Safeguarding the windows to the soul
It's one of the most common surgeries performed, a procedure that practically everyone has heard of and perhaps one that most of us will have to undergo, but cataract surgeries are still not available and accessible to all -- cataracts continue to account for about 40% of all cases of existing blindness, and in India, remain the leading cause of blindness.
In fact, as of 2023, the World Health Organization estimated that only 17% of people with vision impairment due to cataract have received access to an appropriate intervention. This, despite the surgery being one of the safest and least resource-intensive of procedures. We take our vision for granted most times, never really thinking about our eyes or how they work despite their being crucial to every aspect of our lives, but this June, observed as Cataract Awareness Month, is as good time a time as any, to learn and understand more about them. And to this end, we have two stories on cataract for you: Dr. S. Soundari explains the hows and whys of cataracts and the surgery required, and Dr. C. Aravinda and Dr. Sangeetha Raja give you a glimpse of the history and the evolution of the procedure that is now used to treat millions.
Speaking of surgeries, here are a few more stories of interest, delving into medical procedures for the brain and spine: Dr. Ari G. Chacko explores advances in brain tumour care, while Dr. G. Sudhir and Dr. K. Karthik Kailash explain how minimally invasive spine surgery has transformed the landscape of spinal care.
But in all of the excitement over the latest in medical science, the progress in technology and the potential promise of AI, it is crucial to not forget the basics: ensuring the health of mother and baby. And not only are we still some distance away from achieving optimal care for all mothers and babies in India, climate change is now emerging as an increased threat to the health of both. Take this into consideration: despite overall progress over the last 30 years, an analysis (published in the British Medical Journal Global Health) has found that cases of low weight at birth from four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal -- account for nearly half of India's cases. Having a low birth weight -- under 2.5 kg -- has been linked with problems in the child's cognitive development and a vulnerability to chronic conditions in later life. To add to this existing issue is the burden of extreme heat: I podcast with Prof Jane Hirst about how high temperatures -- which India now faces on a regular basis -- impact pregnancy outcomes.
Talking of maternal health, C. Mayareports that Kerala still has the lowest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the country despite some latest data revealing figures that the State disputes. And in Tamil Nadu, P. V. Srividya writes, the government's Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation system has helped exposechild marriages.
Maternal health isn't just crucial at the time of pregnancy: Athira Elssa Johnsondecodes a study that found that domestic violence perpetrated on mothers was linked with higher depressive disorders amongst their teen children, highlighting again, the vital need to safeguard the health of mothers -- as this is intrinsically linked with the health of the next generation.
One more story on newborns that can have far-reaching implication if made into policy is this study by the Indian Council of Medical Research that found post-birth diagnosis, resulting in early treatment, could substantially improve the quality of life and reduce mortality in patients with sickle cell disease -- from the reported current 20 to 30% to less than 5%. If you're wondering what sickle cell disease is, do read this explainer. Internationally too, there's been some focus on this area: British lawmakers have debated proposals to decriminalise abortion amid concerns that police are using antiquated laws to prosecute women who end their own pregnancies.
Elsewhere around the globe, there's some good news, the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of pharma company Gilead Sciences' twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV -- a move the company hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against the sexually transmitted virus. Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent in adults and adolescents -- making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine.
Local news however, has been good, and not-so-good: while R. Prasadwrites on two existing drugs that offer hope to cure Russell's viper bites; Moyurie Som reports on the West Bengal Assembly passing a Bill on 'transparency' in medical costs in private facilities and Abhinay Lakshman details the Centre's plans to set up a National Tribal Health and Research Institute, Afshan Yasmeen speaks to the corresponding author of a research paper that has found that public health spending has not resulted in significant pro-poor services in India and S. Vijay Kumar finds that a report released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has revealed that the organ transplantation programme in the country has been crippled by multiple issues, especially insufficient funding, shortage of specialised doctors, and procedural delays.
Here's a quick round-up of the Covid-19 situation: cases are dipping, despite social media buzz about the 'razor blade' Covid variant, but even so, the ICMR has introduced its first high-performance computing facility at its National Institute of Virology (NIV) facility in Pune to boost genomic storage and analysis, aiding faster detection of new disease threats and more efficient response to outbreaks.
Our tailpiece for the week is this story by Dr. Vid Karmarkar and Jitendra Chouksey on why alcohol regulation in India needs a national framework and policy.
