
Call for urgent steps as stroke cases increase
The campaign, themed 'Brain Stroke – Time to Act', stressed the need for quick, proactive management to save lives and reduce disability.
ISA president Dr P Vijaya said brain stroke can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, education or economic status. 'Every minute during a stroke, 20 lakh brain cells die. Hence the phrase, 'Time is Brain',' she said.
She added that ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking a vessel, is the most common type, and the most effective treatment is IV thrombolysis, a clot-busting injection. 'However, in India, only 1% of eligible patients receive this evidence-based treatment, mainly due to delays in recognising symptoms and reaching a stroke-ready hospital within the golden window of 4.5 hours.'
Doctors noted that a stroke occurs every 20 seconds in India, with over 18 lakh cases reported yearly. They called for a nationwide stroke action plan.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Hindustan Times
From enhancing food flavours to boosting health: Why chefs and health experts recommend pecans as a superfood
While pecans have been celebrated as a superfood for a while, a recent study revealed that the nuts are beneficial for heart health, too. In fact, on World Brain Day (July 22), many health experts took to social media to speak about pecan's impact on brain health. Roasted Chicken with Pecan Nut Glazed Perhaps that's the reason behind many eateries including it on their menus. From restaurants holding month-long pecan festivals to cafes serving pecan-based iced lattes and salted pecan cream cold foam, among other varieties — pecan, a nut with a rich, buttery taste and a slightly sweet flavour, has become the it word for many. A delight for chefs 'Pecans are packed with antioxidants, magnesium, micronutrients, febre for gut health, and vitamin E, which support your heart and are good for your brain. For me, it's a great choice while cooking as it's a versatile ingredient. They are rich and buttery and add depth to dishes, be it salads or other delicacies. It's a great choice for baking. Their natural abundance of healthy fats gives dishes a smooth, luxurious texture and leaves a delicate coat on the palate,' says chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Chef Ashish Singh of Café Delhi Heights adds, 'Their natural abundance of healthy fats gives dishes a smooth, luxurious texture and leaves a delicate coat on the palate. With little to no aftertaste, pecans allow the core flavours of a dish or drink to shine through, elevating the overall experience.' According to experts, pecans subtly enhance every dish they touch, both in flavour and feel. 'We recently held a full-fledged pecan festival. In Pecan Pulihora, the nuts add a rich crunch that balances the tangy spices beautifully. In Pecan Shorba, they bring a creamy texture and gentle nuttiness, elevating the soup with refined depth,' he adds. Pecan can be added to pulihora aka tamarind rice Health benefits Nutritionist Kavita Devgan goes on to talk about the health benefits of pecan: 'It's cholesterol-free, sodium-free, low in carbohydrates, and contains more than 19 vitamins and minerals. This fabulous plant-based, antioxidant-rich superfood is great for mental health, too, as it delivers lots of vitamin E and polyphenols that support brain function and cognitive health.' The nutritionist adds that pecan contains copper, which plays an important role in reducing stress and anxiety: 'The mineral, which helps in nerve cell function, is difficult to find. The monounsaturated fats support healthy blood circulation to the brain. It also contains magnesium that can help reduce stress and anxiety.' Great choice for skin health Aesthetic physician Dr Naznin Holia says pecan is a great choice for skin health too. 'Toss them into your breakfast bowl, as a mid-day snack or have it as a salad topping,' she suggests, adding that pecans are packed with powerful antioxidants like ellagic acid and vitamin E, which make them a great 'skincare superfood'. She explains, 'These nutrients work hard behind the scenes, fighting off free radicals, those pesky molecules responsible for dullness, fine lines, and premature aging. Think of them as your skin's internal defense squad. When combined with hydration and a balanced lifestyle, pecans become a part of your glow-up ritual.' Pecan Soup by Chef Ashish Singh, Café Delhi Heights Pecan Soup Ingredients: 1 tbsp - Butter pecan paste 1 tbsp - Roux (butter and flour mixture) 200 ml - Milk 50 ml - Cream Salt and pepper to taste Method: In a pot, heat the roux until bubbly. Slowly whisk in milk and stir to avoid lumps. Add butter pecan paste and cream. Simmer gently until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm. By Chef Ashish Singh, Café Delhi Heights


Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
5 Ayurvedic detox tips for monsoon gut reset: CCF tea, easy-to-digest meals and more
