Deep fried, baked, grilled ultra-processed foods -- found in every nook and corner of India -- that have become the staple in a majority of homes in recent years, are a direct reason for the ever-surging cases of diabetes in the country, said experts on Sunday. India is home to a staggering 101 million individuals afflicted by diabetes. The recent ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians reveals that more than 10 per cent of 5-19- year-olds are pre-diabetic. A new study, published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, shows that the deep fried, baked, and grilled ultra-processed foods are rich in advanced glycation end products (AGE) which lead to inflammation and contribute to several diseases including diabetes. “When we fry or grill foods it leads to oxidative stress which is a promoter of inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer. Ultra-processed foods and those foods which are high in trans fats are harmful to health,” diabetologist Dr. V Mohan from Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) in Chennai, told IANS. Mohan and team led the study on AGEs in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). According to the study, AGE-rich foods include red meat, fried foods, french fries, fried chicken, bacon, biscuits, bakery products, butter, margarine, and sugary foods. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables, broccoli, legumes, oats, dairy, eggs, fish, and tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc, come under the low-age food category. “Our study showed that foods which are high in dietary ages were linked to type 2 diabetes and inflammation. Foods which were low in dietary AGEs were protective against diabetes,” Mohan said. AGEs are formed through a non-enzymatic process called glycation, where sugar molecules bind to proteins or fats. This process can lead to the formation of compounds that cause harmful reactions in the body, particularly inflammation. “Fried food means that we are having excess saturated fat and calories, so it will naturally not be good for us,” Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman & Head - Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, who was not part of the study, told IANS. “Much of the food in India that is deep fried, especially street food, is of reheated oil. Reheated oil is very rich in trans fats -- a big factor for increasing the risk of heart disease, some types of cancers,” he added. Then what about grilled or baked food? Mithal said intuitively, one would think grilled food is healthy, but it’s actually not. “Although it isn’t fried, it exposes food to high temperatures which gives rise to the production of certain toxic aromatic carbons in the food, which can be carcinogenic,” the doctor said while noting that baked food is also not necessarily healthy because most baked food is carbohydrate-rich. These foods that are fuelling the obesity rate are one of the major causes of diabetes in the country, Mohan told IANS, while urging the government to promote healthy eating habits. Further, the MDRF study showed that "excess carbohydrate intake in the form of white rice or refined wheat is a direct driver of the diabetes epidemic," said Mohan. Apart from this, stress, lack of sleep, and air pollution are other contributing factors. “Government policy should therefore be directed towards encouraging the cultivation and promotion of foods which are low with dietary AGE’s, especially fruits with low glycemic index and green leafy vegetables,” the doctor said. Also Read: A guide to festive nutrition 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
13 October,2024 03:36 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSDelay in proper knee treatment, timely detection and ignoring knee arthritis symptoms can worsen the condition of knees and additionally damage the spine affecting the quality of life, health experts said on Saturday on the occasion of the World Arthritis Day. Knee arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint condition that primarily affects adults. It causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the knees, often making everyday activities difficult. However, according to experts, the repercussions of untreated or poorly managed knee arthritis extend far beyond the knee join. Dr L Tomar from Max Hospital said that in more than 70 per cent cases, osteoarthritis is the commonest reason for knee arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes more progressive damage to the medial (inner) joint compartment cartilage leading to reduction in the gap between the two bones. Patients with advanced knee arthritis are often seen to have spinal deformity because when patients continue to walk with a bow leg deformity it put more pressure on lumber spine leading to its damage, such cases can be corrected with minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery, said Dr Tomar. In osteoarthritis, multiple osteophytes form around the joint causing progressive limitation in knee movements. Patient with late-stage knee arthritis often report with fixed deformity with very little movement. According to Dr Praveen Gupta from Fortis Hospital, several neurological symptoms can be a consequence of rheumatological diseases. For instance, inflammatory arthritis can lead to nerve compression syndromes, resulting in pain and numbness. Yet, these interconnections are frequently overlooked in clinical practice, primarily due to a lack of knowledge and training in the field. Experts urged patients not to ignore early signs of arthritis, advising them to consult specialists for proper diagnosis and treatment. Timely action, they stressed, can prevent long-term complications and improve overall quality of 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.
