Category: Health

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare network, has officially opened the brand-new, expanded Carrier Behavioral Health at Raritan Bay Medical Centerin the Garden State last week. This is part of Hackensack Meridian Health’s $24 million investment into the community.

“Raritan Bay Medical Center has provided high quality, compassionate care to the Perth Amboy community for more than a century.  The need for Behavioral Health services in our communities is greater than ever.  This investment will serve our patients now and into the future,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.

“We are excited to officially open our expanded 81 bed center of excellence to the public”, said Patricia Carroll, FACHE, president, chief hospital executive, Raritan Bay and Old Bridge Medical Center’s. “With the growing need for Behavioral Health services around the state, this will be a new soothing and healing environment for our patients, and the communities we serve.”

Over the summer, Carrier Behavioral Health at Raritan Bay Medical Center expanded its reach by offering Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), an option for people with  treatment resistant depression and other psychiatric disorders that have not been satisfactorily treated by medications and other therapies.

“The expansion of this facility will provide more world-class care for the community,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “Access to in-patient mental health and behavioral services is a priority for our state and I’m so pleased to see more of that need met here at Raritan Bay with the expertise of Carrier.”

“New Jersey Human Services has long supported the goal of compassionate care close to home, recognizing how important it is for people experiencing a crisis to connect with support quickly
and safely,” said Department of Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “The State budget investment in this project is an example of the Murphy Administration’s commitment to
increasing access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, and this expansion will help so many more residents of Perth Amboy and Middlesex County get excellent care in their
own backyard.”

“My colleagues and I on the Board of County Commissioners strongly believe that the nationwide behavioral health crisis is one of the defining issues of our time, and we are committed to facing it head-on,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios. “The wellbeing of our County residents is crucial, and this 81-bed inpatient unit will make a tremendous difference for those who are struggling with behavioral health issues and substance use disorders.”

“We’re thrilled to open this new unit at Raritan Bay! Combining Carrier Clinic’s unprecedented expertise with Raritan Bay Medical Center’s expanded behavioral health services, programs and
facility, make this an incredible partnership for the needs of our patients,”  said Don Parker, president, Behavioral Health Care Transformation Service, Hackensack Meridian Health.  Carrier Behavioral Health at Raritan Bay Medical Center is a regional hub of the nationally recognized Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic. The Behavioral Health program at Raritan Bay Medical Center is the first in the Hackensack Meridian Health network to receive the Carrier Behavioral Health designation. The Medical Center’s behavioral health services include  specialized programs and units for adults, older adults, neuromodulation (ECT) services and care for individuals with  both mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses (referred to as dual-diagnoses).

In addition to the new Carrier Behavioral Health at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Raritan Bay is a full service, acute care hospital that has many different inpatient and outpatient units, ranging
from the Emergency Department, Maternity, ICU, Cardiac, Long Term Acute Care Hospital, Bariatrics, Center for Wound Healing, radiology, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, etc.

Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption has long been associated with better heart health, but the exact reasons behind this connection have remained a mystery. Despite the well-known health risks associated with alcohol, including a higher risk of cancer and neurological aging, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have shed light on one potential explanation. Their recent study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, reveals that alcohol may reduce stress signals in the brain, resulting in less strain on the heart.

To unravel this phenomenon, scientists delved into data from over 50,000 individuals from the Mass General Brigham Biobank, a comprehensive research database. Their findings confirmed that light-to-moderate drinking was indeed linked to a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease. Importantly, the extensive scale of this study enabled them to rule out external factors such as socioeconomic status, physical activity, and genetics that often complicate smaller-scale research. It became evident that something unique was at play, a discovery further illuminated by examining participants’ brain scans.

These brain scans revealed that alcohol could have enduring effects on stress levels within the brain, subsequently relieving the heart from excessive burdens, even days after the last drink. The brain’s stress network is akin to a tug-of-war, with the amygdala, responsible for emotions, on one side, and the prefrontal cortex, governing executive functions, on the other. During stressful situations, the amygdala sends distress signals, while the prefrontal cortex can inhibit the amplification of this alarm throughout the body, including the heart.

Dr. Ahmed Tawakol, a study author and co-director of the Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, noted that alcohol is known to alleviate the amygdala’s alarm response. However, the researchers posed a unique question: does it exert long-term effects on these systems? Analyzing brain scans from over 1,000 study participants, they discovered that light-to-moderate drinkers experienced sustained reductions in amygdala activity, with prefrontal cortex activity remaining unaffected when alcohol was not in their systems. While the data did not allow researchers to determine whether this effect on the amygdala would diminish if individuals ceased drinking altogether, this dampening of amygdala activity was associated with a notable 22% decrease in cardiovascular disease risk.

Moreover, when the researchers specifically examined light-to-moderate drinkers with a history of anxiety, characterized by an overactive stress network, they observed a doubling of the effect. Dr. Tawakol explained, “Rather than the 22% reduction, people with prior anxiety had a 40% reduction in heart disease.” However, he emphasized, “I know that a lot of people will hear that and say, ‘Well, I’m anxious. That’s why I drink—I guess there’s a benefit.’ But there is no safe quantity of alcohol.”

While these findings are intriguing, Dr. Tawakol highlighted that there are alternative, safer ways to tap into this stress-reducing pathway. Exercise, for instance, is currently being studied by Tawakol and has been shown to increase prefrontal cortex activity, achieving similar stress-reduction benefits. Adequate sleep, too, operates along similar lines. Dr. Tawakol’s ultimate objective, however, is to identify pharmacological interventions that can safely diminish amygdala activity. He stressed the need to move beyond conventional recommendations like “get more sleep and exercise” in light of this newfound pathway that, when targeted, can double the reduction in cardiovascular disease risk.

U.S.-based pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has made a significant announcement, declaring that it will not exercise patent rights for Sirturo, its brand name for bedaquiline, in 134 low- and middle-income nations. This decision comes in response to global pressure urging the company to refrain from pursuing additional patents for its groundbreaking tuberculosis drug. Notably, the Indian Patent Office rejected J&J’s application for a secondary patent related to the fumarate salt of bedaquiline.

Bedaquiline represents a groundbreaking development in tuberculosis (TB) treatment, being the first drug for TB to receive global approval in more than four decades. It stands out for its reduced toxicity and enhanced effectiveness compared to conventional TB treatments.

The commitment to not enforcing bedaquiline patents in specific regions is seen as a significant step toward ensuring broader access to affordable generic versions of the drug for individuals in low- and middle-income countries, particularly those suffering from drug-resistant TB. The announcement has been met with praise from the Access Campaign, a part of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an international medical humanitarian organization.

The Access Campaign applauds this development, attributing it to the persistent efforts of TB activists, civil society, and countries prioritizing public health above corporate interests. They also highlight that after the rejection of J&J’s attempt to extend its monopoly in India, national TB treatment programs in Ukraine and Belarus have also requested the company to relinquish its secondary patents within their borders.

Furthermore, the South African Competition Commission’s recent investigation is noted as having exerted considerable pressure on J&J, likely contributing to the company’s decision.

Looking ahead, the Access Campaign now urges Japanese pharmaceutical giant Otsuka to follow suit and publicly commit to not enforcing secondary patents in low- and middle-income countries for another critical TB drug, Delamanid. Notably, Otsuka’s primary patent for Delamanid is set to expire shortly in India and several other nations. Delamanid plays a vital role in combination with bedaquiline, particularly in the treatment of pediatric TB cases.

In response to these developments, at least three Indian pharmaceutical companies, namely Lupin, Natco, and Macleods, have expressed their preparations to introduce generic versions of bedaquiline. This move is expected to further enhance the availability of affordable TB treatment options.

(Newswire.com) –Sri Sri Tattva, a leading provider of premium health and wellness products, announced the in-store launch of its products in the United States. As part of a nationwide roll-out, the organic and natural Ayurvedic products are now available in stores in Dallas, Texas, including at all India Bazaar locations. The products are also now available online at SriSriTattva.com.

With a portfolio of over 350 products, all stores will carry a wide range of premium health products that include herbs, foods, drinks and cosmetics, including Sudanta, the fluoride-free toothpaste, Ojasvita, a herb-infused energy drink, and Chyawanprash. The India Bazaar West Plano location is hosting a launch party on September 28, open to the local communities.

“India has many ancient gifts to share with the world, from yoga to meditation, and now very prominently the science of Ayurveda is being recognized for its holistic healing. There is an increasing need for individuals to embrace a lifestyle that builds and strengthens immunity in order to enjoy a strong body, mind and spirit. Our products blend modern science with the ancient science and wisdom of Ayurveda to deliver pure and effective products,” says Ajay Tejasvi, President of Sri Sri Tattva. “We invite the local community to experience the goodness of all our Ayurvedic products.”

The Sri Sri Tattva Launch Party at India Bazaar West Plano will begin at 5 p.m. CST, September 28, and will offer free sample products, prizes and live musical performances. With a 360-degree approach to health, Sri Sri Tattva Ayurvedic practitioners (Vaidyas) will also be available for consultations to offer a complete health and wellness experience for the whole family.

About Sri Sri Tattva:

Sri Sri Tattva is a global health and wellness company with over 350 Ayurvedic, natural and organic products now available in 50+ countries. A portion of all proceeds goes to The Art of Living Foundation, whose wide-scale humanitarian initiatives have positively impacted the lives of over 375 million people globally.

Healthcare professionals are urging caution regarding the use of well-known weight loss medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, due to potential life-threatening complications linked to anesthesia. Anesthesiologists have noted that patients who are prescribed drugs containing semaglutide, the active ingredient in these medications, might still have undigested food in their stomachs even after extended periods of fasting. This increases the risk of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia administration. Consequently, medical experts are advocating for the discontinuation of these medications for up to three weeks before undergoing surgery or procedures requiring anesthesia.

While the American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests that patients should avoid these drugs on the day of surgery and cease weekly injections for at least a week prior to sedation procedures, some anesthesiologists argue for a more extended discontinuation period. They propose that discontinuing the drugs for a three-week duration would eliminate roughly 88% of the drug from the body, leading to more emptied stomachs after fasting and safer administration of anesthesia. This recommendation was recently detailed in the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia.

Furthermore, concerns have arisen regarding other potential adverse effects associated with medications like Ozempic. A lawsuit filed this month alleges that the manufacturers of Ozempic and Mounjaro, namely Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, respectively, did not adequately caution patients about the possibility of severe stomach problems as a side effect. Additionally, studies conducted on rodents have indicated a potential risk of thyroid tumors and cancer linked to the use of Ozempic.

Compounding the worries, there is evidence indicating that most individuals who discontinue these medications tend to regain the weight they had initially lost within a span of three to five years, and in certain cases, they might even put on more weight than they initially shed. There are apprehensions concerning the nature of the weight loss as well. Reports have surfaced suggesting that patients might experience significant loss of muscle mass along with fat reduction. This aspect raises inquiries about the broader impact on body composition.

Despite these reservations, the utilization of weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy is on the upswing, with projections suggesting that the market value of obesity-related pills could climb to as much as $200 billion in the approaching years. It is imperative that individuals contemplating the use of these medications are well-informed about the potential risks and consult extensively with their healthcare providers before arriving at any decisions.

Walking only 4,000 stages each day — not exactly 50% of the 10,000 steps frequently suggested for keeping a functioning way of life — might be sufficient to assist with expanding your life, as per another exploration audit distributed in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

That focal point shouldn’t discourage anybody from going for a more extended walk; the scientists observed that greater development is better, with 1,000 extra advances each day connected with a generally 15% lower chance of sudden passing. However, it joins a developing collection of examination that proposes exercises needn’t bother with to be all that difficult or extended to work on your wellbeing. All that from strolling to housework to moving can add to prosperity, studies have shown.

To arrive at the new discoveries, a group of specialists investigated 17 recently distributed papers on strolling and wellbeing, as steps taken each day is a regularly concentrated on proportion of active work. In total, those reviews included in excess of 225,000 grown-ups from various nations with a typical age of 64, some of whom were in commonly great wellbeing and some of whom had risk factors for cardiovascular illness. By and large, they were followed for a long time.

In the wake of examining the information from those reviews, the specialists established that mortality risk logically declines as individuals walk more. They didn’t find a place where extra movement quits seeming useful, as far as possible up to 20,000 steps each day.

In any case, with regards to past research, they likewise presumed that it doesn’t take countless day to day moves toward further develop wellbeing. (What could be compared to around two miles). The edge was even lower — around 2,500 steps each day — while checking out explicitly at the gamble of kicking the bucket from cardiovascular sickness.

These patterns remained genuinely consistent across various geographic areas, as well as while looking at people, the analysts found. There were, in any case, a few distinctions among individuals of various ages. Grown-ups more established than 60 saw about a 42% drop in mortality risk when they strolled somewhere in the range of 6,000 and 10,000 steps each day, while those more youthful than 60 saw a generally 49% decrease when they strolled somewhere in the range of 7,000 and 13,000 steps each day.

There are a few provisos to the discoveries. As far as one might be concerned, observational examination of this nature can uncover designs, yet it can’t authoritatively demonstrate circumstances and logical results. The scientists likewise couldn’t Ecocompletely represent members’ financial situations with in general ways of life, and that implies day to day advances were only one piece of a bigger riddle. It’s conceivable, for instance, that individuals who were most dynamic likewise had various other sound propensities that could add to a more drawn out life expectancy.

