A woman in her 60s who was suffering from progressive Parkinson’s Disease for several years has shown significant improvement after advanced brain surgery. Mumbai doctors gave her hope after conducting a Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. It was by Dr Manish Baldia at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central, following initial diagnosis and treatment by Dr Prashant Makhija, consultant neurologist. The patient initially presented with gradual slowing of movements, difficulty in walking, reduced speech clarity, and tremors in her limbs. Like many patients, she initially attributed these symptoms to ageing and consulted multiple physicians before being evaluated for a neurological condition. Upon consultation with Dr Makhija, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and started on medication, which led to noticeable improvement in her symptoms. She continued treatment and regular follow-ups over the years. However, as the disease progressed, her dependence on medication increased, leading to higher doses and associated side effects — a common challenge seen in long-term management of Parkinson’s Disease. “At advanced stages, patients often experience fluctuations in response to medication and may develop side effects. This is when we consider advanced therapies such as Deep Brain Stimulation,” explained Dr Makhija. She was counselled about Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), a procedure that helps regulate abnormal brain signals responsible for movement-related symptoms. After careful consideration and detailed discussions, she was referred for surgical evaluation. Following assessment, the patient underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery by Dr Baldia, during which electrodes were implanted in targeted areas of the brain and connected to a programmable device that delivers controlled electrical stimulation. “The objective of DBS is to improve symptom control while reducing the need for high-dose medications, thereby enhancing the patient’s overall quality of life,” said Dr Baldia. Post-surgery, the device was carefully programmed and fine-tuned to achieve optimal results. The patient showed marked improvement in her symptoms, with better movement control and a significant reduction in medication requirement. She is now able to carry out her daily activities with greater ease and independence. With Parkinson’s disease being a progressive neurological disorder, experts highlight that while medications remain the first line of treatment, advanced options like DBS can offer substantial benefit in selected patients when symptoms become difficult to manage.
10 April,2026 02:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGurgaon doctors have given renewed hope to a 30-year-old married working professional (who wished to not be named), who had been struggling with severe period pain for two years, unaware that the underlying cause was severe endometriosis. Her symptoms gradually worsened to the point where routine daily activities became extremely difficult during her menstrual cycle. Multiple ultrasounds showed large ovarian cysts, around 10 centimeters on both ovaries, which were stuck to her uterus. The woman had been referred to several centres, but doctors often suggested removing the ovaries if surgery was performed. She underwent laparoscopic endometriosis cystectomy, where only the diseased portions of her ovaries were removed while preserving the healthy tissue. Complete clearance of such extensive disease while preserving both ovaries is rarely performed and requires advanced laparoscopic expertise. The most remarkable aspect of the surgery was that both ovaries were successfully preserved and reshaped, restoring the ability to produce eggs and maintain the possibility of natural conception. After undergoing surgery, her pain was also relieved, and she was able to conceive naturally. Her pregnancy was largely uneventful, apart from minor ailments. She delivered at term via cesarean section due to foetal distress (passage of stool inside the womb), and the baby was born healthy. Dr Kusum Lata, senior consultant, Obstetrician, Gynecologist & Advanced laparoscopic surgeon, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon said, “Endometriosis is a progressive condition where a tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus and can affect organs in the pelvic region, including the bowel and bladder. Women suffering from excessive period pain, having difficulty when it comes to managing daily activities, or requiring frequent painkillers for period pain should consult a gynecologist and get an ultrasound done. If ignored, endometriosis can progress and tends to involve the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures, causing fertility issues later." “Endometriosis takes a toll on fertility. Timely surgical intervention can help to preserve ovarian function and enhance natural conception chances. Women, report period pain immediately, and if endometriosis is confirmed, then procedures like laparoscopic cystectomy can save healthy ovarian tissue, giving women hope for pregnancy, naturally or with IVF support if needed. Women, don’t believe in taboos or myths linked to menstruation or reproductive health and seek expert help without any hesitation,” said Dr Lata. “I suffered from unbearable period pain for two years. I feared that I would never be able to conceive and fulfil the dream of motherhood. After undergoing timely surgery, the pain vanished, and I was able to conceive naturally. We welcomed a healthy baby and feel blessed with the constant support, monitoring, and guidance from the doctor,” shared the woman. Doctors emphasise that severe period pain should not be ignored, as it may signal endometriosis. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can relieve symptoms, protect fertility, and improve a woman’s chances of conceiving naturally in the future.
