A 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 | IANSHigh midlife stress may increase the chances of Alzheimer's disease in women after their menopause, according to a study. Scientists at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, in the US, discovered that high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in midlife can increase amyloid deposition -- a hallmark of Alzheimer's -- in postmenopausal women later. "The results highlight the importance of identifying early risk factors when biomarkers are detectable but cognitive impairment is absent," said Arash Salardini, Associate Professor at the varsity. In the study, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, the team analysed data from 305 cognitively unimpaired participants in Massachusetts, US. By comparing midlife cortisol levels at the beginning of a 15-year period with disease indicators at the end, the researchers were able to determine that those levels could serve as an Alzheimer's disease biomarker. No significant associations were observed in males or with tau burden, referring to the tau protein that contributes to neuronal dysfunction and death. "Our work shows that considering sex and hormonal status in understanding Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis is important and suggests that stress reduction and hormonal interventions may hold promise for Alzheimer's prevention, especially in at-risk women," said Sudha Seshadri, from UT Health San Antonio. Cortisol is a steroid hormone essential for cellular homeostasis, or balance, and the stress response. In the study, the team hypothesised that cortisol's impact on Alzheimer's pathology would be more pronounced in women, especially after menopause, consistent with some previous findings. Their results showed that postmenopausal women with high midlife cortisol are at increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Postmenopausal hormone changes may also amplify cortisol's effects on amyloid, said the researchers. Salardini called for further studies to determine whether these early amyloid changes translate into clinical symptoms and to clarify the causal role of cortisol in Alzheimer’s disease development. 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 11:36 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSMindfulness can combat anxiety by improving a mental process called cognitive control, according to a new research. Paying close attention to the present moment without judgment — the basic idea behind all mindfulness techniques — can help calm anxiety and improve focus, said Resh Gupta, a postdoctoral research associate with the Mindfulness Science and Practice research cluster at Washington University in St. Louis in the US. “A lot of research has shown that mindfulness can reduce anxiety symptoms,” she added. “We all experience anxiety, but it can manifest in many different ways. It’s a tough problem to pin down,” she added in a paper published in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. Gupta and co-authors laid out a new approach to understanding the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety. Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, they propose that different kinds of mindfulness practices might be helpful for different varieties of anxiety. The proposed framework should ultimately help us understand how to match anxiety sufferers with more precise treatments. Todd Braver, a professor of psychological and brain sciences and a co-author of the paper said there is a growing recognition that these practices can be incredibly useful in enhancing psychological well-being. “But we still do not fully understand the mechanisms of action by which mindfulness can produce beneficial effects. That’s where the scientific research can be so valuable, by helping us more precisely identify why and how certain practices are effective,” Braver noted. People who are hyper-vigilant and experiencing a lot of physical symptoms of anxiety — rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, tightness in the chest — may do better with a different approach. “For this type of anxiety, a form of mindfulness meditation called open monitoring may be beneficial,” Gupta said. “Instead of focusing on one thing, such as the breath, you can observe all internal and external experiences from moment to moment in a non-reactive, non-judgmental way.” Braver is enthusiastic that recent research from the cluster and other institutions will help people gain a greater appreciation of the wide variety of practices that fall under the mindfulness umbrella. 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 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSEvery year, World Hypertension Day is observed on May 17 to raise awareness about the condition that is also widely called ‘the silent killer’ globally. This year, the theme is ‘Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer!’