Latest news with #GlobalBurdenofDiseaseStudy
Irish Examiner
27-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Sobering shift: are Irish women changing their relationship to drink?
Are women waking up to the fact that booze may not be our best friend? That, actually, we have been in a long-term toxic relationship with an addictive, carcinogenic drug, one from which we may be slowly beginning to detach? The Irish Examiner Women's Health Survey, conducted by Ipsos B&A, found that women are increasingly taking control of their health and wellbeing, including their drinking. Park runs, saunas, and kombucha, rather than pubs, booze, and hangovers. When asked about their current consumption, the survey found that four in 10 women are consuming less alcohol or no alcohol, and 27% would like to decrease the amount of alcohol they drink (with 33% disagreeing). Another 27% have a drink at the end of the day to relax, although 59% disagree with this. More than half the 1,000 women surveyed, 55%, drink at least a few days every month, with 5% drinking daily. Almost one in five don't drink at all. As we become increasingly more health aware, what's interesting is how gendered our relationship with alcohol is, in part as a result of targeted marketing. Male drinking is perceived as a jolly group activity, social and celebratory, often involving sport; female drinking is presented almost as a mental health resource. Mother's little liquid helper. A sanity preserver, a coping strategy, a reward for all the ragged multi-tasking. Wine o'clock. And we're spoilt for choice: Pink gin, pink fizz, pink wine, pink spirits, pink cans of cocktails. 'For generations of women, booze is a loan shark, one on which millions of females have come to rely,' says Ann Dowsett Johnston, author of Drink: The Intimate Relationship Between Women and Alcohol. 'Over-tired, over-worked, over-anxious, booze is there to lend a hand when you need it most. And over time, when you don't. This is the truth, the painful trajectory of female drinking. 'In many ways, this reliance has to do with booze being the ultimate decompression tool: a culturally acceptable way to unwind from a perennially demanding schedule. Women go toe to toe with men in the workforce, outpace men in post-secondary education, and yet bear the lion's share of the emotional and domestic labour of running a family.' No wonder we drink. Add to this our deeply embedded cultural attachment to alcohol, and you can see how Irish women have ranked seventh heaviest drinkers in the world, according to 2016's Global Burden of Disease Study. No such thing as safe For women's health, there are no safe levels of alcohol consumption, as outlined in recent research published by Harvard Medical School, despite official 'safe' limits set out by the Irish Government, suggesting 11 standard drinks for women per week (it's 14 for men). Consultant hepatologist professor Orla Crosbie agrees that there's no such thing as 'safe' drinking for women : 'Even with moderate alcohol intake, the risks of cancer are increased.' She reminds us that women are more susceptible than men to the effects of alcohol, as we tend to be physically smaller and have more body fat. 'There may also be hormonal reasons too,' she says. 'There is a whole range of physical, mental, and social issues that come with excess alcohol intake. Even within the recommended limits, there's still risk, particularly of cancer. Alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer, plus cancers of the throat, oesophagus and pancreas. There's also increased risk of heart attacks and strokes, seizures — alcohol lowers your seizure threshold — and of course liver disease.' In terms of mental health, Crosbie reminds us that while we use alcohol as a relaxant, 'in the short term you don't sleep as well, and long term it increases anxiety and depression'. It also has social impacts specific to women: 'There are no safe alcohol limits during pregnancy. And, as alcohol is a disinhibitor, it can lead to unwanted pregnancies.' For older women, 'the impacts can range from people having road traffic accidents to falls, especially as we get older. These can result in fractures or head injuries, which can be devastating.' It can also exacerbate osteoporosis and skin conditions. 'A lot of people who I see with alcohol issues have multi-vitamin deficiency,' she continues. 