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Asia News Health PAKISTAN

Islamabad struggles to contain health crises

A health worker fumigates an area to remove mosquitoes on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Sindh province, Pakistan, on Sept. 21, 2022. (Str/Xinhua/IANS)

Medical researchers say that the lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure remains one of Pakistan’s biggest challenges, pointing to political instability as a major reason, writes Dr Sakariya Kareem

Pakistan has witnessed the outbreak of several fatal diseases in the recent past even as the government struggles to prevent and contain the infections, manifesting deteriorating healthcare infrastructure and services. While Pakistan remains among the very few countries to host poliovirus, several other diseases are still rampant, killing people across the country.

As the monsoon season kicked in, several vector-born and water-borne diseases have grappled Pakistan. People have tested positive for dengue in all major cities including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. In Lahore alone, the larvae that cause dengue were found at over 1,300 locations. This forced the government to issue a high alert.   Similarly, malaria is quite common in Pakistan and it has affected all age groups, according to the Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences.

Patients infected with dengue fever are treated inside mosquito nets at a hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. (Photo by Saeed Ahmad/Xinhua/IANS)

Travel advisories caution those who travel to Pakistan about the high risk of getting malaria. After the unprecedented floods of 2022, Pakistan saw a manifold increase in the number of malaria patients in the country. Now, Zika virus has been found in Pakistan for the first time.  “During our study, we confirmed the presence of the Zika virus in Pakistan, which had not been previously detected,” said Dr Najeeha Talat Iqbal, principal investigator of the United World Antiviral Research Network.

Pakistan has become more vulnerable to dengue, malaria and other diseases following the 2022 floods. “Both malaria and dengue are endemic in Pakistan, but these latest outbreaks are unprecedented and threaten to overwhelm the country’s already fragile and damaged infrastructure,” reads a study published in the Lancet. Some parts of Pakistan have reported rising cases of cholera and typhoid as well.

Children in Pakistan remain most vulnerable to infectious diseases. At least 258 children were killed in just one month in the prosperous and politically dominant Punjab province due to pneumonia earlier this year. Another prominent province of Sindh reported 181,000 cases of diarrhoea and dysentery, affecting a significant amount of children.  UNICEF has already expressed concerns over the fatal threats the children are facing in Pakistan, and thus appealing for international support.

Rescuers evacuate flood-affected people in Jamshoro district, Sindh province, Pakistan.. (Str/Xinhua/IANS)

Pakistan was among the worst-hit countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. A group of researchers from Pakistan expressed concerns over the debilitated condition of the country’s healthcare system and rising cases of various diseases, particularly, dengue. “Dengue fever has become more dangerous as a result of the precarious situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Pakistan’s healthcare system is in disarray,” they wrote in a journal.

Now, a few epidemics have ensued in Pakistan, the patients are struggling to access proper treatment. “Most patients face difficulties due to the lack of proper testing and laboratory facilities in government and private hospitals in the district,” said a patient named Mubarak Baloch. A report by the UK government has highlighted the problems with Pakistan’s healthcare system.World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for an immediate revision of the country’s health system thanks to the health crisis going out of control.        

Pakistani political leaders and bureaucrats are blamed for failing to control dengue spread. The negligence in taking preventive measures, facilitating diagnostic tests and ensuring medicine is highlighted. Pakistan has become vulnerable to major public health threats, revealed a research paper by a group of medical practitioners in Pakistan. “Almost one-third of Pakistan’s population is suffering from life-threatening infections, including cholera, malaria, typhoid, etc. Although the government of Pakistan has initiated plans to tackle the problem, there is still a need for improvement,” they wrote.

Pakistan ranks 154th among the 195 nations, according to the Lancet study, as its spending on health remains very low. Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has sought comprehensive reforms from the government to curb the spread of these deadly diseases. “Focus on enhancing primary healthcare services at the grassroots level, particularly in rural areas. This can be achieved by increasing the number of primary healthcare centres, improving the training of staff and ensuring the availability of essential drugs and equipment,” PMA said in its latest report,

The lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure remains one of Pakistan’s biggest challenges, said a group of Pakistani medical researchers, who pointed to political instability as a major reason. “The system is plagued with numerous flaws, ranging from inadequate infrastructure to inequitable distribution of healthcare facilities. The political unrest in Pakistan has played a huge role as the rapid change in management and leadership interrupts the continuity of policies. Improving the health sector must be a priority regardless of government or regime changes,” reads their research paper.

