As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, we extend our warmest wishes to all our readers who will be observing this sacred period. Ramadan, also known as Ramzan, is a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion for Muslims around the world. It is marked by fasting from sunrise to sunset, which can have a significant impact on one’s health and well-being.
Dr. Anil Singhal, MD
Autism Prevalence on the Rise: Exploring Trends, Disparities, and Pandemic Impact on Detection
The occurrence of autism spectrum disorder in American kids increased between 2018 and 2020, sustaining a long-term pattern, as per a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Thursday. In 2020, it was estimated that one in 36 8-year-olds had autism, a rise from one in 44 in 2018. The prevalence was about 4 percent in boys and 1 percent in girls.
Balancing Benefits and Risks: Exploring the Link Between Hormonal Contraceptives and Breast Cancer
New research has found that using progestogen-only birth control pills slightly raises the risk of breast cancer, similar to the risk associated with pills containing both progestogen and estrogen. A study published in PLOS Medicine on March 21 showed that after five years of use, both types of contraceptives led to a 20% to 30% increased risk of breast cancer.
Silent Streets for Healthier Hearts: Unraveling the Impact of Road Traffic Noise on Hypertension Risk
Road noise outside your window, such as roaring engines, blaring horns, and wailing sirens, might be harming your blood pressure. A recent study published on March 22 in JACC: Advances discovered that high blood pressure (hypertension) risk increases due to road traffic noise, independent of air pollution’s effects.
Mirror or Mirage: Navigating Social Media’s Impact on Youth, Body Image, and Eating Disorders
Many young people, especially girls, are at risk of developing eating disorders due to their constant exposure to unrealistic body images on social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. A recent review of 50 studies from 17 countries revealed that the widespread use of social media, which remains largely unregulated, may contribute to body image concerns and low self-esteem among users, leading to unhealthy eating habits and disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.
Unpacking the Emergence and Concerns Surrounding the XBB.1.16 Lineage: A Recombinant Omicron Variant Responsible for the Recent COVID-19 Spike in India
Over the past three years, SARS-CoV-2 has continued to evolve by accumulating genetic variations. A co-infection of multiple lineages of the virus could result in recombinations between genomes that can give rise to chimeric genomes or recombinants. While most recombinations may not give rise to viable viruses, a rare possibility exists where recombination could result in the creation of a new lineage of the virus with better functional capabilities than either of the parent lineages.
Multitasking Milestones: Unraveling the Decline in Dual-Task Abilities and Its Implications for Aging Brains
A recent study published in Lancet Healthy Longevity discovered that the ability to multitask while walking, such as talking or making decisions, starts to decline at the age of 55, ten years earlier than the traditional old age threshold of 65. Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Hebrew SeniorLife conducted the study, which involved nearly 1,000 adults in Spain aged between 40 and 64
Vigilance and Preparedness: India’s Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Covid-19 and Influenza Surge
Today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting to evaluate the Covid-19 and Influenza situation in India. The meeting focused on the readiness of health infrastructure and logistics, the progress of vaccination efforts, the emergence of new Covid-19 variants and Influenza strains, and their public health implications for the nation.
Rising cases of multidrug-resistant fungal infection of Candida Auris: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Candida auris, a deadly and multidrug-resistant fungus, continues to pose a significant threat to public health worldwide. First identified in 2009, this emerging pathogen is
Mastering the Mind Maze: Unraveling the Complexities of Mental Stress and Thriving Amidst Life’s Challenges
Mental stress refers to the psychological and emotional strain or tension that a person experiences in response to perceived challenges, demands, or threats in their environment. It is a natural response, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can negatively impact a person’s well-being, health, and daily functioning.