10 April,2026 11:56 AM IST | Gurgaon | mid-day online correspondentA routine task of cleaning a home aquarium turned into a medical emergency for an Indore family after a fish jumped into their toddler's throat. Doctors surgically removed the fish from the one-year-old boy, officials said on Thursday. The freak incident occurred on April 3, when the child's elder siblings were cleaning their aquarium and playing with ornamental fish kept in a net. A fish suddenly jumped out of the net and fell into the toddler's mouth while he was laughing loudly, officials said. Panicked family members rushed the boy to the Government Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital (MYH). Head of the ENT department at MYH, Dr Yamini Gupta, told PTI, "The nearly three-inch fish was alive and flapping vigorously as it was stuck in his throat. It caused injuries, and blood mixed with saliva was coming out. The child had anxiety, restlessness and breathing difficulty." Gupta said the team decided to perform an emergency surgery. A six-member medical team removed the fish, which was dead by then, during a half-hour "complex procedure". Doctors monitored the child for a few days after the operation and later discharged him from the hospital. He is now healthy, she said. "This is the first case in central India where a fish stuck in a one-year-old's throat has been removed through surgery," Gupta said. She said objects stuck in young children's throats can prove fatal as their airways are narrow. 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.
09 April,2026 03:23 PM IST | Indore | PTIIn India, cancer cases are surging across all age groups, raising serious public health concerns. Lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and improved diagnostics are factors causing this rise in cancers. Greater awareness, preventive action, and timely treatment are now more important than ever. In children, there is a noticeable rise in leukaemia cases, although recent trends suggest some reduction. Among young adults, there has been an increase in oral, thyroid, breast, and colorectal cancer. These cancers reflect current lifestyles, which include unhealthy diet, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and rising obesity levels. In the older population, colorectal, renal, and pancreatic cancers are more common. Individuals above 60 years are prone to cancer and more so because of longer life expectancy today. Dr Prathamesh Pai, chief, head and neck surgical oncologist, Gleneagles Hospital in Parel, said, “Head and neck cancers account for 30 per cent of all cancers in the country, in contrast to 3 per cent in the West. This translates into 10 to 12 lakh new cancer cases annually, of which 70–80 per cent are oral cancers. The second most common cancers we are dealing with are thyroid cancers, which have seen a three-fold increase in the past few years.” Oral cancers, paradoxically, affect visible areas of the mouth, such as the tongue and inner cheek, and yet are detected in advanced stages with an average delay of six months from the time symptoms begin. Public awareness of early detection is needed. Since these are parts of the mouth people see daily while brushing and cleaning, one needs to pay attention to early warning signs. Dr Pai adds, “Oral cancer remains the biggest burden in India, and most are diagnosed in advanced stages III and IV, and 50 per cent will die in the first year following treatment, bringing into focus the need to detect them earlier at stages I and II." Approximately 200 to 250 cancer surgeries are performed by most cancer surgeons annually, and nearly 70 per cent are for oral cancers. highlighting the significant burden of this disease in the country. Oral cancers are increasingly being diagnosed in young adults who often are habituated to tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut (supari). Supari is a common ingredient of pan, ghutka, and