Healthcare

How Can Indian Athletes Win More Medals At The International Level?​

Reading Time: 5 minutes How Can Indian Athletes Win More Medals At The International Level? The Cricket World Cup 2023 is just a few days away. India will be hosting the prestigious tournament on October 5. Fans all over India are cheering for their cricketing heroes. However, somewhere down the line, other sports would be sidelined till the ‘cricket fever’ subsides. As they say, “Cricket is a religion in India.” Unfortunately, other sports like Football have been unsuccessful in penetrating the minds of the general Indian populace. India has a rich history in Football with decorated clubs and the team even playing Football in the Olympics. However, the Indian Football team still finds itself in a disappointing 106th place in the FIFA rankings. Europe on the other hand had 13 teams representing their continent at the FIFA World Cup 2020. The scenario remains the same when it comes to other sports as well. Indian athletes made the nation extremely proud by winning 61 medals and finishing fourth at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. However, Indian athletes haven’t been able to translate that success at the world level. Things are changing with India having their best Olympics ever with 7 medals at the recent Olympics. Olympic Javelin Throw gold medallist Neeraj Chopra recently won the 2023 World Athletics Championship. However, on the whole, Indian athletes still haven’t been able to consistently win medals at prestigious events. To put things in perspective, India’s total Olympic medal tally ever stands at 35 medals. A European nation comfortably wins way more than 35 medals in a single Olympic tournament. Indian athletes, except Cricket, continue to face many social, financial, and infrastructural issues at all levels. The raw talent needs to be more utilized and impedes India from achieving even greater heights. The following are some factors to improve at grassroots levels to make sure that Indian athletes can consistently win medals at the international level. Lack of Sports Culture Sports have never been given importance in the life of an Indian kid. Indian parents are ingrained to direct their kids toward the typical route of academics. Sports take a backseat due to the burden of schools, tuition, and self-studies. Children are often restricted from pursuing sports as a punishment. Sports are often unfairly labelled as distractions, which detrimentally impacts a child’s developmental years. Such labelling prevents children from discovering their talents and acquiring essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and focus. Consequently, this trend has contributed to physical health issues among children, including obesity and excessive screen time. Lack Of Sports At College/University Level The same story continues when a child goes to college and university. At this point, a child has some freedom to pursue a sport for recreational purposes. However, a sport is never considered to be a career pathway in India. A student-athlete gets little to no support. European countries and America, on the other hand, have robust sports and training. A college student is directly thrown into a program of the sport of their choice. The program is structured in a way that wouldn’t impact studies. A student learns a lot about themselves even if they don’t want to pursue the sport as a career. They also have sports-related scholarships. Lack of Infrastructure A student and even an athlete fail to get the basic amenities required to excel in a particular type of equipment and kits are expensive for an athlete to afford and impede their sporting prowess. There are other infrastructural deficiencies like lack of courts, lack of tracks, lack of grounds, etc. Even a national-level athlete has to battle a lot of infrastructural issues to even practice, let alone excel at a sport and win. This is not the case in European countries. They invest a formidable chunk of their GDP in sports. Athletes get high-quality equipment and facilities. They also get world-class doctors, physiotherapists, and strength and conditioning coaches which help their progress. Too Much Impetus on Cricket Cricket has also been considered as a sole of extreme importance. Sports other than cricket have always been neglected. The Indian Cricketing Board (BCCI) finances around 60-70% of the total cricket expenditure of the entire world. However, India fails to finance other sports. Other sports in India fail to even get sponsors and broadcasters, which affects the growth of a sport in India that is already struggling. Athletes of other sports are not paid as well and have to resort to either leaving the sport or pursuing an alternate job. Gender Discrimination Indian girls and females have always been marginalized in every aspect, especially in sports. Indian girls are prohibited from playing any sport from a very young age. This shatters their dreams. Recently, it has been the female athletes who have made India proud. Athletes like Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Jhulan Goswami, Mitali Raj, and many more, continue to be a source of inspiration for many girls around the country. Some other issues include low socio-economic status, improper diet, and nutrition, genetics, politics, favouritism, etc., to name a few. However, it is high time for India to address these. A lot of talent is suppressed at a young age, hurting our passionate country’s rich sporting culture. As the old saying in our country goes, ‘Take politics out of sports, and there will be medalists on every street of India’. Conclusion In conclusion, India’s potential to excel in a wide range of sports at the international level remains largely untapped due to various systemic challenges. To unlock this potential, a shift in cultural attitudes towards sports, particularly at the grassroots level, is imperative. Encouraging sports as a viable career option, improving access to quality infrastructure, reducing the overwhelming emphasis on cricket, addressing gender discrimination, and investing in athlete development and support are all critical steps. The recent successes in cricket and the Olympics show that India possesses exceptional talent, and with concerted efforts to remove these barriers, there is a bright future ahead where Indian athletes can consistently shine on the global stage, bringing glory

