The combination of air pollution, dense urban development and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma in both children and adults, according to a new study. Improving these can help prevent one in 10 cases of asthma -- a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. Previous studies have typically calculated the risk of one environmental factor at a time. The new study combined several environmental factors and described how they together affect the risk of developing asthma. This provided a better picture of environmental risks, as life in a city usually involves exposure to several environmental risk factors at the same time Researchers from Karolinska Institutet, in Sweden, found that 11.6 per cent of asthma cases could be explained by the combination of environmental factors. In other words, in a favourable environment, approximately one in ten people with asthma would not have developed the disease. The combination of air pollution, lack of green spaces, and dense urban development was most relevant for the development of asthma. “This finding is useful for politicians and others involved in urban planning. The method makes it possible to identify risk areas in existing urban areas, but it can also be used when planning future urban environments,” said Erik Melén, Professor at the Department of Clinical Research and Education. The study covered nearly 350,000 people of different ages, from 14 cohorts in seven European countries. Information on home addresses of each individual made it possible to link data on various environmental risks in the urban environment to individual people. The environmental exposures included were air pollution, outdoor temperatures, and the level of urban density. The assessment was partly based on satellite images showing grey, green, or blue areas, i.e., where there were buildings, green spaces, or water. During the study period, nearly 7,500 of the study participants developed asthma as children or adults. The researchers next aim to examine blood samples from some of the study participants to identify their metabolome, that is, a composite picture of the body's metabolism and breakdown products. The purpose is to understand how external environmental factors affect the body, which could provide a better understanding of how asthma develops. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 May,2025 01:48 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIf you are finding it hard to control hypertension or high blood pressure then eating dark chocolate, grapes, or drinking tea may help you, according to a study. Researchers from the University of Surrey, UK, found that naturally occurring compounds called flavan-3-ols -- found in cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes -- may improve blood pressure and the health of our blood vessels. The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analysed data from 145 randomised controlled studies, and found that regular consumption of flavan-3-ols can lead to a reduction in blood pressure readings, particularly in people with elevated or high blood pressure. In some cases, the average blood pressure-lowering effects were comparable to those seen with some medications, said the researchers. "The findings are encouraging for those looking for accessible ways to manage their blood pressure and support their heart health through enjoyable dietary changes,” said lead author Professor Christian Heiss, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey. “Incorporating small amounts of commonly consumed foods like tea, apples, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder into a daily balanced diet could provide beneficial amounts of flavan-3-ols,” Heiss added. Flavan-3-ols were also found to improve the function of the endothelium -- the inner lining of blood vessels -- which is crucial for overall cardiovascular health. This improvement occurred independently of blood pressure changes, suggesting a broader positive impact on the circulatory system. "While not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice, including more flavan-3-ol-rich foods in a daily routine could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure. These are findings that, although promising, require ongoing investigation," Heiss said. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major global health concern, affecting an estimated 1.28 billion adults worldwide. This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, and many other health problems. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco, and being more active can help lower blood pressure. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 May,2025 12:21 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSHigh midlife stress may increase the chances of Alzheimer's disease in women after their menopause, according to a study. Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, in the US, discovered that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in midlife can increase amyloid deposition -- a hallmark of Alzheimer's -- in postmenopausal women later. "The results highlight the importance of identifying early risk factors when biomarkers are detectable but cognitive impairment is absent," said Arash Salardini, Associate Professor at the varsity. In the study, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, the team analysed data from 305 cognitively unimpaired participants in Massachusetts, US. By comparing midlife cortisol levels at the beginning of a 15-year period with disease indicators at the end, the researchers were able to determine that those levels could serve as an Alzheimer's disease biomarker. No significant associations were observed in males or with tau burden, referring to the tau protein that contributes to neuronal dysfunction and death. "Our work shows that considering sex and hormonal status in understanding Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis is important and suggests that stress reduction and hormonal interventions may hold promise for Alzheimer's prevention, especially in at-risk women," said Sudha Seshadri, from UT Health San Antonio. Cortisol is a steroid hormone essential for cellular homeostasis, or balance, and the stress response. In the study, the team hypothesised that cortisol's impact on Alzheimer's pathology would be more pronounced in women, especially after menopause, consistent with some previous findings. Their results showed that postmenopausal women with high midlife cortisol are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Postmenopausal hormone changes may also amplify cortisol's effects on amyloid, said the researchers. Salardini called for further studies to determine whether these early amyloid changes translate into clinical symptoms and to clarify the causal role of cortisol in Alzheimer’s disease 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
