‘Brain stroke claims one every 6 secs globally'
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Dr Mayank Somani, MD & CEO of the hospital, said that stroke claims one life every six seconds globally and remains one of the leading causes of death and disability.
He stressed the importance of recognising early warning signs—such as slurred speech, facial drooping, and weakness on one side—and reaching a stroke-ready hospital within the golden window of 4 to 4.5 hours. Timely intervention through thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy, he added, can often prevent long-term damage or death. The event featured demonstration of stroke protocols and launch of Apollo Stroke Ready Ambulances and a 24x7 helpline (1066) for faster emergency response.
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The Hindu
8 hours ago
- The Hindu
‘PrAYAAS': Children to be screened for speech and hearing difficulties in Karnataka's Chamarajanagar dist.
The Chamarajanagar district administration, in collaboration with the Departments of Women and Child Development, and Health and Family Welfare, and the All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), Mysuru, is launching 'PrAYAAS' — Program for Assessment of Young Children for Auditory and Speech-Language Skills – on August 15 at Karinajanapura in the district. The inauguration will include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the district administration and AIISH, as well as the release of a public awareness poster on speech, language, and hearing health. Research indicates that about 14% of children are at a risk of having speech, language, or hearing difficulties, which, if left unaddressed, can hinder their overall development; PrAYAAS aims to identify all such children aged 6 months to 6 years across Chamarajanagar district and provide timely interventions, according to AIISH. Through this ambitious initiative, over 40,000 children from approximately 1,400 anganwadis will be screened. Screening will be carried out by experienced speech-language pathologists and audiologists from AIISH and ENT surgeons from the District Hospital. Conditions such as speech delays, mispronunciations, stammering, voice disorders, lack of social interaction, hearing loss, and ear infections will be assessed, a press release said. The initiative, scheduled to run until March 31, 2026, will be implemented in five phases — public awareness campaigns on speech and hearing disorders; training of anganwadi workers, helpers, supervisors, and 'Poshan Abhiyaan' staff for preliminary screening; specialist screenings at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across all taluks of Chamarajanagar; detailed diagnostic assessments for high-risk children identified during screening and follow-up interventions, including therapy and provision of hearing aids to children in need. By building the capacity of local anganwadi and medical staff, PrAYAAS will ensure sustainable early detection and intervention practices in the district, while parents and caregivers will also be encouraged to actively participate by bringing their children to the nearest PHC for screening, the press release said. Speaking about the initiative, M. Pushpavathi, director, AIISH, Mysuru, said that PrAYAAS reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every child in Chamarajanagar has the opportunity to achieve their full developmental potential through early detection, timely treatment, and community awareness.
Hindustan Times
01-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
From enhancing food flavours to boosting health: Why chefs and health experts recommend pecans as a superfood
While pecans have been celebrated as a superfood for a while, a recent study revealed that the nuts are beneficial for heart health, too. In fact, on World Brain Day (July 22), many health experts took to social media to speak about pecan's impact on brain health. Roasted Chicken with Pecan Nut Glazed Perhaps that's the reason behind many eateries including it on their menus. From restaurants holding month-long pecan festivals to cafes serving pecan-based iced lattes and salted pecan cream cold foam, among other varieties — pecan, a nut with a rich, buttery taste and a slightly sweet flavour, has become the it word for many. A delight for chefs 'Pecans are packed with antioxidants, magnesium, micronutrients, febre for gut health, and vitamin E, which support your heart and are good for your brain. For me, it's a great choice while cooking as it's a versatile ingredient. They are rich and buttery and add depth to dishes, be it salads or other delicacies. It's a great choice for baking. Their natural abundance of healthy fats gives dishes a smooth, luxurious texture and leaves a delicate coat on the palate,' says chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Chef Ashish Singh of Café Delhi Heights adds, 'Their natural abundance of healthy fats gives dishes a smooth, luxurious texture and leaves a delicate coat on the palate. With little to no aftertaste, pecans allow the core flavours of a dish or drink to shine through, elevating the overall experience.' According to experts, pecans subtly enhance every dish they touch, both in flavour and feel. 'We recently held a full-fledged pecan festival. In Pecan Pulihora, the nuts add a rich crunch that balances the tangy spices beautifully. In Pecan Shorba, they bring a creamy texture and gentle nuttiness, elevating the soup with refined depth,' he adds. Pecan can be added to pulihora aka tamarind rice Health benefits Nutritionist Kavita Devgan goes on to talk about the health benefits of pecan: 'It's cholesterol-free, sodium-free, low in carbohydrates, and contains more than 19 vitamins and minerals. This fabulous plant-based, antioxidant-rich superfood is great for mental health, too, as it delivers lots of vitamin E and polyphenols that support brain function and cognitive health.' The nutritionist adds that pecan contains copper, which plays an important role in reducing stress and anxiety: 'The mineral, which helps in nerve cell function, is difficult to find. The monounsaturated fats support healthy blood circulation to the brain. It also contains magnesium that can help reduce stress and anxiety.' Great choice for skin health Aesthetic physician Dr Naznin Holia says pecan is a great choice for skin health too. 