Category: Health

 

Kolkata | May 21: While many individuals wait for an acute toothache to signal a problem, dental experts are highlighting a growing concern regarding the “silent” progression of oral health issues. Most dental complications, from cavities to gum disease, begin without immediate pain or visible symptoms, leading to a dangerous cycle of postponement. This delay often allows minor issues to transform into significant long-term damage before a patient even realizes a problem exists.

The hidden progression of neglect begins when hygiene is overlooked, allowing plaque to harden into tartar within a matter of days. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed by standard brushing, creating a foundation for chronic inflammation, enamel erosion, and eventual tooth loss.  Dentists point out that the biggest mistake is equating the absence of pain with the absence of a disease. By the time discomfort finally manifests, the condition has often advanced to a stage that requires complex, invasive, and costly intervention rather than simple preventive maintenance.

In response to these risks, there is a renewed focus on preventive care that integrates time-tested natural solutions with modern science. Ayurvedic ingredients such as clove and neem have long been recognized for their potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help control harmful bacteria and soothe gum tissue. Dabur Red Paste incorporates these traditional botanicals into a clinically tested daily formulation that carries the IDA Seal of Acceptance, providing a scientifically backed tool to combat plaque and prevent the onset of serious dental conditions.

Maintaining long-term oral health requires a shift from reactive treatment to proactive habits. Consistent brushing twice daily with a validated toothpaste like Dabur Red Paste, combined with daily flossing and reduced sugar intake, forms a critical defense against acid exposure and bacterial buildup. When these daily habits are supported by regular professional check-ups, oral diseases can be identified and managed in their earliest stages. Choosing a proactive regimen is the most effective way to protect one’s smile and avoid the inevitable physical and financial costs of dental neglect –Oral Health Analysis by Leading Health Expert Dr. Sonia Datta.

 

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – May 18, 2026 – SimonMed, one of the largest outpatient imaging providers in the United States, today announced the launch of the SimonMed Shield Program, a permanent nationwide initiative designed to help military personnel, veterans, and first responders access proactive whole-body MRI screening at a reduced cost. Through the program, eligible individuals will receive 20% off any SimonMed Longevity whole-body MRI.

The SimonMed Shield Program is designed to help those who serve take a more proactive approach to their health through advanced, radiation-free imaging that can be designed to help identify potential health issues earlier and establish a meaningful clinical baseline.

Military personnel and first responders often work in physically and emotionally demanding environments where prioritizing personal health can take a back seat to service.

“Many veterans and first responders spend years focused on protecting others while putting their own health second,” said Dr. Sean Raj, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Innovation Officer at SimonMed. “The Shield Program is one way we can support them in taking a more proactive approach to their own health through advanced imaging designed to help identify potential concerns earlier.”

Beginning on Armed Forces Day, eligible patients can access the ongoing program benefit at SimonMed locations nationwide. No referral is required, HSA and FSA funds may be used and each whole-body MRI includes a 1:1 virtual clinical consultation to review findings and next steps. If additional evaluation is recommended, patients may also have access to follow-up imaging services across SimonMed’s nationwide network, including advanced MRI, CT, cardiac, women’s imaging, and bone health services—supporting a more seamless care journey. The Shield Program is available to veterans, active-duty military, reserve, and National Guard members, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. 

SimonMed’s Longevity whole-body MRI evaluates 13+ organs and systems in a single, radiation-free exam, including the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvic organs. The scan may help identify potential abnormalities associated with conditions such as certain cancers, fatty liver disease, aneurysms, and musculoskeletal or spinal degeneration—often before symptoms appear.

The Shield Program reflects SimonMed’s broader commitment to expanding access to preventive imaging and supporting the long-term health of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others. Eligible individuals can learn more or schedule an appointment at SimonMed.com/Shield. 

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, yet recent studies suggest there may be a simple tool to help lower risk and improve outcomes: physical activity.

In a recent study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Rachel Perry, PhD, associate professor of medicine (endocrinology and metabolism) and of cellular and molecular physiology at Yale School of Medicine  demonstrated that voluntary wheel running among mice slowed tumor growth. The research team found that working muscles outcompete tumors for glucose, depriving the tumor of the fuel they need to grow. The study’s findings suggest that exercise can play a part in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

“By exercising, individuals may be able to boost the body’s defenses against cancer, perhaps improving immune function and surveillance,” Perry says. “Exercise may also create a greater window in which chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy can work.”

Insulin Resistance and Cancer

Research has shown that exercise helps the body reverse insulin resistance, which is a metabolic condition that can cause a range of metabolic and cardiovascular issues. In individuals with insulin resistance, insulin’s signal does not properly trigger the muscle’s glucose transport system. This is largely because ectopic fat, or fat buildup in muscle or liver cells, interferes with the normal signaling pathway.

