Name: Big breakthrough: New blood test could identify pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia
Uploaded: 2024-10-22T17:42:55+05:30
Duration: 1 min 33 s

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preeclampsia

blood pressure

pregnant women

fibrinogen

albumin

inflammation

fluid balance

risk

care

Preeclampsia is a serious condition that affects pregnant women, causing high blood pressure and leading to life-threatening complications. But now, doctors may have a new way to predict the risk of preeclampsia during labor — with just a routine blood test.According to a new study presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists, analyzing two proteins in the blood — fibrinogen and albumin — could help doctors assess a woman's risk. These proteins are key indicators of inflammation and fluid balance in the body. An elevated fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio, or FAR, could signal a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.

Big breakthrough: New blood test could identify pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia

big breakthrough: new blood test could identify pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia

Ishita Roy

Eli Lilly’s New Weight Loss Pill Helped People With Obesity Shed Nearly 15% In Late-Stage Trials

eli lilly’s new weight loss pill helped people with obesity shed nearly 15% in late-stage trials

‘Lucky To Be Alive', US Woman Wakes Up From A Coma Just Seconds Before Doctors Begin Organ Harvesting

‘lucky to be alive', us woman wakes up from a coma just seconds before doctors begin organ harvesting

As RFK Jr Cracks Down On 7-OH, A Washington Family Issues Warning Against Kratom As Their Son Dies After Taking The OTC Supplement

as rfk jr cracks down on 7-oh, a washington family issues warning against kratom as their son dies after taking the otc supplement

Fact Check: Is Kratom Supplement A 'Natural' Healer Or An 'Addictive' Danger?

fact check: is kratom supplement a 'natural' healer or an 'addictive' danger?

sarcoma

Sarcoma Awareness Month

cancer

bone cancer

heart cancer

sarcoma awareness

mrinal gounder

Sarcoma, often called the "forgotten cancer," and this is why it is important to talk about it. July marks the Sarcoma Awareness Month. It is a rare and complex group of cancers that can affect anyone, anywhere in the body. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Mrinal Gounder,  a globally recognized sarcoma expert and medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, who is also the Physician Ambassador to India and Asia, stresses the need for early, accurate diagnosis and specialized care. While mostly unpredictable, awareness, genetic counseling, and timely medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

Sarcoma, often called the "forgotten cancer," and this is why it is important to talk about it. July marks the Sarcoma Awareness Month. It is a rare and complex group of cancers that can affect anyone, anywhere in the body. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Mrinal Gounder,  a globally recognized sarcoma expert and medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, who is also the Physician Ambassador to India and Asia, stresses the need for early, accurate diagnosis and specialized care. While mostly unpredictable, awareness, genetic counseling, and timely medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with MSK, New York Physician Dr Mrinal Gounder On Sarcoma Awareness Month

exclusive interview with msk, new york physician dr mrinal gounder on sarcoma awareness month

Kalpana Sharma

When The Storm Strikes The Heart: How Hurricanes Are Leaving A Lasting Impact on Cardiovascular Health

when the storm strikes the heart: how hurricanes are leaving a lasting impact on cardiovascular health

Feel Your Gut Issues Have Increased Since COVID? Science Finally Has Answers

feel your gut issues have increased since covid? science finally has answers

Can You Take Antibiotics For Covid-19? Here Is What The WHO Says Now

can you take antibiotics for covid-19? here is what the who says now

beyond the stethoscope

guru n reddy

doctors day 2025

national doctors day 2025

who heals the healer

From unnecessary procedures to unclear billing, Dr Guru N Reddy, MD, FACP, FACG, FASGE, AGAF, Founder &amp; Chairman, Continental Hospitals, Chief of Gastroenterology &amp; Liver Diseases, calls out the silent wrongs in the system. In the first episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, the veteran doctor holds up a mirror to medical malpractice, exposing how lack of transparency and greed are eroding trust in healthcare. This isn’t just about bad doctors, it’s about a broken mindset.

