Latest news with #Medical
NDTV
8 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
Stray Dog Bites 3 Women In College Campus Near Chennai
Three students were bitten by a stray dog on the campus of Tamil Nadu's Government Meenakshi College for Women, approximately 465 km from Chennai, on Monday, prompting calls for urgent action to prevent further attacks. Following the incident, the Madurai Municipal Corporation caught five stray dogs from the campus after the college authorities lodged a formal complaint. However, they have requested the civic officials to remove the rest of the stray dogs around the campus to ensure student safety. "Dogs often chase our students. Though strays were removed earlier, they were dropped back after undergoing Animal Birth Control procedures and rabies vaccination," Ms Chandra, the Principal-in-Charge of the college, said. The injured students were immediately taken to the Government Rajaji Medical College Hospital for treatment, and are currently in stable condition. The incident has reignited the debate around stray dogs and public safety, especially in light of a recent Supreme Court observation questioning why dog lovers who feed strays cannot do so within the premises of their homes. Many residents as well as the students' parents argued that human safety must be prioritised. "We cannot turn a blind eye to repeated dog bite incidents. No one should lose their life to preventable animal attacks," said Saira Anwar, a parent. Meanwhile, animal rights activists argue that regularly feeding stray dogs helps them remain calm and non-aggressive. "Hungry dogs are more likely to become wild in search of food," Antony Rubin, an activist, said. Activists also insist that humans must co-exist with animals, and stress the need for better implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) and vaccination programmes to control stray dog population. According to a municipal survey conducted in May this year, there are around 27,000 to 38,000 stray dogs in Madurai. In 2024, at least 14,000 dog bite cases were reported in 100 wards of the city, with an average of 1,000 to 1,200 cases per month, data shared by Madurai municipal corporation stated. The ABC Rules, which have replaced the 2001 Animal Birth Control (Dog) Rules, use the expression "community animals" instead of "stray dogs," acknowledging that these dogs are not homeless but territorial beings who belong to their local environments.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Are Medical Stocks Lagging Abbott Laboratories (ABT) This Year?
Investors interested in Medical stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Abbott (ABT) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Medical sector should help us answer this question. Abbott is one of 985 companies in the Medical group. The Medical group currently sits at #8 within the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. Abbott is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ABT's full-year earnings has moved 0% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is more positive. According to our latest data, ABT has moved about 6.5% on a year-to-date basis. Meanwhile, the Medical sector has returned an average of -5.7% on a year-to-date basis. This means that Abbott is outperforming the sector as a whole this year. One other Medical stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is Astellas Pharma Inc. (ALPMY). The stock is up 0.7% year-to-date. For Astellas Pharma Inc., the consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 13.5% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Looking more specifically, Abbott belongs to the Medical - Products industry, a group that includes 84 individual stocks and currently sits at #169 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 3% so far this year, so ABT is performing better this group in terms of year-to-date returns. In contrast, Astellas Pharma Inc. falls under the Medical - Drugs industry. Currently, this industry has 155 stocks and is ranked #86. Since the beginning of the year, the industry has moved +6.6%. Abbott and Astellas Pharma Inc. could continue their solid performance, so investors interested in Medical stocks should continue to pay close attention to these stocks. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Abbott Laboratories (ABT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Astellas Pharma Inc. (ALPMY) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Kerala has 571 on Nipah contact list, 27 at highest risk, says Health Minister
Kerala has placed 571 people on the Nipah virus contact list across five districts, Health Minister Veena George said after a high-level review meeting on contact list includes 62 individuals from Malappuram, 418 from Palakkad, 89 from Kozhikode, and one each from Ernakulam and people are currently under treatment in isolation in Malappuram. One person in Palakkad is also being treated in isolation. Meanwhile, ten people, one from Malappuram, two from Palakkad, and seven from Kozhikode, have been removed from the contact list after completing their isolation According to the health department, 27 people in the state fall under the highest risk category, while 78 are considered high health minister chaired a meeting with top officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of Health, NHM State Mission Director, Directors of Health and Medical Education, District Collectors, police officials, and other department heads, to assess the situation and coordinate containment intensified surveillance follows the second Nipah-related death reported in Kerala last week. A 57-year-old man from Mannarkkad in Palakkad died after developing severe respiratory distress, initial tests confirmed Nipah a death was reported in Malappuram this year. In 2024, the state also saw another death linked to Nipah virus officials continue to urge vigilance and adherence to protocols to prevent further spread.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Kerala
