Category health

Gurugram, Mar 02: India, particularly the Delhi-NCR region, faces a severe, year-round air pollution crisis that peaks during winter months. Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs) are among the top two contributors to India’s non-communicable disease burden, which is further aggravated by smoking cigarettes and beedis, and vaping — all of which introduce harmful chemicals and ultrafine particles into the lungs.

 Addressing this escalating public health challenge, Medanta – The Medicity, one of India’s largest private multi-specialty tertiary care providers, has launched a comprehensive, year-round public awareness initiative aimed at shifting national focus from seasonal alarm about poor air quality to sustained vigilance against CRDs. As part of the campaign, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, and Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Medanta Gurugram, unveiled a landmark Giant Lungs exhibit — an immersive, inflatable walkthrough of the human respiratory system — designed to educate the public on lung health and early diagnosis.

Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, stated,

 “Air pollution, coupled with newer concerns like vaping, and the widespread underdiagnosis of critical conditions like CRDs, represents a fundamental challenge to public health, silently stealing years from our lives. We must urgently shift our mindset from periodic alerts to continuous vigilance and action. This initiative reflects our dedication to empowering individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves and their families every single day.”

India accounts for over 30% of global deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CRDs. Recent data indicates particulate matter levels in India in 2023 were more than eight times higher than WHO guidelines, contributing to an average reduction of 3.5 years in life expectancy, with data indicating a potential loss of up to 8.2 years in life expectancy in the Delhi-NCR region due to prolonged exposure to high particulate matter levels. Compounding the crisis is significant underdiagnosis: an estimated 95-98% of COPD cases and nearly 70% of severe asthma cases remain undetected.

Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Medanta Gurugram, emphasized,

 “Air quality discussions often focus on seasonal spikes, but the cumulative damage from chronic exposure is relentless. For Delhi-NCR residents, polluted air is not an occasional event but is a daily reality. The impact is particularly alarming because lung damage progresses silently, with symptoms often appearing only when disease is advanced. Sustained public awareness about CRDs, routine screening, and year-round preventive action are critical to protecting respiratory health in high-risk urban regions like ours.”

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Importantly, seizures do not always look dramatic. Some children may simply stare blankly for a few seconds, pause mid-sentence, or appear briefly confused. Others may experience jerking movements or full-body convulsions. Recognizing your child’s specific seizure pattern reduces panic and allows for calm, appropriate action. Knowledge replaces fear.

 One of the most important aspects of epilepsy care is understanding seizure triggers. While triggers vary from child to child, certain patterns are commonly observed. Lack of sleep is among the most powerful triggers; even a single late night can lower the brain’s seizure threshold. Dietary factors also play a role; skipping meals, prolonged fasting, dehydration, and sudden fluctuations in blood sugar levels may increase susceptibility. Emotional stress, excitement, and anxiety can also provoke seizures in some children. Missing medication doses or taking them irregularly significantly increases risk. Fever and infections may trigger seizures in younger children, especially those prone to febrile episodes. In a small percentage of children, flashing lights or prolonged screen exposure may act as triggers, especially when screen time interferes with adequate sleep.

Medication adherence remains the cornerstone of seizure control. Anti-seizure medicines work effectively when taken consistently at the same time each day. Establishing a routine—perhaps linking medication time with brushing teeth or meal times—helps maintain regularity. Parents should monitor for side effects such as drowsiness, mood changes, dizziness, or skin rashes and promptly consult their doctor if concerns arise. Abruptly stopping medication without medical supervision can precipitate severe seizures and must always be avoided.

Knowing how to respond during a seizure builds confidence. During a convulsive episode, gently placing the child on their side, cushioning the head, and clearing nearby objects prevents injury. Nothing should be placed in the mouth, and movements should not be restrained. Most seizures stop within a few minutes. Emergency medical attention is required if a seizure lasts longer than five minutes, repeats without recovery, or causes breathing difficulty or serious injury.

Safety measures at home provide reassurance without restricting independence. Simple precautions in bathrooms, supervision during swimming, and informing teachers and caregivers about seizure first aid create a supportive safety net. However, children with epilepsy should not be unnecessarily limited. Participation in school, sports with reasonable precautions, hobbies, and social activities fosters confidence and emotional strength.

The emotional dimension of epilepsy is equally significant. Some children may feel embarrassed or fearful about having a seizure in public. Open conversations at home allow them to express these feelings freely. When parents respond with calm reassurance rather than visible anxiety, children develop resilience. In situations where anxiety or low mood persists, professional counseling can provide valuable support.

