Shifting to balanced diets is key to combat the alarming nutrition crisis, caused by unhealthy diets, in India, said health experts. According to the latest report of the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN), India is facing a health crisis, with 56.4 per cent of the total disease burden attributed to unhealthy dietary practices. Unhealthy eating habits, including the consumption of processed foods high in salt, sugar, and fats, have become alarmingly prevalent, with the proliferation of fast-food chains and the easy availability of packaged snacks. "India faces a unique and alarming nutrition crisis, with abdominal obesity being more prevalent than overall obesity. More than 50 per cent of the population suffers from diet-related disorders, including obesity, diabetes type 2, fatty liver, etc.,” said Dr. Hemalatha R, ex-director of ICMR-NIN. Hemalatha said this while delivering a keynote address at the 30th Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminar recently organised by the Physicians Association for Nutrition India (PAN India) in collaboration with Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bengaluru. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) account for 66 per cent of all mortality in the country. Unlike the much-developed Western world, where NCDs typically manifest later in life, India faces these diseases at a much younger age. Alarmingly, two-thirds of Indians with NCDs fall within the 26-59 age group, the most productive years of their lives. Most of it is due to unhealthy diet choices and other lifestyle practices. The ICMR-NIN study highlights that 56 per cent of the disease burden is due to an unhealthy diet. This trend poses significant challenges not just to individual health but also to the nation’s economic and social fabric. “Unhealthy diets account for over 56 per cent of the country’s disease burden, and the impact begins as early as foetal development, with pregnant women consuming processed foods and sugars risking their children’s cognitive health,” Hemalatha said. “This underscores the urgent need to shift towards balanced diets rich in pulses, legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, aligning with global recommendations to combat this alarming unhealthy diet,” the expert added. Dr. G. Rajendiran, MBBS, MD, DM (Cardiology), Prof & Head of Preventive Cardiology, PSGIMSR, Coimbatore Director-VR Heart health initiative, also emphasised the importance of whole food plant-based diet in prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. This gains importance given the increasing prevalence and mortality despite the recent medical advances, 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
12 January,2025 04:45 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSEven as watching short videos or reels on social media platforms has become an integral part of the daily lives of young and middle-aged people, a new study shows that addiction to this can lead to high blood pressure. The study, conducted by researchers The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University in China, aimed to explore the correlation between the screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime and essential hypertension among young and middle-aged people. The team analysed data of 4,318 young and middle-aged people who self-reported screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime and also underwent medical examinations between January 2023 and September 2023. They found that longer screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime was associated with a higher hypertension prevalence. “The screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime was significantly associated with essential hypertension in young and middle-aged people,” said the team, in the paper published in the journal BMC Public Health. The researchers called for "strict control of screen time spent watching short videos at bedtime”. In addition, they also urged “control of body weight, blood lipids, blood glucose, and uric acid levels, and improvement of poor lifestyle, such as a high-sodium diet,” which can help reduce the risk of hypertension. Previous studies have showed that prolonged mobile phone use, that is 30 minutes or more a week can increase risk of high blood pressure or hypertension. The study, published in European Heart Journal – Digital Health, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), indicates that low levels of radiofrequency energy emitted from mobile phones has been linked with an increase in blood pressure. A whopping 1.3 billion adults aged 30 to 79 years worldwide have high blood pressure, according to the World Health Organization. It is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, as well as a leading cause of premature death. 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
