Health

Amid the happiness of entering the new year, many people are pondering their life choices, and like always, health remains a top priority — especially in a post-Covid world. People, except those who were immunocompromised, were mostly carefree earlier, but doctors say the need to prioritise health is now greater than ever.More importantly, making healthy choices is not only for the old but also for younger adults, who are increasingly being affected by lifestyle-related health issues.  The fact that air pollution is no longer an environmental issue but a growing health concern, say doctors, makes it even more necessary for us to focus on our health in 2026.  As you take on the new year, Mumbai doctors highlight key health trends spanning both physical and mental wellbeing — not to alarm,...

The consumption of wearable healthcare technology, including blood pressure monitors and ultrasound patches, can increase 42-fold worldwide by 2050, approaching two billion units yearly and emitting 3.4 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to an analysis. China is projected to generate the most yearly greenhouse gas emissions from wearable healthcare electronics in 2050, followed by India. The analysis is published in the journal Nature. The environmental footprint is estimated alongside ecotoxicity and e-waste issues posed by the devices. A kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent is a unit measuring the climate impact of greenhouse gases emitted by comparing their potential for warming to that of carbon dioxide. Researchers from the US` Cornell and Chicago universities e...

Former Australia batsman Damien Martyn is currently hospitalised in Queensland in an induced coma after suffering from meningitis. As the outpour of comforting messages and a speedy recovery by cricketers and fans not only all over the world but also in India continues, it also brings to light meningitis, a devastating disease that can severely affect one`s health.  While it has not been revealed whether the meningitis suffered by Martyn is bacterial or viral, here`s all you need to know about the disease:  What is meningitis? As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), meningitis is a devastating disease that is deadly and often results in serious long-term health issues and it continues to remain a global health challenge. Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding th...

In a powerful display of courage and inclusion, about 50 children with cerebral palsy will take the lead in a special run at the Jupiter Marathon Thane 2026, running alongside nearly 100 cancer survivors who are participating to spread hope, resilience, and awareness. Their presence is to symbolise that battles may differ, but bravery unites us all. Scheduled for January 4, the marathon — organised by Jupiter Hospital with the theme `Let’s Outrun Cancer` — is designed to transform public awareness into action. With cancer cases in India rising by nearly 15 per cent in the last five years, the marathon aims to break fear, encourage timely screenings, and highlight the power of early detection. Flagging off at 5:30 am from Singhania School Ground in Thane, the marathon expects over 6,000 p...

A city hospital has successfully performed remote robotic surgeries on two patients in Mumbai with the help of a surgeon based in Shanghai, highlighting the advancement in the medical field here. It was conducted with the operating surgeon Dr. TB Yuvaraja, director (Group), Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Kokilaben Hospital, located in Shanghai, over 5,000 kilometres away,  This milestone, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai says is historic because it marks the first clinical application of the Toumai Remote Robotic Surgery System in India across borders, following approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and represents a significant advancement in the country’s remote surgical capabilities. The landmark procedures were performed on two patients in M...

With cancer cases in India witnessing a nearly 15 per cent increase over the last five years, the Jupiter Marathon Thane 2026 set to place on January 4 is aiming to turn numbers into action.  Organised by Jupiter Hospital, the marathon carries the theme `Let’s Outrun Cancer`, focusing sharply on early detection, awareness, and community-led prevention. The marathon will commence at 5:30 am from Singhania School Ground, and is expected to draw over 6,000 participants. Doctors at the hospital note that urban centres such as Thane and Mumbai are witnessing a steady rise in cancer incidence, with lifestyle-driven cancers forming a significant share.  Data highlights  1. Breast cancer accounts for the highest number of cancer cases among women 2. Head and neck cancers are the most common ...

High levels of antibiotic-resistant superbugs in both indoor and outdoor environments in Delhi are posing public health risks, according to a study.  Airborne microbial contamination, especially involving antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes, poses a growing public health concern in urban environments. The study, by researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, explored the prevalence and diversity of staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), in bioaerosols from various urban settings in Delhi, India. Indoor and outdoor air samples showed significantly high staphylococcal loads far above the WHO’s recommended limit for microbial exposure. Seasonal variations revealed a peak in airborne MRS during winter, while monsoon rains reduced o...

Even as most Indians are busy working hard during their adult years, they are thinking about their retirement, not only to enjoy a good time off work, but also to be financially prepared so that they don`t face any difficulty in the future.Retirement planning has been ranked as Indians’ first financial priority even as actual preparedness or a plan in place collapsed to 37 per cent from 67 per cent in 2023, a report said on October 29.  The report from PGIM India Mutual Fund said that retirement took the first spot, climbing from eighth place, as lifestyle and entrepreneurial goals overshadow family-centric concerns. The shift reflects a broader change in financial planning from fear‑driven security to aspiration‑driven ambition, blending protection with progress and lifestyle freedom, i...

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell of the Kerala State Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Chairman of the Scientific Committee, IMA Cochin, on Sunday warned that the misuse of antibiotics is fueling a global health crisis - antimicrobial resistance. Speaking with ANI, Jayadevan, a leading expert, warned that antibiotics are losing their effectiveness against dangerous bacteria due to overuse, making infections harder to treat. He pointed out that the primary reason behind this growing problem is the overuse and inappropriate consumption of antibiotics. "Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem affecting the entire world. This is a situation in which antibiotics no longer work against dangerous bacteria. The reason is the overuse of antibiotics. Especially in India,...

Hormonal disorders in men are becoming a major yet hidden cause of infertility. While many people associate hormones mainly with women’s health, men also rely on a delicate balance of hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid hormones to produce healthy sperm. When these hormones fall out of balance, the body’s ability to make sperm reduces sharply. Doctors say many men ignore early signs because the symptoms are mild or confused with stress, ageing, or lifestyle issues. As a result, fertility problems appear much later, making treatment harder and longer. Hormonal disorders lower testosterone, which reduces sperm production and sexual drive. Thyroid imbalances (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) disrupt metabolism and sperm q...