Page 41 - Health Medical Pharma

'Proper nutrition policy can cut diet-related deaths in India'

Following India's poor ranking in the world hunger index last year, experts have urged the government to come up with a comprehensive nutritional policy to alleviate diet-related deaths in the country. A recent study by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington revealed that over 1.1 crore deaths occur due to poor diet alone globally. According to a study published in the Lancet journal in April, poor diet leads to hundreds of deaths in India annually. The study tracked trends in consumption of 15 dietary factors from 1990 to 2017 in 195 countries, showing India ranked 118th with 310 deaths per 100,000 people. Experts believe the government will have to ensure access to nutritious food to the people living in both rural as well as urban areas. "We have failed in terms of a proper nutritional food policy. Poor diet creates a deficiency of essential nutrition due to low supply of vitamin, protein, fat, minerals and other micronutrients, said Rajesh

More than 1 in 10 people with lung diseases could be sick due to occupational hazards

More than one in ten people with a range of non-cancerous lung diseases may be sick due to breathing in vapours, gas, dust or fumes, at a workplace, reported a study.The study published in the journal ' American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine' analysed scores of studies of the connections between occupational hazards and lung disease. The studies were conducted around the world over more than two decades.The authors included a range of respiratory conditions, ranging from asthma and COPD to scarring fibrosis and selected infections."The role of occupational factors in most lung disease is under-recognised," said Paul D. Blanc, chief of the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of California San Francisco."Failure to appreciate the importance of work-related factors in such conditions impedes diagnosis, treatment and, most importantly of all, prevention of further disease," added Blanc.The authors estimated the occupational burden of ..

Some antidepressants may provide treatment for multiple infectious diseases

Researchers have claimed that certain antidepressants could possibly be used to treat a wide range of diseases caused by bacteria living within cells.The study published in the journal Life Science Alliance showed that antidepressant drugs called FIASMAs, including desipramine, amitriptyline, and nortriptyline, halt the growth or kill four different intracellular bacterial pathogens in tissue cell culture and animal models."Antibiotic options for diseases caused by intracellular bacteria are limited because many of these drugs cannot penetrate our cell membranes. In essence, the bacteria are protected," said Jason Carlyon, lead researcher of the study.Tetracycline antibiotics are most commonly prescribed to treat intracellular bacterial infections because they can cross cell membranes to reach the microbes.However, tetracyclines can cause allergic reactions in some patients and physicians advise against their use by pregnant women and children due to undesirable side effects. ...

Dentists prescribe antibiotics unnecessarily 81 pc of the time: Study

Antibiotics prescribed by dentists as prevention against infections are 81 per cent of the times unnecessary.According to a study published in the journal 'JAMA Network Open', antibiotics prescribed when not warranted expose patients to the risk of side effects unnecessarily and also contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance."Preventive antibiotics in these patients gave them risks that outweighed the benefits," said McGregor, an associate professor in the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy.Antibiotics are recommended as a prophylactic prior to some dental procedures for patients with certain types of heart conditions.Researchers used a national health care claims database to examine nearly 170,000 dentist-written antibiotic prescriptions from 2011 to 2015.The prescriptions involved more than 90,000 patients, 57 per cent female, with a median age of 63.Greater than 90 per cent of the patients underwent a procedure that possibly warranted taking an antibiotic ahead of ..

Dr Bharat Agravat Introduces a Unique way to fix Anterior Front Crooked, Broken or Missing Teeth With Dental Implants in an Hour

/ -- Leading Ahmedabad-based best dental clinic, Dr. Agravat One Day Implants Clinic, launches a revolutionary dental solution to offer quick yet effective fix to Crooked, Broken or Missing Teeth Dr. Agravat One Day Implants Clinic has again reiterated its goal of helping its clients get the fastest possible beautiful smile with the introduction of the innovative concept that is designed to streamline the treatment process and provide the patient with Teeth in record time. Over the years, dental implants have been associated with extended healing times, high costs and patient discomfort, often leading to the loss of productive time. However, Dr Bharat Agravat's Smile in Hour Cosmetic Clinic is looking to change this narrative with the revolutionary system. Incorporating the latest advantages of CT Scans and 3-D imaging software, the system ensures the accurate evaluation of the jaw bone structure, creating a permanent restoration prior the dental implants surgery, and ultimately ...

India's Growing Tobacco Problem and Need for Safer Choices

/ -- Evidence Shows E-cigarettes a Viable Solution to Reduce Tobacco Harm Western countries have witnessed record-breaking declines in smoking rates, says new study A recent paper on The Prospects of e-cigarettes in India: Overview of Evidence, Opportunities and Challenges Based on Experience in Western Countries by Konstantinos Farsalinos, Christopher Russell and Rajesh Sharan evaluates evidence from western countries, their regulations and provides insights on how India too can develop an appropriate framework to maximize the potential of e-cigarettes to complement available tobacco control measures and minimize adverse public health effects. The paper highlights that not only are e-cigarettes significantly less harmful, but that in the past few years, countries like UK, US, New Zealand, UAE, Canada that have set out pragmatic regulations for e-cigarettes have witnessed unprecedented decline in adult smoking rates. These findings position e-cigarettes as a viable alternative to ...

Cabinet clears initiative to control Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis

The Union Cabinet at its first meeting on Friday cleared an initiative for controlling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis to support livestock rearing farmers.

Govt gives a clarion call for mass agitation to address menace of tobacco use

There is an urgent need for developing a network of points where people can go and seek help to quit tobacco, Dr V K Paul, a member of NITI Ayog said Friday. Addressing a National Consultation on 'Tobacco and Lung Health', organised by the health ministry to commemorate the World No Tobacco Day, Paul gave a clarion call for a mass agitation. He said that ending the menace of tobacco use will require behavioral change. Union health secretary Preeti Sudan highlighted the theme of the World No Tobacco Day 2019 -- the risks associated with tobacco use on people's lung health, from cancer to chronic respiratory disease. She stated that it is important to build a framework that is long term, effective and based on data and evidence. "There is a need for community engagement and it's important that people and the families learn how smoking affects the quality of life. She further said that without community engagement we cannot succeed," she stressed adding India has consciously taken up ..

NGO launches campaign highlighting efforts by women to promote tobacco control

A non-profit organisation working closely with the Ministry of Health for mass media campaign on tobacco control Friday launched a global social media campaign, 'WomenAgainstTobacco', highlighting efforts by women to promote tobacco control. The campaign by NGO Vital Strategies on the World No Tobacco Day will highlight women from different backgrounds and countries who have taken a stand against the tobacco industry and the roles they can play in the initiative. These include a woman from Indonesia, who suffered second hand smoke-related throat cancer and now works to support smoke-free laws, and Brazil's Paula Johns, a long-standing tobacco control advocate who supported the adoption of strong health policies including smoke-free regulations, graphic pack warnings and the ban on flavoured tobacco products. "This World No Tobacco Day, we applaud the governments and people who are taking action against the world's leading preventable killer tobacco use. Wecare particularly proud to ..

People using dating apps likely to control weight in unhealthy ways

According to a new study, people who use dating apps may be at an increased risk of controlling their weight in unhealthy ways.The study stated that vomiting, laxative use, diet pill, and fasting are among the most common ways to control weight. The study was published in 'Journal of Eating Disorders'.A team of researchers examined data on 1,726 adults enrolled in the Harvard Chan Physical Activity study who completed an online survey assessing their dating app use within the past 30 days and their engagement in six unhealthy weight control behaviours (UWBCs) within the past 12 months.Dr. Alvin Tran, the lead author of the study said, "To our knowledge, our study is one of the first to explore dating app use in association with unhealthy weight control behaviours.""When comparing those who do not use dating apps to those who do, we found that dating app users had significantly elevated odds of engaging in the six unhealthy weight control behaviours we investigated: vomiting for weight

Telangana to celebrate T-Innovation Utsavam on June 2

Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC) is going to organise T-Innovation Utsavam on June 2 next month."T-Innovation Utsavam is an exhibition which will display over 65 rural innovations which impacted many lives in various sectors including healthcare, agriculture, and technology," the government said in a statement.The exhibition is scheduled to be held at the People's Plaza between 4 pm and 10 pm on June 2, added the statement."A platform for a varied group of innovators, ranging from school students to adults, the event celebrates the stories of many inspiring innovators who fought against all odds to create an impact on their communities," said the statement.

Eating blueberries can improve heart health

Eating a cup of blueberries daily reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by up to 15 per cent, according to a study.

Common skin bacterium raises risk of food allergy in kids with severe eczema

Researchers at King's College London have found that young kids with serious eczema infected with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) bacterium are at an increased risk of developing a food allergy.Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a bacterium that can be found in the nose and the skin of healthy individuals. However, SA is more common in patients of eczema, especially severe eczema.When someone has an allergy, their immune system mistakes a harmless substance (such as eggs or peanuts) as an intruder and overreacts in response. Their body produces an antibody known as Immunoglobin E (IgE).When IgE encounters the intruder on the skin or within the body it releases chemicals, such as histamine that cause the allergic reaction.The team of scientists found that young children with severe eczema who are infected with SA produce more IgE against peanut, egg and milk indicating they have a food allergy to each of these.These children were also more likely to have their egg allergy persist at the age of ..

Study suggests new way to get insights into autism

It has been seen that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are affected by epilepsy, immune disorder, gastrointestinal issues along with developmental delays, all together.A new study says that a classification system for these conditions can yield insights into the underlying mechanics of ASD and these conditions.In the study published in the journal 'Autism Research,' the team has found three subgroups within the cohort of 3,278 children with autism.The first group, about a quarter of the children, had high rates of co-occurring condition diagnoses. The second cluster, also about a quarter of the children, had high rates of developmental delays, specifically.The third group, which consisted of the remaining 50 per cent of children, had the lowest rates of co-occurring condition diagnoses, only slightly higher than the group of 279,693 children without ASD.Juergen Hahn, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, said: "This could potentially be a blueprint for looking at the subtypes .

Minimal surgical procedure is revolutionizing knee replacement surgery

Minimal invasive total knee replacement is being hailed by specialists as one of the most effective knee replacement surgical procedures available to date.This advanced technique has shown its efficacy while replacing damaged knee surfaces and guiding the surgeon throughout the implantation process to know the exact position for placing new knee implants.People struggling with knee disorders like osteoporosis and arthritis is a common phenomenon in India. While geriatric patients in the west take their health seriously, in India, the importance of wellness in old age is taken for granted. In spite of its documented advantages, most Indians are unaware of the advanced surgical procedures available to treat knee problems.Globally, patients operated with this procedure have expressed their pleasure about reduced post-operative pains, minimal scar formation, shorter hospital stays, and a quick return to normal life. The minimal invasive technology is preferred by doctors as it works well .

Study links heartburn drugs to stomach cancer, lethal heart and kidney disease

People frequently popping pills for heartburn need to take note! A recent study has found that heartburn, ulcers and acid reflux drugs are associated with a higher risk of premature death. However, little has been known about the specific causes of death attributed to the drugs.The study published in the journal 'British Medical Journal' has linked long-term use of such drugs, called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), to fatal cases of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease and upper gastrointestinal cancer.PPIs- sold under brand names such as Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium and Protonix- bring relief by reducing gastric acid.The researchers also found that such risk increases with the duration of PPI use, even when the drugs are taken at low doses."Taking PPIs over many months or years is not safe, and now we have a clearer picture of the health conditions associated with long-term PPI use," said Ziyad Al-Aly, study's senior author.For the study, researchers sifted through ...

'Prevalence of Hepatitis virus higher among tribals in India'

The incidence of the Hepatitis-B virus is higher among the tribals, specially the Jarawas of the Andaman Islands and the Chakmas in Arunachal Pradesh, experts said.

ICMR recommends ban on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) including e-cigarettes

Apex research body - Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended a "complete" ban on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), including e-cigarettes, saying their use can initiate nicotine addiction among non-smokers. ENDS are devices that heat a solution to create an aerosol, which also frequently contains flavours, usually dissolved into propylene glycol and glycerin. There are various types of ENDS devices like e-cigarettes, heat-not-burn devices, vape, e-sheesha, e-nicotine flavoured hookah among others. The most common type is an e-cigarette that produces an aerosolised mixture of the flavoured liquids and nicotine, which is inhaled by the user. In a white paper released on Friday on World No Tobacco Day, the ICMR said e-cigarettes adversely affects the cardiovascular system, impairs respiratory immune cell function and airways in a way similar to cigarette smoking and is responsible for severe respiratory disease. It also poses risk to foetal, infant and child .

It's time to unsmoke: Accepting challenge to produce less harmful products (Comment)

As Chief Operating Officer at Philip Morris International (PMI), it is my job to help realize our transformation. Today, this means unsmoking the world. In fact, this is something we at PMI have been actively engaged in for more than 20 years. Yes, thats right. It has been nearly two decades since we began researching, developing and scientifically assessing smoke-free products as part of our commitment to creating a smoke-free future, which is now becoming a reality. However, for us to unsmoke the world, it is crucial to unsmoke India, which is home to over 100 million adult smokers.

Depression may up risk of multiple chronic diseases: Study

Women who experience symptoms of depression are at increased risk of developing multiple chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer, a study has found. The research, published in the journal Health Psychology, suggests that depression and chronic diseases share a similar genetic or biological pathway. "These days, many people suffer from multiple chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer," said Xiaolin Xu, a PhD scholar at the University of Queensland in Australia. "We looked at how women progress in the development of these chronic diseases before and after the onset of depressive symptoms," Xu said. The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health followed healthy, middle-aged women with no previous diagnosis of depression or chronic illness over 20 years. The study found 43.2 per cent of women experienced elevated symptoms of depression and just under half the cohort reported they were diagnosed or taking treatment for ...