From unnecessary procedures to unclear billing, Dr Guru N Reddy, MD, FACP, FACG, FASGE, AGAF, Founder & Chairman, Continental Hospitals, Chief of Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases, calls out the silent wrongs in the system. In the first episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, the veteran doctor holds up a mirror to medical malpractice, exposing how lack of transparency and greed are eroding trust in healthcare. This isn’t just about bad doctors, it’s about a broken mindset.

Doctors Day 2025: Beyond The Stethoscope, Episode 1

doctors day 2025: beyond the stethoscope, episode 1

US Faces Nationwide STD Epidemic As Cases Surge Past 2.3 Million

us faces nationwide std epidemic as cases surge past 2.3 million

Harsh Parenting Linked to 64% Higher Risk of Poor Adult Mental Health, Study Finds

harsh parenting linked to 64% higher risk of poor adult mental health, study finds

US Schools Reopen: Here Is Your Guide To The Lifesaving Vaccines Every Child Should Have

us schools reopen: here is your guide to the lifesaving vaccines every child should have

'Your Gut Is Your Second Brain': Why Looking Fit Can Still Mean You Are Unhealthy

"your gut is your second brain": why looking fit can still mean you are unhealthy

Health

dentistry

oral health

dental care

implants

gum disease

saliva

cavities

dental floss

World Health Day

Every year on April 7, World Health Day is observed, this year, our team in an exclusive interview with Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora spoke to him about the importance of dental health and how it can tell a lot about your overall health. As Dr Arora rightly says, your oral health is like a "mirror" to your overall health. Watch the full interview here.

World Health Day 2025: Why Your Dental Health Is Important, An Exclusive Conversation With Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora

world health day 2025: why your dental health is important, an exclusive conversation with lt gen dr vimal arora

What Happens To Your Body When You Do HIIT Workout Daily?

what happens to your body when you do hiit workout daily?

Centenarian Blood Reveal What Might Be The Secret To Living Past 100- 3 Biomarkers Of Longevity

centenarian blood reveal what might be the secret to living past 100- 3 biomarkers of longevity

mawra hocane

fitness routine

radiant glow

skincare tips

pilates

healthy diet

workout regimen

fitness secrets

glowing skin

celebrity fitness

Mawra Hocane, the actress known for her role in Sanam Teri Kasam, has recently shared some breathtaking wedding photos on Instagram, leaving netizens in awe of her glowing skin and fit physique. Achieving this level of fitness and radiance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of Mawra’s dedication to her fitness routine and a solid skincare regimen. But it’s not just about working out—her healthy diet and lifestyle choices play a huge role too.Watch the video for more details

Mawra Hocane's Fitness Routine: The Secrets to Her Radiant Glow

mawra hocane's fitness routine: the secrets to her radiant glow

Credits: Canva

Supriya Ramesh

Low FODMAP Diet Could Help Women with Endometriosis Finally Tackle Debilitating Gut Symptoms, Study

