Falls-prevention programs for older people Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami April 20, 2024 at 3:00:00 PM Geriatric Health, Elder People, Exercise-based Interventions As the proportion of older people increases, falls become a growing problem, and exercise-based fall prevention programs are one of the solutions . They can reduce the risk of falls and if done in a group format, they can also be cost-effective. A study published in the journal PLOS ONE assessed the effectiveness of three fall prevention programs: a high-level land-based program, a low-level land-based program, and a water-based AI Chi program , in a metropolitan tertiary hospital in Australia. Assessments are done at baseline and after 6 months of the program based on - Timed-up-and-go (TUG), Five-times sit-to-stand (5xSTS), Six-minute walk test (6MWT), and Six-meter walk test The mean time for TUG was lower both immediately after the program and at follow up while the 5xSTS was significantly reduced only immediately post-program. The 6MWT speed was faster only at follow up which may suggest dynamic balance continued to improve even after intervention. The TUG & 6MWT were 46.6% slower in the low-level group and 40.49% slower in the AI Chi group when compared to the high-level group. The study provides insights into translating recommendations into clinical practices and shines a light on possible barriers and the efficacy of the intervention. Click her e to read more Previous Next

Grand Finale of 'SAMAGAM' Celebrates Initiatives for Senior Citizens in India Content Editor: PHC Editor November 4, 2024 at 5:47:27 PM Senior Citizens, SAMAGAM, Social Justice, Empowerment The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) concluded its month-long celebration for senior citizens with a grand finale event, ‘SAMAGAM’, in New Delhi. The event highlighted numerous initiatives, including health camps, skill development programs, and pension schemes to support elderly citizens. Union Ministers Ramdas Athawale and B.L. Verma emphasized the government's commitment to a society that values and supports its senior population. Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul from NITI Aayog spoke on future initiatives, like expanding digital literacy and geriatric healthcare. Activities throughout October encouraged intergenerational bonding and raised awareness of senior citizens' rights. Previous Next

Nipah Virus Outbreak in Bangladesh Content Editor: Dr. Sakshi Aggarwal March 9, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Disease outbreak, Zoonotic diseases Two instances of NiV infection that are not epidemiologically related were reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO) by the Bangladesh National Focal Point (NFP) for the International Health Regulations (IHR) on January 30 and February 7, 2024. In Bangladesh, Nipah virus (NiV) infections are seasonal; cases often arise from December to April in tandem with the harvest and ingestion of date palm sap. The first patient was a 38-year-old man from the Dhaka division's Manikganj district, while the second was a 3-year-old girl from the Dhaka division's Shariatpur area. Both of which had a history of consuming date palm sap. Since there is currently no vaccine for NiV, which is a deadly disease, the World Health Organisation prioritizes: Reducing or preventing infection by enhancing contact tracing and early detection surveillance Increasing public awareness of risk factors Providing support to individuals in reducing their exposure to NiV Previous Next

New Parliamentary report highlights the escalating menace of Drug abuse in India New Parliamentary report highlights the escalating menace of Drug abuse in India Content Editor: Dr. Sumana Mukhopadhyay August 10, 2023 The Tribune Public health, Drug abuse, Addiction, Adolescent health Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, NCT of Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are among the worst affected states wherein the drug problem was widespread among children and adults alike. Nearly 7 lakh children (10-17 years) are abusers of substances like tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioids, sedatives, and inhalants. The most common substance abuse among school and college goers was tobacco, additionally- Over 3 lakh children are using opioids Over 72000 consuming inhalants Over 18000 cocaine The problem is also similarly widespread among adults, with over 66 lakh total abusers. 21 lakh people are addicted to various kinds of opioids, including heroin.

