Health

Girls given antibiotics during their first year of life, especially in the first three months, are more likely to enter puberty at an earlier age, according to new research. The research, presented at the first Joint Congress between the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE), found that the likelihood of early puberty was also higher among those exposed to a greater variety of antibiotic classes. The findings highlight the importance of using these medicines in infants appropriately and how early-life drug exposure could shape future health outcomes. Early puberty, also known as central precocious puberty (CPP), is a condition characterised by the early onset of secondary sexual development in children. In girls this means be...

India is witnessing a steady downward trend in maternal and child mortality towards the achievement of UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 targets, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Saturday. Citing Registrar General of India’s (RGI) recently launched Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, the Ministry stated that there has been a significant reduction in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR). "India`s progress in reduction of maternal and child mortality indicators outpaces global averages,” the Ministry said. "These sustained improvements are a result of strategic interventions and the unwavering commitment of the government," it added. While the MMR declined ...

India is witnessing a significant uptick in the adoption of diagnostic radiology devices, with a major rise in accelerated adoption of AI-powered technologies and remote monitoring solutions, according to a report on Friday.  The report by 1Lattice, a tech-enabled market intelligence firm, also attributed the growth to rising disease burden, increased investment in healthcare infrastructure. It revealed that India has registered 1.48 lakh radiology devices, with Maharashtra (20,590), Tamil Nadu (15,267), and Uttar Pradesh (12,236) leading the charge. These figures reflect a broader trend toward modernisation and digitisation of diagnostic services, even beyond urban centres. “Radiology is evolving from being a hospital-based specialty to a cornerstone of primary and preventive care. Th...

An international team of researchers found that a cholesterol-lowering drug may offer a more effective and convenient way to protect people at high risk of heart attack and stroke.  The study led by researchers at Monash University in Australia tested a once-daily oral medication called Obicetrapib and found it significantly lowered both LDL or bad cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), [Lp(a)] -- two key contributors to cardiovascular disease. The findings marked an important step forward for patients who have struggled to reach their cholesterol targets with current therapies, said study lead professor Stephen Nicholls, Director of Monash University`s Victorian Heart Institute. "We know that many people at high risk of heart attack or stroke don`t get their cholesterol levels low enough, eve...

People face many health challenges every day and many times they become really severe. While the severity may differ, it is always disheartening to hear. This has changed over the years, owing to medical advances not only around the world but also in India, people are able to get treated successfully in time.  These medical cases are inspiring not only for the ones undergoing treatment but also for their families, as they navigate their lives around them. While one highlights a woman`s important journey in getting diagnosed with superficial endometriosis and `kissing ovaries`, the other highlights a child, finding a ray of hope, in his thalassemia treatment, and meeting his donor. Here are two cases from this week: Pune woman successfully treated for superficial Endometriosis and `Kissi...

After experiencing intense heat for weeks with temperatures regularly rising above 30 degrees Celsius, Mumbaikars got respite from the summer weather as gusty winds and unseasonal rains hit the city late on Tuesday, May 6, and continued on May 7 and May 8. The monsoon season in Mumbai usually begins in late June. While the surprising rainfall in May brought with it a slight dip in mercury levels, this sudden change in weather can cause many different health issues, if suitable precautions are not taken, Mumbai-based experts warn. Health risks due to unseasonal rain The unseasonal rains that graced Mumbai skies, followed by a sudden drop in temperature and increase in humidity levels, can create ideal conditions for spread of viral infections and other health issues. Dr Manjusha Agarwa...

Eating a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in childhood can delay the onset of menstruation in girls, according to a new study. The findings, published in the journal Human Reproduction remained unaltered by the girls’ body mass index (BMI) or height, both of which have been associated with the earlier onset of periods. The study has implications for health in later life as it is well known that women who started their periods at an early age may be at higher risk for diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, and diseases of the heart and blood vessels. “I think our findings highlight the need for all children and adolescents to have access to healthy meal options and the importance of school-based breakfasts and lunches being based on evidence-based guidelines,” said Holly Har...

Every time you get sick who do you to go to? Your mother! It is like mothers have a home remedy for every sickness that you can ever suffer from, and in the process, make your feel better. The world gets ready to observe Mother`s Day 2025 on May 11. While there are many different things to celebrate about your mother, nothing comes close to her home remedies when you are sick because they cure you almost instantly. While these may differ in every home, some of these are really common in Indian households:  “Drink this kadha, you will be fine” Got a bad stomach? Drink this kadha and you will be fine, your mother says. While kadhas may vary in every region, and you may not even know the ingredients, it still does the trick even though it’s not even tasty because it is quite bitter almost a...

On the eve of the World Thalassemia Day, doctors and healthcare advocates have urged that first-trimester Thalassemia screening should be made a mandatory part of antenatal care. They have come together to emphasise an urgent but simple message that Thalassemia major, one of India`s most widespread inherited blood disorders, is preventable. While treatment costs can go up to Rs 4 to 5 lakh per child annually, a screening test costing just Rs 150 can prevent the disorder altogether if done in time, experts said. India continues to face one of the highest Thalassemia burdens globally. With 863 births occurring daily in Delhi and a 95.6 per cent institutional delivery rate, the city is uniquely positioned to lead a prevention-first model, said Dr Anupam Sachdeva, Co-Director of the Instit...

Mumbai dieticians say dieting is neither good nor bad, but if done incorrectly, it can have serious consequences on the body physically and mentally. Every year, International No Diet Day 2025 is observed on May 6 around the world to promote body positivity. While some may reject dieting, there are still many others that follow it.  Leena Martin, who is the chief dietitian at Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, shares, “Dieting depends on its purpose and structure. Diets rooted in balance, portion control and nourishment help maintain health, while overly restrictive plans may harm metabolism, mood and long-term wellness. It’s best to focus on sustainable, science-backed habits over temporary fixes.” While dieting has received a bad reputation over time, mid-day spoke to Martin and Simmi Sha...