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First baby born from transplanted womb in UK
A baby girl has become the first in the UK to be born from a womb transplant, after her aunt donated her uterus to her mother, a London hospital said Tuesday. Amy was born on February 27 at the Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital in London, two years after her mum, Grace Davidson, received a womb transplant from her older sister. "We have been given the greatest gift we could ever have asked for," the new mum said. She added that she hoped "going forward this could become a wonderful reality, and provide an additional option, for women who would otherwise be unable to carry their own child". "The room was full of people who have helped us on the journey to actually having Amy," her father Angus Davidson told the Press Association news agency. "We had been kind of suppressing emotion, probably for 10 years, and you don't know how that's going to come out -– ugly crying it turns out," he added. Grace Davidson, 36, suffers from a rare condition known as Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome and was born without a functioning womb, the hospital said in a statement. She became the first woman in the UK to receive a womb transplant, which was donated by her sister Amy Purdie, 42, who has two daughters, aged 10 and six. The transplant was performed in February 2023 at the Oxford Transplant Centre, part of the Oxford University Hospitals foundation. Professor Richard Smith, a consultant gynaecological surgeon who co-leads the UK living donor programme, said Amy's birth was the "culmination of over 25 years of research". More than 100 womb transplants have been carried out worldwide since the first ones in Sweden in 2013, and around 50 healthy babies have been born. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 April,2025 04:10 PM IST | London | AFP
World Parkinson's Disease Day: Causes, symptoms, and need for early detection
Every year, World Parkinson’s Disease Day is observed on April 11 around the globe to raise awareness about the progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) impacts movement, and while it mostly affects individuals over 60, early-onset cases can occur too but what are the causes, symptoms and the importance of timely detection? CausesParkinson’s Disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called the Substantia Nigra. So, dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps control movement and coordination. When dopamine levels drop, it leads to symptoms that affect the body’s ability to move smoothly and efficiently. Symptoms Dr Upasana Garg, regional technical chief, Apollo Diagnostics Mumbai, says, "The symptoms for Parkinson's early on may be mistaken for normal aging or other conditions. However, one has to be aware of the signs and symptoms such as tremors that are slight shaking, often in the hands or fingers while at rest, slowed movement interfering with one’s daily routine, stiffness in the arms or legs, limiting range of motion, inability to balance and poor posture causing falls, changes in the handwriting and slurred speech. Not every individual will experience the same symptoms. It is imperative to seek timely attention after noticing the symptoms. The exact cause of Parkinson’s is still unclear. However, according to various studies, a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the disease. Exposure to certain toxins, head injuries, and a family history of Parkinson’s may increase the risk. Ageing is also one of the risk factors for Parkinson’s. Early detectionDr Garg adds, "Early diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease allows for timely intervention with medications, lifestyle changes, and therapies that can ease symptoms and enhance quality of life. A neurological exam of the patient, medical history, DaTscan (dopamine transporter scan), or MRI can help with the diagnosis. Timely diagnosis is key to managing this disease. Parkinson’s disease has no cure, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms for successful patient outcomes. This includes medications, physical therapy, and even deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to improve motor control. The doctor will decide the line of treatment for you." Dr Vishwanathan Iyer, neurosurgeon, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai concludes, “Since Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects each individual differently, recognising the early signs like tremors, and stiffness can lead to timely management of the disease. While there's no cure, today’s treatment options, from medications to therapies, help patients maintain independence longer. Public awareness is key in helping families seek help early and manage the condition with expert advice.”
