Health Matters Newsletter: 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.
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News18
2 hours ago
- News18
Is It True That Dengue Mosquitoes Only Bite In The Morning?
Last Updated: In the fight against dengue, accurate information is as important as medical care because prevention begins with knowledge. Hospitals have seen a rapid surge in dengue cases in recent times. With this rising trend comes a common question: Do dengue mosquitoes really bite only in the morning? Dr Ajay Nair, Sr Consultant, Internal Medicine, Narayana Hospital, Jaipur shares all you need to know: Understanding Dengue and Its Carrier Dengue fever is caused by the bite of mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus (DENV) and is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These vectors are well-adapted to urban environments, thriving in stagnant water around homes, offices, and public spaces. Once infected, the mosquito can remain a carrier for its lifetime, transmitting the virus to humans every time it bites. Unlike malaria, which is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes active at night, Aedes mosquitoes cannot be linked to a single time frame, as their biting patterns vary. This often causes confusion about the timing of their bites. The Feeding Habits: Science Over Assumptions The peak activity of the Aedes aegypti mosquito has been recorded in the early morning and late afternoon, as documented in multiple entomological studies, including those published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme of India. The highest activity typically occurs for about two hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset. However, their bites do not occur only in the morning. While early daylight hours see the most concentrated activity, Aedes mosquitoes can bite throughout the day, particularly in shaded indoor areas with low light. Dengue cases typically rise during the monsoon, when breeding sites multiply and mosquito activity remains high almost throughout the day until evening. This flexibility increases the chances of virus transmission, especially in densely populated areas. Clearing the Misconception The belief that dengue mosquitoes bite only in the morning likely stems from early observations showing higher bite counts after sunrise. While this is statistically accurate as a trend, it is not the whole picture. People are still at risk during other active hours, particularly in the late afternoon and early evening. Prevention: Beyond the Clock Since the Aedes mosquito's activity is not limited to one specific time of day, dengue prevention must be a continuous effort. Medical recommendations from Narayana Health Hospital include: Controlling the surroundings Make it a habit to empty stagnant water from containers such as flower pots, buckets, utensils in the sink, discarded tyres, and open storage tanks. Frequently change water in plant trays and bird baths, and always cover stored water. Remember, Aedes mosquitoes breed in clean water too. Installing physical barriers Use mesh screens for doors and windows, wear long-sleeved clothing, and keep doors closed during peak mosquito activity. Using repellents Apply mosquito repellent creams or sprays on exposed skin every few hours during daylight, not just in the morning. Alternatively, use mosquito nets. Community action Participate in neighbourhood clean-up drives to remove puddles and water collected in discarded items. Fumigation can also help reduce mosquito populations. Prevention during travel When visiting dengue-hit areas or places experiencing heavy rains, ensure you are protected from bites regardless of the time of day. Why Awareness Matters Millions worldwide suffer from the effects of dengue fever, with India bearing a significant share of the global burden. Misunderstanding mosquito behaviour can lead to carelessness, inadvertently increasing infection rates. The idea that dengue mosquitoes bite exclusively in the morning oversimplifies their complex behaviour. While Aedes aegypti activity may peak just after sunrise and before sunset, bites can occur at other times too. Public health protection relies not on a specific 'danger hour," but on vigilance from dawn to dusk. By consistently following preventive measures, individuals and communities can significantly reduce transmission. In the fight against dengue, accurate information is as important as medical care because prevention begins with knowledge. 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.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Quality Water Tanks and Their Role in Protecting Your Family's Health