Monsoon season sees a lot of issues related to digestion. People generally experience sluggishness, a bloated tummy, and low energy levels due to slowed digestion. This is why during the rainy season, the right food and correct eating habits can significantly help in keeping you well and overall health balanced despite the unpredictable weather in the monsoon. A complete gut reset with healthy food choices may reduce the common complaints of gut discomfort like bloating, acid reflux and so on. Herbal tea or kadha assist in promoting better health during monsoon. (Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Monsoon stomach infections on the rise: Gastroenterologist shares reasons, common infections, symptoms and 7 precautions Dr Smita Naram, co-founder of Ayushakti, shared with HT Lifestyle about the various habits one can include in their routine, whether it is simple detox drinks or intentional, clean eating habits to gently cleanse the body during monsoon season. Sharing vital insight on why monsoon season is tough on health, Dr Naram explained it from the Ayurvedic perspective and said, 'According to Ayurveda, our Agni (digestive fire) naturally slows down during this season, which can disrupt our health and immunity.' Further describing why digestion particularly slows down, Dr Naram added, 'This season causes our gut to be slow, making it more difficult for the body to effectively process food, resulting in Ama or toxins building up. When digestion is impaired, not only does energy fluctuate, but immunity also drops and imbalances our doshas. Ayurveda states that gut health is the cornerstone of overall well-being, particularly during monsoon when the body is more receptive to internal imbalances.' So it is important for the body to be supported with adequate dietary choices that help support digestion and provide much-needed detoxification. Dr Smita Naram shared a guide, outlining the 5 key practices, which include detox drinks, light, easy-to-digest meal options and so on: 1. Kadha Kadha made with herbs acts as a powerful detox.(Shutterstock) One of the easiest and most useful steps you can take for better health during the monsoon is to start your day with a detox herbal tea (kadha). A hot mixture of cumin, ginger, tulsi, or mint; each of them has its function in reinforcing digestion, eliminating poisons, and enhancing natural immunity. 2. CCF tea Ayurveda also commonly recommends CCF tea, prepared with 1 teaspoon of cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds, in warm water. This helps decrease inflammation and calm the digestive system. If consumed early in the morning, these teas act as a catalyst to restart the digestive fire, priming the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently. You can also add a slice of ginger to it. This drink acts as a detox tool for the body. 3. Light meals throughout the day Light foods like mung daal chilla helps to support your digestion.(Shutterstock) During the daytime, one must consume light, warm, and freshly cooked foods. Breakfast: Mung chillas or vegetable soup for breakfast keeps the stomach calm but not too heavy. Mung chillas or vegetable soup for breakfast keeps the stomach calm but not too heavy. Lunch/dinner: Lunch and dinner may be plain but wholesome, mung dal khichdi prepared with a sprinkle of ghee and served with seasonal steamed vegetables such as bottle gourd, pumpkin, ash gourd, zucchini, or snake gourd. Lunch and dinner may be plain but wholesome, mung dal khichdi prepared with a sprinkle of ghee and served with seasonal steamed vegetables such as bottle gourd, pumpkin, ash gourd, zucchini, or snake gourd. Have foods that are easy to digest and calm our tridoshas. Adding spices such as ginger, cumin, coriander, curry leaves, and hing not only makes food delicious but also helps get rid of water retention. 4. Foods to avoid Fermented foods: Avoid fermented foods like idlis, dosas, curd, tomatoes, and tamarind dishes, as they can cause acidity and inflammation. Avoid fermented foods like idlis, dosas, curd, tomatoes, and tamarind dishes, as they can cause acidity and inflammation. Cold/processed foods: Cold and raw foods, carbonated beverages, fried foods, and processed foods should be avoided since they unbalance Vata and Kapha, further compromising digestion and causing toxic buildup. Such foods also impinge on the gut-skin relationship by inflaming the inside system, which tends to show up on your face. 5. 7-day intentional eating plan A 7-day regimen of only eating when really hungry, drinking herbal teas, and eating steamed vegetables and mung soup can result in incredible digestion improvements, energy, and even mental clarity. It allows the gut to heal and remove toxins. This cleansing does not entail starving; it's about intelligently eating clean and warm. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Seasonal anxiety during monsoon: Psychologist shares 5 causes and 7 tips to manage it efficiently