12 October,2024 01:43 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSVaccines are key to preventing infection and thus reducing the use of antibiotics, supporting worldwide efforts to tackle rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The report showed that vaccines against 24 pathogens could help reduce the number of antibiotics needed by 22 per cent or 2.5 billion defined daily doses globally every year. If vaccines could be rolled out against all these pathogens, it could save a third of the hospital costs associated with AMR. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials cause AMR, making people sicker and increasing the risk of illness, death, and the spread of infections that are difficult to treat. Every year, AMR claims nearly 5 million lives worldwide. “Addressing antimicrobial resistance starts with preventing infections, and vaccines are among the most powerful tools for doing that,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. Ghebreyesus called for “increasing access to existing vaccines and developing new ones for critical diseases, like tuberculosis (TB),” to fight AMR. The report comes as world leaders at the recently concluded 79th UN General Assembly high-level meeting on AMR in September committed to reducing the deaths associated with bacterial AMR annually by 10 per cent by 2030. The new report estimates that vaccines already in use against pneumococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib, a bacteria causing pneumonia and meningitis), and typhoid could avert up to 1,06,000 of the deaths associated with AMR each year. An additional 5,43,000 deaths associated with AMR could be averted annually when new vaccines for tuberculosis (TB) and Klebsiella pneumoniae are developed and rolled out globally. Further, the report showed that if the Immunization Agenda 2030 target of 90 per cent of the world’s children were vaccinated, as well as older adults, it could save 33 million antibiotic doses against Streptococcus pneumoniae every year. Typhoid vaccines can save 45 million antibiotic doses; jabs against Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum could save up to 25 million antibiotic doses -- often misused to try to treat malaria. Similarly, new TB vaccines could have the highest impact once they are developed, saving between 1.2 to 1.9 billion antibiotic doses.
12 October,2024 12:42 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSArtificial Intelligence (AI) powered search engines and chatbots may not always provide accurate and safe information on drugs, and patients shouldn’t rely on these, warned a study on Friday. Researchers from Belgium and Germany conducted the study after finding many answers were wrong or potentially harmful. In the paper, published in the journal BMJ Quality and Safety, they said that the complexity of the answers provided by the AI chatbot may be difficult to understand and might require degree-level education. With the introduction of AI-powered chatbots search engines in 2023 underwent a significant shift thanks. The renewed versions offered enhanced search results, comprehensive answers, and a new type of interactive experience. While the chatbots -- trained on extensive datasets from the entire internet -- can answer any healthcare-related queries, they are also capable of generating disinformation and nonsensical or harmful content, said the team from the Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg in Germany. “In this cross-sectional study, we observed that search engines with an AI-powered chatbot produced overall complete and accurate answers to patient questions,” they write. “However, chatbot answers were largely difficult to read and answers repeatedly lacked information or showed inaccuracies, possibly threatening patient and medication safety,” they add. For the study, the researchers explored the readability, completeness, and accuracy of chatbot answers for queries on the top 50 most frequently prescribed drugs in the US in 2020. They used Bing copilot, a search engine with AI-powered chatbot features. Just half of the 10 questions were answered with the highest completeness. Further, chatbot statements didn’t match the reference data in 26 per cent of answers and were fully inconsistent in over 3 per cent of cases. About 42 per cent of these chatbot answers were considered to lead to moderate or mild harm, and 22 per cent to death or severe harm. The team noted that a major drawback was the chatbot’s inability to understand the underlying intent of a patient question. “Despite their potential, it is still crucial for patients to consult their healthcare professionals, as chatbots may not always generate error-free information,” the researchers said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 October,2024 12:37 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Different forms of arthritis like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis have come to be recognised as medical conditions that only affect the elderly. However, arthritis can also affect youngsters, a phenomenon that has become more prevalent in recent times. Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal, who is in her 30s, had recently revealed suffering from arthritis. Many such instances of people in their 20s and 30s living with this condition have been reported. Although arthritis still primarily affects old people, it is not surprising to see youngsters being diagnosed with it. Arthritis affects the bones and joints, causing immense pain and discomfort in carrying out basic day-to-day activities. Given the severity of the condition, World Arthritis Day is observed every year on October 12 to raise awareness about the realities of living with arthritis. On this occasion, mid-day.com speaks to Dr. Anup Khatri, Senior Consultant - Orthopedics, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, and Dr. Swapnil Keny, Consultant - Orthopedics, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, who reveal why this condition has become common in youngsters, overlooked habits that are causing this and steps one can follow to navigate life with arthritis. Can someone get arthritis even in their 20s and 30s? Khatri: Arthritis is not limited to the older population aged 60-75 but is also seen in youngsters. Now, people aged 20-30 are also coming with complaints of arthritis. One of the factors behind the early onset of arthritis is genetic predisposition. So, those with a family history of autoimmune diseases may be at a greater risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis even at a young age. Furthermore, lifestyle choices play a significant role in the early onset of arthritis. Nowadays, a large number of youngsters tend to follow a sedentary lifestyle and physical activity is absent. Many fail to eat nutritious diets and become overweight or obese which can weaken joints and accelerate wear and tear on cartilage, leading to issues like osteoarthritis sooner than anticipated. Even stress can trigger inflammatory responses within the body that can cause arthritis. Hence, the younger generation must take utmost care of their bones and joints by adhering to a well-balanced lifestyle. Keny: Certain factors can lead to early-onset arthritis, including autoimmune conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Specific injuries from sports or road accidents can damage the cartilage, resulting in Post-Traumatic Arthritis. A sedentary lifestyle, obesity and low muscle mass can also contribute to the development of arthritis at a young age. Furthermore, systemic diseases such as Gout and Psoriasis may present arthritic symptoms. What are the top causes of arthritis, especially at a young age? Khatri: The various causes of arthritis in youngsters can be a rise in autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system tends to attack its healthy joint tissues. Now, lack of exercise and poor eating habits that include higher consumption of junk, spicy, oily, canned, and processed food can cause joint pain and inflammation and one may be prone to arthritis. Mindlessly engaging in high-impact sports can lead to joint injuries that manifest as osteoarthritis later in life. Exposure to unhealthy environments can trigger latent genetic markers associated with various types of inflammatory arthritis. Even stress causes increased joint pain and puts one at risk of arthritis. Keny: Some major causes of arthritis at a young age are: • Genetic and autoimmune conditions - JRA, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis • Obesity and lack of exercise • Post Traumatic Arthritis from sports injuries • Arthritis due to infection in joints • Improper diet and lifestyle What are some overlooked things that one does daily that are contributing to causing arthritis? Khatri: Many youngsters, due to erratic schedules, avoid exercising and that is wrong. It is the need of the hour for the younger population to stick to a regular exercise routine. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week to avoid joint pain, stiffness, tenderness and arthritis. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses and lentils as eating processed foods causes inflammation in the joints. Many people also do high-impact activities that can take a toll on their joints and may induce arthritis. Keny: The most important thing that we do daily that can contribute to the onset of arthritis is not doing the requisite exercises to maintain good muscle tone. Lack of exercise along with consumption of junk food, sedentary life and work-from-home culture contributes to rising obesity. Delayed consultation with orthopedic surgeons following any knee trauma can add to this. Additionally, continuing to engage in ground-level activities, such as squatting or sitting cross-legged, even after the onset of arthritis can exacerbate the condition. Which foods should be avoided to prevent or manage