ndometriosis

painful gastrointestinal symptoms

pelvic pain

dysmenorrhoea

dyspareunia

irritable bowel syndrome

diarrhoea

multivitamins

fodmap

bloating

For many women with endometriosis, chronic and painful gastrointestinal symptoms are part of daily life, yet they often go untreated due to under-recognition by healthcare providers and a lack of evidence-based treatment options. Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory gynaecological disorder affecting one in seven Australian women. It causes a range of unpredictable and often severe symptoms, including dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), pelvic pain (below the belly button and between the hips), and dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse). These symptoms disrupt daily life, impacting finances, relationships, mental health, and the ability to work, learn, socialise, exercise, and have children. According to Jane Varney, Senior Research Dietitian at the Department of Gastroenterology, Monash University, gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, distension, diarrhoea, constipation, and painful defecation affect more than three-quarters of sufferers. These symptoms often intensify during menstruation, occur regardless of bowel involvement, and overlap with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects between 10.6 per cent and 52 per cent of women with endometriosis. <h3>Why current treatments fall short </h3>Despite the high prevalence and burden of gut symptoms in endometriosis, treatment options are limited. Few treatments specifically target these gastrointestinal issues, and some, such as progesterone and opioid medications, can make them worse. Surgery can come with long waiting times, high costs, ongoing pain, and the need for repeat procedures, while hormone treatments and pain relief medicines are limited by modest effectiveness and troublesome side effects. It is no surprise that many women turn to self-management strategies such as diet and nutritional supplements to help control symptoms and take an active role in their care. International data shows that more than 58 per cent of women with endometriosis have tried supplements, though only 43 per cent reported an improvement in pain. In Australia, three-quarters use fish oil, multivitamins, vitamin B, or vitamin D. Dietary changes are also common. Surveys from Australia, Holland, the UK, and beyond reveal that between 27 per cent and 84 per cent of women with endometriosis use dietary modifications to manage symptoms, with many reporting benefits. Popular approaches include anti-inflammatory diets or avoiding red meat, gluten, dairy, lactose, FODMAPs, caffeine, soy, and alcohol. However, the evidence for most of these is limited or absent. <h3>The EndoFOD study</h3>Recognising the gap in evidence and the similarity of symptoms between IBS and endometriosis, Monash University researchers recently examined the effect of a low FODMAP diet on women with endometriosis and persistent gut symptoms. The study was the first randomised controlled crossover feeding trial in this patient group. Thirty-five participants were assigned to a 28-day low FODMAP diet or a control diet based on Australian dietary guidelines, with both diets nutritionally matched except for their FODMAP content. After a washout period of at least 28 days, they switched to the other diet. Each diet began on the first day of a menstrual cycle to account for hormonal symptom fluctuations. By the end of the trial, 60 per cent of participants responded to the low FODMAP diet, with significant improvements in gut symptom severity. Abdominal pain, bloating, stool consistency, and quality of life all improved. Changes were noticeable by week two, continuing steadily until the end of the intervention. <h3>What it means for endometriosis care</h3>These results offer the first evidence-based diet therapy for women with endometriosis. While the low FODMAP diet is not a replacement for medical or surgical treatment, it provides an effective additional tool for managing troublesome gut symptoms. <h3>What’s next for diet research</h3>Researchers emphasise that further studies are needed to confirm these results in real-world conditions. The trial controlled variables tightly by supplying participants with most of their food, ensuring adherence. In everyday life, however, patients face barriers such as motivation, understanding the diet, food availability, and convenience. The next step is a larger, multicentre trial involving dietitians teaching the approach, with participants applying it in their own kitchens. If these results are replicated outside the research setting, the low FODMAP diet could become a valuable and widely accessible adjunct to endometriosis management. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

low fodmap diet could help women with endometriosis finally tackle debilitating gut symptoms, study

