Among the largest consumers of tea globally, Indians take their plethora of teas very seriously. Everyone has their unique preferences, with varying ingredients and brewing methods which they are most eager to share. Sharing a hot cup of aromatic chai is what many would describe as a quintessential hosting experience in India. While varieties of black tea have been traditionally been the most common, green tea and herbal infusions have steadily been making inroads through the health conscious. On International Tea Day, celebrated every year on May 21, nutrition experts delve into the benefits of regional teas and share considerations to keep in mind to boost their prowess. Exploring unique regional Indian teas and their benefitsSimilar to its bold regional cuisine, India boasts a rich tapestry of teas beyond the common black variety. “India's tea culture is extremely varied, just like its cuisine—and each tea has its unique nutritional benefits,” says Dr Simrat Kathuria, celebrity dietician and wellness coach. She outlines the health benefits of some of the most popular regional teas: Kashmiri KahwaA special name for a green tea rich with saffron and spices, Kahwa promises an aromatic experience. It aids digestion and boosts immunity. Given the warming properties of its ingredients, such as cinnamon and cardamom, this tea is very much required in the frigid cold climate of Kashmir. Hence, it gives warmth to a body on the one hand and works against inflammation on the other. Assamese black teasThey are bolder and richer in theaflavins that contribute to the heightening of heart health and stimulate the activity just a bit, leaving you feeling alert, very much so on those early office mornings. Nilgiri teaIt has a floral aroma from the southern Tamil Nadu hills and lighter notes. It is easy on the stomach, while the polyphenols give it an antioxidant effect. Due to India's extreme climatic conditions, the teas in the northern region are usually meant for warming individuals, in contrast to the lighter and hydrating teas of the south. Now, apart from brightening up our chai time, these teas stand as healers when drunk with consciousness. Indian green tea: Antioxidant power and summer integrationGreen tea is often lauded for its antioxidant properties. How do the Indian variants compare to other global green teas? “The Indian green tea varieties, especially the ones imported from Assam and Darjeeling, can surely boast of their status. Catechins are abundant in them, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), to ward off oxidative stress, to improve metabolism, and to support fat burning. Some imported green teas sometimes could be a bit too grassy or bitter, but the Indian green tea varieties provide a smoother taste for common folks to prefer daily,” shares Kathuria. Green tea can serve as a great replacement for sugar-laden drinks in summer. The nutrition expert recommends enjoying them iced with lemon and mint or infusing them with the goodness of Tulsi or lemongrass. Kathuria further explains, “It is also important to be considerate of the time of consumption. A mid-morning sip of chilled green tea acts as a great heat buster and a hydration booster. Having your cup between meals promotes the absorption of antioxidants without any blockade toward the iron levels. Remember, consistency is what works when aiming to derive long-term benefits from tea drinking.” The nutritional benefits of traditional Indian herbal infusionsAsk any lover of tea (or your mother), and they will probably have their own mix of tea spice mix with a range of herbs, from Tulsi to cardamom. The nutritionist believes, “Herbal infusions are truly India’s ancient wellness brews. One of the best things about these teas is that they keep the flexibility of customisation going, and most of all, they are safer to consume. They contain zero caffeine and are a perfect anytime treat.” She delves into the nutritional benefits of traditional Indian herbal infusions: TulsiGiven its medicinal nature and use in Ayurveda, Tulsi tea is an example worthy of mention. It has antibacterial, adaptogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. In recent research published in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, it has even validated its reputed tranquillising effects and ability to reduce blood sugar levels. GingerThen there is ginger tea with great domestic glory. It contains gingerol, a constituent reputed for settling digestion and calming nausea. It is commonly drunk during the monsoons when the stomach flu is in full swing. CardamomCardamom tea, on the other hand, detoxifies and maintains oral health, helping to freshen breath too. What more can you add to your tea?One can really build on this by incorporating ajwain, fennel, or mulethi because of intoxication, sore throat, or a wee bit of stress: your cup becomes a functional prescriptive soother. It's old-timer wisdom that testifies