ALSO READ: Brutal Honour Killings Blight Pakistan

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Health

Seerat Kapoor Prioritizes Health, Not Chiselled Body

The actress added: “I know that only if I am physically fit and healthy can I do my work properly. That is my motivation and goal. In order to be efficient, I need to be mentally and physically fit.”…reports Asian Lite News

Actress Seerat Kapoor has opened up about her fitness regime, emphasising that her body will function well only if she is mentally and physically fit.

Seerat shared: “When I am shooting for 12 hours, it is quite difficult to manage a proper workout, so I try to at least do my morning yoga. It helps me concentrate on my work as well.”

The actress added: “I know that only if I am physically fit and healthy can I do my work properly. That is my motivation and goal. In order to be efficient, I need to be mentally and physically fit.”

However, Seerat focuses on a fit body rather than a toned one

“I have faced challenges in maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle during hectic schedules. I don’t believe in having a chiselled body for show. My main focus is having a healthy and fit body that helps me do whatever I want,” she said.

Her diet includes nothing major but ‘ghar ka khana’.

“I don’t think there is anything else that can keep you healthier. My mom cooks my breakfast, lunch, and even an evening snack early in the morning,” the actress noted.

Seerat’s fitness idols are her co-stars.

“When you see everyone around you taking care of themselves, you learn a lot,” she said.

Speaking about fitness tips, Seerat added: “I recently started doing yoga, and I have realised that there is no better way to keep your whole body healthy. Meditation is also a huge help.”

Seerat is currently seen as Mannat in the show ‘Rabb Se Hai Dua’, which stars Yesha Rughani as Ibaadat, Dheeraj Dhoopar as Subhaan, and Raymon Kakar.

Produced by Prateek Sharma’s Studio LSD, ‘Rabb Se Hai Dua’ airs on Zee TV.

ALSO READ-Preventive Health Key as Lifespan Expected to Increase

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Health Lite Blogs

Preventive Health Key as Lifespan Expected to Increase

As far as the Indian population is concerned, the study predicted an increased burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a common lung disease…reports Asian Lite News

There’s an urgent need to boost preventive health to prevent a large burden of diseases, even as a recent study showed an increase in lifespan by 2050, said experts on Saturday.  

According to the latest findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, published recently in The Lancet journal, global life expectancy is expected to increase by 4.9 years in men and 4.2 years in women by 2050. This is despite the geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats.

However, people are expected to spend more years in poor health with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and diabetes.

“Unless we take preventive health more seriously, our health systems will not be able to cope with the huge burden of the disease,” said Lancelot Pinto, Consultant Pulmonologist and Epidemiologist, P. D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC, Mahim.

“Historically, as countries prosper, nutrition gets better and vaccination programmes get robust, infectious diseases tend to decline. However, with prosperity comes the dietary and lifestyle changes that can harm,” Pinto said.

The study predicted that like today, ischemic heart disease will continue to be the number one cause of mortality globally. Strokes will continue to be the number two cause of mortality, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will be the third most common cause of mortality worldwide even in 2050.

As far as the Indian population is concerned, the study predicted an increased burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a common lung disease.

“India is one of the leading producers and consumers of tobacco in the world, and COPD, often associated with smoking, is likely to manifest strongly as the population gets older,” Pinto said, while adding air pollution, use of indoor biomass fuels and poor lung development in childhood as added risk factors.

“Overall chest disease burden in India will be much higher than what the West because we continue to struggle with the earlier problems of infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, and we have started seeing a massive increase in the new age diseases like lung cancer,” said Arvind Kumar, Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest Onco Surgery and Lung Transplantation, Medanta Hospital, Gurugram.

He said, “COPD burden overall may be much higher than what this report has predicted”.

