Page 325 - Health Medical Pharma
Over 35% in India low on physical activity: WHO
More than 35 per cent of people in India are insufficiently active, increasing their risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and mental health problems, finds a study by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dementia symptoms peak in winter, spring: Study
Dementia symptoms are more pronounced in the winter and spring, say scientists who found that people with and without Alzheimer's disease have better cognition skills in the late summer and early fall. There have been few previous studies concerning the association between season and cognition in older adults. The study, published in the journal PLOS Medicine, analysed data on 3,353 people who had undergone neuropsychological testing. For some participants, levels of proteins and genes associated with Alzheimer's disease were available. Researchers from University of Toronto in Canada found that average cognitive functioning was higher in the summer and fall than the winter and spring, equivalent in cognitive effect to 4.8 years difference in age-related decline. In addition, the odds of meeting the diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment or dementia were higher in the winter and spring, than summer or fall. The association between season and cognitive function remained ...
A go-green revolution has arrived in wellness
The vision of Dr.Mickey Mehta's 360 Degree Wellness Temple Private Limited is, "Let wellness be the religion no. 1" as they believe that healing is sacred, and health is sacrosanct, which is why their work studio spaces are called wellness temples.Dr.Mickey Mehta's new signature program, the Go Green revolution with YO workouts HI, makes exercising a celebration and not a chore. It is aimed at taking one on the path to self-discovery.YO workouts are yoga in poetry and are performed barefoot to connect with mother earth for various benefits. The reflexology points on the feet connect with the body's energy meridians. By working out barefoot the natural flow of energy within our body is strengthened and restored. Also, working out without sans shoes greatly improves the sense of balance and coordination.YO workouts include variations of yoga postures and rhythmic breathing techniques to align the physical body with the spiritual, making it a holistic exercise experience that ignites the
Body's 'bomb squad' can help fight brain tumours: Study
Scientists have discovered how a molecule can help prevent certain types of brain tumours by recognising and 'disarming' harmful proteins that cause them. The study in fruit flies, published in the journal eLife, could lead to a potential new treatment approach for brain tumours in future. Most multicellular organisms possess a one-way cell signalling pathway called Notch signalling, which is crucial for embryonic development. The correct establishment and maintenance of Notch signalling are critical for ensuring a balance in the number of stem cells that occur in the body and brain. "Abnormal activation of Notch signalling in neural progenitors -- which send signals to neural stem cells -- can cause an excess of these stem cells to occur in the brain, and this can in turn lead to brain tumour development," said Bo Li from Peking University in China. "However, the molecular mechanisms that prevent abnormal Notch signalling activation and potentially harmful decisions related to cell ..
Dementia symptoms peak in winter and spring: Study
Adults both with and without Alzheimer's disease have poorer cognition skills in winter and spring than late summer and early autumn, according to a new study.
Common painkiller may increase heart attack, stroke risk: Study
The commonly used painkiller diclofenac may increase the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, a study warns. The study, published in The BMJ, compared diclofenac use with no use, paracetamol use, and use of other traditional painkillers. Researchers at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark said that diclofenac should not be available over the counter, and when prescribed, should be accompanied by an appropriate front package warning about its potential risks. Diclofenac is a traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for treating pain and inflammation and is widely used across the world. However, its cardiovascular risks compared with those of other traditional NSAIDs have never been examined in large randomised controlled trials, researchers said. They examined the cardiovascular risks of starting diclofenac compared with no NSAIDS, starting other traditional NSAIDs and paracetamol. The results are based on national registry data for ...
Students only consume fruits if affordable
According to a recent study, while a benefit-oriented approach to nutrition increases college students' willingness to consume fruits and vegetables, the availability and cost of healthy food on campus are critical to changing their eating habits.As part of the study, researchers surveyed 175 college students, assessing their willingness to change their diet to include more fruits and vegetables. Participants were asked to weigh pros like improved energy, meal variety and weight control against perceived disadvantages like being hungry, having less energy and not enjoying meals.Once convinced that more fruits and vegetables would benefit them, students noted that other changes were needed in this area to help them consume fruits better. These included adding vending machines that sell produce, increasing the variety of fruits offered and improving the taste and variety of cafeteria meal choices. Most importantly, students said produce needs to be more affordable.Manoj Sharma, lead ...