arthritis and why? Khatri: When it comes to managing arthritis, what you eat will make a difference. One has to ensure to eat well and pay attention to fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lentils. It is imperative to avoid processed and fried foods, which contain unhealthy fats and preservatives that can hurt your joints and cause pain, inflammation and swelling. Moreover, these foods contribute to weight gain, putting extra strain on already vulnerable joints. Sugary snacks and beverages can lead to spikes in insulin levels, which are linked to increased inflammation and raise the chances of arthritis. Excessive salt intake through artificial sources can provoke inflammation by triggering an immune response, exacerbating joint pain over time. Keny: Junk food like soda, high-calorie diets, and fried and fast-food items should be strictly avoided as they can increase your Body Mass Index (BMI) and can be responsible for the onset of arthritis. How can one conduct day-to-day activities with arthritis? Khatri: Managing day-to-day activities with arthritis requires various strategies and a positive mindset. One effective tip is to opt for adaptive tools that can ease daily tasks. For example, kitchen gadgets, jar openers or even dressing aids that require minimal hand strength. Don’t bend while cooking and take help, if required. Try to opt for easy and healthy dishes that may not require you to stand for a longer time as one can feel pain. Use grab bars and handles at home and in the washroom, and ensure enough lighting at home to avoid falls. Including gentle physical activity in your day can also make a significant difference. Activities like swimming or yoga are not only low-impact, but they enhance flexibility and reduce stiffness while promoting mental well-being. Break larger chores into smaller segments throughout the day instead of pushing through everything at once to minimise the chances of fatigue and flare-ups. Keny: Here are some tips to navigate life with arthritis: • Try to go for regular walks for at least 30 minutes in the morning sunlight. • Incorporate exercises that target the thigh and calf muscles to help alleviate knee pain. • It’s best to avoid ground-level activities like squatting and sitting cross-legged. • Cycling and practices like yoga & aerobics can be very beneficial. • Focus on incorporating high-protein and low-calorie foods into your diet. Also include calcium-rich foods such as milk and dairy products, eggs, soybeans, Tofu, Amaranth, Moringa, Almonds, Figs, and fish, like Sardines and Mackerel in your everyday meals. Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult your physician or a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
12 October,2024 11:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainWhile India has the maximum number of blind people in the world, most do not know that in more than 85 per cent of the cases, the condition is preventable, said experts on Thursday on World Sight Day. India is home to an estimated 34 million people living with blindness or moderate or severe visual impairment (MSVI). “Nearly 85 per cent of blindness in the world is avoidable which can either be preventable or treatable,” Dr. Rajesh Sinha, professor, Dept. of Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi said. The expert called the need for public awareness so that a majority of people in the society who may become blind due to ignorance maintain their sight for life. “Ocular causes of preventable blindness can be infections, vitamin A deficiency while causes of treatable blindness can be cataract, uncorrected refractive error, diabetic retinopathy,” Sinha said.Also Read: Study finds over 600 different viruses from shower heads, toothbrushes According to the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey, cataract is the leading cause of blindness, accounting for 66.2 per cent of all cases of blindness in India. Uncorrected refractive errors account for 18.6 per cent, and glaucoma for 6.7 per cent. Other causes of blindness and vision impairment include corneal opacities (0.9 per cent), childhood blindness (1.7 per cent), and diabetic retinopathy (3.3 per cent). “It is important to spread awareness around preventable blindness because more than 85 per cent of the blindness is preventable if only people know how to address them,” said Dr. Ikeda Lal, Senior Cornea, Cataract and Refractory Surgery Specialist, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi. The common reasons for blindness in India include cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, uncorrected refractive error, and corneal blindness. Diabetic retinopathy is another very important reason for blindness in India, especially considering the high prevalence of diabetes in the country, Lal said. The experts advocated the need for early screenings to detect eye problems and prevent vision loss.Also Read: Smokeless tobacco, betel nut drive oral cancer cases in India: Lancet This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