09 April,2025 12:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Covid-induced immunity debt causing global rise in flu cases: Study
A team of UK researchers has found evidence on how "immunity debt," caused by extended periods of restrictions during Covid-19 pandemic, is causing changes in global transmission patterns of flu. "Immunity debt" is a phenomenon where populations become more susceptible to infections after extended periods of reduced exposure. While the hypothesis was widely accepted, until now there has been little evidence to back up the theory. The Covid pandemic led many countries around the world to implement strict public health measures like lockdowns, social distancing, mask-wearing, and travel restrictions. While these steps were crucial and effective in controlling the spread of Covid, they led to a dramatic drop in cases of other illnesses like influenza (flu) and respiratory viruses. However, post-Covid countries worldwide have seen a dramatic surge in cases of flu. The researchers warned that this "immunity debt" could lead to major flu outbreaks in the years following a pandemic, as populations regain susceptibility to other viruses. "Our findings provide evidence for the 'immunity debt' hypothesis," said senior author Daniel Prieto-Alhambra, Professor of Pharmaco- and Device Epidemiology at NDORMS, University of Oxford. "By limiting flu exposure over the past few years, we've built up a more vulnerable population that is now seeing a major rebound in infections. Fortunately, strategies are available to minimize the impact of these on vulnerable populations, and (flu) vaccination should be encouraged among them," he added. The study, published in Advanced Science, analysed global flu data from 116 countries between 2012 and 2024. They found that during the Covid restriction periods, flu cases dropped by an average of 46 per cent worldwide. However, in 2022, the first winter season after restrictions were lifted, flu cases surged by an average of 132 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. Notably, the team found that the degree of immunity debt was linked to how stringent a country's Covid-19 restrictions had been during the pandemic. Countries with severe lockdowns and social distancing measures tended to see the largest flu resurgences later on. The researchers urged public health authorities to factor in the risk of immunity debt in planning for future pandemic response strategies. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
09 April,2025 11:41 AM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Maternal diabetes may raise child's risk of neurodevelopmental disorders: Study
A large study of 56·1 million pregnancies, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology on Tuesday, has reinforced the link between maternal diabetes and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers from the Central South University in China conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 202 studies, involving 56,082,462 mother-child pairs. The results showed that maternal diabetes was associated with increased risks of all types of neurodevelopmental disorders as well as lower intelligence and psychomotor scores. Children exposed to maternal diabetes had an increased risk of any neurodevelopmental disorder including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, specific developmental disorders, communication disorder, motor disorder, and learning disorder, compared with unexposed children. "Maternal diabetes is associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and impaired neurodevelopmental performance in children,” said the researchers. Maternal diabetes which includes both pre-gestational diabetes (also known as preexisting diabetes) and gestational diabetes -- high blood sugar during pregnancy -- has become increasingly prevalent, affecting millions of pregnancies worldwide. The global prevalences of pre-gestational diabetes and gestational diabetes have also steadily increased over the past four decades, with pre-gestational diabetes affecting about 2·4 per cent and gestational diabetes affecting 27·6 per cent of pregnancies worldwide. Obesity and metabolic syndrome -- a cluster of conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels -- are known to be the major drivers. Besides negative impacts such as caesarean section, macrosomia (excessive birth weight), and neonatal jaundice, affecting both mothers and neonates, previous studies have shown maternal diabetes might alter foetal brain development. Notably, pre-gestational diabetes was more strongly associated with the risk of most neurodevelopmental disorders in children than gestational diabetes. The findings also emphasise “the importance of proactive interventions for women at risk of developing diabetes and continuous monitoring of children with a history of in-utero exposure to maternal diabetes", the researchers added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 April,2025 06:06 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Eating only during daytime may prevent heart problems due to night shift: Study