The report also predicted the increased risk of ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease.

This leads to “obstructive blockages in the artery due to deposition of atherosclerotic plaques. The reduced blood supply to the heart muscle results in angina as a warning signal. A sudden blood clot formation on top of these blockages can result in a heart attack”, said Atul Mathur, Executive Director, Interventional Cardiology & Chief of Cath Lab, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, New Delhi.

He said that a sudden blood clot formation on top of these blockages can result in a heart attack.

The experts thus stressed the need for increasing preventive measures including healthy eating, regular exercise, and good control of hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol.

ALSO READ-Healthcare Leaders Urge Infra Investment, Tax Reforms in Union Budget

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Health Lite Blogs

Long-Term Heart Risks Vital in Hypertension Treatment

PREVENT uses sex-specific equations; incorporates markers of kidney disease in addition to HbA1c measures to help monitor metabolic health; can estimate 10-year and 30-year risk for heart attack or stroke as well as heart failure; and considers additional risk factors with the social deprivation index…reports Asian Lite News

Doctors must consider the long-term (30-year) as well as the short-term (10-year) risk of an individual developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) before beginning medication therapy for stage 1 hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to new research on Monday by the American Heart Association (AHA). 

The research, published in the AHA’s journal Hypertension, made a comparison of two tools for calculating cardiovascular disease risks.

It showed that “if only the current 10-year risk thresholds are applied, fewer adults may be recommended for blood pressure-lowering medication.”

The team from the University of Alabama compared the predicted risks estimated by the AHA’s PREVENT risk calculator, released in 2023, to the previous tool for risk prediction called the Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE).

PREVENT uses sex-specific equations; incorporates markers of kidney disease in addition to HbA1c measures to help monitor metabolic health; can estimate 10-year and 30-year risk for heart attack or stroke as well as heart failure; and considers additional risk factors with the social deprivation index.

On the other hand, the PCE does not calculate 30-year risk and also does not include heart failure or additional risk factor predictors such as kidney function or statin use.

“Many people with stage 1 high blood pressure who are not likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure within the next 10 years may have a high risk over the next 30 years,” said lead author Paul Muntner, a visiting professor in the department of epidemiology at the University.

This may also benefit people with no risk or short-term risk and “start anti-hypertensive medication” to prevent a heart attack or stroke event later in life.

ALSO READ-Healthcare Leaders Urge Infra Investment, Tax Reforms in Union Budget

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Economy Health India News

Healthcare Leaders Urge Infra Investment, Tax Reforms in Union Budget

During the interim budget, the government had announced widening the coverage by including Anganwadi and ASHA workers. The experts urged the government to further widen the coverage by including the excluded self-employed, seniors above 70 years old, and other weaker groups…reports Asian Lite News

Prioritising and scaling up investment, infrastructure, medical tourism, and tax reforms will be key to creating a new ecosystem that can support the nation’s ambitious healthcare goals, said experts on Monday, ahead of the Union Budget 2024-25.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present the Union Budget 2024 on July 23. While the interim budget in February has provided a roadmap, the journey toward transforming the entire healthcare landscape requires a comprehensive and concerted effort.

Speaking to IANS, Sugandh Ahluwalia, Chief Strategy Officer, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), New Delhi, said that a key expectation from the upcoming budget “is the reclassification of hospitals as infrastructure investments”.

“This reclassification can attract significant private sector investment, which is essential for building state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. In addition, extending interest rate subvention for medical equipment can alleviate financial burdens on hospitals, enabling them to upgrade their technology and improve service delivery,” said Ahluwalia.

During the interim budget, the government had announced widening the coverage by including Anganwadi and ASHA workers. The experts urged the government to further widen the coverage by including the excluded self-employed, seniors above 70 years old, and other weaker groups.

“This initiative is expected to go a long way in dealing with the acute shortage of doctors in India, especially in underserved areas,” Alok Khanna, Head Marketing and Branding Officer at Medanta Lucknow, told IANS. He also called on to “equip new medical colleges with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty”.

“The government needs to pay attention to attract young doctors to work in tier II and III cities and rural areas to break the rural-urban divide and make quality care more accessible,” he added.

