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Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Decode, Detect, Defeat: National Campaign Puts Spotlight on Sickle Cell Disease
India's ambitious drive to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) by 2047 is gaining momentum this month with the launch of a national media campaign titled 'India's Fight Against Sickle Cell: From Awareness to Action.' The campaign, led by and HealthShots in partnership with Novo Nordisk and .. The campaign begins in June to mark the significance of World Sickle Cell Day, observed globally on June 19th. To honour this milestone and deepen the national conversation, the initiative will culminate in a high-level conclave on June 30th, 2025, at The Lalit, New Delhi. One of India's less widely recognised public health priorities Sickle Cell Disease remains one of India's most urgent yet under-recognised public health burdens. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), more than 20 million people in India carry the sickle cell gene, with an estimated 1.5 lakh children born annually with the disease. Source: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood condition that changes the shape of red blood cells, which can sometimes affect how oxygen flows through the body. While it may lead to episodes of discomfort and certain health challenges over time, many people with SCD live full and active lives, especially with early diagnosis, regular care, and the right support systems in place. In India, the condition is more commonly found in specific geographic belts, including parts of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, Uttarakhand Increasing access to screening and care in these regions is helping to bridge longstanding gaps and offer better outcomes for individuals and families alike. Source: According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Health Mission (NHM), carrier prevalence in tribal districts ranges from 10% to 40%, with disease prevalence among newborns at 1–2% in high-burden NHM — National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission Guidelines (2023) The Government of India launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) in July 2023, targeting 7 crore screenings by 2027 and aiming for disease elimination by 2047, in line with India's 100 years of independence goals. Putting Patient Voices at the Heart A core goal of 'India's Fight Against Sickle Cell: From Awareness to Action' is to centre patient voices and reduce social stigma through storytelling and journalism. The campaign will bring forward the lived experiences of those affected by SCD—patients, families, caregivers and frontline health workers—highlighting both the challenges and the hope that early diagnosis and proper care can provide. Throughout the campaign, audiences—including healthcare professionals, public health officials, policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, entrepreneurs, start-ups in health innovation, educators, and the wider public—will hear from individuals across different regions of India who have navigated the realities of this lifelong condition. 'India must see Sickle Cell Disease not as an isolated tribal issue, but as a broader national priority. Given limited awareness around SCD among patients and the public, several challenges remain, including a lack of trained healthcare professionals in rural areas and insufficient coordination among various stakeholders. We are happy to collaborate with Hindustan Times and Novo Nordisk on this national campaign as it fosters better collaboration among the healthcare community, state governments, and non-governmental organisations to achieve the goal of eradicating SCD as a public health issue by 2047,' Prime Minister's Vision. says Gautam Dongre – National Secretary, National Alliance of Sickle Cell Organisations (NASCO). Driving cross-sector collaboration Novo Nordisk India, the campaign sponsor, is supporting this effort to propel the government's national mission by promoting active engagement among stakeholders, including central & state governments, public officials & policymakers, government medical institutions, healthcare professionals, patient groups & NGOs, start-ups & entrepreneurs and broader cross-sector collaboration. "In India, 1.4 million adults and children live with sickle cell disease. Among them, the tribal communities are the worst affected due to poorer health conditions, greater burden of morbidity and mortality and limited access to healthcare services in comparison to the rest of the population. We, at Novo Nordisk, are committed towards strengthening the Indian healthcare infrastructure for early detection and diagnosis of this life-threatening disease. Eliminating SCD will require sustained partnerships between government, healthcare, civil society, and industry. As a first step, Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, in collaboration with We are proud to support this campaign that brings national attention to SCD and helps advance health