While shift work is a known risk factor for cardiovascular events, a new study on Tuesday showed that eating only during the daytime may prevent the risks. Sleep timing has been a major area of focus, but researchers from Mass General Brigham, US, and the University of Southampton, UK, stated that food timing could be a bigger risk factor when it comes to cardiovascular health. Previous studies have shown that working the night shift is associated with serious health risks, including to the heart, due to circadian misalignment -- the mistiming of our behavioural cycle relative to our internal body clock. The researchers found that cardiovascular risk factors including autonomic nervous system markers, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (which increases the risk of blood clots), and blood pressure increased after night work. However, the risk factors stayed the same in the participants who only ate during the daytime. “Avoiding or limiting eating during nighttime hours may benefit night workers, those who experience insomnia or sleep-wake disorders, individuals with variable sleep/wake cycles, and people who travel frequently across time zones,” said the team, in the paper, published in the journal Nature Communications. The study included 20 healthy young participants. For two weeks they had no access to windows, watches, or electronics that would clue their body clocks into the time. The participants followed a "constant routine protocol," a controlled laboratory setup that can tease apart the effects of circadian rhythms from those of the environment and behaviours (for example, sleep/wake, light/dark patterns). During this protocol, the participants stayed awake for 32 hours in a dimly lit environment, maintaining constant body posture and eating identical snacks every hour. After that, they participated in simulated night work and were assigned to either eat during the nighttime (as most night workers do) or only during the daytime. Importantly, both groups had an identical schedule of naps, and, thus, any differences between the groups were not due to differences in sleep schedule. "Our study controlled for every factor that you could imagine that could affect the results, so we can say that it's the food timing effect that is driving these changes in the cardiovascular risk factors," said lead author Sarah Chellappa, an associate professor at the University of Southampton. While further research is necessary to show the long-term health effects of daytime versus nighttime eating, the team said the results are "promising" and suggest that people could improve their health by adjusting food timing. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 April,2025 05:39 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Chronic loneliness triples risk of early death in middle-aged women: Study
A study published on Monday revealed for the first time a causal link between chronic loneliness and early death among middle-aged Australian women. Researchers analysed two decades of data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women's Health, involving over 57,000 participants. The findings after examining data from women aged between 48 and 55 show that women who consistently reported feeling lonely over a 15-year period were three times more likely to die early compared to those who did not report loneliness. Women without persistent loneliness had a 5 per cent risk of death, while that risk rose to 15 per cent among those with ongoing feelings of loneliness, according to the researchers of the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales, and Western Sydney University, Xinhua news agency reported. "Loneliness is a risk factor that should be screened for by clinicians, just as we would screen for high blood pressure or cholesterol. We also need to raise the public awareness of loneliness to demystify and destigmatize loneliness," said the study's lead author, Neta HaGani. Prof. Melody Ding from the University of Sydney, the study's senior author, said women in middle age are more likely to be the primary caregivers for both young children and elderly parents, as well as going through major life transitions such as menopause, retirement or children leaving home, factors that can contribute to social isolation. The study, published in BMJ Medicine, also found a dose-dependent relationship -- the more frequently loneliness was reported, the higher the risk of early death. While comparable long-term data on men's health is lacking, Ding said midlife is a period of transition that may affect women more adversely. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
08 April,2025 03:12 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS
Hypertension and diabetes among top concerns for Indians in 2024: Report
