A new study suggests that being confined in a car or airplane for long hours may increase the risk of developing a condition called venous thromboembolisms (VTE), a blood clot that forms most often in the deep veins of the leg, groin or arm.

In order to assess the impact of remaining seated in cars for extended periods of time, the investigators gathered data from the aftermath of the Kumamoto earthquakes that struck Japan in April 2016.

They found an “epidemic” of blood clots developing in the legs, and in numerous cases going to the lungs, in many of the people forced to evacuate, according to the study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

Analysis of questionnaires from 21 local medical institutions established that 51 patients were hospitalised following the earthquakes due to VTE.

Of these, 42 patients (82.4 per cent) had spent the night in a vehicle.

“Preventive awareness activities by professional medical teams, supported by education in the media about the risk of VTEs after spending the night in a vehicle, and raising awareness of evacuation centers, could lead to a reduced number of victims of VTE,” noted lead investigator Seiji Hokimoto from Kumamoto University in Japan.

“This is a dramatic example of the risks inherent in spending prolonged periods immobilized in a cramped position,” commented Stanley Nattel, Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

“It is an important reminder of a public health point and reinforces the need to get up and walk around regularly when on an airplane or when forced to stay in a car for a long time,” Nattel said.

Air pollution levels remain dangerously high in many parts of the world. New data from World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that 9 out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. Updated estimations reveal an alarming death toll of 7 million people every year caused by ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution.

“Air pollution threatens us all, but the poorest and most marginalized people bear the brunt of the burden,” says Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “It is unacceptable that over 3 billion people – most of them women and children – are still breathing deadly smoke every day from using polluting stoves and fuels in their homes. If we don’t take urgent action on air pollution, we will never come close to achieving sustainable development.”

WHO estimates that around 7 million people die every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air that penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing diseases including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections, including pneumonia.

Ambient air pollution alone caused some 4.2 million deaths in 2016, while household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels and technologies caused an estimated 3.8 million deaths in the same period.

More than 90% of air pollution-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, mainly in Asia and Africa, followed by low- and middle-income countries of the Eastern Mediterranean region, Europe and the Americas.

Around 3 billion people – more than 40% of the world’s population – still do not have access to clean cooking fuels and technologies in their homes, the main source of household air pollution. WHO has been monitoring household air pollution for more than a decade and,while the rate of access to clean fuels and technologies is increasing everywhere, improvements are not even keeping pace with population growth in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

WHO recognizes that air pollution is a critical risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), causing an estimated one-quarter (24%) of all adult deaths from heart disease, 25% from stroke, 43% from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 29% from lung cancer.

More than 4300 cities in 108 countries are now included in WHO’s ambient air quality database, making this the world’s most comprehensive database on ambient air pollution. Since 2016, more than 1000 additional cities have been added to WHO’s database which shows that more countries are measuring and taking action to reduce air pollution than ever before.

The database collects annual mean concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). PM2.5 includes pollutants, such as sulfate, nitrates and black carbon, which pose the greatest risks to human health. WHO air quality recommendations call for countries to reduce their air pollution to annual mean values of 20 μg/m3 (for PM10) and 10 μg/m3 (for PM25).

“Many of the world’s megacities exceed WHO’s guideline levels for air quality by more than 5 times, representing a major risk to people’s health,” says Dr Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Public Health, Social and Environmental Determinants of Health, at WHO.

“We are seeing an acceleration of political interest in this global public health challenge. The increase in cities recording air pollution data reflects a commitment to air quality assessment and monitoring. Most of this increase has occurred in high-income countries, but we hope to see a similar scale-up of monitoring efforts worldwide.”

While the latest data show ambient air pollution levels are still dangerously high in most parts of the world, they also show some positive progress. Countries are taking measures to tackle and reduce air pollution from particulate matter.

Narendra Modi’s Ujjwala Yojana only silver lining: WHO

For example, in just two years, India’s Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Scheme has provided some 37 million women living below the poverty line with free LPG connections to support them to switch to clean household energy use. Mexico City has committed to cleaner vehicle standards, including a move to soot-free buses and a ban on private diesel cars by 2025.

