As Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025, one of the biggest sporting events in the city, approaches, thousands of runners are excited to participate in the race and accomplish their goals. While marathons are exciting avenues for fitness and perseverance, runners can be prone to injuries due to the pressure on muscles and joints. However, with proper training, good footwear and mindful pacing, participants can cross the finish line without any injuries. Appropriate training is essential to prevent health issues. Dr Nikhil Bhamare, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, shares the following tips for runners to prevent joint issues. 1. Choose appropriate shoes: Wear high-quality running shoes as per your foot type to provide proper support, cushioning and stability during the race. 2. Warm-up properly: Stretch and do exercises under the guidance of an expert to prepare your muscles and joints for the race. 3. Practise good running form: Keep your posture upright, engage your core and avoid overstriding to avoid pressure on the knees and ankles as there can be chances of injuries. 4. Stay hydrated: It is a known fact that dehydration can affect joint lubrication and lead to joint injury. Drink enough water before, during and after the race, but avoid overhydration. One can use rehydration solutions like ORS to maintain electrolyte balance. 5. Listen to signs given by the body: If you feel pain, stop running and it's OKAY to take it easy. Try next year with renewed hope and zeal. 6. Strengthen your muscles: Do exercises that strengthen your core, glutes and leg muscles, thereby protecting the joints. 7. Opt for support gear: If you have pre-existing joint issues, try wearing knee or ankle braces for added support while running during the race. 8. Post-race recovery: Cool down with the help of stretching, and apply ice to sore joints to reduce inflammation after the race. However, consult an expert if you tend to experience any joint problems. Also Read: Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025: Here's what you should not do before running a marathon
18 January,2025 11:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAn ageing brain in people with sickle cell disease may be responsible for cognitive problems, finds a study. Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder characterised by the presence of abnormal haemoglobin (Hb). People with the illness are also likely to face trouble in remembering, focusing, learning, and problem-solving. The patients face these conditions even without brain stroke. To understand, researchers and physicians from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis examined more than 200 young adults with and without sickle cell disease. They participated in brain MRI scans and cognitive tests. Each person's brain age was calculated using a brain-age prediction tool that was developed using MRI brain scans from a diverse group of more than 14,000 healthy people of known ages. The estimated brain age was compared with the individual's actual age. The results, published in JAMA Network Open, showed that participants with sickle cell disease had brains that appeared an average of 14 years older than their actual age. Sickle cell participants with older-looking brains also scored lower on cognitive tests. Further, the study showed that people experiencing economic deprivation, who struggle to meet basic needs, even in the absence of sickle cell disease, also had more-aged-appearing brains, the team said. On average, a seven-year gap was found between the brain age and the participants' actual age in healthy individuals experiencing poverty. “Sickle cell disease is congenital, chronically depriving the developing brain of oxygen and possibly affecting its growth from birth. Also, children exposed to long-term economic deprivation and poverty experience cognitive challenges that affect their academic performance,” explained Andria Ford, Professor of neurology at Washington University Medicine. The study calls for understanding the influence that sickle cell disease and economic deprivation have on brain structure. This may lead to treatments and preventive measures that potentially could preserve cognitive function. The team also noted that a single MRI scan can be a powerful tool for helping patients with neurological conditions. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 January,2025 02:01 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 is all set to take place this Sunday on January 18. While marathon runners are very excited for the event, the chances of having difficulties due to exhaustion or getting sick can never be ruled out. While everybody has been doing everything right till now and following everything that they should do, Dr Aashish Contractor, director, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, reminds you about what you shouldn't do to not only stay health but also safe. Follow these tips: Don’t run if you’re not adequately prepared You usually register for a race, several months before and sometimes are not able to train adequately. The temptation is to still show up on race day, and ‘see how it goes’; this is a dangerous thing to do. If you haven’t gone through the required training runs, then you should not be out there on race day- you are a danger to yourself and the race. Don’t run if you are unwell on the morning of the raceThis one is even harder to follow: even if you have trained adequately, but catch a flu or some other illness a few days before race day and it’s not completely clear, DO NOT RUN. As a runner, it’s very difficult to ‘sit it out’, but do remember that the marathon, takes a physiological toll on your body, and doing it when you are already ill, is a recipe for trouble. Don’t try anything new on race dayMake sure you have planned your pre-race nutrition, as well as what you will eat and drink on the morning of the run, and on the run. A simple rule of thumb is not to try anything new. This is often challenging for those coming from out of town. Stop running if you notice any of the following:1. Chest discomfort or increasing fatigue2. Indigestion, heartburn or gastrointestinal symptoms3. Excessive