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Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
Early detection of emotional distress key to avert suicides among students
Visakhapatnam: Even if victims drop apparent indications much before taking the extreme step, are parents or teachers or peers or friends able to decipher the hints? In a highly-competitive academic framework coupled with an insatiable drive to be on the top of the score chart all through the academic life, students are often subject to relentless pressure both at home and in the school campus. But, as a community, are there any concrete measures in place to help one another, spot early indications of suicidal feelings, flag warning signs and come to the rescueof the child before it is too late? Emotional wellbeing therapists underline that suicides are very much preventive provided the risk factors are recognised early and an action plan is in place to extend support to vulnerable students. They emphasise that such students not only have to be monitored from close quarters but also be given confidence through counselling at frequent intervals. The National Crime Records Bureau-2022 indicates a distressing data of about 1.71 lakh suicides recorded in India. Of them, 13,044 were students and over 2,000 of them were due to failure in examinations. Following the tragic and unnatural death of a 17-year-old girl, who was undergoing coaching for the NEET examination in a private institute in Visakhapatnam two years back, and keeping the alarming statistics in view, the Supreme Court issued comprehensive interim guidelines to safeguard mental health of students across all educational institutions. Underlining that suicide prevention is a binding obligation to safeguard the right to life, health and human dignity, the bench instructed the educational institutions to engage at least one qualified counsellor, psychologist or social worker based on the strength of the school with demonstrable training in child and adolescent mental health. 'Prioritising mental health for students is a welcome move. However, it would take a while for the educational institutions to appoint counsellors and adopt structured planning. Along with institutional support, massive awareness drives to detect signs of psychological distress among children play a pivotal role. Change starts from home. Parents attending parent-teacher-meeting should be made mandatory so that they would be made aware of the wards' emotional health along with academic performance,' suggests Dr. Pujitha Josyula, a psychologist and founder of 99 Mindfit. Dr. Pujitha Josyula recommends setting short and long term strategies focusing on massive sensitisation drives among parents and hostel wardens, holding regular interactive sessions with students, being empathetic, identifying vulnerable students, monitoring them at regular intervals and connecting parents with counsellors as she says that they serve as an effective suicide prevention mechanism. However, in most cases, the child is often conditioned by fear, high academic expectations and constant comparison-driven pressure. Unless such trend changes, clinical psychologists hint that bottled up emotions invariably make people feel singled out. 'There is a need to build a friendly atmosphere at home so that children would look forward to sharing their secrets and fears with any parent or a trusted adult. However, not many are open to communicating with their parents for the fear of being 'judged'. Coordinated efforts in keeping tabs of the warning signs rests on parents, teachers and peers,' asserts Dr. Harilakshmi Venkataramana, a clinical psychologist. Empathising and narrating real time stories with children and making them feel wanted are some of the strategies Dr. Harilakshmi Venkataramana suggests parents adopt for improving emotional wellness of their wards.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Cardiologist says eating okra helps maintain blood pressure, diabetes; lists 6 benefits of the vegetable
In an Instagram post shared on July 27, Dr Alok Chopra, cardiologist and functional medicine expert, talked about a very simple Indian vegetable found in every household: okra, also known as bhindi or lady finger. He listed the benefits of eating this vegetable, including supporting heart health, and also shared why you should add okra water to your diet. Bhindi or okra is more than just a staple in Indian kitchens — it's a powerhouse of nutrition. Also Read | Cardiologist says 'heart attacks are no longer #1 killer in the US' but this silent trend is claiming more lives Benefits of eating okra Apart from heart health benefits, the cardiologist pointed out that this humble green vegetable could also be your gut's best friend and offer several other benefits. He wrote, 'Bhindi or okra is more than just a staple in Indian kitchens — it's a powerhouse of nutrition. And when soaked overnight, its slimy water turns into a potent remedy. It's affordable, widely available, and found in every Indian household, whether you are in a metro city or a small town.' Listing the benefits of eating okra, Dr Chopra said: It regulates blood sugar It is excellent for type 2 diabetes It supports digestion, hydration, and