Declining psychological well-being: An early indicator of cognitive impairment in older adults Content Editor: Dr. Prachi September 13, 2024 at 1:00:00 PM Older adults, Mental health, Cognition The study explored the trajectories of psychological well-being in older adults preceding the development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. It aimed to understand how psychological well-being and its components change over time in individuals who transition from being cognitively healthy to experiencing MCI and dementia. Poor psychological well-being is linked to increased dementia risk, but changes over time are unclear. The study followed 910 cognitively intact older adults for up to 14 years , measuring psychological well-being and its components annually. Those who developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI) experienced faster declines in overall psychological well-being, noticeable two years before diagnosis. Specific components like purpose in life and personal growth declined earlier: 3 years and 6 years before MCI diagnosis, respectively. After the MCI diagnosis, most well-being components declined at similar rates , except for "positive relations with others," which declined faster. Previous Next

Center gives green signal to launch the e-buses schemes. Center gives green signal to launch the e-buses schemes. Content Editor: Dr Sumana Mukhopadhyay September 11, 2023 Indian Express Climate change, green transportation, Sustainability The Union Cabinet's approval of the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme is a significant step towards promoting green mobility in India. The scheme aims to operate 10,000 electric buses in 100 cities, with priority given to cities lacking organized bus services. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted its potential to rethink accessibility in cities, boost transport capacity and quality, and create job possibilities. The scheme will be funded through a Rs 57,613 crore Public Private Partnership model, with the Centre contributing Rs 20,000 crore and the states covering the remaining. Financial aid will be provided based on per kilometer traveled for ten years, with the Centre supporting power facilities, too. Around 45,000 jobs are expected to be generated through this initiative. The scheme targets 100 cities with a population of 3 to 40 lakh , chosen via a competitive selection process. Buses will be provided as per population density. Additional e-buses and support for multipurpose amenities, common mobility cards, and charging systems are among the incentives available to communities that retire outdated buses.

Managing deceased in disasters: Ensuring dignity, safety, and documentation Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy September 25, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM Disaster Management, Public Health Amidst the rising number of disasters, one of the most controversial and sensitive matters is handling the dead and deceased. The WHO and the International Red Cross Society have released a statement saying dead bodies from natural disasters and wars do not generally pose any health risk, and should be handled with dignity and respect. If burial is needed, it should be: Easily traceable Properly documented The bodies may harbor infections in cases of death due to infectious diseases. Care should be taken that the dead bodies aren’t closely attached to any water bodies to prevent their contamination. Previous Next

Resurgence of Mpox: New variant raises concerns Content Editor: Dr. Shubham August 9, 2024 at 2:30:00 PM Mpox, infectious diseases, Pandemic potential The first two cases of monkeypox (Mpox) have been identified in Uganda , in the towns of Mpondwe and neighboring Bwera, in Kasese's western border district. This follows the rise in cases in the provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The African Union has allotted $10.4 million in financing to tackle the outbreak throughout the continent. The DRC was the site of the first human cases of monkeypox in 1970. It primarily spreads from infected animals to people and affects some countries in West and Central Africa. The global outbreak of Mpox infections that started in 2022 was caused by Clade II, which was sexually transmitted. The World Health Organization proclaimed a public health emergency of international concern, which was resolved in May 2023. Out of over 90,000 cases in 111 countries, about 140 people died. A novel variation of Mpox, formerly referred to as monkeypox, has been detected in the DRC and its adjacent nations. This strain's Clade Ib subclade is more deadly and contagious, resulting in skin rashes all over the body. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also initiated efforts such as improved vaccination access, testing, data gathering, and monitoring. Previous Next

Are the fluoride levels in groundwater within permissible limits? Are the fluoride levels in groundwater within permissible limits? Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala May 2, 2024 Social Trends Environmental health, Drinking Water, Fluorosis The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has submitted a report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the fluoride content in the groundwater samples collected from 1256 tubewells across the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The report documents an alarming number of 33 out of 56 tubewells in Northwest Delhi and 11/70 in Najafgarh and Nangloi regions with higher than recommended fluoride concentrations North, North East, West, and South West Delhi have reported fewer areas with high fluoride content. Central and South Delhi have reported normal levels of fluoride content. The DJB has already issued an advisory as a precautionary measure to these areas to use tube well water for purposes other than drinking. However, the actual usage of the water by the community remains questionable.