sometimes grandma knew best. The impact of common additions on tea's nutritional valueTea consumed across Indian homes can be as varied as its residents. Even in the same household, someone might prefer it with milk, or a certain spice. How do these varied preparations impact your health? “Adding milk to tea alters the beverage's chemistry in surprising ways. Research shows milk proteins bind to tea polyphenols, creating new compounds with unique benefits. While this reduces some antioxidant activity, it enhances calcium absorption and creates gut-friendly peptides,” states clinical dietitian Dr Ridhima Khamsera.She suggests using jaggery instead of refined sugar to introduce iron, magnesium, and potassium. “The spices in Indian tea offer additional benefits - cardamom contains cineole that improves airflow to lungs, while ginger activates thermogenesis and supports immunity. A fascinating discovery from 2023 research shows cinnamon added during brewing versus after creates different phytochemical profiles - early addition promotes blood sugar regulation while late addition preserves respiratory-beneficial volatile oils,” reveals Khamsera. Tailored tea for regional health concernsAs science continues exploring these ancient brews, the traditional wisdom passed through generations contains profound health knowledge that modern research is only beginning to fully appreciate, believes Khamsera. “Recent studies found regular chai drinkers showed 37 per cent lower rates of age-related cognitive decline over 15 years,” she tells us emphatically. India's diverse climate has fostered distinctive tea varieties uniquely suited to address regional health challenges. She shares a few examples where local teas offer targeted wellness benefits:Nilgiri teaThe theaflavin profile of Nilgiri tea helps digestive issues common in spice-heavy food regions by stimulating gastric mucosa repair and promoting beneficial gut bacteria. Studies show it may reduce IBS symptoms by up to 47 per cent within three weeks.Darjeeling tea It helps with pollution concerns in metropolitan areas through its ability to chelate heavy metals and support liver detoxification pathways. Tulsi teaThe eugenol compounds found in Tulsi tea provide antifungal properties. This makes Tulsi tea particularly helpful for those in humid coastal areas who are often prone to fungal infections. Assamese teaThe science shows that compounds called theaflavins in Assam tea positively influence gene expression at a cellular level, specifically by increasing SIRT1. This action contributes to improved vascular health, benefiting the circulatory system.Maximising the benefits: Brewing, timing, and interactionsFor individuals looking to maximise the health benefits of Indian teas, attention can be paid to the method of brewing, the time of consumption, as well as potential interactions with other dietary components. Khamsera shares a few considerations to keep in mind while brewing your next pot of tea:Vessel of choiceThe type of vessel used for brewing can significantly impact the tea's health benefits. For instance, clay vessels are more effective at preserving catechins, key antioxidant compounds in tea, than their metal counterparts. This advantage stems from the inherent slight alkalinity of clay, which helps to protect these beneficial molecules. Meanwhile, glass vessels offer a neutral brewing environment, meaning they won't interact with the tea's compounds, making them a safe and effective option for any type of tea.Temperatures may riseThe temperature of the water significantly affects the potency of your tea. For green teas, brewing at 75 degrees Celsius helps to preserve 23 per cent more EGCG, a key beneficial compound. In contrast, black teas achieve their peak theaflavin content—another important compound—when steeped at 96 degrees Celsius for 4 minutes.Time your teaMid-afternoon (3-5 pm) is often considered an ideal time to consume tea, as it maximises the absorption of its beneficial compounds. This timing coincides with the body's natural cortisol dips, which may enhance the tea's effects. Additionally, a specific 'golden hour' for tea occurs 30 to 45 minutes after exercise, offering another prime window for benefit. Conversely, it's best to avoid drinking tea immediately after meals, as its tannins can reduce the body's absorption of iron by up to 64 per cent.Mind your medicationIt's important to be aware of potential interactions between tea and certain medications. For instance, green tea can reduce the effectiveness of blood thinners. Alternatively, black tea may enhance the efficacy of some antidepressants. Patients on these medications should consult their healthcare provider regarding tea consumption. Pairing your teaThe absorption of tea's beneficial catechins can be boosted by 68 per cent when consumed alongside Vitamin C-rich foods. However, iron-rich foods have the opposite effect, reducing catechin absorption.
