Doctors

The Peril of Smog: A Looming Crisis in India and Pakistan Smog, a dense combination of smoke and fog, has become an annual health hazard in South Asia, particularly in India and Pakistan. Every winter, cities in the region are enveloped in a gray blanket of pollutants, turning bustling metropolises into hubs of health crises. The primary contributors are industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, agricultural burning, and a lack of effective governmental policies to combat pollution. Let’s delve into the causes, effects, and potential solutions for this pressing issue. The Causes Industrial and Vehicular Emissions   Unchecked emissions from factories and vehicles are a significant cause of smog. The rapid industrialization of India and Pakistan, coupled with outdated technology and poor enforcement of environmental laws, exacerbates this issue. Crop Residue Burning Farmers in northern India and Pakistan, especially in states like Punjab, burn crop stubble to clear their fields f...

How can you boost your Child's Immunity   Boosting a child’s immunity is every parent’s priority, especially with the increase in seasonal illnesses. Children, being naturally more susceptible to infections, benefit greatly from a strong immune system that can help fend off common colds, flu, and other infections. Fortunately, building immunity doesn’t require complex measures but rather simple, consistent habits. Start with nutrition—foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, like fruits and leafy greens, play a crucial role in building a child's immune defense. Make hydration a priority too; water helps flush out toxins and keeps the body running optimally. Ensuring regular outdoor play for at least 30 minutes each day provides exposure to fresh air and sunshine, which boosts vitamin D, a critical element in immunity. Sleep is equally essential. Growing bodies require adequate rest to repair and strengthen immunity, so sticking to a sleep schedule is key. Reducing screen time,...

Introduction Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), has been studied for its potential impact on mood. Here, we summarize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of fish oil supplementation on mood, specifically focusing on studies involving human subjects published in top-tier journals. Evidence General Population : Omega-3 fatty acids and stress-induced changes to mood and cognition in healthy individuals : A study involving 72 young adults found that while fish oil stabilized feelings of anger and confusion under stress, it had no significant overall effects on mood or cognitive function in non-stressful situations (Giles et al., 2015) . Effect of fish-oil supplementation on mental well-being in older subjects : This study with 302 older adults found no significant impact of EPA+DHA supplementation on measures of mental well-being over 26 weeks (van de Rest et al., 2008) . Specific Populations : Depressed Bipolar Offspring : A trial with depres...

The Science-Backed Benefits of Mindfulness Mindfulness, the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, has gained significant attention in recent years. While often associated with meditation, mindfulness can be incorporated into everyday activities to enhance overall well-being. Numerous scientific studies have explored the benefits of mindfulness, revealing a range of positive effects on mental, emotional, and physical health. 1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Mindfulness has been shown to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels. By promoting a state of awareness and acceptance, mindfulness helps individuals manage stress more effectively. Research indicates that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs can lead to substantial reductions in perceived stress and anxiety (Khoury et al., 2015) . 2. Enhances Emotional Well-being Practicing mindfulness can lead to improved emotional regulation and overall emotional well-being. Studies have found that m...

 In a recent development, the federal health authorities have communicated to the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) that medical graduates trained abroad may not be allowed to practice in Pakistan if their alma maters are not recognized by the accreditation agencies of the host countries within a specified timeframe. According to Federal Health Secretary Iftikhar Shallwani, many Pakistani students studying in medical colleges and institutions abroad do not have recognition from the accreditation bodies of those countries. A deadline is being set for these institutions to acquire accreditation from their host countries. After this deadline, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) will not acknowledge their medical degrees. Secretary Shallwani stated that their concerns have been conveyed to WFME President Ricardo León-Bórquez, who has pledged full support to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) regarding this matter. Numerous Pakistani students pursue me...