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Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
The health emergency Indian men aren't talking about
Written By Prachi Mishra In Indian society, the image of a man is tied to strength, stoicism, and silence. But behind this silence is a growing storm: a health crisis that is impacting men across the country. Experts warn that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health disorders, and lifestyle-related complications are escalating rapidly among Indian men, and more often than not, go unaddressed. 'There's been a sharp increase in conditions like hypertension and diabetes among men compared to women,' said Dr Atanu Pal, associate professor, department of nephrology at IPGMER and SSKM Hospital. 'Obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are rising steeply, especially in high-stress professions like IT, business, and shift-based jobs,' he said. These conditions are just the tip of the iceberg. Men between the ages of 22 and 40 are also showing early signs of mechanical back pain from long sitting hours, cardiovascular complications, and undiagnosed arthritis. 'The burden of breadwinning, societal expectations, and fast-changing lifestyles have made anxiety and depression rampant,' Dr Pal said. Dr Pal also noted a rise in heart attacks, liver diseases (often alcohol-related), and cancers, especially lung, colorectal, prostate, and gastrointestinal, many of which are more prevalent in men. 'Even in rural India, substance abuse and depression are more common than we previously believed,' he said. Men dominate hazardous sectors like mining and construction, and because of this, they are disproportionately exposed to occupational diseases such as silicosis and other chronic lung conditions. Long-term smoking remains a leading factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A '20-pack-year' smoker – someone who has smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or any other combination that adds up to the same total – has a much higher risk of dying young. But while physical illnesses are visible, mental health in men remains largely invisible. Adrija Roy, a clinical psychologist, said she's seeing a rise in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression, particularly among men aged 25 to 40. 'Men are still told that crying or expressing emotion makes them weak. They suppress feelings until it turns into panic attacks or depressive episodes,' Roy said, adding that in rural areas, the problem is compounded by lack of access and stigma –– people are more likely to consult a tantrik than a therapist. Performance pressure begins early. 'Young boys often deal with phobias, adjustment issues and social anxiety. As they grow, the pressure to 'provide' intensifies. Many turn to substances to cope, which only worsens anger and emotional regulation,' Roy said. Roy recommended that mental health check-ups be treated like routine physical exams. 'Even if you're doing okay, check in with a therapist once a year. It should be as normal as a dental or eye check-up,' she said. Physical appearances, too, are taking a toll. An advisor from a major pharmaceutical company flagged a rise in steroid abuse among young men trying to bulk up. 'Unregulated steroid use is leading to sudden heart failures in men in their 30s and 40s. It's dangerous and often fatal,' she said. Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic nudged many to be more health-conscious. Hygiene, fitness, and wellness are being taken more seriously, but access to advanced therapies and preventive care remains patchy. Men also tend to ignore early symptoms. Dr Saroj Das Majumdar, head of radiation oncology at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, said lung cancer is frequently misdiagnosed as tuberculosis. 'By the time symptoms like coughing blood appear, it's often too late,' he said. India's low emphasis on preventive care only worsens the problem. 'In Western countries, health is among the top priorities. Here, it comes after food, shelter, education, marriage, and even smartphones,' Dr Pal said. He estimates that 50–60 per cent of people don't know they're ill, and among those who do, half don't seek treatment. Another neglected dimension is male sexual health, including erectile dysfunction, often linked with diabetes and stress. But stigma keeps men from seeking help. 'Men are ashamed to admit these problems due to societal perceptions of masculinity. If caught early, these are easily treatable,' Dr Pal said. He urged parents to start conversations about sexual health at home and normalise open dialogue. Prevention, he believes, begins with awareness. Dr Pal recommended following the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet – home-cooked, nutrient-rich meals over processed food – and incorporating daily movement. 'Even a simple walk or stretching can uplift your mood and improve your health,' he said, adding, 'Being social, spending time with friends and family, and expressing yourself emotionally are just as important.' 'Health is not just about medicine,' he said, 'it's about movement, nutrition, and meaningful relationships.' (The author is an intern at The Indian Express)
Health Line
19 hours ago
- Health
- Health Line
The Cost Breztri of with Medicare
Breztri can cost $400 or more without insurance, but Medicare may cover inhaler drugs for COPD, including Breztri. That said, the specific coverage and costs vary based on your exact plan. Breztri Aerosphere (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) is a metered-dose inhaler designed for adults living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Medicare might help cover the cost of Breztri for COPD, but it's important to check the specifics of your plan, as there's no nationwide rule for inhaler coverage. Each Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan may cover different drugs. However, note that if you need a nebulizer rather than an inhaler, you would typically be covered under Medicare Part B. How much does Breztri cost with Medicare? If you don't have insurance, a 5.9-gram (g) Breztri inhaler costs around $400, while a larger 10.7-g inhaler can cost about $700. Whether your Medicare drug plan covers a Breztri inhaler depends on its formulary, which is a list of covered medications that varies with each plan. If your plan's formulary doesn't include this inhaler, it might offer coverage for a different one instead. If your plan covers Breztri, the amount you need to pay depends on its tier within the formulary. Higher tiers usually mean a higher cost. However, starting in 2025, you'll pay no more than $2,000 annually out of pocket for drugs through Medicare plans. Remember, Part D and MAPD plans are