Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Covid Is Here Again, But Here's How You Can Stay A Step Ahead Of It

Covid-19 is back again, and it is here to stay. Globally too, especially in the UK, the cases are surging. New variants with new symptoms are constantly being detected. This phenomenon is called the <span>Long Covid</span>. Several studies have shown that Long <span>Covid</span> is capable of affecting not just your respiratory system, but also your heart, brain, nervous system, gut, and more.

Many are also developing lingering fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, chest pain and heaviness, palpitations, sleep problems, and mood changes. 

However, there is a way to manage them. Experts from across the world have come up with 10 tips that can help you stay a step ahead of Covid. 

Many people with Long Covid experience post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE). Pacing involves balancing rest and short activity bursts, monitoring energy use, and stopping before exhaustion sets in. This approach helps reduce relapses and supports gradual recovery.

Recording sleep, mood, meals, activity levels, medication, and symptom severity can reveal useful patterns. For instance, poor sleep might worsen brain fog. Such diaries also help clinicians evaluate whether treatments or rehabilitation plans are effective.

Poor-quality sleep makes fatigue, pain, and concentration issues worse. Setting consistent sleep and wake times, limiting screens before bed, avoiding late caffeine, and having a calming bedtime routine can improve rest.

Tailored pulmonary and physical rehabilitation can aid recovery, especially for breathlessness and reduced stamina. However, overexertion may worsen symptoms. Gradual, supervised programmes designed by physiotherapists or rehab teams are recommended.

Practices like pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and energy-conserving postures can ease breathlessness episodes. Learning safe methods from a physiotherapist can make these techniques more effective.

Since Long Covid is a broad diagnosis, meaningful care often comes from addressing underlying issues. For example, palpitations may require heart rate checks, while severe fatigue may warrant tests for anaemia, thyroid conditions, or sleep disorders.

<h2>Brain Workouts To Beat Brain Fog</h2>

Memory lapses and concentration problems are common. Tools such as written lists, phone reminders, focusing on one task at a time, and short cognitive exercises can help. Cognitive pacing, working in short blocks with rest, works better than forcing through fatigue.

Anxiety and depression are frequent after COVID-19 and can worsen fatigue and pain perception. Therapy, including CBT where appropriate, and social support can reduce distress. Integrated programmes addressing both physical and mental health show the best results.

Vaccination not only reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 but may also lower the chance of developing Long Covid. Preventing infection remains the most effective protection.

A clear care plan from specialists can guide you on warning signs, contacts for urgent help, and workplace adjustments such as reduced hours or flexible tasks. Where post-COVID clinics aren’t available, integrated primary and community care can be valuable.

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Covid-19 is back again, and it is here to stay. Globally too, especially in the UK, the cases are surging. New variants with new symptoms are constantly being detected. This phenomenon is called the Long Covid. Several studies have shown that Long Covid is capable of affecting not just your respiratory system, but also your heart, brain, nervous system, gut, and more.Many are also developing lingering fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, chest pain and heaviness, palpitations, sleep problems, and mood changes. However, there is a way to manage them. Experts from across the world have come up with 10 tips that can help you stay a step ahead of Covid. PacingMany people with Long Covid experience post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE). Pacing involves balancing rest and short activity bursts, monitoring energy use, and stopping before exhaustion sets in. This approach helps reduce relapses and supports gradual recovery.Journal Your SymptomsRecording sleep, mood, meals, activity levels, medication, and symptom severity can reveal useful patterns. For instance, poor sleep might worsen brain fog. Such diaries also help clinicians evaluate whether treatments or rehabilitation plans are effective.Sleep Hygiene Is A MustPoor-quality sleep makes fatigue, pain, and concentration issues worse. Setting consistent sleep and wake times, limiting screens before bed, avoiding late caffeine, and having a calming bedtime routine can improve rest.A Guided RehabilitationTailored pulmonary and physical rehabilitation can aid recovery, especially for breathlessness and reduced stamina. However, overexertion may worsen symptoms. Gradual, supervised programmes designed by physiotherapists or rehab teams are recommended.Practice Breathing TechniquesPractices like pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and energy-conserving postures can ease breathlessness episodes. Learning safe methods from a physiotherapist can make these techniques more effective.Treat Symptoms, One At A TimeSince Long Covid is a broad diagnosis, meaningful care often comes from addressing underlying issues. For example, palpitations may require heart rate checks, while severe fatigue may warrant tests for anaemia, thyroid conditions, or sleep disorders.Brain Workouts To Beat Brain FogMemory lapses and concentration problems are common. Tools such as written lists, phone reminders, focusing on one task at a time, and short cognitive exercises can help. Cognitive pacing, working in short blocks with rest, works better than forcing through fatigue.Take Care Of Your Mental HealthAnxiety and depression are frequent after COVID-19 and can worsen fatigue and pain perception. Therapy, including CBT where appropriate, and social support can reduce distress. Integrated programmes addressing both physical and mental health show the best results.Keep A Check On Vaccine UpdatesVaccination not only reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 but may also lower the chance of developing Long Covid. Preventing infection remains the most effective protection.Ensure A Support PlanA clear care plan from specialists can guide you on warning signs, contacts for urgent help, and workplace adjustments such as reduced hours or flexible tasks. Where post-COVID clinics aren’t available, integrated primary and community care can be valuable.