equity," said Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India. About the campaign Over June, 'India's Fight Against Sickle Cell: From Awareness to Action' will deliver: The World SCD Day event on June 21st, 2025, at The Lalit, New Delhi, will bring together policy leaders, healthcare professionals, patients, and public health advocates to chart the way forward. As India marks nearly 16 years since the United Nations first recognised World Sickle Cell Day in December 2008, with the first global observance held on June 19, 2009, this campaign seeks to accelerate national progress. Under India's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, the country has set a target to screen approximately 7 crore individuals by 2026 as a milestone toward broader elimination goals for 2047. To date, more than 42 million individuals have already been screened, underscoring the momentum of this public health effort. With a unified national effort — and empowered patient voices leading the conversation — the path to defeating SCD in India is clearer than ever. Sources 1. National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission GuidelinesPublished by: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of IndiaAccess via: National Health Mission Portal 2. UN General Assembly Resolution Recognising World Sickle Cell DayDocument Title: A/RES/63/237: Recognition of World Sickle Cell DayAdopted: December 22, 2008Link: 3. Press Information Bureau — Launch of India's National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination MissionDate: July 2023Summary: Official announcement of the mission by Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi in Shahdol, Madhya PradeshLink: 4. Press Information Bureau — Screening Progress UpdateDate: March 2024Summary: Over 4.2 crore individuals screened under the missionLink: 5. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Annual Reports on Sickle Cell BurdenAgency: ICMRSummary: Includes region-wise prevalence data, screening challenges, and diagnostic researchAccess via: to relevant year-specific annual reports on tribal health or hemoglobinopathies) IN25BRO00002This is a disease awareness article by Novo Nordisk India Private Limited. This does not replace medical advice. For more information, please reach out to your medical registered medical practitioner. Note to the Reader: This article has been produced on behalf of the brand by HT Brand Studio and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. The information does not constitute medical/health advice. Readers are strongly advised to consult a registered medical practitioner.
Hindustan Times
17-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Apurva Asrani on life before and after Bell's Palsy: ‘I had started to hide myself…'
From the high-octane world of Bollywood to the calm shores of Goa, writer-editor Apurva Asrani's story is no longer just about the films he has written, but the life he has rewritten. The year 2018 turned out to be life-changing for the 'Aligarh' writer, who woke up one morning unable to control half his face. He was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a partial facial paralysis condition which may affect 40 per 100,000 people annually. That one experience significantly changed the way he chose to live. He no longer 'hides' his face. In his 40s, he is enjoying his slow life in Goa with his partner, and their pets -3 cats and 2 dogs. He has given up gluten and alcohol - but is busy getting 'high on life'. He is more discerning about the projects he says 'yes' to. And most importantly and proudly, he has been prioritizing his health and wellness. Bell's Palsy hit Apurva when he was doing some of the best work of his career. His filmography already included writer credits for the web series Criminal Justice: Behind Closed Doors, co-writer and editing credits for the film Shahid, editing credits of Satya and episodes of the web series Made in Heaven, among other notable projects. The night before he woke up with a dysfunctional face, he remembers having a couple of drinks, a satisfying meal and being pleased by how his day had been. When he woke up, he couldn't drink water from a bottle, he couldn't brush his teeth or smile like he normally would. 'Is this a stroke?' he started questioning himself, before heading out to a hospital. 