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Editorial, People Forum

Biotin: Understanding Its Importance for Health and Well-Being

Reading Time: 5 minutes Biotin: Understanding Its Importance for Health and Well-Being The vitamin biotin, commonly referred to as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin. The name “vitamin H” originates from the German words ‘Haar and Haut,’ which means hair and skin, highlighting its significance for these aspects of health. Biotin naturally occurs in various food items such as eggs, nuts and certain vegetables. It’s also commonly included in dietary supplements, often marketed for its potential benefits in promoting healthy hair and skin, as well as supporting overall well-being.   The role of Biotin in our body:  Biotin plays a vital role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, etc. It helps convert these macronutrients into energy that the body can use. Also, biotin is responsible for maintaining cardiovascular health, and proper nerve functioning.  Biotin is often associated with promoting the health of hair, nails, and skin. It is a common ingredient in many beauty supplements.  Biotin is essential in the regulation of genes (as it modifies the activities of transcription factors), histone modifications, and cell signalling.  Biotin is considered to be important in breaking down macronutrients, it is involved in processes such as the synthesis of fatty acids, breakdown of amino acids, and glucogenesis.  Apart from this, biotin plays a key role in lactation, pregnancy, and regulation of blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetic patients. Sources of Biotin: Biotin is present in a variety of plant and animal-based food items, some of which include:  Eggs: The egg yolk is particularly renowned for its high biotin content. However, it’s advisable to cook them as avidin in raw egg whites can interfere with biotin absorption. Spinach: Spinach is not only a good source of biotin but also offers a variety of other vitamins (such as Vitamin A, C, and Folic acid) and minerals (such as Iron, Calcium, and potassium).  Sweet potatoes: Rich in antioxidants, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, sweet potatoes are a nutritious source of biotin Avocados: These are high in biotin and provide vitamin E, which is beneficial for skin and hair health. Organ meats: The liver, particularly chicken liver, is a potent source of biotin. Just 3 ounces of cooked chicken liver can provide a significant amount of biotin. Nuts: Nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, and walnuts, contain biotin and can be included in your diet. Along with these some other food items such as mushrooms, legumes, salmon, yeast, and dairy products are rich in biotin.   What are the normal biotin levels? The normal ranges for biotin levels in the blood serum is approximately: Adults: 133-329 picomoles per litre (pmol/L) Children: 157-425 pmol/L On average in adults, the normal urine biotin concentration must be around 18-127 nmol/24hrs. Biotin Deficiency The biotin deficiency is relatively rare in healthy individuals because biotin is found in a variety of foods, and the body requires only a small amount of it. However, certain medical conditions or genetic factors can lead to biotin deficiency or impaired biotin metabolism. An unusual decrease in biotin excretion through urine signals a deficiency in biotin. Similarly, an elevated excretion of 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid (above 3.3 mmol/mol creatinine) or 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine (above 0.06 mmol/mol creatinine) is indicative of reduced MCC (3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase) activity, suggesting a biotin deficiency.   What are the signs and symptoms of Biotin deficiency? The Symptoms such as hair fall, conjunctivitis, brittle nails, and rashes, may indicate biotin deficiency. In severe cases of deficiency, In adults, symptoms may include seizures, skin infections, fragile nails, and neurological issues like depression, lethargy, hallucinations, and tingling sensations in the extremities. In infants, symptoms may manifest as hypotonia, lethargy, and developmental delays Serum concentrations of biotin and its metabolites can be increased by administration of oral doses.   Recommended Amounts There’s no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for biotin because there isn’t sufficient evidence to determine a daily requirement for most healthy individuals. Adolescents and adults are often advised to take between 30 to 100 micrograms (mcg) of biotin daily. Supplements and gummies:  The significance of biotin was first noticed when rats with the absence of biotin in their diet showed disorders such as neuromuscular dysfunction, dermatitis, and alopecia.  In case suffering from a biotin deficiency, supplements can help level up the required concentrations of biotin in the body. A wide range of dietary supplements for biotin are available, including supplements that contain just biotin, and supplements containing various combinations of vitamins and B-complex. However, it is important to choose according to the individual’s deficiencies and requirements.  Biotin gummies are a popular dietary supplement option for individuals looking to increase their biotin intake. Biotin gummies are easy to take and often more enjoyable than swallowing pills or capsules.   Biotin for skin and hair health:  In a recent decade, biotin has become commercially popular for its claimed benefits on skin, nails, and hair health. Biotin is an important nutrient that helps with the production of keratin.  Hair Health: Studies reveal that low levels of biotin can cause hair loss.  Biotin supplements are often prescribed for the strengthening of hair. Cosmetic products also tend to contain biotin as an alternative supplement. Biotin is known to improve the elasticity of hair and reduces brittleness which prevents the strands from breakage. It has been reported that people using biotin-enriched hair products experienced thickness in hair, texture, and overall hair health.    Skin Health: Biotin is said to promote radiant complexion as it is significant in the production of fatty acids which are responsible for maintaining healthy skin cells. And speeds up the process of regeneration supporting the collagen protein which imparts elasticity to the skin. However, the complete role of biotin in maintaining healthy skin has not been elucidated by scientists. The influence of vitamins on the skin may be associated with the effect on the metabolism of fat. Despite the rising craze for biotin in the media, only a small amount of literature is found to support the biotin claims for skin and hair health.   Conclusion:  Biotin plays a vital role in

