Here are the top health stories for the day:
ICMR says repeated heating of vegetable oils may increase cancer risk
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued new guidelines highlighting the dangers of repeatedly heating vegetable oils. This practice, common in both households and commercial establishments, can lead to the generation of toxic compounds that significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The ICMR, along with the National Institute of Nutrition, released 17 dietary guidelines aimed at helping Indians make informed food choices to maintain good health and prevent malnutrition.
The guidelines emphasize that repeatedly heating vegetable oils results in the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), producing harmful substances such as trans fats and free radicals. Trans fats are particularly dangerous as they are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Additionally, reheated oil can release acrylamide and aldehydes, which are associated with cancer and other chronic diseases. To mitigate these risks, the ICMR recommends using vegetable oil only once for frying and then filtering it for curry preparations, consuming it within a day or two.
Centre issuing digital doctor certificates to verify qualfied medical professionals
To curb the quackery menace and address the rising concern of unqualified practitioners treating patients, the Centre is issuing Digital Doctor Certificates with QR codes to verified healthcare professionals under a Know Your Doctor (KYD) service. The initiative aims to ensure that patients have access to verified doctors.
According to LiveMint news report, the initiative is being executed as a part of newly introduced KYD (Know Your Doctor) program under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). It requires all verified doctors to display these certificates at their clinics. These certificates will showcase a distinctive QR code. KYD has started on the lines of Know You Customer (KYC) service used for financial transactions.
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1 in 3 Covaxin takers reported adverse events, BHU study claims
In light of growing concerns about COVID-19 vaccine safety, a comprehensive one-year follow-up study by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) researchers sheds light on the long-term effects of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. This study aimed to assess adverse events of special interest (AESI) among vaccine recipients, providing crucial insights into the vaccine's safety profile.
The study included 635 adolescents and 291 adults, revealing that nearly one-third of the participants reported AESI. Among adolescents, common AESIs included new-onset skin and subcutaneous disorders (10.5%), general disorders (10.2%), and nervous system disorders (4.7%). In adults, the prevalent AESIs were general disorders (8.9%), musculoskeletal disorders (5.8%), and nervous system disorders (5.5%). Serious AESIs, such as stroke and Guillain-Barre syndrome, were reported in 1% of participants.
Kerala girl taken in for finger surgery, doctor operates on tongue ‘mistakenly’
In a shocking incident, a Government doctor in Kerala, working in the post of Associate Professor, has recently been suspended by the State Government for allegedly conducting surgery on a four-year-old girl's tongue instead of her finger.
According to PTI report, the little girl was taken to the operating theatre at the Government Medical College Hospital on Thursday for the removal of her sixth finger. However, hours later, when she emerged from the surgery, it was discovered that the operation was performed on her tongue 'mistakenly'.
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