breathlessness If you feel discomfort in the chest region, or anywhere from navel to nose, and you find it increases as you are running, you need to stop running, and see how you feel. If the discomfort subsides, you can try running a few steps and see how it feels. If it comes back on again, you need to stop running and seek medical help immediately. Often indigestion, heartburn or other gastric symptoms mimic the signs above, but when in doubt, please assume it is cardiac and seek medical attention. Excessive breathlessness: While running a marathon, it is natural to be short of breath at some point during the race. However, as a runner you know what is ‘normal’ shortness of breath and what is unusual for you. Just like angina, this shortness of breath, could be a warning sign that there is something wrong, and you need to seek medical attention. Other aches and pains:During the race, it’s quite normal to have some aches and pains, like cramps, or knee or foot pain. Most of these are relieved by slowing down or walking for a short distance and stretching or applying ice to the affected part. These pains are not life threatening, but you should seek medical attention at the first opportunity available. The decision to carry on and finish, is then an individual one- on the one hand you have worked hard for this and would not want to abandon it and at the same time you do not want to push through an injury such that it aggravates and takes much longer to heal.
17 January,2025 06:24 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoResearchers have identified three psychological profiles that can help estimate an individual's risk of dementia, by analysing how characteristics, such as having a sense of purpose in life or constant brooding combine to influence the risk. Previous studies have suggested that psychological traits, such as a tendency for distress and negative thoughts, are potential risk factors for cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, while having a sense of purpose and self-reflection could offer protection against mental decline. In a study involving 1,000 middle-aged adults and older people in Europe without cognitive impairment, researchers led by those at the University of Barcelona, Spain, examined how the combination of risky and protective psychological factors form 'psychological profiles'. The analysis also assessed how each profile related to mental health, cognition, lifestyle and brain integrity, thickness of the brain's cortex -- which helps with higher functions such as planning and decision-making -- was measured, along with how cognition evolved or declined with time. The results, published in the journal Nature Mental Health, showed that having a "well-balanced" psychological profile -- with moderately high levels of protective factors and low of risky traits -- is associated with better cognitive and mental health. "These associations were observed in all age groups studied, which reinforces the relevance of considering the balance of a wide range of psychological aspects as determinants of mental, cognitive and brain health in adulthood and older age," lead researcher David Bartrés-Faz, a researcher at the University of Barcelona, said. The second psychological profile featuring low levels of protective factors, such as a sense of purpose, being extraverted or open to new experiences, was associated with poorer cognition and more pronounced brain decline. However, individuals in the third profile marked by high levels of risky traits, such as distress and negative thoughts, including "brooding" and "worry", were found to display significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, along with more memory problems, compared to those in the other two profiles. Brooding and worry are core components of repetitive negative thinking, and neuroticism has also been related to a higher risk of dementia, the authors said. The individuals displayed the "highest levels of depression, anxiety, loneliness, subjective cognitive concerns and the worst perceived sleep quality", compared to the other two profiles, the authors added. Bartrés-Faz stressed the importance of conducting "comprehensive psychological assessments, including analysis of both risk and protective factors, in order to more accurately estimate each person's (dementia) risk profile" This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
17 January,2025 04:28 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIOn the occasion of its ninth anniversary, Mpower, a unit of the Aditya Birla Education Trust and mental wellness provider, unveiled an in-depth analysis of mental health calls received through its toll-free helpline, Mpower 1-on-1 Let’s Talk (1800-120-820050). This comprehensive analysis, based on over 1,00,000 calls, provides critical insights into the mental health concerns affecting individuals across India. "The analysis reveals key trends, with 60 per cent of callers being male and 40 per cent female. Young adults aged 18-25 (35 per cent) and 26-40 (39 per cent) represent the largest demographics, reflecting the pressures of navigating academics, careers, and relationships. Relationship problems (33 per cent) emerged as the most common concern, followed closely by anxiety (23 per cent), depression (20 per cent), stress (16 per cent), and psychiatric issues (8 per cent)." Key urban hotspot Mumbai has emerged as a critical epicenter for mental health issues, accounting for 42 per cent of the total calls nationwide, the highest among all cities. Gender distribution: Mumbai displays near parity, with 47 per cent of callers being male and 53 per cent female, in contrast to the national trend of 60 per male callers. Age trends: Over 56 per cent of calls in Mumbai came from individuals aged 26-40, significantly higher than the national average of 39 per cent, highlighting the stresses of urban living, workplace pressures, and family responsibilities. Top mental health concernsRelationship problems (34 per cent) lead the concerns in Mumbai, closely mirroring the national average of 33 per cent. Followed by, followed by anxiety (23 per cent) and depression (21 per cent) reflecting the unique urban stressors faced by its population.