other preparations commonly consumed daily. Betel nut is as bad as tobacco and is a Group 1 carcinogen. Regular use of betel nut causes oral submucous fibrosis, which is highly prevalent in our population. This condition results in a reduction of mouth opening and significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. Earlier, this was more common in men, but today, we are seeing it on the rise in women who are smoking and consuming alcohol. In the very young patients, cancers are linked to genetic or familial factors. However, in the later decades of life, most cases are related to habits such as tobacco and alcohol. There is a worrying rise in smoking among young girls, along with higher alcohol consumption. These poor lifestyle choices are directly contributing to the growing incidence of cancer. Diet also plays an important role, with highly processed and junk foods being consumed, leading to increased obesity, which is strongly linked to breast and colorectal cancers. The rise in thyroid cancers, besides environmental factors, is due to incidental detection in people undergoing CT scans and ultrasounds for other reasons. These incidental tumours are often in younger patients, are smaller, and mostly indolent with a good prognosis. “Thyroid cancers behave very differently from many other cancers. They are usually slow-growing and associated with excellent survival outcomes. In patients below 55 years of age, small tumours less than 4 cm, which are well-differentiated cancers, are at low risk of dying and survival rates of 99 per cent at 20 years are expected with proper treatment. Most patients can expect a near-normal life expectancy after proper treatment,” highlighted Dr Pai. Mumbai and other growing cities in Maharashtra have seen a manifold rise in air pollution. Air pollution, too, is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. Pollutions result in non-smokers being exposed to carcinogens similar to smoking one cigarette a day. Long-term exposure to polluted air causes chronic inflammation, DNA damage, and mutations, increasing the risk of lung cancer by 15 per cent to 30 per cent. Dr Nilesh Lokeshwar, medical oncologist at Zen Multi-speciality Hospital, Chembur, said, “The changing landscape of cancer in India has become not just a medical issue but a serious challenge linked to social and lifestyle factors. The rising incidence of oral cancer, thyroid cancer, and lifestyle-related cancers, especially among the younger generation, is a matter of concern. Tobacco use, areca nut consumption, alcohol intake, processed foods, obesity, and increasing air pollution are key factors behind this rise. Unfortunately, many patients still ignore symptoms and seek treatment only in the third or fourth stage, which increases the mortality rate.” Many patients often present to chest physicians with dry cough, throat irritation, and difficulty in breathing, which goes undiagnosed. Persistent symptoms should alert people to seek the opinion of specialists, though they may not be consumers of tobacco and alcohol. “Rising pollution levels are leading to asthma, repeated infections, and breathing problems in children. This highlights an urgent need for early screening and stronger pollution control measures. ‘Awareness, timely diagnosis, and preventive action can reduce the growing cancer burden in the country,” concluded Dr Pai. The most effective weapon in the fight against cancer is “early detection and prevention.” Symptoms such as non-healing sores in the mouth, white or red patches, difficulty in swallowing, or the presence of lumps should prompt immediate medical consultation. At the same time, adopting habits like avoiding tobacco, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and protecting oneself from pollution can reduce the risk of cancer. With timely diagnosis and advanced treatment, patients can lead a long, healthy, and active life,” concludes Dr Lokeshwar.