managed by private insurance companies, meaning your deductibles, premiums, and copays will depend on your plan. In 2025, the national base beneficiary premium for Part D is $36.78, and according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans is about $17. If you use a nebulizer and have coverage under Part B, you'll pay 20% of the cost after meeting your annual deductible of $257, as long as you keep up with your monthly premium of $185. How can I get cheaper Breztri with Medicare? Typically, you can get cheaper drugs through your Medicare plan by getting a prescription for a generic version. These tend to feature in lower formulary tiers, making them more affordable. There's no generic version of Breztri, but other medications may be just as effective and more budget-friendly. Your Medicare plan may cover these. In fact, since Breztri can be expensive, your plan might require prior authorization before they approve coverage. This could involve step therapy, where you're asked to try a different, equally effective but cheaper medication first. In addition, AstraZeneca, the company that produces Breztri, offers a cost assistance program that may make this drug more affordable for Medicare enrollees. You'll need to visit the manufacturer's website to check your eligibility. Takeaway Breztri is a brand-name inhaler designed for long-term management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. Although Medicare drug plans may cover COPD inhalers like Breztri, coverage is not uniformly required. This means your coverage and cost depend on the specific medication and your specific plan. Generally, Medicare Part D or a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan provides drug coverage for Medicare, including for covered inhalers. However, if you need to use the drug with a nebulizer, your coverage would fall under Part B.
The Sun
a day ago
- Climate
- The Sun
Employment lawyers explain rules on maximum temperature for workplaces
WORKING during a heatwave can be uncomfortable and even dangerous at times. Brits are set to see even more scorching weather this weekend and heading into next week, with highs of 28C today. 1 By Monday, temperatures could even soar to a balmy 34C. It might leave you wondering what your employer should be doing to make working through the heat more bearable - and whether you should be sent home. The Sun has spoken to employment lawyers to find out what your rights are... Should I be sent home if it gets too hot? You might be surprised to know there isn't a maximum temperature limit for workplaces. There is no law for either minimum or maximum working temperatures, meaning your employer doesn't necessarily have to send you home if it reaches a certain heat. Samantha Dickinson, partner at Sussex law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, says: "That's largely because what's considered 'too hot' can vary greatly depending on the work environment. "A kitchen or bakery will be hotter than an office, for example." Government guidance does suggest workplaces should be a minimum of 16C or 13C if employees are doing physical work. What about people who are more vulnerable to heat? Companies are expected to take more care with employees who are potentially more vulnerable to the heat. This includes pregnant women or employees with long-term medical conditions. Experts warn of 6 HUGE mistakes to avoid when using a fan For example, conditions like arthritis or COPD can make high temperatures difficult to cope with. Their rights are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which says company rules shouldn't disadvantage particular employees. Nicola Welchman, a partner at Bloomsbury Square Employment Law, says: "For example, allowing a team member to work from home if they have disability that may be aggravated by hot conditions would be a reasonable adjustment." Should my employer be doing anything else? Employers do have a duty in both common and statutory law to take "reasonable" care for the health and safety of employees. Alex Elliott, a solicitor in the employment team at Birketts LLP, said employers should be carrying out regular workplace risk assessments. This includes considering how employees could be affected by a heatwave. "For example, employers may choose to relax dress codes where appropriate, in addition to providing adequate air conditioning and access to water," he said. Employers could also take steps like buying cool drinks and ice creams for staff. They might also want to offer flexible working hours, such as earlier start and finish times, so employees can avoid working during the hottest parts of the day. Can you make a claim against your employer if it's too hot? As we mentioned, employers aren't legally required to keep your workplace below a certain temperature. But you might have grounds for a claim if you fall ill due to the heat. Samantha said: "Beyond the health implications, productivity can also suffer when employees are too hot to concentrate. "If someone becomes ill due to excessive heat, especially if they have a pre-existing condition, employers could face legal consequences, including personal injury claims." To make a claim you would need to go to a personal injury solicitor, who can send a "letter of claim" to your employer. You will need to be able to prove your employer failed to take adequate health and safety measures. The employer will then have to investigate your claim and respond. You should research any personal injury solicitor before using them and check the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers to see if they are properly accredited. Be aware that legal action can be expensive so think carefully before making a claim. What if you have to take public transport? Again, there are no laws about temperatures on public transport. Each transport company can set its own policies around heatwaves and temperature conditions. Transport for London has said all Tubes will be air-conditioned by 2030, but until then passengers could be facing sweltering journeys. It's recommended that if you're travelling you should take a water bottle and wear light, loose-fitting clothing if possible. You might want to consider electrolyte drinks like sports drinks or coconut water on longer journeys. If you're driving to work, these are some tips from the AA on how to keep your car cool: Use steering wheel and seat covers Cover your dashboard to keep the surface cool and avoid premature cracking or fading Park your vehicle in the shade Leave windows slightly cracked to allow hot air to escape Most battery electric vehicles have an app which allows cabin temperature control remotely, so you can cool down your vehicle's interior before you start your journey. How to keep cool in a heatwave Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS... Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter. Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