Regardless, the new exploration joins a lot of different investigations — and U.S. government active work rules — in a similar end: greater development is quite often better, yet a limited quantity is likewise not all that great, but not terrible either than nothing.

The first-ever global summit on traditional medicine organized by The World Health Organization (WHO) held in Gujarat, India on August 17-18, 2023 had participation from over 75 nations. The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India co-hosted the summit, which explored the role of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine in addressing pressing health challenges and driving progress in global health and sustainable development.

It was held alongside the G20 health ministerial meeting, to mobilize political commitment and evidence-based action on traditional medicine, which is a first port of call for millions of people worldwide to address their health and well-being needs. Technical discussions on research, evidence and learning; policy, data, and regulation; innovation and digital health; and biodiversity, equity and indigenous knowledge took place at the summit.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said, “One of the great strengths of traditional medicine is the understanding of the intimate links between the health of humans and our environment. That’s why WHO is committed to supporting countries to unlock the potential of traditional medicine, through the Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar.”

Stressing that traditional medicine was “as old as humanity itself”, the WHO chief urged countries to examine how best to incorporate traditional and complementary medicine into their health systems through the Gujarat Declaration, the outcome document of the summit, which was adopted at the summit’s conclusion.

India’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in his address, highlighted the role of the Global centre of traditional medicine in Gujarat in leading the way towards a more prominent role of traditional medicine in mainstream healthcare.

“The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries are both showing significant interest in traditional medicine and more than 170 countries around the world are utilizing it,” he said adding that the summit provides an ideal platform for international collaboration and the exchange of ideas to promote best practices in the sector.

An experiential Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) Exhibition Zone was the highlight of the summit. It featured an exhibition of traditional medicine systems from WHO’s six regions. The theme of the exhibition was ‘Ayush for Planetary Health and Well-being’. The Zone welcomed visitors with a display of medicinal plants including those used in Ayurveda.

The exhibition also had interactive kiosks, which allowed visitors to access comprehensive information about Ayush, including the location of all Ayush hospitals and a digital library with research papers related to the field. A virtual reality experience of Ayush Healthcare services was available, where visitors could engage in an immersive experience, featuring an AI-based Ayurveda Pulse diagnosis, body constitution analysis, and even a live Yoga demonstration.

For centuries, traditional and complementary medicine has been an integral resource for health in households and communities. It has been at the frontiers of medicine and science laying the foundation for conventional medical texts. Around 40% of pharmaceutical products today have a natural product basis, and landmark drugs derive from traditional medicine, including aspirin, artemisinin, and childhood cancer treatments.

New research, including on genomics and artificial intelligence are entering the field, and there are growing industries for herbal medicines, natural products, health, wellness and related travel. Currently, 170 Member States reported to WHO on the use of traditional medicine and have requested evidence and data to inform policies, standards and regulation for its safe, cost-effective and equitable use.

In response to this increased global interest and demand, WHO, with the support of the Government of India, established in March 2022 the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine as a knowledge hub with a mission to catalyse ancient wisdom and modern science for the health and well-being of people and the planet. The WHO Traditional Medicine Centre scales up WHO’s existing capacity in traditional medicine and supplements the core WHO functions of governance, norms and country support carried out across the six regional Offices and Headquarters.

The Centre focuses on partnership, evidence, data, biodiversity and innovation to optimize the contribution of traditional medicine to global health, universal health coverage, and sustainable development, and is also guided by respect for local heritages, resources and rights.

Alexander Hamilton played a crucial role in the development of the world’s first national, mandatory health insurance policy. This historical 1798 plan, financed by taxpayers and approved by Congress, aimed to provide coverage for sick and disabled seamen. Hamilton’s vision for this policy was driven by his concern for the well-being of humanity.

Fast forward to modern times, and the United States has made numerous attempts to offer medical care to those in need who cannot afford it. While the efforts trace back to Hamilton’s initiative, they have evolved over the years, encompassing policies that mandate emergency-room care for all and extend insurance to individuals with specific serious illnesses.

Despite these endeavors, no policy has been able to fully address the healthcare needs of the entire U.S. population. Presently, around 30 million American citizens still lack health insurance. Even for those who are insured, the costs frequently surpass the benefits provided by the plans. This has resulted in a staggering $140 billion in unpaid medical debt, surpassing all other forms of personal debt combined, with a significant portion being incurred by people with health insurance.

In light of these challenges, MIT Professor Amy Finkelstein, in collaboration with economist Liran Einav of Stanford University, advocates for a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. health insurance system in their new book titled “We’ve Got You Covered: Rebooting American Health Care,” published by Portfolio. The authors propose a two-layered approach, involving one layer of free and automatic health insurance for everyone, coupled with another layer of private insurance for those seeking additional healthcare amenities.

Finkelstein, renowned for her empirical studies on health insurance and healthcare, acknowledges that the U.S. has always had a commitment to providing care to the ill, and now it is imperative to do so effectively and efficiently. She emphasizes that the current health care system is far from ideal and calls for a transformation.

The existing health care landscape in the U.S. comprises patchwork programs that fail to comprehensively cover the population. Approximately 150 million Americans depend on private employer-provided insurance, leaving them vulnerable to losing coverage if they change jobs. Conversely, those reliant on public health insurance, such as Medicaid, face the risk of losing eligibility if their household income exceeds the poverty line. Consequently, about one in four Americans below the age of 65 will experience periods without insurance within the next two years.

Interestingly, a significant number of these individuals are eligible for free or heavily discounted coverage, but they remain unenrolled due to a lack of information and complex signup procedures. Even Medicare, the primary public insurance program for seniors, imposes out-of-pocket expenses without a cap, leading a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries to spend a quarter of their income on healthcare.

While some reforms have improved coverage for certain groups, such as the Affordable Care Act of 2010, which enabled 10 million previously uninsured Americans to gain coverage, they did not resolve the issues of insurance loss or inadequate coverage that often results in considerable medical debt.

The authors argue that the U.S. has attempted to address health coverage problems through a series of piecemeal policies. One such approach involved creating disease-specific care subsidies, starting with the extension of Medicare in 1972 to cover individuals with end-stage kidney disease. Subsequent programs were implemented to cover patients with tuberculosis, breast and cervical cancer, sickle cell anemia, ALS, HIV/AIDS, and Covid-19.

However, Finkelstein and Einav express skepticism towards this approach due to its fragmented nature, which inevitably leaves gaps in coverage. They propose a more straightforward solution: universal inclusion of everyone into the healthcare system, thus eliminating the need for separate laws for different illnesses.

“When you think about covering all the gaps, that’s what universal basic coverage is,” Finkelstein says.

Land of the free

According to “We’ve Got You Covered,” the current approach to health insurance in the United States is not set in stone. The origins of employer-provided health care only trace back to the 1950s. The authors argue that the continuous implementation of policies to ensure basic care for all, such as open emergency rooms and subsidies for severe diseases, reflects the nation’s underlying expectation of providing humane care when it is most needed.

Finkelstein, one of the authors, points out that the existence of various healthcare measures is due to a social norm or unwritten contract in the United States. This norm dictates that society does not allow people to die on the streets due to lack of medical resources. Thus, when individuals face dire medical situations without resources, there is a collective compulsion to help them. From this perspective, both the issues faced by the insured and the uninsured result from failures to uphold these societal commitments rather than a lack of such commitments.

To address these problems, Finkelstein and Einav propose a solution: free, basic healthcare for everyone, without the hassles of sign-ups or charges for essential care. Additionally, people would not lose their insurance when leaving their jobs, and surpassing the poverty line would not mean losing public insurance coverage.

Under their proposal, there would still be a layer of private health insurance available for those who desire additional amenities in their medical care, like private hospital rooms or elective services. Essentially, people could pay for upgrades if they choose to.

While this system would not achieve absolute equality in healthcare, Finkelstein believes it would be an improvement over the current situation. The key, in his view, is to ensure that everyone receives essential basic coverage.

The book suggests that the U.S. can indeed afford such a system of free, basic, and automatic-enrollment health care. Currently, the country spends 18 percent of its GDP on healthcare, with half going to public healthcare and the other half to private care. Interestingly, European countries that offer universal coverage spend approximately 9 percent of their GDP on public health systems. Therefore, the book argues that the U.S. is already paying for universal coverage, though it has not achieved it yet, and could implement it at a similar cost to these other countries.

“We’ve Got You Covered” also opposes modest co-pays, despite studies showing that they reduce doctor visits. The authors believe that such co-pays conflict with the idea of universal coverage, which aims to provide essential medical care without financial barriers.

Until the impossible becomes inevitable

However, even if the Finkelstein-Einav health insurance system is logical and reasonable, is there any possibility of it becoming a reality?

“One thing that makes me, if not optimistic, then at least not unduly pessimistic, is that this is an argument that will and does appeal to people across the political spectrum,” Finkelstein contends

The book highlights that although expanding health insurance is typically linked with progressive politicians, it also showcases several conservatives who, even in the 21st century, have advocated for universal coverage.

Although the immediate implementation of a free basic care system may not be imminent, Finkelstein and Einav propose in their book “We’ve Got You Covered” that they are following the advice of economist Milton Friedman. They aim to develop ideas and keep them publicly discussed until what seems politically impossible eventually becomes politically unavoidable.

Meanwhile, Finkelstein and Einav strongly advise individuals to give greater consideration to the implicit assumption in U.S. health care policy that we ought to assist everyone, driven by the same rationale that motivated Hamilton’s desire to aid seamen – namely, to safeguard them from destitution and suffering in their lives.

In a new poll released last week, 45 percent of adults expressed some degree of interest in taking a prescription medication for weight loss if it was shown to be “safe and effective.”

Among the 1,022 adults who took part in the KFF survey, 18 percent said they were “very interested” in taking a weight loss drug, and 27 percent said they were “somewhat interested.”

The poll also found that 70 percent had heard of the new class of weight-loss drugs that include Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. While Wegovy has been approved for weight loss, Ozempic and Mounjaro are indicated for treating diabetes, and a prescription of those drugs for losing weight would be considered off-label use.

Interest in these drugs has partly been driven by pop culture, with many public figures alleged to have used them for rapid weight loss. Tesla CEO Elon Musk openly credited Wegovy for his change in weight last year.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 1 in 3 U.S. adults are overweight and more than 2 out of 5 have obesity.

Ozempic and Wegovy are both semaglutide, which mimics a hormone secreted in the gut in response to food. This hormone, GLP-1, causes the body to produce more insulin and suppresses appetite.

These drugs are not without their risks or side effects, however, particularly when it comes to their use in losing weight. A study from 2022 found that stopping semaglutide injections resulted in some rebound weight gain.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists recently warned that patients should discontinue taking these weight-loss drugs before undergoing surgeries that require sedation due to reports of complications, including a delay in stomach emptying or “stomach paralysis.”

Stomach paralysis is a phenomenon that occurs when the muscles don’t function correctly, resulting in a delay in the stomach contents being emptied. This can in turn result in heartburn, acid reflux or malnutrition.

Just this week, a lawsuit was filed by a Louisiana woman against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, who manufacture Ozempic and Mounjaro respectively, alleging the companies downplayed the risks in taking the medications.

Happy Life Yoga, founded by the renowned EMMY Nominated Filmmaker Tirlok Malik, brought waves of laughter and joy to the hearts of Indian American seniors at a simultaneous in-person and online event in Queens, New York. Hosted by India Home in Jamaica Estate, the event was jointly organized by the Indo-American Senior Citizen Center, GOPIO Manhattan, NY chapters, and  The Indian Panorama.

Happy Life Yoga, unlike traditional yoga, doesn’t require mats or physical movements. It is a unique blend of Indian philosophy, Ayurveda, and Yoga, focusing on internal movements of joy, laughter, and happiness through conscious laughter, affirmations, gratitude, forgiveness, and simple breathing techniques. The workshop specially catered to senior citizens, providing them with practical tips and techniques to live happier and healthier lives.

“The power of laughter and joy can transform lives, and Happy Life Yoga is the door that leads to a joyful life,” said Tirlok Malik, the driving force behind this holistic approach. “Through our workshops and events, we want to inspire inner transformation and create a community of individuals across all age groups embracing happiness and self-empowerment.”

The event witnessed a packed house filled with roaring laughter and positive energy, as Tirlok Malik shared his expertise and insights. Having previously conducted workshops for frontline workers, corporates, and global communities worldwide, the Happy Life Yoga team has been making a significant impact on people’s lives.

“We are delighted to see the overwhelming response and enthusiasm from the senior citizen community,” said Neha Lohia, the Director of Happiness for Happy Life Yoga. “The journey towards a happier life begins with self-discovery, and that’s exactly what Happy Life Yoga offers. It was such a joy to see the unstoppable laughter in the room.”

The event was graced by brand partners Get Zage, a specialized service for the elderly in NYC, represented by Claudine and Jack Harplen. Team members who are also filmmakers like John Pina, and Bohan Chen were also present at this event helping with the audience interaction, and filming. The media and news friends from various publications and TV stations were also present to witness Tirlok Malik live in action and to cover the event.

