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Time of India
7 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Rising screen time in Indian homes is impacting toddler growth and parents' mental well-being
A recent study published in BMJ Paediatrics looked at 3,624 parents of children aged 2 to 5 across five northern Indian states between July and October 2024. It found that more than 60% of toddlers are spending 2 to 4 hours a day on screens—far more than the World Health Organization's recommendation of just one hour of supervised, good-quality content. Shockingly, some kids are getting up to eight hours of screen time daily. Experts warn this isn't just about busy schedules—it could seriously affect children's brain development and growth. Parents use screens as digital pacifiers The study found that screens are frequently used to calm children, free up parents' time, or complete household chores. While understandable, this approach carries consequences. Children exposed to excessive screen time showed less verbal interaction, reduced outdoor play, and minimal participation in creative activities. When parents skip screen limits or use screens during meals, excessive use becomes significantly more likely Why toddlers need real talk, not screen time During the ages of 2–5, children rely on real-life interactions to develop language, emotional understanding, and problem-solving skills. Screens simply can't replicate the back-and-forth dialogue and sensory-rich experiences required for healthy growth. As Priyank Bhutani, a co-author of the BMJ study, points out, 'Language is a learned behaviour. A screen cannot give you two-way communication. You need a social environment to learn. ' Research links screen time to kids' developmental delays In Kerala, a 2021 BMC Pediatrics study of preschoolers found that inconsistent supervision during screen time was linked to cognitive delays, affecting attention, social skills, and problem-solving. Further, systematic reviews, including one in BMJ Open, associate excessive screen use with delays in language, attention span, and emotional regulation. International evidence from JAMA Pediatrics shows toddlers who consume 2–5 hours of video content daily scored significantly lower on language and memory by age 5—compared to children exposed for under an hour. Mental health professionals raise red flags Mental health experts are seeing these trends reflected in children's behavior. Delayed speech, reduced eye contact, limited imaginative play, and emotional dysregulation are emerging as common symptoms. This is described as "digital dysregulation"—children seek the dopamine-driven stimulation of screens but struggle to engage with everyday tasks. It is noted that children often calm down with screens but then can't tolerate normal boredom. Journalist Rajvi Turakhia adds that 'the brain begins craving the dopamine hit of quick cuts, loud sounds, and instant gratification,' making real-world stimuli seem dull. Why parents need help managing screen time, not blame Many parents admit overreliance on screens, citing stress, time demands, or mental health needs. A mother of two candidly shared that screen time has become a 'crutch' while juggling work and caring for her children. Others observe mood swings and sleep disruption in their kids with high screen usage. Professionals emphasise a supportive, non-judgmental approach. Rather than blame, parents need accessible guidance—on how to set limits, choose high-quality content, and offer screen-free alternatives. Merely reducing screen time isn't enough; how screens are used matters greatly. WHO and AAP guidelines stress supervised, interactive, educational content—co-viewed with parents—not passive viewing. One mother noticed her toddler mimicking 'angry dinosaur' shows—and changed course toward calmer programming with better results. Simple, sustainable strategies to reclaim screen-free time Professionals recommend practical changes that ease screen usage without guilt: Set clear, realistic limits: consistently enforce them across weekdays and weekends. Encourage interactive play: puzzles, blocks, drawing, role-play—activities that boost communication and problem-solving. Create screen-free zones: mealtime and bedtime routines are ideal. Replace screen use with bonding activities: reading out loud, storytelling, or songs. Promote outdoor play: even short, active sessions support physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. These parent-led shifts can reverse developmental concerns; early intervention is key—toddlers' brains remain impressively adaptive BMJ study urges Indian-specific screen-time solutions for families The BMJ study emphasises the need for Indian-context resources—from community workshops to government campaigns—that educate families on healthy screen practices. As India becomes more digital, parents need culturally relevant tools that focus less on restrictions and more on practical, screen-smart parenting. Despite rising screen use, the outlook isn't bleak. With parental awareness, small lifestyle changes, and supportive resources, young children can enjoy healthy development. As digital saturation grows, balance—rather than digital avoidance—is the clue. Quality interactions, thoughtful media use, and loving relationships remain the core of healthy childhoods.