11 October,2024 02:49 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSFormer director of Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, Mammen Chandy recalled on Thursday that the legacy of acclaimed industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata was "wanting to give back to society". Ratan Tata, the Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group, passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital following age-related health conditions late on Wednesday. He was 86. Speaking to IANS on his demise, Chandy said there is "no other company in the world where 60 per cent of the stock is owned by the Trust to be given back to society". Recalling an incident that the duo shared, Chandy said that Tata said he "bought Jaguar Land Rover to have access to technology". "I want the same gearbox that is in the Land Rover to be in the trucks we manufacture," Tata said. Chandy said that he appreciated Tata for taking forward the legacy of Jamshedji (who founded the Tata Group) and JRD Tata, former Chairman of the group. On Tata Medical Center, Chandy said that Ratan Tata built a state-of-the-art cancer care center in the country. The demise of the legendary Ratan Tata was mourned around the globe. He was a revered leader and philanthropist, known for his genteel demeanour masking a tough and sharp business acumen. He served as the all-powerful Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 till his retirement on December 28, 2012. "Ratan Tata's passion for creating a better world was unparalleled. His generosity and vision for an inclusive and just society have inspired us all. He lived by the values of humility, dignity, compassion, and selfless service," said Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director of Population Foundation of India. The Population Foundation of India was founded by JRD Tata in 1970, while Ratan Tata was the member of its governing board since 1994. Meanwhile, the final rites of Ratan Tata were held with full state honours at the Worli crematorium in Mumbai. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
11 October,2024 12:46 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSShowerheads and toothbrushes in your bathroom are teeming with an extremely diverse collection of viruses -- most of which have never been seen before, warned a study on Wednesday. A team of microbiologists from Northwestern University in the US, identified more than 600 different viruses from samples collected from shower heads and toothbrushes. Surprisingly, no two samples were alike. The good news, the researchers said, is that these viruses do not target people. They target bacteria. The microorganisms collected in the study are bacteriophage, or “phage,” -- a type of virus that infects and replicates inside of bacteria. While little is known about them, phage recently have garnered attention for their potential use in treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The previously unknown viruses lurking in our bathrooms could become a treasure trove of materials for exploring those applications, revealed the study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiomes. “The number of viruses that we found is absolutely wild,” said indoor microbiologist Erica M. Hartmann, from Northwestern, who led the study. “We found many viruses that we know very little about and many others that we have never seen before. It’s amazing how much untapped biodiversity is all around us. And you don’t even have to go far to find it; it’s right under our noses,” Hartmann, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern. Hartmann used DNA sequencing to examine the viruses living on those same samples, and found “no overlap in virus types between showerheads and toothbrushes”. “We also saw very little overlap between any two samples at all. Each showerhead and each toothbrush is like its own little island. It just underscores the incredible diversity of viruses out there,” Hartmann said. While they found few patterns among all the samples, Hartmann and her team did notice more mycobacteriophage than other types of phage. Mycobacteriophage is known to infect mycobacteria -- a pathogenic species that causes diseases like leprosy, tuberculosis and chronic lung infections. According to Hartmann, researchers may someday harness mycobacteriophage to treat these infections and others. “We could envision taking these mycobacteriophages and using them as a way to clean pathogens out of your plumbing system,” she said. “We want to look at all the functions these viruses might have and figure out how we can use them.” Most microbes ‘will not make us sick’, said Hartmann, asking people to not panic. Instead of grabbing for bleach, people can soak their shower heads in vinegar to remove calcium buildup or simply wash them with plain soap and water, she said, while suggesting regularly replacing toothbrush heads. “Microbes are everywhere, and the vast majority of them will not make us sick,” she said. “The more you attack them with disinfectants, the more they are likely to develop resistance or become more difficult to treat. We should all just embrace them.