Mukund Mehta, President India Home ,Jagdish Patel President Indo -American Senior Cittizen Center of New York ,Pankaj parikh,Vice President Indo-American Citizen of New York ,Ashok Sheth Vice president -Finance Indo -American Senior Citizen Centterr of New york and Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi Executive Dirrector India Home , all said Tirlok Malik’s presntaion of Happyy Life Yoga was extraordinary since seniors overwhelming enjoyed it .The Happy Life yoga workshop was unique in many ways . There were burst of laughters along with many useful tips to stay healthy and Happier for Seniors.

Happy Life Yoga has big plans for the future, including workshops for kids, educational institutes, global and NRI communities, and diverse groups of people both physically in New York and worldwide through online sessions. Their upcoming book and updated website will further contribute to spreading laughter and happiness across the globe through thier meaningful and much needed work.

“We invite everyone to join us on this transformative journey,” said Tirlok Malik. “Embrace Happy Life Yoga, and discover the power of living life to the fullest, with joy, purpose, and fulfillment. Oh and you dont need a mat, the only thing that will move is your belly, jawline and your internal state of mind with tons of laughter, that is my promise.”

About Happy Life Yoga: Happy Life Yoga is a holistic and practical approach to living a happier, healthier, and more fulfilled life. Led by the esteemed EMMY Nominated Filmmaker Tirlok Malik, the organization aims to spread joy, laughter, and happiness through a unique blend of Indian philosophy, Ayurveda, and Yoga. Happy Life Yoga offers interactive workshops, engaging lectures, and uplifting events, empowering individuals to embrace happiness, health, and inner transformation. For more information about Happy Life Yoga and upcoming events, please visit www.happylifeyoga.org.

Walking 10,000 steps per day has been a benchmark health goal for a while. (Interesting fact: It originated as part of a marketing campaign for an early step counter leading up to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and equates to walking about 5 miles). The average American gets far less than this—logging between 3,000 to 4,000 steps each day—and there’s some evidence that upping your daily strides can have some surprising benefits. Here are some of them:

Is Walking a Good Enough Form of Exercise?

Healthy Weight Loss

While a brisk stroll may not be as vigorous as high-intensity workouts like running or Spinning, it is an effective way to burn calories and support weight loss. According to a 2018 study published in the journal Obesity, walking 10,000 steps a day is associated with weight loss and management. Plus, it’s a low-impact exercise, making it accessible for all fitness levels. And it elevates your heart rate and activates muscles like your quads, glutes, calves and hamstrings, helping to burn calories and strengthen your lower body.

“Walking is an easy way to increase your calorie burn without your body needing time and energy to recover,” says Rachel MacPherson, CPT, an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer with Garage Gym Reviews. “It’s not tiring and won’t cause fatigue on a diet. You can walk a lot during the day without feeling as beat up as you would with higher-intensity cardio. If you add walking to your day, you may find maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight to happen naturally without even noticing.”

Better Mobility

Walking can have a positive impact on your joint health. When you hoof it, your body releases synovial fluid, which acts like engine oil to lubricate your joints and keep them moving smoothly, per a 2019 study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Additionally, a 2021 study found that a regular walking routine helped boost physical performance and reduce knee joint pain in those with arthritis. If you have existing joint pain, engaging in regular low-impact exercise like walking can help relieve pain and prevent joint-related issues in the long run.

“Walking is a natural human movement that improves joint health without the impact of higher-intensity exercises like running, which can aggravate any joint issues you may have,” says MacPherson. “It helps increase circulation and joint fluid, keeping your tissues healthy and moving well.” So while it might be tempting to skip exercise if you have achy joints, walking can truly be beneficial. “When you don’t move enough, your muscles, tendons, and ligaments can become weak or tight in certain areas, especially if you sit a lot,” she adds.

Improved Mood and Brain Function

Engaging in any form of physical activity triggers the release of endorphins—feel-good chemicals that can boost your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. For additional benefits, getting your 10,000 steps outdoors in nature can significantly increase mental health and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to a 2022 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. In addition, 2023 research published in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Reports suggests that regular walking can improve cognitive function and memory.

“Walking 10,000 steps daily will help you feel more focused, sharp, and happier—leading to fewer feelings of physical tension, providing both mental and physical benefits,” says MacPherson.

Speedier Recovery

Research published in Sports Medicine found that engaging in active recovery, or a cool-down, like leisurely walking after intense exercise or strength training can support recovery and promote blood flow to your muscles, helping to prevent muscle stiffness and allow your body to recover faster.

“Active recovery is a more leisurely workout that includes movement that won’t be strenuous enough to cause any further damage to your muscles and won’t require a lot of effort or nutritional demands to perform,” says MacPherson. “Walking 10,000 steps daily can improve your recovery so you are less likely to have sore muscles, and you will perform better during your next workout. Active recovery helps improve the overall recovery process by stimulating blood flow that brings nutrients to the tissues that need it most.”

The Bottom Line

Walking 10,000 steps daily offers a slew of physical and mental health benefits. For example, it can support healthy weight loss, improve joint health, boost mood and brain function and aid recovery. Also, walking is a low-impact exercise that’s accessible to most people. So, if you’re looking for an enjoyable and effective way to improve your fitness level and overall health, lace up those walking shoes and get your steps in! (Originally appeared: EatingWell.com)

In 2021, Shaheen Aamir found herself too exhausted to engage in active play with her children. She recalls telling them, “‘You guys can play, Mom wants to sit.'” Aamir admits to never exercising and being concerned about her weight at the time.

Fast forward three years, and now 32-year-old Aamir begins each day with yoga or dancing. This transformation occurred after she enrolled in a four-month course focused on preventing Type 2 diabetes. “It changed my life, health- and fitness-wise,” says Aamir, adding that she feels “light and energetic” and has experienced a boost in self-esteem.

Aamir, an immigrant from Pakistan with a family history of diabetes, was among nearly 550 individuals who participated in the South Asian Healthy Lifestyle Intervention Program (SAHELI). The study aimed to address and prevent diabetes and heart disease among South Asians residing in the Chicago area.

Compared to whites, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have higher diabetes rates and are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes at younger ages and lower body weights. South Asians, Filipinos, and Pacific Islanders face particularly high risks among Asian subgroups.

A team of Asian American researchers is working to uncover the reasons behind these disparities and develop programs like SAHELI to reduce diabetes rates. They are investigating root causes and improved solutions while advocating for their communities to adopt healthier habits. Here are some key findings that can make a difference.

Identifying the Dangers of ‘Skinny Fat’

In the mid-1990s, when epidemiologist Maria Rosario Araneta joined UC San Diego’s faculty, she noticed a pattern: numerous patients at a nearby Veterans Administration hospital suffering from kidney damage due to diabetes were slim Filipino men. “They weren’t obese, they weren’t overweight,” Araneta says, emphasizing that “they had access to care” and were required to exercise as part of their Navy service.

This trend resonated with Araneta, a Filipina, because her father and grandmother both developed diabetes while appearing slim and healthy. “I thought – I’m definitely at risk. My community’s at risk,” she remembers.

Although there is a well-established connection between being overweight or obese and the risk of diabetes, Asians in America are 40% more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than whites, despite having lower average BMIs.

Dr. Alka Kanaya, a diabetes researcher and professor of medicine at UC San Francisco, suggests that one explanation could be that Asian bodies tend to store fat “in all the wrong places.” Instead of accumulating fat under the skin around the hips or thighs, Asian Americans often deposit it “in the liver, around the abdominal organs, in the muscle, around the heart.”

This can result in a condition known as “skinny fat,” where an individual may appear thin externally but possess a significant amount of visceral fat deep within the belly and surrounding the organs. Araneta explains that “visceral fat is not just a place where we store excess calories,” but rather, this hidden fat may contribute to Type 2 diabetes risk by promoting inflammation and insulin resistance.

Researchers are currently trying to determine how to reduce visceral fat, suspecting that building muscle might help, but they have yet to gather sufficient data to confirm this theory.

Adapting Screening Guidelines for Asian Americans

There is limited U.S. research funding available for studying diabetes in Asian populations, leading to issues with screening and underdiagnosis due to the historical lack of data. However, Dr. George King, founder and director of the Asian American Diabetes Initiative at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, emphasizes that “it’s not that we have to wait for that for the research [to act]. There’s plenty we can do ourselves.”

King, Araneta, Kanaya, and other Asian American and Pacific Islander healthcare professionals successfully advocated for changes to screening guidelines. This was based on research indicating that many Asians develop diabetes at lower weights. In 2015, the American Diabetes Association began recommending that Asian Americans be screened for diabetes at a body mass index (BMI) of 23, instead of the BMI of 25 recommended for the general population.

The “Screen at 23” campaign helped spread this message, as Asian Pacific Islander physicians and others pushed for increased awareness and policy changes. Several states with high Asian populations have adopted these changes. The Asian American Diabetes Initiative provides a calculator that allows Asian Americans to check their BMI and determine if it falls within the at-risk or healthy range.

Double Screening for At-Risk Individuals

Araneta highlights issues with diagnostic tests, such as the A1C test, which measures blood sugar levels without fasting. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes based on current medical guidelines, primarily derived from research on people of European descent. However, Araneta’s research shows that many Asians may have diabetes at lower A1C levels. In a study, the A1C test missed half of the Native Hawaiians diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes using the “gold standard” test and two-thirds of Japanese Americans.

This means that many Asians with diabetes might go undiagnosed for years until complications arise. To address this issue, Araneta and other researchers recommend that Asians with A1C levels in the “prediabetes” range (5.7% to 6.4%) undergo further testing for a more accurate diagnosis and proper interventions.

Understanding Subgroup Differences

Araneta stresses the importance of researching differences in diabetes risk among the diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander population, as some groups have much higher rates overall – South Asians, Filipinos, and Pacific Islanders. For example, while Chinese Americans generally develop diabetes at age 70 or older, South Asians tend to develop low insulin production at a younger age, leading to a subtype of Type 2 diabetes often associated with heart disease but not kidney problems, according to Kanaya.

Behavioural Changes for Prevention

While researchers continue seeking answers, doctors aim to reduce people’s risk now. The SAHELI diabetes prevention course that Shaheen Aamir participated in focuses on improving diet, exercise, and stress levels, proving even more effective than commonly prescribed drugs for warding off diabetes. The program is specifically adapted for South Asian foods and culture, addressing the stress of being an ethnic minority and the challenges faced when immigrating to a new environment.

Aamir credits the program with helping her change her family’s diet and lifestyle, resulting in weight management and increased energy to play with her children. Advocacy and prevention programs are making a difference, but the number of Asians and Pacific Islanders with diabetes continues to rise. Long-term lifestyle changes are needed to address the issue, and researchers are committed to this work for years to come.

As we all know, May is National Nurses month and May 6 to 12 is National Nurses Week. On May 25, Dr Renee Mehrra of Reenbow Media and Indian American Forum organized a webinar in honor of National Nurses Week celebrations. Mrs. Indu Jaiswal, RDN and Chair of IAF together with Dr Urmilesh Arya Co-Chair of the event presented the program via ZOOM. Dr Renee Mehrra in her welcome remarks spoke about the importance of Health Care workers and to recognize for their services. Co Host of the evening Dr Bhavani Srinivasan spoke about the importance of Nurses in providing Quality care to patients all over the world.

Indu Jaiswal introduced Honorable Deputy Supervisor from Town of Hempstead MS Dorothy Goosby, who congratulated all Honourees and thanked Nurses and health care employees for their valuable services. Also present was Nassau County Legislature Rosemarie Walker, who thanked the nurses and congratulated all Honourees.

Tara Shajan, RN , NAINA Treasurer and Director of Nursing from Lincoln Hospital spoke about the history of Nursing profession, how Nurses are advancing in the Medical Field and paid tributes to Florence Nightingale, Lady with the Lamp.

Ms Anuradha Khanna started the program with Ganesh Vandana. Five nurses were recognized, and presented with Citations from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Nassau County Legislature Rosemarie Walker

Suda Sharma: Born in Nairobi, studied in London and worked in USA as Registered Nurse. Along with Nursing, she is the founder of Three Community projects that started 19 years ago. She started the Annual Food Drive for Long Island Soup Kitchens and Homeless Shelters., Penny project for Foster Children, and Fundraiser for Safe Home. Suda is very active in all community activities.

Jaya Bahadkar studied Nursing in Bombay and has worked in Nursing in the USA for more than 25 years. She is also a Pillar of Indian American Community, very active in IALI, IAF, India Home and several other organizations’ is was recognized by Assembly woman Michele Solages Office Woman of Distinction Award in 2019.

Tara Shajan was born in Pondicherry, India graduated in Nursing. She has her private pilot license. In 2004 migrated to USA and worked as RN, progressing into leadership experience in Health care services, She is currently Treasurer for NAINA, Director of Nursing in Lincoln Hospital Tara is also very active in community services in USA and has received several awards.

Suja Madhu Studied Nursing in India and is a nurse for more than 40 years. Migrated in the USA in 1987 and started working as an assistant nurse manager in 1992 in Northwell. In 2008 transferred to Zucker Hillside Hospital and continues to work there still. She has been recognized as the Nurse of the Year award 2023for Northwell Health…

Grace Alexander was commissioned from Secunderabad as Lieutenant and midwifery from INHS ASVINI. After few years of work in Medical surgical floors, she worked at University Hospital in Saudi Arabia for 15 years and migrated to US in 2006. She has 20 years of experience as a med-surgical nurse and 15 years in OR. She is a Life member of NAINA and AORN. Currently she serves as Awards and scholarship chair in INANY 2021-2022 and member of scholarship committee.