“Our hypothesis is that insulin resistance is driving many obesity-related cancers,” says Gerald I. Shulman, MD, PhD, George R. Cowgill Professor of Medicine (endocrinology) and professor of cellular and molecular physiology at YSM.

“Exercise activates an important enzyme, called AMPK, which acts as a cellular fuel gauge and promotes glucose uptake into muscle cells, even when insulin signaling is impaired,” Shulman adds. “In this way, exercise can reverse ectopic lipid-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle.”

Integrating Exercise into Cancer Care and Prevention

“The overarching conclusion from the literature showing the benefits of exercise in fighting cancer is remarkably consistent,” says Melinda Irwin, PhD, MPH, Susan Dwight Bliss Professor of Epidemiology (chronic diseases) at Yale School of Public Health and deputy director of Yale Cancer Center.

Metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers likely mediate the effect of exercise on cancer risk and prognosis, research shows. Irwin’s study of exercise and diet-induced weight loss in women with breast cancer found significant reductions in C-reactive protein (a protein associated with inflammation in the body), insulin and leptin levels.

“Across cancer types and across the lifespan, any increase in physical activity is better than none,” Irwin says. “It is never too late to begin exercising, as individuals who become active later in life or after diagnosis still experience meaningful benefits.”

Perry and Irwin both recommend walking regularly, minimizing prolonged sitting, and maintaining muscle strength with simple, home-based exercises.

While healthy lifestyle choices can lower risk, they cannot guarantee that a person will not develop cancer.

 “Exercise is not a panacea. It can put a monkey wrench in cancer progression, but it will never treat cancer as a monotherapy,” says Perry. “Even so, it still has beneficial effects all over the body.”

Endocrinology and Metabolism, one of 10 sections in the Yale Department of Internal Medicine, improves the health of individuals with endocrine and metabolic diseases by advancing scientific knowledge, applying new information to patient care, and training the next generation of physicians and scientists to become leaders in the field. To learn more, visit Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Bhubaneswar, May 14, 2026: Manipal Hospital Bhubaneshwar successfully hosted the 3rd Edition of MANIPAL AIRCON 2026 at Bhubaneswar, bringing together leading anaesthesiologists, critical care specialists, and airway management experts for a comprehensive academic conference focused on perioperative excellence and advanced airway care.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 100 delegates including 25 distinguished faculties from various institutions , making it a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement. The event was graced by Chief Guest Dr Jitamitra Mishra, President, Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists Bhubaneswar City Branch, in the presence of Dr. Saktimaya Mohapatra, Cluster Director (South East), Manipal Hospitals.

 

The conference was organised under the leadership of Chairperson Dr Swarnamayee Sathpathy, with Dr Sujata Priyadarshini serving as the Organising Secretary and Dr Bhagya Ranjan Jena leading the Scientific Committee. Their collective efforts played a pivotal role in curating a high-quality academic programme that blended evidence-based learning with practical clinical training.

The scientific programme featured six insightful lectures covering both Basic Airway Management and Difficult Airway Management, with discussions centred on practical approaches, patient safety, emergency preparedness, and recent advancements in airway care. The conference also emphasised experiential learning through eight highly interactive hands-on workshops designed to strengthen clinical expertise in managing routine and complex airway scenarios. Key workshop sessions included Advanced Airway Simulation, Fibreoptic Intubation Techniques, Video laryngoscopy, Emergency Cricothyrotomy, Difficult Airway Algorithms, Ultrasound-Guided Airway Assessment, Airway Management in Critical Care, and Paediatric Airway Management. The workshops enabled delegates to gain practical exposure under the guidance of experienced faculty members and industry experts.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitamitra Mishra, President, Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists Bhubaneswar City Branch, said, “Continuous academic engagement and practical training are essential to strengthening airway management practices and enhancing perioperative patient safety. MANIPAL AIRCON 2026 has provided an excellent platform for healthcare professionals to exchange knowledge, sharpen clinical skills, and stay updated with evolving techniques and innovations in airway care.” Adding to this,

Dr Saktimaya Mohapatra, Cluster Director (South East), Manipal Hospitals said, “Airway management remains one of the most critical components of perioperative and emergency care. Conferences like MANIPAL AIRCON 2026 play an essential role in bridging academic learning with real-world clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes and strengthening preparedness among healthcare professionals.” MANIPAL AIRCON 2026 further reinforced Manipal Hospital’s commitment to continuous medical education, multidisciplinary collaboration, and clinical excellence in anaesthesia and critical care. The conference also highlighted the institution’s focus on fostering advanced skill development and bringing contemporary global practices in airway management closer to healthcare professionals across the region.