12 January,2025 11:23 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSSkincare expert Blossom Kochhar puts together recipes, hacks and DIYs on how to approach daily skincare routines by blending traditional Indian practices with science in her new book. "The Glow Getters Guide to Everyday Skincare" is aimed at guiding readers in achieving healthy skin through authentic, nature-based techniques. There are also a few pointers on how beauty is influenced by a balanced body, mind, and emotions. "Caring for your skin, hair, and body goes beyond mere beauty; it also has a significant impact on your health and emotions. Even the wise have said that we must look after our bodies, for this is where the divine resides," Kochhar writes in the book, published by Hay House. She says beauty is not just skin deep but holistic. "This quest for holistic beauty led me to study numerous alternative therapies and I went on to learn and practise reiki, pranic healing, Arhatic Yoga, crystal therapy, colour therapy, NLP, and much more." She also says emotions have a tremendous impact not only over one's wellness but also skin and hair. "Emotions help to uplift or reduce your vibrations and energy. We vibrate at certain levels, and that determines our happiness or sadness," she says. "If you are feeling depressed, sad, angry, grieving, or sick, your vibration is low. It also reflects on the physical level. To elevate your state, you will need to raise your vibrations to happiness, peace, and compassion," she adds. Drawing on over four decades of experience in the beauty industry, she also suggests a simple diet plan. "The word 'diet' conjures up visions of torture, hunger pangs, resisting temptations, and spending months on end trying to lose a few kilos, becoming more and more irritable as the months go by, and finding the bother not worth its while," she writes, adding 'diet' in short for her is having the cake and eating it too. She advises drinking enough water, eating variety of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, protein, whole grains and healthy snacks and consuming sugar and processed foods in moderation.
11 January,2025 05:45 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIThe Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) said on Saturday it has developed a unique brain-computer interface-based robotic hand exoskeleton that can help in stroke rehabilitation and redefine post-stroke therapy by accelerating recovery. The robotic hand deploys a unique closed-loop control system that actively engages the patient’s brain during therapy. It integrates three essential components: a brain-computer interface that captures EEG signals from the brain’s motor cortex to assess the patient’s intent to move, a robotic hand exoskeleton that performs therapeutic hand movements, and software that synchronizes brain signals with the exoskeleton for real-time assist-as-required force feedback, according to a IITK statement. This synchronised approach ensures continuous engagement of the brain, fostering faster and more effective recovery. “Stroke recovery is a long and often uncertain process. Our device bridges the gap between physical therapy, brain engagement, and visual feedback creating a closed-loop control system that activates brain plasticity, which is the brain's ability to change its structure and function in response to stimuli,” said professor Ashish Dutta from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur. This is especially significant for patients whose recovery has plateaued, as it offers renewed hope for further improvement and regaining mobility. “With promising results in both India and the UK, we are optimistic that this device will make a significant impact in the field of neurorehabilitation,” Dutta added. The innovation is supported by Department of Science and Technology (DST), UK India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Stroke-induced motor impairments often result from damage to the motor cortex, and traditional physiotherapy methods have limitations due to insufficient brain involvement. This device addresses this by linking brain activity with physical movement. “Pilot clinical trials conducted in collaboration with Regency Hospital (India) and the University of Ulster (UK), have yielded exceptional results,” said IITK. 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.
11 January,2025 05:18 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSMen are three times more likely to die from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) than women, according to a study on Friday. The study based on US mortality data in 2021 reveals the disproportionate impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on older adults, males, and certain racial and ethnic groups. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain Injury, indicate that suicides remain the most common cause of TBI-related deaths. This was followed by unintentional falls, and specific groups are disproportionately affected by these tragedies. Men were found to be most likely to die from a TBI – more than three times the rate of women (30.5 versus 9.4). “In addition to men, older adults are especially at risk, with unintentional falls being a major cause of TBI-related death,” said lead author Alexis Peterson from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The researchers found multifactorial reasons behind the TBI deaths. This, they said, could reflect differences in injury severity following a fall or motor vehicle crash, to the interaction of sex and age -- with TBI outcomes in men worsening with age. On the other hand, postmenopausal women fared better than men of similar age. Peterson called for tailored prevention strategies to reach groups who may be at higher risk. He also stressed the crucial role of healthcare providers in reducing TBI-related deaths through early intervention and culturally sensitive care. Using data from the National Vital Statistics System, the new analysis identified 69,473 TBI-related deaths among US residents during 2021 -- an average of 190 deaths per day. The age-adjusted TBI-related mortality rate was 19.5 per 100,000, representing an 8.8 per cent increase from 2020. 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.
