As Navratri celebrations grip Indian streets, people are preparing to don their favourite Kediyas and Chaniya Cholis, and dance to the high-intensity beats of Gujarati music. Garba, a significant part of the festivities, boasts of a fanbase beyond geographical or cultural boundaries. Over the past few years, its scope has also extended from a festive symbol to a fitness activity. Garba fitness classes and workout tutorials including elements of the dance form are gaining prominence. This folk dance, which entails high-power steps, has several health benefits, Alpesh Rawal, a Mumbai-based Garba instructor says, “It offers a holistic combination of physical and mental wellness. It makes for a good cardio workout for weight loss. The high-energy movements such as fast-paced footwork, twirls, etc., help in burning calories.” He adds, “It also enhances flexibility. Garba movements can improve overall mobility and muscle elasticity, also reducing the risk of injury.” Garba is also beneficial for other fitness outcomes. Satyajit Vora, founder of Power Garba fitness, states, “It improves your cardiovascular endurance which is the ability of the heart to supply oxygen to the muscles while exercising.” Garba steps, which involve fast movement, stretching, twirling, bending, etc., also help in building sustained fitness of muscles. Vora explains, “The ‘Hinch’ step involves a lot of twisting, so it engages the oblique muscles. Some Garba steps are a combination of squats and curtsy lunges, which give strength to your hamstring and quadriceps.” Garba elements in regular workouts Image for representational purposes only (Pic: iStock) Incorporating some elements of the dance form into regular workouts can give an innovative touch to exercise. Isha Gupta, fitness trainer and founder of FITMOTIVATION, reveals, “Our regular classes get a refreshing touch with Garba and Dandiya elements around this time of the year. Use of Dandiya sticks to do floor abs or squats can help in toning, while also being a good cardio element.” Garba during Navratri Experts believe that doing Garba even for the 10 days of Navratri can have a significant effect on fitness. Ruju Desai, an Ahmedabad-based fitness expert, says, “When you do Garba even during the festivities, it can have benefits. The moves include a lot of cardio elements like bending, twirling, knee-ups and jumps. In gyms and fitness classes, you usually do cardio for 30 to 40 minutes. But people are so enthusiastic about Garba that they end up dancing for three to four hours. So, it’s a different kind of workout which includes cultural elements as well.” Garba beyond Navratri While Garba is extensively practised around Navratri, its incorporation in exercise extends far beyond the nine-day festival. Power Garba, a 365-days Garba fitness programme designed by Vora, places folk dance at the centre of fitness. “People usually do Garba only for nine days or two to three months if they are attending classes before the festival. But it can be a good form of workout all-round the year,” comments Vora. Power Garba differs from traditional Garba as it includes an exclusive kind of music that blends traditional songs with high-power EDM beats. This is to blend devotion and fitness seamlessly. In Vora’s words, this fitness regime is 40 per cent Garba and 60 per cent exercise. Sarika Gal, a Mumbai resident who has been practising Power Garba for over two years now, says, “It is a high-octane energy workout. In a span of one hour, we end up burning around 600 to 700 calories. It also helps me reach my ‘10,000 steps per day’ goal. The steps that are involved in the workout also help in building agility. Even after the age of 40, it is a great way to maintain fitness and lose weight. Additionally, there are variations involved in the workout, which never lets you get bored.” Rawal, who is also a Power Garba and bungee fitness trainer, reveals, “We include elements like Dandiya sticks and dupatta in Garba fitness classes. Participants choose that over going to the gym, which can prove to be a boring experience for many.” Also Read: Navratri 2024: How Garba crosses boundaries and unites the world
07 October,2024 03:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainOlder adults suffering from abnormal bleeding, fatigue, and weakness, must be assessed for scurvy -- a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency, suggests a study on Monday. Detailing a case study of a 65-year-old woman with mobility issues and social isolation, the study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) showed that scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency, is not just an 18th-century seafarers’ disease. Researchers from the University of Toronto in Canada implored clinicians to consider scurvy in patients with abnormal bleeding and nonspecific symptoms. The elderly patient visited the emergency department at a downtown Toronto hospital for leg pain and weakness, skin lesions, and discoloration. She also had several chronic health conditions. Mobility issues restricted her ability to go grocery shopping, cook, and perform other daily activities. She lived largely on canned soup and fish, with no fresh produce. “This case presents a