 

 

Mumbai, May 13: Apex Group of Hospitals celebrated International Nurses Day with gratitude and pride across all its Mumbai hospitals, recognising the tireless dedication, compassion, and commitment of its nursing staff who continue to play a vital role in patient care and recovery. Celebrations across all Apex hospitals included special appreciation ceremonies, cultural activities, motivational sessions, and awards honouring exceptional nurses for their service and contribution to healthcare excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, the management of Apex Group of Hospitals said, “Nursing is the backbone of every hospital. Nurses are not only caregivers but also emotional support systems for patients and families during their most difficult moments. Their strength, empathy, and commitment form the foundation of quality healthcare.”

The event highlighted the critical role nurses play in ensuring patient safety, comfort, and recovery. From emergency care and operating theatres to intensive care units and general wards, nurses remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery every single day. Doctors, management teams, and hospital staff joined together to express their appreciation for the nursing fraternity. Several nurses who demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership, and patient care were felicitated during the celebrations. Nurses play a vital role in India’s healthcare system by providing compassionate care, emotional support, and round-the-clock medical attention to patients. They are the backbone of hospitals, ensuring patient safety, recovery, and comfort at every stage of treatment. From emergency care to rural healthcare services, nurses work tirelessly with dedication and humanity. Their contribution strengthens the nation’s healthcare system and improves countless lives every day.

Apex Group of Hospitals consistently focuses on creating a supportive and growth-oriented environment for its nursing professionals through continuous training, skill development programs, and modern healthcare practices. International Nurses Day, celebrated globally on May 12, marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. The occasion serves as an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution of nurses to society and healthcare systems worldwide. Through this celebration, Apex Group of Hospitals reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and empowering nurses who continue to serve humanity with compassion, courage, and care. 

 

Authors propose that rebuilding community, routine, and social roles is essential for long-term recovery after disasters

As disasters increasingly disrupt lives through displacement, conflict, and climate-related emergencies, addressing long-term mental health recovery remains a major challenge. A correspondence from Juntendo University discusses that, while acute symptom assessment remains important, disaster psychiatry may benefit from a community-led approach to care. The authors discuss the importance of ibasho (community spaces of belonging and social purpose) and suggest that rebuilding routines, roles, and neighborhood connections may support long-term recovery and resilience. 

Natural disasters drastically affect human lives—destroying homes, separating families, leading to disruption of daily routines, which affects their stability. While emergency mental health responses are crucial in the beginning of the crisis, new correspondence discusses that psychological recovery may rely on a more meaningful approach to help restore a sense of place and belonging.

Ibasho: A Community-led Place for Belonging and Meaning

In this context, authors from Juntendo University, Japan, led by Associate Professor Hidetaka Tamune from the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, along with Dr. Yutaka Igarashi from Nippon Medical School, Japan, and Dr. Yuzuru Kawashima from the Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Team, Japan, discussed the approach of ibasho (a community-building concept in Japan) for people affected by disasters. The details were made available online on April 3, 2026, and published in Volume 407, Issue 10537 of The Lancet journal on April 11, 2026.

Dr. Tamune says, “Disaster recovery is not only about reducing acute psychiatric symptoms. It is also about restoring the social environments that give people stability, dignity, and a sense of purpose. In Japanese, the places that make this possible are called ibasho.”

Ibasho means a place of belonging where people are engaged in social networks, routines, and meaningful roles. The authors suggested that restoring this sense of connection among people affected by disasters may be just as important as detecting early symptoms, as it plays a vital role in supporting community recovery. Supporting this, the correspondence places ibasho within the internationally recognized Sphere humanitarian framework, which focuses on survival with dignity, continuity with care, and coordinated support systems during crises. It also suggests that ibasho aligns closely with those principles by offering social infrastructure for displaced and affected communities.

Ibasho in Japan: Community-Led Recovery in Practice 

Compared to conventional interventions, ibasho refers to safe, community-led spaces where individuals can reconnect with others and resume daily routines. This may include neighborhood gathering spaces, shared community programs, and locally led recovery hubs. To support this perspective, the authors cited the evidence from disaster-affected regions in Japan. These include examples from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear accident. Notably, there was an increase in the dementia consultations and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) among older adults near the evacuation zones of the affected areas. In contrast, the communities where older residents were helped by leading ibasho-style programs reported stronger recovery and more stable routines with improved social and family relationships. This suggests that recovery improved when people were able to regain meaningful roles in community life. The older adults not only receive support but are also actively contributing to the recovery efforts and rebuilding community life.