21 May,2025 03:22 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalAmid evolving workplaces, young professionals in India are increasingly experiencing stress, according to a new report on Tuesday. The report by ADP, a global technology company, highlights the shifting emotional landscape of work, where generational differences in stress levels are increasingly evident. The report showed that young professionals (aged 27-39) have the highest stress levels, with 11 per cent saying they experience high stress, above the national average of 9 per cent. Just 51 per cent of workers aged 18-26 reported better stress management. On the other, older workers (aged 55-64) reported better stress management, with 81 per cent saying they feel stress less than once a week. Work overload was found as the major trigger for younger employees -- 16 per cent of those aged 18-26 report stress due to heavy workloads, twice as many as their older counterparts aged between 55to 64 (8 per cent). Further, 67 per cent reported being judged for using flexible working arrangements, while 65 per cent said they are being monitored at work, which may intensify feelings of pressure. “These findings reveal how today’s workforce, particularly younger professionals, are navigating a complex and emotionally demanding work environment. The impact of stress and the feeling of being judged or closely monitored highlight the need for organisations to create a more supportive environment for their employees,” said Rahul Goyal, Managing Director of ADP India and Southeast Asia. While overall stress levels among Indian employees have decreased slightly, from 12 per cent in 2023 to 9 per cent in 2024, the percentage of employees who feel they are thriving at their jobs has declined slightly from 22 per cent in 2023 to 20 per cent in 2024. “Offering flexibility is just one part of the solution -- what truly matters is building a culture of trust, empathy, and psychological safety. By prioritising employees’ mental well-being, companies can foster a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce,” Goyal 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
20 May,2025 03:32 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWith media reports citing cases of Covid-19 infections surging in Southeast Asia, bringing fresh fears about the disease that affected millions of people and the global economy, health experts on Tuesday dismissed them as seasonal trends of flu. As per media reports, the weekly Covid-19 infections in Singapore surged by 28 per cent from 11,100 in late April to 14,200 in the first week of May, with hospitalisations also rising 30 per cent. Hong Kong recorded 31 virus-related deaths in the week ending May 3, the city’s highest weekly toll in a year. New infections in Hong Kong rose to 1,042 in the week ending May 10, up from 972 the previous week. “Rising Covid cases in Southeast Asia are attributed to seasonal trends of flu cases. Most of the cases are mild and do not need any hospitalisation,” Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional professor at, the Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS. India also is seeing a slight uptick in cases. A review held on Monday by the Ministry of Health concluded that the current situation in India is “under control,” with just 257 active cases reported nationwide as of May 19. “Covid-19 is a cyclical disease, which means that cases will rise every few months. The intervals can range from six to nine months. As with other Asian countries, we are seeing Covid cases in India too. But they are not overwhelming hospitals and are not any more severe than they used to be. In fact, most cases are so mild, they are being treated as outpatient,” said Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener, Research Cell, Kerala State IMA. “Due to widespread immunity due to prior vaccination and from surviving past infections, Covid-19 is no longer the destructive force it used to be. There is no indication of any major genetic shift having occurred in the virus that could alter the character of the disease it causes,” he added. China and Thailand have also reported a notable increase in new infections. The surge is being largely attributed to the spread of new Omicron subvariants, including JN.1 and its related descendants -- LF.7 and NB.1.8, which make up over two-thirds of sequenced cases. The increase in cases may also be attributed to waning immunity, with periodic waves being anticipated. While the cases reported so far are generally mild in severity, “the outcome also depends on the host. For instance, infection in a frail elderly individual could lead to more severe outcomes,” Jayadevan said. The experts urged cough hygiene and cleanliness to fight the virus. “When cases rise, it’s important to take more precautions than usual. Wearing masks in crowded closed spaces will be helpful. Those who have a fever should stay home and avoid mingling with others,” Jayadevan said. Meanwhile, the health ministry assured that the country has a robust system for surveillance of respiratory viral illnesses, including Covid also exists in the country through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR. 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