Further, the experts lauded the announcement of a cervical cancer vaccination programme in the interim budget as a positive move.

“It is promising to note that the government plans to promote vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 to prevent cervical cancer. However, to maximise the impact of this programme, it is essential to ensure widespread awareness and accessibility,” Dr Ajay Kohli, Group Head, Oncology and Director, Corporate Growth Initiatives North and Narayana Hospital Gurugram, told IANS.

Stakeholders also called for increasing policy support for medical tourism — a significant foreign exchange earner.

“If we have to offer world-class and cost-effective treatment and care to patients even from the US, UK, and Europe, the government needs to take up the issue of flying time restrictions beyond certain hours through diplomatic channels. Cross-border partnerships can further promote medical value travel,” Baldev Raj, Founder and Chief, Prius Brand and Business Partners, told IANS.

He also stressed further pushing public-private partnerships (PPP) for “effective collaboration, hassle-free visas, advanced medical technology, knowledge exchange, and incentivised packages”.

The experts also urged the government to focus significantly on pharma and the diagnostics sector to further strengthen India’s status as a global leader in the healthcare industry.

“The sector needs a major boost in terms of quality innovation and research which has been considered a weak link for the Indian healthcare industry. Expanding healthcare facilities and centres through the PPP model and innovative investment models to resolve issues like resource crunch in the public health system and increase access and outreach is important,” Nilaya Varma, Co-founder and CEO, Primus Partners told.

Chronic diseases, building climate-resilient health structures, and the one health policy may be some of the other critical areas to target, he said.

Burnout Crisis Among Doctors

Hailed as gods on earth, healthcare staff — particularly doctors and nurses — are significantly prone to burnout. A new book stresses the need to increase compassion for them.

Professor Dame Clare Gerada, a London-based general practitioner, and former president of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), UK, called for a more comprehensive guidance that focuses on “kindness” and “sensitivity”.

Citing the infamous case of the troubled Tanzanian-Indian prodigy and psychiatrist Dr Daksha Emson who took her own life and her daughter Freya in 2000, and a junior doctor Rose Polge who reportedly drowned herself in 2016, she said that employers often treat physicians as “naughty school children” when they go sick or suffer mental health problems.

A look at how Doctors maintain their mental health amidst the pandemic.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Emson was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and Polge suffered acute self-esteem issues.

Her book ‘The Handbook of Physician Mental Health’ also highlights how suicide rates are up four times in doctors, as compared to other professional groups. General Physicians, psychiatrists and doctors trained overseas among healthcare workers are the ones especially at risk.

Importantly, female clinicians face the double whammy of a second shift, first caring for the patients and their families.

Increased workload, bullying, and racism lead to doctors developing depression, anxiety, etc.

While there is guidance on how doctors should behave when unwell or consulting with a sick colleague, it is in the form of avoidance and blame, which needs to be changed urgently, Gerada said.

Patient complaints, moving around for better prospects, and unsatisfactory treatment further worsen the case as it alienates the doctors and increases the existing loneliness.

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Food India News Lite Blogs

‘India Requires Better Food Policies for Healthier Choices’

Elisa Pineda, Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health, UK, said, “India was generally better than neighbouring countries in terms of implementation of food environment policies and infrastructure support related to food and health” …reports Asian Lite News

India is ahead of neighbouring countries in the implementation of food environment policies, but needs stronger policies and infrastructure to enable healthier food choices to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases, according to an expert on Sunday. 

In a recent study, an international team of researchers, including scientists from The George Institute for Global Health, mapped the food policies and supporting infrastructure in four South Asian countries including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The team assessed the level of implementation of these policies and identified priority actions for the primary prevention of diet-related NCDs.

Elisa Pineda, Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health, UK, said, “India was generally better than neighbouring countries in terms of implementation of food environment policies and infrastructure support related to food and health”.

“But it still needs improvement to prevent the rising incidence of diet-related diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases,” she added.

The study, published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, showed that NCDs are the leading cause of illness and death worldwide.

South Asians, in particular, face a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases compared to other populations. The prevalence of diabetes in South Asia is projected to be about 151 million by 2045, it noted.