28-Headlines of the day (All) Public Health News Snippets 16th-22nd July, 2023 MoU to financially empower SHGs signed between TN Rural Livelihood Mission and Indian Overseas Bank In Tamil Nadu, efforts to improve access to financial mechanisms by the Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY - NRLM) programme has resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) and Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM). IOB is a public sector bank based in Chennai and has been given a target of Rs 1,875 crore for FY 2023-24 by Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women to increase disbursal under the scheme. DAY - NRLM aims at creating effective and efficient institutional platforms to enable the rural poor to increase their household income by means of sustainable livelihood enhancements and better access to financial services. This collaboration will enable access to financial resources for SHGs, encourage them to undertake entrepreneurial activities and help in the overall economic development of the state. Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai Times of India Source : Published on : Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Rural development, Self Help Group 17th National Statistics Day celebrated on 29th June to commemorate birth anniversary of (late) Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis The 17th National Statistics Day was celebrated on 29th June to commemorate the birth anniversary of (Late) Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis , the Father of Indian Statistics and a Padma Vibhusan awardee. He has contributed immensely in the field of Official Statistics and Economic Planning of the country after independence. Some of his notable works include: Devised Mahalanobis Distance (useful statistical measure for comparing two data sets). Introduced the concept of pilot surveys and advocated the usefulness of sampling methods. Established the Indian Statistical Institute at Kolkata and Central Statistical Organisation. One of the members of the first Planning Commission post-independence. The objective of this day is to create public awareness, particularly among the younger generation, about the role and importance of statistics in socioeconomic planning and policy formulation. The theme for Statistics Day, 2023 is “Alignment of State Indicator Framework with National Indicator Framework for Monitoring Sustainable Development Goals” . This year, the main event of Statistics Day, 2023 was organized at Scope Convention Centre, New Delhi, where the Report on Sustainable Development Goals-National Indicator Framework, 2023 was released during the event. Content Editor: Dr. Jasmin Nilima Panda Public Health, SDG, Statistics Source : Published on : Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Press Information Bureau The National Research Foundation Bill- One step further into the future of innovations The Union Cabinet approved introducing the National Research Foundation (NRF) Bill 2023 to promote Research and Development (R&D) in the country. After approval from the parliament, NRF will be established to function as the apex body, which will provide strategic direction to research. The Science and Engineering Research Board will be repelled and subsumed under this bill. The Department of Science and Technology will function as the administrative department. Ex-officio President: Prime Minister Ex-officio Vice Presidents: the Union Ministers of Science and Technology and Education. The NRF will create a policy framework and put forward regulatory processes to increase collaboration and funding for R&D. Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy Press Information Bureau Source : Published on : Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Innovation and research, National Research Foundation Bill, Technology Alert for Salt intake : A direct Cardiovascular risk Multiplier The recommended salt intake is < 5 gms per day. But Indians take >10 gms per day & exact salt intake is under reported when compared with 24hr Urinary Sodium excretion . Increased salt intake causes more water retention exerting extra Pressure for Heart and Kidney perfusion. The subsequent failures in Glomerular filtration Rate and Na+ excretion cause Hypertension. And the later is responsible for 57% of stroke deaths and 24% of all cardiac deaths. In addition to that, salt decreases the Nitrous oxide production at vessel endothelium affecting the arterial elasticity and stiffness adversely. Decreasing salt intake of 1.75gm in daily intake would contribute to reduction of 4.2/2.1 mmHg (SBP/DBP). By 2020, International Society of Hypertension Practice Guidelines recommended population based efforts to reduce salt intake at cooking , on table and also to avoid High salt containing foods like pickles, pappads , Namkeen chips, Chutney etc. Also, Weight Reduction of 5.1Kg can drastically bring down SBP of 4.3mmHg and DBP of 3.6mmHg DBP. Possible