Monday, March 6

Health news

Health news

Sushmita Sen suffers heart attack! Here’s how you can prevent it

Actor and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen has made fans skip a heartbeat with her latest revelation! The 47-year-old has shared that she suffered a heart attack just a couple of days ago, but after an angioplasty and stents, “all is well”. Sushmita’s case once again highlights the rising number of heart attack cases in India and the need to manage our heart health better regularly. In her inimitable and heartwarming way, Sushmita shared some “wise words” by her father as she announced her health update on Instagram. “Keep your heart happy and courageous, and it’ll stand by you when you need it the most.”Sushmita revealed, “I suffered a heart attack a couple of days back… Angioplasty done… stent in place… and most importantly, my cardiologist reconfirmed ‘I do have a big heart’.”The ...
Sushmita Sen suffers heart attack! Here’s how you can prevent it
Health news

Sushmita Sen suffers heart attack! Here’s how you can prevent it

Actor and former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen has made fans skip a heartbeat with her latest revelation! The 47-year-old has shared that she suffered a heart attack just a couple of days ago, but after an angioplasty and stents, “all is well”. Sushmita’s case once again highlights the rising number of heart attack cases in India and the need to manage our heart health better regularly. In her inimitable and heartwarming way, Sushmita shared some “wise words” by her father as she announced her health update on Instagram. “Keep your heart happy and courageous, and it’ll stand by you when you need it the most.”Sushmita revealed, “I suffered a heart attack a couple of days back… Angioplasty done… stent in place… and most importantly, my cardiologist reconfirmed ‘I do have a big heart’.”The ...
Rare Disease Day: Rare diseases we know of because of celebrities
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Rare Disease Day: Rare diseases we know of because of celebrities

When we think about common diseases or health conditions, diabetes, heart diseases and the likes top the list. Rare Disease Day, which falls on the last day of February, is all about raising awareness for rare diseases. This year, February 28 will see people raising awareness about diseases that aren’t often discussed. Celebrities play a great role in highlighting different things, including rare diseases. Read on to find out which all famous people died due to a rare disease or have been living with one. HealthShots compiled a list of 5 famous people with rare diseases.1. Pervez Musharraf died of AmyloidosisOn February 5, 2023, reports emerged of former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf dying after battling a prolonged illness with amyloidosis. According to NHS, amyloidosis is the ...
Adenovirus on the rise among children: Symptoms and treatment to know
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Adenovirus on the rise among children: Symptoms and treatment to know

After Covid and dengue, adenovirus is a major concern in several countries around the world. The illness has claimed the lives of 11 children in West Bengal, with more cases being reported every day. Health officials in the city have asked people to take proper precautions and look out for symptoms to safeguard their children and themselves against the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adenovirus causes respiratory illness or conjunctivitis, which can occur at any time of the year. Healthshots asked Dr Ankita Baidya, Consultant Infectious Disease at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, Delhi to share all about the disease. Adenovirus more common in children than in adults. Image courtesy: ShutterstockWhat is adenovirus?Adenoviruses are DNA viruses...
WHO confirms Marburg disease outbreak: Symptoms to know
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WHO confirms Marburg disease outbreak: Symptoms to know

The Marburg disease has been declared an epidemic by the World Health Organisation recently. In the first-ever outbreak of Marburg disease, the Ebola-related virus has claimed nine lives in Equatorial Guinea, a country in Central Africa. The confirmation of the disease being an epidemic came after the global health authority tested samples from the country that were delivered last week.So far, 16 suspected cases of the Marburg disease have been detected in Equatorial Guinea. Nearly 200 people have been asked to quarantine to contain the spread of the virus. Although there have been prior outbreaks and isolated cases in other regions of Africa, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda, this is the country’s first Marburg outbreak. ...
Side effects of alcohol: Here’s how it increases the risk of Covid-19
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Side effects of alcohol: Here’s how it increases the risk of Covid-19

Don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but alcohol is bad for your health. While drinking in limit may not harm your health, outrageous amounts of booze can wreak havoc on your health. It can mess with your system in ways you wouldn’t imagine. And a new study has found that too much alcohol can make you more vulnerable to Covid-19. Read on to know the side effects of too much alcohol and how it makes you more vulnerable to coronavirus disease. Too much alcohol can increase COVID-19 riskDrinking alcohol in excess can increase your chances of developing Covid-19, found the study published in the journal Alcohol: Clinical and Experiment Research. The German study discovered that frequent drinking raises the levels of the ACE2 enzyme in the lungs, which coronavirus uses to enter cells, ...
Eating ultra-processed foods can increase your risk of developing cancer
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Eating ultra-processed foods can increase your risk of developing cancer