Once again, we have a healthy list of explainers this week, do dive in when you find the time:
Dr. Arunima Ray writes on understanding albinism in the Indian context
Dr. Javeed Zabiullah explains why the world needs to embrace neurodiversity
Dr. V. Madhumitha busts myths around vitiligo
Dr. Raman Goel writes on the importance of changing mindsets and narratives around obesity
Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan details the need to screen for kidney cancer after 40
Anirban Mukhopadhyay breaks down a study on making CAR T-cells in vivo for cancer care
If you want to know about DNA analysis, click here
As part of our 'all you need to know' series, here is an explainer on the world's rarest blood group, Gwada negative, and one on clinical trials
And finally, here is why chronic pain must be part of suicide risk assessments
For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Breaking India's Non Communicable Diseases Chain: A Call For Freedom From Chronic Diseases
Noncommunicable diseases silently claim millions of Indian lives each year, but with early action, prevention, and awareness, the country can break this deadly chain. Every Independence Day, we drape ourselves in the tricolour, sing the anthem, and remind each other how hard freedom was won. But for millions of Indians living with chronic illnesses, true freedom remains out of reach. Cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory illnesses, and diabetes collectively called noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) now account for 62% of all deaths in Southeast Asia, according to the World Health Organization. Every year, nine million people in the region die from these conditions, many before their 70th birthday. Dr Sabine Kapasi, CEO at Enira Consulting, Founder of ROPAN Healthcare, and UN Advisor shares all you need to know: The threat is not only in the staggering numbers, it lies in the way these diseases silently take root. Poor diets, inactivity, pollution, and genetic predisposition create a slow, invisible chain of damage. By the time symptoms are recognised, it is often too late to reverse them. Yet, most premature NCD deaths are preventable. The COVID-19 surge in May 2021 made this painfully clear. Obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions sharply increased the risk of death. Thousands who might have survived the virus did not because their bodies were already weakened by diseases they had been silently managing for years. Globally, NCDs claim 41 million lives annually, including 14 million people aged 30 to 70. Without urgent action, the WHO warns this could rise to 55 million by 2030. For India, the stakes are also economic: reports estimate a loss of $4.58 trillion by 2030 due to NCD-related costs, with heart disease and mental health conditions making up the largest share. But there is hope. India's preventive health ecosystem is growing—startups, government programmes, and grassroots health workers are joining forces. Metabolic trackers, Oura Rings, Tata 1mg dashboards, and workplace health screenings are already spotting risks early. If we sustain this momentum, by 2047 we could win freedom from preventable diseases, redefining independence as the ability to live well. The Government's '75/25" initiative aims to bring care to 75 million people with hypertension and diabetes by December 2025. As of March 2025, treatment had reached 42 million people for hypertension and 25 million for diabetes 89% of the target. This progress is encouraging, but numbers alone cannot dismantle stigma, misinformation, or health neglect. Encouragingly, AIIMS Nagpur and UNICEF Maharashtra are now addressing an often-ignored crisis: NCDs in children. The 2019 Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey revealed alarming trends among children as young as five. Experts warn of a growing risk among children aged 5–9 and adolescents aged 10–19, proof that prevention must begin far earlier than we think. The fight against NCDs is no longer a public health issue alone, it is a national movement. Just as we once came together to win our political freedom, we must now unite to secure the freedom to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
4 hours ago
- Mint
Not all heart attacks are ‘dramatic': Cardiologist shares life-saving daily habits
Heart attack cases — which earlier were seen largely in adults — have now registered a sharp rise among people in their 40s and even younger individuals. The spike in cases has triggered panic, with many speculating about the causes and fuelling a wave of myths. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) — disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease — are the leading cause of death globally, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. A common misconception, experts say, is that being slim automatically means being fit. Dr Vishal Garg, a leading heart specialist at Jeewan Mala Hospital, Karol Bagh, spoke at length about the behavioural risk factors for heart disease, among other issues. According to Dr Garg, many slim individuals carry high levels of visceral fat — the dangerous fat stored around organs. 'It leads to chronic inflammation, which is a major risk factor for heart disease,' he explained. Stress is another silent culprit. 'Perhaps the most overlooked danger is chronic stress,' Dr Garg warned. 'Long-term stress causes inflammation and plaque build-up in arteries. This is often made worse by unhealthy coping mechanisms like stress eating, drinking, and avoiding exercise.' Heart attacks are not always 'dramatic'. 'Many are 'silent,' with subtle symptoms that are easy to miss,' Dr Garg said. These include: Vague chest discomfort — often mistaken for heartburn or a muscle strain. Pain in other areas — arms, back, neck, or jaw, which is particularly common in women. Sudden fatigue — unexplained exhaustion. Shortness of breath — even without chest pain. Other symptoms — cold sweats, light-headedness, or nausea. 'For diabetic patients, there may be no typical symptom, just a vague feeling,' he added. While supplements, smartwatches, and viral fitness challenges have become increasingly popular, Dr Garg urges caution. 'Supplements often lack scientific proof and aren't well-regulated,' he said. 'Smartwatch ECGs can't diagnose a heart attack or blocked arteries — they only detect certain heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation. And fitness challenges can push people into overexertion, especially with undiagnosed conditions.' 'You don't need a gym or fancy equipment,' Dr Garg said. His prescription for a healthy heart is straightforward: Movement — A brisk 30-minute walk most days, or bodyweight exercises such as squats and press-ups. Nutrition — A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; cut back on salt, sugar, and processed snacks. Stress & sleep — Deep breathing, mindfulness, and 7–9 hours of sleep each night. 'Connecting with friends and family is also a powerful way to reduce stress,' he noted. His message is clear: 'Your Body Mass Index (BMI) isn't everything. Don't let your size fool you into thinking your heart is safe.' Body Mass Index is a numerical value calculated using a person's weight and height to estimate whether they are underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