While the causes of NCDs are complex, an unhealthy diet is a leading modifiable risk factor, Dr. Elisa said.

Evidence suggests that improving food environments and implementing effective food-related policies are key to achieving healthier diets and reducing the prevalence of NCDs.

“India showed moderate progress in food labelling and taxation — all packaged foods were labelled in line with Codex recommendations and the government has introduced health taxes and regulations on the content of salt, sugar, and fat in food products, fruits and vegetables are tax-free, and there is a “Fat Tax” on unhealthy foods,” the researcher said.

“However, other areas like food composition, provision, trade policies, and promotion remained weak.

“Although the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt was prohibited in schools, regulation of the promotion of unhealthy foods in other settings is required,” Elisa said.

Further, the study showed that in terms of infrastructure support for healthier food environments, India performed relatively well in leadership, governance, monitoring, and funding compared to Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

However, “areas like platforms and integrating health into all policies were still weak, as there were no processes to assess the health impacts during the development of other non-food-related policies and no formal platforms between the government, the commercial sector, and civil society on food policies for improving population health,” Elisa said.

“Overall, while India was ahead in certain aspects, significant efforts are needed to achieve stronger and more comprehensive implementation in both policy and infrastructure support to enable healthier food choices and prevent non-communicable diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases,” she added.

The study called for urgent action to expand food policies beyond hygiene and food security measures.

Key recommendations include enhancing food labelling to help consumers make healthier choices; introducing taxes on unhealthy foods and subsidies for healthy options to encourage better eating habits; implementing stricter regulations on the marketing of unhealthy foods, especially to children; and ensuring that school meals meet high nutritional standards to promote healthy eating habits from a young age.

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Health Lite Blogs

Aortic Aneurysms: Silent Threat to Heart Health

In India, awareness about cardiac risks predominantly revolves around heart attacks and cardiac arrests, but the dangers posed by aortic aneurysms have not received comparable attention…reports Asian Lite News

Aortic aneurysms, which is often asymptomatic, is the third leading cause of sudden cardiac death, said experts on Sunday stressing the need for raising awareness on the fatal heart condition.

Aortic Aneurysms are the ballooning of the major blood vessel aorta, which carries blood from the heart to the whole body.

It affects approximately 2 to 3 per cent of the population, but the risk increases with certain factors like atherosclerosis (collection of cholesterol in the blood vessels), hypertension, and generic deficiency in certain patients.

“Aortic aneurysms represent a critical yet under-recognised health concern that ranks as the third leading cause of sudden cardiac death, trailing only behind heart attacks and cardiac arrests,” Niranjan Hiremath, a senior consultant cardiovascular and aortic surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, told.

“When the aorta’s wall weakens, it can dilate to twice or even three times its normal diameter, creating a significant risk of sudden rupture, which can result in immediate death, or lead to aortic dissections, another severe complication,” he added.

In India, awareness about cardiac risks predominantly revolves around heart attacks and cardiac arrests, but the dangers posed by aortic aneurysms have not received comparable attention.

“The lack of awareness is concerning, especially considering that about 75 per cent of aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic and go undetected until they present a sudden, life-threatening emergency. These aneurysms are often discovered incidentally during examinations for other medical conditions,” Niranjan said.

“Most intact aortic aneurysms do not produce symptoms. As they enlarge, symptoms such as abdominal pain and back pain may develop. Untreated, aneurysms tend to become progressively larger and can present with life-threatening complications,” added Shiv Choudhary, Executive Director – Adult Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla Road, New Delhi.

Aneurysms can develop in any segment of the aorta, but most commonly affects the abdominal aorta. The experts noted that genetic predispositions, trauma or infection, and tobacco can also contribute to the risk of aortic aneurysms.

It “weakens the wall of the aorta and finally leads to aortic rupture. In rupture, massive internal bleeding happens, and, unless treated immediately, shock and death can occur. The other fatal complication is a dissection of the aorta. In dissection, the layers of the wall of the aorta are split. This can result in mal-perfusion to the brain or visceral organs or eventual rupture. In both situations emergency intervention is warranted,” Shiv told.