Several distinguished members joined and praised the efforts of Nurses and their profession. Dr Rajiv Jauhar, Chief of Cardiology at North shore University hospital also commented on the importance of Nursing staff and their contributions in patient care in the Hospitals.

Dr Jagdish Gupta, a past President of the biggest County Medical Society in the State of New York and serving Brooklyn Community as a Physician for 50 years, said, “I truly believe that Nurses are an integral part of our healthcare team, and they play the most significant role in the care of our patients while in the hospital during the most critical period. Physicians, no doubt as leader of the team, are very important but, with time constraints, are only able to spend limited time. Servicing and caring are left to nurses, so much so, that it has become part of the fabric of their DNA to serve since Florence Nightingale time. Their compassion, dedication and expertise make a remarkable difference in the lives of countless patients every day. As a community leader and President of AIA(NY) Chapter, I am grateful for their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and making a positive impact on the World. During this “National Nurses Appreciation week. We honor and celebrate you as you are true heroes in every sense, today and every day.”

Gobind Munjal, National President of The Association of Indians in America (AIA) said, “May 6 is National Nurses Day, an annual opportunity to appreciate the nurses in our lives and remind ourselves of the innumerable ways they contribute to our health and the well-being of those we love. People have celebrated nurses for decades, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the United States honored these integral healthcare professionals with their own day of recognition. National Nurses Day is the first day of National Nurses Week, which takes place from May 6-12 each year and concludes on International Nurses Day, the birthday of Florence Nightingale.”

The 2023 Nurses Week theme “Nurses Make a Difference: Anytime, anywhere – Always”

Nurses work every day to ensure patients get the care they need — and the comfort and compassion they deserve. The complex nature of nursing continues to be physically and emotionally draining, yet nurses carry on providing quality patient care and moving the profession forward, which reinforces the importance of nurse appreciation.

“Nurses need to be emotionally, psychologically, and morally refueled regularly to enable them to resist burnout and its many negative impacts such as moral distress,” said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, Co-Founder of the DAISY Foundation, in a Nurse.com blog. One way to do this is through expressions of gratitude.“Nurses are refueled when they know they have made a difference in the life of a patient or family member, especially when they were unaware of the difference they made,” said Barnes.

This is why nurse appreciation events are so important. Nurses’ contributions are celebrated and recognized each year — as they should be — through special nurse appreciation days, weeks, and months set aside to honor nurses and their specialties.

Thanks to the Honorees and all nurses. We do appreciate the work that they do. Happy Nurses week to all the nurses present here. The webinar was well attended and some of the Community members present were Mrs. Neelam Modi, MS Nalini DAS RD, Sandy Bhatia, Dr Usha Bansal, Mr Amba Sharma, Dr Sollymol Kuruvilla RN PHD, Dr Shyla Roshin RN DNP,Mr Paul Panakal RN MSN, Dr Esther Devadas RN DNP the webinar was successful with the cooperation of Mrs. Flora Parekh Mrs. Beena Kothari, Anju Sharma, Sanju Sharma, Dr Renee Mehrra, Dr Bhavani Srinivasan and Dr Urmilesh Arya. For further details check Website www.indianamericanforum.org.

According to the latest Lancet Global Health Research Review on the Global Impact of Tobacco Control Policies on Smokeless Tobacco Use, India’s efforts to reduce smokeless tobacco consumption have been lauded as “exemplary.” The review highlights India’s comprehensive approach, which aligns with the WHO FCTC and encompasses various measures such as taxation, regulation, labeling, education campaigns, cessation services, and restrictions on sale to minors. The review specifically mentions the ban on smokeless tobacco products like gutkha, along with mandatory depiction of harmful ingredients and pictorial health warnings on packaging. These efforts are commended as exemplary by the review.

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2 conducted in 2016-17 revealed that the overall prevalence of tobacco users in India was 28.6%, with smokeless tobacco users comprising 21.38% of the population. These numbers indicate a decrease compared to the earlier GATS 1 survey, which reported 34.6% overall tobacco users and 25.9% smokeless tobacco users.

Additionally, India has implemented various policies to discourage tobacco consumption and protect public health. These include bans on advertisements, the prohibition of plastic sachets for packaging, and restrictions on tobacco use in public places. Notably, some states in India, such as Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Nagaland, and Assam, have issued orders to ban smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, experts have highlighted the need for more stringent implementation of tobacco-related bans in India, as several states have been lax in enforcing them.

Globally, smokeless tobacco use affects approximately 300 million people, leading to significant contributions to tobacco-related diseases and deaths. Many countries have adopted policies beyond the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to address smokeless tobacco control, which has been effective in reducing smoking prevalence.

The use of smokeless tobacco products, including pan masala, gutkha, and khaini, is a significant public health concern in India and the Southeast Asian region. Earlier estimates indicated that nearly 80% of smokeless tobacco users reside in Southeast Asia, with around 60% in India.

On World Tobacco Day, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, the WHO regional director for South-East Asia, emphasized the success stories from countries like Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka, where tobacco-growing farmers have transitioned to economically viable alternative crops. Singh called upon all partners to support governments in tobacco-growing countries to develop and implement suitable policies and strategies for farmers to shift to growing food crops, leading to improved livelihoods, national economies, and food security.

The Lancet review, which marks the first systematic assessment of the global impact of tobacco control policies on smokeless tobacco use, involved a meticulous examination of 11 electronic databases and literature from January 1, 2005, to September 20, 2021. The findings revealed that 57 countries have implemented policies specifically targeting smokeless tobacco, with 17 of them going beyond the scope of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The review highlights that policy initiatives based on the WHO FCTC have led to reductions in smokeless tobacco prevalence. For instance, taxation measures have resulted in reductions ranging from 4.4% to 30.3%, while multifaceted policies have yielded reductions ranging from 22.2% to 70.9%. The implementation of Article 11 (Pictorial health warnings) and Article 13 (Tobacco advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship ban) of the WHO FCTC has been widespread and impactful.

Experts have emphasized the need to scale up tobacco-related research in light of these findings. Ravi Mehrotra, co-author and member of the ICMR’s India Cancer Research Consortium, stressed the significance of increasing taxation and improving the implementation of existing laws. He stated, “Given that 300 million people use it worldwide, emphasis on increasing taxation and better implementation of the existing laws is of paramount importance. While policies on smokeless tobacco prevention and control exist in various countries, there is a lack of comprehensive research and assessment of their impacts, with limited publication in prominent tobacco reports or scientific literature.”

The review also emphasizes the importance of continuously updating guidelines and frameworks to incorporate new evidence on effective smokeless tobacco control measures. This reflects the need to stay abreast of emerging research and adapt strategies accordingly to enhance smokeless tobacco control efforts.

Instead of relying on sugar substitutes, individuals should reduce their consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and opt for raw or lightly processed fruit as a source of sweetness. The new guidelines aim to assist government health organizations in implementing policy changes based on the latest scientific analysis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation includes both low or no-calorie synthetic sweeteners and natural extracts, such as acesulfame K, aspartame, advantame, cyclamates, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia and stevia derivatives, and monk fruit. According to Francesco Branca, stevia and monk fruit are newer sweeteners with less published research, but they likely share a similar physiological mechanism with other sweeteners. He states, “We cannot say they are different from the others based on the data we have — they play the same role.”

Branca emphasizes the importance of reducing dependence on free sugars and non-nutritive sweeteners, particularly in early childhood. Registered dietitian Lisa Drayer suggests training your taste buds by gradually cutting back on sugar, including artificial sweeteners, and incorporating more protein and fiber-rich foods into your diet. Additionally, she advises Sportschoosing no-sugar-added foods, avoiding sugar-sweetened drinks, enjoying fruit for dessert, and being aware of hidden sugars in various food products.

By checking nutrition facts labels and recognizing alternative names for added sugars, individuals can make healthier choices and reduce their sugar intake. This approach can help tame one’s sweet tooth and lessen dependence on sugar and sweeteners.

After more than three long years, the Covid-19 pandemic is finally coming to an end. On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Covid-19 no longer poses a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, while the United States is set to end its own public health emergency declaration on Thursday. However, this news doesn’t mean that the world is entirely out of the woods. “Although it is a very good sign, it doesn’t mean America or the world is entirely out of the woods,” states a recent news article.

Throughout the pandemic, the United States has been described as a patient by numerous health experts. The end of the public health emergency can be considered as the patient’s discharge from the hospital after a lengthy illness. This discharge follows numerous setbacks and improvements, from stints in the ICU to triumphs of modern medicine and human ingenuity.

However, it’s imperative that all countries keep a close eye on the situation as Covid-19 is still a global threat. Last week, the WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee decided that the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) should end as a result of decreasing Covid-19-related hospitalizations and deaths, as well as high levels of immunity in the population. The committee advised that it’s time to transition to long-term management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the process of transitioning from emergency to long-term, the level of concern is lower,” said Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Covid-19 technical lead and head of its program on emerging diseases. “While we’re not in crisis mode, we can’t let our guard down. The disease and the coronavirus that causes it are here to stay.”

The WHO also wants to ensure that the pandemic is under control and that everyone follows health regulations, including testing, monitoring, and follow-up appointments, to prevent the possibility of a readmission.

“Covid-19 is still a global threat because the virus can continue to evolve and spread,” said Van Kerkhove. “We need to carefully watch for new variant strains, especially in unvaccinated populations. We also need to ensure that vaccines are accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.”

The United States has designated May 11 as the date to end its public health emergency, which was declared in response to the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The declaration, which has been renewed 13 times, has given the US government wide-ranging flexibility in the fight against COVID-19. It has allowed for the implementation of certain policies and actions, such as a wider social safety net and free access for Americans to COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments. However, as the pandemic situation improves, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will lose access to some data used to measure the severity of the pandemic and guide its public health recommendations.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, CDC Director, said that at the end of the public health emergency, the CDC will have less access to data. “We will lose our percent positivity. We won’t get laboratory reporting. We won’t get case reporting. So we’ll lose some of that,” she said. Nevertheless, the CDC is “not changing the steam at which we are working through this resolving this public health emergency.” The agency will continue to closely monitor the virus around the country, using novel approaches like genomic sequencing and wastewater testing.

The expiration of the public health emergency declaration means an end to some programs and actions, while others will wind down slowly, and some will remain in place. The US Department of Health and Human Services announced the extension of the public health emergency for the last time, subsequently allowing it to expire. The decision means that the government will no longer have the wide-ranging flexibility it once had in the fight against the pandemic.

Despite the end of the public health emergency, many Americans remain concerned about the pandemic. Experts say people must remain vigilant in adhering to precautions, such as wearing masks and social distancing, to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 infections. The CDC recommends that people continue to get vaccinated and follow its guidelines for preventing the spread of the virus.

The end of the US public health emergency does not mean the end of the pandemic. It marks a significant milestone in the fight against COVID-19, but precautions must still be taken to prevent the spread of the virus. As Dr. Walensky said, “We must remain vigilant. Nobody wants to see the patient readmitted to the hospital.”

As Covid-19 continues to ravage countries across the globe, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the end of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the disease. However, this is not an indication that the pandemic has ended, but rather that it has shifted from an emergency phase to an endemic one. The move is a recognition of the fact that the virus is unlikely to be eradicated, and that it may become a permanent part of the infectious diseases that societies must manage, like the flu.

To understand the decision, it is important to look at the trends in the numbers. The end of January 2020 saw the first PHEIC declaration by the WHO, when no deaths had been reported in the US. Since then, there have been almost 9,900 new hospital admissions related to Covid-19 in the US for the week ending May 1, and around 1,050 deaths per week at the end of April. As a medical professional, the author stresses that while absolute numbers are important, trends are more significant in understanding the course of an illness.

Downward Trend

The decision to end Public Health Emergency (PHE) status in the US may appear premature, given the nearly 9,900 new Covid-related hospital admissions and 1,050 deaths per week. But in medicine, trends tell a richer, more complete story than absolute numbers alone. In this case, while cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are still high, they are moving in the right direction. This trend applies globally and prompted WHO’s decision to end the PHEIC declaration. However, WHO would not hesitate to declare a new global health emergency if necessary.

The philosophical question that arises is how much Covid-related sickness and death societies are willing to tolerate to avoid disruptions to daily life. It’s a question public health and other experts have grappled with for three years. The answer comes down to the number of Covid deaths societies can accept in exchange for restoring normalcy.

If the US maintained its weekly death rate at the end of April for an entire year, Covid would cause around 54,700 deaths annually, comparable to a bad influenza season. However, effective public health strategies, such as wearing high-quality masks and improving indoor ventilation, can only do so much. Social responsibility and collective action are also necessary.

“The pandemic continues to pose a severe threat, but hope is on the horizon,” said Dr. Tedros of WHO. Vaccines have the power to control Covid but require global access to be an effective solution.

“The biggest risk we face now is complacency. People are tired, and understandably so. But we cannot give up. We must continue to do everything we can to save lives,” Tedros added.

