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Health

April 1, 2023 by Zahra Farhangi 0 Comments

World Health Day 7 April 2023

7th of April is celebrated as the World Health Day which also marks the anniversary of World Health Organisation (WHO) – a department of United Nations. Every year WHO focuses on a specific public health concern during which various health care organizations – both national and international come forward and strive towards various health concerns that grip the globe.

World Health Day 2023 Theme

This year 2023, World Autism Awareness Day 2023 theme is “Health For All”, which encompasses the equal access for a good quality health services across all regions with limited or no financial risk.

All of the major world religions stress the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind, which is also central to the tenets of many schools of traditional medicine and their respective practitioners. Health, as defined by WHO, is a state of complete mental, emotional, and social well-being and not only the absence of sickness or disability. Several of the countries have included this kind of right to health into their constitution.

World Health Organization in establishing Universal Health Access

Following World War II, various governments regarded health and its universal accessibility as a necessary method of establishing contemporary post-colonial states.

The WHO (founded in 1948) in collaboration with other United Nations (UN) organizations aimed for a new, free, and healthy world. Subsequently, despite the prominence of projects, such as the malaria eradication programme, in the early years of the WHO, other health-promoting ideas were not abandoned.

The work on general healthcare mechanism enhancement was carried out by forming a number of agreements with national governments which made WHO the vanguard for universal healthcare.

Key messages of Word Health Organization in 2023

Health For All envisions a society in which all people have good health and may live happy lives in a peaceful, wealthy, and sustainable environment.
The right to health is a fundamental human right. Everyone must have access to health care when and when they need it, without financial burden.
Thirty percent of the world’s population lacks access to basic health treatments.
Almost two hundred crore people are facing catastrophic or impoverishing health-care costs, with considerable disparities impacting those in the most disadvantaged circumstances.
Universal health coverage (UHC) provides financial security and access to high-quality necessary services, lifts people out of poverty, promotes family and community well-being, safeguards against public health emergencies.
To make health for everyone around the world a reality, we need: individuals and communities with access to high-quality health services, so they can care for their own and their families’ health; skilled health workers who provide quality, people-centric care; and policymakers who are committed to investing in universal health coverage.

Health

March 14, 2023 by Zahra Farhangi 0 Comments

High Caffeine Levels May Lower Body Fat, Type 2 Diabetes Risks

Higher blood caffeine levels appear to reduce the risks for both adiposity and type 2 diabetes, the results of a new study suggest.

Explaining that caffeine has thermogenic effects, the researchers note that previous short-term studies have linked caffeine intake with reductions in weight and fat mass. And observational data have shown associations between coffee consumption with lower risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

In an effort to isolate the effects of caffeine from those of other food and drink components, Susanna C. Larsson, PhD, of the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, and colleagues used data from studies of mainly European populations to examine two specific genetic mutations that have been linked to a slower speed of caffeine metabolism.

The two gene variants resulted in “genetically predicted, lifelong, higher plasma caffeine concentrations,” the researchers note “and were associated with lower body mass index and fat mass, as well as a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.”

Approximately half of the effect of caffeine on type 2 diabetes was estimated to be mediated through body mass index (BMI) reduction.

The work was published online March 14 in BMJ Medicine.

“This publication supports existing studies suggesting a link between caffeine consumption and increased fat burn,” notes Stephen Lawrence, MBChB, Warwick University, UK. “The big leap of faith that the authors have made is to assume that the weight loss brought about by increased caffeine consumption is sufficient to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” he told the UK Science Media Centre.

“It does not, however, prove cause-and-effect.”

The researchers agree, noting: “Further clinical study is warranted to investigate the translational potential of these findings towards reducing the burden of metabolic disease.”

Katarina Kos, MD, PhD, a senior lecturer in diabetes and obesity at the University of Exeter, UK, emphasized that this genetic study “shows links and potential health benefits for people with certain genes attributed to a faster [caffeine]…metabolism as a hereditary trait and potentially a better metabolism.”

“It does not study or recommend drinking more coffee, which was not the purpose of this research,” she told the UK Science Media Centre.

Genome-Wide Association Study Demonstrates Links

Using Mendelian randomization, Larsson and colleagues examined data that came from a genome-wide association meta-analysis of 9876 individuals of European ancestry from six population-based studies.

Genetically predicted higher plasma caffeine concentrations in those carrying the two gene variants were associated with a lower BMI, with one standard deviation increase in predicted plasma caffeine equaling about 4.8 kg/m² in BMI (P < .001).