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 October,2024 12:31 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Citing UNICEF’s Changing Childhood Report 2021, India’s latest Economic Survey stated that 19 per cent of 15 to 24-year-olds in 21 countries self-reported that they often feel depressed or have little interest in doing things. According to the same UNICEF report, 36 per cent of youngsters reported frequently experiencing worry, anxiety or nervousness. In India, NCERT’s Mental Health and Well-being of School Students Survey 2022 showed an increasing prevalence of poor mental health among adolescents, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with 11 per cent of students reporting feeling anxious, 14 per cent feeling extreme emotion and 43 per cent experiencing mood swings. These numbers point towards a mental health crisis looming over adolescents and young adults in modern society. For the longest time, mental health was a taboo that received neither the attention nor the conversation it deserved. While this social issue persists, the discourse around mental illnesses and challenges has now found a place in more public as well as private spaces. World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year to highlight the importance of mental well-being and create awareness about challenges and solutions. As the world marks this day, mid-day.com speaks to mental health professionals who share why the youth is increasingly distressed and what can be done to navigate the situation. Risk factors of mental health challenges among the youth “The distress among today's youth arises from a complex bundle of multiple factors: academic, social, economic and personal,” says Sohini Rohra, a Mumbai-based counselling psychologist, author and mental health advocate. Dr. Shorouq Motwani, Psychiatrist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, agrees, saying, “The factors causing mental health challenges among youngsters include competitive environment, academic stress, failed relationships, job security and constant worries about the future. These can worsen their mental health leading to stress, depression, anxiety and eating disorders.” While each individual has a unique mental health journey and healing process, experts have noticed some common factors associated with mental health risks among the youth. Also Read: Expert tips to keep your mental and physical health on track post festive season Social media This is the digital age and everyone, especially the youth, is embracing it. Social media has become an indispensable part of life. Its adverse effects on mental health often find mention in the ‘cons’ list of the never-ending debate on its use and benefits. “These days, people tend to spend more time on social media apps instead of socializing,” says Dr. Motwani, adding, “Frequently seeing the glamorous and luxurious lifestyle of others can make them insecure and jealous. They may try to compare their life with what they see on social media and this can worsen their mental health.” Rohra explains further, “Social media sets up unattainable standards of beauty, success and lifestyle, creating a constant comparison and a loss of self-esteem. The illusion of perfection on one side sets up inadequacy on the other.” Highlight other ways in which social media affects the mental health of youngsters, she says, “The stress to get likes, followers and positive validation could trigger anxiety and fear of failure. Cyberbullying remains another serious issue with negative comments and online harassment hurting emotional health and making users feel isolated from the rest of the world.” India’s latest Economic Survey also mentioned ‘doomscrolling’ and ‘cyberbullying’ as key issues concerning the youth’s mental health. Rohra adds, “It can hyper stimulate due to an overload of information creating, fear, anxiety and overthinking about global matters, including politics or climate change.” Academics and career The recent death of a young employee in Pune reportedly due to excessive work pressure brought to the limelight the massive role of the workplace and work environment in maintaining or deteriorating mental health. The theme of World Mental Health Day is also ‘Mental Health at Work’. In today’s highly competitive world, youngsters are often under pressure to excel in academics and build successful careers, which often contributes to stress and anxiety, leading to burnout. “One may exert oneself and put in extra effort to excel at the workplace. Over time, this can affect mental well-being, leading to workplace exhaustion and burnout. Factors like lack of support or guidance from seniors, demanding work