Category: Medicine & Health

COVID-19 Government Guidelines Medical Updates Medicine & Health

Omicron BF.7: Is mixing Covid vaccines more effective against the new subvariant? What experts say

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 26, 2022
No Comments on Omicron BF.7: Is mixing Covid vaccines more effective against the new subvariant? What experts say

Omicron BF.7: Is mixing Covid vaccines more effective against the new subvariant?

Amid rising cases of Omicron BF.7 in China and other parts of the world, there has been concerns of a fresh wave triggered by the subvariant in India in the coming months. Omicron BF.7 was first found in India in July and so far, just 4 cases have been detected across Gujarat and Odisha. Experts say we do not need to press the panic button as yet but at the same time renew social distancing measures and keep our guards on.

Getting booster shots is one of the ways to boost immunity against the new variant. According to a new AIG study, Hyderabad-based Biological E’s Corbevax booster in individuals already vaccinated with Covishield can offer maximum protection against Omicron variants. The study found that people who were given Corbevax showed higher levels of antibodies.

Following incidents of people inadvertently taking different vaccines in two separate doses, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study found that mix and match of vaccines had no adverse effect. There has, however, been concern around whether it is safe or mixing of two different vaccines could actually be more effective and provide better shield against different variants of Coronavirus.

So, can combining vaccines offer better protection against Omicron BF.7 and new emerging subvariants? We asked experts.

‘MIXING SHOTS A PROMISING STRATEGY’

“Mixing Covid shots or what we call as heterologous boosting is a promising strategy in our fight against this pandemic. As per limited research it has been found that waning immunity is a concern in giving us protection from the virus. Mixing shots such as vector-based vaccines (Covishield) followed by mRNA based (Pfizer) can result in boosted or better immune protection. mRNA based vaccines generate a good antibody response and vector-based vaccines provide a good T Cell response. So, a combination of both seems to provide a promising protection,” says Dr. Shivanshu Raj Goyal, Consultant Pulmonologist, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram.

“Side effects can vary from individuals but mixing vaccines is a good strategy to provide safe and effective protection and in some cases mixing vaccines mount lifetime immunity by kicking memory B and T cells into action, less seen otherwise. Whatever strategy we should follow and most beneficial to all would be updated timely by MoHFW on timely intervals and should be followed,” says Dr Goyal.

‘NO SIDE EFFECTS, IT CAN BOOST IMMUNITY’

“Mass Covid vaccination has played a key role in limiting the severity of Covid waves across India. Various Covid vaccines have been used globally after scientific approval the curb this pandemic. With the recent news of new variants, booster dose is to protect you and enhance your protection against severe covid infections. Sometimes availability or shortage of the same make of vaccine is a problem. However, mixing the vaccines has no side effects rather it can boost the immunity and give multiple ways to our immune system to identify the offending virus and act rapidly,” says Dr Rahul Sharma, Additional Director Pulmonology, Fortis Hospital Noida.

‘Mixing Covid vaccines need of the hour’

Covid vaccines booster strategy is need of the hour. Usually, sequential boosters are recommended.

Mixing heterologous immune response is an emerging concept. In initial US-based trials and studies it was observed that though it was necessity borne intervention turned out to be useful owing to mixing of vaccines resulted in increase in type of immune responses and potential prolonged immunogenic effect. Researchers have found that following one dose of the AstraZeneca with a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine produces more stronger and better immune responses, as measured by blood tests.

Mixing vaccines gives advantage in pathogen recognition and better immunogenic responses in terms of all arms of immunity, says Dr Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

‘Mixing of vaccines proven to be non-inferior or superior’

“Government of India has permitted the usage of Corbevax vaccine as a precaution dose after completion of six months from administration of second dose of either Covaxin or Covishield vaccines in adult population in August 2022. Decision of this by Covid-19 working Group was based on scientific evidence generated through double blinded randomised control trial of Corbevax vaccine phase-3 clinical study evaluating immunogenicity and safety of booster dose Corbevax vaccine in adult volunteers previously vaccinated with two doses of either Covaxin or Covishield. As per the global scientific evidence, usage of mixing of two different vaccines have been proven to be non-inferior or superior as compared to single vaccine usage in Covid-19 illness in terms of immunogenicity which is measured by antibodies level and T cell mediated immunity measured by CD4 and CD8 levels,” says Dr Manoj Sharma, Senior Consultant, Internal medicine, Fortis Hospital Vasant Kunj.