NGT raps MPCB over inaction, seeks response from Pune authorities in RMC pollution case
The western zone bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), directing several top Pune officials to respond to allegations of environmental violations and public health hazards caused by a ready-mix concrete (RMC) plant operating in the Vadgaon Budruk area. The matter was brought before the NGT through an original application filed in June 2025 involving a complaint by local resident Suyog Kelkar regarding health issues among citizens including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to prolonged exposure to cement dust and fugitive emissions from the RMC plant in question. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) In a hearing held on June 19, the NGT has directed multiple authorities – including the Pune district collector, Pune municipal commissioner, executive engineer of the Rasta Peth-Parvati division, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) Pune, and representative of the RMC plant in question – to submit their responses. The tribunal noted that all these stakeholders must explain their role, responsibility and steps taken (or lack thereof) to address the alleged violations. Meanwhile, in a separate but related submission to the NGT dated June 19, the MPCB confirmed that it had previously issued a notice of closure to the said RMC plant on June 24, 2024, based on several non-compliances observed during an inspection. Acting upon complaints from nearby residents, the board had ordered the plant to cease operations. During a subsequent visit in June 2025 however, MPCB officials found that the plant was still operating using a 320 KVA diesel generator to continue production despite the notice of closure. The MPCB, represented by advocate Manasi Joshi and Pune regional officer, stated that 'it is now in the process of taking further action against the plant, including sealing it'. However, the NGT bench comprising honourable justice Dinesh Kumar Singh (judicial member) and Dr Vijay Kulkarni (expert member) expressed strong dissatisfaction stating: 'We fail to understand as to why the said order has not been passed against the said plant till now.' The bench questioned the delay on the part of the MPCB in enforcing compliance even after documented violations. When contacted, neither the MPCB regional officer nor sub-regional officer responded to the call. The matter was brought before the NGT through an original application filed in June 2025 involving a complaint by local resident Suyog Kelkar regarding health issues among citizens including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to prolonged exposure to cement dust and fugitive emissions from the RMC plant in question. Kelkar complained that the plant's operations have led to severe degradation of air quality in the residential neighbourhood. The NGT formally admitted the original application and directed all parties to file their reply affidavits within four weeks. The matter is now listed for further hearing on July 31, 2025. The case underscores rising concerns over urban air pollution and the apparent gaps in enforcement by regulatory authorities. With growing public health implications, especially in densely populated areas like Vadgaon Budruk, intervention by the NGT is seen as a critical step towards holding lax officials and those violating environmental norms accountable.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Chronic cough, headaches for no reason? Is your AC making you sick?
Written by Dr Pankaj Chhabra Of late I am seeing many patients with chronic cough, breathless bouts and asthma even when they do not have a history of any respiratory condition. Eliminating all risk factors, I zeroed in on one trigger that they didn't know was affecting their lungs — their air-conditioner. Yes, your AC can become a sneaky health hazard in hot and humid conditions, as mould grows inside it. What is AC mould? Mould is a fungus that thrives in a dark, humid and wet environment, all of which exist in AC units. Condensation within an AC unit, especially if the AC is not cleaned frequently, is where mould may form on filters, coils or ducts. The mould then deteriorates and releases spores into the air, which you eventually breathe whenever the AC is operational. How mould impacts respiratory health In patients suffering from asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), bronchitis or even immune-compromised conditions, inhaling mould initiates attacks, increases their frequency and even leads to hospitalisation. Even healthy individuals can experience symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or breathlessness, sore throat, tightness of the chest, sinus congestion, irritation to the eyes or skin. At high exposure levels, when people come into contact with poisonous moulds like black mould, they could become vulnerable to fatigue, headaches, nausea, or even neurological damage. Long-term exposure also increases the risk of getting a respiratory infection or hypersensitivity pneumuonitis, an illness where lung inflammation results from an allergic reaction to mould particles floating in the air. Studies have been few but one of them found that when office air-conditioning systems were irradiated with ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and fungi, fewer employees reported respiratory allergies. What about prevention? First and foremost, have your AC serviced professionally every six months or once a year. Trained professionals are capable of detecting hidden mould growth and give the system a proper clean-through, making sure it runs safely and efficiently. AC filters need to be replaced or cleaned every three months at least, especially when usage is high. A clogged filter accumulates dust and becomes an ideal breeding ground for mould. Inspecting for water leaks or pooling around the unit is critical. Excess water encourages mould growth. In wetter climates, using a dehumidifier alongside your AC will help prevent the moisture content from increasing. Good ventilation and airflow allow for the reduction of dampness as well as the risk of mould growth. An additional safeguard is to have an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter capable of catching airborne mould spores in order to provide improved indoor air quality. If you have recurring sneezing, coughing, or breathing problems whenever the AC is running, it may be a signal to inspect your unit carefully. (The author is clinical director, Pulmonology Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad)