Given this state of affairs, it is essential to remember that while the end of PHE calls for cautious optimism, the virus is likely to remain endemic in the long term. Experts recommend prioritizing vaccine access, implementing effective public health strategies, and continuing to monitor trends to prevent future outbreaks.

“We can’t just flip the switch and declare victory over a virus that isn’t done with us yet. This shift in the pandemic may feel sudden, but it’s been a long time coming,” says Dr. Sauers-Ford, a public health expert. “We need to remain vigilant to prevent future spikes in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.”

Doctor’s Orders on Moving Forward

As we come to the close of this pandemic chapter, it is important to remember that there are still many Americans who are concerned about contracting Covid-19, especially those who are older and sicker. According to the CDC, the risk of hospitalization for those 75 and older is 9 to 15 times higher than for those who are 18 to 29. Additionally, people with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or severe obesity, have a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

The pandemic has underscored the importance of good health, and the United States’ collective poor health put us at a disadvantage. While we had resources to fight the pandemic, we must focus on improving our overall health. “No amount of wealth can buy good health,” as Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon and CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, writes.

As people begin to venture out of the hospital and back into the world, it is essential to remember a few precautions. If you are sick, stay at home. Talk to your doctor about keeping a course of oral antivirals, such as Paxlovid, in your medicine cabinet if you are at higher risk of hospitalization or death. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, “If you are vaccinated and boosted and have available therapy, you are not going to die [of Covid], no matter how old you are.” This should be reassuring for people, especially those in their 80s or older.

Furthermore, it is crucial to take care of your health to feel better, happier, and stronger now and in the future. Invest in yourself by adopting healthy habits such as eating well, exercising, and engaging in activities that promote mental and physical well-being.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have found ways to adapt, learn, and grow. We can use this experience as a launching point for personal growth and make conscious decisions that support our well-being and that of others.

Dr. Gupta writes, “I wish my patient well. I wish us all well.” Let us move forward with a renewed commitment to our health and well-being.

A year into the pandemic, the impact on physicians varied based on specialties, personal experiences and geography. But physicians now face staffing shortages, anti-science aggression, incivility and new dimensions of moral distress. These factors have contributed to a sharp increase in the burnout rate to 63% this year, compared to previous years. Professional fulfilment, on the other hand, refers to the sense of satisfaction and enjoyment that emanates from work.

Between Dec. 9, 2021, and Jan. 24, 2022, nearly 2,500 U.S. physicians responded to a survey conducted by researchers from the AMA, the Mayo Clinic, Stanford University School of Medicine and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Their findings were alarming, with professional fulfilment scores dropping from 40% in 2020 to a mere 22.4% in 2021.

The study says that “At the organization level, a number of randomized and controlled trials as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported that organizational interventions both work and are critical to creating an organizational culture and practice environment that cultivates professional fulfilment”.

In light of the reported decline in professional fulfillment and increased burnout among physicians, here are six ways to make a difference and improve joy and meaning in work:

Build Resilient Health Systems

Resilient health systems support and protect the individuals within. To address the systemic drivers of physician burnout and support the full spectrum of professional fulfillment and well-being, it is important to use feedback from physicians to drive meaningful changes, have critical conversations and track progress.

Measure the State of Staff Well-being

Ochsner performs an “Organizational Biopsy™,” which includes a burnout assessment and an expanded set of questions across key domains of organizational culture, practice efficiency and individual self-care. This allows leaders to identify drivers of professional fulfillment and assess issues such as intent to reduce work hours or leave the organization at granular department and service-line levels, while also benchmarking against other health systems.

Ease In-Basket Burden to Restore Joy in Medicine

The pandemic led to a 57% increase in patient medical advice requests via inbox messages, and the increased work demands have become the new normal for physicians. This added workload has cut into physicians’ time, and each message adds an extra 2.32 minutes of EHR active-use time while also contributing to physician burnout. Some organizations have found ways to ease this in-basket burden to restore joy in medicine. For instance, Atrius Health was able to cut the inbox volume by 25% for primary care physicians who previously received about 100 messages daily.

Gain Insight into an Organization

A chief wellness officer (CWO) can help an organization systematically improve and maintain the well-being of physicians and other health professionals. However, before implementing changes, it is important for the CWO to study and understand the organization.

Improve Organizational Culture

To reduce burnout, interventions like advanced models of team-based care with in-room support can improve practice efficiency. At the same time, interventions to improve organizational culture, including connections with colleagues and improved local leadership, can improve professional fulfillment and reduce burnout.

Focus on Joy and Meaning in Medicine

Achieving joy and meaning in medicine is essential, especially in today’s context. Organizations aiming to help physicians and other health professionals attain joy and meaning in medicine need to focus on improving operational efficiency and care experience.

Reducing physician burnout remains a critical component of the AMA Recovery Plan for America’s Physicians. The AMA develops resources that prioritize well-being and highlight workflow changes so physicians can focus on what matters: patient care. “It’s critical that we address this issue now so that we can rebuild the health care workforce and maintain access to care for millions of Americans,” said Susan R. Bailey, MD, president of the AMA.

Loneliness and social isolation have become prevalent issues that are affecting the mental and physical health of Americans, according to a warning from the surgeon general issued on Tuesday. The advisory is the first of its kind to address the problem of loneliness. It points out a 2021 poll that found more than half of Americans are lonely, with young adults twice as likely to feel isolated as those over 65.

Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, who has written a book on the subject “Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World,” is calling for the country to strengthen its social fabric by prioritizing meaningful relationships. Dr. Murthy advises that everyone can benefit from rebuilding and cultivating connections with others, regardless of whether they consider themselves lonely or not. In light of this, he has offered some practical advice on addressing loneliness.

Dr. Murthy emphasizes the importance of acknowledging loneliness as a normal and prevalent experience. In seeking solutions, he encourages people to build up their support networks by prioritizing relationships and setting aside time for socializing. He advises setting realistic expectations when making connections, accepting that building strong relationships takes time and effort.

Dr. Murthy also recommends that people take steps to develop deeper connections through activities that involve shared interests and values. Social media can be helpful in fostering existing relationships, but Dr. Murthy recommends focusing on in-person interactions whenever possible. In conclusion, he emphasizes that loneliness affects everyone differently, and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of social isolation. However, by taking steps to strengthen our social bonds, we can all benefit from the healing power of human connection.

Nurture Relationships

Maintaining healthy relationships is a vital part of our lives. Whether it is familial or platonic, relationships require nurturing. Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, recommends taking 15 minutes each day to connect with a friend or family member. Dr. Murthy suggests putting a reminder in your calendar as a helpful tool to make this a priority.

“Those brief in-person interactions can make us feel good for a long time because we are hard-wired to connect,” says Dr. Murthy.

Dr. Murthy advises people to “be real” when conversing with others. You do not have to pretend to be someone you are not, just be the real you. At first, this might be scary, but remember that people are wired to connect. Sharing honestly and inviting others to reciprocate can be “incredibly powerful,” according to Dr. Murthy. Remember, your relationships need nurturing to thrive, so take time to connect with your loved ones.

Put Down Your Devices and Focus on In-Person Communication

Cell phones have the ability to distract us from personal interactions and reduce the quality of our relationships. It is important to give people our full attention, and to listen attentively to what they have to say. According to a recent report, despite the rise of social media, Americans report having fewer friends than they had in the past. This decrease in social connection has been attributed to disconnected communication caused by technology.

In-person communication enables the exchange of more than just words, but also allows for the exchange of nonverbal cues and a deeper experience of connection. It is important to remember to put down cell phones, reduce use of social media, and provide full attention while communicating in person to create more meaningful relationships.

“Over thousands of years we evolved to not only understand the content of what someone was saying but also to respond to the tone of their voice, to read their body language, and to experience their presence,” said Dr. Murthy, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face communication.

Don’t Ignore Calls, Pick Up and Talk

Imagine receiving a call from your college best friend whom you haven’t talked to for a while. However, instead of picking up, you decline the call, intending to call back later when you have enough time to talk.

Next time, Dr. Murthy said, pick up the phone and talk. If you’re in the middle of something, say, “Hey, it’s really good to hear your voice,” and then find another time to talk.

“That 10 seconds feels so much better than going back and forth on text,” he said.

Volunteering for Others Can Help Combat Loneliness

According to research, volunteering can alleviate loneliness and expand our social connections. You could contribute your time to a local organization or offer assistance to your family, colleagues, or acquaintances.

“When we help other people we establish an experience or a connection with them — but we also remind ourselves of the value that we bring to the world,” Dr. Murthy said. “And that’s essential because when people struggle with loneliness over time, it does erode their self-esteem and their sense of self. It can make them believe over time that they’re lonely because they’re not likable or they’re not lovable. And when we serve others, we come to see that that’s not the case.”

Seek Assistance

If you are experiencing loneliness, do not hesitate to confide in a family member, friend, therapist, or healthcare provider. Additionally, if persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness are disrupting your daily routines and hindering your participation in activities you enjoy, seeking professional help is crucial. Having thoughts of harming yourself is a serious issue that requires immediate attention, so use the 988 crisis hotline for assistance.

“Continuing the excellent efforts to help their motherland by the members of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), building on the successful program, ADOPT-A-VILLAGE with the goal of adopting 75 Villages in India, commemorating India’s 75th Independence Day, AAPI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Doctors of Rajasthan International (DORI) to carry out screenings in five villages initially in the state of Rajasthan, and hoping to have several additional villages,” Dr.  Ravi Kolli, President of  AAPI announced here today.

Present during the MOU signing ceremony were prominent DORI members from across the globe, including Drs. Jaivir Rathore, Brahma Sharma, Ranvir Singh Rathore, AAPI EC including Drs. Ravi Kolli, Anupama Gotimukula, Satheesh Kathula, and President and CEO of GTC, Dr. Radha Ramana Murthy Gokula.

While India has made substantial progress in health care as evidenced by the fact that life expectancy in India at birth now is 71 years as opposed to 58 years in 1990 and 41 years in 1960, there are significant gaps and divergences in health metrics in different regions in India.

India needs to redouble and continue its efforts and dedicate resources to tackle these perennial challenges. The post-graduate training of physicians specializing in Family Medicine in every teaching institution will create motivated and well-trained family physicians to address these deficits and deliver accessible, affordable, economical, and continuous preventive and primary care to rural as well as urban poor populations to raise health outcomes across India.

Realizing the need to bridge this gap, AAPI has launched this much-needed and popular ADOPT-A-Village Program, chaired by, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, the current Vice President of AAPI. while Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Dr. Jagan Ailinani and Dr. Murthy Gokula serve as members of the Committee.

AAPI has embarked on free screening for NCDs in 75 villages to commemorate 75 years of India’s independence. The screening tests include CBC, HbA1C, lipid profile, creatinine, pulse oximetry, measurement of blood pressure, height, and weight.

To date, through the efforts of AAPI and its local organizers in these states, over 8,0000 patients in several states across India including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Telangana have been screened. Now with an MOU Rajasthan, people in this state will have an opportunity to screen a few thousand more in rural India.

AAPI initiated the Digital Integrated Prevention And Management Program (DIPAM), a Rural Health Initiative in India in a virtual launch event on Gandhi Jayanthi on October 2nd, 2022. The data collected from the screenings has been very interesting which will help the Health Officials in India establish a preventive health task force in India. AAPI in partnership with Global Teleclinics (GTC) is currently working on a Digital Integrated Prevention and Management (DIPAM) program with the vision of raising awareness of disease management and reversal of NCDs to improve healthcare outcomes by connecting rural India with medical providers and other partners.

Dr. Anupama Gotimukula, Immediate Past President of AAPI referred to the goals of Adopt-A-Village. “As India celebrates her 75th anniversary of Independence Day, AAPI has been working on adopting 75 villages across India in several states, where the rural people of India are being offered ‘Free Health Screenings in 75 Villages, for Anemia (CBC), DM (HbA1C), High Cholesterol, CKD, Malnutrition, Obesity, and Hypoxemia.  Results are being analyzed by GTC, and further treatment plans are recommended by their team of experts with follow-ups. This is a small contribution by AAPI to Mother India in celebration of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav.”

Dr. Satheesh Kathula, Chairman of AAPI’s Adopt a Village Program pointed out the need for this noble initiative. He said, “India has nearly 700,000 villages, where 77 percent of the poor live. The majority of the population has no access to basics such as safe drinking water and healthcare. “By adopting one village at a time and working with the government and NGOs, NRIs can make a huge difference,” he said.

Dr. Kathula referred to the rural initiative as “A much-needed project to prevent silent killers such as Hypertension, diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia, and chronic kidney disease. Adopt A Village program also helped rural India with the supply of cloth masks, and clean drinking water and has helped thousands of people across India. We are excited about providing continuous healthcare in India with DIPAM.”

Dr. Brahma Sharma said, “By adopting one village at a time and working with the government and NGOs, NRIs can make a huge difference in the lives of millions of people in India. Each project will involve a tripartite partnership between the NRI, state government, and a local NGO.”

Dr. Murthy Gokula, President of Global Teleclinics said, “Adopt-A-Village is a great opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of telehealth through awareness, education, and sustainable development in all villages.”

