India is battling a full-blown crisis of obesity, one which is anticipated only to worsen in the years to come. More than 135 million Indians are affected by obesity, according to a study published earlier this year. Meanwhile, research indicates that the condition no longer strictly discriminates along class lines. “We found evidence suggesting it […]
heart disease
A trans fats-free India by 2022?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) intends for India to be a trans fats-free nation by 2022 with efforts underway to phase them out from food in the next coming years. “Momentum is growing for the global elimination of industrially-produced trans [fats], with nearly one third of the world’s population in 28 […]
How mental health affects heart health
On the face of it, mental health issues and heart health may not seem to have an obvious connection. Yet researchers have identified a link between the two, drawing a connection between mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression and coronary artery disease (CAD). “A personality with anger, aggression, hostility and a feeling of […]
A fifty percent rise in heart disease
Over the last 25 years, India has seen a fifty percent rise in heart disease cases according to doctors at the Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre. Heart disease accounted for 28.1 percent of all deaths in India in 2016, making this statement far from implausible. The condition is India’s most prominent cause of death […]
Early diagnosis of heart disease is vital
Heart disease is India’s leading cause of death. However, a diagnosis does not necessarily entail a death sentence. An article entitled “Why heart failure is not the end of the world” was recently published in the Times of India, highlighting the need for early diagnosis. They note that, in India, it is typical for an […]
Turn away from trans fats, but don’t look to palm oil
The steps taken by the World Health Organization (Who) to eliminate trans fats from our global food supply are important. However, a key piece of the conversation is missing. What are the alternatives? Trans fats are bad for our health: the WHO reminded us this week that five billion people worldwide are exposed to the […]
Battery drainage leading to a potential pacemaker crisis?
Indians are being warned their pacemakers could be a risk to their health by the country’s apex medical regulator because of battery drainage concerns. The Central Drugs Standards and Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a warning to consumers that a number of pacemakers manufactured by US firm Medtronic could be faulty. The CDSCO joins other […]
World Hypertension Day: Avoid high blood pressure, know your numbers
Hypertension is a silent disease. It affects millions of Indians and responsible for 10.8 percent of deaths in the nation. This year, World Hypertension Day is being observed with the theme “Know Your Numbers”, highlighting the importance of screening for high blood pressure and ensuring it is kept under control. The occasion is observed annually […]
Too much salt is an enemy you need to control and defeat
First, it is important to understand the dangers associated with too much salt and to what extent we are exposed to the risks. A recent study conducted by the George Institute of Global Health, India concludes that “salt intake in India is double [the] WHO prescribed limit of 5gm per day.” Indians consume 9.08 gm […]
Air pollution is India’s apocalypse that won’t go away
More than two years ago, Greenpeace warned that India was facing an “apocalypse” because of air pollution. This week, we are given yet another warning about the public health catastrophe brewing in the air and festering in Indians’ lungs. This is thanks to the 2019 State of Global Air Report. In 2017, India lost 1.2 million […]