First, it is important to understand the dangers associated with too much salt and to what extent we are exposed to the risks. A recent study conducted by the George Institute of Global Health, India concludes that “salt intake in India is double [the] WHO prescribed limit of 5gm per day.” Indians consume 9.08 gm […]
hypertension
Air pollution is India’s apocalypse that won’t go away
More than two years ago, Greenpeace warned that India was facing an “apocalypse” because of air pollution. This week, we are given yet another warning about the public health catastrophe brewing in the air and festering in Indians’ lungs. This is thanks to the 2019 State of Global Air Report. In 2017, India lost 1.2 million […]
The Mahatma’s health and the legacy of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi – widely honoured as the Father of the Nation – is often thought of in almost mythic terms: a figure of near universal reverence, internationally celebrated for his dogged struggle for Indian independence; his stand against colonialism; his embrace of pacifism; and denunciation of violence. In recent weeks, details have come to […]
Why your desk job is a risk to your health
A new study has established a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the kind of sector of work among urban Indians. The research, published in the journal Economics and Human Biology, suggests a positive correlation between a high BMI – an indicator of obesity – and labour market activity. Put simply, the study could […]
Mind your salt intake, it’s bad for blood pressure
Salt intake is too high in India, the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) has warned. Is this leading to a crisis of high blood pressure? A PHFI study has found consumption of the foodstuff in three Indian states exceeds the level recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which says you should eat less than […]
India in a global hypertension drive
India is one of almost 100 countries participating in a global drive to raise awareness of hypertension. May Measurement Month (MMM) was billed as “one of the biggest public screening exercises the world’s ever seen.” Jointly led by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) and the World Hypertension League (WHL), MMM expected an outreach of […]