In 2024, patients consulted doctors for lifestyle diseases an average of 4.1 times, seeing a rise from 3.4 in 2023. While the search highlights a growing trend, the search for hypertension, diabetes, cardiology and weight management were the top concerns for people in India in 2024. As people observed World Health Day on April 7, Indian health services platform Practo released its annual health insights report, with data based on over 30 million users. The report highlights a sharp 84 per cent year-on-year rise in awareness around lifestyle diseases, signaling a clear shift in India’s health priorities. More people are now turning to digital platforms to proactively manage chronic conditions. Nearly half (48 per cent) of the searches came from those aged 25–34, with Tier 2 cities showing the highest growth at 20 per cent year-on-year. The report highlights that there were 84 per cent searches that grew year on year for lifestyle diseases with hypertension witnessing the highest growth at 21 per cent year on year. Interestingly, 64 per cent of total searches were from tier-1 cities. The highest growth came from tier-2 cities at 20 per cent. While male searches contributed to 87 per cent of total searches for lifestyle diseases compared to females, about 48 per cent of all searches were in the age group of 25–34. The average number of times patients consulted doctors was 4.1 for lifestyle diseases. Growing concern about diabetesAmong the many lifestyle diseases today, the platform saw the frequency for consultation about diabetes increase to 3.9 per year from 3.4 in 2023. It was not only that, there was even a 13.66 per cent rise in diabetes-related searches from 2023 to 2024. Among males the highest growth came from those in the age bracket of 18-24 years at 92.59 per cent. Interestingly, the rest of India (beyond Tier 1 and 2) recorded highest growth at 37 per cent growth In Tier 1, the following cities saw the growth in searches in 2024 for Diabetes: Bengaluru: The searches grew by 6.1 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 8.2 per cent in 2023 Delhi: The searches grew by 13.45 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 8.8 per cent in 2023 Mumbai: The searches saw the same growth by 14.8 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 14.7 per cent in 2023 Kolkata: The searches grew by 12 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 21.2 per cent in 2023 A case for hypertension As there was a growing concern for diabetes, the frequency of hypertension consultation wasn't far behind as that has also increased to 5.1 per year from 4.9 in 2023. Males aged 35–44 years showed the highest consultation frequency at 5.5 per year. There was also a 21 per cent growth in hypertension related searches year on year. Highest growth among men aged over 65 years (160 per cent) and women aged 45–54 (307 per cent). In Tier 1, the following cities saw the growth in searches in 2024 for Hypertension: Bengaluru: The searches grew by 14 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 20.8 per cent in 2023 Delhi: The searches grew by 16.3 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 1.1 per cent in 2023 Mumbai: The searches grew by 50.9 per cent in 2024 in comparison to -12.7 per cent in 2023 Kolkata: The searches de-grew by 14.1 per cent in 2024 in comparison to -28.4 per cent in 2023 Cardiology Overall, the average consultation for cardiology frequency rose to 2.5 per year (from 1.6 in 2023). Women aged 35–44 years had the highest consultation frequency at 3.2 per year. There was also a 16 per cent rise in searches related to cardiology from 2023 to 2024. The age group of 18 - 34 showed highest growth among men and women at 142 per cent and 121 per cent respectively. In Tier 1, the following cities saw the growth in searches in 2024 for cardiology: Bengaluru: The searches grew by 14.5 per cent in 2024 in comparison to -8.4 per cent in 2023 Delhi: The searches grew by 16.4 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 11.9 per cent in 2023 Mumbai: The searches grew by 20 per cent in 2024 in comparison to -37.8 per cent in 2023 Kolkata: The searches grew by 10.3 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 1.8 per cent in 2023 Weight management The average frequency of weight management consultations standing at 2.2 per year in 2024 and 2023. There is also a 6 per cent rise in searches for weight management from 2023 in 2024. The female search growth (12 per cent) outpaced male (4 per cent) year-on-year. The highest growth in weight management searches came from the 18–24 age group across both men (214 per cent) and women (45 per cent). In Tier 1, the following cities saw the growth in searches in 2024 for weight management: Bengaluru: The searches grew by 2.4 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 28.2 per cent in 2023 Delhi: The searches grew by 17.8 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 19.5 per cent in 2023 Mumbai: The searches grew by 25.3 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 3.2 per cent in 2023 Kolkata: The searches grew by 5.1 per cent in 2024 in comparison to 56 per cent in 2023 Dr Vishal Jani, head – medical research with the platform shared his thoughts on the report, “We are witnessing a clear shift in how people, especially younger adults, are proactively engaging with their health. The increased adoption of digital tools for early detection, ongoing management, and access to verified medical advice reflects a growing shift. Patients today are more empowered to make informed decisions — a move that’s contributing to better health outcomes and not just about treatment, it’s about long-term health ownership.” The 2024 trends point to a future where chronic/lifestyle disease management starts early, becomes more inclusive, and is shaped by informed decisions and thereby improved outcomes.
