
Support systems key to improving breastfeeding rates and maternal health, say experts
S. Srinivasan, expert advisor to the National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu, said only 42% of Indian mothers breastfeed and cited a Spanish study showing that rate of breastfeeding increased with peer, professional, and family support. Uma Sekar, the institute's Vice-Chancellor, emphasised breastfeeding's impact on bonding and cancer prevention. K. Balaji Singh, dean, highlighted lactation support from labour rooms and a state-of-the-art human milk bank.
The campaign is being led by Latha Ravichandran, dean of education, along with the heads of obstetrics and gynaecology, neonatology, paediatrics, nursing and clinical nutrition.
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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Boiled eggs vs paneer cubes: Which works better as a protein snack?
When it comes to quick, protein-rich snacks, two options often top the list in Indian households — boiled eggs and paneer cubes. Both are widely loved for their convenience and high protein content, but how do they compare in terms of nutrition, satiety, and overall health benefits? Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and diabetes educator, tells 'When comparing 2 boiled eggs to 100 grams of paneer as protein snacks, both pack a serious nutritional punch, but with subtle differences. Two boiled eggs give you about 13 grams of protein, 10-11 grams of fat, and roughly 155-160 calories. Eggs are prized for their rich stores of vitamin B12, D, choline, and selenium. On the other hand, 100 grams of paneer offers a bit more protein — about 18 grams — but comes with a higher fat content (19-21 grams) and a calorie count closer to 265. Paneer excels as a source of calcium and phosphorus, making it great for bone health, although it's a bit lower in certain vitamins compared to eggs.' For those aiming to lose weight, Malhotra states, boiled eggs typically make a better snack. They're lower in calories and fat, helping you feel satisfied without adding too much to your daily intake. Eggs also deliver a complete, high-quality protein that keeps you feeling full, supporting muscle maintenance during weight loss. Paneer, being richer in both protein and calories, is fantastic for muscle building — especially for vegetarians or those looking to gain lean mass. 'The higher fat and calorie content in paneer can be a positive for those needing extra energy, but it may slow weight loss if not portioned thoughtfully,' states Malhotra. When it comes to how your body uses the protein from these foods, Malhotra shares that there are a few differences. 'Eggs provide a complete protein with all essential amino acids and boast excellent bioavailability — meaning your body absorbs and uses their protein very efficiently. Egg protein also digests quickly, making eggs ideal after a workout for muscle recovery.' Paneer, meanwhile, is rich in casein protein, which digests more slowly and provides a steady supply of amino acids, supporting muscle repair over a longer period, such as overnight. However, those with lactose intolerance should be cautious, as paneer may cause discomfort, concludes Malhotra. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.


India.com
2 hours ago
- India.com
Meet woman, married to Indian billionaire who had Rs 200000000000 net worth, but sold his Rs 12000 crore company for just Rs 74 due to...
Chandrakumari Shetty is the wife of embattled former billionaire BR Shetty. (File) Dr. Chandrakumari Shetty, the wife of disgraced Indian-born billionaire Dr. BR Shetty, established the New Medical Center Health (NMC)– the first private healthcare provider in the UAE– in Dubai in 1975. During its initial years, Chandrakumari was the only doctor at the hospital and managed the entire facility by herself. However, NMC has grown into the UAE's largest private healthcare provider today, with over four million patients annually across its 45 facilities spread over 12 cities and 8 countries, including UAE, KSA, Oman, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Colombia, and Brazil. Who is BR Shetty? Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty, or BR Shetty as he is popularly known, was born in a middle-income home in Udupi, Madras Presidency, then British India (now Karnataka, India), on August 1, 1942, and at the age of 31, immigrated to the Dubai in 1973 in search of better opportunities. According to media reports, BR Shetty, who started his career as a medical representative, arrived in Dubai with just $8 to his name, and began working as a door-to-door salesman, selling medicines. However, within a brief span of time, Shetty developed contacts with several wealthy and influential people, and a few years later, established UAE's first private healthcare provider, New Medical Center Health (NMC), in Dubai. was once counted among the wealthiest people on the planet, ranking on the Forbes list of India's 100 Richest People in 2015, and the 42nd richest person in 2019. What led to BR Shetty's downfall? After establishing NMC, BR Shetty started to diversify his businesses and