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Fat shaming by docs likely to harm health

Loknath Das, , , , , , ,

Discrimination at the doctor’s office based on size can take a toll on a patient’s physical health and mental well-being, a study has found. “Disrespectful treatment and medical fat shaming, in an attempt to motivate people to change their behaviour, is stressful and can cause patients to delay seeking healthcare or avoid interacting with providers,” said Joan Chrisler, a professor of psychology at Connecticut College in the US. “Implicit attitudes might be experienced by patients — for example, a provider’s apparent reluctance to touch a fat patient, or a headshake…

Study: Health costs of pollution in India 8 times of govt’s fuel subsidy

Loknath Das, , , , , , , , , , ,

India spent $16.9 billion on oil, gas and coal subsidies in 2013 and 2014 but the health costs to meet the burden of air pollution-linked diseases was eight times more at $140.7 billion, says a report by an European environmental non-profit organisation. The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) assessed the spending of seven economically powerful countries on fossil fuel subsidies, and the health costs associated with fossil fuel subsidies. The report, `Hidden Price Tags’, said India can provide 375 million households with solar lamps or train nearly 32,000 extra doctors for rural…

Swine flu threat grows; 600 deaths, 12.5k cases this year

Loknath Das, , , , , , , , ,

Swine flu, the viral illness that became a pandemic in 2009, has made a comeback this year, claiming nearly 600 lives across the country so far this year, with close to 12,500 cases being reported.Maharashtra, with 284 deaths, is the worst affected, followed by Gujarat (75), Kerala (63) and Rajasthan (59), government data shows. In Delhi, official figures state, 241 people have tested positive for swine flu and four have died, as on July 9. Doctors said the number of deaths could be higher. “People are visiting hospitals late. This…

Your car may contain harmful pollutants: Study

Loknath Das, , , , , ,

If you thought driving a car on a heavily polluted road may be safe, think twice. According to a new study, car cabins contain extremly high levels of some harmful particulate matter, twice the amount previously thought. The findings showed the pollution inside the cars contained twice the amount of chemicals that cause oxidative stress, thought to be involved in the development of many diseases including respiratory and heart disease, cancer and some types of neuro-degenerative diseases. “We found that people are likely getting a double whammy of exposure in…

Understanding your pets

Loknath Das, ,

Considering pets cannot verbally communicate we should ideally be more understanding and receptive to their needs, requirements and health. Over the time people have learnt that homemade food albeit fresh is not a complete and balanced meal for the pet primarily because the nutrition requirements differ from humans. In India much like the western countries the focus on pet health and care is growing rapidly. They are more often taken to veterinary doctors not just when they are unwell but for overall annual health check-ups. The other big trend that…

Prevent osteoarthritis before it knocks you down

Loknath Das, , , , , ,

Osteoarthritis sometimes also called the degenerative arthritis is a joint disease that mostly affects cartilage. It is the most common form of arthritis that develops gradually overtime causing joint pain and stiffness. It occurs around the neck, hands, knees, spine, lower back, hips and feet. There can be many factors like genetic, obesity, old age, joint injuries, certain occupations, bone deformities and sex that may increase the risk of the disease. Once occurred, it can’t be cured. Remedies may ease the symptoms. So it’s always better to prevent it before…