Health

India is well-prepared to handle respiratory illnesses and surveillance shows no unusual surge in the country, according to the government, as reports surface about rising cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China in the past few weeks. In a joint monitoring group (JMG) meeting under the chairmanship of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, experts had detailed discussions around the spread of respiratory illnesses in China. According to them, the situation in China is not unusual in view of the ongoing flu season. The reports also suggest that the cause of the present surge is influenza virus, RSV and HMPV – the usual pathogens that are expected during the season. The government said it is keeping a close watch over the situation through all available channels and the Worl...

As temperatures drop, a trend of increased prostate-related problems among men over 60 has been observed by experts. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate gland enlargement, is a common condition that older men can suffer from during the winter months. In a conversation with mid-day.com, Dr Saurabh Mittal, Urologist, Apollo Spectra, Karol Bagh, Delhi, explains, “The cold weather can lead to reduced physical activity and dehydration, both of which are factors that can exacerbate prostate problems like BPH. Dehydration makes the urine more concentrated, irritating the bladder and increasing urination frequency.” Sharing how common this problem is, he says, “In the OPD, every day, 5 in 10 men over 60 are complaining of urinary problems and are evaluated for BPH. Older men...

Roughly a fourth of the Indian population has access to a rehabilitation centre within an hour of experiencing an ischaemic stroke -- caused when a blood clot affects supply to the brain, a study has found. The research, published in the International Journal of Stroke, also estimated that there is less than one ischaemic stroke centre per million population. Ischaemic stroke is the most common, accounting for about 70-80 per cent of all strokes in India, according to a September 2024 study, published in the journal Scientific Reports. In the recent study, researchers, including those from the US` Ascension Health and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Hyderabad, found that a total of 566 stroke centres equipped with the `intravenous thrombolysis` method of treatment (whic...

Amid the recent outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, an expert from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Saturday said that the virus does not cause fatalities like Covid-19 but can in some individuals cause lung infection. Speaking to IANS Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Chairman of the Kerala State IMA Research Cell, said that HMPV is very common in young children and there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment recommended. “The HMPV or the Human Metapneumovirus is not a killer virus. It is not a virus that causes severe pneumonia or causes deaths like Covid did in the first part of the pandemic,” Jayadevan said. “In fact, this virus is so common among young children that nearly 100 per cent of younger children would have become infected by the age of four or five years,” he add...

Various cities in India, including Mumbai, are dealing with the rising challenge of poor air quality. The ‘Maximum City’ was covered with thick smog on days leading up to the New Year. The changing weather and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) crackdown on construction sites in some areas that recorded consistently high AQI levels, has led to an improvement in air quality, however, the risks associated with air pollution persist. Consistently poor air quality can cause several health issues beyond respiratory challenges. It can affect the eyes significantly. Dr Kruti Shah, Cataract, Cornea & Refractive Surgeon, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Girgaon, Mumbai, explains, “Excessive exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter (PM 2.5), nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide can i...

Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have showed that nano-formulation of melatonin -- the hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness -- could provide therapeutic solution for Parkinson`s disease. Parkinson`s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders caused by the death of dopamine-secreting neurons in the brain due to aggregation of synuclein protein inside it. Available medications can only minimise the symptoms but cannot cure the disease and this underlines the need to develop better therapeutic solutions for the disease. Previous studies have shown the implications of Parkinson’s related genes in governing a quality control mechanism calle...

As the beauty and cosmetic industry evolves, many new skincare, haircare and hair styling products continue to flood the market. However, the safety of some of these products has come under scrutiny, in view of their potential health implications. A study conducted by National Institutes of Health (NIH) and published in International Journal of Cancer in 2019 had revealed a concerning association between the use of permanent hair dyes and chemical hair straighteners and an increased risk of breast cancer. The study found that women who used hair straighteners at least every five to eight weeks were about 30 per cent more likely to develop breast cancer. It also found that using permanent hair dye caused a 9 per cent increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to non-users. As mo...

The winter season brings several health challenges ranging from common cold to joint pain. Apart from these, a major health issue that can get exacerbated in the cold weather is the risk of strokes. According to a 2021 report by ICMR - National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, stroke was the third leading cause of death and sixth leading cause of disability in India. Explaining how a stroke is caused, Dr Rahul Jankar, Consultant Neuro Physician and Stroke Specialist, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, says, “A stroke is a medical emergency that can happen to anyone, anywhere and at any time. In this condition, the blood flow to a specific part of your brain is disrupted. This can further lead to the death of brain cells, which can impair your brain’s ability to perform various essentia...

As we step into 2025, the New Year brings not only celebrations but also a moment to reflect on the most valuable asset we possess-- our health. At a time when stress, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles have become the norm, leading medical professionals are sounding the alarm on the pressing need for preventive healthcare. Neglecting our health doesn’t just take a physical toll; it also brings financial, emotional, and psychological burdens, leaving families vulnerable to preventable crises. Hyderabad’s renowned healthcare leaders have come together to share their insights on how people can safeguard their well-being and lead healthier lives. From managing stress and staying physically active to securing financial protection through health insurance, these experts provide actionable ...

Tea has been sipped for generations across the globe. While some rely on it for their dose of energy, some prefer its soothing properties at the end of the day. A warm tea can be a relaxing ritual to prepare for a restful night`s sleep. The key differentiator is the content of caffeine, which varies across teas. While black and green teas contain higher levels of caffeine which may delay or disrupt sleep, blends of herbal teas are potentially beneficial for relaxation and sleep quality. To better understand the science behind the calming effects of sleep-promoting teas, medical experts outline varying caffeine levels, and the types of tea which may help induce sleep. To help you leverage the soothing elements of tea, experts also share tips for a nighttime tea routine. Benefits of drinkin...