Why malaria cases spike in summer, and what you can do to stay safe
Summer brings more than just heat waves, it also fuels a spike in malaria cases. This seasonal surge, experts say, is largely driven by climate factors and behavioural patterns of mosquitoes, the primary carriers of malaria."Global warming and climate change are increasingly creating favourable environments for mosquitoes," said Dr. Shalini Bhutta, Consultant Physician at Neotia Mediplus.The expert added that rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns accelerate the mosquito life cycle. "This helps them to become infectious faster and reproduce more rapidly," Dr Bhutta said. advertisement
These factors collectively contribute to the alarming rise in mosquito-borne diseases like malaria during warmer months.WHY SUMMER FUELS MALARIAHot weather is a game-changer for Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary vector for malaria. Their life cycle, from egg to adult, quickens in warmer temperatures, allowing them to multiply at an accelerated rate.Besides this, standing water from summer rains or poor water management becomes an ideal breeding ground. Coupled with increased human outdoor activity during evenings, this creates a perfect storm for malaria transmission.HOW TO PREVENT INFECTION?Preventing malaria requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly in areas where the disease is prevalent. "Malaria prevention isn't just about protecting yourself; it's about reducing mosquito populations and cutting the transmission chain," said Dr Bhutta.Some expert-recommended strategies to protect yourself:Use Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets (ITNs)advertisementITNs are highly effective in preventing mosquito bites, especially during dusk-to-dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active. Ensure nets are properly tucked to maximise protection.Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS)Applying insecticides on walls kills mosquitoes upon contact and significantly reduces indoor mosquito populations.Wear Protective Clothing and Use RepellentsWearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and applying EPA-approved insect repellents can help repel mosquitoes during outdoor activities.Eliminate Breeding SitesDrain stagnant water, cover water storage containers, and clear vegetation near your home to disrupt mosquito breeding grounds.Antimalarial MedicationsTravellers to malaria-prone regions should consult a healthcare provider for antimalarial drugs to reduce the risk of infection. Medication choices depend on travel destinations and individual health conditions."Prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases are critical to prevent the disease from spreading further," stressed Dr. Bhutta.Combating malaria requires collective action. While individuals can adopt preventive measures, government initiatives like awareness campaigns and large-scale insecticide spraying play a crucial role in managing outbreaks.With these strategies, the fight against malaria can gain a foothold even in the heat of summer. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that prevention is always better than cure.
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Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Best pickleball paddles for low-impact exercises: Get fit without joint pain with our top 8 picks
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Here are some of the best pickle paddle sets that you can try: Level up your fitness game with Vinsguir's ultra-light pickleball paddles featuring a polypropylene honeycomb core and artistic design. Ideal for beginners and elders alike, it reduces wrist strain while improving swing control. The cushion grip of these pickleball rackets offers comfort during long matches. Approved by USA Pickleball, this complete set includes 2 paddles, 4 balls and a carry bag. Vinsguir Pickleball Paddle - 2 Premium Graphite Rackets Honeycomb Composite Core with Cushion Comfort Grip & 4 Balls & Portable Racquet Bag (Hand Drawn Doodles + 3 Outdoor Balls +1 Indoor Ball+ Bag) Train smarter and play longer with this lightweight, beginner-friendly pickleball paddle set. Built with a fiberglass face and honeycomb core, these pickleball paddles ensure durability, control, and reduced fatigue on the wrist and elbow. The anti-slip grip boosts comfort, letting you focus on power and precision. Perfect for all skill levels, the set includes 2 USAPA-approved paddles, 4 outdoor balls, and a handy carrying case. USAPA Approved Pickleball Paddles Set of 2 Fiberglass Pickleball Rackets with 1 Carrying Case, 4 Outdoor Pickleballs Designed to enhance performance and joint comfort, this USAPA-approved pickleball paddle set features 2 fiberglass paddles with honeycomb polymer cores for balance and pop. A ventilated anti-slip grip ensures fatigue-free play, while edge guards prevent paddle damage. The complete set includes 2 indoor and 2 outdoor balls, a carry bag, and vibrant paddle colours, which makes it a fun, health-boosting gift for families and fitness-focused friends. ALSO READ: Cross trainer for home: Top 8 picks for weight loss and cardio fitness Pickleball Paddles Set of 2, USAPA Approved Pickleball