metabolism It helps in weight loss due to its high fibre content It helps maintain blood pressure while supporting heart health. Lastly, it protects the stomach lining, making it great for healing peptic ulcers. Okra for diabetes management Further elaborating on how okra helps in diabetes management, Dr Chopra said that studies have suggested that consuming up to 1000 mcg of okra every 6 hours for 8 weeks can have a significant impact on HbA1c and sugar reduction. Why should you drink okra water? Apart from having okra as a vegetable dish, another way to include it in your diet is by having okra water. Here's how you make okra water: Take 2-3 fresh okra pods, wash them thoroughly, cut off the ends, and make small slits. Soak them in a glass of water overnight, strain the water, and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. How does it help? 'The fibre-rich drink slows digestion, prevents sugar spikes, and supports gut health. However, in some cases, excess fibre may cause bloating or mild stomach discomfort, so consult a doctor if you have any concerns, but this is not common. Okra water also enhances metabolism, but metabolism is not just about burning calories; it's about how your body processes energy. Factors like poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep can slow it down, while strength training, protein intake, and hydration can naturally boost it,' the cardiologist explained. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Hovering over the toilet? You may be hurting your bladder
New Delhi: Hovering over public toilets to avoid germs may seem hygienic, but doctors warn it can harm your bladder. The half-squat position often adopted by women prevents full bladder emptying, increasing the risk of urine retention, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and long-term pelvic floor issues. "It causes increased bladder pressure and can raise the risk of UTIs, bladder irritation, and even long-term problems," said Dr Nikhil Khattar, associate director, urology, PSRI Hospital. He explained that when this posture is used regularly, it trains the body into a habit of incomplete urination. This affects how the bladder muscles function, and may eventually cause symptoms like frequent urgency, leakage or difficulty emptying the bladder fully. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "Retained urine also provides a good environment for bacteria to grow, which increases the chance of recurrent UTIs and, in some cases, even kidney infections," he said. The risks are similar when people delay urinating for too long, which many do in public places to avoid using unclean restrooms. "Whether you are holding your urine or not sitting properly while passing it, both habits harm the pelvic floor muscles and interfere with normal bladder emptying," Dr Khattar added. Dr Neelam Suri, senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said the full squat position — as used with traditional Indian toilets — is much healthier. "In a full squat, the pelvic muscles relax fully, making it easier to empty both the bladder and bowel," she said. "Half-squatting or hovering keeps the muscles tense and doesn't allow proper urination." According to her, many women hover over Western-style toilets out of fear of infection. But the posture itself can do more harm in the long run. "Studies suggest that hovering increases the risk of incomplete urination and pelvic strain, which can lead to chronic issues," she added. Dr Gaurav Garg, senior consultant, urology, Max Smart Hospital, Saket, also said long-term half-squatting can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction and stress incontinence — where urine leaks out during coughing, sneezing or physical activity. "Many women who come to us with these issues don't realise it's linked to their posture during urination," he said. Doctors also clarified a common myth: simply sitting on a public toilet seat doesn't directly cause UTIs. "UTIs are primarily caused by bacteria like E. coli entering the urethra and multiplying in the urinary tract," said Dr Khattar. "Poor hygiene, improper wiping, touching contaminated surfaces or not washing hands properly are bigger risks. The toilet seat itself is rarely the cause." D r Atul Goswami, director of urology and uro-oncology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, said awareness is key and women should feel empowered to sit properly by using tools like disposable seat covers or toilet seat sanitisers when using public toilets. "Touching the seat is not as dangerous as incomplete urination, which can cause real and lasting harm," he said. Experts stressed the need to educate women about proper toilet habits and break the widespread fear around public toilet seats. "We must spread the message that sitting properly and emptying the bladder fully is essential for good urinary health," said Dr Suri. In a country where access to clean public toilets remains a challenge, doctors say small changes — like carrying hygiene products and choosing to sit instead of hover — can help protect long-term health. What feels like a quick fix may be doing silent damage, and the best choice might just be the one that feels most uncomfortable: sitting down.