HealthTips

March 14, 2023 by Zahra Farhangi 0 Comments

Ramadan 2023: Diet, Exercise and Fasting Tips

The week or so before Ramadan is a good time to start mentally and physically preparing for a month of fasting, and to think about what you would like to change or develop, says Dr Saliha Afridi, a clinical psychologist and founder of the LightHouse Arabia. “Think about habits you would like to break or adopt, or the spiritual and grounding practices you would like to incorporate each day.

“Then start writing these things down and begin your journey in small ways from now. For example, if you want to drink less caffeine, engage in gentle exercise every evening, detox from sugar or fried foods, or participate in nightly prayers — start doing that today.

“Also think about small acts of kindness and generosity you can start engaging in. As this becomes more frequent, grow that practice throughout the month of Ramadan and beyond

Preparing your body for fasting is crucial to staying healthy, so you start Ramadan feeling energised and ready to embrace its spiritual and physical benefits, says nutritionist Mona Mobarak. “Gradually adjust your eating habits by focusing on nutrient-dense foods and staying hydrated. Also avoid overeating at dinner to preserve energy levels during the day,” she says.

Clinical dietitian Juhi Bhambhaney recommends avoiding foods high in salt and spice, as well as garlic, “as these can affect digestion”, in the days and weeks ahead.

Clinical dietitian Mitun de Sarkar, who is also managing director of meal delivery service Simply Healthy, says preparations can begin weeks in advance. “Start by eating breakfast two hours later than you normally would and dinner two hours earlier. As such, slowly delay all meals until you are able to comfortably manage 16 hours of fasting even before Ramadan.”

ASICS Front Runner Khulood Ibrahim, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, believes the main prep starts one day before Ramadan, with suhoor. “The pre-dawn meal, which is essential to have before fasting starts, can be balanced with carbs, protein and fat, and include fruits and vegetables to increase the feeling of fullness. Avoid caffeinated drinks to remain hydrated.”

Fasting for Diabetics

Being aware of nutrition intake to ensure optimal digestion is crucial for diabetics, says de Sarkar. “People with Type 2 diabetes should visit a doctor a week or two in advance to monitor their blood glucose and HbA1C levels for any change of medication if required.

“If you are a Type 1 diabetic and intend to fast, it is crucial to monitor your blood sugar up to four times a day to mitigate health risks, and adjust insulin doses according to food intake and activity,” she says.

“Diabetics also have to be cautious about not overburdening their body with large, carbohydrate-heavy meals at iftar to avoid risk of post-meal hyperglycaemia. Instead, eat small meals every two to three hours during non-fasting hours: so a light iftar followed by dinner, a small protein-based snack before bedtime and a balanced suhoor.”

Exercise Caution

Dina Zoa, founder and chief executive of Stretch.com, offers advice on adjusting your exercising pattern in the lead-up to Ramadan. “Opting for less intense workouts and focusing more on mobility, flexibility and core training is a great way to start.

“Preparing your mind is just as important as preparing your body,” she adds. “Look to yoga and meditation, as prioritising your mental well-being can help you maintain motivation, focus and resilience during Ramadan.”

Once the holy month starts, Zoa recommends avoiding intense exercise during fasting hours. “Incorporating moderate exercise after breaking your fast can help boost energy levels and improve overall fitness.”

Effects of Fasting on the Body

Fasting can also help to cleanse the body and the mind, say the experts.

“Physically, a time-restricted fasting model has various benefits such as body fat burning by reducing the fat storage hormone insulin,” says Bhambhaney. “Some studies have also reported a reduction in LDL or bad cholesterol and inflammation.”

Clinical dietitian Archana Baju from Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, recommends that those fasting seek out the following “cleansing” foods: fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean and plant proteins. Foods to avoid include carbonated drinks, junk foods, refined carbohydrates, calorie-dense sweets and fried foods.

As for the effects of fasting on mental health, Nokhez Usama, a neuropsychologist, behavioural researcher and mental health and wellness consultant, says: “Fasting provides a necessary break for your brain from harmful neurotoxins that may otherwise be experienced in significant amounts. The chemicals and additives consumed by way of unhealthy food and lifestyle choices, pollution, work stress or excessive social media usage can cause inflammation in the brain.

“Neuroinflammation has an impact on cognitive and behavioural functioning, resulting in decreased effectiveness and efficiency. In addition to its spiritual and mindfulness effects, research shows fasting has consistently been associated with decreased neuroinflammation. While the processes involved are complex, it is widely understood that fasting can increase neuroprotective factors, thereby improving cognitive, executive and emotional functioning.”

Taking servicing a car as a metaphor, Usama adds: “Using the wrong fuel for your car and neglecting regular checks can lead to engine damage, while fasting is like taking a car in for maintenance. Use the time to recognise what you need to do to achieve mindfulness.”F

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