Prevention measures includes measuring BP every 5 years, dietary corrections ( WHO plan globally to reduce salt intake by 2025 ), Abstinence from Alcohol and cigarette and Weight control. Content Editor: Dr. Nivetha S Indian Express Source : Published on : Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Hypertention, Non communicable diseases, Cardiovascular risk, stroke Maharashtra Launched "Universal Healthcare Policy" : Co-branding PMJAY with MJPJAY Maharashtra became one of the 1st states to launch the “Universal healthcare policy ,” which consists of co-branding the PM-JAY scheme with the state’s Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) . The salient features of this scheme include: Five lakh cover to12 crore families , irrespective of the ration card color. Increased coverage to 1900 ailments This scheme will also: Increase the number of empaneled hospitals and Jan Aushadi Kendras. Strengthen the rural healthcare infrastructure. Open 50-bedded critical care units in each district One crore beneficiaries will receive the co-branded card by August 2023, funded centrally by the National Health Authority. Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy Hindusthan Times Source : Published on : Monday, July 17, 2023 Insurance Coverage, Universal Health, MJPJAY, PMJAY MoU to Financially Empower SHGs Signed between TN Rural Livelihood Mission and Indian Overseas Bank In Tamil Nadu, efforts to improve access to financial mechanisms by the Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY - NRLM) program has resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) and Tamil Nadu State Rural Livelihood Mission (TNSRLM) . IOB, a public sector bank in Chennai has been given a target of Rs 1,875 crore for FY 2023-24 by Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women to increase disbursal under the scheme. DAY - NRLM aims to create effective and efficient institutional platforms to enable the rural poor to increase their household income through sustainable livelihood enhancements and better access to financial services. This collaboration will enable access to financial resources for SHGs , encourage them to undertake entrepreneurial activities, and help in the state's overall economic development. Content Editor: Dr. Ismail Rifai Times of India Source : Published on : Monday, July 17, 2023 Rural development, Self Help Group, Economy, Entrepreneurship Policies on Decriminalization of Small Usage Drug Addicts in Punjab The government has decided to focus on a new integrative and multidirectional regulation regarding decriminalising drug use and paying attention to the addicts for proper patient care to achieve CM Bhagwat Mann’s “Rangla Punjab” dream. Drug use is still condemned legally. The emphasis will be : to detect addicts using small amounts and enable deaddiction. putting them up for rehabilitation and skills development instead of punishment. strong penalties for smugglers and dealers . Discussions have happened between various ministries and departments to collaborate and plan for providing services. Content Editor: Sumana mukhopadhyay The Tribune India Source : Published on : Monday, July 17, 2023 Substance abuse , deaddiction, Rehabilitation, Legislation The Association of Untreated Mental Health Problems with Alcohol and Tobacco use Among New York City Taxi Drivers #A cross-sectional study was conducted recently in New York among 1105 Taxi drivers to check if there was an association between untreated medical health condition and alcohol & Tobacco use, using Logistic regression modelling. #Evidently , there existed an association where the drivers with untreated mental health problems had 1.9X the odds of reporting current Tobacco use and 1.6X the odds of reporting current alcohol use( 95% confidence interval) than those without untreated health problems. #The need for timely screening of mental health problems among taxi drivers was certainly insisted Content Editor: Dr. Nivetha S Springer Source : Published on : Monday, July 17, 2023 Mental Health, Tobacco use, Alcohol use Daily News Snippets Monthly Archives 16-22nd July, 2023 (9) View More 18-24th June, 2023 (11 ) View More 28-31st May, 2023 (3) View More 8-14th May, 2023 (15) View More 1-8th July, 2023 (5) View More 11-17th June, 2023 (7 ) View More 22-28th May, 2023 (7) View More 1-7th May, 2023 (11 ) View More 25-30th June, 2023 (13 ) View More 1-10th June, 2023 (12 ) View More 15-21st May, 2023 (9) View More April 24 - 30, 2023 (18) View More March 27 - 31, 2023 (15) View More March 6 - 12, 2023 (24) View More February 23 - 25, 2023 (3) View More February 15 - 16, 2023 (8) View More March 20 - 25, 2023 (18) View More March 1 - 5, 2023 (8) View More February 20 - 22, 2023 (2) View More February 07 - 14, 2023 (5) View More March 13 - 18, 2023 (8) View More February 26 - 28, 2023 (15) View More February 17 - 19, 2023 (3) View More February 01 - 06, 2023 (5) View More Subscribe to get Latest Public Health Updates SUBSCRIBE

