MediWeek

Mpox (Monkeypox) is an infectious disease similar to smallpox, caused by the orthopoxvirus [1]. Though majorly widespread in central and western Africa, several other countries have recently reported confirmed cases of mpox [1,2]. Till June 2024, 97,962 cases of mpox have been reported from 118 countries [3]. Mpox usually spreads from animals to humans. However, […]

Sleep health is linked to overall mortality and chronic diseases like psychiatric and cardiometabolic disorders. Earlier studies have shown that both shorter (≤6 h) and longer (≥9 h) sleep durations increase the risk of poor health outcomes. These findings have led to the recommendation of 7–9 hours of sleep for most adults. However, less is

The proportion of children and adolescents with poor mental health (e.g., nervousness, irritability, difficulty in falling asleep) has increased in the recent past, in many countries, with 29% of the adolescents in the US and 25% of youth in Europe reported to have mental health issues! The rise in the use of digital technology has

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of mortality, linked to metabolic risk factors such as central obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. The Framingham Heart Study established the basis for cardiometabolic risk stratification, including factors like body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol (total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels, and smoking. Researchers

Muscle-building supplements are intended to supplement the diet and provide the benefits of increased muscle strength and mass, reduced fatigue, and improved performance. They are excessively used by boys and young men due to pressures of adhering to muscular and lean body type. There is a significant gap in guidance to healthcare professionals on how

Depression and anxiety are significant contributors to global disease burden and disability. In 2022, around 12.6 million young adults reported experiencing a mental illness, an increase of over 1 million compared to 2021. Women generally have higher rates of mental illness compared to men. College students, in particular, face a higher incidence of mental health

Regular physical activity is essential for reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, enhancing physical and cognitive function, and improving mental health. The 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) physical activity guidelines recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination to achieve

Low back pain, a highly prevalent and disabling condition, results in recurrence within 12 months of recovery in about 70% of the individuals, contributing significantly to the disease and economic burden due to high medical costs and long work absenteeism. Exercise combined with education helps prevent recurrences, disability, and absenteeism, but exercise programs often require

In recent years, there has been a growing acknowledgment of the health advantages of spending time in the company of nature, partly due to the physical activity it encourages. This understanding has fostered new collaborations among health sectors, parks and recreation centres, public lands, and environmental organizations to promote increased time and physical activity in

Globally, approximately two-thirds of the individuals are reported to be affected with psychiatric disorders by the age of 25 years, with childhood (birth to age 9 years), adolescence (ages 10–12 years), and early adulthood being recognized as the critical periods for the development of these disorders! Exposure to air pollution (toxic gases and particulate matter,