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Jaffna mass grave, a test for the Dissanayake government
A mass grave site in Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna district,which has drawn domestic and international attention, is putting to test the Anura Kumara Dissanayake government's pledge to address Tamil people's grievances. The site was discovered by accident in February this year when workers, who were readying land in Chemmani — located in the outskirts of Jaffna, a former war zone — to build a Hindu crematorium, stumbled upon what appeared to be human bones. They immediately alerted authorities, prompting the Jaffna Magistrate Court to order excavation and further investigation. A team of experts, comprising a senior archaeologist, assisted by students at the University of Jaffna, and Judicial Medical Officers (JMOs, including forensic pathologists and those specialising in forensic anthropology), has since been excavating the site that is now protected with restricted access. According to official sources familiar with the excavation, about 65 skeletons, including some believed to be children, have been found so far, at times with what appeared to be school bags and other personal belongings. The growing count, amid recurring headlines of more bones being unearthed every day, is agonising for locals, especially families of disappeared persons, who have been chasing the truth about their missing loved ones for years. Their resolve continues till date, 16 years after the bloody civil war ended with the state armed forces crushing the LTTE, while tens of thousands of civilians were massacred. From the time his 21-year-old brother was arrested by the army in 1996, Ponnambalam Arumugasamy has spent much of his time and energy in trying to trace him. 'Each of us looking for a missing relative has been undergoing enormous pain, not knowing what happened to our brother or son or daughter,' says Mr. Arumugasamy, 75, who resides near Jaffna town. While the whereabouts of missing persons remains unknown, news of human remains buried clumsily under the soil just outside town is unsettling. Families are torn between feeling hopeful that their loved one might be alive somewhere, or facing their worst fear, that they may not. This is not the first time Chemmani is in focus. In a startling court revelation in the late 1990s, soldier Somaratne Rajapakse — among those convicted in a case of rape, abduction, and murder of 18-year-old Tamil Krishanthi Kumaraswamy— testified that '300 to 400 bodies' were buried in Chemmani. His disclosure led authorities to some 15 bodies at the location, but the case was dropped after that. Hence, where the ongoing Chemmani excavation is headed is tied to how much the Dissanayake administration is willing to push the probe, while confronting troubling relics from the past. Political will 'This government is unique,' asserted Sri Lanka's Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara, pointing to the ruling National People's Power's [NPP] huge mandate in last year's general election in the island's north and east, where Tamil-speaking people are a majority. 'That means most of the racist politics that divided the [Sinhala majority] south and the north, have effectively come to an end. It appears that the people of the north and the south have come together in choosing us…so, unlike previous governments, we have a bigger responsibility in fulfilling their aspirations, looking after their wellbeing,' he told The Hindu in an interview at his Ministry. Observing that the Dissanayake government has 'the complete political will' to address the grievances of those who have suffered 'catastrophic deaths, disappearances, and losses', Mr. Nanayakkara said the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP, the chief political constituent of the ruling alliance that the President leads) had 'suffered the same' in the late 1980s, and therefore 'takes it very seriously.' Rights watchdog Amnesty International estimates that Sri Lanka has one of the world's highest number of disappearances, with a backlog of 60,000 to 1,00,000 complaints including from the island's Sinhala-majority south where thousands of youth went missing around the armed insurrections led by the leftist JVP in the early 1970s and late 1980s. Every time a mass grave is spotted, families of the disappeared are put through another round of stress, hope and hopelessness, as was seen in two other recently-identified sites in the Northern Province – in Mannar town and Kokkuthudavai in Mullaitivu. Also read :Grave secrets from Sri Lanka's troubled past The government, with the support of the Office on Missing Persons [OMP], set up by the Maithripala Sirisena – Ranil Wickremesinghe government in 2016, to probe disappearances, is currently looking into 14 mass grave sites across the country, authorities said. 