investments, ranging from health, finance, to real estate, and capital investment. Shetty's successful business ventures resulted in him amassing a large, and at one point, he had a net worth of $3 billion (around Rs 20,000 crore), earning him a spot on the Forbes list of India's 100 Richest People in 2015, and the 42nd richest person in 2019. The Indian-born business tycoon lived a life of opulence, owned private jets and a fleet of Rolls Royce vehicles, and even bought two entire floors in the lavish Burj Khalifa, besides several luxurious villas across Dubai. However, destiny had a cruel fate in store for BR Shetty, when in 2019 , Muddy Waters Research levelled damning allegations against his companies. In a post on X (former Twitter), the US-based short-seller posted a report revealing that Shetty's firm owed a $1 billion debt which was kept secret from the company's investors. In its report, Muddy Waters Research alleged that Shetty had hid the debt from his investors and defrauded them by exaggerating cash flow figures. Following the allegations, the shares of Shetty's companies went into freefall, ultimately forcing him sell his Rs 12,478 crore company to the Israel-UAE consortium for just Rs 74. Who is Chandrakumari Shetty? Dr. Chandrakumari Shetty, the wife of embattled Dubai-based Indian billionaire BR Shetty, is a trained medical doctor by profession, who along with her husband, established the NMC, UAE's first private healthcare provider, which has today grown into a healthcare giant with 45 facilities spread over 12 cities and 8 countries, including UAE, KSA, Oman, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Colombia, and Brazil. Under Chandrakumari Shetty's leadership, NMC Health grew into the largest private healthcare company in the UAE, but following her husband's bankruptcy, she stepped down from her leadership role in the company in 2021, citing personal reasons.


Business Standard
3 hours ago
- Business Standard
Doctor-Engineer Duo Builds Purna AI to Detect Chronic Diseases Early
VMPL Gurugram (Haryana) [India], August 8: Gurugram-based Dr. Gitanjali Ramchandani and Siddhant Minocha have developed a new AI technology designed to detect chronic diseases years in advance. Their platform, Purna AI, identifies over 75 clinical and sub-clinical patterns using blood biomarkers, key genetic mutations, and smartwatch data. By going beyond standard diagnostic thresholds, Purna AI interprets subtle deviations and early trends that can signal the onset of chronic conditions such as metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, and several common types of cancer. The proprietary models are trained on large datasets and are tailored specifically for Indian biology and lifestyle factors. "The problem isn't just late diagnosis, it's missed opportunities," said Dr. Gitanjali. "Our goal is to give people a chance to course-correct early in life, not after damage is done." Dr. Gitanjali, who holds an MBBS, Master's in Neuroscience from King's College, London, and a Master's in Nutrition Science and Policy from Tufts University, USA, is the Chief Medical Officer at Purna AI. Siddhant Minocha, a repeat founder and technology leader, brings his experience in building scalable AI platforms to healthcare. "Our healthcare system is overburdened, and most people only engage with healthcare when something goes wrong. We're trying to reverse that by making early detection and management affordable and accessible." Purna AI is currently being piloted at their clinic on Golf Course Road in Gurugram, with plans to expand to 22 cities across India through a network of clinics. The team is also in talks with leading diagnostic labs and hospitals to integrate their engine into routine health checkups. Purna AI leverages HITL (Human-in-the-loop), and its results are validated by clinicians before being prescribed to patients or consumers. Talking about their journey, Siddhant explained how his strong family history of cardiac disease motivated him to change his future. Faced with limited guidance from doctors, he decided to take control of his health and address his risk factors directly. This experience ignited his passion for preventive healthcare and inspired him to start building Purna AI. Along the way, Siddhant met Dr. Gitanjali Ramchandani, a specialist in preventive healthcare with over 12 years of experience. Her research had focused on the link between nutrition and Alzheimer's disease, an insight now receiving growing recognition. United by a shared vision, Siddhant and Dr. Ramchandani joined forces to build Purna AI, aiming to create an AI-powered preventive healthcare ecosystem for India. With chronic diseases responsible for over 53% of deaths in India and most diagnoses happening too late, this innovation could signal a vital shift toward preventive care that works. Purna AI can also enable effective prevention in rural and low-income areas, where a single healthcare provider is often responsible for managing multiple diseases with overlapping symptoms. With early pattern recognition and clinical insights delivered through AI, even resource-limited settings can benefit from timely interventions.