Healthcare
Urgent action needed: obesity crisis predicted to impact 260 million by 2050
A new study in The Lancet reveals a worsening obesity epidemic in the USA, with devastating health, social, and economic consequences predicted. By 2050, over 260 million Americans—213 million adults and 43 million children and adolescents—are expected to live with overweight or obesity.
World Prematurity Day / Access to quality care everywhere
An estimated 13.4 million babies are born preterm (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) in the world. At such a tender stage, the organs inside the baby are not fully developed. Unfortunately, premature birth is one of the leading causes of death in children under five.
The power of running
Running is a simple, yet powerful exercise that benefits both body and soul. Understanding these benefits, along with practical tips for staying motivated, can help you maximise the health rewards of running.
Global diabetes rates surpass 800 million, highlighting widening inequalities
A global study published in The Lancet ahead of World Diabetes Day reveals that over 828 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes in 2022—a fourfold increase since 1990. Notably, 445 million adults aged 30 and older, or 59%, did not receive treatment, with most of these untreated cases in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
World AMR Awareness Week / Are you willing to “go blue for AMR”?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of humanity’s top 10 global public health threats.
Have a nice Day / Gross National Happiness Day
Gross National Happiness (GNH) Day was observed last Monday, November 11th. The GNH concept was first introduced by the Bhutanese King in the 1970s. GNH promotes a holistic approach to development, emphasising that well-being should be measured by economic growth and non-economic factors such as health, education, and environmental sustainability.
World Pneumonia Day 2024 / Championing the fight to stop pneumonia
Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. The 2024 theme for World Pneumonia Day (November 12), “Championing the Fight to Stop Pneumonia,” highlights the urgent need to address this preventable and treatable disease.
Can poor blood flow in the brain raise the risk of dementia?
A new study suggests that problems with blood vessels in the brain may increase the risk of developing dementia. While it is well-known that clogged arteries can lead to strokes, this research looks at whether similar issues in smaller brain vessels might also be linked to memory problems and cognitive decline.
Novel Radiotracer PET-CT Imaging to characterise small renal masses
Detection of small renal masses (i.e., ≤4 cm) is increasing, partly due to widespread use of abdominal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an aging population. Current imaging technologies cannot distinguish between benign and malignant lesions.
Is virtual early palliative care an option for advanced cancer?
Guidelines recommend early integration of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer, given evidence for improved quality of life (QOL). However, most patients do not receive early palliative care due to limited access and resources.
Addressing dengue fever in pregnancy
Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, presents significant challenges for public health, particularly during pregnancy. While many women may experience a mild illness, severe dengue can lead to serious complications that affect both maternal and foetal health.
The hidden dangers of sugar
Sugar has become one of the most pervasive ingredients in modern diets. From soft drinks to packaged snacks, added sugars are ubiquitous, contributing to a public health crisis that is gradually escalating.
Secondary hypertension in young adults often remain undiagnosed
The prevalence of secondary causes of hypertension varies depending on the studied population. Data suggest that 10% of adults with hypertension have secondary causes, although this percentage likely is an underestimate. Current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines recommend screening for secondary causes of hypertension in patients who are younger than 30.
The hidden challenge for seniors with diabetes: Food insecurity and blood sugar risks
For seniors managing diabetes, the daily task of keeping blood sugar levels stable can be challenging. Now imagine adding another hurdle: not having reliable access to food. Food insecurity, in all its forms, complicates diabetes care in ways that often go unnoticed.
The empowering benefits of being a weekend warriors
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many individuals struggle to find the time for regular exercise, often juggling work commitments, family responsibilities, and social obligations. However, a growing movement known as the “weekend warrior” phenomenon is gaining attention. Weekend warriors are those who concentrate their physical activity into just one or two days each week, making the most of their limited time to reap significant health benefits.
Committing to accessible family planning for youth
The 9th National Youth Conference on Family Planning 2024 in Dhaka brought together over 500 young advocates, health experts, and policymakers dedicated to advancing reproductive health rights for Bangladeshi youth.
Managing mpox vaccine effectiveness and treatment insights for global health
During the mpox outbreak, there was limited availability of the modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine which led Canadian health authorities to recommend a single dose for high-risk individuals.
Impact of social media on our unhealthy eating habits
Social media has a powerful influence on our food choices, often making certain products seem more appealing and “normal” to consume.