Health Matter newsletter: building better care for every stage of life
The fact that breastfeeding in public still invites stares and comments, rooms for breastfeeding are still lacking in many public facilities and that seeking help for it still remains difficult is a sad state of affairs -- one that persists despite this basic fact being well-known: breastfeeding is important. It is the best source of nutrition for newborns, protects them from infections, boosts their immunity, promotes healthy gut development and remains the 'perfect food' for the first six months -- literally nothing else is needed, and so, it is cost-effective too. And yet, only 63.7% of infants in India meet the World Health Organisation's guidelines for exclusive breastfeeding for six months -- pointing to the urgent need for better systems and social supports for women both in hospital and, crucially, after their discharge too.
What could aid breastfeeding in hospitals within an hour after birth? Promoting breast crawling -- something newborns do when they are skin-to-skin with their mothers, may help, writes Mahima Jain, drawing on her own experience. And what could help new mums after discharge? Lactation training for healthcare workers, mobile creches, lactation pods, peer support and counselling are all crucial, writes Athira Elssa Johnson, speaking to experts. But most fundamental of all, it needs embedding in every day life. After all, we're used to men baring their chests aren't we? Shouldn't we get used to, and make it comfortable, for women to open up, for far more important reasons?
Speaking of newborns and extending that just a little to toddlers, did you know about the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child's life for their brain development? This time period, writes Dr. Sathyanarayana L.D., represents a golden window -- the brain grows at a pace that is never repeated later in life, making the right nutrition care and environment vital.
Here's a quick overview of the important domestic health news this week: in an exciting development that Afshan Yasmeen reported on, the Rotary Bangalore TTK Blood Centre said that a new blood group, previously unidentified anywhere in the world, had been discovered in a 38-year-old South Indian woman. This new antigen is part of the Cromer (CR) blood group system and has been officially named 'CRIB', with CR representing Cromer and IB standing for India, Bengaluru. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), reports Bindu Shajan Perappadan, has asked all restaurants, dhabas, cafes, and eateries, to display their FSSAI license/registration certificate with the QR code of Food Safety Connect app in areas visible to customers to provide them with a direct platform for grievance redressal. So you know what to do if you have a problem with your food!
Three other developments of note: Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said India had achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. While this is definitely laudable, he however noted the significant gap between the numbers of patients needing organs and the number of donors, as well as the worrying increase in the number of people with organ failure. The National Medical Commission has issued guidelines with regard to live surgeries to safeguard ethics and patient welfare. And finally, Shilka Abraham and Soumitra Ghosh write on something that has been on many minds since 2020: do we know the actual toll the Covid-19 pandemic took on Indians?
Internationally, vaccination rates for several diseases are dropping in the world's largest economy, the United States, a trend that is both disheartening and frightening. And in other news, an analysis report of The Lancet Commission on liver cancer, has found that more than three of every five liver cancer cases in the world can be prevented by addressing risk factors, such as hepatitis, alcohol habits and non-alcoholic fatty liver conditions. This at least, is good news!
Our tailpiece for the week, by Anirban Mukhopadhyay is on the havoc that the tiniest of creatures can wreak upon civilisations: malaria and mosquitoes. He writes about vaccine development, new innovations and India's path ahead.
As per usual, we have a healthy list of explainers for you to take a deep dive into, this week:
Since it was UV Safety Awareness Month in July, Dr. Monisha Madhumita breaks the misconception around darker skin not needing sun protection and explains why it is important for Indians all year round.
Smruthi Prabhu has you taking another look at that mouthwash on your bathroom counter, writing that its use can affect nutrient absorption.
Dr. Vilvapathy S. Karthikeyan explains the importance of the role of men in IVF and fertility treatments.
There is so much in the news about forever chemicals, but what if there was a way for your own gut microbes to flush them out of your system? Read what experts have to say about this.
On cancer, of which there is a rising burden in India, we have Dr. Ray George on combating the problem of late detection in lung cancer through better awareness; Dr. K. Satish Srinivas on personalised radiation treatment for cancer patients; Dr. Raghunath S.K. on how robotic surgery can help preserve organ function and lives of kidney cancer patients and Dr. Venkataraman Radhakrishnan emphasising the importance of research in cancer care.
