Spread of the Covid-19 subvariant: Is JN.1 more contagious?

Healthcare personnel at the Government Fever Hospital in Hyderabad arrange beds and medical supplies following the Center's COVID advisory.

According to specialists, the increment in cases around the world shows that JN.1, an Omicron sub-lineage, may be able to outcompete other variations since of its tall resistant elude capacity. Since of this, the WHO has assigned JN.1 as a "variation of intrigued" (VOI), distinctive from the parent ancestry BA.2.86, due to its rapidly spreading nature. It is the variety that is developing the speediest in the US, concurring to the Centres for Malady Control (CDC). There is no require to freeze, but individuals are pondering if the COVID-19 sub-variant, which has as of now been connected to 21 cases in India, is spreading quickly.

"Delayed overwhelming period, secure evade, and extended transmission"

The development advantage, agreeing to Dr. Rajesh Karyakarte, the Maharashtra genome sequencing facilitator, is exponential. He cites WHO information illustrating how JN.1 rapidly rose from 3.3% of all coronavirus cases between October 30 and November 5 to 27% a month afterward. "This speaks to an 86 per cent development advantage," Dr. Karyakarte claims, clarifying that the longer irresistible period, upgraded transmission, and safe elude were the causes.

According to the CDC, this appears that it is infectious and is getting to be more capable at sidestepping the body's resistant protection framework than the genealogical strain. In any case, since healing center affirmation rates are moo, the spike in transmission does not essentially show a genuine sickness. Specialists include that there is small hazard of contamination, so those who have as of now been immunized or have had a earlier contamination shouldn't be concerned.

Expanded spread as a result of spike protein mutation

According to genome analysts Vinod Scaria and Bani Jaunty, the SARS-CoV-2 infection is always changing and branching out into modern ancestries. Each contamination gives the infection the chance to create encourage, and JN.1, an Omicron sub-lineage, is recognized by the nearness of an additional spike protein change, L455S. They claim that since of its solid safe elude characteristic, JN.1 might outcompete other variations.

According to a later consider distributed in the Lancet, JN.1 can escape the safe framework more rapidly than its parent BA.2.86 due to this one change alone.

Should we be concerned?

Expert in irresistible maladies Dr. Ameet Dravid says that the infection will proceed to change to develop more strong. As of right presently, we are giving healing center treatment for minor upper respiratory tract diseases. Since the variation is more safe hesitant, there may be a spike in cases. Individuals must get inoculations, especially those who are as it were mostly inoculated, agreeing to Dr. David. As of presently, no especially striking indications have been detailed, and the signs and indications incorporate sore or scratchy throat, depletion, cerebral pain, body throb, clog, hacking, and fever, comparable to past variations.

However, Dr. Dravid says that since cases are on the rise, cover utilize ought to to be required in swarmed zones. He proceeds, "It's time to camouflage significant respiratory behavior, like covering your nose and mouth when you hack or wheeze."

Not at all! Here's why pomegranates and beetroot aren't the body's greatest sources of iron.

Generally speaking, 10 mg of iron should be consumed daily. Considering that a lot of people advise including pomegranates and beetroot in their diet. Furthermore, because of their red colour, they are said to be beneficial for treating iron deficiency anaemia by boosting blood levels in the body.

However, nutritionist Juhi Kapoor emphasised that these aren't the ideal iron sources.

The idea that pomegranates and beetroot are excellent providers of iron is a common misconception. Actually, pomegranates and beetroot have very little iron (0.31% and 0.76 mg/gram, respectively), making them poor sources of the mineral, according to Kapoor.

She added that the deep red colour has nothing to do with the iron content of the material because it is primarily caused by natural pigments or polyphenols.

Likewise Senior consultant physician Dr. Dilip Gude of Yashoda Hospitals in Hyderabad revealed that beetroot has a high vitamin A content, often exceeding the daily recommended intake. Because vitamin A is fat-soluble, there may be a persistent build-up of excess that the body finds difficult to get rid of. High beetroot concentrations have the potential to lower blood pressure and trigger mild allergic reactions. Furthermore, Dr Gude stated that the high calcium oxalate content of beetroots may hinder the absorption of calcium, raise the risk of kidney stones, and upset the stomach.

There are two kinds of iron in food.

1) Heme: present in poultry, fish, and meat. According to Kalra, the body absorbs it easily. Thirty percent of it is absorbed on average, according to Kalra.

2) Non-heme iron is present in nuts, fruits, and vegetables. However, the iron in these foods won't be fully absorbed. usually only absorbed by the body in amounts of 2–10%, according to Kalra.