Early menopause not related to intense physical activity
Turns out, there are no links between early menopause and the amount of physical activity that women undertake.Until now, there have been conflicting findings of the relation between physical activity and menopause, with some studies suggesting that women who are very physically active may be at lower risk of a menopause before the age of 45, while others have found evidence of the opposite effect.However, the latest study has analysed data from 107,275 women, who were followed prospectively from the time they joined the Nurses' Health Study II in 1989 until 2011 and found no association between physical activity at any age and early natural menopause.Dr Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson, Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Massachusetts, USA, who directed the research, said, "Our study provides considerable information in helping us understand the relationship between activity and timing of menopause; this is because of its size, its focus on early menopause specifically, and ...
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer a tricky choice
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer can go either way, while some patents withstand the therapy, others outwit a standard hormone therapy, causing cancer to spread. A recent study explores the reason behind this.The research also points to a simple blood test that may help doctors predict when this type of hormone therapy resistance will occur.The study also explores how prostate cancer can sometimes withstand and outwit a standard hormone therapy, causing the cancer to spread. The findings also point to a simple blood test that may help doctors predict when this type of hormone therapy resistance will occur.Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, behind lung cancer, killing nearly 30,000 in the U.S. each year, according to the American Cancer Society. In its early stages, the most common type, adenocarcinoma, is curable and generally responds well to therapies, including those that target androgen (a male sex hormone that stimulates tumour growth).However,
Patients want more information about their medicine
According to a recent study, patients are looking for more information on the medicines they're prescribed and want a greater say in the brands they use.University of Kent pharmacy expert Professor Janet Krska carried out a research into what makes long-term medicine use burdensome for patients and found that those taking the highest number of medicines for the most times a day experienced the greatest impact, with many concerned about side effects.The study also found that older patients felt using regular medicines was less burdensome than younger patients.The research revealed that over a quarter of those surveyed wanted more information about their medicines and greater say in the brands they use, with a similar proportion concerned about paying for medicines. Over half were concerned about long-term adverse effects. Around 11per cent were not satisfied with the effectiveness of their medicines, and between 10 -16 per cent agreed that their medicines caused interference with some .
Cadila Healthcare gains after USFDA approval for antiviral drug
Cadila Healthcare rose 1.40% to Rs 397.75 at 11:20 IST on BSE after the company said it received final approval from the US drug regulator for Acyclovir Sodium injection.
Antioxidant reduces risk for second heart attack, stroke: Study
Scientists have identified a powerful antioxidant that may lower the risk of a second heart attack or stroke, paving the way for new treatments for the disorders. A study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that treating mice that had experienced a heart attack or stroke with the antioxidant apocynin cut plaque buildup in half and lowered inflammation to pre-attack levels. Doctors have long known that in the months after a heart attack or stroke, patients are more likely to have another attack or stroke, said researchers from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in the US. The study explains what happens inside blood vessels to increase risk and suggests a new way to treat it. Heart attacks in mice caused inflammatory cells and platelets to more easily stick to the inner lining of arteries throughout the body, and particularly where there was already plaque, researchers said. As a result, these sticky cells and platelets caused plaque to ...
Strides gets USFDA nod for hypokalemia treatment drug
Strides Pharma Science Wednesday said its step-down wholly owned subsidiary has received approval from the US health regulator for Potassium Chloride extended-release tablets, used to treat hypokalemia. Hypokalemia occurs when blood's potassium levels are too low. "Strides Pharma Global Pte. Ltd, Singapore, has received approval for Potassium Chloride extended release tablets USP, 8 mEq (600 mg) and 10 mEq (750 mg) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA)," Strides Pharma Science said in a regulatory filing. Potassium Chloride extended-release tablet is a generic version of Klor-Con extended-release tablet of Upsher-Smith and Strides is the first Indian generic company to receive this approval. Quoting IQVIA MAT data, Strides Pharma Science said the US market for Potassium Chloride extended release tablets is approximately USD 60 million. The company said it has 78 cumulative ANDA filings with USFDA of which 52 ANDAs have been approved as of date and 26 are pending .
Health of over 1.4 bn adults at risk due to inactivity: WHO
Insufficient physical activity is negatively impacting more than 1.4 billion adults globally, putting them at the heightened risk of deadly diseases, the WHO has warned in a new study published Wednesday. There has been no improvement in global levels of physical activity since 2001 and some one-in-three women and one-in-four men globally are not active enough to stay healthy, according to the findings by the United Nations health agency. The study, published in the Lancet Global Health journal, highlights the well-established benefits of being physically active, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes, as well as breast and colon cancer. Additionally, physical activity has positive effects on mental health, can delay the onset of dementia and help people maintain a healthy weight. "Unlike other major global health risks, levels of insufficient physical activity are not falling worldwide, on average, and over a quarter of all adults are not reaching
Strides receives USFDA approval for Potassium Chloride Extended Release Tablets
According to IQVIA MAT data, the US market for Potassium Chloride Extended Release Tablets is approximately US$ 60 Mn. The product will be manufactured at the company's facility at Bangalore and marketed by Strides Pharma Inc. in the US Market.
First gene therapy wins Lisbon vision award
Seven researchers from the US and Britain who developed a revolutionary gene therapy for a form of inherited childhood blindness, have been awarded the 2018 Antonio Champalimaud Vision Prize.
Fortis Healthcare's Shivinder Singh sues brother, breaks business ties
(Reuters) - Fortis Healthcare Ltd co-founder Shivinder Singh said on Tuesday he had filed a lawsuit against older brother Malvinder Singh, alleging "oppression and mismanagement" at their joint businesses.
Cornea donation in 2017 highest in 52 years: National Eye Bank chairman
National Eye Bank chairman Jeewan S Titiyal said Tuesday that a record 1,844 corneas were retrieved from donors in 2017, the highest in the past 52 years. "As many as 1,285 corneal transplant surgeries were conducted last year, which amounts to a utilisation rate of 70 per cent," he said. A window of "six to eight hours" after the death of a person is considered the "optimum time" on an average for donation of eyes for transplant surgery, but in some cases corneas have also been accepted after 24 hours, the senior doctor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here said. Titiyal was addressing a press conference at the Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences at the premier health institute here to mark the 33rd Eye Donation Fortnight celebrations. "Six hours is the cut-off period for donation of eyes in places where the climate is warm and humid, and about eight hours in cold conditions or where the body has been kept in cooled environment having a ...
Countries in WHO South-East Asia Region resolve to make essential medicines accessible
Member countries of WHO (World Health Organisation) South-East Asia Region on Tuesday committed to make essential medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and medical devices affordable and accessible to all, both within the Region and beyond."Access to safe, effective and affordable medical products vital to prevent sufferings and impoverishment resulting from high out-of-pocket expenses on healthcare by families, especially the poor," Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region, said, as health ministers and officials of the 11 Member countries signed the 'Delhi Declaration' to improve access to essential medical products.Medical products are a major component of out-of-pocket health care spending which has pushed 65 million people into poverty in the WHO South-East Asia Region.Though significant efforts have been made by countries in recent years, as improving access to essential medicines is a WHO flagship priority programme in the Region since 2014, ...
Ukd HC asks Rishikesh AIIMS to ensure affordable treatment to the poor
The Uttarakgand High Court Tuesday asked Rishikesh AIIMS to provide for affordable treatment to the poor. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Manoj Tiwari directed the premier health institution of the state to ensure that the charges for various medical facilities and other treatment costs must be reasonable and affordable to the poor. The bench gave the direction while hearing a plea by state native Praveen Kumar Singh, who had contended that the poor patients have been affected by a sudden hike in the treatment costs at Rishikesh AIIMS since October 2017. Seeking restoration of the original treatment costs at the hospital, Singh said the increase was to the tune of 10 times the original cost, which must be refunded to the patients. The high court held that the medical fees should be charged at reasonable rates on basis of the financial condition of the patients.