discoveries

Women are less likely to receive life-saving treatment for cardiogenic shock than men and thus, are more at risk of death, according to research. Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition in which the heart suddenly fails to pump enough blood to supply the body's organs with sufficient oxygen. It is usually caused by a large heart attack. It is estimated that up to 10 per cent of patients with heart attacks affecting a large area of the heart also develop cardiogenic shock.

Eating a balanced diet, including protein from a variety of sources, may help adults lower the risk of developing high blood pressure, according to new research. Hypertension, or high blood pressure is one of the leading contributors to cardiovascular disease. When left untreated, high blood pressure damages the circulatory system and is a significant contributing factor to heart attack, stroke and other health conditions.

Researchers from the University of Oxford looked at changes to the brains of 785 people, aged 51-81, on average of 4.5 months after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study, published in the journal Nature, identified a number of effects, including a greater reduction in grey matter thickness in the regions of the brain associated with smell (the orbitofrontal cortex and parahippocampal gyrus).

This underrated yet utterly wholesome nut is known for its unique health benefits and was preferred by legends and aristocrats throughout history. Pistachios are a nutritious snack that can bridge hunger between meals, helping to avoid over-eating at mealtimes. It is a great alternative to other snacks that are high in added sugars and saturated fats.

It can affect people of all ages, but women are more likely to be affected because it is often inherited from family members and also results from iodine deficiency. While traditional treatments usually focus on drugs and surgery, eastern treatments like acupuncture can effectively manage thyroid issues. While acupuncture has many applications, it has proven to be especially effective in the safe and natural treatment of all types of hormonal imbalances.

Forgetfulness is part of ageing and may worsen into Alzheimer's disease that may affect the quality of life. A new study has shown that practising aerobic exercises like cycling, walking or jogging thrice a week in the 50s and 60s can help stave off memory loss. Episodic memory is the kind that deals with events that happened to you in the past. It's also one of the first to decline with age.

Diabetic retinopathy is a chronic, progressive retinal disease that is a leading cause of vision impairment in today's young adults, working population. It's of major concern among children suffering from juvenile diabetes (Type-1 diabetes) and especially if they have had diabetes for over 10 years.

Furthermore, it can cause breakthrough bleeding between periods. They also don't offer any protection against sexually transmitted diseases. There could be a risk of thrombosis, which means the risk of blood clots formation. The risk of developing the same is higher in women who smoke, are overweight, who have a risk of vascular diseases or women above the age of 40.

India along with many other countries is tumbling behind on global commitments to tackle premature deaths from chronic diseases, such as strokes, diabetes, lung cancer and heart disease. The NCD Countdown to 2030 report states that the pace of change is too slow to achieve SDG 3.4 in most countries. It may be noted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year, equivalent to 71 per cent of all deaths globally.

When quizzed on how sex and intimacy can be normalized, Anwesh Sahoo shares, "We can start with focusing on two kinds of people here -- the young adults and adults who are maybe in their 20s or early 30s. I have seen a pattern of how they are a little more receptive to information. They are okay with change and want to grow and evolve. Of course, the younger population are the ones who are going to take this conversation forward."