June 5, Against Illegal, unreported and unregulated Fishing Content Editor: Dr. Subhana Siyad UN Observances, Fisheries • Fisheries have emerged as a crucial resource for achieving food security since they are a vital source of food, employment, recreation, trade, and economic well-being for people all over the world. • However, one in five fish captured comes from IUU (illegal, unreported, and unregulated) fishing methods. • The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) claims that IUU fishing practises cause the loss of 11–26 million tonnes of fish annually, at an estimated economic value of US$10–23 billion. • Target 4 of Sustainable Development Goal 14 particularly calls on the international community to control harvesting and end IUU fishing to mitigate this loss. • In 2009, the FAO Conference adopted the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, which was enforced on 5th June, 2016. • In observance of this, The UN General Assembly designated June 5 as the "International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing" in December 2017 and declared 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture. Previous Next

Household energy insecurity and Diabetes prevalence among US adults, 2020 Content Editor: Dr. Soundhar October 26, 2024 at 7:44:06 PM Non communicable disease, International Health, Energy insecurity Study used data from 2020 Residential Energy consumption survey(RECS) and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s US Diabetes Surveillance system to obtain 2020 state level diagnosed diabetes prevalence. Study stated that states with high prevalence of energy insecurity had higher prevalence of diabetes mainly among southern states. Additionally it found that reducing or forgoing food or medicine to pay energy costs was the most common form of energy insecurity. Low prevalence of ever receiving energy assistance gives opportunity to lower energy insecurity in states with high disease burden. Even though there are programmes they have been underfunded and subjected to budget cuts in giving energy related assistance programs for low income households. Click here to read more Previous Next

Statistics Day 2024: Advancing India's development through data-driven policies Content Editor: Dr. Sumana July 10, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Technology, Innovation, Statistics On June 29, 2024, India celebrated Statistics Day , honoring Professor P.C. Mahalanobis's contributions to statistics and economic planning. The theme was "Use of Data for Decision-Making ." Secretary MoSPI highlighted recent initiatives to reduce survey data time lags, such as implementing Computer-Aided Personal Interviews (CAPI), introducing new surveys, and engaging users. The event also featured technical sessions and presentations on global data usage practices. MoSPI released the SDGs-National Indicator Framework Progress Report, 2024, and two related handbooks. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched the eSankhyiki portal, enhancing data accessibility and management. This portal includes two modules: · The Data Catalogue, offering major datasets and · The Macro Indicators provide time series data with advanced visualization features. These initiatives aim to support evidence-based decision-making, aligning with the event's theme. Click here to read more Previous Next

India to be the most populous country in 2023 January 25, 2023 at 5:24:40 AM Demography As per the World Population Prospects 2022 report, India is projected to exceed China as the world'smost populous country in 2023. According to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Population of China in 2022 —1.4118 billion (declined by 850,000 from 2021). Birth rate in 2022 — 6.77 births per 1,000 people (declined from 7.52 in 2021). The death rate in 2022 — 7.37 per 1,000 people, Natural growth rate at negative 0.6 per 1,000 people The last time China reported a population decline was in 1961. India is projected to have a population of 1.668 billion in 2050. Previous Next

WHO urges Southeast Asia to prioritize rehabilitative and assistive technology services Content Editor: Dr. Anamika August 28, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Rehabilitative services, Assistive technology, Quality of life WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed urged South-East Asian countries to prioritize access to rehabilitative and assistive technology services. Rehabilitation services aim to restore dignity, hope, and societal participation , addressing needs such as low back pain, vision loss, fractures, and COPD. 590 million people in the region require rehabilitation services, which often face challenges such as inadequate coverage, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and insufficient services in primary health centers. Emphasis was placed on engaging and empowering communities, addressing inequalities faced by persons with disabilities, and strengthening the rehabilitation workforce to transform health and well-being for marginalized populations. Click here to read more. Previous Next

What to Eat to Lower Cancer Risk Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav October 30, 2024 at 12:22:44 PM Cancer, Lifestyle modification, Dietary practices Vegetarian, pescovegetarian, and Mediterranean diets are the best since they are high in fibre and plant-based proteins , which are very different from the Standard American Diet, or SAD , which is primarily composed of red meat and refined sugars. The average person's chance of developing cancer is reduced by 8–9% when they switch to a healthier diet . 6 eating habits that can reduce risk for developing cancer: Consuming whole foods high in fibre Consuming less red meat Consuming a variety of vibrant vegetables and nutritious grains , such as barley or red lentils, brussels sprouts and broccoli. Walnuts and almonds contain anti-cancer properties Alcohol and soda raises the chance of liver and breast cancer as well as cancer of the entire digestive tract. Reduction in consumption of processed condiments such as mayonnaise and sauces. Click here to read more. Previous Next