'If your diet is poor, you can lose muscle mass while gaining fat. And with liver disease, you can retain fluid. Sarcopenia [wasted weak muscle] has a huge impact on morbidity and mortality. 'It's possible to recover,' she adds. 'Overall, mental and physical health can be improved — the key things are nutrition, time and abstinence.' Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland, says the increased risk of cancer arises at 'relatively low levels' of consumption, one to two drinks per day. But even knowing about the negative health and social impact of alcohol, cutting down or stopping can be particularly hard in a culture where you have to justify not drinking. Where drinking is so normalised that not drinking is regarded with suspicion. 'Our drinking culture is very much set by the alcohol industry through its saturated marketing,' says Gilheany. In the past, alcohol marketing targeted men — if women were present, it was for decorative purposes. Remember the Harp advert, 'Sally O'Brien and the way she might look at you'? Nobody was trying to sell Harp to Sally. This has changed, as the drinks industry seeks to close the gender gap and boost its profits. 'The alcohol industry now deliberately targets women with dedicated marketing strategies,' says Gilheany. 'Traditionally, women have consumed less alcohol than men, and so the industry sees a significant market opportunity. Previously, women appeared in marketing campaigns more as an adjunct to men's drinking. 'Marketing strategies now include a range of products which are designed with women in mind — literally pinking the drinks,' says Gilheany. 'Other common themes are empowerment, sponsorship of women's sports, and aligning with women's issues. For example, she notes that multinational alcoholic beverage company Diageo has supported fundraisers for breast cancer research in the US. 'It's particularly ironic given that one in eight breast cancers is caused by alcohol.' The drinks industry, she adds, is strongly opposing the introduction of Ireland's cancer warning labelling on alcohol products. Pic: iStock Cultural changes However, the 0.0% drinks aisle seems to be expanding. Where once non-drinkers had a choice between fizzy water and fizzy pop, these days there's a plethora of grown-up, alcohol-free options that actually taste good, from beers to prosecco to de-alcoholised spirits. Is being able to join in without the prospect of a hangover a cause for celebration? Or does the expansion of the 0.0% aisle in the supermarket not quite reflect reality? '0.0% alcohol drinks make up a very small percentage of the overall alcohol market — around 1%,' says Gilheany. In 2023, 0.0% beer products made up around 2% of the beer market in Ireland and 0.0% spirits made up around 0.5% of the spirit market. 'While this market is growing, there is very little evidence of an alcohol substitution effect — people may be consuming these 0.0% products as substitutes for soft drinks, or in addition to alcohol products. 'For example, Heineken has had a campaign about drinking 0.0% beer after a gym session or at lunch time — occasions when alcohol might not have been drunk. 'Given how small the 0.0% spirits market is, it seems unlikely that this is a major contributor to any changes in women's drinking.' Cultural change takes time. There was a time when Coca-Cola contained actual cocaine, when laudanum was freely available, when snuff was fashionable, and when smoking was sexy. Until recently, we were told Guinness is good for you — including if you were a pregnant woman in need of iron — and that red wine is good for cardiovascular health. We know now that this is simply not the case. But given the collusive, collaborative nature of alcohol as a drug and its vast profitability, we remain reluctant to let go of it, and the industry remains reluctant to stop flogging it to men and women. Gilheany would like better labelling, similar to that on tobacco products, in an effort to pierce our denial. 'The minister for health should ensure that Ireland's alcohol labelling regulations are not delayed in any way from their start date in May 2026,' she says. 'These include warnings about alcohol and liver disease, cancer, and not drinking during pregnancy.' Alcohol is not a risk-free product. Nor is it essential for everyday life. It's not essential at all. That's a fact not lost on the four in 10 women in the Irish Examiner Women's Health Survey, who are consuming less alcohol or no alcohol at all.