Open surgery used to be the major form of treatment. Recently, there has been a paradigm shift to minimally invasive techniques of endovascular stent implantation, which is associated with low risk, minimal morbidity, and low mortality, (Surg Cmde) V S Bedi, NM Chairman & Senior Consultant Institute of Vascular & Endovascular Sciences, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital New Delhi, told.

“The aneurysms are required to be treated once the size of the aorta increases to more than 5cm because an increase of more than 6cm can cause sudden leak/rupture which can be fatal,” the doctor added.

The experts also advised strict control of blood pressure for patients with the condition and prohibition of tobacco in any form. Patients with diagnosed aneurysms should avoid intense physical sports and isometric exercise but can walk and indulge in light aerobic exercises.

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Health Lite Blogs

Yoga’s Diverse Health Benefits for Women

The International Day of Yoga is observed with a yoga session attended by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, at the North Lawn at UN Headquarters. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed (centre of image) participates in the yoga session. At left centre is Richard Gere.

According to experts, yoga promotes physical fitness by improving flexibility, strength, and balance, which are crucial for overall well-being…reports Asian Lite News

Regular practice of yoga offers numerous benefits for women in managing their health, such as it can help manage stress, anxiety, and mood swings more effectively, experts said on the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on Friday.

The International Day of Yoga is celebrated worldwide annually on June 21, following its adoption by the United Nations in 2014.

The initiative for “Yoga Day” was taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2014 UN address.

According to experts, yoga promotes physical fitness by improving flexibility, strength, and balance, which are crucial for overall well-being.

“It also enhances cardiovascular health and supports weight management, which can be particularly beneficial for women at different stages of life. Beyond the physical benefits, yoga cultivates mental clarity and emotional stability through mindful breathing and meditation practices,” Dr Jyoti Kapoor, Founder & Director, Manasthali Wellness, told.

This year’s theme of IDY was ‘Yoga for Self and Society’, emphasising yoga’s vital role in fostering both individual well-being and societal harmony.

Emerging research showed that yoga can significantly benefit women dealing with neurological issues, the experts mentioned.

“Yoga encourages neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise itself, which can aid in recovery from neurological disorders and improve cognitive function. Yoga’s physical postures and relaxation techniques can reduce chronic pain by improving flexibility, strength, and pain perception,” said Dr Rajnish Kumar, Senior Director and Unit Head, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka.

In addition, experts said that whether seeking relief from menstrual discomfort, managing conditions like PCOS or menopause symptoms, or simply striving for greater vitality, the regular practice of yoga provides a holistic approach to “women’s health that nourishes both body and spirit”.

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Healthy Office Environment Boosts Employee Well-being and Productivity

Food and nutrition have a deep correlation with mental wellbeing, practitioners of holistic health stress that people must eat a broad range of nutrient-dense foods to facilitate an ample intake of minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids. These include various colourful vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats…writes Ashwani Vohra

Working professionals spend more than a third of their week at their workplaces. Hence, a healthy office environment is pivotal in promoting employee well-being. Among multiple benefits, a vibrant workplace environment can help companies maintain a healthier workforce. This positively impacts business outcomes, by curbing absenteeism, enhancing employee productivity and aiding better performance.

Interestingly, this can be easily achieved by a series of small yet significant changes that can create a big impact in boosting both the physical and mental well-being of employees and improving overall productivity.

In this context, some of the most impactful measures that could be undertaken are ergonomic workplace designs, which include the cafeteria, breakout areas and the role of nutrition in supporting employee well-being. Ergonomic workstations are crucial in preventing physical and mental strain for employees while working. Proper layouts that facilitate ease of periodic movement can help mitigate the negative impact of sedentary working lives. In the case of nutritional aspects, companies must provide daily access to healthy food and beverage options that play a key role in maintaining optimum health.

Healthy Food Choices: Need of the Hour

Healthy food choices and an inclusive dining offer play a critical role in ensuring the overall well-being of the employees. A recent consumer survey, Culinary Voices, conducted by Compass Group India noted that millennials typically struggle with the dilemma of balancing their taste and health preferences. This generation is more health-conscious, they strive to balance nutritional needs alongside their indulgence in delicious, flavourful foods.

