Latest news with #Pregnancy
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Health Matters Newsletter: Safeguarding the windows to the soul
On cataract surgeries and the urgent need for access, brain and spine innovations, maternal health amidst rising heat, sickle cell care and more It's one of the most common surgeries performed, a procedure that practically everyone has heard of and perhaps one that most of us will have to undergo, but cataract surgeries are still not available and accessible to all -- cataracts continue to account for about 40% of all cases of existing blindness, and in India, remain the leading cause of blindness. In fact, as of 2023, the World Health Organization estimated that only 17% of people with vision impairment due to cataract have received access to an appropriate intervention. This, despite the surgery being one of the safest and least resource-intensive of procedures. We take our vision for granted most times, never really thinking about our eyes or how they work despite their being crucial to every aspect of our lives, but this June, observed as Cataract Awareness Month, is as good time a time as any, to learn and understand more about them. And to this end, we have two stories on cataract for you: Dr. S. Soundari explains the hows and whys of cataracts and the surgery required, and Dr. C. Aravinda and Dr. Sangeetha Raja give you a glimpse of the history and the evolution of the procedure that is now used to treat millions. Speaking of surgeries, here are a few more stories of interest, delving into medical procedures for the brain and spine: Dr. Ari G. Chacko explores advances in brain tumour care, while Dr. G. Sudhir and Dr. K. Karthik Kailash explain how minimally invasive spine surgery has transformed the landscape of spinal care. But in all of the excitement over the latest in medical science, the progress in technology and the potential promise of AI, it is crucial to not forget the basics: ensuring the health of mother and baby. And not only are we still some distance away from achieving optimal care for all mothers and babies in India, climate change is now emerging as an increased threat to the health of both. Take this into consideration: despite overall progress over the last 30 years, an analysis (published in the British Medical Journal Global Health) has found that cases of low weight at birth from four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal -- account for nearly half of India's cases. Having a low birth weight -- under 2.5 kg -- has been linked with problems in the child's cognitive development and a vulnerability to chronic conditions in later life. To add to this existing issue is the burden of extreme heat: I podcast with Prof Jane Hirst about how high temperatures -- which India now faces on a regular basis -- impact pregnancy outcomes. Talking of maternal health, C. Mayareports that Kerala still has the lowest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the country despite some latest data revealing figures that the State disputes. And in Tamil Nadu, P. V. Srividya writes, the government's Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation system has helped exposechild marriages. Maternal health isn't just crucial at the time of pregnancy: Athira Elssa Johnsondecodes a study that found that domestic violence perpetrated on mothers was linked with higher depressive disorders amongst their teen children, highlighting again, the vital need to safeguard the health of mothers -- as this is intrinsically linked with the health of the next generation. One more story on newborns that can have far-reaching implication if made into policy is this study by the Indian Council of Medical Research that found post-birth diagnosis, resulting in early treatment, could substantially improve the quality of life and reduce mortality in patients with sickle cell disease -- from the reported current 20 to 30% to less than 5%. If you're wondering what sickle cell disease is, do read this explainer. Internationally too, there's been some focus on this area: British lawmakers have debated proposals to decriminalise abortion amid concerns that police are using antiquated laws to prosecute women who end their own pregnancies. Elsewhere around the globe, there's some good news, the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of pharma company Gilead Sciences' twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV -- a move the company hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against the sexually transmitted virus. Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent in adults and adolescents -- making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. Local news however, has been good, and not-so-good: while R. Prasadwrites on two existing drugs that offer hope to cure Russell's viper bites; Moyurie Som reports on the West Bengal Assembly passing a Bill on 'transparency' in medical costs in private facilities and Abhinay Lakshman details the Centre's plans to set up a National Tribal Health and Research Institute, Afshan Yasmeen speaks to the corresponding author of a research paper that has found that public health spending has not resulted in significant pro-poor services in India and S. Vijay Kumar finds that a report released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has revealed that the organ transplantation programme in the country has been crippled by multiple issues, especially insufficient funding, shortage of specialised doctors, and procedural delays. Here's a quick round-up of the Covid-19 situation: cases are dipping, despite social media buzz about the 'razor blade' Covid variant, but even so, the ICMR has