08 April,2025 11:48 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Preconception counselling: Docs explain why it is a critical step in pregnancy
Women often tend to face various health challenges during pregnancy, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension. These issues can be prevented or managed with proper planning before pregnancy. While there are many ways that can be done, preconception counselling is one of the methods, and the need of the hour, according to experts, to prepare women for pregnancy by addressing health risks, ensuring optimal nutrition, and detecting any conditions that may affect both the mother and baby. They say not only women but even couples should begin preconception counselling several months, or even a year, prior to actively trying to conceive, to optimise both partners' health and help prepare their bodies for pregnancy. This proactive approach allows time for necessary lifestyle adjustments, medical interventions, and nutritional improvements to help prepare the body and create an ideal environment for pregnancy. Preconception counseling involves a medical and lifestyle evaluation carried out before pregnancy to assess maternal and fetal health. It involves examining a woman's health history, current medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension,, or thyroid problems, and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress management. Women are also briefed about necessary vaccinations, genetic screenings, and the importance of taking folic acid supplements to prevent birth defects. Preconception care helps women make informed decisions that can improve their pregnancy experience and ensure the baby’s well-being. Dr Padma Srivastava, consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar in Pune said, “Preconception care is necessary for women before getting pregnant. It aids in detecting issues such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, or infections that could complicate pregnancy and be risky for the mother and baby. Women who want to embrace motherhood, couples with a family history of genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia, and women over 35 who face a higher risk of complications, including gestational diabetes or chromosomal abnormalities will benefit from this counseling. It helps with improved fertility, lowers the risk of miscarriage, and reduces the chances of developmental issues in the baby. For couples facing infertility, early counseling can uncover underlying issues such as ovulation irregularities, sperm quality concerns, or other reproductive challenges. By ruling out these factors, couples have a better chance of a successful pregnancy.” Dr Padma added, “Around 50 per cent of women have various health problems before pregnancy. Each month, out of 15 women aged between 23 and 35, approximately four are found to have hypertension, 5 have elevated blood sugar levels, 3 are diagnosed with thyroid issues, and around 3 face fertility challenges. 80% of women are ignorant about preconception counseling. Over the past year, preconception counseling has supported more than 40% of these women in planning a successful pregnancy and achieving a healthy delivery. Women are recommended to opt for blood tests to check for anemia, thyroid function, and blood sugar levels, along with infection screenings for conditions like rubella, hepatitis, and HIV. Genetic testing helps identify any risks of inherited conditions, while pelvic exams and ultrasounds evaluate uterine and ovarian health. By tackling these concerns early, it is possible to reduce the chances of premature birth, low birth weight, or other complications. Moreover, lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet, quitting smoking, and managing stress by yoga and meditation, help with healthier pregnancy outcomes. Preconception counseling is about empowering women with the right knowledge to give their babies the best possible start in life." Dr Rashmi Niphadkar, fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility in Pune said “Every couple wants a smooth pregnancy and delivery, but this journey often involves some challenges. However, to avoid this, taking the help of preconception counseling can help overcome many problems. It involves discussing and examining overall health (weight, diet, exercise, work habits, addictions or habits), physical and mental well-being assessment, and genetic diseases, and preparing couples for a healthy future pregnancy. Experts will guide you on which medications you should take and which ones you should avoid during pregnancy, as well as what changes you should make to your lifestyle. Your doctor may advise you to start taking folic acid supplements, calcium, and vitamin B6 to increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby."
07 April,2025 07:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai heat: Nutritionists share essential tips to keep yourself hydrated
After days of heat and humidity, followed by a dip in temperature, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued another heatwave alert in Mumbai from March 9-11. Temperatures are also expected to soar in April. Given the rising temperature and shift in season that can bring a range of health challenges, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated and follow nutritional guidelines. Importance of hydration Ushakiran Sisodia, Chief Dietician, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, explains, “Hydration is the process of replacing water lost by the body through life processes like sweating and urination. Sometimes, vomiting and loose stool also lead to water loss.” She reveals why hydration is essential for the body: Water helps the body maintain a healthy temperature. It carries oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body. It helps keep joints lubricated. Essential tips to keep yourself hydrated In the hustle of everyday life, one can sometimes forget to do something as basic as drink water consistently. Jinal Patel, Dietician, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai, suggests, “Always carry a water bottle everywhere you go. Keep drinking water even if you do not feel thirsty. If you are someone who easily forgets to drink water all day long amidst a busy schedule, then setting water reminders can be beneficial. You can either use an online app or set phone alarms to remind you to drink water and stay hydrated.” In addition to drinking water, Patel shares the following tips to facilitate hydration: Eat more water-rich foods when the temperature rises. This can include fruits like watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers. Adding these foods to your diet can help you stay hydrated for a longer duration. If you are sweating a lot due to rising heat in the atmosphere, try having electrolyte drinks. This can include homemade ORS or coconut water to maintain a healthy electrolyte balance. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake. Drinking these drinks in excess quantity can make your body lose more water. Warning against aerated and alcoholic beverages, Sisodia says, “Aerated or alcoholic beverages can have a significant effect on your water balance, making it harder for your body to stay cool. In case you do have a cup of coffee or glass of wine, drink an extra glass of water to stay hydrated and support temperature regulation.” She further recommends increasing the intake of summer drinks like lime juice, fresh fruit juices and thandai, and avoiding hot drinks. Also Read: Want to stay cool in this heat? Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar recommends three foods to include in your diet Beat the heat In addition to hydration, one can also take other steps to beat the heat like avoiding wearing heavy or thick fabric clothes. They can easily make you feel sweaty and claustrophobic. Its advisable to opt for lightweight, loose and breathable fabrics.