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Nutrition And Diet, People Forum

Ink and Introspection: Navigating the Art and Awareness of Tattoos

Reading Time: 6 minutes Ink and Introspection: Navigating the Art and Awareness of Tattoos Tattoo: An Imprint of Identity and History A Tattoo is referred to as a mark, an image, or a phrase that is intentionally and permanently fixed on the skin. This is usually done by a specific type of ink inserted into the epidermis of the skin. Throughout the annals of time, humanity has woven a narrative of skin-deep significance. For millennia, tattoos have been more than pigments; they are the brushstrokes of identity, a tableau of beliefs and emotions etched into the skin’s canvas. These indelible imprints, painstakingly embedded into the epidermal layers, evoke tales of status, convictions, love, embellishment, and sometimes even retribution. The origin of tattooing traces back through the ages, a window into cultures that have painted their stories across generations. A reflection of the human desire to etch one’s mark upon the world, tattoos have evolved from primitive tools to intricate designs woven with modern precision. They transcend the surface, weaving threads of heritage, forging connections with ancestral echoes, and resonating with the resonance of personal narratives. So, let us peer into the intricate designs that adorn the flesh, acknowledging the myriad reasons individuals bear these marks. The Earliest Testimony of Tattoos: Otzi the Iceman Among the annals of ancient history, one enigmatic figure stands as a frozen witness to the ancient art of tattooing. Europe’s famous mummy, Otzi or the Iceman was discovered in the Alps by German hikers in 1991. Approximately 5200 years ago, Otzi walked the rugged landscapes of Tyrol, leaving behind a legacy etched in ice and ink. After his death, the body and the tattoos were preserved in ice. Tattoos on the mummy were of ceremonial, religious, and ritualistic significance. The mummy was found to have 61 tattoos on the entire body. This frozen time capsule paints a vivid portrait of a world long gone. As we gaze upon the mummy adorned with symbols of yore, we find ourselves transported to an era of reverence and symbolism, where ink and skin harmoniously converged to inscribe stories of the human experience. Otzi’s legacy resonates as a captivating archaeological find and an invitation to peer into the lives of those who walked the Earth millennia ago. Far from mere adornments, his tattoos evoke a saga of rituals, connections, and echoes of beliefs that transcend time. In the ancient ink etched upon his skin, we encounter a bridge that unites us with our ancestors, a testament to humanity’s enduring curiosity and artistic expression. Mindset behind the Tattoo Culture: Earlier Beliefs Earlier the tattoos were not as much appreciated. Society still thinks of tattoos as a child’s non-traditional and rebellious mentality. Even today, in pockets of conservative thought, tattoos evoke associations with subcultures like gangsterism and mafia, reflecting a discord between ink and societal norms. Earlier Beliefs Earlier the tattoos were not as much appreciated. Society still thinks of tattoos as a child’s non-traditional and rebellious mentality. Even today, in pockets of conservative thought, tattoos evoke associations with subcultures like gangsterism and mafia, reflecting a discord between ink and societal norms. The Youth It can be seen that the tattoo culture is highly prevalent in today’s youth. There has been a rise in teenagers inking their bodies with permanent tattoos. With the “My life, my