But keep in mind that this does not imply that pomegranates and beetroot won't assist you in producing iron. Nutritionist Prerrna Kalra said, "It will help you make red blood cells, but it will help you slowly."

Which are the finest places to get iron?

Organ meats, such as liver and other seafood, are among the best sources of iron. Dr. Gude stated, "Meat products like chicken, lamb, oysters, mussels, and clams are excellent sources of dietary iron."

Broccoli, string beans, dark leafy greens (dandelion, collard, kale, and spinach), eggs, beans, nuts, peas, lentils, and tofu are all high in iron and highly recommended, according to Dr. Gude. "These foods are highly recommended because they contain at least three times the recommended dietary allowance of iron than pomegranates and beetroot," Dr. Gude stated.

What should you remember? When consuming foods high in iron, remember to also include foods high in vitamin C, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, and red and yellow bell peppers, as these foods improve the absorption of iron.

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Why walking, jogging, and climbing stairs are the best forms of exercise, according to fitness professionals

Sitting for extended periods of time raises the risk of a number of health problems, including weight gain, weakened muscles, and poor blood circulation. They act as catalysts for chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and even mental health issues like sadness and anxiety.

How do you manage deadlines, numerous PPTs, endless Zoom sessions, and the demands of your family and job? If you're like most people, you undoubtedly spend a lot of time in front of a computer before unwinding on a soft couch. It's just the way things are now; it's not your fault. But, did you know that excessive sitting might be bad for your health?

You can't stop any of the aforementioned, so it's time to live by the simple but effective maxim, "Move more, sit less." for your own health's sake.

While everyone is aware of the numerous health advantages of walking, jogging, or climbing stairs, the trick is to put this knowledge into practise. Why is this such a big deal? Because a sedentary lifestyle and long periods of uninterrupted sitting are doing more harm to your body than you can possibly conceive.

Problems caused by prolonged sitting:

Several studies have demonstrated that spending extended periods of time sitting increases the risk of a number of health problems, including the dreaded trinity of weight gain, weakened muscles, and poor blood circulation. They act as catalysts for chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and even mental health issues like sadness and anxiety.

It's never too late to change course, which is wonderful news. It's time to put your worries aside and begin improving your health. We explain how.

Make walking a daily habit: It's time to get started because a simple action like walking can greatly enhance your health. Walking is a fantastic strategy to enhance physical activity, according to doctors. A 30-minute daily brisk walk can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve mental health. It also helps to strengthen muscles, improve joint health, and manage weight. Choose your favorite Spotify music, download a step-counting app, or even better, challenge your friends and family to a step challenge and start walking today.

Regular jogging can lower the risk of coronary artery disease, enhance circulation, and boost well-being. (Image courtesy of Canva.)

Begin jogging for a healthy heart: While sitting for lengthy periods of time creates health problems, jogging provides heart health benefits by activating your cardiovascular system, improving cardiac efficiency, and expanding lung capacity. Jogging on a regular basis can lower the risk of coronary artery disease, enhance circulation, and increase overall well-being. According to research, even brief, modest jogs can result in noticeable health benefits. So, the next time you take a vacation from your computer, go for a jog. Remember that breaks are necessary, but jogging during those breaks is the best option.

Climbing stairs is good for your health since it burns calories, strengthens your leg muscles, and improves your cardiovascular fitness. (Image courtesy of Canva)

What if you don't like going to the gym? Try stair climbing for a full-body exercise. Stair climbing can help you get a full-body workout. It also offers a number of health benefits: It burns calories while simultaneously strengthening your leg muscles and improving your cardiovascular fitness. If you want to tone your lower body and burn calories, stair climbing is an excellent option. So, the next time you're in a mall or a theater, skip the elevator or lift and instead take the stairs.

Every step you take to improve your health, whether it's a brisk walk during your lunch break, a jog in the park, or using the stairs instead of the elevator, counts. Here are a few recommendations to get you moving more:

Ditch the desk: Instead of spending your lunch break tied to your desk, pack a healthy lunch and go for a midday walk. Take a leisurely walk around your workplace or explore the neighboring park. It's not just a food break; it's a break from sitting.

Leave the conference room: For walking meetings, leave the boring meeting room behind. These meetings not only increase productivity but also revitalize the mind and body. Walking and talking at the same time is a beneficial approach to engage with your colleagues while also improving your health.

When at all possible, ditch the car: If your workplace is within walking distance, avoid the steering wheel and rely on your two feet. Walking to work not only adds exercise to your day but also lowers your carbon footprint. It benefits both your health and the environment. If you must drive, consider parking your car further away; this simple change will encourage you to walk more.

One step at a time: Always take the stairs. Take stairway breaks during your workday if your office is in a nice multi-story building. Climbing the stairs for a few minutes during breaks has a number of health benefits.

Track your progress: If technology can make you sit still, it can also help you exercise more. We're discussing fitness tracking applications. These apps track your steps, track your progress, and turn your everyday routine into an exciting adventure. Set attainable daily step targets and observe how tracking your progress becomes an enjoyable way to incorporate walking into your daily life.

Shubman Gill has dengue fever and is questionable for India's match against Australia.

Shubman Gill's availability for India's ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 opener against Australia has been called into question. 

According to PTI, Gill, who came in Chennai with Team India on Wednesday morning, has been diagnosed with 'Dengue' and is being treated.

The great player skipped India's training session on Thursday and will be tested today by the BCCI medical panel. Gill's availability for the October 8 match at Chepauk will be determined only after testing.

The 24-year-old has been in excellent form for India in One-Day cricket this year, scoring 1,230 runs and seven hundreds. 

After a dry spell following the hugely successful Indian Premier League 2023, Gill rediscovered his form in the Asia Cup 2023 and extended his fantasy run in three ODIs against Australia.

The Gujarat Titans player made 890 runs in the IPL 2023 and finished with 302 runs in India's victory in the Asia Cup. 

If Gill is ruled out, India would bat first with either Ishan Kishan or KL Rahul, with the Mumbai Indians player having the edge over the Lucknow Super Giants skipper.

Rahul's recent record in the middle order has been spectacular, and he has been in fantastic form since returning from injury. 

Both warm-ups against England and the Netherlands were canceled due to rain, thus Rohit Sharma and company will enter the tournament opener against Australia with no game experience.

Nanded hospital dean, doctor arrested for woman's death, and infant deaths

The police have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder against Dr Shyamrao Wakode, the dean Dr Shankarao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital and another doctor after a woman and her infant died at the hospital in Maharashtra’s Nanded district, officials said. The state government-run hospital has recently witnessed the deaths of 37 people, including 18 infants, in a span of four days.

Officials in Nanded Gramin police station on Wednesday night booked Dr Wakode and the chief doctor of the paediatric department on the complaint of Kamaji Mohan Tompe, the father of Anjali Manchek Waghmare, 22, who died Wednesday unaware that her baby girl had died two days ago.

According to Tompe, a farmer from Nanded, Anjali was first rushed to a primary healthcare centre by her family, and from there she was referred to a sub-district hospital. Since her condition did not improve, the family followed the doctor’s instructions at the sub-district hospital and got her admitted to the Dr Shankarao Chavan Government Medical College and Hospital on September 30, he stated.

"On October 1, she gave birth to a girl early, and my daughter and the baby were well at the moment. But, after a few hours, medical personnel told me that Anjali was bleeding and that her situation was getting worse. We were requested to set up blood by the doctors. No one was there when we organised blood packages and proceeded to the ward to deliver them to medical professionals and personnel, the man said in the complaint.

Tompe claimed to have seen Dr. Wakode and informed him that neither a doctor nor any personnel were available to care for his daughter. I had to wait a very long period. There was no personnel or physician dispatched to the patient. I was assaulted and kicked out when I followed up with Dr. Wakode about the situation. He added that the hospital staff did not provide his daughter or the child with any care and that he was not even permitted to meet them.

"Doctors and nurses were not dispatched to treat the patient despite being aware of their poor state. On October 2, around 6 am, the newborn passed away. Anjali also passed away on October 4 at 10:30 a.m., according to Tompe's statement in the FIR.

Nagnath Tompe, Anjali's brother, said that the family was not informed of the circumstances surrounding his sister and her child's deaths. "Doctors basically claimed Anjali died from heavy bleeding, while the infant died from polluted water in her mouth. My sister was still not able to be saved even though we had brought 14 to 15 packets of blood, Tompe stated.

According to Anjali's father, the family spent Rs 45,000 on prescription drugs and blood packs. Nagnath Tompe claimed that because his sister's health was in poor condition, the family did not tell Anjali about the newborn's passing. "We believed that this would have had a negative effect on her health. But she passed away tonight while receiving treatment," he added.

The family members were having a hard time comforting Anjali's mother at the hospital. Tompe stated, "My family and relatives are in great sorrow and don't know how to deal with a circumstance where two of your family members perished in just a matter of three days.

Manchek, the spouse of Anjali, works in a brick industry. The police will shortly take the dean and the other doctor's statements after they were arrested for guilty home invasion not amounting to murder and common interest, respectively, under sections 304 and 34 of the Indian Criminal Code (IPC).

Keep an eye out for these ultra-processed foods that are thought to be healthy.

 

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are manufactured using complicated industrial methods and contain a variety of additives. These items frequently include low-quality ingredients such processed sugars, harmful fats, and chemical preservatives. Sugary beverages, packaged snacks, quick food, and ready-to-eat meals are all examples of UPFs.

While labelling any Meal as really "healthy" is difficult, certain ultra-processed foods may look healthier owing to marketing strategies or promises on the container. Their overall nutritional profile, however, remains problematic. A Product, for example, may claim to be whole grain or enriched with vitamins and minerals, yet it may still have excessive quantities of added sugars, toxic trans fats, or hazardous ingredients. Continue reading for a list of UPFs that may look healthy but are not.

10 Ultra-processed foods that may seem healthy but aren't:

1. Granola bars

Many granola bars sold in stores are high in sugar, chemical additives, and bad fats. Making homemade granola bars using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, whole grain oats, plus nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for extra nutrients is a better choice.

2. Flavoured yogurt

Flavored yoghurts can have a high sugar content. Choose plain yoghurt and top with your favourite natural sweetener, such as fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey.

3. Breakfast cereals

Many nutritious morning cereals are loaded with sugar, processed carbohydrates, and artificial colours. Select whole grain cereals that do not have added sugars, or create your own granola with whole oats, nuts, and seeds.

4. Veggie chips

Veggie chips, despite their name, are often heavily processed and contain few genuine veggies. Make your own vegetable crisps by thinly slicing fresh vegetables and baking them till crispy.

5. Protein bars

While some protein bars are helpful, many of them are highly processed and contain additional sugars and artificial substances. Seek for bars with basic, identifiable components, or go for whole food choices such as a handful of almonds or a hard-boiled egg.

6. Bottled smoothies

Smoothies in a can sometimes have extra sugars and lack the fibre found in entire fruits. As a basis, combine fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, plain yoghurt, water, or natural juice.

7. Multigrain bread

Many multigrain bread options are still made with refined grains. Opt for whole grain bread made with whole wheat, oats, or other whole grain flours.

8. Reduced-fat peanut butter

To compensate for the lower fat, reduced-fat peanut butter sometimes contains additional sugars or toxic hydrogenated oils. Avoid adding sugars or oils to natural peanut butter produced only from peanuts.

9. Fruit-flavoured yogurt drinks

These drinks often contain artificial flavours and added sugars. Instead, try blending fresh fruits with plain yogurt and water for a homemade, healthier version.

10. Margarine

Several margarines include hydrogenated oils and other additives. For spreading on toast or cooking, use genuine butter or healthier plant-based alternatives such as olive oil or avocado.

The biggest problem with UPFs is its negative influence on health when ingested in excess. Alcohol consumption has been related to a variety of health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer. As a result, it's typically advised to avoid ultraprocessed meals in favour of whole and less processed alternatives, which are often more nutrient-dense and enhance overall well-being.

Should you eat oats every day? Know all about its side effects and benefits

An oatmeal (Image Credits: Pixabay)

Oats are often considered the healthiest food option. It is rich in nutrients like fibre which makes it the ideal food option for people who are trying to lose weight. Consuming oats is also helpful if you are diabetic.

However, experts often warn against overconsumption of oats as it can lead to side effects. Before getting to the side effects of oats, let’s just know all the benefits of oats.

What are the benefits of oats?

• Oats can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
• Oats can protect against heart disease and blood pressure
• Eating oats can aid in weight loss
• Oats can also help with constipation and improve bowel movement
• Oatmeal is also a prebiotic food which will improve your immune system

Undoubtedly, oat is a healthy food option but eating too much oats can have a negative impact on your body. Here are some side effects that you should be aware of.

What are side-effects of oats?

• Oats are a good source of carbohydrates and overeating may lead to an increase in your weight.
• As it is bland in nature, overconsuming oats may lead to an increase in sugar intake.
• Opting for an oats-only diet may deprive your body of getting nourishment from other healthy food sources.
• Too much oats can lead to malnutrition and muscle mass shedding
• Eating oats on a regular basis may lead to bloating

How to eat oats in a healthy way?

According to experts, you should soak the oats overnight as it will help in its proper digestion. You should start including oats gradually in your diet. One cup of oatmeal is a healthy meal size. One cup of oatmeal includes 154 calories, 27 grams (g) of carbs, and 4 g of fiber, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).