Monsoon's gloomy skies are contagious and not in a good sense either, as they are making people gloomy too. Often we don't talk about uncomfortable truths (universal coping mechanism!) and like to view monsoon as poetic, and choose to write lyrical pieces about the wind, petrichor and the sound of rain. But this is just surface-level romanticisation, because deep down, the monsoon season brings seasonal anxiety as well. During monsoon, many people experience mood and anxiety.(Shutterstock) Narendra Kinger, Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, Mumbai, shared with HT Lifestyle how people get anxious, to the point of getting anxiety attacks. He said, 'A growing number of individuals, this season marks a rise in unease, mood fluctuations, and even anxiety attacks. We often see a notable uptick in mental health consultations during the monsoon months, and there's a strong physiological and psychological basis behind this trend.' While having tea and fritters by a window on a rainy day may sound like a reasonable option (the way it's romanticised, tea and monsoon are practically married), it still may not fill the void left by the changes brought on by the season. Understanding the reasons behind this emotional shift and actively attempting to reduce its impact (not just by retreating to comfort foods) is the solution to navigating monsoon-induced anxiety with more clarity. ALSO READ: Beyond chai, pakoras this monsoon: Try these 9 recipes and snack pairings for rainy days Narendra Kinger shared a guide covering the reasons why monsoon triggers anxiety and what one can do to reduce it: Reasons why people are more anxious in monsoon AI can help personalise treatment for anxiety.(Shutterstock) 1. Reduced sunlight and disrupted circadian rhythms Less exposure to natural sunlight affects serotonin production, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Diminished daylight also disrupts circadian rhythms, leading to poor sleep, which is directly linked to increased anxiety. 2. Barometric pressure and sensory overload Shifts in barometric pressure can affect inner ear balance and trigger a physical sense of unease. Persistent rain sounds, dark skies, and damp environments create sensory stressors that may exacerbate symptoms in those already prone to anxiety. 3. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with an anxious edge While SAD is more commonly associated with winter, it is also seen in the monsoon. Its monsoon variant in tropical climates often includes symptoms like restlessness, irritability, and agitation, a departure from the typical depressive presentation. These signs are often misread or dismissed as mood swings. 4. Increased isolation and lifestyle changes Frequent rains can restrict social interaction and physical activity, especially for the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. A lack of movement and socialisation contributes to feelings of loneliness and rumination, fertile ground for anxiety disorders. 5. Mould, dampness, and respiratory sensitivity Poor ventilation and damp indoor conditions foster mould growth, which has been linked in recent studies to neuropsychiatric symptoms, including anxiety. Those with allergies or asthma are particularly vulnerable, as respiratory distress can mimic or trigger panic attacks. How can you prevent anxiety in monsoon? Sleep helps to make you less anxious, so avoid scrolling on your phone 1-2 hours before bedtime.(Pexels.) 1. Prioritise Light Therapy Use daylight-spectrum lamps in the early morning to simulate sunlight and stabilise circadian rhythms. Even a 20-minute session can help restore energy and reduce mood disturbances. 2. Establish a sleep discipline Avoid irregular sleeping hours. Maintain a fixed bedtime, limit screen use 1–2 hours before sleeping, and consider melatonin supplements after medical consultation if insomnia persists. 3. Introduce structured movement indoors Even 15 minutes of yoga, resistance band workouts, or dance therapy can stimulate endorphins and decrease cortisol levels. Avoid skipping workouts simply because of weather limitations. 4. Limit caffeine and monitor your diet Caffeine, often consumed more during rainy, cosy days, can worsen palpitations and restlessness. Swap with calming herbal teas like chamomile or lemon balm. Avoid foods high in refined sugars that spike and crash energy levels. 5. Practice sensory grounding techniques For those experiencing anxiety spikes, grounding exercises, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, help reorient the mind. Keep lavender or peppermint essential oils at hand for olfactory calming. 6. Monitor indoor environment Use dehumidifiers or anti-fungal agents to prevent mould growth. Ensure your home is well-ventilated and clean air filters regularly. Healthy air quality directly contributes to better mental clarity. 7. Visit an expert Don't wait for symptoms to escalate. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT.) It is highly effective in addressing seasonal and weather-related anxiety. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.