11 January,2025 02:57 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSMade-in-India surgical robotic system SSI Mantra has successfully performed two robotic cardiac surgery via telesurgery spanning a distance of 286 kilometres. The surgeries were performed remotely by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava from Gurugram to Manipal Hospital Jaipur, using the SSI Mantra 3 Surgical Robotic System. The Telerobotic-assisted Internal Mammary Artery Harvesting procedure conducted remotely was successfully completed in just 58 minutes. The surgery demonstrated exceptional precision with an incredibly low latency of just 35-40 milliseconds (1/20th of a second). This groundbreaking procedure was followed by another world-first, a robotic beating heart totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass (TECAB) -- a procedure known as one of the most complex cardiac surgical procedures. This was also performed via telesurgery, connecting from Gurugram to Jaipur, with an incredibly low latency of just 40 milliseconds. “We are extremely thrilled to have advanced the capabilities of surgery to benefit humanity, especially in areas that need it the most. By enabling telesurgery, we can bridge gaps in access to medical expertise and deliver the highest standard of care, regardless of geographical barriers. For a country like India, with its vast rural population and significant healthcare disparities, this innovation is transformative,” said Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, SS Innovations Founder, Chairman, and CEO. “This groundbreaking inter-state robotic cardiac telesurgery marks a significant leap in enhancing patient care through innovation. The remote robotic-assisted CABG on an elderly patient from Jaipur exemplifies how technology is bridging geographical gaps to provide accurate and timely medical interventions,” said Dr. Lalit Malik, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur. Developed by SS Innovations, the SSI Mantra 3 Surgical Robotic System is the only robotic system in the world to have received regulatory approval for telesurgery and tele-proctoring. The recent approval of SSI Mantra 3 by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) opens the door to remote surgeries and medical education, enabling healthcare professionals to collaborate across distances. Also Read: Kolkata doctors successfully treat elderly patient with extremely rare type of viral disease 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
10 January,2025 03:33 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSA team of doctors in Mumbai treated a 24-year-old engineering student who was suffering from multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that affects the nervous system. For the patient, Sushant Chavan, every day felt like an uphill battle against an illness that left him bedridden, unable to walk, speak or even move. Modern medicine offered no solutions for the family. However, with help from Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher and Founder of StemRx Hospital, and his team, Chavan was able to find relief from his condition. Carried into the hospital on his father’s back, he walked out on his feet after undergoing stem cell therapy. Previously, another patient saw improvement in health through cell-based treatment at the hospital. Eyam, a man from Nairobi who had been in a coma for seven years following neuro-trauma experienced life-changing recovery. Explaining more about regenerative medicine, Dr Mahajan says, "We are redefining the word ‘impossible’ in medicine. Our cell-based treatments have addressed diseases that traditional pills and therapies often cannot cure. We have successfully treated conditions like autoimmune disorders, cancer, genetic disorders, ankylosing spondylitis, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. “This unique approach harnesses the power of stem cells derived from the patient’s own body. This minimises side effects caused by pills and maximises therapeutic outcomes,” he adds. Expressing gratitude, Chavan says, "I am grateful to Dr Pradeep Mahajan and the entire team at StemRx Hospital for giving me a new lease on life. Living with multiple sclerosis was overwhelming, but their expertise and dedication in providing cell-based therapy have transformed my health and my future. I can now focus on my studies and dreams with renewed hope and confidence.” Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance. Also Read: Mumbai doctors help Sangli girl survive life-threatening rare paediatric pancreatic complication