Ultra-processed food has always had a bad reputation in the world of nutrition. Endless studies talk about the harmful effects of eating highly processed food. If you’re not already familiar, frizzy drinks, packaged goods like bread, ready-to-eat cereals, etc., all classify as ultra-processed food. These foods are generally high in salt, fat, and sugar and contain artificial additives that can lead to several health problems like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. A new study has also found that eating highly processed foods may put you at a greater risk of developing cancer. Eating ultra-processed food may lead to cancerThe study published in the eClinicalMedicine found that consuming too many ultra-processed foods can increase your risk of developing obesity and type-2 dia...
Woman diagnosed with vision impairment due to smartphone use
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Woman diagnosed with vision impairment due to smartphone use

How much time do you spend on your smartphones? In the past few decades, phones have come a long way and become important in people’s lives. From capturing the moment in a photo to managing work, it plays a significant role in everyday life. Yes, they are useful, but how much time is too time spent on your phone? What makes things worse is sitting in front of the laptop for about 9-10 hours, then looking at your phone. The harmful effects of smartphones add to the problem. And one example is the woman from Hyderabad who was diagnosed with blindness because of looking at her phone in the dark. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, recently shared a Twitter thread that a 30-year-old was suffering from a condition that could lead to blindness.A common habit resul...
Sickle cell anemia: Budget 2023 reveals eradication plans by 2047, know all about this disease
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Sickle cell anemia: Budget 2023 reveals eradication plans by 2047, know all about this disease

The world has seen its fair share of struggle in the past few years during the coronavirus pandemic. This has helped shift the focus of the government and health authorities on preparedness for unexpected events such as Covid-19 and other infectious disease outbreaks. One such disease is sickle cell anemia, which affects more people than you think in the country. In the Union Budget for the year 2023-24 presented on February 1st, 2023, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the importance of sickle cell anemia awareness. She also shared the government’s plan to eradicate the disease by 2047. Here’s what you need to know about the government decision to eliminate sickle cell anemia and how its affecting the country.Government plans to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047: Nirm...
Grapes can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, says study
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Grapes can protect your skin from harmful UV rays, says study

Sun, sun, go away! While nothing beats sunbathing on a cold winter afternoon, spending too much time under the sun can be harmful! Yes, moderate sun exposure is great for some much-needed vitamin D, while too much of it can take a toll on your health. Long-term exposure can cause sun damage to the skin. So, how do you determine that your skin is protected from harmful UV rays without too much sun exposure? You turn to natural solutions like grapes for skin! Surprised? Well, apparently, grapes can do wonders for your skin. According to a latest study, grapes help protect your skin against harmful UV rays. Scroll down to know more about the health benefits of grapes. Grapes can protect you against UV damage to the skin: StudyEating grapes can help prevent skin damage from UV rays, found...
Egg shortage in India: Turn to these 5 protein sources instead
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Egg shortage in India: Turn to these 5 protein sources instead

Eggs are often our go-to breakfast options, but have you heard that Maharashtra’s animal husbandry department has officially declared that there is a shortage of 1 crore eggs per day in the state? According to the department officials, the Indian state consumes around 2.25 crore eggs per day while the state is only producing 1 crore. And a similar shortage and inflation scenario can be observed in the world’s most developed country, the USA. But worry not, since eggs are not the ONLY source of protein. We are here with 5 other vegetarian protein sources to keep you healthy. Eggs are no doubt one of the most affordable protein sources and are super easy to make. You just crack an egg and scramble them or make an omelette, there are many easy and delicious egg recipes. But if we take a ...
WHO updates Covid-19 guidelines to control recent global surge
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WHO updates Covid-19 guidelines to control recent global surge

Covid-19 cases are increasing in several countries around the world. The scare that another wave of the coronavirus disease might hit people is still on the rise. Amid the increase in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued new guidelines to control the deadly surge. As new variants of Covid continue to manipulate the health charts around the world, WHO has asked people to continue wearing masks and take the booster dose of the vaccine to control the surge. The health authority has also updated Covid-19 guidelines. Updated guidelines to curb Covid-19 surgeHere are the WHO updated Covid-19 guidelines that you need to know: Here are the updated Covid-19 guidelines. Image courtesy: Adobe StockIsolation period reduced for Covid-19 patientsWhile infected people w...
Covid-19 symptoms: Watch out for these new signs of coronavirus
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Covid-19 symptoms: Watch out for these new signs of coronavirus