Medscape
30-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Cooking Fumes Raise Lung Cancer Risk in Never Smokers
TOPLINE: A systematic review found that higher lifetime exposure to cooking oil fumes was associated with an increased risk for lung cancer in never-smoking women in high-income countries. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a systematic review to study the relationship between exposure to cooking fumes, a type of household air pollution, and lung cancer in never smokers in high-income countries. The analysis included three case-control studies comprising 3734 participants, with all studies focusing on Chinese women using traditional cooking methods. TAKEAWAY: Higher cooking time-years (> 160) were associated with an increased risk for lung cancer (odds ratio [OR], 3.17; 95% CI, 1.34-7.68). Compared with cooking dish-years ≤ 50, cooking dish-years > 200 conferred an OR of 8.09 (95% CI, 2.57-25.45). Deep frying was associated with the highest risk (per 10 dish-years), with an OR of 2.56 (95% CI, 1.31-5.00), followed by pan frying (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.27-1.69) and stir frying (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.18). Cooking three meals per day was associated with a threefold higher risk for lung cancer than cooking one meal per day (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.6-6.2). Ventilation hoods showed a protective effect against lung cancer in never smokers (adjusted OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32-0.76). IN PRACTICE: "Exposure to cooking fumes is linked to lung cancer due to the levels of carcinogens that can be produced during the heating of oils to high temperatures. VOCs [volatile organic compounds] which are generated by cooking oils have been shown to be mutagenic, containing PACs [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons], aldehydes, carbonyl compounds and other mutagens," the authors of the study wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Bría Joyce McAllister, University of Leicester College of Life Sciences, Leicester, England. It was published online on June 20, 2025, in BMJ Open. LIMITATIONS: All three studies relied on questionnaires and participant recollection rather than active monitoring of household air pollutant concentrations while cooking. The questionnaires used were not included in the publications, potentially limiting replication. Additionally, none of the studies accounted for the effects of outdoor air pollution, which is known to affect health and indoor air quality. The research was limited to Chinese women in Taiwan and Hong Kong using traditional cooking methods, raising questions about applicability to other ethnic groups and high-income countries. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by a grant from the Wellcome Trust. The National Institute for Health and Care Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre provided additional support. The authors declared having no relevant conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The American Diabetes Association Demonstrates Its Commitment to Curbing the Obesity Epidemic with Obesity Standards of Care
Symposium previews new content for Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity, designed to improve patient care and outcomes CHICAGO, June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent developments for the new Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity guidelines, the first clinical guidance of its kind, were presented during the Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity 2025 Updates symposium at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) in Chicago. The Obesity Association™, a division of the ADA, recently announced the publication of Weight Stigma and Bias: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity—2025, along with the Introduction & Methodology section in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care. This comes at a time when about 110 million American adults are impacted by obesity. Further, up to (53%) of new cases of type 2 diabetes are attributed to obesity every year, demonstrating the need for comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines to inform care. The symposium highlighted key insights on physician guidelines for weight stigma and bias, including training for health care professionals, creating inclusive clinical environments, person-centered communication, shared decision making, and evidence-based interventions. Additionally, researchers highlighted what is next for the clinical guidelines, including a potential section for pharmacologic treatment and a preview of what is going to be covered in that section. The Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity 2025 Updates symposium is one of many obesity-related symposia and abstracts at the 85th Scientific Sessions, spanning basic through clinical and implementation science. Additional studies highlighting groundbreaking developments obesity treatment and care to be presented at ADA's annual meeting include: Once-Monthly MariTide for the Treatment of Obesity in People with or without Type 2 Diabetes—A 52-Week Phase 2 Study ADJUnct Semaglutide Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes (ADJUST-T1D) Trial Outcomes Can We Improve the Quality of Weight Loss by Augmenting Fat Mass Loss while Preserving Lean Mass? The BELIEVE Study of Bimagrumab + Semaglutide PATHWEIGH Trial—Building the Highway for Weight Management in Primary Care First Report of a Phase 3 RCT of Orforglipron, a Small Nonpeptide GLP-1RA, as Monotherapy in Drug-Naïve Type 2 Diabetes with Inadequate Glycemic Control—The ACHIEVE-1 Trial Efficacy and Safety of CagriSema 