chlamydia

US Faces Nationwide STD Epidemic

gonorrhoea

syphilis

sex education

sexual activity

vaginal discharge

Pain or burning during urination

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just dropped a reality check: more than 2.3 million Americans are living with gonorrhoea, chlamydia, or syphilis and the rates are climbing so high, it’s now officially a nationwide epidemic. A 2023 CDC report paints a troubling picture. Chlamydia takes the top spot with 1.64 million infections, gonorrhoea follows at over 601,000, and syphilis, once on the brink of eradication, is making a bold and unwelcome comeback. In Mississippi alone, congenital syphilis (passed from mother to baby during pregnancy) has skyrocketed by a staggering 1,000 per cent. While its growth slowed slightly in the past year, the overall trend remains deeply worrying. But what is driving this surge? Experts point to a mix of factors: dwindling sex education, earlier sexual activity among teens, gaps in prenatal care, and the fact that many people do not recognise symptoms until it is too late. What do these bacteria look like on humans? Here is a breakdown of the three: <h3>Chlamydia</h3>Signs and symptoms <ul><li>In women: Often none at all, but when they do appear, they bring abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during sex, or a burning sensation while peeing. Left untreated, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.</li><li>In men: Pain or burning during urination, penile discharge, and testicular pain. Some men also have no symptoms.</li></ul>Risk factors <ul><li>Being under 25 and sexually active</li><li>Multiple sexual partners</li><li>Inconsistent or no condom use</li></ul>How it spreads Through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone infected, even if they do not have symptoms. Prevention and Treatment Consistent condom use; regular screening, especially if you are under 25 or have multiple partners; and limiting the number of sexual partners. Usually, a straightforward course of antibiotics is prescribed, but both partners must be treated to prevent ping-pong reinfection. <h3>Gonorrhoea</h3> Signs and symptoms <ul><li>In women: Painful urination, increased vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding between periods. Sometimes, no symptoms at all.</li><li>In men: Pain when urinating, pus-like penile discharge, or swelling in one testicle.</li></ul> Risk factors <ul><li>Age under 25 and sexually active</li><li>Multiple partners or a new partner without protection</li><li>Previous history of STDs</li></ul>How it spreads Through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It can also pass from mother to baby during childbirth. Prevention and Treatment Condoms, regular testing, and talking openly with partners about sexual health. Reportedly, a single antibiotic injection is currently the go-to. It is important to note that gonorrhoea has been developing resistance to many antibiotics, making prevention even more important. <h3>Syphilis</h3> Signs and symptoms <ul><li>In early stages: A single, painless sore on the genitals, anus, or mouth, and swollen lymph nodes.</li><li>In later stages: Skin rashes, fever, fatigue, and, if untreated, damage to the brain, nerves, and heart.</li><li>Congenital syphilis: Passed from mother to baby in the womb, leading to stillbirth, premature birth, or serious health issues in newborns.</li></ul> Risk factors <ul><li>Unprotected sex</li><li>Multiple partners</li><li>Men who have sex with men</li><li>Lack of prenatal care</li></ul> How it spreads Through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or from mother to baby during pregnancy. Prevention and Treatment Regular STD testing, consistent condom use, and early prenatal screening for pregnant women. Penicillin injections are simple and effective, but only if caught early. The surge in STD cases across the US is not just about risky behaviour; it is about gaps in education, healthcare, and awareness. Many people carry these infections without knowing, passing them on silently. It is clear that one should get tested regularly, use protection, and if you are diagnosed, complete your treatment and tell your partner. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

Have We Been Peeing Wrong? Turns Out There Is A Right And Wrong Way To Do It

health and wellness

womens health

reproductive health

urinary tract infection

are you peeing wrong

are you peeing right

the correct way to pee

A viral social media video warning against “power peeing”, pushing while urinating, has opened up a surprising discussion: many of us may be using the bathroom in ways that can harm our bodies. Pelvic health experts say there is, in fact, a right and wrong way to pee, and the wrong habits could cause lasting problems. <h4>Why Bathroom Habits Matter </h4> While urination seems automatic, the way you do it can have long-term effects on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor acts like a hammock, supporting organs such as the bladder, uterus, and bowels. For urination to happen, these muscles need to relax so the bladder can squeeze urine out. If the process is disrupted, by straining, holding too long, or going too often, it can weaken muscles, interfere with bladder signals, and contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. This dysfunction can lead to urinary leakage, incomplete emptying, urinary tract infections, sexual difficulties, and pelvic organ prolapse, where pelvic organs shift out of their normal position. <h4>Habits That Can Harm Pelvic Health </h4> Experts point to several common but harmful urination habits: Pushing to Pee: Trying to speed things up by straining actually tightens the pelvic floor instead of relaxing it. Over time, this can result in incomplete emptying, post-void dribbling, and difficulty coordinating the bladder and pelvic muscles. Hovering Over the Toilet: Often done in public restrooms to avoid contact with surfaces, hovering engages hip and leg muscles, making pelvic relaxation difficult. This can leave urine behind in the bladder and raise the risk of infections. Peeing “Just in Case”: Going to the bathroom before the bladder is full trains it to signal the need to urinate with smaller volumes, leading to overactive bladder and frequent urges. Holding It Too Long: Ignoring the urge can overstretch the bladder, reduce elasticity, and make the brain less responsive to bladder signals. This increases the risk of bacterial buildup and infections. Peeing in the Shower: Standing can make it harder for some people, particularly those with pelvic floor dysfunction or certain prostate issues, to fully empty the bladder. It can also condition the body to associate running water with the urge to urinate. <h4>Why You’ll Never Be Completely “Empty” </h4> The bladder is continuously filling with urine, so it will never be completely empty. Forcing out the last drops by pushing is unnecessary and can cause more harm than good. <h4>How to Pee the Right Way </h4> Experts say healthy urination habits can be learned and practiced: Belly Breathing: Sit on the toilet, lean forward slightly, and breathe deeply from the belly. This encourages the pelvic floor to relax so urine flows naturally. Reverse Kegels: Instead of squeezing and lifting, focus on releasing and opening the pelvic muscles as you exhale. Double Voiding: After finishing, stand up briefly and then sit down again to allow the bladder to finish emptying. Shift Your Position: Gently moving the hips can help the bladder release more urine without straining. Track Your Patterns: Keep a three-day “pee diary” to monitor timing, fluid intake, and urges. Ideally, aim to urinate every two to four hours in the day and no more than twice at night. <h4>When to Seek Help </h4> If issues such as leakage, frequent urges, or difficulty emptying persist, consulting a pelvic floor therapist or urologist is recommended. With proper guidance, it is possible to retrain the bladder and muscles for healthier urination. Ultimately, the simplest advice is to sit, relax, and let the body do its job naturally, no pushing, no rushing, and no multitasking on the phone. Your bladder, it turns out, prefers a calm, unhurried routine. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