18 May,2025 11:36 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSMindfulness can combat anxiety by improving a mental process called cognitive control, according to a new research. Paying close attention to the present moment without judgment — the basic idea behind all mindfulness techniques — can help calm anxiety and improve focus, said Resh Gupta, a postdoctoral research associate with the Mindfulness Science and Practice research cluster at Washington University in St. Louis in the US. “A lot of research has shown that mindfulness can reduce anxiety symptoms,” she added. “We all experience anxiety, but it can manifest in many different ways. It’s a tough problem to pin down,” she added in a paper published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. Gupta and co-authors laid out a new approach to understanding the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety. Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, they propose that different kinds of mindfulness practices might be helpful for different varieties of anxiety. The proposed framework should ultimately help us understand how to match anxiety sufferers with more precise treatments. Todd Braver, a professor of psychological and brain sciences and a co-author of the paper said there is a growing recognition that these practices can be incredibly useful in enhancing psychological well-being. “But we still do not fully understand the mechanisms of action by which mindfulness can produce beneficial effects. That’s where the scientific research can be so valuable, by helping us more precisely identify why and how certain practices are effective,” Braver noted. People who are hyper-vigilant and experiencing a lot of physical symptoms of anxiety — rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, tightness in the chest — may do better with a different approach. “For this type of anxiety, a form of mindfulness meditation called open monitoring may be beneficial,” Gupta said. “Instead of focusing on one thing, such as the breath, you can observe all internal and external experiences from moment to moment in a non-reactive, non-judgmental way.” Braver is enthusiastic that recent research from the cluster and other institutions will help people gain a greater appreciation of the wide variety of practices that fall under the mindfulness umbrella. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 May,2025 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSEvery year, World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 to raise awareness about the condition that is also widely called ‘the silent killer’ globally. This year, the theme is ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!’. While hypertension may seem like a complication, it simply means high blood pressure, which occurs when the force of the blood is continuously higher in the arteries.So, what are the causes of hypertension? Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, senior consultant, Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon, Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, explains, "Unhealthy lifestyle habits like high salt intake, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, smoking, kidney disease, or genetic factors can cause a surge in cases of hypertension among the Indian population. Hypertension is referred to as the ‘silent killer’, and a large number of people don’t feel symptoms, but some may experience headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision." Interestingly, even though hypertension can affect people of all ages, its effect on the working population between 30 – 50 years, needs to be highlighted according to city doctors. Keeping this in mind, mid-day spoke to Dr Pal and Dr Amit Saraf, director, Department of Internal Medicine at Jupiter Hospitals in Thane, to understand the challenges of hypertension, especially among adults in their 30s. They not only highlight the causes and effects but also how to take care of yourself.What are the primary causes and clinical symptoms of hypertension?Saraf: Causes: The development of hypertension is influenced by modifiable risk factors such as high sodium intake, physical inactivity, excessive weight, mental stress, smoking, and alcohol use, as well as non-modifiable factors like age, genetics, and existing comorbidities.Symptoms: Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension typically presents without symptoms. In advanced stages, patients may report headaches, breathlessness, fatigue, chest tightness, or vision issues.What are the consequences of uncontrolled hypertension in the short and long term?Saraf: Short-term impact includes reduced concentration, mood alterations, and temporary cardiovascular stress.Long-term complications are serious, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, chronic renal impairment, and vascular dementia.Pal: The other short-term effects include headaches, anxiety, or nosebleeds in some cases can be seen due to hypertension. If uncontrolled, beyond heart attack and stroke, it can lead kidney damage, and vision loss. Heart attacks and strokes are causing higher morbidity and mortality rates across the country. Hence, controlling hypertension is key.How is hypertension distributed across different age groups?Saraf: The incidence increases with age, but current trends indicate rising prevalence among younger adults due to changing lifestyles. Children and adolescents are also at risk, particularly those with obesity or metabolic disorders. Older adults are more