“Mixing of two different vaccines may give the immune system multiple ways to recognise a pathogen (Virus). In a Spanish study, 448 individuals who received a mix of AstraZenecia dose followed By Pfizer BioNTech dose, robust immune response was noted with fewer side effects. Similarly, Sputnik vaccine when combined with AstraZenecia also revealed stronger immune response,” says Dr Sharma.

Benefits of heterologous vaccination

Although the approved COVID vaccines provide a high level of protection against symptomatic infection and severe illness, there is increasing evidence to suggest waning of immunity over time. Also, it has been seen that some of the subvariants/sub lineages are immune-evasive i.e., can cause infection in those already having some immunity against SARS CoV-2 virus. Heterologous vaccination approach refers to the mixing of more than one type of vaccines. There are reasons to believe that immunization with different types of vaccines might provide immunological advantages. Mixing of vaccines provides a broadened level of protection, and for a longer duration. There is sufficient scientific data available to date to suggest superior immunological response with heterologous vaccines approach. Studies have shown better and prolonged immunological response following mixing and matching, both inactivated as well as mRNA-based vaccines. This benefit has been found with mixing of vaccines in primary series as well as booster dosing,” says Dr Rohit Kumar Garg, Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

Omicron BF.7: Cases of highly infectious strain rise in India; experts on symptoms, precautions and fresh wave

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 24, 2022
No Comments on Omicron BF.7: Cases of highly infectious strain rise in India; experts on symptoms, precautions and fresh wave

Three cases of BF.7 strain, that is driving the current wave of Covid infections in China, have been detected in India so far. Will it cause a fresh wave in India? What are its symptoms? Know from experts.

Three cases of Omicron BF.7 strain, that is driving the current wave of Covid infections in China, have been detected in India so far. The first case of the highly infectious strain with greater transmissibility was detected in Gujarat earlier in October. With 2 in Gujarat and 1 in Odisha, the number of Omicron BF.7 cases in India now stand at 3. While this hasn’t really created a big panic so far, the new Omicron variant is known to spread very fast and has a shorter incubation period. It has been reported that it will infect 60% of people in China in the coming three months. Looking at the transmissibility of the virus, is a new Covid wave expected in India too? We asked a few experts.

IT COULD BE A HORRIBLE SCENARIO: EXPERT ON POSSIBILITY OF FRESH COVID WAVE

Dr Ravindra Gupta, Dept of Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Gurugram says that with people travelling across the world at this point, the possibility of Covid spreading worldwide is high.

“Currently, coronavirus is taking its new mutation and is in the form of Covid BF.7 which is a variant of Omicron. This variant is found to infect China and has a high transmission ability. It is very quick to transfer to other people and has a short incubation period as well. It is informed to be infecting people very easily. It has also been suspected that 60% of people in China will be infected by this variant in the next three months. It is a horrible scenario that could take place and with people traveling all across the globe, it is possible for the disease to spread worldwide with air travel,” says Dr Gupta.

Dr Charu Dutt Arora, Consultant Physician and Infectious Disease Specialist Head, Ameri Health, Asian Hospital, Faridabad says the news of a recent spike in Covid-19 infected positive cases across China, Japan, Hong Kong, Brazil and US have caused a state of distress across the world, including India. He says that the tweet of Mr Eric Dengi, an epidemiologist from China stating that “this virus can lead to deaths of millions across China in next few months” is concerning.

QUICKER INFECTION RATE, GET VACCINATED

“The wave of Covid-19 in China is being caused by virus Omicron BF.5.2.1.7, also called as BF.7. It is a variant mutant of the Omicron and has one of the highest transmissibility amongst all COVID variants so far. The R0 value of this mutant as per studies is approximately 10-18.6 which means that any infected individual can infect 10-18.6 people around him. Also, there is quicker infection rate of this virus, in hours, which makes it difficult to be detected in RT-PCR test. People who are not vaccinated or have weaker immunity such as elderly citizens, children, pregnant females or ones with multiple co-morbidities (cancer, uncontrolled diabetes, cardiac or kidney diseases) are at a high risk of catching this infection.

Dr Amitabha Ghosh, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals, Gurugram says that although the new variant is not as fatal it transmits faster than other Omicron variants.