Consistency in daily routines often translates into better seizure control. Regular sleep, balanced meals, adequate hydration, stress management practices such as yoga or light exercise, and limited late-night screen exposure all contribute to neurological stability. Small daily habits can make a meaningful difference over time.

Finally, parents must care for their own emotional well-being. Supporting a child with a chronic condition can be demanding. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, connecting with support groups, and sharing responsibilities within the family can prevent caregiver burnout. When parents feel informed and supported, children sense that stability.

Epilepsy is not a limitation on dreams. Many children with epilepsy excel academically, pursue creative talents, participate in sports, and grow into independent adults. With medical care, healthy lifestyle practices, and compassionate family support, epilepsy becomes a manageable part of life rather than its defining feature.

With knowledge, preparation, and steady encouragement, families empower their children not only to live with epilepsy—but to live confidently and well despite it.

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that participation in emergency department-based clinical trials delivers substantial benefits that extend far beyond improved patient outcomes. The study, co-led by Gail D’Onofrio, MD, MS, Albert E. Kent Professor of Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, offers compelling evidence that clinical research can be a catalyst for positive change across multiple domains.

The cross-sectional survey, co-led by Joseph E. Carpenter, MD, from Emory University School of Medicine, examined investigators who participated in the ED-INNOVATION (Emergency Department–Initiated Buprenorphine and Validation Network) Trial, which spanned 33 emergency departments (EDs) across 23 states. The trial compared initiation of extended-release injectable buprenorphine with traditional sublingual buprenorphine and treatment engagement after the emergency department visit, addressing evidence-based care for opioid use disorder (OUD) in acute care settings.

Strengthening the research pipeline

According to D’Onofrio, ED INNOVATION lead investigator, “Participation in clinical trials can improve patient care while also strengthening the emergency medicine research pipeline—an area in need of sustained support and development. By engaging emergency department physicians in research activities, the trial built capacity, expanded investigator expertise, and positioned sites for future federally funded studies.”

Transforming institutional culture

The study documented remarkable institutional impacts from trial participation. One survey respondent noted that involvement in the clinical trial “completely changed the culture of our ED,” highlighting how research engagement can fundamentally reshape clinical practice environments. Participating institutions reported widespread practice changes that extended well beyond the trial’s specific focus, demonstrating how clinical trials can drive sustainable quality improvement in emergency care.

Career advancement and professional development

Individual clinicians experienced significant professional benefits from their involvement in the multi-site emergency medicine clinical trial. Site directors became more research-active, submitting additional funding proposals following their participation. Some clinicians obtained advanced certification in addiction medicine as a direct result of their trial participation, demonstrating that National Institutes of Health-supported clinical research can serve as a pathway to specialized expertise, leadership development, and career advancement.

Community engagement and partnership

The ED-INNOVATION trial successfully engaged a diverse array of community partners, including organizations and settings that could reach at-risk patients. This community-oriented approach demonstrates how clinical research can extend its impact beyond hospital walls to support broader public health initiatives and address social determinants of health.

Implications for the future

The findings come at a crucial time when clinical research infrastructure faces mounting pressures. The study underscores the multifaceted value of investing in emergency medicine clinical trials, suggesting that research funding generates returns not only through improved patient care but also through institutional development, workforce enhancement, and community strengthening.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. N. Vishnu Swaroop Reddy said, “Hearing plays a crucial role in a child’s speech, language development, and academic performance. Many cases of hearing loss can be prevented or effectively managed if identified early. Through this free screening camp, we aim to create awareness among parents and ensure children with hearing concerns receive timely medical attention.”

Biju Nair, Zonal Chief Operating Officer, CARE Hospitals, said, “We encourage parents of children experiencing delayed speech, recurrent ear infections, difficulty in hearing, poor academic performance, or any ear-related concerns to make use of this free screening opportunity. At CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, we remain committed to strengthening pediatric hearing health through continuous awareness initiatives, early diagnosis, and access to advanced ENT care services.”

New Delhi, Feb 28: If your skin is acting up, your mood feels unpredictable, and your energy crashes before the day ends, the answer may lie deeper than stress or lack of sleep. Emerging scientific research increasingly highlights the powerful gut-brain-heart axis a fully connected system where gut bacteria influence digestion, immunity, hormones, heart function, and even emotional wellbeing.

The gut produces nearly 90–95% of serotonin, the hormone responsible for mood, sleep, and emotional balance, and houses 70–80% of the immune system. When gut health is compromised, inflammation can disrupt hormones, weaken immunity, trigger brain fog, and even lead to skin flare-ups. Simply put, when the gut is off balance, the entire body feels it.