Most households focus on the water quality that they get from the tap. In almost every house, the filters are in place. The water looks clean. But storage is where problems often begin, specifically, the rooftop tank. Contaminants can get collected without notice and can be quite harmful. Over time, they enter the daily supply. Quality Water Tanks and Their Role in Protecting Your Family's Health The World Health Organization reports around 37.7 million cases of waterborne illness every year in India. These aren't isolated issues. They're part of a broader, ongoing risk that's often overlooked at the source. So, what's the actual issue? Let's find out! From Source to Sip: The Contamination Gap Municipal water, even if treated, can easily become re-contaminated once it is stored in a sub-standard tank. Bacterial regrowth is noticed in tanks with poor hygiene, while micro-cracks in plastic bodies can form slime (bacterial colonies that can't be seen with the naked eye). Many times, scrap material is used for making water tanks, which may have a serious effect on stored water due to its substandard quality and chemical exposure. Exposure to intense Indian sunlight and harmful UV rays can degrade the water further that is stored in inferior plastic tanks. Anatomy of a 'Good' Water Tank: 5 Non-Negotiables for Safe Storage Food-Grade Virgin Raw Material: Virgin food grade plastic ensures that water doesnt come in contact with harmful surfaces and chemicals that may have an undesirable effect on health. Virgin food grade plastic ensures that water doesnt come in contact with harmful surfaces and chemicals that may have an undesirable effect on health. Multi-Layer structure : The best tanks feature an outer UV-stabilised shell, middle thermal insulation layers, and an inner anti-bacterial layer. Multiple layers ensure that the temperature of stored water is maintained. : The best tanks feature an outer UV-stabilised shell, middle thermal insulation layers, and an inner anti-bacterial layer. Multiple layers ensure that the temperature of stored water is maintained. Quality and Durability: Durability ensures a long life of the water tank, making it a quality and hassle-free affair. Durability ensures a long life of the water tank, making it a quality and hassle-free affair. Seamless, Stress-Free Body : Tanks made via blow or rotational moulding have no joints or welds, minimising micro-cracks where bacteria can hide. : Tanks made via blow or rotational moulding have no joints or welds, minimising micro-cracks where bacteria can hide. Smart Design Features: Modern water tanks are now engineered for both convenience and safety. Sturdy base plates ensure easy and secure installation on any rooftop. Integrated hooks make lifting and positioning the tank hassle-free during setup and maintenance. For protection, an advanced locking mechanism on the cover keeps dust, pests, and contaminants out while also preventing water theft. Use non-corrosive plumbing materials to prevent leaks, rust, and chemical contamination, ensuring water remains clean and safe throughout its journey from the tank to your taps. Innovation on the Rooftop: The Supreme Way Innovation on the Rooftop: The Supreme Way Supreme's multi-layer tanks set the standard, combining food-grade HDPE raw materials with anti-bacterial properties and robust UV stabilisation, all compliant with IS 12701. The tanks are made using roto-moulding and blow-moulding technology and 100% virgin food-grade raw materials. According to Supreme's R&D head, 'Our water tanks offer best-in-class antibacterial properties, thermal insulation, and all-weather resistance, ensuring unmatched peace of mind.' Supreme offers an outstanding range of water storage tanks designed for superior quality, safety, and convenience across residential, commercial, and industrial needs. Their tanks are made from 100% virgin, food-grade raw materials, ensuring durability and efficiency over the years of use. Supreme's portfolio includes options with 2, 3, 4, and advanced 5-layer structures, each crafted for specific safety and performance advantages. The highlight of the range is the Weathershield tank, which uses a 5-layer design to deliver exceptional all-weather protection, antibacterial safety, and unmatched strength. Unique features like integrated water level indicators, inbuilt locking covers for security, pump controller support, pre-made base plates, and lifting hooks drastically ease installation and daily management. For extra peace of mind, Supreme offers Coppershield tanks with an inner layer infused with copper for advanced antibacterial protection and four-layer ruggedness. Ecosil tanks bring added UV resistance and maintenance-free reliability using high-grade HDPE material. What Doctors, Plumbers, and BIS Auditors Say A Mumbai paediatrician warns, 'We see a 1.5-fold increase in waterborne illnesses during the monsoon.' Plumbers emphasise the importance of a stable tank foundation and non-corrosive plumbing to prevent leaks and contamination. Regulatory bodies are stepping up too: the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is pushing for compulsory ISI marks on all water tanks by 2026. Two-Step Annual Check-Up Check lids, vents, and overflow pipes for signs of pest entry. Drain and inspect your tank twice every year. Conclusion Water tanks are key to the good health of your family. Ensure that you use premium, high-quality water tanks made from virgin food-grade raw material. After all, the first line of defence for your family's health is the silent sentinel overhead. Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Social media user loses a part of her hearing because of AirPods; cautions against prolonged use; 'I have to live the rest of my life....'
