A systematic review reveals the risk factors of psychiatric symptoms in long COVID-19 Patients A systematic review reveals the risk factors of psychiatric symptoms in long COVID-19 Patients Content Editor: Dr. Sowmiya April 14, 2023 Cidrap Long COVID-19, Mental health A systematic review of 23 studies provides an overview of psychiatric symptoms in Long COVID-19 patients and the risk factors associated with it. The most prevalent reported psychiatric symptoms, from the most to the least reported, were anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), poor sleep qualities, somatic symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Being female and having previous psychiatric diagnoses were risk factors for the development of the reported symptoms. Detailed screening for mental disorders and early intervention is recommended to improve the quality of life of patients with Long COVID-19.

G20 India- A game changer for midwives and nurse’s leadership in global health. Content Editor: Dr. Prayag May 21, 2024 at 1:30:00 PM Gender Equity, Leadership, Empowerment A review was recently published in the Lancet on how the G20 could be the game changer for midwives and nurses in Indian healthcare. There has been a slow increase in women's leadership among the midwives and the nurses. There have been multiple platforms wherein there has been a lack of women leadership due to men-only panels. However, the G20 serves as an opportunity for women to rise in their leadership roles. India has a unique chance to consolidate its leadership position in global health and set the standard for advancing the agenda for gender equality internationally during the forthcoming G20 meeting. To accomplish this, 3 key areas must be prioritized at the G20 summit. These three areas are as follows: Priority 1: Health care workforce, dignity & fair pay Priority 2: Women's involvement in rights-based decision-making for their sexual, reproductive, and maternity health, with the assistance of midwives and nurses Priority 3: Leadership in health governance and policy formulation by midwives and nurses to support universal health coverage and enhance the provision of healthcare services Click here to read more. Previous Next

New COVID-19 Variant XBB.1.16 found, cases also seen in India Content Editor: Sangya Chaudhary March 23, 2023 at 3:11:38 PM COVID-19 A new variant of the COVID-19 virus has been linked to a major spike in new cases worldwide and in India. XBB.1.16 is a descendant of the XBB.1 variant, which was first detected in the U.S. on September 15th, 2022. XBB is a combination of two different strains of Omicron and holds the title of the most immune-evasive variant so far. It escapes antibody immunity , rendering useless monoclonal antibody treatments used in high-risk individuals with COVID. A total of 76 samples of the XBB.1.16 variant have been found across the country including states like Karnataka (30), Maharashtra (29), Puducherry (7), Delhi (5), Telangana (2), Gujarat (1), Himachal Pradesh (1) and Odisha (1). The XBB.1.16 variant was first found in India in January . From March, till now, 15 new cases have been linked to this variant as per the data by INSACOG. Previous Next

Expansion of the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme in Africa Expansion of the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme in Africa Content Editor: Dr. Nikhil Kumar Khatri July 28, 2023 WHO News section Global health, Primary prevention, Communicable diseases, Vector borne disease In Africa, malaria is still fatal, killing approximately 500,000 children under the age of five. In 2021, 96% of malaria deaths and 95% of cases worldwide were from Africa . It has been demonstrated that giving children the malaria vaccination is effective. Twelve nations in various regions of Africa will get a total of 18 million doses of the first-ever malaria vaccine over the course of the following two years. Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have been receiving the malaria vaccine since 2019 thanks to the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP), which is coordinated by WHO and supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, as well as UNAID. From this year, the vaccine will be added to standard immunization programs in nine additional African nations. Click here to read more

Heat action plans: The necessity to update them Heat action plans: The necessity to update them Content Editor: Dr. Shubham July 11, 2024 Social Trends Climate Change, Heat waves, Disaster management Heat Action Plans (HAPs) from nine cities (such as Delhi, Ahmedabad) and five districts (like Ferozepur, Vellore) were analysed. The analysis discovered that current heat response plans require more financial and legal support and do not clearly evaluate the effects of heat on the local people. More targeted plans are needed to address local problems, such as mapping people that are at risk. According to iForest's analysis (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability, and Technology), the report recommends: Updating the definitions of heat waves, Reporting them as disasters under the Disaster Management Act, Taking high nighttime temperatures and relative humidity into consideration. India is predicted to experience more heat waves, which highlights the significance of comprehensive HAPs in preserving lives and livelihoods.

