Mumbai doctors have successfully treated a rare and critical case of molar pregnancy, where complications caused multi-organ failure were affecting six major systems in the body. The woman was treated at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central. Molar pregnancy, a rare and abnormal form of pregnancy where no viable fetus develops, can lead to severe complications if untreated. In this case, a 30-year-old woman presented with an advanced molar pregnancy that resulted in the rapid failure of her lungs, liver, kidneys, blood systems, and other critical functions. The patient had initially delayed treatment after being diagnosed at a railway hospital, leading to her admission in a critical state. Her condition necessitated an emergency procedure to remove the uterus, followed by intensive care to manage her failing organs. Speaking about the case, Dr Charudatt Vaity, director of Critical Care Medicine at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said, “This was an exceptionally complex and rare case. The patient was in acute multi-organ failure, requiring swift and innovative treatment approaches. The use of therapeutic plasma exchange, a rarely applied procedure in such cases, was instrumental in stabilising her condition and facilitating recovery. This underscores the hospital’s ability to handle the most critical medical scenarios with advanced expertise.” To address the critical situation, the medical team at Wockhardt Hospitals adopted a dual approach. Firstly, they surgically removed the abnormal pregnancy tissue to prevent further damage. Secondly, they provided comprehensive supportive care, including ventilator support, medications to stabilise blood pressure, dialysis for kidney failure, and advanced therapies for liver failure. One of the most innovative aspects of the treatment was the use of therapeutic plasma exchange, typically reserved for liver failure from other causes. Over four sessions, this procedure significantly improved the patient’s liver function, which had been severely compromised by the molar pregnancy. During this time, she was on multi-organ support to manage the critical condition. After intensive care and treatment, the patient made a remarkable recovery, being weaned off ventilator support, and her organ functions gradually returned to normal. She was eventually discharged in stable condition. Dr Vaity added, “This case emphasises the importance of timely diagnosis and advanced medical interventions. At Wockhardt Hospitals, we are committed to leveraging the latest medical technologies and a patient-first approach to achieve life-saving outcomes, even in the most challenging cases.” Nikhil Bhasin, consultant nephrologist and renal transplant physician, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, added, "“Plasma exchange has long been a cornerstone in managing complex Nephrology and Neurology cases, offering life-saving benefits in conditions like myasthenia gravis and ANCA vasculitis. However, its role in treating Acute Liver Failure is now coming to the forefront, demonstrating promising outcomes. By removing toxins, inflammatory mediators, and supporting liver regeneration, plasma exchange provides a bridge for critically ill patients, either toward recovery or liver transplantation. This advancement highlights the evolving potential of this therapy in multidisciplinary critical care.” This rare and critical case will be documented as part of an academic study to raise awareness about molar pregnancies and improve treatment protocols for similar conditions. The patient, now back home, has expressed immense gratitude to the hospital’s medical team for their relentless efforts.
22 January,2025 01:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEarly diagnosis and treatment are vital for the health of both mother and child Thyroid disorders during pregnancy are becoming highly prevalent as conditions like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are taking a toll on women during pregnancies. Every year, Thyroid Awareness Month is observed in January to highlight the causes and effects of thyroid on people. While it affects people in general, doctors highlight that the effects during pregnancy can affect newborns adversely. These thyroid problems lead to complications in the mother and the baby, as thyroid hormones play a crucial role in brain and nervous system development. Timely diagnosis and treatment will ensure a healthy pregnancy. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ based on the neck. It regulates metabolism, energy levels, and other functions. During pregnancy, thyroid dysfunctions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) are seen in women. Dr Preethika Shetty, consultant obstetrician & gynecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, said, “Thyroid dysfunction can affect 2–3 in every 100 pregnancies. Many pregnant women can experience symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, swelling, and mood changes. These conditions often occur due to autoimmune disorders, iodine deficiency, or pre-existing thyroid issues. With early detection via regular screenings and blood tests, and appropriate treatment like hormone therapy or medication, most thyroid-related complications can be effectively managed. Pregnant women are also encouraged to maintain a balanced diet rich in iodine and opt for regular prenatal care for prevention. We have observed Monthly at least 15 cases of Pregnancy with hypothyroidism aged between 30 to 40 years." She added, “If left untreated, thyroid problems can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, or developmental delays in the baby. Routine screenings, especially for women with a family history of thyroid problems or symptoms, are recommended during prenatal checkups for a healthy pregnancy. Treatment includes medication, eating iodine-rich foods like eggs, spinach, broccoli, and dairy, and keeping thyroid hormone levels in check throughout pregnancy.” “10-15 per cent of women get detected with infertility issues due to thyroid. We emphasize the importance of routine screenings and personalized treatment plans for thyroid disorders to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby. We aim to support women planning to get pregnant and assist them in reducing the chances of complications and having a healthy pregnancy journey. Women trying to conceive should opt for thyroid tests and follow the instructions given by the fertility specialist” concluded Dr Nisha Pansare, Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility.