'Money is not an issue,' Mr. Nanayakkara said, adding that a sum of LKR 11.7 million (roughly ₹ 35.5 lakhs) has been allocated for work at Chemmani, as of June 23, 2025. As per Sri Lanka's he OMP Act, the Office has the authority to act as an observer in mass grave cases, while playing a supportive role in administration – such as ensuring smooth flow of funds for the case from the state, intervening on issues of access on the media, and assisting in identifying victims where possible. Mirak Raheem, a commissioner at the OMP observed that investigating mass graves is 'a very complex' exercise. To start with, the whole process of excavation is destructive. The site must be destroyed [to recover the skeletons] and can never be reconstructed. The focus is not only on recovering human remains, but also on collecting as much information as possible from the location. 'For instance, the orientation and the position of the bodies, the geography of the site, details such as the boundary of the mass grave, may provide useful pointers on how the site might have been dug,' he said. The learning globally, Mr. Raheem points out, is that such an effort needs a multidisciplinary team – one that incudes forensic anthropologists, forensic archaeologists, historians, criminologists, geneticists and others. 'Along with what is found at the site, investigators also consider witness statements and events around the site, because it is possible that the mass graves were not a consequence of a single event. There could have been multiple events over a period of time. An integrated approach to investigations and analysis is therefore crucial to establish the truth, or we will be left with different reports that could be contradictory and do not provide a conclusion to the case, and do not lead to an identification of victims,' he explained. Technical expertise While political will is fundamental to see the case through, technical expertise is also critical, experts noted. Earlier, the community including the families [of disappeared persons], activists, and lawyers were not as aware of the subject, according to Ranitha Gnanarajah, an Attorney at Law, working with and appearing on behalf of families of the disappeared. 'But now, we have had more exposure, including to other contexts that have dealt with mass graves, like Guatemala, Argentina, Rwanda. We are more aware of the strategies, systems, legal process, challenges and the diverse approaches in the excavation at and tracing of mass grave sites,' she said, indicating that Sri Lanka is better equipped to handle mass graves, even if some challenges, such as the absence of a DNA database, persist. 'We don't have a DNA bank and specialised DNA laboratories that work with highly degraded remains, to correlate findings from mass graves with a family reference sample from relatives of disappeared persons,' Mr. Raheem said. The passage of time is another major challenge. 'There is a serious risk of losing so many parents and family members of the disappeared who may pass on without sharing their DNA or critical information about the missing person,' he added. The government appears open to seeking help. 'While we have some resources, we will not hesitate to get help from our international friends and partners when the need arises for [technical] expertise. We will not let this investigation go down saying 'oh, we don't have the expertise',' Minister Nanayakkara said. 'There is no need for us to protect any criminal whether in the south or north,' he added. Afterall, Sri Lanka is not alone in confronting mass graves. There are many contexts across the Global South, especially Latin America, that have taken the forensic struggle forward, according to OMP Commissioner Mr. Raheem. 'Countries like Argentina and Guatemala have not only made significant progress in investigating their mass graves but also have a lot of knowledge and experience to share. So Sri Lanka has many sources to rely on to build its national capacity.' Winning trust Acknowledging that 'people need closure, people need justice', he also flagged the need for dignity of families, recognition as a special category of victims and some form of social protection to support their lives. 'When you fight for 30, 40 years, discriminate and marginalise, they (Tamils) are not going to trust the Sinhalese just like that. Our job is to win their trust and help heal,' he said. Winning families' trust will be crucial. 'They are not merely sources of information, but are active partners in the process, who need to be aware of what is happening, so they can observe and assist. Their role is central,' Mr. Raheem noted. While growing awareness has allowed those engaged with the families of disappeared persons to better explain the process and its inherent challenges around the Chemmani mass graves, families too are bravely participating in the process, Ms. Gnanarajah pointed out. 'They share their stories, accounts from memory, support the excavating team with food and beverages, meanwhile patiently and hopefully waiting for some answers or closure, after enduring years of pain and trauma,' she said. Visiting the Chemmani mass grave during his visit to Sri Lanka in June 2025, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said it is a 'compelling reminder that the past haunts the lives of many in Sri Lanka.' Excavation in Chemmani, being carried out in phases and temporarily paused for the last fortnight, is scheduled to resume on July 21 [Monday]. Families and activists said the government appears committed to a credible process, but remain cautious about the outcome, as their experience so far has rarely given them any relief. 'We can't say anything now; not until the investigation is complete. I am trying to remain hopeful that the findings will bring us some answers at least this time,' said Mr. Arumugasamy. 'I am looking for my brother, and so many women are looking for their sons or daughters. We have all endured enormous pain. We need answers.'