'Doctors concluded that it was not a stroke. They said, 'It looks like Bell's Palsy. We don't have too many cases, but we're figuring out the next line of treatment.' I started Googling… It was a scary time because I didn't know what was going on. Nothing was getting better, despite the steroids, acupuncture and physiotherapy. My mother even did one puja to get rid of this! The more I was stressing, the worse it was getting,' Apurva Asrani recalls. His friends and family members tried to make light of the situation, and even began calling him Lolita Pawar because one of his eyes wouldn't shut! Doctors in Mumbai tried various treatments for Apurva Asrani, but he says they forgot something very important: trying the electrical impulse therapy within the golden three-month recovery period. On top of it, he was also having to deal with vertigo, which made it difficult to work with moving images, and became the reason why he had to leave editing Made In Heaven midway. This was one of the multiple heartbreaks - both personal and professional - that he went through during that time. In a candid Health Shots exclusive interview over a Zoom call, Apurva Asrani was unfiltered on his personal evolution since the time, his altered approach to dealing with stress, and his desire to help others going through similar health battles. The bang of a fallen coconut and one of his cats meowing her way in and out of his room, were pleasant interruptions - the smaller joys that the 47-year-old has begun to appreciate in life. I was turning 40 when I came to Goa to celebrate my birthday. I just wanted to get away from things. This was a time when my doorbell wasn't ringing much, my phone was on silent and there weren't calls for deadlines and interviews. So, I really began to relax. I realized that if I was not going to deal with the stress, this would not go anywhere. I also learnt that I needed to own this condition. Typically when something happens to your face that makes you look like a freak, you look in the mirror and you can't recognize the person that you're talking to, you hide yourself from people. This happens especially if people have called you good-looking, they've said you have a gorgeous smile, and you've built your identity around those things. When your Instagram is popping with vanity, and this hits you, you want to hide. And that's what I did initially. For the first month, I hid it. I didn't meet people. If I met people, I tried to cover my face. One day I realized that I was trying to control something that was happening to me naturally. And maybe that's what this Bell's Palsy condition was trying to tell me - that not everything in life is in your control. When you can't control your own face, your twitch, shutting your eye... nothing is in your control. The scariest thing was thinking that I've been hit with this extremely rare condition that nobody else gets affected by. There was no roadmap or no suggestions on how I should deal with this. I didn't want anyone else to have to go through this. So, I said 'I'm reasonably well-known as much as an editor or writer can be in this country. So, let me talk to people and tell them what's going on'. I decided to use my Instagram to put images of my distorted face out there. I was really scared doing that, but it was my way of owning the condition. And then, I didn't have to hide anymore. A post shared by Apurva Asrani (@apurva_asrani) I was shocked by the number of people that reached out to me on Instagram, empathized with me and shared their own stories. One of those people suggested I try electrical impulse therapy. I was in Goa, and I wasn't sure about the medical infrastructure here back then. But in a small hospital in Mapusa, I found a physiotherapist who was ready to give it a try. I took the therapy every alternate day, and in one week, the twitch began. Within a month, my facial alignment came back (not 100 percent). I was so pleased, plus the greenery, the weather, the sincerity of people, the fact that people leave you alone to figure things out, made me decide my move to Goa. It was something that felt right at the time. I thought, I have a thriving career and maybe that will get affected; maybe they're not going to offer me the kind of films and series that they normally do because out of sight is out of mind. But what if I have all of that and I don't have my face, my life? That could have been a stroke! I realized that things we chase often are so cerebral. They are based on what we've been trained to do for the society to accept us, when we're not even looking at what our soul actually requires. We all have to become very aware of our own conditions, our limitations, our strengths, and design lives around it. It means that you have to say 'no' to certain things. That's where this journey of prioritizing myself over what I thought was my position in the world, began. And these seven years have been about moving closer to prioritizing myself and my health, step-by-step. It has been about changing my lifestyle: starting to get high on things like life, on fresh air, on talking to people, singing, cooking and eating right. I had stress in my career. I was working with one of my closest collaborators and we were working on a very exciting film, and I had a fallout with the lead actor who started demanding writing credits on it. I really fought very hard for my rights as an editor and writer, because we are very unsung otherwise. What's the point of having around 30 years of experience in the industry, of winning the top awards and having done some seminal works if I can't speak up for myself and for my craft? I took that fight very seriously. And when you're fighting with a very big entity who has a massive PR machinery at their beck and call, you have to work that much harder. Simultaneously, my