22 January,2025 01:08 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentA senior official at the Tata Trusts has said efforts were being made to establish an advanced hospital in Maharashtra's Latur for cancer patients and reduce their challenges for travelling to Mumbai for the treatment. Highlighting the need for district-level cancer hospitals affiliated with government medical colleges, Dr Kailash Sharma, medical director with Tata charitable trust, told PTI over the weekend that timely biopsy reports and affordable cancer treatment are critical for the common people. He noted that travelling to Mumbai for treatment is a significant challenge for many cancer patients. The official said that to address this, they have already established modern cancer hospitals in Varanasi, Punjab, Visakhapatnam and Guwahati. To provide state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility and ensure faster biopsy reports for patients in Maharashtra's Latur and Dharashiv districts, efforts are being made to establish an advanced cancer hospital here, affiliated to the Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College, he said. The initiative will be modelled on the cancer hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, said Dr Sharma, who visited Latur last week for an Onco-Pathology Hematology Conference. Citing recent reports, he expressed concern over the rising global incidences of cancer. Currently, India has 13 to 14 lakh cancer patients, with 6 to 7 lakh fatalities annually. By 2030, these numbers are projected to rise to 20 to 22 lakh, with nearly 12 lakh annual deaths anticipated, the official said. Dr Sharma also discussed various types of cancers, their prevalence and underlying causes. He noted that breast cancer in women is less common in rural areas (20 per lakh) compared to urban areas (35 to 40 per lakh). Factors like late marriages, delayed childbirth, reduced breastfeeding, hormonal changes, sedentary lifestyles and obesity contribute to this trend, he said. Oral cancer in men is alarmingly high due to the consumption of tobacco and gutkha, affecting 30 out of every one lakh men. Cervical cancer in women has shown a decline, but colon cancer cases in both men and women are increasing, especially in regions like Assam and the northeast, due to dietary habits, the official said. Dr Sharma highlighted the successful initiatives by the Tata Trusts in providing relief to children battling cancer and their families by offering free treatment as well as education, meals, medication and even special playrooms for their entertainment. "This initiative has given a humane and compassionate face to medical services at the Tata Cancer Hospital, making it a benchmark of success," he added.
22 January,2025 11:26 AM IST | Latur | PTITargeting nine key health conditions may be crucial for women’s health and add the equivalent of 2.5 healthy days per woman per year, according to new research released at the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) on Tuesday. The new report shows that compared to men, women live one-fourth more of their lives in poor health. Focussing on the nine conditions, categorised as lifespan and healthspan conditions may be key to boosting their lives and health. “The nine conditions are divided into lifespan conditions, related to the total number of years lived (maternal hypertensive disorders, postpartum haemorrhage, ischemic heart disease, cervical cancer, and breast cancer) and health span conditions, related to how many of those years are healthy (endometriosis, menopause, migraine, and premenstrual syndrome),” said the report, published in collaboration with the McKinsey Health Institute (MHI). The report noted that targeted action around these nine key health conditions may help cut down the global disease burden by 27 million disability-adjusted life years as well as add the equivalent of 2.5 healthy days per woman per year. It also highlighted the vast economic opportunities of investing in women’s health. Targeting the nine conditions also has the potential to transform millions of lives and unlock $400 billion in global GDP annually by 2040, said the report. “Measuring progress is essential for driving meaningful change and developing effective healthcare strategies tailored to women,” said Shyam Bishen, Head of the Centre for Health and Healthcare and member of the Executive Committee, WEF. “Despite the opportunity to add 2.5 additional healthy days to women’s lives, they are often overlooked due to a lack of sex-specific research -- only 10 per cent of clinical trials for ischemic heart disease and migraine report such data,” she added. As part of this initiative, the Forum, in collaboration with MHI, launches the Women’s Health Impact Tracking (WHIT) -- a publicly accessible tool designed to measure and address global health gaps and promote equitable, scalable solutions worldwide. By providing data-driven