According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 - 400 million infections occurring each year. In India, as per data from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), dengue cases have increased from 1.57 lakh in 2019 to 2.33 lakh in 2024. While the monsoon season is popularly believed to exacerbate dengue and lead to a rise in cases, it is a myth that the disease only affects people when it rains. As Mumbai is experiencing intense heat with untimely rains, city-based experts warn that dengue can be prevalent even during summers. On National Dengue Day 2025, which is observed annually in India on May 16, mid-day speaks to Dr Paritosh Baghel, senior consultant - Internal Medicine at S. L. Raheja Hospital in Mahim, Dr Manish Pendse, Senior consultant physician & diabetologist at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, and Dr Divya Gopal, consultant - Internal Medicine at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon. They not only highlight the risk factors of the disease but also bust common myths around it. While cases of dengue rise in the monsoon, is it only a monsoon disease? Baghel: Dengue infection is not limited to monsoons. It can also occur in summer, and wherever there is presence of Aedes mosquito. High humidity and temperatures lead to increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Pendse: Dengue is a common occurrence during monsoon, as there is water stagnation near the house. So, the stagnated water in the pots, cans, vessels, and tyres is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. However, dengue can occur in summer too, especially in areas where water is stored in open containers or where hygiene is poor. The Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue, can breed even in small amounts of water, like in flowerpots, coolers. What are some risk factors of dengue during the summer season? Baghel: Increased temperatures with higher humidity help mosquitoes survive better. In summers, clothing can be a risk factor for the disease. Due to heat, people may wear short clothes exposing their body to mosquito bites. To beat the heat, many people sit near water bodies or use air coolers with stagnant water inside, both of which can create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Pendse: Poor sanitation and uncovered water sources can raise one’s chances of suffering from dengue. Summer is also vacation time, so when you travel to areas where dengue cases are high, you can be at a greater risk of dengue due to prevalence of disease-causing mosquitoes. What are some other common myths about dengue? Gopal: Some common myths and facts related to dengue are: Myth 1: Dengue is contagious and spreads person to person Fact: Dengue does not spread person-to-person. It spreads through the bite of infected Aedes mosquito (particularly Aedes aegypti). Myth 2: Dirty or stagnated water alone can give rise to dengue-causing mosquitoes Fact: Aedes mosquitoes can reproduce in clean, still water, including flowerpots, water coolers, and open containers. It's not only "dirty water" that is a risk factor. Myth 3: Once you’ve had dengue, you’re immune for life Fact: There are four different dengue virus strains (DENV-1 to DENV-4). Infection with one strain gives lifelong immunity to that strain, but not to the others. A second infection with a different strain can actually be more severe. Myth 4: High fever is the sole sign of dengue Fact: Though high fever is prevalent, it is associated with severe headache, pain in joints and muscles, skin rash, pain behind the eyes, and low platelet count. In extreme cases, dengue leads to bleeding and organ damage (dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome). Pendse: Some other common myths about dengue are: Myth 1: Dengue mosquitoes bite during nighttime only Fact: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, are active during the day, that is, early morning and late afternoon. They can bite at any time. Myth 2: Drinking papaya leaf juice can help cure dengue Fact: Even though papaya leaf juice is known to boost the platelet count in dengue patients, there is no concrete evidence available regarding this claim. The treating doctor will decide the appropriate line of treatment for the patient. So, it is advisable not to rely on papaya leaf juice or other home remedies like giloy juice. Follow the instructions given by the doctor and avoid self-medication. As the weather in Mumbai is changing with unseasonal rains, what are some precautions one should take to protect themselves from dengue? Baghel: To prevent dengue, eliminate stagnant water around your surroundings to stop mosquito breeding. Wear protective clothing to avoid mosquito bites and stay vigilant for early symptoms of dengue. Gopal: Personal protection includes wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent (with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus), sleeping under mosquito nets, especially during the day (Aedes mosquitos are day-biters), and using screens on doors and windows. Environmental control measures include eliminating stagnant water (flowerpots, buckets, tires, clogged drains), covering water storage containers, and promoting community clean-up campaigns.