What happens to your lungs after one year in a highly polluted city like Delhi
If you've been living in Delhi for a year or more, chances are your lungs have already started to feel the impact, even if you're otherwise healthy. Delhi's air quality, especiallyduring the winter months, routinely crosses alarmingly high pollution levels. PM2.5, fine particulate matter known to infiltrate deep into the lungs, often climbs beyond 255 μg/m³, occasionally touching 400–500 μg/m³ during smog episodes. For context, India's own safe limit, under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), is 40 μg/m³. So what does this mean for your lungs after one year in the capital? The data on Delhi air Several health studies suggest a worrying trend. A recent comparative analysis showed that 40.3% of Delhi residents have reduced lung function — double the rate observed in areas with significantly cleaner air. One particularly striking figure: 2.2 million children in Delhi are already showing signs of lung damage. Nearly one in three children suffers from some form of respiratory difficulty. Adults aren't spared either. Even those without pre-existing conditions report more frequent respiratory infections, shortness of breath, and a lingering cough that simply doesn't go away. In fact, the likelihood of developing chronic respiratory symptoms in Delhi is 1.7 times higher than in places like Pauri Garhwal, a region with far cleaner air. Pollution alters your lungs In the first few months of exposure, symptoms might be mild — a sore throat, an occasional wheeze, or a nagging cold. But over time, the lungs adapt in ways that aren't healthy. Medical specialists warn that by the 4–8 month mark, the lungs are in a state of chronic inflammation. They're working harder to filter the air, leading to cellular changes that can impair function. By the end of a full year, long-term exposure sets in. Lung capacity decreases, particularly in children and older adults. For those with asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), this can mean more frequent flare-ups and hospital visits. Some research even indicates that exposure to these levels of air pollution can reduce overall lung growth in children — an effect that may be irreversible. Air pollution and cancer While most people associate Delhi's air with coughing and wheezing, there's a darker and more permanent consequence — cancer. According to the World Health Organization and the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer), air pollution is now classified as a Group 1 carcinogen — in the same category as tobacco. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and other pollutants has been directly linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, especially in non-smokers. In fact, studies suggest that in heavily polluted urban environments, non-smokers can face nearly the same risk of developing lung cancer as light smokers. Emerging research has also found possible associations between air pollution and other cancers, including bladder, breast, and even childhood leukaemia, although more data is needed on the subject. Delhi's rising cancer incidence, particularly lung cancer in non-smoking individuals, mirrors global patterns seen in cities with poor air quality. Who is most at risk? While everyone breathes the same air, certain groups are more vulnerable. These include: children, whose lungs are still developing; elderly individuals, often with pre-existing heart or lung conditions; pregnant women, due to potential impacts on foetal development; asthmatics and COPD patients, who experience more severe reactions and urban non-smokers, now facing rising lung cancer rates due to prolonged pollutant exposure. What you can do Moving out of Delhi is not an option for many. There are however, some practical measures you can take to protect your lungs. These include: staying indoors on high pollution days, especially early mornings and evenings; using air purifiers at home, preferably with HEPA filters; wearing N95/N99 masks when going outside — surgical masks simply don't offer enough protection; monitoring your health by perhaps considering an annual lung function test, especially if symptoms persist; eating smart with a diet rich in antioxidants — think fruits, vegetables, and nuts — that may help reduce inflammation caused by pollutants and avoiding smoking or passive smoke as when combined with air pollution, the cancer risk multiplies. The bigger picture Air pollution contributes to an estimated 1.5 million premature deaths in India each year, including deaths due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, strokes — and increasingly, cancer. Delhi's authorities have introduced the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and are promoting electric vehicles and cleaner fuel standards. While these are steps in the right direction, change will be slow. In the meantime, protecting your health is a personal responsibility. If you've spent a year in Delhi and notice changes in your breathing, stamina, or general health, don't dismiss these symptoms as 'just the weather.' They may be early signs of something bigger. Consult a healthcare provider, especially if you have a persistent cough, chest discomfort, or unexplained fatigue. Stay informed about the air quality index (AQI). Make your home a clean-air zone. And above all, don't ignore what your body is trying to tell you: your lungs may not get a second chance. (Dr. Raajit Chanana, Senior Consultant, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, Delhi. drraajitchanana@
