‘60% of Kutch weavers suffer from musculoskeletal issues'
Around 60 per cent of weavers suffered from musculoskeletal disorders due to repetitive motions, and visual strain from inadequate lighting, while 35 per cent of them exhibited poor lung function caused by dust exposure. The study was funded by the National Health Mission (NHM) Gujarat and coordinated by SHSRC Gujarat and the Handicrafts Service Centre in Bhuj. This is the first study conducted to systematically document occupational exposures and related health risks among handloom weavers.
"The study produced standard operating procedures (SOPs) and periodic medical examination (PME) templates specific to handloom weaving. These tools provide guidance on ergonomic posture, workplace measures for respiratory protection and preventive health checks," said Dr Ankit Sheth, principal investigator of the study.
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Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
‘60% of Kutch weavers suffer from musculoskeletal issues'
Ahmedabad: On the occasion of National Handloom Day on Thursday, a study carried out by the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) of ICMR highlighted the high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and respiratory symptoms among the handloom artisans in Kutch district. Around 60 per cent of weavers suffered from musculoskeletal disorders due to repetitive motions, and visual strain from inadequate lighting, while 35 per cent of them exhibited poor lung function caused by dust exposure. The study was funded by the National Health Mission (NHM) Gujarat and coordinated by SHSRC Gujarat and the Handicrafts Service Centre in Bhuj. This is the first study conducted to systematically document occupational exposures and related health risks among handloom weavers. "The study produced standard operating procedures (SOPs) and periodic medical examination (PME) templates specific to handloom weaving. These tools provide guidance on ergonomic posture, workplace measures for respiratory protection and preventive health checks," said Dr Ankit Sheth, principal investigator of the study. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
India Today
15 hours ago
- India Today
'Always on' lifestyle is damaging our hearts: Cardiac surgeon Dr Shriram Nene
India is no stranger to heart disease. As the number one killer in the country, cardiovascular illnesses are no longer just the concern of the elderly or high-risk groups. Viral videos of young people collapsing in the gym often without warning, younger patients lining up in OPDs, mounting stress and unhealthy lifestyles are feeding into the health fabric of the country, giving rise to more cases of this worldwide the heart of this rising crisis is not just genetics or chance - but how we live, work, sleep, and cardiac surgeon Dr. Shriram Nene, also a health advocate, decodes the reason why so many Indians are still suffering from heart diseases, why we need to blame the "always on" culture and how to unload the digital overload to keep our body SILENT KILLER: SITTING Sedentary lifestyles have become the new smoking. And in urban India, desk jobs and digital dependence are driving people toward cardiac risk.'Sitting is turning out to be one of the biggest and most silent cardiac risks in India,' Dr. Nene tells in an exclusive latest ICMR–INDIAB data shows that nearly 37% of Indian adults aren't meeting minimum activity a 2024 study in Kerala, people were sitting for a median of 300 minutes a day, and that was associated with a 28% increase in major adverse cardiac events over five aren't fringe findings. The World Health Organisation's 2024 report labelled South Asia the least physically active region in the world, with nearly half the population inactive.'Urban desk jobs are driving this problem. We often hear of 40-year-old founders and professionals coming in with sudden cardiac arrest. These are people who stated that they 'work out' three times a week, but the rest of their time is spent sitting. The math doesn't add up. Muscles are glucose sinks. If you're not engaging them regularly, you're missing the point. It's not just about scheduled workouts, it's about what your body is doing the other 23 hours a day," says Dr. OVERLOAD AND 'NOTIFICATION TACHYCARDIA'India is fast becoming the screen time capital of the world, and the results are now visible in medical no question that digital overload is starting to show up in clinical data, especially among younger age groups. India is fast becoming the screen time capital of the world, and the results are now visible in medical data. () In India, average screen time now crosses 7.3 hours a day. Among school-going teens, we're seeing lower heart rate variability and early signs of severe high blood pressure in those with the highest screen Nene terms the phenomenon 'notification tachycardia.''People come in with resting heart rates above 90, evening cortisol levels that are elevated, and sleep scores that are just terrible. It's a cascade. Your system stays in a state of low-grade alert, and over time, that creates a cardio-metabolic environment that is ripe for disease. It's not one dramatic moment, it's the slow, constant toll of never switching off," he CORTISOL, AND THE CARDIAC COSTBesides this, modern stress isn't just psychological - it's biochemical. And it's rewriting how doctors understand heart disease.'Chronic stress is no longer something abstract. We now have data from Indian cohorts showing that salivary cortisol levels above 10 nanograms per millilitre are linked to a two-fold increase in stage-one hypertension and abnormal lipid profiles in young professionals,' says Dr. the body's stress hormone, becomes harmful when constantly elevated. When sustained, it reduces the bioavailability of nitric oxide, which is essential for healthy blood vessels. It increases visceral fat, destabilises plaque, and primes the heart for stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Cortisol, the body's stress hormone, becomes harmful when constantly elevated. () 'What that looks like in the body is quite dramatic. These are conditions