Medical News

Rohan Bopanna, a tennis legend who recently placed second in the men’s doubles competition at the US Open, will be joining the Indian team on Wednesday, according to Rohit Rajpal, India’s Davis Cup captain. The team is getting ready for the World Group II play-offs match against Morocco, which will take place at the Vijayant Khand Mini Stadium in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, on Saturday and Sunday.

The 43-year-old Bopanna, who is currently ranked seventh in the doubles world rankings, etched his name in history last week by becoming the oldest player to compete in a Grand Slam doubles final at the US Open. This achievement underscores Bopanna’s enduring commitment to tennis.

Anil Jain, President of the All India Tennis Association (AITA), praised the tennis legend and said, “The Davis Cup is a prestigious competition that has seen many legendary moments. This match in Lucknow is a significant event for all of us. We wish Rohan Bopanna luck on behalf of AITA and all tennis fans in the nation, and we are all looking forward to seeing him serve for India at the Davis Cup for the final time. We salute his commitment, as well as the way he represented the game’s spirit during the US Final.

Wastewater treatment is an important but frequently disregarded feature of contemporary society. It is essential for preserving public health and advancing general wellbeing. This blog will discuss the significance of wastewater treatment, its effects on human health, and how it helps create a more sustainable and healthy future.

Hazards of Untreated Wastewater That Go Unnoticed
Wastewater that hasn’t been treated seriously endangers people’s health. It has a diverse range of contaminants, including as germs, viruses, chemicals, and other dangerous materials. Numerous health problems may arise when this tainted water gets into the environment or our water supply.
The main risk posed by untreated wastewater is waterborne illnesses. Typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis outbreaks can quickly spread through contaminated water supplies, affecting entire populations. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 2.2 million people die from diarrheal diseases each year, primarily as a result of contaminated water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene—problems that are directly related to untreated wastewater.

Keeping Drinking Water Safe
Protecting our drinking water is one of the most important functions of wastewater treatment. Before wastewater is released into rivers, lakes, or seas or recycled for non-potable uses, wastewater treatment plants remove contaminants, such as pathogens and chemical pollutants. This guarantees that the water we drink is secure and devoid of dangerous toxins.
Furthermore, in regions where water is scarce, treated wastewater can be a useful resource. Wastewater can be filtered using cutting-edge treatment techniques to the point where it can be used for a variety of non-potable tasks, including irrigation, business operations, and even indirect potable reuse. This preserves freshwater resources and lessens the strain on ecological systems.

Ecosystem health and environmental protection
The health of our ecosystem is significantly impacted by efficient wastewater treatment. Eutrophication of lakes and rivers can occur when untreated wastewater is dumped into natural water bodies. The growth of hazardous algae is encouraged by excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can lower oxygen levels and destroy aquatic life.

Additionally, untreated wastewater may include dangerous compounds and heavy metals that kill fish and other creatures by disrupting aquatic ecosystems. Wastewater treatment procedures eliminate or neutralise these damaging elements, aiding in the preservation of our waterways’ biodiversity.

Keeping Antibiotic Resistance from Spreading
A significant public health problem is the prevalence of antibiotics and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in wastewater. Antibiotics may wind up in wastewater when they are incorrectly disposed of or excreted by people and animals. By destroying antibiotics and eradicating antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, wastewater treatment facilities can be extremely effective in preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Treatment facilities protect the potency of these essential medications in medical care by eliminating antibiotics from wastewater, which lowers the selective pressure for antibiotic resistance. Through ensuring that antibiotics continue to be effective against bacterial illnesses, this in turn contributes to better public health outcomes.

Future Cleaner and Safer
Investing in wastewater treatment is a step towards a more fair and sustainable future in addition to being a concern of public health. Despite being a fundamental human right, billions of people worldwide still do not have access to clean sanitation and wastewater treatment.
Infrastructure improvements for wastewater treatment can have significant advantages. In especially in vulnerable populations, they lessen the burden of waterborne infections by generating jobs, promoting economic growth, and doing so. Additionally, the employment of cutting-edge treatment technology can improve the energy and environmental sustainability of wastewater treatment, supporting international efforts to battle climate change.

Conclusion
Although wastewater treatment may not seem like a glamorous subject, it is nonetheless extremely important. It serves as a cornerstone of environmental and public health protection, preserving our water supplies and advancing societal well-being as a whole. Investments in wastewater treatment are investments in a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for all, as we continue to face water scarcity and environmental problems. We can make sure that wastewater treatment continues to reduce health risks and advance wellbeing for future generations by acknowledging its crucial role and encouraging its development and improvement.