Major sources of air pollution from particulate matter include the inefficient use of energy by households, industry, the agriculture and transport sectors, and coal-fired power plants. In some regions, sand and desert dust, waste burning and deforestation are additional sources of air pollution. Air quality can also be influenced by natural elements such as geographic, meteorological and seasonal factors.

Air pollution does not recognize borders. Improving air quality demands sustained and coordinated government action at all levels. Countries need to work together on solutions for sustainable transport, more efficient and renewable energy production and use and waste management. WHO works with many sectors including transport and energy, urban planning and rural development to support countries to tackle this problem.

Hindusthan Samachar/Lalit/Shri Ram Shaw

Fortis Hospital inBannerghatta Road, region’s leading healthcare solution provider, hasacquired Da Vinci Xi system, the most advanced Robotic Surgery technology in the world, here today. It has been used by experts from Urology, Onco-surgery and Minimum Access Surgery.

The new Da Vinci Xi System acts as an extension of the doctor’s hands, allowing him or her to perform a surgery with pinpoint accuracy and very little damage to surrounding tissues. The benefits of robotic surgery include a minimally invasive approach, faster return to daily activities, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stay with reduced hospitalization costs. The robotic surgical system is currently being used for procedures like, Urinary Blockage (Urinary Tract Obstruction), Kidney Disorder or Cancer, Bladder Cancer and Prostate Cancer at Fortis Hospitals, Bannerghatta road.

Speaking about the new technology, Dr Mohan Keshavamurthy, Director- Urology, Uro-Oncology, Andrology, Transplant & Robotic surgery, said,“We started performing Robotic–assisted da Vinci Surgery a month back and we are finding it remarkably convenient for our surgeries. The advantages of the robot surgery over conventional ones are reaching difficult areas of the human anatomy, because of the flexibility and the rotational ability of the robotic “Endoarm”. It also provides greater clarity and vivid 3D vision of the anatomy during the surgery which results in significantly less blood loss and more precise surgery. Besides the surgeon can sit at a console at ease conducting the surgery. So, it’s a win-win situation both for the doctor and the patient”.

The da Vinci X System enables optimized, focused-quadrant surgery including procedures like prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, benign hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy, among others. The advantages of robotic surgery include patient comfort, smaller incisions, less pain, less risk for infection, surgical accuracy, better accessibility and faster recovery.

Mr Raj Gore, COO-South & West, Fortis Healthcare,said “We have always believed in bringing in the best medical technology for better care of our patients. The installation of this latest robotic surgery technology is surely help our patients avail best clinical treatment that medical science offers globally. The biggest advantage of this new technology is that it enhances the abilities of our doctors. With this, we will be able to further improve our clinical outcomes.”

About Fortis Healthcare Limited

Fortis Healthcare Limited is a leading integrated healthcare delivery service provider in India. The healthcare verticals of the company primarily comprise hospitals, diagnostics and day care specialty facilities. Currently, the company operates its healthcare delivery services in India, Dubai, Mauritius and Sri Lanka with 45 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), approximately 10,000 potential beds and over 374 diagnostic centres. For more information, please visit www.fortishealthcare.com

Focusing on health in the hectic and stressful lives that we lead today is becoming difficult. Incorporating relevant herbs in your daily diet is the first step towards a healthier you. Ayurveda texts and modern research say that herbs contain compounds that have beneficial health properties that can help prevent many lifestyle disorders and rejuvenate our bodies.

Dr Shruthi M. Hegde, Ayurveda Expert, The Himalaya Drug Company, suggests incorporating the following herbs in your daily diet to practice preventive wellness and take a concrete step towards maintaining good health.

Tulasi: Popularly known as “The Queen of Herbs”, it yields beneficial results for respiratory wellness. It has compounds which are known to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties. Tulsi helps modulate healthy immune response and supports early recovery from respiratory conditions. Use it to get relief from cough and cold, especially during seasonal changes, when your body is particularly prone to such respiratory ailments.

Ashvagandha: This herb contains rejuvenating properties, and being an adaptogen, helps cope with stress, reduces harmful effects of long-term stress on the body, and promotes healthy sleep. This makes it particularly useful in our stressful lives, where good work-life balance is often difficult to maintain.

