March 31, 2021

 What is a coronavirus vaccine passport – Do you need one too?

 

Covid vaccines are being considered the milestone after which life is expected to return to normal. In an effort to eradicate the coronavirus from the world, government and health officials are continuously trying to find new ways to get every person vaccinated. To further add to the efforts, the government might ask everyone to get a vaccine passport soon. Last month, Israel became the first country to provide a certificate to those who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 so that they can have access to certain facilities. Here’s everything you need to know about the coronavirus vaccine passport. 

 What Are Vaccine Passports? 

A vaccine passport is proof that you have been vaccinated against the microscopic villain, Covid-19. It is similar to the ‘yellow card,’ which was basically proof against yellow fever.  According to CNN, a vaccine passport is a mobile app that will be proof for the holder that they have been vaccinated against Covid-19, and is therefore “safe.” In a way, vaccine passports will also provide a digital vaccination record of the vaccinated people across the globe.

While some countries have set their own standards of the vaccine passport, a standard version that would be accepted globally is yet to come. In other words, it will be a digital health pass that will allow a person to enter stadiums, events, concerts, and more. Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Air New Zealand, Copa Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad Airways are some of the leading airlines that are ready to try the “IATA Travel Pass” soon. It is an app created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) that allows different airlines and airports to check for proof of vaccination.

Another initiative by the World Economic Forum and a broad coalition of public and private partners is to launch CommonPass. It is a global platform that will help people document their Covid-19 status to satisfy country entry requirements while keeping their health data private.

However, the World Health Organization says that these passports might not be as useful as there is always a chance of someone contracting an infection for the second time.

What About India?

So far, there is no vaccine certificate system that prevents people from travelling domestically, but based on the RT-PCR tests, Covid test certificates will be checked for incoming foreign travellers. Individual states may have their requirements for domestic travellers.

Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/news

 

March 29, 2021

 Holi 2021: 5 Hairstyles for a hassle-free holi

Holi is a festival where you literally drown in colours. But you don’t want your hair to come in your way, especially during the festival of colours and lots of fun – Holi. Most of us think it’s alright to leave our hair open during the celebrations, but doing this will only damage your hair further. In fact, we give you 5 easy hairstyles that you could pick from to keep your hair safe and in place during Holi.

Standard Braids

It is the best hairstyle to protect your hair. Divide the hair into three equal parts. Cross the right part over the middle part and then left part over it. Do this process until the braid is done. 

High Ponytail

A high ponytail can be a simple one or you can alter it in your own way. For instance, after tying your hair into a high ponytail, braid it into a regular plait. To add some more style to this, loosen the braid a little for a ‘bubble’ effect. Here is how to tie a bubble braid. 

Double Buns

As a quirky take on hair buns, a bun on both sides looks cute and serves the purpose too. This hairstyle keeps all your hair in place so you can have all the fun without being too bothered. For this style, part your hair into two equal sections and comb through all the knots. Then, begin with either sides and tie a ponytail, a high or low one, as per your preference. Then wrap your hair around the hair-tie and tie it up again. Do the same for the other side.

Low Ponytail

A simple way to put away all those tresses is a simple low-tied ponytail. This type of ponytail looks textured on wavy or curly hair and can be put in place with bobby pins just as easily. You could tie it near your nape for that low yet stylish effect. Have curly hair? Here are some on-the-go hairstyles for you.

Top-Knot Bun

If you have long hair and definitely don’t want them open and loose, this top-knot style could be your pick. Begin with tying a high ponytail and then wrap the rest of the hair around the hair tie and you’re done. For a cleaner look, wear hair/head band. Know how to tie a top-knot bun, here.

Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/

 

March 26, 2021

 Skin friendly 24-hour hand sanitizer to fight the COVID-19 pandemic: Even kids can use it safely

Swanrose India, a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Swanrose Inc on Thursday announced the launch of ‘once-a-day’ hand sanitiser ‘Just Human’. “Just Human is a revolutionary 24-hour hand sanitiser (use just once a day), a game changer in the hand sanitizer space. It is the first hand sanitizer to provide extended protection. The 24-hour efficacy is backed by GLP Lab certification,” said Roshini Sanah Jaiswal, CEO of Swanrose Inc. ‘Just Human’ is made in India with US proprietary technology. The product has got USFDA registration and DCGI clearance in India. This week the first product launches in India and the USA simultaneously. According to the CEO of Swanrose, the company has an ethos of local production to support jobs and families in the countries it sells, so in the USA it is made in USA and in India it is made in India. 

Precautionary Measures Must To Tackle Surge In Cases

We are still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, now, many countries are seeing a surge in cases and in India the situation is no different. The country is staring at an exponential surge in active infectious cases, which experts are saying is likely to only get worse. In light of this, it becomes imperative that everyone takes all the precautionary methods very seriously. This will bring down the infection transmission rate significantly. Social distancing, sanitizing your hand, isolating if you have symptoms and wearing face masks are very important and there should be no slack when it comes to following these measures. 