FOURTH SHOT OF COVID VACCINE CAN HELP

“Just like other variants of Omicron, BF.7 is also another subvariant that has a very fast transmission rate. As per several data, the rate of fatality is not high for this variant but surely it transmits faster than the other Omicron variants. In India, there are very few cases of mortality and hospitalization but it also depends on various factors including a person’s immunity and pre-existing comorbidities,” says Dr Ghosh.

Dr Gupta says while the symptoms are mild, the wave in China is expected to kill one million people alone. He says that a fourth shot of vaccine may be helpful in preventing these probable deaths.

OMICRON BF.7 SYMPTOMS

“The symptoms remain the same as with any other upper respiratory infection such as fever, cough, sore throat, and running nose. There is suspicion that this wave could kill one million people alone in China. It is also probable that if people get three to four shots of the vaccine, they may get protected. It is therefore very important for everyone to be more vigilant and responsive to taking Covid vaccines. A fourth vaccine might be helpful in preventing this serious gruesome scenario. A person infected with this virus, even if they are asymptomatic, can transmit the virus to another 10-18 people. Only time will tell, what happens in the next few months, but we should be vigilant, should seriously follow Covid appropriate behaviour, and avoid traveling as much as possible,” says Dr Gupta.

“The common symptoms include common cold, fever, fatigue, sore throat, headache and body pain. Cough and respiratory symptoms are also present in infected patients. People are also presenting with abdominal symptoms such as stomach pain and loose motions,” says Dr Arora.

“The signs and symptoms of BF.7 are pretty similar to other omnicorn variants fever, sore throught, runny nose. Cases of pneumonia with BF.7 variant are definitely lesser and the ones that are seen in an elderly population or people with underlying conditions. We are not seeing too many hospitalisation with Omicron and early data from countries that are seeing BF.7 also tell us that the mortality of BF.7 is low,” says Dr Trupti Gilada, Infectious disease specialist, Masina Hospital, Mumbai.

OMICRON BF.7 PRECAUTIONS

Dr Ghosh says one must maintain proper hygiene, wear a mask, wash hands, to prevent the infection. He says that people with low immunity must be extra cautious while vaccine and booster shots can be useful in preventing mortality and complications of the subvariants.

“Till now it is not clear which age group it affects the most but it is certain that people with low immunity are at a higher risk. Also, now that people are more exposed to COVID and its variants, they are automatically developing immunity against this virus and the upcoming variants. With the help of vaccines and booster shots, people are now able to tackle the virus in a better way and it has helped in preventing of the complications of the subvariants,” says Dr Ghosh.

“It is imperative that one must follow COVID appropriate behaviour and rules as laid by the local bodies in order to control the spread. With restrictions eased out worldwide and the festive season in-swing, it is important to continue mass vaccination drive. Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate is the most important strategy to check this infection and its community outbreaks,” says Dr Arora.

IS THERE A NEED TO PANIC?

“Going forward the yardstick to measure the severity of a covid wave should not be mere number of cases because most of these will be mild. The yardatick should now be number of moderate to severe cases of those requiring oxygen or those requiring hospitalization. So public health action needs to be based on severe infections because mild infections will be common everytime there is a new mutation. And India paid its price with the delta wave where we lost a lot of our people and those who survived have good immunity to covid and so is the status of our very good vaccination. So for India per se, we have a comparatively immune population and those who will be infected with BF.7 in future should be mild and while we are on the watchout, we should continue to do genomic studies and understand what every variant looks like, and it still should not be a cause of panic,” says Dr Gilada.

Use masks in crowded places, take precaution dose of Covid vaccine: V K Paul

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 23, 2022
No Comments on Use masks in crowded places, take precaution dose of Covid vaccine: V K Paul

Synopsis

Only 27-28 per cent of India’s eligible population have taken the precaution dose of COVID-19, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul on Wednesday and advised people to take the jab and wear masks in crowded places. He urged people not to panic and clarified that there was no change in the guidelines for international air travel so far.

Only 27-28 per cent of India’s eligible population have taken the precaution dose of COVID-19, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul on Wednesday and advised people to take the jab and wear masks in crowded places. He urged people not to panic and clarified that there was no change in the guidelines for international air travel so far.

“People should wear masks in crowded areas. Those who have comorbidities or are elderly should especially adhere to this,” Paul said.

Paul made the statements following a review meeting held by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya amid a surge in Covid cases globally, especially in China.

“In view of the rising cases of COVID-19 in some countries, I reviewed the situation with experts and officials today. Covid is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” Mandaviya said in a tweet.