Further insights come from Compass Group’s 2023 Global Eating at Work (GEAW) Survey, conducted worldwide. The survey reveals a shift in employee priorities, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living. Employees are now more aware of their needs and expectations from their employers. Food options at work have become a significant factor in attracting and retaining talent, particularly for Gen Z workers. 71% of employees with access to a staff restaurant report a more positive perception of their employer compared to only 62% without such options.

This survey also underscores the increasing demand for healthier choices across all age groups. Employees expect that the food offerings at the workplace should actively promote healthy eating, and balanced nutrition and must be underpinned by sustainability. The younger generations are leading the charge towards a plant-based future, with 63% of Gen Z workers advocating for more vegetarian and vegan options, compared to just 37% of Gen X and 30% of Baby Boomers.

The focus on healthy eating goes beyond just taste preferences. Employees are increasingly interested in a more holistic approach to their workplace meals. This includes a rise in protein consumption for sustained energy, opting for healthier grains like millet for added fibre and vitamins, and the availability of alternate sugars for those managing diabetes. Balanced meals with portion control and variety are also in demand, ensuring employees receive a complete range of macro and micronutrients to support their well-being.

Nutritious Foods to Stabilise Moods

Food and nutrition have a deep correlation with mental wellbeing, practitioners of holistic health stress that people must eat a broad range of nutrient-dense foods to facilitate an ample intake of minerals, vitamins and essential fatty acids. These include various colourful vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats.

Ongoing research reveals how a healthy gut microbiome (diverse microorganisms in the digestive tract) is closely connected to mental health. Conversely, an imbalance in the gut microbiome is linked with anxiety, depression and allied mental health conditions. Accordingly, a balanced-nutritious diet is essential to nurture a healthy gut microbiome that boosts mental health and emotional balance.

Additionally, well-balanced meals with various nutrient-dense foods are necessary to maintain stable blood sugar levels and support mood stability. Foods high in added sugars and refined carbohydrates can cause a speedy spike in blood glucose levels, followed by sudden drops that trigger mood swings. 

That is why maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for emotional resilience. To achieve this, it is important to include complex carbohydrates, adequate protein, and fiber-rich foods in your diet. These foods help slow down glucose absorption and keep blood sugar levels stable, contributing to overall well-being.

Hydration: The Fuel for Peak Performance

Equally important to a nutritious meal is staying properly hydrated throughout the workday to ensure optimal performance. After all, research suggests that even a minor decrease in hydration can significantly impact productivity. Studies have shown that a mere 1% drop in hydration can lead to a 12% decline in productivity, while a 3% to 4% decrease can cause a productivity drop of between 25% and 50%. Considering that 75% of your brain is composed of water, it’s easy to understand why dehydration can hinder cognitive function and workplace performance.

Better hydration options for the employees are the need of the hour, water infused with fruits or herbs offers a refreshing, low-calorie alternative to sugary sodas. For those seeking a natural energy boost, herbal teas like green tea or peppermint provide a pick-me-up without the jitters associated with excess caffeine. Seasonal considerations also play a role; in warmer months chilled fruit-infused waters or iced teas can be a welcome respite, while hot beverages like cappuccino or masala tea might be more appealing during colder seasons. Furthermore, some companies are embracing regional preferences by offering traditional drinks like Kanji or Rasam, catering to employee diversity and fostering a sense of cultural inclusion.

Well thought Workplace Café and offer – A game changer in promoting employee wellbeing

Workplace Café and breakout spaces play a very important role in promoting and ensuring the overall well-being of employees. A well-designed cafeteria fosters a sense of community bonding by encouraging greater collaboration between employees. The right food and beverage offer can enable informal discussions over meals sparking big ideas or themed lunches and team celebrations that give a fillip to in-house networking and social connections. Cafeterias deliver an array of benefits that boost the physical and emotional well-being of the staff. This is particularly important for younger generations, with 81% of Gen Z reporting that taking a proper lunch break, which often involves socialising over food, makes them more productive upon returning to work, compared to 73% of Baby Boomers, as per the GEAW survey.