expectations and workplace insecurities can make the youth overwhelmed,” states Dr. Motwani. Workplace stress can lead to further issues, not only mentally but also physically. “It may not only affect their mental health but also their physical health in the long run. A toxic workplace can have long-lasting effects on their heart, which can later lead to chronic stress and anxiety,” explains Dr. Motwani. Stating other mental health challenges at the workplace, Rohra says “Stress and anxiety at the workplace arise from heavy workload, tight timelines, constant evaluation and undue expectations. When one feels a lack of control through the job tasks, and growth opportunities are found to be few, it can cause a great deal of frustration and loss of self-esteem. Severe emotional stress leads to workplace bullying, discrimination, and harassment.” The economic uncertainty due to rising costs of living, students' debt and insecurity within the job adds to anxiety about the future. Career-related mental health challenges can be alleviated through organisational change and individual support at the workplace. “Supportive colleagues and proactive mental health policies are of utmost importance in mitigating these challenges. Employers who base their appreciation on open communication, and facilitate resources to ensure proper work-life balance can positively impact the mental wellbeing of their employees,” says Rohra. Also Read: Emotional hangover: What is this new mental health buzzword? Relationship problems Relationships are another major factor influencing the mental health of today’s youth. While the entire world is digitally connected, people are lonelier than ever. “The very people who are most connected through social media are reporting feeling lonely and disconnected. The lack of human touch and physical connection has negative effects on overall well-being. At a personal level, the illusion of connectivity in the digital world has weakened relationship ties and increased loneliness,” comments Rohra. “The maturing mind burdened by intense external pressures may find it difficult to manage relationships. Strained relations among family members, peer pressure issues, and relationship conflicts lead to emotional distress and anxiety,” she adds. One or more of these inter-connected factors can lead to low self-esteem, fear of failure, irrational beliefs of perfectionism, unhealthy relationships and isolation. Such issues require professional mental health support, resilience building and genuine relationships. However, the stigma attached to seeking help holds people back from reaching out for help. Tips to manage mental well-being Personal, social, organisational and policy changes are required to deal with mental health challenges among the youth. These issues need to be dealt with on a grassroots level. For example, in order to alleviate academic pressure, the education system needs to be redesigned in a way that bolsters less competition and more learning. The mindset of social institutions like families also needs to change, prioritising the child’s personal growth over their rank. These systemic changes involve a considerable amount of deliberation and time to deviate from deep-rooted systems and mindsets. However individuals can follow these tips by experts to facilitate mental well-being on a personal level. Dr. Motwani shares the following tips: - Social media is not all that you see. There is more than that is shown to you. What looks fun and glamorous while scrolling often hides real-life challenges. Therefore, it is important to do things that truly make you happy. - If you are going through workplace challenges, you must learn the art of saying no to things or extra work that may not be needed. - Practising mindfulness by indulging in deep breathing exercises, yoga and meditation can help stay calm and make informed decisions in a stressful situation. Rohra suggests the following steps to maintain mental well-being: - It would be helpful to limit the time spent on social media and filter what you do by unfollowing negative or impossible standards. - Mindfulness practices like mindfulness meditation and deep breathing help minimise stress and promote emotional awareness. - Physical exercise via sport or other exercises can contribute importantly to an elevated mood. - Real and meaningful in-person connections with friends and family also develop solid relationships providing essential psychological support. - Confidence is most likely to emanate from realistic goals achieved through breaking down tasks into manageable steps. - Pursuing hobbies that bring joy and practising self-compassion by embracing mistakes can further enhance resilience and promote a positive mindset. - Seeking help from a mental health professional when needed is an important part of the process. Disclaimer: This information does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified mental health expert for personalised guidance.