Recognising the growing awareness around digestive health, we highlight five gut health supplements designed to help restore microbial balance, improve digestion, and strengthen overall wellbeing.

Five Gut Health Essentials Worth Adding to Your Routine

1. LivLively – Gut Restore Blend

Rooted in natural ingredients and backed by clinical research, LivLively’s Gut Restore Blend features Amla and Green Tea leaf extract to support microbiome balance. The formula is designed to address bloating, acidity, low energy, and sleep concerns by supporting melatonin balance. Ideal for those who prefer a holistic, food-science-driven approach to gut health.

Available at: livlively.in

2. The Good Bug – Healthy Gut Balance

Designed as a daily gut reset, this supplement combines clinically studied probiotic strains — Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12® — with prebiotics to restore microbial diversity. It targets bloating, erratic digestion, gas, and immune support, offering a clean, science-led formulation.

Available at: thegoodbug.com

3. Tata 1mg – Probiotics 30 Billion CFUs with Prebiotic Fibre

For those requiring intensive gut support, this capsule delivers 30 billion CFUs across 14 probiotic strains, combined with prebiotic fibre to nourish beneficial bacteria. Non-GMO and preservative-free, it is particularly suited for post-antibiotic recovery and digestive reinforcement.

Available at: 1mg.com

4. Wellbeing Nutrition – Melts Healthy Gut Oral Strips

A modern alternative to capsules, these fast-dissolving oral strips combine probiotics with Apple Cider Vinegar to support digestion, metabolism, and bowel regularity. Travel-friendly and easy to use, they are ideal for individuals who prefer pill-free supplementation.

Available at: wellbeingnutrition.com

5. Inlife Healthcare – Pre + Probiotic Capsules

A simple and affordable option, these gluten-free and non-GMO capsules combine probiotics with prebiotic fibre to support digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall microbiome balance. Suitable for those beginning their gut health journey.

Available at: inlifehealthcare.com

The Bottom Line

Gut health is not a fleeting wellness trend — it is central to immune function, hormonal balance, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Whether you are dealing with bloating, low energy, poor immunity, or mood fluctuations, supporting your gut microbiome could be one of the most impactful health decisions you make this year.

Consistency remains key. Choose the supplement that aligns with your needs and lifestyle, and allow your gut to restore balance from within.

Bangalore, Feb 27: In view of the growing need for accessible rehabilitation services for Divyangjans in South India, Udaipur-based Narayan Seva Sansthan, in collaboration with its CSR partners General Motors, TTP Technologies, and ACI Worldwide, is organizing a Free Narayan Limb & Caliper Fitment Camp along with a Donor Felicitation Ceremony on Sunday, March 1, in Bengaluru.

During today’s press conference, Mr. Vinod Jain, Bengaluru President and Spokesperson, addressed members of the media in the presence of Mr. Khubi Lal Menaria, Head of the Bengaluru Ashram, on behalf of Narayan Seva Sansthan. The camp will be held at Mahaveer Dharamshala No. 17, National High School Road, V.V. Puram, Basavanagudi, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The formal inauguration will take place at 11:00 AM.

Only pre-selected Divyangjans will benefit from this initiative. Approximately 640 Divyangjans will receive artificial limbs and calipers during the camp, underscoring one of the largest such rehabilitation initiatives in the region. Around 550 beneficiaries will be fitted with advanced Narayan Limbs, while nearly 50 will be provided with calipers. All beneficiaries were selected during the Free Narayan Limb Measurement Camp organized by the institution on December 14.

Emphasizing the deeper purpose behind the initiative, Director, Ms. Palak Agarwal said,

“The mission of Narayan Seva Sansthan extends beyond merely providing artificial limbs. Our goal is to empower Divyangjans by making them self-reliant and integrating them into education, employment, and the social mainstream. Such camps not only facilitate rehabilitation but also offer an opportunity to live a life of dignity, enabling beneficiaries to contribute confidently to society.”

She further informed that expert doctors and a technical team will fit the modern, technologically advanced Narayan Limbs during the camp. In addition, beneficiaries will receive specialized training on walking, maintaining balance, and correctly using the assistive devices in their daily lives, ensuring a smoother and more self-reliant future.

Furthermore, President, Mr. Prashant Agarwal stated,

“Considering the increasing rehabilitation needs of Divyangjans in South India, such camps are being organized in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru to ensure that maximum number of deserving individuals are empowered and connected to the mainstream of society.”

CSR partner organizations, social workers, and donors will also be felicitated during the event. This initiative represents not only medical support but also a significant step toward the social reintegration and dignified living of Divyangjans. Free meals, seating arrangements, and primary medical facilities will be available for all beneficiaries and their family members attending the camp.

It is noteworthy that Narayan Seva Sansthan has been selflessly serving society since 1985. The institution’s founder, Kailash Manav, was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri by the President of India in recognition of his unparalleled service. The organization’s President, Prashant Agarwal, was honored with the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in 2023 for his contribution toward empowering Divyangjans.

To date, Narayan Seva Sansthan has provided more than 39,185 free artificial limbs to Divyangjans across India and abroad and has extended free medical treatment to over 452,000 Divyangjans, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to service and humanity.

Feb, 27: On the occasion of World Protein Day, Optimum Nutrition, the world’s 1 sports nutrition brand, today unveiled Project Protein Thali 2026, the next phase of its consumer awareness campaign focused on making every day Indian meals more protein-inclusive. As part of the initiative, the brand also announced the launch of Gold Standard Unflavoured Whey, its additive-free whey protein offering, developed to meet the growing demand for versatile and ingredient-transparent nutrition solutions.

As awareness around nutrition and fitness continues to rise in India, protein is increasingly being recognised as an essential macronutrient for muscle health, recovery, and overall wellbeing. However, a significant gap still exists between daily protein requirements and actual intake. Simultaneously, consumer preferences are evolving toward simpler, cleaner supplements with minimal ingredients, particularly among users who want to avoid artificial flavours and sweeteners or are looking for more versatile ways to incorporate protein into everyday diets.

Building on the ideology to make every home cooked meal protein rich, Project Protein Thali 2026 initiative aims to demonstrate how small changes in meal composition can significantly improve protein intake by making protein the hero of the plate. The initiative also expands the role of protein beyond post-workout consumption, positioning high-quality unflavoured whey as a convenient ingredient that can be added to regular foods such as rotis, dals, smoothies, and snacks to create more balanced meals.

Complementing the campaign, the newly launched Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey now Unflavoured with whey protein isolate as 1 ingredient, offering high quality protein that supports muscle recovery and performance. Crafted around a clean-label philosophy, it contains zero artificial flavours, zero added sweeteners, zero colors, and no additives, addressing growing consumer demand for cleaner ingredients and simplicity. Its neutral taste allows consumers to customize flavour easily while blending seamlessly into shakes, coffee, oats, and both sweet and savory everyday recipes, making protein easy to incorporate beyond the post workout routine.

Commenting on the campaign and new product launch, Sumit Mathur, CEO of Glanbia India said,

“Protein awareness in India is clearly on the rise, with more people recognising its role in supporting performance, recovery, and overall health. At the same time, we are witnessing a growing preference for cleaner, simpler nutrition solutions. With Project Protein Thali, our goal is to demonstrate how small, practical changes can make everyday meals more protein-inclusive. The launch of Gold Standard Unflavoured Whey further strengthens this commitment by offering a versatile option that can be easily incorporated into daily diets. As the world’s 1 sports nutrition brand, we remain focused on delivering trusted, high-quality nutrition that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles.”

With Project Protein Thali 2026 and the launch of Gold Standard 100% Whey – Unflavoured, Optimum Nutrition continues to advance its mission of making high-quality protein more accessible and relevant to Indian consumers. By combining practical nutrition education with clean, trusted products, the brand aims to inspire individuals to make small yet impactful changes to their daily meals, reinforcing protein as an essential part of everyday nutrition and active lifestyles.

Bengaluru, Feb 26: A 7-year-old child was brought to KIMS Hospitals (Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences), Mahadevapura, in critical condition from an outside hospital following a tragic road traffic accident.

For seven days, a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Gurudutt A V, Head of Paediatric Services & Paediatric Intensivist – PICU & Paediatric Emergency, and Dr. Raghuram Gopalakrishnan, Director & Senior Consultant, Head of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, continued intensive neuroprotection measures and advanced life support treatments.

However, due to a catastrophic brain injury, the child did not show any improvement despite their best efforts. On February 24, in accordance with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) guidelines, the clinical team confirmed brain death.

According to Dr. Gurudutt, A V, “In this time of profound grief during their ‘darkest moment,’ the parents volunteered to donate organs to give a second chance of life for multiple recipients. After obtaining due consent from parents, Government of Karnataka through SOTTO coordinated and retrieved two corneas, two kidneys, one liver, and four heart valves. Through this profound act of generosity, four lives were transformed.

“India’s current donation rate stands at a mere 0.8 per million population. Compared to international benchmarks like Spain (48 per million) or the U.S. (35 per million), we have a lot of potential to ramp up organ donation rates in India. While 250,000 people die annually from organ-related diseases, and 150,000 cases of brain death occur, sadly only 1200 successful deceased organ retrievals were done in 2025 in our country, stated “Dr. Narayana Swamy Moola, Director of Intensive Care at KIMS Hospitals, Mahadevapura.

“Paediatric donations account for only 6% of the total organ retrievals. This hurdle is likely due to high emotional bonding when it comes to child death. We need to bridge the gap by treating parents with empathy, repeated counselling by the treating team and increasing the awareness regarding transparent, government-led organ donation drives, mentioned Dr. Gurudutt.

Gurugram, Feb 26: Doctors at Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, successfully treated a 28-year-old woman who suffered from major burns along with inhalation injury caused by a LPG cylinder leak at her home. The nursing college teacher residing in Panipat was brought to the emergency after receiving initial first aid at a local hospital. Given the extent of burns and the involvement of the respiratory tract, she was referred to Manipal Hospital Gurugram for advanced care.            

Globally, burn injuries remain a major public health challenge with thousands of deaths and fatal injuries reported every year. According to the World Health Organization, in India, an estimated 2.1 million burn injuries occur each year, resulting in around 25,000 deaths. Addressing this burden requires structured burn management, sustained multidisciplinary support, and continuity of care, as major burns demand long-term physical and psychological care. Responding to these specialised needs, Manipal Hospital continues to manage complex cases and provide comprehensive treatment to the patient. After a month-long intensive care and rehabilitation program, she was discharged in stable condition. 

Dr. Asheesh Dhingra, Consultant – Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, said, “Severe burn injuries are among the most complex medical emergencies, requiring immediate intervention and a coordinated multidisciplinary approach. In this case, the patient’s recovery journey involved early stabilisation, infection control, and continuous monitoring. What truly made the difference was the patient’s extraordinary resilience and determination. That strength of spirit, combined with timely medical care, played an important role in helping her reclaim her life. We need to understand that burn injuries are medical emergencies, and seeking immediate attention can significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes.” 

This case highlights Manipal Hospital Gurugram’s strength in managing severe burn injuries through timely intervention, specialised care, and sustained rehabilitation support.

Researchers have discovered and characterized at the atomic level a mechanism that enables bacterial pathogens—including hospital bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa—to assemble antibiotic-resistant three-dimensional (3D) biofilms. These findings open a new avenue for developing therapies against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections by targeting the biofilm assembly.  Many pathogenic bacteria form 3D biofilms to protect themselves from the immune system, antibiotic treatments, and drying on environmental surfaces. Some of the most problematic hospital bacteria, such as multidrug-resistant A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa, use specialized hair-like filaments called adhesive pili to attach to tissues or abiotic surfaces. After attaching, the bacteria then grow into thick 3D biofilms consisting of multiple layers of bacteria. This process is also mediated by adhesive pili, but until now it has been unclear how they prevent the growing 3D biofilm from falling apart. 

Using a combination of advanced electron microscopy methods, the researchers at the MediCity Research Laboratory of the University of Turku in Finland, led by S. Jusélius Senior Researcher Anton Zavialov, discovered that adhesive Csu pili from neighboring A. baumannii bacteria attach to each other in an antiparallel manner. These pili rapidly assemble into flat sheets that link bacteria together and shield them from hostile environments. 

“Impressively, Csu pili can self-assemble into huge, complex networks connecting hundreds of bacterial cells,” says Dr. Zavialov. 

The team demonstrated that Csu pili can form at least two types of flat structures and resolved them at a near-atomic resolution.  

“Cryo-electron microscopy methods are developing very rapidly. To obtain the first model, I initially developed a manual approach, and only later did we apply computational tools to solve these exceptionally large assemblies in 3D,” explains first author, Doctoral Researcher Henri Malmi. 

The researchers also found that the pilus network becomes embedded in a less defined matrix composed of polysaccharides and DNA secreted by the bacteria.  

“This final structure somewhat resembles reinforced concrete: the pili act like steel bars, while polysaccharides and DNA form the concrete. In this way, the bacteria effectively hide in a bunker,” adds Dr. Zavialov. 

The team is now focused on developing inhibitors that target the connections between pili. Such inhibitors could be used in combination therapies to prevent 3D biofilm assembly and help antibiotics eliminate the pathogens more effectively.