long covid: covid is here again, but here's how you can stay a step ahead of it

The Most Coveted Gathering of India’s Healthcare Leaders: TIMES NETWORK INDIA HEALTH SUMMIT 2025

the most coveted gathering of india’s healthcare leaders: times network india health summit 2025

India Health Summit 2025 | How India Is Bringing Innovation And Accessibility To Advance Cancer Care

india health summit 2025 | how india is bringing innovation and accessibility to advance cancer care

China Now Has An Oyster-Inspired Bone Glue To Fix Broken Bones In Minutes

china now has an oyster-inspired bone glue to fix broken bones in minutes

How Second-Hand Smoke Impacts Children’s Health, New Study Reveals Alarming Effects

how second-hand smoke impacts children’s health, new study reveals alarming effects

The Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare noted India contributes to 18% of the global population, and as per the World Health Organization (WHO), the burden of <span>mental health</span> problems in India is 2433 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population. The age-adjusted suicide rate is per 21.1 per 100000 population, and the economic loss between 2012-2030 is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion. 

Another study published in 2024 in <em>Cureus</em>, quotes a previous study from early 2021 by UNICEF and Gallup that reveals that children in India were hesitant seeking help for mental health. 

According to another 2024 study, the prevalence rate of mental health issues in children and teenagers in India was determined to be 23.33% in school and 6.46% in the community. The National Mental Health Survey 2016 also found that teenagers had a 7.3% prevalence of illness, distributed equally across boys and girls. However, it was greater in metropolitan metro areas, and the prevalence of anxiety issues was 3.6%, with depression-related conditions at 0.8%

<h2>What Is India Doing To Tackle The Mental Health Problem?</h2>

While the challenges remain, the government has taken several initiatives to tackle mental health issues. It was especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when mental health problems rose in India, as a result the government set up a 24/7 helpline to provide psychosocial support, by mental health professionals, to the entire affected population, divided into different target groups viz children, adult, elderly, women and healthcare workers. Till date a total of 5,77,743 calls have been received on the helpline.

Furthermore, as part of the National Mental Health Programme, in 2024, 25 Centres of Excellence were sanctioned set up to train more postgraduate students in mental health and provide advanced treatment. 47 postgraduate departments in mental health were also established or upgraded in 19 government colleges. Mental health services were also introduced in 22 newly established AIIMS.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/india-health-summit-2025-how-india-is-bringing-innovation-and-accessibility-to-advance-cancer-care-article-152918767" data-type="tilCustomLink">India Health Summit 2025 | How India Is Bringing Innovation And Accessibility To Advance Cancer Care</a>

<h2>Why Is India's Youth Struggling?</h2>

A 2025 study published in the <em>International Journal of Indian Psychology</em> notes certain risk factors due to which the Indian youth is struggling with mental health issues:

<strong>Family Environment and Parenting Style: </strong>Dysfunctional family dynamics lead to poor mental health outcomes in Indian youth

<strong>Substance Use and Peer Influence:</strong> Interaction with antisocial peers can lead to substance abuse and further lead to depression

<strong>Academic Pressure and Performance Anxiety:</strong> There is intense pressure to perform in academics, and the parental expectation that leads to risk of depression in youth

<strong>Socioeconomic Status:</strong> Youth from financially disadvantaged families face higher risks of depression and anxiety due to income struggles and financial stress

<strong>Violence, Abuse, and Trauma: </strong>Exposure to physical or sexual abuse significantly increases the likelihood of depression and anxiety in young people

<strong>Gender, Identity, and Relationship Issues: </strong>Struggles with gender, sexuality, or relationships heighten vulnerability to mental health crises, often worsened by stigma and isolation

<strong>Urban vs. Rural Settings:</strong> Urban youth report more mental health disorders than rural youth, linked to academic pressure, social isolation, and weaker family support

<strong>Pandemic-Related Stress: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic intensified depressive symptoms among students, with women disproportionately affected due to added household burdens and limited social interaction.

