Latest news with #AssociationofPhysiciansofIndia
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Stay strong this monsoon: Why adults need a yearly shot too!
This summer, the month of May brought a surprise downpour—India saw its heaviest rainfall since 1901. Monsoon weather can be a real rollercoaster, one moment it's overcast with cloudy skies and cool breezes, and the next, the sun is blazing. These sudden shifts in temperature, along with rising humidity, can take a toll on your immune system, making it easier for seasonal bugs like the flu to spread. Tropical countries like India experience a high frequency of flu (or influenza) cases during this time. Flu viruses like A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and Influenza B don't take a break—they circulate all year long. That's why getting your annual flu shot is one of the best ways to stay protected, no matter the season. According to Dr Agam Vora, General Secretary for the Association of Physicians of India, Medical Director, Vora Clinic, Mumbai, 'A lot of people mix up the flu with a regular cold—but the flu is much more serious. While both can cause symptoms like a sore throat or cough, the flu often comes with a high fever, body aches, headaches and nausea4. Spotting these symptoms early can help you recover faster and avoid complications. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo And since flu viruses keep changing every year, the vaccine is updated regularly—so getting your flu shot annually is the best way to stay protected. ' To protect against the flu this monsoon, here are 3 steps you can take: 1. Wash your hands often with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer when you're on the go. Try not to touch your face—especially your eyes, nose, or mouth—and don't forget to clean things you touch a lot, like your phone or doorknobs 2. Try to keep your distance from anyone who's feeling under the weather. Let fresh air in by opening windows when you can, and don't forget to wear a mask in crowded places 3. Make sure you and your family follow all the steps to be protected—keep up with your child's vaccination schedule along with your own and any adults living in your household. Since flu viruses keep changing, the vaccine is updated every year based on the latest strains identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). That's why getting vaccinated every year is so important Dr Jejoe Karankumar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India said, 'Vaccines aren't just for kids—adults need protection too, especially from infections like the flu. Getting a flu shot every year doesn't just lower your chances of getting sick, it also helps reduce the severity of symptoms if you do catch it. It's a simple step in preventive care that can make a big difference, especially for elderly or people with comorbidities.' Even if you're healthy, the flu can still slow you down—with missed work, doctor visits, and sudden health expenses. That's why the World Health Organization recommends getting a flu shot every year. It works well for all age groups—including pregnant women and people with health conditions—and helps protect you from serious illness. While we can't control the weather, we can take charge of our health. An annual flu shot is a simple, science-backed step that protects not just you, but those around you—especially the elderly, young children, and people with chronic conditions. So this monsoon, don't wait for symptoms to strike. Talk to your doctor about getting your flu vaccine. Because staying healthy isn't just about reacting to illness—it's about preventing it.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Medical experts stress need for products with low salt for better health
Medical experts emphasised the need for food industries to reformulate products with low sodium and spoke on various aspects of salt and its relationship with regard to blood vessels, heart, kidneys and bones among others during a workshop on capacity building for medical professionals on salt reduction and low salt substitutes. The workshop was organised by the Sapiens Health Foundation, a Chennai-based NGO, in collaboration with the A.P. chapter of the Association of Physicians of India (API–AP), Indian Medical Association (IMA-AP) and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), a New York-based NGO, in Vijayawada on Tuesday (August 5). Foundation chairman Rajan Ravichandran recalled their fight for low salt consumption in the country for the past 15 years. He emphasised the importance of labelling and statutory guidelines on salt/sodium contents in packaged foods. Later, medical experts from the A.P. Medical Council, IMA-A.P. and Association of Physicians discussed the availability of cost-effective low salt substitutes during the session and felt the need for spreading awareness among the people on these products. They also emphasised the need for government policies on taxation on high salted items and food labelling for salt. Low salt recipes were suggested by nutritionists that would appeal to taste and also support better health. Later, they released a manual on salt guidelines for physicians and posters were distributed. Health Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu inaugurated the workshop and released posters on salt consumption for optimal health. Similar workshops were previously held in Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi.