Express Tribune
26-06-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Unvaccinated children in Pakistan rising
Pakistan has become the second largest country with the highest number of children with zero doses of vaccines in South Asia after India, a media report said, quoting a new study by British medical journal Lancet. The study found that Pakistan had 419,000 children falling into that zero-vaccine category. Pakistan is one of the last two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio still remains endemic, despite global efforts to eradicate the virus. The Lancet said in a press release that a major new analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study Vaccine Coverage Collaborators, said that despite progress of past 50 years, the last two decades have also been marked by stagnating childhood vaccination rates and wide variation in vaccine coverage. In 2019, it said, the WHO set ambitious goals for improving vaccine coverage globally through the Immunisation Agenda 2030. However, it added, the challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving millions of children vulnerable to preventable diseases and death. The authors of the study, "Global, regional, and national trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage from 1980 to 2023 with forecasts to 2030", said that the latest estimates should be taken as a "clear warning" that 2030 target would not be achieved without "transformational improvements". The IA2030 goals included halving the number of 'zero-dose' children — estimated as children aged under 1 who have not received any dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine. The programme also aimed to achieve global coverage of 90% for each of the life-course vaccines.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
18-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Is that stomach pain pancreatitis? How to know when to see a doctor
If you've been hearing the word 'pancreatitis' more often lately, you're not alone. Hospitals across India are reporting a rise in cases — not just among older adults, but increasingly among people in their 30s and 40s. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, cases of pancreatitis are expected to rise globally — from about 2.8 million in 2019 to nearly 4 million by 2044. What's driving this surge? And more importantly, what can you do to prevent it? Let's break it down. What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas — a small, powerful organ behind your stomach. The pancreas has two major roles: it maintains blood sugar levels through insulin secretion and supports digestion via enzyme secretion. When the pancreas gets inflamed, digestive enzymes can start attacking the pancreas itself. That's when things get painful — and dangerous. There are two main types: Acute pancreatitis: Comes on suddenly, often severe and potentially life-threatening Chronic pancreatitis: Long-term inflammation that may result in permanent damage Why is pancreatitis rising in India? Doctors say it's a mix of changing lifestyles, diet, and delayed medical attention. Founder & Chairman Emeritus, Dr Batra's Healthcare, Dr Mukesh Batra told Business Standard: 'Owing to the major lifestyle shift and healthcare gaps, pancreatitis cases have seen a surge in India. One of the major determinants is heavy alcohol use, particularly among young adults. Increased intake of fat and low fibre, physical inactivity, delayed diagnosis, and increased obesity are other major determinants. Also, gallstones, a common condition in Indian women, tend to be associated with acute pancreatitis. Increasingly poor eating habits and irregular working hours are also pushing the younger generation towards vulnerability.' Common triggers include: Excessive alcohol consumption Gallstones, especially in women High triglyceride levels (above 1000 mg/dL) Smoking, which worsens inflammation Certain medications, like corticosteroids and diuretics Genetic predisposition Abdominal trauma or surgery 'A rare but important form of pancreatitis happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy pancreatic tissue… If you wait too long to get treatment, it can lead to serious problems like damage to the pancreas, infection, diabetes, or even pancreatic cancer,' said Dr Sugi Subramaniam R V, Senior Consultant – Surgical Gastroenterology, SRM Global Hospitals, Chennai. What are the key warning signs of pancreatitis? Pancreatitis symptoms can be severe and should never be ignored. Watch out for: Sudden, intense upper abdominal pain (sometimes radiating to the back) Nausea and vomiting Fever and chills Bloating or a tender belly Rapid heartbeat "Chronic cases may also show signs like weight loss, oily stools, and fatigue — often confused with gastritis or stress," added Dr Sugi. How is pancreatitis diagnosed and treated? In acute cases, hospitalisation is often required. Standard diagnostic tools include: Blood tests for enzyme levels (amylase, lipase) Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or MRCP for detailed duct imaging Stool tests in chronic conditions to assess fat absorption Treatment includes: Resting the pancreas (usually through fasting) IV fluids and pain management Addressing the root cause (e.g. gallstones, medications) Can pancreatitis be prevented? Yes — largely through lifestyle changes. Experts recommend: Limiting alcohol Avoiding smoking Adopting a low-fat, high-fibre diet Staying hydrated Managing cholesterol and diabetes Promptly treating gallstones Avoiding misuse of medications like steroids Is there a role for homeopathy? 