<h2>What More Can Be Done To Make Indian Youth Mentally Fit And Healthier?</h2>

While there have been initiatives by the government to make mental health more accessible, there still exists a gap between the ratio of mental health experts and those who need it. Furthermore, there is a huge gap of accessibility between rural and urban areas. To understand how can one solve this, the upcoming <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/the-most-coveted-gathering-of-indias-healthcare-leaders-times-network-india-health-summit-2025-article-152914284" data-type="tilCustomLink">Times Now Health Summit</a> is hosting a session on <strong><em>Y</em></strong><strong><em>outh and Mental Health: Coping in the Age of Pressure and making India Fitter and Healthier</em></strong>. The session will feature experts from across various fields, including healthcare experts and mental health advocates. 

The panel will feature Mayank Srivastava(IPS), Deputy Director General, Major Gen(Retd.) Vikram Dev Dogra, Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro &amp; Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram, and actress Pooja Bedi. 

For more details, visit <a href="https://www.timesnownews.com/initiatives/india-health-summit-and-awards-2025" data-type="tilCustomLink" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">TIMES NETWORK INDIA HEALTH SUMMIT 2025</a>.

India Health Summit 2025

mental health

times now India Health Summit 2025

india mental health

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare noted India contributes to 18% of the global population, and as per the World Health Organization (WHO), the burden of mental health problems in India is 2433 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population. The age-adjusted suicide rate is per 21.1 per 100000 population, and the economic loss between 2012-2030 is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion. Another study published in 2024 in Cureus, quotes a previous study from early 2021 by UNICEF and Gallup that reveals that children in India were hesitant seeking help for mental health. According to another 2024 study, the prevalence rate of mental health issues in children and teenagers in India was determined to be 23.33% in school and 6.46% in the community. The National Mental Health Survey 2016 also found that teenagers had a 7.3% prevalence of illness, distributed equally across boys and girls. However, it was greater in metropolitan metro areas, and the prevalence of anxiety issues was 3.6%, with depression-related conditions at 0.8%What Is India Doing To Tackle The Mental Health Problem?While the challenges remain, the government has taken several initiatives to tackle mental health issues. It was especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when mental health problems rose in India, as a result the government set up a 24/7 helpline to provide psychosocial support, by mental health professionals, to the entire affected population, divided into different target groups viz children, adult, elderly, women and healthcare workers. Till date a total of 5,77,743 calls have been received on the helpline.Furthermore, as part of the National Mental Health Programme, in 2024, 25 Centres of Excellence were sanctioned set up to train more postgraduate students in mental health and provide advanced treatment. 47 postgraduate departments in mental health were also established or upgraded in 19 government colleges. Mental health services were also introduced in 22 newly established AIIMS.Read: India Health Summit 2025 | How India Is Bringing Innovation And Accessibility To Advance Cancer CareWhy Is India's Youth Struggling?A 2025 study published in the International Journal of Indian Psychology notes certain risk factors due to which the Indian youth is struggling with mental health issues:Family Environment and Parenting Style: Dysfunctional family dynamics lead to poor mental health outcomes in Indian youthSubstance Use and Peer Influence: Interaction with antisocial peers can lead to substance abuse and further lead to depressionAcademic Pressure and Performance Anxiety: There is intense pressure to perform in academics, and the parental expectation that leads to risk of depression in youthSocioeconomic Status: Youth from financially disadvantaged families face higher risks of depression and anxiety due to income struggles and financial stressViolence, Abuse, and Trauma: Exposure to physical or sexual abuse significantly increases the likelihood of depression and anxiety in young peopleGender, Identity, and Relationship Issues: Struggles with gender, sexuality, or relationships heighten vulnerability to mental health crises, often worsened by stigma and isolationUrban vs. Rural Settings: Urban youth report more mental health disorders than rural youth, linked to academic pressure, social isolation, and weaker family supportPandemic-Related Stress: The COVID-19 pandemic intensified depressive symptoms among students, with women disproportionately affected due to added household burdens and limited social interaction.What More Can Be Done To Make Indian Youth Mentally Fit And Healthier?While there have been initiatives by the government to make mental health more accessible, there still exists a gap between the ratio of mental health experts and those who need it. Furthermore, there is a huge gap of accessibility between rural and urban areas. To understand how can one solve this, the upcoming Times Now Health Summit is hosting a session on Youth and Mental Health: Coping in the Age of Pressure and making India Fitter and Healthier. The session will feature experts from across various fields, including healthcare experts and mental health advocates. The panel will feature Mayank Srivastava(IPS), Deputy Director General, Major Gen(Retd.) Vikram Dev Dogra, Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman, Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram, and actress Pooja Bedi. For more details, visit TIMES NETWORK INDIA HEALTH SUMMIT 2025.