Omicron and its sub-variants, particularly BF.7, are thought to be the primary cause of the current surge in Covid-19 infections in China, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Omicron variants are more contagious than the Delta variant and the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. Even if the number of Covid-19 cases in India are decreasing, the virus’ ever-evolving strains make it challenging for individuals to identify its signs and symptoms. The main symptoms of coronavirus in the past included difficulty breathing, loss of taste and smell, and high fever. However, as per reports, these signs have changed now. Let’s find out the new Covid-19 symptoms so that you can be aware and take precautions. Covid-19 symptoms in the first waveThe symptoms of the first wave o...
Covid-19: Study shows why loss of smell continues even after recovery
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Covid-19: Study shows why loss of smell continues even after recovery

Covid-19 has hit the headlines once again. As cases continue to grow in China, multiple researchers are trying to find out more about the symptoms. They are trying to figure out how Covid-19 affects people in the long run. Loss of smell has been one of the most common symptoms that people who tested positive for Covid-19 faced. Now, a new study has provided an insight into why some people don’t fully regain their sense of smell even months after recovering from Covid-19. The researchers found that it is connected to an ongoing immune assault on olfactory nerve cells and an associated reduction in the number of those cells. A team of researchers from Harvard, Duke and the University of California-San Diego looked at the olfactory epithelial samples that were collected from 24 biopsies....
Covid nasal vaccine: Will it be a game-changer as cases rise?
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Covid nasal vaccine: Will it be a game-changer as cases rise?

Covid-19 is still looming large in several countries, which has led to a scare among the authorities in India. Ahead of the coronavirus scare, the Indian government approved the use of Covid nasal vaccine. Reports suggest that India is the first country in the world to approve the emergency use of the nasal vaccine. With vaccination still your best guard against virulent disease, it is best to get inoculated with the booster dose, which is the vaccine given to patients once they have received the first two doses of Covid-19 vaccine. If you’re wondering what the Covid nasal vaccine is and how it works, we have you covered! Health shots reached out to Dr Suruchi Mandrekar, who is a consultant internal medicine at Manipal Hospitals in Baner-Pune to know more about it. Is the nasal vacci...
Study shows edible flowers have health benefits
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Study shows edible flowers have health benefits

A dark brown chocolate cake looks so pretty with colourful edible flowers. Even a cheesecake with a little pink edible flower looks more appetising. The same goes for a cup of tea and a bowl of salad. In some cultures, fresh flowers are also eaten as snacks, especially by children. They are said to be loved by kids due to their sweet taste, thanks to the nectar. Nowadays, more people, especially chefs, are seen using edible flowers in cooking delicacies. They are loved not only for their aesthetic properties, but also because of health benefits of edible flowers. Now, a study has proven that they help to fight diseases and promote gold health. According to MDPI, the new study included data of over 250 types of plants, and it looked at multiple edible flowers used in some countries aro...
Does Covid threat loom large in India as situation gets worse in China?
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Does Covid threat loom large in India as situation gets worse in China?

Just when the world started living with Covid and its variants as a part of their lives, the situation in China comes as a scary reminder of the earlier days when the pandemic took over the world. Cases of coronavirus are increasing yet again in several countries, especially China where the landscape has changed massively. Following the mass protests, China suddenly lifted restrictions which led to a surge in Covid-19 infections in the country. Reports suggest that the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in China is driven by the Omicron sub-variant BF.7. The surge in China has shifted the attention to Covid in India with the government asking people to get vaccinated and mask up. The covid tally in India has reached 4.46 crore with 188 new infections recorded on December 28. The national c...
Walnut benefits: Study says it can help stressed college students
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Walnut benefits: Study says it can help stressed college students

Exam stress is quite common, so irrespective of how much you study hard or prepare for it, you do get a bit jittery before seeing the question paper. Some might burn the midnight oil, others might spend time praying for the best result. But how about adding walnuts to your daily diet in the weeks leading up to your next exam? Walnut has been recognised for its nutritious properties over a long period of time, and it is also called a superfood as it gives enormous health benefits. Now, a study has found that walnut is a brain superfood, which is why stressed college students can think of eating it before sitting for their next exam. Positive effects of eating walnuts on mental health and general health were seen in a new clinical trial of undergraduate students.Walnuts may be good duri...
Benefits of intermittent fasting: It may reverse diabetes
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Benefits of intermittent fasting: It may reverse diabetes