Triphala: It’s difficult to always consume healthy and hygienically prepared food in our hectic lifestyle, making digestive issues a common problem. Triphala helps promote overall digestive wellness in a number of ways. It acts as an effective colon cleanser, regularises normal bowel movements, and aids healthy digestion.

Neem: This helps fight acne by inhibiting the bacteria that causes acne growth. The herb helps promote skin wellness, which becomes even more important during summer, when the skin is more prone to acne breakouts and inflammation. It helps rejuvenate your skin, and prevents the recurrence of acne and blemishes.

Haridra: This herb contains beneficial inflammation-relieving properties. It boosts cell health through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping improve overall health. This makes it a potent tool in your preventive wellness toolkit, helping you overcome a number of health problems before they even have a chance to make an appearance

Guduchi: This herb supports the immune system and helps fight against infections by increasing the effectiveness of disease-fighting white blood cells. Including this herb in your daily diet will help increase your body’s resistance to stress and illness.

Make a commitment to getting healthier and staying fit by including these health-boosting herbs in your daily diet. Regular usage of these herbs in addition to other activities such as exercising and consuming a balanced diet will lead to a healthier, happier you.

(IANS)

New mothers who struggle with post-delivery weakness can find respite in natural ingredients which help heal the postpartum body, experts say.

Hema Divakar, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, says skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy owing to hormonal changes and this can sometimes trigger painful skin conditions.

“You should be careful about what you apply on your body, as it can affect the baby too. Thus, ensure to include the right skin care products in your regimen to prevent pregnancy-related skin problems,” said Divakar.

Prathibha, Ayurveda expert at The Himalaya Drug Company, says Ayurveda recommends the use of herbs and oils that help protect and heal a mother’s body post pregnancy.

“This helps relieve stress and ensures a smooth start to motherhood. Including products in your daily routine which contain these essential ingredients will be soothing for a new mother,” she said.

She suggests a few herbs that help protect and heal a new mother’s body and make motherhood a happy and relaxing journey:

* Country mallow: Massaging your body leads to greater flexibility and tones the muscles, resulting in faster postpartum recovery. Country mallow is used as a primary ingredient in massage oils, which are used to strengthen muscles and repair dry skin.

* Five-leaved chaste tree: This herb helps relieve pain and accelerates the process of healing wounds and rashes.

* Winter cherry: Also known as Ashvagandha, it rejuvenates the body and promotes physical and mental health. Winter Cherry works best in strengthening and firming the skin, while enhancing muscle and joint strength.

* Indian madder: It has antioxidant properties and helps clear the skin, free from blemishes. It also relieves skin-related issues and inflammation.

* Almond: Due to several hormonal changes during pregnancy, the skin becomes extremely sensitive and prone to dryness. Almond oil based products provide the necessary care to keep your skin nourished. Almond oil also contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and E, which ensure the skin is soft and supple.

* Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains antimicrobial and natural soothing properties that moisturize and help heal rashes. It soothes irritable skin conditions caused during pregnancy and acts as a remedy for stretch marks.

* Natural zinc: Natural zinc is known to lock in moisture and have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It is helpful in treating rashes caused due to skin irritation and sweat.

* Sesame: Often considered as the most beneficial oil especially for its skin-firming properties, Sesame oil moisturises the skin and prevents infections.

(IANS)

Common painkiller ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or in combination with acetaminophen are better at easing dental pain, than opioids, say researchers.

While using opioids help manage pain, they also run the risk of misuse or abuse, that can cause serious harm, including addiction, overdose and death.

According to the National Institutes of Health, each day, more than 115 Americans die as a result of an opioid overdose.

“What we know is that prescribing narcotics should be a last resort,” said Anita Aminoshariae, Associate Professor at the Case Western Reserve University in the US.

“No patient should go home in pain. That means that opioids are sometimes the best option, but certainly should not be the first option,” she added.

The study showed that opioids are not among the most effective — or longest lasting — options available for relief from acute dental pain.