susceptible to end-organ damage.Pal: In young people, hypertension often goes unnoticed but can lead to early heart problems like heart attacks if untreated. In older adults, it increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.How at risk is the working population above 30? Are there gender-specific considerations?Saraf: The demographic of adults aged 30–50 is significantly at risk, especially in urban and high-pressure professional environments.Data from the ICMR and WHO suggests that nearly 35–40% of working individuals in this age group exhibit elevated blood pressure levels.Gender insights: Males show higher prevalence in early adulthood, while females exhibit increased risk post-menopause due to hormonal shifts. Awareness and access to care remain key differentiators across genders.Pal: People above 30, especially those in high-stress jobs and sedentary lifestyles, are the risk of suffering from hypertension. Studies show men are more affected before age 50, while women’s risk increases after menopause; about 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women have hypertension.Should professionals over 30 prioritise hypertension screening and control?Saraf: Yes. Preventive screening is vital, especially for those with sedentary jobs, high stress, or a family history of hypertension. Early detection helps reduce long-term health risks. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) plays a key role in accurate diagnosis- it records blood pressure over 24 hours during daily activities and helps identify masked or white-coat hypertension that routine checks may miss.Pal: Yes, the working population above 30 must eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, and stay stress-free by doing yoga and meditation to prevent and control hypertension.What constitutes an effective treatment plan for hypertension?Saraf: Treatment strategies include:1. Non-pharmacological interventions: diet modification, regular exercise, stress management2. Pharmacological therapy: individualized medication regimens3. Continuous monitoring and lifestyle adjustments based on clinical follow-upPal: One will be given medication to control hypertension. Apart from this, it will be imperative to eat a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts and seeds. Avoid processed, junk and canned food.Can dietary intervention play a role in managing hypertension?Saraf: Yes, dietary intervention can absolutely play a role in managing hypertension.Encouraged intake: High-fiber vegetables, fruits, low-sodium grains, legumes, and unsaturated fats. DASH diet components and foods rich in magnesium, potassium, and calciumRestricted intake: High-sodium processed foods, saturated fats, red meat, sugary beverages, and excessive caffeinePal: It is important to avoid foods high in sodium. So, stay away from Pizza, chips, pasta, noodles, burger, namkeens and bakery items high in sodium. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, lentils. It is also advisable to take advise from the dietitian regarding what to eat and avoid.How can professionals with demanding schedules ensure dietary compliance?Saraf: They can start with the following steps:1. Structured meal planning with healthy batch cooking2. Integration of whole, minimally processed foods into workplace meals3. Using digital tools to track nutrient intake and sodium levels4. Creating routine reminders to maintain regular eating patternsPal: Even with busy schedules, the working population can manage hypertension by opting for fruits, nuts, and low-sodium snacks. Choosing whole foods, avoiding processed items, and staying hydrated by drinking at least 2-3 litres of water per day can be helpful for those with hypertension.
17 May,2025 12:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), about half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 - 400 million infections occurring each year. In India, as per data from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), dengue cases have increased from 1.57 lakh in 2019 to 2.33 lakh in 2024. While the monsoon season is popularly believed to exacerbate dengue and lead to a rise in cases, it is a myth that the disease only affects people when it rains. As Mumbai is experiencing intense heat with untimely rains, city-based experts warn that dengue can be prevalent even during summers. On National Dengue Day 2025, which is observed annually in India on May 16, mid-day speaks to Dr Paritosh Baghel, senior consultant - Internal Medicine at S. L. Raheja Hospital in Mahim, Dr Manish Pendse, Senior consultant physician & diabetologist at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, and Dr Divya Gopal, consultant - Internal Medicine at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon. They not only highlight the risk factors of the disease but also bust common myths around it. While cases of dengue rise in the monsoon, is it only a monsoon disease? Baghel: Dengue infection is not limited to monsoons. It can also occur in summer, and wherever there is presence of Aedes mosquito. High humidity and temperatures lead to increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Pendse: Dengue is a common occurrence during monsoon, as there is water stagnation near the house. So, the stagnated water in the pots, cans, vessels, and tyres is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. However, dengue can occur in summer too, especially in areas where water is stored in open containers or where hygiene is poor. The Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue, can breed even in small amounts of water, like in flowerpots, coolers. What are some risk factors of dengue during the summer season? Baghel: Increased temperatures with higher humidity help mosquitoes survive better. In summers, clothing can be a risk factor for the disease. Due to heat, people may wear short clothes exposing their body to mosquito bites. To beat the heat, many people sit near water bodies or use air coolers with stagnant water inside, both of which can create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Pendse: Poor sanitation and uncovered water sources can raise one’s chances of suffering from dengue. Summer is also vacation time, so when you