16 May,2025 04:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainAdopting cleanliness, checking mosquito breeding sites, and spreading awareness are key measures to curb the spread of dengue, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on National Dengue Day on Friday. In a bid to promote awareness about dengue, the Ministry of Health had designated May 16 as 'National Dengue Day' in 2010. This year’s theme is “Check, Clean, Cover: Steps to Defeat Dengue”. “The theme emphasises the importance of regularly checking for mosquito breeding sites, cleaning surroundings, and covering water containers to prevent the spread of dengue,” Nadda said in a post on social media platform X. Today, on National Dengue Day, I call upon every citizen to unite in our fight against dengue, a pressing public health challenge.This day serves as a platform to raise awareness and educate people about prevention and early diagnosis. With the active participation of… — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) May 16, 2025 Calling dengue a "pressing public health challenge", he urged for active public participation to "raise awareness and educate people about prevention and early diagnosis”. “With the active participation of communities, health workers, and local bodies, we can significantly reduce the spread of dengue and protect public health,” the Union Minister said. As per data from the National Centre for Vector-Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), dengue cases in India have increased from 28,066 in 2010 to over 2.89 lakh in 2023. In 2025 (as of March), India has already reported more than 16,000 cases, indicating a worrying early trend for the year. This massive and continuing rise highlights the urgency of strengthening our public health systems and response. "Let us all take a pledge that by adopting cleanliness and spreading public awareness, we will protect our family and society from a serious disease like dengue. Prevention is the only protection against dengue. Clean India, Healthy India – this is the foundation of a dengue-free India!” said Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel on X. Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav also urged people to “maintain cleanliness, do not allow water to accumulate, and wear full-sleeved clothes”. Dengue is caused by a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid climates. Increasing climate changes are fuelling more breeding sites of dengue in India. States like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have started seeing regular outbreaks a sign that the traditional “dengue belt” is expanding. A recent study published in The Lancet warned that climate-sensitive diseases like dengue are likely to rise significantly, especially in South Asia, if countries do not act urgently. Dr. Praveen Gupta, a noted neurologist at a Gurugram-based hospital, emphasised that dengue’s nationwide spread, amplified by climate change, brings not just fever but serious neurological risks like encephalitis, seizures, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. “As cases surge year-round, early diagnosis and awareness are crucial. Beyond vector control and vaccines, safeguarding brain health demands urgent, coordinated, and informed public health action,” Gupta said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health highlighted measures such as sleeping under a mosquito net, using mesh on windows and doors, for avoiding mosquito bites and dengue. “If you see symptoms of dengue, do not be careless, it can be fatal. Get a blood test done immediately and consult a doctor. Take rest during the fever and drink plenty of fluids. Dengue testing is available free of cost in designated government hospitals,” the Ministry said, on X. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 May,2025 11:55 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSFeeling lonely or older than your age at 40? According to a study, these negative perceptions about ageing could be early signs of frailty, even in your 40s. Usually associated with older age, frailty is a recognised medical condition, marked by reduced strength, energy, and ability to recover from illness. Pre-frailty is the reversible transition stage that comes before; however, experts say it's ill-defined and requires more understanding. The research, published in the journal BMC Public Health, showed that it can begin much earlier with subtle psychological and social cues. "Many people assume frailty is something that happens when we get much older," said lead author Tom Brennan from Flinders University's Caring Futures Institute in Australia. "But our research shows the psychological and behavioural warning signs can emerge decades earlier, in people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. For example, feeling older than you are, might sound like a throwaway comment, but it turns out it can be a sign that something's not quite right,” he added. For the study, the researchers analysed data from 321 Australian adults aged 40 and over; 60 per cent of participants were classified as pre-frail, 35 per cent as non-frail, and 5 per cent as frail. The analysis found that both pre-frail and frail individuals were more likely to report loneliness and negative attitudes toward aging, compared to non-frail participants. "Loneliness was one of the strongest predictors of pre-frailty in our sample, highlighting that social isolation is a critical factor that can affect overall resilience, even in a relatively healthy and mobile population," Brennan said. Another key finding was that pre-frail individuals commonly reported feeling older than their chronological age, even when physical health markers were within expected ranges. "Feeling older than you are, can be a meaningful psychological signal," said Brennan. "We need to emphasise the importance of fostering positive attitudes towards aging as this can have a huge impact on how people adjust to their later stages of life." Brennan said the study highlights an important intervention point that could help to prevent the progression of frailty later in life. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 May,2025 10:55 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSAfter experiencing intense heat for weeks with temperatures regularly rising above 30 degrees Celsius, Mumbaikars got respite from the summer weather as gusty winds and unseasonal rains hit the city late on Tuesday, May 6, and continued on May 7 and May 8. The monsoon season in Mumbai usually begins in late June. While the surprising rainfall in May brought with it a slight dip in mercury levels, this sudden change in weather can cause many different health issues, if suitable precautions are not taken, Mumbai-based experts warn. Health risks due to unseasonal rain The unseasonal rains that graced Mumbai skies, followed by a sudden drop in temperature and increase in humidity levels, can create ideal conditions for spread of viral infections and other health issues. Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant internal medicine, Gleneagles Hospital in Parel says, “Sudden weather changes may trigger viral infections, cold, flu, and respiratory issues such as cold, cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, stuffy nose, migraine, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. The rise in humidity can also worsen asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.” Heavy rains may also cause waterlogging in several parts of the city, which can lead to a rise in mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Apart from viral infections and respiratory issues, this weather change may also cause skin infections. “Conditions like eczema, ringworm and candidiasis become more common during unseasonal rains due to prolonged dampness, wet clothes and poor hygiene,” Dr Agarwal informs. Who is more at risk? While anyone can be susceptible to health issues arising out of sudden weather changes, people with weak immunity, children, and the elderly are at a higher risk. Key precautions to take Maintaining hygiene and boosting immunity is key during such weather changes. “Wearing weather-appropriate clothing and staying dry during unexpected rains is essential to avoid viral and skin infections,” advises Dr Agarwal, adding, “It is also necessary to use mosquito repellents and avoid stagnant water near the house, and in pots, pans, or cans to prevent dengue and malaria.” Another important step to protect your health from infections due to seasonal changes is boosting immunity through a balanced diet. Dietary changes to make to your diet Vedika Premani, clinical dietician, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in Girgaon suggests following some nutritional guidelines to protect oneself from infections: 1. Focus on consuming fresh, seasonal fruits high in vitamin C, such as guava, oranges, amla and berries to naturally boost immunity. 2. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. 3. Sip on immunity-boosting teas like ginger, herbal, and chamomile, which have anti-inflammatory properties to help fight off infections. 4. Consume superfoods like turmeric, garlic and ginger, which can help strengthen immunity. 5. Stay hydrated. Boil water before drinking to prevent chances of infections.6. Avoid street food during this time as it might increase risk of waterborne diseases due to poor sanitation. Apart from nutrition, healthy lifestyle practices like adequate sleep and regular exercise can help keep infections at bay. “Those with asthma or allergies should keep medications handy and avoid exposure to allergens. Staying hygienic and cautious can help improve well-being,” concludes Dr Agarwal.
14 May,2025 07:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainPeople who develop type 1 diabetes in adulthood have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death, according to a new research. However, those diagnosed later in life do not have a better prognosis than those diagnosed earlier, according to the study conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, which pointed to smoking, poor glucose control and obesity as the main risk factors. Research on adult-onset type 1 diabetes is limited, so the team wanted to investigate the risk of cardiovascular disease and death in this group, particularly for those diagnosed after the age of 40. The study, published in European Heart Journal, identified 10,184 people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in adulthood between 2001 and 2020 and compared them to 509,172 matched people in the control group. The study shows that these people with adult-onset type 1 diabetes had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death from all causes, including cancer and infections, compared to the control