. While hypertension may seem like a complication, it simply means high blood pressure, which occurs when the force of the blood is continuously higher in the arteries.So, what are the causes of hypertension? Dr Swarup Swaraj Pal, senior consultant, Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon, Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, explains, "Unhealthy lifestyle habits like high salt intake, lack of exercise, obesity, stress, smoking, kidney disease, or genetic factors can cause a surge in cases of hypertension among the Indian population. Hypertension is referred to as the ‘silent killer’, and a large number of people don’t feel symptoms, but some may experience headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision." Interestingly, even though hypertension can affect people of all ages, its effect on the working population between 30 – 50 years, needs to be highlighted according to city doctors. Keeping this in mind, mid-day spoke to Dr Pal and Dr Amit Saraf, director, Department of Internal Medicine at Jupiter Hospitals in Thane, to understand the challenges of hypertension, especially among adults in their 30s. They not only highlight the causes and effects but also how to take care of yourself.What are the primary causes and clinical symptoms of hypertension?Saraf: Causes: The development of hypertension is influenced by modifiable risk factors such as high sodium intake, physical inactivity, excessive weight, mental stress, smoking, and alcohol use, as well as non-modifiable factors like age, genetics, and existing comorbidities.Symptoms: Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension typically presents without symptoms. In advanced stages, patients may report headaches, breathlessness, fatigue, chest tightness, or vision issues.What are the consequences of uncontrolled hypertension in the short and long term?Saraf: Short-term impact includes reduced concentration, mood alterations, and temporary cardiovascular stress.Long-term complications are serious, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, heart failure, chronic renal impairment, and vascular dementia.Pal: The other short-term effects include headaches, anxiety, or nosebleeds in some cases can be seen due to hypertension. If uncontrolled, beyond heart attack and stroke, it can lead kidney damage, and vision loss. Heart attacks and strokes are causing higher morbidity and mortality rates across the country. Hence, controlling hypertension is key.How is hypertension distributed across different age groups?Saraf: The incidence increases with age, but current trends indicate rising prevalence among younger adults due to changing lifestyles. Children and adolescents are also at risk, particularly those with obesity or metabolic disorders. Older adults are more susceptible to end-organ damage.Pal: In young people, hypertension often goes unnoticed but can lead to early heart problems like heart attacks if untreated. In older adults, it increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.How at risk is the working population above 30? Are there gender-specific considerations?Saraf: The demographic of adults aged 30–50 is significantly at risk, especially in urban and high-pressure professional environments.Data from the ICMR and WHO suggests that nearly 35–40% of working individuals in this age group exhibit elevated blood pressure levels.Gender insights: Males show higher prevalence in early adulthood, while females exhibit increased risk post-menopause due to hormonal shifts. Awareness and access to care remain key differentiators across genders.Pal: People above 30, especially those in high-stress jobs and sedentary lifestyles, are the risk of suffering from hypertension. Studies show men are more affected before age 50, while women’s risk increases after menopause; about 1 in 4 men and 1 in 5 women have hypertension.Should professionals over 30 prioritise hypertension screening and control?Saraf: Yes. Preventive screening is vital, especially for those with sedentary jobs, high stress, or a family history of hypertension. Early detection helps reduce long-term health risks. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) plays a key role in accurate diagnosis- it records blood pressure over 24 hours during daily activities and helps identify masked or white-coat hypertension that routine checks may miss.Pal: Yes, the working population above 30 must eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, and stay stress-free by doing yoga and meditation to prevent and control hypertension.What constitutes an effective treatment plan for hypertension?Saraf: Treatment strategies include:1. Non-pharmacological interventions: diet modification, regular exercise, stress management2. Pharmacological therapy: individualized medication regimens3. Continuous monitoring and lifestyle adjustments based on clinical follow-upPal: One will be given medication to control hypertension. Apart from this, it will be imperative to eat a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts and seeds. Avoid processed, junk and canned food.Can dietary intervention play a role in managing hypertension?Saraf: Yes, dietary intervention can absolutely play a role in managing hypertension.Encouraged intake: High-fiber vegetables, fruits, low-sodium grains, legumes, and unsaturated fats. DASH diet components and foods rich in magnesium, potassium, and calciumRestricted intake: High-sodium processed foods, saturated fats, red meat, sugary beverages, and excessive caffeinePal: It is important to avoid foods high in sodium. So, stay away from Pizza, chips, pasta, noodles, burger, namkeens and bakery items high in sodium. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, lentils. It is also advisable to take advise from the dietitian regarding what to eat and avoid.How can professionals with demanding schedules ensure dietary compliance?Saraf: They can start with the following steps:1. Structured meal planning with healthy batch cooking2. Integration of whole, minimally processed foods into workplace meals3. Using digital tools to track nutrient intake and sodium levels4. Creating routine reminders to maintain regular eating patternsPal: Even with busy schedules, the working population can manage hypertension by opting for fruits, nuts, and low-sodium snacks. Choosing whole foods, avoiding processed items, and staying hydrated by drinking at least 2-3 litres of water per day can be helpful for those with hypertension.
17 May,2025 12:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoAccording 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 JainADVERTISEMENT