For adults, a combination of 400 milligrams of ibuprofen and 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen was superior to any opioid-containing medications.

“The best available data suggests that the use of nonsteroidal medications, with or without acetaminophen, offers the most favourable balance between benefits and harms, optimising efficacy while minimising acute adverse events,” Aminoshariae said.

The results, featuring in the Journal of the American Dental Association, evaluated the safety and efficacy of dozens of pain-relief options from more than 460 published studies.

Opioids and their drug combinations were found to account for the most adverse side effects — including drowsiness, respiratory depression, nausea/vomiting and constipation — in both children and adults.

Citing the American opioid epidemic, Aminoshariae said that health-care providers should take heed of the findings.

(IANS)

Men, take note. If you are suffering from low bone density or frequent pain in your spine due to ageing, then milk, yogurt and cheese may help you achieve a positive outcome, says a study led by an Indian-origin researcher.

The study found that a higher intake of dairy foods is associated with higher volumetric bone mineral density and vertebral strength at the spine in men.

The associations were most beneficial in men over age 50, and continued to have positive associations.

“The results of this study highlight the beneficial role of a combination of dairy foods upon bone health and these beneficial associations remain irrespective of serum vitamin D status in a person,” said Shivani Sahni, Associate Scientist at the Institute For Ageing Research in Boston.

For the findings, published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Density, the team included 1,522 men and 1,104 women from the Framingham Study, aged 32 to 81 years.

They examined quantitative computed tomography (QCT) measures of bone to determine associations with dairy intake.

However, no significant results was observed in women, except for a positive association of cream intake in the cross sectional area of the bone.

A previous research, presented at the Endocrine Society’s 100th Annual Meeting in Chicago, revealed that consuming a Mediterranean diet — rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, potatoes, olive oil, seeds, fish, low saturated fat, dairy products and red meat — may boost bones and muscle mass in postmenopausal women.

(IANS)

Gladys D’souza was celebrating her 100th birthday. Her children, Gloria Lobo (75), Trevor D’Souza and Christopher D’Souza had organised a grand celebration at Nympha Sadan, a senior citizen home at Pandeshwar here today.

Gloria is said to be present for the cake cutting celebration, and delivered an emotional speech and a poem in honour of her mother.

It has been said that, as the celebrations were going on, Gloria collapsed at the venue and was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was declared dead.

Gloria lived in Canada and had returned to her home town few days ago. Her brother claimed that, she had undergone a bypass surgery.

• 8 years old Master Roman from Russia and 12 years old Ms Sri Supriya from Tamil Nadu were saved after a clinical breakthrough to place adult hearts into infant cavities
• First cases of adult to child heart transplant recorded in India as Fortis Malar joins rank among top hospitals in the world to successfully perform this clinical feat

Chennai, 20th March 2018: A team of doctors at Fortis Malar Hospital recently conducted two complicated heart transplant surgeries by placing adult hearts into the heart cavity of children to save two lives here recently. 8 years old Master Roman and 12 years old Ms Sri Supriya were suffering from life threatening heart conditions that required urgent heart transplants. However, due to paucity of hearts of their age and size, the team of doctors led by Dr KR Balakrishnan, Director, Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Malar Hospital and Dr Suresh Rao KG, Head of the Department, Critical Care and Cardiac Anaesthesia, Fortis Malar Hospital meticulously planned and performed this unique clinical feat to transplant two adult hearts into the cavity of these two children respectively.

The first heart transplant was performed on Master Roman, an 8-year-old boy from Russia who was admitted on 13th October 2017 at the hospital with prognosis of heart failure. Roman’s condition deteriorated with severe biventricular restrictive cardiomyopathy, a disease of heart muscle restricting flow of blood into the ventricles and his condition became more complicated when he had a cardiac arrest. After 45minutes of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), he was finally put on an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), an advanced cardiac and respiratory life support system.

On the condition of the patient, Dr KR Balakrishnan said, “When Roman was brought into our hospital, he was in a critical condition. A heart transplant was the only way to cure him. We had to resort to ECPR to save his life until a heart was available for transplant. However, given the severity of his condition, we decided to do the transplant as soon as we can.”