Dr. Rishi Kanna writes on osteoporosis -- a significant subject given India's increasing ageing population -- and how to prevent it.
Dr. C. Aravinda delves into moral injury and distress and the psychological and behavioural toll this can take.
Dr. Nagalakshmi N. celebrates the independence that contact lenses have offered to many, and how to care for them.
Serena Josephine M. writes on the slowing down of cord blood storage and its potential role in regenerative medicine.
Our All You Need to Know series featured a very rare disorder: CLOVES Syndrome this week, and here's our Science Quiz on enzymes.
For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
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Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
How much protein do you really need?
Fats and carbohydrates, eat your hearts out—protein is the macronutrient of the moment. Rich people love the stuff. They treat it like ambrosia. Are they onto something? Having protein on your plate is important. It is made up of amino acids, of which the body needs 20 types in order to grow, produce hormones and stay healthy. Nine of these amino acids must come from food. The World Health Organisation recommends 0.83 grams of protein a day per kilogram of body weight (g/kg) for healthy adults to maintain muscle and tissue health. Elderly folk may be better off eating more, since muscles wither with age and older bodies are less efficient at absorbing protein. A review published in Nutrients in 2021 suggested that a ratio closer to 1.2g/kg, together with resistance training, could help limit muscle shrinkage in older people. Children and teenagers, who are still growing, may also want more than the minimum, depending on how active they are. A paper from 2020 suggested that pregnant and breastfeeding women need double the recommended amount to maintain muscle mass and feed their child. More protein can also help you lose weight. Protein takes more energy to digest than carbohydrates and fats and makes you feel fuller for longer. To build muscle mass, the International Society of Sports Nutrition has recommended a daily protein intake of between 1.4g/kg and 2g/kg, combined with resistance training. A meta-analysis published in Sports Medicine in 2022, though, found that eating more than 1.6g/kg does not lead to further muscle growth. Where should the protein come from? Powders (dried extracts of milk, pea or soya) are popular and convenient—chugging protein as a drink is easier than gnawing on steak. A randomised controlled trial in 2013 found that whey protein, made from milk, was especially good at building lean body mass for exercising adults. But the supplement won't offer bulk on its own: a review published in 2014 in Sports Medicine found that the best results came in those who also lifted heavy in the gym. Yet advocates of a traditional balanced diet argue that because alternative sources of protein such as powders and bars often contain too many sugars, flavourings, emulsifiers and other additives, they are less healthy than food-based protein. Eating whole foods may also be a better route to building muscles after a workout, according to a review published in Nutrients in 2018, because of the added benefits of naturally occurring micronutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and iron. Followers of a Western diet, typically rich in meat, dairy and pre-packaged foods, tend to exceed the minimum protein requirements without trying. This includes vegetarians and vegans, according to a review published in Nutrients in 2019. Most Americans get more than the recommended amount of protein because of their fondness for meat. The risks of overdoing it on protein are debated. Some nutritionists warn of the potential for kidney damage, but a 2018 meta-analysis concluded that this is only a concern for people with existing kidney trouble. The greater risk may come from protein-rich diets which rely heavily on red meat and ultra-processed foods that can also contain the saturated fats associated with ill health. In places where food is plentiful, measuring your protein by the gram may not be worth it. Unless you're looking to bulk up, a regular diet is ample. Curious about the world? To enjoy our mind-expanding science coverage, sign up to Simply Science, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
IVF explained: What couples need to know about fertility treatments
