never restricted his kids' social media use, and it might have been a mistake. "They have been programmed by Reddit and YouTube. I would limit social media a bit more than in the past and watch what they are watching," he had said. He has also criticised Meta's Facebook and Instagram, stating that these platforms have facilitated child exploitation through their tools. ALSO READ: Virtual autism: How screen addiction in toddlers can hamper their cognitive development 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.

25 May,2024 09:39 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
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