group. Yuxia Wei, postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, said the main reasons for the poor prognosis are smoking, overweight/obesity and poor glucose control. “We found that they were less likely to use assistive devices, such as insulin pumps,” Wei added. Researchers plan to continue investigating adult-onset type 1 diabetes, including risk factors for developing the disease and the prognosis of other outcomes, such as microvascular complications. Optimal treatment in adult-onset type 1 diabetes, including the effect of pump use and other advanced technologies, also needs to be explored. The study was funded by the Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Diabetes Foundation, among others. The researchers report that there are no conflicts of interest. The results emphasise the seriousness of type 1 diabetes, even when it starts later in life, said the researchers. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 May,2025 02:20 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSScorching heatwaves fuelled by global warming are increasing the risk of dangerous complications during pregnancies across the world, a report warned on Wednesday. Being exposed to extreme heat while pregnant has previously been linked to a range of problems, including a higher risk of premature birth, stillbirth, birth defects and gestational diabetes. The new report from the US-based research group Climate Central sought to measure how much more pregnant women have been exposed to excessive heat since 2020 -- and to what extent climate change is to blame. In 222 out of the 247 countries and territories studied, "climate change at least doubled the average annual number of pregnancy heat-risk days experienced during the past five years", the report said. The biggest increases were in developing countries where access to healthcare is limited, such as in the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Pacific islands, Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers only looked at the rise in potentially dangerous hot days and did not examine the extent to which pregnant women were actually affected by heat in the countries. Ana Bonell, a maternal health and extreme heat researcher at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine not involved in the report, said it "gives clear evidence of the growing exposure risk to extreme heat". The findings could also apply to the elderly, another group who are more at risk during blisteringly hot periods, she told AFP. While researchers are increasingly documenting the many ways that extreme heat can threaten human health, there remain "many unknowns" about the physiological mechanisms to explain why this happens, Bonell said. A large 2024 study in Nature Medicine estimated that heatwaves increase the odds of having a complication during pregnancy by 1.25 times. Beyond wider efforts to fight climate change -- which is largely caused by humans burning fossil fuels -- experts advised local policies to help communities beat the heat. These include "greening neighbourhoods, limiting pollution, creating cool areas and informing residents about the risks," French epidemiologist Lucie Adelaide said. In a statement linked to the new report, she also recommended that existing information about the health risks of heatwaves include warnings for pregnant women, who are currently rarely mentioned in such efforts. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 May,2025 01:44 PM IST | Mumbai | AFPIncreased sedentary behaviour, time spent sitting or lying down was associated with worse cognition and brain shrinkage in areas related to risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study on Tuesday. The study by researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the University of Pittsburgh aims to discover how lifestyle habits can impact the likelihood of developing the disease. According to a new research study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. “Reducing your risk for Alzheimer’s disease is not just about working out once a day,” said Marissa Gogniat, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Pitt. “Minimising the time spent sitting, even if you do exercise daily, reduces the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease,” she added. The team of researchers examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour and neurodegeneration among 404 adults aged 50 and older. Study participants wore a watch that measured their activity continuously over a week. Their sedentary time was then related to their cognitive performance and brain scans were captured over a seven-year follow-up period. Participants who spent more time sedentary were more likely to experience cognitive decline and neurodegenerative changes regardless of how much they exercised. The link between sedentary time and Alzheimer’s was also stronger in participants who carried the APOE-e4 allele -- a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. The finding suggests that reducing sedentary time may be especially important for older adults who are at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study showed that reducing sitting time could be a promising strategy for preventing neurodegeneration and subsequent cognitive decline. “This research highlights the importance of reducing sitting time, particularly among ageing adults at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. It is critical to our brain health to take breaks from sitting throughout the day and move around to increase our active time,” said Angela Jefferson, professor of Neurology at VUMC. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 May,2025 01:19 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe Union government on Tuesday designated September 23 as Ayurveda Day, marking a significant shift from the earlier practice of observing Ayurveda Day on Dhanteras. The change was notified through a Gazette Notification dated March 23, the Ministry of Ayush said. Calling the decision to change the date as "landmark", the ministry said it will enhance "the global visibility and consistency" of Ayurveda which is India’s 5,000-year-old system of healing rooted in ancient wisdom and sustainable living. Notably, Dhanteras is a festival observed in the Hindu month of Kartik (usually October or November). Its date fluctuates each year, posing logistical challenges for organising national and international observances of Ayurveda day, the Ministry said. In addition, in the coming decade, the date of Dhanteras would continue to vary widely between October 15 and November 12. To addrress this, the Ministry constituted an expert panel, which opined to establish a stable reference point for national and global celebrations of Ayurveda. September 23 was among the four potential dates proposed. “This decision was guided by both practical and symbolic considerations,” the Ministry said. “The chosen date, 23rd September, coincides with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly equal. This astronomical event symbolises balance in nature, perfectly aligning with the Ayurvedic philosophy that emphasises equilibrium between the mind, body, and spirit. The equinox, representing cosmic harmony, underscores the essence of Ayurveda -- living in balance with nature,” the ministry added. The Ministry of Ayush initially declared National Ayurveda Day in 2016 on the birth anniversary of Dhanvantari, the Hindu god of Medicine. The first Ayurveda Day was first celebrated on 28 October 2016. “Ayurveda Day has been commemorated annually to promote Ayurveda as a scientific, evidence-based, and holistic system of medicine that plays a pivotal role in preventive healthcare and wellness,” the Ministry said. The Ministry urged individuals, health professionals, academic bodies, and international partners to embrace the newly designated date and actively participate in Ayurveda Day celebrations. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 May,2025 12:58 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSGroup of orthopaedic experts have raised a serious public health concern, stating the misuse of steroids and unregulated protein powders is severely damaging the hips of young gym-going individuals in their 20s. This warning came during the 'Delhi Hip 360' conference held in the national capital, where orthopaedic specialists highlighted the alarming rise in cases of Avascular Necrosis (AVN) and early hip degeneration in youth, conditions traditionally seen in older adults. Dr L Tomar, the organising chairman of the conference, said, "We are observing a significant surge in hip-related complaints among young patients in recent years. Every week in my OPD, I see two to three patients under the age of 30, many in their early 20s, complaining of persistent hip pain." "Investigations often reveal Avascular Necrosis (AVN), a condition where blood supply to the hip bone is compromised, leading to bone death. In over 70% of these cases, there is a history of anabolic steroid use or excessive consumption of unverified protein powders," said Dr Tomar, who is the unit head of orthopaedics and joint replacement at Max Hospital, Delhi. Recent studies have indicated a rise in hip issues among youth and how alcohol and steroid use were key contributors to AVN among young adults, he said. More recently, the Maharashtra FDA launched statewide checks on protein powders after several brands were found to be spiked with performance-enhancing steroids, many of which are freely available online or at gyms without proper labelling or approvals. Youth, especially those chasing rapid physical transformation, are unknowingly damaging their bone health, particularly the femoral head of the hip joint, which is uniquely sensitive to blood flow changes, Dr Tomar pointed out. There is a thriving underground online market for performance-enhancing drugs and muscle-building supplements in India. Dr Rajiv Jain, senior orthopaedic surgeon, said that steroids, especially when misused or consumed unsupervised, directly impact the blood supply to the bones. "It (AVN) begins with pain, stiffness, and limping and in many cases, leads to complete collapse of the hip joint. Hip replacements are required for patients whose condition can be treated using medications," Dr Jain stated. The condition, AVN, is not only painful but also often irreversible if not diagnosed early. In extreme cases, the only treatment is total hip replacement, a complex procedure typically meant for older patients. Orthopaedic experts say this is becoming disturbingly common in India's urban youth. Another observation presented by orthopaedic researchers at the conference revealed that over 30 per cent of AVN cases seen in Delhi's tertiary hospitals over the past three years involved patients under 35, and most had a history of either steroid injection, oral steroid abuse or supplement misuse. Dr Sharad Agarwal, scientific chairman of the conference and senior orthopaedic surgeon, said that fitness has become a booming industry in India, but without proper regulation and education. "What they don't realise is that behind that muscle, their bones might be silently deteriorating. We urgently need awareness drives, regulation of supplement markets, and basic orthopaedic screening at gyms," Dr Agarwal said. Doctors have urged fitness trainers, influencers and gym owners to educate their clients about the risks of shortcuts like steroid cycles and unverified protein supplements. 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 May,2025 11:46 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSBabies who sleep less or have a poor quality of sleep could be at a higher risk of developing and being diagnosed with autism, according to researchers who looked at over 1000 mother-infant pairs in Australia. An increase in night-time sleep by an hour by six months of age was related with fewer autism characteristics at age two and four. Findings, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, suggest that sleep issues in infants could be a potential indicator of autism -- a neurodevelopmental disorder, in which one displays repetitive behaviour and has impaired social skills. Researchers, including those at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, surveyed parents about their baby's sleep patterns at age six and 12 months. The parents then reported if they noticed autism-like characteristics when the child turned two and four years old. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, are known to be common among children with autism -- they have an overactive brain which can hamper development, potentially resulting in problems with social skills and emotion regulation. The researchers also found that every increase of five minutes in sleep latency -- or trouble with falling asleep -- was related with more autism characteristics and a 7.7 per cent higher chance of being diagnosed with the condition. "Poor infant sleep quality was linked to increased autism characteristics and diagnosis odds in a representative Australian sample," the authors wrote. "At 12 months (of age), each 25 per cent increase in sleep latency (of about five minutes) was associated with more autism characteristics (1.5 per cent increase) and 7.7 per cent higher autism diagnosis odds," they wrote. The participants were recruited during 2010-2013. Before the children turned age 12, 64 had been diagnosed with autism. Among the diagnosed, 42 per cent were found to have used melatonin in the past month. The supplement is often prescribed as people with autism have problems with producing melatonin, essential for regulating sleep-wake cycles. "Collectively, (the study) suggests that infant sleep characteristics have the potential to serve as one indicator for identifying infants who could benefit from autism monitoring, thereby facilitating early diagnosis. It may also inform future supportive evidence-based interventions for autistic children," the authors wrote. 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 May,2025 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSPedestrians and cyclists are among more than 330,000 deaths from road crashes in the Southeast Asia region in 2021, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, as part of the eighth UN Global Road Safety Week. The UN Global Road Safety Week is marked biennially, starting on the third Monday of May. The theme this year is “Make walking and cycling safe”, urging the world to make walking and cycling safe for everyone. Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia said that road traffic injuries are now the leading cause of death among young people aged 5 to 29 years, and they continue to be a pressing public health concern in our WHO South-East Asia Region. "In 2021 alone, our region accounted for more than 330,000 deaths from road crashes, representing 28 per cent of the global total," Wazed said. "Vulnerable road users -- including pedestrians, cyclists, and operators of two- and three-wheelers -- are up to 66 per cent of these fatalities," she added. Wazed noted pedestrians and cyclists already account for more than one in four road traffic deaths. Besides saving lives, making roads safe is also crucial to boost health. Safe roads can not only improve community well-being but also enhance environmental sustainability. "Prioritising walking and cycling supports physical activity, which is a key modifiable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Walking and cycling also support mental well-being, helping to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety," Wazed highlighted. Globally, road traffic crashes claim the lives of nearly 1.2 million people and leave up to 50 million more with non-fatal injuries every year. Wazed urged civil society, the private sector, and communities to push for people-centred mobility policies, safer road design, safe vehicles, and lower speed limits. 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 May,2025 11:07 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