father went through a very intense health condition where his kidneys had failed and he had to go through a transplant. My mom, who's a healthy person, decided to donate her kidney at the age of 60 to my dad. Being the older child, I felt like I needed to be there. I broke my foot at that time. My dog, the love of my life, was diagnosed with a malignant tumor. All of this happened within a three-month window. We creative people, a lot of us writers especially, are very emotional. And I was definitely a lot more emotional back in the day. So I lived with all of this inside of my head, thinking I've got it - taking up and fighting each battle. I would not sleep. I would be angry. I would get upset and shout. I knew I was going through stress. When my parents came out of the hospital, my foot recovered, I got Bell's Palsy the next week. So, I would relate it to stress. Now I think that maybe you don't need to take up every battle at the same time. Pick your battles. Initially, it was the physical condition. If you don't have your physical faculties, you have nothing. You have to deal with that first. But it also made me very aware of how one deals with adversity, how one deals with stress, how seriously one takes oneself. It made me aware of how much one relies on one's appearance, charm and smile to open doors or to start conversations. And when you don't have that, what do you have? I'm still not 100% recovered. I recovered about 75-80%. Once a friend asked me to smile in a photograph. I told her, 'I can't smile, I look like a freak'. But she said, 'Apu, that's your smile!' I couldn't even look at the picture, but said, 'Look, you are smiling really nicely because your smile always comes from the inside'. It took me some time to understand that, but I really made that my motto and something I started to live by. You communicate what is inside of you and you don't need a facade, veneer or a mask if your communication is authentic. When something like this (Bell's Palsy) happens, you drop all masks and you work on developing your authentic self far more. That was a very important learning that came through. The attachment one has to success. I was so attached to that credit of mine that the actor was so keen on discrediting me. That was wrong and I will still fight for something like that. But will it be this big, mortal kind of fight as the most important thing to me? No. Do I need to be that person who is winning National Awards or Filmfare Awards every year? No. I have won some, they hang on my wall, they are lovely. But do I need to be somebody who is going to be killing himself for more of those? No. I want to be able to shut my eye, drink my water, ride my scooter in a place that's clean and green. I am baking. I learnt what foods are good, and what are not. I started to eliminate gluten. Last year, I gave up alcohol. I stopped smoking. I don't miss these things now. I am on this trip to be as authentic, pure and as myself as I can be. That is my goal and ambition. I go to bed by 10 p.m. For 15 minutes before sleeping, my partner and I have a conversation about something from the day. Then I listen to an intense podcast. I wake up by about 6 a.m. The first two hours of my day are precious and I spend this time with myself. The first thing I put into my body has to be something that alkalizes my system, is hydrating and nourishing. So, I have lemon water with black salt. I sit with my dog, have some eggs and almonds. I give him some food, and then we go for a lovely 20-minute walk. During the walk, we see beautiful birds. Once I return, there's coffee, breakfast and gym. I workout about four times a week in the gym, and I swim twice a week. I leave one day to do nothing at all. I try to eat whole foods and natural foods. I only eat out once a week. I taught myself to cook, and now I like my cooking so much that it's very hard for me to go out to a restaurant. Plus, I gave up wheat, maida and rava, which have a lot of gluten that sticks to your gut and affects the gut lining. When I moved from Mumbai in 2018, I think I looked older than I look seven years later! I felt it. So, I cut out alcohol. I don't like being hungover. I don't like making decisions from a place that's not clear. I also stopped smoking. I noticed that when I would fall ill, that bout of illness would last three to four days because I would be smoking. I don't drink sodas. I love pizzas, burgers and cake, but they're all gluten. So I found gluten-free options. I started baking with almond flour! I have just become more mindful of ingredients. People make fun of me. But if you need to get drunk to feel happy for an hour, if you need to pile yourself up with ice cream and pizzas and maida to feel happy—the problem is you're looking for an escape from life in order to feel good. I'm just trying to learn how to feel good without these things. That's my effort. To figure out how I can feel good without intoxicating my system, how I can walk into a social gathering and talk to people without having two drinks… For me, that is power.
