ministry of health and family welfare

Visible six-pack abs in women are achievable within a healthy body fat range, typically 14-20 percent, which supports essential hormone balance. However, extreme dieting or overtraining can lead to detrimental health issues like amenorrhea and low energy availability. The focus should be on sustainable fitness and well-being, not just aesthetics.

Head and neck cancers are increasingly affecting Indians in their 40s, a concerning shift from older demographics. Doctors observe younger patients, late diagnoses, and aggressive disease, driven by tobacco, alcohol, areca nut, and new factors like HPV and urban lifestyle changes. Early detection through awareness and self-checks is crucial for prevention and better outcomes.

Food adulteration in India poses a significant public health crisis, with contaminated milk, paneer, and processed foods causing severe health issues and even deaths. Recent incidents highlight widespread violations, including a deadly milk contamination in Andhra Pradesh and large seizures of adulterated paneer in Surat, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement.

Hyderabad's food industry, valued at over Rs 10,000 crore, faces a critical food safety crisis due to inadequate inspections and enforcement. With less than one-fifth of eateries checked and a severe manpower shortage, the city is struggling to protect public health from adulterated food, leading to health issues and fatalities.

Monsoon brings romanticized scenes but also a public health reality of increased malaria risk, especially for vulnerable groups. Despite significant national declines, malaria persists in localized pockets due to environmental and socio-economic factors. Climate change further complicates transmission patterns, necessitating sustained surveillance and targeted interventions for elimination.

Frequent sore throats can be frustrating and are often due to non-infectious reasons such as silent acid reflux, post-nasal drip, or simply lifestyle choices like dehydration and vocal strain. Experts warn that over-relying on antibiotics can do more harm than good, advocating instead for a deeper look into what might be causing these discomforts.

National Health Mission (NHM) medical staff in Bhalessa district are on a 72-hour strike, protesting a deduction of 2.5 days' salary from their monthly pay. Gathered outside Gandoh sub-district Hospital, they demand the release of deducted wages and parity with regular employees, citing previous compensation for Sunday, holiday, and night duties.

Doctors warn that a normal weight doesn't guarantee good health, as hidden abdominal fat poses serious metabolic risks. This internal fat, invisible to scales and BMI, surrounds vital organs, increasing chances of diabetes, heart disease, and hormonal imbalances. Experts urge focusing on lifestyle and waist circumference over just weight for true well-being.

Many serious illnesses begin silently, making prevention crucial. Healthcare is shifting from treating sickness to stopping it before it starts, especially for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Early detection through regular screenings, particularly after 40 or with a family history, significantly improves outcomes, reduces treatment complexity, and lowers costs. Lifestyle choices also play a vital role in long-term health.

The state has passed a law that allows both public and private companies to cut an employee’s salary if they fail to provide for their parents