Importance Of Hand Sanitisers To Fight The COVID-19 Pandemic

One of the most important precautionary measures is keeping the hands clean and sanitized. This is because you may unknowingly touch surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with the COVID-19 virus. Many people have the habit of unconsciously touching the face multiple times during the course of the day. This puts them at high risk of getting infected. But if you keep your hands sanitized, there is nothing to worry about. 

How The 24 Hour Sanitizer Changes Things

Many people find it a pain to frequently sanitise their hands. Moreover, frequent use of alcohol-based sanitisers, which are the best to fight the virus, can leave your skin dry and peeling. So, if application once in 24 hours is enough to sanitise your hand, then you don’t have to go through the hassle of frequent sanitizing and nor do you have to worry about adverse effects on your skin. Let us lee what this alcohol-based 24 hours Just Human hand sanitizer is all about.

·It forms a protective invisible bionic shield that kills 99.9 per cent of germs and viruses.

·It is also skin-friendly.

·The shield will work regardless of the surfaces you touch throughout the day.

·Works even after you wash your hands.

·Chemical-free and safe for children.

 

Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/news

 

March 24, 2021

 COVID-19 infection can permanently reduce thyroid function, men more susceptible

 

COVID-19 can affect your endocrine system. This has been proved by researchers. It also affects the thyroid gland, which is a part of the endocrine system. Now, a team of researchers from the University of Milan in Italy has showed that some patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 seem to experience inflammation of the thyroid gland that is different from thyroid inflammation caused by other viruses. The study, presented virtually at ENDO 2021, indicated that one-third of the participants still had signs of thyroid inflammation after three months, even though their thyroid function had normalised. An earlier 2020 study by researchers at the University Hospital Pisa also said that COVID-19 may cause thyroid disease in patients. Oxford’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism had published this study. 

COVID-19 Can Cause Atypical Thyroid Inflammation

In spring 2020, 15 per cent of the COVID-19 patients hospitalised in acute medicine units in Italy had thyroid hormone alterations due to multi-factorial causes, including thyroid inflammation. In comparison, only 1 per cent of hospitalised patients during the same period in 2019 had thyroid hormone alterations. People with thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid gland, triggered by other viruses usually recover thyroid function in the short term. However, there is a long-term increased risk of permanently reduced thyroid function, caused by late-onset effects of viral infection, or by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland. 

Thyroid Triggered By COVID-19 Shows Distinct Symptoms

For the purpose of the study, the researchers wanted to find out whether the thyroiditis associated with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, follows the same pattern as thyroid inflammation caused by other viruses. They started a surveillance programme to monitor the thyroid function of patients every three months after being hospitalised for moderate to severe COVID-19 disease. The patients undergo a routine blood and ultrasound testing to monitor their thyroid function and signs of inflammation. They found the thyroiditis in people with moderate to severe COVID-19 disease differs from typical thyroiditis in several ways. These include the absence of neck pain, the presence of mild thyroid dysfunction, higher frequency among men and the association with severe COVID-19 disease. 

Earlier Study Found That COVID-19 Can Damage Endocrine System

A study by Sri Lankan researchers last year found that this disease damages the endocrine system, which is made up of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries and the testicles. It is actually the collection of glands that produce hormones to regulate your metabolism, tissue function, reproduction, overall development and also your sleep and mood. Any malfunctioning of the endocrine system can lead to serious issues like diabetes and thyroid imbalance. The Journal of the Endocrine Society published this study.

Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/news

 

March 22, 2021

 Second wave of Covid hits Karnataka; These states are least affected

Amid a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in India, Karnataka Health Minister K.Sudhakar said on Sunday that the second wave of Covid has begun in the state. This comes after a consistent rise in daily coronavirus cases has stoked fresh concerns in the worst-hit states in India. Following the surge, he urged people to follow guidelines to contain the spread of coronavirus

“As we are at the beginning of the second wave of coronavirus across the state, I appeal to the people to strictly follow Covid guidelines and remain safe,” he told media. The state bulletin confirmed on Saturday that 1,798 cases were registered on Friday, taking the state’s tally to 9.68 lakh, including 12,828 active cases. 

Government Asked Everyone To Be Careful Amid Rising Covid Cases

“The state technical advisory committee of experts has told us (government) to control certain activities to prevent the pandemic from spreading further. I will discuss the panel’s advice with Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Monday and the additional steps to be taken to control the situation,” said Sudhakar, who is a medical doctor by profession. 

“The panel has also warned that people will be in trouble if they continue to violate guidelines like wearing a mask, maintaining physical distancing, washing hands and avoid going out unless essential to stay away from public places,” he added.