travel to areas where dengue cases are high, you can be at a greater risk of dengue due to prevalence of disease-causing mosquitoes. What are some other common myths about dengue? Gopal: Some common myths and facts related to dengue are: Myth 1: Dengue is contagious and spreads person to person Fact: Dengue does not spread person-to-person. It spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito (particularly Aedes aegypti). Myth 2: Dirty or stagnated water alone can give rise to dengue-causing mosquitoes Fact: Aedes mosquitoes can reproduce in clean, still water, including flowerpots, water coolers, and open containers. It's not only "dirty water" that is a risk factor. Myth 3: Once you’ve had dengue, you’re immune for life Fact: There are four different dengue virus strains (DENV-1 to DENV-4). Infection with one strain gives lifelong immunity to that strain, but not to the others. A second infection with a different strain can actually be more severe. Myth 4: High fever is the sole sign of dengue Fact: Though high fever is prevalent, it is associated with severe headache, pain in joints and muscles, skin rash, pain behind the eyes, and low platelet count. In extreme cases, dengue leads to bleeding and organ damage (dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome). Pendse: Some other common myths about dengue are: Myth 1: Dengue mosquitoes bite during nighttime only Fact: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, are active during the day, that is, early morning and late afternoon. They can bite at any time. Myth 2: Drinking papaya leaf juice can help cure dengue Fact: Even though papaya leaf juice is known to boost the platelet count in dengue patients, there is no concrete evidence available regarding this claim. The treating doctor will decide the appropriate line of treatment for the patient. So, it is advisable not to rely on papaya leaf juice or other home remedies like giloy juice. Follow the instructions given by the doctor and avoid self-medication. As the weather in Mumbai is changing with unseasonal rains, what are some precautions one should take to protect themselves from dengue? Baghel: To prevent dengue, eliminate stagnant water around your surroundings to stop mosquito breeding. Wear protective clothing to avoid mosquito bites and stay vigilant for early symptoms of dengue. Gopal: Personal protection includes wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent (with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus), sleeping under mosquito nets, especially during the day (Aedes mosquitos are day-biters), and using screens on doors and windows. Environmental control measures include eliminating stagnant water (flowerpots, buckets, tires, clogged drains), covering water storage containers, and promoting community clean-up campaigns.
16 May,2025 04:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainAdopting cleanliness, checking mosquito breeding sites, and spreading awareness are key measures to curb the spread of dengue, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on National Dengue Day on Friday. In a bid to promote awareness about dengue, the Ministry of Health had designated May 16 as 'National Dengue Day' in 2010. This year’s theme is “Check, Clean, Cover: Steps to Defeat Dengue”. “The theme emphasises the importance of regularly checking for mosquito breeding sites, cleaning surroundings, and covering water containers to prevent the spread of dengue,” Nadda said in a post on social media platform X. Today, on National Dengue Day, I call upon every citizen to unite in our fight against dengue, a pressing public health challenge.This day serves as a platform to raise awareness and educate people about prevention and early diagnosis. With the active participation of… — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) May 16, 2025 Calling dengue a "pressing public health challenge", he urged for active public participation to "raise awareness and educate people about prevention and early diagnosis”. “With the active participation of communities, health workers, and local bodies, we can significantly reduce the spread of dengue and protect public health,” the Union Minister said. As per data from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), dengue cases in India have increased from 28,066 in 2010 to over 2.89 lakh in 2023. In 2025 (as of March), India has already reported more than 16,000 cases, indicating a worrying early trend for the year. This massive and continuing rise highlights the urgency of strengthening our public health systems and response. "Let us all take a pledge that by adopting cleanliness and spreading public awareness, we will protect our family and society from a serious disease like dengue. Prevention is the only protection against dengue. Clean India, Healthy India – this is the foundation of a dengue-free India!” said Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on X. Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav also urged people to “maintain cleanliness, do not allow water to accumulate, and wear full-sleeved clothes”. Dengue is caused by a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid climates. Increasing climate changes are fuelling more breeding sites of dengue in India. States like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have started seeing regular outbreaks a sign that the traditional “dengue belt” is expanding. A recent study published in The Lancet warned that climate-sensitive diseases like dengue are likely to rise significantly, especially in South Asia, if countries do not act urgently. Dr. Praveen Gupta, a noted neurologist at a Gurugram-based hospital, emphasised that dengue’s nationwide spread, amplified by climate change, brings not just fever but serious neurological risks like encephalitis, seizures, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. “As cases surge year-round, early diagnosis and awareness are crucial. Beyond vector control and vaccines, safeguarding brain health demands urgent, coordinated, and informed public health action,” Gupta said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health highlighted measures such as sleeping under a mosquito net, using mesh on windows and doors, for avoiding mosquito bites and dengue. “If you see symptoms of dengue, do not be careless, it can be fatal. Get a blood test done immediately and consult a doctor. Take rest during the fever and drink plenty of fluids. Dengue testing is available free of cost in designated government hospitals,” the Ministry said, on X. 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
