Health - The Purbottar

09 Jun

Elderly people with diabetes are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

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In Kolkata, up to 12% of the population is known to have diabetes and theaverage level of HbA1C was as high as 8.07% during January to March 2020 according to a report by India Diabetes Care Index. These findings clearly indicate that people with diabetes should be more vigilant about their glucose level and take proper medication to manage their condition. The risk of Coronavirus among people with diabetes is up to 50% higher and they are more likely to experience severe symptoms and complications when diagnosed with COVID-19. Diabetes patients should focus on a healthy diet and monitor their…

09 Jun

China may come with emergency vaccine withing months for Covid-19

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Chinas top respiratory experts have claimed that the country may get Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use within the month. Dr Zhong Nanshan said during a live event with China’s search engine Baidu on Saturday that a coronavirus vaccine could be available as early as this autumn. Dr Antony Fauci, the head of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, made similar comments, saying that we might have a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of this year, even before the end of clinical trials. WHO says more than 120 COVID-19 vaccines are being developed across the world, with 10…

08 Jun

Covid-19: Health ministry asks states to for Districts Level Plans.

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To ensure maximum containment of coronavirus during the lockdown period, the Union health ministry has asked states to classify districts into hotspots, non-hotspots and green zones.The Centre has declared 170 hotspots --- 123 hotspot districts with large outbreaks and 47 hotspot districts with clusters --- in 25 states and Union territories. Union Health Ministry, on Monday, directed States to make district-wise prospective plans for the coming months to tackle COVID-19. Health Secretary Preeti Sudan along with senior Health Ministry officials held a review with district collectors, municipal commissioners, chief medical officers, superintendent of district hospitals and principals of medical colleges…

03 Jun

New study shows that almonds promote heart health.

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According to a newly-published study, snacking on almonds improvedendothelial function, which is a key indicator of vascular health. In addition, consuming almonds instead of a usual snack also lowered ‘bad’ LDL-cholesterol, which is consistent with previous research. The study was funded by the Almond Board of California. Dr. Wendy Hall, PhD, co-principal investigator and Reader in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London, said, “This study shows that eating almonds in place of the typical snacks is beneficial for our heart health by reducing levels of bad LDL-cholesterol and improving the health of our arteries.” Regional Head-Dietetics, Max Healthcare Delhi, Ritika…

03 Jun

Covid-19 Lockdown : Is the Best Time to Give up Tobacco.

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“I have two cartons of cigarettes that I had bought at duty-free before the lockdown. Each has about 20 packets. So clearly, I can smoke whenever I want to, despite the lockdown,” says Arnab Mitra. Yet, the Delhi-based advertising professional, in his 30s, has not had one for over 70 days now. “I decided to quit, and have so far just never felt the urge to smoke.” The temporary ban on the sale of tobacco products during the ongoing lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 is an opportunity to reduce tobacco consumption in India, the world’s second biggest consumer,…

01 Jun

Why is it Necessary to Test more to Reduce the Impact of Covid-19?

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When a communicable disease outbreak begins, the ideal response is for public health officials to begin testing for it early. That leads to quick identification of cases, quick treatment for those people and immediate isolation to prevent spread. Early testing also helps to identify anyone who came into contact with infected people so they too can be quickly treated. While we are obviously not in that ideal situation with COVID-19, testing remains critical. Nearly 6 million people have been infected by COVID-19 resulting in more than 3.65 lakh deaths across the world. Most countries have implemented lockdowns for physical distancing…

28 Apr

“No Concrete Evidence To Support Plasma Therapy As Coronavirus Treatment,” Says Senior Health Ministry Official Lav Agarwal.

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There is "no concrete evidence to support plasma therapy as coronavirus treatment," senior health ministry official Lav Agarwal said today during the ministry's daily briefing. Plasma therapy for coronavirus is still in an experimental stage and can even prove "life threatening" for a patient, the government said today amid a surge of hope brought in by the first successful test in Delhi."The therapy is still in an experimental stage and the Indian Council of Medical Research is conducting a national study on it. It can even be life threatening," he added.

28 Apr

India Will Be Able To Produce Indigenous Coronavirus-Testing Kits By May Says Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

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Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday said that the country will be able to produce indigenous coronavirus-testing kits by May."We will be able to produce RT-PCR and antibody test kits in India by May. All processes are in advanced stage and production will start after getting approval from ICMR. It will help us in meeting our target of one lakh tests per day by May 31," the Union Health Minister said.Earlier, Dr Harsh Vardhan held a review meeting via video conference with the Delhi LG, Delhi Health Minister, MCD Commissioners, DMs and DCPs of all districts of Delhi…

28 Apr

ICMR Asked States And Union Territories To Stop Using Test Kits From Two Chinese Firms.

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The Indian Government said on Monday that it shall not let a single rupee be lost to Chinese firms who provided faulty COVID-19 test kits to India as the orders have been cancelled and the payments not made."We are deeply concerned with the evaluation results and the decision made by the Indian Council of Medical Research. China attaches great importance to the quality of exported medical products," Chinese embassy spokeperson Ji Rong said.China is "deeply concerned" over India's decision to stop using the COVID-19 rapid antibody test kits made by two Chinese companies, the country said today, adding that it…

27 Apr

Rahul Gandhi Raising Concerns Over Highly Priced Covid-19 Test Kits.

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Rahul Gandhi has been stressing repeatedly on increased testing in the fight against coronavirus, today attacked those trying to earn huge profits from the sale of rapid testing kits and tweeted an appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to act against them.The 49-year-old Congress MP was reacting to reports about India paying double for Chinese Rapid Antibody Tests that have been put on hold in many states because of faulty results. "When the entire country is fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, some people are still trying to earn profits using unscrupulous ways. Such a corrupt mindset makes me cringe. The…