Set, Fiberglass Lightweight Rackets 2 Pack, 2 Outdoor, 2 Indoor Pickleball Balls, 1 Bag for Women Men, (Orange 1Pc) Get the whole crew moving with this 4-paddle USAPA-approved pickleball set. Lightweight and vibration-reducing, the fiberglass pickleball paddles are designed with a polymer honeycomb core for power, control, and wrist-friendly play. The anti-slip grip keeps hands steady during intense rallies. It includes 6 balls (3 indoor, 3 outdoor), 4 overgrips, and a carry bag, which makes this set perfect for promoting fitness and friendly competition at family events or group workouts. Pickleball Paddles Set of 4 – 2025 USAPA Approved Pickle Ball Rackets, Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle Set with 3 Outdoor & 3 Indoor Pickle Ball Balls, 4 Overgrips & Carry Bag Meet your go-to pickleball paddle for fitness and finesse. Approved by USA Pickleball in 2023, this fiberglass set includes two lightweight paddles and two balls, which are ideal for joint-friendly movement and control. The textured face and honeycomb core of these pickleball paddles for beginners offer better precision and reduced vibration. Moreover, it comes with a sleek carry bag for easy transport to your next game or workout. VINSGUIR Pickleball Paddle Set, USAPA Approved Fiberglass Pickleball Set of 2, 2 Paddles & 2 Pickleballs, Lightweight Carrying Bag, Pickle Ball Paddle Gifts for Beginners & Pros, Aurora Blue Enjoy low-impact cardio and full-body coordination with Lifelong's durable fiberglass paddles. Engineered for performance and comfort, this best pickleball paddle for intermediate players features cushioned comfort grips to reduce wrist fatigue and maintain control during long sessions. Ideal for all ages, it can help you stay active and agile in a fun, engaging way. 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JOJOLEMON Pickleball Paddle Set – 2 Premium Glassfibre Rackets with Honeycomb Composite Core, Cushion Comfort Grip, and Accessories | Includes 3 Outdoor Balls, 2 Cooling Towels and 1 Case (Blue) Built for serious fitness and control, this 16mm fiberglass pickleball paddle set combines a dense 8mm honeycomb core with a moisture-wicking grip to minimise vibration and fatigue. This AIPA-approved and USAPA-standard pickleball paddle is ideal for competitive play. Designed with a larger sweet spot, this best pickleball paddle for advanced players may enhance accuracy and power, which makes it a great tool for cardio, agility training, and long rallies. YAIT Sports Proflx Pickleball Paddle | 16 mm Fiberglass Surface | Highly Dense 8 mm PP Honeycomb Core | Highly Durable Fiberglass Pickleball Paddle | AIPA Approved Racket of USAPA Standards Pickleball paddles Core & surface material Weight & grip USAPA/AIPA approval 1. Weight: Before choosing the best pickleball paddle set, make sure to consider the weight. Lighter paddles are easier to move and are ideal for beginners. On the other hand, heavier paddles provide more power to advanced players. 2. Core material: Pay attention to the core material of the paddles. Polymer cores provide more control, while Nomex and aluminum cores give more durability and power. 3. Player level: If you are a new pickleball player, opt for lightweight paddles with larger sweet spots. Heavier ones are good for intermediate and advanced players. 4. Paddle surface: When picking up the best pickleball paddles, it is essential to check the surface. Fiberglass is good for control and graphite is lightweight. 5. Grip: Opt for a grip size that fits comfortably in your hand. This ensures better control and prevents hand fatigue. Yes, pickleball is good for fitness as it combines cardio, agility and coordination in a fun way. This game can improve cardiovascular health, balance and flexibility along with burning calories and building muscle endurance. With its low-impact nature, it helps reduce the risk of injury in comparison to high-impact sports. Playing regularly can enhance mental well-being and sharpen reflexes. Whey protein under ₹1000: 7 budget-friendly picks for muscle gain Best treadmill brands for fitness in 2025: 10 options to stay active and fit without leaving home 10 kg dumbbell set: Top-rated picks of 2025 to support your strength training Composite paddles offer a more balance of power and control. On the other hand, graphite paddles are lightweight and responsive. Wood paddles are heavier and budget-friendly. Beginners should begin with mid-weight paddles i.e., 7.3-8.4 oz for better control and comfort without straining the arm during extended play. Yes, wider paddles offer better control. Elongated ones provide extended reach and power, which helps different play styles. With regular use, a quality paddle typically lasts 1-2 years. Durability of the paddle depends on material, frequency of use and storage conditions. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
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Advent to acquire significant minority stake in animal drug maker Felix Pharmaceuticals for $175 million
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The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Doctors raise alarm over rise in brain tumour cases
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