When millennials think of weight loss or dieting, intermittent fasting pops up in their mind. It has made them happy as it has helped them in bringing down their weight. The good news is that it might be beneficial to those with diabetes too. A quick online search will show you that many people have looked up if it’s safe for diabetics to opt for intermittent fasting. A new study has revealed that it may help put diabetes in remission, and the benefits are not limited to millennials. Nearly half of the participants of the study were aged between 38 and 72. They followed an intermittent calorie-restrictive diet for three months and managed to achieve diabetes remission. According to the study that was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the participants n...
Artificial sweetener and anxiety may be linked, says a study
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Artificial sweetener and anxiety may be linked, says a study

Do you have weight loss on mind or are you cutting down intake of sugar due to diabetes? An artificial sweetener is often something people fall back upon as it is widely promoted as an ingredient that can be used in drinks and food items without worrying about the harmful effects of sugar on your health. But a new study has revealed that there is nothing sweet or good about it. Aspartame, which is an artificial sweetener found in almost 5,000 diet drinks and foods, has been linked to anxiety-like behaviour in mice by researchers. Before you completely stop taking artificial sweeteners, let’s find out what else the study has found. A lot of people have a sweet tooth, and if their health doesn’t allow them to have sugar, they go for artificial sweeteners. Seen as an alternative to sugar...
Are potatoes good for people with diabetes? Let’s find out
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Are potatoes good for people with diabetes? Let’s find out

Whether you like it boiled or mashed or baked, a hearty meal feels incomplete without potatoes. Potatoes not only taste amazing but are considered great for your health. They are an indispensable part of Indian cooking and we couldn’t agree more! They are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, manganese, potassium, and more. The best thing about potatoes is that it adds that extra flavour in your dish, which is why it is a favourite in kitchens in Indian households. Moreover, it offers a plethora of health benefits that make it special. While it is a healthy vegetable, a new study has found that potatoes might not be the best for people with diabetes. Scroll down to know how potatoes can affect people with diabetes and whether they should be including this vegetable in their diets...
First case of Zika virus reported in Karnataka: Know all about it
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First case of Zika virus reported in Karnataka: Know all about it

After battling lumpy skin disease, Karnataka has reported the first case of the Zika virus. Health minister K Sudhakar revealed that a five-year-old girl from the Raichur district tested positive for the Zika virus. Following the case, the health department has asked people to take precautions and be on alert. The state administration has also informed the health department to begin all preventive measures from Tuesday to control the surge, especially after the first case of the disease has been discovered.A 5-year-old girl develops Zika virus in KarnatakaIt was reported that the girl caught a fever on November 13. She was found to be suffering from dengue illness at first. However, she was later found to be suffering from Zika virus. First case of Zika virus reported in Karnataka. I...
Type 2 diabetes risk higher in youngsters: Low GI foods you can eat
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Type 2 diabetes risk higher in youngsters: Low GI foods you can eat

Did you know that diabetes is a growing concern among teenagers and young people? There is a misconception that diabetes only affects the elderly. That’s not the case, at least no longer. Well, a new study which analysed the data from 200 countries found that the risk of type-2 diabetes among teenagers and young people increased significantly between 1990 and 2019. For the unversed, type-2 diabetes disrupts the way your body uses or regulates glucose. If left untreated, it can lead to complications later in life. Let’s understand what the study found and what increases the risk of type-2 diabetes among teenagers.Risk of type-2 diabetes is higher in young peopleThe study published in the journal British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that the onset of type-2 diabetes is becoming increasin...
Celine Dion cancels tour ahead of rare neurological condition diagnosis
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Celine Dion cancels tour ahead of rare neurological condition diagnosis

Canadian singer Celine Dion took to her Instagram to announce that she is postponing the rest of her world tour as she has been diagnosed with a rare neurological condition. She revealed in the post that a condition called stiff-person syndrome (SPS) or Moersch-Woltman syndrome is the reason why she has been experiencing painful muscle spasms. In the IG post, the 54-year-old singer shared what she has been suffering from and how this neurological condition has affected her so far.Celine Dion shares her experience with stiff-person syndrome“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it has been really difficult for me to face these challenges… We now know is what’s been causing all of the spasms that I’ve been having,” she said in the Instagram post.She continu...
Side effects of severe Covid: Study says your brain may age faster
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Side effects of severe Covid: Study says your brain may age faster

It has been nearly three years since the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic. Since then, people in power or family members or even neighbours have been all rooting for vaccination against coronavirus. “Did you get the jab?” is what many ask. In the last few months, we might have skipped wearing masks or stopped depending on sanitizers. But researchers have been spending a lot of time to find out more about Covid-19 and its side effects. Now, a new study has revealed that severe Covid may cause your brain to age faster. An analysis of dozens of post-mortem brain samples showed that severe Covid is associated with changes in the brain that are similar to those that are seen in old age. The analysis revealed brain changes in gene activity were more extens...