Health Matters Newsletter: Safeguarding the windows to the soul
On cataract surgeries and the urgent need for access, brain and spine innovations, maternal health amidst rising heat, sickle cell care and more
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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Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Stuck at your desk? Sitting all day could be deadly. Study reveals how much exercise can save your life
If your day revolves around back-to-back Zoom calls, endless emails, and barely moving from your office chair, you're not alone — and not off the hook either. Scientists now say that while desk jobs may be the norm, they don't have to be a death sentence — provided you move, and move with purpose. A 2020 meta-analysis, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, has offered some tangible answers to the age-old question: how much exercise does it actually take to cancel out the effects of sitting all day? The 40-Minute Fix for 10-Hour Sitting Marathons According to the study, just 30 to 40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity per day can effectively balance out 10 hours of daily sedentary behavior. This isn't just a vague estimate — the research analyzed data from over 44,000 people across four countries, all of whom wore fitness trackers, making this one of the most objective assessments in the field to date. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Texas: New Roofing Tech Will Cut Roofings Costs in These Zips Metal Roof USA Learn More Undo The researchers concluded: "In active individuals doing about 30-40 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity, the association between high sedentary time and risk of death is not significantly different from those with low amounts of sedentary time." So, if you're pedaling on a cycle, walking briskly around your neighborhood, or even vigorously gardening for a good half hour, you're actively undoing the harm done by sitting through long workdays. You Might Also Like: Want to lose weight faster at the gym? Science reveals the most-effective workout order Small Movements, Big Wins While 30–40 minutes of movement is the sweet spot, experts emphasize that any activity counts. The research supports the idea that moving more — even standing periodically — can have a positive effect on health. So whether it's dancing in your kitchen, running after your toddler, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, every bit matters. In fact, this study was released alongside the World Health Organization's 2020 Global Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour. These guidelines recommend 150–300 minutes of moderate activity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity per week — perfectly aligned with the meta-analysis findings. Emmanuel Stamatakis, a lead researcher from the University of Sydney, underscored this in the report, noting: "People can still protect their health and offset the harmful effects of physical inactivity." Standing Up Is the First Step The WHO guidelines further suggest rethinking our everyday routines. Walking your dog, cleaning the house, or cycling to the grocery store are all easy, accessible ways to chip away at sedentary habits. If jumping into a 40-minute fitness regime feels overwhelming, researchers say — start small and build gradually. You Might Also Like: Think diet and exercise are enough? Ignoring this one thing still puts your health at risk Interestingly, the study authors acknowledged that there's still a lot to learn. Stamatakis added, "We are still not clear, for example, where exactly the bar for 'too much sitting' is. But this is a fast-paced field of research, and we will hopefully have answers in a few years' time." Takeaway for the Time-Starved Professional The verdict is clear: your desk job doesn't have to be your downfall. With just a 30–40-minute burst of activity daily, you can offset hours of stillness and significantly reduce health risks. So the next time you consider skipping that evening walk or spinning class, remember — your body's best defence against a sedentary lifestyle is movement. Even a little, done consistently, can keep you healthier and happier in the long run. So, stuck at a desk? Lace up your sneakers when the clock hits off. Your life may depend on it. You Might Also Like: Celebrity fitness trainer says mere workouts are not enough to lose weight. Check his pre- and post exercise meal plan
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- The Hindu
What Creatine supplementation can—and cannot—do, according to experts
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound produced in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, primarily stored in skeletal muscles, where it plays a crucial role in energy production during high-intensity activities. Widely known for enhancing athletic performance, especially in short bursts of strength-based exercises, creatine is commonly consumed as a supplement in powder (which can be mixed into drinks) or in capsule form, often following a loading and maintenance phase -- the loading phase involves consuming a higher dose of creatine for a short period to quickly saturate the muscles, followed by a maintenance phase with a lower dose to sustain those elevated levels. In recent years, creatinine has gained attention on social media for claims that it can improve memory, regulate blood sugar, and support brain and heart health. While some early studies suggest potential benefits beyond sports, experts urge caution, emphasising that creatine is not a miracle supplement and should not be taken casually. According to studies and the 2017 position stand of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), the safety of creatine use in sports and exercise is well established however, experts say that many of the broader health claims circulating on social media lack robust, large-scale population-based evidence. The World Health Organization (WHO), acknowledging the global rise in supplement use advises that supplements should never replace a balanced diet and must be taken under proper clinical guidance due to varying health needs and regulatory oversight across regions. The science behind Creatine and its role in the body Creatine plays a central role in energy production. According to Suparna Mukherjee, clinical nutrition & dietetics, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, the compound helps regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) -- the molecule that fuels almost all cellular activity. 