The project is aimed at bringing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) screening and prevention to rural people at their doorsteps of India and raising awareness of disease management and reversal of Non-Communicable Diseases to improve health outcomes and connect rural India with medical providers and partners.

Initially launched with the goal to adopt and screen 75 villages for: Hypertension, Diabetes, Anemia, Chronic Kidney disease, and Hyperlipidemia, the phase 2 project aims at providing: in person complete physical exam for positive NCD patients every 3 months; Giving 3-month medications for the identified illnesses; Daily teleclinic through the app-based solution; Communication with the villagers through WhatsApp or telephone; Access to a local health care worker hired by global teleclinics for daily interaction and emergencies; and, Utilize local medical resources: RMPs, PHC personnel for immediate care,

While there is no instant solution for rural India’s myriad problems, by adopting one village at a time, and working with the government and NGOs, NRIs can make a difference, and over time, an improved village could lead to an improved region, state, and country.

Dr. Kolli thanked the AAPI members for their generous support of this noble work of AAPI and for sponsoring their ancestral villages. Dr. Kolli urged “AAPI members to consider joining this movement and adopt a village. Maybe your own village of origin. AAPI will work with you in coordinating the efforts and through the support system we have in several states, will help you achieve this goal of giving back to our motherland.” AAPI members/families can sponsor a Village by emailing: [email protected] and [email protected].  For more details, please visit www. aapiusa.org

Walking after a meal has long been considered a beneficial habit for clear thinking and improved digestion. However, it has been discovered that even small amounts of walking, for as little as two to five minutes, can activate benefits, particularly reducing blood sugar levels. A recent meta-analysis published in the journal Sports Medicine looked at seven studies that examined the effects of walking versus sitting or standing on heart health. The studies showed that light walking after a meal can improve blood sugar levels, which is particularly helpful in warding off Type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Kershaw Patel, a preventive cardiologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, who was not involved in the study, says that “each small thing” you do will have benefits.

For example, light walking almost instantly impacts blood sugar levels, especially when done within 60-90 minutes after eating a meal. This can make a significant difference in minimizing blood sugar spikes. Walking during this time can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes because sharp spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels are thought to contribute to developing the condition.

Very light walking reduces blood sugar levels

The seven studies that examined walking versus sitting or standing showed that light walking improves blood sugar levels compared to sitting at a desk or lounging on the couch. When participants walked even for short amounts of time, their blood sugar levels rose and fell more gradually. For people with diabetes, sharp fluctuations in blood sugar levels can be particularly problematic, making it more important for them to stabilize their levels. Those with pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes can benefit from walking, as spikes and troughs in blood sugar levels can contribute to a higher risk of developing the disease.

Walking within 60 to 90 minutes after eating delivers the best results.

Standing also helps lower blood sugar levels, but it does not have the same degree of impact as light walking. Standing has some benefits, but the researchers found “light-intensity walking was a superior intervention.” Light walking challenges muscles and uses fuel from food circulating in the bloodstream, reducing excess glucose in the muscles. Jessie Inchauspé, author of the book Glucose Revolution: The Life-Changing Power of Balancing Your Blood Sugar, says that “your muscles will soak up some of that excess glucose,” indicating that light walking helps reduce the impact of a meal on the body.

Mini-walks are more practical during the workday

Aidan Buffey, a graduate student at the University of Limerick in Ireland and author of the research paper, recommends a mini-walk of two to three minutes during a workday. It is more practical to perform during the workday, and people are more likely to engage in this activity than to go for a run. Buffey suggests getting up to make coffee, walk down the hallway or take a stroll after lunch. These activities can lead to measurable changes, as shown in the studies, and will enhance other dietary changes that people may be making to improve their blood sugar levels.

Dr. Euan Ashley, a cardiologist at Stanford University, who was not associated with the study, says “moving even a little bit is worthwhile.” He provides a continuum concept of incremental benefits that show each step or walk seems to have a benefit. Dr. Patel agrees with this concept and indicates that the benefits of physical activity exist on a continuum. He notes that “it’s a gradual effect of more activity, better health.”

Taking a small walk after a meal can benefit those who want to stabilize blood sugar levels, which is especially important for people with diabetes and for those who want to avoid developing it. Walking for just two to five minutes after a meal can make a difference in comparison to sitting at a desk or lounging on the couch. For the most significant impact on stabilizing blood sugar levels, taking a short walk within 60 to 90 minutes of eating is the most effective. A mini-walk of two to three minutes during a workday is more practical and feasible for most people, which makes it an excellent option to improve overall health.

Newswise — People who live in countries with more stringent alcohol policies drank less than people in countries with less strict policies, according to a large multi-country analysis published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research. The more stringent policies were associated with reduced drinking overall and showed more significant associations in drinkers aged 18 to 24 and those with 13 or fewer years of education. The findings suggest that countries could reduce adverse health consequences by adopting cost-effective alcohol policies.

The researchers investigated whether the International Alcohol Control (IAC) Policy Index is associated with drinking patterns in the overall population and specific demographic groups in a diverse set of countries. The IAC Policy Index measures the implementation and enforcement of policies shown by previous studies to be cost-effective in reducing alcohol use, namely policies restricting alcohol availability, marketing, pricing, and drinking and driving. In this study, researchers examined the strength of these policies in ten diverse countries to determine each country’s International Alcohol Control Policy (IAC) score. The higher the IAC score, the stronger the country’s alcohol policies are. Drinkers in each country were surveyed about drinking behaviors, including frequency, quantity, and locations of alcohol consumption.

The study found that the IAC score was significantly associated with the volume and frequency of drinking in the ten countries, with greater interaction in certain demographic groups. Overall, with each additional increase in the IAC score, the average volume of alcohol consumed in the prior six months decreased by 17 percent, and the frequency of drinking decreased by 14 percent. By age group, young adults aged 18 to 24 showed the largest decrease in alcohol consumed on a typical occasion. In countries with less restrictive alcohol policies, this age group shows the highest quantity of alcohol consumption.

There was also an association between stronger policies and drinking quantity by education level. In countries with weaker alcohol control policies, those with less education drank more on each occasion than those with more than 13 years of schooling. As alcohol policies strengthened, the number of adults with less education who drank per occasion decreased to levels similar to those of more educated respondents.

By gender, men’s and women’s consumption decreased as the IAC score increased, but men’s consumption decreased more slowly than women’s.

More than 17,000 people across ten countries participated in the study. The countries participating in the study included five high-income and five middle-income countries, namely New Zealand, England, Australia, Scotland, South Africa, St. Kitts and Nevis, Mongolia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Turkey, with IAC scores ranging from 5 for New Zealand to 13.9 for Turkey. The study focused on the most effective policies and did not measure the possible influence of other policies or cultural traditions on respondents’ behaviors.

India’s population growth rate on a steady decline since ’90s

According to the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), India’s population in 2021 stood at 1,393.4 million with an average annual rate of change of population of 1%

(Chicago, IL: April 16, 2023) “Congratulations and best wishes to the new team of AAPI leadership, who have been elected to lead AAPI in the coming years,” Dr. Ravi Kolli, President of AAPI, and Chief Election Officer Dr. Kusum Punjabi and Past BOT Chair of AAPI, jointly announced here today. “We thank the election officers Dr. Ashok Jain, Dr. Sunita Kanumury, Dr. Sharad Lakhanpal, and  Dr. Shashi Shah, and all the members of AAPI for participating in the democratic election process and exercising their role as the electoral college members.”

While thanking the tens of thousands of Indian American physicians, who are active members of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), and the record number of large number voters who participated in the election process, Dr. Kolli said, “We have successfully concluded our elections for the year 2023-24 for AAPI leadership positions. We want to thank AAPI members who enthusiastically participated in the AAPI’s electronic voting process and have elected a new, diverse, balanced, and experienced team to lead AAPI, the largest ethnic medical organization in the United States in the coming year and beyond.”

Dr. Kusum Punjabi, Chief Election Officer – 2023, who along with the election committee conducted the elections and counting process in the virtual presence of all the candidates and their representatives communicated the results of the election to the AAPI president to be released to all the members of AAPI and noted that  Dr. Amit Chakrabarty has been elected as the Vice President of AAPI, Dr. Sumul Raval was elected as the Secretary, and  Dr. Sreeni Gangasani was elected Treasurer of AAPI for the year 2023-24.

Dr. Syamala Erramilli, Dr. Hetal Gor, and Dr. Narendra Maheshwari have been elected to the AAPI’s Board of Trustees for a three-year term. Dr. Vijay Gunuganti has been elected as the South West Central Regional Director of AAPI, and Dr. Anuradha Mann will be the new Regional Director of AAPI’s South East Central Region.

“As the incoming President of AAPI, I would like to congratulate my incoming new team for the fiscal year 2023-24,” said Dr. Anjana Samadder, who will assume charge as the President of AAPI during the 41st annual convention in Philadelphia, PA in July this year. “I’m very honored and consider myself fortunate to be bestowed with the responsibility of leading the four-decades-old strong organization with the cooperation and collaboration of an excellent team of dedicated, hardworking, and loyal officers and executive committee members who are with me to take AAPI to newer heights,” she added.

Dr. Sammader did not have to contest the election this year, as she has been serving as the President-Elect during the past year. Dr. Satheesh Kathula, who has been serving as the Vice President in the current year also did not have to face elections, as he automatically becomes the President-Elect of AAPI for the coming year.

Dr. Anjana Samadder, the only 5th woman president of AAPI in its 41 years long history, will have a dynamic and diverse team comprising of Dr. Satheesh Kathula as the President-Elect, Dr. Amit Chakrabarty as the Vice President; Dr. Sumul Raval as the Secretary; Dr. Sreeni Ganagasani as the Treasurer; and Dr. Lokesh Edara – as the Chair, Board of Trustees; Dr. Ravi Kolli will continue to guide AAPI as the Immediate Past President of AAPI.

Dr. Lokesh Edara will serve as the Chair of the AAPI Board of Trustees for the year, 2023-24. “As the BOT Chair, I am looking forward to working towards strengthening the goals and mission of AAPI and to help make AAPI a healthcare leader in the US and globally and work in the best interests of our Physicians and our community here in the US and serve our motherland, India,” said Dr. Edara. “We will work together to promote our values of professionalism, collegiality, and excellence in patient care and enhance AAPI’s reputation as a premier professional organization offering educational programs and advocacy.”

While congratulating the newly elected leaders to the Executive Committee, Dr. Kathula, the President-Elect in 2023-24 said here in a statement: “I want to congratulate all the winners of the election. I want to especially thank all the candidates for their passion and dedication to serving AAPI and regardless of the outcome, we need you as a valuable team member of our beloved AAPI.”

Dr. Amit Chakrabarty, who won the election to be the next Vice President of AAPI, said, “I am humbled and honored to be bestowed with this responsibility. Thank you all for your support and for making my 25 years quest come true.  I thank all for believing in me.  I will work to the fullest of my abilities to reach our goals, address the challenges, and advance the issues important to our members. I look forward to working with you and making AAPI a powerful force. I am a live example that dreams do come true with dogged perseverance, dedication, and loyalty to AAPI.”

Dr. Sumula Raval, Secretary-Elect of AAPI said, “It is with great joy and gratitude that I stand before you today as the newly elected Secretary of AAPI for the year 2023-2024. I am humbled by the overwhelming support and trust you have placed in me, and I am deeply honored to serve this esteemed organization in such a significant role. I am committed to building upon past achievements and leading AAPI with integrity, transparency, and innovation. I will focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in healthcare, advocating for the needs of our members, and fostering collaboration. Let us continue to work hand in hand to make a positive impact on healthcare and uphold the values of AAPI.”

Dr. Sreeni Gangasani, the newly elected Treasurer of AAPI said, “I am thrilled and deeply humbled to have been elected as AAPI Treasurer for 2023-24. It is an honor to have your trust and confidence in me to help manage the finances of this fantastic organization. I promise to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and integrity in managing our finances. I will work to ensure that our resources are used effectively to further our mission of promoting excellence in patient care, research, and education. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our organization.”

Dr. V. Ranga, the outgoing BOT Chair thanked the Election Committee for their meticulous planning and organizing the elections with integrity and fairness. He said, “I congratulate the winners and the new leadership who are entrusted with the responsibility of leading AAPI in the year 2023-24 and beyond. I wish them the very best and my wholehearted support.”

While conceding the election to Dr. Amit Chakrabarty to be the next Vice President of AAPI, Dr. Krishan Kumar said, “Thank you so much for supporting me all these years.  I am glad to see the healthy spirit of all candidates (winners or not) for the association.” In his message, Dr. Raj Bhayani, while conceding the election said, “I am thankful to my supporters who gave me their precious vote honoring my many years of service for AAPI.”

Dr. Sujeeth Punnam in his message to the elected leaders, said, “Congrats to all the winners. We sacrifice time from family, practice, and resources to work in this great organization. The only reward is the ultimate feeling that we are contributing to the greater good of Indian physicians in the US and humankind in general. I wish Dr. Sumul Raval the best of luck as he moves forward with his new responsibility.” Dr. Mukesh Nigam in his congratulatory note to Dr. Gangasani and all the winners, said, “I will continue to serve this great association, AAPI. AAPI is a big family full of talented people.  I cherish every moment of being part of it.”

The growing influence of physicians of Indian heritage is evident, as increasingly physicians of Indian origin hold critical positions in healthcare, academic, research, and administrative positions across the nation. We the physicians of Indian origin are proud of our great achievements and contributions to our motherland, India, our adopted land, the US, and in a very significant way to the transformation of Indo-US relations.

Serving 1 in every 7 patients in the US, AAPI members care for millions of patients every day, while several of them have risen to hold high-flying jobs, shaping the policies and programs, and inventions that shape the landscape of healthcare in the US and around the world.

“Since its inception in 1982, AAPI has been at the forefront, representing a conglomeration of more than 125,000 practicing physicians in the United States, seeking to be the united voice for the physicians of Indian origin. I trust and believe that the new Team under Dr. Anjana Samadder will continue the noble mission and strengthen our efforts to make AAPI reach greater heights,” said Dr. Ravi Kolli.  For more details about AAPI, please visit: www.appiusa,org

Amusement and pleasant surprises — and the laughter they can trigger — add texture to the fabric of daily life.  Those giggles and guffaws can seem like just silly throwaways. But laughter, in response to funny events, actually takes a lot of work, because it activates many areas of the brain: ones that control motor, emotional, cognitive and social processing.

As I found when writing “An Introduction to the Psychology of Humor,” researchers now appreciate laughter’s power to enhance physical and mental well-being.

Laughter’s physical power

People begin laughing in infancy, when it helps develop muscles and upper body strength. Laughter is not just breathing. It relies on complex combinations of facial muscles, often involving movement of the eyes, head and shoulders.

Laughter — doing it or observing it — activates multiple regions of the brain: the motor cortex, which controls muscles; the frontal lobe, which helps you understand context; and the limbic system, which modulates positive emotions. Turning all these circuits on strengthens neural connections and helps a healthy brain coordinate its activity.

Laughing with others helps to create social bonds and can increase intimacy.

By activating the neural pathways of emotions such as joy and mirth, laughter can improve your mood and make your physical and emotional response to stress less intense. For example, laughing may help control brain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, similar to what antidepressants do. By minimizing your brain’s responses to threats, it limits the release of neurotransmitters and hormones such as cortisol that can wear down your cardiovascular, metabolic and immune systems over time. Laughter’s kind of like an antidote to stress, which weakens these systems and increases vulnerability to diseases.

Laughter’s cognitive power

A good sense of humor and the laughter that follows depend on an ample measure of social intelligence and working memory resources.

Laughter, like humor, typically sparks from recognizing the incongruities or absurdities of a situation. You need to mentally resolve the surprising behavior or event — otherwise you won’t laugh; you might just be confused instead. Inferring the intentions of others and taking their perspective can enhance the intensity of the laughter and amusement you feel.

To “get” a joke or humorous situation, you need to be able to see the lighter side of things. You must believe that other possibilities besides the literal exist — think about being amused by comic strips with talking animals, such as those found in “The Far Side.”

Laughter’s social power

Many cognitive and social skills work together to help you monitor when and why laughter occurs during conversations. You don’t even need to hear a laugh to be able to laugh. Deaf signers punctuate their signed sentences with laughter, much like emoticons in written text.

Laughter creates bonds and increases intimacy with others. Linguist Don Nilsen points out that chuckles and belly laughs seldom happen when alone, supporting their strong social role. Beginning early in life, infants’ laughter is an external sign of pleasure that helps strengthen bonds with caregivers.

Later, it’s an external sign of sharing an appreciation of the situation. For example, public speakers and comedians try to get a laugh to make audiences feel psychologically closer to them, to create intimacy.

By practicing a little laughter each day, you can enhance social skills that may not come naturally to you. When you laugh in response to humor, you share your feelings with others and learn from risks that your response will be accepted/shared/enjoyed by others and not be rejected/ignored/disliked.

In studies, psychologists have found that men with Type A personality characteristics, including competitiveness and time urgency, tend to laugh more, while women with those traits laugh less. Both sexes laugh more with others than when alone.

Laughter’s mental power

Positive psychology researchers study how people can live meaningful lives and thrive. Laughter produces positive emotions that lead to this kind of flourishing. These feelings — such as amusement, happiness, mirth and joy — build resiliency and increase creative thinking. They increase subjective well-being and life satisfaction. Researchers find that these positive emotions experienced with humor and laughter correlate with appreciating the meaning of life and help older adults hold a benign view of difficulties they’ve faced over a lifetime.

Laughter in response to amusement is a healthy coping mechanism. When you laugh, you take yourself or the situation less seriously and may feel empowered to problem-solve. For example, psychologists measured the frequency and intensity of 41 people’s laughter over two weeks, along with their ratings of physical and mental stress. They found that the more laughter experienced, the lower the reported stress. Whether the instances of laughter were strong, medium or weak in intensity didn’t matter.

Maybe you want to grab some of these benefits for yourself — can you force laughter to work for you?

A growing number of therapists advocate using humor and laughter to help clients build trust and improve work environments; a review of five different studies found that measures of well-being did increase after laughter interventions. Sometimes called homeplay instead of homework, these interventions take the form of daily humor activities — surrounding yourself with funny people, watching a comedy that makes you laugh or writing down three funny things that happened today.

You can practice laughing even when alone. Intentionally take a perspective that appreciates the funny side of events. Laughing yoga is a technique of using breathing muscles to achieve the positive physical responses of natural laughing with forced laughter (ha ha hee hee ho ho).

Researchers today certainly aren’t laughing off its value, but a good deal of the research on laughter’s influence on mental and physical health is based on self-report measures. More psychological experimentation around laughter or the contexts in which it occurs will likely support the importance of laughing throughout your day, and maybe even suggest more ways to intentionally harness its benefits.  (Courtesy: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/01/health/laughter-mind-body-wellness-partner/index.html)

Depression is defined by the American Psychological Association as intense melancholy or despair that lasts longer than days. It disrupts daily activities and may result in physical symptoms including discomfort, weight gain or loss, irregular sleeping patterns, or a lack of vitality.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 264 million people are affected by depression, making it the biggest cause of disorder globally. Psychologists polled for the 2020 APA study claim that more people have come out to ask for professional advice and assistance over the course of the pandemic. Even while being acknowledged by many, this disorder is still stigmatized highly and is often misunderstood for being lazy or inactive in certain activities.

The myths associated with depression are also something to look out for. “It’s unimportant,” “simply snap out of it,” sadness just affects women, “talking or thinking about the same would only make the problem worse,” and “all emotions related with sad circumstances are part of being depressed.” Just as we see there are lot of misconceptions and misleading facts about the same. People need to do a lot of study and understand the topic of concern before labeling something on themselves and each other.

Regardless of age, gender, or social situation, anyone can develop depression. Several aspects, including as heredity, trauma, persistent stress, and drug usage, might also be involved. The symptoms associated with it could be mixed feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthiness, and the difficulty to perform everyday activities, lose of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite and sleep pattern, and thoughts in suicide.

The first step towards any healing is to ask for help, and then proceeding towards taking on the treatments, like therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes from exercises, healthy eating habits to stress reduction techniques. It is also advised to seek professional help.

While overindulgence could dig you an early grave, a daily alcoholic drink may neither be harmful nor offer any health benefits, according to a new study of 4.8 million people.

The benefits and drawbacks of alcohol have been much debated. While some studies claim that even a small portion can lead to death, others say it has health benefits.

Researchers from the universities of Victoria and Portsmouth in Canada and UK respectively, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 107 studies published between 1980 and 2021.

The findings showed that low and moderate drinkers have similar mortality rates to those who abstain entirely. On the other hand, women who enjoy more than one standard drink per day are at least 20 per cent likely to die prematurely.

“In this updated systematic review and meta-analysis, daily low or moderate alcohol intake was not significantly associated with all-cause mortality risk,” the researchers wrote in the paper, published on the JAMA Open Network.

However, “increased risk was evident at higher consumption levels, starting at lower levels for women than men,” they added.

The study also found no significant protective associations of occasional or low-volume drinking (moderate drinking) with all-cause mortality.

But it showed an increased risk of all-cause mortality for drinkers who drank 25 g or more and a significantly increased risk when drinking 45 g or more per day.

When they looked at previous studies that suggest people who drink a little are less likely to die early or from heart disease than people who don’t drink at all, they found the evidence was skewed by systematic bias.

“For example, light and moderate drinkers are systematically healthier than current abstainers on a range of health indicators unlikely to be associated with alcohol use, (like) dental hygiene, exercise routines, diet, weight (and) income,” they wrote. (IANS)

“The government is spending more in Medicare, we are getting more people with prostate cancer, more deaths with prostate cancer, [and] more metastasis with prostate cancer. While it is so simple: today, PSA is still there,” says Navin Shah, MD, MS, FACS, FICS, FACIP.

A recent study found a decrease in rates of prostate biopsy and an increase in rates of high-grade prostate cancer following a decision by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) to recommend against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for men of all ages.1

The study retrospectively analyzed 1703 patients who underwent a prostate biopsy from 2010 to 2012 and 1006 patients who underwent a biopsy in 2018, 2019, and 2021. The 2 cohorts were stratified as Group A (having received a biopsy prior to USPSTF update on recommendations) and Group B (having received a biopsy after the USPSTF update on recommendations).

The total study cohort consisted of 76% Black patients, 14% White patients, and 11% other. Data showed that after the USPSTF recommending against screening, the annual rate of prostate biopsy went down by 41% between the 2 cohorts, from 567 patients per year in Group A compared with 335 patients per year in Group B. Despite the 41% reduction in prostate biopsies, the total number of positive biopsies doubled.

Further, the investigators found that diagnosis of high-grade prostate cancer (Gleason sum score 7-10) increased from 51.5% in Group A compared with 59% in Group B. This marked an 8% increase in high-grade disease after the recommendation was issued. They also found a 64% decrease in digital rectal examinations and a 39% decrease in PSA screening between the 2 cohorts.

In an interview with Urology Times®, Navin Shah, MD, MS, FACS, FICS, FACIP, lead author of the study, commented on these findings, saying “Screening has gone down by 50%. The digital rectal examination is down by 60%. PSA screening is down by 41%…All [that] does is increase the prostate cancer, increase the metastasis, and increase the death.”

Findings from the study are consistent with recently released data from the American Cancer Society,2 which showed that rates of prostate cancer are on the rise for the first time in 2 decades, with the leading cause of this increase attributed to the diagnosis of advanced cases of disease.

The ACS data also showed that the prostate cancer incidence rate was 70% higher among Black men compared with White men, and the prostate cancer mortality rates for Black men are 2 to 4 times higher than for other racial groups.

“We’re doing a disservice and putting harm to Black people by not screening them. What I would say that 50 years and onwards, screening should be done. Let urologists decide. Now, things are different. Now, there is active surveillance. Now, there is parametric MRI biopsy. Now, we have got [prostate-specific membrane antigen] to see whether disease has spread or not,” said Shah, who is a urologist with MidAtlantic Urology Associates in Greenbelt, Maryland.

Shah also highlighted statistics on total spending for prostate cancer by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), saying, “In 2010, when we were doing screening, [CMS spent] $10.9 billion. Then in 2016, because no screening was done, more people got metastasis, [and] the cost increased to $15.3 billion. In 2020, [CMS spent] $20 billion. So I don’t know who’s benefiting. The government is spending more in Medicare, we are getting more people with prostate cancer, more deaths with prostate cancer, [and] more metastasis with prostate cancer. While it is so simple: today, PSA is still there.”

Based on these findings, Shah and the other study authors support annual PSA screening for all men over 50 years of age, especially for high-risk patients such as Black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer. They also recommend screening for men aged 70 to 80 years, given that they found that 33% of all positive prostate biopsy patients were in that age group. Currently, the USPSTF recommends against screening for men aged 70 and older.

“You must be aggressive right from the beginning to cure the prostate cancer, not wait till it spreads and [becomes] aggressive. There is no point in that,” concluded Shah.

References

1. Shah N, Ioffe V, Chang JC. Increasing aggressive prostate cancer. Can J Urol. 2022;29(6):11384-11390.
2. Siegel RL, Miller KD, Wagle NS, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2023. CA Cancer J Clin. 2023;73(1):17-48. doi:10.3322/caac.21763.

Obesity is not a disease, but a lifestyle disorder that has emerged from the choices we make in terms of what we consume and how much we exercise.

It is a challenge that has been evolving rapidly in recent years and is now ranked among one of the primary causes of preventable deaths across the globe. What’s surprising is that 50 years ago, there was no disease as obesity, presumably because at the time individuals led more active lives, and did not have access to the high-calorie, processed foods that we have at present.

Decoding the primary causes of obesity

One of the primary reasons for this disorder in the current generation is the absence of physical work on a day-to-day basis, individuals have become increasingly lethargic.

Another major cause for a considerable surge in obesity rates is unorganised eating habits. There is not adequate awareness about the nutritive value of the meals we consume, and individuals usually eat without considering the effects on their health.

Today, individuals frequently consume more calories than their body requirements, resulting in weight gain and gradual obesity. However, despite the significant challenges that our current lifestyle and obesity pose to our health, they can be overcome by following these simple strategies in our day-to-day life:

Keep your calorie intake in check

To combat obesity, we must comprehend that our calorie intake should be proportional to our physical activity. This implies that we need to lead more active lives and consume meals that are nutritious and healthy. A healthy lifestyle is built on two pillars- Good nutrition and regular exercise. Disregarding either of these pillars will negatively influence our overall health.