10 January,2025 03:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe arrival of a new year is often accompanied by a sense of optimism and renewed enthusiasm to make big changes to our lives. While many resolve to quit bad habits, get healthier, or learn new skills, these aspirational resolutions may overwhelm you. The temptation to undergo significant changes can backfire rapidly, resulting in inflated expectations, psychological distress, and even physical injury. The key to sustainable progress, however, remains adopting a more realistic approach. When it comes to tempting lofty goals, it becomes critical to remember that the most effective way to create meaningful change is through small, consistent steps. To help you switch to a sustainable path of progress this year, we’ve got two mental health experts to delve into why people fall into this extreme resolution trap, the drawbacks of such resolutions, and practical tips you can adapt. Why do people feel compelled to make drastic changes at the start of the New Year? The prospect of a fresh start at the start of the year frequently sparks a desire for change. “On a psychological level, the beginning of a new year is viewed as a chance to start again. To make the upcoming year distinct from the previous one, this may occasionally force people to abandon their established routines and adopt extreme measures. Additionally, social media posts and advertising efforts that showcase personal changes provide the impression that people are under pressure to ‘improve’ themselves in some way,” explains shares Dr. Harsha G T, consultant – psychiatry, Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur. The psychiatrist tells us that drastic changes often stem from motivation rather than necessity. He shares, “For instance, when we acquire something new—be it a car, a home, or even a marriage—we tell ourselves that this is an opportunity to behave differently, to maintain or handle it better. Similarly, the new year is seen as the perfect time for self-improvement, but this enthusiasm towards massive change can be both unrealistic and counterproductive.” The negative impact of extreme resolutions on mental health Mental health can be significantly impacted by the urge to make drastic changes. “Anxiety, remorse, and feelings of inadequacy might surface when resolutions are not reached in the expected amount of time. People may feel demotivated or exhibit symptoms of depression if they start rigorous exercise or diet routines and don't notice results. The more significant process of incremental improvement may be overshadowed by the impractical quest for perfection. These failures' emotional toll frequently raises stress levels, which can worsen pre-existing mental health issues or cause burnout,” suggests Harsha. He also warns of a vicious cycle of guilt and negative self-worth when people are not able to fulfill their resolutions. He says, “A cyclic loop is created by the mental strain of attempting to reach impossible goals where tension and anxiety increase until people give up on their resolutions completely. This can contribute to feelings of defeat and exacerbate a negative self-image, undermining confidence and motivation.” The common pitfalls of setting unrealistic New Year’s resolutions Extreme resolutions can negatively impact the health of individuals. Harsha outlines the most common pitfalls of settling unrealistic New Year resolutions below: Unrealistic goal settingThe desire for big changes can lead to setting unrealistic resolutions such as extreme dieting, quitting substances like alcohol, cigarettes or other substances, and committing to hours of exercise every day that are often not feasible. Cycle of frustrationFailure to achieve desirable results eventually creates a cycle of disappointment and frustration. For instance, many individuals start their year determined to lose weight or get fitter, often by following crash diets or overexerting themselves in the gym.Physical harmThese intense shifts in behaviour, however, can lead to physical harm such as injuries, muscle strain, or exhaustion. In the case of substance use, quitting alcohol or smoking abruptly can trigger withdrawal symptoms that range from headaches and anxiety to seizures, making it difficult to continue with such drastic resolutions. Extreme dietingIn terms of dieting, many people opt for extreme forms of fasting or restrictive diets, like eliminating entire food groups or following extreme caloric deficits. This can result in health complications, such as hypoglycemia, fatigue, and irritability, not to mention cognitive impairment or mood swings. These kinds of drastic changes are not only unsustainable but also dangerous without professional guidance. How can individuals shift their focus from drastic changes to gradual, sustainable improvements? While making New Year’s resolutions, one needs to understand the impact of a meaningful transformation or change to shift their focus from a drastic change to sustainable improvements. “This involves changing your mindset to prefer gradual development over achieving perfection,” poses Dr. Ajit Dandekar, head of the department of Mental health, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai. He further stresses the importance of course correction, “Being ready for course correction when facing challenges and motivated when things