10 October,2024 12:07 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainRatan Tata has been a champion for the underprivileged and left an extraordinary legacy in India and the world, said global health leaders as they mourn the demise of the Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group. The legendary industrialist and philanthropist passed away at the Breach Candy Hospital following age-related health conditions late on Wednesday. He was 86. “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Ratan Tata - a friend, guide, mentor to many and a champion for the underprivileged,” said Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO Chief Scientist, in a post on X. While offering “prayers and condolences to his family,” she said his “legacy will live on forever”. In a post shared on X, Tata Memorial Hospital called him “a visionary leader with the highest integrity, but also an incredibly compassionate person. Truly a nation builder”. The business tycoon was also a former trustee at the US-based Cornell University “who became the university’s largest international donor – supporting scholarships, research to reduce rural poverty and malnutrition in India, and technology innovation,” the varsity said in a blogpost. “Ratan Tata has left an extraordinary legacy in India, across the world and at Cornell, which he cared about deeply,” said Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff. Lauding the “quiet demeanour and humility” of Ratan Tata, Kotlikoff said his “generosity and concern for others enabled research and scholarship that improved the education and health of millions of people in India and beyond”. Tata served as the all-powerful Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 till his retirement on December 28, 2012. Dr Ishwar Gilada, a Consultant in HIV/STDs, Unison Medicare and Research Centre, Mumbai, shared that there can “neither be any comparison nor replacement” Ratan Tata. Meanwhile, Ratan Tata's family said in an early morning update that his mortal remains will be taken to the NCPA Lawns at around 10.30 a.m. to enable people to pay their last respect and homage to the departed soul. At around 4 pm, his body would embark on the final journey from Nariman Point to the Worli Crematorium prayer hall for the last rites. At the crematorium, the mortal remains, draped in the national flag, will be given a police gun salute and then will be consigned to the flames, said the family. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 October,2024 10:41 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSLong working hours, strict deadlines, high-performance expectations, and job insecurity are some of the major issues at the workplace that have recently claimed several ‘young’ lives in India. The need is to develop a healthy workplace that can address these and also help boost productivity, said experts on Wednesday a day ahead of World Mental Health Day. World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness and fight stigma related to mental health issues. The theme this year is ‘Mental Health at Work’. India has recently seen a spate of deaths due to overwhelming pressure and harassment by toxic bosses at the workplace. The latest case involves Bajaj Finance manager who died by suicide, due to workplace harassment. In his suicide note, the 42-year-old Tarun Saxena from Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi said he “did not sleep for 45 days and is under a lot of stress”. On July 21, Anna Sebastian, a 26-year-old CA at audit firm Ernst and Young succumbed to death in Pune due to severe work pressure. Her mother in a heart-wrenching letter to Chairman Rajiv Memani noted that Anna lost her life due to a “backbreaking workload” and “work stress”, in just four months of joining the firm. The list is endless. “Work-life balance is an essential aspect of one’s quality of life. A healthy work environment helps in nurturing a healthier mindset and helps boost the productivity of the individual. Mental health in the workplace is crucial for fostering a positive environment and enhancing productivity,” Dr Sameer Malhotra, Director and Head, Department of Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, said. “An empathic approach at the workplace, positive reinforcement of good work, healthy team dynamics, rational expectations -- all help boost one’s confidence and professional trust. It helps foster a good feeling at work and helps boost the overall productivity of the individual and the organisation. Healthy communication practices and rational allocation of roles and responsibilities help reduce overall stress levels and enhance coping,” he added. A recent survey by ADP India, an online payroll software and HR services firm, showed 76 per cent of workers in India say their work suffers because of stress and 48 per cent think poor mental health impacts their productivity. On the other hand, a healthy workplace prioritises the health, safety, and well-being of its employees. “Work needs to be rewarding in terms of genuine social connectedness, and emotional enrichment in addition to financial benefits. Any work schedule imposed may be detrimental to health if not followed by appropriate relaxation,” Prof Nand Kumar from the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, said. The expert noted that chronic negative stress can affect organs of the body and may precipitate related medical conditions. Prof. Pallab Maulik, director of research and program director (mental health) at The George Institute India, told IANS that it is crucial to keep one psychologically healthy. “Stress built over time leads to anxiety and depression and that over time and increased severity can lead to self-harm and suicide. Psychological well-being is needed for oneself, family, and work colleagues. Poor mental health can lead to absence from the job or poor work output which is detrimental for the individual and the job,” he added. So how to overcome stress? Malhotra said no one is immune to psychiatric ailments. It can affect anyone and there is a need to understand the individual with mental health concerns with empathy and learn not to be over-judgmental. He also stressed the need for timely recognition and appropriate psychiatric intervention. Kumar suggested the CALM practice: Connectivity both emotional and social; Activity both physical and mental; Learning new things; Mindfulness; and Simple deep breathing exercises. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
10 October,2024 10:23 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