CNET
4 days ago
- Health
- CNET
9 Foods That Will Naturally Increase Your Testosterone Levels, According to Experts
Everyone produces testosterone, regardless of sex. Not only is it a pivotal hormone in development (particularly for males) and for masculine characteristics, it's also essential for muscle growth, strength, bone density and sex drive. Like the best tools we rely on every day -- from solid routines to dependable phones -- testosterone plays a foundational role in how our bodies function, according to the director of Clinical Operations at ModifyHealth, Madison Reeder. Reeder explains that testosterone is far more involved than you would first think -- it plays are part in everything from muscle maintenance to energy levels to red blood cell production. "It plays a far more expansive role by supporting cellular signaling, protein synthesis, fat distribution and cognitive and emotional regulation," she says. Testosterone is vital for overall well-being, especially in men. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, happens when the testicles don't produce enough of the hormone. It's more common than you might think, affecting about 35% of men over 45. To maintain healthy testosterone levels, it's helpful to moderate alcohol consumption and, if possible, quit smoking entirely. Your diet is equally important, so make sure to include these top foods (as picked out by our CNET experts) to boost your testosterone levels effectively. Why do testosterone levels vary? Testosterone naturally fluctuates. According to Dr. Justin Houman, an assistant professor of urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, testosterone levels are generally at their highest point in the morning and decline throughout the day, in line with the body's circadian rhythm. Testosterone also changes throughout life. It increases sharply during puberty and then gradually decreases after age 30. "Beyond that, fluctuations can be influenced by a wide range of factors: sleep quality, stress levels (particularly cortisol), body fat percentage, alcohol consumption, certain medications and even acute or chronic illness," said Houman. The pituitary gland is central to regulating testosterone production in the body, and it's a sensitive system that can easily be thrown off. Things that can impact testosterone levels include but are not limited to: Medications like steroids or opioids Chronic health conditions like kidney disease, lung disease or diabetes Sleep apnea and poor sleep Stress Obesity According to the American Urological Association, low testosterone is a level below 300 ng/dL. A healthy range is considered between 450 and 600ng/dL. "However, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' testosterone level. The body's ideal level is influenced by age, sex, genetics, health history, and even how well you sleep or manage stress," Reeder said. If you're struggling with low testosterone, one of the first places you can look is your diet. Unhealthy diets or chronic under-fueling can impair hormone production while working toward a balanced diet full of nutrients can help stabilize your levels. 9 foods that may increase testosterone "There isn't a single 'testosterone superfood,' but certain foods support the body's natural testosterone production by providing key nutrients or reducing inflammation and oxidative stress," Houman said. The nutritional content of certain foods can give you a leg up when it comes to testosterone, especially if you're deficient in that particular nutrient. Reeder pointed to zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein as pivotal nutrients for healthy testosterone production. Adding the foods on this list to your diet won't magically fix low testosterone levels. However, being intentional about making good food choices can help supplement level management as you speak to your doctor. Your needs will vary depending on your age, health conditions and hormonal status. Milan_Jovic/Getty Images Leafy greens Leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens contain a lot of magnesium, which can help regulate total and free testosterone. Research suggests that magnesium deficiency may also play a role in low testosterone levels. Magnesium reduces oxidative stress, or the body's imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals. Reducing oxidative stress benefits testosterone bioactivity because inflammation and oxidative stress can lower testosterone levels. Eating leafy greens may help boost testosterone levels. However, if you're not a big green eater, beans, nuts and dark chocolate are also excellent sources of magnesium. Fatty fish Fatty fish have a lot going for them in the testosterone department. They are great sources of "good fats" known as omega-3s, which are known to support heart and joint health. Research has revealed that low-fat diets can be associated with lower testosterone levels. While we need more research to fully understand why this is the case, incorporating healthy fats into your diet, such as fatty fish, can benefit your overall health. That's not the only benefit of fatty fish. They have a high nutritional content of essential vitamins like zinc and