08 April,2026 06:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEight out of ten Indians currently lack the financial safety nets required to manage sudden medical emergencies, even as climate change and environmental volatility emerge as primary drivers of national anxiety. According to the 'a Nishchit Index 2.0' by Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance, India's national uncertainty score has reached 79, reflecting a deep-seated concern over the intersection of health and financial stability. The study, based on a survey of 3,583 respondents across 20 towns, suggests that health is no longer viewed as an occasional medical concern but as a continuous financial risk. Approximately 81 per cent of the population expects pollution levels to worsen, while 82 per cent worry about how rising healthcare costs will impact their long-term financial security. Environmental and climate factors have officially moved up the ranks to become the second-largest driver of anxiety across the country. "Environmental and climate factors now rank as the second largest driver of national anxiety, contributing significantly to India's overall uncertainty score of 79," the report states. The research indicates that the financial impact of environmental volatility is deeply localised. In the South, residents are increasingly concerned about rising temperatures and vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Western metros such as Mumbai are seeing productivity losses linked to heatwaves and pollution. Meanwhile, the North reports a rise in illnesses tied to disrupted daily routines, and the East reflects heightened anxiety driven by the challenges of elderly care. "With 81% expecting pollution levels to worsen and 82% worried about rising healthcare costs, there is growing recognition that climate conditions are directly influencing both physical wellbeing and household finances," the findings reveal. Despite this heightened awareness, the gap in preparedness remains wide. Nearly 79 per cent of respondents are unsure whether their existing insurance policies cover serious illnesses. Furthermore, 80 per cent of those surveyed expressed doubt regarding the adequacy of their savings in the event of a sudden critical diagnosis. This lack of a buffer is particularly acute in Tier-II and Tier-III towns, where uncertainty levels are higher and financial resources are often more limited. Mental health has also emerged as a critical point of concern, with 81 per cent of respondents reporting rising stress levels. However, a significant 80 per cent of individuals hesitate to seek professional support, a trend that leads to lost productivity and potential income disruption. "Individuals must review health cover, build financial buffers and recognise mental wellbeing as central to financial stability, while organisations must expand protection to address evolving risks linked to climate," the report 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.
08 April,2026 03:27 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIA new study has found high levels of lead contamination in soil near battery recycling units across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety. The analysis, 'Soiled with Lead: from Battery Recycling,' was carried out by Toxics Link, an environmental research and advocacy organisation, and published on Wednesday. The authors examined 23 soil samples collected near lead-acid battery recycling units in selected cities, including locations close to residential areas, local communities, and primary schools. "All samples showed evidence of widespread lead contamination ranging from 100 parts per million (ppm) to 43,800 ppm," said the analysis. With reference to the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025, the findings indicated that 52 per cent (12 out of 23 samples) of the collected soil samples contained lead concentrations exceeding the 5,000 ppm benchmark for a Hazardous Contaminated Site. Also, 31 per cent of the samples surpassed the permissible limits for industrial areas as prescribed in the rule. "Unexpectedly, higher average lead levels were detected in samples collected from authorised recycling units (formal units) compared to those collected from the unauthorised units," said the study. Lead-acid batteries have been around for more than 150 years and are used in automobiles, backup power systems such as inverters, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), telecommunications, and railway networks. "The spent batteries are sent to recycling units or smelting facilities, both authorised (formal) as well as unauthorised (informal) set-ups, to recover lead, plastic components, etc. These recovered materials are often reintroduced into battery manufacturing cycles," according to the study. However, improper handling and poor practices, particularly in the unauthorised sector, can lead to the uncontrolled release of lead into the air, soil, and water. This is an issue because lead is one of the most toxic heavy metals, and severely impacts human health and the environment. According to a 2016 study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), lead exposure leads to 540,000 deaths annually across the globe, with the highest burden borne by low-and middle-income countries. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 April,2026 03:12 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe French Ministry of Health has updated its official position on smokeless tobacco products following a recent report by the French Agency for Food Safety, Environment, and Occupational Health (ANSES). After reviewing more than 2,500 scientific publications, the agency concluded that while smokeless tobacco products are not risk-free, their harm levels are considerably lower than those of conventional cigarettes. For India, this development merits careful consideration within the country's broader public health context. The central finding from ANSES rests on a straightforward but important distinction- smokeless tobacco products do not burn and therefore do not produce smoke. It is combustion that generates more than 7,000 toxic chemicals found in cigarette smoke, including aldehydes that damage the respiratory system. By eliminating combustion, these products remove the primary driver of smoking-related disease. ANSES was careful in its assessment. The long-term risks of smokeless products are characterised as 'likely' rather than conclusively proven, simply because long-term data does not yet exist in the way it does for cigarettes. But decades of research have firmly established the devastating effects of conventional cigarettes, and that asymmetry in evidence itself is significant. Beyond France, a nationwide South Korean study published in the European Journal of Cardiology found that among heart disease patients who switched completely to smokeless tobacco, the reduction in major cardiovascular risk was equivalent to quitting smoking entirely. Researchers attributed this to the absence of tar and carbon monoxide, substances that directly damage blood vessels. Several countries are quietly moving away from blanket prohibition and towards what public health experts call harm reduction, meeting smokers where they are, rather than where policymakers wish they were. The United Kingdom launched its "Swap to Stop" programme in 2023, distributing smokeless tobacco product kits alongside behavioural support to help smokers transition. Since its launch, approximately 125,000 people have attempted to quit cigarettes through the programme. Dr. Vera Buss, Senior Research Fellow in Behavioural Sciences at University College London, noted that people using smokeless tobacco products are about 50% more likely to successfully quit smoking compared to those using other nicotine-replacement therapies. Japan, one of the world's largest heated tobacco markets, has tracked what happens when smokers switch, and the data on relapse is striking. The rate of returning to cigarettes after switching to smokeless products stands at just 0.5-1%, with no upward trend. In South Korea, heated tobacco products captured 10.6% of the tobacco market by 2020, and survey data showed that 99.4% of users were current or former smokers, not new initiates. India has made remarkable strides in tobacco control over the decades, driven by a genuine commitment to protecting public health and the well-being of its citizens. The government's efforts from strong pictorial warnings to robust public awareness campaigns reflect a consistent and caring approach to reducing tobacco-related harm. However, tobacco-related illness does remain a concern that the government takes seriously, and continued dialogue around evolving regulatory frameworks is both natural and necessary. As the global landscape changes, there may be an opportunity for a thoughtful, evidence-based review of how these products are regulated, distinct from conventional cigarettes. The French findings are not an isolated opinion. Countries like France, the UK, Japan, Germany and the United States have refined it using scientific evaluation to distinguish between product categories and regulate accordingly. Harm reduction does not mean harm acceptance. It means acknowledging that for millions of dependent smokers, an intermediate step towards cessation is more realistic than an immediate one. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 April,2026 01:29 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIThe government of Telangana has declared cancer a notifiable disease, making it mandatory for all government and private hospitals to report all cases of cancer. The Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare issued a Government Order in this regard on Tuesday, April 7, providing a mandatory reporting mechanism for all diagnosed cancer cases in the state to ensure availability of reliable and timely data for public health action. As per the order, all cases of cancer including in situ and invasive cancers, diagnosed or registered at any healthcare facility, laboratories, or Registrar of Births and Deaths in the state must be reported within one month of such diagnosis or registration, through the portal in the prescribed format. The objective of making cancer a notifiable disease is to create a robust surveillance system for cancer in the state which estimates cancer incidence, prevalence and mortality, augments preventive screening and early detection measures, assists planning for diagnostic and treatment facilities, palliative and rehabilitative care services, and evidence-based policy formulation, monitoring and research. A uniform Cancer Registry for the state will serve as a centralised platform for estimation of cancer incidence and prevalence, reads the order. The District Medical and Health Officer shall ensure all hospitals, institutions, bodies, and