Witnessing fear in loved ones can cause PTSD

A study reveals that if a person hears about a serious incident — such as a gunfire exchange – from his/her loved ones or even strangers, it may change how information flows in the brain and can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Scientists in the study, published in Neuropsychopharmacology, observed that fear in others may change how information flows in the brain. Post-traumatic stress disorder, also called PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop in some people after they experience a shocking, scary, or dangerous event, according to the…

‘10% higher level of burnout among docs since 2012 survey’

Your seemingly disinterested doctor may be a part of a larger problem stalking the medical system: burnout among doctors. While medicine is seen as a coveted profession in India, a new study from a city medical college indicates that our doctors, like their western counterparts, suffer from burnout-associated symptoms such as emotional exhaustion, lack of feeling or dissatisfaction. Around 500 doctors responded to a 25-point questionnaire and came up with answers that spoke of lack of development (“My work doesn’t offer me opportunities to develop my abilities”), overload (“I overlook…

GM vaccine for malaria without side effects soon

A potent malaria vaccine with virtually no side-effects has cleared clinical trials. The new “highly protective” malaria vaccine was successful in humans and can pave the way for treatment of other parasitic diseases. Scientists from the US genetically engineered the plasmodium parasite that causes the disease, after being passed on from mosquitos, to remove three genes that lead to infection. Although they can’t multiply , they live in the liver and stimulate the body’s defences to repel a real infection. Plasmodium parasites first infect the liver and then blood, leading…

New Advice: Peanuts in Baby’s Diet Can Prevent Scary Allergy

New parents, get ready to feed your babies peanut-containing foods, starting young lowers their chances of becoming allergic. The National Institutes of Health issued new guidelines Thursday saying most babies should regularly eat those foods starting around 6 months of age, some as early as 4 months. It’s a major shift in dietary advice for a country fearful of one of the most dangerous food allergies. “We’re on the cusp of hopefully being able to prevent a large number of cases of peanut allergy,” said Dr. Matthew Greenhawt of the…

Fast Food Options for People with Diabetes

It is important for people suffering from diabetes to be selective while picking up fast food items to munch on, says an expert. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia – Chief Medical Officer at Doctor Insta (a telehealth app), lists some fast food picks for diabetics: 1. Pizza- Pizza is one of the best choices for people suffering from diabetes. Just make sure that you order a tortilla and top it with vegetables rather than extra cheese and high fat toppings. 2. Burgers- Instead of burgers with double or triple patties, go for…

Grandparents who help care for grandchildren live longer than other seniors

Grandparents who help out occasionally with childcare or provide support to others in their community tend to live longer than seniors who do not care for other people, according to a study from Berlin, Germany. Having full-time custody of grandchildren can have a negative effect on health, but occasional helping can be beneficial for seniors, the researchers write in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior. “Having no contact with grandchildren at all can negatively impact the health of grandparents,” said lead author Sonja Hilbrand, doctoral student in the department of…