The author is a head of Sales and Entrepreneurship

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and one of the most concerning is the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength, a condition known as sarcopenia. It is a natural part of the aging process characterized by the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. It typically begins in our 30s, but its effects become more pronounced as we enter our 50s and beyond. Contributing factors include hormonal changes, decreased physical activity, and inadequate nutrition. Muscle loss can lead to a decline in mobility, making everyday activities more challenging and increasing the risk of falls and fractures. With less muscle mass, the body burns fewer calories at rest, potentially leading to weight gain and obesity-related health issues. Sarcopenia can result in frailty, making individuals more vulnerable to illness and decreasing their ability to recover from injuries or surgeries.
Sarcopenia and osteoporosis often coexist and exacerbate each other’s effects. Loss of muscle mass and strength can contribute to balance and stability issues, increasing the risk of falls and fractures (osteoporosis). On the other hand, fractures due to osteoporosis can result in reduced mobility, leading to muscle disuse and further exacerbating muscle loss (sarcopenia)
Nutrition plays a crucial role in combating sarcopenia. Incorporating the following foods into your diet can help support muscle growth and maintenance:
Protein and essential amino acids: Ensure an adequate intake of high-quality protein sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, and plant-based options like legumes and tofu.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fats, found in fatty fish like salmon and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect muscle mass.
Vitamin D: This vitamin is essential for muscle function and can be obtained through sunlight exposure and foods like fortified dairy products and fatty fish.
Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation and protect muscle tissue.
Nutraceuticals are bioactive compounds found in certain foods or available as supplements that can have positive effects on muscle health. Known for its role in energy production, creatine supplementation has been shown to improve muscle strength in older adults. Collagen peptides may support muscle mass and function while also benefiting joint health. HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate) helps reduce protein breakdown and promote muscle growth. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a powerful antioxidant properties and may enhance mitochondrial function, which is vital for muscle energy production.
By maintaining healthy, balanced diet rich in muscle-supporting nutrients and considering the use of nutraceuticals, individuals can take proactive steps to preserve their muscle health and enjoy a higher quality of life as they age.
Dr Anish Desai is MD, Clinical Pharmacologist and Nutraceutical Physician, Founder and CEO, IntelliMed Healthcare
Solutions.

The yearly observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th stands as a poignant annual event underscoring the notion that support is frequently closer than we realise, whether it comes from a dependable friend, relative, or professional.
Understanding the Crisis
Suicide is a multifaceted issue, often entangled with mental health challenges, external stressors, and personal battles.
The Lifeline Within Reach
There is often a lifeline extending towards us—an empathetic friend, a supportive family member, or a seasoned professional. These individuals offer more than a mere safety net; they extend a lifeline teeming with emotional support, guidance, and a compassionate, non-judgmental presence.
The Mighty Power of Connection
Human connection wields an incredible influence. A heartfelt check-in with a friend, a candid sharing of your emotions with a loved one, or the decision to seek professional assistance can work wonders in someone’s life.
Breaking Down the Stigma
Its goal is to foster empathy, understanding, and acceptance, emphasizing that reaching out for assistance demonstrates strength and resilience rather than vulnerability.
The Importance of the Day
In a world where mental health concerns often linger in the shadows, World Suicide Prevention Day beckons us to step into the light, to break the silence, and to be that lifeline for someone in need. By Dr. Neerja Agarwal

While the monsoon season brings relief from the scorching heat and humid weather, it also brings the risk of various monsoon diseases, including typhoid, malaria, and viral fever, among others. To safeguard yourself from falling prey to these illnesses, it is crucial to prioritize hygiene and pay careful attention to your eating habits. Maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle during this season can be achieved by incorporating nutritious foods into your diet, with a special emphasis on fruits. Fruits not only provide essential nutrients but also offer numerous reasons why they should be an integral part of your rainy season diet. Let’s explore four compelling reasons why you should include fruits in your diet this rainy season.
1. Fortifies Defences: The immune-boosting properties of fruits are particularly valuable during the monsoon season. By including a variety of fruits in your diet, you provide your body with a range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system. This fortification acts as a shield against the common monsoon diseases that thrive in this season, enhancing your resistance and overall well-being.
2. Keeps Hydrated and Refreshed: Adequate hydration is the key to combat the damp and humid conditions during the rainy season. Fruits, with their high water content, serve as natural hydrators, replenishing your body’s fluids and electrolytes. Their juicy and refreshing nature not only quenches your thirst but also helps in maintaining optimal hydration levels throughout the day.
3. Provides Nourishment of Essential Nutrients: Fruits are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients necessary for a healthy body. They provide a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre, contributing to overall nutrition. Incorporating a wide variety of fruits in your diet ensures that you receive a diverse range of these vital nutrients, supporting your body’s functions and promoting vitality.
4. Aids in Digestion and Detoxification: The monsoon season often leads to digestive discomfort due to the increased risk of waterborne diseases and dietary indiscretions. Fruits, known for their high fibre content, aid in digestion by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Furthermore, certain fruits possess detoxifying properties that help eliminate toxins from the body, keeping your digestive system healthy and functioning optimally.