From pandemic to pancreas: Unmasking COVID-19's impact on type 1 diabetes development Content Editor: Dr. M Swathi Shenoy September 18, 2023 at 12:30:00 PM COVID-19, Diabetes Mellitus, Non communicable diseases A recent study examined whether there was a relationship between COVID-19 infection and the development of islet cell autoantibodies in people with a higher genetic risk. Increased genetic risk was defined as a risk of developing multiple islet autoantibodies by the age of six that was greater than 10%. A total of 1050 children aged 4–7 months were enrolled in the study, of which 885 were finally involved. The findings of the study are as follows: At a median age of 18 months, 19.2% of the 885 people tested positive for SARS-COV-2 antibodies. In addition, 60 participants developed islet cell autoantibodies. Six of those who developed autoantibodies were also positive for SARS-COV2 antibodies, and another six were positive 2-6 months after the SARS-COV2 antibodies became positive. The islet cell autoantibody incidence was calculated as follows: In children without SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the rate was 3.5 (95% CI, 2.2 to 5.1) per 100 person-years. In children with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the rate was 7.8 (95% CI, 5.3 to 19.0) per 100 person-years. The hazard ratio was higher in children under 18. [HR: 5.3; 95% CI: 1.5 to 18.3]. The study found that COVID-19 was linked to a higher risk of developing islet cell autoantibodies in people with a higher genetic risk. Previous Next

What to Eat to Lower Cancer Risk What to Eat to Lower Cancer Risk Content Editor: Dr. Anubhav October 28, 2024 Social Trends 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.

Empowering food safety: Union Health Minister applauds FSSAI's initiatives Empowering food safety: Union Health Minister applauds FSSAI's initiatives Content Editor: Dr. Anamika July 25, 2024 Press Information Bureau Food safety, FSSAI, Nutrition Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda reviewed FSSAI's initiatives, highlighting significant progress in enhancing food safety nationwide. He emphasized the critical role of food safety in protecting citizens' health and the importance of providing evidence-based information to empower consumers. He appreciated FSSAI's advancements since 2016, especially its work to strengthen the food safety ecosystem, promote awareness, and lead initiatives like millet promotion and adherence to CODEX standards . The Health Minister emphasized proactive engagement with industries and stakeholders to foster partnerships to promote healthy eating initiatives across India. The 'Manual on Methods of Analysis of Foods—Microbiological Examination of Food and Water' and the 'Guide for Food Analysis—Opinion on Test Reports as per FSS Act, 2006’, along with 'Food Safety Bytes,' a series of videos featuring social media influencers, were launched to raise public awareness about safe food practices. Click here to read more.

Meta-analysis on risk factors of Post COVID-19 conditions Content Editor: Dr. Urmimala Maiti March 28, 2023 at 4:03:34 PM COVID-19, Vaccination, Meta-analysis A meta-analysis of published articles on factors predisposing to post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC) in adults reported female sex, older age, high BMI, and smoking to carry an increased risk of PCC. Fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, and persistent loss of smell or taste are some of the many symptoms reported to healthcare facilities requiring long-term follow-up care. The presence of comorbidities and previous hospital admission (ICU/ IPD) have a significantly higher risk, whereas two doses of COVID-19 vaccination have a lower risk of developing PCC. Recognizing people at risk of PCC will help to improve follow-up care and develop population-level public health measures. Previous Next

Delhi Arogya Kosh Scheme: A Step Closer to UHC Delhi Arogya Kosh Scheme: A Step Closer to UHC Content Editor: Dr. Prayag Khandelwal January 15, 2024 Delhi Govt Data Delhi Arogya Kosh scheme, OOPE, Social Security Delhi Arogya Kosh provides financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 5 lacs to eligible patients for treatment of any illness /disease in government hospitals. The Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) has five components/schemes: Financial assistance to EWS patients Free High-End Radiological Diagnostic Test Scheme Cashless Specified Surgeries scheme RTA (Road Traffic Accident) Scheme (Farishtey Scheme) Cashless Dialysis Scheme According to the data, till 2023, the following number of citizens availed of the services: 1,04,156 beneficiaries - Free radiological tests like MRI, CT, X-Ray, etc. 2,245 beneficiaries - Cashless dialysis, 3,004 beneficiaries - Specified surgeries, 3,604 beneficiaries - Farishtey scheme, 684 EWS beneficiaries - Received Financial Assistance.