insights on health outcomes and economic opportunities, the platform highlights the urgent need for investment in three underfunded conditions: menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and migraine, representing a $315 billion GDP opportunity. Globally, there have been critical disparities in women’s health outcomes, driven by gaps in data collection, research funding, clinical practice guidelines, and healthcare delivery systems. Notably, while 54 per cent of the women’s health burden occurs in low- and middle-income countries, only 23 per cent of clinical trials focus on these regions. The report emphasised that improving data accuracy, increasing research funding for women-specific conditions, and enhancing sex-based clinical guidelines could significantly reduce these disparities. “It is time to count women, study women, care for women, invest in women, and include all women,” said Lucy Perez, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and Co-leader of the McKinsey Health Institute. “Addressing these nine conditions can not only improve the lives of millions of women and unlock $400 billion of economic uplift -- but it also provides a blueprint for scaling and tracking progress to close the broader women’s health gap,” Perez added. The WEF Annual Meeting 2025 is being held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24. Global leaders are deliberating various issues under the theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age'. 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
21 January,2025 04:42 PM IST | Switzerland | IANSAccording to World Health Organization (WHO), around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures. It is also estimated that up to 70 per cent of people living with the condition could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. To raise awareness and combat the stigma around epilepsy, people associated with Epilepsy Foundation India participated in Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025. The aim was to educate everyone about this condition and encourage support, compassion and actions to improve the lives of millions of people. Dr Nirmal Surya, Founder Trustee and Chairman of Epilepsy Foundation, India said, “This is an NGO dedicated to working for people with epilepsy. Nearly 500 people from the NGO participated in Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 on January 19. Among them, 287 were individuals with epilepsy or their caregivers. Of these, 257 participated in the Dream Run, 24 participated in the 10-kilometre race, and six in the half marathon.” He further added, “Notably, two of the 24 people running the 10-kilometre race were individuals living with epilepsy. I, too, participated in the same to support this cause.” This year’s theme was 'Donating Steps for People with Epilepsy to Overcome Stigma’, which was inspired by a message from the International Bureau of Epilepsy that 50 million people worldwide are affected by the condition. Sharing more about the same, the Chairman says, “Our goal is to collectively take 50 million steps to raise awareness, starting on January 6 and continuing till February 10. We all encourage everyone to join us in the campaign as more steps mean more awareness and more lives improved.” About epilepsy According to WHO, many underlying disease mechanisms can lead to epilepsy. However, the cause of the disease is still unknown in about 50 per cent of cases globally. Characteristics of seizures vary and depend on various factors. Temporary symptoms include loss of awareness or consciousness, and disturbances of movement, sensation, mood or other cognitive functions. Seizures can be controlled, and epilepsy is treatable if diagnosed early.
20 January,2025 09:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHave you ever felt overwhelmed by someone else’s emotions, or found yourself endlessly comparing your life to others’? If the answer is "too much," you’re not alone. American author, former lawyer and podcast host Mel Robbins introduces the ‘The Let Them Theory’. Diving into the theory in her audiobook on Audible, she offers a profound yet simple way to break free from this cycle. This guide unpacks how two words—"Let Them"—can revolutionise the way you manage stress, relationships, and self-perception. If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to balance others’ opinions with your own needs, this theory could be the life reset you need. These transformative tips from Robbins aim to inspire people to make conscious choices, and for those ready to embrace this empowering mindset. 