17 January,2025 03:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGreater exposure to air pollution particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the three months before conception can raise the risk of childhood obesity to two years after birth, according to a study on Thursday. Past research has linked air pollution exposure during pregnancy to a broad range of health problems in children, including respiratory issues and a higher risk for chronic diseases such as obesity and heart problems. But, the new study by an international team of researchers from the US and China focused on the preconception period -- typically defined as the three months before a pregnancy begins. Environmental exposures during this timeframe can affect the health of sperm and eggs, which are in their final stages of growth, said the team, in the paper published in the journal Environmental Research. The study included 5,834 mother-child pairs recruited from maternity clinics in Shanghai. The findings revealed that increased exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 before pregnancy can spike BMI or BMIZ -- a standardised score that shows how a child’s BMI compares to others of the same age and sex. “These findings imply that the three months before conception are important, and that people who plan to bear children should consider taking measures to lower their air pollution exposure to reduce their children’s risk for obesity,” said Jiawen Liao, postdoctoral research associate at the Keck School of Medicine, University of South California (USC). The researchers found that a higher level of exposure to PM2.5 during the preconception period was associated with a 0.078 increase in child BMIZ at age two, while a higher level of exposure to PM10 was associated with a 0.093 kg/m2 increase in BMI at age two. From six months onward, children with higher preconception exposure to all three pollutants had higher weight, BMI, and BMIZ growth rates. While “the magnitude is small, but because air pollution is widespread and everybody is exposed, the risk of air pollution exposure on children’s obesity risk may be substantial and may start before their mothers’ pregnancy,” said Zhanghua Chen, assistant professor at the Keck School. The study is observational, and more research is needed to determine the risk. Yet the findings suggest that people can take action now to minimise potential harm to themselves and their children, the researchers said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 January,2025 01:33 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPeople with cardiovascular diseases and those with risk factors must avoid extreme exposures, said health experts on Wednesday. "Exposure to extreme cold or heat without any pre-acculturation might lead to disturbance in cardiovascular function. Hence, patients with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases should avoid such extreme exposures," Harshal R Salve, Additional professor, centre for community medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS. He also urged people to be "aware about one's cardiovascular health such as blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, uncontrolled diabetes status before venturing to extreme weather events". Cardiologist Ashwani Mehta, from a city-based hospital, said many people get heart attacks in the winter. It is majorly due to the fluctuation in the temperature which can spike the blood pressure levels. "It can even increase the sympathetic response to the changing blood pressure, leading to increased BP and heart rate; and the arteries can go into constriction". Various studies show that the platelet aggregability and the tendency to form clots in the arteries increase during the winter season. This can also increase the rate of heart attacks during the winter season. Exposure to extreme cold can affect the heart, the brain and other vital organs. One should keep their body warm to help reduce blood vessel constriction, lowering stress on the heart. Sudden exposure to cold can also cause strain on the heart, leading to angina or heart attacks. It is advised that one should warm up before stepping outdoors, and avoid strenuous activities immediately after going outside. Mehta also urged devotees going to the Maha Kumbh "to focus not to expose themselves to very high levels of temperature fluctuation". Braving the biting cold, over 3.5 crore devotees took the holy dip in Sangam on the first Amrit Snan, on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday. Maha Kumbh 2025 is being held after 12 years and is a spiritual event drawing over 450 million devotees from around the world. The mega event will continue till February 26. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 January,2025 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSA team of Indian doctors, including from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, has in a new study published on Wednesday, redefined obesity for the Indian population. Traditionally Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to define obesity, but the new approach, published in a study in the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology focuses on abdominal obesity, comorbid diseases. This new classification, which comes 15 years after the last definition, marks a significant step forward in addressing the unique health challenges posed by obesity in Asian Indians. The need for updated obesity guidelines stemmed from several critical factors such as the outdated BMI criteria, which relied exclusively on Body Mass Index (BMI, a ratio of weight in kg/height in meter square) for diagnosis; as well as emerging Health Data that showed a correlation between abdominal obesity in Asian Indians and the early onset of comorbid diseases. According to the study, abdominal fat -- closely linked to insulin resistance and prevalent in Asian Indians -- is now a key factor in the diagnosis. The new definition also integrates the presence of comorbidities -- such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease -- into the diagnostic process, ensuring that obesity-related health risks are better accounted for, and taken care of in management. It also includes mechanical problems associated with obesity such as knee and hip osteoarthritis etc, or shortness of breath during daily activities, which produce a poor quality of life. "A distinct definition of obesity for Indians is crucial for the early detection of related diseases and the development of targeted management strategies. This study fills critical gaps in our understanding and offers a clear, rational approach to tackling obesity in the Indian population," said Dr. Naval Vikram, Professor of Medicine, at AIIMS, New Delhi. "Obesity rates in India are rising at an alarming pace, extending beyond urban areas. These guidelines are groundbreaking and easy to implement, providing stage-specific strategies for managing obesity-related conditions across India. These also allow application of weight loss therapies to be applied early and optimally," added Dr. Anoop Misra, Executive Chairman & Director of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Fortis C-DOC Hospital. The revised guidelines introduce a two-stage classification system, addressing both generalised and abdominal obesity. Stage 1 includes increased adiposity (BMI more than 23 kg/m²) without apparent effects on organ functions or routine daily activities. While this stage may not cause any pathological problems, it can progress to Stage 2, leading to other comorbidities. Stage 2 is an advanced state of obesity with an increased BMI of more than 23 kg/2, and abdominal adiposity with excess waist circumference (WC) or waist-to-height ratio (W-HtR). It includes impact on physical and organ functions -- knee arthritis due to excess weight, or presence of type 2 diabetes. The study called for tailored weight reduction strategies, based on the above classification, to tackle obesity. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 January,2025 02:50 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSThere is a concerning increase in endometriosis cases among women aged 20-40, according to some Mumbai doctors. The condition, which often goes undiagnosed for years, can impact women’s quality of life and fertility, if left untreated. Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, on places like the ovaries or fallopian tubes. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant. According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects roughly 10 per cent of reproductive age women globally. Dr Swetha Lalgudi, Gynaecologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital, informs, “We are seeing a 10 per cent rise in endometriosis cases among women aged 20-40. Around 1 in 10 women per month get diagnosed with the condition.” Explaining more about the condition, Dr Pooja Madhav, Gynaecologist, Apollo Spectra, Mumbai, says, “Endometriosis is most commonly seen in women aged 20-40 because this is the reproductive age group when hormonal fluctuations tend to happen. The condition is influenced by estrogen levels, which are higher during these years. Many women delay seeking help due to stigma or misunderstanding when it comes to menstrual pain, leading to late diagnosis and lack of management of the condition.” This underscores the need for awareness, early detection and effective management of the condition. Symptoms of endometriosis Common symptoms of endometriosis include severe pelvic pain, painful period, pain during intercourse, fatigue, and in some cases, infertility. “Symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful sex, heavy menstruation, spotting between period, and painful urination shouldn’t be ignored by women. Report these symptoms to the doctor without any delay to get an accurate diagnosis of endometriosis and start treatment on an immediate basis,” suggests Dr Lalgudi. Effects of endometriosis Untreated endometriosis can significantly affect women’s health and quality of life. “Untreated endometriosis can lead to severe complications, including chronic pelvic pain, infertility and the formation of ovarian cysts or adhesions,” says Dr Madhav. Dr Lalgudi adds, “Endometriosis hurts a woman’s fertility by damaging reproductive organs, such as ovaries and fallopian tubes, through scar tissue, inflammation or cyst formation. These changes can interfere with egg release, fertilisation or implantation in the uterus.” Managing endometriosis While endometriosis is a severe condition, it can be managed using several techniques. “Managing endometriosis involves a combination of medications, hormonal therapies, regular exercise, a balanced diet and de-stressing with yoga and meditation. In severe cases, laparoscopic surgery may be recommended to remove endometrial tissue,” informs Dr Madhav. “Those women with endometriosis who wish to become pregnant can opt for ARTs such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and egg freezing. Women should go for regular health check-ups and follow-ups to stay updated regarding their reproductive health,” concludes Dr Lalgudi. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance. Also Read: New FOGSI president unveils initiatives to transform women’s healthcare in India