16 May,2025 11:55 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSFeeling lonely or older than your age at 40? According to a study, these negative perceptions about ageing could be early signs of frailty, even in your 40s. Usually associated with older age, frailty is a recognised medical condition, marked by reduced strength, energy, and ability to recover from illness. Pre-frailty is the reversible transition stage that comes before; however, experts say it's ill-defined and requires more understanding. The research, published in the journal BMC Public Health, showed that it can begin much earlier with subtle psychological and social cues. "Many people assume frailty is something that happens when we get much older," said lead author Tom Brennan from Flinders University's Caring Futures Institute in Australia. "But our research shows the psychological and behavioural warning signs can emerge decades earlier, in people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. For example, feeling older than you are, might sound like a throwaway comment, but it turns out it can be a sign that something's not quite right,” he added. For the study, the researchers analysed data from 321 Australian adults aged 40 and over; 60 per cent of participants were classified as pre-frail, 35 per cent as non-frail, and 5 per cent as frail. The analysis found that both pre-frail and frail individuals were more likely to report loneliness and negative attitudes toward aging, compared to non-frail participants. "Loneliness was one of the strongest predictors of pre-frailty in our sample, highlighting that social isolation is a critical factor that can affect overall resilience, even in a relatively healthy and mobile population," Brennan said. Another key finding was that pre-frail individuals commonly reported feeling older than their chronological age, even when physical health markers were within expected ranges. "Feeling older than you are, can be a meaningful psychological signal," said Brennan. "We need to emphasise the importance of fostering positive attitudes towards aging as this can have a huge impact on how people adjust to their later stages of life." Brennan said the study highlights an important intervention point that could help to prevent the progression of frailty later in life. 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
16 May,2025 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAfter experiencing intense heat for weeks with temperatures regularly rising above 30 degrees Celsius, Mumbaikars got respite from the summer weather as gusty winds and unseasonal rains hit the city late on Tuesday, May 6, and continued on May 7 and May 8. The monsoon season in Mumbai usually begins in late June. While the surprising rainfall in May brought with it a slight dip in mercury levels, this sudden change in weather can cause many different health issues, if suitable precautions are not taken, Mumbai-based experts warn. Health risks due to unseasonal rain The unseasonal rains that graced Mumbai skies, followed by a sudden drop in temperature and increase in humidity levels, can create ideal conditions for spread of viral infections and other health issues. Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital in Parel says, “Sudden weather changes may trigger viral infections, cold, flu, and respiratory issues such as cold, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, stuffy nose, migraine, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. The rise in humidity can also worsen asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.” Heavy rains may also cause waterlogging in several parts of the city, which can lead to a rise in mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Apart from viral infections and respiratory issues, this weather change may also cause skin infections. “Conditions like eczema, ringworm and candidiasis become more common during unseasonal rains due to prolonged dampness, wet clothes and poor hygiene,” Dr Agarwal informs. Who is more at risk? While anyone can be susceptible to health issues arising out of sudden weather changes, people with weak immunity, children, and the elderly are at a higher risk. Key precautions to take Maintaining hygiene and boosting immunity is key during such weather changes. “Wearing weather-appropriate clothing and staying dry during unexpected rains is essential to avoid viral and skin infections,” advises Dr Agarwal, adding, “It is also necessary to use mosquito repellents and avoid stagnant water near the house, and in pots, pans, or cans to prevent dengue and malaria.” Another important step to protect your health from infections due to seasonal changes is boosting immunity through a balanced diet. Dietary changes to make to your diet Vedika Premani, clinical dietician, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon suggests following some nutritional guidelines to protect oneself from infections: 1. Focus on consuming fresh, seasonal fruits high in vitamin C, such as guava, oranges, amla and berries to naturally boost immunity. 2. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. 3. Sip on immunity-boosting teas like ginger, herbal, and chamomile, which have anti-inflammatory properties to help fight off infections. 4. Consume superfoods like turmeric, garlic and ginger, which can help strengthen immunity. 5. Stay hydrated. Boil water before drinking to prevent chances of infections.6. Avoid street food during this time as it might increase risk of waterborne diseases due to poor sanitation. Apart from nutrition, healthy lifestyle practices like adequate sleep and regular exercise can help keep infections at bay. “Those with asthma or allergies should keep medications handy and avoid exposure to allergens. Staying hygienic and cautious can help improve well-being,” concludes Dr Agarwal.
