Health

Central body fat, especially around the abdomen, is more strongly linked to psoriasis risk than total body fat, particularly in women, according to a study on Tuesday, reinforcing the role of weight management in psoriasis care. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Many individuals with psoriasis also have elevated levels of body fat. While it is well established that increasing levels of body fat raise the risk of developing psoriasis, the impact of specific fat distribution and genetics remains unclear. Researchers from King’s College London, UK stated that the link between central fat and psoriasis remained consistent regardless of genetic predisposition, indicating that abdominal fat is an independent risk factor. ...

Even as Mumbai`s monsoon season is underway, the importance of eating the right foods is also necessary because it can also prevent food poisoning.  During this time, it is also important to strengthen one`s immunity to be able to fight off any seasonal illnesses that affect people during these months. The easiest way to do that is by indulging in immunity-boosting foods.  Vedika Premani, clinical dietician at sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, explains, "While no single food can prevent or cure infections, incorporating certain nutrient-rich foods into your diet can significantly strengthen your immune system. A well-balanced diet, complemented by powerful superfoods, supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms. For instance, turmeric contains curcumin, a potent immune boosting com...

The recent directive by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to install "Sugar Boards" in schools is an essential public health measure that also aligns with global nutrition goals, said health experts on Tuesday. Amid increasing cases of diabetes and obesity among young children, the CBSE, last week, instructed over 24,000 affiliated schools across India to establish sugar boards. The Sugar Boards will provide essential information, including recommended sugar intake, the sugar content in commonly consumed foods (such as junk food and cold drinks), health risks associated with high sugar consumption, and healthier dietary alternatives. “This initiative educates children about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption, which is a major contributor to childhood obesity and Ty...

At a time when Covid is on the rise again, almost five years after it first shook the world, it is important to find hope in daily medical miracles that are occurring around us. While they are happening around India, there are some that are happening within Mumbai, and definitely offer a ray of hope to all those suffering from illnesses, and even their families, as they navigate lives around them. A 20-year-old boy regains ability to eat, breathe, and swallow after two yearsA team of expert doctors in Mumbai, including Dr Roy Patankar, city-based gastroenterologist, GI, and robotic surgeon at Zen Multi Specialty Hospital, along with Dr Tanveer Majid, onco surgeon, Dr Pramod Kale, chief anaesthetist, and Dr Vikas Nair, anaesthetist, successfully restored a 20-year-old boy’s ability to eat...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder in women, may have an effect on focused and divided attention, according to a study by researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay. The study, published in the open-access journal BioPsychoSocial Medicine, focuses on the impact of PCOS on attention, which forms the precursor for cognitive processing. While focused attention is essential for focusing on relevant information and filtering out irrelevant stimuli, divided attention helps handle and respond to multiple tasks simultaneously. PCOS presents symptoms like irregular or absent period, polycystic ovaries, and increased levels of male hormone (androgen). While the physical impact of the condition is known, its mental effects are comparatively less explored. Thro...

With mounting cases of Covid-19 bringing fresh fears of the pandemic, which claimed millions of lives globally, experts at the Indian Medical Association and Delhi Medical Association on Saturday said that the cases are being constantly monitored and that there is no need to panic. According to the data from the Ministry of Health, India has reported 257 active Covid-19 cases as of May 19. Kerala (69), Maharashtra (44), and Tamil Nadu (34) are recording the highest daily case counts. Delhi recorded 23 new cases. As per the latest reports, two have tested positive for Covid in Gurugram, one each in Faridabad and Noida. "With Covid-19 cases being reported in different parts of India, there is no need to panic. What we recommend is enhanced surveillance and continued public awareness," Dr...

There has been a sharp uptick in the burden of skin cancer, especially in older adults, in the last three decades, according to a study. Besides ageing, researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in China attributed the surge to the increase in population growth. The study also cited a disproportionately higher burden of skin cancers in countries with higher sociodemographic index (SDI) levels. “The older population (particularly male individuals and those living in high-SDI countries) is facing a substantial growing burden of skin cancer,” said the team in the paper published in JAMA Dermatology. “The results highlight the urgency for more effective prevention and management strategies targeting high-risk groups,” they added. In the study, researcher...

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have designed a novel semiconductor device-based biosensor that can identify breast cancer cells without the need for complicated or expensive laboratory procedures.  The device ‘TFET’ (Tunnel Field Effect Transistor) is based on TCAD (Technology Computer-Aided Design) simulation results, that can effectively detect breast cancer cells. FETs are commonly used in electronics, but here they have been adapted to function as a sensitive detector of biological materials. Unlike many traditional tests, this biosensor does not need any added chemicals or labels to work. It uses the physical properties of cancer cells to detect them. Cancerous breast tissues, which hold more water and are denser than healthy tissues, interact d...

When we think of thyroid disorders, Dr Piyush Lodha, we often associate them with women. However, there is more to the issues than meet the eye. While the Pune-based endocrinologist says it’s true that women are more likely to be diagnosed, men are not immune. He shares, “Thyroid issues in men are less commonly recognised. They are often misdiagnosed or completely overlooked—sometimes until serious complications arise.” The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy, mood, and overall well-being. Every year, World Thyroid Day is observed on May 25 to particularly raise awareness about thyroid disorders and encourage individuals to take care of their health. The theme for 2025 is “Thyroid Disease and Artificial Intelligen...

Taking birth control pills or combined oral contraceptives containing both oestrogen and progestin may triple the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women, according to a study. Strokes without a known cause are called cryptogenic. It accounts for up to 40 per cent of all ischaemic strokes in young adults. Despite its prevalence, the contribution of sex-specific risk factors, such as contraceptive use, has remained underexplored. The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking hormonal contraception to vascular risk in women of reproductive age. “Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk,” said lead author Dr. Mine Sezgin, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University. “What’s particularly notable is that the association remains strong even...