2.4mg/2.4mg in Adults with Overweight/Obesity—The REDEFINE 1 and REDEFINE 2 Clinical Trials "The ADA's Standards of Care in Diabetes guideline is the gold standard for diabetes care and management," said Raveendhara Bannuru, MD, PhD, the ADA's vice president, medical affairs and lead author of the guidelines. "The new Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity guidelines stand to yield significant impact and progress in patient care, and it's only just the beginning." As part of the ADA's ongoing commitment to combating obesity, new clinical practice guidelines and initiatives are continually being developed to advance the quality of care. Research presentation details:Dr. Bannuru and other Professional Practice Committee members will present these findings at the symposium: Standards of Care in Overweight and Obesity 2025 Updates Friday, June 20 from 12:45–1:45 p.m. About the ADA's Scientific SessionsThe ADA's 85th Scientific Sessions, the world's largest scientific meeting focused on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will be held in Chicago, IL, on June 20–23. Thousands of leading physicians, scientists, and health care professionals from around the world are expected to convene both in person and virtually to unveil cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances toward a cure for diabetes. Attendees will receive exclusive access to thousands of original research presentations and take part in provocative and engaging exchanges with leading diabetes experts. Join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using #ADASciSessions. About the Obesity Association Obesity is an epidemic that demands both attention and action. The Obesity Association, a division of the American Diabetes Association, is dedicated to reducing the prevalence of obesity and improving health outcomes. Through a focus on education, action, and evidence-based support, we strive to create a world where people affected by obesity can thrive. About the American Diabetes AssociationThe American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure—and we're not stopping. There are 136 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we're fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn). Media Contact: Mimi Carmody, MCarmody@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE American Diabetes Association Sign in to access your portfolio
Newsweek
29-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
From Biohackers to MAHA—Functional Health Is Having a Moment
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. With healthy living in the spotlight and the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement gaining traction, functional health should be leading the charge. Instead of meeting the moment, the topic of functional health has been pulled in opposite directions, losing touch with the everyday Americans it was designed to help. What began in the 1990s as a natural, root-cause approach to more accessible health has been adopted by wealthy biohackers chasing immortality through full-body MRIs and cryotherapy. While the advice around living a healthier lifestyle has merit, the messengers and price tags are turning people off. Functional health has become performative and polarizing. Meanwhile, millions of Americans are still searching for basic answers about their health. An athletic young woman running across a bridge on the Great Miami Bike Trail. An athletic young woman running across a bridge on the Great Miami Bike Trail. Getty Images The middle ground—the original promise of functional health as a science-backed, proactive approach to care—is getting drowned out. Functional health wasn't meant to be a trend. It was meant to help people live healthier, longer. It's time to bring it back to that. Functional Health's Potential vs. Reality Biohackers and wellness influencers may dominate the conversation, but here's the truth: most Americans don't want to reverse their biological age or spend thousands chasing optimal health. They just want answers. As a health care founder, I've met countless patients stuck treating symptoms without ever finding the root cause. It's not necessarily about more years to their life, but life to their years. That's what drove me to Shark Tank nearly a decade ago. After my own frustrating health care experience left me with more questions than answers, I knew people deserved better, accessible tools to understand their health, not just manage decline. But is functional health living up to its promise or has it left behind the very people it was meant to help? The data point to the latter, and it's not even close. Pew Research Center surveys show that alternative medicine, closely tied to functional health, is used mostly by higher-income individuals. Meanwhile, those who need it most—people with limited access to preventive care, living in health care deserts, or unable to afford pricey wellness plans—are left behind. Instead of transforming public health, functional health has become a luxury, shutting out everyday Americans. When Wellness Looks Like Wealth Functional health services can cost up to $25,000 a year, and a BMJ Open study shows the average appointment runs over $1,600. For most Americans, that's out of reach. Meanwhile, the loudest voices in functional health are pushing expensive interventions like full-body scans, creating a space that looks more like an exclusive club than a health care revolution. One way to make it more affordable? Insurance. Most plans cover only reactive care like prescriptions and procedures. Proactive items like diagnostics, nutritional counseling, and exercise plans are often considered "nonessential" despite their proven role in improving health