1. Managing life problems and stressDon’t you think life’s minor annoyances often become energy drains? Stress often stems from our attempts to control situations beyond our reach. Mel Robbins reveals the power of acceptance with her “Let Them” mantra. This approach doesn’t mean ignoring responsibilities but acknowledging that you can only manage your reaction. "The truth is, other people hold no real power over you unless you give it to them. When you stop trying to control things that aren’t yours to control, you stop wasting your energy. You reclaim your time, your peace of mind, and your focus. You realise that your happiness is tied to your actions, not someone else’s behaviour, opinions, or mood." Takeaway: Next time you’re overwhelmed, pause and ask yourself: Is this really within my control? Then, consciously let go of what isn’t, and redirect your energy to what truly matters. 2. Dealing with someone else’s emotional reactionsNavigating others’ emotions can feel like walking on eggshells. The author emphasises that others’ feelings are their responsibility—not yours. Explaining the value of compassion paired with boundaries she notes, “You’re allowing other people’s emotional immaturity to have power over your life. You’re allowing someone else’s outbursts, guilt trips, and reactions to dictate your actions, leading you to constantly manage their emotions rather than focusing on your own.” Takeaway: The next time someone’s mood threatens to derail your day, repeat the mantra. As Mel suggests, “Using the Let Them Theory…make the right decisions for you, even if they make other people upset. You maintain your power when you stop taking on the burden of others’ emotions and act in a way that aligns with your values.“ 3. Overcoming chronic comparisonComparison is often the thief of joy. In a world dominated by highlight reels, it’s easy to feel inadequate. In the audiobook, Mel Robbins flips the script, urging us to use comparison as a tool for reflection rather than self-criticism! Mel asserts, "The fact is, there are two different types of comparison that people engage in: torture or teacher. In order to use comparison to your advantage, you must first identify which type of comparison you are doing, and it’s very easy to tell the difference." Takeaway: The next time you’re tempted to compare, focus on your journey. Use others’ successes as inspiration for crafting your unique path. This perspective turns jealousy into a tool for self-growth! As she aptly puts it, "Other people’s success is evidence that you can do it too. By turning inspiration into action, you begin to build the extraordinary life you deserve." 4. Mastering adult friendshipAdult friendships can be challenging, especially when expectations are misaligned. Mel Robbins explains that relationships ebb and flow, and sometimes, letting go is an act of love. She believes, "There are three pillars to adult friendship: proximity, timing, and energy. It’s your responsibility to understand these three pillars and adopt a flexible mentality and proactive approach to your friendships. You have so much power in your relationships and some of your most favorite people are just waiting for you to go first." Takeaway: Recognise that friendships, like all relationships, evolve. Lean into those that align with your present and let others go with gratitude for the role they once played. This mindset helps you build authentic connections and also allows flexibility in relationships. 5. Choosing the love you deserveMel’s insights on relationships are a wake-up call to those who settle for less. She stresses the importance of valuing yourself and recognizing red flags. Advocating for choosing self-worth over settling, she says, “You’re chasing people who won’t commit, or pouring time into people who don’t love you back, or refusing to accept the person that you’re with... Other people do not hold the power in your relationships, you do. It’s time to show up differently." Takeaway: Trust actions over words. When someone shows you their true nature, honour yourself by responding accordingly, whether it means staying or walking away. As per Mel, “stop chasing love and start choosing it.” This way, you can prioritise relationships that uplift and inspire you.
20 January,2025 03:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPlanning parenthood via in vitro fertilization (IVF)? Stay away from outdoor air pollution, suggests a study. The study showed that exposure to outdoor air pollution can negatively impact human embryo development in IVF cycles. Researchers from Emory University, US, found that exposure to air pollution at times when a female's ovaries are producing eggs (also known as oocytes) and when a male's testicles are producing sperm can have a negative impact. “We saw that both maternal and paternal air pollution exposures during gametogenesis have independent, largely detrimental, effects on early embryological outcomes," said Audrey Gaskins, lead author and associate professor of epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory. The team conducted research on samples from 500 anonymous oocyte donors and 915 male recipient partners who were all undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) between 2008 and 2019 in