'Depending on the constitution of the patient and the profile of symptoms, homeopathic remedies such as Iris Versicolor, Chelidonium, or Nux Vomica can be prescribed… The best recovery results lie in early diagnosis, integrative care, and lifestyle correction,' adds Dr Batra. Bottom line So the next time you feel severe stomach pain — don't just pop a painkiller and move on. It might be your pancreas waving a red flag.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
All you need to know about: Hernias
A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or tissue wall. Hernias can occur in the abdomen, upper thigh and groin areas. Inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, umbilical hernia and hiatal hernia are among the most common types. A previous surgical incision site is also a common site for a hernia to develop. According to the 'Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019' published in The Lancet, inguinal, femoral, and abdominal hernia comprise disorders in which portions of the digestive tract protrude through defects in the walls of the abdominal cavity. These occasionally lead to life threatening acute complications, but more commonly are asymptomatic, or cause chronic or intermittent pain. Symptomatic hernia is surgically repaired. Studies have indicated a surge in the global prevalence of hernia cases. While one analysis of data from the 2019 GBD Study found that the global prevalence of hernia cases rose by 36% from 1990 to 2019 ('Global, regional, and national burden of inguinal, femoral, and abdominal hernias: a systematic analysis of prevalence, incidence, deaths, and DALYs with projections to 2030' published in the International Journal of Surgery), another analysis found that males, older adults, and low-income and middle-income countries such as India and China, had heavy hernia burdens ('The global, regional, and national burden and its trends of inguinal, femoral, and abdominal hernia from 1990 to 2019: findings from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study – a cross-sectional study'). What are the symptoms of hernia? One of the most common and recognisable symptoms of hernia is a visible bulge or lump in the affected area. Most commonly, hernias occur in the abdomen, groin and pelvic floor. Very often, it can appear when a person strains or lifts objects or coughs. An inguinal hernia is characterised by a bulge in the groin area - for instance, a part of the intestine can protrude through a weak spot in the abdominal wall cavity appearing at the groin. Discomfort or pain, especially while coughing, bending over or lifting objects are some of the symptoms. According to the European Hernia Society, an abdominal wall hernia is defined as a protrusion of the contents of the abdomen through a defect in its wall. Primary ventral hernias are commonest in the midline of the abdomen. These are called umbilical or epigastric hernias, depending on their location. While an umbilical hernia is a hernia in the umbilicus (tummy button), and epigastric hernia is any other hernia in the middle of the tummy. Umbilical hernias, though common in babies, can also occur in adults. The American College of Surgeons says that about 10% of abdominal hernias are umbilical hernias. Among the common symptoms are a visible bulge on the abdomen, especially when coughing or straining; pain or pressure at the hernia site, increasing sharp abdominal pain and vomiting can mean that the hernia is strangulated. If strangulated, this is a surgical emergency and immediate treatment is needed, it said. How are hernias diagnosed and treated? Doctors can diagnose hernias through a physical examination. During the examination, they may check for bulges or protrusions when a patient stands or coughs. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds may also be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options for hernias include surgical procedures - open and laparoscopic repairs. Other options include watchful waiting and lifestyle changes. In open hernia repair, the surgeon makes an incision in the groin and pushes the protruding/herniated tissue back into the abdomen. The weakened wall is repaired and usually a surgical mesh is reinforced, to reduce the chances of recurrence. What is the way forward? The study in the International Journal of Surgery made an observation that predictions until 2030 indicate an increase in hernia prevalence, particularly among males, with a simultaneous expected decrease in hernia-related death rates and disability-adjusted life years. It emphasised that considering the ongoing global burden of hernias, the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive health strategies is evident. 'Effective reduction in hernia impact will require persistent research and proactive healthcare approaches,' it said.