07 April,2025 03:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Want to stay cool in this heat? Rujuta Diwekar shares 3 foods to include in diet
As Maha Shivratri ends, the transition of the season from winter to spring and summer begins. As the country prepares for this change, some places like Mumbai are already experiencing hot weather, with the temperature soaring as high as 38 degrees Celsius. Amid the increasing heat and humidity, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated and include specific foods in your diet that can help keep the body cool. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar took to Instagram and shared a video suggesting three foods that can accomplish this purpose. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rujuta Diwekar (@rujuta.diwekar) She recommends the following foods to include in your diet: Bel sherbet This is a naturally hydrating drink that comes with several health benefits. “It has naturally existing anti-inflammatory compounds like tannins, flavonoids and coumarins that keep inflammation down,” Diwekar informs, adding that it also contains Vitamin A and C, and fibre which boosts immune system and protects against viral infections. Soaked almonds Apart from keeping the brain sharp, having soaked almonds in the morning can also help protect your skin and nails. It also has cooling properties. “It is a naturally cooling food, which is why it is also a part of drinks like Thandai,” she informs. Buttermilk Diwekar recommends having one glass of chhaas, or buttermilk, during lunch every day. It has probiotics that can support gut health, in addition to other health benefits. In a previous video, the nutritionist had revealed three ways to beat the heat during summer through healthy food. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rujuta Diwekar (@rujuta.diwekar) She shared the following tips: Include a hyper-local, seasonal fruit in your diet, which is rich in anti-oxidants. Eat dahi-rice for lunch, which is a good mixture of prebiotic and probiotic. Have gulkand water after dinner, or at bedtime. Mix 1 tsp of gulkand in one glass water. This mixture has several health benefits like reducing acidity and improving sleep quality. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a nutritionist for personalised guidance.
07 April,2025 03:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Good food, sleep, exercise essential for healthy living: Health Ministry
Good food, sleep, and exercise are crucial for better health, said the government on Monday on World Health Day. World Health Day is celebrated on April 7 every year. The theme this year is Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures. “This #WorldHealthDay, let’s commit to small healthy habits for a brighter, stronger future,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shared in a post on social media platform X. In a video posted along the post, the ministry advised people to eat good food, with more fruits and vegetables; to move more, and sit less. “Walk, run, dance, or stretch for 30 minutes a day to stay fit,” the ministry said “Take a good night's sleep to recharge your body and mind,” it added. The Ministry also suggested people increase their intake of water, to “keep body cool and energy high” as well as to care for mental health by taking breaks. “On this World Health Day let's promise to take care of our health every single day,” the Ministry said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indians to adopt a healthier lifestyle and work towards a life free from obesity. He emphasised that maintaining personal fitness would be a significant contribution to India's goal of becoming a developed nation -- Viksit Bharat. "On World Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier world. Our government will keep focusing on healthcare and invest in different aspects of people's well-being. Good health is the foundation of every thriving society!" PM Modi posted on X. In a video message shared on the platform, the Prime Minister stressed the age-old adage that "health is the ultimate fortune and the ultimate wealth" while sounding an alarm over India's growing obesity crisis. "You all know that today, our lifestyle is becoming a big threat to our health. Recently, a report has come on the problem of obesity. This report says that by 2050, more than 44 crore Indians will suffer from obesity. This is scary. How big a crisis can this be?" he said. He called for immediate action to prevent such a scenario and proposed a simple change: "I want to take a promise from you today that we all should reduce our cooking oil by 10 per cent. This will be a big step towards reducing obesity." He further encouraged people to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily routines. "Apart from this, we have to make exercise a part of our life. If we keep ourselves fit, then it will be a big contribution to the journey of a Viksit Bharat," he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 April,2025 03:22 PM IST | Mumbai | IANS