india health summit 2025 | how can india become mentally fit and healthy?

Why Is This Doctor Asking President Trump To Take Alzheimer's Test?

After two psychologists raised questions about the US President Donald <span>Trump</span>'s mental health, saying that he showed signs of <span>frontotemporal dementia</span> (FTD), questions about his cognitive health is again intensified after Dr Narinder Kapur, a consultant neuropsychologist and visiting professor at the University College London said that president's behavior over the last six months has been "quite odd and strange," as reported by Express, UK. 

Kapur said that Trump's suggestion that Canada should become the 51st US state. and his desire to "take over Greenland", and his controversial comments linking autism with paracetamol are really "bizarre". “Even though he’s probably been led a bit by [Robert F.] Kennedy [Jr.] on that, still for Trump to say the things he did was really quite odd and bizarre,” he said.

While Kapur did not diagnose Trump with dementia, he did suggest the possibility of frontotemporal dementia. “If one was thinking about the various possible dementias he’s got, certainly frontotemporal dementia is one of them, because some of his behavior has been really quite bizarre,” he said, adding that an<strong> Alzheimer’s test</strong> would help clarify concerns.

Trump, 79, has dismissed doubt about his mental fitness and calling himself the "stable genius". However, a report by the Guardian highlights growing number of unusual public appearances of Trump, which may suggest otherwise. 

On his July trip to the UK, Trump unexpectedly veered into a monologue about windmills while meeting European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. For two minutes, he claimed without evidence that wind turbines were driving whales “loco” and destroying scenery. “The abrupt changes in conversation are an example of Trump digressing without thinking, he’ll just switch topics without self-regulation,” Harry Segal, senior lecturer in psychology at Cornell University, told The Guardian.

Another instance is from a cabinet meeting intended to discuss global crises, Trump instead spoke for over 13 minutes about lamps, frames, and the color of paint used in the cabinet room.

Experts have pointed out that Trump's apparent tendency toward confabulation, which refers to confidently recounting events that never happened. The Guardian reported that Trump recently claimed his late uncle professor John Trump had taught Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber, at MIT. The timeline makes this impossible: John Trump died in 1985, more than a decade before Kaczynski was publicly identified, and Kaczynski never studied at MIT.

Richard A. Friedman, professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, told The Atlantic after one such performance: “If a patient presented to me with the verbal incoherence, tangential thinking, and repetitive speech that Trump now regularly demonstrates, I would almost certainly refer them for a rigorous neuropsychiatric evaluation to rule out a cognitive illness.”

Psychologist Dr. John Gartner, formerly of Johns Hopkins University, has tracked what he describes as a “major deterioration” in Trump’s language skills, motor skills, and impulse control. “If you go back and look at film from the 1980s, [Trump] actually was extremely articulate… now he really has trouble completing a thought and that is a huge deterioration,” Gartner told The Guardian.

He warned that Trump’s decline may accelerate: “At the rate he is deteriorating, it’s going to get worse. That’s my prediction.”