'Each cell in our body has a limited store of ATP. During physically demanding moments, like lifting weights or running long distances, those stores deplete quickly. Creatine steps in as a support system, helping the cells generate more energy in real time,' she explains. Manisha Dassi, associate director of nephrology and kidney transplant at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, points out that around 50% of the creatine required by the body is synthesised internally by the liver, kidneys and pancreas using amino acids like arginine, glycine, and methionine. The other 50% typically comes from food sources, particularly animal products like chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy. However, even vegetarians can meet their creatine needs through plant-based foods rich in these amino acids. 'Foods like legumes, quinoa, pumpkin seeds and nuts help the body produce creatine naturally,' says Dr. Dassi. Current dietary guidelines suggest that adults require about 1 to 3 grams of creatine daily. 'Most healthy individuals can meet this requirement through a balanced diet. Supplementation is rarely needed for the general population,' Dr. Dassi adds. Creatine in sports and supplementation misconceptions While creatine has a reputation for aiding muscle recovery and performance in high-intensity sports, it is crucial to understand that supplementation is not advised for all athletes by default. 'Athletes may consider supplementation, but only under the supervision of a sports medicine physician and a clinical nutritionist,' Dr. Mukherjee stresses. This typically involves structured loading and maintenance phases based on individual needs and performance goals -- not random, over-the-counter usage. Dr. Dassi reiterates that Olympic athletes and high-performance individuals can meet their creatine requirements from food alone, and many vegetarian and vegan athletes have demonstrated peak performance without supplementation. Cognitive and metabolic health: what we know so far Social media buzz around creatine's potential benefits for brain health and metabolic conditions like Type 2 diabetes stems from preliminary research. 'Some small-scale studies suggest creatine may help in improving cognitive function in older adults or those experiencing mental fatigue or sleep deprivation,' says Reshma Aleem, senior clinical dietician at Rela Hospital, Chennai. 'There are also early findings that creatine, when combined with exercise, might support better glucose control in individuals with diabetes.' Vinitha Krishnan, chief clinical dietitian at SIMS Hospital, Chennai, adds that although science in this area is evolving, it is far from conclusive. 'Creatine may play a role in brain energy metabolism and cognitive support, particularly in ageing populations, but more long-term human studies are needed before we can make clinical recommendations,' she explains. From a neurology perspective, Shrivarthan R. of MGM Healthcare, Chennai, notes that creatine helps enhance mitochondrial function, which could benefit brain and pancreatic health. 'Some studies have shown modest improvements when creatine is used alongside other therapies in select neurological conditions. But again, it's adjunctive -- not a replacement for conventional treatments,' he says. Debunking myths and call for caution on usage As interest in creatine grows among the non-athletic population, experts warn against self-prescription. 'Just because a supplement is trending doesn't mean it's safe or necessary,' says Dr. Krishnan. 'For older adults with muscle loss, strict vegetarians with very low dietary creatine intake, or people under physical and mental stress, creatine may have some benefit. But it must always be discussed with a qualified medical professional.' Dr. Shrivarthan adds that while doses up to 3 grams per day are generally considered safe in healthy individuals, patients with pre-existing kidney or liver issues, pregnant women, or those on long-term medications should exercise particular caution. 'Creatine monohydrate is the most researched and recommended form, but even then, it is vital to ensure the product is high quality and free of unnecessary additives,' he advises. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding creatine is that it is a steroid. 'It is not,' says Dr. Krishnan. Another widely circulated myth is that creatine causes kidney damage. 'There is no scientific evidence of kidney harm in healthy people taking appropriate doses,' confirms Ms. Aleem. Creatine also does not lead to instant muscle gains or cognitive sharpness. Its effects, if any, are gradual and rely on consistency and a foundation of good nutrition and physical activity. If you are considering creatine for reasons beyond fitness, the first step is to assess why. 'What are you trying to achieve?' Dr. Krishnan asks. 'Creatine is not a cure-all. It can support energy metabolism, but only when part of a broader lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, exercise and adequate sleep.' Experts emphasise that no supplement can substitute for a well-rounded lifestyle. Creatine holds promise in several areas of health, but it must be approached with care, caution, and scientific literacy. For now, those meeting their nutritional needs through a diverse, balanced diet are likely getting all the creatine they need.
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- The Hindu
Health Matters Newsletter: Safeguarding the windows to the soul
On cataract surgeries and the urgent need for access, brain and spine innovations, maternal health amidst rising heat, sickle cell care and more 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.