20 May,2025 01:02 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSWhile patients with psoriasis -- a chronic skin condition -- respond well to treatment with biologics, inflammation can linger, leading to broader health implications such as obesity and cardiovascular and fatty liver disease, according to a study. Psoriasis, with its systemic inflammatory nature, high risk of cardiovascular disease, and frequent use of biologic drugs, could provide a valuable framework for studying residual inflammation. The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, could lead to more targeted and effective treatments that address the systemic aspects of psoriasis, beyond just the skin. "Despite excellent control of skin disease, a substantial percentage of psoriasis patients demonstrate residual systemic inflammation," said Joel M. Gelfand, Department of Dermatology, at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, US. "These findings emphasise that just treating the skin signs of psoriatic disease is not sufficient, and patients often need additional approaches to lowering systemic inflammation," Gelfand added. For the observational study, the team assessed residual inflammation in 209 psoriasis patients across three international cohorts (Spain, the US, and Sweden) who had achieved a no or mild psoriasis on stable biologic therapy. They found that residual inflammation was present in 36.3 per cent of these patients and was significantly linked to higher body mass index (BMI), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), increased baseline systemic inflammation, and greater adipose tissue. "The findings underscore a critical unmet need to address the systemic inflammatory burden beyond skin symptoms in psoriasis, potentially requiring interventions targeting obesity and metabolic dysfunction to improve overall patient outcomes," said lead investigator Álvaro González-Cantero, from the Department of Dermatology at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Spain. The researchers suggest a more intensive cardiovascular risk assessment and management of psoriasis patients. This could involve closer monitoring of inflammatory markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, as well as parameters related to liver health, by integrating lifestyle modifications or weight management strategies, potentially leading to earlier detection and intervention for associated comorbidities, the team said, while also calling for further studies to confirm the findings. 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
20 May,2025 11:12 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSA common but dangerous hospital superbug has been found capable of digesting plastic used in medical devices, posing a significant threat to patient safety globally, including in India. The bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is responsible for up to 30 per cent of hospital-acquired infections, a new study has found. Researchers at Brunel University London have discovered that P. aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant pathogen, can break down polycaprolactone (PCL) -- a plastic commonly used in sutures, implants and other medical equipment. The study, published in the journal Cell Reports, raises serious concerns about infection control in healthcare settings. It found that the bacterium can not only degrade PCL but also use it as a sole carbon source to fuel its growth -- a capability previously thought impossible with hospital-grade polymers. At the core of this process is a newly identified enzyme called Pap1, which researchers isolated from a patient-derived strain of P. aeruginosa. In laboratory experiments, Pap1 degraded 78 per cent of a PCL sample within seven days. According to the researchers, the degradation of plastic not only aids the bacteria's survival but also enhances its ability to form resilient biofilms -- slimy, protective layers that shield pathogens from antibiotics and immune responses. These biofilms are a major reason why P. aeruginosa infections are difficult to treat and tend to recur. While the study did not specifically name India, other studies suggest that P. aeruginosa accounts for between 10 and 30 per cent of hospital-acquired infections in the country. It causes a wide range of illnesses, including infections of the urinary tract, lungs, burns and bloodstream. According to the Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology, the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in India and its resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics -- both intrinsic and acquired -- make it particularly difficult to treat. "As antibiotic resistance is increasing drastically among P. aeruginosa, which is a threat to public health, monitoring these bacterial populations is necessary to formulate the antibiotic treatment policy," the journal noted. Researchers said, what makes the findings more alarming, is the possibility that other commonly used medical plastics including polyethylene terephthalate and polyurethane found in catheters, stents, bone scaffolds and implants, may also be susceptible to microbial degradation. Genetic indicators of similar enzymes have been found in other pathogenic bacteria, suggesting that the ability to digest plastic might not be unique to P. aeruginosa. Professor Ronan McCarthy, who led the study, said the findings call for an urgent reassessment of how pathogens persist in hospital environments. He emphasised the need to re-evaluate cleaning and disinfection protocols and suggested the development of medical-grade plastics that are more resistant to microbial digestion. He also recommended screening for plastic-degrading enzymes, particularly in cases of unexplained or prolonged hospital outbreaks. 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
19 May,2025 09:24 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIA team of US surgeons has performed the world’s first in-human bladder transplant, it was announced on Sunday. Surgeons from Keck Medicine of University of Southern California and University of California Los Angeles Health completed the surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, in a joint effort by Inderbir Gill, founding executive director of USC Urology, and Nima Nassiri, MD, urologic transplant surgeon and director of the UCLA Vascularized Composite Bladder Allograft Transplant Program. “This surgery is a historic moment in medicine and stands to impact how we manage carefully selected patients with highly symptomatic ‘terminal’ bladders that are no longer functioning,” said Gill. “Transplantation is a lifesaving and life-enhancing treatment option for many conditions affecting major organs, and now the bladder can be added to the list,” he added. The patient had been dialysis-dependent for seven years. He lost the majority of his bladder during surgery to resect cancer over five years ago, leaving the remainder of his bladder too small and compromised to function appropriately. Both of his kidneys were subsequently removed due to renal cancer. “This first attempt at