Health Fitness News

Dr Suresh Babu P highlights that stroke recovery goes beyond walking. Survivors may face swallowing difficulties, speech problems and mobility issues. Unsafe swallowing can cause pneumonia, while communication difficulties can affect daily life. Early assessment, speech therapy and physiotherapy are essential for safer recovery and improved independence.

A 14-year-old boy with Type 1 diabetes received a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump system at KIMS Cuddles, Secunderabad. The Medtronic MiniMed 780G, integrated with a continuous glucose monitoring sensor, helped improve his glucose control and reduce the burden of frequent injections and manual adjustments. Doctors stressed the need for training and regular medical follow-up.

Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru reported a paediatric ABO-incompatible kidney transplant involving a child. A 15-year-old boy and a 21-year-old man received kidneys through a donor swap after blood-group mismatches prevented direct donation. Matching software helped identify compatible donor-recipient pairs, enabling both transplants.

Research suggests rice bran oil may help lower bad cholesterol, but health claims must meet regulatory standards. FSSAI has issued notices to BigBasket, Flipkart and Gemini Edibles over unapproved cholesterol & heart-health claims promoting their products. It has sought explanations on why action should not be taken, stressing potential clinical benefits do not justify unverified marketing claims.

Ex-British sprinter Beth Dobbin has revealed she spends 22 hours daily in bed due to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). She broke Scotland's 200m record in 2018, won bronze at the Athletics World Cup and finished seventh at the European Championships that year. Dobbin represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics and won CWG bronze in 2022 before retiring in April 2026.

Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital treated a 55-year-old woman's heart valve leak using a catheter-based procedure. The patient already had two artificial heart valves. Doctors sealed the leak with a special plug, avoiding another open-heart surgery. She is recovering well, and Kerala's Health Minister K Muraleedharan praised the medical team.

Bangladesh reported five more suspected measles deaths, taking the 2026 toll to 1,186, including 104 confirmed fatalities. Health authorities recorded 46 new confirmed cases, bringing the total to 22,972. Experts warned that gaps in vaccination coverage and delayed detection may prolong the outbreak despite emergency immunisation efforts.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed a ban on the addition of sucrose and fructose in food products intended for infants up to six months of age. The health ministry said this will help in reducing dietary risk factors linked to childhood obesity. The draft notification is open for public suggestions for 60 days.

Ayush-related patent filings in India rose over eightfold in a decade, from 63 in FY15 to 590 in FY26. According to official data, 4,077 applications were filed and 711 patents granted during this period. Individuals accounted for 51.9% of filings, while educational institutions contributed 995 applications, reflecting growing research and innovation in traditional medicine.

Cardiologist Dr Ajeet Bana has shared dos and don’ts for safety while doing garba in Navratri. Dos include warming up before garba, drinking water at regular intervals and taking breaks between garba sessions. He advised people to stop garba if they face severe breathlessness or chest pain. People with a history of heart attacks should consult their doctor before garba.

A study led by researchers at King's College London has found that young people who consume more caffeine, mainly through soft drinks, tend to sleep less and show small differences in brain development. The researchers analysed data from 9,632 children aged nine to 11. Higher caffeine consumption was associated with a smaller surface area across the brain's cortex.

Residents’ association DXP-GDA has urged Haryana Minister Aarti Singh Rao to intervene in delays at Shri Maa Sheetla Mata Devi Medical College and Hospital in Gurugram’s Sector 102A. The proposed facility includes an 883-bed hospital and a 150-seat medical college. Construction is due by December 31, 2026, but the start date for patient services remains unclear.

FSSAI issued notices to Hindustan Unilever over allegedly misleading claims on two Horlicks products. It flagged bone-strength claims and the “no added sugar” label on Horlicks Women's Plus Chocolate Nutrition Drink, citing the presence of maltodextrin. It also questioned the “healthy birth weight” claim on Horlicks Mother's Plus Kesar, saying it could mislead consumers and violate regulations.

As the world observes World Menopause Day on October 18, doctors urged women to recognise early signs of menopause, warning that irregular periods, fatigue, poor sleep and mood swings are often dismissed as stress or ageing. Dr Kanika Batra Modi, Director and Clinical Lead, Gynae Onco, Max Hospital, Saket, spoke to The Tribune on the issue.

Medical Board examinations and medical fitness certification services at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital (SLBSGMC) in Nerchowk, Mandi district, will now be chargeable. The change ends the institution’s earlier practice of providing these services free of cost. The hospital administration issued an official communication announcing the decision.

Shatavari, a herb linked to Maa Siddhidatri, is long used in Ayurveda for strength, gut health and women's well-being. It is believed to ease stress, support milk supply and balance hormones. However, evidence for many of these benefits is limited. Seek advice from a doctor before use, especially when pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medicines.

Since 2007, Gujarat's 108 service has handled over 1.99 crore emergencies and helped save 19.66 lakh lives, state data shows. About 1,500 ambulances offer free pre-hospital care for road accident victims, pregnant women and critically ill patients. With an average response time of 13 minutes, it takes thousands of people to hospitals statewide each day.

Seven more children died with suspected measles in Bangladesh, lifting the outbreak toll to 1,196. Of these, 104 deaths are confirmed. Officials logged 1,254 new suspected cases and 65 confirmed cases in one day. Health experts blame gaps in routine shots and warn the spread may last weeks despite an urgent vaccine drive now underway.

People with a family history of heart disease should consider securing health insurance early, as cardiac procedures in India can cost ₹20-25 lakh. A policy offering ₹25-50 lakh in coverage can provide a financial cushion during medical emergencies. However, policyholders should also check for sub-limits on cardiac procedures, which can restrict payouts despite high overall coverage.