rules” motto of the current generation, teens find tattoos to be ‘happening’ and exclusive. The surging popularity of tattoos has ignited a revolution of colour, rendering these indelible marks more stunning and enchanting than ever before. The Youth It can be seen that the tattoo culture is highly prevalent in today’s youth. There has been a rise in teenagers inking their bodies with permanent tattoos. With the “My life, my rules” motto of the current generation, teens find tattoos to be ‘happening’ and exclusive. The surging popularity of tattoos has ignited a revolution of colour, rendering these indelible marks more stunning and enchanting than ever before. Personal Identity For many, the tattoo journey begins at the crossroads of trends and personal identity. The desire to align with the latest fashions or to cultivate an image of being “stud” or “cool” can spark an interest in body art. Most teenagers get inked just because of peer pressure without having any kind of awareness about the harmful impacts of permanently inking their bodies with tattoos. Personal Identity For many, the tattoo journey begins at the crossroads of trends and personal identity. The desire to align with the latest fashions or to cultivate an image of being “stud” or “cool” can spark an interest in body art. Most teenagers get inked just because of peer pressure without having any kind of awareness about the harmful impacts of permanently inking their bodies with tattoos. Health Risks Associated with Tattoos Within the realm of body art, a world of self-expression and transformation exists, intertwined with a web of health considerations that deserve our attention. Hepatitis Concerns: The unhygienic aspects of having a tattoo are often ignored by people. Alarming instances of hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis C, have emerged as a consequence of the growing popularity of tattoos. Chronic diseases like Hepatitis C can be transmitted through contact with contaminated blood. Tattoo parlours are home to many such life-threatening diseases. Increased Vulnerabilities to Infection: In the pursuit of the perfect design, it’s crucial to remember that improper care can quickly transform an artful expression into an infection-prone area. If tattoos are not meticulously cared for during the healing process, they can become sites of infection, leaving lasting scars—both physical and emotional. Infections of tattoos with bacteria particularly staphylococci that are known to be resistant to antibiotics can develop into chronic life-threatening sepsis. These skin infections from tattoos are mostly linked with Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. Ink Poisoning: In rare instances, an excess of ink can enter the bloodstream, leading to ink poisoning. This potentially life-threatening condition underscores the importance of choosing a reputable and professional tattoo artist who prioritizes safety. HIV Infection: HIV presents a distinct

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Editorial, People Forum
Chandrayaan 3

Chandrayaan-3: A Giant Leap in Lunar Exploration and Potential Healthcare Advancements

Reading Time: 5 minutes Discover the remarkable journey of Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar exploration mission, as it unveils the mysteries of the Moon’s composition. Learn about its historic achievements, the visionary minds behind the mission, and how space exploration could indirectly contribute to healthcare innovations.

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Editorial, People Forum
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