bladder transplantation has been over four years in the making,” Nassiri said. “For the appropriately selected patient, it is exciting to be able to offer a new potential option.” Nassiri and Gill worked together for several years at the Keck School to develop the new surgical technique, design a clinical trial and secure the necessary regulatory approvals. To address these deficits, Gill and Nassiri performed a combined kidney and bladder transplant, allowing the patient to immediately stop dialysis and produce urine for the first time in seven years. First the kidney, then the bladder, were transplanted. The new kidney was then connected to the new bladder. The entire procedure took approximately eight hours. “The kidney immediately made a large volume of urine, and the patient’s kidney function improved immediately,” Nassiri added. “There was no need for any dialysis after surgery, and the urine drained properly into the new bladder.” “Despite the complexity of the case, everything went according to plan and the surgery was successful,” said Gill. “The patient is doing well, and we are satisfied with his clinical progress to date.” 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
19 May,2025 09:00 PM IST | USA | IANSStigma and misunderstanding of obesity are preventing people from receiving adequate treatment for the disease, which is increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a new report from the World Heart Federation warns. The 'World Heart Report 2025 - Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease', launched at the World Heart Summit on May 17, highlights the myths that hamper efforts to treat obesity. The problem is compounded by systemic healthcare gaps and is contributing to an economic burden worsened by the aggressive commercial practices of companies making cheap, processed food. The World Heart Report emphasises the trends that could send healthcare costs spiraling:1. As the rate of child obesity continues to increase, children with a high BMI are 40 per cent more likely than their peers to suffer from CVD in midlife. 2. The onset of obesity at younger ages can significantly reduce life expectancy while the psychological impacts of childhood obesity are profound – obesity is now the leading cause of bullying and discrimination in schools. 3. CVD mortality attributable to high body mass index (BMI) is now highest among middle-income countries, with rates up to 67.5 deaths per 100,000 people in North Africa and the Middle East.4. Across the globe, obesity cases increased in nearly every country between 1990 to 2022 and global deaths from cardiovascular disease linked to high BMI have more than doubled. 5. If current growth trends continue, data projects that almost 2 in 3 adults over 25 years of age could be overweight or obese by 2050.6. A shift in types of employment towards desk jobs is also associated with the development of obesity and CVD, as are long working hours and frequently working overtime. The report expresses concern that stigma experienced by people living with obesity is preventing them from receiving adequate treatment through guidance, lifestyle support and appropriate medication. Obesity is not caused simply by a sedentary lifestyle and over-eating, it says. “To tackle the world’s mounting obesity crisis, governments must implement cost-effective public health measures that improve public awareness and decrease risk factors, recognising obesity as multifactorial and committing to making full treatment options available, accessible and affordable,” says Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and one of the report authors. A wide range of interrelated factors are referenced for contributing to the issue. They include access to healthy and affordable food, availability of recreational facilities and green spaces that are linked with levels of physical activity, BMI, hypertension and, in turn, CVD. Studies have also found some health professionals to hold negative biases about obesity and to view patients as non-compliant with health advice. This can deter people with obesity from seeking medical care, including prevention and screening, and thereby compromise their overall healthcare for various CVD conditions. The economic impact of obesity is projected to triple in high-income countries and increase 23-fold in upper middle-income countries while prevalence of obesity is increasing faster in rural areas. If coordinated and evidence-based action can reverse obesity and overweight prevalence to 2019 levels, it could translate into savings of US$2.2 trillion in costs every year between 2020 and 2060 globally, the report says. “To address the growing implications of the obesity crisis, we urge action and targeted investment by governments around the world. Health systems must be strengthened to ensure broader access to, and affordability of, medical care for obesity and CVD,” says Mariachiara Di Cesare, professor of Population Studies and Global Health, and Director of the Institute of Public Health and Wellbeing at the University of Essex, UK, and one of the report authors. Highlighting regulation introduced in countries from Rwanda and Latvia to Japan and the UK, the report points to the impact of zoning regulations to limit the density of fast-food outlets and the power of tax-based initiatives to reduce obesity and CVD. The report also highlights the success of community-based projects such as the Mana Tu project, co-designed with Maori and Pasifika communities in New Zealand. The programme provided support and guidance linked to effective disease management, including nutrition, prompting an increase in the consumption of fruit and vegetables amongst participants, alongside a 10% average increase in physical activity. “Longstanding weight stigma and discrimination have hindered efforts to tackle obesity and contributed to the rise of CVDs, so it is urgent to address both. Any policy to tackle obesity must address health disparities and support underserved populations who face greater barriers to heart-healthy living and obesity therapies, while taking care to not further entrench the stigmatisation of obesity,” says professor Lopez-Jimenez.