complex example of food insecurity manifesting as an uncommon diagnosis,” said Dr. Sarah Engelhart, a general internist at Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto. The researchers noted that vitamin C deficiency is more common than expected in the 21st century. However, its diagnosis is often challenging as symptoms are often nonspecific, such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. The patient also smoked, which further contributes to vitamin C deficiency. Her symptoms improved once she started on vitamin C treatment, and a blood test for vitamin C deficiency eventually confirmed the diagnosis, said the doctors. “Clinicians should be alert to vitamin C deficiency when assessing patients, including children and isolated older adults,” the doctors said. The team noted that people who follow restrictive eating patterns (for example, those with autism spectrum disorder or those on a tea and toast diet), who smoke cigarettes, who have a substance use disorder, or who have malabsorption syndrome, can also be at risk of scurvy. 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 October,2024 12:17 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Navratri is a time of spiritual renewal and devotion, but fasting during this period can present challenges for skin health. Many often end up experiencing a host of skin issues because of heightened sensitivity due to restrictive diets. Fret not, maintaining healthy, glowing skin during Navratri fasting is possible. With the right balance of nutrient-dense foods, hydration, and a consistent skincare routine, you can avoid common issues like dryness, dullness, and breakouts. This Navaratri, dermatologists share expert guidance to help you take care of your skin from the inside out and maintain a radiant glow throughout the festival. Common skin and haircare challenges faced during Navratri fasting During Navratri, devotees often engage in prolonged fasting or restrictive diets that can pose several challenges to skin and hair health. Dr. Akanksha Sanghvi, dermatologist and founder of Oprava Aesthetics, explains, “Insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals during religious fast, can lead to depletion of vitamins such as A, C, D, E, and B-complex, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which can negatively affect skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance.” She informs us that fasting may trigger increased cortisol levels, which can contribute to skin issues like acne or eczema flare-ups. Dr. Deepak Jakhar, consultant dermatologist at Dermosphere Clinic, further suggests that dehydration is a primary concern due to reduced water intake and the absence of hydrating foods. “Dehydration can leave the skin parched. This can lead to dry, flaky skin, and a loss of radiance. Moreover, a disrupted eating pattern and an unbalanced diet can trigger acne or breakouts, especially if you consume fried foods, dairy, or sugary items to break the fast. Sanghvi also cautions about the possible impact on hair, “Inadequate nutrition during fasting can lead to weakened strands, increased shedding, and even hair thinning. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet and ensure proper nutrient intake to support optimal skin and hair health during fasting periods.” 5 Nutrients for healthy skin and hair Fasting does not mean you have to compromise on nutrition, especially when it comes to skin health. Jakhar shares a list of nutrient-rich foods you can include in your meals to keep your skin glowing. Antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E) These vitamins protect the skin from oxidative stress, helping to maintain collagen production and repair damaged skin. Apples, bananas, pomegranates, and spinach can provide the necessary nutrients to maintain healthy skin. Also include citrus fruits, pumpkin, and almonds into your diet. Zinc An essential mineral for skin healing and combating acne. Foods like nuts, seeds, and yogurt (if permitted in your fast) are great sources. Biotin Biotin is vital for maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. During fasting, consume foods like bananas and sweet potatoes to support your skin. Probiotics Gut health plays a crucial role in skin health. Fermented foods like yogurt and pickles can help balance gut flora, contributing to clearer skin. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt also contain lactic acid, which can gently exfoliate the skin and improve texture. Omega-3 fatty acids These are anti-inflammatory and help in keeping your skin moisturized and plump. Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are excellent sources of omega-3, promoting scalp health and reducing fasting-triggered hair loss. Also Read: Monsoon Skincare: Follow these tips for healthy skin during rainy season Fasting essentials for skin health "During Navratri fasting, it's essential to prioritise whole, nutrient-rich foods to maintain overall health and skin well-being,” says Sanghavi. Below, she shares fasting-friendly additions to your meals for improved skin health. Buckwheat flour Buckwheat flour is a highly nutritious alternative to traditional wheat flour. It contains about 13.3 grams of protein per 100 grams, making it an excellent plant-based protein source which is vital for repairing damaged skin cells and promoting new cell growth. Buckwheat is also a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly rutin, which may help reduce inflammation and benefit acne-prone skin. It provides a range of B complex vitamins, essential for energy metabolism, along with important minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc which support overall skin health and reduce inflammatory acne. Water chestnut flour Anti-inflammatory compounds in water chestnut flour called gallium and fisetin are known for their antioxidant properties that can soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and swelling, which is beneficial for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Incorporating dishes made with buckwheat or water chestnut flour can also be beneficial, as they are gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Kodo millet One can add kodo millet to their fasting meals which is a great source of dietary fibre and iron. The millet contains essential B vitamins, including niacin and riboflavin, which support skin cell regeneration, improve skin texture, and help maintain a healthy complexion. As compared to other fasting ingredients, kodo millets have a low glycemic index, which prevents sugar spikes during fasting and helps combat skin inflammation and redness, promoting a clearer complexion. How to prevent dry skin and dullness during fasting Dehydration and lack of nutrients often cause dry skin and dullness during fasting. Jakhar shares three ways to combat these issues: Stay hydrated Drink plenty of water between meals. Try coconut water, lemon water, or infused water with mint and cucumber to stay refreshed and hydrated. Herbal teas such as chamomile or green tea can also help boost hydration while providing antioxidants. Consume fruits and vegetables high in water content, like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges. These will not only hydrate your skin but also provide essential nutrients Moisturise regularly Use a rich moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. Apply a thick moisturiser right after showering to lock in moisture. Avoid long, hot showers Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm showers and always moisturize immediately afterward to prevent dryness. Skincare products and ingredients to avoid during fasting “During Navratri fasting, while your body is going through detox, your skin may become more sensitive,” warns Dr Ishmeet Kaur, consultant dermatologist at Dermosphere clinic. It's important to avoid the following: Harsh exfoliants Physical scrubs can irritate, especially on dry, sensitive skin. Opt for gentle chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or skip exfoliation altogether if your skin feels too sensitive. Heavy creams or oils If your skin becomes oily or prone to breakouts during fasting, avoid using thick, greasy creams or oils that may clog your pores. Fragranced products Fragrances in skin care can cause irritation and dryness. Stick to fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products during fasting to prevent any reactions. How to address acne or breakouts Breakouts can be frustrating, especially during fasting. Jakhar lists how you can prevent and manage acne during Navratri: Avoid oily and sugary foods Excessive consumption of fried foods or sugary snacks to break the fast can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Stick to healthier options like roasted nuts, fruits, or homemade snacks. Cleanse gently Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove excess oil and impurities. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil, which help in controlling breakouts. Diet control Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Avoid dairy if you notice a correlation between consumption and breakouts. Consult dermatologist If you experience sudden breakouts, discuss with your dermatologist regarding the need for specific treatment. Effective home remedies and natural skincare for Navratri If you prefer to keep your skincare routine natural during fasting, Kaur suggests a few simple remedies to keep your skin fresh and healthy: Honey and yogurt mask A smooth mix of 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of yogurt can deeply hydrate your skin in 15 to 20 minutes. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it retains moisture, while yogurt contains lactic acid for gentle exfoliation. This mask can also brighten the skin. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera is soothing, hydrating, and great for all skin types. Apply pure aloe vera gel on your face to calm irritation and provide a burst of hydration. Cucumber and rosewater toner For a refreshing and hydrating toner, blend cucumber juice and rosewater. This helps to cool, soothe, and tighten the skin. Gram flour and turmeric face pack Popular ingredients in Indian beauty rituals combine 2 tablespoons of gram flour and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric with a little water for a quick face pack. This traditional remedy is excellent for exfoliating dead skin cells and brightening the complexion.