News18
07-05-2025
- Health
- News18
This Is How To Use Tea Water For Hair Regrowth
Published By : Last Updated: Rich in caffeine, tannins, trace vitamins, and antioxidants like catechins and flavonoids, tea water offers far more than just its delightful aroma and taste. Homemade DIY hair and skincare remedies are nothing new. Passed down through generations, these traditional recipes are packed with the goodness of Ayurveda. One such super-beneficial ingredient is tea water. Rich in caffeine, tannins, trace vitamins, and antioxidants like catechins and flavonoids, tea water offers far more than just its delightful aroma and taste. Its numerous benefits for hair make it a chemical-free solution for a variety of concerns when used regularly. What is tea water? Tea water is essentially a simple cup of brewed tea made from black or green tea leaves, without any milk or sugar. The process is straightforward: black tea leaves are brought to a gentle boil, then strained, and the resulting water is left to cool to room temperature. This beneficial tea water, traditionally known as kali chai, turns into a potent ingredient for promoting hair growth and nourishment. What are the benefits of tea water for hair regrowth? Colour boost: A black tea rinse for grey hair gives a temporary and mild colour boost to the hair strands. The natural substances easily bind with the hair shaft, and a noticeably darker shade is found. Gives lustre and shine: According to the same report, a black tea rinse contains high levels of antioxidants, which protect the scalp from free radical damage. Additionally, this will give a fine shine and lustre to your hair shaft. Stimulates hair follicles: Black tea contains caffeine, which is helpful in blocking DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone commonly associated with hair thinning and loss, as reported by HealthShots. Support scalp health: The caffeine content increases blood circulation in the scalp, which helps in the easy transportation of important nutrients to the hair follicles. The antioxidants and tannins reduce inflammation and oxidative stress on the scalp, strengthening the roots and preventing breakage. Balances scalp oil: Tea water creates a balance between reducing the dry and itchy scalp and cleansing the natural oils from the scalp, which prevents dandruff. How to prepare tea water to use on hair? The simple recipe to prepare tea water is as follows – Ingredients: Method: Boil the water and then add the tea leaves. Let the tea brew for 5–7 minutes until the water takes on a deep brown colour. Allow the mixture to cool completely. Strain out the tea leaves from the water. Store the tea water in a spray bottle for easy application, or keep it ready to mix with other beneficial ingredients. How to use tea water for hair regrowth? These are some of the unique ways to use tea water in your haircare routine.- Shampoo with the tea rinse: After washing your hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, you can rinse it with the tea water. Gently massage the scalp for 5 minutes and leave it for half an hour before rinsing it with plain water. Don't apply conditioner afterwards. Frequency: You can do this remedy 2–3 times a week. Massage your scalp with tea water and oils: You can mix the tea water with a few drops of essential oils like rosemary, peppermint, or tea tree and gently massage this to enhance blood circulation and stimulate growth. Frequency: You can do this remedy once a week before shampooing. Soak henna leaves or powder in tea water: Henna leaves are also known for their cooling effects. You can soak the henna leaves or powder overnight and mix the tea water with it. On the day of application, rinse the water to wash off the dried henna, and shampoo should be applied the next day. Frequency: You can do this remedy twice a month. Tea water toner: You can add sage, coffee, apple cider vinegar, green tea, walnut hull and many other ingredients while boiling the tea water before storing it in any container, for additional benefits. Frequency: You can store the mixture in a bottle and apply it whenever needed to remove the frizz. These age-old household remedies, brewed from simple tea leaves, offer a budget-friendly haircare solution. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: May 07, 2025, 16:25 IST News lifestyle This Is How To Use Tea Water For Hair Regrowth
Jordan News
20-04-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
One Egg for Breakfast: Great Nutritional Benefits in a Simple Meal - Jordan News