don’t go your way can help you change the focus from overnight success. ‘Abstinence-violation effect,’ is when an individual considers minor hurdles to be total failure of a project. Take possible slip-ups into account, learn from mistakes and become more resilient. As explained in addiction psychology, every relapse is an opportunity to improve and ensure a successful recovery.” Dandekar suggests that the easiest way to focus more on gradual improvements is to set specific milestones to achieve your goals and be optimistic. He says, “Give more attention to achieving your goals rather than falling into the trap of being overambitious. Individuals who set the resolution of being fit, are less likely to succeed as compared to those who decide to walk for at least 30 minutes, four times a week. Focus more on a positive approach rather than setting negative goals. Setting a goal to eat nutritious food, is more likely to succeed than quitting junk food.” He concludes by stating the significance of acknowledging your progress, “Most importantly, celebrate these milestones which will further encourage you to be on the path of gradual, sustainable improvements.” 5 strategies for setting realistic and achievable goals To leverage the motivation behind New Year resolutions, one can adapt the following five strategies shared by Dandekar for sustainable improvements: Frame them smartlyThe goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and milestone-oriented. Applying these factors will help you narrow down your ambitions into achievable targets and supervise your progress. For example, instead of resolving to lose 40 kg, aim to lose 5 kg every month, by exercising at least thrice a week. Start small, end bigDon’t set too many challenges in your path, right at the start. As per the research, starting with only a couple of changes in your current routine and expanding as you achieve them will help you gain more confidence. If you want to quit drinking alcohol, decide to drink only on the weekends first, then reduce it gradually to twice a month and continue reducing the frequency over months. Anticipate and planCarefully chart all possible challenges in your path, and make plans to address them. For example, if you cannot visit the gym on some days due to extra working hours, plan simpler office or home workouts which can help you sustain the habit rather than skipping altogether. Positive approachApproach dictates motivation to achieve a goal. A positive approach is more motivating than planning to ‘quit,’ ‘reduce,’ or ‘skip’ as resolutions. Frame it as something you want to achieve rather than avoid. Decide to drink water during free time, rather than quitting smoking. Monitor and modifyKeep a daily track of your goals and don’t hesitate to modify them if the set targets are unachievable. What’s important is to bring a positive change in your life and not transform it overnight. Flexibility is key, as progress never takes place as planned. Change goals based on your experience and stay motivated to continue on the path of achieving your resolutions.
09 January,2025 05:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalDr Sunita Tandulwadkar, an infertility specialist, endoscopic surgeon and gynaecologist, was formally installed as the 63rd President of the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) during the 67th All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG 2025) at Jio World Convention Centre on Wednesday. “It is both an honour and a responsibility to lead an organisation as influential as FOGSI, which represents over 46,000 obstetricians and gynaecologists across 277 societies in India,” said Dr Tandulwadkar. Through this role, she aims to address critical challenges in women’s health and advance healthcare accessibility, education and preventive care across India. Key health challenges faced by women in India Some key challenges in women’s healthcare in the country that need to be addressed on priority include: Maternal health and mortality: Despite progress, India still faces a high maternal mortality rate. Lack of awareness about preconception care and inadequate antenatal checkups are major contributing factors. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs): Women in India are increasingly at risk of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and anaemia. Unawareness, poor lifestyle habits and limited access to healthcare exacerbate these issues. Cervical cancer: According to a 2022 report by Global Cancer Observatory, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer among women in India. This is largely due to limited awareness about preventive measures like HPV vaccination. Access to healthcare: Rural and underserved communities often lack access to quality healthcare services, with a significant number of women not having regular check-ups or timely treatment for conditions like PCOS, fibroids and reproductive health issues. Reproductive health awareness: Many women