The secretaries of health, department of Pharmaceutical, department of Biotechnology, Ayush, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, Paul and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman Dr N K Arora attended the meeting among others.

In view of th erise in cases in Japan, the US, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday had urged all states and Union Territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of Covid positive samples to keep track of emerging variants.

In a letter to states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had said such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate undertaking of requisite public health measures.

Health minister reviews Covid situation, directs officials to be alert, strengthen surveillance

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 22, 2022
No Comments on Health minister reviews Covid situation, directs officials to be alert, strengthen surveillance

Synopsis

In view of the rise in cases in Japan, the United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples of Covid to keep track of emerging variants.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the country in view of a sudden spurt in cases in some parts of the world, and directed officials to be alert and strengthen surveillance.
“In view of the rising cases of Covid-19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today. COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” Mandaviya said in a tweet.

The secretaries of health, department of pharmaceuticals, department of biotechnology, Ayush, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog Dr V K Paul and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman Dr N K Arora attended the meeting among other officials.

In view of the rise in cases in Japan, the United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples of Covid to keep track of emerging variants.

COVID has been rapidly spreading in China. Informal reports show that about 40 percent of Beijing’s residents are currently infected with COVID. The CCP has, however, changed its agenda to project COVID as a mere flu.

As cases rise in major Chinese cities, even people with mild symptoms are rushing to the hospitals. Emergency call operators are receiving 30,000 calls a day, six times the average number of calls received.

According to Voices Against Autocracy, there are queues outside fever clinics in various cities. Drugs and medicines are in short supply and hospitals are under stress as doctors and nurses catch the virus. Doctors who have tested positive or are asymptomatic are also being asked to come to work, risking further transmission.

According to data from Ctrip, a China-based travel service provider, flight searches in China have increased by 160 per cent. Searches for train tickets have increased by 600 percent.

Many rural areas in China are not prepared to handle the rise in cases. The vaccination rate is low and the vulnerable population is in high numbers. The death toll in China is thus going to remain high, according to the Voices Against Autocracy report.

Recently, Epidemiologists predicted that at least three COVID waves will hit China during the winter.

According to The Hong Kong Post, it is certain that the Chinese government was “under-prepared” as it decided to end its zero-COVID policy abruptly after people held protests across the country.

The Chinese government has so far remained silent on the number of deaths. However, the Chinese authorities have warned of successive waves of COVID infections in the coming months, as cases continue to increase after the lifting of restrictions earlier this month.

Over 1,500 private hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat in last one year: Mansukh Mandaviya

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 21, 2022
No Comments on Over 1,500 private hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat in last one year: Mansukh Mandaviya

Synopsis

Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme launched in 2018, the government provides health security cover to 10 crore families or 50 crore people of India.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said more than 1,500 private hospitals have been empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the last one year. The scheme is reviewed every month and out-of-pocket expenditure of patients under the scheme has come down, Mandaviya said, replying to a question in Lok Sabha.

Under the scheme launched in 2018, the government provides health security cover to 10 crore families or 50 crore people of India.

Today, 4.5 crore needy people have been empanelled under the scheme, the minister said.

He said seven-eight lakh beneficiary cards are printed daily and the ministry was working to ensure that 50 crore cards are made available in the next four-six months.

“Poor and needy people are covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and they can avail Rs 5 lakh health security cover. Any hospital can empanel under the scheme … In the last one year, more than 1,500 private hospitals have been empanelled under the scheme,” Mandaviya said during the Question Hour.

The minister said 22,000 hospitals, both public and private, have been empanelled under the scheme so far.

Vitamin C to zinc; important nutrients you must add to your winter diet

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 20, 2022
No Comments on Vitamin C to zinc; important nutrients you must add to your winter diet

There are few essential nutrients that you must include in your diet in order to prepare your body and mind for the cold weather.

Wonder why you always feel lethargic, sleepy and low on energy during winter? Days are shorter and nights are longer in winter and this disturbs our circadian rhythm causing the body to produce more melatonin. Considering we may not get enough sun exposure on certain days; the levels of Vitamin D may also go down causing mood swings and anxiety. To tackle all these winter woes, one should step out more in the sun and also add the right nutrients to the diet for improving immunity, mood and prevent against winter ailments. Iron is important to regulate body temperature while zinc can provide protection from cold. Vitamin C boosts immunity and protects against seasonal illnesses.