One Egg for Breakfast: Great Nutritional Benefits in a Simple Meal Eggs are among the foods highly recommended by nutrition experts as a key part of a healthy breakfast. They are rich in nutrients and easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice to start the day with energy and focus. اضافة اعلان According to Health Shots, committing to eating one egg daily at breakfast can offer numerous health benefits, including: Eggs contain all the essential amino acids the body needs, making them effective for muscle building and increasing the feeling of fullness. Eating eggs in the morning helps curb appetite and reduces hunger throughout the day, which in turn lowers the desire for snacking and supports weight control. Thanks to their choline content, eggs help enhance brain functions such as concentration and memory, making them an ideal food for students and those in mentally demanding jobs. Eggs are rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect against age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration. They also contain vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and building strong bones—especially important for people who don't get much sun exposure. Whether you follow a low-carb or high-protein diet, eggs are a versatile option that can easily be incorporated into any healthy eating plan. Eggs are also one of the most affordable sources of protein, available in every household, and can be prepared in delicious and varied ways to suit all tastes. Having one egg a day for breakfast is more than just a habit—it's a simple step toward a more balanced and healthy life. It fuels the body, sharpens focus, supports bones and eyes, all without straining your budget or taking too much time to prepare. Source: Sada El Balad
Jordan News
17-04-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
Premature Graying: Why It Happens and Can You Reverse It? - Jordan News
Premature Graying: Why It Happens and Can You Reverse It? The Indian website Health Shots published a report discussing the causes of premature graying of hair and possible ways to treat or slow it down. اضافة اعلان According to the report, when hair starts losing melanin — the pigment responsible for hair color — it begins to turn white or gray. If you're young and noticing gray strands, the reasons could be genetic or health-related. While there are some methods that may help restore hair color, identifying the underlying cause is crucial. What Is Premature Graying? Premature graying refers to the appearance of gray or white hair earlier than the typical age. Dermatologist Dr. Priyanka Kuri explains that while some graying is a normal part of aging, white or gray hairs appearing as early as in the teenage years or twenties is considered premature. A study in the International Journal of Trichology highlighted that genetics, along with other factors like vitamin deficiencies, can play a significant role in early graying. When Does Hair Normally Turn Gray? Generally, graying begins in the 30s or 40s as the body gradually reduces melanin production with age. If hair turns white or gray before age 20, it's typically considered premature graying — and may be worth medical attention. What Causes Premature Graying? Genetics If your parents or grandparents went gray early, you may too. Hereditary factors are a major contributor to early graying. Stress Long-term stress can disrupt melanin production. Studies funded by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) showed that stress, including pain and restricted movement in lab mice, led to a decrease in melanin levels. Nutritional Deficiencies Lack of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, iron, zinc, copper, and calcium may trigger early graying. Addressing these deficiencies with supplements or diet changes can help slow the process. Smoking Smoking accelerates the aging process of hair and damages hair follicles, contributing to premature graying. Medical Conditions & Chemical Exposure Conditions like thyroid disorders, vitiligo, and autoimmune diseases may cause early graying. Additionally, exposure to harsh chemicals (in hair products or pollution) and some medications can damage hair follicles. Can Premature Graying Be Prevented? While you can't always prevent it — especially if it's genetic — you can take steps to slow it down: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support melanin production. Manage stress through practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. Avoid smoking to protect hair and overall health. Use gentle hair care products and avoid excessive exposure to chemicals or pollutants. Take care of your hair with regular washing, moisturizing, and gentle handling. Check for underlying conditions, like thyroid issues, and get appropriate treatment. Can You Stop or Reverse It? Dr. Kuri explains that there's currently no scientific evidence that you can fully prevent or reverse gray hair once it appears. However, identifying and treating the root cause — such as stress or nutrient deficiency — may slow its progression. Once hair turns gray, it's unlikely to return to its original color without cosmetic solutions like dyes. Treatments for Premature Graying If the cause is nutritional deficiency, taking appropriate supplements (e.g., B12 or D3) may help restore some natural color over time. If related to a medical issue like thyroid dysfunction or vitiligo, treating the condition may prevent further graying. Some people may benefit from hormonal treatments in specific cases (e.g., autoimmune-related hair changes). Final Thoughts While premature graying isn't always preventable, especially due to genetics, a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and stress management can slow the process and improve overall hair health. If you notice early graying, consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider to rule out any underlying health concerns. Would you like tips on specific foods or supplements that support hair pigmentation naturally?
