HEALTH - Page 18

Premature births are a leading cause of infant death. They are associated with a host of short- and long-term health problems and developmental deficiencies for babies, their mothers, and their families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of preterm deliveries increased by more than 11 percent in parts of the US and worldwide. But vaccines were vital in returning the preterm birth rate to levels seen before the pandemic, researchers say. The team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison analyzed birth

A request by the World Health Organization for more information on a surge in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children in China has attracted global attention. Some experts say the rise should cause concern, but others have pushed back against suggestions that the situation is a severe public health emergency. On Thursday, WHO officials talked to the Center for Disease Control and Beijing Children’s Hospital authorities, seeking laboratory results and other data about the outbreak. The WHO later

An outbreak of a new strain of bacterial pneumonia, called White Lung Syndrome, is affecting children worldwide. It primarily affects kids between the ages of three and eight years old. According to The Metro, the illness consists of a rapid progression of pneumonia symptoms that leads to breathing difficulty and lung damage that can sometimes look like a rash or swollen glands on the neck and face. The disease is caused by mycoplasma pneumonia, a bacterium that many antibiotics cannot

Hormonal imbalances refer to disruptions in the levels or functioning of hormones in your body. These chemical messengers, produced by your endocrine system, are crucial in regulating various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and more. When there is an imbalance in your hormones, it can result in several physical and emotional symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, mood changes, and irregular menstrual cycles. Women can experience hormonal imbalances due to several factors, including regular hormonal shifts

Basil seed water is a beverage made by soaking basil seeds (also known as Sabja seeds or tukmaria) in water or other liquids such as fruit juices, coconut milk, honey, or syrups. The seeds are derived from the sweet basil plant, scientifically known as Ocimum basilicum. They are tiny black seeds with a distinctive texture that resembles chia seeds. When soaked in liquid, the seeds expand and develop a gel-like consistency. They can be added to various beverages and snacks

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st every year, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite and show their support for those living with HIV, commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, and advocate for increased efforts to prevent new infections. Each year, the global AIDS community observes World AIDS Day with activities and events centered around a

Iron is essential for various bodily functions, including the oxygenation of cells and tissue. It is a crucial component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. It is also essential for energy production, immune function, and proper growth and development. A nutrient deficiency can result in fatigue, weakness, and reduced immunity. A diet high in iron-rich foods can help overcome these symptoms. Your body contains two types of iron — heme iron from

Cravings are a natural part of the human experience, and there’s nothing wrong with indulging in some sweet treats from time to time. But, when these cravings become a regular occurrence, finding healthier ways to manage them is essential. While some individuals may be able to control their cravings and can enjoy sweet foods on occasion, others are more likely to overindulge, leading to excessive sugar consumption and potentially weight gain. Cravings can also trigger a range of health issues,

The health-care system is once again in the spotlight as a wave of pneumonia cases sweeps through China, hitting kids particularly hard. Local media report that some of the country’s top pediatric medical centers are overwhelmed with sick children, with parents complaining that they were forced to wait seven hours to see a doctor. The increase in sick kids has prompted the World Health Organization to ask for more details to allay concerns that a novel pathogen like COVID-19 is

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the thin clear tissue that lines the eye’s white part and the eyelids’ inside. Viruses, bacteria, allergens, and irritants can cause it. Symptoms can vary by type, including redness, itching, watering, discharge, and a gritty eye sensation. While the pink eye can occur at any time of the year, there may be a slightly higher risk of catching it during flu season due to more direct contact and weakened immune