SAST helpline to attend Covid calls too
Well-placed sources in the department on Wednesday confirmed that the SAST helpline 1800-425-8330 will be directed to receive Covid-related calls. This comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that a Covid helpline would be set up to support the public.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
14 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
‘Kill that woman': Shocking 2021 audio of Maharashtra doctor on Covid patient prompts probe
Maharashtra police have registered an FIR against a senior government doctor for allegedly instructing another medic to "kill" a Covid-19 patient during the second wave of the crisis in 2021. The accused, Dr Shashikant Deshpande, who was the additional district surgeon at Udgir Government Hospital during the second wave of the pandemic, was caught in an audio clip, which surfaced online earlier this month, according to news agency PTI. The clip, which went viral on social media, allegedly captured a conversation between Dr Deshpande and Dr Shashikant Dange. In the audio, the doctor can be heard saying, 'Don't allow anyone to go inside, just kill that Dayami woman.' The patient in question, Kausar Fatima, was admitted with Covid-19 symptoms on April 15, 2021, and later recovered after a 10-day stay. Kausar survived. Her husband, Dayami Ajimoddin Gaussoddin, has now registered a formal police complaint, saying he was present when the alleged conversation took place. As per the FIR, Gaussoddin said he overheard the call while sitting beside Dr Dange, who had placed the phone on speaker while eating lunch. Deshpande allegedly not only made the shocking "kill" comment but also used caste-based slurs, which Gaussoddin said caused him deep emotional and religious hurt. Latur police, who have begun a probe into the matter, have seized Dr Deshpande's mobile phone and issued a notice to him. His statement is currently being recorded, Inspector Dilip Gade told PTI. He added that the authenticity of the audio clip is under forensic examination. "Dr Dange is out of the district and will come tomorrow. After that, we will collect his mobile phone and conduct an inquiry," Gade said. The case has been filed under sections pertaining to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings, among other serious charges.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
The gut-hormone connection: Understanding how digestive health impacts female hormonal balance
The human gut, housing approximately 40 trillion microbes, serves as far more than a digestive organ—it functions as a complex ecosystem that fundamentally influences hormonal health, particularly in women. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This intricate relationship between gut health and female hormones creates a bidirectional pathway where imbalances in one system significantly affect the other, impacting everything from menstrual cycles to mood regulation. The Science Behind the Gut-Hormone Axis At the heart of this connection lies the estrobolome, a specialized collection of gut bacteria responsible for metabolizing estrogens. These bacteria produce β-glucuronidase, an enzyme that determines whether estrogen is recycled within the body or properly eliminated. When gut bacteria become imbalanced—a condition known as dysbiosis—this delicate process becomes disrupted, potentially leading to excess estrogen or estrogen dominance. This hormonal imbalance manifests in various ways, contributing to common conditions like premenstrual syndrome (PMS), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Additionally, chronic gut issues such as irritable bowel syndrome or leaky gut syndrome can trigger systemic inflammation and elevate cortisol levels, further disrupting the delicate balance between progesterone and estrogen. How Gut Issues Affect Hormonal Health Several gut-related conditions directly impact hormonal regulation. Leaky gut syndrome allows toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that disrupts hormone production. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) interferes with nutrient absorption and hormone detoxification processes. Perhaps most significantly, constipation prevents proper estrogen elimination, causing the hormone to be reabsorbed and potentially leading to estrogen dominance. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Reverse Effect: How Hormones Impact Digestion The relationship works both ways. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle directly affect gut motility and sensitivity. During the luteal phase, elevated progesterone slows digestion, often causing bloating and constipation. Major hormonal transitions like pregnancy and menopause can alter gut microbiota composition, affecting both digestion and inflammatory responses. PMS and the Gut Connection For women experiencing PMS, the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in symptom severity. Dysbiosis can lead to estrogen dominance, triggering mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, and heavy periods. The gut's role in neurotransmitter production is equally important—approximately 90% of serotonin, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is produced in the gut. A disrupted microbiome can reduce serotonin levels, contributing to PMS-related mood symptoms including irritability, anxiety, and depression. PCOS: A Complex Gut-Hormone Interaction Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) demonstrates another dimension of the gut-hormone relationship. Women with PCOS often experience insulin resistance, which gut dysbiosis can worsen by increasing systemic inflammation and impairing glucose metabolism. The condition is also associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, where a disrupted gut barrier allows endotoxins to enter the bloodstream, exacerbating PCOS symptoms and contributing to elevated androgen levels. Practical Strategies for Supporting Gut and Hormonal Health Supporting both systems requires a comprehensive approach focusing on nutrition and lifestyle modifications. Fiber-rich foods like leafy greens, oats, flaxseeds, and berries help regulate blood sugar while supporting beneficial gut bacteria and assisting in excess estrogen elimination. Fermented foods including yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi boost beneficial bacteria, while anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, ginger, and fatty fish help reduce systemic inflammation. Magnesium-rich foods like pumpkin seeds and spinach support mood regulation, reduce cramps, and promote bowel regularity. Prebiotic foods including garlic, onions, and bananas fuel beneficial gut bacteria, while limiting sugar and refined carbohydrates helps reduce inflammation and support insulin sensitivity. Beyond nutrition, lifestyle factors play crucial roles. Regular exercise, particularly resistance training and moderate cardio, improves insulin sensitivity and gut motility while supporting hormone regulation. Adequate sleep supports both hormone balance and gut healing, while stress management through practices like yoga and meditation helps maintain healthy cortisol levels. The gut-hormone connection represents a fundamental aspect of women's health that extends far beyond digestion. By understanding this relationship and implementing targeted dietary and lifestyle strategies, women can support both their digestive and hormonal health, potentially reducing symptoms of PMS and PCOS while improving overall quality of life. The key lies in recognizing that optimal health requires nurturing this intricate ecosystem through consistent, holistic care. ( Dr. Narasimhaiah Srinivasaiah, Sr. Consultant - Colorectal Surgery, Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta )
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Ministry of Health: Know TB symptoms, get tested without delay
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of India's major public health challenges, despite being a preventable and curable disease. The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. Early detection is key to successful treatment and preventing the spread of the collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, here's a breakdown of key symptoms to watch out for and why early medical intervention cough for more than two weeks A chronic cough that doesn't improve over two weeks is a classic sign of TB. It may start dry and later produce phlegm. In some cases, it can lead to severe chest and unexplained weight lossOne of the hallmark symptoms of TB is sudden weight loss without any lifestyle or dietary changes. The body's metabolism speeds up as it fights the infection, leading to noticeable weight in sputum (Hemoptysis)Coughing up blood or blood-tinged sputum is a serious symptom and should not be ignored. It suggests the infection is affecting the lungs more pain or discomfortPain in the chest while breathing or coughing may occur, often due to inflammation in the lung linings. This symptom requires immediate evaluation, especially when paired with coughing and breathlessness. advertisement Recent physical changesTB can sometimes bring about visible and internal physical changes, such as fatigue, skin pallor, or altered breathing patterns. These signs may seem subtle, but are important to feversA fever that spikes in the evening is a telltale symptom of TB. Unlike typical viral fevers, TB-related fevers are often low-grade but sweatsExcessive sweating during the night, even in cooler weather or air-conditioned environments, can be a symptom of TB. These episodes may soak clothing or bed and weaknessGeneral tiredness, even without exertion, is another red flag. Many TB patients report feeling weak or unable to carry out everyday or lumps in the bodyTB can also affect lymph nodes or other organs, causing painless swellings or lumps. These can appear in the neck, underarms, or groin and should be checked by a or chronic illnessThose already dealing with other health issues or a compromised immune system are at a higher risk of TB. People living with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or malnutrition are particularly is curable with timely and complete treatment, usually involving a 6-month course of antibiotics. Early detection is crucial to breaking the chain of transmission. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, visit a health facility and get Watch