AirPods, or any form of ear pieces, are a great tool to listen to music, movies, or just focus better at work. To top it all, they also come with noise cancellation features that block a major part of outdoor noise such as traffic, construction work etc, making working at home easy and seamless. However, their prolonged use might trigger some adverse effects as well. Loss in hearing Social media user Prachi Patel took to her IG handle to share a 'janhit mein jaari' message. According to Prachi, she had been using AirPods since a year, along with their noise cancellation feature, that creates a bit of suction. With overuse, this suction weakened the nerves of her middle ear (an air-filled cavity located between the eardrum, and the inner ear), resulting in her losing 20% hearing from one ear, and 35% in the other. To make matters worse, she also suffers from Tinnitus now, which is the perception of sound in the ears or head, when no external sound is present. Both conditions are largely irreversible. Prachi, while lamenting that she has to live with this for the 'rest of her life', urged people to not use any sort of ear piece for a long time. What caused Prachi's condition The continuous use of AirPods with noise cancellation technology, could potentially harm your hearing and trigger tinnitus when users overuse these devices. Let's see how... How noise cancelling works in AirPods AirPods use microphones, along with speakers, to eliminate external noise through wave generation, which produces opposite sound waves. You can listen to music or podcasts at normal volumes in noisy environments, without needing to increase the volume. Using this technology allows you to protect your ears since it enables you to hear sounds at softer volumes. The technology delivers better sound quality while decreasing stress that comes from noisy environments, for numerous users. Risks of listening at high volumes However, the primary hearing danger from AirPods with ANC (noise cancellation) emerges, when users listen at high volumes for extended durations. According to the World Health Organization, permanent hearing damage occurs when you expose your ears to sounds equal to, or louder than 85 decibels during prolonged periods. Users might increase the volume to dangerous levels even though noise cancellation works, because they believe the lack of external sounds makes it safe. The process of listening at high volumes for extended periods can cause permanent damage to the sensitive hair cells inside your inner ear, resulting in gradual hearing deterioration. Hearing loss from ear pressure and overuse Long-term AirPods usage with noise cancellation, creates pressure sensations within the ear canal. The ANC technology generates opposing sound waves to external noises, which creates ear pressure effects similar to flying. The ear pressure produced by these devices is generally harmless, but may lead to headaches, ear fullness or cause discomfort. The tight fit of AirPods during extended use makes these symptoms worse for particular users. Your ears become exhausted through continuous usage without interruptions, which may result in hearing fatigue that progresses into damage if left untreated. Can lead to tinnitus as well Tinnitus refers to the experience of hearing ringing, buzzing or high-pitched tones that exist without actual external sounds. Several users have mentioned that using noise-cancelling AirPods during extended periods, sometimes causes tinnitus or makes the condition worse. The closed ear canal during ANC use, might lead to increased sound sensitivity or altered brain noise processing. People who continuously block out background noises during the day may become more sensitive to sudden noises, or develop persistent ringing in their ears. The background sounds generated by AirPods temporarily help mask tinnitus symptoms, but using these devices excessively or at high volumes actually makes tinnitus symptoms worse. Not just AirPods Hearing loss together with tinnitus, presents danger to listeners beyond just using AirPods or noise-cancelling earbuds. The same hearing risks exist for various types of earphones and headphones including wired and wireless earbuds, and over-the-ear headphones. Any earphone usage at high volume frequencies has been proven to elevate the risk of hearing damage and tinnitus regardless of the specific brand or type. Preventive measures To minimise AirPods-related risks, users should maintain sound levels under 85 decibels, while also taking periodic breaks for ear relaxation. Users can decrease ear pressure by adjusting their AirPod fit, and should refrain from continuous long-term use to prevent both short-term discomfort, and long-term hearing damage. Reference and Study Links: "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