have we been peeing wrong? turns out there is a right and wrong way to do it

vaccines

US Schools Reopen

herd immunity

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

Hepatitis B

DTaP

polio

rotavirus

Chickenpox

National Immunisation Awareness Month

National Immunisation Awareness Month: Alongside the excitement of meeting new teachers and friends, the start of the US school year will also bring runny noses, hacking coughs, and bugs that somehow make their way through the entire classroom in a week. If you are sick, it is important to stay home. With a lot of people touching the same thing and germs everywhere, it is just important to watch your child's health and make sure to not spread it to other people. Of course, handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, avoiding close contact with sick people, and regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs and de the first and necessary steps of everyday disease prevention. But there is another powerful shield that should not be ignored at any cost: vaccines. Vaccines are not just for babies. They are a long-term health investment that keeps everything from the common flu to life-threatening infections at bay. Vaccines work; they help prevent diseases, and they help prevent infections. When enough people in a community are vaccinated, it creates herd immunity, meaning even those who cannot be vaccinated (due to medical reasons) get indirect protection. Yes, there are conversations and concerns around vaccines, but the best way to clear the air is to get accurate, up-to-date information from trusted sources. Here is Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) age-by-age vaccine cheat sheet <ul><li>At birth: The journey starts right away with the first dose of the Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine, which protects against a serious liver infection.</li><li>At 2 months: It is a busy month for tiny humans. They get doses of DTaP (Diphtheria, tetanus, and Pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), IPV (Polio), PCV (Pneumococcal), and RV (Rotavirus).</li><li>4 months: Time for round two of the same five vaccines, because immunity is built gradually. </li><li>6 months: Another wave of protection with more DTaP, Hib, IPV (if needed), PCV, and RV doses. This is also when flu vaccines can be taken, and they will be recommended annually thereafter.</li><li>12–15 months: A milestone moment! Toddlers get the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), and HepA (Hepatitis A) vaccines. Some of the earlier series, like Hib and PCV, are also completed here.</li><li>15–18 months: The final DTaP dose in this stage rounds out protection against those three bacterial infections.</li><li>4–6 years: The finale before they head deeper into the school years; boosters for DTaP, IPV, MMR, and Varicella to ensure immunity stays strong.</li></ul> <h3>Why this timing matters</h3>Spacing out vaccines is not about convenience; it is about giving the immune system the right cues at the right time. Too early, and the body might not respond effectively; too late, and there is a risk window where the child is vulnerable. That is why following the schedule is important. <h3>What do vaccines do? </h3>Vaccines do not just protect your child; they protect your child’s classmates, teachers, grandparents, and the stranger next to them. With schools reopening, the mix of close contact, shared surfaces, and high-energy kids is a perfect chance for germs to hop from one host to another. Vaccines are not about fear; they are about freedom. Freedom from the diseases that once claimed far too many young lives. They work quietly so your kids can focus on learning their ABCs, art, and running the school playground without worry. It is time to take a moment to check that your child’s vaccine schedule is up to date. <meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />