
MyVoice: Views of our readers 28th July 2025
It was quite shocking to hear about the stampede at Haridwar's Mansa Devi temple on Sunday that claimed six lives and left many injured. Reportedly, electric current at the base of the temple stairs triggered panic among the devotees, causing them to flee in confusion leading to the stampede. Perched atop the Shivalik Hills at a height of over 500 feet, the Mansa Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi.
Bhagwan Thadani,Mumbai
We must draw on Kalam's legacy
On this Punya Thithi (July 27) of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, let us honour his legacy by embracing his vision for a united, innovative India. His dedication to education and youth empowerment inspires us to contribute actively to nation-building. Together, we can soar as envisioned by the 'Missile Man of India' and the 'People's President'.
T S Karthik,Chennai
Hepatitis: Let's break it down
On 'World Hepatitis Day' (July 28), let us look at the chilling facts and figures. Approximately 304 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C in 2022. Over 2.2 million new infections occur annually, which averages to 6,000 new cases every day. Tragically, 1.3 million succumb to it every year, which means there are 3,500 deaths per day due to hepatitis-related illness. An estimated 40 million Indians live with chronic hepatitis B, and around 12 million have chronic hepatitis C. Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha report the highest hepatitis cases in India. Left unchecked, hepatitis B and C may soon claim more lives than HIV, TB and malaria. Although hepatitis B vaccination has been a part of India's Universal Immunisation Programme since 2007, the coverage and awareness - especially beyond childhood - remains inadequate. The theme of World Hepatitis Day-2025 is 'Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down', to emphasise the need to dismantle barriers, such as social, financial, and systemic obstacles, that prevent the elimination of hepatitis and the prevention of liver cancer. On this day, let us all organise awareness programs, share on social media and pledge to create a world free from viral hepatitis infections by following protocols.
Dr Burra Madhusudhan Reddy,Karimnagar
Bravo OU Engg dept whizkids
It is delightful to note that the engineering department of Osmania University has successfully devised a self-guiding semiconductor microchip. This bluetooth-operated frequency synthesiser' made under 'chips to start-up' scheme is said to improve the efficiency of internal machines in smart phones, watches and rockets, among others. This is an appreciable achievement as it is the first indigenous semiconductor chip in India. The enormous talent of young scientists in the country must be utilised and promoted adequately. The children should be extolled to idolise scientists and intellectuals and not actors and cricketers.
M Chandrasekhar,Kadapa.
Kudos to railways for green energy drive
Kudos to Indian railways for achieving another milestone. It made history by successfully testing the first (green) hydrogen powered coach/car at the Integrated Coach Factory in Chennai. This makes for a good initiative as there will be no carbon emissions or pollution issues. Moreover, there are several other benefits by its use, including in promoting eco-friendly transport and being economical even as it swells the profits. It would be a wise move if all types of green energy are heavily patronised and not for just fans and lights.
P V P Madhu Nivriti,Secunderabad-61
Govt should come clear on Dhankhar exit
This is further to your editorial 'Buzz around Dhankhar resignation not good for NDA government'. No matter if Jagdeep Dhankhar's quit as the country's Vice-President citing health reasons but what is surprising is that it sent people into performative overdrive after self-proclaimed defenders took turns to attack him for 'lowering the dignity' while in office. However, the fact is that he was not a rubber stamp nor a mute spectator. Though Dhankhar is arguably the first high-profile exit from a high constitutional office in recent times, what surprised many is the resignation coming on the first day of the monsoon session of the Parliament. Since, we are left with nothing more than conjecture and speculation on the reasons for his exit, the government should clear the air and prevent an unhealthy controversy over its alleged difference with Dhankhar.
K R Srinivasan,Secunderabad-3
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Hindustan Times
39 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Expert shares 5 reasons why hepatitis cases spike in monsoon
World Hepatitis Day 2025: Liver inflammation caused by infections can lead to hepatitis, a condition marked by symptoms such as dark urine, jaundice, and abdominal pain. Cases of hepatitis often see a noticeable rise during the rainy season. Also read | Hepatitis alert: Gastroenterologist lists 8 groups of people who are at higher risk; shares when to get tested Hepatitis cases spike in the rainy season.(Shutterstock) Commenting on this, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Aravind Badiger, Technical Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals said, 'Hepatitis A and E, especially, are spread mainly due to the intake of infected food and water. With heavy rains, poor hygiene, waterlogging, and damage to clean water supply lines provide perfect opportunities for such outbreaks.' Dr Aravind Badiger further shared the reasons why hepatitis cases spike during the rainy season: 1. Contaminated drinking water is the leading cause Mixing of sewage and drinking water is generally caused by flooding and leaking pipelines during the monsoon season. This contamination is a significant source of hepatitis virus outbreaks, particularly in the urban and semi-urban areas, which are densely populated. Consumption of a small amount of contaminated water or raw food washed in it may cause infection. 2. Unhygienic food practices amplify risk The open-air food, such as street food, cut fruits, and juices, is usually subjected to rainwater and unhealthy environments. The food handlers might fail to observe hygiene, and this raises the chances of viral transmission. These seasonal activities are some of the reasons that lead to increased cases. Also read | Hepatitis can cause liver disease: Gastroenterologist shares common causes, symptoms, prevention tips Hepatitis can lead to liver damage.(Freepik) 3. Symptoms often overlooked or misdiagnosed Hepatitis has common symptoms of fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin (jaundice), and dark urine, which are usually similar to other monsoon diseases. This leads to late detection of the disease, thus giving the virus time to spread and complications to intensify. 4. Prevention is often ignored Drink only boiled or RO-filtered water. Raw fruits or salads and street food should be avoided during the monsoon. Make sure to wash your hands with soap before meals. Keep food in clean, covered containers. Hepatitis A and B vaccination should be considered, particularly in high-risk patients. 5. Community awareness and early action are crucial Chlorination of water supply, frequent inspection of restaurants, and sensitization during monsoon should be the target of the public health systems. One can avoid long-term liver damage by being vigilant of the symptoms and reporting to the doctor at the first instance. Also read | World Hepatitis Day 2025: Kids may be at hepatitis A risk in monsoon! Paediatrician shares prevention tips 'The outbreaks of hepatitis during the rainy season are avoidable. Safe hygiene, access to clean water, and prompt medical care can ensure that the infection of hepatitis is well contained, and the infection limited,' Dr Aravind Badiger highlighted. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Diabetes in Your 40s? Your Heart Needs Aggressive Protection—Now
Living with diabetes in your 40s is no longer uncommon. But what many people don't realize is that this is also the age when your heart begins to face real, silent threats—especially if diabetes is part of the equation. Today, experts stress that aggressive prevention strategies for heart health must begin early, particularly for individuals with diabetes. Dr. Kushal Sharnagat, Consultant CardiologistQuote: Avoid late-night heavy meals, especially oily curries, as they can trigger postprandial lipid spikes and strain the heart. After 40, opt for lighter, earlier dinners to ease both digestive and cardiovascular Diabetes and Heart Disease Come Together Diabetes on its own is a demanding condition, but its impact on heart health makes it even more critical to manage proactively. The presence of high blood sugar over time can damage blood vessels and contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries—a condition known as atherosclerosis. This makes the heart more vulnerable to serious complications like heart attacks or strokes. Even those recently diagnosed with diabetes, and especially those in their 40s, face an elevated risk—often before any heart symptoms are visible. That's why it's essential not just to manage diabetes, but to start actively protecting the heart from the very beginning. Dr. Anshu Kumar Jha, DM CardiologistQuote: Family history of heart disease is common among Indians. If a parent had a heart attack before age 55 (for men) or 65 (for women), your risk doubles. After 40, prioritize annual cardiac checkups , even if you feel perfectly healthy. Turning 40? It's Time to Reassess Your Health Plan Your 40s are a pivotal decade for your long-term health. It's the age when the early effects of diabetes begin to show—subtly, quietly, and often without warning. Medical guidelines now recommend that all individuals with diabetes aged 40 and above consider preventive measures for heart disease . One of the key interventions suggested is the early use of lipid-lowering therapy, such as statins, to reduce cholesterol and the risk of plaque buildup. These are not treatments for someone who is already ill—they are preventive steps for people who appear healthy but have underlying risk factors like diabetes. Dr. Munish Dev, Consultant CardiologistQuote: Heart disease is the leading silent killer for those over 40. Symptoms often go unnoticed until it's too late. Make your check-ups non-negotiable and your wellness a daily priority. Your heart isn't just pumping blood-it's powering your life. Why Early Prevention Matters The goal of early intervention is simple: stop problems before they start. When you live with diabetes, managing your blood sugar is important—but it's not enough on its own. Other factors like LDL (bad cholesterol), blood pressure, and lifestyle choices also play a huge role in your overall cardiovascular health. Left unchecked, diabetes can quietly and progressively damage your arteries over time, leading to complications that are harder to treat later. That's why starting a heart-focused health plan at 40 isn't just advisable—it's essential. Dr. Consultant Interventional CardiologistQuote:Turning 40 is not a health decline-it's a wake-up call. Your heart has been working hard for decades. Support it with healthy habits, manage stress, and never ignore signs like fatigue or chest discomfort. Prevention begins with awareness. Your Prevention Checklist at 40+ If you're in your 40s and living with diabetes, here's what a proactive prevention approach might look like: Get your cholesterol (LDL-C) checked regularly, not just your preventive therapy with your doctor—even if you feel heart-friendly lifestyle changes—a healthy diet, regular exercise, and no your blood pressure and maintain it within recommended delay action just because you don't have symptoms yet. These steps don't just protect your heart—they improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of major health events down the line. Dr. Sridhara Suthan, Consultant & Interventional CardiologistQuote: Metabolic syndrome, seen frequently in urban Indian adults post-40, significantly increases the risk of heart attacks. Waist size, fasting glucose, HDL, and triglycerides are crucial markers. Routine health checks can help manage these before complications set in.. Not Just for High-Risk Cases Often, people think heart disease prevention is only for those with a family history or those who've had a prior cardiac event. But that's no longer the case. Anyone with diabetes, especially over the age of 40, is already in a higher-risk category, even without a personal history of heart disease. And with diabetes becoming more common in younger age groups, acting early is more important than ever. Conclusion: Small Steps Now, Stronger Heart Later Your 40s should be a time to build and protect your health—not wait for warning signs. If you have diabetes, it's time to think beyond sugar and take steps that protect your heart for the long run. Because prevention at 40 is far better than treatment at 50. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and ET Healthworld hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.


Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
AIIMS-led study shows two-drug combination therapy effective in controlling high BP
New Delhi: Using a single pill comprising two blood pressure medicines is a safe and highly effective way to treat hypertension among South Asians, particularly Indians, finds a study led by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The study, in partnership with the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC) and Imperial College London, UK, compared three widely used drug combinations: amlodipine plus perindopril, amlodipine plus indapamide, and perindopril plus indapamide. The first randomised trial to test three different two-drug combination pills among South Asians involved over 1,200 patients with uncontrolled hypertension across 32 hospitals in India. "All three combinations worked equally well in reducing blood pressure and were safe for patients,' revealed the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine. The findings showed that either of the two-drug combinations led to a significant drop in blood pressure after 6 months -- by around 14/8 mmHg when measured over 24 hours and about 30/14 mmHg in clinic settings. 'Nearly 70 per cent of patients got their blood pressure under control, a huge improvement over the current national average. And the pills were safe and easy to use. This study gives clear guidance for better hypertension care,' said Dr Ambuj Roy, Professor of Cardiology at AIIMS Delhi. 'This study shows that a single daily pill with two drugs can be a simple and powerful way to manage blood pressure in Indian and South Asian patients,' said Dr Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director of CCDC. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the leading risk factor for death worldwide and affects over 300 million people in India alone. Treating it early and effectively can prevent heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Doctors often recommend starting with two medications in one pill to control blood pressure better and help patients stick to treatment. But until now, no large study had tested which combinations worked best for South Asians, who make up a quarter of the world's population. The results revealed that nearly 70 per cent of patients with any of the dual drug therapy reached the recommended blood pressure target of below 140/90 mmHg -- five times higher than India's current average control rate. Less than 3 per cent of patients reported side effects serious enough to stop treatment. 'These findings can help guide doctors and policymakers. If added to India's list of essential medicines and made available at primary health centres, these pills could greatly improve blood pressure control in the country,' Prabhakaran said.