Call for shifting to milk-free tea
On World Tea Day, a health expert has emphasised the importance of public awareness in consuming tea without milk, highlighting its numerous benefits, as tea without milk is more beneficial than milk tea because excessive milk consumption with tea can lead to potential health risks, including chemical and psychiatric issues, such as addiction.
Dr Shagufta Feroz has warned that excessive milk tea consumption can cause digestive issues, mental health concerns, cardiovascular problems, nutritional deficiencies and addiction due to caffeine dependence.
Furthermore, milk tea may also cause skin issues like acne. Moderation is key, and being mindful of sugar content, caffeine intake, and serving sizes can help minimise its negative effects.
Dr Feroz also discussed the trend of having tea with breakfast and in the evening, highlighting its potential impact on health and suggesting mindful consumption habits to maximise benefits while minimising risks.
Despite not producing tea, Pakistan is the world's largest importer of tea, reflecting its immense popularity among Pakistanis, who have made it an integral part of their daily lives, she mentioned.
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Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Call for shifting to milk-free tea
On World Tea Day, a health expert has emphasised the importance of public awareness in consuming tea without milk, highlighting its numerous benefits, as tea without milk is more beneficial than milk tea because excessive milk consumption with tea can lead to potential health risks, including chemical and psychiatric issues, such as addiction. Dr Shagufta Feroz has warned that excessive milk tea consumption can cause digestive issues, mental health concerns, cardiovascular problems, nutritional deficiencies and addiction due to caffeine dependence. Furthermore, milk tea may also cause skin issues like acne. Moderation is key, and being mindful of sugar content, caffeine intake, and serving sizes can help minimise its negative effects. Dr Feroz also discussed the trend of having tea with breakfast and in the evening, highlighting its potential impact on health and suggesting mindful consumption habits to maximise benefits while minimising risks. Despite not producing tea, Pakistan is the world's largest importer of tea, reflecting its immense popularity among Pakistanis, who have made it an integral part of their daily lives, she mentioned.
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Obesity silently crushing Pakistan's economy, health experts say
ISLAMABAD: Obesity is silently crushing Pakistan's economy, costing the country an estimated $3.41 billion annually (over Rs950 billion) and threatening to double to $7.6 billion (Rs2.13 trillion) by 2030 if urgent measures are not taken, health experts warned on Saturday. Citing data from the World Obesity Federation (WOF) at an awareness session held at the National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad, senior endocrinologists and public health officials described obesity as both a national health emergency and a major economic liability. The experts said the financial toll stems from increased public and private healthcare expenditures, rising absenteeism, reduced workplace productivity, and premature deaths caused by obesity-related complications. The escalating burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular ailments, fatty liver, and kidney disorders — all linked to excess body weight — is draining vital national resources while shrinking the country's productive labour force. An alarming picture emerged from a free screening camp conducted at NPC in collaboration with Getz Pharma, where around 150 journalists and their family members were tested. More than 70 percent were found to be overweight or obese, while 25 percent showed signs of diabetes and elevated blood pressure. Experts termed these findings a wake-up call for all sectors of society, especially policymakers. Renowned endocrinologist Prof Rauf Niazi said 70 to 80 percent of Pakistanis, including children, now fall in the overweight or obese category. He blamed the crisis on the unchecked consumption of carbohydrate-laden diets, processed snacks, sugary drinks, and junk food, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle. 'Obesity is not only making men impotent and women infertile due to PCOS, but is also the leading cause of early diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, and kidney damage through metabolic changes,' he warned. Prof Niazi further revealed that over 85 percent of the population may already be suffering from fatty liver disease — a dangerous, often unnoticed condition that disrupts cholesterol metabolism, triggers inflammation, and elevates cardiovascular risk. 'It's a time bomb. People remain unaware until it's too late,' he said, urging a return to simpler, healthier lifestyles. 'The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had a flat belly, ate less, walked regularly, swam, and exercised with Hazrat Ali. That's the example we need to follow,' he stressed. Dr Mumtaz Ali Khan, Chief of Communicable Disease Control at the National Institute of Health (NIH), said Pakistanis are aging at an accelerated rate due to obesity and poor lifestyle habits. 'Most individuals screened at NPC were biologically at least ten years older than their actual age. We're becoming an old, diseased nation far too early,' he said. As a paediatrician, he expressed grave concern over rising childhood obesity, pointing to screen addiction, processed food, and lack of physical activity. 'We mistakenly equate fat with healthy in children. That mindset is dangerous.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Govt simplifies birth, death registration laws
A woman goes through the process of finger scanning for the Unique Identification (UID) database system, also known as Aadhaar, at a registration centre in New Delhi, India, January 17, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS The Punjab Department of Local Government has simplified the laws regarding family records, birth and death certificates, and their registration. The registration period for birth and death has been extended, and birth registration for children up to seven years of age will now be freethis offer is valid until May 31, 2026. The authority to handle delayed registrations has been shifted from junior staff to senior officers, including assistant directors. The requirement of a court decree for late registration has been abolished. Following approval from the law secretary and secretary of local government, the new rules have been officially notified in the Punjab Gazette. According to the notification, birth and death registration will be completely free within the first year. After seven years, a birth registration fee of Rs200 will apply. For overseas Pakistanis, the fee will be Rs1,000; for foreigners, Rs2,000. The fee for death registration after seven years will be Rs1,000. Fees for corrections and changes will be Rs500, and duplicate copies will cost Rs200. The fee for computerised copies has been abolished. The new regulations, effective immediately, aim to make registration processes more accessible and user-friendly. The updated rules stipulate that registration of children up to one year old will fall under the authority of the relevant union council secretary, while children up to seven years will be under the jurisdiction of the assistant director. Registrations for those above seven years will be handled by the deputy director. Previously, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) developed a mobile application to facilitate online registration of births, deaths, and changes in marital status. The app, initially being launched in Punjab, allows citizens to register life events from home. Biometric verification is being made available at all union councils in the province.