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After two psychologists raised questions about the US President Donald Trump's mental health, saying that he showed signs of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), questions about his cognitive health is again intensified after Dr Narinder Kapur, a consultant neuropsychologist and visiting professor at the University College London said that president's behavior over the last six months has been "quite odd and strange," as reported by Express, UK. Kapur said that Trump's suggestion that Canada should become the 51st US state. and his desire to "take over Greenland", and his controversial comments linking autism with paracetamol are really "bizarre". “Even though he’s probably been led a bit by [Robert F.] Kennedy [Jr.] on that, still for Trump to say the things he did was really quite odd and bizarre,” he said.While Kapur did not diagnose Trump with dementia, he did suggest the possibility of frontotemporal dementia. “If one was thinking about the various possible dementias he’s got, certainly frontotemporal dementia is one of them, because some of his behavior has been really quite bizarre,” he said, adding that an Alzheimer’s test would help clarify concerns.Is Trump Really Mentally Fit?Trump, 79, has dismissed doubt about his mental fitness and calling himself the "stable genius". However, a report by the Guardian highlights growing number of unusual public appearances of Trump, which may suggest otherwise. On his July trip to the UK, Trump unexpectedly veered into a monologue about windmills while meeting European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. For two minutes, he claimed without evidence that wind turbines were driving whales “loco” and destroying scenery. “The abrupt changes in conversation are an example of Trump digressing without thinking, he’ll just switch topics without self-regulation,” Harry Segal, senior lecturer in psychology at Cornell University, told The Guardian.Another instance is from a cabinet meeting intended to discuss global crises, Trump instead spoke for over 13 minutes about lamps, frames, and the color of paint used in the cabinet room.What Are The Experts Saying?Experts have pointed out that Trump's apparent tendency toward confabulation, which refers to confidently recounting events that never happened. The Guardian reported that Trump recently claimed his late uncle professor John Trump had taught Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber, at MIT. The timeline makes this impossible: John Trump died in 1985, more than a decade before Kaczynski was publicly identified, and Kaczynski never studied at MIT.Richard A. Friedman, professor of clinical psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, told The Atlantic after one such performance: “If a patient presented to me with the verbal incoherence, tangential thinking, and repetitive speech that Trump now regularly demonstrates, I would almost certainly refer them for a rigorous neuropsychiatric evaluation to rule out a cognitive illness.”Psychologist Dr. John Gartner, formerly of Johns Hopkins University, has tracked what he describes as a “major deterioration” in Trump’s language skills, motor skills, and impulse control. “If you go back and look at film from the 1980s, [Trump] actually was extremely articulate… now he really has trouble completing a thought and that is a huge deterioration,” Gartner told The Guardian.He warned that Trump’s decline may accelerate: “At the rate he is deteriorating, it’s going to get worse. That’s my prediction.”

why is this doctor asking president trump to take alzheimer's test?

Itisha Arya

passive smoking children effect

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International Day Of Older Persons 2025: Theme, Significance, and Origin

international day of older persons 2025: theme, significance, and origin

Children around the world lose an estimated 8.45 million days of healthy life each year due to second-hand smoke, according to research shared at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam. The impact is especially severe for children from low-income communities, who are more likely to encounter smoke at home, in public areas, or in indoor spaces, even though they themselves do not smoke.

Second-Hand Smoke’s Toll on ChildrenRecent studies confirm that second-hand smoke (SHS, which is also known as <span>passive smoking</span>, is a major factor in childhood illness and mortality, contributing to both deaths and long-term disabilities. Research published in <span>Respiratory Research</span> (2025) highlights the global scale of the problem, telling which populations are most affected and the conditions that maintain or increase exposure. The findings suggest that the health burden may be even higher than previously estimated, emphasizing the need for stronger protections.

What the Data ShowsThe Global Burden of Diseases 2021 analysis reports that while age-standardized exposure to SHS has slightly declined since 1990, the absolute number of deaths and lost healthy life years has not fallen, largely due to population growth and aging. Around half of all children worldwide are still exposed to smoke, with the heaviest burden falling on regions with lower socio-economic development. Many low- and middle-income countries have yet to implement comprehensive smoke-free policies in indoor environments.

<h2>Passive <span rel="noindex">Smoking</span> Impact on Young Children</h2>

Second-hand smoke contributes significantly to respiratory illnesses. In 2019, roughly 6.94% of deaths from lower respiratory infections in children under five were linked to SHS exposure, with infants under one year at particular risk. The loss of healthy life years remains high, and trends show slow improvement in regions such as South Asia.

Beyond respiratory issues, SHS exposure is linked to stunted growth, ear infections, and long-term lung problems. According to WHO data, nearly 150 million children worldwide were stunted in 2022, and second-hand smoke, both during pregnancy and after birth, is a contributing factor. Studies also show that SHS can cause changes in DNA methylation, potentially altering gene expression and increasing susceptibility to future disease.