States Least Affected By The ‘Second Wave’

The coronavirus cases in several states are showing an upward trend. Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are the top five states experiencing the rapid surge in Covid-19. While the coronavirus cases in some states are constantly increasing, there are some states where the daily spike or the fatality rate is under control.

According to official reports by the Health Ministry, a total of 16 states have not reported the lethal virus in the last 24 hours, including Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Nagaland, Tripura, Ladakh (UT), Manipur, Mizoram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Arunachal Pradesh.

While vaccines are available to combat the coronavirus, it is essential to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. The government also issued advertisements to create awareness on complying with the guidelines.

Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/

 

March 19, 2021

 Beware: Slow walkers with normal weight four times more likely to die from COVID-19

Since the beginning of the global pandemic, we have known that people with underlying health conditions and the elderly are at more risk of severe infection and death if they catch the COVID-19 virus. The risk is also high for obese people. Now a new study says that people who walk slowly are almost four times more likely to die from COVID-19. Moreover, they also have over twice the risk of contracting a severe version of the virus. This study was conducted by a team of researchers from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre at the University of Leicester. The International Journal of Obesity published this study, titled ‘Obesity, walking pace and risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality: Analysis of UK Biobank’. 

Slow Walkers With Normal Weight At Risk Too

This study looked at 412,596 middle-aged UK Biobank participants. Researchers analysed the relative association of body mass index (BMI) and self-reported walking pace with the risk of contracting severe COVID-19 and COVID-19 mortality. They found that slow walkers of a normal weight are almost 2.5 times more likely to develop severe COVID-19 and 3.75 times more likely to die from the virus than normal weight fast walkers. It was already known that obesity and frailty are key risk factors for COVID-19 outcomes. This is the first study to show that slow walkers have a much higher risk of contracting severe COVID-19 outcomes, irrespective of their weight. 

Risk Higher Than Fast Walkers With Obesity

A further key finding from this research was that normal weight slow walkers are more at risk for both severe COVID-19 and COVID-19 mortality than fast walkers with obesity. Furthermore, risk was uniformly high in normal weight slow walkers and slow walkers with obesity. Researchers say that fast walkers have been shown to generally have good cardiovascular and heart health, making them more resilient to external stressors, including viral infection but this hypothesis has not yet been established for infectious disease. This may be the reason for their reduced risk. 

Physical Fitness Is An Important Risk Predictor

While many large routine database studies have reported the association of obesity and fragility with COVID-19 outcomes, routine clinical databases do not currently have data on measures of physical function or fitness. According to researchers, it is essential that ongoing public health and research surveillance studies consider incorporating simple measures of physical fitness such as self-reported walking pace in addition to BMI, as potential risk predictors of COVID-19 outcomes that could ultimately enable better prevention methods that save lives.

Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/

 

March 17, 2021

 

People living with HIV demand Rs 12.5K monthly salary, exclusive drop-in-centres for women

India is one of the countries with the highest rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. By the end of 2019, South Africa had the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases at 7.2 million, followed by Mozambique (2.2 million), India (2.1 million) and Nigeria (1.8 million). According to the India HIV Estimation 2019 report, the HIV prevalence among adults (aged 15-49) was estimated at 0.22%. Overall, India’s HIV epidemic has been declining after the epidemic’s peak in the year 2000. Though there is no complete cure for HIV/AIDS, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives with antiretroviral therapy (ART) which controls the virus. If you stop taking ART drugs, the virus can spike again. HIV services, including antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs, are offered free to everyone who needs them under the national Aids control programme at drop-in-centres (DICs). People Living with HIV (PLHIV) are also given counselling, psycho-social support and legal advice at these centres. 

The government has already sanctioned 32 DICs for addressing the immediate needs for care, support, treatment, counselling & protection for the PLHIV. But the Networks of People Living with HIV have demanded political parties to provide 12 more drop-in-centres exclusively for women and children affected with HIV. In addition, the organization has sought a minimum of Rs 12,500 per month as salary under the Employment Guarantee scheme for those working in government and non-government sectors. The Positive Women Network, Indian Network for people living with HIV, 30 districts with PLHIV and 20 NGO’s came together to raise the demand. 

 

Free Education For Children Living With HIV

The Positive Women Network leader, P. Kousalya, has also appealed to the political parties to increase the budget allocation of DICs from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, reported IANS. 

 Other demands of the organisation include free education to children living with HIV under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, funds for women-centric programmes, mainly for the prevention of primary infection among women and reduction of stigma faced by people living with HIV. It is estimated that women account for over half the number of people living with HIV worldwide. Young women (10-24 years old) are twice as likely to acquire HIV as young men the same age because of vulnerabilities created by unequal cultural, social and economic status.

Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/news