Conclusion
By including fruits in your rainy season diet, you not only enhance your overall health but also mitigate the risks associated with the season. Embrace the goodness of fruits to strengthen your immunity, stay hydrated, nourish your body, and support proper digestion. Make them an integral part of your diet this monsoon season for a vibrant and thriving well-being.

The author is a chief dietician at Jindal Naturecure institute, Banglore

A recent study has noticed that there has been an alarming increase in hypertension cases among the working population as people have gone back to a sedentary lifestyle and stressful working hours. The study by Jindal Naturecure Institute, reveals how this transition, especially after the new normal, has resulted in individuals having limited time for crucial activities such as yoga, exercise and a healthy diet, exacerbating the prevalence of hypertension.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). It is common but can be serious if not timely treated. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Over time, if untreated, it can cause serious health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke.
“The return to a sedentary lifestyle in the new normal has reduced physical activity and increased reliance on unhealthy dietary choices. During COVID or even after the lockdown ended, people were concerned about their immunity and were actively following a healthy diet and exercise. But now people are back to their normal routine of unhealthy eating with no physical exercise. People are bound to their desks without any breaks. This has contributed to a rise in hypertension cases among the working population, placing them at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases”, says Dr. Babina, Chief Medical Officer at the Institute
Data compiled by JNI for the years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 highlights a significant rise in the number of people admitted to their institute with complaints of hypertension. While comparing the data collected during the said duration, there has been a noticeable rise of 153.42% in hypertension patients.
Further analysis of the age-wise breakdown reveals a concerning trend. In the age group of 19-35 years, there was a 200% increase in male patients (from 24 to 72) and a 425% increase in female patients (from 4 to 21) from 2021-2022 to 2022-2023.
Similarly, in the 36-50 years age bracket, there was a 171% increase in male patients (from 196 to 532) and a 152% increase in female patients (from 116 to 293) from the previous year.
The most worrisome surge was observed in the 51-70 years age group, where there was a 132% increase in male patients (from 429 to 994) and a 153% increase in female patients (from 338 to 854).
Even in the older population (>70 years), hypertension cases rose significantly, with a 300% increase in male patients (from 30 to 120) and a 154% increase in female patients (from 24 to 61).
In India, the percentage of individuals effectively managing their hypertension is approximately 12%. This statistic highlights the concerning reality of uncontrolled blood pressure, which serves as a prominent contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) like heart attacks and strokes. Alarmingly, CVDs account for a significant portion, specifically one-third, of the overall mortality rate in India.
Adopting a sedentary lifestyle can harm cardiovascular health, including the hardening of arteries and the accumulation of plaque within them. When arteries become stiff and narrow, it places additional strain on the heart’s pumping action, leading to an increase in blood pressure.
Engaging in the regular practice of Yoga, irrespective of its specific form, offers the potential to relax muscles and counteract the effects of elevated blood pressure. Beyond its direct impact on reducing blood pressure, consistent Yoga practice can also mitigate the risk factors associated with hypertension.

Obesity is a major contributor to preventable lifestyle-related deaths worldwide, and addressing this issue requires a significant effort. The prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and fatty liver, has reached endemic levels. This is just the beginning of a much larger problem, and raising public awareness is crucial in order to overcome this growing burden.
Did you know that 90% of Type 2 diabetes patients are either obese or overweight? This indicates a strong connection between obesity and diabetes, which scientists refer to as ‘Diabesity’. Unfortunately, this modern epidemic has affected 25% of the industrialized world. However, the good news is that it is preventable, and the metabolic syndrome and its side effects can be reversed with the right measures.