“Winter is just like every season, the cold days also demand special care. So, it’s important to alter your diet according to the needs of the particular season. During winters, people take special care of their diets and try to include as many warm and nutritious foods, to improve their immunity an improve your skin and hair from dryness and dullness. A healthy winter diet is like internal layering of your body to protect against the harsh cold and the diseases that come with it. There are few vitamins that you must include in your diet, in order to prepare your body for the cold weather. During winter mood swings are common and the vitamins in your diet will boost your mood as well,” says Sukanya Poojary, Executive Nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Malleshwaram, Bangalore.

MUST HAVE NUTRIENTS IN YOUR DIET FOR WINTERS

Poojary on all the winter nutrients that you must add to your diet.

IRON

Iron help to regulate body temperature during winter and also helps maintain healthy skin, hair, cells growth apart from maintaining haemoglobin.

Sources: Honey, red meat, green leafy vegetables, dry fruits and seeds, fortified foods, jaggery, beetroot, spinach, broccoli pomegranate.

Recipes: Mixed sprouts and Chana dal tikki,ragi upma, methi and moong sprouts wrap, pineapple and coriander juice, watermelon guava juice.

CALCIUM

Calcium is very important for growing kids. Body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Some studies suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health: perhaps protecting against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Sources: Green leafy vegetables, milk and milk products, lean meat, dry fruits and seeds, soya products

Recipes: Guava and paneer salad, turmeric milk, rajma chat, paneer burji, broccoli and almond soup.

ZINC

Research has shown that taking zinc within 24 hours of the first sign of a cold can reduce the duration of the cold. Zinc is the essential mineral that needs to be included in your winter diet because zinc mineral contains more than 300 enzymes that helps in repairing wounds, maintaining growth in children and fertility in adults, and protecting against free radicals along with other functions.

Sources: Eggs, meat, oysters, seafood, tofu, black-eyed peas, and wheat germ

Recipes: Spinach and chickpea soup, Badam milkshake, avocado milkshake, Bean chat, Sesame ladoos, and roasted pumpkin seeds.

FOLIC ACID

Folic acid is essential for proper cell growth. Also referred to as folate or vitamin B9, it is one important nutrient for every woman, especially the ones who are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Sources: Spinach, beetroot, broccoli. Mustard green, orange, Banana, egg.

Recipes: Banana pancakes, broccoli paratha, egg masala, palak dhal.

VITAMIN C

This one’s nature’s immunity booster and is present in a number of seasonal vegetables and fruits. It is important to consume Vitamin C to ward off cold, cough and other seasonal diseases. Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon juice may help you boost Vitamin C levels in the body.

Sources: Carrots, beetroots, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, tomato, kiwi fruits

Recipes: Lemon and coriander soup, kiwi jam, orange with mozzarella, lemon rasam, beetroot and orange soup.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant and supports the health of bones, teeth and soft tissues. It also supports the health of the immune system by maintaining the body’s natural defences.

Sources: Spinach, carrot, apricots and sweet potatoes, pulses, tomato.

Recipes: Spicy potato and roti roll, chana subzi, tomato soup, dalia veg risotto.

VITAMIN D

During winters, days get shorter and nights get longer, the levels of Vitamin D or the sunshine vitamin may be depleted in the body. It’s essential to consume it with your food.

Sources: Egg yolk, orange juice, dairy products, soya milk, fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, salmon.

Recipes: Cream of broccoli and mushroom soup, egg paratha, lassi, fish cutlet, oats idli.

Origins of serious illnesses in children: research

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 19, 2022
No Comments on Origins of serious illnesses in children: research

They discovered that mutated LCH cells had properties similar to both monocytes and dendritic cells, as well as a relatively newly discovered type of dendritic cell, the so-called dendritic cell type 3 (DC3).

Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet and the Karolinska University Hospital have pinpointed the causes of the severe cancer-like condition LCH. Science Immunology’s findings might inspire the development of fresh, specialised therapies.

The deadly cancer-like condition known as Langerhans’ Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) primarily affects youngsters and, in extreme circumstances, can be fatal. In Sweden, the illness affects five to ten kids annually, usually before the age of ten.

In the case of LCH, immune cells, which are normally tasked with identifying and destroying cancer cells, develop a malignant mutation.