IVF remains to be a common fertility treatment opted by couples who are unable to conceive naturally. World IVF Day, also known as World Embryologist Day, is celebrated globally on 25th July every year. This day acknowledges the contributions and progress made by embryologists in the field of reproductive medicine and focuses on the various advancements in fertility treatments available for those who cannot conceive naturally. Infertility is now a global issue. According to WHO (World Health Organisation) Infertility affects millions of people – and has an impact on their families and communities. Estimates suggest that approximately one in every six people of reproductive age worldwide experience infertility in their lifetime. On this special event of World IVF Day 2025, here is what leading IVF Specialist, Dr. Pooja Bajaj Wadhwa has to say to couples planning to go through infertility treatments. What Happens in an IVF Cycle ? In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) where sperm and an egg are fertilized outside of the human body. During the IVF cycle, medications are used to stimulate multiple eggs to grow to maturity inside the ovaries. These eggs are then retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized eggs, now embryos, are cultured in a controlled environment in the laboratory. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Knee Pain? Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away Click Here Undo The embryos are monitored for growth and development over the next few days. These embryos are then transferred to the uterus in order to achieve a pregnancy. Which Couples Should Consider Consulting an IVF Specialist? There are certain indications which should not be ignored by a couple wanting to conceive: If the female has tubal disorders such as blocked fallopian tubes, uterine disorders like endometriosis, septate uterus or fibroids, any disorder of the ovaries, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and other follicular disorders or if the male partner is having a testicular failure to produce sperm, for example due to varicoceles or abnormal sperm function and quality. Conditions or situations that cause abnormal shape (morphology) and movement (motility) of the sperm negatively affect fertility. 'Under such conditions it's important for you to find an IVF specialist who can assist you with a tailored approach towards your unique condition. As an IVF Specialist it is extremely important to diagnose the right issue and suggest a treatment plan that best suits the problem of the couple.' Dr. Bajaj says Is IVF always Successful? The success rate for IVF differs from couple to couple. However the global success rate of IVF ranges from 40% to 65%. Certain factors determine the success rate of an IVF cycle, including the couple's age, the quality of their sperm and eggs, and any underlying reproductive issues. It's important to consult with a fertility/IVF specialist for personalized guidance and to understand the potential success rates based on individual circumstances of the couple opting for the treatment. Is Natural Birth possible after an IVF Cycle? The short answer is yes; it is absolutely possible to have a normal birth after an IVF treatment. Women who opt for IVF treatment intend to have healthy pregnancies and deliver naturally. The mode of delivery—whether natural or cesarean—should be carefully assessed by the treating doctor, as it depends largely on individual health conditions and how the pregnancy progresses throughout each trimester. 'Couples wishing to conceive either naturally or through IVF should understand the importance of lifestyle as well. Alcohol, smoking and a bad diet full of junk food should be avoided by both partners when planning for pregnancy. It is also essential to balance one's mental well being and try to be stress free. On this World IVF Day, I would like to encourage couples to seek treatment at the right time as delay can affect your overall fertility health.' Dr. Bajaj.
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- The Hindu
365 litres of palm oil stocked in unhygienic, used cans seized from snacks-making unit in Aruppukottai
A team of officers from the Department of Food Safety seized 365 litres of palm oil that were stocked in used cans without seal and label from a snacks manufacturing unit at Aruppukottai on Wednesday. The team led by Virudhunagar district Food Safety Designated Officer Dr. S. Mariappan, found the palm oil, used for making snacks, that was packed in unhygienic cans. 'As per Food Safety Act, the cans should have been sealed and should also bear the label of the manufacturer or supplier,' he said. Besides, the officials found 11 kg of non-iodised salt on the premises and seized it. The operation of the unit has been suspended till the unit got FSSAI license. Based on the information given by the trader, the officials then inspected an oil shop in Aruppukottai market, and found 195 litres of palm oil that were kept in old and unhygienic cans. The officials have lifted samples of palm oil for analysis. Then the officials inspected a palm oil supplier at Fatima Nagar in Virudhunagar and found he had supplied palm oil in unsealed and unlabelled cans which were found at the snacks manufacturing unit and at the trader in Aruppukottai. The team also seized 327 used plastic cans and 3,099 used tins from the premises. Further action is underway. Dr. Mariappan said that all the traders of edible oil should have FSSAI license, manufacturers should sell the edible oil only in packed and labelled cans and used cans should not be used for refilling.