introduced its first high-performance computing facility at its National Institute of Virology (NIV) facility in Pune to boost genomic storage and analysis, aiding faster detection of new disease threats and more efficient response to outbreaks. Our tailpiece for the week is this story by Dr. Vid Karmarkar and Jitendra Chouksey on why alcohol regulation in India needs a national framework and policy. Once again, we have a healthy list of explainers this week, do dive in when you find the time: Dr. Arunima Ray writes on understanding albinism in the Indian context Dr. Javeed Zabiullah explains why the world needs to embrace neurodiversity Dr. V. Madhumitha busts myths around vitiligo Dr. Raman Goel writes on the importance of changing mindsets and narratives around obesity Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan details the need to screen for kidney cancer after 40 Anirban Mukhopadhyay breaks down a study on making CAR T-cells in vivo for cancer care If you want to know about DNA analysis, click here As part of our 'all you need to know' series, here is an explainer on the world's rarest blood group, Gwada negative, and one on clinical trials And finally, here is why chronic pain must be part of suicide risk assessments For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
The Hindu
21 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Safeguarding the windows to the soul
On cataract surgeries and the urgent need for access, brain and spine innovations, maternal health amidst rising heat, sickle cell care and more It's one of the most common surgeries performed, a procedure that practically everyone has heard of and perhaps one that most of us will have to undergo, but cataract surgeries are still not available and accessible to all -- cataracts continue to account for about 40% of all cases of existing blindness, and in India, remain the leading cause of blindness. In fact, as of 2023, the World Health Organization estimated that only 17% of people with vision impairment due to cataract have received access to an appropriate intervention. This, despite the surgery being one of the safest and least resource-intensive of procedures. We take our vision for granted most times, never really thinking about our eyes or how they work despite their being crucial to every aspect of our lives, but this June, observed as Cataract Awareness Month, is as good time a time as any, to learn and understand more about them. And to this end, we have two stories on cataract for you: Dr. S. Soundari explains the hows and whys of cataracts and the surgery required, and Dr. C. Aravinda and Dr. Sangeetha Raja give you a glimpse of the history and the evolution of the procedure that is now used to treat millions. Speaking of surgeries, here are a few more stories of interest, delving into medical procedures for the brain and spine: Dr. Ari G. Chacko explores advances in brain tumour care, while Dr. G. Sudhir and Dr. K. Karthik Kailash explain how minimally invasive spine surgery has transformed the landscape of spinal care. But in all of the excitement over the latest in medical science, the progress in technology and the potential promise of AI, it is crucial to not forget the basics: ensuring the health of mother and baby. And not only are we still some distance away from achieving optimal care for all mothers and babies in India, climate change is now emerging as an increased threat to the health of both. Take this into consideration: despite overall progress over the last 30 years, an analysis (published in the British Medical Journal Global Health) has found that cases of low weight at birth from four states -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and West Bengal -- account for nearly half of India's cases. Having a low birth weight -- under 2.5 kg -- has been linked with problems in the child's cognitive development and a vulnerability to chronic conditions in later life. To add to this existing issue is the burden of extreme heat: I podcast with Prof Jane Hirst about how high temperatures -- which India now faces on a regular basis -- impact pregnancy outcomes. Talking of maternal health, C. Mayareports that Kerala still has the lowest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in the country despite some latest data revealing figures that the State disputes. And in Tamil Nadu, P. V. Srividya writes, the government's Pregnancy and Infant Cohort Monitoring and Evaluation system has helped exposechild marriages. Maternal health isn't just crucial at the time of pregnancy: Athira Elssa Johnsondecodes a study that found that domestic violence perpetrated on mothers was linked with higher depressive disorders amongst their teen children, highlighting again, the vital need to safeguard the health of mothers -- as this is intrinsically linked with the health of the next generation. One more story on newborns that can have far-reaching implication if made into policy is this study by the Indian Council of Medical Research that found post-birth diagnosis, resulting in early treatment, could substantially improve the quality of life and reduce mortality in patients with sickle cell disease -- from the reported current 20 to 30% to less than 5%. If you're wondering what sickle cell disease is, do read this explainer. Internationally too, there's been some focus on this area: British lawmakers have debated proposals to decriminalise abortion amid concerns that police are using antiquated laws to prosecute women who end their own pregnancies. Elsewhere around the globe, there's some good news, the United States' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved of pharma company Gilead