lack access to basic education on reproductive health, often leading to late diagnoses of conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts and infertility. Initiatives to address challenges in women’s healthcare Revealing initiatives for addressing the above challenges and improving women’s healthcare in the country, Dr Tandulwadkar said, “This presidency provides an unparalleled opportunity to launch initiatives that empower women with knowledge and resources, ensuring healthier lives and stronger communities. Through programs like Sampoorna: Swastha Janma Abhiyan, Know Your Numbers and Do Teeke Zindagi Ke, we aim to create lasting change by prioritising proactive health management and early interventions.” Sampoorna: Swastha Janma Abhiyan This nationwide campaign emphasises the importance of preconception care to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. Expected impact: Over 1 million women will benefit from health camps and educational drives to promote planned pregnancies. By addressing health literacy and raising awareness about managing five key health indicators—weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin levels, blood sugar and thyroid function—this initiative is expected to reduce maternal mortality rates by 20 per cent in participating regions and improve neonatal health outcomes across the country. Know Your Numbers This health data collection initiative aims to gather vital statistics, including weight, blood pressure, hemoglobin and HbA1C levels, from over one million women across India. Expected impact: By identifying early signs of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and anaemia, this program is projected to reduce preventable health complications in 10 lakh women annually. The initiative will also provide valuable epidemiological insights, helping policymakers design targeted interventions tailored to the needs of diverse populations across India’s urban and rural landscapes. Do Teeke Zindagi Ke This large-scale project aims to combat cervical cancer by increasing awareness about screening and HPV vaccination. Expected impact: With plans to reach 5 million women and girls through vaccination awareness campaigns, this initiative aims to increase HPV vaccination rates by 30 per cent in key regions over the next year. By prioritising education and accessibility, the program seeks to significantly lower cervical cancer incidence, ensuring a safer future for women nationwide.
09 January,2025 04:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA new study has revealed that dementia reduced life expectancy by about two years for people with a diagnosis at age 85, 3-4 years with a diagnosis at age 80, and up to 13 years with a diagnosis at age 65. A systematic review of the latest evidence in The BMJ (British Medical Journal) found that average life expectancy of people diagnosed with dementia ranges from 9 years at age 60 to 4.5 years at age 85 for women and from 6.5 to just over 2 years, respectively, in men. Average survival was up to 1.4 years longer among Asian populations and 1.4 years longer among people with Alzheimer’s disease compared with other types of dementia. About 10 million people worldwide receive a diagnosis of dementia every year, but survival estimates vary widely. To better understand this, researchers in the Netherlands set out to determine prognosis for people with a dementia diagnosis, both for remaining life expectancy and for time to nursing home admission. Their findings were based on 261 studies published between 1984 and 2024 (235 on survival and 79 on nursing home admission) involving more than 5 million people with dementia (average age 79, 63 per cent women). They found that average time to nursing home admission was just over 3 years, with 13 per cent of people admitted in the first year after diagnosis, increasing to a third (35 per cent) at three years and more than half (57 per cent) at five years. However, the authors noted that are observational findings. “Future studies on individualised prognosis should ideally include patients at time of diagnosis, accounting for personal factors, social factors, disease stage, and comorbidity, while assessing relevant functional outcome measures above and beyond survival alone,” they added. The authors said that to enhance future healthcare services and optimise quality of life for people with dementia and their families, it is crucial that we continue to strive for more precise, context sensitive insights. Also Read: Lancet lists 14 risk factors for dementia 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 January,2025 01:51 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe start of a new year often comes with renewed promises of better health and fitness. But instead of falling prey to fleeting fads and extreme measures, why not turn to a sustainable and balanced approach? Say goodbye to trending, new diets on the internet. Guru to stars like Kareena Kapoor Khan, celebrity nutritionist, Rujuta Diwekar, in her audiobook, ‘Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight’ on Audible, offers practical tips rooted in common sense, tradition, and science. Here are some takeaways from the audiobook to help you stay on track for the year ahead. 