07 October,2024 10:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalThe government on Sunday observed the World Cerebral Palsy Day, with nation-wide awareness campaigns to foster an inclusive world for everyone. Under the leadership of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), the government marked the day with awareness campaigns across the nation. Various national institutes and regional centres under the Department hosted programmes to spread awareness about cerebral palsy and empower those affected by it. The World Cerebral Palsy Day serves as a platform to amplify the voices of individuals living with cerebral palsy (CP). This year's theme, ‘#UniquelyCP’, celebrates the uniqueness of the cerebral palsy community - their interests, passions, and identities - showing that they are not solely defined by their disability. The 2024 theme is a positive step towards raising awareness that a person's disability is not their entire identity. The theme emphasises that each person is special in their own way and that society must understand and embrace these unique identities. Cerebral palsy is often misunderstood, and those affected face numerous societal challenges. The aim of this day is to break these stereotypes and work towards building an inclusive society where individuals with cerebral palsy are respected for their identity and talents. According to Dr Sowmya M, Senior Consultant-Neurology, Aster RV Hospital, cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the developing brain, leading to difficulties with movement, muscle tone, and posture. While the brain injury itself is non-progressive, symptoms can vary, from mild motor impairments to severe physical disabilities, and may evolve as the child grows. “Treatments such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, medications and surgical interventions can enhance mobility and quality of life. Timely intervention is essential, as it helps prevent complications and enables individuals with CP to achieve greater independence and manage conditions associated with it,” said the doctor. There is no cure though. Early treatment is the main mantra for celebral palsy. Timely intervention can be life-altering. Also Read: World Alzheimer's Day: Can hustle culture lead to Alzheimer's? Experts answer 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
06 October,2024 10:30 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSAbout half the cases of gestational diabetes, a common pregnancy complication, could be avoided if body weight was maintained in the normal range, according to a study that followed almost two million births in Sweden from 2000 to 2020. Gestational diabetes, in which a pregnant woman develops high blood sugar levels, can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life. Obesity and overweight, indicated by a higher-than-30 body mass index, have been studied to have adverse pregnancy outcomes. In this study, researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, estimated the extent to which pregnancy complications could be averted if women had normal weight before conceiving. "For example, we concluded that about half of all cases of gestational diabetes could potentially be prevented. This applies to both women born in Sweden and foreign-born women," Maryam Shirvanifar, a PhD student at Linköping University and first author of the study published in The Lancet Public Health journal, said. The researchers also found that over a quarter of pre-eclampsia cases could be avoided if a healthy weight is maintained prior to pregnancy. The condition involves high blood pressure and can be accompanied with severe headaches, vision problems such as blurring, and swelling in feet and ankles, among others.The study looked at both women born in Sweden and those who had moved to the country from regions around the world, including Europe, Latin America and South Asia. Efforts to promote a healthy weight could be beneficial to all women, regardless of ethnicity, according to lead researcher Pontus Henriksson, a senior associate professor at the Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences at Linköping University. "A healthy weight is good for everyone. The earlier in life the better, because once obesity is established, it is difficult to treat," Henriksson said. Of the nearly two million pregnant women studied, close to 17,000 were born in South Asia. "The number of cases of gestational diabetes attributable to overweight and obesity was about four times higher for women born in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and North Africa and the Middle East than for Swedish-born women, which is probably due to a higher prevalence of gestational diabetes in the former birth regions," the authors wrote. Some of the other complications the researchers looked at included infant death in the first year of life, premature births and unusual baby sizes at birth. They took data from national registers to analyse the relationship between a woman's body mass index prior to pregnancy and complications depending on which region of the world she was born in. "Promotion of a healthy weight in pregnancy has the potential to reduce the burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes and possibly reduce inequalities in reproductive health," the authors wrote. Also Read: Obesity, diabetes, PCOS increasing gynaecological cancers among women: Experts 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
06 October,2024 07:43 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIAn international team of researchers on Friday said that by leveraging AI to analyse retinal images for cardiovascular risk assessment, they aim to bridge a crucial gap in early disease detection. A recent position paper in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology explores the transformative potential of AI in ophthalmology. The work represents a collaboration among researchers from Penn Engineering, Penn Medicine, the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem, and Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine in Korea. With fundus photography enabling the visualisation of retina at the back of the eye, the potential of AI in providing systemic disease biomarkers is becoming a reality. When fundus images are of sufficient quantity and quality, it becomes possible to train AI systems to detect elevated HbA1c levels — an important marker for high blood sugar. A pilot study trained AI models to predict HbA1c levels based on fundus images. This study evaluated various factors — such as AI model size and architecture, the presence of diabetes, and patient demographics (age and sex) — and their impact on AI performance. One of the study observations was that biased training samples for an oculomics model, such as a pool of predominantly older patients, can degrade model performance. The results of the case study highlight the importance of developing trustworthy AI models for assessing cardiovascular risk factors while addressing the challenges and problems that must be overcome prior to clinical adoption, as well as advancing reliable "oculomics" technology. This method not only enhances our ability to identify at-risk individuals but also holds promise for transforming how we manage chronic conditions such as diabetes. By focusing on practical applications of this technology, we are advancing towards more personalised and preventative healthcare solutions, the authors noted. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
