Health

Overuse of digital devices and the resulting increased screen time is driving a significant number of people, especially the young towards near-sightedness or myopia, warned experts on Monday. Health experts have long been raising concerns over the world moving towards an explosive myopic crisis, especially post the Covid-19 pandemic, when traditional schools shifted to online learning through tablets and laptops; and outdoor activities were almost eliminated. “Digital eye strain is becoming a significant concern, especially among children post Covid. When children focus on screens for long periods, the eye muscles remain contracted. Over time, this prolonged strain contributes to the development of myopia (near-sightedness), particularly in young, pliable eyes,” said Dr. Anuj Mehta, Pro...

A new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been linked to a subsequent increase in the risk of developing some, but not all, obesity related cancers, according to new research. Previous research has described associations between type 2 diabetes mellitus and higher risk of several obesity-related cancers. However, it remains unclear whether these associations are causal, due to confounding (their mutual risk factor of obesity); immortal time bias (many studies combine prevalent and new-onset T2D); or time detection bias (for example, the co-diagnosis of two relatively common conditions at the same time). In this study, to be presented at European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025, Malaga, Spain, 11-14 May), the authors aimed to address these previous methodological flaws. They performed ...

Love to sip that freshly brewed coffee at work? Beware, your coffee brewing machine at the office may raise your cholesterol levels, claims a study. The study led by researchers from the Uppsala University and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden found that automated coffee brewing machines in the workplace contain natural chemicals, known as diterpenes -- known to increase cholesterols. Elevated cholesterol levels are an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In the paper, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, the team found significantly higher levels of cafestol and kahweol in coffee examined from 14 machines in Swedish healthcare facilities. Cafestol and kahweol are coffee-specific diterpenes -- known for their potential to...

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have begun a 45-day rehabilitation program to help them adapt to Earth`s gravity after spending nine months in space.   The duo returned early Wednesday (Indian time) aboard SpaceX`s Crew-9 mission, splashing down off the coast of Florida. Following their extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the astronauts will now undergo physical reconditioning to counteract the effects of prolonged weightlessness. Astronauts returning from space often experience physiological changes, including fluid shifts causing puffy faces, muscle atrophy leading to chicken legs, temporary height increase, and reduced bone density. Microgravity affects various aspects of an astronaut`s body, including aerobic capacity, muscle strength, endu...

India’s medical tourism industry is on a strong growth path, with projections indicating that the market will reach USD 18 billion by 2027, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19 per cent, a new report said on Tuesday.  The country has become a preferred destination for international patients, offering world-class healthcare services at significantly lower costs than Western nations. In recent years, India has positioned itself as a global hub for medical tourism, attracting patients seeking top-tier medical treatments along with the opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage. According to Praxis Global Alliance, a global consulting firm, the industry has witnessed rapid expansion, with the market valued at USD 7 billion in 2022. A major contributor t...

Want to reduce your stress levels? Daily physical activity and adequate sleep can increase happiness and cut down levels of stress, according to a study on Wednesday.  Researchers at the universities of Harvard (US) and Oxford (UK) looked at predictors of happiness and well-being using data from smartwatches and smartphones to inform global public policies and product development. The pilot study, in collaboration with smartwatch provider Garmin and included data from over 10,000 global participants. Other key findings showed that emotional stability varied by age, with older adults showing more stability and younger adults more variability. The study also demonstrated high retention rates, suggesting participants found value in self-monitoring emotions during the day. The respondents ...

Children overweight or obese may be at an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood, according to a study. COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe and worsens over time. While smoking is a major risk factor for COPD, other risk factors like environmental, occupational, and even early life factors are increasingly being recognised. The study led by researchers from Copenhagen University in Denmark focuses on examining the link between a high body mass index (BMI) in childhood and COPD. The team found that compared to women with an average childhood BMI, risks of chronic COPD were 10 per cent higher for those who had an above-average BMI trajectory. For women with an overweight trajectory, the risk was 26 per cent higher and for...

World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, serves as a reminder of the criticality of hydration in holistic wellbeing. Considered to be among the most important nutrients, water supports physical functions, including circulation and digestion, supports cognitive function, and helps rid our bodies of toxins. While it is recommended for adults to drink at least 2 litres of water each day, water can also be leveraged as a tool to influence eating patterns, appetite control, and supporting metabolic health. There is a strong link between hydration and hunger that goes unnoticed by many. People often mistakenly perceive thirst to be hunger and consume additional calories. On World Water Day, nutritionists will help explore the connection between hydration and hunger, debunk common misconc...

Air pollution not only affects the lungs but is also behind the increased heart attacks in the country, said public health experts on Friday. Poor air quality has in recent years become a serious public health concern. Studies have confirmed its role in diseases ranging from respiratory to diabetes to heart to cancers. “Imagery showing people coughing in air pollution has led to the common perception that it only causes lung diseases. However, we need to understand that the effect of air pollution on heart health is extremely important. Air pollution kills by way of cardiovascular diseases,” said Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Medical Superintendent, VMMC & Safdarjung, Hospital, at the ‘Illness to Wellness’ summit organised by ASSOCHAM. “Particulate Matter 2.5 has the ability to enter the bloo...

Nanavati Max Hospital has performed multi-hospital three-pair domino kidney transplant with Sushrut Hospital in Chembur, offering a fresh lease of life to three patients suffering from end-stage renal disease.  The intricate series of surgeries overcame incompatible blood groups within families by pairing donors and recipients from separate households, thereby creating a “domino effect” of compatible transplants. This involved six surgeries across the two hospitals, two organ retrieval and transplantations at Nanavati Max Hospital and one set of retrieval and transplant at Sushrut Hospital, Chembur, uniting three donors and three recipient families in a synchronised chain to save lives.  The first recipient, a 36-year-old resident of Bhindi Bazar, Mumbai was on dialysis for two years. H...