vitamin D, which are crucial for healthy testosterone levels. Those with less vitamin D tend to have lower testosterone levels than those with more vitamin D. You can take a fish oil supplement if you're not a fish eater. A 2020 study found that fish oil supplements with omega-3s boost testosterone in men. Cruciferous vegetables Houman explained that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can indirectly support healthier testosterone balance by lowering estrogen levels. They can do this because cruciferous vegetables have a compound called indole-3-carbinol. Some studies suggest that indole-3-carbinol may slow the growth of cancer cells, although the research is limited. DragonImages/Getty Images Eggs Eggs can help maintain healthy testosterone levels because they contain vitamin D and healthy fats. They also contain the antioxidant selenium. Animal studies have found that selenium can increase testosterone production. However, it's important to remember that we don't have human studies to draw any conclusions about the extent of the relationship between selenium and testosterone. Regardless, eggs are highly nutritious and contain other testosterone-friendly nutrients. One smaller study found that eating the whole egg will be better for testosterone levels than egg whites. Avocados Avocados are a triple threat when it comes to boosting testosterone levels. They are a great source of healthy fats and magnesium and contain boron, a trace element linked to testosterone production. One study found that within a week of taking boron supplements, testosterone levels in males increased up to 32%. Oysters and other shellfish According to Houman, zinc is an essential nutrient for testosterone synthesis in the testes. Oysters offer the most zinc per serving than any food. Other shellfish, like shrimp, clams, mussels, crab and lobster, have notable zinc levels. If seafood isn't your thing, red meat, pumpkin seeds and lentils are other zinc-rich foods. Beyond the benefits of zinc, oysters and other shellfish's antioxidant effect may boost testosterone by increasing the efficiency of the Leydig cells, the primary source of testosterone. Read more: 15 Best Food Sources of Zinc Select fruits Fruits with flavonoid antioxidants, like pomegranates, berries and cherries, can help support testosterone production. A study of active young men found that drinking two cups of pure pomegranate juice each day for three weeks helped with muscle recovery, reduced inflammation and saw an increase in testosterone. Olive oil Olive oil has several health benefits, like increasing good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol. There is also some evidence that it may increase testosterone. One small study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research of 60 young males discovered that a daily intake of around five teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil increased testosterone by 17%. Fermented foods Reeder explained that gut health is gaining more attention for its role in hormone regulation. Fermented foods, such as yogurt and kimchi, can indirectly support testosterone levels by ensuring your gut microbiota is healthy. A healthy gut plays a role in inflammation and hormone metabolism, so eating gut-friendly foods is always good. "While eating these foods won't artificially raise testosterone beyond your body's natural capacity, they can help create the right environment for hormonal stability," Reeder said. Jose LuisWhat is the best diet for boosting testosterone levels? Any balanced diet that includes testosterone-friendly foods is a good option. However, if you're looking for a specific diet to help you create meals, try the Mediterranean diet. It's rich in lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of veggies. Houman explained that following a Mediterranean diet has been linked to higher testosterone levels and better reproductive health in men. You don't have to follow the Mediterranean diet to boost your testosterone levels; you can focus on healthy eating habits to see the benefits. However, it's essential to acknowledge what not to do. Houman explained that ultra-processed foods and high-sugar diets can suppress testosterone by promoting insulin resistance. You'll always want to stay away from trans fats and packaged snacks. Read more: The Best Food Subscriptions for a Mediterranean Diet That said, you don't want to cut out fats entirely. "Very low-fat diets can be problematic. Fats, especially those from whole food sources, provide cholesterol, a crucial building block for hormone production," Reeder said. Don't cut out all fats from your diet or you may see a hormone level drop. Instead, focus on high-quality fats and moderate how often you eat processed foods. If you don't know where to start with your diet or how to recognize your food patterns, working with a registered dietitian can help you find a diet that works best for your body. Other natural ways to boost testosterone Everything starts with the foods you eat, though your diet isn't the only thing that could impact your testosterone levels. Your lifestyle matters too. Other healthy habits to maintain testosterone levels:
