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The Hindu
38 minutes ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Students take out awareness rally on No Tobacco Day
Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Srikakulam District Chairman P. Jaganmohana Rao on Saturday urged people to say no to Tobacco and other toxic products as they would ruin their physical and financial health. He said that IRCS would help people in leading a normal life with its deaddiction centres assisted by doctors voluntarily in Srikakulam. In a programme organised here on No Tobacco Day, Mr. Rao said that 'No Smoking Day' was being observed since 1987 owing to a call given by the World Health Organisation. NHRC and Kinjarapu Yerrannaidu College of Agriculture Science jointly organised Anti Tobacco rally in SSR Puram of Etcherla mandal in the district. The students vowed to create awareness on the adverse impact of tobacco and drugs. Dean of the College K. Moshe, IRCS Public Relations Officer P. Chaitanya Kumar, IRCS representatives K. Satyanarayana, G. Ramana, Uma Shankar and others participated in the rally.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Craig David admits health battle saw him plummet into a 'dark place'
Singing sensation Craig David admitted his excessive exercise regime left him with a serious injury that effected his mental health as he believed life 'wasn't worth living' Craig David became a pin-up for most women around the world during his hey day as an award winning music artist. And it wasn't just his catchy songs that earned him a legion of fans, his sculpted appearance also played a major part. But now, it has emerged that his desperation to maintain a toned physique saw him develop an obsession with exercise which soon spiralled out of control. His intense work out regimes resulted in a serious back injury in 2017, leaving him on the brink of depression. At the peak of his intense workouts, the 44 year old singer had only 4.5 per cent body fat. According to the World Health Organisation a healthy body fat percentage for a man under 40 years old, which was his age at the time, is between eight and 20 per cent. Even an athlete at the peak of their career would generally not have a body fat percentage less than six per cent. In a recent interview, Craig said that his obsession had a major impact on his social life as it made him avoid seeing friends. He told The Times: "I was cancelling going out with friends because I was like, 'Nah, I've got to do my cardio tonight.' What life was that? I'm not a body builder." Craig then suffered an excruciating back injury in 2017 which left him depressed as he found himself unable to continue his workouts. The music star's injury "involved a degenerative disc." Recalling his injury he told the publication: "My world was closing in. I needed to get rid of the pain and I went to a dark place where I thought, 'I don't think I'm going to make it.'" Craig soon spiralled out of control and while he did not experience suicide thoughts, his depression made him feel as though he had nothing to live for. He explained: "I never got to the point where I was thinking of ways to end this but I thought life wasn't worth living and I would be happier if I wasn't here any more." The singer has now turned his life around and is practicing celibacy. The star has also written a book titled What's Your Vibe, which aims to dispel the myth that life as a celebrity is "glitzy and perfect." He has also shared details of his battle with his body image when he appeared in the BBC documentary Imposter Syndrome. While appearing on the programme, he opened up on how he'd ended up experiencing body dysmorphia. In the documentary, he said: "I was down to like 4.5% body fat and I'm still thinking, 'if I can just get it down that… which is a very, body-building, like, lifestyle. "But now, sitting here, I feel like I had to go back to the little kid who is carrying a bit of weight, [who was] the shoulder to cry on and be like, 'you know what, you always had everything that you could have ever had wanted'. It was never about the body."
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Expert on how quitting tobacco improves health in just 20 minutes to 20 years: ‘Risk of heart disease drops to half'
World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on May 31. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced 'Unmasking the appeal: exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products' as the theme for this year. Also Read | World No Tobacco Day: Expert shares 5 ways smoking actively damages your mental health While we all know that consumption of tobacco is harmful to overall health, certain lifestyle trends have made smoking appear attractive. Therefore, it becomes essential to know how quitting tobacco improves our health. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Tanya Khanna, nutritionist and yoga trainer at Alyve Health, explained how quitting tobacco kickstarts the healing process in our body in just 20 minutes to 20 years. 'Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death worldwide. However, the moment a person decides to quit, the body starts healing within minutes and continues for decades,' Tanya said. She revealed how quitting smoking can improve our health after 20 minutes, 12 hours, 9 months, 10 years, or 20 years. She explained the changes that go on inside our body, and how it should be incentive enough to quit the habit today. Just 20 minutes after the last cigarette, the heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop to healthier levels. Blood circulation starts to improve, signalling the body's immediate response to the absence of nicotine. Carbon monoxide, a harmful gas found in cigarette smoke, begins to leave the bloodstream. As a result, oxygen levels in the body return to normal, reducing the burden on the heart and lungs. Just one day after quitting, the risk of a heart attack starts to decrease. The body continues to purge itself of the toxins introduced by tobacco, and the healing process progresses steadily. Lung function begins to improve significantly. Breathing becomes easier, physical endurance increases, and energy levels rise as circulation stabilises and lung capacity grows. The tiny hair-like structures in the lungs, called cilia, start to regrow and function properly. These structures help clear mucus and fight infections, leading to fewer coughing episodes and respiratory illnesses. The risk of developing coronary heart disease drops to half that of a current smoker. The heart, blood vessels, and lungs continue to repair themselves. The risk of stroke is significantly reduced, potentially returning to the level of a non-smoker. The risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and bladder are also greatly diminished. The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of someone who still smokes. Additionally, the chances of developing cancers of the larynx and pancreas are reduced. At this stage, the risk of coronary heart disease becomes comparable to that of someone who has never smoked. The long-term risks of stroke and many types of cancer continue to decline, reaching near-normal levels. 'Quitting tobacco is not just about avoiding disease, it's about improving quality of life. Former smokers often report better breathing, improved energy, healthier skin, and a renewed sense of control over their health. Most importantly, it's never too late to quit. The sooner you stop, the sooner you start healing,' Tanya concluded. 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.