we used to view as rare complications. Today, we patients with these issues present every week to physicians in India and globally," adds Dr. SLEEP, AND THE IRREGULAR LIFEPoor sleep and irregular schedules are silently fuelling inflammation in the body - a root cause of heart the link between poor sleep and inflammation is now well if you're clocking seven or eight hours of total sleep, if your bedtime is irregular, something that's common in industries like tech or film, your risk for heart attacks and strokes increases by 26%.advertisementThe body responds to erratic sleep with a spike in inflammatory markers. Even if you're clocking seven or eight hours of total sleep, if your bedtime is irregular, something that's common in industries like tech or film, your risk for heart attacks and strokes increases by 26%. () Dr. Nene explains, "The mechanism here involves a spike in inflammatory markers like interleukin-6, TNF-alpha, and high-sensitivity CRP. Indian sleep-restriction models confirm these findings. And in real-world practice, we have noticed that treating conditions like sleep apnea often lowers CRP more effectively than adding another statin. That says something about how central sleep and stress are to inflammation and heart health.'SIMPLE SHIFTS, BIG DIFFERENCEFor busy professionals and parents who feel overwhelmed, Dr. Nene offers bite-sized changes that deliver measurable results.'Small, consistent changes are the way forward. Just standing up or walking for one minute every hour can improve how your arteries function. You can use your smartwatch to remind you," he fact, if you're commuting, get off one metro stop early and add two brisk ten-minute walks into your day. During long calls, attend them while alone can get you a thousand extra steps per techniques and digital hygiene also make a big difference.'Between emails, you can try 4-7-8 breathing. It lowers your heart rate by around five beats per minute. If you're looking for something culturally familiar, pair it with nadishodhana. And when it comes to sleep, switch off your screens at least an hour before bed. Schedule your Do-Not-Disturb mode at a fixed time, say 10 pm, to signal to your body that it's time to wind down," says Dr. Nene. Breathing techniques and digital hygiene also make a big difference. () These aren't hypotheticals. The cardiac surgeon quoted a study, the INDIA-WORKS trial, that has already shown that such small workplace tweaks can reduce HbA1c and systolic blood pressure within 18 months. HbA1c measures one's glucose control THROUGH THE WELLNESS NOISEIn the era of viral trends and influencer advice, how can people protect themselves from misinformation? Dr. Nene says to verify it first.'Start with the source. Look at whether the information is coming from a credible authority, like the American Heart Association, the Indian Heart Journal, ICMR, or from a marketing page. Then apply what I call the three-signal test. Is the advice reproducible? Does it have a solid biological explanation? And most importantly, does it lead to actual clinical outcomes?' he Nene warns that digital misinformation isn't just annoying, it is, in fact, dangerous.A 2024 study on Indian cardiovascular content on Instagram found that 42% of posts were factually incorrect or incomplete. "That's not just harmless misinformation, that's the kind of stuff that leads people to make poor health decisions," he DOESN'T MEAN TESTEDMany viral 'wellness' trends haven't been put through scientific scrutiny - and some are actively harmful. Dr. Nene warns that digital misinformation isn't just annoying, it is, in fact, dangerous. () 'I treat trends the same way I treat any new intervention, as experiments, unless proven otherwise. The problem arises when trends are marketed like cures,' Dr. Nene ice baths, which are popular in gyms is one of the reasons for cold-triggered atrial fibrillation. Yet it is trendy.'Another concern is the megadose supplement culture. Fat-soluble vitamins taken in excess can be toxic, and some of these herbal pre-workout mixes are affecting heart rhythms, prolonging the QT interval. Many of them still haven't caught the eye of regulators," adds. Nene.'My rule is simple. If a trend hasn't passed the same level of scrutiny as statins or angioplasty, I don't treat it like gospel. That's not being cynical, that's just protecting your heart," he PREVENTIONDespite the explosive growth of the wellness industry, heart disease continues to dominate India's mortality statistics. Why?The Indian wellness market is worth around Rs 13 lakh crore, and yet heart disease remains the number one killer."So clearly, something's off," Dr. Nene says. "A lot of it is one-size-fits-all, and that doesn't work in a country as genetically and socio-economically diverse as India."Another problem is the emphasis on experience over habit. "A weekend spa or a detox program might feel good, but it doesn't counteract what happens from Monday to Friday," he also focus too much on vanity metrics like weight, and not enough on clinical ones like LDL cholesterol or VO2 max. That, says Dr. Nene, gives a false sense of Surgeon's Own BlueprintSo how does one of India's top cardiac surgeons walk the talk?Dr. Shriram Nene lives by a carefully designed lifestyle that combines modern science with mindful daily habits.'I follow a protocol that's tailored to my needs, but grounded in science and culture. I exercise early in the morning. That usually includes six workouts per week alternating between three high-intensity spin aerobic workouts and three whole-body strength workouts with weights. I reserve Sundays for family and recovery,' he wellness routine doesn't stop at physical activity. 'My diet is vegan. For stress management, I do 10 minutes of breathing and keep a gratitude journal. Sleep is non-negotiable: I go to bed at 10:30 and wake up at 5:30. No tech in the bedroom. I track sleep with devices and anchor my circadian rhythm with sunrise activities," he heart of the matter is this: India's cardiovascular crisis isn't is being silently shaped by how we sit, sleep, stress, scroll, and surrender to unhealthy patterns. As Dr. Nene reminds us, the answers aren't in fads, but in everyday science-backed revolution your heart needs isn't dramatic. It's daily.- EndsMust Watch