Coffee or lunch breaks in the cafeteria encourage employees from different departments to exchange thoughts, increasing creativity and teamwork. Moreover, allowing people to relax during short breaks helps them de-stress, covertly enhancing their job satisfaction and mental well-being levels. 

Recognising the importance of breaks, companies are creating dedicated breakout areas that encourage employees to step away from their desks, refuel, and connect. Ultimately, healthy food options combined with designated break areas contribute to a healthier workplace environment—not just physically, but mentally and socially as well.

In a nutshell, the above elements emphasise how employers can prioritise employee health and well-being via ergonomic designs, cool cafeterias and well-balanced food choices to create a healthier work environment. 

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Health London Diary London News

Pure Periodontics: Trusted Destination For Top-Tier Periodontal Care In London

Dr. Neesha Patel, the esteemed Clinical Director at Pure Periodontics, stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of periodontal care in London. Widely acclaimed as one of the city’s premier specialists in periodontal disease, she has garnered recognition for her exceptional skills and commitment to advancing oral health. With Specialist status in Periodontics conferred by the General Dental Council, Dr. Patel has solidified her reputation as a leader in the field. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

This esteemed recognition underscores her comprehensive knowledge and expertise in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.

Dr Neesha Patel previously served as a Consultant Periodontist at King’s College Hospital, where she played a pivotal role in educating and mentoring emerging professionals in the dental field.

Dr Neesha Patel

Dr. Patel’s journey is punctuated by a series of accolades, with numerous awards in restorative dentistry and oral surgery adorning her illustrious career. These accolades are a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence and her continuous pursuit of advancing dental practices.

As the Clinical Director at Pure Periodontics, Dr. Neesha Patel leads with a vision for personalised, patient-centric care. Her clinic is renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovative practices, and a compassionate approach to periodontal health. Under her guidance, Pure Periodontics has become a beacon of comprehensive, cutting-edge care, setting the standard for periodontal services in London.

Dr. Patel’s expertise extends beyond the clinic. Her dedication to patient education empowers individuals to take an active role in their oral health, emphasising preventive measures and long-term strategies for overall well-being. Dr. Neesha Patel’s influence in periodontal care not only reflects her present standing as a leader in the field but also anticipates a future where optimal oral health is achievable for all.

Pure Periodontics, situated in the heart of the City of London, stands as a beacon of excellence in periodontal care. As a specialist practice, the clinic prides itself on its patient-centric approach, ensuring exceptional outcomes and a focus on long-term oral health. Led by a team of experienced and dynamic professionals, Pure Periodontics goes beyond traditional gum-focused treatments.

Embracing a holistic approach, the well equipped clinic addresses the prevention and treatment of oral periodontal disease. This comprehensive strategy equips patients with the tools and techniques necessary to maintain optimal oral hygiene and uphold the results of their treatments over the long term.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Pure Periodontics’ philosophy. The clinic
works closely with referring practices, considering itself an extension of
their teams. This collaborative ethos ensures seamless and integrated care for patients, reinforcing the clinic’s commitment to excellence.

The expert team at Pure Periodontics maintains an unwavering dedication to clinical standards. Constantly striving to remain at the forefront of
emerging evidence and technical advancements, the clinic ensures that
patients receive the most innovative and effective treatments available.

One of the distinguishing features of Pure Periodontics is the diversity in clinical backgrounds within the team. This diversity allows for a multi-faceted approach to patient care, drawing on the varied expertise of each
discipline to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Furthermore, the majority of the team members at every level are educators in their own right, conducting courses in their respective areas
of expertise. This commitment to education not only reflects the team’s passion for continuous learning but also provides patients with the
assurance that they are in the hands of professionals who are leaders in their field.

Pure Periodontics embodies a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and ongoing education, making it a trusted destination for top-tier periodontal care in the City of London. Great and supportive staff, comfortable environment and set up, easy access to transport links, seamless appointment booking processes, great care; all in all- Highly Recommended!

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