the US. Of all the air pollutants examined, ambient exposure to organic carbon appeared to have the most consistent detrimental effect. Organic carbon is a major element of the hazardous fine particulate matter PM2.5, which is emitted from combustion sources such as vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, and wildfires is bad. Ambient exposure to organic carbon was found to consistently cause negative impacts on oocyte survival, fertilisation, and embryo quality, revealed the study, published in the journal Environment International. Both animal and human epidemiological studies have supported the idea that air pollutants cause defects during gametogenesis leading to a drop in reproductive capacities in exposed populations. "Based on our study and other studies, air pollution is certainly an exposure of concern for those who are seeking to reproduce and conceive. It really should be an important focus to mitigate exposures for these populations, among many other populations," Sarah LaPointe, a postdoctoral research student at Rollins. Also Read: Maternal exposure to air pollution before pregnancy linked to obesity risk in child: Study 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 January,2025 02:15 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSA 26-year-old woman with a hemoglobin level of just 2 (g/dL), battling catastrophic APLA syndrome during her eighth month of pregnancy, has successfully delivered a healthy preterm baby in Mira Road, after a life-saving multidisciplinary intervention. In a remarkable achievement, a team at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road, led by Dr Rajashri Tayshete Bhasale, consultant obstetrics and gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, consisting of nephrologist Dr Puneet Bhuwania, hematologist Dr. Muralidaran C. successfully treated the pregnant woman who arrived in critical condition with a hemoglobin level of 2 (g/dL) and a rare diagnosis of catastrophic antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLA). The woman delivered a healthy preterm baby weighing 1.2 kg following an emergency cesarean section and an intensive medical intervention, including plasmapheresis therapy, multiple blood transfusions, and steroid treatments to improve the baby’s lung maturity. Isha (name changed), a resident of Palghar, multigravida (in her second pregnancy) experienced low hemoglobin of 4 (g/dL) in her eight months of pregnancy in November 2024. The patient’s hemoglobin dropped to 2 (g/dL) by the time she reached the hospital in Mira Road. Fortunately, the mother and the baby are safe due to the timely intervention by the skilled team of doctors. Dr Rajashri said, “This was one of the most challenging and unique cases. The patient arrived with severe anemia with hemoglobin of 2, pulmonary edema, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) which means her blood thinning power had been lost as this was confirmed via a D-dimer, her USG reports were normal. However, the baby’s health started deteriorating. First, we suspected abruption after extensive blood product transfusions, we stabilized enough for surgery while taking care of failure and Pulmonary edema. Emergency LSCS done after stabilization 1.2 kg baby was delivered, but there were no signs of Abruption. Further evaluation with the team including a Haematologist, diagnosis of Catastrophic APLA was made. Catastrophic APLA syndrome was been detected. The condition, seen in approximately 1 in 2 to 5 lakh individuals, posed severe risks to both mother and baby. This rare immunological condition caused her body to destroy hemoglobin, necessitating plasmapheresis therapy which is a type of dialysis procedure to remove harmful proteins." She added, “The team’s collective effort and timely intervention saved both mother and baby. Thankfully, we could stabilize her and deliver a healthy baby weighing 1.2 kgs despite the odds.” Dr. Puneet Bhuwania highlighted, “The successful use of plasma therapy (type of dialysis) in such a critical case highlights the importance of rapid diagnosis and advanced therapies in saving lives. Catastrophic APLA syndrome is a rare, life-threatening condition, and this case showcases how a holistic approach can achieve remarkable outcomes. The patient’s history of unexplained anemia two years ago likely points to an earlier undiagnosed episode." The patient and her baby have since been discharged, while the baby received three weeks of preterm care in the NICU. “I am thankful to Dr Rajashri and her team as they provided us with timely diagnosis and treatment. When I was admitted, I was so weak that I thought I wouldn’t survive, But the team at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road didn’t give up on me. They explained everything clearly and treated me with care and compassion. My baby and I are alive today because of them, and we are forever grateful,” concluded Isha (name changed).
