Latest news with #SushilaKataria
Mint
24-07-2025
- Health
- Mint
International Self Care Day: Doctor shares 5 self-care practices that may feel uncomfortable, but are good for health
Most people may give examples of a cup of hot chocolate and reading in bed, a solo spa day, yoga on the beach or a bubble bath as examples of self-care. But it is not always truly about spa days. Those soothing moments may have value, but self-care is about the consistent, sometimes uncomfortable actions we take to care for our long-term health and well-being. On International Self Care Day, Internal Medicine specialist Dr Sushila Kataria, shares 5 such self-care activities. "These practices may not feel as relaxing in the moment, but they are a long-term investment in our health and well-being," adds Dr Kataria, Head and Senior Director of the Department of Internal Medicine, Medanta - The Medicity, Gurugram. Protection from childhood vaccinations does not always last a lifetime. As we grow older, our immunity can weaken, and the risk of certain infections increases. This makes it important to stay informed about diseases that may arise later in life and how they can be prevented. For instance, shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. And while it can lie dormant for decades, the virus often reactivates later in life, typically after the age of 50, leading to a painful rash and long-lasting nerve discomfort. Seasonal influenza isn't 'just a bad cold' either. For ageing adults, it can lead to pneumonia, increased risk of hospitalisation, or exacerbate heart and lung conditions. Similarly, pneumococcal infections may result in serious bloodstream or respiratory illnesses. Despite these risks, awareness and uptake of adult vaccination remain low in India. A survey by the Association of Physicians of India (API) and Ipsos across 16 cities found that while 71 percent of adults aged 50 and above are aware that vaccinations are available for their age group, only 16 percent have actually received one. This gap highlights the need for better understanding and stronger emphasis on preventive care. Speak to your doctor about these illnesses and the ways to protect yourself. It's one small visit that can prevent weeks, or even months, of suffering. We often wait for symptoms before we act. But regular health screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks can help detect conditions like diabetes or hypertension before they cause damage. These simple routine check-ups should be a part of looking after yourself in a steady, informed way. They may not seem urgent but if done regularly, they help you stay ahead of potential health problems. Food is a daily part of self-care, but it often takes extra work. Planning, choosing better ingredients and making small nutritional adjustments can feel inconvenient, especially when life is busy. But over time, those choices build a strong foundation for better health. You do not need to follow strict diets or chase superfoods. Focus on simple balance and more whole foods like fibre, vegetables, and enough water. Cutting back on added sugar, processed snacks and alcohol, even a few times a week, can support digestion, energy and immunity. Taking care of your mind is just as vital as caring for your body. Mental well-being is a part of self-care that often gets overlooked. But checking in with yourself and getting support when needed, can make a real difference. Seeking therapy or counselling may take extra effort to begin, but it can help you manage stress, adjust to change and feel more steady. If you've been feeling anxious, low, or mentally stuck, even mildly, consider it a sign to seek support. Whether it's counselling, mindfulness practices or simply carving out quiet moments for reflection, caring for your emotional well-being is caring for your health. Exercise doesn't need to be a sweaty 90-minute ordeal. Even 20–30 minutes of movement like walking, stretching, climbing stairs can improve mood, immunity, and joint function. Regular physical activity supports cardiovascular health, builds bone strength, and helps reduce the risk of falls or fractures as we age.10 Think of it as training for your future: a way to stay mobile and active, so that you can keep doing the things you love, with the people you love.