Sciences' twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV -- a move the company hailed as a major breakthrough in the fight against the sexually transmitted virus. Lenacapavir, marketed under the brand name Yeztugo, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent in adults and adolescents -- making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. Local news however, has been good, and not-so-good: while R. Prasadwrites on two existing drugs that offer hope to cure Russell's viper bites; Moyurie Som reports on the West Bengal Assembly passing a Bill on 'transparency' in medical costs in private facilities and Abhinay Lakshman details the Centre's plans to set up a National Tribal Health and Research Institute, Afshan Yasmeen speaks to the corresponding author of a research paper that has found that public health spending has not resulted in significant pro-poor services in India and S. Vijay Kumar finds that a report released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has revealed that the organ transplantation programme in the country has been crippled by multiple issues, especially insufficient funding, shortage of specialised doctors, and procedural delays. Here's a quick round-up of the Covid-19 situation: cases are dipping, despite social media buzz about the 'razor blade' Covid variant, but even so, the ICMR has introduced its first high-performance computing facility at its National Institute of Virology (NIV) facility in Pune to boost genomic storage and analysis, aiding faster detection of new disease threats and more efficient response to outbreaks. Our tailpiece for the week is this story by Dr. Vid Karmarkar and Jitendra Chouksey on why alcohol regulation in India needs a national framework and policy. Once again, we have a healthy list of explainers this week, do dive in when you find the time: Dr. Arunima Ray writes on understanding albinism in the Indian context Dr. Javeed Zabiullah explains why the world needs to embrace neurodiversity Dr. V. Madhumitha busts myths around vitiligo Dr. Raman Goel writes on the importance of changing mindsets and narratives around obesity Dr. Arun Kumar Balakrishnan details the need to screen for kidney cancer after 40 Anirban Mukhopadhyay breaks down a study on making CAR T-cells in vivo for cancer care If you want to know about DNA analysis, click here As part of our 'all you need to know' series, here is an explainer on the world's rarest blood group, Gwada negative, and one on clinical trials And finally, here is why chronic pain must be part of suicide risk assessments For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tom Cruise's co-star reveals she was eight months pregnant when she shot Mission: Impossible fight scene
Hayley Atwell appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week, where she opened up about filming Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. While on the late night show, the 43-year-old actress, who starred in the movie alongside Tom Cruise, detailed her experience working while pregnant. Asked if there was anything she wanted to share before the audience was shown a snippet from the feature film, she revealed, 'During this fight sequence — we came back to it a few times to add a few elements to it. And in this clip, I'm actually eight-and-a-half months pregnant.' Atwell noted that she'd never shared the fact before, calling it 'a Fallon exclusive.' She went on to say, 'I was taken such good care of. Everyone was so supportive and they were like, "Oh, you can sit down, and we'll have a stunt double do it." And I was like, "No! I've worked too hard. Let me do it." So I did it, and here it is.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. While on the late night show, the 43-year-old actress, who starred in the movie alongside Tom Cruise , detailed her experience working while pregnant Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is the beloved franchise's eighth and final iteration, after first hitting the silver screen in 1996. Atwell made her initial appearance in the franchise as IMF agent Grace in 2023. The star gave birth to her first child with her music producer beau Ned Wolfgang Kelly last year. The couple got engaged in April 2023, with Kelly gushing on Instagram at the time, 'I'd never had any interest in getting married… until I met this extraordinary woman.' Sharing a photo of them side-by-side while the actress flashed her glinting diamond ring, he wrote, 'Lucky me. Arrived in Venice at 10am. 'Around midday the love of my life and I got engaged in the kitchen of this strange apartment full of porcelain ducks, with a bloke outside the window murdering 'My Way' on the accordion. A perfect start to the rest of our lives together.' The British entertainer explained to Daily Mail that year, 'We had rented this Airbnb that had lots of shelves with porcelain ducks on them, so it was quite a surreal setup. 'My fiancé was in his [underwear] in the kitchen, and there was an accordion playing outside our window — which was timed perfectly but not planned,' she confirmed. Hayley seemingly confirmed that the two have tied the knot in a May 19 episode of LIVE with Kelly and Mark as she referred to the musician as her husband. The beauty regularly appears on his Instagram account, where he engages a modest audience of about 4,000 followers. He's currently by her side in Cannes, France, supporting her at the Cannes Film Festival, which wraps on Saturday. Taking to Instagram Stories on Friday he shared a video of the siren walking the red carpet in a midriff-baring black black top and coordinating long skirt. Ned wrote, 'Go watch my amazing wife killing it in The Final Reckoning. The film absolutely rocks.'