laboratories (both government and private) under his or her jurisdiction mandatorily report all diagnosed cases of cancer in their facility. In order to facilitate this, each facility shall maintain a designated cancer register in the prescribed proforma, to record both existing and new cases from the date of this notification. The Director of Public Health and Family Welfare shall monitor the timely submission and quality of such information submitted. All hospitals empanelled under Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Scheme will be auto-registered and provided with login credentials to submit cancer case details through the state online portal. All other hospitals, institutions, bodies, and laboratories should register online for login credentials to submit cancer case details through the state online portal. The Mehdi Nawaz Jung Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad shall function as Centre of Excellence for cancer care in Telangana and be responsible for periodical scrutiny and validation of individual cancer case information submitted, to ensure purified data is available with the state. The order noted that the burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing steadily and has become a major public health concern. Cancer has emerged as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, underscoring the need for a systematic and institutional mechanism to capture reliable and timely information on the disease burden in the state. Accurate and comprehensive data on cancer incidence and prevalence, distribution and types are essential for assessing the magnitude and pattern of disease in the state, identifying risk factors, geographical and demographic variations, and for evolving an effective screening strategy, reads the order. Cancer registration will provide information on diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, rehabilitative services and long-term follow-up. Targeted policies and evaluation of interventions undertaken will channel effective resource management. Presently, only institution-level registries are maintained at Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad and Mehdi Nawaz Jung Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Hyderabad under the state government. The notification is applicable to all government (including autonomous), private and cooperative hospitals, including medical college hospitals, Employees’ State Insurance, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, railways, industry, military hospitals and any other private clinics, nursing homes and hospices providing cancer treatment or care; AYUSH hospitals providing cancer care; Non-Governmental Organisations; Insurance Companies (government or private); Pathology and Radiology imaging laboratories; Vital Statistics Department or Registrar of Births and Deaths; and any other government or private sector scheme or programme collecting data on cancer cases. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
08 April,2026 11:48 AM IST | Hyderabad | IANSAs the mercury climbs toward 35-degree Celsius, the hum of an air conditioner becomes the soundtrack of survival. Indians retreat into our chilled sanctuaries, seeking refuge from the sweltering humidity. But for many, that relief comes at a cost: a scratchy throat, a persistent sniffle, and a foggy head—the dreaded summer cold. Is the AC actually making you sick, or is it just a coincidence? This World Health Day, Dr. Divya Gopal, additional director of internal medicine at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, and Dr. Nilesh Sonawane, consultant pulmonologist at Apollo Clinic, decode why our cooling systems sometimes turn into irritant machines. The thermal shock The most common cause of feeling sick from an AC isn't a germ at all—it's physics. When you move between the 35 degrees Celsius heat of a Mumbai or Pune afternoon and a 20 degrees Celsius office, your body undergoes a thermal shock. Dr Gopal explains that your respiratory lining—the delicate mucous membrane inside your nose and throat—is built for gradual transitions, not sudden plunges. "When you step out of 35 degrees Celsius heat into a freezing 20 degrees Celsius office or car, your blood vessels in the nose go into a mini panic. They first constrict to conserve heat and then dilate rapidly as your body tries to adjust. This is basically vasomotor rhinitis in action. The result? Your lining swells, extra mucus pours out, and you get a stuffy, runny nose without a single virus in sight. Over time, this repeated shock stresses the cilia—the tiny hair-like structures that sweep out dust and germs—making your respiratory tract inflamed and hyper-reactive," she warns. The humidity trap: Why dry air invites viruses While we celebrate ACs for removing sticky humidity, they often go too far. A healthy nose thrives in 40–60 per cent humidity. AC units, however, can strip that moisture down to a bone-dry 20–30 per cent. Dr Sonawane notes that this dry environment is responsible for the lion’s share of uncomfortable symptoms like sore throats and dry coughs. "Air conditioning systems are used to cool indoor spaces by removing heat and moisture. This dry environment is responsible for many uncomfortable symptoms. The colder you set your air conditioning, the more likely you are to increase dryness and irritation," he explains. Dr Gopal takes it a step further, describing the mucus in your nose as a