Aim for natural weight loss

It is also essential to note that the emphasis should be on natural weight loss strategies rather than opting for cosmetic surgeries like liposuction. While these surgeries may yield temporary results, they can be detrimental in the long run. Rather, we must focus on weight loss techniques that are sustainable and healthy.

A proficient fitness coach can do wonders!

Another important element of fighting obesity is picking a fitness coach who has the required knowledge and expertise. Here, it gets crucial to understand the difference between a trainer and a teacher. While a host of individuals in the market claim to be fitness coaches, they lack the essential qualifications and experience. Hence it gets pivotal to shortlist a coach who possesses the necessary experience to advise us on the right path.

Make sustainable changes in your lifestyle

One of the most efficacious methods to fight obesity is to enlighten ourselves about the significance of healthy living. We need to be conscious of the nutritional value of the food we consume and comprehend the impact of our choices on our health.

A result-yielding strategy here would be to make short, sustainable changes in our lifestyle. For instance, we can begin by making minor changes in our diet, like lowering the intake of high-calorie, processed foods and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. We can also begin by including more physical activity into our daily routine, such as walking or cycling to workplaces.

By encouraging healthy lifestyles and making healthy choices easier, we can prevent and address obesity, enhance overall health outcomes, and lessen the burden on healthcare frameworks. (IANS)

High blood pressure is typically symptomless, can quietly damage blood vessels and leads to serious health problems. While there is no cure for high blood pressure, it is important for patients to take steps that matter, such as making effective lifestyle changes and taking BP-lowering medications as prescribed by their physicians. In turn, those changes can enhance their quality of life and reduce their risk of heart and kidney disease, stroke and more.

The AMA’s What Doctors Wish Patients Knew™ series gives physicians a platform to share what they want patients to understand about today’s health care headlines, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is a to-do list for patients drawn from this series on what doctors wish patients knew about addressing—and managing—high blood pressure, a condition that nearly half of adults in the United States have. Hypertension was the primary or contributing cause of death for more than 670,000 people in the country in 2020.

Measure your BP at home

Many patients with high blood pressure don’t have their hypertension under control. But when patients measure their BP regularly, and share those measurements with their doctors, they are playing an important role in their care. Here is what patients need to know about taking their own blood pressure measurements outside of the clinical setting, also commonly referred to as self-measured BP.

Make appropriate lifestyle changes

There is a growing need for people to commit to making lifestyle changes to help prevent chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, yet patients are often uncertain of what changes they should make to improve their health and well-being. This article outlines some of the key changes patients should make.

Eat healthful food when you can

What you eat plays a leading role in your health and well-being. When someone eats healthfully, it helps to protect against many chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity. But with so many fad diets and food recommendations out there, it can be hard for patients to navigate what to eat and what not to eat. Two physicians offer realistic, tested advice on healthful eating.

Avoid unhealthy alcohol use

Disrupted routines combined with the uncertainty of the pandemic have led many people to feeling isolated at home while experiencing greater stress. As a result, some people became their own bartenders and progressed into heavier drinking patterns to cope with pandemic anger, stress and anxiety. Learn when drinking is a problem, and what can be done about it.

Use medications to reach BP goals

While “lifestyle change is very beneficial for reducing blood pressure, many patients need medication to reach their BP goal,” according to Neha Sachdev, MD, a family physician who is the director of health systems relationships at the AMA. “Your doctor and you should talk about what medications are being prescribed and how the medications work to lower your BP.”

Watch your sodium consumption

While sodium is an essential nutrient, most people consume too much and are not even aware they are doing so. Excess sodium can increase a person’s risk for developing high BP. That is why it is important to understand where most salt intake is coming from and how to lower it. Learn more about where sodium resides and which choices to make to avoid it.

Be mindful of your cholesterol

High cholesterol and high blood pressure tend to run together. But, while one does not necessarily cause the other, it is common to see both in an individual. Nearly 94 million adults over the age of 20 have what could be considered borderline high cholesterol, yet as with hypertension many patients are unaware of it until they visit their doctor. Sorting through the good, the bad and the ugly about high cholesterol can be confusing. One family physician explains what to keep in mind.

The AMA has developed online tools and resources created using the latest evidence-based information to support physicians and care teams to help manage their patients’ high blood pressure.

These resources are available to all physicians and health systems as part of Target: BP™, a national initiative co-led by the AMA and American Heart Association.

Another great resource from the AMA is the US Blood Pressure Validated Device Listing (VDL™). The website details which of the thousands of BP-measurement devices have been validated for clinical accuracy in the United States.

Newswise — March 17 marks World Sleep Day, an annual call to action from the World Sleep Society to spread awareness of the need to get sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Maya Ramagopal, an associate professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and sleep medicine expert, discusses the importance of sleep in a healthy lifestyle — and where Americans are falling short.

Do Americans get enough sleep?

Ramagopal: The amount of sleep needed varies by a person’s age. Toddlers need 11 to 14 hours daily, which includes naps. School-age children need 9 to 12 hours of sleep, teens need eight to 10 hours and adults need at least seven hours.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, six in 10 middle schoolers and seven in 10 high schoolers don’t consistently get enough sleep. The CDC also reports that 35 percent of U.S. adults are not getting the recommended amount of sleep.

How does sleep affect your health?

Ramagopal: Sleep is critical for overall good health. Lack of sleep has been shown to be associated with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, poor mental health, accidents during driving, attention or behavior problems and poor school performance.

What is good sleep hygiene?

Ramagopal: I believe the biggest factor fot people of all ages not getting sufficient sleep is because they use electronics close to bedtime. Technology stimulates your brain, which makes it more difficult to fall asleep. Even with blue light filters, the content can be a factor in preventing sleep onset.

To improve sleep, a consistent sleep schedule should be maintained, including on weekends — even though it is tempting to sleep in. Make sure the room temperature is comfortable and the room is as dark as possible. Avoid eating a large meal at least three hours before bedtime and do not consume caffeine at least six hours before going to bed. While moderate to vigorous exercise can increase sleep quality by reducing the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, you do not want to engage in vigorous activity within the hour before bedtime.

It is important for adults to model good sleep behavior for children in their home.

Is climate change affecting our sleep?

Ramagopal: New research seems to indicate that it is. A study published last year in the journal One Earth showed that increased temperature shortens sleep primarily through delayed onset, increasing the probability of insufficient sleep. The researchers estimated that by the end of the century, warmer temperatures could result in people sleeping about 8 to 10 minutes less per night.

9More than half of the world’s population will be overweight or obese by 2035 unless governments take decisive action to curb the growing epidemic of excess weight, a report has warned. About 2.6 billion people globally – 38% of the world population – are already overweight or obese. But on current trends that is expected to rise to more than 4 billion people (51%) in 12 years’ time, according to research by the World Obesity Federation.

More than half of the world’s population will be obese or overweight by 2035, according to a new report from the World Obesity Federation.

In the 2023 World Obesity Atlas report, the organization projected that 51% of the global population will be “living with overweight and obesity within 12 years if prevention, treatment and support do not improve.”

If current trends prevail, the report also predicts childhood obesity could more than double compared to 2020 levels.  “Rates are predicted to double among boys to 208 million (100% increase) and more than double among girls to 175 million (125% increase) and are rising more rapidly among children than adults,” the report states.

The World Health Organization defines overweight and obesity “as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese.”

Without widespread use of tactics such as taxes and limits on the promotion of unhealthy food, the number of people who are clinically obese will increase from one in seven today to one in four by 2035. If that happens, almost 2 billion people worldwide would be living with obesity. Evidence shows that obesity increases someone’s risk of cancer, heart disease and other diseases.

More than half of the world’s population could be overweight or obese by 2035, with childhood obesity predicted to more than double, a report from the World Obesity Federation has warned.

The report predicts that the economic impact of the condition could exceed $4.32 trillion per year by 2035, representing almost 3 per cent of global gross domestic product, if prevention and treatment measures are not improved.

More than half of the global population is expected to have a high body mass index (BMI) by the end of this period, with one in four people living with obesity, compared to one in seven today.

Childhood obesity rates are predicted to double among boys by 2035 and to increase by 125 per cent among girls, with lower income countries facing the most significant increases in obesity.

Nine of the 10 countries with the highest expected increases in obesity are low- or lower-middle-income countries in Africa and Asia.

The federation’s latest World Obesity Atlas annual report calls for comprehensive national action plans to be developed to prevent and treat obesity and support those affected. It also warns that without urgent and coordinated action, rates of obesity will continue to rise.

The report will be presented at a high-level policy event on March 6 to UN policymakers and member states.

While obesity is often considered a problem for higher income countries, the report reveals that obesity levels are increasing most rapidly in lower income countries, which are often the least able to respond to obesity and its consequences.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a condition characterized by excessive body fat that can have negative effects on health. Adults are generally considered obese if they have a body mass index of 30 or above.

BMI is a value derived from the mass and height of a person. The BMI is defined as the body mass divided by the square of the body height, expressed in units of kg/m².

An adult is generally considered overweight if their BMI is between 25 and 29.9.

BMI is not a perfect measure of body fatness, as it does not take into account factors such as muscle mass or body composition. However, it is a useful tool for quickly estimating a person’s level of body fat and assessing their risk for certain health conditions.

‘Clear warning’

Prof Louise Baur, President of the World Obesity Federation, said: “This year’s Atlas is a clear warning that by failing to address obesity today, we risk serious repercussions in the future. It is particularly worrying to see obesity rates rising fastest among children and adolescents. Governments and policymakers around the world … need to look urgently at the systems and root factors that contribute to obesity, and actively involve young people in the solutions.”

Rachel Jackson Leach, Director of Science at the federation, said: “If we do not act now, we are on course to see significant increases in obesity prevalence over the next decade.”

“The greatest increases will be seen in low and lower-middle income countries, where scarce resources and lack of preparedness will create a perfect storm that will negatively impact people living with obesity the most”, she said.

More than half of the world’s population will be obese or overweight by 2035, according to a new report from the World Obesity Federation.

In the 2023 World Obesity Atlas report, the organization projected that 51% of the global population will be “living with overweight and obesity within 12 years if prevention, treatment and support do not improve.”

If current trends prevail, the report also predicts childhood obesity could more than double compared to 2020 levels.

“Rates are predicted to double among boys to 208 million (100% increase) and more than double among girls to 175 million (125% increase) and are rising more rapidly among children than adults,” the report states.

The World Health Organization defines overweight and obesity “as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is obese.”

The increases forecast in the report would mean 1 in 4 people will be living with obesity, compared to 1 in 7 today.

“This year’s Atlas is a clear warning that by failing to address obesity today, we risk serious repercussions in the future. It is particularly worrying to see obesity rates rising fastest among children and adolescents,” said Louise Baur, president of the World Obesity Federation, in a statement about the report. “Governments and policymakers around the world need to do all they can to avoid passing health, social, and economic costs on to the younger generation. That means looking urgently at the systems and root factors that contribute to obesity, and actively involving young people in the solutions.”

While obesity is often seen as an issue for wealthier countries, where rates are generally higher, the report found lower income countries are facing rapid increases‚ adding that these countries are the “least able to respond to obesity and its consequences.”

Marijuana, cocaine, LSD, sedatives, opioids, heroin, and nicotine vaping—the increased use of these substances is seen to be on the rise. A continuous and addictive pattern of using dangerous substances for mood-altering objectives is known as substance abuse. The repeated usage of harmful substances without the prescription or advice of an educated person could eventually show significant health-related failures; the person could fail to meet responsibilities regarding their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being.

The addiction to alcohol and drug intake could lead the person to develop mental health related issues and later put the individual at risk of suicidal ideations. Some immediate behavioural changes include recklessness, violence, and aggression. Long-term users may exhibit withdrawal from commitments and the public, isolation, depression, deteriorating behavior, weight loss, and decreased appetites. The following are some facts about substance abuse and suicidal ideation:

• Heavy drinkers are five times more likely to die by suicide than casual social drinkers.
• 1 in 5 suicides involves someone who was intoxicated at the time.
• Several suicides involve the use of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, or amphetamines.

According to a few studies, the frontal lobe does not fully develop until a person is in their mid-20s, which explains why young individuals have a propensity for making rash decisions on drug and alcohol intake. Other factors for the development of addiction in young adults could be associated with the curiosity that comes with age, social media toxicity, the need for adventure, experimentation, and peer pressure.

Cocaine, or the coca alkaloid obtained from the plant Erythroxylum coca, commonly known as coke or crack, acts as a neurotransmitter dopamine. It produces a stimulating effect in the human brain, which, as a result, gives out a sense of euphoria and increased energy for the users. The excessive intake of the same could cause hallucinogenic thoughts and effects in the individual. The certain effects of euphoria and a temporary feeling of happiness after the intake of the drug are what lead an individual down the road of addiction.

The first step towards prevention and control in substance abuse-related situations is to identify them. Identify, and look out for one another. Observe and communicate with the individual. The next step is to educate yourself and seek help. A number of organisations are putting in a great effort to support and help individuals struggling with addictions seek out professional and medical help. Creating awareness and providing support could also be used as measures.