14 January,2025 10:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEvery year, January is celebrated as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and largely Cervical Health Awareness Month, to highlight the importance of having a healthy cervix. While having a healthy cervix is important, Dr Nitin Gupte, who is the gynecologist at Apollo Spectra Pune, says there is more than one reason why people should not take their cervix health for granted. Maintaining good cervical health is essential for a successful pregnancy. He says, "Cervical health is important during pregnancy. The cervix is responsible for holding the baby in place until the pregnant woman goes into labour. Having a healthy cervix will help with the proper development of the baby and avoid complications, such as premature birth or miscarriage. A large number of women are unaware of the importance of cervical health, but by taking proactive steps, they can take care of their reproductive health during pregnancy."Dr Nitin shares the following tips to maintain cervical health: Timely checkups: Routine exams can allow the expert to detect early signs of cervical issues such as infections, abnormalities, or changes that could affect pregnancy. Timely detection will help in initiating the right kind of treatment without any delay. Practicing safe sex: It is a known fact that using protection during sexual intercourse and maintaining good sexual health will help one to keep cervical infections at bay, which may invite complications during pregnancy. Maintaining an optimum weight: By opting for a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce strain on the cervix, and prevent conditions like gestational diabetes, and make sure that a woman has a healthy pregnancy without any complications. Avoid smoking: According to various studies, smoking can weaken the cervix, increasing the risk of premature birth and pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and premature labor. Women should quit smoking to be able to conceive without any trouble. Manage stress: Stress can affect overall health, so it’s important to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to maintain cervical health. Stay well hydrated and adhere to a nutritious diet: Proper hydration and a nutrient-rich diet support tissue health and reduce inflammation, which is essential for maintaining cervical health and in turn pregnancy. Follow the doctor’s instructions: If you have been diagnosed with infections, follow your doctor’s advice carefully to avoid complications during pregnancy. By keeping these crucial tips in mind, it will be possible for women to improve their cervical health.
14 January,2025 03:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentObesity at the time of cancer diagnosis in children may affect the survival rates, according to a study on Monday. Over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight in 2022, including 160 million who were living with obesity, as per data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Obesity is a known precursor to many non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. “Our study highlights the negative impact of obesity among all types of childhood cancers. It provides the rationale to evaluate different strategies to mitigate the adverse risk of obesity on cancer outcomes in future trials,” said Thai Hoa Tran from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine in Montreal, Canada. The team conducted a retrospective study on 11,291 children newly diagnosed with cancer from 2001 to 2020, across Canada. Of these children, aged 2 to 18 years, 10.5 per cent were obese at the time of diagnosis. Compared with patients without obesity at the time of initial cancer diagnosis, those with obesity had lower rates of 5-year event-free survival (77.5 per cent versus 79.6 per cent) and overall survival (83.0 per cent versus 85.9 per cent). After adjusting for factors including age, sex, ethnicity, neighborhood income quintile, treatment era, and cancer categories, the team found that obesity at diagnosis was linked with a 16 per cent increase in the risk of relapse. There was also a 29 per cent increase in the risk of death, revealed the study, published in the journal Cancer. The negative impact of obesity on prognosis was especially pronounced in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and brain tumours, said the team. The study “also reinforces the urgent need to reduce the epidemic of childhood obesity as it can result in significant health consequences,” Tran said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
13 January,2025 09:46 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