<h2>Challenges in Protecting Children</h2>

Homes remain the primary setting for exposure, even as public smoking bans expand. Social and economic factors—such as crowded living conditions, poor ventilation, lower awareness of risks, and weaker regulatory enforcement—further increase children’s vulnerability.

<h2>Precaution Steps That You Can Adopt</h2>Experts recommend several strategies to reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke:

<ol><li>Create and enforce completely smoke-free indoor spaces, including homes and vehicles.</li><li>Increase awareness among caregivers and the public, emphasizing the dangers of indoor smoking.</li><li>Simple measures, like smoking outdoors away from doors and windows, can make a difference.</li><li>Pregnant women should avoid SHS entirely, as exposure in utero can lead to low birth weight and preterm births.</li><li>Health systems should track SHS exposure in children through routine check-ups and surveys.</li></ol>

Second-hand smoke is far from a minor concern. It remains a threat to child health, causing preventable illness, developmental setbacks, and death. Protecting children requires a combination of effective policies, public awareness, and everyday actions by parents, caregivers, and communities. Even small steps, like choosing smoke-free homes and outdoor smoking can significantly reduce risks.

protecting childrenhomes

respiratory research

passive smoking

smoking

second hand smoke

Children around the world lose an estimated 8.45 million days of healthy life each year due to second-hand smoke, according to research shared at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Amsterdam. The impact is especially severe for children from low-income communities, who are more likely to encounter smoke at home, in public areas, or in indoor spaces, even though they themselves do not smoke.Second-Hand Smoke’s Toll on ChildrenRecent studies confirm that second-hand smoke (SHS, which is also known as passive smoking, is a major factor in childhood illness and mortality, contributing to both deaths and long-term disabilities. Research published in Respiratory Research (2025) highlights the global scale of the problem, telling which populations are most affected and the conditions that maintain or increase exposure. The findings suggest that the health burden may be even higher than previously estimated, emphasizing the need for stronger protections.What the Data ShowsThe Global Burden of Diseases 2021 analysis reports that while age-standardized exposure to SHS has slightly declined since 1990, the absolute number of deaths and lost healthy life years has not fallen, largely due to population growth and aging. Around half of all children worldwide are still exposed to smoke, with the heaviest burden falling on regions with lower socio-economic development. Many low- and middle-income countries have yet to implement comprehensive smoke-free policies in indoor environments.Passive Smoking Impact on Young ChildrenSecond-hand smoke contributes significantly to respiratory illnesses. In 2019, roughly 6.94% of deaths from lower respiratory infections in children under five were linked to SHS exposure, with infants under one year at particular risk. The loss of healthy life years remains high, and trends show slow improvement in regions such as South Asia.Beyond respiratory issues, SHS exposure is linked to stunted growth, ear infections, and long-term lung problems. According to WHO data, nearly 150 million children worldwide were stunted in 2022, and second-hand smoke, both during pregnancy and after birth, is a contributing factor. Studies also show that SHS can cause changes in DNA methylation, potentially altering gene expression and increasing susceptibility to future disease.Challenges in Protecting ChildrenHomes remain the primary setting for exposure, even as public smoking bans expand. Social and economic factors—such as crowded living conditions, poor ventilation, lower awareness of risks, and weaker regulatory enforcement—further increase children’s vulnerability.Precaution Steps That You Can AdoptExperts recommend several strategies to reduce children’s exposure to second-hand smoke:Create and enforce completely smoke-free indoor spaces, including homes and vehicles.Increase awareness among caregivers and the public, emphasizing the dangers of indoor smoking.Simple measures, like smoking outdoors away from doors and windows, can make a difference.Pregnant women should avoid SHS entirely, as exposure in utero can lead to low birth weight and preterm births.Health systems should track SHS exposure in children through routine check-ups and surveys.Second-hand smoke is far from a minor concern. It remains a threat to child health, causing preventable illness, developmental setbacks, and death. Protecting children requires a combination of effective policies, public awareness, and everyday actions by parents, caregivers, and communities. Even small steps, like choosing smoke-free homes and outdoor smoking can significantly reduce risks.

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Covid Is Here Again, But Here's How You Can Stay A Step Ahead Of It

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