Barnama
27-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Stem Cell Therapy Helps Osteoarthritis Patient Regain Mobility
A knee injury that ended his amateur football career in 2003 is believed to have triggered the early onset of secondary osteoarthritis (OA) for Khairul Ikram Kamarul Bahrin, who began experiencing debilitating symptoms at a very early age of just 35 years old. Although he was still able to walk and perform his daily routines, he had to stop participating in sports to avoid worsening his knee condition. 'I tore my ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) while playing football. I underwent surgery, but not long after, it tore again — and this time, the damage was worse, involving the cartilage and bone as well. Since then, my knee has never fully recovered,' said the oil and gas engineer when interviewed by Bernama recently. Khairul Ikram Kamarul Bahrin's knee condition, which was often swollen and painful, became more serious, and finally in 2020 an MRI showed that his knee cartilage was severely worn, which is a symptom of early stage OA. His knee condition, often swollen and painful, worsened over time, and in 2020 an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan revealed severe cartilage wear — an early symptom of OA. 'I was only 35 then, but the doctor said my knees were like those of a 50-year-old. I was really down. Sometimes I had to pray while sitting on a chair. The sports I loved had turned into a nightmare,' he shared. After nearly two decades of suffering, a consultation with orthopaedic consultant Prof Datuk Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham Md Yusoff from Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in early 2022, changed Khairul Ikram's life. He is now 40 years old. A COMMON PROBLEM, LIMITED TREATMENT Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease commonly seen in the elderly and better known as primary osteoarthritis, but if it is caused by some intrinsic knee injury such as cartilage damage or meniscal tear or even as a result of an unstable knee, it is referred as secondary osteoarthritis, where it is commonly and increasingly affecting physically active younger individuals aged 35 and above. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 250 million people worldwide have OA, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected joints. In Malaysia, local studies show that up to nearly 20 per cent or 1 in 5 individuals aged 50 and above suffer from knee OA. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, it is estimated that 33 million individuals aged 30–44 years experience knee osteoarthritis problems. Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that often occurs in the elderly, but is now becoming increasingly prevalent among younger people. Photo credit Contributing factors include obesity, sports injuries, genetic history, and overuse of joints. Common treatments include painkillers, physiotherapy, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, and in chronic cases, joint replacement surgery. However, for younger patients who are still active and not ready for knee replacement surgery, effective treatment options are limited. This is because there are many factors that may hinder individuals under the age of 50 if they undergo knee replacement surgery—among them, the inability to sit cross-legged, sit on the floor, and for Muslims, the need to perform prayers while seated on a chair. Most concerning is the likelihood of requiring a second surgery after 15 years to replace the artificial joint due to wear and tear from intensive use. All of this makes knee replacement surgery a less attractive option for most knee OA sufferers. This has led to the emergence of regenerative treatments such as stem cell therapy, pioneered by Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham. In 2016, the UKM medical faculty researcher and professor began exploring the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cords for orthopaedic conditions, particularly knee OA. 'Stem cells have great potential to stimulate the regeneration of damaged cartilage, thereby helping to restore joint function without the need for invasive joint replacement surgery,' he said in an interview with Bernama. A PROUD ACHIEVEMENT His research positioned UKM as the first institution in Malaysia to successfully conduct a clinical trial of regenerative treatment using mesenchymal stem cells on six patients, starting from 2016 to 2018, with very promising results. 'All patients involved in the clinical trial showed significant improvement, allowing them to return to normal lives. They no longer needed to rely on painkillers and were able to avoid joint replacement surgery,' said Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham. He explained that the procedure involved surgery on the affected knee followed by a stem cell injection in the same area two weeks later. 