Latest news with #PrashantPawar
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Oncologist shares surprising causes of head and neck cancer in non-smokers: 'It's not just tobacco anymore'
Head and Neck Cancer Day, observed annually on July 27, was established by the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncology Societies to raise awareness about these often-overlooked cancers. While tobacco use was once considered the primary culprit, head and neck cancers are increasingly affecting non-smokers as well, bringing newer risk factors like HPV, poor oral hygiene, and pollution into the spotlight. (Also read: Gastroenterologist shares 4 bowel cancer symptoms to look out for: Persistent bloating to night sweats ) Long-term exposure to pollution, chemicals, and poor diet increases head and neck cancer risks, especially in non-smokers.(Freepik) "Head and neck cancers have had a long history of association with alcohol and tobacco consumption. However, over the past few years, there has been a distinct trend in the patient population being diagnosed. More and more patients with no smoking history are now presenting with these cancers. This trend indicates that evolving factors beyond conventional causes are at play," says Dr Prashant Pawar, consultant – head and neck surgical oncology, HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre Cooperage, Colaba. Dr Prashant further shared with HT Lifestyle the surprising causes behind this shift and what you need to watch out for. Development of HPV related cancers The human papillomavirus: It is claimed that HPV-16 is associated with oral cancers, oropharynx cancer, which is located at the base of the tongue and the tonsils, and is very common among young non-smokers. The patients affected with HPV-positive head and neck cancer are younger, healthier, have urban backgrounds, and have better access to and awareness of health care. Their therapy response and disease pathophysiology differ from the tobacco-induced ones. Emerging risks for head and neck cancer include air pollution and HPV, impacting non-smokers more frequently. (Freepik) Environmental and occupational exposure The newer risks are long-term exposure to air pollution, industrial chemicals, and contaminated oral health, which are seen especially in the urban and semi-urban areas. An increased risk can also come with poor diet, chronic acid reflux (GERD), and a weakened immune system, even in non-smokers. Slow time of diagnosis in non-ex-smoking patients Since head and neck cancer is more related to the smoking rate, non-smoking patients will ignore the initial symptoms, which may include frequent sore throat, hoarseness of voice, or a lump in the neck area, thus delaying the time of diagnosis. Importance of awareness and immunisation HPV immunisation for teenagers (male and female) is key in reducing the probability of getting head and neck cancers in the future. Personalised treatment approaches Cancers that are HPV positive are easier to treat and have a more favourable prognosis. Still, proper diagnosis and staging remain relevant to the best outcomes. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
A tale of two NCPs and Senas
Nagpur: For the first time in Nagpur's civic polls, two factions of Shiv Sena and NCP will be vying to establish their base. While both parties had maintained a strong presence at the state level, they were unable to meet expectations in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections even before the split. Now, with cadres and voter bases divided between rival factions, political experts expect the battle for political traction in the NMC polls to become even more intense. However, leaders of both Shiv Sena and NCP factions claim to have an edge over their rivals. "People have taken notice of the work we have done at the ground level. In North Nagpur, we facilitated 3,000 new water connections, which the people have appreciated. In Rambagh, an issue related to the gutter line had been pending for 50 years, and we ensured that the project was completed," said NCP ( Ajit Pawar faction) leader Prashant Pawar, expressing confidence about his party's performance in the upcoming local polls. NCP (SP) leader Duneshwar Pethe also expressed optimism about gaining ground in the NMC elections. "It has been just over a year since the NCP split. Before that, all the work was done under the leadership of Sharad Pawar. Is it not shameful that the water problem still exists in Nagpur despite the ruling coalition being in power in the civic body for the last 15 years and over a decade at the state level? People have told us they are fed up with the Mahayuti and want change," he said. Pethe also outlined the party's development plans for the city. "We will address issues related to school fees and garbage collection. English medium schools will be started under NMC to ensure free education for children. We also need to properly plan hawkers' zones to improve traffic management. Merely building flyovers doesn't enhance the city's beauty," he added. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Nitin Tiwari said people will place their trust in the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction. "Sena UBT has been at the forefront, fighting for Nagpurians' rights. We have staged multiple agitations, exposed corruption by contractors in civic affairs, and questioned the deterioration of the city's infrastructure. Our party will transform city governance by providing transparent and efficient administration," he told TOI. His party colleague Kishore Kumeriya said, "The real DNA of Shiv Sainiks is rooted in the teachings of Balasaheb Thackeray, and that spirit resides in UBT. Sena UBT is filled with grassroots-level workers. Moreover, people have witnessed the commendable work done by Uddhav Thackeray during his tenure as CM." On the other hand, Shiv Sena ( Eknath Shinde faction) leader Mangesh Kashikar claimed his party is poised for significant gains. "Our strength is growing, and prominent faces from Sena (UBT) and other parties have joined us. In the coming week, more big names will join. Statistically, we had only two seats in NMC earlier, so there is little to lose. Our internal assessments suggest that we will win 12 seats this time," he said.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
World Hypertension Day: Listening to music can help you keep your blood pressure in check, say experts
From gym workouts to techniques such as nada yoga — music is an integral part of many fitness regimens. Besides keeping its fans entertained, music also has therapeutic properties, which makes it an effective way to keep heart rate and blood pressure in check. In fact, a 2023 study published by the National Library of Medicine, which is considered the world's largest biomedical library, suggested that 'music therapy can effectively control blood pressure and heart rate, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality in hypertensive patients'. On World Hypertension Day today (May 17), experts share how listening to music or music therapy can help keep your blood pressure in check: Listening to music can help alleviate stress and anxiety, which are major contributors to high blood pressure. Soft, soulful tunes, particularly classical music (Indian or Western), is known to calm the heart rate. That, in turn, helps lower blood pressure. Like other relaxation techniques, music therapy can put you into a restful state and that helps lower blood pressure. It's believed that listening to soft or classical music can increase the intensity of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that carry signals between neurons, and from neurons to other cells like muscles or glands. That leads to a pleasant feeling and lower blood pressure. Music therapy is known to be an effective adjunct to your ongoing high blood pressure-related medication. There are some ragas that are believed to play a role in keeping hypertension in check. Raga Malkauns (midnight raga) and Raga Todi (morning raga) that are ancient Hindustani classical ragas help in meditation, and have shown positive effects on hypertension. Dr Sudhir Vaishnav, Cardiologist, says, 'In many patients, we have noticed that listening to music helps lower the heart rate and blood pressure. But, it's not a permanent treatment. It acts as a good supplement to regular medication.' Dr Prashant Pawar,Consultant -Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, says, 'Music therapy is a safe, non-invasive, nonpharmacological, and cost-effective intervention for reducing blood pressure, heart rate, and Anxiety levels in hypertensive patients. It has been found that systolic blood pressure reduces by around 10 mm hg after just four weeks of music therapy. I recommend my hypertensive patients to listen to music with high sympathetic tone or soft, soothing music like piano, flute or classical. But, it has to be accompanied by prescribed medications and a low-salt diet.'