19 May,2025 08:00 PM IST | Geneva | mid-day online correspondentOnly around three out of five heart failure patients see a cardiologist at least once a year, according to new research released on Sunday. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, shows that patients who do see a cardiologist once a year are around 24 per cent less likely to die in the following year. It also shows which patients could benefit from seeing a cardiologist once a year and which patients should be seen more often. The research suggests that if cardiologists did see heart failure patients at least once a year, one life could be saved for every 11–16 patients seen. “In patients with heart failure, the heart is unable to normalise blood flow and pressure. Heart failure can’t usually be cured, but with the right treatment, symptoms can often be controlled for many years. At the moment, depending on the patient and their condition, for example whether they have chronic or acute heart failure, they may or may not be seen by a cardiologist,” said Dr Guillaume Baudry from the Clinical Investigation Centre of Nancy University Hospital in France. The study included all French patients living with heart failure in January 2020 who had been diagnosed in the previous five years -- 655,919 people in total. These patients were found using French national medical administrative data. Researchers broke the group down according to whether they had been hospitalised with heart failure in the last year or the last five years, and whether or not they were taking diuretics as a treatment. Diuretics help the body eliminate excess sodium through urine, which reduces the build-up of fluid in the body. Among all groups of patients, researchers found that around two out of every five patients did not see a cardiologist over the course of a year. Those who did see a cardiologist were less likely to die of any cause and less likely to be hospitalised with heart failure in the following year. For patients who had been hospitalised in the last year, four appointments with a cardiologist were optimal. This reduced the risk from 34.3 per cent to 18.2 per cent, according to the study. Dr Baudry said: “Although there are inherent limitations in observational research, our findings highlight the potential value of specialist follow-up, even in patients who appear clinically stable. Patients should feel encouraged to ask for a cardiology review, particularly if they have recently been in hospital or they are taking diuretics.” 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
19 May,2025 10:12 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSA new large study on Sunday claimed that rising temperatures increase the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Published at the ‘ATS 2025 International Conference,’ the study also found that, under the most likely climate change scenarios, the societal burden of OSA is expected to double in most countries over the next 75 years. In addition to highlighting the critical importance of limiting global warming, the findings also emphasise the immediate need for strategies to alleviate the health and economic impacts of OSA as it becomes more common and severe, researchers said. “This study really highlights the societal burden associated with the increase in OSA prevalence due to rising temperatures,” said Bastien Lechat, a senior research fellow at FHMRI: Sleep Health at Flinders University. Previous cross-sectional studies identified a link between ambient temperature and OSA severity. However, this is the first to explain and describe that connection in detail. For the study, researchers analysed a consumer database of more than 116,000 worldwide users of an under-mattress sensor validated to estimate OSA severity. The dataset included around 500 repeat measurements per user. Researchers then analysed this data against 24-hour ambient temperatures extracted from climate models. Overall, higher temperatures were associated with a 45 per cent increased likelihood of a sleeper experiencing OSA on a given night. However, these findings varied by region, with people in European countries seeing higher rates of OSA when temperatures rise than those in Australia and the United States. “We were surprised by the magnitude of the association between ambient temperature and OSA severity,” Dr Lechat noted. Researchers then sought to estimate how burdensome the increase in OSA prevalence due to rising temperature is to society in terms of wellbeing and economic loss. They conducted modelling including disability-adjusted-life-years, productivity losses, and health economics to estimate the OSA burden under several climate scenarios. They found that any scenario that involved temperatures rising 2 degrees Celsius or higher would result in a 1.5-fold to 3-fold increase to the OSA burden by the year 2100. They estimated that climate change has already increased the OSA burden by 50 percent to 100 percent since the year 2000 In addition to providing further evidence of the major threat of climate change to human health and wellbeing, Dr. Lechat said the study highlighted the importance of developing effective interventions to diagnose and manage OSA. “The high prevalence undiagnosed and untreated OSA amplifies the effect of global warming on the societal burden associated with OSA,” he said. “Higher rates of diagnosis and treatment is likely to reduce the health and productivity burden due to rising temperature and increased OSA prevalence.” 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