'The recovery time usually depends on the severity of the injury. If it's very serious, then more time is needed to heal,' he said. This achievement marks a major milestone in regenerative medicine in Malaysia. The use of umbilical cord-derived stem cells offers a potential alternative to joint replacement for knee OA patients. This clinical trial was presented in the International Cartilage Repair Society Focus Meeting in Milan in 2018 and also published in Cytotherapy Journal by Elsevier, in May 2019. EARLY SUCCESS AND FUTURE POTENTIAL HCTM, as an academic hospital under UKM, plays a vital role in advancing stem cell treatment innovations to support the potential of health tourism, said Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham. He added that this aligns with HCTM's mission to provide safe, evidence-based, and innovative treatments that meet international standards, while also aiming to establish a regional reference centre for regenerative medicine. Chief Executive Officer of KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd (KL Orthosports), Associate Professor Datuk Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham (fourth, left) and Director of Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd, Sasha Nordin (third, left)) pictured during the Memorandum of Understanding (MoA) Exchange Ceremony between KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd and Celler Therapeutics Sdn Bhd as well as the launch of the Malaysian Stem Cell Awareness Network at the HCTM Complex. 'Through strategic collaborations with research institutions and the private sector, HCTM is committed to strengthening R&D capacity. Our vision is to be a leader in innovation-based healthcare services, especially in stem cell treatment, and to become a key destination for health tourism at both regional and global levels,' he explained. According to him, UKM's commitment is further reinforced through partnerships with KL Orthosports Sdn Bhd and Celler Therapeutics SdnBhd, particularly in regenerative medicine. In addition, the launch of the Malaysian Stem Cell Awareness Network reflects efforts to raise public awareness and knowledge of stem cell therapy. The success of this clinical trial paved the way for broader access to stem cell treatment in Malaysia. However, to ensure its effectiveness and safety on a wider scale, factors such as treatment cost, regulatory approvals, and medical infrastructure must be addressed. 'With this success, we hope to provide access to more patients in need while continuing to monitor the research to ensure long-term outcomes,' he said. He also shared his vision to collaborate with eight public universities, including medical universities and Konsortium Hospital Universiti Awam Malaysia (KHUAM) to conduct multi-centre trials focusing on approximately 500 patients. 'Based on this collaboration, we believe that within less than five years, Malaysians — especially — will benefit from this stem cell treatment through this consortium of university hospitals or KHUAM,' he said. At the same time, he emphasised that while the treatment shows encouraging results for patients with mild to moderate OA, it is not a cure-all solution. 'While the treatment offers positive outcomes for many young patients, as in Khairul Ikram's case, we need to be careful in selecting suitable cases. Treatment success depends on the level of joint damage and the patient's commitment to physiotherapy and a healthy lifestyle post-treatment,' he explained. INNOVATION MUST CONTINUE According to Dr Badrul Akmal Hisham, HCTM is currently conducting more clinical studies to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the treatment across different levels of joint damage. 'This treatment has great potential, and we hope it can help more patients in the future to avoid more extensive and riskier surgeries,' he added. To him, stem cell therapy is one of the innovative branches of regenerative medicine that shows tremendous promise — not only in treating various chronic and degenerative diseases, but also as a catalyst for the growth of Malaysia's health tourism sector. 'Therefore, our main hope is that this treatment can establish Malaysia as a leading hub for stem cell therapy in Southeast Asia, attracting medical tourists from neighbouring and international countries seeking proven and evidence-based treatment at a very competitive costs,' he added. Advancements in stem cell technology are expected to further enhance Malaysia's reputation as a world-class healthcare provider, boosting investor and tourist confidence. Additionally, growth in this sector will directly contribute to the economy through increased medical tourism and indirectly via job creation and the strengthening of local research capacity. NEVER GIVE UP For Khairul Ikram, the treatment's success not only allowed him to return to sports, but also restored his long-lost spirit and self-confidence. 'Football is not just a hobby, it's part of my life. When I couldn't play, I was devastated. But after this treatment, I feel like I've been given a second chance, and I've never stopped being grateful,' he said. To those still suffering or yet to seek treatment, he offered this advice: 'Many people think knee pain is normal as you age. But if you're still young and active, and your knee starts hurting, know that it's an early warning sign. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of full recovery.'