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia on track to be smoke free by 2040, says health minister
CYBERJAYA: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad remains confident that the country is on track to achieving its vision of a Smoke Free Malaysia by 2040. He said the ambitious goal could only be realised through shared commitment and by upholding policies that prioritise public health and well-being. The ministry, he added, is reinforcing its commitment to the smoke-free agenda with the launch of the National Lung Health Initiative 2025–2030. "Among our major milestones is the successful adoption of the Malaysia Lung Health Resolution, which was endorsed at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva. "This resolution is set to be adopted globally through the World Health Organisation (WHO). "As we look ahead, the Health Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to realise a Smoke Free Malaysia by 2040. "That vision can only be achieved through collective responsibility and by standing firm on policies rooted in the public interest," he said. Dzulkefly said this at the launch of the National Tobacco Control Conference (NTCC) held at the University of Cyberjaya today. He said, through a whole-of-nation approach involving all age groups and sectors, the ministry was optimistic that Malaysia's goal of becoming a smoke-free nation by 2040 can be successfully achieved. "For years, our dedicated teams have engaged, collaborated, and worked hand-in-hand with fellow government agencies, non-governmental organisations, international partners, academic institutions, and community leaders in a truly whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach. "Together, we have advanced policies, campaigns, and reforms grounded in evidence, compassion, and the national interest," he said. At the same event, Dzulkefly also unveiled the official mascot, Pak Lung, symbolising strength, unity, and the collective fight against smoking. He said 100 mascots would be placed at strategic locations nationwide, not only to raise awareness about lung health, but also to promote the conservation of the Malayan tiger and the environment. "This is a moral fight. A national fight. A fight for our children. But the Health Ministry cannot win this fight alone. "We need all hands on deck — teachers, doctors, parents, advocates, religious leaders, researchers, and policymakers. "This is a national movement grounded in science, compassion, faith and unity," he said.
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First Post
5 hours ago
- Health
- First Post
Covid scare in India: 7 dead in past 24 hours, over 2,700 cases recorded; Kerala, Maharashtra worst hit
In an alarming development, seven deaths have been reported over the past 24 hours across India, taking the total Covid death toll to 22 during the fresh wave read more Cities such as Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad have reported a small but steady surge in Covid-19 cases, prompting local officials to step up surveillance and implement precautionary measures. File image/ PTI Covid-19 cases in India surged past 2,700 ahead of the weekend, with Kerala and Maharashtra states reporting the highest number of cases. As per the latest data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Kerala has recorded 1,147 cases, becoming the only state in the country to breach the 1,000 mark. Maharashtra has reported 424 cases, with Delhi (294) and Gujarat (223) at the third and fourth place respectively. 7 deaths in past 24 hours In an alarming development, seven deaths have been reported over the past 24 hours, taking the total Covid death toll to 22 during the fresh wave. In the past 24 hours, Maharashtra has reported two deaths, while Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have registered one each. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The health ministry Saturday (May 31) identified the Delhi patient as a 60-year-old woman with acute intestinal obstruction post-abdominal surgery in whom Covid-19 was detected. Despite the surge, health authorities in India have said there is no need to panic as most cases have been reported to be mild. What's causing the latest surge? Two new Omicron sub-variants, LF.7 and NB.1.8.1, are thought to be causing the recent rise in Covid cases , although JN.1 is still the main strain in the country. So far, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not labelled LF.7 or NB.1.8 as Variants of Concern (VOCs) or Variants of Interest (VOIs). Experts say that while these new variants might be able to bypass immunity to some degree, there is no proof they lead to serious long-term illness. The symptoms are mostly similar to those of the common flu. Some of these symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, headaches, and fatigue. With the increase in cases, several states have asked hospitals to ensure enough beds, oxygen cylinders, testing kits, and vaccines are available. Older people and those with other health conditions are advised to wear masks in crowded places.