Mint
24-07-2025
- Health
- Mint
International Self Care Day: Doctor shares 5 self-care practices that may feel uncomfortable, but are good for health
Most people may give examples of a cup of hot chocolate and reading in bed, a solo spa day, yoga on the beach or a bubble bath as examples of self-care. But it is not always truly about spa days. Those soothing moments may have value, but self-care is about the consistent, sometimes uncomfortable actions we take to care for our long-term health and well-being. On International Self Care Day, Internal Medicine specialist Dr Sushila Kataria, shares 5 such self-care activities. "These practices may not feel as relaxing in the moment, but they are a long-term investment in our health and well-being," adds Dr Kataria, Head and Senior Director of the Department of Internal Medicine, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram. Protection from childhood vaccinations does not always last a lifetime. As we grow older, our immunity can weaken, and the risk of certain infections increases. This makes it important to stay informed about diseases that may arise later in life and how they can be prevented. For instance, shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. And while it can lie dormant for decades, the virus often reactivates later in life, typically after the age of 50, leading to a painful rash and long-lasting nerve discomfort. Seasonal influenza isn't 'just a bad cold' either. For ageing adults, it can lead to pneumonia, increased risk of hospitalisation, or exacerbate heart and lung conditions. Similarly, pneumococcal infections may result in serious bloodstream or respiratory illnesses. Despite these risks, awareness and uptake of adult vaccination remain low in India. A survey by the Association of Physicians of India (API) and Ipsos across 16 cities found that while 71 percent of adults aged 50 and above are aware that vaccinations are available for their age group, only 16 percent have actually received one. This gap highlights the need for better understanding and stronger emphasis on preventive care. Speak to your doctor about these illnesses and the ways to protect yourself. It's one small visit that can prevent weeks, or even months, of suffering. We often wait for symptoms before we act. But regular health screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks can help detect conditions like diabetes or hypertension before they cause damage. These simple routine check-ups should be a part of looking after yourself in a steady, informed way. They may not seem urgent but if done regularly, they help you stay ahead of potential health problems. Food is a daily part of self-care, but it often takes extra work. Planning, choosing better ingredients and making small nutritional adjustments can feel inconvenient, especially when life is busy. But over time, those choices build a strong foundation for better health. You do not need to follow strict diets or chase superfoods. Focus on simple balance and more whole foods like fibre, vegetables, and enough water. Cutting back on added sugar, processed snacks and alcohol, even a few times a week, can support digestion, energy and immunity. Taking care of your mind is just as vital as caring for your body. Mental well-being is a part of self-care that often gets overlooked. But checking in with yourself and getting support when needed, can make a real difference. Seeking therapy or counselling may take extra effort to begin, but it can help you manage stress, adjust to change and feel more steady. If you've been feeling anxious, low, or mentally stuck, even mildly, consider it a sign to seek support. Whether it's counselling, mindfulness practices or simply carving out quiet moments for reflection, caring for your emotional well-being is caring for your health. Exercise doesn't need to be a sweaty 90-minute ordeal. Even 20–30 minutes of movement like walking, stretching, climbing stairs can improve mood, immunity, and joint function. Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health, builds bone strength, and helps reduce the risk of falls or fractures as we age.10 Think of it as training for your future: a way to stay mobile and active, so that you can keep doing the things you love, with the people you love.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India's cough clinics launched to train physicians in respiratory care
New Delhi: Cough clinics , a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, are being launched to equip primary care physicians with structured training in respiratory care . The program is the result of a collaboration between the Association of Physicians of India ( API ) and Kenvue , a global consumer health company, and aims to strengthen clinical capabilities in evaluating and managing cough through evidence-based practices. According to the company, the training program will include three structured learning modules focused on cough evaluation, sound recognition, treatment decision-making, and the use of diagnostic tools such as Cough Categorization. The training content has been curated by API, and participating physicians will undergo assessments. A Net Promoter Score (NPS) will also be recorded to gauge participant satisfaction and program effectiveness. The first center has already been launched at BSES Hospital in Andheri, Mumbai. In the coming months, additional centers will be opened in cities such as Lucknow, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata. The initiative is aimed to establish 10 such centers across India and scaling up awareness and adoption of scientific best practices for cough evaluation and treatment.
News18
18-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Kenvue ties up with API to launch Indias first Cough Clinics
New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) Kenvue, a consumer health company and makers of Benadryl cough syrup, on Friday announced the launch of 'Cough Clinics', an industry-first initiative, in association with the Association of Physicians of India (API). As part of this scientific initiative, Kenvue plans to establish 10 Cough Centres of Excellence across India. These centres will run 'Cough Clinics' with an aim to scale knowledge on scientific best practices around cough evaluation and expand its usage in treatment, said Kenvue in a statement. 'We are working with health care professionals to raise awareness of non-bronchodilator formulations for productive cough since there is enough evidence to show that not all productive coughs need a bronchodilator," said Prashant Shinde, Business Unit Head, Self-Care, Kenvue India. In India, the average adult experiences about three episodes of cough per year, while children may experience 7-10 episodes per year, according to experts. However, cough syrup formulations have been under the scanner in recent times due to the lack of therapeutic justification behind some of the prevalent formulations in the market. Despite high occurrences of coughs and respiratory illnesses, 70 per cent of individuals receive experience-based therapy without a confirmed diagnosis as confirmed in an article published in Journal of Association of Physicians of India. The absence of a systematic approach has often led to the use of multi-ingredient irrational cough formulations, increasing the risk of side effects and escalating treatment costs especially in vulnerable sections of the population including elderly and children. With an aim to address this gap, 'Cough Clinics' by Kenvue and API seek to redefine cough evaluation and management by equipping health care professionals with a simplified, science-backed approach rooted in symptom categorization. Agam Vora, General Secretary, API, said, 'Despite the high burden of cough-related consultations in India, standardized diagnostic tools have largely been missing in primary care, leading to overdependence on empirical treatment and missed opportunities for early intervention. 'We are delighted to launch India's first ever Cough Clinics in association with Kenvue to offer physicians in primary care with specialized training and tools to understand different types of coughs and improve patient care." The Cough Clinics will comprise three learning modules. Each module is designed to focus on specific aspects of cough evaluation, sound recognition, treatment decision-making, and rational treatment. The content has been curated and validated by experts from the Association of Physicians of India (API), and each session will be anchored by leading Pulmonologists, the statement said. Every participating physician will undergo a thorough assessment to measure the knowledge shift as well as a Net Promoter Score will be collected to evaluate experience and effectiveness, it stated. PTI PLB DRR view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 13:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