14 May,2025 07:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainPeople who develop type 1 diabetes in adulthood have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death, according to a new research. However, those diagnosed later in life do not have a better prognosis than those diagnosed earlier, according to the study conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, which pointed to smoking, poor glucose control and obesity as the main risk factors. Research on adult-onset type 1 diabetes is limited, so the team wanted to investigate the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in this group, particularly for those diagnosed after the age of 40. The study, published in European Heart Journal, identified 10,184 people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in adulthood between 2001 and 2020 and compared them to 509,172 matched people in the control group. The study shows that these people with adult-onset type 1 diabetes had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death from all causes, including cancer and infections, compared to the control group. Yuxia Wei, postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, said the main reasons for the poor prognosis are smoking, overweight/obesity and poor glucose control. “We found that they were less likely to use assistive devices, such as insulin pumps,” Wei added. Researchers plan to continue investigating adult-onset type 1 diabetes, including risk factors for developing the disease and the prognosis of other outcomes, such as microvascular complications. Optimal treatment in adult-onset type 1 diabetes, including the effect of pump use and other advanced technologies, also needs to be explored. The study was funded by the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Diabetes Foundation, among others. The researchers report that there are no conflicts of interest. The results emphasise the seriousness of type 1 diabetes, even when it starts later in life, said the researchers. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 May,2025 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSScorching heatwaves fuelled by global warming are increasing the risk of dangerous complications during pregnancies across the world, a report warned on Wednesday. Being exposed to extreme heat while pregnant has previously been linked to a range of problems, including a higher risk of premature birth, stillbirth, birth defects and gestational diabetes. The new report from the US-based research group Climate Central sought to measure how much more pregnant women have been exposed to excessive heat since 2020 -- and to what extent climate change is to blame. In 222 out of the 247 countries and territories studied, "climate change at least doubled the average annual number of pregnancy heat-risk days experienced during the past five years", the report said. The biggest increases were in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited, such as in the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Pacific islands, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers only looked at the rise in potentially dangerous hot days and did not examine the extent to which pregnant women were actually affected by heat in the countries. Ana Bonell, a maternal health and extreme heat researcher at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine not involved in the report, said it "gives clear evidence of the growing exposure risk to extreme heat". The findings could also apply to the elderly, another group who are more at risk during blisteringly hot periods, she told AFP. While researchers are increasingly documenting the many ways that extreme heat can threaten human health, there remain "many unknowns" about the physiological mechanisms to explain why this happens, Bonell said. A large 2024 study in Nature Medicine estimated that heatwaves increase the odds of having a complication during pregnancy by 1.25 times. Beyond wider efforts to fight climate change -- which is largely caused by humans burning fossil fuels -- experts advised local policies to help communities beat the heat. These include "greening neighbourhoods, limiting pollution, creating cool areas and informing residents about the risks," French epidemiologist Lucie Adelaide said. In a statement linked to the new report, she also recommended that existing information about the health risks of heatwaves include warnings for pregnant women, who are currently rarely mentioned in such efforts. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 May,2025 01:44 PM IST | Mumbai | AFPADVERTISEMENT