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
Breastfeeding: Empowering mothers, building a healthier future
As we once again celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, it's essential to recognise that this isn't just an annual observance; it's a vital call to action for the health and well-being of both our children and mothers. The World Health Organization (WHO) rightly identifies breast milk as the ideal first food for babies – a safe, clean, and powerful medicine that promotes optimal physical and cognitive development. Beyond its immediate benefits for infants, such as protection from infections and reduced mortality in the crucial first hour of life, breast milk acts as a baby's first vaccine, packed with essential nutrients and antibodies. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods up to two years, is critical. This recommendation, also underscored by ICMR-NIN's 2024 dietary guidelines, isn't just about early nutrition, but about building a lifetime of optimal growth and powerful immunity, fundamentally shaping a child's future potential. Breastfeeding(Shutterstock) The advantages of breastfeeding extend far beyond the baby, offering significant, often overlooked, benefits for mothers. Research shows that breastfeeding lowers a mother's risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It also strengthens the bond between mother and child, fostering an emotional connection that lasts a lifetime. However, despite its natural and essential nature, many mothers face challenges on their breastfeeding journey. According to NFHS-5, only 63% women continue exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, despite 88% mothers initiating it. This is not just about lack of awareness—it is often due to incorrect feeding practices, lack of practical guidance and lack of support. It's a paradox: a natural act, vital for public health and wellbeing, yet often met with discomfort and a lack of understanding. A critical yet often overlooked barrier is that many mothers are unaware of the correct way to breastfeed. These are simple but essential techniques—such as ensuring a proper latch, holding the baby in the right position, and feeding on demand—that can make all the difference. Without this knowledge, when the baby cries or appears unsettled, many mothers wrongly conclude that their breast milk is insufficient. This misconception often leads them to introduce formula or other feeds early, disrupting exclusive breastfeeding. Therefore, teaching young mothers the right breastfeeding methods is just as important as telling them about the benefits of breast milk. To address these gaps, we must create an ecosystem where every mother feels informed, confident, and supported. Family support is crucial. Encouragement from partners and elders can significantly influence whether a woman continues breastfeeding. Fathers, in particular, must be involved—not as passive observers, but as active supporters who understand both the emotional and practical challenges. Equally vital is community support. We must normalise breastfeeding in all public spaces—whether at metro stations, hospitals, or shopping malls. A mother should never feel ashamed or uncomfortable feeding her child in public. Breastfeeding support groups and frontline health workers can play a vital role here, offering advice, practical demonstrations, and the reassurance that no mother is alone in this journey. For working mothers, supportive workplace policies are a game-changer. Employers have a crucial role in enabling women to continue breastfeeding for as long as they choose. In India, The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, was a crucial step—mandating six months of paid leave, access to crèche facilities, and flexible work arrangements. These aren't perks—they are rights. We must ensure employers actually implement these provisions and build a culture that sees maternal health as a workplace priority. Finally, we must emphasise that a mother's health and nutrition remain a critical priority. A mother's diet directly influences the quality and quantity of her breast milk. Well-nourished mothers are the foundation for healthier babies. According to ICMR-NIN's Recommended Dietary Allowances (2020), lactating women require an additional 500–600 kcal per day to meet the demands of milk production and nutrient replenishment. Unfortunately, women's dietary choices are often constrained by complex factors like food access, affordability, gender inequality, and prevailing social norms. To support breastfeeding mothers, we must ensure diet diversity, provide comprehensive nutrition counselling, and offer robust support during postnatal care. These measures can significantly enhance maternal health, which, in turn, benefits the breastfeeding relationship. As we look towards the future, our collective commitment must translate into concrete actions to support breastfeeding. We must educate and empower families, especially men, through public awareness campaigns, emphasising their crucial role in a mother's breastfeeding journey. Normalizing breastfeeding also requires accessible, welcoming spaces and a significant cultural shift. Equally important is ensuring that workplace policies are not just on paper but meaningfully implemented. Postnatal nutrition must be prioritised through comprehensive counselling and improved diet diversity. Most importantly, mothers must be taught the correct techniques of breastfeeding by healthcare providers, frontline workers, and peer counsellors. Breastfeeding is not merely a personal choice; it is a powerful public health intervention that is key to building healthier families and securing a brighter future for our children. This World Breastfeeding Week, let us move beyond hashtags and helplines to real action. Let us pledge to stand by every breastfeeding mother—not in theory, but in buses, boardrooms, malls, hospitals, and homes. This article is authored by Dr Hemalatha R, former director, ICMR-NIN.