security system. “When the air is dry, that mucus thickens or cracks, creating an easy landing strip for actual viruses. Suddenly, a mild virus that your body would normally flush out can settle in and multiply. Patients often find their symptoms vanish the moment they step back into the humid outside air—a clear sign the AC was the culprit,” she adds. Maintenance versus microbes If your symptoms include sneezing, fatigue, or a persistent cough, the culprit might not be the temperature, but the machine's hygiene. Experts estimate that 30–40 per cent of summer cold cases are actually caused by what is growing inside the unit. Dust, pollen, and moisture collect on filters and evaporator coils, turning them into what Gopal calls a cozy hotel for mould, fungi, and bacteria. "When the AC blows, it aerosolises these particles straight into your breathing zone. Mould spores trigger allergic-type inflammation that feels exactly like a cold. Temperature and dryness get the blame, but dirty maintenance turns your AC from a friend into a low-grade irritant machine," she states. Dr Sonawane agrees, emphasising, “Dirty filters recirculate dust and animal dander, which can lead to bronchospasm (a spasm of the bronchial muscles) in people with asthma or pre-existing respiratory conditions. While Legionella bacteria are rare in residential split AC systems, they can thrive in poorly maintained cooling towers of large offices or hotels.” Finding the sweet spot So, how do we stay cool without getting sick? The doctors agree on a safe delta—the maximum temperature difference between the indoors and outdoors. 1. The 8-10 degrees Celsius rule: Gopal recommends keeping the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures to no more than 10 degrees Celsius. If it’s 40 degrees Celsius outside, don’t aim for 20 degrees Celsius immediately.2. The sweet spot: Both experts identify 24-26 degrees Celsius as the ideal range. "Finding a temperature range of 24-26 degrees Celsius is far more appealing to most consumers and helps to create a balance between temperature and moisture in the air. Setting the AC here will offer comfort and greatly reduce the chances of irritating your throat," says Dr Sonawane. Doctor-approved strategies for a healthy summer To prevent the AC from compromising your health, follow this checklist of expert approved tips: 1. Acclimatise gradually: Don't blast it arctic-cold the moment you walk inside. Gopal suggests giving your body 30–60 minutes to acclimatise. If it’s exceptionally hot, start your AC at 28 degrees Celsius and slowly bring it down to the sweet spot.2. Hydrate internally and externally: Use these tips- Drink up: Sonawane emphasises drinking plenty of fluids to keep the throat moist and less prone to irritation.- Warm relief: If you already have an irritated throat, he suggests warm or hot liquids like soup and tea, which provide immediate relief to the mucous membranes.- The humidifier hack: Gopal suggests a small humidifier in the bedroom if the air feels too dry. Alternatively, inhaling steam can help re-humidify the airway directly.3. Master your night mode: Leaving the AC on a low setting all night is a recipe for a morning sore throat.- Use sleep mode: This allows for gradual temperature changes while you sleep.- The fan switch: Sonawane recommends using the AC to cool the room down initially, then switching to a ceiling fan or using a timer to prevent excessive cooling throughout the night.4. Break the cycle: Don't live in a sealed box. Sonawane advises taking breaks from the AC and opening windows periodically to allow for cross-ventilation. This reduces the accumulation of indoor pollutants and recycled air containing dust and allergens. 5. Avoid direct blast: Position your workstation or bed so you aren't sitting directly in front of the unit. Direct exposure to the cold stream can lead to localised irritation and even muscle spasms in the bronchial tubes for sensitive individuals. Irritant or infection? How to tell the difference It is critical to recognise whether you are suffering from a simple environmental irritant or an actual acute viral infection. Here is how the doctors differentiate the two: AC irritation (vasomotor rhinitis):1. Typically manifests as a dry, acrid, or slightly scratchy throat.2. Symptoms often include a stuffy or runny nose that appears suddenly when entering a cold room.3. Symptoms usually vanish or significantly improve the moment you switch off the AC or step into humid air.4. Generally, lacks systemic symptoms like high fever or severe body aches. Viral summer cold:1. Presents with classic infection markers: fever, muscle pain, and deep fatigue.2. Congestion and runny nose persist regardless of whether the AC is on or off.3. Symptoms typically linger for more than a week.4. May involve a productive cough or significant respiratory distress. Dr Gopal suggests being vigilant when it comes to experiencing the above symptoms, “If symptoms linger more than a week or you get fever and body aches, come see your doctor; sometimes it really is a virus riding on top of the AC irritation.” Sonawane adds, “When used correctly, air conditioning will be able to provide comfort as well as prevent harm to one's respiratory system. The primary goal should be to increase moisture and decrease the amount of dry air. Treat your AC right—clean the filters, mind the thermostat, and stay hydrated—and you can enjoy a cool summer without the tissue box.”