Business Upturn
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
The Four Seasons Season 2: Release date speculation, cast and plot details – Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on May 15, 2025, 19:00 IST Last updated May 15, 2025, 12:00 IST Netflix's The Four Seasons , a comedy series created by Tina Fey, Lang Fisher, and Tracey Wigfield, has captured audiences with its sharp humor and star-studded cast. Following the success of its first season, which premiered on May 1, 2025, fans are eager for news about a second season. With a major cliffhanger leaving viewers wanting more, here's everything we know so far about The Four Seasons Season 2, including release date speculation, cast details, and potential plot points. Release Date Speculation for The Four Seasons Season 2 While Netflix has not yet announced an official release date for Season 2, speculation points to a potential premiere in 2026. Given the busy schedules of the show's high-profile cast, including Tina Fey and Steve Carell, production timelines could push the release to mid or late 2026. This aligns with industry patterns for Netflix comedies, which often take 12-18 months between seasons due to filming and post-production. Expected Cast of The Four Seasons Season 2 The core cast of The Four Seasons is expected to return for Season 2, continuing the story of the six married friends who take quarterly vacation trips together. Based on the 1981 Alan Alda film, the series boasts a talented ensemble. Expected returning cast members include: Tina Fey as a key character, bringing her signature wit to the group dynamic. Steve Carell , whose comedic chemistry with Fey is a highlight of the series. Additional cast members from Season 1, including supporting roles, are likely to return, though no official confirmations have been made for secondary characters. Potential Plot Details for The Four Seasons Season 2 The Four Seasons follows a group of friends whose quarterly vacations reveal personal tensions, secrets, and comedic mishaps. Season 1 ended on a major cliffhanger, with a pregnancy announcement shaking up the group's dynamic. While specific plot details for Season 2 remain under wraps, here's what we expect. Potential storylines for Season 2 include: The Pregnancy Fallout: How the group navigates the emotional and logistical challenges of the pregnancy, potentially reshaping relationships. Family Dynamics: The show may delve into how the two families come together or face new conflicts, building on Season 1's themes of friendship and rivalry. New Destinations: True to the show's premise, Season 2 is expected to feature new vacation settings, each tied to a different season, offering fresh backdrops for comedy and drama. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
25 Best Ways to Say Happy Mother's Day to a Mom-to-Be
Becoming a mother is a life-changing experience, and the joy of motherhood can start during pregnancy, before the child even arrives. If you know any expectant moms, be sure to honor them on Mother's Day as they eagerly anticipate their little one's debut. These Happy Mother's Day messages for moms-to-be ensure all mamas welcoming babies into the world feel some love. Say Happy Mother's Day to a mom-to-be with a loving, heartfelt message full of well-wishes. Whether the parent-in-waiting is your best friend, neighbor, sister, or child, these quotes get the sweet sentiment across. There is little doubt you'll make an excellent mother, as you are already such a spectacular person to so many. Happy Mother's Day! They say good things come to those who wait, and waiting on a baby is no greater example of this. Happy Mother's Day to our favorite mommy-in-waiting! Watching you bloom as an expectant mother has been the greatest joy. Can't wait to see you thrive in this new role. Happy Mother's Day. Expecting a baby is a miracle, and no one is more deserving of this miracle than you. Happy Mother's Day, mama-to-be. We are so thrilled to welcome you into Club Motherhood. Celebrate this first Mother's Day in style because firsts only come along once! Nothing is as beautiful as a mama-to-be, nor should anyone be as lavishly celebrated. Happy Mother's Day! As radiant as the sun, as glowing as the stars, and as serene as the blue skies, you wear motherhood so stunningly. Happy Mother's Day, mommy-to-be. On this Mother's Day, we celebrate all you are and all you shall soon become. You will be an amazing mom. Related: Genuine messages can be lengthy and packed with well-meaning words, but they don't have to be! Send a short, sweet, Happy Mother's Day message to expectant women so they know they will be loved and supported in their parenthood journey. Happy Mother's Day to the prettiest pregnant mama in the world. Blessed is this baby you will be raising. Happy Mother's Day. Happy VERY first Mother's Day. The coolest club in town can't wait to welcome its newest member. Sending Mother's Day love to a lady made for the gig! Happy Mother's Day to a truly special mama-to-be. Today is about you, your journey, and all the celebration and joy that awaits. Parenthood is serious business, but that doesn't mean there won't be plenty of smiles and giggles along the way. Say happy Mother's Day to a mom-to-be with humor. Enjoy this Mother's Day, as it will likely be the last one that includes legit rest and relaxation. Happy First Mother's Day. This year, you get flowers; next year, you'll be getting dirty diapers. Moms-to-be celebrate their special day getting kicked around (from the inside, that is)! Kick back, have a Mother's Day mocktail, and relish in the last quiet holiday you will ever have. Happy Mother's Day to someone who will definitely NOT be a regular mom but a cool mom. (A reference to the iconic movie Mean Girls). They will make the most wonderful mother in the world, and you are so lucky that your child will get to call your partner "Mommy." Tell your partner Happy Mother's Day and let them know how much you appreciate them with these loving words. There is no Mother's Day gift I could ever give you that could compare to the gift you are about to give this family. Happy Mother's Day! Happy Mother's Day to the person who completes me and is working on completing this family. You house our child, and you house my heart. Happy Mother's Day to the most wonderful woman in the world. Watching you grow into this new chapter in life has been the greatest blessing to witness. I can't wait to see you grow along with our child. Happy Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to a super partner and a super soon-to-be mama! Seeing you pregnant with our child makes my heart and love grow for you in tandem. Happiest Mother's Day to the most beautiful mama-to-be. Just because she isn't holding her baby in her arms quite yet doesn't mean she shouldn't be showered with love on Mother's Day. Send Mother's Day blessings and messages to support the ladies in your life who are mere moments away from the greatest adventure life has to offer.