“The origin of the LCH cells has been discussed for decades. Some researchers are convinced that LCH is derived from a certain type of immune cell called dendritic cells, while others believe that they come from related cells called monocytes,” says Egle Kvedaraite, a doctor and researcher at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Karolinska Institutet and first author of the new study.

The researchers from Karolinska Institutet together with scientists from Singapore Immunology Network and Newcastle University have now been able to show that both theories are close to the truth. The researchers combined so-called single-cell sequencing, the microscopy of samples and the tracking of cells from patients recruited from, among others, Karolinska University Hospital.

They discovered that mutated LCH cells had properties similar to both monocytes and dendritic cells, as well as a relatively newly discovered type of dendritic cell, the so-called dendritic cell type 3 (DC3).

“Today we know that DC3 has a separate pathway of development, separate from other dendritic cells and monocytes, and knowledge of this was crucial in our study,” says Egle Kvedaraite.

Researchers discovered that the different cell types could communicate with each other to promote the development of LCH and thereby create a self-reinforcing effect.

“Among the treatment options for LCH, targeted therapy can be successfully applied, but the disease comes back when the targeted treatment is discontinued. This poses a serious challenge for patients, as a lifelong treatment for children is not a good option given the side effects,” says Egle Kvedaraite.

This new understanding of the origin of this type of cancer has the potential to contribute to the development of new targeted treatments.

“The findings could lead to a treatment aimed at eliminating the pathological cells,” says Egle Kvedaraite.

Best prebiotic foods you must include in your diet

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 17, 2022
No Comments on Best prebiotic foods you must include in your diet

Prebiotics help the healthy bacteria to grow and aid in better gut health. Here are best prebiotics that you must consume every day.

There is a vast community of over 100 trillion microbes in our gut that regulates many important functions in our body from digestion, metabolism, nutrition to immunity. If there are more unhealthy microbes as compared to healthy ones in our intestine, it may lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, high cholesterol and other disorders. It is important to restore this imbalance by ensuring your body has gut-friendly bacteria. Prebiotics are special plant fibres that promote growth of such bacteria and this aids in making the digestive better. Prebiotics are basically a source of nutrition for your gut’s healthy bacteria. They cannot be digested by the body and go to your lower digestive tract, where they help the healthy bacteria to grow and help your gut to become healthy. Apples, berries, barley, banana, garlic, green vegetables, legumes, onions and tomatoes are all examples of prebiotics.

“Prebiotics are a form of dietary fibre that feed the “friendly” bacteria in your gut. These healthy fibres include inulin, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, beta glucans, pectins, and resistant starches,” nutritionist Lovneet Batra wrote in her recent Instagram post.

Here are the best prebiotic foods suggested by Batra that you can add to your diet:

GARLIC

Garlic acts as a prebiotic by promoting the growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria in the gut. It also helps prevent disease-promoting bacteria from growing

ONION

Onions are a versatile vegetable that is rich in inulin and FOS. FOS strengthens gut flora, helps with fat breakdown, and boosts your immune system by increasing nitric oxide production in cells

FLAXSEEDS

The fibre content of flaxseeds is from mucilage gum, cellulose and lignin. It promotes healthy gut bacteria and reduces the amount of dietary fat that you digest and absorb.

BANANA

Bananas are another low-fructose fruit that are fibre-rich and contain inulin, a substance that stimulates the growth of good bacteria in the gut.

BARLEY

Barley is a popular cereal that is high in Beta-glucan, a prebiotic fibre that promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in your digestive tract. The beta-glucan in barley has also been shown to lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

MHIL to provide up to Rs 300 crore funds to Max Hospitals and Allied Services

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 16, 2022
No Comments on MHIL to provide up to Rs 300 crore funds to Max Hospitals and Allied Services

Synopsis

Further, the company said its board has also approved the issuance of sponsor’s undertaking to the lending bank or financial institutions to Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital (BNH) to affirm that it would continue to hold 100 per cent in stake in Max Hospitals and Allied Services Ltd (MHASL) and meet the shortfall arising due to cost and time overruns for the project.

Max Healthcare Institute Ltd on Thursday said its board has approved providing funding of up to Rs 300 crore to its wholly-owned arm Max Hospitals and Allied Services Ltd to partly finance the cost of Phase-I expansion of bed capacity at Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai. The company’s board, at its meeting held on Thursday, approved the funding by way of loan or deposit or investment in its securities up to Rs 300 crore, Max Healthcare Institute Ltd (MHIL) said in a regulatory filing.