“What appears to be most important is not simply access to services, but whether people can reclaim their place within the community and continue to feel valued, useful, and connected.　In Japan, a disaster-prone and super-aged society, we have both the experience and the responsibility to share what we have learned about caring for older adults with dementia, especially those who develop BPSD and delirium,” explains Dr. Tamune.

Redefining Recovery Through Connection, Culture, and Dignity

Although particularly relevant to natural disasters, the correspondence suggests that preparedness and recovery both depend not only on services but also on whether people can remain connected to local networks, routines, and meaningful social roles. The authors further note that trauma-informed support should remain culturally congruent; in some communities, restoring routines, roles, and communal life through ibasho may be the most acceptable first step.

Overall, the correspondence highlights the importance of ibasho in post-disaster mental health. It suggests that, although acute symptom detection matters, recovery also depends on whether people can continue to live safely, sustain relationships, and regain meaningful roles after displacement. In this sense, ibasho may function as a culturally congruent local social infrastructure through which dignity, continuity, and safety are restored in everyday life.

 

 

 

Hyderabad, May 11: The eighth edition of Whitathon Run, the annual cause-related awareness and fundraising event organised by L V Prasad Eye Institute, was held on Sunday morning at the University of Hyderabad, Gachibowli. The run commenced at 5:30 a.m. and witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 2,000 runners, families, students, healthcare professionals, volunteers and supporters from across Hyderabad.

The event featured four race categories — 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K.

The 21K Half Marathon was flagged off by Dr Prashant Garg, Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, Arun Kumar Kalliapan and Dr Swati Kaliki.

The 10K run was flagged off by Dr Prashant Garg, Sri Venkatesh Reddy, Dr Vijay Anand Reddy and Dr Swati Kaliki.

The 5K run was flagged off by Dr Merle Fernandez, Srinivasa Rao and Dr Swati Kaliki. The dignitaries also joined in flagging off the other race categories.

Supported by Hyderabad Runners, Whitathon 2026 continued its mission of raising awareness about Retinoblastoma, a life-threatening eye cancer that primarily affects children below the age of three. The event also aimed to mobilise support for free treatment and research initiatives for underprivileged children diagnosed with the disease.

In the Men’s Half Marathon category, Suraj Sarkar secured first place with a timing of 1:30:02, followed by Tapan Rai at 1:37:51 and Md. Shahbaz at 1:42:40. In the Men’s 10K category, Pradeep Thakur emerged winner with a timing of 0:45:05, while Viresh Sharadi and Ranbir Singh Bagga finished second and third with timings of 0:45:26 and 0:46:14 respectively. In the Women’s 10K category, Kitu Sheron topped the field with a timing of 0:49:57, followed by Aishwarya Agarwal at 0:56:18 and Anisha Sharma at 0:58:57. In the Men’s 5K category, Mohd Yonus finished first with a timing of 0:21:15, followed by Umesh Bishwakarma at 0:21:48 and Vennam Anand at 0:22:28. In the Women’s 5K category, Pranika Dixit secured first place with a timing of 0:29:22, while Swarna and Nikhitha George finished with timings of 0:32:16 and 0:33:49 respectively.

The central message of Whitathon — recognising the “White Reflex” in a child’s eye as an early warning sign of eye cancer requiring immediate medical attention — was amplified throughout the event through awareness activities and participant engagement.

Speaking on the occasion, representatives from LVPEI emphasised the urgent need for early detection and timely intervention in Retinoblastoma cases. While more than 90% of children treated at LVPEI survive the disease, vision can be preserved in only about 45% of cases due to delayed diagnosis and presentation.

India accounts for nearly 20–25% of Retinoblastoma cases worldwide. Globally, nearly half of affected children lose their lives because of late detection and inadequate treatment. Medical experts reiterated that Retinoblastoma is highly curable when identified early, helping save the child’s life, eye and vision.

Funds raised through Whitathon 2026 will support treatment for children from economically disadvantaged families and contribute towards research into advanced and novel treatment options for Retinoblastoma.

Since its inception in 2018, Whitathon has steadily grown into a major community-driven awareness initiative in Hyderabad, reflecting the city’s strong culture of social responsibility and public participation.

Over the past decade, LVPEI has treated more than 2,500 patients with Retinoblastoma. The institute continues to provide over 50% of its services entirely free of cost, irrespective of the complexity of care required, through its unique cross-subsidy and Eye Health Pyramid models.