'Toss them into your breakfast bowl, as a mid-day snack or have it as a salad topping,' she suggests, adding that pecans are packed with powerful antioxidants like ellagic acid and vitamin E, which make them a great 'skincare superfood'. She explains, 'These nutrients work hard behind the scenes, fighting off free radicals, those pesky molecules responsible for dullness, fine lines, and premature aging. Think of them as your skin's internal defense squad. When combined with hydration and a balanced lifestyle, pecans become a part of your glow-up ritual.' Pecan Soup by Chef Ashish Singh, Café Delhi Heights Pecan Soup Ingredients: 1 tbsp - Butter pecan paste 1 tbsp - Roux (butter and flour mixture) 200 ml - Milk 50 ml - Cream Salt and pepper to taste Method: In a pot, heat the roux until bubbly. Slowly whisk in milk and stir to avoid lumps. Add butter pecan paste and cream. Simmer gently until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm. By Chef Ashish Singh, Café Delhi Heights
The Hindu
28-07-2025
- The Hindu
Brain tumours: when a headache, memory lapse, or seizure deserves a second look
Every year, over 40,000 individuals in India are diagnosed with brain tumours, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Yet, in many cases, the diagnosis comes too late. The early warning signs—often subtle, fleeting, or mistaken for everyday stress—are overlooked until symptoms become severe. Following the observance of World Brain Day on July 22 , it is vital to recognise that timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary care can make a significant difference in not only survival, but also in long-term recovery and quality of life for patients and their families. When the body whispers Brain tumours are complex. They vary in type, location, and behaviour—and so do their symptoms. In clinical practice, I often see patients who, in hindsight, experienced signs long before their diagnosis. These early symptoms are frequently dismissed as benign issues: a tension headache, forgetfulness, vision strain, or clumsiness. Common symptoms of brain tumours include: Persistent or worsening headaches Memory lapses or personality changes Difficulty in speaking or finding words Blurred or double vision New-onset seizures Trouble with balance or coordination It is important to understand that many of these symptoms—particularly headaches, giddiness, or occasional forgetfulness—are very common and more often than not due to benign conditions like migraines, tension headaches, or positional vertigo. Not every headache warrants a brain scan. However, when these symptoms are unusual in pattern, progressively worsening, or accompanied by other neurological signs, a medical evaluation is essential. The key challenge is that these symptoms can appear mild or sporadic, leading to delays in seeking medical attention. But when the brain is affected—even subtly—it often tries to signal distress. We need to listen more closely. Children are not immune One of the most overlooked realities is that brain tumours affect children too. Among paediatric populations, tumours in the cerebellum—such as medulloblastoma—are relatively common. The signs, however, may not always be easy to spot. In children, red flags include: Headaches, especially in the morning Repeated vomiting without a clear cause Unsteady gait or difficulty walking Clumsiness or frequent falls Unlike adults, children may not articulate their discomfort clearly. A parent's intuition, in such cases, becomes crucial. Prompt neurological evaluation can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, which significantly improves outcomes. With timely surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and structured rehabilitation, many children not only survive but go on to live full, healthy adult lives. The ripple effects of a brain tumour The impact of a brain tumour extends far beyond the individual. It disrupts family dynamics, imposes financial burdens, and creates emotional strain for caregivers. It can affect workplace productivity and community engagement. That is why recovery must be viewed not just through a medical lens but a social one. When treated early, many patients return to school, work, and community life. The difference lies in how quickly the tumour is recognised and how comprehensively it is managed. The power of modern tools and teamwork Neuro-oncology teams use a suite of advanced tools designed to enhance precision and safety: neuronavigation systems function like GPS during surgery, guiding the surgeon with remarkable accuracy. High-resolution operating microscopes allow us to see deep brain structures clearly. Awake craniotomy enables patients to stay awake during surgery to protect speech and movement centres. Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring helps preserve critical brain functions during complex procedures. Comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation ensures that recovery continues well beyond the operating room. These innovations help us safely access delicate regions of the brain while preserving the patient's independence and cognitive function. A realistic, hopeful outlook While early detection improves prognosis, it is important to acknowledge that not all brain tumours behave predictably. Some aggressive tumours may resist treatment even when diagnosed early. Others may lie dormant and symptom-free for extended periods. That said, the opportunity for meaningful intervention exists at nearly every stage. Whether through surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation, or supportive therapies, modern neuro-oncology offers real hope—particularly when treatment is tailored to the individual. Brain tumours don't always present dramatically. They may arrive disguised as a persistent headache, an uncharacteristic lapse in memory, or a subtle speech difficulty. In children, they may be hidden behind a morning vomit or a minor fall. These are not signs to ignore. This World Brain Day, let us renew our commitment to awareness and early action. By paying attention to the whispers, we can catch the signs sooner, act faster, and improve the lives of those affected. Because sometimes, listening to the smallest signals leads to the biggest differences. (Dr. Komal Prasad C. is a senior consultant – neurosurgery, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. drkomalprasad@