and reducing long-term health care costs. If we're serious about ending the chronic disease epidemic and tackling skyrocketing health care spending, insurance needs to evolve to support preventive, functional care—not just the downstream consequences of avoiding it. A More Inclusive Path Forward If we want functional health to work for everyday Americans, we need to bring it back down to Earth. Here's how we do that: —Remove barriers for providers: Functional medicine certifications can cost up to $17,000—pricing out diverse talent. We need affordable pathways to build a workforce that reflects the communities it serves. —Cut the exclusivity: Sky-high fees, concierge perks, and long waitlists have turned functional health into a private club. It's time to open the doors. —Get insurance on board: Root-cause diagnostics and prevention shouldn't be out-of-pocket luxuries—they should be covered care. Let's be clear: biohackers have turned functional health into a spectacle—one that feels more like performance than health care. No wonder one of the top Google searches related to functional health is, "Is functional medicine legit?" Americans are skeptical, and they have every reason to be. Reclaiming Functional Health for the People A decade ago, I founded my digital health company because the traditional system was—and still is—failing millions. Most Americans aren't asking for flashy interventions. They just want real answers, affordable options, and a way to take control of their health. Functional health still has the potential to be part of that solution. But only if we bring it back to center—not on the fringe of alternative medicine, and not in the exclusive world of elite biohackers and social media wellness gurus. If we truly want to improve Americans' health, functional health must move beyond hype and into the hands of everyday people. Less spectacle, more access. It's time to bring functional health back to what it was meant to be: practical, inclusive, and rooted in science—for everyone. Julia Cheek is the founder and CEO of Everlywell, a pioneering company in biomarker intelligence, delivering essential health insights to nearly 60 million individuals and enterprise partners. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cold sores may play role in Alzheimer's development, new research reveals
Cold sores may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study published in BMJ Open. Researchers examined 344,628 "case-control pairs." The pairs were matched in age, sex, geographical region and number of healthcare visits — but one had Alzheimer's disease and one did not. Of the groups studied, 1,507 people with Alzheimer's also had herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which is the most common cause of cold sores. Only 823 people in the control group had HSV-1. First Blood Test For Alzheimer's Diagnosis Cleared By Fda Among these 2,330 people, 40% used anti-herpetic medication following their diagnosis. Those who were treated for the virus were 17% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than those who didn't use the treatments, the study found. Read On The Fox News App The risk of developing this form of dementia is known to rise with age. However, the chance of an HSV-1 diagnosis was 80% higher in those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, according to the research. Less commonly, cold sores can be caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Alzheimer's Disease Could Be Prevented By Antiviral Drug Already On Market The analysis places "an even greater emphasis on viewing the prevention of herpes viruses as a public health priority," the researchers said in a press release. Overall, women made up 65% of the Alzheimer's cases. Their average age was 73, and they tended to have more co-existing conditions, which were all risk factors. The study also observed the potential role of other herpes viruses, some of which were associated with an elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease. The specific connection between viruses like HSV-1 and heightened dementia risk isn't clear, the researchers noted. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter "However, studies have shown that inflammatory alterations in the brain caused by HSV infection are pivotal in [Alzheimer's disease] development," they said in the release. Treatment with anti-viral therapy seems to lower the risk of Alzheimer's, "suggesting that HSV-1 treatment may be protective," the study says. "There's no cure for cold sores, but treatment can help manage outbreaks," according to Mayo Clinic. "Prescription antiviral medicine or creams can help sores heal more quickly. And they may make future outbreaks happen less often and be shorter and less serious." There were some limitations in the study, the researchers acknowledged. "Due to limited data history, HSV-1 infections prior to the patient's database entry were not included in the analysis, and it is possible that some overlap exists between HSV-1 and HSV-2 diagnoses," the researchers noted. "Additionally, many individuals with HSV-1 infection are asymptomatic, and others may not seek medical care during recurrences and are therefore not clinically diagnosed and recorded in the database." While an estimated two-thirds of people under 50 are infected with HSV-1, data on symptomatic infections is limited, "as manifestations can be mild or unnoticed," the researchers added. For more Health articles, visit Under-diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease could also skew the results. Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers and other doctors for article source: Cold sores may play role in Alzheimer's development, new research reveals