Established in 1987 with the vision “to create excellent and equitable eye care systems that reach all those in need,” L V Prasad Eye Institute is a comprehensive eye health institution and a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness. LVPEI is also globally recognised for its cutting-edge eye research, with more than 5,000 scientific papers published in leading international journals.

Whitathon 2026 concluded on a high note, with participants pledging to continue spreading awareness about childhood eye cancer and the importance of early eye screening for children.

The Scores

Winners and Timings

In the Men’s Half Marathon category, the top three finishers were:

• Suraj Sarkar — 1:30:02
• Tapan Rai — 1:37:51
• Md. Shahbaz — 1:42:40

In the Men’s 10K category, the top three finishers were:

• Pradeep Thakur — 0:45:05
• Viresh Sharadi — 0:45:26
• Ranbir Singh Bagga — 0:46:14

 In the Women’s 10K category, the top three finishers were:

• Kitu Sheron — 0:49:57

• Aishwarya Agarwal — 0:56:18
• Anisha Sharma — 0:58:57

In the Men’s 5K category, the top three finishers were:

• Mohd Yonus — 0:21:15
• Umesh Bishwakarma — 0:21:48
• Vennam Anand — 0:22:28

In the Women’s 5K category, the top three finishers were:

• Pranika Dixit — 0:29:22
• Swarna — 0:32:16
• Nikhitha George — 0:33:49

 

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May 10, 2026: India’s maternity healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant shift, with more women accessing formal, institutional care than ever before. As per data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with over 88–90% of births now occurring in institutional settings, the share of institutional deliveries has reached 97.3% in 2023–24, signalling a sustained shift towards formal, hospital-based maternal care. Government data presented in 2025 further showed that C-section deliveries accounted for over 27% of all reported births in India during 2024–25, reinforcing the growing shift towards medically intensive maternity care.

Against this backdrop, Care Health Insurance highlights a clear expansion in women’s health claims, both in scale and intensity. Women’s health insurance claims rose 37% from FY25 to FY26, with the 20–40 age group continuing to drive this growth, increasing from 25% over the same period.

At the same time, maternity-related claims are becoming more cost-intensive with Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities continue to account for a larger share of overall claims contributing to 60% of all maternity claims reported to the company.

A shift in maternal age profile is also visible. In FY26, women aged above 35 years accounted for 12% of total maternity claim volumes which was higher as compared to previous years and increasing. The cost of this age group was 18% of the overall claim amount, indicating higher cost intensity associated with later-age pregnancies.

Overall maternity claim outgo has risen by 25% over the last two years, even as claim volumes have fluctuated, indicating a shift towards higher spend per case.

While deliveries are becoming increasingly institutionalized and becoming more efficient, the proportion of women discharged within five days for maternal care has increased from 75% in FY24 to 82% in FY26. This duration of discharge is not resulting in cost reduction, instead the company has seen an upward trend in cost intensity for maternal treatment.

Taken together, these trends reflect a structural shift in maternal healthcare, with rising cost intensity and evolving care patterns driving higher financial exposure. The findings are further reinforced by broader public health data, which indicates that a majority of women in India are accessing formal antenatal care services, while three out of four continue to have inadequate dietary iron intake, highlighting persistent nutritional gaps and long-term health vulnerabilities beyond maternity.

Commenting on the findings, Manish Dodeja, Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, Care Health Insurance, said, “Women’s health insurance claims are no longer following a linear growth pattern; they are expanding in both scale and intensity. We are seeing a clear shift in the maternity landscape, with costs rising steadily. While care pathways are becoming more efficient, the financial exposure associated with maternal healthcare is increasing. This is not just a utilisation trend; it reflects a broader shift in how women are accessing and experiencing healthcare today. It is therefore important for individuals to periodically reassess their coverage to ensure it remains aligned with evolving needs.”

As maternal healthcare continues to formalise and utilisation rises, ensuring adequate and timely health insurance coverage remains critical to managing financial exposure and ensuring continuity of care.

 

New Delhi, May 7 (BNP): Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched a nationwide initiative offering free annual health check-ups for workers aged 40 years and above.

Speaking at ESIC Medical College & Hospital in Delhi, the Minister said the initiative is aimed at strengthening preventive healthcare for workers and improving early detection of health issues through regular medical screening.

He added that the rollout of the four Labour Codes reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing dignity, welfare, and social security for workers across the country under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Describing the occasion as a tribute to “Shram Shakti,” Mandaviya said the government is focused on expanding social security coverage and ensuring better healthcare access for the workforce.

Officials said the initiative is expected to improve occupational health outcomes and promote a more structured approach to worker welfare through timely and preventive medical care.