Hazards of obesity:
Obesity is the condition where the body accumulates excessive amounts of fat, which can lead to various diseases such as high cholesterol (dyslipidaemia), Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease with risks of stroke, and cancer.
Obese individuals are more likely to experience breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start.
Health conditions such as gallbladder disease, fatty liver disease, gynaecological issues like infertility and irregular periods, as well as sexual health problems such as erectile dysfunction, can significantly impact one’s quality of life.
Osteoarthritis is also a common condition that often affects the knees, making it difficult to perform even simple tasks.

Fight against obesity:
India is considered to be the diabetic capital of the world, and it is crucial for us as a nation to take action to reverse this. The keys to achieving this are maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. By making lifestyle modifications early on in the course of obesity, medication may not be necessary. It’s easier to reverse the harmful effects of obesity without medical supervision when we’re just starting to gain weight, making it the best time to implement lifestyle changes and exercise.
When our BMI exceeds 30 kg/m2, we are considered obese and may need medical help to achieve optimal results. However, with proper supervision, we can reverse the effects of obesity at this stage. If morbid obesity sets in, with a BMI over 40 kg/m2, there is a high chance that medical and conventional therapies will fail. In this case, Bariatric Surgery becomes necessary and is the most beneficial option for our health. Therefore, it is better to prevent obesity than to cure it.

What is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric Surgery is a weight loss procedure that involves restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, causing malabsorption of nutrients, or a combination of both. It also leads to positive hormonal changes that bring about various health benefits.
Nowadays, weight loss surgeries are typically done through minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Patients can often walk shortly after the surgery and typically stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. Popular procedures include Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Surgery, both of which can be done with minimally invasive keyhole surgery.

Current Recommendations for Bariatric Surgery
Indian Guidelines
BMI≥37.5
BMT≥32.5 and at least one or more obesity-related co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities. Gastrointestinal disorders, or heart disease.
Inability to achieve a healthy weight loss for a sustained period of time with prior weight loss efforts.

Benefits of Bariatric Surgery:
Bariatric Surgery can result in significant and sustained weight loss of 40 kg or more, rather than just 10-15 kg. This weight loss can last for years and can also improve or resolve associated diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and osteoarthritis. Due to its metabolic benefits, it is sometimes referred to as metabolic surgery. The surgery not only improves quality of life, but also helps to increase longevity for high-risk obese patients. Additionally, the surgery can have positive effects on mental health by resolving issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of self-esteem, and singlehood, which are commonly experienced by severely obese patients.
Dr. Vinay Kumar Shaw is the HOD and Senior Consultant, GI, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery, Sanar International Hospitals

Indiana University School of Medicine researchers have successfully developed a blood test for anxiety. The test looks for biomarkers that can help them determine an individual’s risk of developing anxiety, the severity of their current anxiety, and which therapies are likely to treat their anxiety the best.

MindX Sciences is developing the test for wider use by physicians now that it has been validated by researchers.

“Many people are suffering from anxiety, which can be very disabling and interfere with daily life,” said professor of psychiatry Alexander Niculescu, MD, PhD. “The current approach is to talk to people about how they feel to see if they could be on medications, but some medications can be addictive and create more problems. We wanted to see if our approach to identify blood biomarkers could help us match people to existing medications that will work better and could be a non-addictive choice.”

Previous research by Niculescu resulted in the development of blood tests for pain, depression/bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This latest study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, employs similar techniques to treat anxiety. The research included three distinct cohorts: discovery, validation, and testing. A blood test would be administered to participants every 3-6 months or whenever a new psychiatric hospitalisation occurred. Researchers could identify a patient’s current state of anxiety and match them with medications and nutraceuticals by examining RNA biomarkers in the blood, demonstrating how effective different options could be for them based on their biology.

“In addition to medications, there are other methods to treat anxiety, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or lifestyle changes,” Niculescu said. “But having something objective like this where we can know what someone’s current state is as well as their future risk and what treatment options match their profile is very powerful in helping people.”

A person’s biomarkers can also change over time. Niculescu said the test can help evaluate a person’s risk of developing higher levels of anxiety in the future as well as how other factors might impact their anxiety, like hormonal changes.

“There are people who have anxiety and it is not properly diagnosed, then they have panic attacks, but think they’re having a heart attack and up in the ER with all sorts of physical symptoms,” Niculescu said. “If we can know that earlier, then we can hopefully avoid this pain and suffering and treat them earlier with something that matches their profile.”