05 October,2024 01:27 PM IST | New York | IANSFacing severe back pain? A new study suggests reducing daily sitting time and walking or doing some brisk exercises to prevent back pain from worsening. Back pain is very common and common reasons include muscle strain, disk damage, and some health conditions, such as scoliosis and osteoporosis. Doctoral Researcher and Physiotherapist Jooa Norha from the University of Turku in Finland said that people concerned about back health, must "reduce sitting at work or during leisure time" To understand the link between activity and back pain as well as the mechanisms related to back pain, the researchers included 64 adults with overweight or obesity and metabolic syndrome. The participants reduced their sitting by 40 minute per day, on average, during the six-month study. People with back pain tend to have excessive fat deposits within the back muscles. They are also likely to have impaired glucose metabolism, or insulin sensitivity, which can predispose them to pain. The study did not, however, find a link between "the fattiness or glucose metabolism of the back muscles". Further, the researchers said that being overweight or obese and having metabolic syndrome not only increases the risk for back pain but also for cardiovascular disease. Just standing up also may not help, instead "walking or more brisk exercise" may be more beneficial", Norha said. The researchers also said that switching between postures is more important than only looking for the perfect posture. According to recent analysis published in the journal Lancet Rheumatology, more than 800 million people will suffer from lower back pain by 2050, a 36 per cent increase from 2020. The study showed that since 2017, the number of low back pain cases has ticked over to more than half a billion people. In 2020, there were approximately 619 million cases of back pain. Also Read: Physical inactivity on the rise: Experts share ways to incorporate exercise amid sedentary lifestyle and hectic schedules 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
04 October,2024 06:27 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSDiabetes and obesity can fuel the relapse of liver cancer -- the sixth most common cancer worldwide, according to a study. The study led by Osaka Metropolitan University, focussed on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) -- a type of liver cancer associated with hepatitis infections -- known to have a high recurrence rate after cancer removal. It is also the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Obesity and diabetes, which are closely associated with metabolic syndrome development, are well known to induce steatotic liver diseases, potentially causing liver cirrhosis and HCC development. However, obesity and diabetes’ effects on patient survival and cancer recurrence have been unclear. “Because the risk of late recurrence is higher in hepatocellular carcinoma with comorbid obesity and diabetes, controlling obesity and diabetes is an important treatment strategy for the liver cancer,” said Dr. Hiroji Shinkawa’s research team at the University’s Graduate School of Medicine. In the study, published in the journal Liver Cancer, the team analysed the relationship between diabetes mellitus, obesity, and postoperative outcomes in 1,644 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent liver resection. The results revealed that obesity increased the risk of recurrence two years after the operation approximately by 1.5 times, and in the case of diabetes, the risk was 1.3 times higher. In addition, the risk of recurrence after five years postoperatively was 3.8 times higher with obesity, while with diabetes it was 2 times higher. The findings can contribute to the early detection of cancer recurrence and the design of appropriate treatment strategies, Shinkawa said. Obesity is a common risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and the two conditions are often linked. Recent research showed that the number of adults with obesity will increase by six times in the next 40 years, while people with diabetes will soar 642 million by 2040. 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.
03 October,2024 06:48 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSA 65-year-old woman weighing just 23 kg has successfully undergone bilateral hip replacement surgery, enabling her to walk after two years of being bedridden, according to a private hospital here on Thursday. “It is India’s low-weight bilateral hip replacement surgery on a 65-year-old woman weighing just 23 kg,” said CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, in a statement. “She is the lightest person of this age in the country to undergo such a complex surgery,” it added. Shubhangi Devi had been suffering severe pain for the past two years in both hips due to advanced age-related arthritis, rendering her unable to walk, and fully dependent on a wheelchair. The doctors opted to proceed with Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) -- a surgical method that uses smaller incisions and advanced techniques that minimise tissue damage, resulting in less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and a quicker return to daily activities. Devi underwent two surgeries -- first on the right hip and later on the left -- each carefully planned and completed within approximately one hour. The surgery presented several challenges for the doctors. She had a high risk of bone fractures during the procedure due to her severely osteoporotic bones, which were brittle and soft with low calcium content. In addition, her small bone size made implant placement particularly difficult. Despite the heightened risk of anaesthesia-related complications due to her advanced age, the medical team managed these risks effectively. Post-surgery, the patient experienced a smooth recovery with no complications. She was able to walk with a walker the very next day and was discharged after six days with a comprehensive care plan. “Regular follow-ups, proper diet, and physiotherapy are essential to ensure the longevity of the implants and overall health improvement. We are optimistic about Shubhangi Devi's complete recovery and her ability to lead a pain-free, independent life,” said Dr Ashwani Maichand, Director of Orthopaedics at the hospital. 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.