India Today
03-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Cold or Covid? Doctors answer when is the right time to get tested
As of June 3, India has reported 4,026 active Covid-19 cases, according to the Health Ministry. While most cases are presenting mild symptoms, health experts have cautioned amid a rise in infections driven by newer and more transmissible current uptick in cases is largely attributed to NB.1.8.1, a sub-lineage of the Omicron-descended JN.1 variant, along with the LF.7 variants are noted for their high transmissibility, though they continue to cause mostly mild illness, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Fatalities recorded in states such as Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have all involved individuals with underlying health DO YOU NEED A COVID TEST?NB.1.8.1, which has caused spikes in hospitalisations in China and has been detected in the US, presents with symptoms resembling seasonal include fever, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, runny nose, headache, and loss of appetite. Unlike earlier Covid waves, loss of taste and smell aren't being Sushila Kataria, internal medicine and public health expert at Medanta, said that most patients are experiencing mild to high-grade fever, throat pain, nasal congestion, sputum, and marked fatigue. New variants are noted for their high transmissibility, though they continue to cause mostly mild illness, ICMR. () advertisementWith Covid and flu cases both rising, distinguishing between the two has become challenging. Doctors have stressed that testing remains an important tool, especially for certain groups."If someone is experiencing cough, cold, or fever, they should test for Covid-19. Hospitalised patients with pneumonia must also be tested," Dr. Kataria told explained that while home antigen tests are convenient, their accuracy can vary. "A positive test confirms Covid, but a negative one doesn't rule it out. In such cases, respiratory precautions and self-isolation should continue until symptoms subside," said Dr. more people are testing at home rather than visiting hospitals. "A lot of the home antigen tests we're seeing are coming back positive," she Vikas Maurya, pulmonologist at Fortis Shalimar Bagh, observed that many individuals in the outpatient department (OPD) are reporting persistent cough and fever lasting more than two days, alongside bronchitis-like breathlessness. More people are testing at home rather than visiting hospitals. () "Hospitalisations are happening, but most patients recover and are discharged within a week," he he expressed concern over testing hesitancy. "Even when I prescribe RT-PCR tests, only about three out of five patients follow through," he told Maurya added that the typical symptom duration for current cases is around 3–4 days. "We've had one patient on a ventilator who is now improving. But overall, severe cases remain mild," he doctors urged that if you're experiencing flu-like symptoms, particularly fever, cough, or sore throat, one can get tested for Covid-19, especially if you are elderly, have pre-existing conditions, or are in close contact with vulnerable the current variants are not causing widespread severe illness, their high transmissibility makes early detection and isolation crucial in preventing further InMust Watch
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mumbai sees more than 100 COVID cases: Is a new pandemic just around the corner?
The news of a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases from Mumbai and a few other cities might bring back a strange sense of déjà vu, those initial anxious days of the pandemic, the masks, the isolation, and the uncertain headlines. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But is this new rise in numbers a sign of something bigger? Or is it just a passing ripple in the larger health landscape? Here is all we need to know about what's happening, what it means, and whether this moment calls for fear, caution, or just a gentle reminder to stay aware. A sharp rise in Mumbai: Should this be a wake-up call? In May alone, Mumbai recorded 95 COVID-19 cases: a significant jump considering only 106 cases were reported in Maharashtra since January. Sixteen people are currently hospitalised. While this number may not sound alarming compared to previous waves, it marks a clear shift in the virus's quiet behaviour over the past year. Health workers have been moved from one hospital to another to prevent potential transmission, and tests are being conducted on people showing symptoms of influenza-like illness. This isn't just a random uptick — it's a cluster. And clusters, as history has shown, often precede waves. (Pic courtesy: iStock) What's happening beyond Mumbai? Chennai is seeing a rise too. Doctors there are reporting a shift — fevers that were earlier assumed to be the flu are now turning out to be COVID-19. In fact, some surgeries like heart procedures and organ transplants have been postponed as a preventive measure. Meanwhile, Gujarat, Karnataka, and even Puducherry have started reporting small but noticeable spikes. In Ahmedabad, seven new cases were detected in just one day — a sharp jump from its usual count of just one case a month. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Even cities with no active cases, like Pune, are in alert mode. Fifty hospital beds have been set aside. That says something: not panic, but readiness. While the current COVID-19 cases in India appear to be linked to the JN1 variant of Omicron, which has been circulating for some time, we must remain vigilant. Although hospitalizations haven't risen here yet, trends in countries like Singapore remind us not to be complacent. All age groups could be affected, with extremes of age and those with comorbidities at higher risk. It is crucial for authorities to step up surveillance and for hospitals to resume testing for COVID-19 in respiratory tract infections. Individuals must follow hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. At present, there are no specific booster guidelines from Indian authorities, and we await further directives from ICMR. While most waves tend to pass without severe outcomes, we must stay cautious, monitor trends, and be prepared for any unexpected developments. Dr. Sushila Kataria, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram It's important to separate the numbers from the narratives. Yes, cases are increasing. But no, this isn't 2020 all over again. The World Health Organization declared the global COVID-19 emergency over in May 2023. Since then, the virus has become endemic — meaning it still exists, but behaves more like the flu, with seasonal flare-ups. Covid-19: Simple way of making a mask at home What's happening now may not be the start of a new pandemic, but rather a localised surge, influenced by seasonal changes, immunity dips, or new variants. And while the word 'new variant' might stir up fear, most of these strains remain mild — especially in people who are vaccinated.