Niculescu said this new test could also be used in combination with the other blood tests his research has led to, providing a more comprehensive view of a patient’s mental health and risk of future mental health concerns. Researchers can also use the test to develop new treatments for anxiety that are more targeted to individual biomarkers.

“This is something that could be a panel test as part of a patient’s regular wellness visits to evaluate their mental health over time and prevent any future distress,” Niculescu said. “Prevention is better in the long run, so our goal is to be able to provide a comprehensive report for patients and their physicians using simply one tube of blood.”

A team of researchers from USC’s Keck School of Medicine has begun to document the actual impact of electric vehicle adoption in the first study to use real-world data to correlate electric cars, air pollution, and health. The researchers analysed a “natural experiment” taking place in California as individuals quickly transitioned to electric cars, or light-duty zero-emission vehicles, using publicly available statistics (ZEVs). The findings were just published in Science of the Total Environment.

Between 2013 and 2019, the researchers examined data from the state’s ZEV registration, air pollution levels, and asthma-related emergency room visits.

Local air pollution levels and emergency department visits decreased as ZEV adoption increased within a given zip code. “When we think about the actions related to climate change, often it’s on a global level,” said Erika Garcia, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor of population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine and the study’s lead author. “But the idea that changes being made at the local level can improve the health of your own community could be a powerful message to the public and to policy makers.”

The researchers also found that while total ZEVs increased over time, adoption was considerably slower in low-resource zip codes — what the researchers refer to as the “adoption gap.” That disparity points to an opportunity to restore environmental justice in communities that are disproportionately affected by pollution and related health problems.

“The impacts of climate change on health can be challenging to talk about because they can feel very scary,” said Sandrah Eckel, PhD, an associate professor of population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine and the study’s senior author. “We’re excited about shifting the conversation towards climate change mitigation and adaptation, and these results suggest that transitioning to ZEVs is a key piece of that.”

To study the effects of electric vehicle adoption, the research team analyzed and compared four different datasets. First, they obtained data on ZEVs (which includes battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell cars) from the California Department of Motor Vehicles and tabulated the total number registered in each zip code for every year between 2013 and 2019.

They also obtained data from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air monitoring sites on levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), an air pollutant related to traffic, and zip code level asthma-related visits to the emergency room. Asthma is one of the health concerns long linked with air pollutants such as NO2, which can also cause and exacerbate other respiratory diseases, as well as problems with the heart, brain and other organ systems.

Finally, the researchers calculated the percentage of adults in each zip code who held bachelor’s degrees. Educational attainment levels are frequently used as an indicator of a neighborhood’s socioeconomic status.

At the zip code level, for every additional 20 ZEVs per 1,000 people, there was a 3.2% drop in the rate of asthma-related emergency visits and a small suggestive reduction in NO2 levels. On average across zip codes in the state, ZEVs increased from 1.4 to 14.6 per 1,000 people between 2013 and 2019. ZEV adoption was significantly lower in zip codes with lower levels of educational attainment. For example, a zip code with 17% of the population having a bachelor’s degree had, on average, an annual increase of 0.70 ZEVs per 1,000 people compared to an annual increase of 3.6 ZEVs per 1,000 people for a zip code with 47% of the population having a bachelor’s degree.

Past research has shown that underserved communities, such as lower-income neighborhoods, tend to face worse pollution and associated respiratory problems than more affluent areas. If ZEVs replace gas-powered cars in those neighborhoods, they could stand to benefit substantially.

“Should continuing research support our findings, we want to make sure that those communities that are overburdened with the traffic-related air pollution are truly benefiting from this climate mitigation effort,” Garcia said.
While climate change is a massive health threat, mitigating it offers a massive public health opportunity, Eckel said. As one of the first studies to quantify the real-world environmental and health benefits of ZEVs, the research can help demonstrate the power of this mitigation measure, including possibly reduced health care utilization and expenditures.

The findings are promising, Garcia said, but many questions remain. Future studies should consider additional impacts of ZEVs, including emissions related to brake and tire wear, mining of materials for their manufacture, and disposal of old cars. The researchers also hope to study additional types of pollutants and other classes of vehicles, in addition to conducting a follow-up study of the effects of the ever-growing share of ZEVs in the state.

Moving forward, transitioning to ZEVs is just one part of the solution, Eckel said. Shifting to public transport and active transport, including walking and biking, are other key ways to boost environmental and public health.