03 October,2024 06:33 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSBanning the purchase of cigarettes and other tobacco products for youth can significantly prevent 12 lakh lung cancer deaths in the young population, according to a study, published in The Lancet Public Health journal on Thursday. The findings aim to secure future generations from the risks of smoking, which is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and is estimated to cause more than two-thirds of the 18 lakh deaths every year. In the first-of-its-kind simulation study, researchers from the University of Santiago de Compostela, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), called for creating a generation of people who never smoke. They suggested banning the purchase of cigarettes and other tobacco products for people born between 2006 and 2010. Their results showed it can prevent 12 lakh lung cancer deaths in 185 countries by 2095. This could prevent 40.2 per cent (1.2 of 2.9 million) of the total lung cancer deaths expected to occur in this birth cohort by 2095. “Lung cancer is a major killer worldwide, and a staggering two-thirds of deaths are linked to one preventable risk factor -- tobacco smoking. Our modelling highlights how much there is to gain for governments considering the implementation of ambitious plans towards creating a tobacco-free generation," said Dr. Julia Rey Brandariz, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. “Not only could this save huge numbers of lives, it could massively reduce the strain on health systems of treating, and caring for people in ill health as a result of smoking,” Brandariz added. The study further showed that banning tobacco sales could prevent almost half of expected lung cancer deaths among men (45.8 per cent), and close to one-third of expected deaths in women (30.9 per cent). To date, no country has made laws to make it illegal to sell tobacco to young people. While New Zealand took the bold step to ban the sale of tobacco products to anyone born in or after 2009, it was recently repealed. Also Read: Increasing number of women are falling victim to lung cancer: Doctors
03 October,2024 10:46 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSWhile India continues to face a deficit in blood donation, making Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) mandatory may ward off the risk of infections to those requiring regular blood transfusions, said experts here on Tuesday. National Voluntary Blood Donation is celebrated on October 1 every year to raise awareness about the importance of blood and the need for voluntary blood donation. India has consistently fallen short of the World Health Organization's recommendation that 1 per cent of the population donate blood. This is despite having a potential donor base of 402 million people. While the country needs 14.6 million units of blood annually, it faces a deficit of around one million units. Myths and misconceptions about contracting infections like HIV, and lack of awareness, are the major reasons for the lack of volunteer blood donations in India, said the experts. "Voluntary blood donation in India has seen growth, yet there remains a significant gap in meeting the national demand majorly due to lack of awareness," RishiRaj Sinha, transfusion medicine Specialist, AIIMS Delhi, said. "People probably do not know that there are so many people out there who need blood regularly. That is why there is no motivation to give blood voluntarily, a reason why there is so much demand-supply gap," added Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, member Secretary of the Thalassemia Patient Advocacy Group. Further, safe blood supply to needy patients, such as those who require repeated blood transfusions is also a concern, said the experts. This can be eased by making Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) mandatory. "No blood is donated to any patient across India, without proper testing. But, NAT is extremely beneficial as the highly-sensitive method of testing blood can detect even the lowest amount of virus in the blood," Sinha said. NAT test improves the safety of donor blood for transfusion, V. K. Khanna, director, Institute of Child Health Preeti Tuli Thalassemia Unit at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. "When compared with routinely performed tests on donor blood, NAT test reduces the chances of transmission of certain infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C by early detection of these infections in donor blood," he added. The expert explained that the implementation of NAT testing on donor blood would benefit everyone who receives a blood transfusion, especially those patients who receive repeated blood transfusions such as patients of thalassemia, sickle cell disease, haemophilia, aplastic anaemia, cancer, kidney disease, and others conditions. Mukherjee said safe blood is a huge challenge, especially for patients with thalassemia who need blood every 15 to 20 days. "Because we do not have much voluntarily donated blood, if screening is stringent, then probably that will take care of the safety aspect at least," she said, urging the government to make "NAT testing mandatory throughout India, at least in government hospitals". 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.
02 October,2024 12:05 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