07 April,2026 04:52 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalThe World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region on Tuesday called for urgent, science-led action and a stronger One Health approach to address increasingly complex and interconnected health risks, marking World Health Day 2026. "Across the Region, health risks are increasingly driven by climate variability, environmental change, and evolving disease patterns. Responding effectively requires stronger, science-led and cross-sectoral approaches grounded in a One Health perspective," said Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region. The theme of this year's World Health Day is "Together for Health. Stand with Science", which underscores the need to place science at the centre of policies, preparedness, and public health action, to ensure that evidence translates into timely measures to protect lives. In line with the theme, a South Asia Hub of the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) is being advanced by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) under the WHO-WMO joint programme on Climate and Health. Supported by the Wellcome Trust, the Hub will work closely with the South Asia Climate and Health Desk at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), aiming to strengthen preparedness by translating scientific evidence into early warnings and practical action to protect communities from extreme heat. "The Hub reflects a One Health approach in action, bringing together climate science, public health, and partnerships to deliver solutions that save lives. As extreme heat intensifies, standing with science means turning evidence into early warnings, preparedness, and protection for those most at risk," said Dr Boehme.Across the Region, countries are demonstrating how science and collaboration can drive solutions. In Bangladesh, integrated dengue surveillance is strengthening outbreak prediction and response. Sri Lanka and Bhutan have advanced zoonotic disease prioritisation and joint risk assessment, improving coordinated action across sectors. In India, digital surveillance and early warning systems are expanding to incorporate multiple data streams, while in Thailand, high-level political commitment and whole of the government approach have enabled early detection and early response to emerging infectious diseases. WHO said scaling up these efforts will require stronger interoperable surveillance systems, improved data sharing, and sustained investment in science and analytics to enable timely, evidence-based action. On World Health Day, WHO called on governments and institutions to invest in science-based policies and One Health approaches, on scientists and researchers to generate and share actionable evidence, on health workers to champion science and deliver evidence-based care, and on communities to seek trusted information and adopt protective behaviours. WHO added as health risks grow more complex and interconnected, standing with science and with each other will be critical to protecting lives and building a healthier, more resilient future for all. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
07 April,2026 01:43 PM IST | New Delhi | ANIFinancial protection gap for critical illnesses is widening even as employers and insurers ramp up preventive care and cost sharing mechanisms to shield workers and families from rising treatment costs, a report said on Monday on eve of World Health Day, celebrated on April 7 around the globe. The professional services firm Aon said that employers in India are increasingly investing in preventive care, outpatient benefits, and digital health and wellness solutions, reflecting a broader shift toward proactive health management due to this gap. "Employers are increasingly recalibrating plan structures, introducing cost-sharing mechanisms such as voluntary top-ups, co-pay models, and employee-funded riders," the report said. The firm highlighted that India’s protection gap is high when compared to peers globally creating a huge room for insurance industry growth. While employer-provided health insurance is widespread, it is typically focused on inpatient care, with average coverage levels of Rs 3–5 lakh. Critical illness riders, where available, tend to be limited to Rs 5–10 lakh amounts that are often inadequate for serious health events involving prolonged treatment and recovery. The report flagged a widening gap between the true cost of critical illnesses and the financial protection available to individuals and families. The critical illness protection gap is the shortfall between the actual financial impact of a serious illness and the protection available through insurance, employer benefits, and personal savings. Globally, the gap is widening, and especially in high-growth regions such as Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America, where medical inflation continues to outpace wage growth and benefit expansion. Healthcare inflation in India — estimated at around 11.5 per cent — creates hurdles for employer-sponsored health plans to provide adequate coverage. The report urged a holistic approach that integrates insurance design, employer benefits, and individual financial planning to close the gap. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
07 April,2026 09:55 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
