Health

India is facing a silent but serious health challenge of Vitamin D deficiency, according to a report on Monday that urged the government to tackle the lack of the sunshine vitamin in one in every five Indians.  The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER), along with the ANVKA Foundation, submitted two key policy briefs elaborating a national roadmap to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), and an action plan specific to Delhi. The suggestions are based on a recently released study, which highlighted that Vitamin D deficiency has become a public health concern in India and is affecting people across regions, age groups, and income levels. “Our recommendations focus on practical steps that can be implemented right away, using existing health n...

The focus on mental health is now more than ever before. With more people curious to deal with issues, educating yourself about the subject always helps. While World Mental Health Week is observed from October 4, and concludes with World Mental Health Day 2025 on October 10, the conversation never stops.  Amid our busy schedule, it is time to pause and reflect on the parts of ourselves that truly matter, and to prioritise our mental well-being.  These audiobooks, which are available on Audible, offer honest, relatable, and practical ways to approach mental health, while emphasising that we all have our struggles with emotions that can feel overwhelming. The audiobooks offer small, consistent habits that can make a big difference. Whether it’s navigating anxiety, depression, or simply le...

Obesity is rising across the country, mainly among women in their reproductive years. Busy schedules, lack of physical activity, high stress levels, and unhealthy eating habits are the causes behind obesity. Experts emphasise that weight control and healthy lifestyle practices must become central to fertility care. Couples affected by obesity can still become parents through lifestyle modifications, if that doesn’t work, then Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). And if that doesn’t work then advanced fertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can be taken up. Obesity has become one of the most common health challenges, and it often shows up when women come for fertility or reproductive health issues. Dr. Kaishreen Khan, consultant- Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hos...

India needs a national strategy on ageing and mental health to fight the rising cases of Alzheimer’s disease in the country, according to health experts.  In an editorial published in the Indian Journal of Public Health, experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with M M Medical College and Hospital, Himachal Pradesh, argued the need to implement a comprehensive National Dementia Plan aligned with WHO’s global framework. “India needs to view Alzheimer’s not just as a clinical issue but as part of a comprehensive national strategy on ageing and mental health. Integrating cognitive health screening in primary care, investing in long-term care models, building caregiver support systems, and strengthening research on risk factors are key steps forward,” Dr K Madan Gopal, ...

An international team of scientists has discovered a new type of diabetes in babies, under six months of age.  Some babies develop diabetes before the age of six months. In over 85 per cent of cases, this is due to a genetic mutation in their DNA. Using advanced DNA sequencing technologies and a new model of stem cell research the team from the University of Exeter in the UK and Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) identified mutations in the TMEM167A gene -- responsible for a rare form of neonatal diabetes. They found that in six children with additional neurological disorders such as epilepsy and microcephaly there was alterations in the TMEM167A gene. "Finding the DNA changes that cause diabetes in babies gives us a unique way to find the genes that play key roles in making and secre...

Nearly 1 billion people in low-and middle-income countries are living with avoidable vision loss, according to a new report on World Sight Day on Thursday, October 9.   The report by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) showed that most of this can be solved with some of the cheapest interventions: cataract surgery and glasses. IAPB works closely with the United Nations to work for eye care. The report, launched during the UN General Assembly, showed how India can benefit from prioritising eye health, urging everyone to love their eyes by getting an eye test. It noted that around 70 crore people in India are living with preventable sight loss, which affects employment, education, income and caregiving responsibilities. It suggested six simple, cost-effective ...

Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday urged the need to prioritise our emotional and mental well-being and to open conversation about mental health.  World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. “Today, we observe World Mental Health Day, which reminds us to prioritise our emotional and mental well-being. This day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about mental health,” Nadda said, in a post shared on the social media platform X. Based on this year`s theme, the Health Minister urged boosting mental health in times of humanitarian emergencies. He also called for increasing timely access to mental health services for all people. “This...

Indian professionals continue to be hesitant to make mental health conversations at work, over fear of being perceived as incapable and judged, according to a report on World Mental Health Day on Friday.  World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being and fight against the stigma surrounding it. The report by job portal Naukri, based on a survey covering 19,650 job seekers, showed that 31 per cent of employees feared voicing out mental health issues for the fear of being viewed as incapable. Nearly 30 per cent worried about being judged by colleagues, while 21 per cent reported fear of being dismissed as someone who makes excuses. Another 21 per cent believe it could impact their career growth. Nearly three out ...

Timely screening of eyes, a healthy diet, and control of screen time is important to prevent vision-related problems, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Sight Day on Thursday.  World Sight Day is held on the second Thursday of October, to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment. This year, it is being celebrated on October 9. The theme this year is "Love Your Eyes". It focuses on self-care for vision, promoting regular eye checkups and preventive eye health practices to ensure access to quality eye care for everyone. “World Sight Day gives us a platform to raise awareness about the importance of good eye health and regular check-ups. Timely eye screening, a healthy diet, and protective habits can help prevent vision problems,” Nadda shared in a post on the social...

Poor air quality may not just be choking your lungs, it can also attack joints, leading to severe rheumatoid arthritis, experts said here on Thursday.  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, especially the joints, causing persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, and disability. Traditionally linked to genetics and immune system dysfunction, RA is now increasingly being associated with environmental triggers like air pollution. Recent studies in Europe, China, and now India suggest that exposure to PM2.5 -- the dangerous fine particulate matter that penetrates deep into the lungs -- may be linked not only to heart and lung diseases but also to autoimmune disorders like RA. “We are observing a rise in cases of RA...