Health

Teenagers who do not get the right amount of sleep may be at an increased risk for high blood pressure or hypertension -- a common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases -- warned research on Friday. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University in the US defined insomnia as reporting difficulty falling and/or staying asleep and defined objective short sleep duration as less than 7.7 hours, based on the median total time asleep in a lab-based sleep study. The study on more than 400 teenagers in the US showed that teenagers who reported insomnia and slept less than 7.7 hours were five times more likely to have clinical hypertension than "good sleepers" (those who did not report insomnia and obtained sufficient sleep defined as 7.7 hours or more). Teenagers who slept less than 7.7 hours...

Severe bleeding -- haemorrhage -- high blood pressure disorders like preeclampsia is responsible for over one lakh pregnancy-related deaths worldwide, according to a new study, released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Saturday. In 2020, there were an estimated 287,000 maternal deaths in total – equivalent to one death every two minutes. The study, published in the journal The Lancet Global Health, showed that haemorrhage -- mostly occurring during or following childbirth -- is responsible for nearly a third (27 per cent or 80,000) of maternal mortality, with preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders contributing to an additional 16 per cent or 50,000 deaths. Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterised by high blood pressure that can lead to haemorrhage, strokes, orga...

After days of heat and humidity, followed by a dip in temperature, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued another heatwave alert in Mumbai from March 9-11. Temperatures are also expected to soar in April. Given the rising temperature and shift in season that can bring a range of health challenges, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated and follow nutritional guidelines. Importance of hydration Ushakiran Sisodia, Chief Dietician, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, explains, “Hydration is the process of replacing water lost by the body through life processes like sweating and urination. Sometimes, vomiting and loose stool also lead to water loss.” She reveals why hydration is essential for the body: Water helps the body maintain a healthy temperature. It carries o...

There is a major shift in workplace culture as the burnout rates have dropped significantly from 35 per cent to 22 per cent, a new report said on Friday. According to a ‘Great Place To Work’ report, this change is linked to the increasing role of innovation in organisations. Companies that make innovation a part of their daily operations are not only sparking creativity but also improving employee engagement, boosting retention, and reducing stress at work. True innovation is not just about occasional brainstorming sessions or hackathons. It becomes a habit when employees are encouraged to think creatively in decision-making, teamwork, and problem-solving. Organisations that adopt a proactive approach to innovation become more adaptable and motivated, creating a culture where employees...

Israeli researchers have discovered a surprising immune defense role of the proteasome, a cellular structure known for degrading and recycling proteins.  The study, published in Nature, could inspire new strategies against antibiotic-resistant infections, Xinhua news agency reported. The study, led by the team from Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), found that when breaking down old proteins, the proteasome constantly and regularly releases antimicrobial peptides, Xinhua news agency reported. These antimicrobial peptides are considered vital components of the body`s first line of defense as they attack and kill bacteria. Experiments showed that human cells with active proteasomes effectively controlled bacterial growth, while blocking proteasome activity allowed infections to spread,...

Makhana, a popular snacking option and a staple in Indian pantries for decades, has been in the spotlight in recent times, being hailed as a superfood due to its health benefits. During Budget 2025 session, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the formation of a special ‘Makhana Board’ in Bihar. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also revealed in a rally that he consumes makhana 300 days in a year. Given the rising demand for this global superfood, which is also referred to as fox nut or lotus seed, and an increased focus on its cultivation in India, Amreen Sheikh, Head Dietician, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, reveals why it should be a part of your diet. “Makhana is often considered a superfood because of its rich nutritional profile. It is naturally gluten-free, low in calorie...

A team of international researchers has developed a new blood test that could predict the risk of about 30 age-related conditions like lung cancer and heart disease that can appear decades later.  The blood test measures the age of different organs of the human body to predict the risk. The team including from the UK, France, and the US said the quick and easy blood test identifies whether a specific organ is ageing faster than expected -- an advance that may pave the way for personalised prevention and treatment methods. The findings based on 20 years of follow-up data revealed that a heart that aged more rapidly predicted a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, while accelerated lung ageing predisposed people to respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary d...

The global number of cases of osteoarthritis, as well as the disability associated with the condition, have risen by more than 130 per cent over the past three decades among women who have gone through menopause, according to a study.  Deterioration and damage of joint cartilage lead to osteoarthritis. It is followed by bony remodelling, joint dysfunction, and chronic pain. In 2020 alone, an estimated 595 million people worldwide were living with the condition, comprising nearly 8 per cent of the world’s population, with postmenopausal women at heightened risk. In 2021 there were 14,258,581 new cases of osteoarthritis; 278,568,950 existing cases; and 99,447,16 years of healthy life lost (DALYs), representing increases of 133 per cent, 140 per cent, and 142 per cent since 1990, respective...

Leg, ankle and foot swelling is often considered common and dismissed as nothing serious, citing its causes to be sitting too long, standing too long, eating a salty dinner, etc. However, persistent or increasingly serious swelling, which doctors refer to as ‘edema’, may warn of a serious issue such as kidney disease. Dr Manas Ranjan Pradhan, Senior Consultant, Urologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, explains, “The kidneys are essential to maintain the fluid balance in the body through filtration of waste and excess fluid from the blood. As kidney function falls, the body is unable to expel this excess fluid, and it accumulates in tissues—most commonly in the lower limbs. This causes evident swelling, which is most prominent around the ankles and feet.” Signs to look out for Not all ...

A plastic spoon’s worth of plastic is inside your brain, researchers warned on Tuesday, showing alarming new evidence about microplastic accumulation in human brain tissue. Published in the journal Brain Medicine, the research revealed that human brains contain approximately a spoon`s worth of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), with levels 3-5 times higher in individuals with documented dementia diagnoses. More concerning still, brain tissues showed 7-30 times higher concentrations of MNPs compared to other organs like the liver or kidney. "The dramatic increase in brain microplastic concentrations over just eight years, from 2016 to 2024, is particularly alarming," said Dr Nicholas Fabiano from the University of Ottawa`s Department of Psychiatry and lead author of the commentary. "...