1. Ditch tea or coffee first thing in the morningStarting your day with tea or coffee on an empty stomach is a no-no. She shares, “Any stimulant like tea or coffee, which has caffeine and cigarettes jolt the system out of slumber. It increases the blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate and makes the body feel stressed or ‘kicked’. Sadly we mistake this for feeling awake.” She says, “Eat meal 1 within 10 minutes of waking up. And obviously you can’t start with tea, coffee or a cigarette. If you can’t bring yourself to eat a big meal, start with a fruit. Absolutely any fruit is great. Keep it fresh, not frozen. Don’t add salt, sugar, chaat masala, etc to it. And of course, don’t squeeze it into a juice." According to Rujuta, you can kickstart your metabolism with something simple yet wholesome. She says, “Numerous studies have shown how a hearty, healthy breakfast can increase our metabolic rate. Some herbal infusions won’t give you the caffeine kick but it will prolong the time between waking up and eating, which is why I prefer you stick with this rule even if you are a herbal tea drinker.” This small change will improve digestion, balance blood sugar levels, and energize you for the day ahead. 2. Eat every two hours for steady energy and improved metabolismLong gaps between meals can wreak havoc on your metabolism and energy levels. Diwekar recommends eating small, balanced meals every two hours to keep your metabolism active and cravings at bay. To understand how many meals you should have within breaks, “calculate the number of hours that you spend away from home. Divide that by 2 and carry those many meals with you,” says Rujuta. Whether it’s coconut water with malai, fresh fruits, or roasted peanuts, there are plentiful options, however, you need to plan. Rujuta says, “When you eat 6 to 7 times in the day, it doesn’t take too much time. Just a couple of minutes. The kind of small meal I am asking you to eat is a handful of peanuts, a bowl of yoghurt, a slice or wedge of cheese. These are all foods you can keep in the office fridge, or in your desk.” 3. Match your meals to your activity levelsTo maintain energy levels and optimize health, it is best to tailor eating habits to activity patterns. Rujuta suggests eating more during high-demand periods, such as after physical or mental exertion, and scaling during passive activities. “It goes without saying that you should eat more in the morning. If we don’t eat food when the body needs it, all this does is create a huge calorie and nutrient deficit. Later, when the time is wrong, that is the metabolic processes are slowing down, your body and mind will demand a lot of food to make up for the deficit. Time is very important,” says Rujuta, in her audiobook. She asserts, “Cheese, pasta, paratha, peanuts, paneer, banana, mango, potato, rice, etc are misunderstood only because you have experienced them at the wrong time in your day. None of these foods are fattening. They are just dense in energy (calories) or fat. In fact, I will go to the extent of saying that no food is fattening. You have to just be smart enough to choose the right time to eat it. ” Pay attention to portion sizes and the timing of heavier meals. By respecting your body’s rhythms and syncing meals with activity levels, you can boost vitality and prevent overeating. 4. Wrap up dinner two hours before bedtimeEating late or heavy dinners can disrupt digestion and lead to weight gain. Rujuta advises having your final meal at least two hours before bedtime. She says, "Rethink ‘dinner’. Have a healthy and nutritious meal between 6 to 7 pm; and then go for a token dinner later, ideally no later than 9 pm." Some meal suggestion options that Rujuta shares for the early dinner or meal include Roti rolls, Grilled sandwiches, Sprouts with dahi, Muesli with milk or curd or other whole grains like ragi, barley, mixed grains. Sharing an important note for those not going in for a token dinner, she alerts, “If you are eating your early dinner and you aren’t eating anything afterwards (ie, not doing the token dinner), remember only 2 things and nothing more. Your meal should be a combination of low GI (glycemic index) carbs, fats and protein.” This way it prevents you from overeating at night and ensures your body gets adequate time to process food before you sleep. By applying these principles, you can redefine your relationship with food and fitness. As Rujuta aptly explains, weight loss should never be the goal; a healthier, happier you is what truly matters! So, as you step into this new year, embrace her timeless wisdom and watch the transformation unfold.
08 January,2025 06:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