19 May,2025 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe combination of air pollution, dense urban development and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma in both children and adults, according to a new study. Improving these can help prevent one in 10 cases of asthma -- a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. Previous studies have typically calculated the risk of one environmental factor at a time. The new study combined several environmental factors and described how they together affect the risk of developing asthma. This provided a better picture of environmental risks, as life in a city usually involves exposure to several environmental risk factors at the same time Researchers from Karolinska Institutet, in Sweden, found that 11.6 per cent of asthma cases could be explained by the combination of environmental factors. In other words, in a favourable environment, approximately one in ten people with asthma would not have developed the disease. The combination of air pollution, lack of green spaces, and dense urban development was most relevant for the development of asthma. “This finding is useful for politicians and others involved in urban planning. The method makes it possible to identify risk areas in existing urban areas, but it can also be used when planning future urban environments,” said Erik Melén, Professor at the Department of Clinical Research and Education. The study covered nearly 350,000 people of different ages, from 14 cohorts in seven European countries. Information on home addresses of each individual made it possible to link data on various environmental risks in the urban environment to individual people. The environmental exposures included were air pollution, outdoor temperatures, and the level of urban density. The assessment was partly based on satellite images showing grey, green, or blue areas, i.e., where there were buildings, green spaces, or water. During the study period, nearly 7,500 of the study participants developed asthma as children or adults. The researchers next aim to examine blood samples from some of the study participants to identify their metabolome, that is, a composite picture of the body's metabolism and breakdown products. The purpose is to understand how external environmental factors affect the body, which could provide a better understanding of how asthma develops. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 May,2025 01:48 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSIf you are finding it hard to control hypertension or high blood pressure then eating dark chocolate, grapes, or drinking tea may help you, according to a study. Researchers from the University of Surrey, UK, found that naturally occurring compounds called flavan-3-ols -- found in cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes -- may improve blood pressure and the health of our blood vessels. The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analysed data from 145 randomised controlled studies, and found that regular consumption of flavan-3-ols can lead to a reduction in blood pressure readings, particularly in people with elevated or high blood pressure. In some cases, the average blood pressure-lowering effects were comparable to those seen with some medications, said the researchers. "The findings are encouraging for those looking for accessible ways to manage their blood pressure and support their heart health through enjoyable dietary changes,” said lead author Professor Christian Heiss, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey. “Incorporating small amounts of commonly consumed foods like tea, apples, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder into a daily balanced diet could provide beneficial amounts of flavan-3-ols,” Heiss added. Flavan-3-ols were also found to improve the function of the endothelium -- the inner lining of blood vessels -- which is crucial for overall cardiovascular health. This improvement occurred independently of blood pressure changes, suggesting a broader positive impact on the circulatory system. "While not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice, including more flavan-3-ol-rich foods in a daily routine could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure. These are findings that, although promising, require ongoing investigation," Heiss said. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major global health concern, affecting an estimated 1.28 billion adults worldwide. This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, and many other health problems. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco, and being more active can help lower blood pressure. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 May,2025 12:21 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