Further, the company said its board has also approved the issuance of sponsor’s undertaking to the lending bank or financial institutions to Dr Balabhai Nanavati Hospital (BNH) to affirm that it would continue to hold 100 per cent in stake in Max Hospitals and Allied Services Ltd (MHASL) and meet the shortfall arising due to cost and time overruns for the project.

Under the Phase-I expansion plan, 329 beds will be added at BNH, taking the total bed capacity to 660 beds. It is expected to be completed in 2025, the filing added.

On the raltionale behind the step , MHIL said BNH has been experience high occcupancy and increase in patient footfalls.

“Give the growing demand for quality healthcare due to increased penetration of insurance, preponderance of lifestyle disease, aging population and rise in affordability, it is necessary to invest in expansion of the bed capacity at BNH, in order to cater to expected increase in demand for healthcare services. “the filing said.

Meanwhile, the company said the allotment of land parcel of 6.11 acres at Sector 53 Gurugram has been cancelled by Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) on the grounds that a part of the land measuring 2.58 acre has not been transferred to it by the builder in compliance with license conditions.

The facts came to light on December 14, 2022 during disposal of the writ petition filed by the company at Punjab and Haryana High Court against HSVP for issuing directions to execute and register the conveyance deed, MHIL said, adding, it is taking appropriate legal advice on the matter.

10 tips to keep your lungs healthy

Post author By Pragya sharma
Post date December 15, 2022
No Comments on 10 tips to keep your lungs healthy

There are some significant steps you may take to lower your chances of developing a lung disease. Here are some suggestions by expert for maintaining lung health.

Our lungs are sometimes taken for granted and for the most part, we don’t need to worry about them because they keep us healthy and alive but because of this, giving attention to your lung health is crucial. Our body has a built-in defensive mechanism that keeps dust and bacteria out of the lungs however, there are some significant steps you may take to lower your chance of developing lung disease.

You might experience health issues even if you lead a healthy lifestyle hence, watch out for the signs of unhealthy lungs. They could indicate you have asthma (a lung problem that makes it hard to breathe) or you can be suffering from a lung infection or another problem so consult your doctor if you see them.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pawankumar Biraris, Consultant Chest Physician and Interventional Pulmonologist at Medicover Hospital in Navi Mumbai, shared some suggestions for maintaining lung health –

1. No smoking: Cigarette, bidi or any kind of tobacco smoke exposure leads to cancer and many other lung diseases . Avoidance of such smoke exposure is key aspect of prevention.

2. Avoid indoor pollution: Smoke from mosquito coils , scented candles, chulha smoke also damages lungs. Allergy to dust or strong smells, mould exposure manifesting as sneezing , runny nose or breathing issues is a frequent problem. To prevent it use a damp mop or cloth that can trap and lock dust while cleaning. Ensure appropriate ventilation with use of windows and doors . Avoid exposure to bird droppings especially pigeons.

3. Avoid outdoor air pollution: There is a lot which can be done to reduce air pollution . At personal level avoid burning wood, trash etc. Use bicycles, carpools, railways to reduce carbon emission. Plant trees to save earth and save yourself.

4. Exercise: Avoid exercising in polluted environment. Aim for at least 20 minutes of consistent, moderately exercise like a brisk walk which is great for lungs as well as heart. For patients with lung disease learn exercises from experts like diaphragmatic beathing , purse lip breathing and participate in pulmonary rehabilitation.

5. Yoga, Pranayama: Simple breathing techniques and pranayama has been shown to protect the lung health from centuries. Practicing these simple techniques is the healthy lung lifestyle.

6. Prevent infection: Regular use of appropriate face masks has shown benefit in Covid-19 as well as tuberculosis. This is a simple and one of the most cost-effective way to prevent lung infection.

7. Vaccination: For individuals at high risk of infection, vaccination for influenza virus , pneumococcal bacteria are utmost important for prevention of pneumonia. Consult your doctor and get more information about these vaccines.

8. Compliance with treatment: Patients with lung diseases should not stop their regular medications without consulting a doctor.

9. Lung heath check: Regular lung heath check is recommended , especially for people with family history of lung diseases, occupational exposure , current or reformed smokers and people staying in polluted areas.

10. Educate: Educational drives for children and adolescents about the harmful effects of traditional tobacco smoking and newer tobacco products like E-cigarettes, hukkah parlours should be conducted. ‘Educate a child , educates a family and build a healthy nation.’