20 January,2025 01:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPeople with pockets of fat hidden inside their muscles are at a higher risk of dying or being hospitalised from a heart attack or heart failure, regardless of their body mass index, according to research on Monday. The new study, published in the European Heart Journal, adds evidence that existing measures, such as body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference, are not adequate to evaluate the risk of heart disease accurately for all people. The study showed that people with higher amounts of fat stored in their muscles were more likely to have damage to the tiny blood vessels that serve the heart (coronary microvascular dysfunction or CMD). They were also more likely to die or be hospitalised for heart disease. People who had high levels of intermuscular fat and evidence of CMD were at an especially high risk of death, heart attack, and heart failure. "Knowing that intermuscular fat raises the risk of heart disease gives us another way to identify people who are at high risk, regardless of their body mass index. These findings could be particularly important for understanding the heart health effects of fat and muscle-modifying incretin-based therapies, including the new class of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists,” said Professor Viviany Taqueti, Director of the Cardiac Stress Laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital, US. The study analysed muscle and different types of fat in 669 people to understand how body composition can influence the small blood vessels or 'microcirculation' of the heart, as well as the future risk of heart failure, heart attack, and death. These were followed up for around six years. Besides checking how well their hearts were functioning, the team also used CT scans to analyse each patient's body composition, measuring the amounts and location of fat and muscle in a section of their torso. Further, the team calculated the ratio of intermuscular fat to total muscle plus fat -- a measurement they called the fatty muscle fraction. For every 1 per cent increase in fatty muscle fraction, there was a 2 per cent increase in the risk of CMD and a 7 per cent increased risk of future serious heart disease, regardless of other known risk factors and body mass index. On the other hand, people with higher amounts of lean muscle had a lower risk. Fat stored under the skin (subcutaneous fat) did not increase the risk. "Compared to subcutaneous fat, fat stored in muscles may be contributing to inflammation and altered glucose metabolism, leading to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. In turn, these chronic insults can cause damage to blood vessels, including those that supply the heart, and the heart muscle itself,” Professor Taqueti said. The team is assessing the impact of treatment strategies including exercise, nutrition, weight-loss drugs, or surgery, on body composition and metabolic heart disease, to help lower the risk for people with fatty muscles. 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 January,2025 01:31 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSAs Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025, one of the biggest sporting events in the city, approaches, thousands of runners are excited to participate in the race and accomplish their goals. While marathons are exciting avenues for fitness and perseverance, runners can be prone to injuries due to the pressure on muscles and joints. However, with proper training, good footwear and mindful pacing, participants can cross the finish line without any injuries. Appropriate training is essential to prevent health issues. Dr Nikhil Bhamare, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, shares the following tips for runners to prevent joint issues. 1. Choose appropriate shoes: Wear high-quality running shoes as per your foot type to provide proper support, cushioning and stability during the race. 2. Warm-up properly: Stretch and do exercises under the guidance of an expert to prepare your muscles and joints for the race. 3. Practise good running form: Keep your posture upright, engage your core and avoid overstriding to avoid pressure on the knees and ankles as there can be chances of injuries. 4. Stay hydrated: It is a known fact that dehydration can affect joint lubrication and lead to joint injury. Drink enough water before, during and after the race, but avoid overhydration. One can use rehydration solutions like ORS to maintain electrolyte balance. 5. Listen to signs given by the body: If you feel pain, stop running and it's OKAY to take it easy. Try next year with renewed hope and zeal. 6. Strengthen your muscles: Do exercises that strengthen your core, glutes and leg muscles, thereby protecting the joints. 7. Opt for support gear: If you have pre-existing joint issues, try wearing knee or ankle braces for added support while running during the race. 8. Post-race recovery: Cool down with the help of stretching, and apply ice to sore joints to reduce inflammation after the race. However, consult an expert if you tend to experience any joint problems. Also Read: Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025: Here's what you should not do before running a marathon
18 January,2025 11:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn ageing brain in people with sickle cell disease may be responsible for cognitive problems, finds a study. Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterised by the presence of abnormal haemoglobin (Hb). People with the illness are also likely to face trouble in remembering, focusing, learning, and problem-solving. The patients face these conditions even without brain stroke. To understand, researchers and physicians from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis examined more than 200 young adults with and without sickle cell disease. They participated in brain MRI scans and cognitive tests. Each person's brain age was calculated using a brain-age prediction tool that was developed using MRI brain scans from a diverse group of more than 14,000 healthy people of known ages. The estimated brain age was compared with the individual's actual age. The results, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that participants with sickle cell disease had brains that appeared an average of 14 years older than their actual age. Sickle cell participants with older-looking brains also scored lower on cognitive tests. Further, the study showed that people experiencing economic deprivation, who struggle to meet basic needs, even in the absence of sickle cell disease, also had more-aged-appearing brains, the team said. On average, a seven-year gap was found between the brain age and the participants' actual age in healthy individuals experiencing poverty. “Sickle cell disease is congenital, chronically depriving the developing brain of oxygen and possibly affecting its growth from birth. Also, children exposed to long-term economic deprivation and poverty experience cognitive challenges that affect their academic performance,” explained Andria Ford, Professor of neurology at Washington University Medicine. The study calls for understanding the influence that sickle cell disease and economic deprivation have on brain structure. This may lead to treatments and preventive measures that potentially could preserve cognitive function. The team also noted that a single MRI scan can be a powerful tool for helping patients with neurological conditions. 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 January,2025 02:01 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
