Health

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on Sunday launched an innovative project to tackle the growing concern of microplastic contamination in food.  Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastics that range in size -- from five millimetres to one micrometre. From human blood to testicles, to flora and fauna, these have long been known as a significant environmental and health concern worldwide. FSSAI initiated the new project in March this year to develop and validate analytical methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in various food products. It is also aimed at assessing the prevalence and exposure levels of microplastics in India. The project will develop standard protocols for micro/nano-plastic analysis, conduct intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons, and gener...

A 72-year-old man’s 15-year struggle with non-healing ulcers on his right leg, caused by neglected varicose veins, was brought to an end by a successful medical intervention by doctors.   The patient Abdul Mabood, a mill worker, faced the risk of leg amputation due to the severity of his condition. He had suffered from non-healing ulcers with dilated veins and skin discoloration, which worsened over the years. Despite seeking treatment at multiple hospitals, he was advised to undergo an above-knee leg amputation. However, doctors at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur, saved his leg and restored his quality of life using a minimally-invasive procedure. The team performed an endovenous laser ablation with a foam sclerotherapy procedure, which involved puncturing the vein, using a laser fi...

A new study on Friday showed that engaging in arts and crafts may be crucial in the fight against mental health problems suffered by millions of people globally. The research found that participating in creative activities significantly enhances people`s sense of life satisfaction, happiness, and the belief that life is worthwhile, suggesting that arts and crafts could play a key role in promoting public mental health. Dr. Helen Keyes of Anglia Ruskin University in the UK, the lead author, highlighted the meaningful impact of crafting, noting that its positive effects on well-being were more significant than those of employment. "Crafting provides a sense of achievement and a meaningful route to self-expression, which is not always the case with employment," she explained. The study ev...

Mpox vaccine procurement for at-risk populations across Africa is crucial to contain the deadly outbreak and save lives, according to a report on Friday.  The report by GlobalData, a data and analytics company, noted that while Mpox vaccines played an important role in containing the 2022 mpox outbreak in high-income nations, “none are currently widely available in Africa”. Bavarian Nordic’s MVA-BN vaccine (Jynneos/Imvanex) -- approved in the US, Europe, and Canada -- is the leading mpox vaccine worldwide. In addition, KM Biologics’ LC16 vaccine is available in Japan and Emergent BioSolutions’ ACAM2000 is also under regulatory review for mpox in the US. Fiona Chisholm, Associate Director of Infectious Diseases at GlobalData, called for a coordinated international response to put “press...

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus.   The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared a global health emergency with Mpox spreading rapidly across 13 African countries, including Congo, where 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported.  There are two distinct genetic clades of this virus, Clade I and Clade II. The disease, often characterised by painful rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, primarily spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. Historically, the virus was first identified in 1958 in monkeys used for research in Denmark, with the first human case reported from Congo in 1970. After the eradication of smallpox...

Excessive time spent on technology and social media can hinder children from forming meaningful connections, according to a US-based study on Friday.  The findings, based on a survey of 1,146 parents, showed that parents are concerned for their children over too much time spent with technology (50 per cent), bullying (30 per cent), and the social impact of the pandemic (22 per cent). Nearly one in five parents (19 per cent) report that differences in race, ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, or gender identity prevent their children from fitting in at school. “Connections foster a sense of belonging, which is essential for academic success and overall well-being,” said Dr. Ariana Hoet, executive clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation and a paediatric psychologist a...

Amid reports of Mpox cases in Sweden, and Pakistan, an infectious disease expert on Friday urged health authorities to begin screening for the deadly infectious disease at key airports in India to help curb the spread.  Mpox (formerly Monkeypox) has been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa CDC this week, after the latest outbreak spread to 13 countries in Africa, including four new countries. The latest outbreak due to the more virulent and deadly strain -- Clade 1b has also spread to Sweden. The WHO has warned of more cases in Europe. Pakistan has reported 3 cases, but the strain causing the disease is yet to be known. “Mpox is being taken seriously as an international and not purely regional concern. It would be wise at this point ...

Work-related stress, particularly high job strain and effort-reward imbalance, may significantly increase the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) -- an irregular heart rhythm condition, a study claimed on Wednesday.  AFib, the most common form of arrhythmia, can lead to serious cardiovascular complications such as stroke and heart failure. The study, published in the `Journal of the American Heart Association`, included nearly 6,000 white-collar workers in Canada, and found that those experiencing both high job strain and effort-reward imbalance faced 97 per cent increased risk of AFib compared to those not exposed to these stressors. Previous studies have linked work-related stress with coronary heart disease, but this is the first to examine its impact on AFib, noted senior ...

The West Bengal government and UNICEF have joined hands for promoting the involvement of fathers in encouraging new mothers to breastfeed their babies till six months of age.  According to the West Bengal Minister incharge of the Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Department, Dr Shashi Panja, as part of the initiative, workers at Anganwadis have begun to discuss the benefits of breastfeeding with fathers of the newborn and other family members. “Breastfeeding should not be discussed with the mothers alone. This awareness-building exercise should start immediately with the conception of a child so that the entire family comes forward in easing the mother into breastfeeding,” said Panja, who is herself a medical practitioner. According to her, the state Women, Child Development...

Passive smoking, also known as second-hand smoke, poses significant health risks to children, who are particularly vulnerable due to their developing lungs and immune systems, experts said on Saturday. Passive smoking in children can result in respiratory problems, Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, developmental delays, and future heart disease. Preventing it entails keeping a smoke-free home, avoiding children, and avoiding public smoking areas. Supporting cessation programmes and educating family members can also help to protect children. "Passive smoking in children can cause respiratory issues, SIDS, ear infections, developmental issues, and future heart disease. Preventing it involves maintaining a smoke-free home, avoiding children, and avoiding public smoking ...