Navigating against the suicide clusters Content Editor: Dr. Prachi Goswami March 13, 2024 at 2:45:00 PM Mental Health, Suicides, Global health There were almost 48,000 suicides in 2021 in the US and suicide was among the 10 leading causes of death there. A suicide cluster is defined as a group of suicides or suicide attempts occurring closer together in time, space, or both than would normally be expected in a community. Although they are responsible for only a small proportion of suicides, they can have a significant negative effect on a community as these pose unique challenges and are often widely sensationalized. Hence suicide clusters are rare but impactful. Two types of suicide clusters have been reported- the point cluster (localized) and mass (dispersed) clusters are identified. Three reports in this supplement focus on the following: Up-to-date research findings on suicide clusters, findings of subject matter, and public health experts who work in suicide cluster identification Potential methods and data sources that can be monitored for suicide clusters to analyze and confirm them Guidance for local leaders and public health experts to develop response plans for suicide clusters. Previous Next

"Left behind in pain"- Inequalities in access to palliative care reported by WHO "Left behind in pain"- Inequalities in access to palliative care reported by WHO Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy June 29, 2023 WHO news section Access to quality health care, palliative care, quality of life, WHO A report, titled “Left behind in pain ” was recently published by WHO, which deals with unequal access to morphine for medical use. This is often referred as “one of the most heinous, hidden inequalities in global health”. This difference in median consumption of morphine ranges from 5-63 fold between high and low-income countries. Steps to reduce this inequality consist of : Providing a package of essential medicines for palliative care. Improving governance. Providing stable funding. Training of healthcare workers for safe and timely access to morphine for those in need should be advocated for improving the quality of life.

Government of India provides data on current health infrastructure status under NPNCD Government of India provides data on current health infrastructure status under NPNCD Content Editor : Dr. Sathya Prashaath January 3, 2025 Press Information Bureau of India, Government of India (Release ID: 2086515). Non-Communicable Diseases, NP-NCD, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases Under NP-NCD, 770 District NCD Clinics, 372 District Day Care Centres, 233 Cardiac Care Units, and 6410 Community Health Centre-based NCD Clinics have been set up as of 20 December 2024, as informed by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. As directed in the NPNCD guidelines, these centres focus on curative services, while the community level outreach focuses on the prevention of and screening for common NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and various cancers. Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) play a crucial role in raising awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Implications of the nOPV2 on the global polio scenario Implications of the nOPV2 on the global polio scenario Content Editor: Dr. Swathi Shenoy April 18, 2024 Plos One Outbreak, Polio virus, Vaccine A recent review discussed the implications of the nOPV vaccine on the global polio condition. The nOPV2 was authorized for emergency use in 2021 by the WHO as a strategy to reduce cVDPV outbreaks. The nOPV vaccine is genetically more stable and has a lower risk of reverting to neurovirulent strains. Following the vaccine's launch, 1 billion doses have been given, and the slope of the cVDPV outbreak has fallen. Currently, 35 countries have already used the new vaccine, 17 more have approved its use in case of need, and a further 20 have started discussions and preparations should they require it. Following its successful implementation, the vaccine has been transitioned from the WHO emergency use listing to WHO prequalification. However, challenges regarding optimization of the coverage and outbreak response still hamper polio eradication. Currently, the vaccine is being manufactured by a single company, and production expansion can help mitigate the challenges. Learning from the success of nOPV2, the process of developing nOPV for the other strains has begun. However, the ultimate strategy would be the replacement of all oral poliovirus vaccines with the inactivated polio vaccine under the immunization programme. Click here to read more